SanTan Sun July 20, 2019 by Times Media Group

Relentlessly local coverage of Southern Chandler and our neighboring communities

July 20 - Aug 2, 2019 | www.santansun.com

Infected mosquitoes have Chandler in their crosshairs BY CECILIA CHAN Staff Writer

Vector control specialist Jason Gillette checked a funky-looking mosquito trap hanging from a tree in the East Valley neighborhood. The gallon cooler is filled with dry ice and poked with holes that emit carbon dioxide — mimicking respiration and attracting mosquitoes that are then blown into a cylindrical net by a hand-size fan. “We catch mosquitoes year-round,” said Gillette, gathering the trap — one of 29 he collected that morning in Gilbert and part of Chandler for the trip back to the Maricopa County vector lab. “This season seems like it’s a little busy.” Not only is the mosquito season an active one but the county lab is seeing a significant number of traps testing positive for West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis, said Johnny Dilone, spokesman for the county Department of Environmental Services. As of July 1, the number of mosquito

County vector control specialist Jason Gillette unhooks a mosquito trap so he can take it to the county lab for analysis. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

traps testing positive for West Nile in the county was 315 and 153 for encephalitis, Dilone said. For all of 2018, the county reported 138 positive traps for West Nile See

MOSQUITOES on page 8

Eyes on the ball Atul Raman gets ready to smack a ping-pong ball during the Chandler Table Tennis Club’s tournament earlier this month at Tumbleweed Park. The club was formed in 2017 to promote table tennis in the city and throughout the region. One day, the club hopes to get the city to dedicate a facility exclusively to racket sports. For more photos, see page 46. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

As school begins, kindergarten How EV prosecutor got parents learn the ins and outs justice for rape victims

BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Staff Writer

BY JIM WALSH Staff Writer

Thousands of students are making their way back into the classrooms next week – including scores of kids who will be going to school for the first time. And for the first time, Chandler Unified School District kindergarten teachers went live on Facebook to address lastminute concerns and questions from parents. The district starts school on July 23, but CUSD spokesman Terry Locke said the district scheduled the live stream for the day before school offices opened for the new year. The timing of the video, Locke said, allowed parents to follow up with See

KINDERGARTEN on page 18

MORE SCHOOL NEWS, PAGES 16-25

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It's not just kindergarten teachers who have been preparing for the new school year that begins July 23. Tarwater Elementary 2nd-grade teacher Grace Erickson also spent some time preparing her classroom. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

VOTE FOR THE BEST OF CHANDLER NOW THROUGH JULY 31 AT SANTANSUN.COM OR EASTVALLEYTRIBUNE.COM eastvalleytribune.com

Sexual assault victims from the East Valley and throughout the nation are finally getting justice – even though they had to wait far too long. In Maricopa County alone, an exhaustive quest to test a backlog of more than 4,500 sexual assault examination kits dating back 27 years is finally winding toward an end early next year with about 200 kits to go. In Phoenix, the person who spearheaded this four-year campaign to right a wrong was Gilbert’s Jon Eliason, a former Mesa city prosecutor who served as division chief of the Special Victims Bureau at the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office at the time the campaign began. “You have all these women who went through an exam fully believing that the police would analyze it,’’ Eliason said. “I See

RAPE KIT on page 6

Cesar Tirado, left, coordinated the processing of thousands of old rape kits while Maricopa County prosecutor Jon Eliason led the effort on behalf of County Attorney Bill Montgomery. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

F E AT U R E STO R I E S Global Bikes in Chandler rolls on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BUSINESS . . . . . . . Page 26 Page 35 State cracks down on martial arts matches . . . . . .SPORTS Chandler woman organizes city’s first choir . . . . . .NEIGHBORS . . . . . . Page 41 Docents make Chandler Museum accessible. . . . .ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 51 Naked is a new dimension in barbecue . . . . . . . . . .EAT . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 62

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More Community . . . . 1-25 Business . . . . . 26-30 Sports . . . . . . . 35-38 Opinion . . . . . 39-40 Neighbors . . . 41-50 Arts . . . . . . . . . .51-55 Faith. . . . . . . . . 56-57 Directory . . . . 58-59 Classifieds . . . 60-61 Where to eat. . . . 62

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Chandler apartment rent increases Valley’s highest BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Despite adding hundreds of new multifamily housing units in the last fiscal year, Chandler is being recognized for its rapidly rising apartment rents. More than 1,200 multi-family units were added to the city’s housing stock in the last year, ramping up Chandler’s total housing to 107,250 units. More supply would expectedly bring down prices, but Chandler’s rental averages appear to keep growing. Data collected by real estate websites indicate apartment rents in Chandler have increased more than several other Valley cities over the last year. Apartment List, a website that describes itself as a guide for renters to find affordable housing, listed Chandler as having the Valley’s second highest rental costs. Gilbert outranked Chandler with its median rental costs for one- and twobedroom apartments. But Chandler surpassed the town with size of the rental increase over the last year. Chandler’s rents increased by 6.3 percent and Gilbert experienced a 3.9 percent hike. Chandler may be experiencing the consequence of residents being squeezed out of the Phoenix rental market, according to Igor Popov, the chief economist for Apartment List. Chandler listed at least 3,700 new residents this last fiscal year, city records

show. As rents in central Phoenix rise, Popov said, demand in suburban cities like Chandler and Gilbert increase to accommodate the influx of residents fleeing the city. Millennials are looking to settle down and start families in vibrant suburbs that have good schools and connectivity to other cities, he added, making Chandler prime real estate. Apartment List estimates at least a third of rental searches done for properties in the Phoenix metro area are

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done by people living outside Arizona. This demand predictably comes with a downside given that workers’ wages probably have not kept pace with rising rents. Renters are finding ways to adapt, Popov said, by recruiting roommates to help counter the rising housing costs. “There’s no really one-size-fits-all advice for how to survive,” Popov added. “People have found a way to manage.” No other municipality in Maricopa County experienced rent growth as much as Chandler within the last year, per the

analysis done by Apartment List. RealPage, a data firm that studies real estate trends, recently declared the Phoenix area was experiencing a nineyear high for apartment demand. Adam Couch, a market analyst for RealPage, said communities such as Chandler may not follow regular supplyand-demand patterns because they’re dominated by large tech companies such as Intel Corp. “Having an anchor like that can really influence (the market) and throw a curveball,” Couch said. But Couch estimated rents will soon start to fall as more units across the Valley are constructed and come on the market. Northern Tempe has seen slower rent growth than Chandler and Scottsdale, Couch added, because more construction and development had happened in that region. Rental costs have been increasing across the Phoenix area over the last couple of years as more people move to central Arizona. Rents, which reportedly have not decreased in Phoenix since November 2017, have surpassed national growth rates. Rent Cafe, another website devoted to analyzing rent prices, estimated Chandler’s average rents increased by 11 percent since 2018 – the highest rate in the Phoenix area. Gilbert and Scottsdale both outranked Chandler by having higher rental averages.

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Tumbleweed Park getting new ballfields BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Chandler’s biggest park soon will expand and add new amenities. Construction is scheduled to commence next month on four new sports fields on the western side of Tumbleweed Park, near Germann and McQueen roads. The City Council allocated more than $4 million for the project at its July 11 meeting. Residents responded to a city survey by saying they wanted more fields, so the Community Services Department complied by developing 20 acres west of Hamilton Street. The lighted fields will be completed by next July and will serve a multi-use function for sports clubs in Chandler needing space to practice. Additional parking spaces, bathrooms and sidewalks will accompany the new fields. Mickey Ohland, the city’s park operations manager, said Tumbleweed serves as the regional recreational hub for Chandler and attracts many residents. “Tumbleweed Park is our crown jewel park for the city,” he said. “It’s been designed such to attract and be able to have those large events.” The Ostrich Festival, Fourth of July celebrations, and Chuck Wagon CookOff Challenge all call Tumbleweed home, generating much foot-traffic throughout the year. The parks department will also be

Tumbleweed Park is our “ crown jewel park for the city, It’s been designed such to attract and be able to have those large events. – Mickey Ohland

”

any renovations or additions. The Tumbleweed contracts authorized by the City Council consist of $4 million for construction, $325,000 for management services, and $658,000 for light installations. At a recent council meeting, Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke said he was pleased to see the city utilizing resources to add amenities to Tumbleweed Park. “This is a very exciting piece for our residents to be able to have some new amenities,” the mayor said. As the map illustrates, the new ballfields at Tumbleweed Park will be located on a 20-acre tract of land along the western Ohland said Tumbleweed has side of the park. (City of Chandler) always been a unique attraction in Chandler and the parks department adding a bocce court in the center of Ohland said the city doesn’t have is excited to continue making it Tumbleweed. Bocce is an Italian ball sport any set plans for these sections, but more accessible to residents. involving players competing to earn points his department will spend the next “We’re very lucky and blessed to by rolling balls across a long court. year examining the needs at all 67 of live and work in a community such as The 205-acre park still has two large Chandler’s parks. Chandler where our residents, our elected parcels of undeveloped land on its This strategic master plan will guide officials all place a high importance on northern and southern ends. city staff in determining which parks need quality-of-life issues,” Ohland added.

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RAPE KIT

from cover

can’t imagine there was a victim who went through the examination who expected it would not be tested. “It’s doing the right thing, bringing closure to victims and arresting bad guys for violent, intimate crimes,’’ Eliason said. Defendants who might have thought they got away with felonies a decade or more ago are going to prison instead, thanks to the inexorable trail of DNA evidence and a more enlightened approach by police and prosecutors. These criminals include Michael Joseph Paladino, 30, who was linked to sexual assaults that involving six victims about 15 years ago, when he was a minor, in Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa. One victim was 13. Paladino was indicted in December 2017 on six counts of sexual assault and was sentenced in June to five years in prison and lifetime supervised probation as part of a plea bargain that spared the victims from testifying. Another man who had skated was Nur Muktar. He was linked by DNA from an untested kit to a sexual assault inside a vacant Tempe apartment in 2002. Eventually, he was sentenced to seven years in prison. With the approval of County Attorney Bill Montgomery, it was Eliason who saw a moral imperative for his office to participate when one of his prosecutors came back from a conference in 2015 and told him about an exciting – and generous – project launched by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. Vance, the son of a noted U.S. diplomat, launched a national campaign to eliminate the backlog by passing out $38 million in grants to police and prosecutors, including $1.9 million to Maricopa

Mesa Police Sgt. Matt Lawes demonstrates how evidence is taken and then stored in rape kits that are then delivered to the city crime lab for analysis. (Kimberly Carrillo/ Staff Photographer)

said he had obtained a promise from the U.S. Department of Justice to match his “investment’’ in testing the grants – greatly expanding his program’s impact in eliminating an alarming backlog of rape examination kits. Eliason said this teamwork paid off in Maricopa County, with his office receiving a $1.2 million federal grant in 2016 and $1.7 million in 2017. That money went toward finishing the testing and hiring two detectives to assist in the project. Among the detectives’ duties was combing through old police reports to prepare the kits for testing to determine which evidence would be most likely to return a “hit,’’ a DNA sample matching one already in the federal system. Eliason said about 230 kits still need to be tested by two labs approved nationally to handle the testing, Sorenson Forensics in Utah and Bode Technologies in Virginia.

Rape kits contain many evidence samples that police try to take from a victim as close to the time of the assault as possible. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

County in October 2015. Vance’s grants came from forfeiture funds seized from banks accused of violating U.S sanctions. It was enough money to test 3,100 out of the 4,530 rape examination kits that had accumulated in Maricopa County since 1989. Tempe police, one of the first Phoenix metro law enforcement agencies to embrace the program, obtained a $369,000 grant independently from Vance’s office and tested 546 kits that had accumulated since 1993. At a New York press conference in March attended by a Tempe victim, Vance

“With our $38 million investment, we have begun to rectify what has been a tragic failure of government and law enforcement at all levels – a decades-long, systemic denial of equal rights for women in the justice system,’’ Vance said. Since Vance’s attack on the backlog started in September 2015, more than 55,000 kits have been tested in 32 jurisdictions in 20 states, with 18,803 new DNA profiles developed. As of March, there had been 186 arrests nationwide and 64 convictions, including 47 for sexual assault.

Murder cases may be solved

The efforts have paid off in Maricopa County as well, with 12 arrests and seven convictions on Tempe cases. Eliason said more than 800 kits were tested from the East Valley cities of Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert, generating 172 hits. The majority of those were in Mesa, where 602 kits were tested, which generated 134 hits, Mesa police Sgt. Matt Lawes said. Sgt. Mark Marino, a Gilbert police spokesman, said all of his department’s backlog was tested as of 2018, but he said he did not know the number. Sgt. Dan Mejia, a Chandler police spokesman, said 120 Chandler kits were tested. He said 80 cases were reviewed and closed, while 40 are pending review. Chandler police re-evaluated three cases for potential charges. One case was dropped when the victim did not wish to pursue further investigation, while the two others are awaiting additional DNA testing. “Chandler detectives throughout the years have submitted cases for testing appropriately when DNA became readily available,’’ Mejia said. “So, in most of these cases, DNA was not a factor with regards to substantiating some of the elements required in a sexual assault.’’ In the West Valley, the grants paid for police departments to get 467 kits tested, with 87 DNA hits obtained. Eliason, now division chief of the Major Offenders Bureau, said the 14 convictions stemming from testing the kits so far have been on relatively obvious cases and that the DNA information obtained from other kits may eventually lead to additional arrests years into the future. He said he anticipates that the DNA trail from the kits will eventually lead to arrests in two homicides. “I am confident in the next 12 months, we will be talking about a murder case,’’ Eliason said. He said that overlooking the unexamined kits – a potential source of incriminating evidence – makes no sense from a prosecutor’s point of view. “Here’s a way to develop cases,’’ he said. “It’s a lot like, you go to an old gold mine, the first place you look is the tailings.’’ In several incidents, the old rape examination kits helped police establish a pattern of behavior, identifying a serial rapist, Eliason said. “If you have three of them, they become a lot more powerful than one by itself,’’ he said. While police and prosecutors dug into

the backlog, they also sought to make sure the same mistake was never repeated by establishing the Maricopa County Sexual Assault Kit Protocol Work Group.

Future better for victims

The study group included police, prosecutors and victims’ rights advocates who established protocols for investigating sexual assault cases. “Every victim counts,’’ Eliason said. “It was setting standards. We want to make sure this never happens again.’’ Tasha Menaker, co-CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, praised Eliason’s efforts, but she said more work needs to be done for the legal system to treat victims with respect. “I think it’s a positive thing,’’ Menaker said. “I’m pleased the kits are being tested now and I’m glad we have protocols in place.’’ But she said the backlog also demonstrates why many victims – an estimated 70 percent to 80 percent – don’t report sexual assaults to police, believing that the criminal justice system will ignore them. “If you went through the effort to go through the exam and nothing happens, you feel your voice wasn’t heard,’’ Menaker said. “It’s a bigger issue than just the kits. At the end of the day, we still blame and stigmatize sexual assault victims.’’ While a sexual assault leaves an indelible scar on a women’s psyche, undergoing the 13-step rape kit examination can also be humiliating. Throughout the metro area, victims are brought to facilities such as the Mesa Family Advocacy Center, where they can be interviewed by a detective and examined by a forensic nurse, who administers the sexual assault examination kit. “If they have the courage to come forward, it’s a one-stop shop. You can tell the story once,’’ Lawes said. For many years in Mesa, the sexual assaults kits had been sent to the Mesa Crime Lab the next day, with results generally coming back in about two weeks, he said. “The backlog is not recent cases. It’s older cases when DNA testing was expensive. They were very judicious about which kits they tested,’’ Lawes said. See

RAPE KIT on page 10

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MOSQUITOES

from cover

and 106 positive traps for encephalitis. “If we keep on experiencing the same trend this week, we would most likely see those numbers go up,” Dilone said. West Nile virus, which can lead to neuroinvasive disease in humans such as meningitis and encephalitis, is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Arizona. So far this year there have been 18 confirmed cases of humans contacting West Nile virus from the bite of an infected mosquito, according to Jessica Rigler, assistant director for public health prevention at the state Department of Health Services. All of the cases were in Maricopa County. Eleven of those cases involved some kind of neurological complication, Rigler said. Chandler resident Julie Guiragozian-Krajekian posted a warning on social media last week after her elderly neighbor was confirmed with the virus. The woman originally went to the emergency room because of vomiting and was discharged as having a stomach virus, according to Guiragozian-Krajekian. “She went home and symptoms worsened,” she said. “Second visit, once again discharged for a severe case of stomach virus.” The woman’s third trip to the hospital resulted in her being admitted and placed in ICU, according to Guiragozian-Krajekian. “Symptoms continue to worsen, high fever and in and out of consciousness and at times not recognizing family members,” she said. “Her husband states hospital informed him his wife is the ninth confirmed case in Chandler this week.” Guiragozian-Krajekian said the woman’s husband believed his wife was bitten while in her backyard. Last year, 27 human cases in the state tested positive for the virus — 24 in Maricopa County — resulted in six deaths, according to the department. St. Louis encephalitis, on the other hand, is rare in Arizona with no human case reported this year or last year. In 2015, Maricopa County saw an outbreak that sickened 22 people and resulted in two deaths. Dilone attributed the increase in positive samples mostly to a higher number of infected birds. “Obviously mosquitoes get the virus from birds and spread the virus to other birds and to humans,” he said. Rigler said pools testing positive for mosquitoes also are on the increase this year statewide. When adult mosquitoes are collected

TIPS TO WARD OFF MOSQUITOES

County vector control specialist Jason Gillette has been hanging a lot of mosquito traps around East Valley neighborhoods. (Kimberly Carrillo/Photographer)

from a surveillance trap, they are divided by species, with one pool counted for each species. “We’ve had a significant increase of positive pools so far this year for West Nile,” she said. “We had 184 positive pools compared to 20 the same time last year. St. Louis encephalitis so far we’ve had 107 positive pools compared with four the same time last year.” She said most of the positive mosquito pools were in the eastern side of the county but could not explain the reason. She also could not explain the increase in mosquitoes testing positive for the two viruses. As of May 31, over 11,700 mosquito traps have been set in Arizona, mostly in Maricopa and Pinal counties, the state agency reported — about a third of the total 41,755 traps set up for all of 2018. Rigler said more surveillance traps will be added as the year progresses. Dilone said over 800 of those traps are deployed weekly in different locations in Maricopa County. Traps are set up in the afternoon and taken down the next morning. The traps that Gillette oversees are set in populated areas mostly near green belts and on land next to horse properties. “We have thousands of areas identified as problem areas throughout the year that had issues with mosquito breeding,” Dilone said. “There are problem areas throughout the Valley. Obviously where there is water, there is a risk there. Lot of times it can be a property that has containers collecting water or a swimming pool not working properly or a pond.” So far this year, the county has received 1,016 complaints about green swimming pools — another source of mosquitoes. In 2018, it received 728, according to Dilone. Traps are brought to the county lab, where the captured mosquitoes are counted and sorted by species.

