Santan Sun News: 11-1-2014, Community

November 1 - 14, 2014 www.SanTanSun.com

Hamilton pays tribute to veterans with honorary diplomas

BY TRACY HOUSE

For the “Greatest Generation,” the duty to serve the country was stronger than any personal achievement. In fact, many chose to join the military in time of need, in lieu of finishing high school. Now, though, for those who served in war or in peace that one piece of paper—a high school diploma—that many forfeited is attainable.

A program through Hamilton High School, spearheaded by history teacher Ed Hermanski, is bringing the opportunity to veterans from all eras who did not receive their high school diploma a chance to earn an honorable certificate of graduation and participate in the commencement proceedings.

Hermanski explains that he wanted to get involved in supporting veterans when the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., was being built.

“I work closely with a lot of our veterans,” he says. “I bring veterans in to speak. I noticed the World War II guys say ‘My biggest regret is not having a high school diploma.’”

While it wasn’t his concept, he says HHS “graduated” its first veterans in 2001. “We told veterans if you left the classroom to go serve your country, we’d be happy to give you an honorary diploma.”

Chandler mom returns from volunteer opportunity in Peru

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

Photographer Rachel Tabron traveled abroad for the first time to Peru, where she spent time volunteering at an orphanage.

She witnessed extreme poverty and poor living conditions, but the Chandler resident would go back in a heartbeat.

“Overall the experience was very positive,” Tabron says. “Easy travels for the most part, met a lot of nice locals and learned a lot. (It was) very different

To be considered for the program, veterans must have a DD214, discharge papers. For more information, contact Hermanski at Hermanski.Ed@cusd80. com.

economically wise of course, but still many beautiful areas and things to see.”

SEE VOLUNTEER PAGE 8

Since its creation, the program has graduated more than 50 veterans, including two women (both nurses), and Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. The oldest recipient, a 99-year-old

man, was given his diploma by his greatgrandson who was also graduating that year. He’s also had a Holocaust survivor, who was in a concentration camp, receive his diploma.

For the most part, veterans are from the Valley, but Hermanski says he’s had some from out of town and out of state participate.

“It’s been World War II, Korea and Vietnam,” he shares. “There have been some that did not serve in the war, and we did not want to deny them their diploma because they did serve their country.”

Students are aware of the opportunity and have approached Hermanski with names of their relatives, friends and neighbors.

“It’s very important for the kids to see this. They take their diploma for granted, as most of us do, but when they see guys up there crying because they got a high school diploma at the age of 80 or 90, it’s got to have an impact on them.”

He says many students told him that they cried at the ceremony.

Prior to graduation, Dr. Fred DePrez, HHS principal, talks to seniors about graduation and to ask if there are any objections to having veterans as part of the ceremony.

Centennial and Valencia parks open to community

BY TIM J. RANDALL

There is a deeper appreciation for the phrase “quality of life” when individuals and families show their community pride.

That civic splendor was on display on Saturday, Oct. 18, when two parks—Centennial and Valencia—were dedicated in ceremonies at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., respectively.

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny led the ribboncutting ceremonies, which were also attended by the Chandler City Council and the City’s Parks and Recreation board members.

“With these Valencia and Centennial parks, we now boast more than 1,200 acres of parkland in our community and move closer to the City Council’s goal of having a neighborhood park in every square mile of the community,” Tibshraeny says.

Dr., boasts an 11-acre site replete with open green spaces, playground equipment, a picnic structure and lighted basketball and volleyball courts. Two miles away, Valencia Park, at 3710 E. Desert Jewel Blvd., too, has fine amenities including a picnic ramada, playground equipment and basketball courts on just under 10 acres.

The opening of the parks signals the continued return to growth of the economy and the availability of financial resources after the recent recession. The City Council and Parks and Recreation board had long wanted to add these parks to the City’s already impressive dedicated capacity of recreation areas, however, there were budget restrictions.

“Each of these parks was accelerated

Dear Lord, Thank you for blessing our business to be able to bless others through you, for our customers, designers, vendors and installers, for our families. We couldn’t do anything with out You.

A PSALM FOR GIVING THANKS. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the Earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. SAL 100:15

“According to Fred, 100 percent of the time, nobody has ever said ‘No.’ Not one,” Hermanski says.

He coordinates the ceremony, but the kids are the ones who allow it.

