SanTan Sun; 2-7-15: Community

Chandler National Little League baseball readies for new season

BY CURT BLAKENEY

The grass is freshly cut, the basepaths chalked and the infield dirt is packed tight. Spring is in the air and that means it’s time for baseball across the Valley. Nothing is as American as Little League Baseball and Chandler National Little League (CNLL) is gearing up for another baseball season on the diamonds across Chandler.

The league is conducting baseball tryouts at Snedigar Park on Saturday, Feb. 7, and managers in four divisions— Double-A, Triple-A, Majors and Juniors— are scheduled to hold a players draft on Saturday, Feb. 14. Opening day is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Snedigar Sports Complex.

With its track record of success, CNLL has become one of the powerhouse leagues in the state, establishing a rich tradition and setting expectations high for future generations. In 2013, CNLL’s South Majors All-Stars won the Arizona state title and advanced to the Little League West Regionals. Then in 2014, CNLL’s North Majors All-Stars won the state championship, and advanced to the Little League West Regionals. Chandler National teams have advanced to the Little League World Series twice—in 2003 and 2007—but have never won the championship.

“Success builds on itself, and not just on the field,” says Danny Cristofano, CNLL’s director of sponsorships “It’s the partnership with the local community and City of Chandler that have sustained the league.

“Over the years, CNLL continues to reinvest in the youth of South Chandler through continuously growing and improving the CNLL for our players and families, providing Little League Baseball scholarships for less-fortunate families and supporting other leagues in our district. In addition, CNLL invests

Longtime educator brings knowledge to U of P

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER

Chandler resident and longtime teacher Dr. Pam Roggeman says teaching high school English was the best job she’s ever had. While she misses working with teenagers, Roggeman is relishing the opportunity to mold the next generation of teachers as dean of academics for the University of Phoenix College of Education.

“I came to the conclusion that I could affect more students on a greater scale being involved in helping to prepare teachers,” she says.

It’s a role she’s ready to tackle after 17 years teaching high school outside of Tucson and 10 years in higher education.

Roggeman earned a doctorate in education from Arizona State University, but says her teaching philosophy is also strongly influenced by her father, Tom Roggeman, a former Chicago Bears player and football coach at the University of Arizona.

“My dad originally played for the Bears, and he could have stayed and played with the Bears, but he had an opportunity to become a high school biology teacher,” she says.

“He thought that was a tremendous way to be able to start a family.”

Roggeman was born in South Bend, Indiana, but was raised in Tucson when

SEE LONGTIME EDUCATOR PAGE 5

substantially in helping the City of Chandler maintain and improve our fields at Snedigar and Nozomi parks with capital improvements like bleachers, shade structures, new synthetic pitching mounds and volunteer field maintenance.”

Little League’s global impact is

profound: It’s played on more than 12,000 fields in every U.S. state and in 103 other countries on six continents. For many youngsters, Little League Baseball has become a rite of passage, contributing to its lasting popularity. Chandler is no exception; Little League Baseball is as popular as ever.

“We continue to draw strong, steady interest,” says Doug Brewster, the president of the CNLL Board of Directors. “We have about 1,050 kids who participate in Little League Baseball each year. Our success is a testament to the volunteers, the board and the coaches.”

It all starts with the volunteers, the parents of the children playing baseball. Sensationalized TV news reports and YouTube videos of dysfunctional parents who lose their cool during a game and make a fool of themselves by screaming at umps, managers or players have become all too common across the country. Brewster credits the strong dedication of CNLL parents for keeping those negative, unpleasant experiences to a minimum and keeping the experience positive for all kids involved.

“Every league has their issues,” he says. “But our parents get involved. If you’re involved, then you understand the issues and see the big picture. If you just drop your kid off, and never get involved, then you won’t see the big picture. We absolutely encourage our parents to get involved.”

City manager set to retire June 1

CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

BY

After serving the City of Chandler for 21 years, City Manager Rich Dlugas will retire June 1.

“It really is a start of another chapter in my life,” says Dlugas, 61.

“You go through the ‘working’ chapter and hopefully you put yourself at a point where you can enjoy your retirement and company of your wife and doing things. That’s what I’m ready to do.”

Dlugas, who came to Chandler from Texas in 1994, has made an impact on the city, says Mayor Jay Tibshraeny.

“Chandler is certainly a better place due to Rich’s work here, and I appreciate all that he has done for our community for the past 20 years,” Tibshraeny says.