“We separate the female mosquitoes and then we test each trap individually to see if they test positively for West Nile virus or St. Louis encephalitis,” Dilone said. Lab technicians also look out for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are tested for Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika viruses. While Dilone attributed this year’s significant number of mosquitoes to wetter weather during the spring, things are starting to slow down. “We’ve not had the rain or accumulation of rain,” he said. “This situation of traps testing positive and having a large number of mosquitoes may change if we experience a dry summer. Weather is always a crucial one. Mosquitoes need water, need stagnant water for three to four days (to breed).” So far, the monsoon season, which generally brings rain and mosquitoes, is off to a late start. The season officially started June 15 but is delayed this year with the Phoenix area seeing abnormally dry weather for the next few weeks due to El Niño persisting longer than expected, according to meteorologist Sean Benedict with the National Weather Service in Phoenix. Monsoon season ends officially on Sept. 30. “Just because it’s a dry start doesn’t mean a dry ending,” he said. “It could be like last year, when there was more rain toward the end of the season.” What moisture that’s come so far has been to the periphery of Phoenix and southeastern Arizona, such as along the White Mountains, he said. As for the upcoming winter, it’s trending toward a typical drier season, he said. But even in dry weather mosquitoes can still breed. Female mosquitoes can lay their eggs in a single bottle cap filled with water. And because mosquito eggs can remain dormant until activated by water, it’s important for people to dump out any standing water, Rigler said. Besides year-round monitoring and education, the county’s protocol for combating mosquito-borne diseases includes fogging, the airborne spraying of pesticides from the back of a truck from midnight to 5 a.m.

• Don’t allow any outside water to stand for more than four days. • Drill holes in the bottom of any unused containers so water can’t collect. • Remove or drain any standing water from birdbaths, discarded tires, flowerpots (check the dish underneath the flowerpot), wheelbarrows, barrels, tin cans that are left outdoors. • I mmediately remove any water that collects on pool covers. • Make sure the pool’s pump is circulating water properly. • Fill in any low depression areas in lawns. • R emove areas such as dense shrubbery where mosquitoes breed and rest. • Make certain that door and window screens fit tightly and do not have holes. If there are no screens, keep doors and windows closed from evening to dawn. • Stay indoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active, otherwise cover up and use insect repellent for extra protection. • Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors during mosquito active times • Spray any clothing with repellents containing DEET, as mosquitoes easily bite through thin clothing such as cotton T-shirts. (Source: Maricopa County) For more information, go to FightTheBiteMaricopa.org or call 602-506-6616 for information and complaints. For free mosquito fish, call 602-506-0700 to schedule a pick-up time.

Fogging is conducted in a 1-square-mile area of a trap provided it meets one of three conditions - 30-plus Culex mosquitoes present in the trap, 300-plus mosquitoes (primarily floodwater mosquitoes) in a trap or the trap tests positive for West Nile or encephalitis, according to Dilone. Asked if the department expected to increase fogging this year, Dilone said it depended on the weather. “Fogging is conducted based on traps meeting our fogging protocol or not,” he said. “We have been fogging quite actively this year, since April 21.” In Gilbert so far this year, areas surrounding traps meeting the county criteria have already been fogged once. The area that includes Zanjero Park and the area that includes Mercy Gilbert Medical Center have both been fogged three times already. Fogging also occurred three times in an area that encompasses Roadrunner Park in Chandler and a portion of the Layton Lakes neighborhood in Gilbert. “Usually the southeast is an area with lot of activity because we have lots of farms and lots of areas that are conducive for mosquitoes like the Riparian,” said Dilone, who lives in Gilbert. “I know there is still ‘ag land’ in Gilbert, more than in other areas.” The county also offers free mosquito-eating fish, called gambusias, that can be placed into personal ponds or stagnant swimming pools.

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RAPE KIT

from page 6

Many of these untested kits were on “he said-she said’’ cases in which the victim identified her attacker and consent was the key issue, Lawes said. In some cases, DNA might tend to confirm a victim’s identification of a suspect, but it might not necessarily lead to an arrest because of the consent issue, he said. “Evolution of DNA is part of the puzzle. Then, you have to overcome customs,’’ he said. “It was not possible to test everything back then. It was cost prohibitive.’’ Police understand DNA evidence much better today and take a broader approach, realizing it can not only identify suspects, but also link them to more than one incident, including cases in other states, through use of a federal databank, Tempe Detective Greg Bacon said.

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

“It’s something that will never happen again,’’ he said. “When you look back at the grand scheme of DNA, there may have been a disconnect on what DNA could do.’’

‘The power of DNA’

Paladino’s case seems like a classic example. In a sentencing memorandum, Jesus Acosta, his defense attorney, outlined a series of allegations that never resulted in sexual assault charges. Gilbert police referred Paladino to juvenile authorities. He was placed on intensive probation for three years and received mental health treatment, according to a pre-sentence report. But testing the old rape kits, dating back to 2003, linked Paladino to the series of assaults in which the victims told similar stories. The victims included a 13-yearold girl and a 14-year-old girl. A 17-year-old victim said Paladino dropped out of high school at the time

because his nickname was “The Rapist,’’ according to a pre-sentence report. In Arizona, the age of consent is 18. In the report, Paladino claimed that he had sex with more than 200 women and had difficulty recalling details. “He commented that his sex drive was ‘pretty high’ when he was younger and he was ‘a little rough,’ but he denied intending to hurt the women,’’ the report said. Paladino generally claimed the sex acts were consensual, even though any sex act with an underage victim in Arizona is considered a sex crime. “The defendant commented that when girls get upset, they accuse you of raping them,’’ the pre-sentence report said. Acosta argued for leniency, saying that Paladino had given up drinking and had become a good family man, even running his own landscaping and auto repair businesses. “The defendant is deeply and sincerely sorry for his actions,’’ Acosta wrote. “Mr.

Paladino has a conscience and he knows there is no excuse for his actions.’’ But a probation officer viewed Paladino much differently after reviewing reports of how his victims were traumatized, with one reporting anxiety, depression and a hospitalization. “The defendant’s actions demonstrated he was more concerned with fulfilling his own personal sexual interests and desires than for any negative long term emotional or psychological impacts his actions could potentially have on his victims,’’ the probation officer wrote. In the end, Paladino pleaded guilty on June 12 to one count of sexual assault and one count of attempted sexual assault. He was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Warren Granville to 5.25 years in prison and lifetime supervised probation. He also must register as a sex offender. “Now, we understand the power of DNA,’’ Bacon said.

Rape victim tells what the rape-kit clearance meant BY JIM WALSH Staff Writer

She was jumped from behind, thrown to the ground and violated by an acquaintance in a vacant Tempe apartment. For the next 15 years, Tracy Rios remained disappointed, losing her faith in the criminal justice system after she reported the sexual assault to Tempe police and identified her attacker. He was never prosecuted. Rios went on with her life, trying not to let her unhealed emotional scar defeat her. “I was told they couldn’t take it any further. It kind of hurt,’’ Rios said. “It’s sad. It makes us victims look like they don’t take us seriously.’’ But Rios’ world changed in early 2017 when a Tempe police cold case detective suddenly on her door and delivered some incredible news. The sexual assault examination kit, which had been administered to Rios so many years earlier, had finally been tested as part of a national campaign by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. to clear up a huge backlog. Tempe police had received a “hit,’’ identifying Rios’ attacker as Nur Muktar, backing up her original account. Rios had been unable to call Muktar, who had disconnected his phone. At that point, the case was going nowhere. The detective told Rios something she thought she would never hear. Police were moving forward with plans to arrest Muktar and he would be prosecuted by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. “It restored my faith in the system. Everyone can get justice,’’ Rios said, even if it took far too long in her case. She said she felt vindicated. The news was jarring, but it also was what she always wanted. “I get justice, that my story is was being heard, and that guy was going to jail for what he did.’’

t? o G ws Ne

It took more than a decade for Tracy Rios of Apache Junction to see her rapist brought to justice because her rape kit languished on a shelf and was never processed. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

Muktar, 40, who has an arrest record for several other crimes, including burglary and drug possession, was sentenced on March 8, 2018, by Superior Court Judge Peter Reinstein to seven years in prison

Muktar pleaded guilty to the charges, sparing Rios from testifying about her attack in court. “I didn’t need to be cross-examined and second-guessed. I’d have to relive

I came home and I just cried. I knew not to take a shower because it “would wash away the DNA evidence. I just cried myself to sleep, ” – Tracy Rios for sexual assault and to lifetime supervised probation for attempted sexual assault. Muktar also must register as a sex offender.

everything again,’’ Rios said. “I will never forget’’ the attack. “You are never quite whole again,’’ said Rios, 42, a medical transportation driver.

“It always stays in the back of your mind.’’ Instead, Rios accepted an invitation to tell her story at a press conference in New York City in March 2019, when Vance summarized the results of his rape kits campaign and she was one of four survivors to attend. Although Rios said she was very nervous and overwhelmed by her first trip to New York City, she described the attack in graphic detail. She had been to a friend’s birthday party on June 14, 2002. She had told Muktar she was tired and wanted a ride home. She said Muktar told her he had one more stop to make nearby and he would drive her home after that. Rios trusted Muktar, who mysteriously had a key to an apartment. After walking down a hallway, Rios said, she realized the apartment was vacant when she walked into the empty living room. She said Muktar grabbed her from behind and threw her to the ground. She said she fought her attacker off as best she could. Muktar eventually drove her home, telling her on the trip, “I hope we can still be friends,’’ Rios said. She told him yes to please him, realizing she was still in jeopardy, knowing in her heart the opposite was true. “I came home and I just cried. I knew not to take a shower because it would wash away the DNA evidence. I just cried myself to sleep,’’ Rios said. Rios said she thanked Vance for shelling out the grants that finally got her and other survivors the justice they craved. In turn, she said Vance praised Rios and the others for their bravery in telling their stories. “I wanted to get my story out there to let other girls know there is justice and not to give up hope,’’ Rios said. “They let me down, but they made up for it afterwards.’’

Contact Contact Paul Paul Maryniak Maryniak at at 480-898-5647 or or pmaryniak@timespublications.com pmaryniak@timespublications.com

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

Fire Department developing paramedic accreditation program BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Staff Writer

The Chandler Fire Department is developing an accredited paramedic certification program after contracting with Chandler Regional Medical Center and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. For the last 10 years, the Fire Department has worked with Phoenix College to train paramedics. Currently, the program takes about 10 months to complete and produces the city’s first line of medical responders. However, in order to be accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs for its own paramedic program, the department must enter agreements with local hospitals to ensure students adequately fulfill the clinical training component of the program. With a site visit from CAAHEP set for sometime within the next year and a half, the department must be under contract with the medical facilities to be considered for accreditation. The Fire Department’s contract with Phoenix Children’s Hospital will run until June 2022 and the contract with Chandler Regional Medical Center will end next June. “Becoming an accredited program will ensure that students meet high competency benchmarks through rigorous training from clinical experts,” city records state. Chandler Fire Department Fire Chief Tom Dwiggins said students are currently required to have 100 hours of clinical time in the hospital. With new access to the

Chandler Fire Chief Tom Dwiggins outlined the new paramedic training arrangement at a recent city council meeting. It will ensure that paramedics have the best training available. (YouTube)

medical facilities, students will have the hands-on training with varying patient types necessary to be successful in the field, he added. While in both Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Chandler Regional Medical Center, students will spend time in the emergency room, the intensive care unit, telemetry unit, the labor and delivery department and, “just about every other

area of the hospital,” Dwiggins said. While training in the facilities, the students will be working under the supervision of a physician or nurse to perform skills such as patient assessments, starting IVs, tracheal intubation, medication administration and delivering babies in the hospital, which Dwiggins says is always a student favorite. “Our partnerships that we have with

Phoenix Children’s Hospital and the opportunity to work with pediatric patients or Chandler Regional Medical Center and the opportunity we now have to work in a trauma center has really helped us to increase their skill set and their ability to deliver good service out in the field,” said Dwiggins. Paramedics are certified only after passing knowledge and skills-based assessments. Different from EMTs, paramedics can provide treatment that breaks the skin, such as administering injections. To become a paramedic, candidates must be certified EMT-Basic. Upon certification, EMTs apply for a training program in which they must have a sponsor lined up and ready to employ them upon completing their schooling. Most training programs in the area prefer for EMTs to have two years of experience before applying for a paramedic program. The state’s paramedic certification is valid for two years and is eligible for renewal. These requirements are expected to be the same under the new Chandlerbased paramedic program. At a Chandler City Council study session, Councilman René Lopez told Dwiggins, “I want to bring this to the attention of our public. Our public safety does more than just respond to calls. They go out there and are very proactive with our community.” “Keeping our citizenry safe and our firemen at the utmost highest level of training,” Lopez added.

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14 SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019 COMMUNITY NEWS

Fatal shootings keep Chandler police busy SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Fatal motor vehicle accidents and shootings inside homes have kept Chandler Police busy the last few weeks. The latest tragedy involved the July 14 shooting of a woman by her husband in the 3200 block of West Stephens Place. Department spokesman Seth Tyler said police were summoned around 5 a.m. to a home where they found 31-year-old Elshaymaa Elmesilhy unresponsive with a gunshot wound to her chest. She died at the hospital. Elmesilhy’s husband, Mustafa Hussein, 37, was arrested on a charge of seconddegree murder. Tyler reported that the suspect said he shot his wife accidentally as was unloading his gun. “After the initial shot was fired, Hussein panicked and inadvertently fired another round, which struck the bedroom floor,” Tyler said. “Hussein then called 911 along with Elmesilhy’s sister, who was staying at the residence with the couple and their two young children.” Meanwhile, no charges have been filed in the fatal shooting of a man inside the home of a gated Ocotillo community. Around 8:30 a.m. July 11, police went to a home in the 5500 block of South Four Peaks Place and found 62-yearold Charles Vallow of Texas with two gunshot wounds to his chest. Police say Vallow went to the

residence, where his estranged wife lives with their son and her daughter, to pick up his son. While at the home, Vallow and his wife engaged in an argument. Vallow’s brother-in-law was also in the residence. Fearing the argument would elevate to a physical altercation between Vallow and his estranged wife, the brother-in-law intervened on behalf of his sister. Soon, Vallow and his brotherin-law were in a physical fight, Tyler said.

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case would be sent to the county attorney for review. Traffic accidents also claimed two lives. One involved a man distracted by his cell phone. On July 8, Michael Robles, 50, of Mesa, was killed around 7 a.m. near the area of Alma School and Queen Creek roads after his pickup went out of control and crashed into a wall. Chandler police say they believe Robles was not wearing a seat belt and may have been distracted by his phone at the time of the crash. The collision briefly knocked out power to a traffic signal and closed traffic in the area for a while. Finally, police reported the death July 6 of a motorcyclist who had been involved in a crash June 11 on Clubhouse Drive north of Ocotillo Road. Arman Nolcox II, 26, suffered severe injuries when he struck the raised median and crashed. He was not wearing a helmet, and neither impairment nor excessive speed were considered to be factors in the crash.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

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JULY 20, 2019

Social-emotional learning coming to 27 elementary schools BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

The Chandler Unified School District Governing Board has approved spending more than $197,000 on a new socialemotional curriculum at 27 elementary schools. The board authorized schools to begin utilizing new resources meant to help teachers combat acts of aggression and disruptiveness. Second Step and Caring School Community, both educational nonprofits, will contract with CUSD to supply lesson plans and activities intended to assist students in managing their behavior. Superintendent Camille Casteel said these resources typically involve 20-minute lessons that will be taught in classrooms at the teacher’s discretion. “They help teachers teach children about decision-making, conflict resolution, treating others with respect,” the superintendent said, comparing the curriculum to the Character Education program previously practiced by the district.

Governing Board authorized spending curriculum only at K-6 schools and has not yet reviewed introducing new resources at the district’s secondary schools. Mental health in public schools has recently been a topic of discussion at districts all across the East Valley as students increasingly feel the pressure to get good grades and perform on social media. High school students told school Tarwater Elementary 5th grade teacher Jennifer Johnston not only had to get her classroom ready but she also had to get familiar with a new socialboards in Tempe, emotional curriculum. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer) Mesa, and Chandler this last year they Administrators have been examining wanted more resources new types of social-emotional curriculum for battling depression and anxiety before at all its schools in the last year. the situation gets any worse. During the July 10 meeting, the Chandler High School’s 2018

valedictorian took his own life earlier this year, becoming the 35th suicide in two years in an area covering Chandler, Queen Creek, Gilbert and Mesa. Social-emotional learning has become a big issue in public education as administrators attempt to curb bullying and violence. The Pew Research Center recently found 70 percent of teenagers think their peers are burdened by anxiety. Several school districts throughout the country have responded to the mental health gap by adopting Second Step lessons. One school board in Washington State approved the curriculum shortly after a student committed suicide, according to the Daily Evergreen. Three Chandler elementary schools began piloting the Second Step curriculum last year before the district moved forward with expanding socialemotional learning to all K-6 schools. The $197,800 that will be spent on the curriculum comes out of the district’s textbook fund. See

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL on page 22

CUSD opening new special ed center SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

The Chandler Unified School District will begin serving special-education students at a new facility this year instead of sending them to schools outside the district. CUSD plans to enroll about 50 students with autism or intellectual disabilities at the newly constructed Chandler Learning Center, located near Willis Junior High School. Students 14 to 22 will learn a variety of vocational and life skills to help them become more independent once they leave the district. CUSD had been transporting several students to private day schools outside its boundaries where their unique learning needs could be better served. But administrators decided a couple of years ago they wanted to find a way to keep some of these students from traveling too far for their programming. “We feel this is an opportunity to bring them home,” said Kym Marshall, the district’s director of student services. Each student with an individualized education program, or IEP, will be evaluated and Marshall’s department will determine whether the Learning Center is a right fit for their educational needs. The district may not be able to meet the needs of every student, the director

About 50 students with autism or intellectual disabilities will be studying this school year at this new center that the district build at a cost of $7.5 million. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

said, so the center will be just one of multiple options. The district’s Governing Board approved a $7.5 million contract last August to build the learning center at 1205 East Frye Road. The Arizona School Facilities Board, a state-funded agency, provided about $4 million of the project’s funding. The Learning Center will additionally become the new home for the district’s Preparatory Life Advancement Center of Education, a vocational program designed to help young adults transition out of high school.

