STSN; 09-19-15: Community

Little Leaguers hope to score big with trip to Taiwan

BY NICOLE CHOKSI

After hosting the Tainan Little League last August, Chandler National Little League is heading to Taiwan in just a few weeks.

“I think this is a fantastic opportunity for our young players to be able to have this kind of cultural experience,” said Councilman Jack Sellers at the Chandler All-Star and Sponsor Reception on Thursday, Sept. 10.

Fifteen 12-year-old players from the CNLL, along with their coaches and some parents, are traveling to Tainan City, Taiwan, as a part of a two-week cultural exchange program.

“Baseball is really secondary for me,” said manager BJ Shagena. He is looking forward to experiencing the culture with his team.

Their first week will include team practices and an exhibition game against the winner of the Tainan Little League Team Championship Series. The second week will be spent touring cultural sites in the city and hanging out with host families.

“I think the team will be great

representatives of Chandler Arizona, the state of Arizona, the United States and Chandler National Little League,” said

Backers encourage voters to say ‘Yes to Students’

BY TRACY HOUSE

Chandler Unified School District

registered voters are being asked to say “Yes to Students” by supporting a bond election that will raise nearly $196 million in funding for the district’s capital needs.

The mail-only ballots must be signed and returned by Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Jim Bishop, chairman of the Back the Bond Committee, explained this is different than the override election that voters passed in 2013.

“The override was for the M&O (maintenance and operations) part of the budget,” he said. “What an M&O is is basically the daily operations of the school, including the big ticket items—salaries and benefits, educational programs. The vast majority of the school budget.”

The bond election is separate, and is dedicated to capital purchases, such as school buildings, repairs and renovations to existing buildings, transportation needs and technology.

“When you drive by the school, what you see on the outside, that building and bus, is bond/capital money,” Bishop said to clarify. “The education going on inside the school, is override money.”

The lifetime of a bond is 10 years. Chandler has had two other bond elections, one in 2006, the other in 2010.

“The 2006 is almost paid off. Obviously they’re still paying off the 2010 bond,” Bishop said. “The plan is for this to cover maintenance costs between five and six years. The plan is not to have another bond for five years.”

Doug Brewster of CNLL.

The City of Chandler, Tainan City, the local Taiwanese community, Chandler

Human Relations Commission and CNLL coaches worked to organize the cultural exchange visit.

“We started planning earlier this year, around January,” said Shen-Yi Michelle Chang, a key figure in the trip’s planning and a member of the Chandler Human Relations Commission.

One of the hardest parts of the trip planning was the fundraising and working around the drastic time change, Chang said. CNLL had the help of sponsors to raise money for the trip.

“It is a very worthy cause. It is a great opportunity for the kids,” said George Bliss of the Mesa Hohokams, which has been providing support for youth sports in the East Valley for over 60 years.

According to Shagena, one of the first steps in preparing was putting the team together. But his son, Kyle, who plays on the team, said he and his fellow athletes are ready.

“We have been on the team a few months now, but I have been playing baseball probably since the time I could stand,” Kyle said.

Ching Ling Chang, president of Taiwanese American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Phoenix, said that experiencing a different culture will provide an impact to the young players on the trip.

Preparing for a trip like this takes time off the field as well. BJ Shagena said the boys will have to learn the cultural etiquette as well as baseball. Ballplayer

Home upgrades improve vet’s quality of life

BY TRACY HOUSE

Posttraumatic stress disorder doesn’t make it easy for Gulf War veteran David Campbell to feel comfortable.

But when more than 120 contractors and volunteers arrived at his Southeast Chandler home to make necessary upgrades, he was at ease.

Thanks to HandsOn Greater Phoenix, The Home Depot and home improvement specialist Shane Duffy, Campbell’s home is receiving wheelchair-accessible furniture, ceiling repairs, outdoor landscaping, patio repairs and interior painting. A flagpole will be replaced in his backyard.

Not only is Campbell a veteran, he’s a Triple Bronze recipient and recent amputee.

“Five years ago, before I started

working on my PTSD, I would never have let anybody in this house,” he said. “But now, I’m a lot better with my PTSD and I do a lot of volunteering, a lot of service work. I’ve had to learn that if I don’t allow others to help me, I’m keeping them from their grace. That’s a lesson I had to learn.” His volunteer efforts include PTSD therapy for veterans in crisis through The Mission Continues and Soldier’s Best Friend, mentoring troubled teens in a group home, and facilitating at Healing Memories. He’s also trained law enforcement and first responders on how to deal with vets in crisis.

Team transformation

Rhonda Oliver, CEO of HandsOn Greater Phoenix, was part of the

Ethan Ludwig is excited.

“Just to experience something out of my box, a new culture” is thrilling, said Ethan. He was given the high honor of wearing the number “10,” which, in Taiwanese culture, signifies the leader of the team.

“The experience. Just to be able to go and visit a country and see things that he normally wouldn’t get to see with his friends,” said April Selvidge, a parent who is excited for her son to make this trip. Unable to make the trip with her son, Selvidge is of course nervous about sending her son that far away.