“I understand that devoting one’s life to public service comes with many sacrifices, and his four decades of work in local government is to be truly commended. I wish him all the best for a well-deserved and happy retirement.”

During his retirement, Dlugas plans to travel and enjoy time with his wife.

“We’re ready to go out and enjoy our retirement while we have the health to do it,” he says. “We want to travel, which we hope to do in the first few years of our retirement.”

The itinerary includes a visit to his wife’s family home in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula this summer. They are also planning to travel to Hawaii, Alaska and Europe in the coming years.

The CNLL Board of Directors is also comprised of Vice President Jennifer Hurst, Treasurer Dave Rosenberg and Secretary Kristin Luse, as well as player agents and division directors.

“We have a very dedicated board,” Brewster says. “We run all year long; we don’t get a break. Our goal is to make every season a successful one. We want to give every kid who signs up the opportunity to play baseball.”

Many consider the principles and values kids learn while playing competitive baseball as important life lessons.

Play Ball!

“Little League teaches kids about fairness, sportsmanship and how to play as a team,” Brewster says. “It teaches them good values. There is some competitiveness, but the kids are having fun and making good friends. Some of the kids have been playing baseball with others since they were 5 years old.”

Brewster has been involved in youth baseball for 20 years and the CNLL for more than 15 years. He got started as a coach, then joined the CNLL board, eventually serving as vice president for two years before taking over as president in 2010. He’s now entering his sixth year as board president, despite having a son

According to its website, Chandler National Little League has the following divisions, bracketed according to a player’s age.

Rookie (ages 5-6)—This division is pure instructional baseball, where basic fundamentals and techniques are taught. This is not a competitive division. At this level, players begin to hit a pitched ball. A coach pitches to the players and if a child does not hit the ball after a certain number of pitches, the ball is placed on a tee and the child completes the at-bat. An offensive player that makes an out is removed from the base, but outs are not recorded for the defense. All players bat every inning and score is not kept. There is no postseason play.

A (ages 7-8)—Basic skills are refined and stressed. Up to two coaches are on the field during games to encourage/instruct players. At this level, players are taught to hit pitched balls by coaches only. Players learn game basics and are prepared to play at a faster pace. Official standings are not kept. Mandatory play is enforced. Participation in postseason play is optional.

AA (ages 9-10)—Tryouts are conducted to assess a player’s baseball skills. Eightyear-old players are allowed to tryout, but are not guaranteed a roster spot in this division. This is the first level of kid pitch. Fundamental skills are stressed, but games move at a faster pace and game strategies are taught. Mandatory play is enforced.

AAA (ages 10-11)—Tryouts are conducted to assess a player’s baseball skills. Nineand 10-year-old players are allowed to tryout, but are not guaranteed a roster spot in this division. Fundamental skills are taught, while the development of additional

who has outgrown Little League.

“I truly enjoy youth baseball,” says Brewster. “Little League does a lot of things right.”

Cristofano sees the positive impact it makes in the community.

“The Little League Pledge—which all of our players recite at Opening Day and before every tournament game…a pledge that has been officially supported by every U.S. President since Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1955—is a short but powerful and patriotic commitment to community, sportsmanship, healthy competition and individual best efforts,” he says. “Over the years, CNLL players,

coaches, volunteers and families have always been great role models of this commitment to healthy competition in a league run, coached and played the way Little League founder Carl Stotz envisioned. The lessons learned from Little League Baseball’s experience help shape young people to be better contributors and performers in the classroom, around the kitchen table and in their community.”

Curt Blakeney is the associate editor of the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at curt@santansun.com.

skills are covered. Mandatory play rules are enforced. Nine- and 10-year-old players in this division are eligible for All Stars, but 11-year-old players are only eligible for 11-year-old All Stars.

Majors (ages 11-12)—All players must attend a tryout where baseball skills are evaluated. Every registered 12-year-old player will be drafted or placed on a Majors team. While fundamental skills are stressed, advanced skills are taught and developed. Games are fast paced. Mandatory play is enforced. All players in this division are eligible for Little League All Stars tournament play.

Juniors (ages 13-14)—Juniors Baseball is a function of Little League, but at the next level. Players begin play on full-size diamonds using bases that are regulation 90 feet and pitching mounds that are regulation 60 feet. Rules also change as lead-offs, steals and pitcher balks come into play. An All-Star tournament team is chosen at the end of the season and participate in District, State, Regional and World Series play.