The PLACE program encourages independence by teaching students about finances, working around a kitchen and preparing for a job interview. Another group of students requiring an alternative form of education in the form of online curriculum will be using space at the new facility. Marshall said the district plans to slowly transfer more students to the Learning Center as time goes on, capping enrollment at about 150 students. Ten years ago, the district opened a similar facility, the Ken Chief Hill Learning

Academy, which served as a standalone school for students needing alternative forms of education. CUSD had been contracting with a company to teach the alternative program before deciding to operate it in-house at Chief Hill. The district’s essentially doing the same thing with its Learning Center by offering a space that will allow students and families from having to travel outside the district’s boundaries. “A lot of parents want to stay in their community,” Marshall added.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

from cover

questions that had not been answered during the live stream directly from their school’s administrators. Four kindergarten teachers made up the panel that answered parent questions. Locke said the panel included teachers from traditional schools, Title I schools and neighborhood schools in order to represent the kindergarten experience from varying points of view. “The teachers complemented each other really well. They all had different perspectives,” Locke said. Jennifer Huber commented on the post, “It’s interesting how different schools have different answers to these questions. I would have anticipated more consistency across the district.” Locke said the diversity in their background and their responses also provided one of the biggest challenges they faced when going live. Those watching the live webcast were able to ask questions directly onto the Facebook post. Locke would then supply the teachers the questions and each teacher would give a response. “You don’t get any do-overs,” Terry said, adding, “The four of them didn’t know each other. So, they really had about a half-hour to meet each other beforehand, but everything was completely unrehearsed.” The conversation started with each teacher describing what a typical day in a kindergarten classroom looks like, before the questions and comments started to flow. Parents asked questions about how the buddy system works when children

Parents had an enthusiastic response to the video, leaving comments thanking the district for setting it up after the live stream ended. Anna Pereira commented, “Thank you for this post! It was informative and answered all of my questions.” “Great job! Loved the show,” Kathy Rood Dotson Hickey commented. Terry said the success of the live stream revolved around parents getting their questions answered in real time. Because of the positive outcome from Kindergarten Live, Locke said, the district is now considering expanding the topics covered in live stream videos on the district’s Facebook page. “If we’re still getting this positive and helpful reaction we will probably ask our staff and principals ‘what are the questions we can take on as a picture thing,’” District spokesman Terry Locke was the "emcee" during the Chandler Unified School District's Facebook presentation by Locke said. four kindergarten tachers aimed at telling first-time parents of kindergartners all they needed to know to prepare for the Locke said the next step will big first day of school. (Facebook) be covering the junior high school and high school experience in need to go to the bathroom, how parents the district’s Facebook page was a live stream videos, then the district may can make saying goodbye on the first day natural next step for the marketing and consider doing a sports episode and a as easy as possible for their child, if they communication department. career and technical education episode. should bring their children to meet-the“We’re big on video in the district, “It’s the way our public likes to be teacher night, and when they will know and the community seems to love it,” communicated with. It’s a favorable way of who their teacher is and what supplies to Locke said. “We want to be open with communicating these days,” Locke said. bring with them on the first day of school. the community and it's great having that The kindergarten video is still on the “Some people answered the questions immediate dialogue back.” district’s Facebook page, and Terry said to on behalf of others. That’s the beauty The video had about 170 viewers during of using Facebook Live as a means of the live stream, but that number spiked to refer to the video if you are a parent of a communicating,” Locke said. over 3,300 viewers in the first 24 hours the kindergartener with questions or concerns and have not seen it yet. Locke said doing a live video on video was posted.

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Chandler schools chief welcomes a new year BY DR. CAMILLE CASTEEL

Chandler Unified School Superintendent

As we prepare for our first day of school, July 23, I want to take this opportunity to thank the families of more than 46,000 students for entrusting Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) with their children’s education. We are honored you have chosen CUSD and believe our efforts to create a menu of personalized learning experiences to meet the varied interests and needs of students is unprecedented. Our success starts with a visionary Governing Board that is providing a road map to make Chandler Unified the top school district in the nation. Expectations are high, but our staff is up for the challenge. In 2018-19, our staff proved that by achieving a score of 92.9 percent on our annual goals. Please visit our website at cusd80.com, where progress is carefully monitored through our 10-year strategic plan, Journey 2025. In order to meet those high standards, our teachers and staff work hard to pre-

pare students for life and career, create diverse paths for learning, develop global understanding, provide student-centered learning and engage parents in the success of their child. With the support of our parents, our students value diversity, think critically and creatively. And, just as importantly, they become problem solvers, engaged learners and service-oriented citizens. We pride ourselves in being the premier district of choice by continuing to add programs that adapt to the needs of the future workforce and interest of students. Our newest endeavor is the development of the Institute for Cyber Operations and Networking, which will open at Basha High this year. This cybersecurity program will provide four years of high school curriculum, offer a pipeline to higher education in partnership with Chandler-Gilbert Community College and the University of Arizona and help address concerns of a global shortage of roughly 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals projected in the immediate future. The cybersecurity curriculum is the lat-

est among a number of choices and safe learning environments for our families to select. We pride ourselves on providing outstanding educational programs at all grade levels, including: • Free full-day kindergarten • K-8 self-contained gifted programs (Chandler Academically Talented Students) • Knox Gifted Academy • Traditional academies • Mandarin Chinese and Spanish Language immersion programs • Elite Performance Academy for our serious young student-athletes • Accelerated Middle School • STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) diploma • Nationally recognized academic, fine arts and athletic programs • College preparatory advanced placement instruction • Accelerated International Baccalaureate study • Science and biotech classes that promote critical thinking • Chandler Online program • Access to a variety of quality preschool

and afterschool programming Academic achievement is among the highest priorities in the district, as evidenced by test scores that exceed state and national averages. Every year we ask the public to judge us by the graduates we produce. Our graduating class of 2019 experienced a banner year. In addition to state and national honors in academics, fine arts and sports, we experienced a record number of 43 National Merit Semi-finalists. Our graduates earned more than $150 million in college scholarship offers, 22,238 dual college credits and provided 113,569 service-learning hours! Please visit our website for an extensive list of accomplishments. The commitment of our staff, students and families lead to wonderful outcomes. As you can see, I am very proud of our students and dedicated staff. If your children are not enrolled in our schools, I hope you will give us an opportunity to serve you. I am so sure that we can find the right school environment for your child that I invite you to contact my office at 480-812-7600 so that my staff and I can assist with placement for this year.

Kyrene to unveil several major initiatives, programs BY DR. JAN VESELY Kyrene Schools Superintendent

“We are born makers. We move what we’re learning from our heads to our hearts through our hands.” – Brené Brown A new year is about to begin. All Kyrene students start school on Aug. 1, and families are encouraged to join us for Meet the Teacher nights on July 29 (elementary schools) and July 30 (middle schools). Over the summer, I have been reading the works of researcher and storyteller Brené Brown, and I came across the quote above. Brown says we are born makers, moving what we learn from our heads to our hearts and, finally, through our hands. I see this in action every day in Kyrene schools. At its best, the process of teaching and learning is an art. We in Kyrene are very fortunate to have many master artists in our classrooms. You only have to walk through any one of our schools to see kids working together to solve a problem, or hear a poem a student crafted on their own, to know that we are truly making a difference in the lives of children.

Social-emotional learning

The year ahead welcomes several exciting initiatives across Kyrene. This year, we are expanding our efforts to provide students with social-emotional learning and supports. We began this work two years ago with the middle school design, and are in the

process of extending social-emotional learning into our elementary schools. This work will include the addition of school counselors to our elementary campuses, as well as the implementation of a comprehensive social-emotional curriculum. If we are truly committed to making a difference in the lives of children, the addition of counselors is a key piece in achieving that goal. We know that providing support beyond academic interventions to all students is critical to their ability to perform at their full potential, as it helps them to develop resiliency and strategies for coping with risk factors and provides an additional layer of protective factors that will improve the overall social-emotional wellness of our students.

Equity impact

Equity is also a key focus this year, as we work with expert partner Corwin to build systems of support that identify and eliminate bias. This will include professional development for staff, support for culturally relevant teaching strategies and the development of practices for attracting job applicants from diverse backgrounds. We have already begun the work of focusing on restorative justice opportunities to close discipline gaps and ensure all students are treated fairly. In addition to our work with Corwin, we have engaged with the University of Virginia, Partnership for Leaders in Education to prioritize a set of schools who have historically had achievement, behavior and opportunity gaps.

The purpose of this initiative is to empower district and school leaders to create an equitable, inclusive and just system for every student by relentlessly pursuing transformational leadership, teaching and learning in our RISE UP schools. Our commitment is that every child in Kyrene feels like they belong and can thrive regardless of their race, gender, income or ability.

New beginnings

2019-20 sees two long-sought efforts come to fruition in Kyrene. After two years as a candidate school, Kyrene Middle School has been named an official International Baccalaureate school. The I.B. Middle Years Programme will put a global lens on all education at KMS, to help prepare students for future career and college opportunities. We have also spent the past two years “Imagining the Possibilities,” and will be welcoming the first cohort of students to a new educational model within Kyrene de las Manitas this year. Facilities staff have been busy creating a learning studio that will include stateof-the-art technology and areas where students can build, perform and experiment with hands-on activities. The teaching team, under the direction of a certified teacher executive designer, has been working on developing experiential/project-based lessons in preparation for the first day of school. We anticipate great work to emerge from this unique approach to learning.

Balanced budget

We are starting the new school year with a

balanced budget while honoring strategic initiatives and salary increases for teachers and staff, which, in today’s education landscape, is not an easy task. Kyrene has always had the support of its community for our bonds and overrides, which allow us to minimize severe budget deficits that other districts face. Even so, our margin is very small, and each year, we must identify opportunities for efficiencies, that do not impact our effectiveness, so that we may continue to fund new and innovative programs that allow us to prepare our kids for the future. This year, we invited the community to work with us in identifying budget priorities. We asked our parents, community members, teachers and site leaders to review and prioritize areas of budget reductions as well as new initiatives. This feedback informed the final budget for the 2019-20 school year.

Strategic Plan 2022

Throughout the coming year, we will continue to measure our progress against the goals set forth in the Kyrene Strategic Plan 2022. As I reflect on our work in recent years, I appreciate the progress we’ve made toward those goals of high-performing students, high-quality talent, collective governance, inclusive culture and creating a responsive organization. This progress can be attributed to the hard work of our amazing school leaders, teachers and staff, the leadership and support of our Governing Board, and a highly engaged parent community. We will See

VESELYon page 21

BACK TO SCHOOL

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

VESELY

from page 20

continue to report our progress to the Governing Board and to our community

so that we remain true to the vision for Kyrene, that all students achieve at their maximum potential to become problem-solvers, creators and visionaries of tomorrow.

I believe that each child has his or her own special gifts and talents waiting to be discovered. I look forward to seeing those gifts emerge as we progress through another exciting year.

My wish for the 2019-20 school year is that we can move learning from our students’ heads, to their hearts and through their hands, to make learning come alive for them in ways they never imagined.

Beyond the classroom, Kyrene offers enrichment BY ERIN HELM Guest Writer

The start of the school year always draws an intense focus on the classroom, but Kyrene School District has much to offer students beyond the strong academics and high achievement at its core. Kyrene’s before- and after-school programming has exploded from a handful of offerings in the late 1990s to hundreds of options today. Josh Glider, director of Community Education for Kyrene School District, has watched the programming grow over the years. “There was a high demand in the community for extracurricular options,” Glider explained. “Kyrene responded to that demand and is proud to have an exemplary, award-winning program today.” Youth Enrichment classes are available

for children from kindergarten through 8th grade and include art, chess, critical thinking, dance, foreign language, mathematics, music and drama, physical education, science and academic assistance. These tuition-based enrichment courses are offered on campuses throughout the district and are not limited to Kyrene students but open to children across the valley. Select enrichment courses are taught by certified Kyrene teachers, and all classes are taught by qualified, experienced professionals within the after-school environment. In addition to Youth Enrichment courses, Kyrene’s Community Education offerings include intramural sports, theater, fine arts and competitive STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs. Additionally, Kyrene offers education-

al options during breaks and holidays as well as Friday night fun with special evening activities planned throughout the year. There are even opportunities for “grown-ups” with online adult enrichment programming. At the heart of these extracurricular options are the Kids Club programs offered before and after school on every elementary campus and the After-Hours programs on all middle school campuses. Financial assistance and flexible scheduling make participation easy for families with time or budget constraints. “Our goal is to make before- and after-school options accessible to all families,” Glider says. Registration for the 2019-20 school year is now open, and Community Education courses are filling up fast. Register today at kyrene.org/eservices or call 480-541-1500 for more information.

Mark your calendar • Monday, July 29 5:30-7 p.m. Meet the Teacher Night in all elementary schools. • Tuesday, July 30, 5-7 p.m. Meet the Teacher Night in all middle schools. • Thursday, Aug. 1 First Day of School Kyrene School District calendars can be found atkyrene.org/calendar. Individual school calendars can be found on the new home page of every Kyrene school website. Erin Helm is director of communications and marketing for Kyrene School District.

High school students must now learn financial literacy BY DEENA LAGER Guest Writer

As students head back to school in the coming weeks, they will be getting a new opportunity to learn the skills they need for the future. This spring, Senate Bill 1184, also known as the financial literacy bill, passed in Arizona’s Legislature and was signed by Gov. Doug Ducey. The bill, which had strong bipartisan support along with the business community, makes it mandatory for all high school students to take a financial literacy class as part of their general education requirements. The move couldn’t come at a better time for our students and the state as a whole. Indicators are found everywhere showing the struggles Americans have with their finances, and it’s clear our youth have a great deal to learn about

money management. By the end of 2018, American consumers were looking at $67 billion in new credit card debt, while total credit debt had grown to more than a trillion dollars. In fact, one out of every eight millennials has a debt in collections. Student loan debt is at an all-time high, more than $1.46 trillion as of 2018. There are many reasons this is occurring, but most indicators point to a lack of basic financial literacy, or the skills and knowledge needed to make informed and effective decisions with all financial resources. For example, a 2018 Harris Poll showed that only two out of every five adults has a household budget. Likewise, the same percentage of Americans do not pay their bills on time, subjecting them to late fees and other penalty charges, which will inevitably have a negative effect on their credit scores. For Arizona, the news is not all bad. The state ranks 19th nationally by a Wal-

letHub survey for financial literacy. But we can do better and that’s what this bill is all about. In my role as director of the Arizona 529 Family College Savings Plan (AZ 529), I spend a great deal of time talking to families and individuals about the importance of financial literacy. I want to help more students have the opportunity to attend college without taking on massive debt. AZ 529 plans are designed to help families put money aside while earning important tax breaks. A little savings now can make a big difference in the future. Each dollar saved today for college can prevent two dollars in student loan repayment in the future. For many families, the savings process starts with simple choices. Do I bring lunch or eat out? Can I make coffee a few times a week instead of stopping at the coffee shop? Should I put that vacation on the credit card or save for it in advance?

The more tools people have for their financial lives, the easier these choices become. And that’s precisely what this bill is trying to provide – tools for soonto-be adults. Researchers working on a study for the Federal Reserve found a direct link between financial education in school with higher credit scores and lower debt. In a different study, the same authors found that students who participated in Financial Literacy classes made decisions that led to lower student loan debt by the time they graduated from college. While this may not be a solution for all of our financial concerns, it is certainly a step in the right direction – a step that is extremely important for the state and our future. - Deena Lager is director of the Arizona 529 Family College Savings Program administered by the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education. Information: AZ529.gov.

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Backpacks, poor habits can cause pain BY SHAHEEN SIDDIQUI Guest Writer

With school around the corner, I often see an influx of tweens and teens in my clinic, many of whom complain that their neck

and back hurt. What could be the cause of this? Heavy backpacks. As the kids get older, they seem to have more books and accessories to carry around in their backpacks. And given that many high schools no longer have lockers, and the bag becomes even heavier. If worn improperly, the overloaded backpack can end up causing neck and back issues. A lot can be done to prevent this:

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL from page 16

The board additionally approved using $56,000 in grant funding for a “socialthinking” curriculum designed to help preschool students regulate their emotions. Second Step and Caring School Community claim their materials promote self-awareness, self-management and building positive relationships. The nonprofits encourage activities like puppet shows and sharing circles as strategies to teach empathy in young



• Distribute the load. Ideally, the backpack should weigh about 10 percent to 15 percent of a child’s body weight. If it’s heavier than that, consider using a rolling backpack. Or hold some of the items in your hands in order to distribute the weight. • Wear the backpack correctly. The best way to wear a backpack is with both straps on the shoulders, not hanging down too far past the hips. This will provide the most even distribution of weight. Hanging it over one shoulder can put a strain on the muscles on the opposite side, which can lead to pain and muscle imbalances over time. • Study positions/habit. Being stuck in one position – whether it’s in class or at home – can be tough on the body.

