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August 3 - 16, 2013 www.SanTanSun.com

Latest SRP news concerns Germann-area residents

BY ALISON STANTON

Salt River Project (SRP) announced recently that it has reduced the number of proposed routes for the upcoming Price Road Corridor 230-kV Project.

Six of the eight east-west route segments between SRP’s Schrader Substation and the proposed RS-28 Substation have been eliminated, says Tom Novy, project manager for SRP. This leaves Germann Road and Hunt Highway as the two remaining alternatives for this section of the project.

While residents of the Ocotillo area and other neighborhoods no longer impacted by possible power lines rejoiced at this news, people who live in the Germann Road and Hunt Highway areas say they are extremely concerned that their neighborhoods are still under consideration.

In some cases, residents say, learning that Germann Road and Hunt Highway are the two remaining alternatives was the first time they had heard about the project and proposed routes.

“I was taken completely by surprise at the news,” says James Sproul, senior adults pastor at Tri-City Baptist Church in Chandler.

AFFECTED BY ROUTE: Hannah and Bree

Browning live in a developed community off of Germann Road. The pole in the picture is about 125 feet and is a single-circuit 230kV with a double-circuit 69kV underbuild, which is similar to the possible proposed pole on Germann Road. Submitted photo

“When we found out about it we were just shocked that it was all taking place.”

Sproul and three other residents of the Germann Road area—Kristina Weber, who resides in Germann Country Estates; Elska Watts who lives in Arden Park; and Anil Patel, who also resides in Arden Park— released a statement that explains their concern about the possible power lines.

“The Germann route, one of the two final routes that SRP has selected, is

CHS grad named Miss Arizona

BY TRACY HOUSE

With first runner-up titles of Miss Cave Creek and Miss Tempe, and titles of Miss Maricopa and now Miss Arizona, Jennifer Smestad may look like a seasoned pageant competitor, but this 20-year-old Chandler High School graduate only started competing in pageants 15 months ago. In September, she’ll be in Atlantic City to represent Arizona in the 2013 Miss America Pageant.

Smestad was involved in cheer, student council, Best Buddies, National Honor Society and Special Olympics at CHS. Her involvement in pageants began when her friend, Jennifer Sedler, won Miss Arizona 2011.

“I went to go see her at Miss America in Vegas, to support her,” Smestad says. “After that I thought, I think I might want

to do this.”

As Miss Arizona, Smestad is busy preparing for Sept. 15, especially the interview portion. She’s had to rest her voice since the Miss Arizona pageant, but will be singing in Atlantic City. “I’ve been mentally preparing,” she says.

Smestad’s platform is one that she can personally relate to. “I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the age of 10,” she explains. “And it was a struggle, to say the least, for about five years. Going to school was hard. There were times when, even at home, it would take me 20 minutes to step up 15 steps to go to my bedroom, because OCD tags along with Tourette Syndrome as well as anxiety and ADHD.” These symptoms were compounded by the ticks Smestad experienced.

SEE MISS ARIZONA PAGE 5

Ball players prepping for the major leagues at area fields

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

At least five former Chandler high school baseball players are aiming to step up to the big-league plate after being drafted by professional teams.

Cody Bellinger, the son of former MLB player Clay Bellinger, was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth round of the league’s amateur draft, while Jamie Westbrook was claimed in the fifth round by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Other draftees include: Patrick Murphy, a right-handed pitcher from Hamilton

High School, who was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays for $500,000. A pair of Chandler players from Seton Catholic High School—right-handed pitcher M.J. Villegas and outfielder Matt Haggerty— were also drafted by the Dodgers. Villegas inked a deal for $100,000, while, as of press time, Haggerty, an outfielder, hadn’t signed yet with the team.

Cody Bellinger Bellinger chose to bypass a college

ART WALK

See more photos on page 56

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City considers wastewater, reclaimed water rate increases

BY TRACY HOUSE

A public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 12 when the Chandler City Council will hear arguments for and against the Notice of Intention to increase certain water fees—wastewater rates up to a maximum of 9% and reclaimed water rates up to a maximum of 18%. Rate increases are proposed to go into effect Oct. 1.

Dawn Lang, director of the management services department with the City of Chandler, explains that wastewater entails the process used for sewage cleanup and anything that goes into the sewers through the wastewater treatment plants. “More and more this has become a very expensive process,” Lang says.

