SanTan Sun: 5-2-15; Community

Chandler Youth Football celebrates 40th anniversary

BY CURT BLAKENEY

When it comes to football, Chandler has become Title Town USA. Chandler High School is the defending Div. I football champion and Hamilton High School has won an impressive seven state titles in the past 12 years. Coaches Shawn Aguano (Chandler High School) and Steve Belles (Hamilton High School) deserve most of the credit, but not to be overlooked are the youth football leagues that prepare young kids for organized football. And they don’t get any better than Chandler Youth Football, which kicks off its 2015 season with registration dates set for Saturday May 9, and Saturday June 13, at Tumbleweed Recreation Center.

Celebrating its 40-year anniversary, Chandler Youth Football has rejoined Arizona Pop Warner after a 10-year rift, and will be known as Chandler Youth Football Pop Warner (CYFPW) moving forward. Arizona Pop Warner is the state association of Pop Warner, the nation’s oldest and most

prominent youth football organization for kids ages 5 to 15.

“Chandler Youth Football returning to Arizona Pop Warner means coming full circle,” said Dave Rugolo, the president of CYFPW, which was founded in 1975.

“I began my relationship with Chandler

Governing board funds scholarships with own money

BY ALISON STANTON

Thanks to the continuing generosity of Chandler Unified School District’s Governing Board, more college-bound students are receiving scholarships.

The five-member board has been using its own money for several years to fund the scholarships, according to current member Bob Rice.

“Our superintendent, Camille Casteel, would provide us with small gifts on the board members’ birthdays,” he said. “Four or five years ago she said that perhaps it would be better to take the money she was spending on the gifts and use it to fund more board scholarships.”

Then, about three years ago, Rice said, they began donating their own funds. The decision to do this was easy, he said.

“We ask each high school to submit two students for potential scholarships,” he said.

“The board scholarships are based on certain criteria. For example, students have to overcome challenges in high school or their personal lives. We found that as we read through their stories they were very compelling, and it was hard to narrow it down to just one or two.”

“So we thought, OK, if we can add in some of our own money, we can provide even more scholarships to the kids.”

The amounts vary between board members. The donations range from $100 to $2,000 per school year.

Governing Board President Karen McGee said the board scholarships are from $300 to $500 and are administered through the Chandler Education

accepted us, and treat us as we never left.” CYFPW, like many youth football leagues, uses an age-weight matrix to determine which of six divisions a kid should play in: Tiny Mite, Mitey Mite, Junior Peewee, Peewee, Junior Midget and Unlimited. There is some overlap so parents can choose a level where their child will be comfortable. Peewee and Junior Peewee tend to be the most popular with kids.

“Football is really important in the Chandler community and that includes youth football,” said Rugolo, who also serves as the league’s equipment manager as well as coach of the organization’s Rattlers.

“For the last 40 years, Chandler Youth Football Pop Warner has provided our kids the opportunity to learn football fundamentals from some of the best coaches around. But even more important, they are building character and essential life skills, along with strong friendships that will last them a lifetime.”

Youth Football during its first year away from Arizona Pop Warner. Every year since then, youth football in Chandler has become stronger and stronger. We are very much looking forward to returning to a much more organized and stronger Arizona Pop Warner organization. They invited us and have

On the same level as Chandler National Little League, which is one of the strongest youth baseball leagues in the state, CYFPW is a powerhouse on the gridiron with a rich tradition and history of on-field success. It is coming off a strong showing in 2014, leading the state in number of teams to qualify for the playoffs. CYFPW finished with three state championship teams, three state runner-up teams, two semi-finalist teams, and three quarter-finalist teams.

Notable alumni of past CYFPW teams include Casey Tucker (currently playing at Stanford), Qualen Cunningham (currently playing at Texas A&M), Brent Hundley

Teacher remembered as witty, honest

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

When Kayden Jarnagan remembers her teacher Aimee Hunter, she recalls a vibrant, caring woman who would do anything to get her students’ attention.

“We were learning about the solar system and she showed us videos and then she’d dance along with it,” Kayden said while laughing.

“She was really funny. She was super sweet and she always had a smile on her face. She would always teach us in fun ways. She would show us cool videos and interact with us.”

Kayden spoke at the April funeral of Hunter, 41, a Gilbert resident who died following a motorcycle crash near Haven Crest and Power Ranch Parkway. She was riding along with her boyfriend of 18 months, Mark Samsal, who died on the scene, according to Gilbert Police Lt.

Hugh White.

Hunter taught Kayden’s fifth-grade class at Ryan Elementary School in Chandler. She only started teaching at the Chandler Unified School District facility in the beginning of the school year. She formerly instructed at Centennial Elementary School in Gilbert.

Ryan Principal Diane Wells said, in a prepared statement to the Gilbert Sun News, that Hunter knew all of her students well and, because of that, she was able to challenge and engage each one in learning. Wells said Hunter rapidly adapted to her new school.

“Aimee Hunter was new to our Ryan Elementary teaching staff this year, but her outgoing personality enabled her to quickly make many friends among her colleagues,” Wells said.

“She wanted to do anything to help

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With the bar set high, CYFPW Sponsorship Director Primo Castro—who has been involved in youth football for 16 years—is looking forward to getting back on the sidelines as a coach. He took the last two seasons off after the birth of his third child. This fall, Castro plans to coach his 6-yearold son, Primo IV, in the Tiny Mite Division. Castro is a football guy and he’s looking forward to getting his sons involved as well.

“Football is great for kids because it instills lifelong values of teamwork, dedication, fitness and a superior work ethic in the classroom and on the playing field,” he said.

