East Valley Tribune: Chandler Edition - June 26, 2016

Strike up the band for 118 years

Larry

Patriotic tradition runs deep for Mesa City Band

A118-year-old Mesa tradition continues on July 4 when the Mesa City Band takes the stage at the Mesa Convention Center.

The Mesa City Band is the oldest city band in Arizona, and a lot of its members have spent a lot of time making music.

“Some people get to 90 years old before they quit,” Gilbert resident Lois Splendoria said. “I’ll play as long as I can stand up.”

The band was founded in 1898 to provide special music for a community event. It was pressed into service off and on until 1918.

There is no mention of the band then until 1939. It appears the band resumed in the 1940s and disbanded during World War II. A performance occurred in July 1946, either on Independence Day or Pioneer Day—no one can recall with certainty, band member John Hamblin said. He was a 16-year-old Mesa High School student that day.

In 1967, the ensemble performed as the Tri-City Band. It went by several other names over the decades, including the Mesa Brass Band, the Mesa Cornet Band, the Mesa Community Band and the “Band Boys.”

The name was changed back to the Mesa City Band in the early 1980s.

EV athletes have Rio dreams at U.S. Trials–Page 3

Families sacrifice for Olympics hopes–Page 8

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EV athletes have Rio dreams at U.S. Trials

BY JASON P. SKODA TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Hannah Carson has tried to curb the instinct at times, but to no avail.

It’s not always appropriate, but she has always been drawn to long, narrow strips of pavement, grass or even linoleum.

“People are probably like, ‘What is she doing?’” said Carson, a javelin and discus thrower.

Carson sees runways everywhere. Not the ones that attract airplanes or strutting models. She has been around stadiums most of her life. She hopes to enter one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this August at the Olympics.

Ever since she won gold at the Grand Canyon Games in middle school, Carson has been flying down runways during track meets. At some point— whether it was at Chandler High, Texas Tech or international meets in places like Singapore—she started to look at the grocery store aisles or parking lot lanes differently.

“I can’t help it,” Carson said. “I’ll be in a grocery store and take off down the aisle like I’m throwing the javelin. I see them everywhere.”

As the U.S. Trials begin, that’s what the journey of becoming an Olympic athlete is like. It consumes them and their thoughts. All they do is leading to one thing, and wearing the colors of their country in the Olympic Games is the payoff.

The chance to fulfill that lifelong dream is here as the Olympic Trials unfold in the next couple of weeks.

The East Valley has already been represented in the U.S. Trials for skeet shooting, men’s volleyball and wrestling, and now the area will have individuals in swimming, gymnastics, and track and field over the coming weeks.

The athletes hope to join Team USA for the 2016 Rio Games, which start with Opening Ceremonies on August 5.

Time to get real

For Carson, the next real runway is in Eugene, Oregon, when the trails take place July 1-10, as she competes in the javelin and discus throws.

The Phoenix area will have a handful of competitors in Eugene, including Chandler’s Jasmine Todd and reigning two-time Olympic medalist Will Claye of Mountain Pointe.

Carson and Todd, who is in the

100-meter dash and long jump, were teammates at Chandler and traveled all over the country together with hopes of one day reaching the pinnacle.

“It’s been a long journey,” said Carson, who became the first woman in NCAA history to eclipse 200 feet in both the javelin and discus. “I feel like I have a really good chance to get in.”

Re-living the dream

Claye has already done what so many others have dedicated their lives to.

He has walked into an Olympic stadium as a member of Team USA. He’s had Olympic medals placed around his neck. He has worn the American flag around his shoulders as he celebrated his double-medal performance at the 2012 London Games.

“It didn’t truly hit me that I was an Olympian until the Opening Ceremonies,” Claye remembered. “I was walking alongside LeBron James and Kobe Bryant and all of the great members of the USA team. From then on, I was fully into the Olympics.”

Claye made history in London by becoming the first American to win medals in both the triple jump (silver) and long jump (bronze) in the Olympics since 1904. It was also the first time any competitor from any country did it since 1936.

But Claye has to qualify all over again for the Rio squad.

So he will be in Eugene attempting to earn his way back on Team USA just like

everyone else.

“I see myself as the Olympian, the top seed and everyone has to beat me,” he said. “I’ve competed against everyone (in the U.S. field), and I’ve done it before so I know what to expect. That’s an advantage.

“Then I can take myself to the next level at the Olympics like I did in London,” he said. “Once you are there, nothing is going to stop you. You work your whole life for this one moment, and it is time to fly.”

MESA CITY BAND

from page 1

Today, the band operates from September through May, rehearsing weekly and performing about twice a month. With 65 current members, there’s a waiting list to join.

The band’s July 4 performance is part of the Celebration of Freedom from 6 to 10 p.m. inside the Convention Center and Amphitheater at 263 N. Center St. in downtown Mesa.

The band is scheduled to play two sets, one from 6:30 to 7 p.m., followed by a naturalization ceremony. It will then play for about 15 minutes.

This is the first time since 2011 that the band has performed at such a large, public gathering.

Splendoria says she’s been the band secretary “off and on since 2004. I’m hoping it’s not a post that I have to die to get out of,” she said, laughing. She joined in 1989.

She is a percussionist, and it was her bell-playing skill that brought her to the Mesa group. She routinely plays mallets, bells, chimes and the xylophone. When she was 68, she gave up the crash cymbals.

One of the best things about the band, Splendoria said, is it’s become a family.

“We’re not overly competitive; we don’t boot people out. It has always been a band family,” she said.

Band members are passionate about music, Splendoria said.

“Most of the people in the band have played music their whole lives,” she said.

Like many other musicians, she believes that playing keeps her mind active, her

player, but his wife, Nola, disagrees.

“I love hearing him play,” she said.

The Mesa City Band doesn’t quite fill Hamblin’s music fix. The retired dentist plays in two other bands in the Valley: the Swinging Resorters—“it’s their music, not their lifestyle,” he says— and the Chandler-Gilbert Community College summer band.

“I don’t know anyone who plays in just one band,” he said.

Irene and Tony Bamrick are among those multiple members.

They met in 1961 when they were members of the University of Arizona band. Two years later, they were married.

Music has always been a part of their lives. They’ve been in the Mesa band for a longer consecutive stretch than any other current member, at about 40 years.

Irene is a retired music teacher who cheerfully says that music is the only time both sides of a person’s brain work together, causing happiness.

She joined the band because she wanted to play her flute, instead of simply teaching music.

brain fresh and fingers nimble, perhaps allowing for a longer life.

At age 86, Hamblin’s been in the band off and on since 1968, occasionally dropping out for personal obligations.

Currently a baritone saxophone player, Hamblin has played the clarinet and tenor sax in the band.

He claims that he’s “not that good” a

She plays year-round. During the city band’s off season, she plays at church and in the Chandler-Gilbert Community College summer band. Tony is also in that community band.

“I probably should practice,” the trumpet player said, “but the only thing you lose is the higher range. If I can’t hit it, I tell (another trumpet player) to hit it.”

Irene said the band is playing tougher music, but degree of difficulty isn’t the

point.

“We like to play for the pleasure of our audiences,” she said.

People join the Mesa band for all sorts of reasons, Director Larry Baedke said.

“Some have unfinished business. For some, it’s a break in their day. Some do it for their health, especially those who play wind instruments,” he said.

Assistant Director Chris Perry agrees that the city band gives “a place to play.”

When they come to the band, many members “hadn’t played in years and wanted to resume.”

As long as someone has the right skill set, the band “takes them in and nurtures them.”

The band has had just four directors in its history—Herman Berringer from 1967 until 1972, Clark Smith from 1972 until 1980, Tom Kacere from 1980 until 2006 and Baedke. Baedke was assistant director from 1984 until his promotion. Performances may be requested at the band’s website: mesacityband.com.

– Contact Shelley Ridenour at 480-898-6533 or sridenour@evtrib.com.

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Gilbert customers exposed to measles, officials say

Patrons of two businesses in Gilbert were exposed to measles earlier this month, officials from the Arizona Department of Health Services say. The agency also has confirmed one new case of the disease.

On June 7, Enterprise Rent-A-Car at 1140 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 111, was the site of an exposure from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Also that day, Body Pro’s Collision at 1508 W. Scott Ave. was another risk site from 1:30 to 5 p.m.

The new measles case was reported in the detention facility at Eloy, but isn’t considered a risk to the public.

For a list of previously identified exposure sites, go to StopTheSpreadAZ.org.

– RALPH ZUBIATE, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Fire threatens historical museum in Tempe

A fire burned around the Arizona Historical Museum in Tempe last week, claiming a riparian area but sparing the buildings.

About 50 firefighters from Tempe, Mesa and Scottsdale fought the fire at 1300 N. College Ave. About an acre of cottonwood and palm trees burned, but the fire was kept from the museum.

The museum traces Arizona history from early settlements to the modern era.

– TRIBUNE REPORT

Mesa Community College names interim president

Sasan Poureetezadi has been named interim president of Mesa Community College. He has served as vice president for Information Technology since 2011. He begins his new role Aug. 2, when current President Shouan Pan leaves to become chancellor for Seattle Colleges in Washington.

Poureetezadi was also director of Computer Services at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

Chandler budget set, property taxes to change

Chandler recently adopted a $971 million budget, a 6.7 percent increase over last year’s budget

The median home price increased to $200,500 from $186,800 over the past year. Yet the city is expected to formally lower the property tax rate on June 23 to offset the city property tax bills.

Lowering the property tax rate means that average homeowners will pay about $5.71 more per year as opposed to $8.67 more per year if the rates stay the same.

– EVAN BALTMAN, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Tempe insurance firm named one of nation’s healthiest

Lovitt & Touché Insurance in Tempe was selected as one of the healthiest companies in America.

Interactive Health recognized 154 companies for helping their employees improve their health. The companies achieved 70 percent participation among their employees in health improvement activities.

Lovitt & Touché is one of the largest insurance agencies in the United States, with nearly 200 employees in three offices and over $400 million in total premiums.

For more information about Interactive Health’s selections, go to interactivehealthinc. com/client-success/healthiest-companies.

– TRIBUNE REPORT

Gilbert named one of nation’s ‘most successful’ cities

Gilbert was named ninth-most “successful” city in the nation by Zippia, a career website.

Zippia looked at poverty level, median household income and unemployment rate in making its selections. Gilbert had the eighth-lowest poverty rank and the 20th-highest median household income, at $81,485.

Dallas suburb Frisco, Texas, was ranked the most successful city.

- TRIBUNE REPORT

Booked and ready to go

Two local athletes have already secured a place in Rio.

Mountain Pointe graduate Reid Priddy became the oldest indoor volleyball Olympian at age 38 when the team was announced recently.

It is his fourth Olympics and possibly the most satisfying considering he tore his right ACL in 2014. A second injury kept him from returning to the team until the spring.

“It would be the most significant of them all because of the mountains that had to be climbed,” Priddy told FloVolleyball.com.

Pau Tonnesen, a senior at University of Arizona, hasn’t had to overcome as much but will be in Rio as a member of Spain’s track squad. The Tempe Prep product has dual citizenship.

Tonnesen earned a spot in the

Bashas’, Salvation Army collect for wildfire relief

Bashas’ and the Salvation Army are collecting for wildfire relief in Arizona. Donations can be made at the register of any Bashas’, AJ’s, or Food City grocery store from now through the end of July.

The Salvation Army has already started providing emergency shelters and services to those impacted by the Cedar Fire, which so far has burned more than 26,000 acres near Show Low.

Volunteerism award begins nomination process

Nominations are being accepted for Arizona’s top honor in volunteerism. A statewide panel of judges will recommend recipients of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards in the following categories: lifetime community service, service to others, inspired youth leadership, and stewardship.

Nominations will be accepted through July 15, and the announcement of the recipient will be made in November. Over the past 14 years, more than 100 Arizonans have been officially recognized for their volunteer efforts. For more information and to access the nomination form, go to volunteer.az.gov/ service-and-volunteerism/commission.

decathlon when he passed the qualifying standard of 8,247 points in the Spain national championships.

“It is going to an amazing experience,” said Tonnesen, who finished 18th at the World Championships in Beijing in August. “When you are in track, your ultimate goal is to be an Olympian.”

On a mission

The gymnastic trials finished up Saturday in St. Louis. Highland graduate and Queen Creek resident Alex Naddour and Higley graduate Mykayla Skinner, who trains at Desert Lights in Chandler, hope to earn their way to Rio.

The swimming trials are being held this week in Omaha, Nebraska. Desert Vista junior Shea Nicolaisen has qualified in the 800 freestyle with a time of 8:46.92 to be seeded 65th out of 112.

Also in Omaha is Mountain View graduate and BYU sophomore Payton Sorensen in the 50 and 100 free.

His climb to the qualifying times

has been fast and furious considering Sorensen stayed dry for two years while on church mission in Long Island.

“I wasn’t able to swim at all, and I am not real fond of running,” Sorensen said. “When I got back last June (to BYU), I went in the pool that first day. I was a little rusty, but I was still able to kick it into gear.”

A year later, he has hit the qualifying times and is seeded in the 40s in the 50 free and in the 60s in the 100 free.

Sorensen said he felt his growth during his mission has him prepare for Omaha.

“I was very shy before,” he said, but his mission trip “helped me come out of my shell. I’m much more confident.”

“I’ve wanted this opportunity all of my life,” Carson said. “It is right there in front of me. It’s time to break through.”

– Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@evtrib.com. Follow him on Twitter @ JasonPSkoda.

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Nominations accepted for environmental awards

Arizona Forward and partner SRP are now accepting nominations for their 36th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards.

Originally created in 1980 and exclusive to Valley communities, the award has grown to recognize contributions to the environment on the state level.

Nominations will be accepted through 4 p.m. on Thursday while late submissions will be accepted through July 8 and subject to an additional fee. All submittals must fall into one or more of the broad-based categories recognized at the event.

Some of these categories include: governor’s award for Arizona’s future, buildings and structures, healthy communities and art in public places. Recipients will be announced on Sept. 10.

Parents sacrifice for kids’ Olympic hopes

BYJASON P. SKODA TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

There was a time when summer vacation for the Todd family meant everyone piled in the van. They weren’t headed to the ocean or Mount Rushmore. Larry and Kimberly Todd and the kids were leaving for a track meet somewhere.

“Those times in the van became our family vacations,” Larry said.

Sure a trip to the tropics may have been desired, but at the time their children Lewis and Jasmine were competing in national track events.

And Jasmine continues the tradition in the U.S. Trials for Track and Field on July 1 in Eugene, Oregon. She hopes to qualify for the 2016 Rio Games in August.

The Todds, along with countless other parents, have made decisions, sacrifices and financial commitments in order to help their kids succeed.

“When your child shows a passion for something, you are willing to sacrifice,” Todd said. “We always considered it an investment in their future.”

It can be a burden even though parents generally don’t look at that way. Driving kids to practice every day or making sure their entry fees and club dues are paid come with the territory.

Back to school supplies gathered by Gilbert Fire

The Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department is gathering items for students with its annual Back to School Supply Drive.

Backpacks, binders, notebooks, paper, writing instruments and other school supplies are being collected around the community. Money and gift cards for supplies are also being accepted at Gilbert Fire and Rescue Administration.

Donations can be dropped off at all Gilbert municipal buildings and fire stations. Some Walgreens and Pediatric Dental Specialists locations will also take donations.

