East Valley Tribune: Gilbert Edition - July 24, 2016

Schools battle reckless social sharing

Students

need help understanding ramifications

BY LEE SHAPPELL TRIBUNE MANAGING EDITOR

With one reckless push of a button, a young life can change instantly.

Feelings are hurt. Reputations ruined. A scholarship is lost.

Commonly, students feel bullied. ere are rare but tragic reports of young people left feeling so hopeless that they take their own lives.

Social media posts are forever. And they can go viral.

MARTINA MCBRIDE | 19

Country singer touches fans’ emotions

“ en it’s worldwide,” says Dr. Kenneth Baca, superintendent of the Tempe Union High School District. “And you can’t take it back.”

As East Valley parents prepare to send their kids back to school, they’ll find that most districts are emphasizing digital citizenship. Schools are creating or enhancing existing programs to educate students about the correct use of social media—and the potentially devastating consequences of inappropriate use.

In January, a high-profile incident on social media brought very unwanted international attention to six girls at Desert Vista High in Ahwatukee. It was “kid stuff,” intended to be an inside joke among the six friends and the boyfriend of one of the girls.

e senior class gathered for their class photo, with letters on their shirts spelling out a message. After the official photo shoot was over, the six girls arranged themselves in a pattern to spell out a word for a “selfie.”

It was the N-word, a universal racial slur.

e girls were white; the boyfriend African American.

Student’s cautionary tale of social media ............Page 5

Athletes hurt by their own mistakes ......................Page 6

How users can stay safe online .................................Page 6

Adults aren’t immune to consequences ...............Page 6

ey posted the photo on Snapchat. It circulated without any context of the relationships. Countless shares and retweets

later, it quickly spiraled out of control.

It was intended to be funny. It wasn’t. It did go viral—and international.

“ e only difference between what happened at Desert Vista and what happens at any school is that

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Chandler woman becomes Wilkes oldest grad

BY SHELLEY RIDENOUR TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

In her 91 years, Anna Arnett has learned and taught many lessons, some a bit cliche, others not.

Her latest?

It’s never too late to learn.

Arnett, a longtime Chandler resident, received a master’s degree in creative writing— her second master’s—from Wilkes University in June. She’s the oldest person to ever receive a degree from Wilkes, university officials said. Wilkes was established 83 years ago in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and opened a campus in Mesa in 2013.

“I never regretted a second,” Arnett said of her Wilkes experience. “I really loved it. For one thing, what can be better than writing about your parents and telling the lay of the land where they lived?”

Arnett wrote a memoir for her creative thesis. “Forever Endeavor” is the story of her parents’ lives. She relied heavily on a journal left by her mother.

“My mother was a genealogist from the word go,” Arnett said. She praised her mother’s writing in that journal, crediting it for making it easier to write her thesis.

She plans to self-publish the memoir. But it won’t be her first published book. Her first was “Lolly’s Yarns: My Life as I Have Chosen to Live It.” It focused on her husband, Charles, and their seven children.

action as a pilot during World War II. That meant multiple moves for the young couple, who started a family soon after they wed.

When they returned from a stint in Japan, Anna returned to college in Arizona, earning 15 credits. A few years later, when her youngest son was starting first grade and her oldest son was starting at Maricopa Community College, Charles encouraged her to again return to college. So, she and Wayne, the oldest, enrolled at MCC at the same time.

After a couple of semesters, Anna graduated, with honors, and headed to Arizona State University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English teaching in 1970 or 1971— she couldn’t recall the exact year. She stayed in school and earned a master’s from ASU, too.

“ This is how you learn through life: You find out what you want to know, learn it and teach yourself. ”

—Anna Arnett

“Just a Woman: Romping through Poetry with Anna Laurente Arnett,” was her second.

She and her son, David, who lives in Mesa, have a “fledgling publishing company,” which Arnett says makes it fairly easy to publish her books. She says she’s still trying to figure out what to do with that business.

Some might think at age 91, with three college degrees and her children all grown, she’d relax. But, that’s not the case. Arnett says she’ll soon be back at Wilkes.

“I’ve already signed up for my next class.”

Arnett’s original college career started and stopped multiple times. She attended Utah State University during the 1944-45 school year, but stopped college after her wedding in Mesa to Charles Arnett on June 15, 1945.

Charles joined the Army Air Forces Reserves while he was in college and was called into

She was quickly hired by Mesa Public Schools to work as a homebound teacher.

“It was one-on-one. It was great. I loved it,” Arnett said of that first teaching job.

But about a month into the position, the school superintendent asked her visit a Phoenix school “to find out what they were doing with a school for pregnant kids.”

Three days after her visit, “we opened that kind of school in Mesa.”

Arnett spent the next 16 years as “the pregnant teacher.”

None of the students in that school were in the same classes or grade level, which meant Arnett had to help each student determine a work speed and prepare them for tests.

“I told them this is how you learn through life,” she said. “You find out what you want to know, learn it and teach yourself.”

Arnett is a bit modest about her career.

“I don’t know how good a teacher I was,” she said. “But I loved the girls. They were

good girls who got caught in tough circumstances.”

She taught 1,111 students.

“It’s an easy number to remember,” she said, with a laugh. During those years, the school expanded first to three teachers and then five.

After she retired from Mesa Public Schools in 1987, she and her husband went on a mission to Australia for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In the last several decades Arnett has filled her days with family, church and writing a lot of poetry. Charles died in 2008.

But, a year and a half ago, as she and daughter Kathleen were getting ready for a breakfast at church, things changed, Arnett said. Kathleen “shook her finger and told me to stop wasting my time on poetry and stories and start writing down every family story I could remember. She said to make it interesting so the grandkids and great-grandkids would want to read it,” Arnett said. She has 29 grandchildren and “50-some great-grandkids. We don’t really know (how many). They just keep coming,” she said.

Around the same time, she heard about Wilkes’ master’s program in creative nonfiction writing.

“I thought it sounded interesting,” she said. So, she headed to the Wilkes campus in downtown Mesa and talked to them about enrolling.

Wilkes accepted the Veterans Affairs college benefits that Arnett qualified for through her husband, meaning her tuition at Wilkes was covered.

“I left the building that day with my student ID and badge,” she said, at age 90. Arnett insists that returning to college improved her health and outlook.

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

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

from page 1

CUSD. “But they’re kids. Our job from the first day is to give guidelines and expectations on how to behave.”

social media broadcast it worldwide,” Baca said.

With new rules in place at many area high schools, violators of social media policy can be suspended from school. Specific repercussions can include being barred from attending prom or walking across stage at graduation. Extreme offenders may be forced to complete their high school work online.

Chandler’s kindergarten through 12th grade digital citizenship program covers cyberbullying, digital drama, internet drama, privacy, safety, how to communicate in the digital world, how to cite sources and how to recognize copyrights. Each grade level has core lessons integrated into the curriculum.

“It’s critical that our students understand that they have a responsibility to be good citizens, to be kind,” Baca said.

In TUHSD, a video by Savannah Reitzel, a May graduate of the Peggy Payne Academy for Academic Excellence at McClintock High, will be played for every administrator, teacher and student and sent to parents as part of the district’s “Be Safe, Be Smart, Be Kind” program. It follows the plight of a student who becomes angry at a teacher and posts a threatening Tweet.

“It used to be that when we had a bad experience with someone, our thoughts were kept in our heads. My mistakes growing up weren’t broadcast for the world to see. Now, unfortunately, our young people sometimes don’t think through the consequences of what they share.”

Educators across the East Valley are taking action.

Mesa Public Schools’ digital citizenship program has been updated for the new school year with age-appropriate curriculum at each grade level and outreach to parents, according to Nathan Myers, the district’s Educational Technology Director. Mesa blocks Facebook from the district server.

“We want parents to have information so they can have important discussions at home about what it means to be a digital citizen,” Myers said. “We provide very powerful teaching in the classroom, but we also want to educate parents on how to teach digital responsibility.”

Timothy Heywood, Community Outreach and Education Coordinator for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, addresses internet safety and cyberbullying in his digital citizenship presentations to schools across the state, including Gilbert, Mesa, and the Kyrene School District, which serves K-8 in parts of Tempe, Ahwatukee and Chandler.

“We’re constantly changing the presentation because technology is changing,” Heywood said. Because parents did not grow up with social media, Heywood says the AG’s website has internet safety publications in English and Spanish specifically to educate them.

Baca says he’s from a generation that finds social media foreign.

Chandler Unified School District is unveiling a program intended to support safe, responsible use of technology. Every CUSD teacher is being trained to encourage critical thinking, ethical discussions and decision making in the digital world.

“Social media is such a part of the students’ lives now,” said Cristen Marceau, Instructional Technology Coach at

“I’ll be honest: I don’t do any social media and I just don’t understand,” Baca said. “It’s fascinating to me that our teenagers have this desire to broadcast everything that’s going on in their lives.

“But today, parents have to understand it in order to keep up. Everyone has rights

Be Safe, Be Smart, Be Kind

avannah Reitzel, a graduate of the Peggy Payne Academy for Academic Excellence at McClintock High, created this video as part of the district’s “Be Safe, Be Smart, Be Kind” program. It will be played for every administrator, teacher and student and sent to parents.

http://tiny.cc/digitalcitizenship (Will Powers/Tribune Staff Photographer)

social media broadcast it worldwide,” Baca said.

With new rules in place at many area high schools, violators of social media policy can be suspended from school. Specific repercussions can include being barred from attending prom or walking across stage at graduation. Extreme offenders may be forced to complete their high school work online.

“It’s critical that our students understand that they have a responsibility to be good citizens, to be kind,” Baca said.

“It used to be that when we had a bad experience with someone, our thoughts were kept in our heads. My mistakes growing up weren’t broadcast for the world to see. Now, unfortunately, our young people sometimes don’t think through the consequences of what they share.”

Educators across the East Valley are taking action.

Mesa Public Schools’ digital citizenship program has been updated for the new school year with age-appropriate curriculum at each grade level and outreach to parents, according to Nathan Myers, the district’s Educational Technology Director. Mesa blocks Facebook from the district server.

“We want parents to have information so they can have important discussions at home about what it means to be a digital citizen,” Myers said. “We provide very powerful teaching in the classroom, but we also want to educate parents on how to teach digital responsibility.”

Chandler Unified School District is unveiling a program intended to support safe, responsible use of technology. Every CUSD teacher is being trained to encourage critical thinking, ethical discussions and decision making in the digital world.

“Social media is such a part of the students’ lives now,” said Cristen Marceau, Instructional Technology Coach at CUSD. “But they’re kids. Our job from

the first day is to give guidelines and expectations on how to behave.”

Chandler’s kindergarten through 12th grade digital citizenship program covers cyberbullying, digital drama, internet drama, privacy, safety, how to communicate in the digital world, how to cite sources and how to recognize copyrights. Each grade level has core lessons integrated into the curriculum.

In TUHSD, a video by Savannah Reitzel, a May graduate of the Peggy Payne Academy for Academic Excellence at McClintock High, will be played for every administrator, teacher and student and sent to parents as part of the district’s “Be Safe, Be Smart, Be Kind” program. It follows the plight of a student who becomes angry at a teacher and posts a threatening Tweet.

Timothy Heywood, Community Outreach and Education Coordinator for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, addresses internet safety and cyberbullying in his digital citizenship presentations to schools across the state, including Gilbert, Mesa, and the Kyrene School District, which serves K-8 in parts of Tempe, Ahwatukee and Chandler.

“We’re constantly changing the presentation because technology is changing,” Heywood said.

Because parents did not grow up with social media, Heywood says the AG’s website has internet safety publications in English and Spanish specifically to educate them.

Baca says he’s from a generation that finds social media foreign.

“I’ll be honest: I don’t do any social media and I just don’t understand,” Baca said. “It’s fascinating to me that our teenagers have this desire to broadcast everything that’s going on in their lives.

“But today, parents have to understand it in order to keep up. Everyone has rights to privacy. But I think parents have every right and responsibility to have their noses in the lives of their kids.

“Until you’re 18 and out from under their roof, don’t expect privacy. We also

payments as low as $40.00 a Month!

Cringe-worthy moments on social media hurt athletes

BY JASON P. SKODA TRIBUNE SPORTS EDITOR

Checking on each player the night before a big game on the road used to be done by knocking on the door in order to make sure lights were out and everyone was in their assigned room by curfew.

It doesn’t end there anymore.

Not when you put unsupervised high school kids with down time in close quarters with cell phones.

“I spend a lot of my time making sure players aren’t posting something stupid or inflammatory toward our opponent,” an assistant football coach for a local team said. “It’s definitely part of the job now. You scroll through your feed and make sure there’s nothing we need to be aware of.”

That was just the case on the road trip. The coach decided to scroll though Twitter one more time before going to bed.

It wasn’t long before he was stomping down a hallway, looking for a player who posted a compromising picture, one that revealed way too much about a usually private time in the bathroom.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “We did some stupid things when I was a kid, and of course, there was no social media then, but come on!

“Posting something like that is just so dumb.”

Welcome to coaching, recruiting and parenting high school athletes during the social media age.

There are rare moments when today’s kids have idle hands. They constantly have 140 characters at their disposal to spout opinions, share images and crack jokes.

At least that incident didn’t get the chance to go viral as several posts have locally and nationally.

Just recently, pro football player Isaiah Crowell of the Cleveland Browns posted a cartoon of a policeman having his throat slashed.

