SanTanSun; 6-6-15: Community

with U.S. postage stamp

BY KEN ABRAMCZYK

Frederick Ferguson, a chief warrant officer in Company C, 227th Aviation Battalion of the U.S. Army, monitored his radio while on a routine mission in Vietnam in January 1968. He heard that a helicopter was downed in an area under heavy attack and had wounded crewmen and passengers. Ferguson, assisted by a co-pilot, crew chief, gunner and three gunships, responded, flew to the site and landed his helicopter when a mortar hit near the rear of his helicopter. Despite heavy damage to his helicopter, Ferguson and the other soldiers rescued his comrades. Ferguson flew to safety and everyone survived.

For his heroics, Ferguson received a Medal of Honor in 1969. Ferguson, now 75, was honored recently at a special dedication ceremony at the American Legion Post No. 35 in Chandler as one of 48 Medal of Honor recipients pictured on a limited edition stamp sheet from the U.S. Postal Service. The Chandler resident was the only Arizona resident to receive the honor.

Ferguson credited the others who assisted him, and everyone serving in the military, both past and present.

“I had a co-pilot, I had a crew chief, I had a gunner and three gunships,” Ferguson said.

“We were all getting our butts shot at at the same time. It was the whole crew that did this. Either those five guys were gonna get killed, they were gonna get captured, or they

Mental health advocates urge students to speak up

BY TRACY HOUSE

The stresses of high school and graduation can be overwhelming for some students.

May was Mental Health Month and about 350 juniors and seniors in Scott Reed and Dr. Melinda Parry’s AP psychology classes at Hamilton High School recently were given the chance to find out more about mental illness when volunteers from NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, visited them.

Reed said he’s had NAMI presenters visit his classes for more than 10 years to speak to students candidly about mental illness.

Just a day after the suicide of Marcus Wheeler, a student at Corona del Sol in Tempe, students in the classes, some of whom knew him, followed the presenters’

stories of mental illness and finding help and community through NAMI. Parry explained Wheeler had been a student at Hamilton before transferring to Corona, and the campus was greatly affected by the news.

Sharing their personal stories this year were, Rebecca Duke and Ariyanna Norman, Miss Chandler 2015.

Duke shared she has serious mental illness, but is functioning and relatively happy most of the time. “I’m up here, doing stuff, I’m not homeless, a drunk or drug addict. It’s not what I used to think mental illness was.”

Duke suffered for some time, but her loved ones held an intervention for her when she was 20. It was after her

were gonna get rescued.”

Only one scenario was acceptable to him and the other soldiers.

Ferguson later added: “This (stamp)

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belongs to all of us who served. It didn’t matter when or where you served. You served.

“This stamp is for all of us.”

Tom Will, Legion Post No. 35 commander, said Ferguson, who he has known for about 10 years, is a humble person. Will was glad to see Ferguson “get the recognition he deserves.”

“I think it’s well deserved and it’s about time,” Will said.

Vice Mayor Kevin Hartke said the City of Chandler was honored to have Ferguson as one of its citizens and honored to be a part of the recognition of Ferguson with the stamp.

Chandler Postmaster Chris Arroyo said postal stamps are used to recognize historical events, remember history and honor historical figures. He cited Ferguson’s biography highlighting his actions that day:

“Despite warnings from all aircraft to stay clear of the area due to heavy antiaircraft fire, CWO Ferguson began a low-level flight at maximum airspeed along the Perfume River toward the tiny, isolated South Vietnamese Army compound in which the crash survivors had taken refuge.

“Coolly and skillfully maintaining his course in the face of intense, short range fire from enemy-occupied buildings and boats, he displayed superior flying skill and tenacity of purpose by landing his aircraft in an extremely confined area in a blinding dust storm under heavy mortar and small-arms fire. Although the helicopter was severely damaged by mortar fragments during the loading of the wounded, CWO Ferguson

stage in downtown Chandler

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership is seeking a music producer to manage a new downtown Chandler stage that will up the entertainment ante in the area.

The proposal for the performance spot, expected to open in midSeptember, can be found at http:// downtownchandler.org/dccp-downtownstage-rfp/. The deadline is Friday, June 19.

The not-for-profit corporation is also looking for a turnkey agency that can produce and program musical performances for the new stage. DCCP is looking for a full-service entertainment, event production and public relations agency for the contracted service.

The half circle-shaped, 3,500-squarefoot concrete stage will be 4 feet

above ground west of the Downtown Chandler Library, said Mickey Ohland, City of Chandler Park Development and Operations manager.

Fabric shade sails, which can be found over playgrounds and throughout the city, will be constructed over the stage.

“It’s an exciting project. It’s going to be a well-used facility and it is something that is definitely needed,” Ohland said.

A stakeholders group of City staff and Downtown Chandler Community Partnership members is bringing the stage to life. Construction begin in early May for the project, which will cost $348,691.

The DCCP put $100,000 toward the project and the City paid the difference.

DCCP executive director Jeff Kulaga said the stage will be used for many of

What Makes A Dad

God took the strength of a mountain, e majesty of a tree, e calm of a quiet sea, e warmth of a summer sun, e generous soul of nature, e comforting arm of night, e wisdom of the ages, e power of the eagle’s ight, e joy of a morning in spring, e faith of a mustard seed, e patience of eternity, e depth of a family need, en God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it…DAD

Author Unknown

“Honor your father and mother, and you will do well in life.” — Ephesians, 6

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disregarded the damage and, taking off through the continuing hail of mortar fire, he flew his crippled aircraft on the return route through the rain of fire that he had experienced earlier and safely returned his wounded passengers to friendly control. Ferguson’s “extraordinary determination save the lives of five of his comrades. His actions are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on

himself and the U.S. Army.”

