4 19 2014stsn p1 16 community

April 19 – May 2, 2014 www.SanTanSun.com

Operation Welcome Home honors Chandler veterans

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

U.S. Army Reserves Maj. Rob Polston has left Chandler once since he moved to the area 10 years ago. It was for a 15-month activation that included six months in Afghanistan for Operation Joint Endeavor.

“It was tough to leave my wife and kids,” he says of the experience in 2012. “My son was 2 years old and my daughter was 3 months old. That was a little challenging.”

Polston is among the handful of veterans who have been honored by Operation Welcome Home, an initiative introduced by the City of Chandler last year.

When Councilwoman Nora Ellen took office in January 2013, her goal was to bring the program to Chandler. Her son, Rep. J.D. Mesnard, brought the program to her attention. She says the program is important because veterans and their families sacrifice so much for Americans’ lives and freedoms.

“I want to honor and recognize that,” Ellen says.

She says some of the soldiers do not make it back home, while others see their friends die or get injured, and face traumatic situations themselves.

“They are our heroes,” Ellen says. The program has a special place in Ellen’s heart. There is a long line of veterans in her family, including her father, who served in World War II. Five nieces and nephews as well as a brother-in-law

BASIS seventh grader wins playwright competition

BY ANA ANGUIANO

When Michael Ford isn’t attending class at BASIS Charter School ... or running with the Boy Scouts ... or taking tennis lessons ... or playing in the school band, he’s writing. Inspired by the adventurous “Harry Potter” book series and humorous narrative of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, the seventh grader dove headfirst into his own play about bullying.

His piece, “Nerdy Nate and the Anti-Bullying Quest,” was crowned the winner at the Young Playwrights for Change national competition, sponsored by The American Alliance for Theatre and Education and Theatre for Young Audiences USA.

“I wanted to talk about bullying because I felt that it’s a problem in almost every school and it’s hard to fight,” Michael says.

be presented in a staged reading by four professional actors and a director at The Kennedy Center.

served in the military at the same time.

Debuting initiative

The first Operation Welcome Home took place on Nov. 4, 2013, honoring four veterans, including Polston, attracting about 300 onlookers.

“It was overwhelming,” Polston says. He heard about the program through the Chandler Veterans Memorial; he sits on its fundraising board.

“I found out through the board that Chandler was looking for veterans who have returned from overseas,” Polston says.

Celebrate Earth Day at EEC

BY TRACY HOUSE

Earth Day, Arbor Day and the sixth anniversary of the Environmental Education Center will be rolled into one celebration from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, April 25, at Chandler’s EEC.

Live animal demonstrations as well as crafts and family activities will be featured at the event that will bring to the park companies, vendors and nonprofits from around the East Valley, according to Stephanie Hawkins, recreation coordinator I.

The organizations coming to the park include Arizona Science Center, Glassmelts, Liberty Wildlife, City of Chandler Public Library, City of Chandler Police Department, Probest Pest Management, City of Chandler Solid Waste Services, City of Chandler Storm water Management Program, Sun Valley Solar Solutions, City of Chandler Water Conservation, Butterfly Wonderland, All Fun Ices, Ecto Critterz, Southwest Monarch Study, Lisa’s Creatures and East Valley Wildlife and City of Chandler Recreation.

“A lot of people are bullied at one point or another in their life and some people don’t even know that they are being bullies, so I wanted to do something that would help.”

After winning the Childsplay and Rising Youth Theatre’s local competition, Michael was judged for the national prize by a panel that included Paula Donnelly, Gary Garrison, Marty Johnson, Aba S. Kumi, Louis Sachar and Mary Hall Surface.

Michael and his family will fly to Washington, D.C., in May where he will accept his award at the New Visions, New Voices festival. His play will also

“Vendors will be set up throughout the park area,” Hawkins says. “Our trails will be open. We have 4.5 miles of hiking trails that go back through our park. We do have our community fishing lake, so bring your fishing license out and we’ll be stocking the catfish. There’ll be all kinds of activities for all ages.”

Asked to have a “Green Mission,” the vendors will promote green living, environmentally friendly products, animal welfare and science and environmental education.

By combining Earth Day, Arbor Day and the anniversary into one celebration, Hawkins says, “It’s a really great opportunity for the City of Chandler, as well as Chandler businesses and nonprofits to reach out to the community and for the community to come out and see the green initiatives, environmentally friendly and responsible ways, of running your business can be. Inviting everybody into

“I’ve always loved writing and I’ve always found it really fun,” Michael says. “I like adventure books so I based it off of that and threw in some humor because I think humor makes everything easier to digest.”

For six years, Michael has been a part of Childsplay, a nonprofit theater company of professional, adult artists who perform for and teach young audiences and their families.

Michael’s father, Jeff, says the bully screenplay came out of a Childsplay workshop led by Playwright-in-Residence Dwayne Hartford, who has mentored his son.