“It’s not just a plane ride away if something were to happen, but the comfort that I have is that the parents that are going they are friends of ours and they know my son very well and so I know that they are going to take good care of him,” added Selvidge.

Even though Jody Shagena is going so

her son can play baseball, other things excite her more for the trip.

“Of course I love watching the baseball, but really sightseeing and seeing things I have never seen before” excited Jody Shagena.

Learning a new culture might be on the minds of most, but not for player Andrew Vasquez.

“To face better competition and to see what it’s like to play other people that aren’t like around our general area,” Andrew said.

The team will leave for Tainan City, Taiwan, on Sept. 28.

“I know they are going to play well,” Brewster said, “I know they are going to behave well and to me that’s the biggest part of it.

Nicole Choksi is studying sports broadcasting and journalism at ASU. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.

CUSD is the third largest school district in the state, educating more than 43,000 students in its 47 schools. A district this size should receive approximately $20 million a year in capital funding. In reality, CUSD received $3 million for capital improvements based on the current state budget. Funding has gone from $500 per student to $75 per student, which does not cover the cost of a textbook.

According to Bishop, CUSD has 4.5 million square feet of buildings. To put it in perspective, “If you break that down into houses, that’s 2,500 houses,” he said. “Basically, that’s $1,200 for your entire year budget for your house. That $1,200 needs to cover every maintenance, every repair. It needs to cover your transportation cost, including the purchase of a new vehicle. It needs to buy approximately four computers per home, and maintain those computers. In this home there are going to be 17 children living there sharing 1 1/2 bathrooms.”

Bishop stressed that it is important that voters send in their ballots to pass the bond.

The breakdown of the bond funds:

• 40 percent will be allocated for new buildings, including additional classroom space at existing schools.

• 27 percent will go toward renovation and repair projects, including continued districtwide security upgrades.

• 11 percent will improve technology.

• 9 percent will buy new buses and other transportation

• 8 percent will upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

• Less than 4 percent will be used for support facilities (administration and nonrelated educational buildings).

“It’s all about education,” Bishop said. “This is about the basics. It’s about maintaining the existing buildings. The state isn’t giving up adequate funds to do that. This by no means is a want, this is a need. This is a necessity and the district needs this to maintain healthy and safe schools for our children. To maintain healthy and safe reliable transportation for our children.”

Back the Bond is holding a community rally 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at the Chandler United Methodist Church, 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd.

For more information about the bond election, to make a contribution to support the efforts of the Back the Bond Committee and to find out how to get involved, visit www.BacktheBond.com or facebook.com/YesForChandlerStudents Follow the effort on Twitter @ backthebond.

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

Traffic unit receives grant for DUI enforcement

The DUI Abatement Council has awarded the Chandler Police Department’s Traffic Unit with a $45,000 enforcement grant. This grant will fund officers to work DUI enforcement during select times of the year when drinking and driving increases.

Officers funded by this grant are specially trained in DUI detection

methods, which includes the detection of illicit and prescription drugs ingested into the human body. Along with DUI detection, officers working under this grant will also enforce the state’s traffic laws, seatbelt, and child restraint statutes. This grant will fund these operations through August 2016.

City Hall is on the road with the Mayor’s Listening Tour

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny recently hosted his Listening Tour at Sanborn Elementary School, where residents were able to meet the mayor, City councilmembers, City staff, police and members of the Neighborhood Advisory Committee. Residents had the opportunity to discuss any challenges in their neighborhoods and find possible solutions by working directly with City staff. Attendees also learned more about City departments and what key projects

staff is working on.

As with previous Listening Tours, the meeting also provided residents an opportunity to receive information about City resources and services, such as Block Watch and the Neighborhood Grant Program, which provides grants of up to $5,000 to assist with neighborhood revitalization.

Specific concerns may be addressed at future events. Info: (480) 782-4354.

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS: OCT. 3

The deadline for news and advertising is 12 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, for the Saturday, Oct. 3, issue of the SanTan Sun News. All news must be submitted to News@SanTanSun.com by that day to be considered for the next issue or by filling in the “submit a news release” form on the newspaper’s website at www.SanTanSun.com. To send an item for consideration in the SanTan Family Fun, email it directly to STFF@ SanTanSun.com. Send advertising files and information to account reps or contact Ads@SanTanSun.com. For deadline information, visit SanTanSun.com and click on “About us” or call (480) 732-0250 for advertising rate details.

UPGRADES from page 1 transformation effort.

“We work with a lot of different veterans organizations, seeking out veterans who need help,” Oliver said. “We have found over the years that they are a very humble group. They don’t ask for help, and so it’s really important to have our feelers out in the community to find different folks like David and Melissa (David’s wife).”

HandsOn partners with The Home Depot as part of its annual Celebration of Service, a two-month campaign focused on improving the homes and lives of U.S. military veterans and their families.

“We identify the homeowner and make the initial visit to scope it out,” Oliver said.

From the initial visit, The Home Depot sends Team Depot captains to the home to see what improvements are needed.

