Santan Sun News 10-18-2014: Community

Hundley

wins award for off-the-field efforts

BY MIKE TULUMELLO

Brett Hundley is playing for big things these days.

The 21-year-old Chandler High School graduate and UCLA quarterback is trying to lead his team to major college football’s first four-team playoff. He’s also playing for his sister, Paris, 22, who has epilepsy.

Hundley is using his fame to draw interest to the Epilepsy Foundation. He has taken part in several events to raise awareness of the condition, including one just a couple of days after a bruising game against Washington last year.

For this, Hundley has been named to the 2014 Allstate Good Works Team.

Shelter provides comfort for abuse victims

BY GAVIN MAXWELL

A safe haven exists in the East Valley for all those who have become the unfortunate victims of domestic violence and abuse; it is called My Sisters’ Place.

As a program within Catholic Charities community services, My Sisters’ Place provides safety and counseling to victims who can no longer stay at home.

The shelter’s objective is to “empower women through education and selfdetermined services, helping them work toward an independent life free from abuse,” according to its website.

Founded in 1985, the shelter has provided thousands of nights of safety to victims so far. In just last year, it cared for 312 women and children.

One thing that sets My Sisters’ Place apart from other shelters is that families always receive their own room. This policy plays a big role in the shelter’s atmosphere, as most women who come in bring children as well. The average number of children per new guest at the shelter is about 2.3.

“We really see the gamut,” says shelter director Sheryl Christianson. “We’ve had women with four children. We’ve had women with one child, and we’ve had women come in pregnant.”

The shelter has 10 bedrooms so space is somewhat limited. This is OK, though, because it allows for a relaxing setting.

“We want to provide a warm, comforting, more recovery-based and less-

PURPLE RIBBON: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 123RF.com

traumatic environment,” says Christianson.

Because My Sisters’ Place aspires to be more than just a safe place to stay, it also offers a wide range of programs and services. The shelter aims to increase education and awareness regarding domestic violence and its effects. And provides case management and empowerment services to help move forward based on a resident’s individual needs. Case managers will work one on one with women at the shelter to accomplish these things.

The shelter also helps residents to secure financial and medical benefits, and SEE ABUSE PAGE 11

Medium a middle man between loved ones, spirits

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Chandler medium and intuitive reader

Jeff McKeehan learned early on in his career to always bring tissues with him to his events.

His readings can be emotional for McKeehan’s clients, who seek out his services to contact deceased loved ones.

“I had a client who became very, very emotional,” McKeehan recalls. “One of the other mediums whispered to me, ‘Always have tissues.’

“I try to reassure my clients that this experience they’re having can be cathartic. They should let themselves feel what they feel. I’ve never had anyone become angry. It’s sorrow, joy and regret. Those kinds of things come through.”

McKeehan has a strong code of ethics that calls for him not to discuss details about his clients’ readings.

“I might speak about a situation that happens frequently,” he says. “I would not say, ‘So and so from Mesa said this in their reading.’ I wouldn’t do that. I try to allow people to feel what is coming through. Ultimately, it’s therapeutic for the client to have some closure, to have that catharsis, or say or hear those things unsaid when the person died. I can be very, very helpful.”

Halloween is the busy season for mediums and psychics, according to McKeehan, who can be reached via www. jeffthemedium.com. A medium for 20 years, McKeehan started his full-time

business just after Halloween last year.

“I left my corporate job,” he says. “That was a big jump. I was in a position where I could give myself a year to see where this was going to go. I decided to take the leap of faith. I’ve received good feedback from clients. I’m not ready to give up at this point.”

McKeehan charges $125 for a one-hour session, either in-person or via phone. He also does “house readings,” when clients believe they have a house that is occupied. The fee is $300 for that.

“I also do house parties, or some call

Residents see increase in 2014 property tax bill 2013 override goes into effect

BY TRACY HOUSE

Even though the City lowered its property-tax rate, some Chandler residents are seeing an increase in their property-tax bills because of legislative decisions impacting school districts and increases in property values.

“When the council adopted the budget for this year, they did everything they could to decrease the rates so that property owners wouldn’t see an increase in the City part of the property tax,” says Greg Westrum, Chandler’s budget manager. “We did reduce those rates as far as we could.”