“Football is great for the Chandler community too because it’s a platform

for teaching our youth to be outstanding citizens and contributors in the community... and leaders,” Castro continued. “It’s not just about providing high-quality football instruction. We strive to build champions in the classroom, in competition and in life. By doing so, we believe we are making the Chandler community stronger...Chandler strong.”

To help prepare players for the upcoming season, CYFPW will host a series of free workouts. See the organization’s website for the start date, which has yet to be finalized.

CYFPW coaches provide instruction focusing on football conditioning and fundamentals.

“We’ve been getting really positive feedback with the workouts,” Castro said.

“We get a huge turnout...usually between 60 and 100 kids out there. The parents love it.”

One of the hot-button issues for youth football this season, and one of the areas that will be stressed during those workouts,

is concussions. All CYFPW coaches are USA Football/Heads Up trained and certified, teaching players proper tackling techniques. In addition, there is a mandatory coaches meeting and football clinic each year, where coaches are updated on the latest protocols for equipment, hydration and other player safety issues.

“Coaches have to be really strong at risk mitigation,” Castro said.

Castro mentioned that Chandler EMT is present on the sidelines of every CYFPW game with safety protocols in place for concussions. Ultimately, it is the EMT doctor who makes the final decision on whether or not a player has suffered a concussion and should be sidelined for the remainder of the game.

The CYFPW begins season play on Saturday, Aug. 29. Home games are played at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler. All teams must also play some road games against

teams in the same division from other Pop Warner associations in the greater Phoenix area, such as Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Queen Creek and others. Team practices are held at Chandler parks and schools starting on Aug. 3.

Besides tackle football, CYFPW also offers flag football (ages 5 to 8) and cheerleading for the girls (ages 5 to 15)—with the same registration dates. Registration fees are $310 per player for tackle football, $80 for flag football ($110 after May 9) and $200 for cheer.

For additional information about Chandler Youth Football Pop Warner, visit www.ChandlerYouthFootball.com.

Curt Blakeney is an associate editor with the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at cblakeney@santansun.com.

Physician group to host medication safety seminar

Almost 40 percent of seniors are unable to read prescription labels, and 67 percent are unable to understand information given to them, according to the National Council on Patient Information and Education.

In an effort to help seniors practice safety when taking their medications, Partners in Primary Care, a senior-focused primary care medical group, will host an information session titled “Medication Safety,” as well as individualized medication review appointment from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday, May 29, at the Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave.

The presentation will give information on prescription drug usage, address safety

concerns and medication adherence and answer questions. Additionally, attendees will be able to schedule an individualized, 30-minute appointment with a pharmacist to review medications.

Appointments, for both dates, will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The presentation and medicine review appointments will be conducted by a local pharmacist from Humana Pharmacy.

To register or to schedule a personal, 30-minute appointment, call Partners in Primary Care at (602) 529-1321. The first 15 community members who register will receive a free bag of fresh produce.

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Hudson Walberg set to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot

Hamilton High School senior Hudson Walberg decided at a young age that he wanted to be trained as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Although he is one step closer to achieving that goal, Hudson is faced with making the decision of accepting a paid appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, or a full-ride ROTC scholarship to Yale University. Both education package offers equate to more than $300,000.

“It’s a tough choice, but my ultimate goal is to become a pilot and I want to serve this great nation along the way,” Hudson said. Either route he chooses will guarantee him starting rank of second lieutenant and an officer’s salary to match.

The Air Force Academy requires Hudson to seek approval to submit an application before getting a nomination from his U.S. representative or U.S. senator. He must also pass a rigorous physical evaluation and fitness test, score in the top tier of all students on the ACT or SAT exam and pass a face-to-face evaluation. If he chooses the Air Force he must serve for a minimum of 10 years.

Although Hudson has a 4.8 grade point average, the admission requirements for Yale is also a difficult task. He must have community service hours, recommendations from teachers and extracurricular activities.

By the time Hudson took driver’s education, he had already logged more than 30 hours of flight training in the cockpit of fixed-wing Cessnas, pipers and gliders. He donated his time to Chandler Municipal Airport where he was found washing planes and performing maintenance in exchange

for rubbing elbows with pilots and learning the trade. Hudson also spent the weekend at Luke AFB helping with logistics and crowd control during an air show.

Hudson has also spent years in the Civil Air Patrol, a USAF Auxiliary, where he received cadet training and worked his way up to major ranking. He was awarded the CAP Chaplain Courtright Spirit Award in 2010, the Mitchell Award in 2011, and the Erhardt Award in 2013.

The high school senior was also named the JROTC’s Cadet of the Year twice before being tasked to the top spot as the Hamilton High School Group Commander. Hudson was recognized with regional and national awards including the Military Order of World Wars Award, American Veterans Award, American Legion Award and Air Force Association Award.

Hudson is ranked as colonel in his high school JROTC.

others; she was just a lovely person. Aimee was born to teach and she loved her job. Her students adored her and got a kick out of her wit and her fondness for very high heels and rock ‘n’ roll music. Aimee’s colleagues, student and their parents loved and appreciated her—she will truly be missed.”

Echoing that sentiment was Emily Ewing, who knew Hunter for nearly seven years after meeting her through the Centennial PTO. She, too, spoke at Hunter’s service.

“She was the type of person who wore her heart on her sleeve,” said Ewing. “She was honest and she always told you the way it was. She never held back. She would always say, ‘I have to be honest and I have to do the right thing.’ That was the way she led her life.”

