SanTan Sun News,11-21-15: community

TechShop: A playground for creativity

BY DANI GANLEY

TechShop is a creative playground located in downtown Chandler. It’s a location that lends itself to entrepreneurs, creative minds, engineers, students and even those who don’t know where to start, but just want to create.

From 3-D printers to etching to woodworking to welding to textiles, they offer 24/7 access to over $1 million in machinery and tools to their members. They don’t just leave their members on their own either; they offer comprehensive instruction and provide expert staff to give members the best quality of experience.

Aside from offering great access to tech, the location is community-based. They offer tours, group events, educational experiences, and events for their members.

“Being the fact that we have so many people here, there are engineers that can invent stuff, but they have no idea how to get it to market, so this is an ideal spot for business people and entrepreneurs alike,” said Jason Black, TechShop senior account manager. He’s seen many business collaborations happen thanks to the networking opportunities available at TechShop.

BY KERRY FEHR-SNYDER

Because there is such a variety of creative minds that come in, TechShop lends itself well to collaboration.

“We send business each other’s way,” said Bill Brown, an electrical engineer. “If they can’t do it, they usually know someone who can”.

Recent Arizona State University graduate Cameron Rogers started working on his projects at TechShop when he attended ASU and has continued since graduating in the spring. “One of my favorite things about working in the environment is actually seeing what other people are doing. You get exposed to so many people’s cool ideas,” Rogers said. “It’s fun to share ideas because everyone here is similarly minded, but I’d say everyone is pretty diverse too, so the solutions we do see are from different areas.”

TechShop can be valuable to small businesses and larger companies as well. They have memberships with Fortune 200 companies and smaller businesses like Etsy shops.

For owners of larger companies, TechShop provides the ability for companies to prototype without investing before they know it’s something they really want to delve into.

“Companies don’t have to invest in the equipment to find out if they want to enter the market,” Black said. “They can come down here and prototype it and decide if the capital investment is worth it.”

Bond approval means technological, building improvements Officials restart search for city manager

BY KEN ABRAMCZYK

Technology needs and health and safety issues will be addressed in early 2016 in the Chandler Unified School District after voters overwhelmingly approved by nearly a 2-to-1 margin a bond request to raise more than $196 million for capital needs.

The average annual cost after the bonds are issued is $49.67 for the owner of a $100,000 home.

CUSD residents can expect to see the district begin to tackle these issues in January or February, according to Superintendent Dr. Camille Casteel.

“It means more computers for students and staff,” Casteel said. Security also will be addressed, she said.

Funds also will be earmarked for the second phase of the Camille Casteel High School, which will include additional

classrooms, a football stadium and a performing arts auditorium.

Casteel said she was overwhelmed by the support from the community to fund the district’s needs. “We can’t do it without their support,” Casteel said.

Karen McGee, CUSD’s governing board president, said the board was pleased and grateful for the voters’ support.

“As you know funds are limited and this will allow CUSD to continue to provide the best education and facilities for our community,” McGee said. “Our children are our future and everyone at CUSD strives to prepare them to be lifelong learners and productive citizens, and we thank our community for their generous support of our mission.”

According to Maricopa County unofficial election results, 25,506 voters see BOND page 5

Chandler will start over in its search for a new city manager after a finalist failed to reach agreement on contract terms with City officials.

The state’s fourth-largest city will advertise for the six-figure job after the holidays, said City spokesman Matt Burdick. City officials hope to name a new city manager by next summer, he added.

In September, the City interviewed five finalists, including two in Arizona, for city manager. They were James Thompson, Casa Grande city manager; John Kross, Queen Creek town manager; Majed Al-Ghafry, assistant city manager in El Cajon, California; Paul Grimes, village manager in Orland Park, Illinois; and Kevin Phelps, deputy county executive in Pierce County, Washington.

Burdick would not say which of the candidates was offered the job.

Marsha Reed has been acting city

manager since City Manager Rich Dlugas retired June 1. He earned $203,088 annually.

The City paid nearly $24,000 to the national recruitment firm, Bob Murray and Associates, to search for a new city manager. The City will pay expenses with the new search but no additional fees to the firm.

The city manager’s job is to oversee the overall operations of Chandler. The city manager reports to the mayor and city council. None of the council members responded to repeated requests for comments.

This isn’t the first time Chandler has had to scrap a recruitment effort and start over. Chandler conducted a national search for an assistant city manager, interviewing finalists in July 2012 but not offering the job to anyone. It advertised the post again in 2013 and held interviews with finalists and hired

Intel employees celebrate Veterans Day with new record community Page 13

Global Tea Mart offers ‘total tea experience’ business Page

Because TechShop is offering these services, they can help reduce outsourcing when it comes to prototyping.

“Here, when you’re in the process of making your prototype and you need to make a modification, you can stop, make your modification and move on,” Black said. It’s much more cost effective than outsourcing to somewhere like China. It doesn’t just help the business save costs, either; it helps to keep businesses in Arizona.

“We help bring the prototyping to Arizona. If it’s prototyped and made in Arizona, the businesses usually stay in Arizona,” Black said.