Westrum states that residents are seeing a higher property tax this year because the median value of homes in Chandler increased by about 14.5 percent based on the county assessment. He explains that the City portion of the bill is about 10 or 11 percent of the total bill. The City reduced its 2014 tax rate by 7.3 percent, or 9.22 cents, to 1.1792 dollars per $100 assessed. However, the values of the properties in Chandler have increased. “Property values went down for about four or five years in a row,

it psychic parties,” he says. “With that, I take up to 20 people in a house. Most of the time, it’s friends. They bring out food and drinks, get relaxed, and then I start to talk.

“I not only do readings. I try to give the entire group a background on how the spirit world works.”

McKeehan says he believes that everyone has the same ability as him.

“I think all of us have the ability to perceive spirits,” he says. “When we’re asleep, our guard is down. Most of us are raised that this doesn’t exist. Even people who believe in an afterlife are generally raised to believe that that is a separate thing.”

Some people believe that once a person has “crossed over,” there’s no connection to loved ones who have been left behind.

Longtime ability

McKeehan has had the ability to chat with deceased folks since he was about 4, at the height of the Vietnam War. He had a record player and, through it, he could hear voices. When he took the needle off the record, he could still detect a voice.

The “voice” introduced himself as “Charlie.”

“I thought, ‘Well, great. I’ve got one of those imaginary friends that all children have.’”

At the dinner table, little McKeehan discussed the Vietnam War in a way that was slightly profound for a little 4-yearold child. His dad asked where he heard

that information and when McKeehan said “Charlie,” his father’s face turned pale, and his mom was silent.

“I thought, ‘Oh boy, I’m in trouble now,’” he recalls.

His father pressed him further and McKeehan learned that, as a youngster, his dad was dying of an illness. Charlie told him it wasn’t his time to go and to get out of bed.

Charlie stuck around for several years with McKeehan before disappearing.

“In my 30s, he came back,” McKeehan says. “He came to me in the middle of the night as a glowing orb in my bedroom. I had little Yorkshire terriers, and they were running back and forth on the bed barking at this thing.

“I woke up and saw it. It got larger and it took on the form of a person. I said, ‘Who are you?’ He said, ‘You used to call me Charlie. Now you can call me Charles.’

“Charles is my spirit guide. I don’t consider him my guardian angel. That’s something different. He gives me information and guidance. He pointed out my abilities to me and encouraged me to pursue them.”

When McKeehan was going into business, he admits that initially he was scared.

“It’s a big responsibility to tell people things—and especially take money for it,” he says. “The feedback I got was positive, though. There was this validation with information I was giving them that they could verify.”

Oftentimes, spirits just want loved ones to know that they’re OK, that they made it to the other side.

“That’s the most common thing a spirit wants me to relate,” he says. “After that, it’s usually situations of forgiveness— whether the spirit is asking forgiveness or the client. Once they make this connection, (the client asks) ‘Do they forgive me?’ I have to wait for the answer. Ninety-nine percent of the time, they forgive.

“It’s hard to cross completely without letting go of hatred, without letting go of anger. That’s the haunted house thing. They don’t know they’ve passed, or they feel the need to stick around and watch over families. They’re unwilling to accept a final destination for them as a spirit.”

McKeehan says that most people don’t realize that past, present and future are all the same in the afterlife. Time isn’t linear.

“It really is a twinkling of the eye on the other side,” he says. “They don’t feel they need to rush and get things done. They do it in their own time.

“They are also able to see things we have not seen. That’s why we sometimes get advice and information. The future is not written, though. There are multiple possible outcomes for all of our actions. They can look a little bit beyond. Based on what you’re doing, they can say, ‘This is probably going to happen. If you change what you’re doing this might happen.’ But the responsibility for our future is up to us.”

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@ santansun.com.

Firefighters respond to blaze at CHoP

The Chandler Fire, Health and Medical crews responded to a fire at the rear of CHoP, 2625 W. Queen Creek Rd. Upon arrival, the crews found a broken gas line that had ignited, and the flames were impinging on the structure. Firefighters were unable to turn the gas off immediately because the line was feeding the meter to the restaurant, and the department had to wait for Southwest Gas to arrive to secure the gas feed. The fire crews had to apply water to the rear of the structure to keep it cool until the gas line could be turned off. There was minimal water damage to the interior of the building and no extension of the fire to building or roof. The fire is still under investigation.