“The kids are the ones that make it special,” he says. “When they give them a standing ovation, to me it’s a culmination for the event. It just doesn’t get any better than that because it’s like, ‘You got it.’ As a teacher that’s pretty important.”

At the 2014 Hamilton High School graduation ceremony, three veterans received their honorary diplomas—Lou Travisano, William Meinders and Abram De Vogel.

Lou Travisano

Lou Travisano made a career out of the military, serving for 30 years in the Air Force, retiring as a command chief master sergeant. Travisano, 85, enlisted in 1946. “I joined when I was 17,” two weeks after his birthday.

He spent part of his career at Williams Air Force Base and served in Libya and North Africa, as well as Germany. He went to Vietnam for a year in 1969. He is the recipient of an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, an Air Force Longevity Service Award and Meritorious Service Medal.

Travisano earned his GED and some college credits, however he says receiving his high school diploma was the best thing he ever did. Standing in front of the 5,000 people in attendance at the ceremony he says, “It was very

emotional for me. It really was. I had a hard time holding it together. Moving is just not quite descriptive enough. It was emotional to me.”

William Meinders

William Meinders joined the U.S. Navy on Sept. 2, 1943—his 17th birthday—because of the war. Seventeen 17-year-old young men were sworn in at Rockford, Illinois, on the same day. His mother had to give her permission to allow him to join. He was stationed in the South Pacific, working as a ship welder, something he had learned as a trade. “I was a diver, a Navy diver,” he says. He went to diving school at Pearl Harbor on what was left of the sunken ships.

He is a Purple Heart recipient. He says he was injured “quite a little, but I’m still alive.” He says his wounds were caused by shrapnel from Japanese torpedo planes. “I got torpedoed, in other words.” It was in the islands of the Bismarck Sea, where he sustained life-threatening injuries. “I’m all in one piece. Rarin’ to go, dancin’ three nights a week,” he says with a laugh.

Meinders, was a Navy Petty Officer first class while on active duty, playing professional baseball for a few years after the Navy, but became a barber which he still works as today.

He has memorabilia displayed throughout his home from the various eras of his life. Seventy years after

joining the Navy, the 88-year-old veteran says, “I’ve got a high school diploma.” Meinders says with a chuckle, “It’s sitting on my chest of drawers.”

Abram De Vogel

Abram De Vogel, 77, enlisted in the Air Force in March 1956. He was 18 with an eighth-grade education. Eventually attaining the rank of airman third class, he served until 1960. Working as a radio operator on an early warning system after the Cold War, De Vogel says he served in Biloxi, Mississippi, and in Alaska near the Bering Sea with the radar department, as well as other areas around the country.

De Vogel says he pursued his diploma so he could apply for a volunteer position with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. His application had been denied because he didn’t have a high school diploma. Because he received his diploma, he says he was able to join the volunteer program. “I’m a full-fledged volunteer for the county.”

The graduation ceremony was a touching moment De Vogel says. “I don’t think any of the guys had a dry eye themselves. We’re supposed to be strong, but it was so touching to me it was incredible. It was an experience that will never leave. You know how you forget a lot of things, what those kids did for us, it was incredible.”

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

Community

St. Mary-Basha Catholic School celebrates 70 years

BY TRACY HOUSE

Serving Chandler and educating students for 70 years, St. Mary-Basha Catholic School kicked off its year-long celebration with a visit by alumni and recognition by City officials.

Chandler City Councilman Kevin Hartke presented the school on Monday, Oct. 27, with a City proclamation honoring St. Mary-Basha Catholic School. The school was responsible for the spiritual needs of Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek and Goodyear (now Ocotillo) when it opened its doors in 1944 and continues to provide a holistic education to students.

As part of the continuing celebration, an alum from each decade will speak to students monthly through May, says Diane Meza, assistant principal for curriculum, computer teacher and technology coordinator.

“We had a visitor that was here 70 years ago, in first grade,” she says. “He came to talk to the kids about what it was like. He has relatives that still attend St. MaryBasha—nephews, nieces, grandchildren.”

Regularly, former students return to SMB to thank the teachers and staff, says Sister Mary Thelma Anubalu, principal. “They come back to thank the teachers for the work they have done in their lives, for the progress they have made in high school, based on the formation and education they received here.”

She says that she hears from parents, as well, about the strong Catholic faithformation that students receive.