In January, six girls at Desert Vista posted a picture of them wearing T-shirts that spelled out a racially charged word. The response online was severe. They were removed from school, one player reportedly had a soccer scholarship offer revoked and the school took the brunt of the national attention.

Desert Vista was portrayed as a school with racial overtones.

“That was a very good example of what not to do,” Desert Vista senior soccer player Izzy Deutsch said. “It definitely teaches you to be aware.”

Most are now aware of the ramifications of their postings, and how years of building a reputation can be skewered with one push of a button.

“When I first got on social media, I had no idea how far reaching it was,” Mesa senior quarterback Roberto Baeza said. “I didn’t think it was that big of a deal then I started hearing about all of these athletes getting in trouble. When you are trying to get recruited, you don’t want to do something stupid.”

It’s not surprising anymore. Parents, coaches and athletes know the dangers, even though it still happens. Most programs have social media guidelines and openly talk about being responsible.

Desert Ridge football assistant coaches spoke to the players about social media during camp in Winslow recently.

“You have to do it,” Jaguars coach Jeremy Hathcock said. “There is so much going on with these kids, and you can’t be with them 24 hours a day, but they are associated with your program no matter what they do.

“When social media first came around, I don’t think people realized the impact. They’d say, ‘Did you see that, Coach?’ Yeah, everyone did.”

Everyone would include college coaches in charge of recruiting. There have been countless stories of programs dropping a recruit or rescinding a scholarship offer because of a social media posting.

Many believe postings give insight into a person’s true personality and possible future behaviors.

“If I don’t know the recruit that well, then chances are the relationship ends there,” Mesa Community College men’s and women’s golf coach John Guerrero said. “But if I know the prospective recruit well, and I know a post was uncharacteristic, then I can stick with them. There have been times when I don’t have a relationship with someone and they post something questionable.

“Then I have no problem moving on.”

How users can stay safe online

DON’T:

• Post off-putting remarks, such as comments about former colleagues or where you stand politically

• Post inappropriate photos

• Invite everyone to join your network

• Take a lackadaisical approach to social media. Your profile shouldn’t be too sparse or have updates that are too few and far between.

DO:

• Provide employers with a clear sense of your capabilities by posting information about your work history and highlighting key accomplishments on sites like LinkedIn

• Incorporate key industry terms to describe your skills, specialties and positions of interest so hiring managers can more easily find you online

• Be selective about who you allow into

your social networks because potential employers may contact these individuals for insights on you

• Regularly update your profile and be active professionally. Post useful advice or comment on articles on LinkedIn and industry forums.

• Set alerts under your name using services like Google so you can receive an email notification every time something new is said about you online

• Remove or untag yourself from any images that may raise eyebrows. Use a polished profile photograph.

• Be aware that certain topics may make you appear unprofessional. Use your best judgment when sharing status updates and check your privacy settings to control who in your network has access to what information.

– Source: Joe Mizzi, vice president, Robert Half

Adults get tripped up at job-hunting time

Being careful with social media is not just for the kids.

Looking for a job? You might want to rethink that tipsy-looking photo of yourself with the foot-high, multicolored adult beverage that you posted on LinkedIn. Or your rant on Facebook about a co-worker who irked you. And, if it was a dog-day afternoon, well, just say it, don’t show it on Snapchat.

Mom and dad must be mindful that everything they post on social media has consequences, too, especially if they are looking for a job or hoping to keep one, or up for a promotion, or simply wish to remain in good standing among their circle of friends.

Virtually everyone leaves a digital footprint, according to Joe Mizzi, Chandler-based vice president of Robert Half, the highest-ranked staffing firm on this year’s Forbes magazine list of World’s Most Admired Companies. By following a candidate’s online trail, employers can obtain considerable information about a job seeker, according to Mizzi.

“It’s critical to learn how to manage and ensure that (social media) presents a favorable, professional image of you,” Mizzi said. “You should consistently monitor your digital reputation, not just when looking for work.”

Woman accused of sex with teen

A Mesa woman is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old coworker.

Mesa grad earns Reagan scholarship

Tulcy P. Patel of Mesa is one of 20 students to receive a GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship.

The scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate qualities said to be personified by President Ronald Reagan, including leadership, integrity and citizenship. Winners receive $10,000 a year for a maximum of four years.

Patel was the founder and president of STEM clubs at her high school and held offices in the math, chemistry, biology, health and Spanish clubs

She plans to attend Arizona State University this fall.

Authorities looking for missing classic car

Gilbert police are searching for a vintage race car stolen from a storage facility in Gilbert last month.

The red, white and blue Kurtis Kraft Midget and its trailer were reported missing at the end of June.

The front of the car is painted with the number “66” in gold. Along with its patriotic colors, police said the unique look of the vehicle should make it stand out.

Anyone with information should contact Gilbert Police Officer Ryan Pillar at 480-6357469, Detective Chris Wakefield at 480-635-7260 or Vickie Owen at 480-635-7521. – JARED MCDONALD, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Mesa police say Norma Laliana Hernandez, 35, had sex 16 times with the teen since February. The two worked at an assisted living facility in Mesa.

Police say she would pick him up for work then have sex with him in an east Mesa parking lot. In July, she took him to a motel in Apache Junction for the weekend.

Hernandez was charged with 16 counts of sexual conduct with a minor.

– SHELLEY RIDENOUR, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Payson Book Festival welcomed 20 East Valley authors

East Valley authors were among 90 from throughout the state who were featured at the Payson Book Festival.

Area authors included children’s book author Kathy Peach of Chandler, Navajo Poet Laureate Laura Tohe of Mesa and Pam Stevenson of Tempe. The event has funding support from an Arizona Humanities grant. Proceeds benefitted scholarship funds of the nonprofit sponsor groups, Arizona Professional Writers and Gila Community College.

From Mesa were authors Kristi Grimm, Kaya Kotzen, Tara Majuta, Bob Nelson, Sharron Skinner, Linda Smock, Tohe, Alice Votles, Jim West, Sharon Wozny and Donna Wylie. From Gilbert was Diane White. From Tempe, Pam Knight Stevenson. From Chandler were Scott Combs, Kim Finder, Peach, Linda Radke, Keith Shaw, Camelia Skiba and Sandy Wright.

– TRIBUNE STAFF

7 in East Valley cited for food violations

Seven restaurants and food establishments in the East Valley were cited for priority violations by Maricopa County inspectors recently. A priority violation is a major violation that is said to direct contribute to a higher risk of foodborne illness or injury.

Here are the restaurants listed in the East Valley:

Chungdu Delight, 2992 N. Alma School Road, Suite 3, Chandler.

Chutneys Indian Cuisine, 1801 E. Baseline Road 104, Tempe.

Echo 5 Sports Pub, 2855 N. Power Road, Mesa.

El Asadero Tacos Al Carbon, 720 E. Main St., Mesa.

Golden Valley, 832 W. Baseline Road, Mesa.

Max’s Mukhaase Restaurant & Catering Service, 1245 W. Guadalupe Road, Suite B7-B8, Mesa.

Pho Nam Pho Vietnamese Cuisine, 2025 N. Dobson Road, Chandler.

The following restaurants earned a Grade A rating:

Burger King, 1567 N. Cooper Road, Gilbert.

Casey Moore’s Oyster House, 850 S. Ash Ave., Tempe.

In-N-Out Burgers, 7050 W. Ray Road, Chandler.

Serrano’s Mexican Food, 1021 S. Power Road, Mesa.

Zipps Sports Grill, 690 S. Mill Ave., Suite 103, Tempe.

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

New mayor takes seat in Gilbert

Gilbert City Council member Jenn Daniels last week changed her title to interim mayor after incumbent Mayor John Lewis retired to become president/CEO of the East Valley Partnership. Both Daniels and Lewis began their government service at the same time in 2009 and both easily won reelection in 2012 to another four-year term.

But the partnership last December approved the appointment of Lewis, 58, to replace retiring Roc Arnett as head of the influential coalition of civic and business leaders that advocates for a wide variety of issues in the East Valley.

Lewis delayed his departure so that it would not trigger the need for a special election. Daniels, as 37-year-old mother of four, was elected unanimously by her council colleagues to the interim position. She has no opposition in the Aug. 30 election and will start a regular four-year term in January.

Resistance Training Can Strengthen Seniors Physically and Mentally

Think you’re too old and frail to work out? Think again! The positive effects of exercise are widely known, but seniors facing health and mobility issues may feel it is beyond their abilities. Sixty-three percent of people 60 and above don’t engage in daily exercise, according to the National Council on Aging. However, resistance training can benefit seniors concerned about other kinds of workouts.

“Also called strength training, this is an especially safe, valuable mode of exercise for seniors,” says Dr. Kevin O’Neil, Brookdale Senior Living’s chief medical officer. “As you age, you lose muscle mass, bone density, strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. All of this can result in higher risk of falls and increased difficulty in performing daily tasks.”

A Spectrum of Benefits

Resistance training can improve strength, balance, coordination, posture and bone density, and lower risk of heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis and other chronic illnesses. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association found resistance training can positively affect cognitive abilities of people with dementia. Before beginning any exercise program, seniors should talk with their doctors.

An Easier More Stable Workout

Slow, measured movements against resistance are easier and more stable for seniors to perform than more strenuous activities. “Training can include using resistance bands, lifting weights or objects at home or using exercise equipment,” says Nicholas Swanner, a licensed

physical therapist, geriatric clinical specialist and healthcare services manager for Brookdale’s healthcare services division.

“Aquatics, Pilates, tai chi and yoga include some resistance training,” he says. “Pushing up and down from a chair, opening and closing a door, lifting a can of soup or a 1-pound weight are all resistance exercises that seniors can easily do in their own homes.”

How to Begin Resistance Training

Swanner recommends seniors start slow, listening to their bodies.

Brookdale Prescott

“As you age, your body changes, affecting the types of exercises you will be able to do safely. There are many ways to modify routines and individual styles of training to fit an individual’s needs.”

Resistance exercises should be done two to three days per week for each muscle group with a day of rest in between. This does not mean that other exercise, such as aerobic or flexibility exercises, should not be done on rest days. People who exercise daily might do resistance exercises for the upper body on one day and for the lower body on the next day.

“Talk to your physician and physical therapist to design a program that’s right for you,” Swanner says.

www.brookdale.com • (928) 237-4898

Dr. Kevin O’Neil, FACP, CMD, Brookdale’s chief medical officer, is nationally renowned for his expertise and passion on senior health issues. Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in both Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, he is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and is a member of the American Geriatrics Society. A graduate of Boston College and Georgetown University School of Medicine, he completed his internship in internal medicine at the Washington Hospital Center and his residency at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. In addition to his post with Brookdale, he is currently a clinical professor in the department of aging studies at the University of South Florida.

ATHLETES

The idea of adults—recruiters, sports writers, fans of a team that is a potential destination for a recruit—being dialed into the daily thoughts and musing of a teenager that they have never even met can be odd.

There are things seen on social media timeline of a high school kid that should not been seen by adults.

“It can be a little bit creepy and uncomfortable at times,” University of Arizona assistant football coach Charlie Ragle said. “You just scroll past it and try to forget it, but that’s the culture we have created.

“We are investing in these kids, and want them to be part of our program so we are going to do everything we can to get to know them. That used to be talking to the coach, parents or a teacher. Now, we have it right in front of us every day.”

Social media for high school athletes isn’t just a barrage of players ripping coaches, taunting the opposition or writing obscenities.

An athlete can help herself in the

TRIPPED UP

from page 6

Employers may be looking for red flags, like inconsistencies with representations made on a resume that would deter them from hiring the candidate, Mizzi says. Negative commentary, especially about a former employer, could be a major turn-off.

Don’t believe that your reputation can be ruined with the push of a “send” button? One need look no farther than the CNN story tiny.cc/fired for examples of people who were fired after posting the wrong thing online.

If you’ve managed to put yourself in a bad light, there are ways to rehabilitate your image, but they require time and work—and much better digital citizenship moving forward. Companies and software will “scrub” your social media and monitor your reputation— for a price. Some will alert you whenever something is posted about you.

“The most important thing is to be prepared for these discussions by knowing what is out there,” Mizzi said. “If you know of an inappropriate photo taken of you, and are unable to remove it, be ready to explain the situation and spin it in a positive light.

“For example, if an employer asks about a wild photo from your college

eyes of a recruiter with posts saying she is ready for early morning practice or congratulating other successful sports programs at their school.

“There is no doubt you can become sold on an athlete’s makeup by something they post,” Ragle said. “If they are excited about a workout instead of complaining about it, you might have something there.”

Mountain Pointe graduate Ralph Roman saw the positive side of social media at the darkest moment. His father died unexpectedly just before the start of the 2015 football season. The outpouring of love, support and hashtag #RomanStong crushed his timeline once the news started circulating.

“The support I had on social media was ridiculous,” Roman said. “It helped a lot to know that people are praying for me to get through the tough times. It really brings a grin to your face.”

– Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-

–

days, steer the conversation in a more positive direction by pointing out how your outgoing personality will help. Professionals should … put their best foot forward on social media accounts to impress hiring managers.”

Social media content is important beyond the negative for a job candidate. Evidence of good digital citizenship also can reveal personality and character traits that a potential employer might find particularly attractive. Postings that show industry enthusiasm and involvement could help influence an employer to hire someone, Mizzi says. He acknowledges that employers often perform online searches to learn more about candidates, including their interests, industry involvement and how effective a candidate is at personal marketing.