“I am truly honored to be a part of the Allstate Good Works team as it recognizes contributions made on the field, but also, and most importantly, those made off the field and in the community,” Hundley says in a statement.

Paris suffered her first seizure at age 11. She still became a track star as a youngster before she graduated from Desert Vista High School in Ahwatukee.

According to a story in the Los Angeles Times, violent seizures have left her with a separated right shoulder 130 times, while her left shoulder has been separated 70 times. The Hundley family spent her 19th and 20th birthdays at the hospital.

As for her brother, he is more than an elite player who is expected to be drafted in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft.

He is also an economics major who is close to fulfilling his graduation requirements, says his father, Brett Sr.

Many sports fans didn’t think Hundley would stick around long enough to graduate. He likely would have been drafted in the first round in May, but Hundley elected to return to school. He’s a fourth-year junior after taking a redshirt season as a freshman.

Hundley’s dad says many players in this situation “are getting several insurance policies” to guard against injury.

“We have only two. We covered him (with) a $10 million insurance policy,” he says.

Community

“The second one is a UCLA degree. You can’t put a price on that. It was so important for him to come back...to walk away and say, ‘I went there. I did it. I made sure that I did what I set my goals to be when I got there.’”

The father says his son went to UCLA not just to represent Chandler, but the state of Arizona as a whole.

Now Hundley is a national figure, having appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. And that makes Chandler residents proud. The elder Hundley gets congrats whenever he goes to grocery stores in Chandler.

When local football stars move on to bigger things, “One of the coolest things about our community in Chandler is that (local residents) become fans of that individual.

“We’re talking about a bunch who have moved on to the NFL,” Brett Sr. says.

He’s talking about Hamilton and Chandler high schools.

“We have a lot of individuals who have done great things academically and athletically,” he says.

“Now they’re in the NFL, and they’re doing some real positive things, and they’re coming back and giving back to the community. That’s one of the most beautiful things in the world: When beyond that (local) rivalry, you can step away and say, ‘We’re just a fan of your son.’”

Mike Tulumello is a copy editor with the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at mtulumello@timespublications.com.

then they finally increased again. In a way that’s a good thing, but it does mean your property tax bill sometimes goes higher.”

In November 2013, Chandler voters approved a 15-percent override for the Chandler Unified School District, a 5-percent increase from the last override.

“The Legislature changed the law about two years ago to allow school districts to ask for a 15-percent override, instead of 10 percent,” says Bob Rice, CUSD school board president.

“We went to the voters to ask them if they wanted to approve the 15 percent, which would get us not even back to where we were in 2008. It was placed on the ballot last November, and it passed.”

Since 2008, schools have seen a reduction in the funds given to them by the Legislature. It reduced soft capital and stopped the funding of new schools— including those needed by CUSD.

“The only portion of the tax rate that any school district governing board votes is the Adjacent Ways, which amounts to 29 cents on the tax rate, or $29 per $100,000 of assessed value,” says Terry Locke, CUSD director of community

relations.

Adjacent Ways covers infrastructure costs for new schools, such as sewer, utilities, sidewalks and lights. CUSD is planning a new elementary and junior high school.

“Some of those taxes will be refunded through the tax rate as other development occurs around the two new schools,” Locke says.

Rice clarifies, “When we open new schools, oftentimes, if they’re in an unimproved area, then the sewers have to be put in, the roads have to be improved, and that’s required by the municipality in that area. They require the first person in to pay for it.”

It’s estimated that half of the $6 million initially paid for the construction will go back to taxpayers in lower tax rates.

Rice says the school district held the 2013 override “because we felt over the years Chandler has always been supportive of the schools, and they have high expectations of our schools. And we felt we owed it to them to at least give them the opportunity to pass that.” He says his tax increase was about $200.

Historically, Rice points out, the tax rates in Chandler have been decreasing. For more information and a comparison of 2013 and 2014 property tax bills, visit www.chandleraz.gov/ newsrelease.aspx?N_UID=2906.