HOLOCAUST-ERA RAILCAR: The 11-ton, 33-foot-long railcar of the type and kind that Nazi Germany used to transport Holocaust victims to labor and death camps was purchased in 2012 by the East Valley JCC and shipped 11,000 miles from Macedonia to the Los Angeles harbor, then trailered to Chandler. STSN photo by Tracy House

See page 56 for more photos

“We’re really proud of Michael,” Jeff says. “He’s always been really creative. This is actually the second play he’s written. He wrote one last semester that was performed last semester by the conservatory group on independence and it was cool to see it performed on stage. That one was creative and lighthearted as well.”

Jeff says his son clearly has a gift. When he read “Nerdy Nate and the Anti-Bullying Quest,” he was pleasantly surprised.

“When you hear people indicating that they’re going to write something about bullying, you think it’s going to be a serious topic about the problems of bullying and how it impacts people,” Jeff says.

“And it’s more of an empathetic approach, but we were really surprised by Michael’s approach using humor and adventure and the symbolism he did as far as how self esteem helps you combat bullying. It was really insightful and we were really impressed.”

In addition to Michael’s success, five other middle-school students were named semifinalists in the regional competition. Paul Cassidy (seventh grader at St. Francis Xavier), Tula Henrie (eighth grader at Poston Junior High), Lyric Jackson (seventh grader at Desert Star), Joy Noble (seventh grader at Poston Junior High) and Caitlynn Palmer (eighth grader at Ward Traditional Academy) will all be recognized at Childsplay’s opening night performance of “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” on Saturday, April 26.

For more information about Childsplay, visit www.childsplayaz.org.

Ana Anguiano is a staff writer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@ santansun.com.

Community

Chandler police celebrate award winners

The Chandler Police Department recognized the efforts of its employees during 2013 at its annual awards ceremony. Department employees gathered on March 19 to celebrate Chandler’s finest.

The following awards were handed out:

The Unit Citation Award is presented to a department team or unit whose actions exemplify the mission statement of the Chandler Police Department. Three department units were presented with a Unit Citation award:

• The Park Rangers Unit: Sgt. Jim Bruggeman and Park Rangers Ricardo Basurto, Shad Hancock, Gary Hyduke, Tim McKenna and George Tole

• The Sex Crimes Unit: Sgt. David Austin and Dets. George Arias, John Beekman, Brendan Busse, Amy Hedges, Amanda Janssen, Paul Kee, William Klapmeyer, Ashley Nolan and Ryan Palmer

• The Robbery/Homicide Unit: Sgt. Jesse Boggs and Dets. Rob Dykstra, Ivan Kaminsky, Nate Moffat, Dave Selvidge, Troy Spielman and Cassandra Ynclan

• The Traffic Unit: Lt. Lucas Hunt, Sgts. Dean LaVergne, Mike Colvin, and Charlie Cote, and Officers Keith Aguiar, John Allison, Tyler Britt, Kris Buchanan, Tom Chapman, Jon Correll, Eddie Cuthbertson, Rob Garduno, Cameron Jacobs, William Johnson, Dan McQuillin, Travis Miller, Daryl Nyby, David Payne, Loren Reeves and Glen Robison.

The Meritorious Service Award is presented to a member of the department who consistently exceeds

normal job requirements with at least one specific act of outstanding performance. This may include a member proceeding with a predetermined plan, program, investigation, or official act that exemplifies the mission statement of the Chandler Police Department.

The 2013 recipients of this award include Officers Matthew Cacciola and Jose Hernandez, Sherri Chavarria, Amber Harris, Laura Jordan, Det. Ivan Kaminsky, Marcia Parrish and Jean Watson.

The Lifesaving Medal is presented to employees directly responsible for saving/ prolonging a human life (extended by days or weeks). A recipient may be any department employee, on or off duty.

Recipients for this award were Officers David Parks, Ariel Werther, David Parsons, Joshua Pueblo, David Uridge, Aaron Lowe and Tyler Service.

The Community Service Award is presented to an employee who displays extraordinary efforts in serving the community.

Officers Stephen Dieu and Loranda Tibble were the recipients of the 2013 Community Service Award.

The Communications Employee of the Year award is presented to a member of the Communications Section in recognition of outstanding accomplishment and for facilitating the achievement of organizational goals and objectives.

Christy Schoonover is the 2013 Communications Employee of the Year.

The Civilian Supervisor of the Year Award is presented to a civilian supervisor for distinguished supervision and leadership in any assignment over a period of one year that is clearly exceptional in achieving departmental goals and objectives.

Kristin Leonard is the 2013 Civilian Supervisor of the Year.

The Sworn Supervisor of the Year Award is presented to a sworn supervisor for distinguished supervision and leadership in any police assignment over a period of one year that is clearly exceptional in achieving departmental goals and objectives.

Sgt. Shawn Hancock is the 2013 Sworn Supervisor of the Year.

The Employee of the Year Award is presented to a civilian employee for outstanding performance over a period of one year in achieving department goals and objectives through projects, programs, or situations requiring exceptional dedication.

Susan Martin is the 2013 Employee of the Year.

The Officer of the Year Award is presented to an officer for distinguished service in any police assignment over a period of one year’s time that is clearly exceptional and places the recipient in a position above other members of the same rank.

Det. Cassandra Ynclan is the 2013 Officer of the Year.

one place to open a discussion about it and display different possibilities is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get that information out.”