“The thing that’s so great about this

school is even if you’ve graduated from this school, there’s still connections,” Meza says. “Even if you’ve left there’s still connections through family, through friends, the parish. We do tend to see people come back.

“There’s just such a connection of anyone who’s ever lived here, or has family that’s lived here. Everyone seems to know somebody, who knows somebody. It’s quite a family atmosphere and a very caring, loving atmosphere,” Meza says.

Eaglethon

There are 465 students attending SMB, grades kindergarten through eighth, who have been hard at work for the school through the Eaglethon, the facility’s only fundraiser. In the past students have raised more than $100,000 for the school.

“We use the Eaglethon to support the school’s technology and giving the best research-based education,” says Anubalu. “The best way to do that is we raise funds to support the projects we have, especially technology.”

From the money raised, 30 percent is spent on technology, the other 70 percent is used for the school.

Meza explains the school has been able to buy a portable computer lab with 36 Dell tablets, software, wireless hardware, SMART interactive projectors and licensing software with the technology funds. This year, Meza hopes to purchase 18 new teacher computers in addition to other technology for classrooms.

Last year, with the help of the

fundraising campaign, the school constructed a fully enclosed cafeteria with air conditioning. Up until last year, students ate outside under a ramada.

Students will be rewarded on Friday, Nov. 7, with a “play” day in appreciation for all their fundraising efforts. “It’s an amazing day,” Meza says.

On Jan. 30, the school will be holding a community celebration, with a Mass beginning at 10 a.m. with Bishop Thomas Olmsted, followed by a picnic and family events. The celebration coincides with Catholic Schools Week.

Founded in 1944 by Father Joseph N. Patterson, who was serving as pastor, the

Please Donate!

Arizona Income Tax Credit

Supporting People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Thanks to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Law, A.R.S. 43-1088, you may be able to designate a donation to Chandler/Gilbert Arc and receive a tax credit. [The working poor tax credit is in addition to the education tax credits… you can take advantage of both tax credits in the same year.]

Chandler/Gilbert Arc has been serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the East Valley since 1975, and provides community living, employment and day treatment and training opportunities daily.

For tax year 2014, contributions up to $400 may earn dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona Income Tax return. Taxpayers filing as single or unmarried head of household have a maximum credit amount of $200; married taxpayers filling jointly have a $400 maximum credit.

If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity; please make your check payable to:

Chandler/Gilbert Arc Charitable Tax Fund 3250 N. San Marcos Place Chandler, AZ 85225-7789

For your convenience, you make your donation on our website: www.cgarc.org

We also accept Mastercard, Discover and American Express. Please contact Barbara or Toni at (480) 892-9422 for details and ask her how to become a sustaining contributor.

Arc

school provides solid Catholic education opportunities. There were four classrooms and 123 students attending the faith-based school when it opened its doors. In 1964, through a donation from Ed Basha Sr., a new school was built on 14 1/2 acres adjacent to the church on Galveston Street.

St. Mary-Basha Catholic School is located at 200 W. Galveston St., Chandler. For more information about the school or the 70-year celebration visit the website at www.stmarybashacatholic.org.

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

through our annual capital improvement program the past few years and it is great to have them open for the public to enjoy,” Tibshraeny says.

Don Tolle, park planning superintendent, says the parks cost approximately $145,000 per acre.

With the dedication of Centennial and Valencia, Chandler has park Nos. 63 and 64.

“The City cares about its citizens,” says Linda Peterson-Price, parks board chairwoman.

“These areas are most definitely important. It is the quality-of-life issue and parks play a big role.”

City Councilman-elect and Parks and Recreation board member Rene Lopez is

proud that more parks will be added.

“These two parks are the product of great planning and execution, and we look forward to doing more,” Lopez says. “As a City we have done a great job building the right things, infrastructure of course, but also fine features and benefits for our community.”

Mickey Ohland, park development and operations manager, says, “We can all be very proud of these two parks. These beautiful spaces are a result of citizen input. These are the amenities they wanted.”