For more information, visit gilbertaz. gov or call Gilbert Fire and Rescue at 480-503-6300.

“We’ve always been happy to do whatever he needs,” said Lorna Sorensen, who traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, this week to watch her son Payton compete in the U.S. Swimming Trials.

“It was never any trouble. You just do what is needed and don’t think anything about it.”

Moments like this make all the sacrifices worth every dollar.

“It has been a sweet and satisfying journey to this point,” Stephen Carson said of his daughter Hannah, who is competing in the U.S. Track Trials in Oregon.

“Earlier in Hannah’s career, we traveled across the country, and I had to be her personal practice coach. Those were special times.”

Hannah credits her parents’ support.

“You can’t do this without family,” she said. “They are the biggest lifters of my spirit.”

– Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@evtrib.com. Follow him on Twitter @ JasonPSkoda.

Meeting to cover Mesa light rail extension

The nearly 2-mile extension of the Valley Metro light rail in Mesa will be discussed in a public meeting Tuesday.

The Gilbert Road Extension will run along Main Street from Mesa Drive to Gilbert Road. It will include two stations, a transit center and a park-and-ride. Construction is to begin this fall and be completed in 2018.

The meeting is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mesa Church of Christ, 1223 E. Dana Ave. For more information, contact Michael Book at 602-256-5811 or at mbook@ valleymetro.org.

– TRIBUNE REPORT

Mesa student actors finalists for national theater awards

Two Mesa High School students are competing this week in the National High School Musical Theater Awards in New York.

Noah King and Holly Payne are going up against more than 60 other finalists. They both were winners at the ASU Gammage High School Musical Theater Awards in May.

The awards event set for Monday at the Minskoff Theatre in Manhattan.

– TRIBUNE REPORT

Film series features documentary on paralympics

The Get Reel Film Series continues at the Chandler Public Library on Tuesday with “My Way To Olympia.”

The film, about the paralympics, was directed by disabled filmmaker Niko von Glasgow. Going into the project, he said he hated sports and thought the paralympics were “stupid.” As he meets the athletes who are challenging their own disabilities, his own beliefs are challenged too.

The documentary will be screened for free in the Copper Room on the second floor of the Downtown Library at 22 S. Delaware St. The film runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

– RALPH ZUBIATE, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Free vaccine clinic for children

Vaccinations will be available for all children from infants to teenagers on Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m.

The clinic will be conducted by the Emergency Medical Services staff of the Fire Medical Rescue Department and take place on the second floor of the Tempe Public Library. Walk-ins are welcome and no appointment is necessary.

For more information on who qualifies for the program, go to tempe.gov/medical or call 480-858-7264. The Tempe Public Library is at 3500 S. Rural Road.

One-on-one help available for job seekers

Help in creating resumes, searching for and applying for jobs online and assistance with other individual employment needs is being offered at the Tempe Public Library.

Aquarium celebrates Shark Week with exhibits

Sea Life Arizona Aquarium in Tempe will mark Shark Week with educational seminars, interactive exhibits and special artifacts. The celebration will run until July 2.

The aquarium houses 20 sharks, from bamboo reef sharks to zebra sharks.

There are also shark-training and sharkidentification talks for adults and children, and a special shark artifacts table.

Sea Life is at Arizona Mills Mall, 5000 Arizona Mills Circle.

– TRIBUNE REPORT

The sessions are limited to 30 minutes each and will be held in Study Room 8 on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. Register at the library or at tempe.gov/libraryjoblink. The Tempe Public Library is at 3500 S. Rural Road.

(Srianthi Perera/Tribune Staff)

These cottages accommodate 24 victims of sex trafficking. With a $100,000 grant from the Thunderbirds Charities, up to 60 girls will be able to be housed.

Group helps young victims break out of sex trafficking

BY SRIANTHI PERERA TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Broken bones from beatings, stress-induced illnesses, drug addiction, lack of trust and a feeling of hopelessness are hardly the stuff of adolescent dreams.

But these are the typical issues confronting the children ages 11 to 17 at StreetLightUSA, a residential center that provides a one-of-a-kind program of care and healing to girls who have been trafficked for sex.

The numbers of these victims are rising. As many as 300,000 youths are being trafficked in the U.S. The average age of entry into the sex trade is 12 to 14, according to Shared Hope International, a Washington state-based non-profit.

From 2011 to 2015, the center has served about 450 girls.

Despite the numbers, resources to help victims haven’t increased, center officials said.

“No federal grants are available” to help the victims, said Lea Benson, president of StreetLightUSA. “There are (federal grants) for international kids, but there aren’t any for domestic kids.”

“We think it doesn’t happen here in the United States, that it happens in

other countries,” said Carla Grace, the center’s therapist and counselor. “But it is huge here and the awareness is low.”

As these children’s stories come to light, the local faith community, educational institutions, private citizens and even cities are beginning to step up efforts to spread the word. At the same time, lawmakers are working to create harsher penalties for the perpetrators.

Soon, Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny will to issue a proclamation and Councilmember Rene Lopez will host a show on the topic.

Recently, the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family announced new guidelines to develop a regional response to youth sex trafficking.

On October 29, several non-profit organizations in the southeast Valley are collaborating to organize a fundraising gala at Wild Horse Pass. Among the participants is the Women Rising female empowerment network at ChandlerGilbert Community College.

“It is a concern of our students here at the college. Our female students in particular have expressed concerns about what is going on involving sex trafficking,” said Dr. William Crawford,

TRAFFICKING

vice president for Student Affairs.

Crawford said that the other Women Rising groups in the rest of the Maricopa County Community College District have also been tapped to participate in the cause.

For the past three years, volunteer Joyce Vogt has helped organize a ball at the Hope Covenant Church in Chandler.

“We decided this year to expand the event and make it more of a mainstream, public event,” she said.

The goal is to sell 350 tickets and raise at least $50,000 for the center, with funds to go toward general operating expenses.

Vogt has been volunteering to benefit the center for eight years.

“I have a passion for this issue because I just can’t believe this happens in our country,” she said.

Upon learning about StreetLightUSA at a human sex-trafficking conference in 2008, Chandler resident Gina La Benz organized a Girl Scouts group to help the center.

“It’s horrible that it happens in our backyard,” she said.

StreetLightUSA began in 2007 in Arizona as a grassroots effort to help homeless and runaway children who were also commercially exploited for sex. When law enforcement officials found such children at the time, they had no place to put them except in juvenile detention, Benson said.

Housing is scarce for these traumatized victims, and sometimes it’s unsafe to keep them in their home states because of the probability of being rediscovered by their pimps. Many of the children ran away from homes that offered them little protection; sending them back home was not an option.

A group began studying the issue, looked at existing laws and how they could be tightened to punish the offenders. Helped by a $750,000 state grant and a network of 70 churches nationwide and led locally by Central Christian Church and Christ’s Church of the Valley, the center was established in 2011 in Peoria.

The organization’s board of directors adopted a three-pronged strategy to fight child sex trafficking: awareness, prevention and direct care.

Today, StreetLightUSA has become an international model that differs from regular homes in the country for its all-encompassing approach. Not just a place to obtain the basic necessities of

StreetLightUSA’s Choices program was devised by its

to Soar and StreetLightUSA.

life; residents are helped to recover and to advance, as its slogan indicates, “from trauma to triumph.”

The girls participate in the optional Choices program, which was formulated by survivors themselves and consists of three phases: stabilization, growth and independence, with corresponding programming. Participants wear a colorful bracelet symbolizing the Key to Change, World of Opportunities, Wings to Soar and StreetLightUSA.

Participation in Choices is optional because the youth are traumatized.

“They don’t even recognize that they’ve been victimized,” Grace said. “Ninetynine percent of them have been sexually molested at home. How do they know that someone touching their body is not normal?”

Staff members also come across children who have been trafficked by their parents.

“We have a child right now whose mom exchanged her for money to pay an electric bill,” Benson said. “The child doesn’t know any different; to her, that is normal.”

The Peoria facility’s six cottages are

It’s

currently licensed for 24 beds as funding allows. However, with a $100,000 grant from the Thunderbirds Charities, funds are in place to expand the cottages to house 60.

Plans call for a multi-use building on an adjoining plot of land that will house a school and transitional housing. Over the next five years, the facility hopes to partner with an existing charter school and a transitional housing organization, Benson said.

Sometimes, out of the blue, Benson

receives calls from former residents who have gone on to build successful lives.

“It’s very rewarding to know that you can make a difference to these kids who are considered throwaway kids,” she said. However, not every story has a fairytale ending.

“I’m not going to sugar-coat it and say we’ve met with success with every child,” Benson said. “We don’t.”

People who want to volunteer can contact Joyce Vogt at joyce@ streetlightusa.org or call 520-505-1690.

Fourth of July fireworks shows will light up the EV

BY JUSTIN FERRIS PHOENIX.ORG

Numerous firework shows take place around the Phoenix metro area over Fourth of July weekend to celebrate America’s 240th birthday, and several are in the East Valley. Here’s a listing of some of the shows.

Fire in the Sky (Gilbert)

View Gilbert’s fireworks display from one of three sites - Central Christian Church, Gilbert Youth Soccer Complex or Campo Verde High School. The first two venues will have food and music. Central Christian host a watermeloneating contest and give prizes while Gilbert Youth Soccer Complex features inflatable water slides. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.

When: July 4 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Where: Central Christian, 965 E. Germann Road

Gilbert Youth Soccer Complex, 4260 S. Greenfield Road

Campo Verde High School, 3870 S. Quartz Street

Cost: Free

More information: gilbertaz. gov/Home/Components/Calendar/ Event/3286

Tempe Town Lake Festival (Tempe)

Watch fireworks over the water and listen to live music in a range of styles at Tempe Town Lake. A military flyover, and an inflatable village for the kids and a food court will also be featured. The fireworks launch at 9:15 p.m.

When: July 4 starting at 5 p.m.

Where: Tempe Town Lake Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe

Cost: $5 for general admission. Free for children 12 and under. Free for active military personnel. VIP tickets also available.

More information: tempe4th.com Arizona Celebration of Freedom

(Mesa)

The 108th Army Band will perform in Mesa, along with a Revolutionary War re-enactment, a naturalization ceremony and a military vehicle showcase. There will also be a kids’ zone with games and water features. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.

When: July 4 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Where: Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 N. Center Street

Cost: Free

More information: mesaaz.gov/things-to-do/ arizona-celebration-of-freedom

July 4th Fireworks Spectacular (Chandler)

Live music from local DJs and bands, along with a full suite of food and drink vendors, will be available in Chandler. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

When: July 4 from 4 to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Road

Cost: Free with $5 parking, VIP tickets available

More information: chandleraz.gov/ default.aspx?pageid=162

Red, White and Boom (Ahwatukee)

Live entertainment, a Kid Zone, access to the pool and splash pad will highlight Red, White and Boom in Ahwatukee. Also available will be food and drinks, treats like shaved ice and frozen lemonade, plus other activities and games. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.

When: July 1 from 5 to 10 p.m.

Where: Pecos Park, 17010 S. 48th Street, Phoenix 85048

Cost: $5 general admission. Free for children 5 and under. VIP tickets available.

More information: red-white-boom. com

A full list of fireworks and more events around the Valley for the Fourth of July is at phoenix.org/fireworks.

Valley Metro ready for July 4 riders

Valley Metro plans to expand its services after 5 p.m. Monday, July 4, to accommodate people headed to Independence Day festivities. The light rail schedule will follow a Sunday schedule up until 5 p.m., when the train will run more frequently than it typically does on a Sunday. Bus service in Tempe will be extended from 5 to midnight for people attending the Tempe Town Lake Festival. Many bus routes

will run every 15 minutes northbound to the Mill Avenue District, with return service until midnight on southbound routes.

In Mesa, the Main Street Route 40 bus will run every 30 minutes until 11 p.m. for people attending the Arizona Celebration of Freedom in downtown Mesa.

An all-day pass sells for $4. – Tribune report

“My hearing loss cost me three friendships that I know of, a strained relationship with my husband, two grandchildren who think I don’t understand them, boredom at church, and lost interest in attending get-togethers.”

Chandler fireworks team prepares for 87 local shows

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA TRIBUNE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Like most everyone, Kerry and Lori Welty are prepping for the Fourth of July holiday, but unlike most, their weekend includes 87 fireworks shows.

Their Chandler-based Fireworks Productions of Arizona (FPA), a familyowned and operated pyrotechnics business, is celebrating its 63rd year.

The couple purchased the company 18 years ago from Ray and Pat Stout, for whom Kerry Welty had worked for 20 years.

This holiday weekend, FPA will shoot fireworks in shows throughout the East Valley, which began with Ahwatukee’s Red, White and Boom! on July 1.

With 55 core workers considered “head pyros,” or crew leaders, FPA shows will also illuminate skies over Tempe, Guadalupe, Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek and Apache Junction.

Other communities throughout the state, including the San Carlos Apache Indian Community, will also be seeing APS fireworks displays.

The company also is providing equipment and fireworks for 20 more towns launching their own displays.

That’s four days of non-stop action for “head pyros” and their crews, said Kendon S. Victor, a pyro planning specialist.

Victor joined FPA 28 years ago as a head pyro. The Arizona native has worked full-time with the firm for 11 years.

“Of the six of us full-time employees, four are head pyros. The other head pyros have real jobs, choosing to work part-time so they get to play with fire,” Victor said.

He laundry-listed the full-time jobs of some crew members:

“We have one guy who’s a dentist, another a pilot; we have people in healthcare and construction and we have a couple who own their own businesses and do this on the side.

“The key traits are their enjoyment of playing with fire and putting on a great show.”

“Pyrotechnic” stems from the Greek word “pyro,” meaning fire, and

“tekhnikos,” meaning made by art.

“That’s a great description,” said Lori Welty. “It’s an art to do it well, and when done well, it’s art.”

Each pyrotechnician leader selects his own crew members, who work as independent contractors. Victor says crews tend to be “very nepotistic.”

“That’s how I got involved. I knew someone who asked me to crew, and I was hooked. Now my crew is made up of friends and family.”

For the third year, Victor and his crew are providing fireworks at Mesa’s Arizona Celebration of Freedom on July 4.

Kerry and Lori Welty, of Ahwatukee, are hard to connect with this time of year; they flit like fireflies around the region to ensure that the 87 shows in four days are fine-tuned to elicit the optimum oohs and ahhs.

“This is most definitely our busiest time of the year and requires the most effort. Come September or so, we’ll get a break,” said Kerry Welty.

“What we really enjoy is hearing back from people who enjoyed our shows, telling us it was spectacular. That makes it worthwhile.”

The Weltys’ son, Cody, is now a FPA pyrotechnician, but he had to wait for it.

Federal law requires crew members be 18 years old and pass a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives background check.

“Imagine being a kid in a familyowned candy store who can’t touch the candy,” Victor said. “But Cody waited, and on his 18th birthday got to shoot his own party fireworks.”

FPA also provides pyrotechnics for the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Rattlers, Arizona State University and University of Arizona football games and homecomings, as well as high school graduations, weddings and other special events.

Victor said fireworks are not kept at the Chandler business, but stored “in a hidden, unnamed rock quarry.”

For more information about the company, go to FireworksAZ.com

Retired dentist turns his skills into jewelry hobby

BY SHANE DEGROTE TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Step into the jewelry studio at Friendship Village Tempe any Tuesday and you will find Dr. Zim Zimmerman hard at work creating and repairing jewelry for friends and residents.