When we sit for too long, we place pressure on the discs in our back, and over time if we end up in a slumped posture, it can result in pain in the upper, mid, and low back. To help with this, simply place a small pillow or rolled-up towel behind your back. It can do wonders. Additionally, taking a break every hour to stand and do a couple of stretches can also help immensely. This gets the blood flowing and leads to better concentration. • Devices. Phones and tablets can take a toll on posture. Most of the time kids on phones have their neck bent forward and their back is slouched. Remaining in this position for many hours can end up with pain – and even take inches off your height. Take a break from the devices every

so often and do a posture “reset.” This means to sit up tall, squeeze your shoulder blades together, and tuck your chin. If done hourly, it will make a huge difference on your posture. A few simple neck stretches throughout the day can also help decrease any tightness you may be having. Overall, incorporating some type of movement in your everyday life is so important - whether it’s a sport you enjoy or simply going for a walk. With just a few easy tweaks to your everyday postural habits, and some additional movement, you can prevent a lifetime of pain. -Shaheen Siddiqui, MSPT is a physical therapist at Crossroads Orthopedic Physical Therapy, 610 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. Information: 480-772-7532.

students. “Second Step’s holistic approach helps create a more empathetic society by providing education professionals, families, and the larger community with tools to enable them to take an active role in the social-emotional growth and safety of today’s children,” the nonprofit wrote in its promotional materials. But some parents feel these socialemotional programs place too much responsibility on the district’s teachers. “I’m sorry (but) when did teachers become mental health professionals?”

Angie Russo asked the school board at the July 10 meeting. Bethanne Hathcock, another parent, said she believes the public places too much hope on schools to address issues better handled by professionals. “I really feel strongly that schools need to be focused on academic outcomes and that the idea of these extra programs… are modifying our kids’ chances to do well in school,” Hathcock said. Meanwhile, teacher salaries rise and tax rates fall in a budget the board unanimously adopted for the upcoming

school year. The district’s $321 million budget anticipates an enrollment boost of about 250 new students, makes way for hiring 25 new teachers to handle that increase and raises the average teacher salary 5 percent – from $59,072 to $61,731. “We are higher than the state average,” said district Chief Financial Officer Lana Berry. “We are very proud of that.” Chandler’s salary rate is higher than districts in Gilbert and Mesa, but not quite See

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL on page 23

BACK TO SCHOOL SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

Tarwater Elementary School kindergarten teacher Jamie Ezikt spent time this month getting her classroom ready for a new batch of students. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL from page 22

as high as the $69,525 average offered by Tempe Union High School District. The salary raise is not as large as the 12 percent increase that CUSD granted teachers in last year’s budget, which came shortly after Gov. Doug Ducey promised to raise teacher salaries 20 percent by 2020. The local tax rate is projected to decrease this year from 6.66 to 6.45 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, keeping

Chandler’s rate lower than districts in Queen Creek, Tempe, and Mesa. The adopted budget is larger than last year’s by about $22.9 million. Berry said the biggest change was seen in the amount of district additional assistance, funds reserved for capital spending, received by the district. This funding was double the amount CUSD had originally expected, Berry said. District additional assistance, which can be used on textbooks or classroom supplies, was drastically cut during the Great Recession and education advocates argue the state has yet to fully restore it.

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Global Bikes rode to success on cycle expertise BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Staff Writer

A local bike shop is making sure that summer heat doesn’t prevent people from staying stay active and getting outside. Global Bikes, with locations in Chandler, Gilbert and Ahwatukee, provides various weekly activities throughout the year that help connect cyclists to each other and to their community. Owner and founder Alan Lepak worked in bike shops throughout high school and college and always wanted to be a business owner. “I am very entrepreneurial-minded, but once I started managing a bike shop after college, that was when things really clicked for me. I knew this is where my hobbies and skills sort of crossed paths, so I took a risk and opened my own shop,” said Alan. At just 24, Alan had big dreams for his 1,200-square-foot showroom. “In the early days, it was a one-man show,” Alan said, adding that his primary challenge when he opened shop 18 years ago was learning how to wear all the hats necessary to run a business alone. “I knew I was able to do everything that’s required to run the shop day to day, but I didn’t realize it was also now I’m a bookkeeper, I’m the janitor, the fix-it man, learning IT, learning web development, just everything,” he said. But the biggest shock was his paycheck.

Global Bikes owner Alan Lepak and his wife Brandee have worked hard to become a major player in the region’s cycling community. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

“The first year when I did my taxes, I showed an $8 profit for the entire year, and I wasn’t pulling a salary. I literally made $8 for a year of working 80 hours a week, so it was definitely a lot sweat equity that went into building the business,” Alan said. But his hard work has paid off, and now he and his wife, Brandee, co-own a cycling “gear-changer” – thanks to a little help from the surrounding community. “It’s been a very good community to operate a small business in, so were

very fortunate to have that. And the year-round cycling and the cycling infrastructure that we have in Chandler and Gilbert with the canal banks, the safe streets and bike paths and what-not – that’s been really beneficial,” said Alan Now with a total of 15,000 square feet among all three stores and over 40 employees, Global Bikes has transformed into one of the largest cycling hubs in the East Valley. People come from far and wide to

get their bikes maintained and repaired by Global Bikes because the crew has certification to service everything from balance bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, and comfort bikes to the high-tech, highly anticipated electric bike. The shop even replaces wheelchair tires in-store. “Anything bike, or kind of bike-related, we can fix,” said Alan. For those without a bike to fix, the shop sells all the types of cycles at price points ranging from about $150 to $17,000. They also sell every sort of accessory a cyclist could need, from helmets and shoes to gloves and water bottle holders. Though the first shop revolved solely around sales and service, the company has expanded its reach in a more global sense, and now advocates for cycling and cyclists in the Valley. “We’re not just service and repair we are a hub for all things cycling and cycling activities. We’re really a destination for questions that need answers,” said Alan. For more than a decade, Global Bikes has worked with the city of Chandler during the annual Family Bike Ride, and has set up a booth to do free maintenance and service on bikes while engaging with the community. “We have a really great relationship with the City of Chandler. We have found through Chandler City Council we have a lot of cycling advocates so that’s really See

BIKES on page 28

Mother-daughter jewelry company sparkling BY COLLEEN SPARKS Contributor

A jewelry company spearheaded partly by a teenage girl to earn money has exploded with sales in the United States and Canada after customers were attracted to its heartfelt pieces designed to empower people. Origami Owl started in 2010 in the Chandler home of 14-year-old Bella Weems, and now it has more than 25,000 independent business owners, called OrigamiOwl Designers, across the United States and in Canada. Now married, Bella Weems-Lambert, 22, is the co-founder of the business, and her mother, Chrissy Weems, is the co-founder and CEO of the Origami Owl family of brands, which has its corporate office at 450 N. 54th St. When it began, Chrissy and Bella would sit at their kitchen table to fill orders. Bella would order products, including glass lockets and earrings and she would cut the backs of them to create a “charm,” per se. Now, a full product development department/team in Chandler designs the charms and various jewelry collections while the company works with outside manufacturers to bring the designs to life. The company is known for its Living Locket collection, customizable with a huge variety of Origami Owl miniature figurines and plates to put inside.

Bella Weems-Lambert, left, is the co-founder of Origami Owl and her mother, Chrissy Weems, is the co-founder and CEO. (Jennifer Griffith)

Most of the lockets are glass and stainless steel. Some of the Origami Owl lockets sparkle with crystals on them, with most of the crystal lockets made with Swarovski Crystals. Accessories called plates and windows add color, style and meaningful messages to the inside of the Living Lockets. Some include a large silver plate that fits into round lockets with the words “Not All Who Wander Are Lost” on it and a large black plate with the message “Family Is Forever” engraved in it. A large silver Maze Window Frame in polished silver adorned with Swarovski Crystal Bubbles looks like a complex, branching puzzle with different paths and the word “Wanderlust” engraved on the inside. Clients can also pick their own words to express themselves with gold, silver, rose gold or black inscription plates. Origami Owl also sells a huge selection of charm

pendants and charm bracelets, as well as locket watches, necklaces, rings and earrings. Bella said when she was 14, she wanted her parents to buy her a car when she turned 16. “They said, ‘Absolutely not.’ If I wanted a car I’d have to work for it,” she said. “I started brainstorming things I could do.” Bella and Chrissy said their business aims to be a “force for good” and to encourage customers and the sales consultants to reveal their personal stories and discover their unlimited potential. “That’s what we’re all about is helping people tell their stories through their jewelry,” Bella said. “It’s cool because a lot of people when they make a locket, they’ll put the things that matter most to them in a locket, a birthstone or inscribe a date. “Every locket is different and customizable. A lot of times we’ll tear up seeing what people have ordered. You can tell maybe they’ve just lost a baby or a loved one. A lot of people also keep them as keepsakes.” Chrissy said the independent designers are “entrepreneurs,” who sell the Origami Owl jewelry over social media and when they host “Origami Owl Jewelry Bars” – parties or gatherings at homes, venues they rent and sometimes at the corporate headquarters. Many of them are stay-athome mothers and teachers. See

ORIGAMI on page 30

BUSINESS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

Zzeeks Pizza raising money for 2 needy local families SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Zzeeks Pizza owners Mark and Jody Pectol never shy from using their business to help others. And in the next two weeks, they’re doing just that for two hard-pressed families – the family of a beloved Ahwatukee coach who died suddenly in February and the Chandler mother of a 3-year-old recently diagnosed with a lifethreatening cancer. Zzeeks’ pizzeria at the corner of McQueen and Warner roads in Chandler will host a fundraiser all day July 24 for benefit the family of little Abby Deal, who is starting costly chemotherapy treatments after being diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma cancer. A coworker of her mom, Jazmin Deal, started a Gofundme.com page to raise money for the family, saying that the girl’s mother would be taking a two-year leave from work to care for her daughter. Jody Pectol said that McMahon’s Ice Cream, has teamed up with Zzeeks for the fundraiser and that the pizzeria is currently selling raffle tickets for 25 different prizes. In addition, a portion of proceeds all day July 24 will go to Abby’s family. Raffle winners do not have to be present to win when tickets are drawn at 8 p.m. July 24 and tickets can be bought at both the Ahwatukee and Chandler Zzeeks locations. “Abby’s mother is just overwhelmed with all the medical bills and is in need of help,” Jody said. A similar fundraiser will be held all day July 31 at Zzeeks at 48th Street and Warner Road, Ahwatukee, for the family of the late James Rubio, whose February death at 46 from ﬂu complications left his widow to raise their five children, ages 2 to 14. “I want to do a fundraiser to get them

some money for school clothes and school supplies,” Jody said. She said the owner of a costume store has loaned the use of a Spider-Man outfit because the little girl likes the cartoon character. “Abby adores Spider-Man so SpiderMan will be making an appearance,” Jody said. “It’s just wonderful to see businesses and people come together to help a complete stranger in need.” Mr. Rubio was a beloved coach with East Valley Baseball for 10 years, and also coached teams for Horizon Honors and St. John Bosco. He volunteered with the Boy Scouts, Team in Training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and was an active member of the Corpus Christi Catholic Church. “Coach gave unconditionally to his family and his community,” said one of the many tributes paid him at the time of his death. “He wasn’t just teaching them baseball, he was teaching them how to become better men and women. Coach never wanted a child to not play or practice because of transportation or finances,” the commenter said. Jody said the Rubios are neighbors and that his widow “needed some help with the kids for school clothes and supplies.” She noted that with five young children, “that’s a lot of clothing and a lot of school supplies were needed.” This isn’t the first time that the Pectols have staged fundraisers for families in need and Jody explained their philosophy: “We are very blessed. Zzeek (Mark) and I enjoy helping out others in need. When the community all comes together to help another family, it’s just incredible to see the turnout. It’s very overwhelming for us and the family.”

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BUSINESS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

Repairs are manned by Matt Blondeau, left, and Garrett Stokes at Global Bikes in Gilbert. (Kimberly Carrillo)

BIKES

from page 26

excellent – Mayor Kevin Hartke being a big one,” Brandee said. Brandee has represented the company at round table city discussions about cycling-related issues including creating more bike lanes and the upkeep of trails. “We just really believe in getting as many people riding and into this sport as we possibly can,” she said.

Brandee has furthered the company’s reach to get the community riding through the organization’s nonprofit Trips for Kids Phoenix. When merchandise from select stands is purchased at Global Bikes, the profit goes toward the company’s charity. Trips for Kids Phoenix – or, as Alan calls it, “Brandee’s baby” – serves as a medium to collect all necessary equipment to get about 1,000 Valley children riding each year. During the annual Trips for Kids program, the kids learn priceless lessons about confidence, achievement, health and

Garrett Stokes makes some adjustments on a bike at Global Bikes. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff)

environmental awareness. Additionally, Brandee oversees the many group rides and courses Global Bikes hosts on a weekly basis. From beginner programs, intermediate cycles, trail rides, road rides, gravel rides along the canal, and several bike repair clinics at each location every month, Brandee and Alan agreed their goal is to make cycling as approachable as possible to all ages and fitness levels. “We really are a hub for cycling, we want

to do it all,” Alan said. For years Global Bikes has served as an avenue for new and experienced riders to hop on the saddle, and Alan and Brandee have no plans on shifting gears anytime soon. “To us,” he added, “a cyclist is everyone from those people that just can’t get enough and do this everyday to the mom and her kids who maybe only go out a few times a year. If you’re on a bike in any capacity, you’re a cyclist and we’re here for you.” Information: globalbikes.info

Work longer to boost your retirement income BY HAROLD WONG Guest Writer

From a mathematical perspective, there are only a few key variables to the retirement financial equation: earn more, save more, work longer, earn a higher rate of retirement cash ﬂow and reduce taxes. By the time people attend my seminars, with typical ages being 55-75, they have already made their education and career choices. According to the census, the median household income was $61,372 in 2017. One client of mine, age 55, is a single female nurse practitioner who works full time. She works every other Saturday to earn an extra $13,000 per year. If she does this for 15 years and earns an average 6 percent, she will have $320,742 more for her retirement. At age 70, a private

pension will give her $20,523 every year as long as she lives. More importantly, the money is not invested in the stock market, so she will not lose anything if the it crashes. Your rate of retirement cash ﬂow on assets saved really does matter. In today’s world, the average dividend rate in the S&P 500 Stock Market Index has been 1.98 percent from Jan. 1, 2000 to Dec. 31, 2018. The average one can earn by purchasing a 10-year Treasury bond has been about 2 percent for the last 10 years. Two of the largest banks in the Phoenix Metro area will give you $50 a year in interest if you deposit $100,000 in a jumbo one-year CD. After the 2008 crash, the federal government reduced interest rates to the lowest level in history. On $320,742, these alternatives would yield only $6,414 of annual income from stock dividends or U.S. Treasury bond interest; or $160.37 of

annual interest from the bank. Everyone would prefer to receive a much higher $20,523 of annual income. When we look at data from the 2017 Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking from the Federal Reserve, the average retirement age among currently living retirees was 59.88 years. The median age at when living retirees left work was 62, the earliest age one can draw Social Security benefits. A huge 63.1 percent retired between 57 and 66. The impact on your Social Security Benefits is huge! In my May 15, 2019 article in the Ahwatukee Foothills News, I cited the Social Security Administration: “In 2017, retired workers received an average of $1,404 in monthly benefits … and $2,136 monthly for a married couple.” From those who attended recent seminars, I have met a number who have highpaid jobs and have worked most their

lives. If they retire at 70 and start their Social Security then to get the maximum, they will receive $42,000/year. The lower-income spouse can get her own SS based on her earnings or half of the higher-income spouse’s $42,000, whichever is greater. She will get at least $21,000/year if she waits until full retirement age (age 66 or 67). The total is at least $63,000/year. I will be holding a free seminar, titled “How You Can Maximize Your Social Security and Other Retirement Income and Save Big with the New Tax Law” 9:3011:30 a.m. Aug. 17 at the Ahwatukee Events Center, 4700 E. Warner Road. Contact me at 480-706-0177 or harold_ wong@hotmail.com to RSVP. - Harold Wong earned his Ph.D. in economics at the University of California/ Berkeley and has appeared on over 400 TV/radio programs.

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from page26

“We connect people to the moments that matter most,” Chrissy said. “They’re capturing little memories. We didn’t invent a glass locket; we reinvented a timeless classic, giving it a modern twist.” Origami Owl gives customers lots of ways to showcase their personalities, hobbies, beliefs, favorite foods and other aspects of their lives with its many charms that fit inside the Living Lockets. A pink, ombre butterfly, a butterfly with sapphire blue and clear crystal accents, a whimsical, pink flying pig; a brown sloth, a gold camel and a silver dog and a silver cat are among the many animal charms. Clients can support various causes by buying products with Origami Owl donating 100 percent of the profits to different organizations. For example, a “Heart Disease Awareness Ribbon Charm” that resembles a red ribbon can be included in a Living Locket with the Light Siam Round

That’s what we’re all about is “helping people tell their stories through their jewelry. It’s cool because a lot of people when they make a locket, they’ll put the things that matter most to them in a locket, a birthstone or inscribe a date. – Bella Weems-Lambert

”

Swarovski Crystal as a way to support heart disease awareness. Origami Owl sends 100 percent of profits from sales of this charm to a charity/organization that supports awareness of heart disease. All proceeds from sales of the “AIDS Awareness Ribbon Charm” go to a charity/organization that supports AIDS awareness. Marking special occasions and milestones is possible with the “Celebrations” charms, including one resembling a diploma, silver baby boy feet, silver baby girl feet, a star piñata and other styles. Faith charms include gold praying hands, various crosses, as well as the words “faith,” “hope” and “blessed,” among other designs Origami Owl offers. Family charms feature the words “Mom,” “Dad,” “Family,” “Familia,” “In Memory Of” and other words and images.