Friends, family and students knew when Hunter was happy because she would have a “sparkle in her eye and her face lit up.”

Ewing started a GoFundMe page where the public can donate money for the college funds of Hunter’s two sons and daughter. Donations may be made here: www.gofundme.com/rrc4gn4.

“Per Aimee’s parents’ request, all the money will go straight to college funds for the three kids,” she said. “Aimee really valued education. It was her hope for all kids to go to college. As a parent, she wanted to make sure that happened.”

Kayden’s mom, Stephanie Jarnagan, said she and fellow parents of Hunter’s students are working with the school and the Chandler Unified School District to organize a living legacy tree-planting ceremony in her honor. California Pools &

Kalyn Marquez performs in Cornell’s

Kalyn Marquez of Chandler performed in a concert April 19 as a member of the Cornell College Concert Choir and Chamber Singers in Mount Vernon, Iowa.

The group performed “Love in Spring,” a concert of songs based on texts about love. The Concert Choir performed Johannes Brahms’ “Neue Liebeslieder,” his second set of love waltzes based of a varied group of folk poems from Europe and Asia, and “MLK,” a piece made popular by U2 and arranged for choir.

The Chamber Singers performed Eric Whitacre’s “Five Hebrew Love Songs,” a vocal jazz piece, “Come Home,” from Peter Eldridge of New York Voices, works by Daniel Pinkham and Healy Willan, madrigals, and romantic songs.

One of the 40 “Colleges that Change Lives,” Cornell College is a national liberal arts college with a distinctive “One Course at a Time” curriculum. The “One Course”

choir concert

schedule provides students the chance to dive into their studies, focus more intensely on the disciplines of their choice, and learn authentically with the unique freedom to shed the confines of the traditional classroom to study off-campus, pursue research, or accept an internship—all without missing out on other classes.

Cornell has been recognized by numerous publications for the value its education offers and for academic excellence. This year it was named of the 100 best values in liberal arts education by Kiplinger’s, one of the “Best Value Schools” among national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report, and one of the 100 Affordable Elite Colleges by Washington Monthly. Ninety-three percent of Cornell graduates earn their degrees in four years. In 2013 Cornell was named one of the 25 colleges with the best professors by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity.

Paragon places first in math competition

Landscape and Signarama, both of which are based in Chandler, have agreed to donate a tree and signage.

Ewing said the community has rallied behind Hunter’s family. Meals have been ordered for delivery through May 31. Hunter had recently joined Sun Valley Community Church, which has been supportive as well.

“She had never been happier,” Ewing said. “When she died, she was at her happiest.”

A four-member team from Chandler’s Paragon Science Academy placed first at the 2015 Arizona MathCounts competition on Saturday, March 28, at Empire High School in Vail.

The team members are David Kwak, Shivam Mohite, Thomas Denig and Kushagra Sharma. They were coached by Ridvan Bricicek, who will coach the state Arizona MathCounts team participating in the world championships in Boston May 7 to May 10. MathCounts is a national math competition for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. Each state has its own competition

leading up to nationals.

The students compete individually in two paper rounds, the Target Round and the Sprint Round. They are scored individually. There is also a team round, in which students work together to solve 10 questions. Last is the Countdown Round, during which two students compete against each other using a buzzer.

Paragon Science Academy is a K-12 tuitionfree, public charter school in Chandler, focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and college preparation.

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Local CEOs to be honored by Positive Paths

BY KEN ABRAMCZYK

The two honorees at Positive Paths’ “Night of Heroes” have advocated for women through community education, food programs and health services.

families in need and does a lot of emergency funding,” said Tilque, who is also president of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. “They help people get back on their feet. We felt her work was instrumental there.”

Foundation. The applications come in from high school guidance counselors, and, in most cases, the students do not know they have been nominated.

“We read through them and have to determine which ones we will pick to award the scholarships,” she said. “In every case, the seniors have persevered through some sort of adversity like an illness, or in some cases they have lost their parents and are basically homeless.”

Despite their challenging circumstances, McGee said the students are determined to graduate and continue their education.

“They are still graduating and still going on, and their guidance counselors are going to bat for them,” she said.

Rice said he and the other board members are quietly proud that they are able to help more graduating seniors achieve their goals of a higher education.

“We don’t really advertise that we do this; we pretty much have done it amongst ourselves,” he said. “It’s just nice to know that we don’t have to say, ‘This student gets a scholarship but this one doesn’t.’”

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.

Tim Bricker, president and CEO of Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, and Trinity Donovan, CEO of Chandler Christian Community Center and former Chandler City councilwoman, will be honored at 6 p.m. May 7, at the Hilton Phoenix East Mesa.

Kathy Tilque, president of the board of directors for Positive Paths, said the organization looks for men or women in the East Valley every year to honor as the East Valley Man of the Year and East Valley Woman of the Year. The organization recognizes them for their assistance in helping women.

Donovan provides referrals to assist families. “She’s been a longtime advocate for women and families,” Tilque said. Bricker’s support of Dignity Health’s community benefit program is a key foundation in helping the underserved, Tilque said. “They provide the mobile mammograms and support wellness programs,” Tilque said. “They’ve been instrumental in pulling together nonprofits. It’s been a unique program to help families and women.”

“We look at the activities they are involved with and the impact they have on women’s lives,” Tilque said.

Donovan’s organization “helps

Donovan has worked in leadership positions with nonprofits for the past 15 years. Since 2009, Donovan has served as the chief executive officer for the CCCC, which assists women and families with food boxes, senior meals, family programming, emergency assistance, homeless service and case management. She also served as a vice president of community initiatives at the Valley of the Sun United Way from 2004 to 2009 and CEO of ICAN, which provides positive programs for Chandler’s youth, from 1994 to 2004.