“In this case, David and Melissa only wanted the interior and exterior of their home painted,” Oliver said. “We said, ‘OK, and what else can we do for you?’”

In addition to the numerous improvements this month, Oliver said the team will paint the exterior of the house and install new flooring in November.

“Shane Duffy is building an accessible dining room table for him,” she said. “There are going to be some nice leavebehinds. We’re leaving them with a new patio set, a new grill, smoker and a shed.”

A veteran himself, Duffy has tried to give back whenever possible.

“I’m able to go out and do things they’re not able to do,” he said. “For example hanging up a ceiling fan or changing out lights.”

Duffy served in Afghanistan and said the military forges a brotherhood. “For me, giving back to veterans is the fulfillment of that brotherhood,” he said.

‘Celebration of Service’

Team Depot captain George Page coordinated the volunteers from 10 East Valley stores. Page has been involved with Team Depot, the company’s associate-led volunteer force, for 27 years.

Since 2011 The Home Depot Foundation has donated more than $105 million in veterans-related efforts and, together with Team Depot, has transformed more than 22,000 veteran homes. Campbell’s home was one of four in the Valley to receive improvements. Page estimates over 350 man hours, all volunteer, have gone into this project.

Sun Lakes Republicans to welcome Arpaio

The Sun Lakes Republican Club will feature “Law and Order 2015” with Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio at its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, in the Arizona Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes.

Arpaio heads the nation’s third largest sheriff’s office, which employs about 3,400 people. He has been elected to six four-year terms since 1992 and has more than 50 years’ experience in law enforcement.

Campbell is looking forward to getting out into the backyard with his motorized scooter and enjoying the upgrades with his five dogs, including his service dog, Caleb.

Campbell’s flagpole was in poor condition and the team made it a priority in the transformation. With the pole will be a plaque from The Home Depot honoring Campbell for his service to the United States.

“I am just so grateful,” Campbell said. “And the plaque that they are putting out there, words can’t explain how appreciative I am. It’s incredible. I can’t get over it.”

Campbell was overwhelmed by the generosity and the amount of effort that went into the transformation.

“It’s going to be awesome,” he said. “It’s a shock. I can’t get over all the work that everyone is doing. This is the country I fought and died for. I died for 5 minutes. I can’t get over what Home Depot is doing. I’ll never buy another screw from anyone else.”

Arpaio has approximately 10,000 inmates in his jail system. Years ago, when the sheriff learned that the inmates were stealing jailhouse white boxers, he had the underwear dyed pink to better control inventory. He also launched the only accredited high school under a sheriff in an American jail, “Hard Knocks High” and ALPHA, an antisubstance abuse program, to reduce recidivism.

His chain gangs contribute thousands of dollars of free labor to the community. The male chain gang, and the world’s first female and juvenile chain gangs, clean streets, paint over graffiti and bury the indigent in the county cemetery.

As chief law enforcement officer for the county, Arpaio continues to work to reduce crime. His deputies and detectives have solved several high-profile murder cases, including numerous child murders.

Mugshots of suspects (about 300 a day) are posted on the sheriff’s website as they are booked and processed into

jail. The website draws 1 million hits a day, making it one of the most visible law enforcement websites.

The sheriff’s posse, whose ranks have increased to 3,000 members under Arpaio, is the nation’s largest volunteer posse. Posse men and women help in search and rescue and other traditional police work as well as in special operations like rounding up deadbeat parents, fighting prostitution, patrolling malls during holidays and investigating animal cruelty complaints. The posse’s contributions are essentially free to taxpayers.

After serving in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1953, and as a Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas police officer for almost five years, Arpaio went on to build a federal law enforcement career and a reputation for fighting crime and drug trafficking around the world. As a federal narcotics agent, he infiltrated drug organizations from Turkey to the Middle East, to Mexico and Central and South America to cities around the United States. His expertise and success led him to top management positions around the world with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). He concluded his remarkable 32-year federal career as head of the DEA for Arizona.

State Sen. Steve Yarbrough will provide an update on the upcoming 2016 AZ elections. For more information, visit www.slgop.org or contact Mike Tennant at (480) 802-0178.

CPD conducts DUI task force

Fire official discusses department’s history in ‘Our Stories’

BY KRISTA TILLMAN

If it’s a major house fire, a grandparent who has fallen or the old cliché cat stuck in the tree, firefighters are always around to save the day.

“We’re in the worst-day-of-your-life business,” said Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department Battalion Chief Scott Wall. “We are one of the few businesses that try and prevent our business.”

Wall spoke about his career and the department’s history during “Saving Our Fellow Citizens: Chandler’s Firefighting History” on Sept. 12 at the Downtown Library. It was this season’s first installment of the “Our Stories” speaker series hosted by the Chandler Museum, Chandler Historical Society and the Chandler Public Library.

Wall explained that it’s important to learn about the history of Chandler’s Fire Department in order to fully understand the municipality’s background.

In Wall’s speech, he chronologically discussed the growth of the Chandler Fire Department. In 1919, there was only a volunteer department, which would learn about fires when residents shot a gun three times in the air. In 1937, Chandler Fire Department was officially created. On Oct. 20, 1948, the first fire station was built near Oregon and Chicago streets.