Arroyo said he was honored to meet Ferguson that day. “It is not a common occurrence to select someone on a stamp,” Arroyo said. “It’s a big deal. I’m not sure I’ll have the chance to do this again in my career.”

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

first psychotic episode while attending college.

“If I would have received intervention or help in high school, my future could have been extremely and unimaginably different.” Over the course of 25 years, Duke had eight hospitalizations as a result of psychotic episodes.

Norman, 23, an ASU graduate, started experiencing her symptoms in middle school and was eventually diagnosed with anxiety and depression. “I didn’t ask for help for a long time, but once I did

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start to get help, I was ashamed of my disorders, so I was hiding it, lying about where I was if someone tried to invite to me somewhere.”

By her high school sophomore year, Norman started taking medication and attending therapy sessions for her depression. In college she developed coping skills to help with her depression. “For me, the best coping skills involve doing things that make you feel good about being alive.”

Norman said at first she only told the people she was closest to that she suffered from depression, but now, she

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tells everyone as part of her pageant platform.

“Depression and mental disorders were my secret, and I didn’t need to tell anybody about it. If I did tell you, I trusted you.”

She continued she didn’t know how others would respond the her and so didn’t want people to think she was weak or they had to treat her differently. She realized that she needed to talk about it and it wasn’t something to be ashamed of and has made that her message. Through her reign as Miss Chandler, Norman is hoping to spread awareness and hopefully help others who may be dealing with mental illness.

“If it’s you, ask for help,” Norman said. “Because you deserve help. I think part of being depressed is that you think you don’t deserve help, or you’re not worth people’s time, or things would be better without you. There’s a lot of self-loathing, it’s hard to get out of that. It’s hard to seek help and want to accept help if you feel like you’re a lost cause or just don’t like anything about yourself, or if you don’t think there’s anything worth saving.”

Norman told the students there is no shame in living with this disorder. “I’m an example of things getting better once you do speak up.”

For more information about mental illness and or to find a local NAMI group, visit www.nami.org or call (800) 950-6264.

Tracy House is a freelancer for SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@ santansun.com.

City planners hear from residents at Vision Fest

City officials charged with updating the General Plan held a series of activities and meetings recently to solicit feedback from residents and stakeholders about the future development and redevelopment of the City.

Participants attending Vision Fest elected to attend drop-in meetings focused on five areas of Chandler or at topically based vision workshops. Discussions centered on the best way to leverage Chandler’s assets for the future. Popular topics included defining housing balance and composition with

questions raised such as what is the best mix of and location for single-family detached residences versus denser condo and multifamily units. Other topics included the potential of light rail; making the City more “bikeable” and walkable and enhancing trail and recreational amenities.

The planning team also asked 500 students in grades 5 through 11 for their hopes and dreams for Chandler.

State law requires cities to readopt or update their General Plans at least once every 10 years. The current General Plan

was adopted by the City Council and ratified by voters in 2008. Input from the community will help Chandler plan some of the City’s last growth areas, including the municipal airport, the Price Road Corridor, and potential redevelopment along North Arizona Avenue, among others.

Those who were unable to attend Vision Fest are encouraged to visit http://bit.ly/ChandlerVision to participate in a visioning questionnaire and follow the project and comment online at www.chandleraz.gov/gpupdate.

the annual events already held downtown, such as Rock the Block, Jazz Festival, Oktoberfest, Beer & BBQ Festival, Cinco de Mayo and car shows.

“The new stage will allow for those events to take advantage of the space,” he said.

The new stage will perhaps attract national acts, as well as community groups and schools, Kulaga added.

For the three to four years, stakeholders discussed how to best use the downtown space, he explained.

“The design of the stage is a direct result that we received from the stakeholder group,” he said. “It’s been a really positive experience and project so far.”

He said as downtown Chandler continues to evolve as a destination for families to enjoy restaurants, night life and retail shops, the new amenity will enhance that experience.

“It’s another amenity that will add to that evolution mix to make downtown Chandler a better destination and improve on the existing success,” he said.

Child pulled from pool dies

A 21-month-old boy died May 23, the day after family members pulled him from a backyard pool in the 4600 block of West Tyson Street.

The child’s parents started CPR and rushed him to a nearby Chandler fire station, where life-saving measures were continued by personnel from Chandler Fire, Health, & Medical, who transported him to a local hospital.

Fire and rescue officials said the incident was a tragic reminder of the dangers to children or vulnerable adults of pools.

Adults can take the following steps to lower a child’s risk of becoming a drowning victim:

Secure: Utilize and maintain an approved pool barrier such as a fence or net. Barriers are only effective if they are properly installed, utilized for their stated purpose, and regularly maintained.

Supervise: Children should never be allowed in the vicinity of a pool or other waterway such as a lake, canal or irrigation

ditch without constant adult supervision. A responsible adult should be in charge of maintaining a constant watch of pool at any time when a child or vulnerable adult is within the vicinity. Never allow children to supervise children.

Train: Be prepared for the unthinkable and learn CPR. Write down the 9-1-1 emergency number, along with the phone number and address of the home, in a conspicuous place such as a refrigerator or kitchen cabinet.

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and council members expressed sympathy to the family during its May 28 meeting. Several council members joined the mayor in reminding everyone to always watch children around water, particularly as the weather heats up and families begin to enjoy the summer swim season. Councilwoman Nora Ellen stressed the importance of learning the lifesaving first-aid technique of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The map’s shaded area designates the City of Chandler’s 2015 Mid-Decade Census test area. Residents there who have not yet participated in the Census can expect to receive a visit from a Census worker in an attempt to gather basic information on the household.

Census workers to begin knocking on Chandler doors

Chandler households failing to participate in an online census test can expect to receive a visit from U.S. Census Bureau workers, if they haven’t already.

The employees, who will be wearing identification badges, will continue knocking on doors of these households through June 23.