Reclaimed water goes through a different process of four or five different phases of cleanup to make it reclaimed, or make it safe to reuse. Lang explains, “Reclaimed water is wastewater that has all the contaminants taken out.” Most reclaimed water, while it is safe to drink, is used for watering golf courses or green belts by homeowner associations (HOA).

Lang stresses there are no increases to water user rates. “We are not changing water rates. The proposed increases relate to wastewater and reclaimed water,” she emphasizes.

The wastewater increase will be $2 per month to the average household. “This is a flat fee, we’re taking 9% above the flat fee, it equates to $2 for a residence.” This will be on a monthly utility bill.

Lang mentions that while there is a

proposed increase, Chandler residents will still be paying less than other cities’ residents. Water is an enterprise fund according to Lang, which means it has to be self-supporting and does not receive contributions from the general fund.

“The thing that typically drives rate increases is the infrastructure costs and wastewater, above all, has one of the most expensive processing plant costs,” Lang states.

Based on studies conducted by the city, the existing reclamation plant needs expansion to take on new waste from developments and growth. The reclamation project is at McQueen and Queen Creek roads area, while the wastewater project is part of the Airport Reclamation Facility.

In a memo from the city’s management services “the increases will cover additional debt service costs due to infrastructure needs and maintain the financial integrity of the water/sewer enterprise, including debt service coverage and cash reserve policy requirements over the next fiscal year.”

Lang explains the city will have to sell bonds in the fall to support the infrastructure costs. She also points out that even with the proposed increase Chandler’s wastewater rate will remain the lowest in comparison with other cities.

“Based on what we were collecting on our reclaimed rate, we weren’t even breaking even on our operations,” Lang adds. “It has not been adjusted in years. It is time for an increase in that area. It is a very small rate.”

Habla

To determine the needs, the city engaged a consultant to evaluate reclaimed water services. According to the memo, it was found that the city spends approximately $1.4 million per year to provide reclaimed water, but only recovers about $1 million in revenues. The proposed 18% increase in reclaimed water fees will add approximately $200,000 in revenue to partially offset operating production costs. An 18% increase equates to an annual increase per home from $15.70 or $1.30 per month to $18.52 or $1.54 per month if the cost is passed on to the homeowner from the HOA with an average of 278 homes.

To help put this in perspective, Lang explains the rate is still 76% less for those who use reclaimed water versus homes that use potable water.

The public hearing and introduction for changes to the ordinance will be 7 p.m. Mon., Aug. 12 at the regular Chandler City Council meeting in the Council Chambers, 88 E. Chicago St.

Tracy House is a freelance writer living in Ironwood Vistas with her husband and four children. She can be reached at Tracy@SanTanSun.com.

Nominate man and woman of the year

Nominations to honor the 2013 Man & Woman of the Year are being accepted by Valley Leadership. Honorees will receive their awards at the 65th annual Man & Woman of the Year Luncheon, to be held Thu., March 27, at the Arizona Biltmore. Nominations are due 5 p.m. Fri., Aug. 30.

A representative committee headed up by previous honorees, Valley Leadership Founders, past board presidents and current leadership recommends the honorees for approval by the Valley Leadership Board of Directors.

Valley Leadership solicits nominations from the public each year in its search for one man and one woman who have demonstrated significant visionary leadership, service and commitment to the Valley and its communities.

To nominate an honoree, visit valleyleadership.org/nominations.

For more information about nominations, contact Executive Director Christy Moore at christy@ valleyleadership.org, 602-952-6760, ext. 1 or visit valleyleadership.org/mw.

home to schools, daycare/preschools, churches, a children’s art academy and a teen center,” the group wrote, adding that they estimate that around 2,500 children from the ages of 2 weeks and older are served by various businesses and institutions along the Germann route between Price Road and Arizona Avenue.

“These children are the most vulnerable among us. As parents and citizens we are charged to protect those who cannot protect themselves, our children.”

According to Sproul and the other residents, some children’s bedrooms may be as close as 30 feet away from the power lines.

“Power lines of this magnitude are typically found in rural or open space areas, and very rarely placed in neighborhoods like ours, only when there are no other options,” they say.

To discuss the issue with other concerned residents, Sproul organized a Town Hall meeting that took place on Thu., Aug. 1, at the church. Future meetings may also be planned to give area residents a chance to gather and talk about the situation.

City of Chandler Councilmember Rick Heumann, who serves on the city’s behalf on SRP’s Public Process Committee, says the municipality’s goal has always been to encourage SRP to work with the Gila River Indian Community to have these lines placed on their land.

“It is by far the best option for all,” he says.