Seniors (ages 13-16)—Seniors Baseball is a function of Little League, but at the next level. Players begin play on full-size diamonds using bases that are regulation 90 feet and pitching mounds that are regulation 60 feet. Rules also change as lead-offs, steals and pitcher balks come into play. An All-Star Tournament team is chosen at the end of the season and participate in District, State, Regional and World Series play. For information about Chandler National Little League, visit www. chandlernational.com.

the Arizona Wildcats hired her father to join the coaching staff. Her two brothers also coached and played college football at Notre Dame and Stanford, respectively. Roggeman has coached at her schools, and notes that she and her two sisters all ended up in leadership positions in their different careers—thanks, she believes, to growing up in a coaching family.

“If I could describe my leadership style and my teaching style...it basically is coaching. In coaching, what you’re doing is you’re facilitating, you’re nurturing, you’re teaching and you’re encouraging. That is who we are as Roggemans. That’s in our culture.”

Roggeman is helping coach a lot of new teachers, while leading a college with students in all 50 states. Roggeman says one of her priorities as a dean at the University of Phoenix is to continue tailoring programs to match the changing

As for professional reasons for retiring, Dlugas says that by June 1, the City will be in a good position for a new city manager.

“I’ll be here until June 1 to assist with putting the budget and CIP and union negotiations to bed,” he says. “It’ll be a good time for a new city manager to come in with a lot of those things already completed.

“With the City’s reputation and financial stability, they’ll have no

K-12 classroom. Roggeman says part of this mission involves taking advantage of digital technology in the classroom, and as a longtime teacher she welcomes the change.

“I would have such a hard time teaching with paper and pencil again,” she says. “Literally, I don’t make copies anymore. Back in the day when I first started teaching in 1987—that’s right, I put it out there, 1987—you waited in line at the copier.

“If I went into a K-12 classroom, I would embrace Google Docs. I would find a way to never have to touch paper again, because to me it’s just so much quicker and the tools are just so much more engaging and vast when I’m not tied down to traditional paper and pencil.”

Roggeman also brings an appreciation for working students to her role at University of Phoenix. She worked fulltime while earning each of her advanced degrees, starting with a job a Dillard’s as an undergraduate at the University of Arizona.

problem doing a national recruitment and attracting a lot of top-notch candidates who will hopefully take the City further.”

Dlugas is, however, proud of what he was able to accomplish during his years with the City of Chandler.

“I’m most proud of being able to implement council’s goals and vision that they set as public policy makers and having the resources to get that done—whether it’s with neighborhoods, transportation or economic

The mother of two also remembers giving birth while pursuing her master’s degree. The experience gives her an appreciation for the students at University of Phoenix returning to school, such as retired military or working parents.

“There are all kinds of creative pathways for the working individual to make it happen,” she says.

When she isn’t working or studying, Roggeman says she is often reading Harry Potter with her fifth-grader, exercising or, whenever possible, cheering on the Chicago Bears.

development,” he explains. “We’ve been able to follow through with council’s goals. I don’t know if that can be said in a lot of other cities. In Chandler, there has been a really good relationship with elected officials.”

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

CUSD brags of successes during report presentation

BY SYDNEY BOWEN

The Chandler Unified School District Annual Report presentation combined budgets, breakfast and a bit of bragging rights for an informational meeting on the highlights of the 2014 school year.

Officials say CUSD had an extremely successful year not only as a district, but also as a business. The school district was the second-largest employer in Chandler last year, with 4,848 employees.

Looking toward the next school year, CUSD is excited to open two new schools: Chandler Traditional Academy, a kindergarten through sixth grade school, and Dr. Camille Casteel High School, a seventh through 12th grade high school named after the superintendent.

These two new schools will help to accommodate the growing population of Chandler. In the next five years, enrollment is expected to reach 44,500.

resource management.

CUSD prides itself on helping the entire child, not just the brain. This includes nutrition and health. The food and nutrition departments, one of the top departments in the nation, are providing healthy meals that also get children excited. The departments try new recipes, teach children about their food, and rename the dishes to make it more appealing to students.

Another way that CUSD goes above and beyond in helping its students is the Chandler CARE Center.

Established in 1995, the CARE center was designed to provide a variety of medical and dental services to their students and families.

“We provide general care for all of the uninsured kids,” says Katie Kahle, the director of the Chandler CARE Center. “The only requirement is that you live in Chandler or are enrolled in a Chandler school.”

