1 4 2014stsn p1 15 community

January 4 - 17, 2014 www.SanTanSun.com

Positive momentum continues for city’s economic future

BY TRACY HOUSE

As we put 2013 behind us and look forward to the prosperity that 2014 promises, Chandler is one city that is headed in the right direction. Chandler’s economic outlook for this year continues to shine for a city that has weathered some difficult years in a struggling national economy that has taken a toll on other cities.

To start, Tibshraeny says, “We will continue the momentum that has been building the last two years and should see a lot of positive activity on the economic development front.”

Technology-based companies have had a positive impact on Chandler’s economy and, Tibshraeny mentions, “We’ll continue to see that. We are the innovation and technology hub of the Southwest. So we will continue to attract those kinds of companies because of the community we have and the infrastructure we’ve put into it to accommodate those types of companies.”

Development in Chandler is attracting large and small businesses. “The council wants to see a good diversification of our business base,” Tibshraeny says. “That would include attracting all kinds of different companies.”

He mentions Continuum, the former Motorola site in the Price Road Corridor, where OnTrac, Nationstar Mortgage and CyrusOne have located. “We’ll continue to see a diversification of business. All of the businesses that locate in our community ultimately help small Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. Submitted photo

Intel plugs into the electric vehicle community

BY KIMBERLY HOSEY

Intel and its workers have been on the leading edge of creating and adopting new and sustainable technologies.

The two campuses decided to support their employees’ environmental efforts and stay ahead of the trend by offering onsite charging as well as fostering a loose community of Intel electric vehicle owners.

With eight electric chargers at each campus, drivers of allelectric vehicles now have an easier time commuting to work at Intel each day.

A couple years ago, Intel noticed a trend of employees moving over to electric vehicles, and after a pilot program in Santa Clara, OR, they decided to give it a try at several sites across the country, says Marty Sedler, director of global utilities and infrastructure at Intel.

“We just really try to enable the employees, make it available, see if they’re going to be using it and how,” he says. It’s all about balancing common-sense financial responsibility and efficiency with supporting sustainable and green efforts, he adds.

Intel’s practical look has helped form a vision of what many electric vehicle drivers do and need each day, from commuting

Girls run strong with nonprofi t

BY KIMBERLY HOSEY

Girls on the Run serving Maricopa and Pinal counties this year celebrates 10 years of helping encourage fitness and empower third through eighth grade girls across the Valley—and it’s still growing, says Meagan Kukowski, executive director.

“We serve an average of 500 girls

EMPLOYEES GET A CHARGE OUT OF INTEL:

The charging stations at Intel’s campuses—eight each at Chandler and Ocotillo—sport tech and Arizona décor, and are available to employees for just the cost of electricity. Submitted photo

each season and we continue to grow,” Kukowski says. “We often get asked if it’s for at-risk girls, and usually our answer is ‘Unfortunately, really all girls are at-risk.’ And we address issues that all girls face. Preadolescent years can be tough on any kid, but girls especially face a number of issues during their preteen

Chandler athlete makes Olympic female hockey team

Chandler native Lyndsey Fry became the first Arizonan to make the U.S. Olympic women’s hockey team. The team’s roster was announced after deadline on Jan. 1 during

the Winter Classic hockey game between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs in Ann Arbor, MI. She was profiled in the SanTan Sun News’ Sept. 21, 2013, edition.

NEW YEAR’S BABY

BABY NEW YEAR: Samantha Salkey gave birth to the first baby of the new year at Chandler Regional Medical Center. The baby boy, whose name was not released at press time, was delivered at 3:27 a.m. Wed., Jan. 1. Submitted photo

business in the long run because they create a lot of energy in the

He explains people who work and live in Chandler spend money in the city and it’s an effect that continues to benefit everybody.

“We’ll continue to be proactive with our small businesses.”

Tibshraeny says he’s personally involved with the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and meets regularly during the year with small and large businesses.

After the housing market fell out in 2008, cities were hit with economic issues that had far reaching affects. Chandler, however, has done well through the recovery and continues to move forward.

“We’re seeing a good recovery continue to occur in Chandler with new jobs being created, new business locating, and a lot of activity both on the business and residential side,” Tibshraeny says. “We’re continuing to work and see very positive results there.”

Chandler continues to see an increase in housing development bringing in residential homebuilders.

“We’re looking at continuing a diverse stock of housing opportunities for our residents,” Tibshraeny explains. “We have a limited amount of land left in Chandler for development so we’re looking very closely at how it develops and what goes on there.”