In 1976, paramedics were introduced to the Chandler Fire Department and led them into a new generation of

emergency services. Now, 80 percent of the calls into the CFHMD are medical calls. The CFHMD is also trying to save patients’ money by sending paramedics to check on residents with severe illnesses. When there is an emergency call, the department takes patients to the most cost-effective treatment center.

“We are finding better and more creative ways to serve our citizens” Wall said.

CFHMD now boasts 202 sworn firefighters and 10 fire stations.

“It’s certainly not about the salary.” Tapper was especially excited for this presenter because her husband was a firefighter for 10 years.

Attending the speech was inspirational to Larry Mylek. He sees people like Wall and it makes him feel secure in his decision to study firefighting.

“It’s the only profession that I’ve seen that everybody there wants to help you get in,” Mylek said. “(But) without passion, you’re going to get knocked down.”

Chandler has a state-ofthe-art training center that incorporates simulated fires.

The CFHMD is facing new challenges: With building material used in recently erected homes, such as plastics and chemical-based products that are highly combustible, fires are more lethal to households.

“Even though fires have gone down, they have become more dangerous,” Wall said.

Firefighters have touched many lives and have been inspirational to community members.

“The motivation is outstanding and that’s what brings me to tears,” said Georgeanna Tapper of Chandler who has been attending this speech series for a year,

A Chandler native, Wall graduated from Chandler High School and earned a degree from University of Arizona. He has been with the Chandler Fire Department, now known as the Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department, for the 25 years.

Jean Reynolds, the cultural affairs coordinator of “Our Stores,” said Wall was an ideal speaker.

“He has been with the fire department for years,” Reynolds said. “He has a lot of knowledge about the history of the fire department—its growth over time.”

The next presentation in the “Our Stories” series will be: “Waylon Jennings: Outlaw Country’s Roots in Arizona” at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Sunset Library.

Krista Tillman is a public relations student at ASU. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Shalom Chapter of Hadassah schedules fall events

The Shalom Chapter of Hadassah has released its fall schedule of events.

The first regular Hadassah meeting is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, with a presentation by Neighbors Who Care at the Oakwood Clubhouse, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes.

Lunch, scheduled for 11:30 a.m., is optional and costs $16. Send a reservation check to Ruth Friedman, The Renaissance, 9508 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes, AZ, 85248 or call (480) 802-9600.

It’s barbecue time again at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, with a Fun Fundraiser at the Halley Pool in Ironwood on Alma School Road in Sun Lakes. Hot dogs, chicken, salads and desserts will be served for $19. Send a reservation check to Marilyn Behr, 25803 Eastlake, Sun Lakes, AZ, 85248.

Cathy Olswing, president of the Hadassah Desert Mountain Region, will meet with the group at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20. Holly Parker, who spearheads the Just 3 Things campaign, also will discuss how donations make a difference to those in need. An optional $16 lunch is scheduled at 11:30 a.m. Send a reservation check to Friedman or call (480) 802-9600. The program starts at 1 p.m. Shalom Chapter of Hadassah has scheduled the following events: Wine & Cheese Patio Party, Sunday, Nov. 1; and a trip to the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, Tuesday, Dec. 8. For membership information, call Cyril at (480) 802-0243 or Kathy at (480) 895-5194.

Basha band receives donation from Dignity Health

BY KENNETH LAFAVE

Basha High School’s band received a $5,000 donation from Dignity Health Arizona after performing at the opening of the company’s state-of-the-art freestanding ER room.

The facility is located at 4760 E. Germann Rd. in Gilbert and opened Aug. 20 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Higley High School also received funds.

Dignity Health Arizona General Hospital’s Emergency Room is a relatively new hybrid that is open all the time and connected professionally to a major hospital, but located separately and conveniently.

“This is a 24-hour facility staffed by board certified physicians and nurses. It’s truly an emergency room, just without a hospital attached to it,” said Tim Bricker, president and CEO of Dignity Health Arizona’s Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers.

Gilbert, the latest of three freestanding ERs the Dignity Health group has opened in the Valley. (The others are in Chandler and in Glendale.)

The new ER is a place someone might go instead of Bricker’s own Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, should they find it closer and more convenient.

“The significance of this facility is it’s a way to give access to people for emergency visits. Instead of having to drive for several miles, they can come here.”

The ER looks less like a hospital and more like a storefront.

“When you drive up, you see it’s smaller than a hospital,” which many will find less intimidating than approaching an imposing architectural façade, Bricker said.

“Parking is easy and access is fast. The average waiting time is around five minutes.”

Freestanding emergency rooms have come into their own only in the last few years, primarily, Bricker said, as the result of two related phenomena: the Affordable Care Act, and a decreasing number of available primary care physicians.

“There are fewer people without insurance now, and that has created a greater demand for services,” Bricker said.

“In addition, there’s a shortage in our country of primary care doctors, so people are taking more advantage of emergency room use.”