Smaller business owners also benefit from TechShop’s resources. “We have everything from acrylic sign making to t-shirt making,” Black said. Instead of ordering things and outsourcing in bulk, Techshop gives these business owners the ability to create their pieces one by one and to add more customization to each product.

Another advantage for members is the maintenance and availability of the equipment.

“One of the neat things about here is all the equipment we have. People may or may not have the same equipment, but we keep it maintained,” Black said. He noted it’s not uncommon for people to have

“$5,000 dust collectors” at home, because people just don’t know how to fix the complex machines.

“I worked out of my house for years,” said Mark Kirschenbaum, the entrepreneur behind Hypoxic. Since TechShop opened in Chandler in November 2013, Kirschenbaum has worked there instead.

“You don’t have to maintain the tools. Now I have all the capital and all the software for a monthly fee, and they’re maintained well, so I don’t need to pull out my band saw or my table saw if I need to cut something,” Kirschenbaum said.

Additionally, TechShop has a partnership with Arizona State University, offering students free membership and

$200 worth of classes each semester. Though engineering majors and entrepreneurs are the most popular members, any ASU student can join. TechShop currently has seven other locations in the U.S., with two more on the way in 2016.

Membership prices vary, but the basic individual membership is $150 per month. Classes are offered for an additional fee. Discounts are offered for students and active duty military members. There are memberships available for corporations as well. For more information, visit www. techshop.com.

require driving

• Possess a valid AZ driver’s license and clean driving record

• Must pass extensive background search and qualify for an AZ DPS Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card

• Available to work afternoon/evenings or overnights, most shifts include weekends

• Attend 1 week of training scheduled

supported the bond with a yes vote, and 13,129 voted no.

According to CUSD, the bond will be distributed throughout the district in areas that include:

• $81.5 million for construction, acquisition, additions and/or improvements to new and existing schools

• $53.8 million for building renovations, security or site improvements to existing schools

• $15 million for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and equipment

• $39 million for furniture, equipment, school furnishings, buses and technology (including computers and wireless)

• $4.7 million for renovations to support facilities

• $2 million for technology, furniture and equipment for support facilities.

someone later that year.

The city manager job was advertised with the Arizona League of Cities and Towns, International City/County Management Association, Municipal

Casteel was asked if the district’s voters felt empowered over the school funding issue discussed and debated by state lawmakers. Casteel said the vote demonstrated again that Chandler voters support the district, as she cited the election results of 2013 for the maintenance and operations override.

“Families were tired of the large classroom sizes and they want the teachers to be compensated,” Casteel said about that election and the community’s support.

As a superintendent, asking the community for money is the hardest challenge of her job, she said.

“We can’t do it without them,” Casteel said.

Casteel promised that the district will “use the funds wisely.”

“We won’t let them down,” Casteel said.

Management Association of Southern California, Western City, a publication of the League of California Cities, Careers in Government and another publication.

Shalom Chapter of Hadassah schedules trip to Scottsdale museum

Shalom Chapter of Hadassah has scheduled a trip to Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, on Tuesday, Dec. 8, and includes a docentled tour of the exhibit “A Salute to the Cowboy Artists of America.” Also on display is a Lewis and Clark exhibit.

This event is limited to 25. Make a reservation before Nov. 25 by sending a check to Hadassah for $7 to Judi Josephson, 23625 S. Rosecrest Dr., Sun Lakes, AZ, 85248. Senior admission to the museum is $11. Car pools will be arranged. Lunch will be at a nearby restaurant. Info: Judi at (480) 802-4944 or Diane at (480) 895-6917.

Future activities include:

• A Hanukkah party Tuesday, Dec. 15, at the Oakwood Clubhouse, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes. The event

will start with a special lunch at 11:30 a.m. and will follow with games and prizes. Trivia, word search and anagrams are just a few of the games that will be played, testing everyone’s memory of the Hanukkah story. For a lunch reservation, send a $16 check payable to Shalom Hadassah, to Ruth Friedman, The Renaissance, 9508 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.

• Induction of the new Shalom Hadassah Board after an optional lunch at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19. The program continues with a book club discussion of “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah. For a lunch reservation follow the process for the Dec. 15 Hanukkah party. For membership information, call Cyril at (480) 802-0243 or Kathy at (480) 8955194.

Blood donors welcome at the local center, other locations

United Blood Services is awarding seats to a Phoenix Suns game to donors who give four MAX platelet donations by Jan. 31 at any of the organization’s six Valley centers. The FlexPrint Courtside seats, courtesy of the Phoenix Suns, are part of the All-Star 4 Life program.

and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. All blood types are needed, but Type O-negative is in greatest demand.

Other locations that are scheduled in Chandler are:

fulton ranch Towne center

Discover a wide variety of dining options from casual lunch and dinner fare to authentic Thai, Mexican or classic Chicago restaurants; enjoy salon services and fitness choices; book indoor swimming classes and math tutoring; shop for sporting goods, office supplies, hardware and garden essentials and more!

