Golden Corridor Living Magazine

“THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY”

SPRING 2016

Let’s Dance!

THE INTERVIEW: BOB HUDDLESTON TWO SPECIAL SECTIONS: BRIDAL & TRAVEL ARIZONA CIT Y • C A S A GR ANDE • COOLIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • MARICOPA

Celebrating over 25 years in Casa Grande!

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YOUR #1 Source for Decorative Rock in Casa Grande!

• Decorative Rock • River Rock • Fill Dirt • ABC

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• Topsoil • Pavers • Boulders • Flagstone

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4970 S. Trekell Rd. Casa Grande, AZ

5264 W. Posse Drive, Eloy • $269,500

2 BR 2 BA Den/Office 1,688 SF. This new Montecito floor plan on a Premium Lot in 55+ gated Robson Ranch is gorgeous! Only two years old, beautiful upgrades include 20” ceramic tile, coffered entry and 9 foot ceilings, dry bar, bay windows, Blanco granite counters and birch cabinets, all Energy Star appliances, instant-on hot water, water softener, oversized covered patio with paver extension into the carefree landscaped backyard and 3 car garage is over height and extended with a golf cart outlet, built-in cabinets, sink and insulated doors.

Location, Location, Location! It is just a short walk to all of Robson’s amenities.

Robson Ranch is gated 24/7, with incredible amenities including a Championship golf course, a clubhouse with 2 restaurants, a coffee bar, new ballroom & pro shop, a fitness center, heated indoor & outdoor pools & spas, a sports & aquatic center with water aerobics, tennis & pickle-ball courts, a creative arts center, a soft ball field, walking paths and a dog park.

Georgia F. Schaeffer

Associate Broker, REALTOR®, GRI, ABR, CDPE 520-560-3333 Cell georgias@coldwellbanker.com

Dawn Zimbelman

REALTOR®, ABR, CDPE, SRES. 520-431-2875 Cell dawnz@coldwellbanker.com

©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

1990 N. Pinal Ave. 1990 N. Pinal Ave. Casa Grande, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 AZ 85122 1990 N. Pinal Ave.

520-836-2147 520-836-2147 YOUR CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, 520-836-2147 Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Y E A R S

ARIZONA’S BEST CAR DEALS ARE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK! THE ARIZONA’S BEST CAR CORNER OF PINAL AVE. DEALS ARE CLOSER AND KORTESEN RD. THAN YOU THINK! THE OVER

N. Pinal N.Ave. Pinal Ave.

DODGE, JEEP, RAM DEALER YOUR CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, SERVING CASA GRANDE DODGE, JEEP, RAM DEALER 1990SERVING N. Pinal Ave. AND CASA BEYOND! GRANDE Casa Grande, AZ 85122 AND BEYOND!

OVER

YOUR CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, 10 10 DODGE, JEEP, RAM DEALER 520-836-2147 CASA GRANDE YOURSERVING CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP, RAMBEYOND! DEALER AND www.HenryBrownChrysler.com www.HenryBrownChevy.com CORNER OF PINAL AVE. AND KORTESEN RD.

Y E A R S

Florence Blvd.

OVER

ARIZONA’S BEST CAR DEALS ARE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK! THE CORNER OF PINAL AVE. AND KORTESEN RD.

N. Pinal Ave.

OVER

10 Kortesen Rd.

Service & Parts Hours

www.HenryBrownChrysler.com Monday - Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm Saturday 8:00am to 5:00pm

C

Cottonwood Ln. Florence Blvd.

10

Kortesen Rd. www.HenryBrown Cottonwood Ln.

www.HenryBrownChrysler.com

www.HenryBrownChevy.com Saturday 8:00am to 6:00pm

K

F

Y E A R S

Saturday 8:00am to 5:00pm

www.HenryBrownChevy.com Monday - Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm

N. Pinal Ave.

Y E A R S

www.HenryBrownChevy.com

Monday - Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm Florence Blvd.