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

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City of Chandler Insider

October brings awareness to domestic violence

Domestic violence is the intentional abusive, violent, coercive, forceful or threatening word or action perpetrated by one member of a family or household onto another, commonly in an intimate partner relationship.

Every day, three women are killed because of domestic violence in America, says the Bureau of Justice Statistics. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, domestic violence results in more than 18.5 million health care visits yearly. Eighty-five percent of domestic violence victims are women, and one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Domestic violence affects women, men and children in our family, in our workplace and in our community.

October is designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Communities, such as Chandler, promote awareness as a means to end violence, and the City certainly is committed to support these efforts. Katie Cain, the City’s Victim Services Coordinator, is part of the Chandler Police Department and is responsible for overseeing this initiative.

Each year, Cain helps to coordinate the City’s Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Event, hosted by the

Domestic Violence Commission.

This year marked the sixth annual event that brings local agency representatives, community partners and citizens together to raise awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence in our communities and learn about the resources available. The keynote speaker is generally an inspirational community member whose life has been impacted by domestic violence.

Also, each year on Oct. 15, City of Chandler employees are asked to wear purple to demonstrate their support for domestic violence victims, survivors and the programs that serve them. Everyone is encouraged to wear a purple shirt, a purple tie, purple shoes or even just a purple ribbon. It is an important time to reflect and renew the commitment to end domestic violence in Arizona.

The statistics are alarming. In Arizona, every 5 minutes, a law enforcement officer responds to a domestic violence call; every 39 minutes on or more children witness a domestic violence incident. Another unfortunate fact is that so many of us know someone who is affected by domestic violence. This month is a time to remember those who lost their lives, celebrate those who survive

every day and raise awareness about agencies who work together to end domestic violence.

The following resources are important if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence. You can remain anonymous when requesting assistance:

• Chandler Police Department Victim Services Unit: (480) 782-4535

• Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence: www.azcadv. org

• 24-Hour National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233)

• Centralized Domestic Violence Screening Hotline: (480) 890-3039

• In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

City of Chandler Insider

Employee profile: Katie Cain

Katie Cain in the Chandler Police Department dreamed of becoming a law enforcement officer as a child. Cain’s plan evolved in 1995, when she was accepted into the Jesuit Volunteer Corp.

The program brought her across country from New England to Alaska, where she volunteered in a domestic violence shelter. She says, “The shelter’s residents sparked the drive I have to assist crime victims.”

Instead of becoming the law enforcement office, Cain earned a Master’s Degree in social work.

“For almost two decades, I have educated and supported crime victims alongside shelter staff in Alaska, attorneys in New York City and law enforcement officers in New York and Arizona,” Cain says.

In her position, she adds that what she loves most about her job is working with a dedicated team of crime victim advocates who are equally devoted to empowering victims to live violence-free lives.

Her career with the Chandler Police Department began in 2009. She came to the City after working for seven years as a crime victim advocate with the Mesa Police Department in its Family Advocacy Center.

As the supervisor of the Victim Services Unit, Cain oversees the unit of crime victim advocates. She manages the daily operations and division’s grants, works with collaborative partners and assists crime victims.

“In an advocate role, I meet with individuals who have experienced trauma due to a crime,” she says.

“I spend time listening and educating them about the criminal justice process, including the police investigation and prosecution of the crime. As we sit together, I assess their emotional and physical safety concerns, risk level for future violence and their individual needs. Together, we discuss a safety plan and determine appropriate interventions and community resources to best help them on their path to recovery and life free of violence.”

Cain also serves as the staff liaison for the City’s Domestic Violence Commission, was appointed by the East Valley Police Chiefs Association as a department representative on the East Valley Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team and helped establish the Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Coalition.

When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, two cats and two dogs. She enjoys baking and outside activities,

especially water sports. And those who know her may be surprised to learn that as a child, she wanted to be an Army Paratrooper.

educates residents about victim’s rights, victim’s compensation and safety planning should they find themselves in a situation of abuse again. “Sometimes women will need help finding employment...coming up with resumes...filing for food stamps, getting cash assistance or child support,” Christianson says.

After these immediate needs are met, the women can receive additional personal counseling should they want it. The shelter’s network of counselors is extensive, and they are ready to offer help on practically any topic a resident might be interested in discussing.