Mizzi concedes that “we find it more productive to interview job candidates in person and speak directly to some of their references,” but remember, the opinion of those references could also be influenced by what they see on your social media.

– Reach Lee Shappell at 480-898-5614 or at lshappell@timespublications.com.

Chandler merchants join Pokemon Go craze with discounts

Twelve merchants in Downtown Chandler are offering deals and specials geared toward Pokemon Go players.

Local restaurants, retail stores and the Chandler Center for the Arts are among those participating in “Gotta Catch Them All Week,” which runs until Friday.

Players can find a list of merchants, their specials and the requirements for the discounts at downtownchandler.org/gotta-catch-them-all-week.

– RALPH ZUBIATE, TRIBUNE EDITOR

Doughnut shop to honor police, raise money for charity

Daylight Donuts in Mesa is recognizing officers and recent shootings in Dallas and Baton Rouge with a custom “Thin Blue Line” doughnut.

Twenty percent of sales of the doughnut until July 31 will go to the Concerns of Police Survivors Arizona Chapter, which works with fallen officers’ families and coworkers.

Daylight Donuts is at 1305 W. Guadalupe Drive and is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Mesa vice mayor to be featured guest at morning coffee

Mesa Vice Mayor Dennis Kavanaugh will be the special guest Friday for “Coffee with the Councilmember.”

Alex Keen, the venue manager for the Mesa Community College Performing Arts Center, will also be featured. He will speak about the center, give a tour of the facility and answer questions.

The coffee will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the center, 1520 S. Longmore.

– RALPH ZUBIATE, TRIBUNE EDITOR

Tempe Library offers help finding a job

Job Help Sessions are being offered at the Tempe Library for job seekers.

Back to School fair features vendors, entertainment

Vendors, live entertainment and prizes are among the attractions at a Back to School Fair at Power Square Mall in Mesa

The event takes place July 30 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and July 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, go to thepaisleypumpkin.com.

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

The 30-minute sessions will take place Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. in Study Room 8 at the library, 3500 S. Rural Road. Job hunters will get free help creating resumes, searching for jobs and applying online. Other employment advice will also be offered.

Patrons can register in person at the library or at tempe.gov/libraryjoblink.

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

Jazz band featured on music cruise on Saguaro Lake

Desert Belle Tour Boat music cruises on Saguaro Lake conclude this week with Soul Catcher.

The smooth jazz group will perform Saturday on the cruise, which runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Reservations are encouraged, either through the website desertbelle.com or at 480-984-2425.

The cruises start at 14011 N. Bush Highway in Mesa. Admission is $22-27.

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

East Valley delegates consider Democrats’ national convention ‘historic’

BY PAUL MARYNIAK TRIBUNE MANAGING EDITOR

Roman Ulman and Cynthia Ford consider their trip to Philadelphia this weekend a journey of historic proportions, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been part of history before.

Ulman, of Mesa, and Ford, of Chandler, are delegates to the Democratic National Convention.

It’s the third time for Ulman as a delegate and his fifth DNC. Ford has attended seven previous Democratic national conventions, though only one of those times as a delegate.

“This is just a continuation of my involvement,” said Ford, a political consultant with two doctoral degrees who once worked for a now-deceased Ohio congresswoman. “Each one is unique in itself.”

Ulman, who has a degree in political science and worked 55 years in Detroit city government in various capacities before moving to Arizona in 1993, says his convention attendance is a natural part of his decades-long activities for the party.

latest news and policy developments in various caucuses, particularly the black and the women’s groups.

She considers the 2008 convention historical because it nominated the Democrats’ first African American presidential candidate and the first to ever become president. But she also fondly recalls the 1988 convention, which produced Michael Dukakis as the presidential nominee, because it was her first.

With each subsequent convention, she said, “you become more seasoned. You know the ins and outs.”

The upcoming convention is a landmark because it will produce the nation’s first major party female presidential nominee, Ford said.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us,” Ford said. “We have to dispel a lot of the negative comments we’ve been hearing from the Republicans. It’s time for serious unity, a time for us to collectively

“ This is an exciting time for Democrats and I predict this is the year when Arizona will turn blue. ”

—Cynthia Ford

Since he moved to Arizona, he has worked as a volunteer on several Mesa committees, such as the city’s master plan committee, as well as for party activities in Legislative District 16, the former 25th district.

“My wife asks me all the time how come I still work so hard even though I’m retired,” he said. “I would say my main drive is that I want to make sure my taxes are being used for the good of the citizens and not wasted.”

He considers his most memorable Democratic convention so far to be the 2008 gathering in Denver, where Hillary Clinton released her delegates to vote for Barack Obama’s first White House run.

“I was very impressed,” Ulman recalled. “I was passionately supporting her and she did this for party unity.”

Ford looks forward to national conventions because she catches up on the

pool our resources to have a positive change in our future.”

“The timing is great for a lot of good things to happen,” she added.

That sentiment is shared by two rookie Democratic delegates from Tempe as well.

“We have a huge opportunity this year with Republican apathy as a result of (Donald J.) Trump,” said new delegate Jeff Tucker. “This is an exciting time for Democrats and I predict this is the year when Arizona will turn blue.”

Ulman says his many decades in politics makes him less optimistic.

“I learned a long time ago that all politics is local,” Ulman said. “There are a lot of independents who have totally had it with the Republican Party and that might affect the vote for candidates down the ticket. But there are a lot of Republicans who will vote for their legislator or congressional representative no

matter who’s at the top of the ticket.”

But even Tucker curbs his optimism when he considers Congressional races.

On one hand, Tucker and fellow Tempe delegate Joe Seelye see a combination of the “Trump effect” and Clinton’s experience creating ripples down the ticket, with U.S. Sen. John McCain falling victim at the polls to Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick.

Tucker, a Democratic activist at the state and local levels since he moved to Arizona from Philadelphia in 1999, believes that Democrats will retake the U.S. Senate. He thinks chances are less likely about the same thing happening in the House of Representatives.

“Gridlock is not something we aspire to,” Tucker said, “It’s important we find compromise more often than what we see right now.”

Like all new delegates to the Philadelphia gathering, Tucker and Seelye ran mini campaigns in the spring against other party faithful in hotly contested races to become a delegate.

They “won” the chance to spend $4,000 to $5,000 out of pocket so they can be crowded into halls and hotel suites with hundreds of like-minded individuals during a time of year when excessive humidity makes monsoon season in Phoenix feel like a breeze.

Although Tucker was elected as a delegate for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has since thrown in the towel on his presidential bid, he doesn’t expect conflict between the two candidates’ supporters at the convention.

He and Seelye don’t quite know what to expect when they get to the City of Brotherly Love, where the hotel that is

hosting the Arizona delegation jacked up room rates to $500 a night, prompting all of them to bunk with at least one other delegate.

They know they have to get to breakfast each morning at the hotel that is hosting the Arizona delegation because that’s when they get their admission passes for the day. Then there are various caucuses to attend and catch up on the latest developments in various wings of the party.

And while they also anticipate there will be plenty of time for parties after each day’s nationally televised portion of the convention ends, they also know that months of hard work await.

That’s when it will be time to knock on doors and hit the phone banks.

“We just have to get out and tell people why our candidate is better,” Tucker said.

Ford said she considers the presidential race “an opportunity to look at the struggles of women.”

Moreover, she added, “with the state of the nation and so many critical issues facing us, we have to seriously look at the bigger picture. Once our platform is discussed and accepted, we’ll come out energized and ready to convince the American people.”

Ulman said, “Hands down, Hillary will be the person I work the most for.”

But he has some other Republican targets in mind as well.

“I will work against Andy Biggs,” he said, referring to the former state senator who could be the Republican candidate in the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon. “And I will work against Sheriff (Joe) Arpaio.”

Longtime educator and ballet school co-founder dies

BY RALPH ZUBIATE TRIBUNE EDITOR

Bob Meko, a longtime school administrator and cofounder of Ballet Etudes School of Dance in Gilbert, died July 19 after suffering a pulmonary embolism.

His daughter Kellan Meko said friends are remembering her father fondly.

“My father was deeply loved by generations of people,” Kellan said. “We had over 200 people at our house the evening he passed away.

“My father was everything anyone could ever hope for.”

Meko was an elementary school principal and teacher for 43 years, after earning a master’s degree in education at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. He moved to Arizona and became principal at Jefferson Elementary and then was the founding principal at Mendoza Elementary in Mesa.

Under his leadership, Mendoza was ranked an A+ school by the Arizona Department of Education as well as a Blue Ribbon school by the U.S.

Department of Education. Meko then went on to be a judge for the Arizona Educational Foundation for A+ School

Recognition Program.

Meko had been teaching the past few years at Self Development Academy in Mesa.

Lisa Randall worked for Meko for many years at different schools.

“He was just everybody’s best friend,” Randall said. “He was a cross between Willy Wonka, Indiana Jones, Mrs. Doubtfire and your favorite brother.

“He had such a great understanding of children and why it was important to build them up and encourage them to dream and imagine what they can be.”

Kellan remembered her father’s funloving side at school.

“As a principal, my dad would put out rubber duckies around the school for the students to find,” she said. “Once they were found, the students would return them to my dad at his office. We had around 250 rubber duckies brought to our house the evening he passed away. We plan to display them at the funeral.”

In 1986, Meko and his wife Sharon founded Ballet Etudes, a non-profit youth dance company. Meko was a board member and performed in the

school’s production of “The Nutcracker” as Mother Ginger. He took on the role for 25 years.

“My favorite memories of my father are looking up proudly at him every year while he was on stage while he performed as Mother Ginger,” Kellan said. “My mom would always watch him from the wings from the same corner at every show, every year. He would always look briefly at her during the performance and blow a kiss. It was a sweet sight to see.”

Meko was a tour host backstage for Ballet Etudes, showing audience members what goes on behind the scenes of the ballet. He also ran Ballet Etudes’ annual fundraising golf event.

“Ballet Etudes will continue - as my father would have wanted it to,” Kellan said. Meko leaves behind Sharon, his wife of 44 years, and daughters Teague and Kellan. The family is asking for contributions to the Bob Meko Medical Fund at Bank of America, account #457034993804, to help pay medical bills.

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

Tempe resident makes a living exploring National Parks

BY CONNOR DZIAWURA TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Many people could only dream about getting the chance to spend their lives traveling. For one Tempe resident, this dream is a reality.

Julie Lange-Rodgers has ventured across the country for 19 years, leading tourists through a variety of National Parks. As a tour director with Tauck, she also has led tours in the United Kingdom and on the Danube River, which runs through Austria and Germany.

Growing up, she only wanted to travel, so she sought the opportunity to make it a career. Becoming a teacher was a backup plan.

“I thought I might be a teacher or some sort of counselor if I didn’t find a career in travel,” Lange-Rodgers

said, adding, “Ultimately I get to be a traveling teacher!”

Lange-Rodgers, 44, grew up riding for free on Greyhound buses to visit family. Her mother was head administrator at the station in Omaha, Nebraska.

“I guess it’s fate that my career involves bus travel,” she said.

Founded in 1925, Tauck is the oldest American guided tour company, and has even toured the National Parks before they had all become recognized as such.

Lange-Rodgers pursued a position for nearly a year and a half before finally landing the job.

Having spent so much time on the road, there are many National Parks experiences she calls her favorites. Among them is walking in Utah’s Bryce Canyon during a snowfall.

Students take on Rattlers football players in the training room

BY SHANE DEGROTE TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Two-time Arena Football League

MVP Nick Davila, Arizona Rattlers starting quarterback, has

enjoyed plenty of success on the field. He’s won three ArenaBowl Championships since joining the team in 2010.

However, it’s the off-field success accompanied by a partnership with

Carrington College that keeps him and his teammates fresh throughout the season and into their playoffs.

“It has been a huge help, benefited all of us and our bodies,” said Davila, who comes into Carrington College’s Mesa campus every Monday after the game to get massaged and stretched from the physical therapy technology students. “They do a great job of getting us ready to perform at our top abilities every night.”

For 10 years, the Rattlers and Carrington College have given students hands-on experience working with professional athletes.

Including the visits every Monday, students are also given an opportunity to work with the players every Thursday at the Rattlers training facility in Mesa.

From these real-world experiences with the athletes, the students have benefited tremendously.

“These guys have been around a lot. They have had a variety of different professionals working on them, so their feedback is valuable,” said Dr. Kelly King, Dean of Academic Affairs at Carrington College. “I think it is a win-win because the athletes get treatment, get to teach and give back to the community. The students also get to learn from the experience.”

While the athletes get a chance to teach the students during the massages, most of the students work hard to understand the techniques before each week while in

the classroom.

“We can definitely tell that they are being taught well and are learning as well,” said Jeremy Kellem, defensive back for the Rattlers. “They have been studying and know their terms. I know they are doing a great job.”

Many of the physical therapy students at Carrington College are given the opportunity to do their externship rotations with the team, assisting the head athletic trainer. They also have the chance to work with Phoenix Mercury players.

With all of these chances to work with professional athletes, it gives the students the chance to watch their hard work pay off.

“I like to see how what I do affects them in their future performances. Do they see improvements, are they playing better? That’s what I really look for,” said Richard Abisia, one of the several physical therapy students at Carrington College. “If they are, then I did my job.”

The students say they don’t feel any extra pressure working with high-profile athletes.

“In my eyes, it is just someone who is in need of help. I figure I will do it the best way I can,” Abisia said.

– Reach Shane DeGrote at sdegrote@ timespublications.com.