The Life Locket is a popular item for Origami Owl customers, as is the butterly charm below. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Colorful, intricately designed “Food + Drink” charms include ones that look like a to-go coffee cup, a glass of red wine, a “rainbow sprinkle donut,” an avocado, popcorn and a rose gold cupcake. Origami Owl also offers many charms to reﬂect careers and hobbies. A bookworm, pencil, silver microscope, silver playing cards, a camera and nursing scrubs are among the many charms illustrating people’s chosen fields. Other charms include initials and numbers, as well as expressions of love like wedding bands and a “Key to My Heart” design. Sports-themed charms and ones with Swarovski birthstones and Stardust Crystals by Swarovski are among the huge selection of Origami Owl charms. Origami Owl’s “Empowerment Collection” aims to boost confidence in customers and inspire them. One item in the collection is a rose gold, cubic zirconia circle necklace that has the words “I Am Fearless” inscribed on the underside of the circle. Origami Owl believes in giving back and helps support military families. The company does monthly “Force For Good” promotions around specific causes. It had a promotion for military families in need from April to June, through which it supported Operation Homefront in the United States and True Patriot Love in Canada. From January to March of this year, Origami Owl used the “Force For Good” promotion profits to support the American Heart Association and Canadian

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Heart Association. The Chandler company also likes to support young people Children and teens can work as independent designers, selling the Origami Owl jewelry, as “Owlettes,” if they are girls, and “Bros,” if they are boys. The company has more than 2,000 Owlettes and Bros right now. One of the Owlette’s designs was chosen in a contest Origami Owl had to design a charm that would be made into a “Force For Good” charm, with profits going to a charity. Proceeds from the sales of this ﬂower charm will all go to Camp Sunshine and its “Sponsor-a-family” program that sends terminally ill children, as well as their families, to an all-expenses paid camp retreat. “We’re really passionate about the youth and so it’s cool because every month I get on a call where I talk to our youth and inspire them,” Bella said. “They really inspire me to see they’re running their business at such a young age. It’s cool to be able to see their confidence grows from owning a business and learning those business skills at a young age.” Origami Owl also provides an Owlette Education Award. Owlettes are asked to write essays and send pictures, videos and anything else with their applications. People from the company’s board of directors as well as others select two recipients of the award. Origami Owl encourages its designers to share their personal stories. The company, as well as its designers, support a family in need once a year by giving

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the family 100 percent of the profits earned from every pack of the Live Sparkly Swarovski Crystals Stardust pack sold through the “Live Sparkly Share The Sparkle Campaign. Three families so far have received the support. “We have had incredible success, especially since we have grown into Canada, which has been really great for us,” Chrissy said. Terri Kimble, president/CEO of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, praised Origami Owl. “Chrissy Weems and Bella WeemsLambert have spoken at the Chandler Chamber’s Women in Leadership Luncheons as they are shining examples of female success stories, let alone entrepreneurs,” Kimble said. “It is interesting to hear about the ethics behind the management of their company, as it is so inspiring to the Chamber’s members. Origami Owl is a Chandler 100 company – a true stakeholder business in Chandler.” Bella and Chrissy are thrilled their business has taken off. “It’s really been such a big blessing,” Bella said. “Now it’s cool because I’ve been able to connect with so many people and it’s really just been inspiring.” Chrissy’s husband, Warren Weems, is on the board of directors for Origami Owl and their other children: Addison, 12; Weston, 15; Brandon, 17 and Warren Jr., 19, are supportive and help out. “It’s really neat because Bella had success,” Chrissy said, adding the family wanted to give other youths the opportunity to succeed. “We have youths who have earned enough money for a car, paid off student loans, purchased houses,” she added. “It’s pretty amazing.” Information: origamiowl.com

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State cracking down on unsanctioned events

BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor

The Boxing & MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Commission has been cracking down on unsanctioned combat sporting events since it was established under the Arizona Department of Gaming in 2015. The commission has imposed rules and regulations for each event, setting guidelines that ensure the safety of all competitors and spectators. However, there are still instances where individuals attempt to hold events that do not follow the guidelines set forth by the commission. These unsanctioned events often lead to charges with the possibility of jail time and hefty fines. “There are strict requirements in place that are designed to protect the health and safety of participants and the public,” said Francisco Meneses, executive director of the Boxing & MMA Commission. “They are highly regulated because a careful oversight is necessary to ensure the fair competition, impartial result and the overall safety of the combatants and the public. “Occasionally, you have individuals that do not follow those rules and don’t

follow the health and safety standards. That is the case with the three events in Glendale, Phoenix and Mesa.” From September 2018 to May 2019, three unsanctioned events allegedly hosted by the same two individuals took place across the Valley. Roland Sierra and Todd Whitmoyer, both of whom were previously licensed

with the Boxing & MMA Commission, have been charged with six class-2 misdemeanors for hosting the illegal fights. According to the ADG, class-2 misdemeanors in Arizona can carry a maximum fine of $750 and four months in jail, per charge. The first fight allegedly took place on Sept. 15 at Cortez High School in Phoenix.

The second allegedly took place on Sept. 26 at the Elks Lodge in Glendale. The most recent fight allegedly took place on May 22 at Maya New York Pizza Bar & Grill in Mesa. According to the incident report provided by the ADG, fights in various formats took place at each event, including boxing, kickboxing and wrestling. “We found at these events there was a weight spread that we would normally never allow,” Meneses said. “In one instance, there was a fighter that was 185 pounds going up against another that was 215 pounds. That’s a large spread and it gives one fighter potentially a greater advantage.” For an event to become sanctioned by the Boxing & MMA Commission, an individual looking to host the event must first become a licensed promoter. The commission runs a background check on each individual and makes sure they are financially able to provide the additional resources for each event they host. Under the regulations set by the Boxing & MMA Commission, every promotor is required to provide health and life insurance for each fighter. Additionally, an ambulance, paramedics, doctor and security has to be on scene See

MMA on page 36

Community college offers personal training degree BY ZACH ALVIRA

Sports Editor

Students looking to jump into a career in personal training will now have a chance to obtain a highly sought after certification at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. CGCC announced on June 24 it would begin a partnership with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), a Chandler-based education company that offers a program for aspiring personal trainers to become certified. NASM’s program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, and is among the top certifications requested by health clubs and training facilities around the world. “We’re seeing that our employers in the industry, especially in Arizona, want the NASM certification,” said Kim McGee, an exercise science professor at CGCC. “One of our core instructors of the program helped initiate the partnership and it took off from there.” Conversations between CGCC and NASM for a partnership began in February. After recently coming to an agreement, it was announced that classes with the new curriculum will begin in August. “This partnership allows students to obtain credentials early on in their career and begin making an impact on people’s lives,” said Kyle Flannery, a fitness education consultant at NASM who facilitated the partnership. “This area is thirsty for fitness professionals. It also allows students to do a variety of things once certified, including open their own gyms.

Above: Kim McGee, an exercise science professor and program contact at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, was one of the leaders in the effort to partner with the National Academy of Sports Medicine to provide students with an opportunity to become certified personal trainers. Top Right: he classrooms used in the exercise science program at CGCC is equipped with a variety of strength and cardio equipment for students to use proper form and coaching under the NASM and CGCC curriculum. Bottom Right: Students in the CGCC and NASM curriculum also have access to the fitness center inside the Coyote Center on campus. There, students can train and instruct each other indoors and out on the turn field. (Zach Alvira/STSN Staff)

“It just creates a lot of opportunity.” NASM was founded by Bob Goldberg in 1987 in California. The company was purchased a short time later by fitness specialist Neal Spruce and former Phoenix Suns physical therapist, Micheal Clark. Together, the two grew NASM into the leading authority in fitness education before it was acquired by Blackstone, a large equity company. A major aspect of NASM’s success is due to Clark’s Optimum Performance Training model, which is commonly used by fitness professionals. Along with personal training certification, the NASM curriculum also teaches sports

performance, injury prevention and a new nutrition program. “People aren’t always aware that they can call up NASM and go through the program online,” said Matt Schuster, the academic B2B sales manager at NASM. “So with a partnership like the one with Chandler-Gilbert, they can be introduced to the program through their existing curriculum. “Hopefully, some of those students will realize that they can really make a career out of it,” said Schuster. CGCC is one of nearly 300 schools across the world that has partnered with NASM. Like the rest, the NASM

curriculum will be integrated into the existing curriculum CGCC offers to its exercise science students. “We provide a very hands-on learning experience that could begin with preliminary learning in the class,” McGee said. “Our dean often calls us one of the best kept secrets, but we don’t want to be that. We want students to know what we can offer them.” Classes will take place Monday through Thursday in CGCC Coyote Center on the south side of its campus near Pecos and Gilbert roads. They will take place in a See

TRAINER on page 36

SPORTS & RECREATION

MMA

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

from page 35

for the event. Prior to entering the ring, every fighter is required to have an eye and physical exam by a physician licensed in any state. They must also have completed a combative blood trio panel to ensure they do not have any infectious diseases. “All of that is provided to the commission before the fighter steps into the ring or cage to ensure they are in good health,” Meneses said. “Before they fight, the ringside physician examines them one more time. After the fight, they are looked at by the physician once again

TRAINER

from page 35

4-hour block from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each classroom is equipped with a variety of fitness equipment for students to learn proper technique for strength training and how to lead group classes. CGCC also received a grant to purchase high-end equipment including a Bod Pod, which is a large egg-shaped machine used to measure body density. The classes will also have access to the fitness center located on the first ﬂoor of the Coyote Center. Traditional bench presses and a variety of cardio and

t? o G ws Ne

to make sure there are not any other unseen injuries.” The commission staffs each event with licensed officials and judges. Members of

sanctions close to 30 professional and amateur combat sporting events per year, several of which involve fighters from clubs and gyms across the East Valley.

the commission are also present to ensure everything runs according to protocol. Meneses estimates the commission

Since he joined the Boxing & MMA Commission in April 2018, Meneses has seen a growth in the number of

people looking to become promoters of sanctioned events here in Arizona and across the country. With the sport’s growth in popularity, however, comes more individuals looking to host illegal events for entertainment purposes and at times, to potentially make a quick buck. But Meneses takes pride in his ability to help put an end to unsanctioned events and help the field of combat sports in Arizona continue to grow. “When you are doing it like this, they are avoiding some of the costs to make more of a profit,” Meneses said. “However, they are losing that health and safety standard. It isn’t worth it, it’s not safe for the fighter or the public.”

training equipment are at the disposal of the students in the class. Additionally, a turf field equipped with tires and sleds is located right outside the fitness center. “We can do a lot of group training outside on the turf,” McGee said. “There will be times where we ask students to create a fitness regimen and lead the class.” McGee believes class sizes will be limited to 24 students, allowing all five of the program’s instructors to teach in a more intimate setting. Students will be able to finish the program within a year. The first semester will consist of 18-credit hours, while the

second is 12. The first semester will consist of the necessary knowledge to obtain a license and become a certified personal trainer. However, the second semester involves a curriculum that will equip students with the necessary training to immediately begin working in a health club upon completion, which involves becoming CPR certified. All credits obtained in the program go toward an associate’s degree. They are also transferrable to 4-year institutions should students want to continue with their education and become physical therapists. The program is open to all students,

regardless of fitness knowledge. “If you are really interested in a field where you can make a big impact on other’s health and fitness and lifestyle, this is a great field and there’s so many avenues,” McGee said. “So if you start off here, you can get college credit to go towards a degree and you still have so many options as you continue. “It’s a good starting place for some and it’s also a good career for others.” Students interested in enrolling in becoming a NASM certified personal trainer at CGCC are encouraged to contact Kim McGee at kimberly.mcgee@ cgc.edu.

There are strict requirements in place that are designed to protect the “health and safety of participants and the public. They are highly regulated because a careful oversight is necessary to ensure the fair competition, impartial result and the overall safety of the combatants and the public. – Francisco Meneses

”

Contact Contact Paul Paul Maryniak Maryniak at at 480-898-5647 or or pmaryniak@timespublications.com pmaryniak@timespublications.com

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More high school games available online BY JOSEPH CAULO Cronkite News

College and professional sporting events aren’t the only games fans can enjoy from the comfort of their homes. Websites now livestream multiple high school games a week. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection. This gives Arizonans the option of watching on a laptop or tablet instead of from the grandstands. Live online content became easily accessible about six years ago when the National Federation of High Schools Network offered subscriptions to livestreams of high school sporting events across the nation. A subscription to NFHS costs $9.95 per month, allowing viewers to watch any game any time, live or replay Due to the local demand in Arizona, websites such as AZPreps365 and PrepSpotlight.TV have also worked to bring fans even more livestreams of Arizona high school sports. The demand for these online streams is “definitely increasing each and every year,” said Mark Koski, CEO of NFHS. “The NFHS Network has 1.1 million monthly subscribers. That subscriber base started very low, but we’ve had an average growth rate of 52.5 percent each and every year on average.” A subscription to NFHS gives people access to every stream across the nation. This number has especially increased within the past couple of years as demand for streams continues to grow. Koski said the NFHS Network had about 40,000 events last year but expects to

have 100,000 events this year. “It’s really increasing the overall number of events because the demand is so great,” he said. From high school football to water polo and everything in between, the NFHS Network is expanding to more livestreams, giving local high schools a platform to broadcast any of NFHS’ 27 recognized events. This rise in demand for more livestreams will likely continue as the quality and availability of streams improve. Better technology and equipment being used to film the games mean a better viewing experience for fans. “The quality (of the streams) has definitely gotten better over the last few years,” said Tyler Cerimeli, a Phoenix resident who enjoys livestreams of high school football games on the AZPreps365

website. “I remember when I first started watching the streams (in 2015), they were grainy. You couldn’t really tell what was going on, but now they’re pretty sharp.” Cerimeli travels often for his job with U-Haul, so the streams are a practical way for him to stay connected with Arizona high school football. “I’m usually out of town on the weekends,” Cerimeli said. “I sit in my hotel room and can watch Arizona football if I’m in New York or LA. It’s pretty cool.” Seth Polansky, sports information coordinator with the Arizona Interscholastic Association, manages the content for the AZPreps365 website and has noticed an uptick in people viewing their high school football “Game of the Week.” “Our highest viewed Game of the Week broadcast was the Centennial at Casteel (football) game,” said Polansky about the weekly subscription-free broadcast. When combining the number of live-views and replays of the game, the contest has been viewed over 2,100 times on the website. The game featured two defending state champions in football opening the 2018 season against one another, which led to high interest and viewership among Arizonans. Nearly 1,700 people tuned in live to watch the action, the highest number

of live viewers for any game streamed by AZPreps365. That is an exceptionally high number of live views considering that the 2018 5A state semifinal game between Notre Dame Prep and Williams Field had the second-highest rating with 590 live views. The other 12 high school football games that were streamed live on AZPreps365 as the “Game of the Week” averaged about 210 live-views per game. Sports such as high school men’s and women’s basketball are also broadcast live on AZPreps365, and Polansky believes the website’s live sports coverage and subsequent audience as a whole will grow “as the Valley continues to expand and grow.” Amy Faucher, executive producer for PrepSpotlight.TV and Operations Manager at School Space Media, also believes the interest in live streams isn’t receding anytime soon. “Many people have kids and have easy access, and as technology continues to provide more and more opportunities, people will become more interested,” Faucher said. “School Space Media as a company produces over 400 games a year, and that’s continuing to grow.” Faucher believes live streams will continue to rise in popularity in Arizona and other states. “As sports fans become more savvy, they realize these kids are going to be professionals,” she said. “As scouting and everything continues to grow, this is just one more way for exposure for the high school kids.”

Is your back pain preventing you from getting to that 18th hole? By Back Pain Expert, Shaheen Siddiqui

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County budget assures money is well-spent BY JACK SELLERS Guest Writer

I believe the best budgets are practical, not ﬂashy. They make the most of the resources available: prioritizing the essentials, considering the future and leaving room for the unexpected. The latest county budget does just that. It assures the protection and well-being of our citizens without increasing the tax rate on residents or requiring the county to take on new debt. Here are three areas in which I believe the ﬁscal year 2020 budget will make Maricopa County stronger and position us for future growth while sustaining and improving the lifestyle that we desire. Public safety. Protecting our residents is a core function of government and that’s why we spend more than 50 percent of our money on it.

This budget not only funds deputies and detention officers, prosecutors and investigators, judges and support staff, it also funds the systems and technology that allow our criminal justice partners to operate more efficiently and fairly. Major public safety investments in ﬁscal year 2020 include: • A new jail and intake facility that will speed up the booking process so officers from your communities are back on your streets faster; • Continued work on the Southeast Regional Justice Center in Mesa, consolidating East Valley justice courts in one location for improved service and efficiency; • The renovation of an old jail into modern office space for the County Attorney’s Office, which is adding new positions this year to better handle the growing number of cases involving body camera evidence.

Elections. The Board of Supervisors is taking signiﬁcant steps in the coming year to ensure people can vote when and how they want to. The FY 2020 budget reserves funding for new tabulation machines that will enhance security and also lead to a faster vote count. The budget also sets aside money for additional Elections Department staff, if needed. This is part of a larger review of our election processes. You can read in-depth reports, ﬁnd press releases and other related material, and provide your feedback by visiting the 2019 Elections Review Project website. District 1. This county budget makes targeted investments in communities, including those in the East Valley. By funding transportation projects, parks, and other services, the county supports a regional approach to growth. Highlights in District 1 include: • Funding for a new East Valley animal

shelter, as well as funding to support and continue to improve the current model of animal shelter operations that has resulted in a 95 percent save rate over the past year; • Upgrades to regional parks and trails including San Tan Mountain, Usery Mountain and the Maricopa Trail; If you’d like to discover what else we are budgeting for in 2020, you can access all of our budget documents by visiting maricopa.gov/budget. I am proud to be part of the team that continues to pass budgets that protect our taxpayers while serving the needs of our ever-growing county population. As the nation’s fastest-growing county, the impact of what we do has never been greater. I’m optimistic that the next 12 months will be a time of continued growth and opportunity in our region. - Jack Sellers is county supervisor for District 1, which includes Gilbert.