All of these things make up the necessary functions of My Sisters’ Place, but there is really more to it. The shelter possesses a welcoming and comforting atmosphere. It is made up of two separate buildings, each with bedrooms and communal living spaces, where residents can be seen relaxing, watching TV and spending time with their kids. Linking the two buildings is a spacious courtyard, complete with a basketball hoop and a playground area.

The first and main building doubles as a workplace for the staff and a living space for residents. That has created a communal ambiance between the two settings. “You get to know each guest very well because you’re meeting with them almost 24/7,” Christianson explains.

On most nights, the residents and staff get together and one of them cooks a community dinner. Then at about 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, the women and children split up for scheduled group

time. For the kids, this means stories, games and arts and crafts. For the moms, this is a time to take a breather and discuss anything that’s on their mind.

Clarinda Barney is a member of the shelter’s staff and runs the children’s groups. “I spend an hour with them in the evening just playing games or coloring and doing crafts. I also see the moms for a behavioral assessment for the children,” Barney says.

On Monday nights, children play with a dog from the Arizona pet therapy group, Gabriel’s Angels. Thursday nights mean art therapy, thanks to Free Arts of Arizona.

While the children are enjoying themselves, the moms take a break in the building next door. During this time, they usually address any concerns they might have and hold a general house discussion.

A few times a month, they also have a counselor with them in case they want to talk to somebody about sensitive issues.

With so much going on at any one given time, it takes a lot of effort and help to keep My Sisters’ Place up and running.

To ensure a smooth operation around the clock, there is a team of 15 staff members and a pool of 16 interns and volunteers. They all work tirelessly to make sure that the residents and their children are getting everything they need to make successful recovery.

Gavin Maxwell is a student at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University. He can be reached at news@ santansun.com.

Military and veterans expo set for Oct. 25

The annual Military Members and Veterans Benefits Expo is being held 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. New to the event this year is the ability to sign up for VA Healthcare and check eligibility and receive advice from VA health and benefits counselors, in addition to learning about the new Community Based Outpatient Clinic serving the Southeast Valley.

The expo features information about benefits and programs for Chandler veterans and their families, including health care, education and employment opportunities. The City of Chandler is hosting the expo in partnership with the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, Phoenix VA Health Care System and

Veterans Benefit Administration. For event details, call (480) 558-2052 or visit www. chandleraz.gov/veterans.

City seeks businesses offering discounts to veterans

The City of Chandler is creating a list of businesses offering discounts to veterans at www.chandleraz.gov/veterans. The list will also be handed out during the annual Military Members and Veterans Benefits Expo, 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. Go to the website and fill out a brief survey with the business

name, location and the type of discount provided.

The expo is a partnership with the City, Arizona Department of Veterans Services, Phoenix VA Health Care System and the Veterans Benefit Administration. Call (480) 558-2052 or visit www. chandleraz.gov/veterans for more information.

Grant continues child car seat assistance program

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety awarded a grant of $36,242 to the Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department to continue its Child Safety Seat Clinics program through Sept. 30, 2015. Grant funds are used to staff the clinics and to provide child safety seats for families who cannot afford to purchase this lifesaving equipment on their own.

The department offers car seat clinics 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. most Saturdays. Clinics are conducted by fire personnel who have been certified as child passenger seat technicians through SafeKids International. The fire fighters ensure each child is safeguarded in the appropriate seat for their age and weight. One-on-one instruction is provided to caregivers on how to properly install and use the car seats. Find clinic schedules and locations at www.chandleraz.gov/fire or call (480) 782-2046.

Library blends books, beverages with acoustic music

The Downtown Chandler Library, 22 S. Delaware St., is adding live acoustic music from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21. This inaugural edition of the Acoustic Blend Music Series, in the library’s lounge area adjacent to the Cup O’ Karma Café, features Russell Braman of Terra Cotta Music performing compositions inspired by nature.

For more information, visit the library’s website at www.chandlerlibrary.org, or call (480) 782-2800. Musicians interested in performing in the Acoustic Blend series should call Ted Liebler at (480)782-2797 or email edward.liebler@chandleraz.gov.