Tim J. Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

OFFICER KILLED IN TRAFFIC COLLISION

FIVE-YEAR VETERAN: Chandler Police Officer Bryant Holmes, 34, was killed on his way to work, Tuesday, Oct. 28, after a driver behind the wheel of a Jeep Cherokee ran a red light and hit Holmes and his motorcycle near the intersection of Baseline and Recker roads in Gilbert, according to Gilbert Police Sgt. Jesse Sanger. Holmes, a five-year veteran, is survived by his wife and four children, says Sgt. Joe Favazzo, a Chandler police spokesman. Gilbert police say Holmes, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene from his injuries. Photo courtesy of Chandler Police Department

Community solar power Seminar Nov. 1

Find out about solar power systems for the home at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Downtown Chandler Public Library, 22 S. Delaware St. Learn how a solar system generates electricity to help power the home. Get educated about the green movement, the newest technologies and

how to harness power from our nearest star, the sun. The interactive presentation is colorful, informative and kid friendly. Parents and children are able to ask questions after the presentation. For information call (480) 782-2797 or visit www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Tabron lent a hand to El Arca Orphanage, outside of Cusco, where she stayed with a host family. The two-week visit was set up through International Volunteer HQ.

“Each day they would tell us about the area and cook us Peruvian food,” she explains about the three meals a day. “I think being around them we got to see more than the average tourist.”

The orphanage housed 45 children that ranged from 2 to 17 years old. She spent her time serving lunch to the kids, hanging laundry that was handwashed in buckets and helping with homework.

“We gave them a lot of attention,” Tabron explains.

She says they spent about five hours a day at the orphanage.

Although there was a language barrier, her friend Viviane Gomes de Souza spoke Spanish and helped translate. Besides helping with everyday activities, Tabron shot photos for the orphanage’s website, www.elarcafam. org, which is used to attract sponsors. She says the kids “had a blast” posing for photos.

Tabron took headshots of all the children, as well as action shots of them playing, and detailed photographs of the orphanage, the building, cooks prepping food and the clothes being washed.

“I documented it pretty well,” she says.

The orphanage was basic with a few

rooms for the kids, she explains.

“They had triple bunk beds and divided the rooms up for boys and

girls and one little kitchen area and basically a little shack with a shower in it,” she says. “For the most part it was

so organized and the kids were well taken care of.”

Tabron says it felt like one big family at the orphanage, founded by Americans Alan and Laura Lenz. Tabron says she and her group raised $2,500 for shopping money for the orphanage.

“We were able to get them a lot of groceries, supplies for the orphanage and a large stove,” she says, which was all on their shopping wish list. Only one burner on the previous stove worked.

While Tabron was in Peru, she had the opportunity to Skype with her three small children.

“They learned a lot from it and why I went,” she says.

Tabron also spent time showing the Peruvian orphans photos of her children.

She says it was also apparent how lucky she is as an American. Peru’s pollution, noise and economic standing stuck out during her time in the country.

“They were really poor down there,” she says.

For those interested in seeing more photographs, visit Tabron’s website at www.arayaphotography.com/peru.

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.

Man named 2014 ‘Native American 40 Under 40’ award winner

BY ALISON STANTON

From the time he was a young boy growing up in Massachusetts, Courtney Monteiro knew he wanted to work in Indian Country.

“I moved to Arizona in 2001 for law school, and I specifically selected Arizona State University for its Indian legal program because it’s renowned across the country as the best of its kind,” Monteiro says.

Although he intended to become a lawyer, Monteiro says he decided along the way to work in the financial sector, earning both his J.D. and MBA from ASU. “Once I began working toward my MBA, I shifted my focus to enterprise and business, but I definitely use the legal components that I learned every day in my work,” he says.

The Chandler resident and member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, Aquinnah, helped to found Sovereign Finance in 2008, a 100-percent Native American-owned company that works exclusively within Indian Country. As vice president of the Phoenix-based firm, Monteiro says he helps assist tribal clients with finding and implementing the best solutions to their financial and investment needs.

“We help tribal organizations with things like financing a community center or school or a casino and hotel,” he says.

Through his work, he and others at Sovereign Finance help tribes engage in enterprise that will build their economy.

“On the investment side, all of the financial pieces are interrelated, and we work to help our clients make large financial decisions that will impact the tribe and all of its members.”

In early October, Monteiro was recognized for his commitment to Native Americans during the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s Reservation Economic Summit (RES) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Along with other Native Americans from across the country, Monteiro received the “Native American 40 Under 40” award. Gary Davis, president and CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development in Mesa, says the award recognizes and honors the accomplishments of current and future Native American leaders.

“The award is not just about business and life ambition, but also about how the person gives back to the community,” he says.