“If that is not possible, then the

city would prefer Hunt Highway over Germann Road. We have said many times that Germann Road does not make sense given the number of housing developments, schools and churches along that route.”

Heumann says residents of the area should communicate directly with SRP’s management and its board of elected officials. Although the City Council cannot vote on the project, Heumann says he and the others are monitoring its progression closely and are pushing SRP to be responsive to residents’ needs.

“We have been successful in getting them to hold additional meetings for residents, and to remove some of the routes quicker than they first proposed. We will continue to work with SRP and our residents, and we will remain proactive through this process.”

For more information on the project and SRP, visit azpower.org/ priceroadcorridor and srpnet.com.

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

Local Family Owned Jewelry Store

With

After trying Chinese acupuncture the symptoms decreased. “I feel very blessed for that,” Smestad says. “Many times you have ticks for the rest of your life and you can’t ever get rid of them.” Smestad occasionally has a “tune-up” when she is feeling stressed. “I’m into all natural stuff,” she says adding she doesn’t take prescription drugs to help control the symptoms.

Growing up was hard. “Even in high school I would go and hide in the bathroom until my mom would pick me up,” she explains. “It was very hard. What I really like to tell people now is instead of hiding you let people know about it because it makes it so much easier. People will accept you for who are and that way you won’t have to be embarrassed and shy and try to hide from people like I did.”

Smestad says she loves going to the support groups through the Arizona chapter of Tourette Syndrome Association. “That’s when families get together and sometimes they’re there for the first time, sometimes they’re regulars,” she says. “It’s just amazing to hear their story and give them hope.” She mentions it’s exciting to share the stories with those other families. “It’s comforting to know there are ways to deal with it and you’re not the only person.”

Educating the public about Tourette Syndrome is also one of Smestad’s goals. “People don’t truly understand what it is.” She wants to bring awareness

BASEBALL FROM PAGE 1 career at the University of Oregon to sign with the Dodgers for $700,000, per Baseball America.

“I expected to be drafted, but I didn’t know exactly for which team,” says Bellinger, a Hamilton High School graduate. “From the start of the season, (the Dodgers) have always been watching me. They came to a lot of my games this year. Before the draft, I went and hit in front of some people. I knew they had a lot of interest in me, but you never know with the draft. It’s pretty crazy.”

He calls signing with the Dodgers, who came from behind to beat the Diamondbacks in the NL West after the All-Star break, a “dream come true.”

“It was a sigh of relief,” says Bellinger, 17. “It was a fun time, but a stressful time—probably the most stressful day I’ve ever had—before my name was called, wondering if I’m going to go to college or not. It was pretty crazy.”

At 6 foot 4 inches, 180 pounds, he is seen as strong hitter. According to Internet reports, he hit .429 with a .515 on-base percentage in his senior season at Hamilton.

De Jon Watson, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ vice president, player development, says when he eyes Bellinger, he sees “a tall, lean young man with some really good athleticism, who is extremely graceful on the defensive side of baseball.”

Offensively, in batting practice, he says he admires the strength of Bellinger’s swing and his speed.

“We’re just excited to have him in the organization.”

Bellinger, who wears No. 26 and is a first baseman, is officially playing professional baseball as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ team in the Arizona Rookie League.

“These games he’s playing are minor league games and it’s just a rookie league level,” Watson says.

Players then progress up the minor leagues: The Ogden, Utah team (Ogden Raptors) is considered short season “A” ball, while the Dodgers’ team in Midland, Mich., (Great Lakes Loons) is called “A” ball. Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.’s team (Rancho Cucamonga Quakes) is “high A;” one step higher is Chattanooga, Tenn., (Chattanooga Lookouts) which is “Double A.” The Albuquerque, N.M., team (Albuquerque Isotopes) is considered “Triple A.” The next step is the major leagues.

“For a kid coming out of high school, if they’re making their progression to the big leagues, they tend to go step by step unless their skill set is so great that they can bypass a level,” Watson says.

He adds that it’s normal for a talented baseball player to ink a contract with a team right out of high school.

“The majority of the better players that you see playing on television, 80% of those kids have signed out of high school. There are some college players that go and play,” Watson says. “More often than not, the guys who you’ll see at the All-Star Game, the majority of those players will have signed out of Latin America at age 16, or out of high school at 17 or 18.”

Bellinger spends time in the Dodgers’ classroom as well as on the field. He

calls his days “long,” but, he says, he feels lucky to be playing ball.