Oct. 24 deadline for public comment on Price Freeway widening

The Arizona Department of Transportation is asking the public to comment on a study that looks at adding traffic lanes to Loop 101 (Price Freeway) between U.S. Highway 60 and Loop 202 (Santan Freeway). The deadline for comments is Oct. 24. They can be submitted in writing to ADOT Community Relations, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007. Comments and questions can also be emailed to projects@ azdot.gov or submitted online at www. surveymonkey.com/s/loop101price.

ADOT, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, has initiated a Design Concept Report and environmental study to evaluate the addition of one general-purpose travel lane in each direction along a 6.5-mile stretch of the Price Freeway through Chandler and Tempe. The initial phase looks at the benefits and impacts of adding the additional lanes. Questions and comments received from the public will be addressed in the DCR and draft environmental document. The study considers three options for adding the additional lanes, two with varying lane widths and shoulder options, and a third “no build” option that would make no changes to the freeway.

Chandler’s holiday Parade of Lights seeks entries

Spots are still available in the 25th annual Parade of Lights and the 58th annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony. Holiday floats, decorated vehicles or marching bands are needed for the Saturday, Dec. 6, parade. Local schools, churches, businesses and community organizations are given priority.

The Parade of Lights entry form, at www.chandleraz.gov/parade, must be submitted by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22. A representative from the entry must attend a mandatory pre-parade meeting at 6 p.m. on Nov. 5, at Chandler City Hall.

All entries are considered for the Judges Choice award. Parade of Lights award categories are:

• Best Lit Musical or Dance Group

• Best Lit Community Group

• Best Lit Automotive Group

• Best Lit Business

• Best Lit Animal

• Best Lit Mascot

• Biggest and Brightest

On Dec. 6, the festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in Historic Downtown Chandler. The parade begins at 7 p.m. and travels north on Arizona Avenue from Frye Road to Buffalo Street, then turns east to Arizona Place, then turns and proceeds south to its conclusion at Boston Street. The Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony is held in the park immediately following the parade at approximately 8 p.m. Details at Chandler’s Event Hotline at (480) 782-2735 or www.chandleraz.gov/ special-events.

Blood donors receive tire rotation and auto check up

Donate at one of the United Blood Service centers in October and receive a voucher for a free tire rotation and fall check up courtesy of Advanced Auto Service and Tire Centers. Donors redeeming the voucher can also receive a Valvoline 5W30 oil change (up to five quarts) and filter for $10. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially O-negative. To make a donation appointment, call (877) 827-4376 toll-free or visit www.BloodHero.com and enter your ZIP code for the nearest UBS center.

About Care’s Veterans Day wine tasting, art auction

Nov. 13

The annual Veterans Day wine tasting and art auction is being held by About Care 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Vision Gallery, in the City of Chandler building, 10 E. Chicago St. The complimentary reception, which includes beverages and light appetizers, honors About Care volunteers and those who have served our nation and now need our help. Donations are accepted.

About Care is seeking donations of local art for the event. Contact Executive Director Ann Marie McArthur at amcarthur@aboutcare.org or call (480) 802-2331.

About Care, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serves the homebound elderly and disabled in Chandler and Gilbert. The majority of individuals served by About Care are economically disadvantaged elderly widows of former military personnel. To volunteer of for more info, visit www.aboutcare.org.

Housing Choice participant wins scholarship for achievements

Wynonna Fulgham, a participant in Chandler’s Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), was awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Arizona Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials in recognition of her scholastic achievements, community service and efforts to improve her life and that of her family’s.

The wife and mother of three children ages 8, 4 and 1, with housing assistance and the support of her family, has attended ASU as a full-time student while working as a student-teacher at Tempe High School. Fulgham was on the ASU Dean’s List in 2012 and 2013 and graduates in December with a degree in secondary education with an emphasis in mathematics. Her long-term goal is to return to her hometown on the Navajo Reservation and teach math.

While attending ASU, she worked part time for a City of Tempe afterschool care program until her husband, Nick, who works for the Kyrene School District, made it possible for her to focus exclusively on her education.