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

Word Cup 2016 will draw Scrabble pros to Tempe next weekend

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA

TRIBUNE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Word Cup 2016 is a fiveday Scrabble tournament with a strong East Valley influence.

The July 30-Aug. 3 competition is the sixth annual Word Cup held under the auspices of Word Game Players Organization (WGPO), one of two recognized Scrabble organizations in the U.S.

It is hosted this year by the Phoenix Scrabble Club—owned since 1984 by Chandler resident Barbara Van Alen, who has shared director duties with her husband Larry Rand since 1998.

Nearly 90 Scrabble aficionados from Arizona and other states are expected to attend.

One of the tournament’s local participants is Tempe resident Laurie

Cohen, a formidable competitor who has logged a high score of 725 points for one game.

And though Rand, a WGPO Executive Committee member, says watching a Scrabble tournament is akin to “watching paint dry,” area residents are invited to attend the 31 matches held at Tempe’s DoubleTree by Hilton at 2100

S. Priest Dr.

Preparing for the tournament is an ongoing activity for Cohen that includes flash cards she made when she first began competing. She also uses a number of modern online methods of review.

“There’s actually a systematic way to study words. For example, you can start with the 500 most probable and then the next 500 and so on. Most expert players know way more than 500 sevenletter or eight-letter words,” said Cohen, a Division 1 player.

Cohen, whose day job is director of institutional research at Scottsdale Community College, added, “Many have tried to learn all 20,000 plus seven

letter words and the 25,000-plus eightletter words, myself included. Not that

Mesa college student wins Thai film festival on birthday

TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

Vincent Cota of Mesa celebrated his 21st birthday earlier this month by winning a prize for a film he created and entered in the Amazing Thailand Film Challenge.

Cota, who just returned from the Southeast Asian country, beat more than 300 competitors worldwide to join his classmate as one of 32 filmmaking teams chosen to enter the contest for the Thailand International Destination Film Festival 2016. The festival is sponsored by the Thailand Film Office and Department of Tourism.

A New York University majoring in film and TV production, Cota was one of only two U.S. teams selected for the competition. He partnered with Prachi Mehrotra of New Jersey to make a film called “Sweet Success,” told from within a sugar plantation. The film can be seen at youtu. be/4Wz1hKX_sS8.

Dr. Cassandra M. Fynes, Au.D. CCC-A Roger Knighton, M.N.S., CCC-A

“ Real Thai food was not what they were expecting, they did enjoy it.”

- Elaine Cota, Vincent’s mother

He and Mehrotra shot the film in four days and had three more to edit it. His mother, Elaine Cota, said that although her son and Mehrotra found that “real Thai food was not what they were expecting, they did enjoy it.”

He and Mehrotra left for Thailand July 1 on an all-expense paid trip that included a translator, van driver and a stay in a five-star hotel overlooking the Chao Phraya River.

But one evening they did order from Pizza Hut. Their award, for “Outstanding Presentation of Thailand, Royal Coast Cluster,” was presented at an evening that mom said “was star studded, formal event and included world-wide media, directors, actors, and the Prime Minister.” Cota graduated from Mountain High Pointe High in 2013.

Gilbert horse ranch

BY ERIC SMITH TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Gilbert-based Wildhorse Ranch Rescue says a person claiming to be adopting horses for the ranch was not actually a member of the nonprofit.

Margaret “Marty” Clutter was attempting to adopt horses by saying she was a member of the ranch’s board, said Kim Meagher, founder of Wildhorse Ranch Rescue.

“We didn’t find out about this until the first part of July,” Meagher said. “It had been four or five months before we had ever found out that this had happened.”

According to Meagher, Clutter runs a ranch in Queen Creek called C Farms. Meagher warns that anyone who adopted a horse from Clutter and thought they were doing business with Wildhorse Ranch should contact the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations department at 520-866-5149.

The East Valley Tribune previously ran a story on Wildhorse Ranch Rescue (“Ranch gives horses a second chance,” May 8) and received a warning about Clutter.

Calls to Clutter were not immediately returned.

“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.”

SCRABBLE

we succeed in learning all of them.”

She said she also keeps up on two and three-letter words, which she calls “a given,” and continually researches and learns the unusual words that use high-point letters—such as “oryx,” an African antelope.

“The top-rated people in the country have really gone through a lot of words. You familiarize yourself with the whole lexicon,” she said.

“There are a lot of words people don’t know—trees in India (dhaks) for instance—and stuff that’s not a part of your regular vocabulary,” she said.

with her mother, Jo Anne Cohen, from whom she learned the board game at age 8.

“This Word Cup tournament is a big one and I try to study when I’m not working,” said Cohen who earned her Ph.D. in psychology at Penn State. “You don’t realize there’s a whole other culture out there that talks about words and strategy. Like chess, there’s an end game in Scrabble.”

For Van Alen and Rand, hosting the Word Cup is an honor for the Phoenix Scrabble Club. They also sponsor the Phoenix Tournament each February and have overseen 33 of them.

“Scrabble is an addiction. And I don’t think there’s any question that Scrabble is a positive physical and mental act, and that the thought processes help our memories.”

- Larry Rand, Phoenix Scrabble Club

When not competing, Cohen hosts tournaments of her own. And like other Scrabble competitors, she often travels to out-of-state tournaments, including one in Brooklyn last month that she won.

While in New York, she played Scrabble

The couple met at the Phoenix Scrabble Club and and then reestablished contact at a 1996 Scrabble tournament in Irvine, California. That was Rand’s first.

Van Alen and Rand are travel agents and since 2002 have sponsored Scrabble cruises around the world. Their 37th such cruise in September will be to London, Paris and Canada.

As occupied as they are with running the Phoenix Scrabble Club, organizing cruises and readying for the Word Cup, they still find time to sit across the dining room table and play the game together.

“We used to play quite a bit but now, for the most part, we play on vacations,” Rand said.

“But lately, we’ve played every day. Scrabble is an addiction. And I don’t think there’s any question that Scrabble is a positive physical and mental act, and that the thought processes help our memories.”

Rand said he’s not a fan of online pretenders like “Words With Friends.”

“I enjoy playing a game with someone across the table much more,” he said.

They organize the Wednesday evening Phoenix Scrabble Club games at Chris Ridge Village. Five games are played, beginning at approximately 4:30 p.m. and each hour thereafter.

Recent visitors have come to the Wednesday club nights from California, Wisconsin and Canada. They say new players are welcome.

The Word Cup is open to the public July 30 through Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with an hour lunch break at 1 p.m.

Information: Phoenix Scrabble Club on Facebook or contact larryrand@cox.net or at 480-730-5031.

“It’s as if you are standing in a snow globe,” she explained.

She also notes watching monsoon storms “create an incredible tapestry no artist could ever duplicate.” She also talked about seeing wildlife, stars in the night sky and her guests’ sense of wonder as highlights for her years at Tauck.

Though she has been traveling for almost two decades, there are still places she has yet to see.

“I really want to go to the Galapagos Islands and take an African safari,” she said.

Lange-Rodgers also enjoys other hobbies during her free time.

“I like to garden and work on pet projects around the house,” she said. “I also enjoy getting off the beaten path with hiking and biking.”

For Lange-Rodgers, there are many reasons to enjoy trips. With so many places to go and so much to see, it keeps you in the present, she says.

“You have no choice but to stop and look, be a part of it.”

Take my word: This Pokemon Go fad will fade, or I’ll swallow a goldfish

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ TRIBUNE COLUMNIST

Pokemon Go? Yeah. Go straight to hell. Chances are, we agree about the inherent stupidity of the new fad that appears to have sucked in half of mankind. That’s because you, too, have a job, a string of to-dos/worries and a life. When you find a moment to read the news, you learn that your neighbors are wandering the streets of the Valley like zombies, staring at their smartphones in pursuit of digital monsters with names like Charizard and Squirtle, and you’re likely filled with despair over the state of mankind.

I’m right there with you. I was about ready to Poke some mon in the eye, until a thought occurred to me: We’ve seen fads like this before, time and time again. Pokemon Go is nothing more than a 2016 version of

Rubik’s Cube, Beanie Babies or “Vote For Pedro” T-shirts.

With any luck, this entire craze will be over by Labor Day. If not, well, we’ll have to deal with a bunch of nitwits wearing Pikachu costumes this Halloween. Which isn’t much different from the year half your party showed up in a red shirt, blue shorts and gelled hair and announced that they were Bart Simpson, dude.

Generally speaking, as a people, we love to be in the “cool kids club.” Once upon a time, we turned up the collars on our jackets, shot two thumbs up and proclaimed, “Ayyyy,” because we wanted to be like Fonzie. Later, we wore puka shell necklaces and jelly bracelets, Rachel haircuts and Crocs. Cool boys had He Man lunchboxes. And the popular girls sported a single lace glove, a la Madonna. Remember the year we all yelled “Where’s The Beef?” like Clara Peller in those Wendy’s ads? Or that long, dark

night of the soul circa 1993, when every time you turned on the radio, you heard Los Del Rio’s “Macarena”? No, I didn’t know the steps. And I’m proud of that, even to this day.

As far as fads go, I’d rank Pokemon Go somewhere between the Pet Rock— which my parents refused to buy me— and Rollerblades, which in the late 1980s resulted in emergency rooms full of fractured wrists and tailbones. Had Rollerblades been all the rage in Bosnia during the height of the Milosevic regime, we would’ve read stories like this Wednesday report from CNN:

“A Bosnian nongovernmental agency is urging Pokemon Go users to be aware of their surroundings, for a good reason— landmines. Distracted users are roaming into areas dotted with the unexploded ordnances … while trying to catch the virtual reality monsters.”

If we can learn anything about life from Pokemon Go, it’s this: The older

you get, the less patience you have for what some people consider harmless fun. At 21 years old, “Hey, let’s go streaking!” sounded like a great idea, especially after three beers. So did getting your hair cut in a mullet. When I was 35 and everyone around me was eating piles of bacon and going on the Atkins diet, sure, I tried it, too. And while I skipped learning to play Sudoku, years back I did buy a few LiveStrong yellow rubber bracelets—long before we found out Lance Armstrong was on more drugs than the cast of “Boogie Nights.”

Fads come and go, but the urge to be cool remains the same. Sure, Pokemon Go may be annoying as hell, at least it’s not bad as when everyone ran around screaming “Wassup,” like they were in a Budweiser commercial.

I swear, that particular fad made me want to weep a rover into my Snuggie.

– David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Reach him at david@leibowitzsolo.com.

Light rail is cool, but it’s costing too much for what it delivers

BY TOM PATTERSON TRIBUNE CONTRIBUTOR

Before the Phoenix light rail was built, local author Warren Meyer predicted in Forbes magazine that for the cost of the construction, he could buy a Prius for every daily rider. Moreover, he said the operating deficits of the system could fund enough gasoline for each rider to drive 10,000 miles per year. He was more right than he knew. In any event, the system cost $110 million per mile to build, up from an original estimate of $30 million per mile. That’s $1.4 billion total, or $70,000 for each of the 20,000 round-trip riders per day by 2010—enough to buy each of them a luxury car.

By then, taxpayers were also providing an estimated subsidy of $25 million per year, enough for each taxpayer to travel 20,000 miles in that Prius at $3 per gallon for gasoline.

Undeterred, light rail supporters have

claimed unqualified success from the beginning. Last August, in yet another conveniently timed election, voters elected to tax themselves again for a light rail extension. Meanwhile, Glendale, not exactly known for its financial savvy, and other suburbs are clamoring to get on board by extending the rail system to even less densely populated areas.

The Phoenix experience with light rail is typical for newer cities in the South and West. Except for legacy cities like New York, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Chicago and Boston, not enough people work in the central city. Travel patterns are unsuitable for rail, rendering it by far the most expensive, least convenient transportation option known.

Why is it so popular? Mostly because any program where we all pay the benefit of the few is popular with the few. Roughly 1 percent of Phoenix residents, including the ASU folks who supply 40 percent of the total ridership, regularly ride the train—but they like it.

Trains are also popular because

“somebody else”—the federal government —inexplicably helps pay for them. But the main attraction of the trains is psychological. People just flat like trains (I do) and light rail is seen as a powerful symbol that your city is ranking on the cool meter. You’ve entered the modern age.

But it’s still valid—maybe even necessary —to look at what we get for what we give.

First and foremost, do trains induce more people to use mass transit? In the 23 cities that have built rail system since 1970, transit’s total share of commuting has actually gone down. In Phoenix, the number of daily riders is reflected in a corresponding drop in bus riders.

That’s a particularly bad deal. Local figures are hard to come by, but in Los Angeles, the public subsidy for each new bus rider was $1.40, while each new train rider cost taxpayers $25.82.

Does rail reduce traffic congestion? Hardly. Not only does rail transit fail to reduce total vehicular traffic, but trains at street level take up an entire lane and don’t carry as many passengers as the

cars that are displaced. Car drivers often support rail in the hope that others will take the train so that they can drive in lighter traffic. That’s not the way it works. Light rail doesn’t reduce environmental pollution either. The BTUs (energy) consumed per passenger mile are comparable or somewhat higher for trains. Automobiles are getting progressively cleaner, while most of the electrical grid, which supplies rail, still comes from coal.