“It’s an acclimation period for most of the young kids,” says Watson, about rookie league.

“It’s really about getting these kids accustomed to the daily grind of getting themselves prepared for the season, what it takes as far as learning how to play our brand of baseball.”

He plays his home games at

Camelback Ranch in Glendale through Aug. 28.

“The kid is a tremendous worker,” Watson says. “He seems to be very bright and really enjoys playing the game of baseball. We’re really excited to have him in our organization.”

Jamie Westbrook A Basha High School graduate,

Westbrook, 18, plays for division rivals Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie League. At 5 foot 9 inches and 170 pounds, the shortstop was claimed in the fifth round of the MLB draft by his home state’s team.

He received a glimpse into big-league life, taking infield and batting practice with the Diamondbacks in June. He chose to sign with the D’backs in lieu of playing collegiately at Pepperdine.

“It’s definitely an honor,” he says about his team. “It was pretty cool when I found out. I’m definitely blessed.”

He heard he was drafted by watching the event on his computer. Even though his agent said there were expectations that Westbrook would be drafted, it still came as a shock to the teen, who lives in Gilbert.

“I heard my name—just my first name,” he says. “I don’t really remember what happened after that. I think I ran into the street yelling and crying and hugging my parents. It was a whirlwind of emotions. It was a really cool day. It was pretty nuts.”

Westbrook is playing under the tutelage of hitting coach Mark Grace, who was unavailable for comment. The fledgling player says it’s been a learning experience to work with the energetic former MLB star.

“He hasn’t really given me much advice about baseball,” Westbrook says honestly. “It’s more like life lessons. He’s always in a great mood and you feed off that energy. Baseball’s a game of failure. You’re going to get out more than you succeed. He always says, ‘It’s a great day for baseball.’ There are plenty of people who would love to

do what we do for a living. So he told me to enjoy it, and don’t take it for granted because it can be taken away in a second.”

Westbrook has a similar schedule to Bellinger’s. He also plays four games a week, although Salt River Fields in Scottsdale is his home turf. Practice and weightlifting takes up most of the days, while four events a week are spent on the field, competing against other teams.

It’s old hat for Westbrook, who signed for $450,000, to play at the Salt River Fields complex.

“For the past two years, I played on the D’backs scouts’ teams,” he says. “I played on all those fields before. It was a surreal experience, though, because not even a month ago, I was practicing on the field with my scout high school team. Now I’m a professional on the field. It’s hard to get used to.”

Westbrook explains that even though he’s not the “biggest guy in the world or the strongest,” he is an asset to the Diamondbacks franchise.

“I bring a lot of high energy and a lot of charisma, a lot of hustle,” he says. “I play hard. I can be dirty and just grind things out. I’m not some superstar athlete that can hit home runs all the time. But I’m definitely going to hustle and play hard, and the rest will take care of itself.”

Murphy, Villegas and Haggerty will be featured in a future issue of the SanTan Sun News.

For a full schedule of games and more information, visit milb.com.

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

to the public by talking to schools and organizations to encourage understanding.

Smestad credits her family and God for helping her get through in the beginning. “I realize He gave me this for a reason and that’s to be able to be that supporter for the children now who are going through that,” Smestad explains. “Other than my family, I didn’t have any one to relate to. I only had the people to support me. I think it’s very important to have someone who’s been through it as well.”

Smestad attends Grand Canyon University where she is majoring in communications and exercise science. She says she’d like to get experience working in broadcasting after graduating, but “ultimately my dream is to be in broadcasting but specializing in talking about health and nutrition.”

She mentions she’d like to organize a Tourette walk after the pageant because there has never been one in Arizona. “I’d like to be able to start that tradition,”

she says. “We’d call it ‘Tic Talk Tourette Walk’.” She’s also working with Winged Hope Family Advocacy Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping victims of abuse.

As she prepares for her trip to the Miss America Pageant, Smestad says her schedule is busy with appearances, prep work and studying, but she remains focused on her platform and the awareness she hopes to bring to neurological disorders.

“The thing I love to say, and stress, and explain to people is that it was such a hard time and if you go through something that hard to never give up because I believe God gave it to me for a reason and now He’s using me to be able to give hope to people who went through something so hard because it’s relatable and I think it’s important to be able to relate to the public,” Smestad explains.

Tracy House is a freelance writer living in Ironwood Vistas with her husband and four children. She can be reached at Tracy@SanTanSun.com.