COMMITTED TO HELPING: Chandler resident Courtney Monteiro (center) recently received a “Native American 40 Under 40” award at a gala in Wisconsin. He is pictured with members of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development’s board of directors. Submitted photo

“Courtney embodies and represents everything that this award is about, and he uses his skills every day in order to help others.”

Monteiro, who worked at JP Morgan Securities prior to Sovereign Finance, says he is happy with his decision to work in Indian country.

“We work with tribes all across the Country, and we take our time and just talk with people, learning how and where we can add value and how we can complement what they are already doing.”

Although Monteiro was hopeful he would be selected for the award, he says he knew it was a highly competitive honor.

“There are a lot of people around the country who are doing positive and amazing things in Indian Country, so it was really a great honor to be part of this group.”

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com

Two public hearings held at recent council meeting

The Chandler City Council met at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, and took action on 63 items. The following were among the items:

• Council held two public hearings, the first regarding the annexation of approximately 18.75 acres located southwest of Queen Creek Road and the Union Pacific Railroad, and the second regarding the annexation of approximately 10 acres located north of the northwest corner of McQueen Road and Hunt Highway.

• Introduced an ordinance to rezone approximately 5 acres at Mercury Way and Alma School Road to commercial and multifamily.

• Approved zoning that establishes community commercial uses including a gas station, convenience store and car wash uses on approximately 2.5 acres at the southeast corner of Alma School and Pecos roads.

• Approved the appointment of board and commission members including Sam Huang, museum board; Rachel Sutherland, library board; and Jon Repar, domestic violence commission.

• Approved the purchase of exercise equipment for the Tumbleweed Recreation Center from Advanced Exercise Equipment, National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) in an amount not to exceed $64,000.

• Approved special events liquor licenses for several events including those for Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank, for the Sip N Sizzle Event, on Thursday, Nov. 6; Chandler Chamber of Commerce, for the Holiday Enchantment Gala, on Friday, Nov. 7; Chandler Compadres, for the Rock the Cause for Kids 2014 Fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 15; and Downtown Chandler Community Foundation, for the Chandler New Year’s Eve Party on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

• Approved an extension for the continued operation of a recycling facility and the continued use of ingress and egress off of Hamilton Street located at 1100 N. Hamilton St.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Jay Tibshraeny thanked residents for helping him dedicate Valencia and Centennial parks. These mark the 63rd and 64th park in the City, and bring the total park acreage to more than 1,200 acres.

Councilman Jeff Weninger congratulated the Chandler Fire Health and Medical Department for their fast and professional response to a fire at CHoP Steakhouse, which helped the restaurant open again quickly after the incident.

Councilman Jack Sellers says he attended the opening ceremony of the $225 million Mariposa Port of Entry in

Nogales, an important business partner to Arizona as it handles 60 percent of the produce from Mexico, and $1 million a minute in goods.

Vice Mayor Rick Heumann and Councilwoman Nora Ellen reminded voters to participate in the upcoming general election on Nov. 4.

Councilman Kevin Hartke encouraged residents to attend the Chuck Wagon Cookoff Nov. 7 through Nov. 9 at Tumbleweed Park to experience a taste of the Old West, and reminded them to attend the Rock the Block Celebration in Downtown Chandler on Nov. 7.

At the City Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 20, council took action on 10 items including:

• Approved the amendment of the Chandler Ground Lease at the Chandler Municipal Airport with F&G Enterprises.

• Authorized an Intergovernmental (IGA) with Maricopa Home Consortium to receive federal home investment partnership program (HOME) funds, in the amount of $293,292.

Before the meeting, Tibshraeny and Ellen recognized employees for their years of service including: Carolyn Harrison, community services (20 years); Renee Moreno, community services (15 years); James Kame, municipal utilities (15 years); Vincent King, police (15 years); and Robert Fortier, transportation and development (30 years).

The mayor also presented a proclamation to Matt Lore with the Arizona League of Cities declaring Cities and Towns Week in Chandler in honor of the work done by communities to serve their residents.

The APRA 2014 Outstanding Aquatics Program Award was presented by Community and Neighborhood Services Director Jennifer Morrison, who recently accepted the position of director for the newly converged Neighborhoods and Community Services departments.

The council also recognized the inaugural graduates of a Recreation Division Mentoring program, Justin Bayer and Susan Richardson.

Members of the Mayor’s Youth Commission presented a report and recommendation based on the results of the annual Teen Town Hall. The report discussed health, education, social media and civics.