“We charge only enough to maintain the equipment and buy materials we need. It’s a hobby, it’s not a business of any kind,” said Zimmerman, resident of Friendship Village since 2004.

Zimmerman, who was born in the small town of Brownton, Minnesota, in 1921, has always been skilled with his hands. He spent over 35 years as a dentist pulling teeth, filling cavities and scraping plaque. But when it was time to retire, Zimmerman asked a friend to help him turn those skills into a new hobby.

“He said, ‘You are kind of a hyper person; you better find something to do. You can’t just sit around and do nothing.’ So he lined me up with a couple of lapidary teachers in Minneapolis, and I got started and enjoyed it,” Zimmerman said.

The first stop he and his wife, Jo, made after retirement was Rio Verde, northeast of Phoenix. This is where Zimmerman truly honed his skills for jewelry making, in his garage with his own equipment.

After nearly 30 years in Rio Verde, Zimmerman and his wife began looking for a retirement community. A big reason they chose Friendship Village was

its robust hobby choices.

“I knew I had to have something to do beside sit,” he said.

At Friendship Village, ‘Zim’ is a household name. His jewelry is what truly makes him stand out.

“He makes absolutely beautiful jewelry, you will never find another one like it,” said Joyce Lundgren, who has known Zimmerman since she moved to Friendship Village over 10 years ago.

“He is a good neighbor and he takes good care of us.”

Another long-time friend of Zimmerman’s, Joan Strawn, loves the repairs that he made to her jewelry.

“He has put magnets on most of my jewelry because I couldn’t manage the clasps. Now I have all of these necklaces and bracelets that I could never wear,” she said.

Even people outside of Friendship Village can’t get enough of Zimmerman’s jewelry.

“I have worn jewelry outside of the village and I receive more compliments than for any other jewelry that I have had,” Lundgren said. “They really do notice it and ask me where I got that.”

While Zimmerman’s art is in constant demand at Friendship Village, his wife will always have first priority.

“She gets first choice,” Zimmerman said.

–Reach Shane DeGrote at sdegrote@ timespublications.com.

– Check us out and like the East Valley Tribune on Facebook and follow EVTNow on Twitter.

Mesa puts tax increase for public safety, ASU campus on November ballot

BY AYDALI CAMPA TRIBUNE CONTRIBUTOR

Mesa voters will weigh in on a proposed sales tax increase of 0.4 percent for public safety and construction of a downtown Arizona State University campus on Nov. 8 after City Council last week unanimously approved the question for the general election ballot.

Revenue from the increase, bringing the total sales tax to 9.9 percent, would be used to fund the city’s police and fire departments and economic development, including post-secondary educational projects like ASU in downtown Mesa.

The council’s decision upset Mesa resident Thomas Schulte, who said the new campus would become an “eyesore of vacant buildings” and a “failed project that will inhibit other downtown redevelopment efforts.”

The campus would be offering majors in subjects that make for poor job prospects, added Schulte, who was the only member of the public who opposed the measure at the council meeting.

Some degree programs ASU proposes include a performing and media zone and a so-called human-computer interaction degree program. The university also wants an education and research hub, a preparatory academy and student

Tempe Public Library promotes summer reading

The Tempe Public Library is growing its services to young readers, and a new focus is literacy for children ages 5 to 8.

Allison Burke, youth services supervisor at the library, said the new John Gannon Literacy Center (JGLC) will open this fall.

“The JGLC is named for a longtime library employee whose legacy is supporting endeavors toward advancing children’s literacy,” she said.

The focus of the program is unique, she said, “because the public library focus for many years has been on early literacy, typically ages 1 to 5. Our mission within this space will be small-group, engaged literacy opportunities for caregivers and their school-aged children.”

The library also has other youth programs for the summer, including summer

housing.

The project is a “proven product that our community, our students and our kids deserve,” said Deanna VillanuevaSaucedo, director of public outreach for Maricopa Community Colleges and Mesa Public Schools,

“This is a straightforward matter in economic development for the sustainability and long-term health of our community,” Villanueva said. “In the end, that should make us feel good.”

The project will help the downtown Mesa economy and property values, which will help bring jobs and local businesses, Realtor Mara Benson told the council. She said that will change the

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

MESA Seminar outlines Medicare rights and options

A free seminar will outline the rights, options and entitlements people turning 65 have when qualifying for Medicare.

The seminar will be held Tuesday and Wednesday at The Harp Pub, 1744 S. Val Vista Dr.

To RSVP or for questions, call Todd Walker at 602-722-9325 or Sylvia Cleland at 623-703-1485.

Mesa Community College among Top 50 Best Values

“general feel” of downtown Mesa.

“I fully support ASU coming to downtown,” Benson said.

Mayor John Giles said he is looking forward to the campaign that will push approval of the measure.

“This is going to be a great opportunity to explain why this is so important,” he said. “Public safety and education are the two huge needs in our community right now.” – Check us out and like the

reading. Burke said that the Tempe library boasts the largest square footage of all youth spaces in public libraries nationally.

“Beyond our library programs, we provide access to free internet and research databases for students. We have six literacy computers for kids that were generously donated by The Friends of the Library. These computers host a plethora of learning and literacy games.”

The library also partners with College Connect and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. “These relationships support our library mission and encourage youth to participate in service, leadership, and job/ college preparation,” Burke said.

The library also hosts Totally Tempe Tuesdays, which offers programs and events for the entire family.

“Summer is an awesome time in the library.”

Mesa Community College ranked No. 12 in the Top 50 Best Value Online Community Colleges by Value Colleges. According to the site, over 1,700 twoyear community colleges that grant associate degrees were considered for the rankings.

Schools were filtered by public, nonprofit, 10 plus online programs, 2,000 students and under $10,000 annually for tuition costs (in-state residency).

Final rankings were calculated based on annual tuition, graduation rate and online programs count.

New charter school to open in Mesa

A Leman Academy of Excellence school is scheduled to open in Mesa this fall.

The school is in the site of the former Hillcrest Academy, 3761 S. Power Road. It’s a tuition-free school with a classical education platform with room for 700 students in grades kindergarten through 7. Open houses are scheduled at 6 p.m. at the school on July 7 and 14. Leman schools already operate in Tucson, Sierra Vista and Parker, Colorado.

Summer reading programs under way at Mesa Library

Summer reading programs are open to all ages at all four branches of the Mesa Library. The program runs through Aug. 1.

Participants interested in the Summer Reading Program will need to register online at mesalibrary.org/ summerreading to log their reading hours. After 1,000 logged minutes of reading, readers can earn a free book. Mesa Library will also be holding weekly drawings and prizes at the library during the Summer Reading Program. For other events, go to mesalibrary.org. in Mesa, 938 E. Juanita Ave. Money donations are also being accepted to help to purchase additional items. For more information, visit givingtreeaz.com.

Dispensary collects items for victims of violence

The Giving Tree Wellness Center, a licensed medical marijuana dispensary,

is accepting summer heat safety items for Chrysalis, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence. The donation drive will be held through July 5.

Hats, sunglasses, flip-flops, sunscreen, water bottles and lip balm will be accepted at the Giving Tree’s location

Massage therapy school opens in downtown Mesa

The Arizona School of Integrative Studies has opened a new campus in downtown Mesa.

The 750-hour program includes classroom work and participation in the Student Clinic for hands-on training and to meet licensure requirements.

Students who complete the certification program graduate as state-licensed massage therapists.

The campus is at 209 W. Main St.

Mesa Community College names new dean

Michael Voss has been named dean of career and technical education at Mesa Community College.

Voss had been at Central New Mexico Community College as faculty, faculty chair, program director and career and technical programs manager.

Voss, originally from Minnesota, began June 16.

Railroad crossing upgrades approved

Safety upgrades for three Union Pacific Railroad crossings were approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission at its June open meeting. Two of the crossings are in Mesa, while the third is in Nogales. The Commission also approved upgrades to two four-quadrant gate systems. One system, where Dobson Road intersects with Main and Broadway, will be outfitted with new automatic gates and bells on either side of the crossing. The changes are designed to deter vehicles from driving the opposite direction and going around the gates when they are down. The changes are expected to cost the City of Mesa

$561,000 and will be completed within the next 15 months.

Similar upgrades will also be installed at the crossing where Alma School Road intersects with Main Street and Broadway. The cost for this project is $749,000 and will be paid for with the Federal Highway Administration fund. The project will be completed within the next 24 months.

CHANDLER

Chandler Police seek ‘Black Money Scam’ victims

Chandler Police are looking for people who may be victims of what the FBI calls the “Black Money Scam.”

In the scam, black construction paper is presented to a victim as actual U.S. currency dyed black through a chemical process. The con man says he needs money to obtain another chemical that will wash off the black dye and render the U.S. currency usable again. The victim is asked for money to buy the chemical in exchange for half of the black paper.

After the money is given to the con man, the victim is given the black paper, and the con man disappears with the victim’s money.

Police discovered the scam during a narcotics investigation in April.

If you believe you have been a victim of the Black Money Scam, contact Chandler Police at 480-782-4426.

GILBERT

Ultimate Scorpion Hunter crowned in Gilbert

Bug & Weed Mart has named Gilbert resident Col Carter the winner of its Ultimate Scorpion Hunter Challenge. Carter wins $500 and one year’s supply of scorpion prevention products for his video on how to hunt scorpions.

Bug & Weed Mart specializes in pest and weed control and has three East Valley locations, in Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe.

The store held the challenge to help raise awareness about scorpions and to educate the public on how to protect against them.

To view the winning videos and other stories that were submitted, visit the company’s Facebook page, BugAndWeedMartTempe.

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• Retrieving it from the lake after a quick dip

• Repairing that crunched fender the post

COMMENTARY

Orlando shooting wasn’t about gun laws, it was about Islamic jihad

BY TOM PATTERSON TRIBUNE CONTRIBUTOR

Early on the morning of Sunday, June 12, Omar Mateen entered Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, to commit the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Over a period of three hours, he methodically killed 49 people and wounded more than 50 others before the police shot him.

Mateen was a Muslim who, according to the FBI, openly bragged about having ties to terrorist organizations. They had interviewed him three times about suspected Islamist connections. During his rampage, he called a local television station and 911 to claim his allegiance to ISIS and continued the memorable tradition of shouting “Allah Akbar” as he murdered.

Yet President Obama was still confused. He could “say that this was an act of terror and an act of hate” but had “reached no definitive judgments on the precise motivations of the killer.” To this day, he has not identified Islamic jihad as Mateen’s inspiration.

But this much he knew. The killer had used a gun—a gun!—so that gave our politician-in-chief an opening to belabor a pet hobby-horse. The massacre was “a further reminder of how easy it is for someone to get their hands on a major weapon that lets them shoot people.”

Hillary Clinton and the entire anti-gun Left agreed that the “core issue” is how easy it is to get a gun.

Yet it must not be that easy because not one of the revelers at the Pulse had one. Like the site of every mass shooting, the Pulse was a gun-free zone. There’s no way Mateen would have gotten to 49 if more people had been armed.

The reality is that more gun laws would be unlikely to stop the mass shootings. Even Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, the sponsor of several anti-gun bills in Congress, admitted his proposals “wouldn’t have stopped the last tragedy.”

In responding to an incident, it’s a

little odd to pass legislation that wouldn’t have prevented it any way. Maybe it’s the brutal ideology that matters more than the particular weapon used.

Still, Americans who had nothing to do with the massacre have been relentlessly lectured for our complicity in the shooting. The New York Times claimed Mateen’s victims were “casualties of a society where hate has deep roots,” referring not to Islam but to Americans and especially those harboring reservations about men using women’s restrooms.

One popular writer concurred, saying “anti-LGBTQ sentiment has paved a long runway to hate crimes,” while an ACLU attorney said that, incredibly, “people are blaming Islam for this. No.”

So let me get this straight. Muslims have been throwing homosexuals off of tall buildings for over a millennium while America has become increasingly tolerant of places like Pulse and their patrons. Yet it’s our fault when a jihadist murders because of his twisted religious convictions. No.

That’s not all. Americans were also blamed for not being sufficiently vigilant. Officials and pundits lined up to instruct us again to say something if we see anything.

But it hasn’t worked out well when citizens did say something. Daniel Gilroy, a coworker of Mateen, made several formal complaints to their employer about Mateen’s unhinged behavior, his inflammatory sexist and homophobic

comments, his talk of killing and claims of ties to al-Qaida. Other workers joined in, but the company refused to take action because Mateen was a Muslim, according to Gilroy.

Our leaders, especially our president, should identify the problem for what it is—a Muslim, problem, not a Baptist or Mormon problem—based on a hateful ideology held by only a minority of Muslims.

Stop messing around and degrade ISIS. Then develop constitutional procedures, with court orders where necessary, for surveillance of obviously dangerous individuals. Not easy, but necessary to protect our own life and liberty. – East Valley resident Tom Patterson is a retired physician and former state senator. He can be reached at pattersontomc@cox.net.

Letters disappointing, disturbing

After reading all three letters in the opinion section on June 12, I agree with the headline on Mr. Meszar: “Disappointed, disturbed and disgusted.” Those words describe my feeling toward all three letter writers. Meszar’s decision to simply vote against every incumbent is capitulation to the very forces he despises; when America gives up, they win.

Ms. Contos: Chiding Tom Patterson’s statement that the “… younger generation’s infatuation with socialism is an educational failure,” Ms. Contos says it is “… due to outrage over the economic opportunities that no longer exist … for the middle class.” She points to Robert Reich as her “economic expert.” She worries that the “average” CEO makes 300 times the earnings of the “average” worker. Finally, she believes that businesses should either become “more socially responsive”— i.e.: equitable pay, bring jobs back to America!, more charitable— or government should get bigger and institute even more regulations.

Ms. Contos is obviously a product of the educational failure to which Patterson refers. If the younger generations were properly educated in economics, they would understand about 85 percent of all Americans are employed by small businesses which are being smothered by government regulation (annual cost to economy estimated to be over $1 trillion). If those business owners were reaping profits to pay themselves 300 times the average worker, it would mean our economy is scorching hot, obviously not true. Huge corporations—such as GM, Ford, Boeing and GE—do pay their CEOs in the millions. Of course, these individuals are responsible the jobs of tens of thousands of workers. They are the best of the best or they wouldn’t hold such positions. Should the average auto worker care how much the CEO makes if his job and retirement security depend on that CEO, or should the company turn the reins over to operation by committees of production workers? “Socially responsive”? Does Contos mean like her economic guru Robert Reich’s suggestion, back in the 1990s, that it should be unlawful for any company to lay off or fire an employee? “More charitable”? Studies show that Americans are the most charitable people in the world, huge amounts of which come from businesses. That half of the country that pays no income taxes is the biggest beneficiaries of that largess. A good education would inform younger generations that technological advances are responsible for most job loss as machinery replaces humans and productivity rises. It would inform them we are in a global market. It would inform them that the first job of a business is to stay in business—not provide jobs. Jobs are the perk that results from a well-run, profitable

No free publicity for Ringling Bros.

Please Google “Ringling Brothers animal cruelty” and please don’t ever give them free publicity again (“Running away with the circus,” June 19). Your ringmaster article subject neglected to mention why elephants are no longer a part of the circus. It is due to the public outcry of cruelty to animals. The animals remaining in this circus and all “performing” animals suffer greatly.