Finally, light rail has a reputation of promoting economic development. There is some commercial growth along the lines, but on closer examination most of it is from businesses that would have located elsewhere. Much of the rest is government subsidized or projects that are promised but never completed. There’s nothing wrong with wanting your city to be hip. Except … except all the other pressing needs for that money, including more cost-effective

Kyrene board says Prop. 123 funds help reach district’s goals

BY KYRENE SCHOOLS GOVERNING BOARD SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE

Earlier this month, as directed by Proposition 123, the state of Arizona began to distribute $3.5 billion in funding to school districts throughout the state. Voters approved this ballot initiative in May, which represented a negotiated settlement of a longstanding school funding lawsuit.

The lawsuit challenged the state’s ability to ignore adjustments for inflation that were directed by a previous ballot initiative (Prop. 301). The courts ruled in favor of the districts and Prop. 123 represented an agreed-upon amount for non-compliance.

Kyrene’s portion of the settlement is $6.6 million, which is composed of $3.3 million for fiscal year 2015-16, and $3.3 million for fiscal year 2016-17.

The board has been working closely with the administration in Kyrene since last fall on the 2016-2017 budget, factoring in the anticipated additional revenue generated by the passage of Prop. 123 and the use of accumulated reserve funds. We looked at areas hardest hit by the reductions in funding over the past several years, and as a result, two weeks ago the board approved a budget that will include additional spending in four areas:

• Restoration of school budgets for site-specific spending and the hiring of essential support personnel;

• Increased compensation for instructional staff;

• Restore the frequency of middle school electives (specials) to every day and allow for the expansion of

elective subjects;

• Purchase of instructional resources to replace obsolete materials (textbooks and supporting instructional materials).

These areas of spending are consistent with the goals and objectives outlined in the Kyrene Blueprint and our focus on learning and instructional staff.

We were able to make good on a promise to the community to return to a middle school schedule that offers students an opportunity to participate in elective classes (including art, music, physical education) every school day, as opposed to only two times a week.

We addressed compensation for staff, advancing a three-year plan to make salaries more competitive with other districts and to improve employee recruitment and retention. We funded the purchase of much-needed instructional resources and an increase in school budgets to allow for the hiring of crossing guards and staff for lunch and recess duty.

As your elected representatives on the Kyrene Governing Board, we take seriously our role as fiscal stewards of your taxpayer dollars in support of learning for all students in Kyrene.

We appreciate the trust and support our community has provided to making Kyrene one of the premier districts in Arizona. Together, we can continue to keep Kyrene a great place for kids and the district of choice for our community.

– Bernadette Coggins

– Michelle Hirsch

– John King – Kristin Middleton – Ross Robb

Don’t be fooled or foolish

This is the “silly season” for politics on the national and state levels. We’ll be electing a president, and Arizona United States senator, various Congress people and a bevy of candidates to our Arizona State Senate and House of Representatives.

We will be besieged by TV ads, mass mailings and, of course, those ubiquitous robocalls from hired “celebrities” such as Pat Boone urging us to vote for candidates they don’t even know but have been paid a handsome sum to pester us about via our own telephone.

Don’t be fooled or foolish! Ignore all political TV ads, mass mailings and telephone calls endorsing an honest, honorable and terrific public servant such as ________ (fill in the blank).

Study the candidates, the issues. Talk, discuss and debate with people you know and trust to vote for appropriate candidates.

It’s long past time that we, the voters, called the shots at election time and not the career politicians or their cronies.

– Richard K. Meszar – Mesa

LIGHT RAIL

from page 15

transportation infrastructure. Eventually, like the trolley that once operated in Phoenix, rail will again fade into obsolescence. Working from home, self-driving zero-pollution cars, modernized buses, flexible ride sharing services and who knows what else will

Report drives home horror of slavery

There’s a lot of talk about American values in this heated election season. Here’s one we can all agree on: Everyone deserves to be free.

The 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report, released recently by Secretary of State John Kerry, sheds a spotlight on the enduring crime of slavery and ranks 184 countries according to their efforts to combat it.

The TIP Report is the most important diplomatic tool in encouraging nations to enforce their own laws so that slaveowners are put behind bars and survivors receive the support they deserve. The next president—whoever he or she is—must do everything possible to protect the integrity of this report and ensure the U.S. response to modern-day slavery is robust enough to end this monstrous crime once and for all. As Secretary of State John Kerry stated, “Ending modern slavery isn’t just a fight we should attempt—it is a fight we can and must win.”

replace immobile, inflexible trackbased transport.

Unfortunately, once those tracks are in the ground, they’re there to stay. Surely, future generations will wonder: What were they thinking of?

Is your loved one:

 in need of assisted living or nursing home care?

 currently in the hospital?

Is your loved one:

 receiving care in their home?

 in need of assisted living or nursing home care?

 wanting to avoid nursing home “spend down”?

 currently in the hospital?

 wondering how to afford assisted living?

 receiving care in their home?

 wanting to avoid nursing home “spend down”?

 wondering how to afford assisted living?

If you answered YES to any of those questions

If you answered YES to any of those questions

Back to SCHOOL

New building at Westwood highlights Mesa school project list

BY SHELLEY RIDENOUR TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Mesa Public Schools are receiving an infusion of $13 million for the 2016-17 school year, mostly directed to construction projects and new technology.

The biggest piece of the pie is the new classroom building at Westwood High School. That 86,000-square-foot building holds a media center, all the

math classrooms and the culinary arts classrooms and work spaces.

The building is accented with four gigantic W’s, which blend into the project providing structural support, but the design is sure to boost school spirit, said John Miller, director of construction for the school district.

It carries a total price tag of $9.6 million, Miller said, but that amount has been split over two fiscal years.

Construction was completed July 1. The building will be ready for students when school starts next month.

The work at Westwood and around the district is being funded by the proceeds from the sale of $35 million of a $230 million bond issue that school district voters approved in 2012, school Superintendent for Business and Support

New Kyrene boss’ motto: Work hard, be nice; p2 ●

KYRENE: New assistant chief leaves behind 100-mile commute; p4 ●

TECHNOLOGY: The right apps can help students, families get back to school; p7

New Kyrene superintendent’s motto: Work hard, be nice

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA TRIBUNE CONTRIBUTOR

When Kyrene School District

Superintendent Jan Vesely officially began her duties July 1, the first item she hung on her office walls was not one of her many degrees. It was a simple plaque that she said reflects her philosophy not only in education but in life: “Work hard and be nice to people.”

Vesely, selected from a field of 31 to succeed David Schauer, hit the ground running, meeting with Kyrene’s 25 principals a week before her first official day on the job.

She comes to Kyrene with a bachelor’s degree in education and masters and doctoral degrees in education leadership.

“I have a very strong work ethic and I believe you accomplish more by treating others with respect,” said Vesely, the former deputy/assistant superintendent at Tucson’s Sunnyside Unified School District.

“When meeting with all the principals, my driving question was, ‘What can I do to make your work more effective?’ What’s important to me as superintendent is that we are supportive of our principals and teachers so that they can be the very best. That’s where the rubber hits the road.”

Born just outside the Valley in Florence, Vesely’s grandparents farmed cotton in Casa Grande. Other than four years of undergraduate studies at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, her home turf has been Tucson. As she squeezes in time to find a new home— “in the Kyrene School District, of course,” she stressed—Vesely is living at her father’s Ahwatukee residence.

She acknowledged that her future as

the Kyrene’s ninth superintendent since 1939 includes a big learning curve.

But because she has been involved in education in a variety of roles since her 1977 graduation from NAU, she’s confident that she has the background to handle the job.

Vesely began her career fresh out of NAU as a teacher at Tucson’s Amphitheater High School and later served as executive of community schools for the Amphitheater School District. Her professional experience spans nearly four decades, and includes principal, principal supervisor, assistant and deputy superintendent; education business leader with Edison Schools; and regional vice president for Pearson’s western region.

Services Bobette Sylvester-McCarroll said.

The school district sells a portion of those bonds every year to fund some work, she said. With the 2016 sale, the district has sold 72 percent of what voters approved.

Although the Westwood construction is the highest profile, a lot of smaller projects have taken place all around the district—59 in all.

It’s not unusual that the proceeds of the bond sale are paying for so many projects, Sylvester-McCarroll said.

“A bond sale will go toward some big building projects, but also for a lot of small, valuable projects,” she said.

That’s important, she said, because a committee identified 177 needed projects that cost a total of $28 million for this year. The 59 that the District chose to fund this year total $13.1 million.

Upgrades at Westwood

A new feature at Westwood is the inclusion of a fitness trail from the main campus across Extension Street, to the school’s satellite buildings. The idea is to make that trail attractive to both students and the public. Besides serving

as a walking or running path, it will include exercise stations, Miller said.

A shorter path—a palm trail—will be constructed from the main campus to the football stadium.

The new Westwood math and culinary arts building was designed to be durable, Miller said. Much of the flooring is concrete.

Drinking fountains are equipped with stations to fill water bottles.

The design includes window coverings that block the view inside in in case of a shooting on campus.

“A

- Bobette Sylvester-McCarroll, Superintendent

Another building project at Westwood is still to be finished this summer, Miller said. The old media center is being remodeled to accommodate special education classes. Because some equipment had to be moved from the old media center to the new building, work on the existing building had to wait. It’s underway now.

Next summer, more work is to occur at Westwood, Miller said, when the rest of the main campus is pegged for renovation.

Also this summer, five Mesa elementary

schools are undergoing bathroom remodeling projects, four elementary schools are getting new carpet and one elementary kitchen is being remodeled.

At nearly every one of the 87 Mesa Public Schools sites, work is occurring on the heating and cooling systems. Many gymnasiums and auditoriums are getting sound and light upgrades. Asphalt work is occurring on nearly every campus.

Fence work is underway at all 57 elementary schools. By the end of summer, perimeter security fencing will be in place on those campuses. Junior high schools get fences next year, followed by high school campuses. Security cameras are also being installed, about 45 at each high school and 15 at every elementary school. The fencing and cameras carry a total price tag of $3 million.

Services

Around the district

Other projects currently in the works include a new drainage system at Dobson High School to keep a parking lot from repeatedly flooding.

A locker room at Dobson is also undergoing renovations.

Athletes at Mountain View High School will have a new track surface when they return to school in August.

Another $400,000 this year is being spent to demolish the vacant Mesa Junior High School. The city and the school district earlier reached an agreement that the city will take over that land and develop it into a park.

Not all of the $230 million that voters approved was pegged for construction, Sylvester-McCarroll said. Some is paying for technology and transportation needs.

Westwood is one of four Mesa high schools that this year implements the 1-to-1 technology program, being paid for with proceeds from the bond measure. Every student at Westwood, Dobson, Red Mountain and Skyline high schools will receive a tablet to use for the entire year. The other two high schools—Mesa and Mountain View— will have the tablets next fall.

Around 200 charging stations will be installed at each school for student use. All Mesa schools already have curb-tocurb Wi-Fi, Miller said.

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

Kyrene’s new assistant chief kisses 100-mile commute goodbye

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA TRIBUNE CONTRIBUTOR

For new Kyrene School District

Assistant Superintendent Laura Toenjes, working in the East Valley again is like a homecoming.

As she settled into her office at the district’s Tempe headquarters in early July, Toenjes (pronounced Ten-yes) said her commute to work just got a whole lot easier.

For the past year, Toenjes had driven 100 miles each way five days a week from her Chandler home to Tucson where she served as Director of School Improvement in the Sunnyside Unified School District.

In Tucson, she worked with Kyrene’s new superintendent, Jan Vesely, who was assistant superintendent for the same district.

The two had worked closely prior when Toenjes served as Arizona Department of Education deputy associate superintendent, heading the school improvement unit.

“I got to know Jan … I was very impressed with her leadership,” said Toenjes.

Together at Sunnyside, Vesely and Toenjes helped four district schools improve test scores and strengthen teacher’s support systems through the University of Virginia’s School Turnaround Program.

“When I knew Jan had been named Kyrene Superintendent and then saw the posting for assistant superintendent, I

knew I had to pursue that,” said Toenjes, who was raised in Gilbert and is a Gilbert High School alumna.

“I’m an East Valley girl and I’ve always been very impressed with the Kyrene School District, which has always had that reputation of excellence. So I’m thrilled to be a part of this team,” said Toenjes whose two teenage sons attend Hamilton High

School and are active in sports.

Like Vesely, Toenjes said she has high standards for herself, educators and students, and a commitment to do what it takes to ensure their greatest chance for success.

And like Vesely, she has a plaque in her office that she says reveals a lot about her philosophy: “Everyday Counts.”

“I truly believe in the power of education and I have a passion for serving and always leaving whatever and whomever, including myself, better than the day before,” she said.

Toenjes received her B.A. in Communications from the University of Arizona.

While teaching in Gilbert and later in Stanfield, Toenjes earned two master’s degrees from Northern Arizona University—one in elementary education and the other in administration and supervision with a minor in curriculum and instruction.

“I believe my role as a leader is to foster a district-wide work environment that’s student-focused and results-oriented, placing priority on student learning and performance,” she said.

Degreed Teachers

Nationally Accredited

Sign Language & Spanish

Cooking, Gardening & Science Experiments

Preschool

A mother of two and grandmother of three, Vesely says her goal is focused on finding and implementing the best roads to success for the approximately 17,000 Kyrene students.

“My work is motivated by a strong sense of responsibility and care for our students and every decision will be based on what’s best for them,” she said. “I’m excited to be coming to a highly-performing district with highly-qualified, dedicated staff and strong parental and community support.”

In her first day, she said that communication will be a major goal.

“In these first 100 days, I want to learn what makes this district so special. I want to deeply understand the foundation this district was built on so that I can continue to grow its excellence to even greater heights,” Vesely said.