With the help of partnerships with local hospitals and a hard working group of staff and volunteers, the Chandler CARE Center is available to provide all of these services, as well as many others, to their students for free.

The presentation also spotlighted student and faculty achievements. Samantha Bouchal, a Basha High School senior, earned a perfect score on the SAT. Chandler High School senior Briana Espinosa graduated with 13 years of perfect attendance.

Two Perry High School students were selected to participate in the 2015 U.S. All-American Marching band. Basha and Chandler high schools each had a Division 1 state champion in wrestling. Hamilton High School celebrated a Division 1 state baseball championship and a Division 1 state championship in golf.

chosen as a national spokesman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Many other teachers and faculty took home awards and honors in 2014.

With the growth in the district, as well as the anticipated rise in enrollment, CUSD is finding new ways to distribute information about the district.

“We have to be more creative about how we get our information out to people,” says Terry Locke, director of community relations. “Our website is our No. 1 communication tool. We get over 900,000 hits a month.”

The number of viewers online shows how invested the community—not just students and their families—is in being involved with the district.

Journey 2020, a new strategic plan adopted by the Chandler Schools Governing Board, was a major point of discussion at the meeting. The goal of Journey 2020 is to help CUSD become a nationally recognized district of choice. The four main points of Journey 2020 are academic excellence, outstanding staff, culture of success and effective

Aside from the medical services, they offer a variety of dental services to lowincome kids. This includes cleanings, X-rays, exams and other routine procedures. Every Wednesday, a dentist from St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix visits to perform restorative procedures, such as teeth retractions, cavity fillings and treating gum disease.

Chandler High won big with a girls track state championship, a Division 1 state football championship, and two state swim championships. Mark Jurek, a Chandler High student, not only won the 100 butterfly and the 200 individual medley, but he broke two state records and qualified as a high school AllAmerican.

As for faculty successes, CUSD’s Chandler Education Television and Community Relations program took home three Rock Mountain Emmy awards. Wesley Delbridge, director of food and nutrition in the district, was

Casteel closed the meeting by discussing the hope that CUSD will be looked at as a big business in the upcoming year. She also was eager in thanking the hard-working staff that helps CUSD thrive and succeed.

“Without the leadership in this district, in terms of all the people that are out there doing their job everyday, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” says Casteel. “The results speak for themselves.”

Sydney Bowen is a student at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Church rezoning among council decisions

BY SYDNEY BOWEN

The Chandler City Council took action on 55 agenda items, ranging from reconstruction to purchase and contract approvals, during its Jan. 22 meeting.

Among the decisions was approval of a rezoning request for Cornerstone Christian Fellowship.

“The rezoning request was for a small portion of land,” says Vice Mayor Kevin Hartke. “It’s not enough room for a new building.”

The land is expected to be used for additional parking. Right now, the church has a gravel lot.

“The city is excited to no longer have to look at a gravel lot,” says Cornerstone Church’s executive pastor Marty Sawyers. In other decisions, the City Council approved:

A construction contract to Combs Construction Company Inc. worth $1.54 million. The contract is for the reconstruction of the Old Price Road and Queen Creek Road intersection. Improvements to the intersection will improve access to the Wells Fargo and the Ocotillo Water Reclamation facility.

A $1.36 million purchase of new selfcontained breathing apparatus equipment to be used by the Chandler Fire and the Health and Medical Department. The new equipment will replace old equipment that was no longer safe to use, as it had reached the end of its operational life.

A $38,000 design contract with Perlman Architects was approved to begin expansion of the burn building at the fire

training facility.

$125,378 worth of ammunition for the Chandler Police Department.

Three new Chevrolet Tahoes for the DUI enforcement team, totaling $138,819.

Eleven new vehicles to be used at Chandler’s wastewater treatment facilities, costing $325,045.

A new contract with Low Mountain Construction Inc. for $137,627 to replace water slides and stairs at the Hamilton and Desert Oasis aquatic centers.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Councilman Terry Roe mentioned the highly publicized documentary “Hooked: Tracking Heroin’s Hold on Arizona.” The documentary, produced by students at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, was broadcast on all Arizona television stations Jan. 13, as well as radio stations.