Since you didn’t ask, here are my opinions BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Columnist

The argument came out of nowhere. One minute we were driving, debating where to get lunch. The next minute, my buddy — who apparently feels strongly about restaurants — was ready to punch me in the larynx. The sin that occasioned his outrage? My opinion about Chick-fil-A. And I quote: “Ah, Chick-fil-A sucks.” His defense of America’s third-largest fast food restaurant was pure poetry, a passionate ode to the joy of 100 percent breast meat served with dill pickle chips on a toasted and buttered bun. To hear him tell it, Adam and Eve wouldn’t have lasted six seconds in the Garden of Eden had it featured waffle potato fries — cooked in canola oil! — as opposed to an apple. And Chick-fil-A’s lemonade? Made from real lemon juice,

it’s the nectar of the gods. Me, I’m just not a huge fan of chicken. I enjoy debates, however, and this faceoff started me cataloguing my various unpopular opinions. We all have them: Personal truths that ﬂy in the face of humanity’s consensus. Typically, we keep these opinions to ourselves because to reveal them is to risk a ﬁght or being shunned by our peers. Doubt me? When the holidays roll around this year, mention how you think Star Wars is overrated. Cousin Luke — the one with the fraternal twins named Anakin and Leia — will attack you with a carving knife. My unpopular opinions? Here’s a sampler: The rules of the road should not grant bicyclists the same rights as automobile drivers. A human-propelled vehicle going 14 mph piloted by a skinny old guy in skintight pink Lycra should not compete for space with 4,000-pound vehicles going three times that speed. Bicycles should be restricted to bike paths and off-road trails — or sidewalks,

where bicyclists’ rights should be secondary to the rights of pedestrians. Giving up is a valid option. Everywhere in our culture, you see testaments to “hanging in there,” striving long past the point of reason. I’ve seen friends spend years in toxic relationships and dead-end jobs that bring them the bare minimum of satisfaction and joy. Why? Because they’ve been programmed to see quitting as weakness, a sign of failure, a shameful lack of intestinal fortitude. I’m not endorsing bailing at the ﬁrst sign of trouble or challenge. But giving up, far from demonstrating weakness, often represents an act of strength, wisdom and self-affirmation. Some moments in life call not for “putting in the work,” but for merciful endings and new beginnings. “Seinfeld,” endlessly touted as a “show about nothing,” was nothing special. Friends and colleagues still begin sentences with “That reminds me of the Junior Mint episode!” Get over it. Seinfeld’s ﬁnal episode aired

in 1998. Jerry’s antics have gotten less funny by the hour ever since. And finally: Journalism should require a license. Barbers need 1,500 hours of training, to pass a state exam and earn a license from the Arizona Board of Barbers. Attorneys do three years of graduate education. They pass the bar exam and get licensed by the State Bar. Doctors face an eternity of school, a residency and continuing education, plus career-long governance by the Arizona Medical Board. Reporters, meanwhile, face no requirements at all, including knowledge of the subjects they cover or accountability to a code of ethics. When these self-proclaimed guardians of the public interest screw up, you know what your recourse is? A big fat nada. At the very least, if an Arizona Journalism Commission existed, you could file a professional complaint about this column. Which would bother me a lot more than the time I gave in and suffered through a spicy deluxe sandwich at Chick-fil-A.

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Teacher creating Chandler’s first adult choir BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Staff Writer

The city is hitting a new high note thanks to the help of Sarah Burke, who founded Chandler’s only adult choir. After a conversation about the lack of an adult choir started on a Chandler community Facebook page, Burke knew she had to clear her throat and take action. “Everyone was reaching out to me to get this thing off the ground like, ‘Sarah the universe is speaking to you. You have to do this,’ that sort of thing,” Burke said. She was excited when reading the Facebook post, yet Burke’s history in music caused a hiccup in her confidence to start the group. Today, she teaches music at Bright Beginnings in Chandler with confidence and conviction. But years ago in college, self-doubts about her music and teaching ability withheld her from her dreams. As her mother battled Huntington’s Disease while Burke was in high school, she quickly grew attached to her choir teacher, Ms. Patterson. “Because of my mom’s health she became that maternal figure in my life,” Burke said, adding, “I went to school early, I stayed late, I went to her study hall. We just sang together because she knew my mom was really sick and that I needed somebody.” Through choir and Patterson, Burke was able to discover a new passion that was

heal me,” Burke said. “I wanted to have that impact on someone else.” But with classmates more advanced than her, Burke couldn’t help feeling discouraged about her choice of majors. “There are some things your good at, that you’re just born to do, and I couldn’t tell if I was really born for music or if I just liked it a lot. I couldn’t tell if I was reaching,” Burke said. The singer and aspiring teacher hit her breaking point when she was told Patterson had died if breast cancer during her sophomore year of college. “When she passed, I lost my direction and had no confidence in myself. I felt like people deserved to have someone that would make that impact on someone like what she had on me,” Burke said, “so I changed majors and got a Members of the new Chandler adult choir include, from left: Top: Sharon Wright, Jenny Bracamonte, Kathleen McLemore, Sarah degree in PR which I have James, Mark Davis and Kathy Krobe. Bottom: Diana Weaver, Sarah Burke, Barb Dethlefsen and Christina Parker. yet to put to real use.” (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer) Years ago, Burke emerged from life as a sing. wanted to transform into a career. stay-at-home mom, determined to go “It’s what healed me, and I wanted to She went to college to be a music back to work. do that and be that person that could major with no professional experience or knowledge – other than she loved to help heal others the way Ms. P helped See on page 43

CHOIR

Ocotillo Fry’s manager wins coveted award BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Staff Writer

After working for 31 years with Fry’s Food Stores, Bruce Yeo has been recognized as the 2019 Food Marketing Institute Top Store Manager for stocking the company with exemplary customer service and positivity every day. While supermarkets may be commonplace in Chandler, Yeo’s leadership has made the Fry’s at Ocotillo and Gilbert roads a destination marketplace for many of the area’s residents. In order to win the award, managers must have proved a positive financial performance, overseen robust associate mentorship programs and maintained meaningful connections within their communities. Yeo’s category had more than 200 other managers vying for the honor. In order to come out on top, Yeo said, he had to focus on the basics that many forget after years in the industry. With humble beginnings as a grocery night stocker three decades ago, Yeo said, he stuck with the company because of its appreciation for genuine connections with customers – a core value he carries into his store consistently. Considering the number of times a

Bruce Yeo, who manages the Frys in Ocotillo, won a top award for his work. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

day that he checks on the marketplace’s various departments, it’s no wonder his store is one of the top performing Fry’s locations and that he was named Top Store Manager. “His passion for people and their development is truly what makes him so successful. No one is more deserving of this award, and we are so proud of Bruce’s achievements,” said Melissa Stimac, Fry’s Food Stores district manager. “[He] is a leader through and through

and has a never-ending passion for excellence. He takes on new challenges and opportunities head-on and finds innovative ways to not only accomplish the goals, but come out on top,” Stimac added. Starting his day at 6:30 a.m., Yeo heads out to the fuel pumps to ensure the location’s earliest customers are receiving quality service. After making his way inside, he does an “associate appreciation walk to really appreciate the associates and what they do for me,” Yeo said. He added that making sure employees are happy eventually rubs off on the customers and ensures experiences in the store are as upbeat and genuine as possible. “I give a lot of credit to my associates, I’m really working with a great group,” Yeo said. The rest of his day consists of store walks to each department, which unlike traditional grocery stores, also includes an apparel section, a Starbucks, home fashion, cameras and electronic and an entire “baby world.” At about 5 p.m., his day in the store comes to a close, but his responsibilities do not. Running one of the chain’s most successful locations, Yeo has also found a knack for talent development. In the last

two years, he has trained and promoted two new store managers, two district coordinators and a sales planner atop his normal day-to-day duties. If he wasn’t busy enough, Yeo also finds time throughout the year to give his employees an opportunity to volunteer, as his location consistently donates to St. Mary’s Food Bank and participated in Red Cross’ community outreach during the holidays. “We do a lot of volunteering just because that’s who we serve and we want to make sure were involved in that. The customers are spending their hard earned money in our building so we want to give that back somehow,” said Yeo. Yeo won a crystal award and $1,000 that he said went “straight to the bank.” Though the win has drawn attention to Yeo from across the nation, he said his focus remains on the community that has made the last 31 years of his career “so wonderful.” “I just want to say I really have appreciated this opportunity and being chosen I am very grateful for being chosen to FMI for selecting me,” Yeo said. “I just want to serve the customer to the best of my ability. They are our most valued asset and I want to make sure we stay focused on running a great store for our community.”

NEIGHBORS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

Chandler teacher studying Mexican ecosystem BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Staff Writer

While her students are on summer vacation, Banner Academy science teacher Sue Cullumber will take an educational holiday. The Chandler woman is an Earthwatch Institute fellow who is traveling next week to San Gregorio and Xochimilco, Mexico, with a team of scientists and other teachers to recover endangered ecosystems and canals affected by pollution. The Earthwatch Institute is a nonprofit that connects curious individuals to scientists and resources that allow them to explore solutions to urgent environmental issues. Typically, trips cost thousands of dollars, but as a chosen fellow, Cullumber will go on the journey for free. Throughout the expedition Cullumber will work with teachers to help them create lesson plans to translate what they learned in the field to their students in the classroom. The teachers that will attend Cullumber’s lesson plan seminars will come from various spots across the nation including California, Massachusetts and Maryland. “Of course, we want to make strides in the right direction sustainability while we’re there, but a large portion of what we’re doing is collecting information to share with our students so the next generation will have a leg up on how

Chandler resident Sue Cullumber, seen here on an ecological trip to Nova Scotia, will be traveling enxt week to Mexico as an Earthwatch Institute fellow. (Sue Cullumber)

to deal with some of the planet’s most pressing issues,” Cullumber said. Though she still has yet to complete the expedition, Cullumber said, she is already planning a park cleanup to expand her students’ knowledge of the importance of caring for the Earth’s ecosystems. “One thing I hope [the students] learn is how their community is connected to the world and how they can make a difference within it by doing small things in their daily lives – like recycling [and] cleaning up parks,” Cullumber said. The teacher added that in today’s “throwaway” society, she believes by passing on examples of what can happen when a person’s obligation to care for the

planet is forgotten she can play a role in her student’s understanding how to care for their communities. “If kids can start thinking about those things and connecting to the impact that they can have now they can pass that on and maybe we won’t have so much waste in the future,” Cullumber said. During her time in Mexico, Cullumber, a middle school and high school science teacher, will investigate and apply modern solutions to historic problems for the region. San Gregorio and Xochimilco are situated just south of Mexico City, once contributing to the five lakes that covered Mexico Valley. During the time of Aztec settlement in the area, people created

Chinampas, which are man-made islands developed within the lake and used for agricultural purposes. Over time, the lakes’ water has been repurposed and today only 2 percent of the water remains, hurting agriculture on the islands and damaging surrounding ecosystems. The residual water, Cullumber said, is riddled with pesticides and has seen an increase in nutrients that have led to invasive species and poses a risk of harmful agricultural runoff. “Because of all these factors, the water is not only damaging their crop See

EARTHWATCH on page 45

NEIGHBORS SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

CHOIR

are some things your good “at,There that you’re just born to do, and

from page 41

But it wasn’t until Patterson’s daughter reached out to Burke on Facebook that she knew what she wanted to do. The two met up in Scottsdale. Hugs were shared and tears were shed when Patterson’s daughter told Burke, “she was so proud of you. She talked about you every single day, even after you graduated.” “It’s like I needed a hug and a smack at the same time,” Burke laughed. “After that, I knew I needed to go back and do what I wanted all along.” When interviewing at Bright Beginnings, Burke was told she needed a bachelor’s degree in an education specialty to be considered for the faculty, but to teach specials, like music, no specific certifications were required. “I told the principal I was absolutely terrified, but I’m very musical and I’m very good with kids. I might not have the knowledge, but no one has the heart that

I couldn’t tell if I was really born for music or if I just liked it a lot. I couldn’t tell if I was reaching, – Sarah Burke

”

Sarah Burke of Chandler talks to other members of the choir she is in the process of organizing. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

I do,” said Burke. Nine years since her interview, Burke has successfully run the school’s music program, two in-school choirs and an additional third choir that is run outside of the school. Trauma therapist Sharon Wright, center, talks about the choir as Diana Weaver listens. (Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Staff Photographer)

Most recently, Burke has added a fourth singing group, Chandler CommUNITY Choir, to her running list of responsibilities. Chandler CommUNITY Choir will start off as a women’s choir until more men have confirmed interest in joining the group. At the group’s first meet and greet meeting on June 28, shower singers and professionals alike met to discuss the future for the choir. The room was overtaken with emotion when reminiscing about, “how those were my people in high school. Those were my best friends. In college, those were the people I cried and partied with and I have desperately missed that ever since,” Burke said. “Nowadays it’s so hard to maintain and

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create connections with each other. But it was such a cool, positive, warm, fuzzy feeling to be with everyone and just talk about why we love singing,” Burke added. Though the choir will perform a couple of times a year, Burke said the point of the group is to not put pressure on performances and instead enjoy the company of other singers. She added the music selection will be all over the map, and the overall mood of the rehearsals will be “super relaxed.” The first rehearsal will be 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 6. Those interested in joining the group can connect with others on the choir’s Facebook page: facebook. com/Chandler-Comm-UNITYChoir-1098055273717987/, or email Burke at chandlercommunitychoir@gmail.com.

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NEIGHBORS 44 SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

Sunny Arizona keeps plastic surgeon busy BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

In the last 10 years, incidents of skin cancer have gone up by more than 50 percent nationwide – which means Dr. David Kelly is a pretty busy physician. The Gilbert resident is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who deals with the ravages of skin cancer. The job can be challenging for Kelly, one of the partners of the Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery – which has grown to nine clinics across the Valley, including Chandler and Gilbert, since he joined the practice in 2015. “I do a lot of skin cancer reconstruction on the head and neck, nose, eyelids, ears,” he said, recalling how one of his more challenging surgeries involved the reconstruction of an ear. “It basically was the entire ear,” he said. “All the earlobe was completely gone…I had to replace the cartilage in the ear and then also the skin on the front and back of the ear. So that required about three different surgeries to reconstruct the ear, rebuild it and put new cartilage in the ear to help support the ear.” He sees a lot of the damage that unprotected skin can suffer from exposure to the sun. And the age range of patients is virtually limitless. The sun generally inflicts most of its damage on people before they turn 30, but skin cancer can take decades to develop. Moreover, when older patients were that young, sunscreen products were not

founder of micrographic surgery, the procedure removes cancerous tissue while removing as little of the healthy tissue as possible. They usually are the physicians whom patients see before Kelly, who has two Mohs surgeons on his team, in the hope that radical reconstructive surgery might be averted. “Most patients will come in and they have a spot that’s not healing,” Kelly said. Dr. David Kelly is a plastic surgeon at the Center for Dermatology and Plastic “So we’ll biopsy it and Surgery. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer) once we determine it actually is skin cancer, nearly as effective as they are today. then I normally work with a Mohs surgeon. Consequently, “We definitely have a lot “They’ll look at the skin underneath the of patients 60, 70, 80,” Kelly said. microscope immediately and make sure all “But being in Arizona, we see a fair the skin cancer is completely gone.” amount of younger people in their 30s But what happens if the Mohs surgeon and 40s with some pretty significant skin removes enough tissue to create disfigurecancers,” he added. “I see a lot of pediatric ment? That’ s why Kelly and the Mohs surgeons patients that pediatricians and dermatolocoordinate their schedules with patients. gists send me.” “I work hand in hand with them,” he Of the 19 different medical providers at said, explaining, “Nobody wants to have the Center for Dermatology and Plastic half their ear missing and wait a week or Surgery, Kelly is one of three different so to see another doctor. So, when that types of physicians. patient is done with having a skin cancer Besides dermatologists, the center also removed, I can do” reconstructive surgery has Mohs micrographic surgeons. if needed. Named after Dr. Frederick Mohs, the “It’s in my same office. I meet patients,

evaluate them, talk about what we need to do, how we need to fix this, and then we try to do that the same day. That way it’s just easier for the patient. “That makes a big difference, and that’s one of the things that attracted me to this practice.” A Utah native, Kelly did his post-graduate medical training in North Carolina and Kentucky. He recalled how in North Carolina, “most patients have to wait one to two weeks to get to see a plastic surgeon, so they have a bandage on their nose or the ear for a week or so. That’s just not the best way to handle things. “It increases the risk of infection, doesn’t have as good of an outcome. So, the way it is here, it’s nicer for the patient. We can evaluate immediately.” Kelly, whose brother is an oral surgeon and a longtime Gilbert resident, had an lifelong ambition to become a doctor – partly because his father is a pediatrician. “Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a surgeon, but I didn’t know what kind of surgeon,” he recalled. But then he had the chance to go to Africa and Guatemala, where he helped doctors treat children and adults with significant burn injuries and birth deformities. And those transformations he helped work on led him to plastic and reconstructive surgery. “I liked the concept of plastic surgery, that we basically operate on like the entire See

KELLYon page 45

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

KELLY

from page 44

body,” he explained. “We can operate on adults, children. We kind of run the gamut. “When I was a medical student and resident, I just loved the skin cancer aspect of it – taking care of patients with large skin cancers on their face and helping them. There’s an immediate sense of satisfaction in reconstructing the nose or the ear or the eyelid or whatever. “So that’s what attracted me, the variety. Every day is something different….If the patient has a skin cancer on the nose, I don’t know if it’s going to be a small skin cancer or if it’s their entire nose that I have to reconstruct. So, it’s challenge. You kind of have to use your creative skills trying to figure out how to reconstruct and how to solve their problem.” And the potential for challenges is always there, especially since post-cancer reconstructive surgery accounts for

EARTHWATCH

from page 42

production but the local ecosystems that depend on the water are also suffering,” Cullumber said, adding: “They’ve been working on this research for 10 years so it is a huge deal to work with these scientists and see how we can transform what we learn into lessons for our students.” Cullumber has been trusted to administer lessons to teachers because of her history working with Earthwatch and her extensive history of past

60 percent of reconstructive and plastic surgery that the Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery handles. The rest is cosmetic, such as face and neck lifts, eyelid and breast enhancements and what Kelly called “mommy makeovers.” Kelly – who with his wife of 18 years, Ashley, has four children ranging in age between 3 and 12 – doesn’t let the skin cancer part of his work dissuade him from hiking and running. “That’s one of my favorite things about living here is being able to be outside most of the year,” he said. But Kelly takes no chances and thinks everyone should follow suit – meaning a nearly slavish attention to wearing protective clothing and good sunscreen at virtually any time under the sun and getting a skin cancer checkup every year. The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery has nine locations, including Chandler, Sun Lakes, Scottsdale and Glendale. Information: azcdps.com.

sustainability-related expeditions. In 2008, she went to the Galapagos Islands with the Toyota International Teacher Program to work with teachers on using sustainable practices and creating lessons on sustainability. Fast-forward to 2010 and Cullumber was on her first Earthwatch expedition, where she took a two-week trip with the organization to Nova Scotia to study how animal populations were being affected by climate change through small mammal trapping and examination of scat. In 2012, Cullumber went to Japan on a teacher exchange program through

Dr. David Kelly is ﬂanked by staffers, from left, Kayla Wood, CJ Swindle, Dru Nutlouis and Courtney Cox. (Kimberly Carrillo/Tribune Staff Photographer)

Fulbright, where she worked on sustainable education with Japanese teachers who also came to the United States. The teachers exchanged cultural experiences with each other and the students. Just a year later, she boarded the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ship for three weeks and set sail to the Atlantic Ocean. While aboard, she monitored the health of the ocean’s ecosystem by studying plankton. “I think I’ve done so many trips and expeditions because of the amazing people and teachers and scientists

you meet. You get full access to their knowledge and tools and that is really priceless,” Cullumber said. “To be able to bring so much global knowledge back to our kids right here in Arizona, I mean it truly is an amazing experience for everyone affected by this research,” she added. Cullumber said herself and fellow teachers on the Earthwatch expedition to Mexico will be posting their daily activity to a blog, which can be found at teachearthmexico2019.school.blog. Posts will be updated during the trip, from July 21 to July 27.