“The schools will be the focal point of my work, providing principals, teachers, and sites with the support they need to be successful. We’re realigning our support to schools to ensure the focus of our work in centered on the needs of schools and students.”

Vesely is planning “Let’s Talk” tours to

every school so she can further involve parents and the community at large, maintaining an active presence.

“I plan to communicate clearly and frequently so that everyone feels engaged and connected to our district and its important work in educating the students within our community,”

she said.

“Among questions I’ll be posing are, ‘How do we ensure equal access and opportunities for all students so that we become a collective community focused on our central mission and vision?’ and, ‘How might we continue to be good stewards of community resources to

A New Era for Desert Hills High School

For over fifteen years, Desert Hills High School (DHHS) has provided the Gilbert community with an alternative to the traditional public school. With a small school environment, a four-day schedule, credit recovery opportunities, and flexible scheduling, DHHS has provided thousands of Gilbert youths with a high school experience better tailored to their needs.

Now, under the leadership of School Leader Greg Garland, DHHS is beginning an exciting new era that will provide many benefits to its students. DHHS recognizes that not all students are singularly interested in a university education as their future plan. Instead, DHHS is dedicated to providing for students interested in diverse postsecondary opportunities.

Beginning with the 2016-17 school

year, DHHS will offer four separate programs geared towards students that want to begin their careers soon after finishing high school. First, DHHS has partnered with Brighton College to provide Concurrent Enrollment CTE programs that will offer students the ability to complete certification programs while attending school. These certification programs include: Pharmacy Technician Diploma, Home Inspection Certificate, Paralegal Studies Diploma, and many more.

Second, DHHS works with the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) to provide opportunities for students who want to attend one of their daytime programs. These students attend school at DHHS for half of the day and then are bussed to EVIT to take part in programs like 3D Animation, Cosmetology, Nursery Assistant, etc.

Third, DHHS has created the Building

Skills Trade Program which will provide students with training in construction techniques. Finally, DHHS has an Employment Integration Program that provides students with information about select local businesses and assists them with finding jobs.

While DHHS continues to develop these programs, students who are interested in post-secondary education are most certainly not left out. Instead, DHHS provides numerous opportunities to learn about the many great institutions in Arizona through frequent college trips and College and Career Days. Within the classroom, students are provided with curricula that ensures that they are prepared to attend a community college or university—if they choose to do so. For enrollment information or questions,

call (480) 813-1151 or check out the website www.deserthillshs.com.

minimize costs while maximizing outcomes of highly productive citizens for tomorrow?’”

Kyrene’s boundaries encompass Tempe, Chandler, Ahwatukee, Guadalupe and Gila River Indian Reservation. The district serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

With some preparation, you can beat back-to-school stress this season.

Arming your family with key items can transform back-to-school season from super stressful to supremely simple. From scoring deals to making homework manageable, great apps can make back-toschool season easier and more affordable.

Saving money is typically high on Mom’s priority list. Use apps like ShopSavvy to comparison shop—just scan an item’s barcode to see if there’s a better deal available at another store or online.

Score additional discounts with coupon apps like RetailMeNot and The Coupons App. Stay on top of assignments with tools like myHomework. This digital planner syncs across devices, so both kids and parents receive reminders when homework and projects are due.

You can also be mindful of the entire family’s schedule with organization apps like Cozi, which allows family members to share activities and appointments in a daily breakdown, as well as keep track of chores, grocery lists and more.

Vape shops under a cloud with new regulations looming

BY MIKE BUTLER TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Ayear ago, Mount Baker Vapor fled its home state of Washington and relocated to Mesa because of proposed state laws that would have put the company out of business. But the firm couldn’t outrun the long arm of the FDA

In May, the Food and Drug Administration extended its authority to regulate e-cigarettes and issued 499 pages of sweeping new rules that vaping advocates say threaten to sweep the wide variety of products now available off the market.

“These are challenging times for the industry,” said John Sanders, Mount Baker Vapor’s chief sales and marketing officer. “But at the same time, business is booming.”

That’s because an estimated 9 million American adults vape for pleasure and to keep them from buying packs of cigarettes.

They spend several billions of dollars a year on e-liquids, also known as juice, which contains various levels of nicotine (or no nicotine), vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol and FDA-approved flavorings. They also buy tanks to hold the juice and high-tech battery devices, which heat the coils that turn juice into vapor.

When vaping first became a thing about 10 years ago, it was confined to a small community of do-it-yourselfers.

But seeing a need and an opportunity, inventors and entrepreneurs stepped in.

The vaping business grew by leaps and bounds in a very short time.

That explosive growth, however, alarmed parents of teenagers and public health experts who worried publicly that e-cigarettes were being too aggressively marketed. They feared that candyflavored e-cigarette juices would hook a new generation on nicotine and lead them down the path to traditional cigarette smoking.

Sanders said Mount Baker Vapor and other operations try very hard to prevent underage vaping.

“We’re very much in favor of reasonable regulation,” he said.

Sanders and others in the industry object to a provision in the FDA rules that rolls back the effective date of regulation to February 15, 2007. That would require all vapor products currently on the market to go through the costly and time-consuming FDA approval process.

“The industry didn’t even exist then,” Sanders said.

There are two pieces of legislation making the rounds in Congress that

would change the effective date of the regulations to Aug. 8, 2016.

The Right to be Smoke-Free Coalition, to which Mount Baker Vapor is a major contributor, has also filed a lawsuit against the FDA.

Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has been pressing the FDA for answers on the economic impact of the new regulations.

“Without a concrete understanding of the rule’s effect on growing industry,” he said in a press release recently, “the FDA’s decision to implement this regulation could lead to the elimination of thousands of jobs and businesses.”

Sanders said even if the grandfather date is changed, innovation will probably dwindle because anyone who wants to bring a new vapor product to market after Aug. 8 needs to get FDA approval. That includes smaller vape shops in the East Valley that mix their own juices.

Popular stores in the East Valley include Synergy Vapor Labs, with shops in Tempe and Scottsdale; Kidney Puncher, with shops in Mesa and Tempe; Vape Land, with shops in Ahwatukee, Chandler and Mesa; and Vape Central, with shops in Chandler and Phoenix.

Despite the clouds swirling over the business, Mount Baker Vapor opened a retail shop last week at 4049 E. Presidio St., Suite 101, in Mesa to show off its 90plus juice flavors and the latest vaping hardware.

Beyond the store’s back wall is Mount Baker Vapor’s 64,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.

Sanders said the company has 100 employees and annual revenue of $4050 million. The website has 600,000 customer accounts and processes 2,500 orders per day.

– 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.

Payroll Control Systems

honored by Chandler

Payroll Control Systems of Phoenix has been named the Chandler Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year. The data firm has 24 employees and has had 25 percent growth in clients and revenue every year for the past eight years.

PCS was founded in Minneapolis in 1996 and has served the Phoenix area since 2008.

LGE Design Build completes office space for SixthDivision

LGE Design Build has completed construction on tenant improvements to the 6,000-square-foot Chandler office building for SixthDivision, a software and small business consultant.

SixthDivision moved into the new site at 2490 S. Gilbert Road, near Loop 202 and Gilbert Road, to accommodate its growth. The building features an open office with available desks, offices for coaches to work with clients, open meeting spaces and an expansive kitchen

with a bank of cabinets, TVs and a tabletop bar.

SixthDivision helps clients implement Infusionsoft, a sales and marketing automation software.

Consumer confidence soaring to new highs

Consumer confidence in Arizona now is the highest it’s been in years.

The new report by the Behavior Research Center puts the confidence index for the state at 88.4. That’s based on a scale of 100 for what Arizonans were feeling in 1985.

That is double where it was at the beginning of 2009 in the depths of the recession.

The index is based on how Arizonans see both current and future employment and business conditions.

If consumers believe things are getting better, they’re more likely to spend money. And the increased spending boosts the economy, increasing the demand for products and services which, in turn, means companies need to hire more people.

Uber self-driving cars zipping around East Valley

BY MIKE BUTLER TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Don’t

look now, but those odd-looking hybrid Ford Fusions zipping around East Valley streets with Pennsylvania license plates are definitely Uber selfdriving cars.

The ride-hailing company confirmed by email Wednesday that several mapping cars from its Advanced Technologies Center in Pittsburgh are currently in Phoenix gathering data. There are drivers behind the wheel monitoring the operation of the vehicles, which carry an array of radar, lasers, scanners and highresolution cameras on the roof.

Uber first put a self-driving car on the streets of Pittsburgh in May.

“Real-world testing is critical to our efforts to develop self-driving technology,”

Uber said in blog post at the time. “Selfdriving cars have the potential to save millions of lives and improve quality of life for people around the world.”

A year ago, Uber began hiring robotics

Uber on the move

Here is video of the Uber self-driving car in Phoenix. The car was traveling south on 44th Street in Phoenix.

http://tiny.cc/ubercar

The video is courtesy of Christy Byerly.

experts at Carnegie Mellon University to staff its Advanced Technologies Center.

Uber is betting that in the future world of self-driving cars, many urban dwellers will find that the cost of taking an Uber anytime and anywhere they want to go is cheaper than owning a vehicle.

Of course, eliminating drivers would also dramatically boost the transportation company’s bottom line. In April, Uber settled two class action lawsuits brought by driver groups who argued they should be classified as employees.

– 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.

Women in Business event features speaker from Intel

Barbara McAllister Whye from the Intel Corporation is the keynote speaker at the Chandler’s Women in Business Luncheon on Tuesday. She will discuss her biggest roadblocks and how those obstacles led to her growth.

Admission is $25 for members and $35 for non-members. The keynote lunch is from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Soho63, 63 E. Boston St.

Multi-tenant industrial park sells for $8.95M

The Cal-Eaton Industrial Park at Smith Road & E. 5th St. in Tempe sold recently for $8.95 million. The transaction closed on June 30 and the buildings were 99 percent occupied at the time of sale.

Lee & Associates Principals Kurt Saulnier, Pat Dempsey and Jan Fincham represented the seller Cal-Eaton Properties LP, based in Tempe. The Lee team also secured the buyer, Fifth Street Commerce Center LLC, of Portland, Oregon.

The five multi-tenant buildings total 106,950 sq. ft. and consist of 76 office/ warehouse bays and 15 small office suites. The property is just west of the Loop 101 and just south of Tempe Marketplace.

Eastmark No. 8 nationally in master-planned sales

Eastmark was among the top 20 bestselling master-planned communities in the nation during the first half of 2016 in a report released by real estate advisory group RCLCO.

Eastmark completed 2015 ranked as the eighth fastest-selling master-planned community in the nation and was Arizona’s top selling community. More than 1,200 homes have sold there since opening in summer 2013 and sales have continued at a sustained pace. Today, more than 3,000 residents live in the neighborhood, and there are plans to introduce seven new neighborhoods over the next nine months.

StudentExchange

Enrich your family with another culture. Now you can host a high school exchange student (girl or boy) from France, Germany, Scandinavia, Spain, Australia, Japan, Brazil, Italy or other countries. Single parents, as well as couples with or without children, may host. Contact us ASAP for more information or to select your student.

Visit www.gilbertaz.com or call (480) 892-0056 for upcoming events and ribbon cuttings

Nominations will be accepted through September 7th for the following categories:

Municipal Awards: Municipal Volunteer of the Year; Neighborhood Leader of the Year; and Public Service Award

Gilbert Public Schools Education Awards: Educator of the Year; Education Support Staff; and Education Volunteer

Higley Unified School District Education Awards: Educator of the Year; Education Support Staff; and Education Volunteer

Chandler-Gilbert Community College Awards: Educator of the Year and Employee of the Year Community Awards: Beautification Award; Gilbert Young Hero Award; and ‘Geneva Clay’ Community Volunteer

Chamber of Commerce Awards: Spirit of Gilbert Business Award; Visionary Award; and Leon Uhlhorn Chairman’s Award

Nominations must include a short narrative (2-5 paragraphs) describing the nominee’s contributions according to the selected category.

Nominations can be made by completing an online fillable form at www.gilbertaz. com/2016gcea.

McBride works to evoke emotions in fans

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GETOUT/TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Country singer Martina McBride is known for tearjerkers like “Concrete Angel” and “In My Daughter’s Eyes.” The Grammy nominee said there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the audience’s reaction.

“Music is very powerful. It’s such a privilege for me to be onstage delivering that emotion and being able to touch people in that way,” McBride said.

IF YOU GO

What: Martina McBride

McBride is hoping to do that again with her latest album, “Reckless.” Her tour comes to the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix on Thursday.

McBride relies heavily on songwriters, and so went through hundreds of songs before she decided what would make the cut for “Reckless.”

“Usually, it’s an immediate reaction,” McBride said. “It’s an instinct. I might hear a song and instantly love it, or I might relate to a lyric or love the melody.”

It can be cumbersome, but McBride makes it work.

When: 8 p.m. Thursday, July 28

Where: Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix

Cost: $60-$95

Info: 602-267-1600 or celebritytheatre.com

“We’ve done a few shows for ‘Reckless,’” she said. “The thing I love about these songs is you can hear them once and immediately you like them. With others, you have to listen to them a couple of times before you get them.”

“The good thing about this album was I did have some time,” she said. “I wasn’t in a super big hurry to get the record done. I just really love this collection of songs.”

She’s had a few special occasions as well, including the opportunity in Nashville to sing “Cryin’” with Steven Tyler.