MAX platelet donors provide the clotting factor that controls bleeding for trauma, cancer and aplastic anemia patients. Platelets are the most fragile component of whole blood and must be transfused within five days of donation

UBS encourages blood donors to visit the Chandler Donor Center, 1989 W. Elliot Rd., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays

• 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, in the bus at the C/S Building at ChandlerGilbert Community College, 2626 E. Pecos Rd.

• There is also a blood drive in San Tan Valley, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, in the auxiliary gym at Combs High School, 2505 E. Germann Rd. To make an appointment, call (877) UBSHERO or vis it wwwBloodHero.com.

Pottery Painting & Art Studio Burst Of Butterf l i es

sOur Very First Anniversary!

We’re so FIRED up we’re THROWING a Week Long Party! Come Celebrate With Us

November 29 – December 5

We’re BURSTING with Happiness and look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new friends. Come Say HI! Take a Tour! Eat Some Cake! Make Some Art… or come back later to get creative at one of our classes or on-going events!

We look forward to sharing our joy with as many friends as possible all week long! Enter for a chance

* Do

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Fire board names new Sun Lakes chief

BY BRIAN CURRY

After an exhaustive nationwide search, the Sun Lakes Fire District board has named Troy Maloney to succeed Chief Paul Wilson, who left for a position in California last year.

“I am honored to be chosen and to serve the residents of Sun Lakes,” Maloney said. “I will be accessible to my citizens, guests and my department.”

Maloney comes from Timber Mesa Fire and Medical where he served as deputy chief of operations. Timber Mesa serves the combined communities of Linden, Lakeside and Show Low. Prior to the 2014 merger of those departments, Maloney had served as the chief of department for Linden.

Maloney comes to Sun Lakes with a combined 29 years of fire and EMS experience starting his career with the Dexter Area Fire Department near Ann Arbor, Michigan. After 17 years in

Sun Lakes fire district’s fire board members pin the chief’s badge on Troy Maloney at a recent board meeting. From left are fire board members Bernadette Halpin, John Crawford and Chairman Michael Sellers, Chief Maloney and fire board members Forrest Kohler and Diane Price. STSN photo by Brian Curry

Michigan, he accepted a position with Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue. He stayed there until accepting the chief’s job in Linden.

Maloney has been on the board of directors for the Arizona Fire District Association (AFDA), representing Navajo and Apache counties, and will continue his membership now representing Sun Lakes.

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS: DEC. 5

The deadline for news and advertising is 12 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, for the Saturday, Dec. 5, issue of the SanTan Sun News. All news must be submitted to News@SanTanSun.com by that day to be considered for the next issue or by filling in the “submit a news release” form on the newspaper’s website at www.SanTanSun. com. To send an item for consideration in the SanTan Family Fun, email it directly to STFF@SanTanSun.com. Send advertising files and information to account reps or contact Ads@SanTanSun.com. For deadline information, visit SanTanSun.com and click on “About us” or call (480) 732-0250 for advertising rate details.

Sun Lakes Rotary gives dictionaries to every third-grade student

BY NORM NOBLE

Her eyes got big. Her smile was radiant. Her excitement was infectious. She has just received her first book—not from the library, but from a Rotarian.

“The donation of a dictionary to every third-grade student is so incredibly generous and important to each child’s education,” said Dr. Camille Casteel, superintendent, Chandler Unified School District.

“Their very own book...doesn’t get much better than that. Thank you Sun Lakes Rotary for making this happen, year after year.”

In 2005, The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes started a project to encourage reading and word understanding with the thirdgrade students in the CUSD.

For the past 10 years, Rotarians have visited every elementary school throughout the CUSD with one goal in mind: to present every third grader with a dictionary of his or her own. Besides the Rotarians physically entering the classrooms and presenting these dictionaries to the students, countless hours are spent raising the funds to purchase the books and more are spent in preparing for the event.

The reception from the Chandler school administration and the students has exceeded the Rotary club’s expectations. The students now have in their possessions, gazetteer dictionaries that contain about 30,000 words with their definitions, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution with all of its amendments, a synopsis of information

on every state in the United States, a biography of all of the 43 U.S. presidents (actually 44, but Grover Cleveland was president twice), maps of the seven continents, information and drawings of the solar system, as well as short write-ups about nearly all of the nations of the world.

Each year, the Sun Lakes Rotary Club offers high school students an opportunity to attend a Rotary Youth Leadership camp. It also awards college scholarships to two students who qualify academically and who “do things for others while expecting nothing in return. Open to all CUSD freshman, CHOICES points out the need for good decision-making as well as values teens should seek to achieve.

Do you know the longest word in the English language? More than 3,900 CUSD third-graders do, thanks to the Sun Lakes Rotarians who delivered dictionaries to them this year. The longest word in the English language is pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, a word that refers to a lung disease contracted from the inhalation of very fine silica particles, specifically from a volcano. The word was deliberately coined to be the longest word in English, and has since been used in a close approximation of its originally intended meaning, lending at least some degree of validity to its claim.