The center opened in 2008 “To be an outstanding resource for life-long environmental education through the provision of innovative, creative, effective and scientifically and experientially based programs, services, exhibits and events to people from all walks of life,” according the mission statement.

“What we focus on is providing experiences and guidance through interpretation to appreciate and understand the natural resources we have in the Sonoran Desert, but also on a global scale,” Hawkins explains.

A Dark Sky star party is planned for 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 26.

“Dark Sky week is an international event that takes place for one week every year where the focus is light pollution and how that affects our ability to see the stars,” Hawkins says.

Programming information is also available at the EEC through the Break Time magazine. Lectures include climate change, Pilates and yoga, nature classes for children and astronomy classes.

“You can get the foundational knowledge to really experience and appreciate what we have in the park, which is an award-winning environmental habitat and environment,” Hawkins explains.

There are more than 150 species of birds, some permanent some migratory,

EARTH FRIENDLY: Chandler’s Environmental Education Center is hosting an Earth Day celebration, free to the public, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday,

according the Hawkins. There are resident rock squirrels, rabbits and jackrabbits, turtles and fish. The park is also a riparian habitat which is the transitional zone between a wetland habitat and dry habitat.

“There is a very wide variety of species in that setting because you have a permanent water source and it’s very well balanced.”

Scottsdale Showroom Coming Soon!

The Environmental Education Center is located at 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler, just east of Lindsay Road.

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

Get involved and give back

Event season has hit Arizona with clear skies and beautiful temperatures that draw the community outdoors. Downtown Chandler is no exception. The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership (DCCP) is seeking volunteers to assist at a variety of events such as the Chandler Craft Spirits Festival, Cinco de Mayo and Chandler Chill Out.

“Volunteering at one of our events is a fun way to get involved in the community, meet people, and assist at events that raise money for our foundation which provides grants to nonprofits in the community,” explains DCCP Executive Director Jennifer Lindley.

Volunteer duties vary per event but often include beer and wine tents, ticket sales, wrist banding, information booth, kid zone attendants and more. See below for a list of upcoming events needing volunteers:

•Chandler Craft Spirits Festival – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday April 26,

•Cinco de Mayo Festival and Chihuahua Races – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3,

•Chandler Chill Out – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31

Visit downtownchandler.org/ volunteer-downtown/ or email allison@ downtownchandler.org for more information.

Nominees for Operation Welcome

Home must be a Chandler resident and a veteran who served away from home during the last two or three years or are leaving soon. Four veterans are honored during each ceremony.

“We want to make it very personalized for them, so it is not a mass ceremony,” Ellen says.

The evening was special to Polston. On Nov. 4, he arrived at a meeting place, only to be greeted by a limo waiting for all of them. The Patriot Guard Riders said a prayer before the veterans were escorted to the Chandler City Council Chambers.

Polston was overwhelmed as he stepped out of the limo in uniform, seeing hundreds of people cheering them on and waving American flags.

“It’s something you never really expect; you don’t think you really deserve,” he explains. “No veteran chooses to go to a combat zone or deploy overseas because they think they are going to get the recognition. We go to serve our country and do something that we feel like we need to do. We believe in our country. We know we are going to leave family at home. You understand that and take that into account. To be appreciated for it publicly was humbling and unexpected.”

Once the crowd greeted the veterans, the ceremony continued inside the chambers.

Polston received more than $300 in gift cards and goodies before being treated to dinner at Floridino’s Pizza and Pasta.

“It is really cool to be honored in that way,” he says. “I want to thank the City

during Operation Welcome Home to honor Polston for his service. Submitted photo

of Chandler and the council members, especially Councilwoman Nora Ellen. I look forward to honoring more veterans for serving overseas, especially those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Ellen says the support the council receives from the community enables the governing body to provide gifts for the veterans.

“Some of them can really use the money,” she says. “They come back and some of them have a hard time finding a job.”

Polston works at Intel as the program manager in its efforts to recruit veterans.

He still serves as a major in the Army reserves.

The next ceremony, which the community is invited to attend, will start outside the chambers at 6 p.m. Monday, April 21.

Nomination forms, as well as sponsorship forms, can be found at www. chandleraz.gov/patriotism.

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

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Beydler to run for council

Former Fountain Hills mayor and Chandler small business owner, Jon Beydler, announced that his campaign committee has collected more than enough petition signatures to earn him a place on the ballot this summer for the Chandler City Council.

Beydler, who is a 35-year Valley resident, says he is “thankful for all the efforts of the many volunteers who have knocked on doors, walked local area parks and sat in front of libraries and community centers in order to collect the 1,000 plus valid Chandler registered voters’ signatures in order to get his name on this summer’s Primary Election ballot.” Beydler went on to say that “he looks forward to winning a seat on the Chandler City Council so that he can continue to be a voice for job creation, public safety, fiscal stewardship, world-class city services, quality neighborhoods and education.”

Beydler’s campaign slogan is “Vision for the Future and Respect for the Past.” His campaign chairman is former four-term Chandler Councilman Matt Orlando. Beydler and his wife, Cheryl, own a boutique real estate brokerage in Downtown Chandler. They and their two daughters have lived in Chandler for 10 years.