As a councilwoman, she represented the City on a national level through

HARTKE HAMBURGERS

her involvement in the National League of Cities’ Council for Youth, Education and Families.

Donovan said she was honored to be nominated and receive the award. She said her work at the center was gratifying. “We see an enormous need every day,” Donovan said. “While you see the need, you also see the community come together to help them.”

Parenting programs for individuals with children up to age 5 help parents in their role of raising their children, Donovan said. Financial coaches assist parents with budgeting as well at the center. “It is not only for when they are in a crisis, but it is so they don’t run into a crisis next time,” Donovan said.

“We see the importance of partnering with other organizations and we bring a variety of resources to pull together.”

Under Bricker’s leadership, Chandler Regional is a Level 1 Trauma Center, more than doubling its projected volume since it opened last year. Bricker’s leadership has enabled Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert medical centers to give back to East Valley residents in many ways. In 2014, more than $50 million in community benefit reached approximately 60,000 people, many of whom are at-risk woman and children, through community education and health services.

Bricker, who could not be reached

for comment, has served in leadership roles in community organizations. He is chairman-elect for the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and serves on the executive leadership team for American Heart Association’s Heart Walk in Phoenix.

Bricker also serves on the Chandler-Gilbert Community College President’s Advisory Council, the Health Advisory Group for Congressional District 5 and on Intel’s Community Advisory Panel.

Tilque said the event, a fundraiser for the scholarship program at Positive Paths, has a theme of an “Evening in Paris. “It’s a great opportunity to celebrate giving back to the community,” Tilque said.

Positive Paths helps women overcome obstacles and they appreciate the assistance to move them forward in their lives through education, training and learning self-sustainability, Tilque said. “It’s the first time that they’ve overcome an obstacle and that someone has acknowledged them. It is heartfelt (appreciation). It’s very rewarding to help them out and get somebody on their way.”

Ken Abramczyk is an associate editor for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at kabramczyk@santansun.com.

‘Night of Heroes’ event raises scholarship funds

BY KEN ABRAMCZYK

Positive Paths’ “Night of Heroes” will raise funds for its scholarship program while honoring two advocates for women and families.

Tim Bricker, president and CEO of Dignity Health Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical centers, and Trinity Donovan, CEO of Chandler Christian Community Center, will be honored. “Night of Heroes,” which also features an “Evening in Paris”-themed gala and silent and live auctions, is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at the Hilton Phoenix East Mesa.

The live auction features a South African Photo Safari for two in the heart of Zululand for six days and six nights; a one-week timeshare condo in Paris; a Tahitian pear on an 18-carat white gold and diamond chain; and dinner for four at a Gilbert Fire Station.

Some of the items in the silent auction include an iPad mini, lunch at a Chandler Fire Station, two nights at the Casino del Sol Resort in Tucson, three hours of Mariposa Limousine Service and numerous salon packages, jewelry items and goodies for the home.

Proceeds raised from the event will support the Positive Paths Scholarship Program, which assists women who are returning to school to improve their lives and enhance their career

opportunities by obtaining education and training. Many recipients overcome major obstacles including poverty, domestic violence, a spouse’s death, loss of a job, illness of family members, issues with children or other challenges.

The gala’s title sponsor is Dignity Health Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert medical centers and the presenting sponsor is Trust Bank. There are a few tickets still available. Visit www.positivepathswomen.org. Questions should be directed to Sandra Hudson at (480) 981-8680.

Ken Abramczyk is an associate editor for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at kabramczyk@santansun. com.

With summer comes an emphasis on water safety

Twenty-four water-related incidents have occurred in Maricopa and Pinal Counties so far this year, according to the Children’s Safety Zone, an organization that tracks drowning statistics in Arizona. Five of the incidents resulted in death. Chandler has had two incidents, both involving children, but thankfully, neither resulted in a fatality.

Teaching children to swim can dramatically reduce their risk of drowning. A study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children, ages 1 to 4. Chandler’s Aquatics Division offers swim lessons throughout the year at its pools and aquatic centers, including lessons for children as young as 6 months. For infants, parents accompany the child in the water and learn techniques to help teach their child water acquaintance safety skills, such as floating on their back, grabbing the wall and holding their breath.

But even when children have had formal swimming lessons, constant, careful supervision remains necessary when children are in the water, and barriers, such as pool fencing to prevent unsupervised access.

We want to hear from you!

Do you have an opinion on what the City should be doing to make Chandler a community you’ll want to live in, work in and visit for years to come? If so, the City wants to hear from you! We are updating the City’s General Plan, which guides City growth and development. Information about the Plan and ways to get involved can be found online at www.chandleraz.gov/GPupdate. You can submit comments to the City and take an online poll that each month asks questions about important planning topics. To participate, visit the website and click on the “Get Involved” tab. In addition, residents can interact with City planners in Planning Labs held between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. the first Friday of every month at the Chandler Museum located inside the McCullough-Price House,

Drive.

For more information on drowning prevention and a link to an award-winning video containing tips that will help keep you and your loved one’s safe around water, visit www.chandleraz.gov/fire.

If two or more of these factors exist, you and your family may be at risk for a water-related incident in and around your home.

• New parents

• Caregivers

• New owners of a pool

• New residents in Arizona

Visit www.chandleraz.gov/aquatics for information on the City’s six aquatic centers and pools.