In the 10 years of this program, dictionaries have been presented by the Sun Lakes Rotary Club to more than 41,000 third-graders.

Lane restrictions on Arizona Avenue near Santan Freeway

The southbound lanes of Arizona Avenue will narrow from three lanes to one lane, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The restrictions, through Saturday, Dec. 19, are to install a reclaimed water line. Two lanes will be available all other times.

The first restrictions are in effect through Nov. 25, between the Loop 202 and Germann Road, and will move southward beginning Nov. 30 through Dec. 12, along southbound Arizona Avenue between Germann Road and Macaw Drive.

The project will involve restrictions

from Dec. 14 to Dec. 19 along southbound Arizona Avenue from Loop 202 to Macaw Drive for road resurfacing.

A three-day restriction on northbound Arizona Avenue will occur north of Germann Road, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, through Wednesday, Nov. 25, for the installation of a lateral reclaimed line.

Motorists are encouraged to use Alma School Road or McQueen Road to access the Santan Freeway. Traffic signal timing adjustments will be made and police officers will be onsite to assist with traffic control.

Nominations being accepted for Volunteer Recognition Awards

Applications for the 2015 Volunteer Recognition Awards are being accepted by the City of Chandler, the Chandler Non-Profit Coalition and the faith-based and nonprofit group For Our City.

Faith-based groups, nonprofits, schools, businesses and other organizations with volunteers are encouraged to nominate individuals for one of eight Recognition Awards for outstanding community service from January to December.

The selected recipients will be honored during a recognition breakfast in February. During the awards breakfast, all Chandler volunteers with more than 1,000 hours of service in 2015 will receive a lapel pin and certificate from Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. Volunteers with more than 100 hours also will receive a certificate from the mayor.

The award categories are:

• Makes It Happen Award: This nominee works for many organizations, with the goal of contributing anywhere and everywhere, in any way they can.

• Sunbeam Award: This nominee is the most cheerful person in the place. He or she has the best personality, attitude, always smiling and himself or herself brightens the area around them.

• Longevity Award: This nominee has worked for an organization for many

years and provides a commitment and dedication to service that is awe inspiring.

• Innovation Award: This nominee brings creative and unique solutions to the job.

• Youth Award: This nominee is strictly for youth, 17 years of age or younger. The nominee should be dedicated, positive and hardworking or somehow stand out among others.

• Multitasking Maestro Award: This nominee takes on a diverse array of multiple assignments, jobs or objectives at the same time and can juggle them effectively, while accomplishing all of them successfully.

• Strong Arms Award: This nominee is not afraid to take on any job no matter how “down-and-dirty” it may be. The nominee may also be called the “jackof-all-trades” in an organization.

• Working Together Award: This new award category is for a group in any organization that has completed a group volunteer project in Chandler. Award submissions are limited to one page or less. Specific guidelines also are available online with the nomination form. Applications are available online at chandleraz.gov/volunteer100 and are due by Tuesday, Dec. 1. Info: niki.tapia@ chandleraz.gov.

Red Cross encourages blood donations before holidays

Blood donations often decline from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, when holiday festivities pull people away from their donation appointments. This often causes a drop in the blood available for patients. Donations are needed in the weeks leading up to the holidays to help offset this seasonal decline. The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood before the holiday season is in full swing. Blood drives in Chandler are scheduled for:

• 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at BASIS Chandler, 1800 E. Chandler Blvd.

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at WalMart Supercenter, 1175 S. Arizona Ave.

• 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at Chandler Gilbert Family YMCA, 1655 W. Frye Rd.

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Koinonia Mennonite Church, 2505 N. Dobson Rd.

Blood donor Kathy Steckly Neuschwander’s father gave blood for years. She always saw him wear his pin

when he reached his next gallon—about 12 gallons total. When he was diagnosed with leukemia, she and her family learned firsthand how important blood donations could be around the holidays.

“He passed away in 1994 from leukemia and needed a blood transfusion so we could have one more Thanksgiving together,” she said. “My brother and sister were able to come home from the East Coast for this. I can now say I am wearing his three-gallon pin.”

Volunteer donors like Neuschwander are the only source of blood for those in need of transfusions during transplants and other surgeries. Donors with all blood types are needed, and especially those with types O negative, A negative, B negative and AB blood.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call (800) RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Info: www. redcross.org/prepare.

Learn how to reduce the risk of falling

Dr. Erica Williams, a clinical associate professor in the Speech and Hearing Department of ASU, is the featured speaker 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at the Ed Robson Branch Library, Lecky Center, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes. She will discuss how the body maintains balance, the role that the inner ear plays, interactions with hearing and strategies that can be utilized to reduce the risk of falling. Falls are a leading cause

of injury in older adults, and also carry a significant financial impact.

Real-time captioning will be provided and the meeting room is looped for hearing accessibility. Parking is available in the church lot next to the library. Refreshments provided.

Info: Liz Booth at halib72@gmail.com, Regina Milgroom at reggiefaith@gmail. com and Scott Sjolin at (602) 652-3000.