Emergency rooms visits around the country have experienced significant growth. The ER at Mercy Gilbert, Bricker added, saw an 11 percent increase this year from last.

Dignity Health is also addressing the primary-care doctor shortage, Bricker added.

“We’re putting a lot of resources into

primary care, bringing new doctors to the community to work with existing primary care facilities, and working hard to grow the number of those facilities.”

Another dynamic at work in Arizona to increase the demand for both primary care physicians and emergency rooms is the state’s aging population.

“The older we get, sadly, the more we need health care. And as you know, we have a population fluctuation during the winter, which sees more snowbirds and leads to winter being our peak season for visits.”

For more information, visit www. azgeneraler.com/locations/gilbert.

Kenneth LaFave is an associate editor with the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at klafave@timespublications. com.

NOT IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD

Events, activities and tips from CPD

BY CMDR. GREGG JACQUIN

As the fall arrives and the weather cools, the activity and events heat up. This holds true for the Chandler Police Department as well. To that end, there are a couple of events that highlight the partnership between the community and the department, and some other reminders as things get busier and we’re out and about.

The annual G.A.I.N. event (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) is held every year in the fall to celebrate our neighborhoods, our community and the partnership in fighting crime.

G.A.I.N. is Arizona’s version of National Night Out that is celebrated across the country for this very purpose. This year’s event is scheduled for 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Groups may participate through a block party or other type of neighborhood gathering.

Police officers and other resources are often spotted at the various community functions and can be requested. If you choose, groups can register their block party for a visit by members of the department by registering their group between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at our Main Police Station at 250 E. Chicago St. If you are requesting a police specialty unit to visit your event, it is mandatory that you register so a lottery can be held to ensure all groups are afforded an opportunity for a visit

by one of these units. For additional information on this event you may contact the Community Resources Unit at (480) 782-4870.

The second event to share with you is the Chandler Police Department’s Mental Health Resources Fair which will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Desert Breeze Substation at 251 N. Desert Breeze Blvd.

The issue of mental illness and how we respond to those in crisis and need, and more importantly, how we find the path to resources and wellness is an important challenge for all of us. This is certainly the case with family members, coworkers and friends who may be dealing with the issue or caring for someone with mental illness. We hope to enhance the education and awareness of the issue. There will be guest speakers, resource booths and both the Chandler police and fire department will be on hand. To register for this event, call Officer Loranda Tibble at (480) 7824800 or Loranda.Tibble@chandleraz.gov. This is also the time of the year we remind you to be attentive to your driving and where you park around schools and stop on roadways. Schools

are back in session and have an immediate and sudden impact on the streets and residential areas due to the pedestrian traffic and car volume. We also recognize that many of these areas may not be suited to accommodate an increase in hundreds of vehicles when school starts and lets out. Likewise, with the sporting events and community activities we see an increase in parking violations and crowding in areas, which sometimes include areas not designed for vehicles. The department works with schools every year to help make sure that the kids are safe and that your neighbors do not have cars blocking their driveways, fire hydrants or are illegally parked. Please help in making it your business to be aware of loading zones, parking zones and the neighbor or house you may be impacting. Driving and parking is a shared responsibility and we encourage you to be mindful of potential violations for parking on a sidewalk, near a fire hydrant, blocking a driveway, parking too close to an intersection or creating a hazardous situation for others. As reminder for all, school zones are 15 miles per hour and nothing more.

The last bit of information for you is we need your help. We recently had the opportunity to take a team of officers out

to one of our Chandler neighborhoods for community outreach. It is always positive and appreciated to get out of the car and meet and greet our community so you can put a face to a uniform and we can try to make a difference in your day. We will continue this, and hope to enhance our crime fighting efforts so you see us at these times and not the bad times. This is where you can make a difference. During our latest tour, we contacted approximately 352 homes on a single night—great contacts, great conversations and a real opportunity for crime prevention. However, during our time in the neighborhood we noted a number of vehicles unlocked with the windows open or cracked, and even more concerning is that in 39 of these cases we could see valuables in plain sight sitting in the car. We know that many of our thefts and burglaries are easy, unforced crimes of opportunity. We also found 47 homes that had their garage doors wide open, which we know remains one of our largest incentives to burglaries or thefts. So, again if we can be vigilant and go this extra step we have made it harder for an easy opportunity. Thanks for your continued partnership.

The Chandler Police Department’s nonemergency number is (480) 782-4000. If there’s an emergency, always dial 9-1-1.

VFW Post seeks new members

Veterans’ organizations are looking for new members to join a VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), including the Sun Lakes Post 8053, or other veterans’ groups.

New VFW members are needed to support efforts to protect veterans’ rights.

Approximately 1,100 World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans die each day, and with fewer members in Congress who have served in the military, VFW members want to recruit new members to help ensure veterans’ rights are maintained.

In July, the American Legion post turned in its charter and closed its doors, citing a declining membership base and smaller numbers of eligible veterans joining their groups. Members of the VFW Post 8053 meet on the fourth Monday each month in the Sun Lakes Clubhouse, Arizona Room, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes.