In March, more than 50,000 Chandler households were mailed postcards asking them to participate in a census test. The postcards directed residents to a website to complete a questionnaire asking how many people live in the house, and for each person, their name, sex, age, relationship to the respondent, Hispanic origin, and race.

The survey also asked for a telephone number and whether the housing unit is owned or rented. Anyone receiving a postcard, but not responding, can expect to receive a personal visit from a Census Bureau interviewer in an attempt to gather the information. Census workers began visiting homes on May 14.

Even though data collected during the Census Test will not affect Chandler’s official population count, City officials are asking residents to participate because it will help the Census Bureau make critical design decisions that will shape how the rest of America participates in the next census in 2020.

Mid-Decade Census

Later this fall, in an effort unrelated to the census test, Chandler will be working with the Maricopa Association of Governments and the Census Bureau to administer a 2015 mid-decade census in Chandler that will provide updated population numbers.

Citizen participation in Chandler’s middecade census will be important for the City’s financial health as it may help Chandler qualify for additional federal and state revenues for public safety, street repairs and other services. Each person counted in Chandler means about $318 in funding every year.

Chandler is working with the U.S. Census Bureau to hire up to 500 workers for the mid-decade census.

Local residents are needed to work as census enumerators beginning this fall, but testing and training begins this summer. The jobs pay $16.25 per hour, plus mileage and paid training. Enumerators are asked to work 25 to 40 hours per week when people are home, usually evenings and weekends.

Supervisors and crew leaders also are needed. Enumerators visit households and collect a few facts about each member such as name, age and number of people living in the home. All information remains strictly confidential. Workers must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years old with a phone and driver’s license.

Job requirements and an application can be downloaded from the City’s website at www.chandleraz.gov/census or picked up at a number of City offices, including Chandler City Hall, the Chandler Center for the Arts, all Chandler libraries, and many of the City’s recreation and aquatic centers. A complete list is available online at www.chandleraz. gov/census.

For more information, visit www. chandleraz.gov/census, or call (480) 782-3260.

Airport facility named Water Reuse Project of the Year

The Chandler Airport Water Reclamation Facility’s expansion project was recently named the 2015 Water Reuse Project of the Year by the Arizona Water Association.

The facility, at 905 E. Queen Creek Rd., recently underwent a $105 million expansion, which allowed it to add 7 million gallons of water per day capacity and treat up to 22 mgd. Led by McCarthy Building Companies, the project was completed in September 2014 on schedule and under budget, according to company officials.

Throughout the construction process, the plant remained operational and capable of producing A+ reclaimed water. The project included expanding the headworks facility, installing new aeration basins and new clarifiers, expansion of the filtration and flocculation facilities and a new finished water reservoir.

“The City of Chandler has one of the most robust reclaimed water systems in the state,” said Frank Scopetti, business unit leader for McCarthy’s Infrastructure Group. “This dynamic project team, which included the City of Chandler and Wilson Engineers, executed an exceptional expansion that was recognized for achieving the highest standards for safety and for developing innovative solutions to challenges throughout the design and construction process.”

“The team of McCarthy Building Companies, Wilson Engineers and the City of Chandler worked together seamlessly to accomplish a large, complex project on a very compressed schedule,” said John Pinkston, wastewater facility superintendent for the City of Chandler. “This project

benefited greatly from McCarthy’s experience and expertise and was critical to the success of a project serving important customers along our developing Price Road Corridor.”

McCarthy is the nation’s ninth largest domestic general contractor, according to the Engineering News-Record. The Infrastructure Group offers general contracting, construction management, program management and design/build services for wastewater and water treatment projects. The team also covers construction projects in the mining, solar, nuclear and fossil fuels industries.

The McCarthy Southwest Division is based in Phoenix.

Catholic school finishes its 70th school year

St. Mary-Basha Catholic School celebrated its 70th school year by celebrating spirit days honoring each decade.

Throughout the year, students and staff heard from guest speakers including

Chandler council tentatively OKs $911 million budget

The Chandler City Council tentatively approved a $911 million budget for fiscal year 2015-2016 and a 2016-2025 capital improvement plan of about $1.2 billion during its Thursday, May 28, meeting.

The vote for final adoption of the budget is June 11, and the setting of tax levies and tax rates will be June 25.

Among the 33 agenda items, the council approved the appointment of Assistant City Manager Marsha Reed to the temporary detail of city manager, effective 5 p.m. Monday, June 1.

The governing body also tentatively adopted a “social host ordinance” to provide legal ramifications for adults and parents who provide their home as a gathering place for underage drinking parties.

Also on May 28, the council:

• Adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 52 of the City Code to provide authority for the City to guide future development by allocating a portion of the City’s secured water supply to nonresidential uses.

• Adopted a resolution authorizing an extension of the award of the request for proposal through Oct. 22 to Ryan Companies US Inc. for a development agreement for Site 6 in downtown Chandler.

• Approved a preliminary development plan for Avilla Chandler Heights, a 116-unit residential development on 9.5

acres at the southeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Heights Road.

• Approved the purchase of a gas chromatograph in the amount of $83,578.61 from Agilent Technologies to be used by the Chandler Police Department for the analysis of blood for alcohol content.

• Approved liquor use permits for the following: GOGI Korean Restaurant, 2095 N. Dobson Rd., Suite 8; Palette Collective, 2100 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 22; Espo’s Mexican Food 3867 W. Chandler Blvd.

• Adopted a notice of intention to increase certain wastewater, reclaimed water and solid waste fees, and set a public hearing for July 9.