EVENTS

NOVEMBER

21 Woofstock, Tumbleweed Park, 480-782-2669

21 Downtown Concert Series, Downtown Chandler Stage, 480-855-3539

26, 27 Thanksgiving holiday, City offices closed

28 Downtown Concert Series, Downtown Chandler Stage, 480-855-3539

27-29 Nutcracker, Center for the Arts, 480-782-2680

DECEMBER

3, 10, 17 Farmers Market, Downtown Chandler, 480-855-3539

4-5 Nutcracker, Center for the Arts, 480-782-2680

5 Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights, 480-782-2669

5, 10, 12, 19 Santa’s House, Downtown Chandler, 480-782-2669

7, 10 City Council meeting, Council Chambers, 480-782-2180

12 Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Holiday Toy Ride, Chandler Fashion Center, 480-782-2120

12 The Snowcat, Center for the Arts, 480-782-2680

12, 13, 19, 20 The Spirit of Christmas, Center for the Arts, 480-782-2680

17 Sonoran Sunset Concert Series, Veteran’s Oasis Park, 480-782-2895

18 Chandler Art Walk, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 480-855-3539

18 Texas Tenors Christmas, Center for the Arts, 480-782-2680

22, 23, 26-31 Zoppé: An Italian Family Circus, Center for the Arts, 480-782-2680

25 Christmas holiday, City offices closed

31 News Year’s Eve Concert, Downtown Chandler Stage, 480-855-3539

For event details, visit chandleraz.gov or call the Chandler Special Events Hotline at 480-782-2735.

Don’t let a preventable accident ruin your special holiday moments

The holidays are here, and as you gather with friends and family to share good food and good times, also remember to pay attention to the details – some small, some large – that will help keep you and your loved ones safe to enjoy the season.

Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home. Kids love to be involved in holiday preparations, which is why the Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department suggests creating a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried. You should also keep children away from knives and sharp utensils. Did you know that Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment? Most cooking fires involve the stovetop, so keep anything that can catch fire away from it, and turn off the

stove when you leave the kitchen, even if it’s for a short period of time. If you’re simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.

Candles and fireplace fires also are popular during the holidays, but please remember to keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children, and never leave children (or pets) alone in a room with a lit candle or a fire burning in the fireplace. The Fire, Health & Medical Department encourages Chandler residents to consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles.

There are many other simple precautions people can take during the holidays to avoid potential fire hazards and accidents, and then

OCOTILLO WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY TO BE EXPANDED

People walking or driving near the intersection of Queen Creek and Price roads may notice some earthwork occurring on the southwest corner. This work is associated with the $122 million expansion of the existing Ocotillo Water Reclamation Facility (OWRF).

The OWRF has been operating since 1986 and produces reclaimed water (effluent) that is delivered through un-

derground pipes to Ocotillo and other areas of the City. Initial site clearing and grubbing recently began and will continue through mid-January. Dirt is being hauled for the construction of landscaped earthen berms around the site’s perimeter. A 160-foot-tall tower crane will be erected in January for use in the construction of various buildings.

CITRUS VISTA AND FOLLEY PARK DEDICATIONS

Join the celebration of two park dedications taking place Saturday, Dec. 12; one for Chandler’s newest neighborhood park, Citrus Vista Park, located in southeast Chandler near Ryan Elementary School, and the other for Folley Park, which underwent extensive renovations and is located in central Chandler next to Frye Elementary School. Citrus Vista will be dedicated at 9:30 a.m. and Folley’s ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m.

everyone can enjoy a safe holiday season. Visit nfpa.org/holiday for more information and safety tips. Next month, the Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department will share tips on preventing Christmas tree fires.

INVEST WISELY, SHOP CHANDLER

If you’re getting started on your holiday gift list, remember to Shop Chandler and give yourself the gift of community services. Sales taxes on the merchandise you buy at businesses in Chandler go directly to the City’s General Fund, which pays for City services such as police and fire protection, parks, libraries, recreation programs, neighborhood preservation and street maintenance. Shopping in Chandler also helps support many youth organizations, food banks, social service agencies and other local nonprofit groups that rely on funding from the City of Chandler and donations from business owners.

HAVE YOU DISCOVERED… VETERANS OASIS PARK

Located at 4500 E. Chandler Heights Road, Veterans Oasis Park covers 113 acres and offers 4½ miles of trails, wildlife viewing areas, ramadas and picnic areas, a butterfly and hummingbird habitat, an outdoor amphitheater, a unique learning-oriented playground, a five-acre community fishing lake, a Solar System Walk, equestrian trails, and interpretive signs and exhibits. The park also features both lush wetland and arid habitat suitable for the diverse plants and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert.

ICAN benefit event coming Dec. 4

The youth at ICAN know how to dream big, and ICAN’s new fundraising gala called “dreamBIG,” scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Rd., Chandler, is themed for doing just that.

This inaugural event will infuse a whimsical theme that sparks the imagination and brings attendees back to a time in their childhood. Guests will learn about the dreams of ICAN youths and how its programs are working to help them beat the odds they are faced with every day and achieve.