• Resident of an apartment complex or community where the pool is not securely fenced

• Multiple children around the pool

• Lack of barriers (fences) or safety precautions around the pool (No toys, climbable furniture, ladders, etc. near fence or pool)

• Other water hazards around the home without safety features (buckets, bathtubs, toilets, etc.)

• Underestimating the mobility and ability of a toddler

Check out www.poolsafely.gov for great tips on keeping your pool safe.

Watch for the City of Chandler News + Events page each month in the SanTan Sun News.

South Chandler Road Work Update

Progress continues on several major road improvement projects to widen roads in south Chandler to four lanes. For the latest project status or to sign up to receive e-mail updates, visit the websites below, or call the hotline numbers listed (available 24/7).

Gilbert Road

Between Chandler Heights Road and Hunt Highway

Project progress: 65% complete

Completion date: July www.GilbertRoadImprovements.com

Hotline: 480-898-4100

McQueen Road

Between Ocotillo and Chandler Heights roads

Project progress: 60% complete

Completion date: July

www.McQueenRoadChandler.com Hotline: 602-750-7139

Ocotillo Road

Between Arizona Avenue and McQueen Road

Project progress: 60% complete

Completion date: July www.OcotilloRoadImprovements.com Hotline: 480-898-4060

Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department’s new Station No. 1 cost $3.75 million to build. Submitted photo

Chandler Fire dedicates new station

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and the City Council dedicated the new Fire Station No. 1 in a public ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 30. The new station, located at 1491 E. Pecos Rd., is replacing the existing Station No. 1, which is near the intersection of Pecos Road and Hamilton Street.

The Chandler Fire, Health & Medical (CFHM) Department built the new 13,800-square-foot station to address several existing and future service needs. The adjusted coverage area of the new location will improve response times along the eastern edge of the city. It also enables the department to eliminate the need for one of two stations that were planned for the growing Southeast Chandler area. The space vacated at the older station, built more than 30 years ago, will be used by other City departments.

“The decision to relocate this Fire Station

was made based on recommendations of a Standards of Response Coverage study we conducted in 2009,” said Chandler Fire Chief Jeff Clark.

“By moving the station a mile to the east we will be able to cover more areas of the city and meet new response time standards that were adopted based on that study.”

The new station was built by Danson Construction LLC for approximately $3.75 million. The site is on land that was already owned by the City and adjacent to the Pecos Road Water Treatment Facility. Station No. 1 will be home to Engine 281, Community Paramedic 281, CFHM/PMT Ambulance 281, Battalion Command Vehicle 281, and the battalion chief headquarters.

For more information about the Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department, call (480) 782-2120 or go online to www. chandleraz.gov/fire.

City e-magazine wins IABC Gold Quill Award

The City of Chandler’s Team Chandler Health Insurance E-Magazine recently was recognized as a Merit Award winner in the Publication Design category at the 2015 International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Awards (#IABCgq).

The program recognizes business communication excellence globally and is acknowledged as one of the most prestigious awards programs in the industry.

The e-magazine was designed and published through a collaborative effort by the City’s Human Resources Department and its benefits consultant, Buck Consultants. Buck Consultants is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Xerox Corp., which specializes in helping companies with employee communication and engagement.

Print and electronic copies of the 28page magazine were made available to all City employees to publicize the newest offer—a high-deductible plan—as part of the City’s health insurance benefits.

The annual IABC Gold Quill Award program is a rigorous global competition representing the highest standard in business and creative communication.

Winning entries must show measureable results in strategic, tactical and/or creative dimensions.

In total, 313 entries have been awarded, with 124 Excellence and 189 Merit.

Awards have been won by organizations from around the world, with 15 countries represented in the winners list. More information on the Gold Quill Awards, including the full list of winners, can be found at www.gq.iabc.com.

‘Our Stories’ event focuses on film scenes with trains

Fans of Western films and other Hollywood fare have likely watched a few movies through the years that featured trains, often in epic action scenes with crashes and explosions. Some of those exciting movie scenes may have been filmed in Arizona, with historic locomotives and train cars.

The next “Our Stories” presentation, titled “Hollywood Rides the Rails in Arizona,” will feature railroad and film enthusiast Stan Garner, who will give a behind-the-scenes look at transporting, staging and filming action scenes with a variety of trains.

This edition of “Our Stories” is a free, all-ages presentation from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Hamilton Library, located at 3700 S. Arizona Ave. Garner is a board member of the Arizona Railway Museum, located in Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park, at 300 E. Ryan Rd. He has been involved in the restoration, maintenance and operation of steam and diesel locomotives, as well as passenger and freight cars, for nearly 50 years. Along the way, Garner founded The Train Source Inc., which provides motion picture consulting and train

coordinating services. He has worked as a train consultant, train coordinator and actor on more than 307 film, TV and stillphoto shoots in all parts of the country. His screen credits include “Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman,” “O Brother Where Art Thou?,” “The Italian Job,” “Mona Lisa Smile,” “There Will Be Blood,” “3:10 to Yuma,” “True Grit” and many others.

In his presentation, Garner will also talk about some of the unique restoration projects and exhibits at the Arizona Railway Museum, which will be open to the public that day between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. May 9 is National Train Day/ Amtrak Train Day, a commemoration of the anniversary of the pounding of the Golden Spike in Promontory, Utah—marking the completion of the first transcontinental railroad within the United States.

Our Stories is presented by the Chandler Museum, Chandler Historical Society and the Chandler Public Library. For more information on these and other museum events, call (480) 782-2751 or visit www.chandleraz.gov/museum.