Tao Healing Center holds social giveaway

Tao Healing wants to get social with you. All new likes to Tao Healing Center on Facebook will be entered to win a free onemonth membership. Two winners will be drawn on Sept. 1 and announced on Facebook.

New reviews of Tao Healing Center on Yelp will be entered to win a free weekend workshop at Sedona Mago Retreat. One winner will be drawn on Sept. 1 and announced on Facebook. Entries must be placed by Aug. 31 for eligibility.

Contact Tao Healing Center at TaoHealingCenters.org or 480-786-6000 for more information.

Chandler City Hall Complex receives LEED Gold certification

Fire Administration Building previously awarded

The Chandler City Hall Complex has been officially certified at the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold level by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute.

LEED is the nation’s preeminent certification program for the design, construction and operation of highperformance green buildings. There are four levels of LEED certification—Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

“Our city hall is a symbol of Chandler’s growing prestige as an innovative community on the leading edge,” says Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. “By using less energy and water, city hall is saving money for the families and businesses that make Chandler their home. LEED Gold is a validation of our social and economic values, and a sign that this public facility will benefit future generations to come.”

The city hall complex, which opened in October 2010, was designed to promote development and increase density in the downtown area, create a sense of place and identity for the community and enhance service delivery for customers. It has received numerous state, regional and national awards for its architectural design, construction excellence, indoor and outdoor lighting, interior design, use of technology and environmental impact.

Cost under $46 million

The project includes an office tower at 175 S. Arizona Ave., which houses a number of city departments and divisions, plus a 256-seat council chamber, 330-space parking garage, television studio, print shop and

art gallery. It was completed at a construction cost of just under $46 million, and was pre-funded without incurring any public debt or requiring a bond release. The project was designed by the architectural firm SmithGroup and built by Sundt Construction.

City Hall received gold certification by scoring points for water efficiency, lighting, indoor environmental quality, energy use and innovation. A number of green design and construction features were incorporated into the project, along with a variety of sustainable strategies that should positively impact the project and the broader community for many years to come.

New solar energy panels are being installed on the roof of the site’s parking garage, and will generate much of the electricity needed in the complex. “The fact that we achieved gold certification without these solar panels being factored into the scoring is very impressive,” Tibshraeny says.

Council set standard in 2008

In 2008, the Chandler City Council recognized the need to promote sustainable building practices to reduce adverse impacts on city water supplies, the creation of urban heat islands and reduce nonrenewablew energy consumption. The council

adopted the Green Building Program that required all future city buildings to be built to LEED Silver standards or better. Since the program was adopted, two city-funded projects have been LEED certified to the gold level, Chandler City Hall and the Chandler Fire Administration Building; one to the LEED Silver level, the Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley Compadre Branch; and one as LEED certified, the Chandler CARE Center. Several other government and private sector projects in Chandler have also received certification. A list of projects can be found online at usgbc.org/ projects.

Big turnout for Operation Back to School—For Our Children

Chandler’s largest school supply drive

More than 4,000 backpacks filled with donated school supplies, plus new shoes, socks and underwear were distributed to hundreds of children and their parents who gathered at Chandler High School for Operation Back To School Chandler–For Our Children, a collective effort to meet the needs of Chandler’s most vulnerable children.

The City of Chandler, For Our City-Chandler, various nonprofit organizations, churches, employers, school districts and business groups made the event possible. A number of organizations had information booths at the event.

Some of the groups represented by volunteers included SRP, Intel, Chandler Service Club Flower Girls, Chandler Unified School District, Milk Money (MILK-Make an Investment in Love & Kindness), St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church and many high school students and community volunteers who came out and didn’t represent a specific group. In addition, one woman came out early with her children to receive backpacks and then volunteered for an afternoon shift to help with the crowds.

For more information, visit forourcity.org/Chandler.html.

LINE: Families line up outside Chandler High School for Operation Back to School Chandler, a communitywide effort that collected new school supplies for needy elementary, middle and high school students. Submitted photo

BOYS WITH NEW BACKPACKS: Children were quick to don new backpacks filled with school supplies. The collaborative effort involved the City, For Our City-Chandler, various nonprofit organizations, churches, employers, school districts, business groups and others in the Chandler area. Submitted photo

Sonoran Spine Centers collecting new shoes

Sonoran Spine Center (SSC) is teaming up with Buckner International to ask Valley residents to collect shoes for children in need. Shoes can be dropped off through Aug. 31 at 2557 S. Val Vista Dr., Suite 103, Gilbert.