With Section 8 benefits, the Fulgham family has been able to rent a home in Chandler, paying 30 percent of their monthly-adjusted income toward the rent, while the City, through a federal block grant, pays the balance. The family participates in the City’s Family Self-

Shalom Chapter of Hadassah holds November events

A Wine Tasting and Cheese Party will be held Sunday, Nov 9, at a private home in Sun Lakes. Sponsored by the Shalom Chapter of Hadassah, the event is $15. For reservations, send a check to Joyce S. at 9210 E. Crystal Dr., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 or by calling her at (480) 802-4902 or Edye at (480) 883-1044.

Also, “The Sound of Music” is being held Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Hale Centre Theatre. Tickets are $30. Call Marcia (480) 802-9455 or Shelly (480) 802-3608 for information.

Sufficiency Program, which assists families in making the transition from public assistance to productive employment and economic self-sufficiency.

Achieving self-sufficiency is something she says she learned at an early age growing up on the Navajo reservation, where there was no running water or electricity until she was 7. Her advice to others facing challenges in life is to try and remain positive and optimistic.

Also, the chapter’s general meeting, 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Oakwood Clubhouse, 9649 S. E. J. Robson Blvd., Sun Lakes, features a presentation on Reiki, a Japanese technique for stress reduction. For the optional lunch, write a $16 check to Shalom Hadassah and send to Ruth F. at The Renaissance, 9508 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes, 85248.

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Keen, Dansko, Josef Seibel, Olukai, Romika, Fly London, Birkenstock, Merrell, Antelope, Reiker, Miz Mooz, Clarks, Klog, Arcopedico, Alegria, Baggallini, Taos, Gabor, Ahnu and Big Buddha.

Meeting set for McQueen and Ocotillo project

The widening to four lanes of sections of McQueen and Ocotillo roads in South Chandler begins before the end of the year, and the City is holding an informational public meeting to discuss the project at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Cotton Room South, 745 E. Germann Rd.

Improvements to Ocotillo Road include the construction of two lanes in each direction with a centerturn lane, bicycle lanes, curb, gutter, storm drain, sidewalks, traffic signals, landscaping and associated utility improvements and relocations. The construction is being performed by Blucor Contracting Inc., which was awarded a $5.3 million contract in September. The project is partially funded by a $2.4 million grant from the federal Highway Safety Imp rovement Program.

The project includes imp rovements to the railroad crossing on Ocotillo

Road east of Arizona Avenue, which necessitates a full-road closure for up to two weeks in early December.

In addition, a new pedestrian signal is being installed where the Paseo Trail (located alongside the Consolidated Canal) crosses Ocotillo Road.

Information about the project is at www.OcotilloRoadImp rovements.com.

McQueen Road is similarly being widened to four lanes, two in each direction, between Ocotillo and Chandler Heights roads. The work includes bike lanes, sidewalks, medians, curb, gutter, storm drain, traffic signals, landscaping and utility relocations. Nesbitt Contracting Company Inc. was awarded the $4.2 million construction contract, of which $3.4 million comes from federal grant funds.

Watch for traffic restrictions

Installation of a new manhole at the intersection of Chandler Boulevard and Delaware Street is restricting

Chandler Farmers Market returns

Thursdays are a bit more lively and tasty in downtown Chandler as the Chandler Farmers Market resumes. All summer, Jeff Scott Farms has been at the market site in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park

East, and now the rest of the vendors are back. The Thursday market is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Three S. Arizona Ave., under the East Park ramadas. Visitors can find fresh produce, jellies, breads,

eastbound traffic on Chandler Boulevard to a single lane through Wednesday, Oct. 22. Westbound traffic on Chandler Boulevard is not being restricted, but westbound left turns onto Delaware Street are prohibited. In addition, northbound Delaware Street is closed at Buffalo Street. Traffic is being detoured west to Colorado Street, Washington Street or Arizona Avenue. Southbound traffic on Delaware Street is unaffected.

Major lane restrictions, including restricted left-turn movements, are in place at the intersection of Alma School and Frye roads through Wednesday, Oct. 22. Both Alma School and Frye roads are restricted to a single lane at the intersection with no left turns. The restrictions are necessary to repair several manholes as part of a larger manhole rehab project.

oils, baked goods, tamales, hand pies, dog treats, baklava and more. For a list of participating vendors, go to www. chandlerfarmersmarket.com/ourvendors.

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS

The deadline for news and advertising is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, for the Saturday, Nov. 1, 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.