Chandler is close to build-out, with 245,000 people calling Chandler home and Tibshraeny estimates the city may

LOCATION: Continuum, the former Motorola site in the Price Road Corridor, has attracted several companies including OnTrac, Nationstar Mortgage and CyrusOne. Photo courtesy the city of Chandler

draw another 40,000 people to the area over the next five to 10 years. “Land is a very precious resource now and we need to be very cognizant of that as we zone that.”

Looking forward to 2014, Tibshraeny anticipates the completion of the

should be complete by the end of 2014. Intel continues to be involved in its facilities, both in Ocotillo and West Chandler, with the research and development facility; two projects that could be completed in 2014. “We’ve got a lot of things that we’ve amassed over the past few years, and then started construction and then they will finish construction in 2014.”

“I am so optimistic about our opportunities in Chandler over the next five years,” says Tibshraeny. “If we do things right and nothing happens at the national level, we are going to be positioned really well and see some really good things happen in our community.”

Known for its technology and innovative companies, Chandler is recognized globally as a having a good reputation because of all the diversified companies that it has attracted to the city. Tibshraeny mentions, “It’s really exciting. We have a lot of good things on the horizon.”

General Motors facility in the Price Road Corridor and it becoming operational in the first half of the year, which will be a strong addition to the community. He mentions that Wells Fargo is breaking ground on a 10,000-square-foot project at Queen Creek and Price roads and

Tibshraeny explains, “We’re very fortunate in Chandler. We’re a lot better off economically and from an economic development standpoint than most cities in the state and in the nation for that matter. It’s the product of a lot of hard work that has gotten us here, where we are this premier community and we just want to stay the course and continue to focus.”

Tracy House is the news editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at tracy@santansun.com.

‘Bench the Bag’ recycling challenge

Elementary schools in Chandler are being asked to jump aboard a unique recycling campaign that will turn donated plastic bags into building materials and useful products such as park benches.

The “Bench the Bag” campaign is being spearheaded by the East Valley Recycling Alliance, a group of like-minded recycling professionals from East Valley municipalities with the common goal of reducing waste in their communities.

The alliance is asking elementary schools to collect plastic bags from their students so they can be recycled. Containers will be placed in the schools for collection of the bags. The bags will be weighed and the school that collects the most will receive a park bench made by a company called Trex that uses the bags to produce woodcomposite decking and railing products.

The group is targeting plastic bags because there are few options for recycling them and they are not allowed in blue barrels because they get caught in recycling machinery.

The types of plastic bags that can be recycled include grocery and department store bags, dry cleaning bags, bread, produce and Ziploc bags. Also accepted are newspaper sleeves and paper towel plastic over-wrap. The only rule is that bags must be clean, with no paper or leftover food inside them.

Chandler elementary schools have until Jan. 9 to join the campaign by calling 480-782-3510 and asking for an enrollment form. The collection drive will run from Jan. 13 through March 31 with winners announced during Earth month in April. For more information, call 480-782-3525.

Chandler: We have an app for that

The city of Chandler encourages residents to assist with neighborhood beautification by simply downloading the city’s free PublicStuff mobile phone app. The app allows residents to report problems in realtime, ranging from graffiti, water leaks and broken street lights.

The city partnered with PublicStuff, a New Yorkbased software company, to create a mobile interface that seamlessly ties into Chandler’s existing citizen service request system. This means that through the city PublicStuff app, requests for service are quickly identified and resolved. Since its launch in June 2012, the city has received and completed 638 requests for service.

The app is free and easy to use. Here’s how:

1. See something that needs to be fixed?

2. Submit a request and even attach a photo.

3. City staff receives the request.

4. The city fixes the problem!

5. You get notified when the request is completed.

Simply download the app from iTunes or Google Play. Once a PublicStuff account is created, the app

allows for easy tracking of requests and their progress. It is as simple as taking a picture of the issue at hand and clicking “Submit” to forward the request. Also, the PublicStuff app allows users to see other issues in the area to eliminate the need for duplicate requests. However, there is the option of making a concern private. All issues are highlighted through a GPS-based mapping feature.

The app also features “widgets,” or special areas, to find more information about city services. For example, there is widget that gives bios and contact information for the Chandler City Council. You also can connect with the city on social media. Both Facebook and Twitter feeds are provided on the app. Need to find out when your trash and recycling will be picked up? This information also is available as a widget on the app.

The Chandler PublicStuff app is free and available for immediate use. You can find links on where to download the app at chandleraz.gov/mobileapps. You also can do a quick search for “Chandler PublicStuff” on both iTunes or Google Play.