City sees rise in thefts from unlocked vehicles

BY SYDNEY BOWEN

Chandler is arguably one of the safest cities in the Valley; so safe that it’s often been on SpotCrime.com without a single icon on its map.

But this reputation may make Chandler residents a bit complacent in protecting their property.

“Chandler has seen a rise in thefts from unlocked vehicles,” said Chandler Police Department Public Information Officer Joseph Favazzo.

Within the last few months, arrests have been made in these crimes, but it’s not always that easy to catch the thief.

In March, two young males were arrested for breaking into a Chevrolet Coupe and stealing credit cards, tools and other small items. A concerned citizen witnessed the two boys hovering around vehicles and called in a suspicious person report.

“People simply locking their cars and not leaving their valuables in the car (helps to prevent thefts from cars),” Favazzo said. “Keep your car cleaned out so there is nothing to see when looking in the window.”

These events often occur during the night.

“My dog was growling out the window when I saw somebody breaking into my neighbor’s car,” said Kaitlyn Miller. “We called the police instantly, but the guy was gone before police arrived.”

Thefts from vehicles are sometimes hard to prosecute due to the thief leaving before

law enforcement arrives.

“In many cases, the thief gets in and out fast,” Favazzo said. “The best way for us to catch them is though video surveillance on homes and businesses.”

Video surveillance is a good crime prevention tool because many thieves cannot tell if a home or business is protected by this.

Most important, though, is taking preventative measures such as doublechecking your car is locked, not leaving valuables in your vehicle, and being aware of your surroundings. Don’t be afraid to react and call for help if something seems suspicious or out of place.

“We live in a very safe neighborhood,” Miller said. “It was a really strange and scary experience to look out the window and seeing that happening.”

Despite seeing a spree of thefts from unlocked vehicles in Chandler lately, overall the city is seeing a decrease in these types of crimes.

According to Chandler Police Department statistics, the amount of vehicle thefts decreased by 18 percent, while the amount of thefts overall decreased by 13 percent.

The upside of having a good surveillance system or an observant neighbor is that the culprit is usually dealt with immediately, or soon after the crime is committed. Prosecuting the crime becomes easier because there’s no defense when a suspect is caught in the act.

“Most will plead guilty since they are caught in the act, or found with stolen goods on them,” said Favazzo. “Admission really helps the prosecution.”

Sydney Bowen is a student at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.

State Superintendent Douglas’ tour to hit Chandler

Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas will “listen” to what Chandler residents have to say when she comes to Chandler Center for the Arts from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9.

The visit is part of her “We are Listening” state tour to hear directly from Arizona residents about their opinions and concerns on all K-12 education issues.

The annual process includes 1) a statewide series of meetings to listen to the public; 2) recommendations from Department of Education staff based on comments grouped into categories such as standards, curriculum, instruction, general, etc.; and 3) a statewide visit to the same sites to follow up with the public on recommended actions.

“I am dedicated to continually improving the state of education in Arizona through conversations with the people it most directly affects— parents, students, teachers and administrators,” Douglas said.

Immediately upon being sworn into office, the superintendent made it one of her top priorities to establish a process that allows local voices to be heard as important educational decisions are made, including the review of statewide standards.

“It is paramount that Arizona not only has the highest standards

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possible, but that its standards belong to Arizona and are continually improved to best represent both student and local community needs,” Douglas said. “This process allows us to hear every voice and set high expectations for every child.”

The annual input from the public is likely to address many different topics, only one of which will be statewide standards. Those comments related to standards that are turned into draft recommendations will be presented to the State Board of Education (SBE). SBE will then open the standards for comment, and can calendar them and vote yes or no on the changes.

Gov. Doug Ducey has asked the board to conduct a thorough review of Arizona’s current standards for English language arts and mathematics. In addition to that effort, the superintendent’s statewide “We Are Listening” tour will provide annual feedback from the public.

The “We Are Listening” tour will make 14 stops around the state through the end of June. Members of the public also can submit their feedback via email at HearingEveryVoice@azed.gov, online at www.azed.gov/HearingEveryVoice, or via the @azedschools Twitter account using #HearingEveryVoice.

Almeria at Ocotillo celebrates grand opening of luxury community

The P.B. Bell Companies, a multifamily housing and real estate development and management, is celebrating the official grand opening of Almeria at Ocotillo, a luxury community.

This marks the completion of the community’s second and final phase, an accompaniment to Almeria’s first phase, which opened last spring.

Located near Dobson and Queen Creek roads, Almeria at Ocotillo features 389 modern apartment homes in one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans. The second phase added 194 apartment homes to the community.

anything else a person would want to do.”

Council sets dates to review 2015-16 budget and CIP

The Chandler City Council will continue its budget hearings with a budget amendment discussion at 7 p.m. Monday, May 11, in chambers, 88 E. Chicago St.

The resort-like Almeria community, nestled in the master-planned Ocotillo area, includes premium features in its units, such as large pantries, stainless steel and energy-efficient appliances, wood laminate flooring, wood blinds and granite and quartz countertops.

Its addition to the upscale Ocotillo area comes as Chandler continues to see considerable job growth, and with that, an increasing need for housing to accommodate its expanding resident population.

“Almeria was planned, designed and built in accordance with Chandler’s future growth initiatives in mind,” said Chapin Bell, president of P.B. Bell.

“The amenities and the overall living experience at Almeria all speak to luxury, right down to the details. It’s like living at a resort that’s close to work, shopping and

Located at 2471 W. Edgewater, Almeria at Ocotillo brings upscale relaxation and recreation to the doorsteps of its residents. Both parcels at Almeria have frontage on Ocotillo’s interconnected lakes and water features, with community common areas and units designed to take advantage of the lake views, waterfalls, picnic areas and a nearby 27-hole golf course designed by Ted Robinson.