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Maintaining

Tullamore delegation enjoys March in Chandler

Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities (CTSC) celebrated its five-year anniversary by hosting Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland, officials last month.

Tullamore’s Mayor Paddy Rowland, Vice Mayor Tony McCormack and Town Manager Declan Kirrane were greeted by Chandler’s Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and other City officials at a luncheon.

In the days that followed, they met with Christine Mackey, Chandler’s economic development director, Terri Kimble, Chandler Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, members of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and Chandler businesses, with an interest in pursuing trade relations. A relaxing afternoon was spent with CTSC board members aboard the Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake.

The Town officials also marched with the student ambassadors in the Phoenix St. Patrick’s Parade, where Rowland was interviewed by Fox 10 weatherman/ on-air personality Cory McCloskey. The visit ended with a joint meeting between the two Sister City Boards, reviewing the past years’ accomplishments and looking toward the future.

Also accompanying the delegation were 20 students from Sacred Heart School in Tullamore, with Principal Pauline McKenna and Vice Principal Orla Healy. The students were hosted by families from Seton Catholic Preparatory High School, Chandler, and attended classes for several days.

One afternoon, the Tullamore girls treated Chandler students to a Camogie clinic—an Irish stick-and-ball women’s team sport played by more than 100,000 females on the island.

A highlight of the girls’ visit was marching with their new Chandler “sisters” in the Phoenix St. Patrick’s Parade, followed by a Light Rail trip to the Arizona Science Museum. It ended with dinner at Joe’s Barbecue and dessert at Dutch Brothers.

Students and host parents attended Mass at St. Mary Magdalene, Gilbert, then enjoyed a potluck dinner and concert at the home of host parents Mary and Terry Ryan.

On Monday, March 17, the students traveled by bus to Tucson for guided tours of San Xavier del Bac Mission, then through the majestic Tucson Mountain Park to the Old Tucson Movie Studio, where they were given a behind-the-

scenes tour. The week culminated in day at Castles and Coasters.

“The twin school relationship between Sacred Heart Secondary School in Tullamore, Ireland, and Seton Catholic Prep in Chandler was established by the Chandler-Tullamore Sister City organization three years ago,” says Barbara Olivieri, education chairwoman of CTSC and faculty at Seton Catholic.

“Since that time, the two schools created a cookbook together, cooperatively undertook a plastic bottle recycling effort and have had two student exchange programs. Each student exchange program has produced many new friendships and a mutual respect for the cultures, music, history and government of both countries.”

Elise Fraher, president of the Seton Catholic Sister School Connection Club, says the Sacred Heart students brought a new kind of joy and excitement to her week.

“This experience has allowed me to develop sisters across the seas,” Elise says. “Overall it was an unforgettable

experience that I will cherish for years to come.”

The Tullamore students were just as thrilled. Amy Todd says the the trip was “just unbelievable. I’ve made lifetime friends.” Muireann Cullen “loved every second of the trip. We were made to feel so welcome. It’s my home now too.” Aoife Doheny summed up the trip by saying, “It was a once in a lifetime experience, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”

The Chandler delegation of officials, the CTSC board members and membership are planning to visit Tullamore and County Offaly in August. For more information on ChandlerTullamore Sister Cities, contact Ellen Harrington, president, at chan.to.tull@ gmail.com, or (480) 600-8095. Visit its website, www.chandlerirish.org, or on Facebook at “ChandlerIrish.”

City of Chandler Insider

Road work ahead for Southeast Chandler

Several Southeast Chandler road improvement projects placed on life support as a result of the sluggish economy are coming back to life and will begin construction this summer.

Declines in revenue from property taxes, impact fees and Proposition 400 funding (the voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation) have meant less money for street improvements.

However, the securing of federal Surface Transportation Program funds will allow Chandler to move forward with plans to complete the widening of Gilbert Road south to Hunt Highway and the widening of McQueen Road between Ocotillo and Chandler Heights roads. The construction budgets for the two projects are $7.7 million and $5.3 million, respectively. More than 60 percent of the construction costs will be covered by the federal grants.

The construction will widen the streets to four lanes and include bike lanes, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, street lighting, turn lanes, traffic signals, storm drainage, medians, landscaping and utility relocation. Gilbert Road is being widened between Ocotillo and Chandler Heights roads and McQueen Road has been improved north of Ocotillo Road.

Another south Chandler street to see improvements beginning this summer is Ocotillo Road between Arizona Avenue and McQueen Road. This $7 million project will include widening the road to two lanes in each direction with center

turn bays, bicycle lanes, curb, gutter, sidewalks, storm drainage and landscaping. A new pedestrian signal will also be installed where the Paseo Trail (located alongside the Consolidated Canal) crosses the roadway and the railroad crossing will be improved. The widening of an SRP bridge over the canal to accommodate the upcoming street widening project was completed several months ago during SRP’s scheduled dry-up.

The Ocotillo Road project is partially funded by a $4 million Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant obtained from the Federal Highway Administration. An accident analysis that showed this section of Ocotillo Road as having a high percentage of rear-end type accidents, likely due to the lack of left turn bays, helped qualify the project for the HSIP funds. The new roadway will include center turn bays.