– Peggy Jensen – Chandler

Leibowitz, blue collars deserve work

I don’t enjoy taking someone to task (well sometimes I do), but I just have to speak up about an East Valley Tribune column from a couple of editions back (“Order a coffee from a person and you’ll see why robots are the future,” June 12).

David Leibowitz, who writes an opinion column, wrote about

(dirty word to libs) business. Government that attempts to micromanage impedes that progress. Most of that government interference in these modern times is attempt at the social engineering that Ms. Contos craves.

Mr. Breinholt: His “interpretation” of the Preamble, that government “promote the general welfare” is akin to a nanny state, which the founders would have gagged at. Their intent was that the government provide the infrastructure needed for commerce, have the authority to solve disputes between the states, collect taxes to insure those duties could be carried out and oversee federal elections in order to insure an orderly transfer of power every second and fourth year. They had faith that, left largely alone, Americans would build a strong economy based on their own efforts. They were right. Our economy is the envy of the world. In fact, it is the engine pulling the rest of the world toward economic security. “Poverty”? Billions of people would love to be “poor” in this country, where welfare benefits allow low wage earners to live a middle-class life. Mr. Breinholt points to Scandinavian countries as his model of “Democratic socialism.” He carefully avoids Venezuela, which is also Democratic socialist, at least for now, as their starving, jobless population nears revolution.

Mr. Breinholt denies the generally accepted definition of socialism as “government control of the means of production.” He somehow believes that socialism is a utopia where the most capable and intelligent will be satisfied to remain at the same economic level as the masses, that they will not seek power and that the people will control them. In actuality, socialism, by giving government total control, insures that elite develops using the very structure its advocates believe will lead to prosperity. History shows that socialism, sooner or later, fails and the people want their individual rights restored. If there is starvation in this country, if there is homelessness, if illness isn’t treated, it’s not because food, shelter and medical care aren’t available. The safety net in this country is so generous as to have become a hammock.

Americans should think long and hard before they decide to turn away from a free-market system, admittedly imperfect and under attack by zealous advocates of liberal economics. Winston Churchill said that “Capitalism is the worst economic system in the world … except for all the rest.” A letter to the Wall Street Journal noted “There are 3 types of people: frugal, who produce more than they consume; prodigals, who by choice produce less than they consume; and the disabled, who physically can’t produce as much as they consume. A country’s success depends on fair treatment of all three groups. America today unfortunately treats prodigals the same as the disabled.”

– Jim Barber – Mesa

a messed-up drive-thru coffee order he had recently received. He opined that many “low level” ($10 an hour or less, usually less) workers could and should be replaced by a robot. He goes on to cite other “low level” employees that he has had occasion to come in contact with where the outcome was less than satisfactory.

A movie theater refreshment counter employee “who can’t remember which drink you ordered for longer than 3 seconds.” Cable and air-conditioning company workers who were less than competent. Airline ticket counter agents and “harried” grocery store cashiers come in for their share of his displeasure, too.

It seems that every blue-collar, high school or less-educated, minimum-wage worker in Phoenix is just waiting to make Mr. Leibowitz’s life a living hell.

The barista (in case don’t know what a barista is because before you drive to work, you make your own Folger’s coffee at home and add your own Equal sweetener yourself and fill your own commuter cup) who forgot to add the artificial sweetener that Mr. Leibowitz had “instructed” him/her to do “three different

times” doesn’t “deserve” to earn his/her $10 an hour or less minimum wage salary. Mr. Leibowitz’s morning was ruined, ruined, because his $7 “iced Americano Latte” drive-through coffee order was messed up.

There are thousands, no tens of thousands, of blue-collar, lowlevel, high school educated Arizona workers who would love to have a “messed up latte” order as the worst thing that happened to them. They are more worried about their job being sent to Mexico, China, Bangladesh, or Vietnam, or by a robot, and how will they put food on the table, a roof over their family’s head, pay their income taxes, monthly medical insurance and utility bills, rent, and car payments. But Mr. Leibowitz writes that “If

the plight of the American Worker looks bleak, well, maybe that will occasion a much-needed behavior change”. Mr. Leibowitz, may I point out that these are human beings that you so off-handedly dismiss. They are not robots or “untermensch” (sub-humans). They may not have had the financial ability to attend college but they still deserve to work, even if they do mess up an “iced Americano Latte with artificial sweetener” order every now and then.

Dispensary overcomes marijuana stigma, celebrates 3rd anniversary

(Will Powers/Tribune Staff Photographer)

The Giving Tree Wellness Center in Mesa dispenses medical marijuana to its customers. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, nearly 61,000 people in Maricopa County qualify for medical marijuana.

BY MIKE BUTLER TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Notching your third year is a big milestone for any small business, but it’s especially gratifying to Gina Berman and Lilach Power because of the hurdles and stigma they had to overcome just to get their medical marijuana dispensary up and running.

A former emergency room doctor, Berman serves as medical director of The Giving Tree Wellness Center, in Mesa and Phoenix. With a background in business and marketing, Power monitors legislative issues, industry trends and the latest research on medical marijuana.

Outside of business, they’re good friends and moms who pack school lunches and carpool to after-school activities.

Berman said she grew increasingly frustrated as a physician to see patients struggle with chronic pain and sometimes fall into opiate dependency.

“I was just continuing the problem. It was

a lose-lose situation,” she said. “Now, I have a less-addictive alternative. I feel I’m part of the solution.”

She and Power began exploring therapies such as meditation, yoga, massage and acupuncture about seven years ago with an eye toward opening an alternative wellness center. Proposition 203, which legalized the use of medical marijuana in Arizona in 2010, pushed them in a new direction.

Berman said 70 percent of her clients buy medical marijuana for chronic pain. Others find it helpful for Crohn’s disease and the nausea that often results from cancer chemotherapy. Medical marijuana has also proven to be a lifesaver for those with posttraumatic stress disorder, she said.

Although glaucoma is an approved condition for medical marijuana, Berman said the drug isn’t as effective as most people think, because it only provides temporary relief. Patients have found some success with marijuana-laced drops, if they can tolerate them, she added.

Power said she knows the plant has medical

benefits, but a lack of research makes that difficult to prove.

“We are eagerly learning what they are doing and hopefully can find a way to cooperate and be a part of it,” Power said from her native Israel, which has become an important center of medical marijuana research.

Berman said a lot of the marijuana that The Giving Tree grows at the Phoenix location is extracted and turned into capsules, tinctures and edibles. That results in very precise dosage amounts, she said. The Giving Tree even provides a powder that can be sprinkled on food for pets that suffer from joint pain, seizures and allergies.

Of course, people want the buds, too, although Berman tries to discourage clients from smoking it. Vaporizing is safer than smoking, she said.

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, nearly 98,000 residents qualify for medical marijuana. Of those, nearly 61,000 live in Maricopa County. Pima County has a little more than 13,000.

To qualify for medical marijuana, patients must be diagnosed with one or more of the approved debilitating conditions and receive written certification from a doctor (or osteopath, naturopath or homeopath) licensed to practice in Arizona. The patient can then apply online for a registry identification card, which costs $150 yearly, or $75 if a patient qualifies for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s SNAP program. The department keeps very close tabs on dispensaries and how much they sell per month. Dispensaries sold a total of 75,958.22 ounces of medical marijuana in April.

– Reach Mike Butler at 480-898-6581 or at mbutler@timespublications.com.

– Check us out and like the East Valley Tribune on Facebook and follow EVTNow on Twitter.

Business leaders market Arizona to the world at Washington investment summit

BY WAFA SHAHID CRONKITE NEWS

They came from the state and from several cities, but business leaders at an event in Washington recently had a common goal—convincing foreign business owners that Arizona is the right place for them.

Officials from the cities of Gilbert, Surprise and Peoria, along with the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and the Salt River Project, were among 2,500 exhibitors pitching their markets to foreign investors at the annual SelectUSA Investment Summit.

Arizona officials at the event pitched the state’s low regulatory and tax burdens, its climate and—like any good business pitch—location.

Hilary Hirsch, economic development administrator for Gilbert, said sometimes the pitch just requires giving potential investors the basics and filling in the blanks in their picture of Arizona.

“If you’re talking to the Chinese, they don’t really know a whole lot about the Southwest, so a lot of that is just educating them on where we are geographically in the U.S. and what makes us unique as a state,” Hirsch said.

“Logistics is very good from the Phoenix area,” said David Valenzuela, the chief business attraction officer for Peoria, “You have I-10 that goes coast to coast and access to a lot of different markets further east.”

“Arizona is still a low-cost option relative to California and other states that we compete with for their business,” said Valentin Hernandez, vice president of business attraction at the Arizona Commerce Authority, who was in town for the event sponsored by the Commerce Department.

Millions of U.S. jobs are directly produced by foreign direct investment, and international companies account for more

than one-fifth of all U.S. goods exports.

Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker called SelectUSA “the connective tissue between foreign investors and the American market, facilitating more than $22.5 billion in investments during the past five years.”

Those connections paid off for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, which started conversations last year with Swiss company, the Kudelski Group, that eventually led to the company announcing this month that it plans to open its U.S. headquarters in Phoenix.

More than 70 foreign markets were represented at the summit, which featured addresses by Pritzker, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry, among others.

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, foreign direct investment totaled $78.3 billion in the first quarter of 2016. In Arizona, investment by foreign firms supports 84,300 jobs, according to the BEA, which said the state ranked 26th in the nation for total number of jobs at U.S. subsidiaries.

That investment can be seen in Surprise, where the city’s director of economic development said it has one program caters directly to foreign direct investment.

“Surprise offers a program where companies can come in free of cost, test the waters, that’s really important for start-ups,” said Jeanine Jerkovic, the Surprise official. “International companies, when they cross the border, we find that they really behave like start-ups.”

Romanian business owners Costel Batista and Adrian Iacobus said Surprise was the perfect economic climate for their startup, Excoro, which aims to prevent chemical explosions.

“We need a good approach, the right people to understand it and to implement it, and we think that in Arizona, in Surprise city, we’ve already found those people,” Iacobus said.

Tempe Chamber recognizes businesses of the year

The Tempe Chamber of Commerce has recognized two companies with a record of success, growth and involvement in the community with Business Excellence Awards.

The Dhaba, a contemporary Indian restaurant, was named the Small Business of the Year. Caliente Construction, a familyowned general contractor, was named the Large Business of the Year.

The awards were presented on June 16 at the Tempe Chamber’s Annual Luncheon at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel.

Downtown Chandler honors Business of the Year

The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership (DCCP) recently recognized Peixoto Coffee as Business of the Year in Downtown Chandler during its annual breakfast.

The DCCP also announced it will be coordinating a summer food drive in July for the Chandler Christian Community Center and will be sending out information on drop-off locations.

Chandler Police and Fire were also acknowledged at the ceremony and thanked for keeping the community safe.

FlipSwitch wins CODiE tech award

Chandler-based FlipSwitch has been given the CODiE tech award for best Social Sciences Instructional Solution.

The class, Civics and Government SS 301, is an online course where students explore the

development of the American government and learn their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

FlipSwitch is an integrated technology and curriculum platform for online and blended high schools.

Fry’s opens new Marketplace Store in Mesa

Fry’s recently celebrated the Grand Opening of a new Marketplace Store at 2724 S. Signal Butte Road in Mesa. It is the first of several new stores planned this year.

Fry’s President Steve McKinney said, “This new store marks our first new Marketplace store since 2011 and we’re very excited to welcome our new neighbors and customers.”

Some of the amenities and services to be offered by the store include a health clinic, a wine bar and a Starbucks. The store will be open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

ReFresh IT chooses Mesa for new office location

ReFresh IT, a technology consulting and support company, opened in Mesa on June 1. The company hosted its Grand Opening celebration on June 24.

The company was officially launched in September 2013 and was founded by two Arizona State University alumni.

ReFresh offers services that include technology audits, strategy development and IT consulting.

– By Evan Baltman, Tribune Staff Writer

Back in the seat New Perry basketball coach Duane working out kinks in summer ball

BY JASON P. SKODA TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Sam Duane Sr. sat off to the side all reserved, calm and enjoying the action in front of him.

Sam Jr. didn’t exactly have the same experience.

He was up and then he was sitting down. He was smiling, which was followed by bouts of shaking his head. The younger Duane was talking calmly one moment and raising his voice the next.

It was clear the day before Father’s Day which member of the family was still on sidelines and which one ended his oneyear hiatus from coaching.

“It’s good to be back,” Duane Jr. said. “We’ve made some strides and got some of the introductory portion of things out of the way.”

Duane Jr., 48, is back to coaching high school basketball after causing a stir when he stepped down from Corona del Sol. The Aztecs had won their fourth straight Division I title at the end of the 2014-15 season.

He was headed back to school to get his administrative certification, so Duane felt he had to step back. It didn’t last very long. When the Perry job came open earlier this year, he was ready to get back into the coach’s seat.

It’s gone well so far as Perry finished runner-up at Grand Canyon team camp and then followed it up with a thirdplace finish at the PrimeTime event at Sunnyslope last weekend.

The Pumas lost to Chandler in the semifinals at Sunnyslope, but rebounded to top Basha to finish third in the eightteam tournament.

The most important thing was simply court time as the players and Duane get

know each other.

“He coached Corona to all those state titles, and then you see why,” senior-tobe Blake Williams said. “He knows so much about the game and really helped us get better already.”

The Pumas have some talent, led by 6-foot-5 Rayjahn Billingsluy, but will be counting on some young guards in sophomores Jalen Williams and Bauer Bongard along with junior C.J. Jameson.

The roster will have a good mix of seniors, juniors and sophomores to give Perry a shot to be good this year and develop for the years to come.

“We are adjusting so we are caught between systems right now,” Duane said. “They really competed hard (against Basha), and if we always have that kind of effort we will be able to do good things.”

Duane wants to bring the same brand of basketball he had at Corona but realizes the roster is not filled with stars like Casey Benson and Alex Barcello.

It doesn’t mean, however, that the Pumas will be unable to play in a similar style.

“We’d like to be up tempo and defend and share the ball through the pass,” Duane said. “We always made the extra pass at Corona, and that’s where we hope to get here.”

Billingsluy, who was one of the top players on last year’s 14-10 squad, said the team has a chance to really grow before the Pumas take the court for real in November.

“It’s been better than expected,” he said. Duane, who had a 275-87 record at Corona over 12 years, believes they’ve accomplished everything they could in summer ball.

“This was just the start and there is

a long way to go. Hopefully we are playing our best basketball in January and February.”

– Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@ evtrib.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonPSkoda. – Check us out and like the East Valley Tribune on Facebook and follow VarsityXtra on Twitter.

Staying the course Desert Vista grad Liringis continues pursuit of pro golf career

BY JASON P. SKODA TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Matt Liringis knew it was an uncommon path, one that was going to come with hardships and doubt, but it was one he felt was right for him.

More than two years after the former Desert Vista star decided to forgo college in order to chase a professional golf career, Liringis is continuing to grind toward the same goal.

“I’ve matured as a player,” he said. “I haven’t been as successful as I’d like, but, I definitely look forward to what’s ahead.”

When the 2012 Tribune Player of the Year spurned colleges, he had been contacted by more than 20. Most thought that would be a difficult road, but hardly unprecedented as Hamilton’s Richard Lee did the same in 2007 as have many others over the years.