Yoga can help improve your golf game

A two-day Yoga for Golfers—Ball Striking and Green Reading Workshop—will be conducted by Inner Vision Yoga from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fri., Jan. 17, at Inner Vision Yoga, 725 E. Guadalupe Rd., Tempe and from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Sat., Jan. 17, at Legacy Golf Course, 6808 S. 32nd St., Phoenix.

Master yoga teacher Aaron Goldberg and PGA pro golfer Craig Renshaw will present the class. Those who participate are advised to bring yoga mats to both sessions.

Such tools as improving your health, strengthening

and scoring, as well as covering increased speed and range of motion, improving impact and accuracy and what to look for when reading the green, will be provided during the workshop.

The two-day golf workshop, if registered by Fri., Jan. 10, is $99 and $119 after. A single class option of $55, if purchased before Fri., Jan. 10, is offered, or $65 when purchased after that date.

Participants should register in advance, due to limited space, at InnerVisionYoga.com or by calling 480-632-7899.

and early teenage years, ranging from gossip and bullying, to good eating habits, to peer pressure and body image.

The local Girls on the Run, a nonprofit positive youth development program that’s part of a nationwide organization with more than 200 councils across the country, helps preteen girls through 24 meetings and lessons incorporating teaching and activities that focus on issues like self confidence, healthful eating and respect for self and others.

But it’s more than a casual club. Girls on the Run combines its interactive curriculum designed to foster confidence with training for a 5K run, which the girls involved run at the culmination of the program. Girls run an average of one or two miles at each meeting, and one step, one lesson and one mile at a time; the girls—with volunteer coaches and adult running buddies—build toward completing the race at the end of each season.

Amy Yost, a volunteer coach from Chandler, has been an avid runner for years, and is thrilled she decided to become involved with Girls on the Run. She loves how the group makes running and healthful living enjoyable.

“We always have some sort of a project or a way to interact and make it fun,” she says.

She says she was impressed by the determination and achievements of the girls she coached.

“It’s amazing to get around these young women and see what they’re

CHEERING HER ON: A girl runs alongside her running buddy, as the volunteer cheers her on. Adult running buddies volunteer time on race day to support and encourage a racer through the finish line. Submitted photo

capable of. I had girls that had no problem running 8-minute miles. What an accomplishment at that age,” she says.

The life lessons woven into the training make practice more valuable— and more enjoyable—than a runningonly program, Kukowski says.

“Most often the girls don’t even really realize how far they’re running at

a practice. They’re always learning, and they’re training at the same time,” she says.

Another aspect that makes the program fun and helps build girls’ self confidence is the running buddy they race with at the end of the season.

Each girl either invites a buddy—family members and teachers are popular

choices—or is paired with an adult buddy for race day.

“Kind of her own personal cheerleader, another great example and role model to accompany them on their 5K course,” says Kukowski.

Amy Yost’s 8-year-old daughter, third-grader Ellie Yost, recently finished a 5K race with her running buddy—her teacher.

“I think that was really a special moment for both of them,” says Amy Yost.

Ellie—a fierce competitor, according to her mother—concurs.

“Getting to the finish line with my buddy” was the highlight of the program, she says, adding that she also enjoyed the lessons on community and health.

It’s not just crossing the finish line; but the buildup, the lessons learned and the friendships formed along the way.

Yost says she was impressed with the friendships formed between the girls, even when they didn’t know each other starting out.

“It was really neat to see that kind of bonding,” she says. “I think this is just kind of an awkward stage. You’re just learning about your body; you’ve got a lot of peer pressure at that age, a lot of image issues. I was surprised to see how early that starts.”

Perhaps most importantly, girls can be themselves—whether they’re princesses, tomboys or anything else. Girls on the Run embraces all ways to be a girl.

“We teach them how to identify what

distances and volume of demand for chargers to charging and parking habits.

The chargers are also inexpensive. Intel footed the bill to install the units and charges only for the electricity, without any additional fee.

It’s a low enough price that Sedler says one of the biggest challenges is that demand is higher than expected—busy Intel workers will plug in and go to work for the day.

Needing an open space when someone’s already charging might be a problem until (as some hope) electric cars are adopted on a larger scale— but that’s one thing that the small community of electric vehicle owners at the company can discuss.