Donated items should be for children and teens, and due to customs regulations, shoes and socks need to be brand new. The greatest need is for new athletic shoes, sizes youth 1 to adult 8. Cash donations are also accepted and will help provide new shoes as well as cover distribution costs.

The annual nationwide Shoes for Orphan Souls drive is seeking to collect more than 200,000 pairs of new shoes and socks in 2013. Since 1999, Buckner has sent more than 2.5 million pairs of new shoes to vulnerable children in 74 countries around the globe, including the Unites States, with 30% of shoes and socks distributed in this country. Shoes are distributed on an ongoing basis to several different orphanages.

Dr. Dennis Crandall states, “We are encouraging all of our staff, as well as patients, to join us in helping children around the world. We hope that with the support of area churches, retailers and civic groups we can help Buckner reach their goal and make life better for children.”

“We have seen the smiles that a

new pair of shoes brings to children in the orphanages we visit, and we want to extend that same joy to others like them,” says Ashley Williamson, project coordinator for Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls. “Because of Sonoran Spine Center’s commitment to this program, we can continue to increase the number of children who will benefit from a pair of new shoes and socks.”

Williamson emphasizes that no donation is too small. “Most of the donations to the shoe drive have come from families giving one or two pairs of shoes. Every pair of shoes makes a big difference to the boy or girl who receives them.”

Locally, volunteers are being sought to coordinate a shoe drive at their church, business, school or within a civic organization. Volunteers are also needed to travel to the Colonias along the U.S./Mexico border and to countries including the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Peru and Russia to help distribute the shoes and socks.

For more information about the drive and volunteer opportunities, call 1-866-774-SHOE(7463) or visit Buckner. org/shoes. Contact Ashley Baker at Sonoran Spine Center at 480-962-0071 or sonoranspine.com for more details.

Citizens

Police Academy begins Aug. 28 Learn about day-to-day operations

Applications for the Chandler Police Department’s next Citizens Police Academy are being accepted. The 13-week academy is held 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, from Aug. 28 through Nov. 20 at 250 E. Chicago St.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and work, live or attend school in the city of Chandler. Applicants also must pass a basic background check.

The academy gives participants a look inside the day-to-day operations of the department and the guidelines under which police officers function. Students will be introduced to topics on media and the law, firearms training, gang awareness, patrol functions, K-9 functions, criminal investigations, school violence, traffic law and use of force. Instruction in procedures and theory is combined with practical, hands-on scenarios from officers in their fields.

Applications are available online at chandlerpd.com/community/citizens-academy.

For more information, call 480-782-4960.

Chandler sets passport record

Chandler set a record for the number of U.S. passports processed by its city clerk’s office, processing 10,649 passports in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013.

That number breaks the previous city record of 10,386 set in fiscal year 2008.

Chandler began offering passport services in 1994, and City Clerk Marla Paddock attributes the record-breaking year in part to an improving economy and the renewal of child passports issued in large numbers in 2008 and set to expire this year.

Passport processing is available

from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays in the City Clerk’s Office on the ground floor of Chandler City Hall, 175 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. No appointment is necessary, but according to Paddock, the busiest times to get a passport are Fridays or any afternoon between 2 and 4 p.m. “Choosing other days and times will save you time,” says Paddock. “Also, be prepared by having your form completed and have your required documentation with you.”

To view requirements and other passport information, visit chandleraz. gov or call 480-782-2176.

Street fair, food truck offer up eats

An F&Easy Street Fair and Food Truck is on site offering free food samples, recipes and more from 12 to 4 p.m. Sat., Aug. 3 at Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, 5805 W. Ray Rd., Chandler.

The event features musical acts, recipes, picnic tables, a “Take It Easy” tent providing free chair massages by massage therapists and a “Meals Made Easy” tent where neighbors can discuss meal ideas and healthy eating tips with

a nutritionist. Free samples will include Southwest Chicken Tacos, Spicy Soyrizo Tacos, Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps, Tangy Bleu Cheese Sliders and Mango Carnitas Stuffed Peppers. Customers can follow the F&Easy truck on Twitter at @fneasytruck. For more information about Fresh & Easy, visit freshandeasy.com, or become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/ freshandeasy.

Celebrating an Anniversary Soon?

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Why not surprise her with a diamond anniversary ring that tells her you would marry her all over again. Stop in today to see our beautiful collection of diamond jewelry. She will be glad you did!