In addition to the upcoming construction, work will commence on the design of Queen Creek Road which will be expanded to six lanes between McQueen and Gilbert roads. Construction of this project is two to three years away, however.

Having several major arterial streets so close together under construction at the same time is not ideal, but the federal funding comes with tight timelines for expenditure which make the concurrent construction necessary. The City appreciates the traveling public’s patience during the construction.

PREPPING FOR CHANGE: Chandler

Transportation and Development Director R. J. Zeder (standing) explains the phasing of planned improvements to Gilbert Road at a public meeting held in November 2011. The final phase of road widening south to Hunt Highway will begin this summer. Submitted photo

PLANNING AHEAD: Improvements to McQueen Road were discussed at a public meeting held in August 2009. The next phase of widening between Ocotillo and Chandler Heights Roads will begin this summer. Submitted photo

City of Chandler Insider

Flashing yellow left-turn signals to improve traffic flow

The City is installing flashing yellow left turn signals at select intersections to improve traffic flow, including several in south Chandler.

This new type of signal was approved by the Federal Highway Administration after research showed the flashing yellow arrow heightens driver awareness when turning left in front of oncoming traffic.

The flashing yellow arrow traffic signal consists of four arrow lights that are used exclusively for left-turning traffic.

The flashing yellow arrow signals that you may turn left, but is a more obvious reminder than the traditional green ball that you should be yielding to oncoming traffic. When the flashing yellow arrow becomes a steady yellow arrow, this is a warning that the light is about to turn red, so prepare to stop.

“One of the key advantages of flashing yellow arrows is that we are able to change the signal operation by time of day,” says Mike Mah, city transportation engineer. “This means we can prohibit left turns on a green ball during rush hour, but allow left turns on a flashing yellow arrow at night or during off-peak hours.”

The flashing yellow arrow left turn signal is being implemented in a

Hong Huo, Signal System Engineer

When Hong Huo attended graduate school at the University of Arizona from China in 2002, she didn’t plan to stay in the United States after getting her degree. But then she met her husband-to-be and landed a job in Chandler—now Huo is here for good.

Huo is a registered professional engineer in Arizona and a certified professional traffic operations egineer. She earned a master’s degrees in civil engineering and industrial engineering from the University of Minnesota and University of Arizona.

number of cities nationwide, including Mesa, Scottsdale and Gilbert. Chandler is working to eventually install the new flashing yellow turn arrows at all 114 intersections in the City that have left-turn arrows.

“Most of the input that we have received from the public has been positive,” says Mah. “Drivers appreciate not having to wait on a red arrow, especially when there is no oncoming traffic.”

Information provided by the City of Chandler Communications and Public Affairs Department.

Her main job duties include supervising and conducting engineering projects related to Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), those technologies that improve the safety, security and efficiency of our daily commutes. She also oversees the operation of a Traffic Management Center filled with video monitors, traffic signal control software and hardware that allow real time management of traffic signals and monitoring of major intersections to better control the flow of traffic.

Huo has worked in the City’s Traffic Engineering Division since 2007 and performs technical review of design plans and standards for traffic signals and fiber communication networks.

She’s also an avid grant writer, seeking out and applying for federal grants to help fund city transportation projects. Her efforts have helped secure funding

for multiple roadway, intersection, signing and striping projects, plus numerous ITS improvements.

Presently she and her co-workers are implementing new computer software that is expected to provide more flexibility in traffic signal control and reduce delays by better synchronizing traffic signals to coordinate the traffic flow. The new system will also help manage traffic at accidents, special events and road construction sites. When she is not working, Huo enjoys spending time with her daughter, MengMeng, and still misses the culture of China, her friends and family, and, of course, authentic Chinese food, but Huo has many hobbies to keep her satisfied. She loves to travel with her family to the beaches of California and enjoys annual visits from her parents. She also spends time practicing yoga, bodyworks classes, swimming, playing piano and shopping.

Chandler Library hosts LibCon 2014

Comic book and sci-fi conventions are growing in popularity all over the country, and Valley teenagers are invited to attend the Chandler Public Library’s own version, LibCon 2014, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Boys and Girls Club Compadre Branch, 300 E. Chandler Blvd.

Now in its fourth year, LibCon brings teens ages 12 to 18 together for a day of multigenre creativity. It’s a celebration for fans of comic books, Japanese manga and anime, role-playing, costume play, video games, and other fantasy and science-fiction entertainment.

More than 400 teens are expected to attend this free event and registration is open at www.chandlerlibrary.org. A free continental breakfast and lunch will be included, courtesy of the Friends of the Chandler Public Library

and Chandler Unified School District.

Participants can choose to attend a variety of sessions, including making candy sushi and creating a blog or comic book. There will be all-day gaming with tournaments as well as a workshop on creating your own roleplaying games.

Three authors will also be at LibCon 2014. Aprilynne Pike, author of the best-selling novel, “Wings” will debut her new novel, “Life After Theft.” New author, Amy K. Nichols, will talk about her upcoming debut novel, “Now That You’re Here.” OneBookAZ teen novel winner, Garry Rogers, will discuss his e-book, “Corr Syl the Warrior.”