“I think the documentary was really something special,” Roe says. “It was a little cleaner than I expected it, but it’s been very well received.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, Vice Mayor Kevin Hartke announced the kick-off of the Mayor’s 2015 Listening Tour, beginning Feb. 10 with an HOA Mini Summit at 7 p.m. at Tumbleweed Recreation Center. He also thanked all those who participated in Saturday’s Multicultural Festival and Naturalization Ceremony and invited the community to attend the Mayor’s State of the City Address to be held at 6 p.m., Feb. 19, in the City Council Chambers.

The Vice Mayor also invited the public

to attend the 11th Annual Chandler Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon to be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Tickets are available through the Center’s box office at 250 N. Arizona Avenue.

Councilmember Terry Roe mentioned the recent television simulcast of a program discussing the growing heroin problem in Arizona and thanked the Chandler Coalition on Youth Substance Abuse for their efforts and encouraged residents, especially retirees, to get involved in their community.

The next meeting of the City Council is a study session at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9. Council meetings are aired live, as well as replayed, on Chandler Channel 11 and streamed at www.chandleraz.gov/video.

Sydney Bowen is a student at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She can be reached at news@santansun.com.

Seeking a free fun activity that the whole family can enjoy? Look no further than a visit to your local Chandler fire station. The City of Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department welcomes individual and group tours of the fire stations and trucks. Station tours last approximately 30 minutes and include viewing the fire engine, firefighter equipment, fire gear, emergency medical equipment, living quarters and a short presentation concerning fire safety.

Tours may be scheduled between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Firefighters have a busy schedule so schedule as far in advance as possible. Groups should be no larger than 25 persons with one adult chaperone for every five children. Children younger than age 3 may be frightened by the noises so the majority of the children must be older than 4 years old. Tours may be interrupted when firefighters respond to emergencies.

Residents can also arrange for a visit from a fire engine at a block party or other neighborhood special event. To schedule a tour or truck appearance, call (480) 782-2175 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or email chandlerfire@chandleraz.gov.

Ostrich festival, fun run, parade approaching

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for Ostrich Festival weekend beginning with the Mayor’s Fun Run and Health Fair and the Ostrich Festival Parade on Saturday, March 7. The community is encouraged to participate with runners/ walkers, health fair booths or parade entries.

The 13th annual Mayor’s Fun Run begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 7, followed by the Ostrich Festival Parade. Runners and walkers are welcome for the 5K event, and each participant 11 years of age and older receives a free shirt and a chance at an award for the top finishers. The registration cost is $20 until Feb. 20, $25 until 6 p.m. March 6, and $30 for day-of registers. Parking will be available in the structure on Boston Street east of Arizona Avenue. The Mayor’s Fun Run is sponsored by Garmin International, Dignity Health, Dana Tire and Ocotillo Village Health Club and Spa.

A Health Fair will run from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. March 7 at Dr. AJ Chandler Park in downtown Chandler. For vendor forms, visit bit.ly/1CSuNCu. The Ostrich Festival mascot, Tutu, will be meeting and greeting during the events. Registration for the Parade and health fair ends Feb. 18.

Following the run and award presentation ceremony, participants can relax alongside friends and family and watch the 27th annual Ostrich Festival Parade. Starting at Ray Road and Arizona Avenue at 10 a.m., the procession of floats, dignitaries, pageant winners, classic cars, bands, horses, dance teams and more

than 100 other entries will make their way south to Chicago Street. The Ostrich Festival Parade is sponsored by Thorobred Chevrolet.

For applications for the Mayor’s Fun Run or the Ostrich Festival Parade, or for more information visit www.ostrichfestival.com

The Chandler Ostrich Festival began in 1989, based on Chandler’s colorful early history of ostrich ranching. The event has grown to become one of the premier festivals in the southwest. The Ostrich Festival is a community family event featuring live ostrich races and ostrich-themed activities, national and regional entertainment, carnival midway, spectacular food, upscale arts and crafts, a Saturday morning parade and more.

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting regional economic growth, advancing business-friendly public policies and servicing our members through outstanding programs, benefits and services. The chamber represents more than 1,300 businesses with more than 100,000 employees. The Chandler chamber is the third largest chamber in Arizona. For more information visit http:// chandlerchamber.com/, call the Chandler Chamber of Commerce at (480) 963-4571 or email info@chandlerchamber.com.

Chandler thanks veterans

Join the City of Chandler in giving a hero’s welcome to local veterans at Operation Welcome Home Chandler, 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at City Council Chambers, 88 E. Chicago St. The event honors military men and women who are returning from active duty or leaving for service.