David Carrington, a software engineer at Intel and owner of a 2013 all-electric Ford Focus, says the group of electric vehicle owners at Intel have met a few times and maintain a list of who at the company owns and drives electric cars. That comes in handy for everything from finding out who can make a charger available for someone in need to discussing their electric vehicles and educating others.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about electric vehicles,” Carrington says. “They’re actually a whole lot of fun to drive, because they have a lot of torque and they can be very quick cars. It’s just a very smooth drive, no gear shifting, no winding up of the little engine. It’s actually just a really nice drive and you don’t have the exhaust and the fumes,

FORD FOCUS: David Carrington, a member of the group of Intel electric vehicle owners, displayed his all-electric 2013 Ford Focus during National Plug In Day Sept. 29 in Scottsdale.

Photo courtesy David Carrington

no trips to the gas station.”

Installing chargers at the Intel campus made it easier for those who were considering going electric but were worried about the range, he says.

“As soon as Intel put them there, that means that some people who maybe couldn’t have made it on a charge can now make it there, charge there, and then go home, so the radius of electric cars from the Intel facility is larger.”

Sedler agrees, saying that while he doesn’t have hard data on Chandler yet, he did receive several emails after

Intel installed chargers at each of its campuses around the country, thanking the company for supporting sustainable options or saying that they made it easier to decide to go electric.

When the chargers were unveiled, several vehicle owners from the group brought their cars to show anyone with questions what the cars are all about.

“Ford Focus, the (Nissan) Leaf and the Tesla; they’re fully electric cars. Owning one of these or driving one of these, your often educating people that really have no idea what it’s all about,” he says.

Carrington lists benefits such as not paying for fuel, opting for a vehicle that’s not reliant on foreign oil, tax credits and even access to the HOV lane as perks, in addition to driving a cleaner car and “supporting the movement.” He says that while he still drives a truck for long trips and hauling, he’s able to put many more miles on his Focus, cutting down on maintenance.

He adds that many electric vehicle owners naturally form communities of the sort that Intel has fostered, often sharing even home chargers and comparing notes on the emerging technology. Apps for smartphones even tell users where chargers are and if they’re ready to be used.

Ultimately, Sedler looks forward to using both Intel’s practical business strategy and its support of environmentally friendly initiatives to stay at the head of the trend as drivers adopt electric vehicles.

“We’re really watching it now, and we’re checking the adoptions, and we’ll keep developing based on what’s needed,” he says.

Kimberly Hosey is the section editor for Community and Arts. She can be reached at kimberly@santansun.com.

want anything to do with it. And we teach them to respect and value what other people bring to the table, even if they’re coming from a totally different place.”

Kukowski says one of her favorite aspects has been what she calls the “ripple effect” of Girls on the Run.

“It’s amazing. While we’re teaching and empowering a girl, she’s taking it home, and many times empowers and educates her family and her school community,” Kukowski says.

Late registration for the spring season is still open through Tue., Jan. 7, on a firstcome, first-served basis. Girls on the Run provides training and tools for interested community, school or parent groups to start programs. To host your own Girls on the Run group, become a running buddy, register an interested girl or learn more, check out the group’s website at gotrmc. org or call 480-248-6608.

Kimberly Hosey is the section editor for Community and Arts. She can be reached at kimberly@santansun.com.

Community

SanTan Brewing Co. hires national business development manager

San Tan Brewing Co. owner and brewer Anthony Canecchia announced plans to expand distribution of SanTan’s hand crafted beer into the southwest markets including California, New Mexico, Colorado and Texas, just a few weeks after the official grand opening celebration at SanTan Brewing’s new 35,000-square-foot production facility took place.

SanTan Brewing Co. has hired former Oskar Blues’ national sales director Wendy Weathers to head the company’s national business development to help put those plans into action.

“We have been friends with Wendy for several years and couldn’t be happier about having her join our family at SanTan. Wendy’s passion for craft beer and accomplishments at Oskar Blues are two of the many traits that complement the culture of San Tan Brewing,”

Free parenting classes offered

New Directions Institute, in partnership with Summit School of Ahwatukee, is offering free Nurturing Parenting classes for Building Healthy & Caring Families.

Nurturing Parenting classes are internationally recognized for enhancing

self worth, empathy, discipline and empowerment. New Directions Institute is partnering with Summit School of Ahwatukee to offer this program for parents, expecting parents, grandparents and any caregivers of children ages birth to 5 years old.

Canecchia says.

According to the Brewers Association data of 2012, SanTan Brewing Co. is the second largest craft brewery in Arizona and the 14th fastest-growing craft brewery in the nation.

Weathers’ goal will be to identify and develop expansion efforts into new markets. This will entail analyzing and developing relationships with distributors and accounts as well as creating marketing/business plans to drive sales, specific to each territory. In addition, her goal will be to identify sales representatives in each market that will help educate consumers and tell the SanTan story.

SanTan Brewing Co. is located at 8 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler. Contact 480917-870 or visit santanbrewing.com for more information.