Saturday 8:00am Sales Hoursto 5:00pm

N. Pinal Ave.

ARIZONA’S BEST CAR DEALS ARE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK! THE CORNER OF PINAL AVE. www.HenryBrownChrysler.com AND KORTESEN RD.

SalesCASA HoursGRANDE SERVING 520-836-2147 Monday Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm ARIZONA’S BEST CAR AND BEYOND! Monday Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm DEALS ARE CLOSER Saturday 8:00am to 6:00pm Saturday toCHRYSLER, 6:00pm THAN YOU THINK! THE 8:00am YOUR CHEVROLET, CORNER OF PINAL AVE. ARIZONA’S BEST CAR Sales Hours RAM DEALER AND KORTESEN RD. DODGE, JEEP, Service & Parts Hours 10 DEALS ARE CLOSER Monday - Friday 8:00am to& 8:00pm Service Parts Hours Kortesen Rd. THAN YOU THINK! THE Monday - 8:00am FridayCASA to 6:00pm SERVING GRANDE Saturday to7:00am 6:00pm CORNER OF PINAL AVE. AND KORTESEN RD. Saturday 8:00am to 5:00pm BEYOND! Cottonwood Ln. ServiceAND Hours Monday -& Parts Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm Y E A R S

Kortesen Rd.Ln. Cottonwood Florence Blvd.

Cottonwood Ln.

SERVING CASA GRANDE www.HenryBrownChevy.com AND BEYOND! YOUR CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, 1990 N. Pinal Ave. Hours DODGE, Sales JEEP, RAM DEALER Casa Grande, AZ 85122 OVER

Kortesen Rd.

OVER

N. Pinal Ave.

Sales Hours Monday - Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm Sales Hours Saturday 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday - Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm Service & Parts Hours Saturday 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday - Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm 1990 N. Pinal Ave.Hours Service & Parts Saturday 8:00am to 5:00pm Casa AZ 85122 MondayGrande, - Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm Saturday 8:00am to 5:00pm 520-836-2147

Y E A R S

Florence Blvd.

(520)

426-0404

www.dmfamilydentistry.com

The only Dental office in Casa Grande honored for excellence 6 years straight.

“THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY”

SPRING 2016

Contents Features:

Let’s Dance!

Spring 2016

THE TRAVEL EDITION

The Interview: Bob Huddleston

16

Bridal & Formal Special Section

70

Travel Special Section

78

THE INTERVIEW: BOB HUDDLESTON TWO SPECIAL SECTIONS: BRIDAL & TRAVEL ARIZONA CIT Y • C A S A GR ANDE • COOLIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • MARICOPA

The Casa Grande Dream Team (see story on page 50) Photography by Elegance N Images

by Tina Cates Casa Grande AZ

Economy & Local Business

Health, Wealth & Education

Travel, Dining & Entertainment

The Recipe for a Successful Economic Development Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Casa Grande Dream Team – Can They Do It?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Peru; Land of Clouds, Colors & Time Travel?. . . . . . . . 88

God, What is Poor?

Part 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Hiking 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Cruising the Inside Passage. . . 60

New Zipline in Oracle . . . . . . . . 92

Seeds of Hope and Arizona Gives Day . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Gallopin’ Goose & Bar Rescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Ak-Chin’s Early Him Dak Grows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Coolidge Performing Arts Center: Pinal County’s Hidden Treasure . . 34 Come on In. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

6

GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGSPRING SPRING202016 16

THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

Letter from the Editor

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

I Bea Lueck

t’s that glorious time of year in the deserts of central Arizona — the time of year where the temperatures are moderate and the wildflowers are blooming. If you are looking for something to do one weekend, take a short drive to Picacho Peak State Park or the Boyce Thompson Arboretum to enjoy the natural beauty of the desert.

Do it now because in just a few short weeks, the blast furnaces from Hades will once again be turned on high and the flowers will be gone.