• Continued to the June 25 council meeting, a contract with Street Media Group for transit shelter advertising and maintenance services.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Jay Tibshraeny asked City Manager Rich Dlugas to join him in front of the dais to commemorate his upcoming retirement after more than 40 years in public service, the last 21 at the City of Chandler. Prior to coming to Chandler, Dlugas was the director of parks and recreation for the City of Denton, Texas, and assistant director of parks and recreation for the City of Plano, Texas. He became Chandler’s Community Services Director in 1994, was named assistant city manager in March 2002, and served

as acting city manager from June 2010 to May 2011, when he began city manager duties. Tibshraeny presented him with a key to the city, and a clock. All of the City Council members took turns praising Dlugas for his service to the community and for leaving a positive legacy of integrity. In his remarks, Dlugas thanked the mayor and all of the council members he worked with over the years for their encouragement and support. He thanked the dedicated employees of the City for their hard work and dedication to customer service.

Councilman Jack Sellers, a member of the State Transportation Board, reported he toured the Traffic Operations Center for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) recently and he praised its use of linked cameras to improve safety and incident management on Arizona roads and highways.

Sellers and Vice Mayor Kevin Hartke heard a recent presentation by teachers from Carl Hayden High School who talked about their work with the First Robotics Team, which was featured in the movie “Spare Parts.” It tells the inspirational story about how students at the school won a national robotics competition. The school also has a mentoring program, which is crucial for encouraging young people to pursue technical education opportunities.

Hartke concluded his remarks by asking the public to support Operation Back to School, the citywide drive to supply local students with backpacks, school supplies, shoes, socks, underwear and uniforms. Donation collection events are being held throughout the community in preparation for the July 18 distribution

event. For more information, visit www. backtoschoolchandler.org.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

May 14 meeting

During its May 14 meeting, the City Council acted on 34 agenda items. It approved a preliminary plan for a 35acre residential subdivision, authorized a mutual-aid agreement with the Gila River Indian Community and the purchase of automated fingerprint identification system stand-alone kiosk for the police department.

In other moves, the council:

• Approved a rezoning, preliminary development plan and preliminary plat for a 34.7-acre, 84-lot single-family residential subdivision located east of the southeast corner of Cooper and Chandler Heights roads.

• Adopted a resolution authorizing the first amendment to the intergovernmental agreement with the Maricopa County Library District for the Library Assistance Program. Under this agreement, the Chandler Public Library is estimated to receive $232,717 for the 2015-2016 fiscal year.

• Adopted a resolution authorizing a mutual-aid agreement with the Gila River Indian Community for dispatching police services during an emergency situation or when requested by either party.

• Adopted a resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Glendale for the Chandler Police Department to provide law enforcement security services during

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special events at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

• Authorized the submittal of a ballot argument in support of Proposition 484 (election dates) for inclusion in the publicity pamphlet for the Aug. 25 special election.

• Approved the purchase of automated fingerprint identification system standalone kiosks for the Police Department from MorphoTrak, in the amount of $152,329.31.

• Approved liquor use permits for Courtyard/Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott,1100 S. Price Rd.; Eastwind Sushi & Grill, 58 W. Buffalo St., Suite 110, and The Ivy, located at 1890 W. Germann Rd., Suite 1.

The council also voted to cancel a public hearing on the annexation of an 11.56-acre parcel located south of the southeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Heights Road.

In his closing comments, Tibshraeny encouraged public participation in the General Plan update process and invited residents to visit www.chandleraz.gov/ gpupdate. He noted that while the annual Mayor’s Day of Play is not until Oct. 24, the event is seeking sponsors and health conscious, wellness-focused vendors to participate. For information, call (480) 782-2665.

Councilman René Lopez said that he recently interviewed two firefighters for an episode of the “Chandler in Focus Show” on Chandler Channel 11. The topic was the Chandler Fire Health & Medical Department’s Fire Cadet Academy, which is an opportunity for young adults, ages 15-21 years old, to learn and perform duties commonly demonstrated in the

firefighting profession. This year’s program began on May 2 and will conclude on June 27. The CFHM Department had 42 new cadets sign up, along with 12 previous graduates returning for the experience. Anyone interested in learning more about future cadet programs should visit www. chandleraz.gov/fire.

Councilman Rick Heumann thanked the community for supporting the recent Relay for Life. He also congratulated the mayor for receiving the Teal and Silver Community Leader Award from ChandlerGilbert Community College.

Hartke and Sellers talked about their visit to Washington, D.C., with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and representatives from other Valley cities. Economic Development Director Micah Miranda was also in the delegation. Hartke said he attended a National Police Week candlelight vigil. Roe thanked the members of the police force for their hard work and the community for supporting National Police Week.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

Special meeting

A special meeting was held by the City Council in mid-May to discuss and vote on proposed budget amendments. The following items were approved unanimously and were incorporated into the budget that was approved on May 28.

• $10,000 in seed money for the Chandler Education Coalition Early Literacy Campaign based on the receipt of matching funds from the Chandler Unified School District and committee approval.

• $70,000 for the purchase of two

Heat relief efforts help vulnerable population

Extreme heat in Arizona can be deadly. Each year, a number of lives are lost due to heat-related illness. That’s why the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is looking for the public’s help. In an effort to provide resources to those in need, MAG has partnered with municipalities, nonprofit organizations and the faith-based community to coordinate the Heat Relief Network. To sustain these efforts, MAG is inviting businesses and residents to help out with bottled water donations.

“The heat can affect anyone, but older adults and persons experiencing homelessness are especially at high risk,” said Youngtown Mayor and MAG chairman Michael LeVault. “To help prevent heat-related deaths, we are asking the community for help. You can help by donating water at one of the donation sites listed on the collection map at www.azmag. gov.”

The Heat Relief Network is a network of providers offering water donation sites, hydration stations and refuge locations across

the region. MAG coordinates with regional partners to provide maps of the donation, hydration and refuge locations throughout the Valley.

The Phoenix area averages 110 days of temperatures above 100 degrees.