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6 cats, 4 dogs look for homes in Chandler

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Six cats and four dogs, now guests at Friends for Life Animal Rescue, are looking for permanent homes in Chandler. They include Fitz, described by shelter spokeswoman Jannelle Cosgriff as a “handsome, domestic short-haired grey and white cat about 4 years old.” She said volunteers call him a “sweet-natured” who likes affection, especially if he’s being scratched. Freddie, a 5-year-old tabby called “a little social butterfly” because he “loves his people and soaks up as much attention as he can get,” enjoys play time and “provides tons of entertainment while he’s playing.” Another feline is Mosaic, a 3-year-old whose “personality is just as colorful as her coat of many colors,” Cosgriff said. “She is a petite girl, very social and outgoing. She’s also very playful and entertaining,” she added. Stella, a 6-year-old short-hair, “is a sweet girl with bunny soft fur ready to be loved,” Cosgriff said. Finally on the cat side there’s Miss Kitty, a domestic, short-haired female torbie about 4 years old. “She was pulled from Maricopa County Animal Care and Control by Friends for Life Animal Rescue,” Cosgriff said. “Miss Kitty is a full-sized girl accompanied by some full-sized love! She is a soft and gentle girl that will seek affection from her humans. She isn’t overly demanding but you should know she won’t hesitate to come and get some lovin’ when you enter the room. “Miss Kitty is described by volun-

STELLA

MOSAIC

MISS KITTY

REGAL

MARANA

GIZMO

FRITZ

M&M

FREDDIE

teers as an easy-going girl that seems content being around her people.” The adoption fee for any of the cats is $95 and they are all altered, vaccinated, microchipped, de-wormed and tested for FELV/FIV. Email FFLcats@ azfriends.org for more information. Dog lovers also will find some good mates at Friends for Life, including Zack, who ended at the rescue when his became homeless. “They were heartbroken to surrender him but knew that given his age he needed a more stable environment in which to live,” Cosgriff said. Zack is 12 and “enjoys leisurely walks and hanging out with his people,” she added. Gizmo is a 5-year-old terrier blend who “is looking for an active home with older kids and prefers to be the only dog so he can have all of your

attention. “He is affectionate without being overly clingy and is a super smart guy who loves to learn. He has been working on his basic obedience and manners, he now knows to sit, stay and place,” Cosgriff added. Marana is a 3-year-old German Shepherd who was found in the desert north of Tucson, covered in cholla spines. “A kind citizen was able to bring her to Friends for Life Animal Rescue,” Cosgriff said, calling her “very smart and treat-motivated.” “She walks well on a leash, knows to sit on command and rides well in the car. She will do best in a home with a yard and larger dogs if there are any others in the home. She is very sweet, sensitive and intelligent,” Cosgriff said. Regal is a 2-3-year-old Labrador mix that “enjoys playing fetch and going for walks. He also knows some basic com-

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mands like sit and stay. He also loves doing puzzle games with the volunteers at the adoption center,” Cosgriff said, adding: “Regal’s ideal forever home would be with an active family that will give him lots of play time and walks.” Finally, M&M is a female, domestic short-haired, buff-colored cat about 1-year-old who was rescued along with her babies. “She’s done raising her kids so now needs to find a forever home of her own,” Cosgriff said, adding that the cat “likes to talk, be held, is easy to purr and loves to play. Chasing string is one of her favorite activities.” The adoption fee for the four dogs varies, and interested future pet parents should email FFLdogs@azfirneds.org. For any of the animals, people also can call 480-497-8296 or visit Friends for Life’s adoption center at 952 W. Melody Ave., Gilbert. Information: azfriends.org.

Contact Contact Paul Paul Maryniak Maryniak at at 480-898-5647 or or pmaryniak@timespublications.com pmaryniak@timespublications.com

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NEIGHBORS 48 SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

Ping Pong masters

Some avid ping pong players gathered recently at Tumbleweed Recreation Center for a tournament and the competition required as much concentration as a chess game. 2) Alvato Roberts remained focused on the ball as 3) Sujal Bhat concentrated on returning a serve and 4) Atul Ramon set up his next shot. 5) Sujal Bhat and Magdi Abdelmalak engaged in some fierce competition and 6) Jinjin Wang wasn’t about to miss the next ball coming toward him.

All photographs by Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer

NEIGHBORS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Chandler Museum introduces docent-led tours BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Staff Writer

The Chandler Museum is filled with exhibits and artifacts that showcase the deep history of the area, and this month the facility made a bit of history itself. For the first time, the museum is offering free, docent-led tours to visitors three days per week. Many guests who have toured the facility on their own may not know that each location on the docent-led journey represents a metaphor. From the architecture of each space all the way down to the name of each room, importance of each room is explained by the volunteers, who capitalize on details guest may miss on their own. “You can, of course, come as a visitor and do it yourself, but we wanted to enhance that experience and help people move through the space with more information. There were so many theories and methods used to design the spaces that you would never notice or see just by walking around,” said museum curator of education Tiffani Egnor. The tours last for about an hour, and visitors are walked through the museum

Trained docents are now giving tours at the Chandler Museum, and visitors can learn a lot from them about the museum’s many and varied exhibits. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

out to a historic courtyard, over to the museum’s newest facility and to the adjacent McCullough-Price House. The tour will loop back around to the main exhibit hall, where guests can look over the details of each piece on display and ask docents related questions. However, Egnor warns museum-goers

Caro Pierotto and her talented band will bring their combination of Bosa Nova and World Music to the Chandler Center for the Arts on Aug. 2 in a free concert. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

that docents have not been trained to discuss the traveling exhibits – just the buildings they reside in. “One thing they don’t do is offer a full guided tour of every single exhibit, because traveling exhibits come and go so often. But some of our volunteers have done research on what we have at

the moment and are able to elaborate on individual pieces,” said Egnor. In order to give the tours, volunteers went through two and a half months of training. The training taught docents how to move large groups of people through the exhibits efficiently, but many went above and beyond the provided lessons in order to enhance guest’s experiences. “They also did a lot on their own. They would come in and check out an area and practice with a friend or another volunteer. Some even took on extra work to familiarize themselves with each architect and style of the buildings,” Egnor said. Currently, the museum has five tour guides who have completed the training. Egnor said the volunteers include those with teaching and education backgrounds and people who have led tours for other institutions. Joan Clark, a new Chandler Museum docent who also volunteers as a tour guide at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, said she is impressed with the new museum. “As a docent, it’s a real pleasure to guide visitors through the museum and See

TOURS on page 52

Mike Bray and John Knesky comprise the colorful and entertaining duo Wynchester,. which will bring an uptempo country western concert to Chandler Center for the Arts Aug. 9. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Center for the Arts has free concert series

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Chandler Center for the Arts next month will offer a free concert series courtesy of Intel. The concerts, at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, also offer pre-concert festivities, flash ticket sales and specialty drinks. All seats are no charge with general seating on a first-come, first-served basis. RSVP at chandlercenter.org. Here’s the lineup:

Caro Pierotto | Aug. 2

With exotic musical roots from her native Brazil, Caro Pierotto has sensual, playful vocals that go straight to the heart, blending Boss Nova and contemporary World Music. She performs with her talented band for a night of catchy melodies and contagious

beats that will transport you to the smoky cafes of São Paulo. Featured drink: Sangria Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/free-summerconcert-series-caro-pierottotickets-62955515642

Wynchester | Aug. 9

A boot-tappin’ evening of country music and classic rock as Wynchester offers classic up-tempo drivin’ songs and “tear in your beer” ballads. Mike Bray and John Konesky surely take their music seriously, but always with a humorous wink of an eye. Featured drink: Jack & Ginger. Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/freesummer-concert-series-wynchestertickets-62956672101

Elektric Voodoo | Aug. 16

“World Beat Rock & Roll” Elektric Voodoo blasts on to the stage for an all-out, unforgettable summer bash. This seven-piece ensemble from Southern California brings master musicians on saxophones, congas, bass and guitar to create a high-energy dance-in-the-aisles party. Truly genre-bending, Elektric Voodoo blends its infectious Afro-beat with Latin, rock & roll, jazz and blues to cast a truly hypnotic spell. Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/free-summerconcert-series-elektric-voodootickets-62956908809

Jácome Flamenco presents SOL y LUNA | Aug. 23

Celebrating the stark contrasts everpresent in flamenco, Jácome Flamenco’s new production SOL y LUNA basks in the light and steps boldly into the dark. This stunning new show takes audiences on a sultry, exotic journey as exquisite flamenco dancers preside over the sounds of the guitar, singing and percussion. Witness pure artistry through the interplay of elegantly flowing dresses, sharp staccato rhythms, lively melodies and deep, mournful song. Featured drink: Margaritas Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/free-summerconcert-series-jacome-flamencopresents-sol-y-luna-tickets-62957018136 Chandler Center for the Arts is at 250 N. Arizona Ave. Information: 480-782-2680.

ARTS

TOURS

from page 51

help them connect the past with present,” said Clark. “It really has evolved into a cultural destination, where guests can learn about people, places and events that make Chandler an outstanding city.” Egnor said the first-ever tour guides for the museum have provided a great foundation to build on. Though still in its infancy, Egnor said,

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

the program definitely has room to grow. Those who have completed the tour will be asked to fill out a survey to get input on topics such as length and information delivery. Once the museum has a better understanding of what customers preferred about their experience, the program will be adjusted accordingly. “We definitely want to grow the program, but we want to be smart about the way that we do it so we don’t bite off more than we can chew,” Egnor said.

“Once we figure out what people liked and didn’t like we will take on more docents, but I think for now we have enough volunteers. We should have enough to get us started,” Egnor added. The museum hosts a volunteer information session about upcoming opportunities on the first Saturday of every month. Egnor said those interested in leading tours can find more information at the next session on Aug. 3. Until the program grows, tours are only being offered on Tuesdays and

Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. There is no registration required to attend a tour. Egnor said guests interested in a guided experience should meet at the front desk of the main museum building and will be sent with the next departing group. She added large groups may request a docent-led tour by calling the museum’s main number. Information: chandleraz.gov/museum or call 480-782-2717

Journey’s Arnel Pineda takes the stage at Wild Horse CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Staff Writer

Arnel Pineda is using his fame as Journey’s lead singer to raise funds for his home country, the Philippines. He is teaming with Project J.O.Y. for a Friday, Aug. 2, fundraiser at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino. He will perform a host of classics and original songs, with the proceeds benefiting Project J.O.Y. and its mission to provide medical supplies and training to impoverished areas of the Philippines. “I have my own foundation,” Pineda said via telephone from the Philippines. “What they do is close to my heart. I think it’s just important to do this. I know I’m making a difference.” His mother suffered from rheumatic heart disease and she due to insufficient medical care in the Philippines, said Pineda, who will start a residency in Las Vegas this fall.

spearheaded annual medical missions to different parts of the Philippines along with his wife, Dr. Priscilla Ho. In January 2018, Dr. Priscilla Ho and their daughters Jenny Ho-Vijungco and Jessica HoScara, along with Jenny’s husband, Dr. Joseph Vijungco, made their first mission trip to the Philippines. Together with Arel Pineda and his dazzling voice will be at Wild Horse Pass Sug. 2 for a funraiser the Bisaya Medical benefitting a mission to his native Phillipines. (Special to SanTan Sun News) Association, the city of Carcar and Jenny Ho-Vijungco created Project J.O.Y to honor her late father, Dr. Jesus Ho, who the Provincial Government of Cebu, they conducted a medical, surgical and dental passed away in 2016. mission in Carcar City, Cebu, Philippines. For more than 35 years, Dr. Ho

They treated more than 10,000 people and donated more than $15 million worth of equipment, supplies and medicines. “I finally understand why my father insisted that we plan this medical mission,” Ho-Vijungco said. “Not only were we touched with the healing hands and hearts of all the missioners, we were overwhelmed by the number of sick people that stood in line for days for medical treatment.”

If you go:

What: Rock for J.O.Y. featuring Arnel Pineda Where: Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler When: 8:30 p.m. Aug. 2 Tickets: $75 to $150. Information: 800-946-4452, playatgila.com

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ARTS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

How historians saved decades of EV Trib coverage BY SRIANTHI PERERA Contributor

Founded in 1891 under a different name, the East Valley Tribune has a long and storied past. Its archives contain an estimated 750,000 items of paper, photographs, negatives and microfilm. All that history is held in repository at McCullough-Price House, part of the Chandler Museum, and about 50 percent of it has yet to be organized and preserved according to industry standards. “It’s a goldmine,” said Jody Crago, museum administrator, who oversees the collection. “There was a fire at the Tribune offices in 1936, so most everything that predates 1936 was destroyed,” said Nate Meyers, curator of collections. “For all intents and purposes, the collection starts in 1936 and includes everything all the way up to 2009. So yes, there are materials there from the 2000s, 1990s, 1980s, and so on – all the way back to 1936.” How it got there is almost as much of a roller coaster as the newspaper’s past. Although the East Valley Tribune is thriving under its present publisher, Times Media Group (whose CEO, Steve Strickbine, bought the paper in 2016), it wasn’t the case in 2011, when the newspaper looked as though it was going to fold. “We, as a museum, started to try to get pieces from the Tribune because the Chandler Arizonan was purchased by the Tribune and became one of the feeder papers. We were trying to save as much as we could,” Crago said. Crago also belongs to the East Valley Cultural Heritage Coalition, an organization comprising preservationists from Mesa Historical Museum, Gilbert Historical Museum and Arizona Historical Society of Tempe, in addition to the Chandler Museum. Members share story spaces and collection care for better productivity with limited resources. In 2011, the Tribune’s former publisher announced to its newsroom that the paper was going digital and its files were not traveling with it when the staff moved to a new space. Two reporters, Mike Sakal and Garin Goff, knew that the collection contained a wealth of information that just couldn’t be thrown in the trash. They reached out to East Valley historian and president of the Mesa Preservation

Decades of the Tribune editions are stored in archives at the Chandler Museum. . (Srianthi Perera/Contributor)

Nate Meyers, curator of collections at Chandler Museum, displays one of the acid-free boxes containing old slides from the East Valley Tribune. (Srianthi Perera/Contributor)

Foundation Vic Linoff, who contacted the members of the coalition. The question then was, “This is bigger than any of us and this should be something that should be saved. Should we try to save it?” Crago recalled. The affirmative answer from the coalition members was unanimous. Linoff was told on a Tuesday or Wednesday that what was in the building was going to the dumpster by end of that week. “I went down with a tape measure and clipboard and I wanted to see how many cubic feet of material there was and was told ‘no measuring. You’ve got to take it out right now,’” he said. “We loaded up my car and other vehicles and took it to my office so that it was all protected.” By that point, the items were in grocery-store boxes and the organization system was gone. “I just wanted to make sure that nothing happened to it. … Reporters were told to take what’s in your desk, everything else is going to trash,” Linoff said. “We came within a hair’s breadth of losing a substantial archive.” Crago names Linoff and his wife, Vicki, as the “heroes of the story.” “He knew that we, as organizations, were going to save the Tribune collection, and he had a building that wasn’t being used,” he said. The next task was to find the best way

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to distribute the material because there were items from various cities. The Tribune was established as Mesa’s first newspaper, the Evening Weekly Free Press, in 1891. For more than a century and taking in its stride dozens of new names and ownership changes, it has chartered the growth and development of the area. The newspaper gradually snowballed by absorbing community publications such as the Tempe Daily News in 1980, Chandler Arizonan in 1983, Gilbert Tribune in 1990 and Scottsdale Progress in 1993. The coalition decided to store it in Chandler because the city had a research library that was staffed five days a week and could provide the most accessibility to the public. Eight years later, the archivists at the museum are still processing the find. Volunteers play a big part in the reorganizing. Grant help from Arizona Historical Society and Arizona Historical Records Advisory Board, and funds from the city of Chandler and individual donors keep it going. So far, the files of people’s surnames have been organized, and subject files comprising activities, events, buildings and businesses are being processed. Slides are being organized by date. Meyers, the curator of collections, said that the museum accepts volunteers of any age and experience level. “There’s so much to do,” he said. Volunteers are expected to commit to helping a minimum of a few hours twice a month. During the first year, the archives were removed from the grocery boxes and placed in bankers’ boxes. As funds became more available, the paper, photos and slides were moved to acid-free boxes and folders. Acid-free protection is the industry standard in archiving documents because lignan, a naturally occurring acid in wood fiber, is removed from the protective storage items. So far, the oldest items noted in the

collection are from 1911, when the Roosevelt Dam was opened, Meyers said. The Tribune offices had a fire in 1956, and the collection picks up after that, with most items dating from the 1960s to 1980s. There are files on presidential matters, including a Kennedy file; two boxes of files on former Arizona Gov. Evan Mecham, Justice Sandra Day O’Conner, Sen. John McCain and other Arizona stalwarts. Then there’s the local content. “For every image that ran in the paper, there were four to five images that didn’t run. It gives us the opportunity to get a really good sense of the East Valley,” Crago said. Although pictures of the 1980s and 1890s seem fairly recent and less historical, Crago said they enhance the collection’s value. “The ability to have this stuff documented is a real coup because the East Valley Tribune documented the Valley and we have the ability to then go back and see people, events, stories that were important at that point and gives us the opportunity to use that in exhibits, research, and all sorts of stuff,” he said. Linoff said the collection is special because it represents the end of the analog era. “By the time the paper left, everything was digital; it’s all on computer and on disk. These were the last hard records. You have printed photographs, you have negatives, you have slides, nobody has that today, it’s now all digital,” he said. “I’m absolutely thrilled and excited that we were able to save and conserve. We get so much of our research information from newspapers. And if this is lost, there’ll be no way to regain it,” he added. Word is already out that the collection is available, Meyers said. Media representatives, students, historians and researches have contacted the museum for access. The ultimate plan is to digitize the whole collection for easy retrieval online. A small portion of it is already available at chandlerpedia.org (see under “Named Collections”). Crago is satisfied that the collection is now in a stable environment and not at risk. “It’s a labor of love. Several people have had hands in this. Everybody realizes this is a resource and we don’t want to see it disappear,” he said. “It’s in Chandler, but it’s a Valley story. By sharing it broadly, everybody benefits from it.” Details: chandlermuseum.org. To volunteer, write to Nate Meyers at nate. meyers@chandleraz.gov.