Ten interactive two-hour sessions offer engaging discussions, interesting video clips and stimulating activities to help parents learn and apply the information. Each session also includes creative projects and gifts for participating. All workshops are free. Complimentary childcare provided. Registration is required, as class size is limited.

The series is offered at Summit School of Ahwatukee, 4515 E. Muirwood Dr., Phoenix, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tue., Jan. 21 to April 1. No class March 11. To register, contact Andrea Benkel at Summit School of Ahwatukee, andrea. benkel@summitschoolaz.org or 480403-9500. For more information about the program, call 480-729-6510 or email dobrien@arizonaschildren.org.

First Phoenix Bikefest at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

Area Harley-Davidson Dealers are delivering a roaring first Phoenix Bikefest from Fri., April 4, through Sun., April 6, at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. The free event welcomes riders, spectators and enthusiasts to explore the world of motorcycles, clothing, gear, design and much more.

Valley Harley-Davidson dealers, including Arrowhead Harley-Davidson, Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson, Chandler Harley-Davidson, Chester’s HarleyDavidson, Superstition Harley-Davidson and RideNow Powersports, along with Barry Caraway of Cyclerrides.com will present a roaring inaugural spectacle of food, music and good times in the form of Phoenix Bikefest, produced by R Entertainment Company.

“We are excited to bring the riding community together for a free event thanking our loyal customers for their continued support. This is an event solely with the customer’s wishes

in mind at a venue with unlimited potential,” Jack Stubbs of Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson says.

Phoenix Bikefest also features participants from Indian Motorcycle, BMW, Aprilla, Ducati, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Can-Am, Polaris, Suzuki, Yamaha, Spyder, Honda and Kawasaki.

The highlight of the event will be Arizona’s first “ride through bar” serving as gateway entry to the event that naturally creates a parade of arriving bikes, which onlookers can enjoy throughout the day.

Among weekend highlights is food, drink, vendors of all kinds, a bike show and live music throughout the day. Guests are also welcome to test ride the latest and greatest in the motorcycle industry, including the new 2014 Harley-Davidson lineup and the 2014 Can-Am Spyder RT.

For more information contact Barry Caraway at barry@phoenixbikefest.com or visit Phoenixbikefest.com.

Free medical clinic offered Jan. 18

Today’s Women’s Health Specialists, 604 W. Warner Rd., Chandler, will host a free medical clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat., Jan. 18. The clinic will offer free medical exams to the public for both obstetrical and gynecological care. These free limited exams and free lab work are available to citizens who have no health insurance. Call 480-963-7900 to make an appointment.

VISION Marketing & Consulting helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses

VISION Marketing & Consulting of Chandler created The Successful VISION Grant for women owned businesses in Arizona. Applications are being accepted.

The number of women-owned businesses in the United States has been increasing rapidly over the last 20 years. VISION Marketing & Consulting wants to help women entrepreneurs start, grow and expand their businesses.

“We are excited to be a part of small business growth in Arizona and feel blessed that we have seen success with our own business since starting two years ago,” says Karen Cummings, co-owner of VISION Marketing & Consulting.

“We want to be able to give back to other female small business owners through this grant, by working with them to develop a strong marketing plan and helping them see results from their efforts.”

One grant will be awarded annually in the amounts of $1,000-$2,500. In addition to the monetary amount, grantees will be awarded the Small Business Success Marketing Package, valued at $3,000, from VISION Marketing & Consulting for three months. This complimentary service includes research and development,

social media marketing, public relations, and print marketing. The criteria for applying for the Successful VISION Grant is that the company should be less than two years in business, have an annual minimum revenue of $20,000, is a minimum of fifty percent women owned business, the business must be based in the state of Arizona, and the business must be aligned with a charity or charitable cause.

Veronica Shaw, co-owner of VISION is excited about the new grant. “Through my career I have seen successes and failures of businesses, some of which are contributed to marketing efforts, or lack thereof. With the Successful VISION Grant, we are hoping to provide womenowned, small businesses a head start when it comes to marketing and help contribute to their success. We have been fortunate in our business to be able to implement strategies that help us grow, and we want to do the same for other small businesses.”

The application deadline for the The Successful VISION Grant is Sat., Feb. 1 and winners will be announced March 3. For more information about VISION Marketing & Consulting, visit visionmarketingaz.com.