“The goal of the Heat Relief Network is to coordinate resources for those in need and increase awareness of the dangers of extreme heat,” said Chandler Vice Mayor Kevin Hartke, chairman of the MAG Continuum of Care Board.

“Prolonged days of extreme heat can take a severe toll on people experiencing homelessness and older adults on fixed incomes, who often sacrifice air conditioning to save on utilities.”

At www.azmag.gov/heatrelief, there are three maps attached, including a collection map that shows people where they can make donations, a hydration map where water is available, and a hydration/refuge and emergency services map, where people can go for refuge or emergency services on days the

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS: JUNE 20

The deadline for news and advertising is 5 p.m. Thursday, June 11 for the Saturday, June 20, 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.

ballfield shade structures; one at Desert Breeze Park ($30,000) and one at Espee Park ($40,000). These structures will provide shade for spectators at the games played on these fields. The council designated $68,000 for artificial turf at the Nozomi Aquatics Center. The artificial turf will provide greater durability than regular turf used for the areas between and around the pools. An additional $20,000 was approved for cold water drinking fountains at three community parks with specific locations yet to be determined.

• $51,285 for six small bus shelters and $81,122 for four large bus shelters at locations to be determined by the Transit Division staff. Plus and additional

$17,600 for eight bike lockers; four at the Park & Ride lot and four at the Transit Center.

The special meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

City employees recognized During a study session in early May, Tibshraeny, Lopez and the rest of the Council recognized Park Development and Operations Manager Mickey Ohland and Visual Arts Coordinator Eric Faulhaber for 20 years, and Library Aide Richard Diaz and Senior Utility Billing Representative Joseph Lynch for 10 years of service to the organization.

Apartment fire shows importance of exit plans

On May 20, the Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department crews responded to a fire at the Riviera Park Apartments, 125 S. Dobson Rd.

When CFHM crews arrived on scene, the front of a ground floor apartment was fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters quickly realized that the intense fire, smoke and heat prevented the occupants of the first and second floor apartments from exiting through their front doors.

Fortunately, prior to the arrival of CFHM crews, the six occupants of the first-floor apartment had safely escaped the fire through a window away from the front door. However, six more people, including one infant, still occupied the apartment on the second floor.

The CFHM ladder and engine crews on the scene developed a plan to use ground ladders to assist the remaining occupants

from their apartment. Through its timely actions, the ladder company rescued all six people from second floor windows and landings.

As the rescue was underway, other CFHM personnel extinguished the fire and performed a complete search of the units for any other victims. No one was injured during the fire, although two people were evaluated for some smoke inhalation symptoms and then released.

CFHM reminds residents to have a step-by-step plan for escaping from a home fire. The plan should include having two ways out of the home, and a meeting place outside of the home to make sure everyone has safely exited.

Residents should sit down with family members now and make a step-by step plan for escaping from a fire. Once the fire happens, there is no time for

College recognizes leaders for contributions

Chandler-Gilbert Community College

honored its 11th annual Teal & Silver award recipients during a breakfast event at the college’s Williams Campus in early May at Bridget Hall. Nine award recipients were recognized for their dedication and support of CGCC students, employees, programs, services and the college community.

The 2015 Teal & Silver award recipients and their respective categories are:

Officers Travis Miller and Glen Robinson, Chandler Police Department Motorcycle Patrol, community organization partner; Luke Hickey, CTA Humphrey Elementary School, K-12 school colleague; Felicia Ganther, Maricopa Community Colleges, community college colleague; Greg Lewis, Si Se Puede volunteer, Intel Corp., business and industry partner; Olivia M. Lara, adjunct faculty, Maricopa Community

planning, according to CFHM.

The CHFM recommends that residents prepare by following these tips:

Conduct monthly home fire drills. Identify emergency exit routes. Install smoke alarms in all rooms and hallways. Establish at least two exits from each bedroom.

Have a safe meeting place outside of the home and account for all persons. Use a neighbor’s phone to call 9-1-1. Once out of the residence, stay out. Temperatures can reach well over 1,000 degrees and are common in house fires. But most deaths are a result of the deadly smoke and gases that precede these fatal hot temperatures.

It is recommended that occupants should sleep with the bedroom door closed and smoke detector should be installed in both the hallways and in the room.

Colleges, scholarship donor; Ross Salerno, Salerno’s Restaurant and Catering, vendor partner; Rhonda Curtis, Wells Fargo Bank, President’s Community Advisory Council chairwoman, community leader, and Mayor Jay Tibshraeny, community leader.

The community leaders and businesses honored with a Teal & Silver award “provide Chandler-Gilbert Community College and its students with vital support that improves their experience and contributes to their success,” said Linda Lujan, CGCC president. “Whether through direct interaction, funding for scholarships, or support for the college and its programs,

Drop to the floor and stay low to get available fresh air. Crawl your way to a safe location.

Be sure to check closed doors for heat. Use backside of hand first, and if it is hot, do not open it. Keep the door closed and use another exit such as a window.

An emergency-release mechanism must be provided on all windows that contain bars.

CHFM has these tips if you become trapped in a room:

Keep the door closed. Opening the door will decrease your chance of survival.

Stay low to the floor, smoke rises and fresher air is lower to the ground. Wait by the window, and identify your distress.

Don’t hide under beds or in closets. Seal the bottom of the door with blankets or clothing to keep smoke out.

For more information, call (480) 7822120 or visit www.chandleraz.gov/fire.

we are truly grateful for their involvement and dedication.”

The Teal & Silver Awards program was created to recognize the contributions of individuals who support CGCC through various efforts. Recipients positively impact the college by assisting with the program or service improvements, supporting creative and innovative ideas, improving the college experience, supporting instruction delivery, providing resources or assisting with costsaving measures and advocating for the college in media, with elected officials and in the community.

Free film series returns to library

Chandler’s Downtown Public Library will present a free documentary film series this summer.