Organizers hope that LibCon inspires teens to tap into their creativity, to take advantage of resources available in their community to express themselves.

Cecelia L., age 18, attended last year’s event. “It’s a wonderful way to enter the world of conventions,” she says. “The panels are always fun, and meeting other amazing people is a highlight.”

Each year, the library conducts a contest to select the annual LibCon logo. The high level of quality for this year’s contest resulted in two winning logos. Yujin J., age 17 and Lauren D., 15, were the winning artists and each received a $50 Visa gift card. Their creations can be seen on the LibCon Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ libcon.

For more information, visit www. chandlerlibrary.org or call (480) 7822800.

Golf tourney benefits students

Chandler residents can help raise funds to benefit local high school students with entrepreneurial spirit at the fifth annual Scholar’s Golf Tournament, sponsored by San Tan Ford, to be held at Superstition Springs Golf Club Friday, May 9.

A portion of tournament entry fees and silent auction proceeds will be dedicated to the scholarship of 15 students to participate in the chamber’s Student Entrepreneur Institute, a nine-month program designed to

develop students’ entrepreneurial goals and creativity in the community by educating and developing individual entrepreneurs.

The chamber hopes to support a majority of the annual program tuition for 15 students, including dual credit hours at Campo Verde High School and Chandler-Gilbert Community College, through partial proceeds from the tournament and additional business sponsorship.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.; a

shotgun start at 1 p.m. and an award ceremony and dinner begin at 5:30 p.m. Tournament entry is $150 per golfer and includes lunch, dinner and an official 2014 tournament golf shirt. This event is presented by San Tan Ford with additional sponsorship by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and the East Valley Tribune.

To register or for more information, visit www.gilbertaz.com or call (480) 892-0056.

Chandler Police celebrates 2013 volunteers

The Chandler Police Department recognized the exceptional efforts of its volunteers during 2013 at its annual Awards Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on April 2. Department employees and volunteers gathered to Celebrate Chandler’s Volunteers in Policing Program.

The Chandler Police Department and the community as a whole have benefited from the dedication and service of Volunteers in Policing Program members. More than 690 members from the Chandler community have volunteered their time to serve as part of this organization.

The Special Recognition award was presented to volunteers who consistently exceed normal job requirements with at least one specific act of outstanding performance. Three department units were presented with a Unit Citation award:

The 2013 recipients of this award

include Rea Dias, Ken Hawkes and Barb Hedges.

The Bronze Lifetime Achievement award is presented to a volunteer who provides more than 1,000 hours of service from their inception into the program. The 2013 recipients of this award include Bob Bratek, David Riggall and Dwight Thayer.

The Silver Lifetime Achievement award is presented to a volunteer who provides more than 2,000 hours of service from their inception into the program. The 2013 recipient of this award is William Brewer.

The Volunteer of the Year award is presented to a volunteer for outstanding performance over a period of one year in achieving departmental goals and objectives through projects, programs or situations requiring exceptional dedication. Tommy Gorey is the 2013 Volunteer of the Year.

Babies needed for cloth diaper record

Zoolikins, which specializes in natural baby products, is looking to change the world by changing diapers. Zoolikins is looking for participants for the Great Cloth Diaper Change, an international mass cloth-diapering event meant to raise awareness and set a new Guinness World Record with the greatest number of cloth diapers changed at once. The event will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Downtown Chandler Zoolikins location, 51 E. Boston. This will be the second year that Zoolikins will host this event in the Downtown Chandler area.

Zoolikins, one of Downtown

Chandler’s newest retailers, focuses on natural parenting products and a unique line of cloth diapers, bibs and accessories. The retailer hosts diapering classes to educate parents on how important, and easy, it is to use cloth diapers.

In addition to reintroducing the idea of cloth diapering to parents who had not thought of it before, participating in the Great Cloth Diaper Change is their way of raising environmental awareness as this event is part of World Earth Day across the globe.

“We encourage parents and caregivers to read about the chemicals in disposable diapers and then think

of those chemicals right next to their babies’ skin,” Zoolikins Owner Shira Shnier says. “Then we help parents see how using cloth diapers is much easier than they’d expect.”

Registration is encouraged. To participate in the Great Cloth Diaper Change, register at www. eventbrite.com/e/great-cloth-diaperchange-gcdc-zoolikins-chandlertickets-10707112261.

For more information about Zoolikins visit www.zoolikins.com.

Hearing Assistive Technology offered at Ed Robson Branch Library

The community is invited for a discussion of technology aids. Participants can bring their devices to share and experience the new induction loop, provided by Friends of the Library, at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at Ed Robson Branch Library, Lecky Center,

9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.

Anyone affected by hearing loss, personally or through a family member or a friend is asked to join in for education, sharing and refreshments. All are welcome. CART, real time captioning, is provided by Karla Martin.

Park in the church lot next to the library.

For more information, email Liz Booth at halib72@gmail.com, Regina Milgroom at reggiefaith@gmail.com or call Scott Sjolin at (602) 652-3000 and ask for the Ed Robson Branch.