It requires patience, a financial commitment, and focus to keep working every day on golf.

Instead of being on a meal plan, having room and board at a university and traveling around the country on scholarship, Liringis has to pay his way to each event, pony up for entry fees ($200 to $450 on average) and pay for hotel stays and food.

He hits as many Monday qualifiers for the PGA Tour and Web.com events as he can without having to travel too far, but hasn’t broken through yet. He plays in state tournaments in Arizona, California and Nevada. He has also walked the fairway for some of the local mini-tours. It hasn’t led yet to big paychecks or a tour card, but he knew it wasn’t going to come easily. It was going to require a willingness to be humbled by the game. But there have been good moments as well.

Liringis watched the last two U.S. Open Championships on TV just like a weekend hacker, despite being close to earning a spot in the field, especially in 2015.

“I definitely watch,” he said. “It’s fun to see and learn even from watching on TV. It’s a totally different game and such a mental toughness test. It’s a marathon.”

He is approaching his journey in the same manner, thinking he is just in the first stretch of the long haul before getting to the finish line.

“I don’t think about how long I’ll do this or say I need be here before a certain time,” said Liringis, who works with pro Scott Sackett out of McCormick Ranch. “I’m young still. I can go to college at any point, but I don’t have a set time frame.”

He has been close. In 2015, Liringis was in range at the U.S. Open sectional with about five holes to go only to bogey three times. He missed out on playing at Chambers Bay in Washington.

“It was a tough finish, but I came out of it feeling better,” he said. “After that, I knew I was doing the right thing.”

This year, he qualified for the sectionals again, but he never really was in contention after a few too many bogies.

“It wasn’t my most consistent tournament,” said Liringis, who finished tied for sixth at the Nevada Open in a field of 206 in November. “There were parts of my game that were off and I wasn’t as close to the holes.

“I got some birdies down the stretch to salvage the round.”

That’s what golf is about. A great day has its shares of bogeys or missed 4-footers. That’s what it is so very important to have a support system.

His brother, Brian, has been his caddie in some events while his parents, Dean and Suzanne, have been there throughout the whole process.

“I couldn’t do any of this without them,” Liringis said. “There are ups and downs in golf.”

His parents help with the expenses and often make the trips to events so Matt can see a familiar face in the gallery.

“You feel an obligation and help kids fulfill their dreams,” Dean said. “You don’t think about the sacrifices. You just do what you need to.”

Liringis will continue as long as he feels he is getting better and has a chance to finally make it.

“There are times you think about what if I went to college and there are times of self doubt,” he said. “You can’t let those types of things take over when you have something else to play for.”

– Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@ evtrib.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonPSkoda.

– Check us out and like the East Valley Tribune on Facebook and follow @VarsityXtra on Twitter.

Cage the Elephant is satisfied writing music that it loves

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GETOUT/TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Celebrating success isn’t something that interests Kentucky rockers Cage the Elephant.

The band members—vocalist/guitarist Matthew Shultz, rhythm guitarist/ keyboardist Brad Shultz, drummer Jared Champion and bassist Daniel Tichenor—prefer to put their noses to the grindstone and crank out new tunes. Fans wouldn’t expect anything less from the act whose breakthrough single is “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked.”

“We feel blessed to be where we are right now,” Brad Shultz said. “Our parents are stoked. But, honestly, I don’t put too much weight in it.”

A sure sign of success is Cage the Elephant’s headlining arena tour, which stops at Gila River Arena in Glendale tonight. Most of the shows are nearly sold out.

He admits that he does, at times, crack a smile when he envisions playing arenas.

“Sometimes I think, ‘Oh wow. This is where NBA players play,’” he said with a laugh. “It’s kind of a mind trip.”

Cage the Elephant’s latest trip follows the release of the band’s fourth studio album, “Tell Me I’m Pretty.” The lead single, “Mess Around,” recently topped the alternative and AAA radio charts as Cage the Elephant’s sixth alternative No. 1. The band now joins Red Hot Chili Peppers, Linkin Park, Foo Fighters, Green Day, R.E.M. and U2 as the only bands with more than five chart toppers in the 28 years of the Alternative chart.

“Tell Me I’m Pretty” was produced by innovative musician Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys.

“Dan is a good buddy of ours,” Shultz said “We’ve toured with those guys a lot and became friends with them.

“But Dan is brutally honest. I love that about him. I think ‘Cry Baby’ is one of those songs where we tacked on every little idea we had. There were like five shifts within the song. Dan goes, ‘Man, are you all turning into a prog band?’ He keeps it real.”

(Special to the Tribune) Cage the Elephant has had more than five chart toppers on the Alternative chart, tying Red Hot Chili Peppers, Linkin Park, Foo Fighters, Green Day, R.E.M. and U2.

Auerbach, Shultz said, noticed the band’s maturity since its 2008 self-titled debut. The band said it’s evident as well.

IF YOU GO

“It became something way bigger than we thought. With that, there are a lot of different pressures.”

What: Cage the Elephant and Portugal. The Man

When: 7 p.m. tonight

“We were young, naïve kids when we made our first record,” Shultz said. We were writing songs and playing house parties and having a good time with our friends.

Where: Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland, Glendale

Cost: $23 to $38.50

Information: 1-800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com

Cage the Elephant was happy making music for its grassroots fans, but the musicians didn’t expect

the band’s fan base to expand.

“We didn’t want to make a disappointing second record,” he

said. “If you start trying too hard, it affects the way you write songs. On our second record, we were all pushing for something that would please other people. We forgot that we wrote music because we love it.”

The road to “Tell Me I’m Pretty” was the most liberating experience since “Cage the Elephant.”

“We lost ourselves in the music, he said. “It was humbling and gratifying.”

– Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-8985612 or christina@timespublications.com.

– Check us out and like GetOutAZ on Facebook and follow GetOutAZ on Twitter.

Frankie J. bringing ‘the artist’ to Rawhide

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GETOUT/TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

The Mexican-American singer Frankie J. is known for his enthusiastic and energetic stage presence. But when he returns to his San Diego home, he’s simply known as “dad.”

“I’ve been very blessed to keep my feet on the ground and be a family man,” said Frankie J., who is married and has two teenagers.

IF YOU GO

“Whenever I leave the house, I become ‘the artist.’ When I’m home, I’m dad. I have a regular job, but it’s kind of different. I go out there to be able to feed my family and enjoy the fruits of my success.”

July 3 in Tucson and July 4 in Nogales.

“I’m bringing a lot of energy to the table,” he said. “I love doing these festivals with bands. It feels so much better on stage, as opposed to a track show. I feel a lot more comfortable and I have the freedom to do what I want to do musically.”

He said a track show, in which recorded music is played behind the artist, is limiting, as opposed to a live show.

What: Frankie J. and Stefani

“It just feels better—the groove and the energy, definitely, and the chemistry between the musicians and myself. I feel more alive.

When: 4 p.m. Saturday, July 2

Where: Rawhide, 5700 W. North Loop Rd., Chandler

Cost: $15

Information: 480-602-5600 or rawhide.com

Frankie J. will earn his keep when he performs at Rawhide on July 2. It’s one of three shows in the state, as he’ll hit the stage

“It’s a lot more fun when I’m able to kind of manipulate the show. If I want to stop in a certain spot, I will. If I want to do a breakdown, a guitar solo, a bass solo, we’ll just do it.”

For now, he’s still deciding what his show will feel like.

“I don’t really know the format of the songs just yet. I start rehearsals next week and then I’ll define what kind of songs we’re going to do.”

A former member of Kumbia Kings, Frankie J. is feeling his freedom with the forthcoming album “More than the Music.”

“Basically, I’m doing an album based on the ’80s sound with some dance music from the ’80s and mid-’90s,” he said.

“Stevie B. is one of the guys who is involved. I’m paying homage to those artists who inspired me as a kid. There’s definitely meaning behind this project.”

– Contact Christina FuocoKarasinski at 480-898-5612 or christina@timespublications.com.

– Check us out and like GetOutAZ on Facebook and follow GetOutAZ on Twitter.

Going to ‘Hell’ Squirrel Nut Zippers revisits successful album on reunion tour

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GETOUT/TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

For Squirrel Nut Zippers drummer Chris Phillips, playing Arizona is like going home. He’ll see plenty of it, too, when the North Carolina band plays the first three shows of its tour in Arizona—Tucson on June 29, Tempe on June 30 and Flagstaff on July 1.

“My grandparents were from Scottsdale,” Phillips said proudly. “I used to go to Scottsdale in the summers as a boy. We would eat at Los Olivos. My mother and I would have bean burros.”

Phillips and singer/guitarist Jimbo Mathus are bringing back the Squirrel Nut Zippers, who blend Delta blues, swing and jazz, with the help of singer Ingrid Lucia. Several leading musicians from New Orleans have also been enlisted to serve up the band’s unique musical flavor.

The tour, the band’s first since 2009, not only celebrates the reunion, but the 20th anniversary of Squirrel Nut Zippers’ breakthrough album, “Hot.”

“We decided now was the time to bring back the Zippers when we realized this album has 20 years of life underneath it,” Phillips said. “It seemed like a great way to come back and reflect.”

The band found success with the song “Hell,” which was written by former member Tom Maxwell. Lucia replaces longtime singer/“banjo diva” Katharine

Whalen, who now performs solo.

“Ingrid has a really unique voice and career,” Phillips said. “She’s not coming in to recreate the parts that Katharine sang. She brings her own style.

IF YOU GO

What: Squirrel Nut Zippers

future collaborations.”

Phillips added that it takes a “special soul” to collaborate with Mathus.

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 30

Where: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe

Cost: $30

Information: 480-829-0607, luckymanonline.com.

“She and Jimbo have found a creative partnership that makes me excited for future recordings and

For information about the other Arizona shows, visit the website.

“Jimbo has a unique voice in music, and anyone who works with him needs to have a similar kind of irreverence,” he explained.

Phillips acknowledged that there has

been talk of a new album, but all that is premature.

“We want to get the band up and running first,” Phillips said. “For the time being, we’re focused on the live shows. But in the background, Jimbo and Ingrid are crafting ideas, new songs, new direction, anything that might be a continuation of the Zippers’ basic sound.”

– Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-8985612 or christina@timespublications.com.

– Check us out and like GetOutAZ on Facebook and follow GetOutAZ on Twitter.

Field guide authors hosting dragonfly walk July 2

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GETOUT/TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

With 459 pages, 621 photos, 93 line drawings and 167 speciesby-species distribution maps, a new field guide in the gift shop at Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the definitive resource to Arizona odonatan—or dragonflies and damselflies.

Quite literally from A-Z (that’s Anisoptera to Zygoptera), the thorough book is lavishly illustrated with close-ups that reveal subtle field marks and explain characteristics, distribution, genera and species numbers. Authors Rich Bailowitz, Doug Danforth and Sandy Upson

provide general information about habits and habitats of all species, noteworthy and singular behaviors, plus selected information about history and biology.

Bailowitz and Danforth are special guest guides for the Arboretum Dragonfly walk at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 2. It offers a chance to see Blue Dashers, Mexican Amberwings and other poetically named insect predators as they patrol and hunt over the waters of Ayer Lake. The authors also will sign copies of their field guide before and after the walk.

Weekend nature walks are included with $10 daily admission; free to

DRAGONFLY

Arboretum annual members and also free to Arizona State Parks pass holders. Event dates and times can be confirmed at ag.arizona. edu/bta.

“The Arboretum is near the northern limit of the Sonoran Desert,” Bailowitz said. “Two species at the park reflect this location: the Black Setwing and the Strawcolored Sylph.”

He also said the Claw-tipped Bluet may be spotted at the Arboretum. “You all need to keep your eyes peeled,” he said Bailowitz has been interested in insects since he was 6.

“For many years my main interest was butterflies,” Bailowitz said. “I did my thesis on a particular species of butterfly found along Mexico’s west coast. In 1999, I became a convert while working on an

Summer Splash Thursday at Tempe Marketplace

Get the kids out of the house for a Princess and Pirate Party with Jake (“Jake and the Never Land Pirates”) and Belle (“Beauty and the Beast”). Plus, the kids can cool off with a splash pad, dance to music and have fun.

Details>> 6 -7:30 p.m., June 30. Outside the Barnes & Noble at Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway. Cost: Free. 480-966-9338. tempemarketplace.com/summer

Brit Floyd: Space & Time

Continuum World Tour 2016

You don’t need no education to know that Pink Floyd remains one of the most influential and well-known bands in rock history. This tribute band brings the music you love to the stage, along with trippy backdrops and the obligatory light show.

Details>> 8 p.m., July 1. Comerica

insect project in southern Arizona.

“One of the most fascinating aspects of the study of odonates is the fact that the immatures have gills, therefore totally aquatic. This opened up the world of water to me, having been weaned previously on terrestrial critters.”

– Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-898-5612 or christina@timespublications.com.

– Check us out and like GetOutAZ on Facebook and follow GetOutAZ on Twitter.

IF YOU GO

What: Dragonfly Walk

When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 2

Where: Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 U.S. 60 Highway, Superior Cost: $5-$10

Information: 520-689-2811 or ag.arizona.edu/bta

Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street. Tickets: $30-$55. 602-379-2800. comericatheatre.com

Artlink’s First Friday in Downtown Phoenix

Every first Friday of the month, local museums, galleries and other related venues in Downtown Phoenix open their doors to showcase inspiring works and artistry. Stroll the streets soaking in the atmosphere, or hop a ride on the free trolley.

Details>> 6-10 p.m., July 1. Downtown Phoenix. Cost: Free. artlinkphoenix. com/first-fridays

Phoenix Mercury at Talking Stick Resort Arena

Cheer on our WNBA team as they take on the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday or the New York Liberty on Friday.

‘Eazy’ Does It G-Eazy finds that stardom comes through hard work

BY ALAN SCULLEY GETOUT/TRIBUNE CONTRIBUTOR

Astrong work ethic has never been a problem for G-Eazy. Maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise that in less than 18 months, he has followed up his breakthrough 2014 album, “These Things Happen,” with “When It’s Dark Out.”

The new album—his first under a deal with RCA Records—arrived on Dec. 4, despite the fact that he toured into the early months of 2015 behind “These Things Happen.” He needed to include time for the manufacture and promotional set-up of the new album, process that can take a few months for a major label release.

“I don’t know how we did it,” said G-Eazy, who performs at AkChin Pavilion on Saturday, July 2. “I went from the end of the last tour straight to the studio, just set up shop, locked the doors and put my phone on airplane mode and made the album.”

IF YOU GO

A key point came with the 2011 release of his mixtape, “The Endless Summer.” It included an updated version of Dion’s 1961 hit, “Runaround Sue” and generated more than 4 million You Tube views. “The Endless Summer” mixtape gained widespread acclaim for the way he built his tracks and his raps around ’50s/early ’60s-era doo-wop and early rock ‘n’ roll samples—a unique blend of retro and modern.

The exposure enabled him to start what became a relentless touring schedule. In addition to headlining shows, he also landed a spot on the 2012 Warped tour and snagged opening slots on tours by Lil Wayne, Drake, Shwayze and others.

He also started to get considerable attention for his race, his James Dean looks and his sharp sense of style.