Sun Lakes FD gets special thank you

As part of the nationwide “Fill a Bucket” program, Chandler Unified School District Santan Elementary School Special Education teacher Rachel Curry encouraged the students in her class to send thanks to people who help their community. Her children sent “thank you” letters to the Sun Lakes fire department that were delivered

by her father who is a volunteer with the department’s CAP (Community Assistance Program). SLFD Chief Paul Wilson, touched by the students’ notes, sent a thank you letter in return.

Battalion Chief Cheryl Van Horn and Capt. Robert Helie along with Curry then arranged for a surprise visit to thank the students in person.

Chandler Regional Medical Center 1st EV hospital to use robotic stapling

Surgeons with privileges at Chandler Regional Medical Center are the first in the East Valley to perform a gastrectomy (partial removal of the stomach) using the new da Vinci EndoWrist Stapler 45. This innovative tool is used in conjunction with the da Vinci Si HD Surgical System, a robotic platform that provides minimally-invasive options for traditional surgical procedures.

Drs. Jennifer Reitz and Richard Oh performed the surgery Dec. 10, making Chandler Regional the first in the East Valley and second in the state to use the technology.

“These types of advancements are changing the field of general surgery and it’s happening very quickly,” says Lora Shufelt, director of Chandler Regional’s perioperative services. “Traditional surgical procedures have already

become easier on both the surgeon and patient through the use of robotic surgery, and with the development of added capabilities like this stapler, we’re seeing better patient outcomes.”

Chandler Regional has two da Vinci Si HD surgical systems; the first was obtained in 2010. Intuitive Surgical is da Vinci’s manufacturer.

Intuitive Surgical’s EndoWrist Instruments are designed to provide surgeons with natural dexterity and full range of motion for operation through tiny incisions. These attachments give surgeons the ability to perform procedures through a small incision in the patient which reduces recovery time and lowers overall risk.

To learn more, visit ChandlerRegional. org. For a free doctor referral, call ResourceLink at 480-728-5414.

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS

The deadline for news and advertising is noon, Wed., Jan. 8 for the Jan. 18, 2014 issue of the SanTan Sun News. All news must be submitted to news@santansun.com by that day to be considered for the next issue or by filling in the “submit a news release” form on the newspaper’s website at SanTanSun.com. To send an item for consideration in the SanTan Family Fun, email it directly to stff@santansun.com. Send advertising files and information to account reps or contact ads@santansun.com. For deadline information, visit santansun. com and click on “About us” and call 480-732-0250 for advertising rate details.

Digital material, help at fingertips for Chandler library users

A wealth of information—not just physical books—is available, as long as you have a valid Chandler Public Library card. Any Chandler resident with a valid card may access free digital material including books, magazines, music and online language courses, as well as assistance downloading and using the material.

The material available includes thousands of e-books in fiction, nonfiction, young adult and children’s titles, and is available from the Greater Phoenix Digital Library, TumbleBooks and Axis 360. In addition, Zinio for libraries offers more than 300 popular magazines to download, including specialized magazines for car enthusiasts, woodworkers, cooks and more. Some Spanish titles are also available. DK Eyewitness Travel Guides and other reference guides are available for downloading through the Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Cardholders can also access free music downloads with Freegal and online language courses through Mango Languages. Freegal offers access to about 7 million songs, including Sony Music’s catalog of artists, from modern hits to show tunes to specialized genres.

The Chandler Hamilton Library also offers courses beginning in January to show users how to download iPad and iPhone apps and access material from

A Must See Property

Amazing property w/extended list of updates including roof, a/c, paint + much more. 2BR in Sun Lakes, active adult community $123,000. Call Cheryl Lambdin, 480-861-3045.

Oakwood Corner Lot

Spacious & clean Palacia model close to all amenities. Covered patio, fenced yard w/lots of citrus trees. $259,900. Call Pam Hillabolt, 480-313-5400.

HELPING HAND: A Chandler Library

patron

gets a lesson from a library staff member on how to download free books and other library resources to his e-reader device. Submitted photo

the Chandler Public Library.

To learn about purchasing an e-reader or tablet, or for help downloading materials, check the e-book assistance schedule at chandlerlibrary.org/go2/ebooks-and-digital-media.cfm. Those seeking assistance should bring their device as well as any cables that come with it; they should also know their email login and password.

To find out more about the app classes at Hamilton Library, look at the calendar at chandlerlibrary.org or call 480-782-2800.

Two Master Suites

Beautiful home with formals, kitchen w/island, carpeted bedrms, vaulted ceilings, 2.5 car garage. Palo Verde. $295,000. Call Cynthia Morisch, 480-710-2755.

Morning Sun Farms

Fantastic home on corner lot with pool. 4BR/2.5BA. Formals, kit w/island. Covered patio + salt water pool! $225,000. Call Allen Gordon, 602-430-3740.