“He’s such an icon and a legend,” she said. “He’s really down to earth and loves Nashville and country music. He has an energy that’s contagious.”

She likes to think that her songs and

“I wasn’t in a super big hurry to get the record done,” country singer Martina

said. “I just really love this collection of songs.”

energy are contagious as well.

“I have a lot of songs that people can relate to,” she said. “Songs about love and life. ‘Reckless’ feels like a record I did a long time ago called ‘Evolution.’

But it’s modern and fresh.

“I think they’re so smart and well written.”

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

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

Chris Isaak rolls everyday experiences into engaging live show

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GETOUT/TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Whether it’s on the phone with a journalist or on stage in front of thousands of fans, Chris Isaak lives to entertain. He finds the humor in almost every situation— like the time he created four tickets to see The Tubes.

“I borrowed one of my friend’s tickets and copied it by hand,” Isaak said with a laugh. “I made four tickets for myself and my friends.

“Twenty years later, I’m playing with Prairie Prince, the drummer from The Tubes. I told him I owed him $12 because I snuck into his show. I showed him the ticket and he said, ‘You drew it?’ That taught me never to forget what

it’s like to not have money.”

Isaak said he is by no means encouraging fans to make counterfeit concert tickets. Fans will have to buy them to see his show on Tuesday at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix.

A consummate showman, the 59-year-old Isaak engages his fans by inviting them on stage or slipping into the seats with them. He says it’s important to him to give his best every night.

“My No. 1 goal is to make sure the audience has fun,” he said. “I play what they want to hear. I wrote the songs. It’s always stuff I like.”

Isaak attributes his onstage persona to his band, with whom he has played for three decades.

“We still love touring together,”

he said. “When you drive 500 miles a night, you find out who they are after 30 years. You’re either going to hate them or love them and I love them. I don’t think there’s a night that goes by when we don’t try to bring it.”

Isaak is touring to promote his recent album, 2015’s “First Comes the Night,” which was produced by Isaak, Dave Cobb, Mark Needham and Paul Worley. Worley showed him the importance of work-life balance.

“I was singing really well,” Isaak said about one studio session. “Paul said to me that we should wrap it up in another hour or two. I said that I could keep singing, but Paul said he had to go to a baseball game.”

It’s a ‘Dry Heat’ Foxworthy: Hosting benefit is a serious business

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GETOUT/TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

JeffFoxworthy has a theory: Laughter is the relief valve that keeps the boiler from exploding. He wants to provide that release, so he became a comic in 1984.

IF YOU GO

“Everybody has bad stuff in their lives,” Foxworthy said. “We just laugh and carry on. That’s the great part of my job. I meet people after my shows who tell me, ‘I can’t remember the last time that I laughed that much.’

Foxworthy is returning to Phoenix to play the Celebrity Theatre on Friday as part of the Dry Heat Comedy show that benefits Hope for the Warriors and the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association, a chapter of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Association.

What: Dry Heat Comedy All Stars w/Jeff Foxworthy

When: 8 p.m. Friday, July 29

Where: Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix

Cost: $45-$80

Info: 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com

“I especially love doing things for the military,” he said. “If I’m on the road, and I’m playing in D.C. or Baltimore, I’ll spend the day at Walter Reed (Hospital). What those people do is above and beyond most of us. Anytime you can give back to them, it’s really cool.”

“That’s a pretty cool thing to be able to do for somebody.”

Best known for heading up The Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Foxworthy will be joined by award-winning comedy magi-

Make Extra Cash

cian Michael Finney and “The Spouse Whisper” comedian Mark Cordes. Others on the bill are Nate Bargatze of Comedy Central’s “Full Time Magic” and his dad, Stephen Bargatze; Bruce Baum of “The Simpsons” and “America’s Funniest People,” comedian Kevin Jordan; comedy magician Fielding West; Steve Smith; Michael Walter; James O’Brien; Tim McTigue and more.

“It’ll be a lot of fun,” Foxworthy said. “Comedians don’t see each other a lot because we’re all on the road doing our own thing. When we get the chance to meet up and hang out, it’s fun for us, too. Before we were comedians, we were fans of comedy. It’s fun to watch my buddies.”

from page 19

It turned out that it was the baseball game of Worley’s child.

“He asked me if I wanted to go, so I did,” he said. “It was very fun. That was a lesson, too—in perspective. Yes, it’s important to sing your record, but it’s also important to be friends and fathers.”

He hopes that his shows will bring people together as well—just as it did for Roy Orbison and his crew at a show Isaak saw in California.

“Like the Celebrity Theatre, the stage was turning and it broke,” Isaak said. “Can you imagine? Here you are on stage, you’re playing, but half of the audience only has a view of the

Speaking of buddies, Foxworthy and Blue Collar Comedy cohort Larry “The Cable Guy” are releasing a special on Netflix on Aug. 26. The duo also has a show on Sirius XM.

“Larry and I had been on the road for the last eight months playing arenas,” said Foxworthy, who played Talking Stick Resort Arena with his friend in early April.

“Netflix approached us and said this should be a special. We agreed.”

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

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

drummer’s back.

“Roy was singing but there was panic among the crew and the people who were running the show. Suddenly, there are eight guys from the crew out there physically pushing the stage around. It was something to watch.

“They would push it a quarter of the way around and then stop for a minute, and do it again. But they couldn’t keep it steady. Finally, he got to the middle of the song, the crew is resting and he stops the song and says, ‘Push.’ I just died.”

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

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

Sports

Last line of defense

10 playmakers who love to make the opposition squirm

BY JASON P. SKODA TRIBUNE SPORTS EDITOR

In preparation for football games each week, the offensive meetings are mostly about breaking down the opposing defense’s scheme.

Over time, the offensive coaches and players find tendencies they can exploit. It’s all good until playmakers blow up the expected outcome. It’s the unexpected that can’t be accounted for by preparation.

And the East Valley has plenty of defensive players that need to be accounted for each and every play.

Here is a look at 10 of the area’s best defensive players:

Isaiah Pola-Mao, Sr., Mountain Pointe, defensive back

Mountain Pointe has the state’s best playmaker in the secondary. He has 11 career interceptions, including seven his sophomore year.

He is getting recruiting attention from just about every top program in the nation. Pola-Mao, who is related to former Steelers All-Pro Troy Polamalu, will make an impact on both sides of the ball, but his instincts and ball tracking ability make him one of the best safeties in the nation.

“He lets us do more things up front because we know he has it covered in the back end,” Mountain Pointe coach Norris Vaughan said of Pola-Mao, whose interception in the end zone sealed the playoff win over Brophy. “He is pretty special and will come up make the tackle, too.”

Jalen Harris. Sr., Desert Ridge, defensive end

This dynamic player was one of the most dominant two-way players in the state last year.

If his play and his numbers grow, Harris will be in the player of the year conversation.

In addition to 50 catches, the 6-foot-5, 205-pounder had 17.5 sacks, 31 quarterback hurries and 5.5 tackles for a loss.

Kolo Uasike, Sr., Skyline, defensive tackle

The 310-pounder is a load in the middle and often gets double teamed.

All the extra tension didn’t stop him from being named the Division II, Section IV player of the year after 15 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

Stevan Gomez, Sr., Desert Ridge, defensive back

He might have been the most underrated star last season after helping the Jaguars to the Division I title game in so many ways.

He returned kicks and punts, and scored 10 touchdowns but he made his biggest imprint on the defensive side of the ball.

He finished with 109 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, three interceptions, nine passes defensed, two caused fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Joseph Mask, Sr., Campo Verde, linebacker

This 5-8 dynamo had 100 solo tackles, and 163 total, a year ago.

He had 23 total tackles in the game against Mesquite. Can Mask, who also had seven tackles for loss and four sacks, get to 25 this year?

My-King Johnson Sr., Tempe, defensive end

He has been nearly unstoppable the last two years, totaling 35.5 sacks including 22

last season, and 28.5 tackles for loss in his career.

It’s hard to imagine Johnson doing any better than that, but another 20 isn’t out of the question and would mark the end of one of the most dominant defensive careers in Arizona history.

Braden Valentine, Sr., Williams Field, linebacker

Valentine is one of two Black Hawks LBs who are seemingly always around the ball, along with Zane McKinney.

Valentine finished with 115 tackles, seven tackles for a loss and one interception in helping Williams Field become one top defenses in the East Valley.

Anthony Nicastro, Sr., Marcos de Niza, defensive end

One of the defensive stalwarts of last year’s Division II state runners-up is back to mess up the timing of passing games.

He finished last year with 10.5 sacks and just keeps working until the last whistle of every play and every game.

Tre Bugg, Sr., Williams Field, defensive back

Bugg is already in game shape after helping the 19-U U.S. National team to a

runner-up finish at World Championships in China.

He had a pick-six to seal the win over Canada that pushed Team USA into the finals.

“We prepared for that play all week,” Bugg said. “It was something that we saw in film. The guys up front got penetration and the quarterback put the ball a little behind. Due to our game preparation, I was in position to make a play.”

The 5-foot-11, 167-pounder should be one of the top cornerbacks in the area and could build off last year’s 31 total tackles and three interceptions.

Rashie Hodge, Sr., Mountain Pointe, linebacker

Hodge will take on a more prominent role this year after doing a little bit of everything for the Pride last year.

He finished with 2.5 tackles for a loss, three interceptions, three quarterback hurries and 2.5 sacks with 46 total tackles.

Expect all of those numbers to increase as he becomes one of the Pride’s leading defensive players.

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

Young students off to Japan for martial arts meet

BY SHANE DEGROTE TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Two East Valley youngsters part of a team representing Arizona in Tokyo next week have come from what is considered one of the best dojos in all of the United States.

“It is an honor and it has been earned,” said Rick Savagian, head instructor at Mountainside Martial Arts in Ahwatukee. He is leading the team with nine of his best athletes which will compete in the 8th International Wado-Ryu World Championships and the 52nd Japan National Championships July 30-31.

Among the competitors are Parker Frist, 17, of Gilbert and Sydney Johnson, 11, of Chandler. Johnson is one of two young women on the team.

Frist, a senior at Desert Vista High School, has been training for 10 years and is a first degree black belt.

“I have had a desire to go to Japan to compete since 2010 when our dojo last went,” he said. “To go on this trip is such an honor and will be an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Sydney, who attends Basha Accelerated Middle School, has been training since she was 5 years old and is a brown belt.

“This trip means going to a different country and learning about an amazing culture,” she said. “I want to go to Japan because I believe that this tournament will help me become a better competitor. This will help me to improve my skills, and I will be able to learn new strategies from other competitors.

With around 1,500 participants, the invitation-only competition is an exclusive global contest. Mountainside Martial Arts is the only school in Arizona competing and one of only three schools in the United States to be invited.

Savagian’s history at the competition played a key role into the club’s selection. A 1984 USA Wado-Ryu World Team competitor and 1999, 2002 and 2009 USA World Team Coach, Savagian has performed and trained against the best martial arts athletes that the world has to offer.

Although Mountainside’s newest entry in the Japanese meet has big shoes to fill, Savagian has full confidence in the members’ abilities.

“They are young but I think they will do well,” Savagian said. “Whether we medal or not it is hard to say because it is a crap

shoot. It is just whoever you draw that can determine the outcome.”

The team consists of nine athletes from Mountainside Martial Arts who were chosen on the basis of their competition record. The other seven are from Ahwatukee.

For Ian Goodson, who has trained at Mountainside Martial Arts for 12 years, this is the opportunity he has been waiting for.

“I have been wanting to go to Japan and compete for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I don’t know any way to find better competitors than in the homeland of where the sport began.”

Goodson is not only in the individual competition but in a team bracket along with David Kogut and Parker Frist.

The two youngest athletes competing in Tokyo are 8-year-olds Trevor Marks and Drake Brown.

“Going to Japan means that I have reached a high enough level of skill to compete internationally,” said Drake, a brown belt and candidate for a black belt.

“I will need to work very hard and be very determined in order to beat my opponents in Japan.”

Many Bible verses show who God thinks you are

BY LISA JISA TRIBUNE CONTRIBUTOR

Irecently heard a speaker mention the temptation to despair. That sounded so strange, but as I thought about it, I realized what a real temptation that is for me.

God used Elijah on Mount Carmel to show the prophets of Baal how mighty He was. (Read 1 Kings 18 and 19 for the fascinating full story.)

Elijah exposed false prophets through an incredible victory and the people realized the Lord was God. But the wicked Queen Jezebel grew angry and set out to kill Elijah. Afraid for his life, he ran away and prayed that he might die.

“‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’ Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.” (1 Kings 19:4-5)

These thoughts of despair came on the heels of a great victory. It’s as though Elijah forgot all that God had done and was capable of doing. It should come as no surprise that if a mighty man of God was tempted to despair that I can be, too.

David also had times of despair: “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts

SATURDAY AUG. 20

GAMES AND ICE CREAM ON TAP

Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School is holding a “Minute to Win It” game and ice cream social. Players are given 60 seconds to complete each simple game, such as blowing up a balloon and knocking cups off the table; tossing toilet paper rolls into a hoop; knocking soda cans down with rubber bands; and building a pyramid with 36 plastic cups. Simple games will also be provided for preschoolers.

DETAILS>> 4-5:30 p.m. at the school, 3257 E. University Drive, Mesa. Information: 480-830-1724, pilgrimmesa. com, office@pilgrimmesa.com.