What: G-Eazy, Logic, YG and Yo Gotti

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 2

Where: Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix

Cost: $30-$69.50

Info: 602-254-7200, 800-754-3000 or ticketmaster.com

G-Eazy had good reason to push himself to make “When It’s Dark Out.” “These Things Happen” debuted at No. 3 on Billboard magazine’s all-genre album chart and topped the magazine’s hip-hop and rap album charts. That’s an impressive showing for an album that was independently released (although it was distributed by RED, one of the industry’s leading distributors).

Now G-Eazy—real name Gerald Gillum—is being touted as a candidate to be hip-hop’s next superstar. His single “Me, Myself & I” (featuring Bebe Rexha) topped Billboard’s Hot Rap, Mainstream Top 40 and U.S. Rhythmic singles charts and reached No. 7 on the all-genre Hot 100 singles chart.

Raised by a single mother in the San Francisco bay area, he got into hiphop as a teenager, and during college at Loyola University in New Orleans, began releasing a steady stream of mixtapes. He began with the 2008 release, “The Tipping Point.”

But his music remains G-Eazy’s biggest selling point. With “These Things Happen,” he started to move away from the retro element of “The Endless Summer.” Now on “When It’s Dark Out,” any traces of that style are pretty much gone. To G-Eazy, though, it only made sense to evolve his sound.

“I think it was important to push yourself and move forward, take risks,” he said. “You can’t reheat the same soup forever.”

“When It’s Dark Out” stands out for several reasons.

For one thing, it’s an unusually musical and melodic hip-hop album.

“Me, Myself & I” is built around Rexha’s strikingly pretty guest vocal, while “Drifting” (featuring Chris Brown) and “Nothing to Me” (with Keyshia Cole and E-40) are silky ballads with mostly sung vocals.

G-Eazy also steps up his game lyrically, showing a personal and vulnerable side in a several songs that is rare in today’s hip-hop, where it’s common for artists to use their words to brag about their success, money, women and ability to party like a pro.

“When It’s Dark Out” has some lyrics about living the big life of a hip-hop star, but the songs “Drifting” and “Sad Boy”

G-Eazy—real name Gerald Gillum—is being touted as a candidate to be hip-hop’s next superstar.

find G-Eazy contemplating the downsides and insecurities of fame. On “Everything Will Be Okay,” he recalls real-life difficulties, including when his mother left his father, weathering times when his mother was unemployed, understanding his mother’s sexuality and discovering the body of his mother’s girlfriend, who had suffered a fatal overdose.

G-Eazy is proud of what he’s created on “When It’s Dark Out.” The new

songs will be the focus of his live show this summer.

“I put the album together in a similar way I would put a show together, in terms of a set list, keeping the dynamic,” he said. “So I’ll play most of the new album and some of the favorites off of the last one.”

– Check us out and like GetOutAZ on Facebook and follow GetOutAZ on Twitter.

Details>> 7 p.m., June 29 or July 1. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 East Jefferson Street. Tickets: $9-$225. 602-252-WNBA (9622). talkingstickresortarena.com.

Avenue Q is a puppet show for adults only

Yes, there are puppets, but this awardwinning musical definitely isn’t for kids. Instead, Avenue Q takes an irreverent, humorous, and often R-rated, look at life after college and the struggles of growing into an adult in the real world.

Details >> 8 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 3 p.m. Sun., Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Rd. Cost: $36-$96. 602-254-2151. phoenixtheatre.com.

WEATHER

Flight of the Conchords play up the fun

New Zealand’s fourth most-popular folk parody duo, Flight of the Conchords, returns for a night of absurdly fun songs. Whether they’re singing about “Hurt Feelings” because no one complimented their casserole, or pretending to be robot overlords with “The Humans Are Dead,” don’t miss a note.

Details >> 8 p.m., July 3. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St. Cost: $39-$55. 602-379-2800. comericatheatre.com. – Get more fun ideas for

do in the East Valley and beyond at Phoenix.org.

Faith

SPIRITUAL SIDE CALENDAR

Relishing the great mosaic of life at my college reunion

BY RABBI DEAN SHAPIRO TRIBUNE CONTRIBUTOR

My soul is smiling and my body is exhausted. I am returning to Arizona after a week at my 25th college reunion. It was magnificent.

The quarter-century has flown by slow as quicksilver, and my classmates and I have traveled far. We have been to the classroom and the boardroom and the operating room. We have sailed the seven seas, been shipwrecked and rescued, and we have rescued others in turn. We have been broken down and we have been raised up, and we are somehow more whole for the experience.

There was a profound honesty to the reunion, for maturity has taught us that posturing is pointless and that there’s precious little more meaningful than true human connection. We relished it.

I talked to hundreds of people. Some remembered a play I had been in or a joke I had told. Others asked where my long curly hair had gone. These classmates have held a memory of me for all these years like a secret treasure. They willingly returned it to me, so that I could see my younger self reflected in their eyes.

College students are, I realize, a bit like stem cells: They still can become just about anybody. It was a rare blessing to return to that phase of life, to strip away the masks we all wear—boss, mother, husband, addict—and be our unadulterated selves once more, around people who see us still as we once were, full of possibility and unencumbered by the detritus of life, the roles and titles and demands and accomplishments that

hide who we truly are as human beings. If you wear a mask long enough, you might start to mistake it for your own face. You might forget who you really are. Being at reunion helped me remember the true “happy, curly Dean,” as someone described me. That’s a gift we all need from time to time.

As I wandered the dark wood dining hall, I noticed as never before the busts and paintings that grace its walls; monuments to the great men— professors and funders—who made the university what it is. I will never be among them. That’s alright, for I am no piece of granite, smooth and stagnant. And I am no painting, all surface and no substance.

My life is more like a mosaic. I am composed of thousands of pieces, each one a moment, an experience, an interaction. Some are polished and some are chipped. Some shimmer and some are covered in soot. And as I looked across the vast hall, I realized that so many of the pieces that compose my life are shared with my friends that there is no true division between my mosaic and theirs, between my life and theirs. Our lives merge into each other’s, as they do with all those we encounter, whether we share a minute or a lifetime together. And those lives, in turn, merge into the lives of all they encounter, until they connect with all others across time and space. Truly, no one stands alone. We are all part of the great and endless mosaic that is Life itself.

Sundays

COMMUNITY CHORUS WELCOMES SINGERS

As the Ahwatukee Community Chorus nears the completion of its first season, it continues to welcome singers of all levels. The group rehearses weekly on Sunday evenings. Although it is not affiliated with any religious organization, the chorus rehearses at Horizon Presbyterian Church.

DETAILS>> Sundays 6 to 8 p.m., Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. There is an annual $100 membership fee that covers all costs. For more information, visit ahwatukeecommunitychorus.org or call 480-442-7324.

HORIZON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH YOUTH GROUPS

High school and middle school students meet to worship and do life together.

DETAILS>> Sundays at 5 p.m. at Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. Call 480-460-1480 or contact Joel Siken at joel@horizonchurch.com.

GRIEF SHARE IN TEMPE

A support group designed to assist people through the grieving process. One-time book fee $15.

DETAILS>> Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Room G3, Tempe, on Sundays from 2-4 p.m. Call 480-491-2210 for further information.

SUNDAYS IN THE KITCHEN

Every Sunday night, Phoenix minister/Performance artist Paisley Yankolovich attacks The Kitchen with intimate, unplugged and spoken-word presentations. DETAILS>> The Kitchen, 3206 W. Lamar Road. Phoenix. Admission: Free.

SERVICE AT UNITY OF TEMPE

Inspirational messages and music to lift your spirit. A welcoming community committed to living from the heart. Many classes and events offered.

DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103. For more information, call 480792-1800. Visit unityoftempe.com.

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PHOENIX TV MASS

Mass is broadcast live from SS. Simon and Jude Cathedral on KAZT-TV (AZ-TV7, Cable 13) followed by local Catholic talk show “Catholics Matter,” hosted by the Rev. Rob Clements.

DETAILS>> 9 a.m. Sunday mornings, diocesephoenix.org.

HEBREW SCHOOL

An opportunity for children to learn and experience Jewish life in a fun, warm and exciting environment. Chabad Hebrew School will be opening its doors to the Jewish community of the East Valley, regardless of background or affiliation, to teach children about Jewish heritage, culture and holidays.

DETAILS>> Classes are on Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and are offered for children ages 5-13 at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive in Chandler. For more information, call 480855-4333, email info@chabadcenter.com, or visit to chabadcenter.com.

SUNDAYS

WITH THE RAMBAM

Ongoing Sunday morning study of two classics of rabbinic literature by the great medieval philosopher Moses Maimonides (the “Rambam”). At 10 a.m.,

Prof. Norbert Samuelson, grossman chair of Jewish Philosophy at ASU and TBS member, teaches “Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexed: What Jews Ought to Believe.” This is followed at 11:15 a.m. by TBS member Isaac Levy teaching “Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah: How Jews Ought to Behave.” No previous experience necessary; readings in both Hebrew and English. DETAILS>> Beginning Jan. 10, in the Community Room of the Administration Building. Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480-897-3636.

Mondays

CHRIST-CENTERED YOGA

This Flow 1-2 class (intermediate) is free and open to the community.

DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Contact Greg Battle at 480-7596200 or gbattle@moutainpark.org.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PHOENIX-THE BISHOP’S HOUR

The Diocese of Phoenix’s locally produced radio program about issues from a Catholic viewpoint. Hosted by Michael Dixon.

DETAILS>> Broadcast 10 a.m. every Monday on 1310 AM Immaculate Heart Radio. Encore presentation every Thursday at 9 p.m. diocesephoenix.org.

PROSPERITY

CLASS

By popular demand, Maureen G. Mulvaney is back with a new version of her successful Prosperity Class. She will guide you through a feast of Delectable Recipes to Attract vibrant health, harmonious relationships, treasures such as money, possessions, lifestyle and how to give your gifts and talents to the world. “MGM’s” class begins on Jan. 20 and is a 10-week class. Cost: $59, includes materials.

DETAILS>> 6:30-8:30 p.m. Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Drive, Suite 4. For more information, call 480-792-1800.

DIVORCECARE AND DIVORCECARE FOR KIDS

Classes for those grieving over death or divorce. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. 480-963-4127.

GRIEFSHARE AT CHANDLER CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Support group for those struggling with with a loss in life. DETAILS>> 7 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room C201, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org.

PROSPERITY RECIPES AT UNITY OF TEMPE

Internationally-known speaker and author Maureen G. Mulvaney will bring our community her latest version of her wildly successful Prosperity Class this fall. Beginning in September each week MGM will guide you through a feast of delectable “recipes” to help you attract vibrant health, harmonious relationships, treasures including money, possessions, lifestyle and she will teach you how to gift your talents and treasures to the world. DETAILS>> 6:30-8:30 p.m. Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103. For more information, call 480792-1800. Visit unityoftempe.com. Ten-week class. Cost: $59, includes materials.

Tuesdays

MEN’S, WOMEN’S HOPE AT MPCC HOPE, Help Overcome Painful Experiences, offers support for men and women, who seek God’s grace and healing.

FAITH CALENDAR

From page 29

DETAILS>> 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday evenings at Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Learn more and register at mountainpark.org.

MEDITATION AND HEALING CELEBRATION SERVICE

Various ministers in our community host a meditation and healing celebration service for those who need a “boost” for the week or to establish a period of time to just pause and enjoy a refreshing few minutes of meditation.

DETAILS>> Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103. For more information, call 480-792-1800. Visit unityoftempe.com.

SENIORS TERRIFIC TUESDAYS

The program is free and includes bagels and coffee and a different speaker or theme each week. See old friends and make new ones. Registration not needed.

DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m. to noon, Barness Family East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. evjcc.org or 480-897-0588.

GRIEFSHARE AT HOLY TRINITY

LUTHERAN CHURCH

DETAILS>> 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. 480-963-4127.

BIBLE READING SESSIONS FOR PLEASURE

Bring a Bible, or Bibles are available at the sessions. Free.

DETAILS>> 7 to 8 p.m., Chandler Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1188 W. Galveston St. Lori, 480-917-3593.

THE CATHOLIC CONVERSATION

Steve and Becky Greene, the Cradle and the Convert, help Catholics faithfully live their vocation by providing Church teaching, navigating moral challenges and exploring current issues facing the faith in our culture.

DETAILS>> 11 a.m. every Tuesday on Immaculate Heart Radio 1310 AM, with an encore presentation at 7 p.m.

Wednesdays

CELEBRATE RECOVERY AT MVLC

Celebrate Recovery is a program that brings your relationship with the Lord closer to your heart as it heals your hurts, habits and hang-ups. Discuss issues from feeling left out to overcoming any type of addictions. Nothing is too small or too large.

DETAILS>> 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. Visit mvlutheran.org/ celebraterecovery or email cr@alphamvlc.com.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY & FELLOWSHIP

Living Word Ahwatukee women’s Bible study and fellowship is a short, low-key time of praise and worship in music and message. Get to know other Christian

women in Ahwatukee.

DETAILS>> 10 to 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday, Living Word Ahwatukee, 14647 W. 50th St., Suite 165. Free childcare.

COFFEE BREAK WOMEN’S MINISTRY

Scripture study, prayer and fellowship. DETAILS>> 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E. Knox Road. Loraine 480-893-1160 or CoffeebreakMin@aol.com.

MEDITATION ON TWIN HEARTS, PRANIC HEALING CELEBRATION SERVICE

Receive a 15-minute energetic tuneup each week. Practicing Twin Hearts Meditation is like taking a spiritual shower: When your aura is clean, you experience a higher level of awareness … you see through things more clearly and good luck increases.

DETAILS>> Wednesday evenings, 7-9 p.m. at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103. For more information, call 480-792-1800. Visit unityoftempe.com.

DIVORCE CARE

Those suffering through a separation or divorce can find understanding and caring support to help them face these challenges and to move forward.

DETAILS>> 6:30-8:15 p.m. Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Tempe, Room G5. One-time book fee of $15. Call 480-491-2210 for further information. DivorceCare 4 Kids (DC4K) will also be at the same time at Room G7.

T.N.T.

(TEENS N TORAH) FOR JEWISH TEENAGERS

Offered by Chabad of the East Valley for teens ages 13 to 17. The program combines education and social interaction with videos followed by discussion, fun, trips, games, community service projects and thoughtprovoking discussions.

DETAILS>> 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 3855 W. Ray Road, Suite 6, Chandler. Shternie, 480753-5366 or chabadcenter.com.

Thursdays

MAN CHURCH AT CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Man Church offers coffee, doughnuts and straight talk for men in a language they understand in just 15 minutes. No women, no singing, no organ and no long sermons.

DETAILS>> Doors open 6 a.m., message at 6:30 a.m. Thursdays, 1595 S. Alma School Road, Chandler. Call Bob, 480-726-8000 or cschandler.com/manchurch.

DC4K – DIVORCECARE FOR KIDS AT CHANDLER CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Support group for children ages 6 to 12 coping with a separation or divorce in the family. One-time $10 fee includes snacks and workbook.

DETAILS>> 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room C202, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLE & SUDUKO

HEBREW READING COURSE

Class is based on Israel’s highly successful Ulpan instruction. Taught by Ilan Berko, born in Israel, schooled in the U.S.

DETAILS>> 7 p.m. Thursdays, Chabad of the East Valley, 3875 W. Ray Road, Suite 6, Chandler. chabadcenter.com or 480-855-4333.

COURSE IN MIRACLES AT UNITY OF TEMPE

“Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing Unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God.” Experience the spiritual transformation with Michelle Lee. Learn with like-minded people, enjoy lively discussions in a safe environment and explore the daily applications of A Course In Miracles.