“For anyone who has ever wondered what they can do to say thank you to our military members and their families, this is your chance,” says Councilwoman Nora Ellen, who spearheads the program. “This event is an opportunity for the community to help give our veterans the welcome home they deserve.”

Honorees for this event are Airman 1st Class Brandon E. Baldenegro (Air National Guard), Technical Sgt. John R. Baltz III (Air Force) and Chaplain Maj. Thad E. Todd (Air Force).

Veterans are escorted by the Arizona

Patriot Guard in a procession to the City Council Chambers where they are greeted by the community and the Chandler City Council who recognizes and thanks each individual. The honorees are presented with a gift basket of donations from local businesses and community members. After the public event, the veterans and their families are treated to dinner at Floridino’s.

Donations to the gift baskets are needed for this event and can be made through the Chandler Chamber Community Foundation. Additionally, the Operation Welcome Home Committee is searching for one more veteran to include in the next ceremony. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.chandleraz. gov/patriotism.

Operation Welcome Home Chandler ceremonies are scheduled several times a year based on the number of nominees.

Chandler celebrates Black History Month

Collaborating with Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Chandler Men of Action and South Chandler Self-Help, the City of Chandler is assembling community events to celebrate the contributions and history of African Americans.

Presented by Chandler Men of Action, the third annual African-American Banquet is 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, in the Chandler Community Center, 125 S. Commonwealth Ave. Bruce Cooper of KPNX-TV 12 is the master of ceremonies as participants celebrate the accomplishments of AfricanAmerican men in Chandler.

The featured speaker is Dr. Neal Lester, a professor of English at ASU who specializes in African-American literary and cultural studies. Floyd Alvin Galloway, senior account manager for the Arizona Informant newspaper, is being presented with the Mayor Coy C. Payne Man of the Year Award. In addition, scholarships are being awarded to two students. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 via www. eventbrite.com, or $25 at the door.

Also in February, an exhibit—“Then They Came for Us”—is on display in Chandler’s downtown library. It explores three distinct events—the Holocaust, the treatment of black people in Eastern Europe and the domestic struggle for civil rights. The exhibit examines the three events simultaneously across a timeline from the early 1900s to the 1950s, exploring

the surprising similarities as well as the differences among them.

Educators from the Chandler Unified School District helped develop the exhibit along with the East Valley Jewish Community Center and City of Chandler. Its construction is made possible through the donation of products and services provided by Mutoh America Inc., FiberMark North America Inc., Jan Hancock and the Jewish Community Association of Greater Phoenix.

To find out more about Chandler’s Black History Month, call (480) 782-2214 or visit www.chandleraz.gov/diversity.

HOA Mini Summit focuses on leadership

Leadership skills and the importance of effective leaders in the management of community associations are the themes of the Tuesday, Feb. 10, HOA Mini Summit presided over by Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. The event, offered in partnership with the Mulcahy Law Firm P.C., is 7 to 8 p.m. in the Cotton Room at Chandler’s Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd. The HOA Mini Summit continues the mayor’s focus on sustainable neighborhoods and developing neighborhood leaders, and complements his Listening Tours and ongoing HOA and Traditional Neighborhood

Academies.

“The event will provide an opportunity for people to network and gain a better understanding of their roles as leaders in their neighborhoods,” Tibshraeny says. “Anyone serving on an HOA board, volunteering on a neighborhood committee, working with neighborhoods, or just has an interest in maintaining a good quality of life in their neighborhood is encouraged to attend.”

The program includes discussion of community trends by the Chandler Police Department; a presentation by the Mulcahy Law Firm entitled “How

Mayor’s State of the City address Feb. 19

Mayor Jay Tibshraeny presents his 2015 State of the City address at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, in the Chandler City Council Chambers, 88 E. Chicago St. Expected highlights include local business success stories, featured thriving neighborhoods and the introduction of the members of his first Teen Leadership Academy.

He is also scheduled to discuss events and announcements for the upcoming year, and recognize business and community leaders in the audience. The event includes the annual video presentation of the accomplishments of the community over the past year.

“Chandler’s reputation as a tech-savvy community with a high quality of life continues to garner attention from the business community,” says Tibshraeny. “I’m looking forward to sharing those achievements as we look forward to an even more successful 2015.”

The State of the City address is free and is open to all residents. No reservations required. It is followed by a reception in the chamber’s foyer. The address is re-broadcast periodically on the City’s cable channel and streamed at www.chandleraz.gov.