Rebuilding Together accepting applications for free home painting

Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun is accepting applications from eligible low-income veterans, elderly or permanently disabled homeowners in the SanTan Sun area whose one-story homes need exterior painting. Volunteer teams are also in need for the annual Rock & Roll Paint-A-Thon on Sat., Oct. 26.

To qualify, elderly, disabled or veteran applicants must own and live in the homes and provide proof of income.

Rebuilding Together provides all paint, paint supplies, T-shirts—up to 20 per team—and insurance for the day to teams of volunteers and families, businesses, churches, schools, social service organizations and civic groups. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and those younger than 18 years need a signed parental permission form. Teams should be between 15 and 25 volunteers.

More than 3,000 volunteers

participate in the event, the largest community service project of the year coordinated by Rebuilding Together. Founded in 1991, the Phoenix chapter of Rebuilding Together has brought together more than 60,000 volunteers and over 500 organizations for volunteer community service projects providing more than $7 million in repairs and modification services.

Application deadline is Sept. 1.

Information and applications for homeowners and volunteers are available by visiting rebuildingtogetherphx.org or calling 480-774-0236.

Donate blood, win car

Donate blood by Sat., Aug. 31 to be eligible for a 2013 Passat S valued at more than $20,000, donated by Valley Volkswagen dealers.

Four finalists are already chosen in the United Blood Services’ “Drive Away a Hero” campaign; spots for six more blood donors remain for the Sept. 18 Grand Prize Ceremony.

Upcoming SanTan Sun-area blood drives are scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Sat., Aug. 3, LDS Chandler Stake, 1115 E. Ray Rd., “Ray Building” Cultural Hall, Chandler; 7:30 a.m. to noon Thu., Aug.

29, City of Chandler, 250 E. Chicago St., Bloodmobile at Police Department; and 9 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thu., Aug. 29, Town of Gilbert, 50 E. Civic Center Dr., Gilbert, Bloodmobile.

The Chandler Donor Center is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 1989 W. Elliot Rd., #32, at Elliot and Dobson roads in Chandler.

For a blood donation appointment and a complete list of locations, call 1-877-827-4376 or visit BloodHero.com.

Arizona Community Foundation awards grant to Project B Aware

The Arizona Community Foundation has awarded the Arizona Family Health Partnership (AFHP) a $25,000 grant to implement a statewide public awareness and education campaign for young women about the importance of taking B vitamin folic acid before and during pregnancy to prevent birth defects. Research consistently show that the highest rate of unintended pregnancies is among women 18 to 24 years old, a population with the lowest awareness of the benefits of folic acid and its role in preventing birth defects. Folic acid has been proven highly effective in preventing birth defects know as neural tube defects (NTD), which affect the brain and spine.

AFHP will use the funds to activate the Project B Aware campaign, first piloted in 2010 in Phoenix-area high schools by the March of Dimes Arizona Chapter and the Arizona Department of Health Services through a one-time federal grant. The result of the pilot program was a 50% increase in knowledge about folic acid among participating high school students.

“Young women, particularly those who are low-income, are at high risk of unplanned pregnancies and at higher risk of having a baby born with an NTD due to their lack of knowledge about folic acid,” says AFHP CEO Brenda “Bré” Thomas. “Despite being described as an ‘astounding public health silver bullet’ by a 2008 Gallup poll, only 39% of women ages 18 to 45 take folic acid daily.”

Research shows that lack of awareness and lack of advice in recommending foliate supplements before and during pregnancies is the primary reason young women don’t take folic acid.

“This important funding from the Arizona Community Foundation will enable us to use the previously created March of Dimes Folic Acid 400 curriculum to reach a much broader statewide audience with this critical health information,” Thomas says.

AFHP will use the March of Dimesdeveloped curriculum that has been adapted for teens. The Project B Aware program includes a folic acid pre-test administered to all students and teachers, a PowerPoint presentation about folic acid with interactive student participation, a post-test, a list of foliate-rich foods and information about the importance of taking folic acid daily and a survey to assess the presentation.

AFHP will recruit and train folic acid educators, identify and coordinate program presentations at specific high schools and administer the pre- and post-tests. The program ends in April. AFHP will partner with Kappa Delta Chi sorority to provide folic acid education. AFHP expects to complete presentations to approximately 1,400 students.

For more information about the Arizona Family Health Partnership and Project B Aware, visit arizonafamilyhealth.org or call 602-2585777.

Save the date

for About Care event on Nov. 8

Enjoy a wine-tasting and art auction at About Care’s third annual Veterans’ Day/Holiday event, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Fri., Nov. 8 at the Vision Gallery in the City of Chandler building, 10 E. Chicago St., Chandler.