The community features a trio of resort-style swimming pools and a splash pad for Almeria residents, as well as a pair of healing spas, and a premium workout facility complete with a spinning room, a yoga studio, strength and cardio equipment and on-demand fitness.

In addition, the community’s pools feature cabanas and premium lounge chairs, while conversation seating surrounds outdoor firepits. Almeria’s agility park includes shade and seating, and an on-site dog spa provides residents an opportunity to primp their pets at home.

The council is hosting a series of public meetings in May and June to review and adopt the City’s proposed 2015-16 budget, which begins July 1. The meetings include presentations and discussions about the proposed budget, including projects and programs that will be funded as part of the City’s 10-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

Each meeting includes opportunities for the public to comment on the proposed City budget.

As part of the budget development process the City’s Budget Office conducted an online survey of residents in November and December and presented the results to Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and the members of the City Council for their consideration.

In addition, Budget Connect, an interactive Community Budget Meeting, was held in February to allow public input prior to the preparation of the proposed 2015-16 budget.

Additional meetings being held in public forums are as follows:

• Tentative budget adoption by the City Council: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 28, in chambers.

• Public hearing regarding the adoption of the final 2015-16 budget, 2016-

2025 CIP, and 2015-17 property tax levy with vote on final budget and CIP adoptio: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 11, in chambers.

• Property Tax Levy adoption by the City Council: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, in chambers.

Many of the services provided to Chandler residents are financed through the General Fund. This fund will be a primary focus of the budget meetings and is used to support many of the services residents rely upon most, including police and fire service, libraries, maintenance of city streets, parks and other infrastructure. General fund revenues largely come from local City sales tax and state-shared revenues.

The proposed budget is available for review online at www.chandleraz.gov/budget and at the Downtown Chandler Library, 22 S. Delaware St.; and the City Clerk’s Office, 175 S. Arizona Ave. For more information, call (480) 782-2252.

Arizona Relay Service hires Chandler resident as outreach manager

Chandler resident Ken Arcia has been hired as Arizona Relay Service’s outreach manager.

A public service telecommunications provider for the State of Arizona, Arizona Relay Service is administered by the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing. It makes communication by telephone easy, accessible, reliable and convenient for people who are deaf, hard

of hearing, deaf-blind, or have difficulty speaking. Its website is www.azrelay.org.

As outreach manager, Arcia is responsible for providing education and training for the public about the Arizona Relay Service. He will work to raise awareness and promote the different types of relay services available for the deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled communities throughout

Maricopa County Democratic Party chairwoman set to speak

Kelli Butler, the chairwoman of the Maricopa County Democratic Party, will speak to the Sun Lakes Democratic Club at 7 p.m. Monday, May 11, in Sun Lakes Country Club’s Navajo Room, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd.

Butler was elected to the leadership role during a January reorganization meeting. She has been an active member of the Democratic Party, serving as chairwoman and first vice chairwoman of legislative district 28. During the 2012 election campaign, she was the neighborhood organizer responsible for recruiting, motivating and organizing the work of the volunteers.

In the recent 2014 election, Butler ran for the office of state senator from LD 28. Butler has been active in many school and community organizations and credits this background as her motivation “to get involved and make a difference.”

Nonperishable food items are collected for Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the west parking lot. There is also a collection box at the north entrance of the Sun Lakes Sunset Grill lobby. Through March, the group has collected 614.5 pounds of food and $89.

Everyone is welcome at Sun Lakes Democratic Club meetings, which are always on the second Monday of each month. Refreshments are served. For more information, call Tom Amrhein (480) 895-1162.

the state.

Arcia became deaf at age 21 due to neurofibromatosis, type 2 (NF-2). This hereditary illness led him to get involved with various deaf and hard of hearing organizations such as the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), the Association of Late-Deafened Adults, Inc. (ALDA), where he is a past-president and DeafHope, a nonprofit agency that provides services to deaf women and their children who have experienced domestic and/or sexual violence.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from California State University, Fresno.

“I have always been passionate about technology and how it can help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing gain access to information,” Arcia said. “Now that passion has turned into a career and I look forward to working with AZRS and raising awareness of our services across the state.”

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS: MAY 16

The deadline for news and advertising is 5 p.m. Thursday, May 7, for the Saturday, May 16, issue of the SanTan Sun News. All news must be submitted to news@santansun.com by that day to be considered for the next issue or by filling in the “submit a news release” form on the newspaper’s website at SanTanSun.com. To send an item for consideration in the SanTan Family Fun, email it directly to STFF@SanTanSun.com. Send advertising files and information to account reps or contact ads@ santansun.com. For deadline information, visit www.santansun.com and click on “About us” and call (480) 732-0250 for advertising rate details.

IT’S A SPECIAL MOMENT WE’VE ALL HAD.

That unexpected chance to see Arizona’s wildlife and take a second to simply enjoy it. From restoring species populations in Arizona to maintaining habitat connectivity, conservation e orts benefit all of us.

Although everyone benefits, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s wildlife conservation e orts are funded, in large part, by the purchases of licenses, tags and stamps, and excise taxes on fi rearms and ammunition. Simply put, the actions of a few benefit all of Arizona. Now imagine the possibilities with everyone’s involvement.

Chief Wilson leaves position at Sun Lakes Fire Department

BY BRIAN CURRY

Chief Paul Wilson, who led the Sun Lakes Fire Department since July 2007, has left his post for the same position in Cathedral City, California.