The 2014 Employee Water Drive Results were presented by Nan Kahl and James Kame. As a result of efforts by City staff, and the participation of 23 Chandler businesses 1,424 cases of water and 878 pounds of food were donated to local food banks.

The next City Council meeting is 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17.

For a complete list of actions taken, visit www.chandleraz.gov/agendas.

With

Pink, Red, Golden Orange

14k & 18k Yellow & White Gold. Platinum, Diamonds. Colored Stones. Classic, Elegant Silver Jewelry.

McCarthy donates mobile shower renovation to benefit homeless

Homeless individuals who receive temporary lodging in Chandler can now enjoy a shower courtesy of the new Chandler Clean Machine. Chandler’s Fire, Health and Medical Department donated to For Our City Chandler a surplus hazmat trailer to be repurposed into a mobile shower unit with washer and dryer for use by the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (I-HELP). McCarthy Building Companies learned of the project and outfitted the trailer with three shower stalls and a laundry facility. The value of the pro bono project is approximately $40,000. McCarthy’s Heart Hats committee also

donated toiletry items to kick off a supply drive for the Chandler Clean Machine. More information is at www. forourcity.org/Chandler.

“Studies show that one-third of homeless individuals who find employment do not make it past the probationary period due to hygiene issues,” says Kevin Hartke, Chandler city councilman and director of For Our City Chandler. “This mobile shower unit helps to increase self-esteem, reduces the risk of infection or illness and increases the opportunity for employment.”

About Care hosts Veterans Day wine tasting, art auction

The Vision Gallery is the place to be 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, as About Care hosts its annual Veterans Day wine tasting and art auction. Held in the gallery in the City of Chandler building, 10 E. Chicago St., the complimentary reception features beverages and light appetizers (donations are accepted). The event honors About Care volunteers and those who have served our nation and now need our help.

To donate to the auction, contact

About Care 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 or for more info, visit www.aboutcare. org.

Public input wanted on county hazard plan

The City of Chandler joins forces with jurisdictions within the Valley to review and update the existing Maricopa County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The mitigation planning process involves identifying and profiling the natural hazards most likely to occur in a community, assessing the vulnerability to these hazards, and establishing goals, strategies, actions and projects that mitigate the associated risks. The plan does not address how the City responds to emergencies like wildfires and floods, but rather the steps necessary in order to prevent or minimize the impact of such emergencies. The plan is at www. maricopa.gov/Emerg_Mgt/links.aspx and feedback on Chandler’s portion of the plan can be shared with Battalion Chief Keith Hargis of the Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department at (480) 782-2161 or at

keith.hargis@chandleraz.gov.

Maricopa County and 24 incorporated cities and towns, two tribes and one other governmental organization are participating in this cooperative effort to update the plan, which requires adjustments to maintain its relevance and remain a useful tool and resource. The update also ensures continued eligibility for nonemergency, federal and state hazard mitigation grants. The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the current plan in April 2010 for a period of five years. An updated draft of the plan is expected in February.

For additional information, visit www. maricopa.gov/Emerg_Mgt/ or contact Meredith Bond, Maricopa County Department of Emergency Management, at (602) 273-1411 or bondm@mail.maricopa.gov.

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS

The deadline for news and advertising is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, for the Saturday, Nov. 15, issue of the SanTan Sun News. All news must be submitted to news@santansun.com by that day to be considered for the next issue or by filling in the “submit a news release” form on the newspaper’s website at SanTanSun.com. To send an item for consideration in the SanTan Family Fun, email it directly to STFF@SanTanSun.com. Send advertising files and information to account reps or contact ads@santansun.com. For deadline information, visit www.santansun. com and click on “About us” and call (480) 732-0250 for advertising rate details.

Bus

The City has modified bus service on Route 96 (Dobson Road) to serve a portion of the Price Road corridor during peak commuting hours. Route 96, that served Dobson Road south of Pecos Road during peak hours, has been diverted to Price Road between Germann and Queen Creek roads, providing new bus service to employees at major companies such as Wells Fargo, Continuum, Amkor and Isagenix.

Two trips are being added to Route 96 to serve employees working longer hours, resulting in weekday service hours of approximately 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Visit www.valleymetro.org for a complete schedule of Route 96.

The route change means four former bus stops on Dobson Road between Germann and Queen Creek roads will no longer receive service, but the City reports that these stops were underutilized, accounting for less than 10 percent of passenger boardings south of Pecos Road.