The Sun Lakes VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary were founded in December 1975 as the Russell W. Bercier VFW Post 8053, Sun Lakes. The mission of the post is to service members, all veterans and their families, bring awareness to the community of their roles and promote national ideals.

The VFW supports veterans in

VA hospitals by donating medical equipment and other necessities such as helping the veteran in obtaining their benefits.

For those interested in becoming a member of the VFW, membership requires military service overseas during an operation or conflict. Other actions for eligibility would include, but not be limited to, award of a campaign medal or ribbon, duty anytime in Korea from 1950 to the present, service in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korean War or World War II.

Those who are unsure of their eligibility can contact Junior Vice Cmdr. Carlos Lozano at carlos1520@cox. net or visit the VFW website at www. sunlakesvfw.org.

Cities recruiting firefighter candidates

The cities of Chandler, Scottsdale and Tempe will be recruiting qualified applicants for future firefighter positions.

The process will create a two-year eligibility list for future firefighting jobs with the departments. None of the cities have open firefighting positions at this time.

The three-part application process began with online preregistration to pre-qualify up to 1,500 eligible candidates. Those who pre-qualify will attend an in-person registration session Monday, Sept. 21. An in-person written exam will be completed by candidates Saturday, Oct. 10.

Locations and times for the in-person events will be given to the applicants deemed eligible. There is no fee to preregister and begin the recruitment process.

The exam results will be used to create an eligibility list, which will remain valid for two years. Similar multicity recruitment efforts attracted approximately 1,500 applicants in 2010 and 2013.

“The City of Chandler continues to grow, and while we do not have any open firefighter positions in the department at this time, we are preparing for the time down the road when we

will

need to

hire

new

firefighters

or

replace

retiring members,”

said Jeff Clark, Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department battalion chief.

“We are looking for men and women with a strong work ethic and dedication to service. People who have the ability to learn, work as a team and act with integrity.”

Details on the multicity recruitment are online at www. chandleraz.gov/fire and the link to the online pre-registration form was activated Aug. 3. Candidates must be 18 years of age or older by Sept. 21 and legally eligible to work in the United States. Only one registration per candidate is allowed.

The following documents (originals or copies) must be provided by candidates or their proxies at the time of registration: a completed multicity test registration form; a candidate’s valid driver’s license; a valid paramedic or emergency medical technician certificate for the state of Arizona, National Registry EMT or proof of paid enrollment in an upcoming EMT class and the candidate’s Department of Defense Form 214, if applicable.

Vendor fair raises funds to fight ataxia

The Arizona Ataxia Support Group, a nonprofit associated with the National Ataxia Support Group, will host a Shop Till You Drop Craft and Vendor Fair 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Disability Empowerment Center, 5025 E. Washington St., in Phoenix.

The fair is free and serves as a fundraising and an awareness event. Chandler resident Mary Fuchs is an AZ Support Group co-leader.

Ataxia is a group of rare and often fatal degenerative neurological disorders. An estimated 150,000 people in the U.S. are affected by ataxia. Symptoms are progressive and often impact coordination, hearing, vision, and speech. Ataxia affects both genders and all ages, but too often ataxia strikes children and young adults. At this time, there is no effective treatment or cure for ataxia. Through the event, “Shop Till You Drop Craft & Vendor Fair,” organizers are going to bring the greater Phoenix community together for a fun-filled shopping and educational experience in support of the important work of the National Ataxia Foundation. The event includes a Chinese auction, raffle, chair yoga demo, free massages, children’s activity area, special guests, local craft vendors and health and wellness vendors. For information or to donate, visit http://ataxia.donorpages. com/2015AZShop/.

Free lunch and learn seminar about hearing loss on Oct. 30

Doctors from Good Sound Audiology in Sun Lakes will conduct a free lunch and learn seminar 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, to explain misconceptions about hearing loss and the latest in hearing aid technology. The presentation will leave time for questions and answers.

According to Drs. Tina Jessee and Tanya Karg, 36 million Americans have hearing loss and although hearing problems are commonly associated with the normal aging process, more than half of all hearing-impaired persons are younger than 65.

“If you notice voices are sounding muffled or have difficulty hearing specific sounds we urge you to get a baseline hearing evaluation,” Jessee said.

Good Sound Audiology. Submitted photo

The seminar, including lunch, will be held in the Lecky Center at the Ed Robson Branch Library at 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes and is open to the public.

Seating is limited and a reservation is required by calling (480) 883-2842.

Hearing aids will not be sold during the seminar. Info: www.goodsoundaudiology. com.

Desert Cancer Foundation holding annual luncheon

An educational “Learning, Loving and Living with Cancer” luncheon is being held 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, One San Marcos Pl., Chandler. Jeanine L’Ecuyer of L’Ecuyer Communications will emcee the event.

The annual fundraiser benefits the Desert Cancer Foundation of Arizona.

John Sentz, board member and cancer survivor, and Dr. Ross Bremner, director of the John and Doris Norton Thoracic Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, will be keynote speakers.

Tickets are $40 per person. Register: www.desertcanceraz.org.