An online survey from Chandler’s Budget Office is available to residents to weigh in on the city’s budgetary priorities for the upcoming 2014-15 fiscal year, which begins July 1.

The survey can be viewed at chandleraz.gov/budget and is accepted for completion and submission through Jan. 24. The results will be presented to the city manager as well as Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and the members of the City Council for consideration as they develop the 2014-15 budget.

City officials are examining many economic factors as work begins on the upcoming fiscal year budget. In recent months, Chandler has helped lead the way in Arizona in starting new businesses creating jobs. Sales tax revenues have also increased, and Chandler has benefited from “slow but steady” improvement in the state and national economies.

Meanwhile, part of the budget formulation process has been an ongoing review by Chandler management of the many programs and services the city provides to residents, businesses and organizations that

A Very Special Home

Simply beautiful! Formals, den/office, family room all w/vaulted ceilings. Covered patio views pool area & Ocotillo Golf Course. $585,000. Call Dorothy Harrison, 480-251-7380.

Charming Condo

serve the community. The municipal organization continues to search for ways to grow even more efficient.

The online Citizen Budget Survey provides residents with an opportunity to share opinions during the budget review process. This year’s survey asks for feedback on program and service priorities and capital project priorities for the city.

Paper copies of the survey are available at the Chandler City Hall front desk, Chandler libraries, downtown Community Center and the Tumbleweed Recreation Center.

The public will have several other opportunities to share their thoughts about the proposed budget with city leaders and staff prior to the adoption of the budget in June. In late February or early March, “Budget Connect,” an online budget forum, will allow residents and other stakeholders to ask questions and give input. Details on this event and other public budget hearings will be posted at chandleraz. gov/budget when they are available, or call the budget office at 480-782-2252 for the latest updates.

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Neighborhood awards open to community vote

Online ballots are available at chandleraz.gov/connect, where Chandler residents can read about the accomplishments of Chandler neighborhoods and vote for their favorites, as the inaugural Neighborhood Excellence Awards program opens to the public.

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny launched the program to recognize neighborhoods and their leaders for working to improve their communities and inspire others to

be more active and involved.

Honors are awarded in four categories:

The Best Neighborhood Event Award will recognize a neighborhood that helps strengthen their community through a one-time or ongoing neighborhood event that encourages neighborhood participation and promotes ongoing neighborhood communication.

The Most Active or Engaged Neighborhood Award will go to a neighborhood where neighbors

are actively engaged in activities that promote neighborliness. This neighborhood will have communication structures in place and ongoing activities that keep residents engaged.

The Best Revitalization Story Award will acknowledge a neighborhood that was diminished either socially or physically, but where residents collaborated and took positive actions to unify and rejuvenate their neighborhood.

Gilbert Historical Museum wins chamber donation contest

JW Rayhons of Rayhons Financial Solutions presented a check for $500 to Kayla Kolar of the Gilbert Historical Museum in its contest held through the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce’s GilbertGives.com program.

Residents were asked to subscribe to GilbertGives.com during October to be entered to win a donation to a GilbertGives.com charity of their choice. The winner, determined by random selection, was former council member and community leader Don Skousen. He earmarked the money for the Gilbert Historical Museum.

“We are looking to evaluate and improve several of our programs in the next few months and this donation will go a long way in supporting our efforts,” says Kolar, executive director

of the Gilbert Historical Museum.

“We are thrilled to participate in the GilbertGives.com program. It will play an important role in meeting the needs of Gilbert’s nonprofit agencies.”

The Chamber’s GilbertGives.com program is part of the national “Chamber for Good” effort to connect local donors to local charities serving local needs.

Residents are asked to enter an email address at GilbertGives.com to receive weekly emails that will list the donation and volunteer opportunities for nonprofits serving Gilbert. Likewise, residents looking for specific volunteer projects can enter their project guidelines through the website and an email will be sent to every participating nonprofit that is able to accommodate such guidelines.

“Gilbert is a generous community

with people who are looking for opportunities to give back whether it be their time, talents, or financial contributions. It was my pleasure to sponsor this contest to raise awareness of the GilbertGives.com website and to present this donation to the Gilbert Historical Museum,” says JW Rayhons, owner of Rayhons Financial Solutions.

The website’s services are offered free to residents and nonprofits, made possible through sponsorship by Gilbert CAN, VIP Homes, The Leadership Centre, Fountain of Life Community Church and LifeLink Church.com.