DETAILS>> Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103. For more information, call 480-792-1800. Visit unityoftempe.com.

Fridays

AHWATUKEE JEWISH CONGREGATION NEFESHSOUL FRIDAY NIGHT SHABBAT SERVICES

The second Friday of each month. DETAILS>> 6:15 on the campus of Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6400 W. Del Rio St. in Chandler. nefeshsoul.org.

TODDLER SHABBAT

Celebrate Shabbat with a service, music, and a craft project designed for children up to 5 years old and their parents or other adult.

DETAILS>> 9:30 a.m., Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road. 480-838-1414 or emanueloftempe.org.

TORAH TOTS

Hosted by Chabad of the East Valley for children ages 2 to 5. Features hands-on activities about the Shabbat, songs, stories and crafts, and all children will make and braid their own challah.

DETAILS>> 10:15 to 11 a.m., members’ homes. 480-7855831.

SHABBAT SERVICES

“Nosh” and then enjoy the Shir Shabbat service led by the Shabba-Tones, the Shabbat musical group. DETAILS>> First Fridays, Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road. Music at 6:30 p.m. 480-838-1414 or emanueloftempe.org.

‘NOSH’ AND WORSHIP TEMPLE EMANUEL The service is followed by a congregational dinner (by reservation only). Optional Israeli dancing rounds out the night after dinner.

DETAILS>> 6 p.m. “Nosh,” worship at Kabbalat service 6:30 p.m. On third Fridays, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. 480-838-1414 or emanueloftempe.org.

SHABBAT SERVICES

DETAILS>> 6 p.m. Fridays is regular services, except on the third Friday of each month at 6 p.m. is the Young Family Shabbat Service welcoming kids and adults of all ages. Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. Shabbat Morning and Torah Service, weekly at 9 a.m. 480-897-3636 or tbsev.org. or info@tbsev.org.

TOTS N’TORAH

Designed for children up to 5 years old and their parents or other adult. Following the service is an Oneg Shabbat, a time for a snack and to meet other families with young children.

DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. second Fridays, Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road. 480-838-1414 or emanueloftempe. org.

– Contact Ralph Zubiate at 480-898-6825 or rzubiate@timespublications.com.

– Check us out and like the East Valley Tribune on Facebook and follow EVTNow on Twitter.

Engagement

Wilson - Crawford

Dr Kay Wilson of Auckland, New Zealand, formerly of Tempe, is pleased to announce the engagement of her daughter, Astrid Katerina Ifland Wilson, to Jack O’Connor Crawford, eldest son of Andrew Crawford and Ceri O’Connor of Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Both are undergraduates at the University of Adelaide in South Australia where she is studying the teaching of foreign languages and he chemistry Astrid previously attended the International School of Arizona, Scottsdale

DEADLINES

Employ m e n t

Send the wording and a photo (if you would like): class@timespublications.com

For the July 6th Edition of the Classified Ads: Prior Thursday 12 noon Life Events Notices: (Anniversaries, Obituaries, etc) Prior

Hiring Marc Community Resources Is hiring candidates to work with individuals with developmental disabilities in our Apache Junction day program Call 480-222-3205

Attention Drivers: Hiring Event for LOCAL, Class-A and Class-B Home Daily Openings! Featuring Excellent Hourly Pay and Bonuses! Have 1yr CDL Class A or B Exp w/hazmat End come see us Thurs 6/30 and Fri 7/01, 10a-3p at 560 W Brown Road Suite 300, Mesa, AZ 85201

Pre-Register now at: www goelc com

Estenson Logistics: 1-866-336-9642

Now hiring Janitors & Day Porters for Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, & Gilbert locations

The available positions are full time and part time, janitor positions starting at $8 75/hour and day porter positions starting at $11 00/hr If interested please apply in person on Monday June 27, 2016, between 10am-2pm, at Stapley Center 1630 S Stapley Dr. Suite 204 Mesa, AZ 85204. (623) 937-3727

Viewpoint RV & Golf Resort in East Mesa Admin Coordinator To Director of Activities Fax resume to: GM 480373-5757 Admin experience, microsoft applications, responsible, detailed, customer service, flexible, initiative, interpersonal skills

Senior Quality Assurance Analyst-MATRIX Resources, Inc is seeking a Senior Quality Assurance Analyst in Tempe AZ Reqs BS + 5 yrs exp or MS + 3 yrs exp Please apply online at http //www matrixres com and reference Job Number 110533

Hardware Design Staff Engineer needed by STMicroelectronics, Inc in Scottsdale, AZ to design integrated circuits in compliance with the approved ST specifications and performance requirements for testability, efficiency, and cost To apply, mail resume to Bruce Quill, STMicroelectronics, 750 Canyon Drive, Coppell, TX 75019 Refer to Job # FSFT-9F4TGG

East Valley Charter School is looking for a highly qualified Science Teacher

Please submit resume to: Ceeschool@ gmail.com

Sales/ Bazaars

Moving Sale 4020 E Calypso Ave. Mesa. Friday 7/1-7/2 8am3pm Furniture, Dishes, Books, Tools, Misc Items

Tues 6/28

Leather couch & recliner, kitchen table 4 chairs & 3 matching stools, compter desk & chair, cherry wood entertainment unit, Grandfather clock, coffee table, matt cutter Misc linens & glassware. 5307 S RED YUCCA LANE Gold Canyon (Hwy60/MtnBrookDr) (480) 390-0257 Garage

PINAL HISPANIC COUNCIL

Children’s Counselor in Eloy/Coolidge to provide counseling and case management services to children’s population Bachelor or Master Level, Salary DOE Bilingual preferred EXCELLENT MEDICAL BENEFITS, VACATION, SICK TIME AND INCENTIVE PAY! REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR ALL POSITIONS: 39-Month Motor Vehicle Record, and copy of fingerprint clearance card or completed and notarized Criminal History Affidavit Form (Fingerprint Clearance Card and valid AZ Driverʼs License required for all positions). Submit by 7/08/16 An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer –EOE/AA/M/F/D/V Mail Resume to: Pinal Hispanic Council Human Resource Director 107 E 4th St Eloy, AZ 85131

Bookkeeper/Accounting

The Hohokam Irrigation and Drainage District is seeking a qualified person with strong bookkeeping/accounting skills with a minimum of five years experience and corresponding education Basic duties include all bookkeeping/accounting related functions of the district, balancing the district’s financial entries for annual audit, update depreciation schedules and assist the general manager with the development and administration of the annual budget Must be proficient in QuickBooks, Excel and Word District benefits include; SEP retirement plan, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, STD and LTD Wage based on experience Only qualified applicants need apply

Please submit a complete resumeʼ to hiddopenings@powerhhk com for consideration No phone calls please

Must sell! 2br

Meetings/Events

H O P E Help Overcoming Painful Experiences

7 p m Tuesdays

Free weekly small-group sessions helping people overcome emotional pain caused by divorce grief addictions and more; free childcare for children ages 10 and younger Desert Springs Church, Room 106, 19620 S McQueen Rd , Chandler Info: hope4all@comcast net, helpovercomingpainful experiences org

Real Estate For Sale

Manufactured Homes

Doublewide, 2 Bedrooms/2Baths/Den

24X52 Marlette on an end space in a 4 star, 55+ Mobile Home Resort Community in AJ with tons of amenities and activities $59,999 Call Woody 480-228-7786

BUC005944AZ-AB Lic 8544

55+ Windsor Park in Mesa Has open lots waiting for your new home as well as homes for sale, already set up and ready to go Come by and choose which option will work for you Contact Debbie at 480-969-7192

Meetings/Events

NONDENOMINATIONAL, GREAT PRAISE AND WORSHIP GREAT MESSAGES FOR TODAYS LIVING! OUR MISSION IS EVANGELISM, HEALING, DISCIPLESHIP THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD! VISIT US AT ValorCC.com.

Re|Engage marriage program 6:30 p m Wednesdays Whether you’d rate your marriage a two or a 10, this class will help you reconnect. Chandler Christian Church 1825 S Alma School Rd , Chandler Info and registration: chandlercc org/reengage

Grief Care

6:30 p m Wednesdays

A place to come share your feelings or just listen to others as we try to navigate through our grief You don’t have to do it alone

Epiphany Lutheran Church, south campus old church building

800 W Ray Rd , Room 325

Chandler, a quarter mile south of Alma School Road on the north side of Ray Info griefcareaz@gmail com

JumpStart

11:45 A-4:30P Saturdays

JumpStart is a sidewalk Sunday school community outreach program serving “some of the poorest neighborhoods” in Chandler offering snacks games and teachings about Jesus to area children

Participants meet at Faith Family Church 11530 E Queen Creek Rd , Chandler Info: Joanne Sweeney 480-539-8933

East Valley Jewish Couples Club Offers once-a-month social activities such as dining movies, plays etc for Jewish couples in the 45- to 65year-old age range Info Melissa 480-785-0744 beadlover@cox net

Women’s Life group 10-11:30 a m second and fourth Friday of each month All women are invited to a Bible study and discussion of how the lessons can relate to our current lives Every lady brings something different to the group and learns from each other to get to know new friends Sun Lakes United Church Of Christ, Sun Lakes Country Club Chapel Center, 9230 Sun Lakes Blvd , Sun Lakes Info: Jan Olson 480-802-7457 or Joy King, 480-588-1882

Place Your Meeting/Event Ad email ad copy to ecota@times publications com

Christian Business Networking, Chandler BiMonthly Chapter 7:30 a m second and fourth Tuesdays of the month Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals Chandler Christian Church, Room B202 1825 S Alma School Rd , Chandler Info: Maia, 480-4250624, christianbusinessnetworking com

the public by including the words

85003, on 8/5/2016 at 10:00 AM of said day:LOT 24, B

O BOOK 76 OF MAPS, PAGE 4, RECORDS OF MARIC

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

BID OPENING: FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016, AT 11:00 A M (M S T )

TRACS NO 010 PM 267 H8774 01C

PROJ NO NHPP-010- E(219)T

TERMINI TUCSON - BENSON HIGHWAY (I-10)

LOCATION CRAYCROFT RD TI OP STR #594 & #595

The amount programmed for this contract is $4,400,000 00 The location and description of the proposed work are as follows:

County on Interstate 10 The project begins at milepost 267 81 an d extends to milepost 268 36 The work consists of bridge deck replacement, temporary bridge erection and removal, median detour route construction and removal, and other related work

Project plans, special provisions, and proposal pamphlets, as electronic files, are available free of charge from the Contracts and Specifications website, or they may be purchased in paper format at 1651 W Jackson, Room 121F, Phoenix, AZ 85007-3217, (602) 712-7221 The cost is $53

Publish: DNS-June 25 and July 2, 2016; EVT-June 26 and July 3, 2016 / 17435775

Production Staffing for ASU Gammage Arizona Board of Regents Request for Proposal

Arizona State University is requesting sealed proposals from qualified experienced firms or individuals, for RFP #261608, Production Staffing for ASU Gammage Proposals will be accepted in the Office of Purchasing and Business Services, University Services Building, Arizona State University, PO Box 875212, 1551 S Rural Road, Tempe, Arizona 85287-5212 until 3:00 PM, MST, 7/7/16 Proposal package is a vailable at:

No Pre-proposal Conference will be held

Publish: DNS- June 21, 2016; EVT- June 26, 2016 / 17435713

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

BID OPENING: Friday, August 12, 2016AT 11:00 A M (M S T )

TRACS NO 260 YV 218 H8625 01C PROJ NO STP-260- A(207)T TERMINI COTTONWOOD - CAMP VERDEMOGOLLON RIM HWY LOCATION SR 260 at Industrial Drive in Camp Verde

The amount programmed for this contract is $2,000,000 The location and description of the proposed work are as follows:

The project is located on SR 260 within Yavapai County, in the town of Camp Verde at the intersection of Industrial Drive a t MP 218 92 The project limits are from MP218 5 to 219 23 The proposed work consists of constructing a new roundabout at the intersection of SR 260 and Industrial Drive/Goswick Way The work includes roadway excavation, furnishing and placing aggregate base, asphaltic concrete pavement, and asphaltic friction

Project plans, special provisions, and proposal pamphlets, as electronic files, are available free of charge from the Contracts and Specifications website, or they may be purchased in paper format at 1651 W Jackson, Room 121F, Phoenix, AZ 85007-3217, (602) 712-7221 The cost is $55

Publish: DNS-June 25 and July 2, 2016; EVT-June 26 and July 3, 2016 / 17435559

ARIZONA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

BID OPENING: FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2016, AT 11:00 A M (M S T )

TRACS NO 040 NA 279 H8321 01C

PROJ NO FA-040- D(218)T

TERMINI FLAGSTAFF - HOLBROOK HIGHWAY (I-40)

LOCATION I-40, MP 279 20 TO MP 279 70

The amount programmed for this contract is $1,850,000 00 The location and description of the proposed work are as follows:

The project is located in Navajo County on Interstate 40, approximately six miles west of the City of Holbrook between MP 279 20 and MP 279 70 The work consists of rock excavation, rock scaling, seeding, and other related work

Project plans, special provisions, and proposal pamphlets, as electronic files, are available free of charge from the Contracts and Specifications website, or they may be purchased in paper format at 1651 W Jackson, Room 121F, Phoenix, AZ 85007-3217, (602) 712-7221 The cost is $19

Publish: DNS-June 25 and July 2, 2016; EVT-June 26 and July 3, 2016 / 17435800

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

BID OPENING: FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016 AT 11:00 A M (M S T )

TRACS NO 101MA 050 H834101C PROJ NO NH-101- B(204)T TERMINI SR101L PRICE FREEWAY LOCATION SR101L: SR202L(RED MOUNTAIN) - SR202L(SANTAN)

The amount programmed for this contract is $2,000,000 00 The location and description of the proposed work are as follows:

The proposed work is located within the limits of the City of Phoenix, in Maricopa County The work is along Peoria Avenue at I-17 Black Canyon freeway (MP 209) The work consists of installing new catch basins and storm drain pipes on Peoria Ave The work also includes sidewalk, curb and gutter, pavement markings, and other miscellaneous work

Project plans, special provisions, and proposal pamphlets, as electronic files, are available free of charge from the Contracts and Specifications website, or they may be purchased in paper format at 1651 W Jackson, Room 121F, Phoenix, AZ 85007-3217, (602) 712-7221 The cost is $89

Publish: DNS-June 25 and July 2, 2016; EVT June 26 and July 3, 2016 / 17435810

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

BID OPENING: Friday, August 12, 2016, AT 11:00 A M (M S T )

TRACS NO 0000 PM ITO SH64301C

PROJ NO ITO-0(208)T

TERMINI TOHONO O ODHAM NATION HIGHWAYS (IRR 1, 16, 20, 21, 24, 29, 30, 35 & 42)

LOCATION TOHONO O'ODHAM NATION, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

The amount programmed for this contract is $2,200,000 The location and description of the proposed work are as follows:

The project is located within the Tohono O'odham Nation (Pima and Pinal County) with proposed work along various locations of Indian Reservation Roads (IRR) 1, 16, 20, 21, 24, 29, 30, 35, and 42

Project plans, special provisions, and proposal pamphlets, as electronic files, are available free of charge from the Contracts and Specifications website, or they may be purchased in paper format at 1651 W Jackson, Room 121F, Phoenix, AZ 85007-3217, (602) 712-7221 The cost is $37