Cost is $25 per person, which includes beverages and light appetizers. About Care is looking for donations of local art for the event.

About Care is a nonprofit organization that serves the homebound elderly and disabled in Chandler and Gilbert. Its mission is to deliver free caring and compassionate support services using trained volunteers. A majority of About Care’s clients are neighbors who have served in the military or are family members of former military members. Last year About Care’s more than 160 volunteers provided more than 23,000 services, donated 60,000 hours and drove 220,000 miles.

For more information or to obtain a volunteer application, call 480802-2331, email information@aboutcare.org or visit aboutcare.org.

DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS

The deadline for news and advertising is noon, Wed., Aug. 7 for the Aug. 17, 2013 issue of the SanTan Sun News. All news must be submitted to News@SanTanSun.com by that day to be considered for the next issue or by filling in the “submit a news release” form on the newspaper’s website at SanTanSun.com. To send an item for consideration in the SanTan Family Fun, email it directly to STFF@SanTanSun.com. Send advertising files and information to account reps or contact Ads@SanTanSun.com. For deadline information, visit SanTanSun.com and click on “About us” and call 480-732-0250 for advertising rate details.

Vice mayor takes regional transportation leadership

Chandler Vice Mayor Jack Sellers is the new vice chairman of the Maricopa Association of Governments Transportation Policy Committee, which helps guide transportation planning in the region.

The policy committee is made up of 23 members representing cities and towns across the region, the business community, the Arizona Department of Transportation, Maricopa County, the Native American Indian Community and the Citizens Transportation Oversight Committee. It oversees the development of the 20-year Regional Transportation Plan.

Sellers is the former facilities manager for the General Motors Desert Proving Ground in Mesa, served as a member and chairman of the Chandler Transportation Commission and chaired the Chandler Transportation Bond Committee. He also served on the Airport Noise Compatibility Study Advisory Committee and represents Chandler on the Maricopa Association of Governments Economic Development Committee.

He has also been active with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, serving on the International Leadership Committee and as a board member and executive committee member. With the East Valley Partnership, he is a member

of the board, serves on the Economic Development and Government Relations Committees and chairs the Transportation Committee. He is also a member of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and participates on its public policy committee. He also served as a board member and chair of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce—having been named Business Leader of the Year in 2004.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from New Mexico State University. He has three grown children and eight grandchildren.

Walgreens introduces ‘Healthcare Clinic’ Store is rebranding its Take Care Clinics

Walgreens recently introduced its “Healthcare Clinic” at select Walgreens as the new branding for the more than 370 in-store retail clinics, replacing the former Take Care Clinic name that has stood since the brand’s inception in 2004.

The national rebranding effort is already in process and expected to be complete by the end of August.

In addition to branding changes in stores, consumers will be directed to visit the Healthcare Clinic’s new website, www.walgreens.com/clinic.

Locally, the clinics are located at: 1975 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler, 480-7221780; 785 S. Cooper Rd., Gilbert, 480497-5434; and 1055 E. Riggs Rd., Chandler, 480-802-3852.

“The new Healthcare Clinic allows us to leverage the strength of the Walgreens brand to help attract and introduce new patients to our retail clinic services, while creating a more seamless health care experience serving a wide variety of patient needs,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kang, Walgreens senior vice president of health and wellness services and solutions.

“The health care landscape is evolving, and with a diverse and expansive collection of assets, Walgreens is uniquely positioned to play an integral role in addressing the needs of patients, payers and providers by helping to lower costs to the system while helping more

people get, stay and live well.”

Take Care Health Systems LLC will remain a subsidiary of Walgreens, as well as the practice management company for the Healthcare Clinics at select Walgreens.

The clinic rebranding represents the further alignment of Walgreens health care assets and affiliations under a singular, trusted brand identity. The Healthcare Clinic nurse practitioners and physician assistants are part of a network of more than 70,000 health care professionals across Walgreens pharmacy, Walgreens Infusion Services, Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy and other lines of business. Other recent health initiatives such as the formation of accountable care organizations (ACO), clinical affiliations, expansion of Medicare Part D programs and more, all help advance the company’s mission to transform the role of community pharmacy by providing more comprehensive care options, delivering a differentiated patient experience and solidifying Walgreens position as a strategic partner of choice.

Healthcare Clinics at select Walgreens will continue to offer the same convenient services, with a focus on prevention, wellness and the monitoring and management of chronic conditions.