The series, which opens on June 9 with “The Overnighters” by Jesse Moss, runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings through Aug. 11. The films will be screened in the Copper Room on the second floor of the Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St. The Get Reel film series is made possible by a partnership between Chandler Public Library and POV (Point of View), Public Television’s premier documentary series.

“After a year hiatus due to renovations to the Copper Room, we are excited to screen 10 first-run documentary films this summer with several being exclusive premieres before they broadcast on PBS in fall prime-time,” said Chandler Librarian Ted Liebler. “The entire film watching experience will be enhanced with the recent installation of upgraded audio and video equipment and the new capacity to dim the room lighting to cinema levels.”

Produced by American Documentary, POV is public television’s premier showcase for nonfiction films. Since 1988, POV has been the home for contemporary filmmakers, celebrating personal stories that spark conversation.

“This year’s films feature strong individuals viewers won’t easily forget,” said POV Executive Producer Chris White. “Intimate and urgent, these are the stories of our times. We are proud to present a slate of films that challenge, enlighten and inspire.”

The complete film schedule, including descriptions, is below, and on the Chandler Public Library website at www. chandlerlibrary.org.

The following films will be shown:

“The Overnighters,” June 9; “Cutie and the Boxer,” June 16; “Tough Love,” June 23; “Art and Craft,” June 30; “Tea Time,” July 7; “Web Junkie,” July 14; “The Storm Makers,” July 21; “Beats of the Antonov,” July 28; “Neuland,” Aug. 4 and “Point and Shoot,” Aug. 11.

Attention Military Vets

Buying a home? Use a MRP ®

Did you serve in a branch of the US Military? I have special training to assist you in the process of purchasing a home with your VA benefits! Use a professional who has your best interest in mind. Very few Realtors® are MRP Certified. I am here to assist you! Contact me with any questions, and lets make the dream of home-ownership come true for those who served!

USTA awards $5,000 grant for tennis court resurfacing

The United States Tennis Association has awarded a $5,000 grant to the City of Chandler to support the resurfacing of nine tennis courts at the Chandler Tennis Center.

The grant is funded through the USTA Facility Assistance Program, which aims to support and provide communities access to safe, appealing and functional tennis environments, according to a press release.

“We are committed to enhancing and building more tennis facilities in communities across the country,” said Kurt Kamperman, USTA’s chief executive of community tennis. “This program allows us to assist in the development process of providing usable tennis venues to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to play and enjoy the health benefits of our great game.”

Since 2005, the USTA has awarded these grants to support tennis facility enhancements, renovations and new construction projects to provide more and enhanced tennis venues for increased playing opportunities.

In total, the USTA Facilities Assistance Program has built more than 38,000 tennis courts across the country in the past seven years, for all ages and abilities to enjoy the sport. In addition,

grant recipients receive technical assistance.

The USTA Facility Assistance Program provides industry leading experience in tennis court and facility construction from concept plans to professional construction document review. By investing in the rehabilitation and development of tennis facilities in the United States, the USTA believes these facilities not only will grow the sport, but provide venues for communities to gather and provide lifelong healthy activity through tennis.

In 2014, the USTA allocated more than $900,000 through the Facility Assistance Program to help support public tennis facility enhancements, renovations, and new construction projects.

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the United States and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level, from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization with more than 715,000 members, it invests 100 percent of its proceeds to promote the game.

For more information on the USTA, visit www.usta.com.

Career Connectors assists professionals in job search

Are you in career transition? Come and discover Career Connectors, a nonprofit organization connecting professionals to high quality resources and hiring companies.

Career Connectors, rated one of the top five networking associations in Phoenix, hosts events at no cost. Each event includes professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four featured hiring companies, networking, resume

help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits.

The next event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, at Central Christian Church’s Student Center, 965 E. Germann Rd., Gilbert. For more information, visit www. careerconnectors.org or call (480) 4425806.

Chandler pools prepare swimmers to be lifeguards

Learn water safety, rescue and the basics of becoming a lifeguard by enrolling in Chandler’s Guard Start or Junior Lifeguard programs.

The programs introduce participants to the skills and techniques used by lifeguards, offering training in rescue skills and drills, general pool operations, hands-on training during swim lessons and more.

The Guard Start program is for swimmers ages 9 and 10, and Junior Lifeguard training is for swimmers ages 11 to 15. Fee assistance is available to qualifying families through grants from the American Red Cross Centennial Funding program.

“Our Guard Start and Junior Lifeguarding programs are a great way for participants to learn about water safety and what it takes to become a lifeguard,” said Chris Smith, a Chandler aquatic coordinator. “I participated in this program for a few years starting at the age of 10. I learned a lot and it prepared me to take the lifeguard certification class.”

programs are offered throughout the months of June and July at Arrowhead Pool and the Hamilton, Mesquite Groves and Nozomi aquatic centers. Enrollment is limited to 10 participants in Guard Start and 20 swimmers in Junior Lifeguarding. The Junior Lifeguard program introduces participants to the duties and responsibilities of a lifeguard; however, this course will not certify anyone to be a lifeguard. Participants will have an introduction to first aid and CPR/AED and build a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills in preparation for the American Red Cross Lifeguard course.

“Junior Guards and Guard Start programs are a great way to gain on the job experience,” said Aquatic Coordinator Traci Tenkely. “We have had many staff over the years become lifeguards after enjoying their experience in these early programs.”

To participate in the Guard Start and Junior Lifeguard programs, swimmers must be able to tread water for 1 minute, float on their back for 30 seconds, submerge and swim 10 feet underwater and swim the front crawl for 25 yards continuously while breathing to the front or side. The

Registration fees for Guard Start are $47 for residents and $64 for nonresidents. Fees for the Junior Lifeguard program are $57 and $74, respectively. For more information and to register, visit www.chandleraz.gov/ aquatics, or call (480) 782-2750.