The event will feature a cocktail reception, five-star dinner and afterparty with live music from Chuck E. Baby. The highlight of the evening will be an appearance by performance artist and speed painter Rock Demarco.

Tickets are $250 for individuals or $450

for couples. Tickets can be purchased at www.icanaz.org/dreambig. Info: Cassie Patris-Browne at (480) 874-7577.

Sponsors are Big Two Toyota/ Scion of Chandler, Chandler Compadres, Kovach Building Enclosures, Martha S. Martin Charitable Fund, John & Patty Breeding, Karen Smith, Southside Management, Coffin & Trout Fine Jewellers, AlphaGraphics of Chandler/Gilbert, Arizona Lottery and Bank of America.

The event will benefit ICAN, a free, family-centered youth service that provides a full complement of programs to equip youth to achieve personal and academic success by tackling substance abuse, gang involvement and juvenile delinquency. ICAN is accredited by the National Council on Accreditation and was recently named “Outstanding after School Program” by the Arizona Center for After School Excellence.

Police report fatal accident on Country Club Way

A 19-year-old female was crossing Country Club Way on foot on Nov. 10, when she was struck by a vehicle that was beginning a right turn onto westbound Chandler Boulevard from southbound Country Club Way. According to the Chandler Police Department, Anastasia

Zaragoza was knocked into the far right through lane and was immediately struck by a vehicle traveling in that lane. First responders found the victim dead on arrival. There was no impairment suspected and no criminal charges were expected to be filed.

Police receive $52,000 in DUI enforcement grants

Police officers will focus solely on detecting impaired drivers during the 2015 holiday season, following the Chandler Police Department’s receipt of a $50,000 enforcement grant from the Governor’s Office of High Safety. The East Valley holiday DUI task force kicks off Friday, Nov. 27, and will run through New Year’s Eve.

Chandler Police will host the task force command post on three nights:

• Nov. 28 at the Chandler Police Main Precinct, 250 E. Chicago St.

• Dec. 23 at the Chandler Christian Church at 1825 S. Alma School Rd.

• Dec. 30 at the Chandler Christian Church at 1825 S. Alma School Rd.

While a high percentage of serious injuries and fatal collisions involve alcoholimpaired drivers, according to the Chandler Police Department many of today’s

impaired drivers are operating vehicles under the influence of prescription or illicit drugs. The tragic results of these collisions—aside from significant personal and insurance costs related to property damage—include injury and death.

Officers funded by the grant are specially trained in DUI detection methods, including the detection of drugs in the human body.

The department’s traffic unit also received a $2,000 GOHS grant to purchase phlebotomy supplies, such as needles, bandages, gauze pads, sharps containers, exam gloves and disinfectant wipes. Many of the officers assigned to the traffic unit are also phlebotomists and conduct the majority of the department’s DUI blood draws throughout the year.

Payne honored at Celebration Plaza

BY KERRY FEHR-SNYDER

Officer David Payne’s job was to remove impaired drivers from Chandler streets so they couldn’t hurt others.

On Halloween 2014, one of those impaired drivers hit and killed Payne on his motorcycle as he worked the DUI task force. A seven-year veteran of the Chandler Police Department, Payne was 37 years old.

A year later, dozens of fellow officers, City officials and family gathered to remember Payne’s contribution to public

safety and dedicate a plaque in his honor at Celebration Plaza in Tumbleweed Park in South Chandler.

“Sadly, last year, he (Payne) made the ultimate sacrifice,” Mayor Jay Tibshraeny said during an induction ceremony Saturday, Nov. 14, under crystal clear skies. Payne had served in the Iraq War with the Arizona National Guard. He also had helped after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and in his spare time, volunteered to teach traffic safety

Samaritan’s Purse to collect shoebox gifts for children in poverty overseas

Gilbert and Chandler residents will be able to contribute to the 2015 global goal of Operation Christmas Child—the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind—to reach 11 million children in need through gift-filled shoeboxes.

Locations throughout the Gilbert and Chandler area will serve as collection sites through Nov. 23 for the annual Samaritan’s Purse project, which sends shoeboxes with fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement to children around the world.

Local collection sites are:

• Heritage Church, 919 E Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert

• Arizona Avenue Baptist Church, 3701 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler

• Chandler First Baptist Church, 3405 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler

• Evident Life Church, 415 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert.

Check for the exact times and dates to drop off supplies at the Samaritan’s Purse website: www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Or, with a computer or mobile device, anyone can pack a personalized Operation Christmas Child shoebox

gift on the website. Go to www. samaritanspurse.org/occ to select toys and gift items, write a note of encouragement and “pack” them in a shoebox. These gifts of hope will go to children in some of the hardest-toreach countries. Using special tracking technology, participants can follow their box to discover where in the world their gift is delivered by using the donation form.

“Through the simple act of filling a shoebox, someone can make a tangible difference in the life of a child halfway around the world,” said Chandler project coordinator Cheryl Johnson. “Anyone can participate and bring joy to a child facing difficult circumstances.”