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, membership-based organization with more than 580 members ranging from home-based businesses to large corporations and representing more

The Neighborhood Leader of the Year Award will recognize an individual that has inspired positive change both social and physical in their neighborhood through his/her leadership. It recognizes individuals who have sought out resources through education and have encouraged leadership in others.

Voting will close Thu., Jan. 17, and Tibshraeny will announce the award winners at the State of the City address Thu., Feb. 6.

GIVING TO GILBERT: JW Rayhons of Rayhons Financial Solutions presents a check to Kayla Kolar at the Gilbert Historical Museum. Community member Don Skousen (right) won the GilbertGives.com contest and designated the museum as the recipient of the contest’s donation. Submitted photo

than 42,300 employees. The chamber proactively serves as a business advocate to strengthen the business climate in Gilbert. To learn more about or join the chamber, contact 480-892-0056 or visit gilbertaz.com.

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Community

Valley scientists honored as NAI fellowsNonprofits win Community Grants

Frederic Zenhausern, Ph.D, MBA, has developed a rapid DNA processor and has a lab based partially in Chandler; and Dr. Gholam A. Peyman, who invented LASIK and many other advances—both from the University of Arizona College of MedicinePhoenix—have been named Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).

Zenhausern’s Center for Nanobioscience is housed in the Innovations Incubator in Chandler.

Election to NAI Fellow status is a high professional distinction accorded to academic inventors who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development and the welfare of society.

The 143 innovators elected to NAI Fellow status represent 94 universities and governmental and nonprofit research institutes. Together, they hold more than 5,600 U.S. patents.

Zenhausern is a professor and director of the Center for Applied Nanobioscience and Medicine at the UA College of Medicine-Phoenix. The center uniquely applies a combination of advances in nanoscience, microelectromechanical systems, molecular biology and genomics to a new generation of biological tools and sensors based on nano and microscale technologies. Zenhausern is also a professor at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).

Applying interdisciplinary science approaches to medicine, Zenhausern’s work is aimed at early diagnostics of human diseases, in particular, cancer, infectious and cardiovascular diseases. His team is developing platform technologies to translate molecular analysis into clinical tools and adoption of novel technologies for point-of-care diagnostics applications.

Zenhausern has co-authored more than 70 scientific publications and is named on many pending and more than a dozen issued U.S. patents in various domains ranging from DNA sequencing to optical data storage. Zenhausern’s responsibilities also include leading clinical research at the personalized medicine research laboratory at Scottsdale Healthcare Research Institute and serving on several corporate scientific boards and international consortia in life sciences.

Peyman is a faculty member at UA College of Medicine-Phoenix, professor of Optical Sciences and Engineering at the UA, professor emeritus at Tulane University and co-director of Arizona Retinal Specialists.

Peyman’s most widely known invention of his 148 patents is LASIK eye surgery, a vision correction procedure designed to allow people to see clearly without glasses. Peyman’s inventions cover a broad range of novel medical devices, intraocular drug delivery, surgical techniques, laser and optical instruments, as well as new methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert medical centers recently announced three organizations as winners of the 2013-14 Community Grants program, which awards grants to nonprofits whose proposal responds to the Dignity Health East Valley’s Strategic priorities identified in the community health needs assessment and the community benefit plan.

This year, organizations were asked to come together to create a community of care made up of at least three entities, and submit cooperative applications with focus on improving transitional care after discharge from Chandler Regional or Mercy Gilbert; addressing continued care after discharge from Dignity Health emergency room or working to provide community-based intervention, prevention and education or management measures for diabetes, heart disease, congestive heart failure, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, infection and sepsis, mental health and obesity.

The East Valley Holistic Family Care received $100,000. Members split the

funds, with the Chandler Education Foundation receiving $18,000; the Hope Community Health Center receiving $43,000 and $39,000 going to Southwest Behavioral Health.

East Valley I-Help Coalition received $99,999, split evenly between Chandler Christian Community Center, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest and Tempe Community in Action.

The Senior Community Wellness Coalition received $82,276; with About Care receiving $22,000; Valley of the Sun YMCA/Ahwatukee receiving $18,000 and $42,276 going to Neighbors Who Care.

“Our goal is to continue to improve community health through better access, prevention and education,” says Kathleen Dowler, director of Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert’s community integration department.

“These awardees have identified unmet health-related needs throughout our community and we are pleased to support their mission.”

To see a complete list of criteria or learn more, check out chandlerregional. org or mercygilbert.org.

SANTAN SUN CHRONICLES

January meeting of Parkinson’s support group

The Sun Lakes Parkinson’s Support Group meets on Thu., Jan. 9, at the Renaissance, 9508 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.