• Interdisciplinary professional team of

• Certi ed caregivers with memory

• On-site 24/7 licensed nurses

• Resident placement by cognitive abilities

• Overnight & day respite available

• Full social program with variety of outings

• Chef-prepared home cooked meals Contact Randine Hoefer at (480) 718-9055

Beat the Heat

Physician assistant honored

When the physician assistant program at the institution that Randy Danielsen had formerly led was in jeopardy of closing, he knew it would mean fewer health care providers therefore less access to patient care.

The Chandler resident and former professor and dean of A.T. Still University in Mesa left his prominent position at the National Commission on Certification on Physician Assistants Foundation and returned to the university to ensure the continued education for its PA students. That is one example of Danielsen’s passion for the PA profession throughout his more than 40-year career, according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

For his service to the profession, the AAPA recognized Danielsen in late May with the Eugene A. Stead Jr. Award of Achievement at AAPA Conference 2015 in San Francisco. Named for the founder of the PA profession, the Stead Award is the highest honor the AAPA can bestow on a PA who has had a broad and significant impact on the profession, health care and patients.

“Leadership isn’t always about being in the highest position, but being in the best position to effect change,” Danielsen said. “Educating PAs to serve as leaders in the profession and to deliver quality care to their patients is truly inspiring. I am deeply humbled and honored to be awarded for my work in a profession that has meant so much to me.”

Danielsen served 28 years with the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army National Guard, retiring in 1998 as a Desert Storm veteran with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Working as the only PA in an air transportable hospital, he found a passion in health care, delivering care to American troops during

the war and staying after the war to take care of service members as they prepared to come home.

Among the first group of PAs to receive certification from the NCCPA in 1975, Danielsen helped draft early, enabling legislation for PA practice in Utah and Arizona. He helped found the Intermountain Association of Physician Assistants, helped found the Veterans Caucus of AAPA, and a scholarship program for fellow PA veterans.

Danielsen has served on the AAPA Board of Directors and as chairman of the NCCPA Board of Directors. He was elected president of the Arizona chapter three times, is a former president of the Veterans Caucus and was previously honored by AAPA as Outstanding PA of the Year in 1993.

He is the dean of the Arizona School of Health Sciences at A.T. Still University. He earned his PA certificate from the Utah MEDEX program in 1974, his bachelor of science in Health Science (cum laude) from the University of Utah in 1978, a master’s of PA studies from the University of Nebraska with an emphasis on internal medicine in 1997, and his PhD in interdisciplinary arts and sciences from the Union Institute & University in 2003 with an emphasis on medical education.

Since he started his health care career as a medical corpsman in the U.S. Air Force in 1970, Danielsen has been a clinician, educator, advocate, author and editor.

Founded in 1968, AAPA represents a profession of more than 100,000 certified PAs across all medical and surgical specialties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and the uniformed services. Visit www.aapa.org to learn more.

Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa celebrates opening

Village Health Clubs & Spas, a DMB property, celebrated the opening of its latest location, the Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a members-only grand opening party on Friday, May 15.

Hosted on the grounds of the stateof-the-art 82,000-square-foot club on the southwest corner of Alma School and Ocotillo Roads (4200 S. Alma School Rd.), Carol Nalevanko, Village Clubs president, and Rick Erdenberger, Ocotillo vice president and general manager, were joined by Charley Freericks, DMB president, Michael DeBell, DMB executive vice president, Drew Brown, DMB chairman; Vice Mayor Kevin Hartke, and Terri Kimble, president/CEO of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, to officially cut the ribbon for the first East Valley location of the Village Health Clubs & Spas.

Following the 5 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees were invited to join more than 650 Ocotillo Village members and guests at a grand opening party with live

music, mermaids and fine cuisine.

Kicking off construction in April 2014, the $25 million Ocotillo Village created more than 250 construction jobs, while a job fair hosted earlier this year helped the club hire hundreds of full- and part-time employees.

The Ocotillo Village offers members amenities including two pools and a children’s splash pad, seven tennis courts, a full-service spa, salon and med spa, café and outdoor patio, kid’s club and nursery, kid’s gym, men’s, women’s and family locker rooms, an indoor basketball court and running track, two racquetball and two squash courts, cardio, weight and functional training rooms, hot yoga studio and traditional yoga studio, and Pilates, indoor cycling and group fitness studios.

For more information, call (480) 6560045 or visit www.villageclubs.com, www. facebook.com/villagehealthclubs, www. twitter.com/villageclubs and www. instagram.com/villageclubs.

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.

Dignity Health, Kindred building inpatient rehabilitation hospital

Dignity Health and Kindred Healthcare Inc. have announced that they have signed a definitive agreement creating a joint venture to construct and operate a 50-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Chandler.

The hospital will be called Dignity Health Rehabilitation Hospital-East Valley and will be located at 1555 W. Chandler Blvd. Subject to several regulatory and other approvals, the hospital will open by the third quarter of 2016. Kindred will own a slight majority in the joint venture and will manage the day-to-day operations of the new hospital.

The facility is for those who have suffered severe injuries and have spent time in an acute care hospital, but who are not necessarily ready to go home.

“Patients who have the type of injury that will require longer-term follow up and physical and occupational therapies would go to a place like this,” said Tim Bricker, president and CEO of Dignity Health Chandler Regional and Mercy

Gilbert medical centers.

“By partnering with Kindred Healthcare to open this new facility, Dignity Health is pushing forward with our promise to bring a comprehensive health care system that provides every level of care to the residents in the East Valley.”

Bricker said the two entities wanted to stick close to the Chandler-Gilbert area.

“There are rehab hospitals around the county,” he said. “There are facilities in Phoenix, but none in the immediate area around Chandler and Gilbert.