IRS and tax groups offer tips on avoiding scam preparers

The Internal Revenue Service joins with national tax organizations to offer new options for information and tips on selecting tax professionals and avoiding unscrupulous preparers. Information is available at www.irs.gov/chooseataxpro.

There is also a new gateway page, http://1.usa.gov/1KectX8, with links to national nonprofit tax professional groups.IRS Commissioner John Koskinen offers basic tips for selecting a tax professional:

Select an ethical preparer. Taxpayers entrust some of their most vital personal data with the person preparing their tax return. Make sure the preparer signs the return and includes their Preparer Tax

Identification

Number that all paid prepares are required to have. Review your tax return and ask questions before signing.

Taxpayers are ultimately legally responsible for what’s on their tax return.

Never sign a blank tax return. This is a clear red flag. The preparer can put anything they want on the return—even their own bank account for the tax refund.

to be a Better Leader for Your Associations;” an update on legislative actions and their potential impacts on HOAs; and a general question-and-answer session. Attendees also will be able to pre-register for the fourweek Spring HOA Academy that begins in March. Residents must pre-register for the summit by contacting the Chandler Neighborhood Programs Office at (480) 782-4354 or emailing neighborhood. programs@chandleraz.gov no later than Monday, Feb. 9. Enrollment priority is given to Chandler residents.

Brown named director of cultural affairs

The City of Chandler has selected longtime library manager Brenda Brown as the director of its Cultural Affairs Division, which encompasses the museum, center for the arts, Vision Gallery and four public libraries. Brown has more than 18 years in library management, 10 of those years devoted to Chandler. Under her leadership, the Chandler Public Library System has grown to four libraries with more than 500,000 physical and digital items in its collections and over 300,000 cardholders.

Brown points out that Chandler Center for the Arts, museum, Vision Gallery and libraries all have a focus on programming and education; all have strong support from stakeholders groups, advisory boards and nonprofit boards; and all provide places where people come together to explore, create and learn.

Prior to becoming Chandler’s library manager, she served in that position in Peoria and as a librarian in Scottsdale. Brown serves as the chairwoman to the Arizona Library Advisory Board and is active in local and national library organizations. She earned a master’s in library science from the University of Arizona and a bachelor’s from Arizona State University.

ICAN named best place to work for second year

ICAN Chandler was once again named one of the “Best Places to Work” by the Phoenix Business Journal. ICAN ranked 25th on the list for micro companies (companies with 10 to 49 employees). A total of 115 local companies were recognized.

The list was compiled through a process where the Phoenix Business Journal works with a national research firm to survey, audit and rank companies after they self-nominate. Employees of those companies are asked to complete an online survey that measures team effectiveness, trust in senior leaders, feeling valued, manager effectiveness, compensation, benefits and more. Each nominee must reach a minimum

percentage of employee participation to be eligible as a finalist. Their research partner, Quantum Workplace, then compiles the data, computes “engagement scores” from it, and uses those scores to rank the finalists in each of the five size categories.

“We are so thrilled to be recognized again this year,” states Becky Jackson, president and CEO of ICAN.

“Our employees are our most valuable resource and we work hard all year long to make ICAN a fun environment where everyone feels valued and recognized for their hard work.”

For more information about ICAN, visit www.icanaz.org or call (480) 821-4207.

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS: FEBRUARY 21ST

The deadline for news and advertising is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, for the Saturday, Feb. 21, 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.

DOWNTOWN CHANDLER

105 W. Boston St.

Tax sites help area families claim millions in refunds

Chandler-area working families have claimed more than $10 million in tax refunds over the past 11 years, thanks to Chandler’s Volunteer Income Assistance (VITA) program.

Those earning less than $53,000 last year qualify for free tax preparation services at one of the seven Chandler VITA sites. Locations and hours are listed below.

Chandler’s VITA Program began in 2004 after Arizona convened a statewide taskforce focusing on the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that frequently goes unclaimed. Municipalities and others were encouraged to assist their low- and moderate-income residents with the preparation of their taxes to ensure they obtained the EITC credit if eligible, along with any other tax credits available to them.

These tax credits can greatly enhance prospects for family economic success and bring new resources into the local economy, benefiting local merchants and the community as a whole.

In the past 11 years, Chandler’s VITA Program has helped families collect $10.5 million in tax refunds, including $3.6 million in the frequently unclaimed EITC credit. For the 2014 tax season, working families with incomes as high as $52,427 are eligible for EITC credits of up to $6,143.