ARTS 54 SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

Cage the Elephant guitarist talks new tour BY TAYLOR O’CONNOR Contributor

Alternative rockers Cage the Elephant strive to remove their facades. Through grief and loss, Cage the Elephant released its latest album, “Social Cues.” The album reflects on lead singer Matt Shultz’s divorce. “There is a theme of some of the struggles he was going through with his divorce,” said his brother, rhythm guitarist Brad Schultz. “But there was so much loss we were all going through. Family members and very close friends of ours passed away. It was a brutal couple of years.” “It’s a record of loss and its different forms. There’s an undertone that there is hope through all that and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.” The title track refers to the different phases of life. “There are times when things aren’t OK, and we need to realize that’s fine,” he said. Cage the Elephant is playing those songs while on tour with Beck, who appears on the band’s song “Night Running.” The track happened on a whim and the fans of the “Loser” singer sent him the song. They didn’t expect to hear back. “Within a couple days, he sent back the two verses he has on the track and four more verses,” he said. “Out of that, it was just brainstorming and thinking of doing something special, we came up with the ‘Night Running’ tour.”

Cage the Elephant worked with John Hill on its latest album, “Social Cues.” (Courtesy Cage the Elephant)

Cage the Elephant and Beck are stopping at Phoenix’s Ak-Chin Pavilion at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 21. Cage the Elephant formed in 2006 and released its self-titled debut three years later. The band now holds the record for the most No. 1 alternative songs of any artist in the decade—seven Billboard No. 1 singles, 11 singles landing in the Billboard top 10 and more than 1.5 billion streams worldwide. “Social Cues” was produced by John Hill, who has worked with artists like Florence and the Machine, Santigold and Portugal. The Man. “John really pushed us to not put any unnecessary parts into songs,” he said. “It’s

easy to get really excited about making music and put so much stuff into it because you are really inspired. We have been focusing on putting our parts underneath the microscope in order to be intentional for setting the mood for lyrical content.” Although this album helped band members get through their difficult times, it wasn’t necessarily a therapy session, Shultz said. “It’s refreshing if you’re having fun and sometimes it feels like a personal hell, that’s all with making records. If you put your heart into it and pushing to further yourself and trying to be as honest as you can sometimes that’s painful as well. You have to look at things about yourself that

you don’t necessarily like.” “On the other end of things, I think it has been therapeutic because it forced Matt to say some things. Even though we all aren’t writing the lyrics, we are right there in the trenches with him. These lyrics hit home in a different way with us.” “Goodbye,” is a song on the album where fans can experience Matt’s raw emotion. “Matt was in such a spot he had to lay on the floor because he had so much anxiety and laid on the floor through the entire song. He had to leave the studio that day and no one talked to him for two days after that.” Matt’s voice in the song portray the exact emotion they were looking for and ended up using that take for the album, Shultz said. “We’ve grown immensely in our musical encyclopedia from our time in our first record and I think that’s important because your searching and growing allows you to avoid becoming stale and repetitive,” he said. “We are constantly pushing to be as honest as we possibly can, we come from this honest place and try to make art.”

If you go

What: Beck with Cage the Elephant When: 6 p.m. Sunday, July 21 Where: Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix Info: livenation.com Cost: Starts at $29.50

ARTS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

Bacon Brothers set aside careers for musical project CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Staff Writer

Kevin and Michael Bacon like to keep their interviews fair and balanced. After all, the siblings, who perform as the Bacon Brothers, have equal parts in the band. They both have the ability to steal the spotlight as well. Kevin is an awardwinning actor with hundreds of credits to his name, including the Showtime series “City on a Hill.” Emmy-winning composer Michael began making music in their native Philadelphia before moving to Nashville. He recently scored Goodface Film’s “Master Maggie,” starring Lorraine Bracco, Kenan Thompson and Brian Dennehy, which premiered at The TriBeCa Film Festival in April. The Bacon Brothers will perform at the Musical Instrument Museum at 7 p.m. Aug. 4. “We met someone associated with the MIM, who was offering us a tour the last time we were out,” Kevin said. “We weren’t able to swing by, but I’ve seen the brochure and it looks amazing.” Michael is also anticipating the jaunt and the Phoenix stop. This is a new era for the Bacon Brothers and their touring habits. “We toured a bit too much last summer,” he said. “We learned a lot about what is possible and what it too much. We’ve made some adjustments. “It was night after night. We were on a bus the whole time. It just didn’t quite

Acgtor Kevin Bacon, left, and his composer brother Michael enjoy playing together, though they both admit they may have overdone touring last summer. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

feel like we were getting back what we were giving. We have new management now and the whole thing seems well organized.” The brothers’ set will include recorded songs and new ones they’re road-testing for a forthcoming release. “Nowadays, you don’t have to put everything out at once,” Michael said. “You can roll them out slowly. But nothing is as exciting as setting a song off on its

virgin voyage on its first night. Generally, two to three months later, after we’ve sun it for a couple months, it changes and evolves. Hopefully, we get a chance to record them.” Included in the setlist will be the new single, “Play,” which hit streaming services on June 27. Kevin said he wrote it quickly, and the band headed to a New Jersey studio to record it. “It happened fast,” he said. “I wrote it

and it just came out. I was in the middle of shooting my TV show and I asked everyone if we could just find time to go in the studio. We popped over to this little studio in New Jersey we’ve used before. The guys were available and we knocked it out. We had some fun with it. It is nice to have new music ready for the road.” Fiercely devoted to making music, The Bacon Brothers cite such varied influences as the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Motown, Led Zeppelin, Philly soul, James Taylor, Pete Seeger and Chet Atkins. The two siblings share a singular body of work that’s found them spending over 20 years working the road and paying their dues, resulting in nine albums. The Bacon Brothers are Michael on vocals, guitar and cello; Kevin on vocals, guitar and percussion; Paul Guzzone (bass, backing vocals); Joe Mennonna (keyboards, accordion); Tim Quick (lead guitar, mandolin and backing vocals) and Frank Vilardi (drums). “We’re just excited to be playing some of our favorite places as well as discovering new ones. It’ll be fun to go out with some great new music to share,” Kevin said.

If you go

Who: Bacon Brothers Where: Musical Instrument Museum Theater, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix When: 7 p.m. Aug. 4 Tickets: $63.50-$128.50. Information: 480-478-6000, mim.org,

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

Faith

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Kids say the darndest things – but we can learn from them BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER

Guest Columnist

As the summer begins and our visitors leave, we remember the funny things that occurred, especially if much younger children are part of the entourage – grandchildren, if you will. Staring us in the face is the fastapproaching end of the year, which will find, once more, an onslaught of visitors. The time has changed but experiences haven’t. It reminded me of an essay I once read, as follows: “As summer approached, a teacher

SUNDAYS

Celebration Service 10:30 a.m. Sundays All with peaceful beliefs are welcome to this inclusive, loving, thriving UNITY Community. Join the group at 10 a.m., preceding the service, for fellowship. Youth and toddlers meet during service. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa, 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org Kids’ Sunday School 10 to 11 a.m. Sundays, Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe, 480-792-1800 Lift Your Spirit 10 a.m. Sundays Hear inspirational messages and music. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Traditional and Contemporary Services 7:30 a.m. daybreak contemplative worship, 9 a.m. traditional worship and choral music, 11 a.m. contemporary worship with live Christian rock band. There is also a service at 12 p.m. Wednesdays St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 901 W. Erie St., Chandler 480-899-7386, saintmatthewschurch.org

asked her young pupils how they would spend their summer away from school. One child wrote the following: ‘We always used to spend the summer with Grandma and Grandpa. They used to live in a big brick house, but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to a senior community where everyone lives in nice little houses, and so they don’t have to mow the grass anymore! (or pick up rocks!) ‘They ride around on their bicycles and scooters and wear name tags because they don’t know who they are anymore. They go to a building they call the wreck center, but they must have got it fixed because it is all-OK now. They do exercises there, but they don’t do them very well. There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump up and down in it with hats on.

‘At their gate, there is a dollhouse with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out, and go cruising in their golf carts. ‘Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And, they eat the same thing every night – early birds. Some of the people can’t get out past the man in the dollhouse. The ones, who do get out, bring food back to the wrecked center for potluck. ‘My grandma says that Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and say I should work hard so I can be retarded someday too. When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the dollhouse. Then I will let the people out, so they can visit their grandchildren.’” Out of the mouths of babes! That is what I thought when I read it. It certainly

is amazing what children see and perceive. I believe we all have the same difficulties at times when we see something we do not quite understand. Perhaps, we can learn from this essay. To me, the lesson is that think about what we witness and use caution when we jump to conclusions. More often than not we see things that are not there, or really do not matter. The next time we think we know what we saw or heard, stop and re-read the essay. It certainly is timeless. I guess we can all learn from children. What a refreshing idea! –Dr. Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D., is a National Chaplain of Jewish War Veterans-USA and he is the spiritual leader of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.

Spiritual Connections

Christian Business Networking Tri-City Chapter – Chandler, Tempe, Mesa 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Crackers and Co. Café, 535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com

1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800

MONDAYS

The Art of Parenting 7:30 p.m. Mondays Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler 480-855-4333, rabbi@chabadcenter.com

TUESDAYS

Silva Class and Meditation 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Learn the Silva method with Lois Britland. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe, 480-792-1800 Career Connectors 8:30 a.m. to noon, fourth Tuesday of month Nonprofit organization connecting professionals in career transition to highquality resources and hiring companies; each event includes professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits. Central Christian Church, Gilbert Campus/ Student Center, 965 E. Germann Road, Gilbert 480-442-5806, careerconnectors.org

Christian Business Networking, Chandler Bi-Monthly Chapter 7:45 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays each month Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Chandler Christian Church, Building B, Room 202 1825 S. Alma School Road, Chandler Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com HOPE—Help Overcoming Painful Experiences 7 p.m. Tuesdays Free weekly small-group sessions helping people overcome emotional pain caused by divorce, grief, addictions and more; free child care for children ages 10 and younger. Desert Springs Church 19620 S. McQueen Road, Room 106, Chandler hope4all@comcast.net, helpovercomingpainfulexperiences.org Shalom Chapter of Hadassah 11:30 a.m. second Tuesday of each month Iron Oaks (Oakwood) Clubhouse 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes Cyril, 480-802-0243; Kathy, 480-895-5194; Shirley, 480-883-9159; or Joyce, 480-802-4902 Monthly Women’s Fellowship 6:15 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month The monthly fellowship Bible study with the East Valley Chapter of Christian Women’s Devotional Alliance “ministers to women’s spiritual, emotional and physical needs.” Best Western-Mezona, 250 W. Main St., Mesa. 480-232-3773 Narcotics Anonymous (Nar-Anon), Chandler Chapter 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Twelve-step program for families and friends of addicts. Faith Community Church 1125 N. Dobson Road, Chandler, nar-anon.org

WEDNESDAYS

Panic Healing 7 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday Receive a 15-minute energetic tuneup. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler

Gong Meditation and Yoga Nidra 7 to 8:30 p.m. third Wednesday Presented by Will Zecco, gong master. Bring yoga mat, blanket and pillow as desired. Love offerings will be accepted. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org “A Course in Miracles” with the Rev. Julianne Lewis 1 to 2:15 p.m. Wednesdays The weekly group is an interactive time of learning and sharing, appropriate for course beginners, as well as longtime students of ACIM. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org The Art of Parenting 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Chandler Jewish Community Center 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler 480-855-4333 or rabbi@chabadcenter.com Grief Care 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays A place to come share your feelings or just listen to others as we try to navigate through our grief. You don’t have to do it alone. Epiphany Lutheran Church, South Campus, old church building, 800 W. Ray Road, Room 325, Chandler, griefcareaz@gmail.com Healing Prayer and Meditation Circle 7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays Guided prayer, affirmations and visualization for those facing physical, emotional, mental or spiritual issues in their lives. Love offering requested. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Meditation Moments 7 to 8:30 p.m. third Wednesday of the month An interactive time of learning and sharing,

See

CONNECTIONS on page 57

FAITH

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019

CONNECTIONS

from page 56

appropriate for beginners or longtime students of ACIM. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church 12 p.m. Healing and Eucharist service St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church 901 W. Erie St., Chandler 480-899-7386, saintmatthewschurch.org THURSDAYS Women’s Empowerment & Awakening 7 to 8:30 p.m. third Thursday Release negative beliefs. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 A Course in Miracles 7 p.m. ﬁrst, second and fourth Thursday Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Empower Model for Men 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays The three-class series is taught by author Scott E. Clark and designed to offer practical wisdom and tools to help men shift into their higher consciousness, based on the sevenstep empower model detailed in Clark’s book, “Empower Model for Men.” Cost is $85. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler

1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Real Love Support Group 6:30 p.m. Thursdays For those who have a desire to acquire more “real love” and in the process find great personal happiness and more fulfilling relationships. Love offering requested. Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800

SATURDAYS

Spirit Night – Psychic Fair 4 to 8 p.m. third Saturday of each month The “Lightworkers” offer a wide range of services, including Reiki, facials, mediums, drumming, tarot, angel messages and more. Services range from $20 to $30. Cash only. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa interfaith-community.org heatherposey70@gmail.com Unity Drumming and Healing Circle 6:30 to 8 p.m. fourth Saturday of each month Beginner, expert drummers and observers welcome. Bring snack, appetizer or dessert to share. Love donation accepted. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org

OTHER

GriefShare Support Group GriefShare is a caring group of people who will walk alongside others through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Participants can gain accesss to help them recover from their loss and rebuild their lives through this 13-week

VALLEY OF THE SUN MORTUARY & CEMETERY CHANDLER

At Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, we want you to feel confident and comfortable planning a funeral for yourself or your loved one. We offer our funeral planning checklist and other resources as a starting point. We’re here for you when you need us. Proudly serving our community since 1963. Valley of the Sun Cemetery 10940 E Chandler Heights Rd Chandler, AZ 85248

480.895.9232

valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com

program starting Jan. 27. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sundays Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 739 W. Erie St., Chandler 480-963-4127 htlutheran.com Jewish Women International, Avodah Chapter 1581 Monthly luncheon. Social Box Eateries, 1371 N. Alma School Road, Chandler RSVP: 480-802-9304, 480-655-8812 Moms in Prayer International A group of mothers who meet one hour each week to intercede for their children and schools through prayer. Liane Wright, 480-699-7887, momsinprayer.org Bible Study Meets twice a month Members of the Women’s Life Group study the Bible and discuss how the lessons can relate to their lives. Sun Lakes United Church of Christ, Chandler. Jan Olson: 480-802-7457, Joy King 480-588-1882 East Valley Jewish Couples Club Offers once-a-month social activities such as dining, movies and plays for Jewish couples in the 45- to 65-year-old age range. Melissa, 480-785-0744, beadlover@cox.net Chandler Presbyterian Goings On: Sundays: 9:15 a.m. Kids’ Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Adult Bible Study Room 3 10:00 a.m. Walking the Walk (Youth) 10:30 a.m. Sunday Service Noon: Lenten Jesus Bible Study and Food!

3:00 p.m. Kenyan Fellowship/Language Worship Service 7:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays: 7 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesdays: 10 a.m. Prayer Group (Pastor’s Office) (except 3rd Tuesday of month) 1 p.m. Chandler I Am Project Room 3 Wednesdays: 10 a.m. Peter and Paul Bible Study 6 p.m. Men’s Spiritual Stag 6:15 p.m. Bell Choir Rehearsal 7 p.m. Church Chorale Rehearsal 6 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous (Women only) 7:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous (Men) Thursdays: 6:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study 7 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous (Men) Every 1st and 3rd Friday...I-HELP @ 6:00 p.m. Dinner/ Showers and a place to sleep for the homeless Regular monthly activities: Lois (Women) Circle: Every 3rd Tuesday 10 a.m. Spirits Willing Lunches Out (over 55) 11:30 a.m., 4th Fridays All events are at Chandler Presbyterian Church at 1900 S. Arrowhead Drive except for Spirits Willing and lunches. chandlerpres.org Let us help you publicize your church or temple’s events in the Spirituality section by emailing details to news@santansun.com. Include a brief description of the event, times, days, dates, cost or free, if registration is required, venue, address, publishable phone number, website if applicable and contact information for verification purposes. We welcome photos, which must be 300 dpi JPEGs or taken on a digital camera on the “best” or “highest quality” setting. Information is due 10 days prior to publication date. Submission does not guarantee placement.

Chandler United Methodist Church Making and Deploying Disciples for over 100 Years. Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.

Thursday Evenings: Aug 1st - Sept 26th, 2019 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

SUNDAY WORSHIP

At 8:30 am & 10 am

Purchase Materials at https://fpu.com/1091269

480-963-3360 | www.chandlermethodist.org | 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd.

Come, Worship the Lord

Praise Him

Glorify His Name

DIRECTORY 58 SANTAN SUN NEWS | JULY 20 - AUG 2, 2019