“There’s a community need— especially with the opening of the level 1 trauma center at Chandler Regional a year ago. There are a lot of patients in the Southeast Valley who have to go far for this service. We saw a community need and an opportunity to provide the service that isn’t immediately available in the area.”

In the Phoenix market, Kindred operates two transitional care hospitals,

Reed named acting city manager

Chandler Assistant City Manager

Marsha Reed has been named the acting city manager while the City recruits a replacement for retiring City Manager Rich Dlugas. The City Council voted unanimously to make the appointment at its May 28 City Council meeting. Reed joined the City of Chandler in April 2013 as assistant city manager,

after previously working for the City of Lubbock, Texas, for 20 years. In that organization, she served in many capacities in public works and the last five years as chief operating officer overseeing several large departments. Prior to joining the City of Lubbock she held several positions at the Lubbock District of the Texas Department of

home health, hospice and nonmedical home care services and Kindred is also developing a new 120-bed transitional care center (TCC) (licensed for skilled nursing care) in Phoenix. The TCC is expected to open in the second half of 2015. Dignity Health operates five hospitals and numerous other health care services in the Phoenix area, including Chandler Regional Medical Center, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Westgate Medical Center and Arizona General Hospital. Kindred and Dignity Health have one joint venture in Southern California which is focused on home health services.

“Collaborating with high quality providers like Dignity Health is critical to our commitment to meet patient needs and manage care throughout the entire care continuum as we lower costs and improve patient outcomes,” said Kent H. Wallace, Kindred’s Chief Operating Officer. “This new joint

Transportation for 10 years.

A two-time graduate of Texas Tech University, Reed earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1988 and her master’s degree in public administration in 2000. She is a licensed professional engineer in the states of Arizona and Texas.

She is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers and the Arizona City Manager’s Association.

venture adds to our strong relationship with Dignity Health, and we look forward to working together to provide health solutions for patients in the greater Phoenix community.”

Dignity Health is one of Arizona’s largest health care systems and Linda Hunt, president and CEO of Dignity Health in Arizona, said this joint venture “brings together two companies that are committed to excellent patient care. For patients being treated in one of our hospitals, the partnership with Kindred will make available to them additional long-term medical and rehabilitation resources to help them return to a healthy life.”

“Having an inpatient rehabilitation hospital in the Phoenix area will build on our Continue the Care strategy and allow us to provide a full continuum of services to our patients,” said Wallace. “This new inpatient rehabilitation hospital will further enhance our position as one of the nation’s premier providers of inpatient rehabilitation.

RE/MAX Infinity in Chandler among nation’s top real estate brokerages

RE/MAX Infinity, one of the most successful real estate brokerages in Chandler, is among the 50 U.S. brokerages with the most transaction sides per agent according to data in the 2015 REAL Trends 500 Survey. RE/ MAX Infinity averaged more than 23 transaction sides per sales associate.

Of the 50 brokerages with the most transaction sides per agent, an impressive 39 were RE/MAX brokerages.

“A customer first philosophy has always been a number one priority for RE/MAX Infinity agents,” said Bill Ryan, broker/owner of RE/MAX Infinity.

“And when your buyers and sellers are provided a good experience, they happily refer our services to their friends and family. In the world of real estate, a referral is the greatest compliment.”

The 2015 REAL Trends 500 ranks the nation’s largest participating brokerages by 2014 residential transaction sides. To qualify for the survey, a brokerage must have a minimum of 500 transaction sides.

The high level of performance consistently exhibited by RE/MAX Infinity Associates is due in large part to the quality training provided by RE/MAX University (RU). The awardwinning RU delivers comprehensive on-demand education to more than

100,000 agents worldwide. As a result, RE/MAX agents lead the industry in performance and professional designations.

RE/MAX Infinity has one office in the Southeast Valley area with more than 80 professional real estate agents who specialize in residential sales. For more information, visit www. ChandlerInfinity.com or call (480) 2894440.

Word of Mouth

Kelly tapped as Gold Canyon candle, home décor CEO

Gold Canyon, a leading candle and home decor direct sales company, announced the appointment of Thomas F. Kelly as chief executive officer.

Kelly brings more than three decades of direct sales organization leadership to this position and has been tapped for his unique ability to drive revenue growth and profitability while sustaining high levels of motivation through dynamic market and organizational shifts.

Prior to Gold Canyon, Kelly served as chief executive officer of Silpada Designs, where he was responsible for transforming and upgrading the company’s organizational capabilities, as well as being instrumental in successfully transitioning the company back to a privately held, family-run business when Avon Products Inc. decided to sell it.

Kelly previously built a distinguished 32-year career at Avon Products Inc. where he rose to senior vice president. Throughout his Avon career, Kelly implemented key teambuilding initiatives, developed and mentored global direct sales leadership and drove organizational productivity.

“Throughout his impressive career in global direct sales leadership roles, Tom has excelled at motivating and mentoring teams while generating results for both public and private companies,” said Joseph G. Phillips,

managing director of Unique Investment Corp. “We are thrilled to tap into Tom’s global experience driving productivity and growth, and look forward to his long-term future contributions as CEO.”

“I am honored to join Gold Canyon, and I look forward to working with the company’s amazing team of sales consultants and associates and empowering them to take Gold Canyon to the next level,” said Kelly. “Working closely with the company’s stakeholders, I will build upon Gold Canyon’s strengths to ensure the company’s future expansion and success.”

Kelly earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Villanova University. He was a board member of the Direct Selling Association from 2005 to 2012, most recently serving as chairman of the board of the Direct Selling Education Foundation. Kelly, who lives in Leawood, Kansas, is moving to Chandler.

Founded in 1997, Gold Canyon (www. goldcanyon.com) is a leading candle and home decor party plan company that offers an income opportunity to thousands of independent consultants in North America and a fun party experience for hostesses and their friends.