The Carole Weishaar Founder’s Award, Linda Rainford Award and Edgar H. Hernandez Humanitarian Award will be presented. The public is invited to submit award nominations on the website.

Help prepare for emergencies by donating blood

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to help prepare for emergencies by giving blood during National Preparedness Month, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at BASIS Chandler, 1800 E. Chandler Blvd.

Becoming a regular blood donor is one way to help ensure communities are prepared for any emergency, including those where blood transfusions are needed. The Red Cross also encourages the public to get prepared by making a disaster plan for their homes or work places.

A sufficient blood supply is central to ensuring hospitals are prepared to meet patient needs in times of disaster, including the very personal ones that can happen any day. Because blood takes about 48 hours to be tested, processed and made available for patients, it’s the blood already on the shelves that can help save the day when emergencies occur.

This month also marks the sixth year that the Red Cross and Sport Clips Haircuts have teamed up to help increase blood donations. Through the “Saving

Lives Never Looked So Good” campaign, Sport Clips is thanking those who give blood in September with a coupon for a free haircut at participating Sport Clips locations. The coupon is valid through Nov. 8, and will be sent to donors via email a few days after their donation. Every 2 seconds someone in the United States needs blood, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for patients needing transfusions. The Red Cross needs blood donors of all types—especially those with types AB, O negative, B negative and A negative—to

DCFA provides cancer education and access to lifesaving screenings and secure treatment resources for uninsured and under-insured patients and their families in Arizona. Info: (480) 857-6652.

give blood regularly.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood. org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767). Info: www.redcross.org/prepare.

BE COUNTED CHANDLER!

Please open your door to U.S. Census workers in October and November 2015.

Each person counted in Chandler means about $318 in funding every year. This money helps pay for essential public services such as police and fire protection, trash collection, properly maintained streets, parks, libraries and more.

“We’re counting on you Chandler! With just a few minutes of your time, you will be helping the City receive the funding necessary for many City services you rely on to stay safe and healthy.”

– Mayor Jay Tibshraeny

More Info: chandleraz.gov/census

Nominate veterans for Operation Welcome Home

Nominations and sponsorships are being accepted for the fourth Operation Welcome Home Chandler ceremony to be held next spring.

Veterans should be Chandler residents and have been on active duty within the last three years or leaving soon. Residents or businesses also may participate through sponsorship or in-kind donations for the program.

During the ceremony, veterans are part of a procession escorted by the Arizona Patriot Guard to the Chandler City Council Chambers where the Chandler City Council will recognize and thank

each individual. During the ceremony, the honorees will be presented with a gift basket with donations from the community. After the public event, the veterans and their families will be treated to dinner at a local restaurant.

Ceremonies are scheduled several times a year, based on the number of nominees. Residents are encouraged to attend the event, and donations are being accepted through the Chandler Chamber Community Foundation.

To nominate a veteran or sponsor the program, visit www.chandleraz.gov/ patriotism.

City celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Mariachi Festival

Chandler’s 16th annual Mariachi & Folklorico Festival is being held 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.

Presented by C.A.L.L.E. de Arizona, the show combines music and traditional dances of Mexico, featuring folkloric dancers from Ballet Folklorico QuetzalliAZ and Tradiciones Dance Co. and two popular Mariachi ensembles, Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Mariachi Sonido de Mexico. Live entertainment and a Garibaldi Mercado showcasing local artists, vendors and businesses will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The event is part of Hispanic Heritage

Month, presented in cooperation of the City of Chandler and the Human Relations Commission to honor the contributions of Chandler’s Latino residents.

For tickets, call (480) 782-2680 or visit www.chandlercenter.org/concerts/7016th-annual-chandler-mariachi-festival.

Chamber supports CUSD bond and TUHSD override

The Board of Directors of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce has voted to approve the Chandler Unified School District bond and the Tempe Union High School District override.

“Both school districts are high performing and the Chandler Chamber Board voted to support the bond and override to strengthen our community’s future in education,” said Terri Kimble, president/CEO of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce.

The CUSD’s Governing Board is asking voters to approve a $196 million bond

for capital improvements, including construction, acquisition, additions and improvements to new and existing schools. Approval of the Tempe Union High School District’s $6.5 million override would address needs for buses, books, equipment, minor building improvements and technology over the next seven years. Both elections are Nov. 3 by mail.

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce represents more than 1,300 businesses with more than 100,000 employees. Info: (480) 963-4571 or www.chandlerchamber. com.

Treasure sale, restaurant raffle benefits Sun Lakes Chapel

The Sun Lakes Chapel board is preparing to hold its 11th annual treasure sale and restaurant raffle.

All of the money from both events will go toward the maintenance and upkeep of the Sun Lakes Chapel and the Chapel Center, which hosts four congregations— Sun Lakes Community Church, Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation, Sun Lakes Lutheran Church and Sun Lakes Church of Christ.

The top prize for the restaurant raffle is $100 to spend at Starbucks, plus four dinners. Second prize is dinner for two at six restaurants. There will be at least 12 winners of multiple dinners for two.