Persons seeking tax assistance at a VITA site should bring W-2 forms, photo identification, Social Security cards (including those of all dependents), Form 1099 (if applicable), and a copy of last year’s tax return and information for all deductions and credits. Free tax assistance will be available on a walk-in basis at the following Chandler locations:

• First Credit Union, 25 S. Arizona Pl. Mondays 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes. Mondays 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Hamilton High School Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave. Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and Wednesdays 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Chandler Christian Community Center, 345 S. California St. Tuesdays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Chandler CARE Center, 777 E. Galveston St. Fridays 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.; and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., starting Feb. 7.

• Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, 2145 W. Elliot Rd. Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting Feb. 7.

• Chandler Downtown Library, Cactus Room, Second Floor, 22 S. Delaware St. Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., starting Feb. 7.

Arizona Railway Museum hosts open house

Train lovers, history buffs and people of all ages are invited to climb aboard a piece of history during Arizona Railway Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Arizona Railway Museum located in the southwest corner of Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park, 330 E. Ryan Rd.

The free public event will include tours of vintage railcars, plus displays of artifacts and memorabilia. Visitors will learn about the importance of railroads from museum volunteers who, will explain the type of work that is required to restore and refurbish these railcars to keep them “alive.”

Private railcars rarely open to the public can be toured, including a caboose that has been maintained in the same condition as when it was used in the 1970s. Guests can blow the horn on a diesel locomotive, and might even get the opportunity to blow the whistle on Chandler’s historic No. 2562 steam locomotive.

The idea to dedicate a museum to the restoration of railroad equipment primarily from the southwest grew from a trip taken in the early 1980s by five local “railfans.” They observed that there was no official or organized attempt to preserve and protect the artifacts relating to Arizona’s railroad history. A chance meeting with representatives of the City of Chandler resulted in a partnership.

The museum started in 1983 with only a caboose and steam engine displayed on

a modest 1-acre park site provided by the City in the downtown area.

In the mid-2000s, the museum was moved to its current location, a 6-acre site in Chandler’s largest park, where it has become a world-renowned collection of railroad equipment, with almost 50 pieces of rail cars on display and in various stages of restoration.

The museum’s standard entrance fee is waived for Arizona Railway Day; however, donations from the public and local businesses will be appreciated.

Word of Mouth

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

Wisdom teeth removal

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

The average mouth does not have room for the third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth” to come in properly. These poorly positioned impacted teeth can cause many problems such as swelling, stiffness, pain and illness. The pressure from the wisdom teeth may move other teeth and disrupt the orthodontic or natural alignment of teeth. The most serious problem occurs when tumors or cysts form around the impacted wisdom tooth, resulting in the destruction of the jawbone and healthy teeth. It is now recommended the impacted wisdom teeth be removed early to prevent these problems. Most commonly we remove wisdom teeth between the ages of 14 and 22 years whether they are causing problems or not. The procedure is technically easier and patients recover much quicker when they are younger. What is a relatively minor procedure at 20 can become quite difficult in patients as they get older. Also the risk of complications increases with age and the healing process is slower. We utilize the latest technologies and techniques to make your procedure go smoother and your healing process faster.

For a consultation, please call Dr. Shah at 480-814-9500. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Board Certified, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Visitors should access the event on Ryan Road, from Arizona Avenue or McQueen Road. Parking is free. Food and beverages will also be available, with all proceeds benefitting the Arizona Railway Museum and Chandler Lions Club charities.

The Arizona Railway Museum is normally open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through May 17, closed during the summer, and reopens in early September. More information about the museum is available at www. azrymuseum.org.

Desert Car Care hosting free clinic for women

Women are invited to a special car care clinic courtesy of Desert Car Care Center on Thursday, Feb. 12.

From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Desert Car Care Service Center chief operating officer Frank Leutz will teach women how to know when it’s time to take a vehicle in for service.

Leutz, who also serves as president of the Phoenix Automotive Service Association, will share:

• Does my car really need all these repairs right now?

• Tips on how to deal with maintenance to keep your car care costs down.

• Check engine light and other lights on the dash.

• Symptoms, noises and smells.

• Should I trade this car in instead of continuing to throw money toward repairs?

• Tips on how to get 200,000 miles out of your vehicle. Light refreshments will be provided. The clinic is free, but registration is required. Call (480) 726-6400 or email aimee@desertcarcare.com.

The center is located at 95 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler.

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