This marks the 60-year-old Wilson’s second chief’s job in California. He previously served in Menlo Park.

“This is a great opportunity to work with a city manager that I know already from having worked in a similar capacity here in Arizona,” Wilson said. He added that he is “real fortunate to move through a career path that offered me the opportunity to help many fire departments.”

Deputy Chief Dan Guerra has been named interim fire chief for Sun Lakes.

Wilson began his career with the Mesa Fire Department and worked his way up to assistant chief.

But his accomplishments as Sun Lakes chief leave big boots to fill.

one brush truck, one community assistance vehicle and a support services unit were purchased.

Equipment such as an emergency generator, three power ambulance stretchers, five heart monitor/defibrillators, 17 self-contained breathing apparatus along with a self-contained breathing apparatus compressor/fill station were obtained. The SLFD also kept up with advances in fire suppression and emergency medical care with seven electronic patient care reports and four new thermal imagers.

From a human resources angle, Wilson negotiated five contracts with the SLFD firefighters union creating the first “memorandum of understanding” that establishes the negotiations. He implemented the deputy chief’s position and established the battalion safety and training officer, creating three new captain positions.

care for the community with everyone from the first responders to the volunteers of community assistance program. Guerra named interim chief Guerra, who plans to retire next year, said he does not want to be considered for the permanent chief’s job.

“I am proud to lead the Sun Lakes fire department even for a short time while a thorough and comprehensive search is made for a new chief,” Guerra said.

Guerra has served as the SLFD’s deputy chief of operations for the last five years and prior to that was a battalion chief with the department.

As deputy chief, he has managed all emergency personnel along with the apparatus fleet in maintenance repairs, design and the ordering of new equipment and apparatus. Guerra, in conjunction with the department chief, oversaw numerous

capital improvement projects.

Guerra has spent 20 years in firefighting. He served nine years as assistant chief of the Tri-City Fire District. There, too, he served as an interim chief due to injuries sustained by its department chief in an auto accident.

“I have total confidence in Chief Guerra’s ability to continue the great work of this department,” Wilson said. “The Sun Lakes community will be in good hands.”

The Sun Lakes Fire District provides fire and emergency medical service and transportation to a 6.75-square-mile area, primarily the Sun Lakes retirement community.

Brian Curry is the volunteer public information officer for the Sun Lakes Fire Department. He can be reached at currypointofview@yahoo.com.

LENDING A HAND

Financially, he has had balanced budgets and clean audits for eight consecutive years and procured federal and state along with various foundation grants and donations totaling more than $1.3 million in the same time. He established that 7.5 percent of property taxes would be designated for reserve accounts and entered into purchasing agreements for reduced costs to Sun Lakes with the Arizona State Purchasing Cooperative and the Fire Government Purchasing Organization.

During the eight years, one fire engine, two ambulances, one battalion chief vehicle,

During his tenure, he has promoted two members to battalion chief, seven to captain and two engineers. Eleven paramedics and two fire investigators were trained and 25 new employees were hired.

“I have enjoyed great relationships with the Sun Lakes community as a whole,” Wilson said.

“It has been a collaborative effort with everyone from the HOAs to the Women’s Association.”

He added that he is proud of the men and women who work and volunteer for SLFD, saying that they exhibit a real passion to

Word of Mouth

check—partial proceeds from their spring fundraiser—to the Sun Lakes Fire Department. The 100 Club of Arizona, which supports the fire, law enforcement and medical responders of Arizona, received a $1,000 check.

Pat

Tull. Accepting the check for the SLFD are

and

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BASIS Chandler among semifi nalists for Vans competition

BASIS Chandler is among 50 semi-finalists for the 2015 Vans Custom Culture high school art competition and is in the running of receiving $50,000 for the school’s art program.

The public has the opportunity to vote through May 11 at www.vans.com/ customculture for the top five. The five finalists will head to New York City in June for the final event at the renowned Industria Superstudio, where a panel of celebrity judges will determine the grand prize winner of the $50,000 donation.

Vans Custom Culture was created to inspire and empower high school students

through creative expression while calling attention to the shrinking funds dedicated to art education programs.

More than 2,500 high schools across the country registered to compete this year, which was the most in the six-year history of Custom Culture. As part of the competition, each participating school created four unique designs to represent the Vans “Off the Wall” lifestyle using iconic Vans shoes, such as the Authentic, Classic Clip-On, 106 Vulcanized and Sk8-Hi as their canvases.

Students crafted their submissions by pulling inspiration from action sports, art, music and each school’s own local flavor through

utilizing various artistic mediums.

To celebrate the phase of the 2015 competition, Vans released the “local flavor” colorway that was designed by the 2014 winner, Rio Rancho High School. The students channeled their Southwestern roots into the creative process by brining shapes, colors and scenery from the region to the uppers of the popular lace-up shoe. Originally drawn and painted by hand, the artwork includes an intricate geometric pattern on the toe vamp and a scenic desert landscape throughout the quarter panel. At the heel, a UFO is discretely paced in the clouds as a reference to New Mexico’s

history of extraterrestrial encounters and a “mile 66” road sign positioned on the ground that alludes to Vans’ birth year, 1966. Proceeds from the shoe will go to a nonprofit partner Americans for the Arts to support the organization as they advance arts education. The “local flavor” colorway of the Authentic is available at www.vans.com and select Vans retail locations across the United States.

Join the Vans Custom Culture conversation by using #VansCustomCulture on social networks and vote for this year’s top five finalists at www.vans.com/ customculture.