ONGOING

JEWISH CENTER SELLS GIFTS

The Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life Chai Judaica and Gifts offers a wide variety of gifts, from Mezuzot to books, religious items and jewelry.

DETAILS>> Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. Gift shop hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday by appointment only and Sundays 9:30-10 a.m. and noon-12:30 p.m. info@chabadcenter.com or 480-855-4333.

and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” (Psalm 13:2) In Psalm 42:5, David says, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?”

David repeats this phrase at the end of Psalm 42, yet he adds this to verse 11: “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” At the end of Psalm 13, he said, “But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me.”

David knew that his hope needed to be in God. Circumstances may change, but God never does.

When the world beats me down and I am tempted to despair, it helps to remember who I am in Christ. Keep this list handy and read it out loud often to fight the temptation to despair. Dry erase markers write well on mirrors and are easy to clean off.

Write enough encouragement, and you’ll see more of who God says you are than your own reflection:

I am loved. (1 John 3:1)

I am chosen. (Ephesians 1:4)

I am redeemed. (Ephesians 1:7-8)

I am forgiven. (1 John 1:9)

TEMPLE PROVIDES KIDS ROOM

The full-time infant room for children ages 6 weeks to 12 months.

DETAILS>> Temple Emanuel of Tempe, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Rachel Wallach, 480-838-1414, or rachel@ emanueloftempe.org.

I am a new creation because I am in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I am complete in Jesus Christ. (Colossians 2:10)

I am free from condemnation. (Romans 8:1)

I am set free. (Romans 8:2, John 8:32)

I am established, anointed, sealed by God, and I have His Spirit in my heart. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

I am chosen by God, holy and dearly loved. (Colossians 3:12)

I am saved through faith by grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for me to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

I am a citizen of heaven. (Philippians 3:20)

I have been chosen to bear fruit. (John 15:16)

I am a child of God. (John 1:12, Galatians 4:6)

I am a member of Christ’s body. (1 Corinthians 12:27)

I am Jesus’ friend. (John 15:14)

I am a joint heir with Jesus and I share His inheritance with Him. (Romans 8:17)

I am included. (Ephesians 1:13)

CHILD DEVELOPMENT AT CHABAD

Reggio-Inspired program where children can develop socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually in a Jewish setting. For preschoolers 12 months to 5 years old, with part-time and half-day options. Before- and

I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)

I am more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37)

I am not alone. (Hebrews 13:5) I am heard. (1 John 5:14-15)

I am prayed for by Jesus Christ. (John 17:20-25)

I am a temple of the Holy Spirit and of the living God.

(1 Corinthians 6:19, 2 Corinthians 6:16)

I am a daughter of my heavenly Father, the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:18)

I am salt and the light of the world. (Matthew 5:13-16)

God is full of abundant grace and mercy. If you read this list and didn’t quite connect, know that Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you believe and are saved.”

– Lisa Jisa was an Ahwatukee resident for 15 years before moving last year to Littleton, Colorado, to be closer to her sister. She has been sharing her Christian viewpoint with readers since 2004.

after-care hours available.

DETAILS>> Shternie at info@chabadcenter.com or call 480-855-4333.

Submit your releases to rzubiate@evtrib.com

Engagement

CASEY-ASHLEY

Marie Casey to Timothy Michael Ashley, son of Ms

B

University She is currently a Marketing Analyst fo

Aramark Leisure, and resides in Gilbert, Arizona Mr Ashley is a graduate of The University of Arizona He is currently an Account Manager for CVS/Caremark, and resides in Gilbert, Arizona A March 4, 2017 wedding is planned

Obituaries

MacNEVINS, Theresa Barbara (Dziubinksi)

Born 2/09/1930, has passed away on 6/22/2016 She was 86 years old Terry’s wishes were to not have any s

Scottsdale in 1987 where she and her husband, Harold M

one year later Terry is survived by her 3 children, Victoria Graham, Keith MacNevins and Faith MacNevins She had one other child, Kevin MacNevins who had deceased as a child Also surviving are four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren

WADDLE, Cecil Finis

81, died Sunday, July 17, 2016 at Banner Deser t Medical Center from complications following surgery He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Saundra Morgan- Waddle; his sons, Rick Waddle and M i k e W a d d l e ; h i s d a u g h t e r , P a t t y

Employment

Microsoft Corporation currently has the following opening in Tempe, AZ (job opportunities available at all levels, e g , Principal, Senior and Lead levels): Solution Architect: Architect software, platform, services, hardware or technology solutions jobs-microsoft.icims.co/jobs/5831/go/job

Multiple job openings are available for each of these categories To view detailed job descriptions and minimum requirements, and to apply, visit the website address listed EOE

East Valley agency looking for compassionate, dependable CAREGIVERS to work with Special Needs individuals in their home & out in the community Positions are open for Assisted living residential services, Day Program Instructor, and Respite, Habilitation, Attendant Care Flexible hours FT/PT Long-term care needed Certifications needed are First Aid/CPR and AZ Fingerprint Clearance Card, which we can help you obtain Looking to hire immediately Training will be provided If interested, please email your resume to hcbs@transitionsaz.org or call Emily at 480-940-7915

{JOB COUCH, CARE PROVIDER, DRIVER} South Cactus RD Apache Junction, AZ 85119 3690 Company:

{Central AZ Council On Developmental Disabilities} We are a Equal Employment Opportunity Employer We serve people with developmental Disabilities in Job programs and Day programs Must be able to pass a DPS check also CPS/APS How To Apply: Applications may be submitted by {mail, e-mail, fax, etc }

Employment General

CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION HOME OF THE SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS

Kennel Assistant

$11 86/hr Close 8/4/16

Police Telecommunications Officer

$18 40/hr Close 8/11/16

Lieutenant

$81,658 annual Close 8/18/16

Educator

PT $21 84/hr Close 8/4/16

For more information or to apply online vistit our website at www ajcity net EOE

Integrated Circuit Test Engineer – Medtronic, Inc , Tempe, AZ Req Master’s in Elec Eng & 2 yrs exp in IC test appls dev Must possess 2 yrs exp with dev test appls for both Mixeds

and debugging custom test hardware/software, performing verification & validation of the test s

tems Analysis (R&R studies); characterization and qualification of the ICs; utilizing software languages and environs incl Visual Basic, C and C++ to support test appls software dev ; troubleshooting yield and performance issues to root cause using statistics-based analysis and providing related tech solutions; test appl release procedures; test time reduction tech-

Employment General

Banner Medical Group seeks Pediatric Surgeon to work in Mesa, Glendale, & Phoenix, AZ Prov pediatric surg care to patient population

Examines patients to verify necessity of operation, possible risks, & best procedures

Performs operations employing established surgical techniques appropriate for specific procedures. For full desc or to apply, send resume to Bradley Swinney@ bannerhealth com ref# 9269

Golf Course Maintenance Firerock Country Club

Starting $10/hr. Fountain Hills. Call or stop by 480-816-9784

Local Contract Drivers needed in Phoenix Jumpstart/fuel deliveries/tire changes Vehicle required, no experience necessary Call Amera at 267-270-5225

Martinez and Tina Martinez, Michael Martinez and Daniel Martinez, and Josh Jeide, Grant Jeide and Natalie Jeide; many great grandchildren; his brother, Cledis Waddle and his closest cousin, Frances Rackley

Cecil was born in West Helena, AR, and raised in Judsonia, AR He grew up working in the fields picking cotton and strawberries and the like in the Depression Era South He also spent a lot of time fishing and hunting with his dog on his own when he was young He loved and played high school basketball High school ended early for him after a devastating tornado leveled the town of Judsonia and killed his father Cecil joined the US Army to support his widowed mother He served in the Korean Conflict, where he went to what he referred to as "cook's school" He returned to the US, married and was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base where they started their family He was stationed in Germany for two years They had a son, Bobby Waddle, that was still-born and they buried him there He was stationed at Presidio of San Francisco where he finished his military service, until he joined the Army Reserves later in life

Cecil returned to Arkansas and worked for his brother in his tool and dye business, until he lost his fingers on one hand in an on the job accident Cecil moved his family to Mesa, Arizona in 1962 He drove a milk delivery truck for Shamrock, he loaded and delivered lumber for O'Malley Lumber Company, and then he went to a trade school to learn how to fix televisions He worked at Color City TV in Mesa and ATV in Phoenix until h e decided to work for himself in the late 70's into the mid-to- late 90's He was well-known as Cecil the TV man He was proud to be 20-year Cancer Survivor He was a great dad and he helped whom ever, where eve r and whenever he could

Central Arizona Council On Developmental Disabilities P O BOX 3670 , Apache Junction, AZ, 85117 Phone 480-982-5015 Fax 480-982-0679 Kaabeyta@gmail com: CACDD org Attention: Kimberly Abeyta

ATF AEROSPACE

SECONDARY PRODUCTION OPERATOR

Position Description Summary:

Understand operation and functions of assigned machine Produce a quality product and maintain production efficiency, to meet customer needs

Position Responsibilities:

Understand the function of assigned machine and operate machine Read blue prints Operate a micrometer and a comparator. Complete all necessary documentation neatly and accurately Keep workstation neat and organized, practice good housekeeping Assist and cooperate with other team members in the department Follow all safety rules and practices All other duties as assigned by supervisor

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Ability to read a blue print Ability to work well with co-workers and management Ability to follow directions Ability to speak, read, write and understand English Education and Experience High School diploma or the equivalent preferred Submit resume to Lynn Wesley: lwesley@atf-inc com

tion process; and schematic design and PCB

tion consulting (prototyping/drafting solutions,

g M S P r o j e c t C e n t r a l o r J I R A p r o j e c t s , c o m m u n i c a t i o n s & s t a t u s r e p o r t i n g , p r o j e c t h e a l t h m o n i t o r i n g , p r o j e ct e s c a l a t i o n s , & e x e c u t i n g b r i e f i n g

Load logs or wood onto trucks, trailers, or railroad cars, by

C

Forestry activities as per SOC/OES 45-4021 (onetonline.org). Must have 3 month

daily/wkly hrs: 7am-4pm; 35-40+ To include breaks OT available, not reqd M-F Possible weekend/holiday work Variable weather conditions apply; hrs may fluctuate (+/-), possible downtime/OT Employer will comply w/applicable Federal,

walk, stoop, handle, position, move, manipulate materials use static strength to

$28 31/hr Use/maintenance of employer provided tools/equip /supplies at no cost/deposit Attn to detail, complete tasks Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco free wor k zone Based on Employer's discretion/cost: Wrkr may have random drug/alcoho l testing during employment: positive test/ refusal to abide = dismissal Guarant

employment period. Will provide/pay cost of worker return transport, subsistence from worksite to place from which worker departed to work for employer if worker completes period of employment or dismissed from employment before e

subsistence from the place from which the

has

Meetings/Events

Wellness Workshop Series: A Better You 7 pm, Monday July 25th Diabetes Survival Skills

To learn the basics of Diabetes management and good-sense selfcare A one-hour community workshop to help people learn about glucose monitoring, medications, meal planning, exercise, and preventing complications Featuring: Margaret O Brien, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator Info: Virginia (Ginger) Fleishans at 480-218- 0371 or gfleishans@cox net Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School 3257 E University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213 480-830- 1724 www pilgrimmesa com office@pilgrim mesa com

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) is soliciting proposals from interested vendors to ADE is requesting competitive, sealed proposals for Conference and Meeting Facilities

You may obtain a copy of Solicitation ADED1700006552(Request for Proposal) at https://www procure az gov Proposals are due electronically through Procure AZ on or before August 24, 2016 at 3:00PM MST Please submit questions through ProcureAZ via the Q & A tab.

In order to submit a proposal you must be registered in https //procure az gov/ Instructions for registering are on the website

To respond to the RFP Offerors please register in ProcureAZ for the following code:

NIGP Code 971 - 65

NIGP Class 971 –Real Property Rental or Lease

NIGP Class Item 971-65 Real Property Rental or Lease for Conferences, Seminars, etc

Publish: Sunday, July 24, 2016

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 TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS

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: Transportation Projects 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)

From this solicitation, the Engineering Department will establish a list of on-call consultants for Transportation Projects

This category is further defined below:

Transportation projects may include such transportation-related projects as roadway im provement projects, transportation alternative projects (i e bike, pedestrian, transportation enhancement, and safe routes to school projects) and commuter park-and- ride projects Design components associated with these projects might include, but will not necessarily be limited to, grading, drainage, demolition, pavement, concrete, driveways, sidewalk, ramps, traffic signals, intelligent traffic systems (ITS), signage, striping, storm drain, street lights, landscaping, landscape irrigation, aesthetic elements, pedestrian improvements/amenities, bus shelters, surveying, horizontal control, bridges, block walls, environmental, and utility undergrounding These projects also often include utility (including water and astewater) upgrades, installation and/or rehabilitation in the same project areas as the transportation-related improvements Other tasks that a design consultant might be ask ed to perform include such things as alignment studies, design concept reports, environmental studies, environmental clearances, cost estimating, legal descriptions and exhibits, geotechnical reports, drainage reports, utility coordination, and public outreach Transportation projects differ from the other projects in that transportation need(s) drive the project and are the emphasis

A Pre-Submittal Conference will not be held

Contact with City Employ ees 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 authorized representative identified below

RFQ Lists This RFQ is available on the City’s website at http://mesaaz gov/business/engineering/architectural-engineering-design- opportunities

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 August 10, 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 subm ittal 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-selfservice)

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

BETH HUNING City Engineer

Mickelsen