Samaritan’s Purse is an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. Since 1993, gift-filled shoeboxes have been delivered to more than 124 million children in more than 150 countries and territories. For many of these children, a gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have received. Info: (602) 750-5408.

classes.

Robert Payne said his son gave to others without fanfare. Days before David was killed, he “quietly and without notoriety” put the name of a slain officer’s family on the back of five Special Olympics raffle tickets for a $500 fuel card.

“He figured they could use the money because the main breadwinner is gone,” said David’s mother LuAnn.

Others at the ceremony remembered Payne as a hard-working officer on the night shift.

“He was passionate and humorous,” recalled Officer Brian Wagner. He added that he was happy to see so many attend the annual ceremony to honor Payne.

Payne joined the Chandler Police Department in 2007. After several years driving a patrol car, he transferred to a

motorcycle unit and the DUI task force. On Halloween night 2014, Brian Yazzie stuck and killed Payne and then fled the scene. Yazzie pleaded no contest to a plea of second-degree murder charges and will serve up to 15 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced in Maricopa Superior Court Friday, Dec. 4.

Intel employees celebrate Veterans Day with new record

Hundreds of employees at major U.S. Intel sites dropped to their hands to do pushups on Veterans Day to try and break the Guinness World Records mark of 734 people doing pushups all at one time, all in one place. It was a novel way to honor the men and women who have served the United States.

While Arizona employees would have broken the record with 941 employees participating, Oregon

employees walked away with the new record with 1,286 participants.

Record or not, Intel pledged to donate $100,000 to a pair of veterans nonprofit groups—Team RWB and American Corporate Partners— organizations dedicated to assisting veterans in their transition from the armed services to the civilian workforce.

The effort was aligned with the

national #GiveThem20 program to salute and support vets. Intel is one of Arizona’s largest employers with a large workforce in Chandler.

“With more than 4,000 veterans working at Intel, they are a diverse group of employees whose real-world experiences and skills make them an ideal fit for our culture of discipline, results orientation and pride in our work,” said Carlos Contreras, Intel’s

Arizona public affairs manager. Intel has a history of hiring employees with military experience because it believes that veterans have qualities and attributes that align well to the company culture. Info: www. intel.com/jobs.

And, while she may be suffering from Alzheimer’s, it in no way diminishes the place she holds in people’s hearts. The gifts and contributions she has shared. The story she has to tell.

At Chandler Memory Care, our goal is to help her continue her story with a decidedly different approach to caring for those with memory loss.

Resident-centered, activity-based programming provides a supportive lifestyle tailored to her specific needs.

Hamilton event benefits boy with cerebral palsy

BY TRACY HOUSE

Andrew Burkhart was a medical mystery. He and his parents, Kellie and Andrew, went to specialist after specialist trying to find out why he was ill.

“We didn’t know what it was,” said Kellie, whose family lives in Gilbert.

“It” turned out to be cerebral palsy, with which Andrew was diagnosed by a leading homeopathic doctor at age 4.

“Since that day, we’ve been on this alternative path that’s changed his world,” Kellie said.

The treatment may help the 9-yearold student at Settler’s Point Elementary School in Gilbert, but it comes with a price: The insurance company considers it “alternative,” so it is not covered.

The family—including the elder Andrew, who teaches math at Hamilton High and Bogle Junior High schools—pays an average of $900 out-of-pocket a month for local treatments and an additional $15,000 to $20,000 each summer for intensive specialized treatments out of state.

To help alleviate the financial burden, community members are hosting Comithon: Andrew’s Fun Run, Walk and

Roll from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Hamilton High School’s track. Comithon is a combination of ComicCon and marathon.

The family-friendly event will include princesses and superheroes on hand to interact with the kids. There will also be face painting, food trucks and vendors.

Pre-registration is required by Nov. 30. Those who preregister by Nov. 24 receive a T-shirt. To sign up, visit the Eventbrite link, http://bit.ly/1MgBfr4. Registration is $22; $18 for groups of two or more.

To make a tax-deductible donation for Andrew’s care via the Cerebral Palsy Hope Foundation, visit https://prayforandrew. wordpress.com/how-to-help/.

Helpful treatment

For the last five summers, Andrew has traveled to Southern California for stem cell therapy. “It’s changed his world,” Kellie said. “The first time they fixed his GI system. He was 4 1/2, still in diapers and 60 pounds. We couldn’t potty train him. His GI system was just not working properly. Within a week of therapy he was having normal functioning and was pottytrained within a month.”

The second year Andrew was able to gain motion in his left arm. “It’s been a miracle,” she said, tearfully.

The hardest part, Kellie said, is even though they are receiving emotional support, the financial burden exists.

“The Hamilton community has been extremely supportive year after year,” Kellie said. “They’ve done many things to help Andrew. This is probably been the biggest event to put on.”