The treasure sale is set for 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, and Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Chapel Center, which is located in Sun

Lakes Country Club at 9240 E. Sun Lakes Blvd. North. Items at the treasure sale run the gamut of furniture to knickknacks, all of which are priced to sell.

The public may donate items by leaving them on the back porch of the Chapel Center. If they are too large to move, call Butch at (612) 743-5998. Clothing and large televisions, electronics and appliances will not be accepted.

The restaurant raffle winners will be chosen at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the treasure sale. Winners need not be present. Raffle tickets are $1 or seven tickets for $5, 15 tickets for $10 or 35 tickets for $20. They can be purchased from congregation members or by calling (480) 802-3281.

Active military personnel get in free at games, events

BY KEN ABRAMCZYK

Active military personnel and military reserve members will be admitted for free to some Chandler Unified School events, thanks to a recent move by the governing board.

The administrative body recently approved a resolution that “welcomes all citizens who are active military and military reserve to attend high school athletic and fine arts events at no cost.” It was effective Aug. 28.

An active status badge allows military

and one guest to attend regular season home athletic and fine arts events at Arizona College Prep-Erie, Basha, Casteel, Chandler, Hamilton and Perry high schools.

“We wanted to show our appreciation for what they do for our country and what they do for us,” said Terry Locke, director of community relations with the Chandler United School District.

Locke said the board “brainstormed” ideas to fit in with a patriotic theme this year for the district. Schools throughout

the district will develop themes around patriotism throughout the year, Locke said.

After the board approved the item, it was emailed to the staff to let teachers, staff and students know that the district is looking for more ways to honor service personnel and help teach life lessons.

Locke said school officials don’t know how many military personnel attend games. “It will be interesting to see what the turnout is though.” Locke said.

Police add second assistant chief to executive staff

Chandler Police Cmdr. and Executive Officer Jason Zdilla was promoted to assistant chief by Police Chief Sean Duggan on Friday, Sept. 6, after an extensive interview process.

Zdilla, a 20-year veteran of the department, is the second assistant police chief.

Zdilla started his law enforcement career in Chandler as a member of the Police Explorer program.

Hired in 1994, Zdilla served as a patrol officer, then moved into the Criminal Investigations Bureau as a financial and computer crimes detective. He received certification from International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists as a computer forensic examiner, a first for the department.

As a sergeant, Zdilla was selected as Training Unit supervisor, where he implemented the digitizing of training records for all employees. Under his

supervision, the unit also developed computer-based training, which eventually was adopted for Citywide use. During his tenure as the Intel Unit supervisor, he moved the group into a more proactive mission, focusing on crime trends.

Once promoted to lieutenant, Zdilla made stops in Field Operations, Tactical Operations and Professional Standards. While in the Field Operations Division, Zdilla oversaw the Field Training and Special Operations Programs. He was the incident commander for the City’s largescale annual events such as the Ostrich Festival and Tumbleweed Tree Lighting. Zdilla was part of the rewrite of the department’s pursuit policy.

While supervising the Tactical Operations Unit, Zdilla was the tactical commander for the Special Assignment Unit. He coordinated tactical operations during the Chandler Fashion Center shooting in early 2011 and managed

Wisdom teeth are almost certain to cause problems if left in place. This is particularly true of impacted wisdom teeth, such problems may occur suddenly and often at the most inconvenient time. While the kids are out for summer break, there couldn’t be a better time to take care of this preventative procedure.

The average mouth does not have room for the third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth,” to come in properly. These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems such as swelling, stiffness, pain and illness. The pressure from the wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic of natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. It is now recommended that impacted wisdom teeth be removed early to prevent these problems.

Most commonly we remove wisdom teeth between the ages of 14 and 22 years whether they are causing problems or not. The procedure is technically easier and patients recover much quicker when they are younger. What is a relatively minor procedure at 20 can before quite difficult in patients as they get older. Also, the risk of complications increases with age and the healing process is slower. We utilize the latest technologies and techniques to make your procedure go smoother and your healing process faster.

For a consultation, please call Dr. Shah at 480.814.9500. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. Board Certified, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

over 250 other tactical operations from warrant service and barricaded subjects to dignitary protection. Under his tenure, the department was responsible for security of four separate presidential visits.

As section commander of the Professional Standards Unit, Zdilla was also the CALEA accreditation manager. Under his leadership, the department earned the Gold Standard Reaccreditation with excellence, one of the first departments in the state to receive this honor.

Zdilla was promoted to commander in August 2014 and took the helm of the Professional Services Division, which includes Communications, Records/ Property & Evidence, Police IT and the Crime Laboratory. During this time, Zdilla also served as the executive officer, managing projects from the chief’s office.

Along with his many police functions, Zdilla has served as an adjunct instructor with the University of Phoenix and

Officials are looking at introducing at halftime of games the district’s alumni serving in the military who happen to be in town on leave. Perry High School has created a Wall of Fame this year for alumni serving in the military.

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

an instructor with Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Zdilla earned a Bachelor of Science in computer information systems from ASU and a Master’s of Administration from NAU. He is a 2013 graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command.