Publish: DNS-June 25 and July 2, 2016; EVT-June 26 and July 3, 2016 / 17435781

Most service advertisers

or "Not

Learning Management System Arizona Board of Regents Request for Proposal

Arizona State University is requesting sealed proposals from qualified experienced firms or individuals, for RFP #341701, Learning Management System for College of Nursing and Health Innovation Proposals will be accepted in the Office of Purchasing and Business Services, University Services Building, Arizona State University, PO Box 875212, 1551 S Rural Road, Tempe, Arizona 85287-5212 until 3:00 PM, MST, 07/13/16 Proposal package is available at: www asu edu/purchasing/bids

No Pre-Proposal Conference will be held

Publish: DNS-June 23, 2016; EVT-June 26, 2016 / 17436261

CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Design Consultant for the following:

CONSULTANT ON-CALL LIST FOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

The City of Mesa is seeking qualified Consultants to provide Design Services and/or construction administration services on an on-call basis in the following area/category: Mechanical Engineering Services All qualified firms that are intere sted in providing these services are invited to submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

Mechanical Engineering projects might involve studies, new construction, upgrades, rehabilitation, or o ther modifications Typical projects include, but are not limited to, HVAC systems, gas main installations, elevators, plumbing, fire suppression, and fire alarm systems

A Pre-Submittal Conference will not be held

Contact with City Employees All firms interested in this project (including the firm's employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect cont act for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, assure that contract decisions are made in public and to protect the integrity of the selection process All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified below

The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding resumes but including an organization chart with key personnel and their affiliation) Resumes for each team member shall be limited to a maximum length of two pages and should be attached as an appendix to the SOQ Minimum font size shall be 10pt Please provide six (6) hard copies and one (1) CD of the Statement of Qualifications by 2:00pm on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualification The City is an equal opportunity employer

Delivered or hand-carried submittals must be delivered to the Engineering Department reception area on the fifth floor of Mesa City Plaza Building in a sealed package On the submittal package, please display: Firm name, project number, and/or project title

Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered and activated in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self -service)

Questions Questions pertaining to the Design Consultant selection process or contract issues

BETH HUNING City Engineer

ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk

CITY OF MESA MESA, ARIZONA

FALCON FIELD AIRPORT RUNWAY 4L-22R BLAST PADS

PROJECT NO. C07044

ADOT GRANT NO E6S1R

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received until Thursday, July 21, 2016, at 4:00 p m All sealed bids will be received at Mesa City Plaza Building, Engineering Department at 20 East Main Street, 5th Floor, Mesa, Arizona; except for bids delivered 30 minutes prior to openin

Plaza Building Any bid received after the time specified will be returned without any consideration

This contract shall be for furnishing all labor, materials, transportation and services for the construction and/or installation of the following work:

Construct new asphalt paved blast pads for Runway 4L-22R, associated markings, and appurtenant work.

The Engineer's Estimate range is $ 225,000 to 275,000

Contractors desiring to submit proposals may purchase sets of the Bid Documents from Thomas Reprographics, Inc dba Thomas Printworks, http://public constructionvaults com Click on "Register Today" and follow the prompts to create your account Please be sure to click finish at the end NOTE: In order to receive notifications and updates regarding this bid (such as addenda) during the bidding period, REGISTRATION ON THE WEBSITE IS REQUIRED For a list of locations nearest you, go to www thomasprintworks com, and click on Phoenix The cost of each Bid Set will be no more than $36 00 , which is non-refundable regardless of whether or not the Contractor Documents are returned Partial bid packages are not sold You can view documents on-line (at no cost), order Bid Sets, and access the Plan Holders List on the Thomas Reprographics website at the "Public Construction Vaults" address listed above Please verify print lead time prior to arriving for pick-up

One set of the Contract Documents is also available for viewing at the City of Mesa's Engineering Department at 20 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ Please call 480-644-2251 prior to arriving to ensure that the documents are available for viewing

A pre-bid review of the site has been scheduled Please refer to Project Specific Provision Section #3 titled "Pre-Bid Review of Site" for additional information

Work shall be completed within 60 consecutiv e calendar days, beginning with the day following the starting date specified in the Notice to Proceed

Bids must be submitted on the Proposal Form provided and be accompanied by the Bid Bond for not less than ten percent (10%) of the total bid, payable to the City of Mesa, Arizona, or a certified or cashier's check PERSONAL OR INDIVIDUAL SURETY BONDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE

The successful bidder will be required to execute the standard form of contract for construction within ten (10) days after formal award of contract In addition, the successful bidder must be registered in the City of Mesa Vendor Self-Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz gov/ business/purchasing/vendor-self-service)

The successful bidder, simultaneously with the execution of the Contract, will be required to furnish a Payment Bond in the amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, a Performance Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, and the most recent ACORD® Certificate of Liability Insurance form with additional insured endorsements

The right is hereby reserved to accept or reject any or all bids or parts thereto, to waive any informalities in any proposal and reject the bids of any persons who have been delinquent or unfaithful to any contract with the City of Mes a

BETH HUNING City Engineer

ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk

Publish:

CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

EAST MESA SERVICE CENTER FLEET BAY COOLER REPLACEMENT / RELOCATION

6937 E DECATUR STREET

PROJECT NO CP0572CAP

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received until Thursday, July 21 2016, at 3:00 p m All sealed bids will be received at Mesa City Plaza Building, Engineering Department at

Plaza Building Any bid received after the time specified will be returned without any consideration

This contract shall be for furnishing all labor, materials, transportation and services for the construction and/or installation of the following work:

Replacement and Relocation of Bay Coolers at the East Mesa Service Center

The Engineer's Estimate range is $400,000 to $500,000

Contractors desiring to submit proposals may purchase sets of the Bid Documents from Thomas Reprographics, Inc. dba Thomas Printworks, http://public constructionvaults com Click on "Register Today" and follow the prompts to create your account Please be sure to click finish at the end NOTE: In order to receive notifications and updates regarding this bid (such as addenda) during the bidding period, REGISTRATION ON THE WEBSITE IS REQUIRED For a list of locations nearest you, go to www thomasprintworks com, and click on Phoenix The cost of each Bid Set will be no more than $33 00, which is non-refundable regardless of whether or not the Contractor Documents are returned Partial bid packages are not sold You can view documents on-line (at no cost), order Bid Sets, and access the Plan Holders List on the Thomas Reprographics website at the "Public Construction Vaults" address listed above Please verify print lead time prior to arriving for pick-up

One set of the Contract Documents is also available for viewing at the City of Mesa's Engineering Department at 20 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ Please call 480-644-2251 prior to arriving to ensure that the documents are available for viewing

A pre-bid review of the site has been scheduled Please refer to Project Specific Provision Section #3 titled "Pre-Bid Review of Site" for additional information

Work shall be completed within 150 days consecutive calendar days, beginning with the day following the starting date specified in the Notice to Proceed

Bids must be submitted on the Proposal Form provided and be accompanied by the Bid Bond for not less than ten percent (10%) of the total bid, payable to the City of Mesa, Arizona, or a certified or cashier's check PERSONAL OR INDIVIDUAL SURETY BONDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE

The successful bidder will be required to execute the standard form of contract for construction within ten (10) days after formal award of contract In addition, the successful bidder must be registered in the City of Mesa Vendor Self-Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz gov/business/purchasing/vendor-self-service)

The successful bidder, simultaneously with the execution of the Contract, will be required to furnish a Payment Bond in the amount equal to one h undred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, a Performance Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Price, and the most recent ACORD® Certificate of Liability Insurance form with additional insured endorsements

The right is hereby reserved to accept or reject any or all bids or parts thereto, to waive any informalities in any proposal and reject the bids of any persons who have been delinquent or unfaithful to any contract with the City of Mes a

BETH HUNING City Engineer

ATTEST:

DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk

CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking a qualified firm or team to act as the Construction Manager at Risk for the following:

FIBER NETWORK EXPANSION - SEGMENT 1

Communications Building to Police Department Firing Range (6th St to Mesa Dr to Brown Rd to Center St ) and Center Street to Fire Station 211 (McKellips Rd to Horne)

PROJECT NO CP0092-4

The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Construction Manager at Risk (CM@Risk) to provide PreConstruction Services assistance and complete Construction Services as the CM@Risk for the Fiber Network Expansion - Segment 1 Project All qualified firms that are interested in providing these services are invited to submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

The following is a summary of the project The required tasks will be reviewed with the selected CM@Risk and defined to meet the needs of the project as part of the contract scoping

This project will extend the City of Mesa Fiber Network to provide network connectivity to the Police Firing Range and Fire Station 211 from the Communication Building The project will include furnishing and installing a new microduct based conduit system; installing previously purchased micro fiber optic cable in the City's existing conduit system and a new microduct conduit system; furnishing and installing termination hardware at each site; and testing the micro fiber optic cable after installation The City may include other miscellaneous improvements at the Site, as needed

The estimated construction cost is $1,300,000 - $1,500,000

A Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on June 29, 2016 at 10:00 am at the Mesa City Plaza, Room 170, 20 E. Main St., Mesa AZ. At this meeting, City staff will discuss the scope of work and general contract issues and respond to questions from the attendees Attendance at the pre-submittal conference is not mandatory and all interested firms may submit a Statement of Qualifications whether or not they attend the conference All interested firms are encouraged to attend t h e

spond to individual inquiries regarding the project scope outside of this conference In addition, there will not be meeting minutes or any other information published from the PreSubmittal Conference

Contact with City Employees All firms interested in this project (including the firm's employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process This policy is intended to create a level playing field for all potential firms, assure that contract decisions are made in public and to protect the integrity of the selection process All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the aut horized representative identified below

R F Q L i s t s T h e R F Q i s a v a i l a b l e o n t h e C i t y ' s w e b s i

t http://mesaaz gov/business/engineering/construction-manager-at-risk-and-job-order-contractingopportunities

The Statement of Qualifications shall include a one-page cover letter, plus a maximum of 10 pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding resumes but including an organization chart with key personnel and their affiliation) Resumes for each team member shall be limited to a maximum length of two pages and should be attached as an appendix to the SOQ Minimum font size shall be 10pt Please provide eight (8) hard copies and one (1) CD of the Statement of Qualifications by 10:00 am on July 7, 2016. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualification The City is an equal opportunity employer

Delivered or hand-carried submittals must be delivered to the Engineering Department reception area on the fifth floor of Mesa City Plaza Building in a sealed package On the submittal package, please display: Firm name, project number, and/or project title

Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz gov/ business/purchasing/vendor-self-service)

Questions Questions pertaining to the Construction Manager at Risk selection process or contract issues should be directed to Maggie Martinez of the Engineering Department at maggie martinez@mesaaz gov

BETH HUNING City Engineer

ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City

Clerk

Publish: DNS-6/18, 25, 2016; EVT-6/19, 26, 2016 / 17435201

CITY OF MESA, ARIZONA ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Design Consultant for the following:

EAST VALLEY ADULT RESOURCES TENANT IMPROVEMENT

247 N MACDONALD, MESA ARIZONA

PROJECT FUNDING BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) THROUGH THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (CDBG)

PROJECT NO CP0568

HUD PROJECT NO IDIS F360-16000007

The City of Mesa is seeking a qualified Consultant to provide Design Services for the East Valley Adult Resources Tenant Improvement Project All qualified firms that are interested in providing these services are invited to submit their Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) in accordance with the requirements detailed in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

The following is a summary of the project The required tasks will be reviewed with the selected Design Consultant and defined to meet the needs of the project as part of the contract scoping

The proposed improvements to the East Valley Adult Resources (EVAR) facility include, but are not limited to, rehabilitation improvements/upgrades to millwork, flooring, ceiling, walls, restrooms, mechanical (HVAC), plumbing, lighting, electrical, fire protection and fire alarm, landscaping, and ADA accessibility The City may include other miscellaneous improvements at the site, as needed

A Pre-Submittal Conference will be held on July 6, 2016 at 10:00 am at the City of Mesa (Mesa City Plaza, Room 170, 20 E Main St , Mesa AZ) At this meeting, City staff will discuss the scope of work and general contract issues and respond to questions from the attendees Attendance at the pre-submittal conference is not mandatory and all interested firms may submit a Statement of Qualifications whether or not they attend the conference All interested firms are encouraged to attend the Pre-Submittal Conference since City staff will not be available for meetings or to respond to individual inquiries regarding the project scope outside of this conference. In addition, there will not be meeting minutes or any other information published from the PreSubmittal Conference

Contact with City Employees. All firms interested in this project (including the firm's employees, representatives, agents, lobbyists, attorneys, and subconsultants) will refrain, under penalty of disqualification, from direct or indirect contact for the purpose of influencing the selection or creating bias in the selection process with any person who may play a part in the selection process This

cisions are made in public and to protect the integrity of the selection process All contact on this selection process should be addressed to the authorized representative identified below

pages to address the SOQ evaluation criteria (excluding resumes but including an organization chart with key personnel and their affiliation) Resumes for each team member shall be limited to a maximum length of two pages and should be attached as an appendix to the SOQ Minimum font size shall be 10pt Please provide six (6) hard copies and one (1) CD of the Statement of Qualifications by 10:00 am on July 14, 2016 The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Statements of Qualification The City is an equal opportunity employer

Delivered or hand-carried submittals must be delivered to the Engineering Department reception area on the fifth floor of Mesa City Plaza Building in a sealed package On the submittal package, please display: Firm name, project number, and/or project title

Firms who wish to do business with the City of Mesa must be registered and activated in the City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) System (http://mesaaz gov/business/purchasing/vendorself-service)

Questions Questions pertaining to the Design Consultant selection process or contract issues s

BETH HUNING City Engineer ATTEST: DeeAnn Mickelsen City Clerk

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

BID OPENING: FRIDAY JULY 15, 2016, AT 11:00 A M (M S T )

TRACS NO 089 YV 258 H813601C

PROJ NO STP-089- A(209)T

TERMINI WICKENBURG - PRESCOTT (SR89)

LOCATION JCT US 93 TO JCT SR 71

ROUTE NO MILEPOST DISTRICT ITEM NO SR89 258 16 to 268 32 NORTHWEST 14415

The amount programmed for this contract is $4,700,000 The location and description of the proposed work are as follows:

The proposed work is located The proposed project is located in Yavapai County This pavement preservation project begins at MP 258 16 and ending at MP 268 32 on State Route (SR) 89 southeast of the community of Congress The work consists of Milling and replacing the full width of SR 89 with asphaltic concrete (AC) and an asphalt rubber-AC friction course (extend pavement work on SR 71 - milled and repaved 10' back on east side from the crossing by full width), Replacing ground-in rumble strips in the new pavement at locations where they currently exist, shoulder build-up with milled AC, Removing and replacing the full depth of the damaged pavement at MP 267.7 5, Installing object markers on the concrete box culvert at MP 261.3 , Installing traffic loop detectors at MP 262 8 and MP 267 0, Replacing signs and reflectors, and other related Project plans, special provisions, and proposal pamphlets may be purchased in paper format from Contracts and Specifications Section, 1651 W Jackson, Room 121F, Phoenix, AZ 85007-3217, (602) 712-7221 The cost is $42 00

Publish: DNS-June 25 and July 2, 2016; EVT June 26 and July 3, 2016 / 17435824