Ocotillo Scramble set

Ocotillo Golf Resort has brought back its monthly Ocotillo Scramble, which is open to the public. The twoperson scramble will begin at 7 a.m. Thursday, April 24. Cost is $69 plus tax per person and includes golf, lunch and prizes. To register, visit www.OcotilloGolf. om or call (480) 917-6660.

Ocotillo Golf Resort is located at 3751 S. Clubhouse Dr., Chandler.

Join others for the

Thursday, April 24. Submitted photo

Leadercast comes to GilbertFree for all at Skateland

Gilbert Leadership has partnered with Leadercast to host a simulcast site of the annual leadership event broadcast live from Atlanta, Ga., at Sun Valley Community Church in Gilbert on Friday, May 9.

More than 100,000 leaders from around the world are expected to attend the Leadercast event to hear from dynamic speakers who will share inspiring, encouraging, and motivational messages. Attendees will learn how to improve leadership skills and will have the opportunity to network with other leaders in Gilbert.

This year’s speakers include:

• Andy Stanley, Leadership author and communicator

• Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Laureate and human rights activist

• Malcolm Gladwell, award-winning journalist and best-selling author

• Randall Wallace, screenwriter, director,

producer and songwriter

•Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric

• Laura Schroff, former advertising sales executive and best-selling author

• Dr. Henry Cloud, clinical psychologist and business consultant

• Simon Sinek, Leadership expert and best-selling author

• Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States from 2001-2009.

Leadercast will be held at 7 a.m. Friday, May 9, and will be hosted by Sun Valley Community Church, Gilbert Campus at 465 E. Ray Rd. Balcony seating is $79 and floor/table seating is $89. Admission includes breakfast, snacks and lunch served on-site. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit www.gilbertleadership.com/ leadercast-2014.

Chandler residents can enjoy free admission to Skateland Friday, April 18, through Sunday, April 20. All that is required is proof of residency to enjoy free skating all weekend.

Skateland Chandler is located on the southwest corner of Ray and Alma School roads in Chandler. For additional information contact Donna Petersen, events and outreach director at dpetersen@usa-skating.com or (480) 917-9444 ext. 12.

Gilbert, Chandler among safest areas

The Movoto Real Estate Blog has ranked the safest suburbs and safest mid-sized cities in the country. Irvine, Calif., was ranked No. 1 and Gilbert, Ariz. was ranked No. 3. Chandler, Ariz., was ranked No. 10.

The report was created by gathering a list of the 100 most populous cities in the United States according to the 2012 census. Statistics regarding murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft and vehicle theft was taken from the 2012 FBI Uniform Crime Report was included. Those categories were then broken down into murders, violent crimes, property crimes and total crimes. For more information, visit www.movoto.com/ blog/top-ten/safest-cities.

Prescription drug take back day

Target, in partnership with the Chandler Police Department, will be conducting a community Drug Take Back event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Target store at 3425 W. Frye Rd., Chandler. Unused, expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications can be turned in for proper destruction. Medications should be in their original containers. Thermometers, needles, liquids or other medical waste cannot be accepted.

For more information regarding this event, contact Sgt. Greg Howarth with the Police Crime Prevention Unit at (480) 782-4928.

Downtown hosts inaugural Chandler Craft Spirits Festival

Mix one part party and two parts spirits, add a splash of pulsating rhythms and a twist of raucous entertainment, and what do you get?

It’s the inaugural Chandler Craft Spirits Festival, a citywide celebration of the rising spirits and unique cocktail customs of Arizona set to take place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., in Downtown Chandler, and top suppliers from across the state and beyond are pouring in for the occasion.

Four Roses Bourbon, Rhum Clement, Desert Diamond Distillers, Hood River Distillers and A. Hardy USA are just a small taste of the distilleries and spirit suppliers to be sampled at the event paying homage to Arizona’s

explosive cocktail culture and all of the camaraderie, companionship and community-building that comes with it.

Liquor, wine and beer distributors, industry insiders and avid fans of Arizona’s beer, wine and booze scene are buzzing about this first time festival, which will feature the “War of the Pour” craft cocktail bartending competition, in addition to an abundance of tastings, special classes and food and treats from a variety of local vendors, all set amidst the music of a top local DJ.

“Craft spirits are conquering the globe, with craft distilleries following in the footsteps of microbreweries,” says Brad Thomas, director of Hensley Beverage Company’s Specialty Brands Division. “The craft cocktail is where

Animal Medical Center now open

Andrea Stickland, DVM, of Chandler, is pleased to announce her dedication to continue to provide top quality pet care by opening the Animal Medical Center of Chandler. Practicing as an associate veterinarian in Chandler for several years now, Stickland has decided to take the giant step into becoming a veterinary practice owner.

Animal Medical Center of Chandler is open. Come celebrate this new animal care facility during the grand opening from 4:30

p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 2. There will be food, fun, a free raffle, wildlife, hospital tours and much more.

craft beer was 10 years ago, and this festival offers a great opportunity for craft producers to show the experimentation and innovation that’s sweeping the spirit world, and also brings back long forgotten styles and concoctions for festival goers to enjoy.”