The community is invited to participate in Comithon: Andrew’s Fun Run, Walk and Roll, to benefit 9-year-old Andrew Burkhart, seen here with his dad, Andrew, a math teacher at Hamilton High and Bogle Junior High schools. Submitted photo

Due to Andrew’s extensive treatments, Kellie is home taking care of him. “Andrew’s got doctors, therapy or physical improvement appointments at least four days a week, every week after school. I can’t go back to work and have him continue to progress.”

Andrew is involved in gymnastics

Nominate veterans for Operation Welcome Home

Operation Welcome Home Chandler is accepting nominations and sponsorships for the fourth ceremony to be held next spring.

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

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

Veterans should be Chandler residents

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

Ceremonies are scheduled several times a year, based on the number of nominees.

and wrestling to help with physical improvement. He attends general classes at Aspire Kids Sports Center, where he has received a scholarship for the last five years, Kellie explained. Andrew wrestles at Power MMA, where his father volunteers as an assistant coach. “He keeps Andrew safe,” she said. Kellie said Hamilton teacher and Civic Club sponsor Nikki Vaerewyck has been the one pushing and working so hard to make this event happen. “She has been the rock of all of this at Hamilton,” Kellie said. “She has put in a tremendous amount of time in pushing this through.”

Paul A. Flores, with Farmers Insurance, is the community cohost. “He has been our insurance agent for decades and is a great guy who does a lot for the community,” Kellie said.

Residents are encouraged to attend the event, and donations are being accepted through the Chandler Chamber Community Foundation.

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

Give your family the

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NOT IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD

Be safe, be aware and take control

BY CMDR. GREGG JACQUIN

The weather is cooler, the winter visitors are back and the holidays are in full swing as activities increase. With this comes the responsibility of being aware of everything that is happening around us. We should also be mindful of the fact that we control most of the things we do, and we certainly don’t want anyone or anything to spoil it.

This time of year also provides us an opportunity to share a number of reminders for neighbors.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but not too jolly, as we will once again be on the roads to ensure that our streets are safe and nobody gets hurt. You will see increased patrols for impaired drivers. So have fun, but be responsible.

As you are out and about, be conscientious of your surroundings and protective of your belongings. Don’t be a victim because you gave someone the opportunity to take advantage of the situation. Most criminal activity occurs when we provide easy access for it to happen. Be extra careful when you do your holiday shopping, paying attention to items and where you leave them. This applies to cyberspace as well. Whether online, or in a store or restaurant, watch your credit cards and make sure you authorized the transaction. Never be afraid to ask questions. There are many ways to steal your identity or commit fraud

Nish Shah, D.M.D., M.D.

against you; credit and debit cards being compromised top the list. The next time you provide your credit card information or allow it to be swiped make sure you know who, what, where and why it is being used. Remember, technology helps the bad guys as well.

Please be aware of deliveries to your home. We start to see more thefts from the doorsteps of homes when packages are left there. If you can arrange for the package to be delivered to you personally or dropped off with a neighbor so it is not sitting at your doorstep, it increases prevention. If a package is stolen, it can be reported to the police as well as to the vendor and delivery company.

We see a lot of scams this time of year, too. There are too many to discuss but, as a rule of thumb, if you have not invited the service, requested the product or initiated the contact, then be wary. If someone asks you for personal information or money, be particularly careful. Legitimate businesses and organizations typically do not do this without some prior relationship with you.

So goes the rule with charities as well. The gift of kindness is always encouraged and special, but never let your heart get in the way of making good sense of how you spend your money and to whom you give it. Please ask questions and take the time to be in charge of your activities so

People who have lost teeth might often feel too self-conscious to smile or talk in public. Additionally, early tooth loss can change eating habits and facial appearance and lead to secondary health problems.

Although you have a number of options for the replacement of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as dental implants. In many cases, dental implants are the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functioning of the teeth and supporting structures; dental implants provide a simple remedy with proven results.

Dental implants are stronger and more durable than bridges and dentures. Implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss and are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth.

They are proven to preserve the jaw bone, gums and the adjacent natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that their teeth appear natural and that their facial contours will be preserved. We offer state-of-the-art technologies and Dr. Shah is constantly implementing the latest techniques to provide you with the best care available.

Patients who come to us can smile with confidence. For a consultation, please call Dr. Shah at 480.814.9500. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Board Certified, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

others do not take charge of them for you.

As always, we would also like you to remain diligent in the effort to secure your cars and valuables. When you are done around the house and garage, don’t forget to lock them. When looking at thefts and burglaries from homes and cars, we still find way too many in which no force was used and the bad guys simply opened the door or walked into the garage.

There is a lot to be thankful for,

and we appreciate the support of our community. It is always easier to work in a community that values the effort of our neighbors and the commitment of our citizens. Be safe and make the business of your neighborhood the business of our partnership.

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

D-backs Celebrity Golf Classic

The Arizona Diamondbacks recently held its fifth annual Celebrity Golf Classic, hosted by pitcher Daniel Hudson, at Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler. Throughout the day, participants and guests had the opportunity to mingle with players, and take part in contests like the longest drive with a baseball bat and closest to the pin with a golf ball launcher. The event benefited the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation. Photos by