General admission passes are $35 and includes 15 tasting tickets. VIP passes are $75 and includes 15 tastings of higherend liquors, foods and some special education, plus access to a special lounge area. Samples includes generous pours of a variety of different spirits, plus samples of beer and specialty craft cocktails.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www. chandlercraftspiritsfestival.com.

The facility is located at 207 W. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. For more information, visit www.Facebook.com/ AnimalMedicalCenterofChandler or www. twitter.com/AMCofC or www.AMCofC.com.

Purely Pilates holds grand opening

Purely Pilates is holding a grand opening celebrating from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at 4340 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 3, Chandler. From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. a mat class will be held and from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. there will be a Pilates presentation followed by open house demonstrations from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event will also

include prizes and giveaways, grand opening discounts, refreshments and a free master mat class. For more information call (602) 618-6682 or visit www. purelypilatesaz.com.

Community

Gilbert Road improvements update

Ocotillo Road traffic, east of Gilbert Road, remains on the south side of Ocotillo Road, one lane in each direction, as crews prepare the north side of Ocotillo Road for paving of the base course (bottom layer of asphalt). Following the paving, traffic will be shifted to the north side of Ocotillo Road, on the newly paved surface, one lane in each direction, so that crews can complete their work on the south side of Ocotillo Road in this area. Paving of the south side of Ocotillo Road is scheduled for late April.

Rincon Drive will be closed on the south side of Ocotillo Road so crews can install curbs, gutters and a valley gutters across Rincon Drive at Gilbert Road. Valley gutters are concrete gutters which run parallel to the roadway (east to west) to assist drainage in flowing across side streets. Ocotillo Road will continue to have east and westbound traffic; however, Rincon Drive traffic will not have access to Ocotillo Road and Ocotillo Road traffic will not have access to Rincon Drive. Quail Springs residents may access Ocotillo Road via

Mustang Drive during this time.

Gilbert Road traffic is shifted to the east side of Gilbert Road, one lane in each direction, from just south of Ocotillo Road to just south of Chandler Heights Road.

Crews are installing reclaimed water line and sewer pipeline in the west side of Gilbert Road, beginning at approximately Wood Drive and working north. Crews also began the installation of a 16-inch water line from just south of Chandler Heights Road to just south of Ocotillo Road.

Brookdale communities receive five stars

Park Regency, a Brookdale community, has received the highest possible rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It received five stars, based on health inspections, quality measures and staffing. This means that CMS, a well-respected federal agency, has recognized the high level quality of care at this community. Park Regency also received five stars from U.S. News and World Report’s sixth annual “Best Nursing Homes” review. This is the second year in a row that Park Regency Care Center has received this recognition. Park Regency is located at Loop 101 and Price Road in Chandler. Freedom Plaza Care Center, Peoria is another Brookdale community that received five stars. “We are pleased to have so many Brookdale communities among the highest rated in the senior living industry and this is a direct

We all have some change sitting in jars! We also have wondered if they have more value than the face value of the coin? Some actually do. To find out, there are experts that evaluate coins and can tell you “What’s It Worth.” Some examples of great success stories are these.

The rarest and most expensive coin to date in the US is the Flowing Hair Dollar, the first dollar coin issued by the United States federal government. In 2013, the coin sold for $10,016,875 in a private treaty sale. The second most expensive coin to sell was in 2002 at Sotheby’s. This particular Twenty Dollar 1933 Double Eagle Coin sold for $7.5 million. These coins are valued

reflection of the daily efforts of associates who are committed to providing quality care to our residents,” says Rita Vann, senior vice president of health care services. “Excellence is part of our mission and something we strive for daily as we enrich the lives of those we are fortunate to serve. We take ownership and pride in everything we do at Brookdale, and results like these show that our associates are passionate about serving our residents.”

by the date of issue and their rarity.

Silver coins are determined by several factors including their silver content, overall physical condition or “grade” as well as the rarity of the specific coin. Market prices for circulated silver coins can vary widely depending on the rarity of a particular coin design or date of issue. From 1916 to 1945, the Mercury Dime was minted in Philadelphia, San Francisco and Denver, these coins weigh 2.5 grams and contains 90 precent silver. A couple examples of valuable coins from that period is the 1944 Mercury Dime, it retails at $1.50 while the 1921-D (“D” standing for Denver Mint) sells for over $500. It pays to look at your change and then begin to research if you feel you have something special and remember there are experts that can assist.

Drivers are asked to be cautious when driving through the construction zone and continue to patronize local businesses during construction. For additional project information, visit www.gilbertroadimprovements.com or call (480) 898-4100.

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS

The deadline for news and advertising is 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, for the May 3, 2014, issue of the SanTan Sun News.

All news must be submitted to news@santansun. com by that day to be considered for the next issue or by filling in the “submit a news release” form on the newspaper’s website at SanTanSun.com. To send an item for consideration in the SanTan Family Fun, email it directly to STFF@SanTanSun.com.

Send advertising files and information to account reps or contact ads@santansun.com. For deadline information, visit www.santansun.com and click on “About us” and call (480) 732-0250 for advertising rate details.