Along with the flowers, this time of year we see the return of various other critters such as scorpions, rattlesnakes and bees. While you are out and about, keep an eye out. If you do encounter something that bites, stings or otherwise hurts, the best thing you can do is avoid the up-too-close-and-personal introduction. Watch where you put your hands and feet. Look before you sit down or step over an obstacle. And please, don’t kill our desert creatures just because you found them. If they are in a populated urban area such as

your backyard, call to have them relocated. If they are out in the wild, leave them alone - you are the intruder into their space.

With spring come thoughts of summer. The kids will soon be out of school. This leads to the age old question, “What to do on summer vacation?” To help solve this question, the intrepid travelers from ROX Travel and Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine have assembled a variety of articles and destinations in this edition’s special travel section. The destinations are varied, from the expected southern California and Disney to the exotic adventures of an African safari. If there is somewhere you’d like to read more about, please send me an email with your dream vacation. We just might answer you with an article in a future edition. The email is editor@raxxdirect.com And lastly, spring brings politics.

While the Presidential debates have reached new highs and [mostly] lows with more schoolyard taunts than true dialogue on candidate views, the local

campaign front is just now awakening.

Nominating petitions are now being circulated. Pinal County voters have these dates: • • •

• •

May 2, 2016: First day the Election Department will accept candidate filings.

June 1, 2016: Last day the Election Department will accept candidate filings.

July 21, 2016: Last day to file as a write-in candidate. Note, writein candidates do not have their names printed on the ballot.

August 3, 2016: Early voting begins August 30, 2016: Primary Election Day

The county positions open this election cycle are:

Partisan Offices • • • • • • •

Board of Supervisors (5 Districts) County Attorney County Assessor County Recorder County Sheriff County Superintendent of Schools County Treasurer

Non-Partisan Offices •

Central Arizona College Governing Board, Dist. 4

Depending on cycle, the cities will be voting on mayors and city council members. This summer we will send the announced candidates a series of questions to share with our readers. If there is a burning question you would like included, please send it to: editor@ raxxdirect.com Until then - stop and smell the beautiful spring flowers!

–Bea THE THETRAVEL TRAVEL EDITION EDITION

SPRING 20 16 16 GOLDEN CORRID OR LILI VVING 7 SPRING SPRING 2016 20 GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRID OR OR LI VING ING

7

VOICES PUBLISHER Elaine Earle, CPA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bea Lueck MANAGING EDITOR Katie Mayer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Conn-Hood Harold Kitching Donna McBride Jim Rhodes ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Angela Durrell Melissa Wolf CREATIVE DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGN Tim Clarke GRAPHIC DESIGN Jake Pagano CHIEF OF OPERATIONS & FINANCE Elaine Earle, CPA ADVERTISING INQUIRIES info@raxxdirect.com COMMENTS & IDEAS editor@raxxdirect.com CALENDAR INQUIRES calendar@raxxdirect.com

Bob Jackson

Born in Whitefish, Montana, Mayor Robert Jackson has lived in Casa Grande since 1991. He is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, holding a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He retired from the City of Casa Grande as Public Works Director in 2002 and is now serving his fourth term as mayor ending in 2015.

Helen Neuharth

Helen was hired as the President/CEO of the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce in August 1991 and is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management from Boulder, Colorado.

Helen is an active member of the Arizona Chamber Executives

Donna McBride

Donna McBride is the Program Administrator/Public Information Officer and Supervisor for the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Unit for Pinal County Juvenile Court . McBride is actively involved as a Board Member for Casa Grande Alliance, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, BlackBox Foundation, Mayor’s Reading Program, Pinal County Town Hall Vice-Chair, Parks and Block Watch Captain for the Casa Grande Police Department. A freelance writer and photographer, Donna and husband Mike enjoy white water rafting, kayaking and spending time with their 2 sons and 3 grandchildren who live in the valley.

(520) 426-2074 442 W. Kortsen Rd, Ste 101 Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Harold Kitching

Harold has worked for newspapers across the country. He was city government reporter for the Casa Grande Dispatch for 11 years until he resigned after the newspaper began downplaying local news.

Golden Corridor LIVING is published by RAXX Media. Editorial content is provided by affiliates of RAXX Media, community members and local organizations.

The publishers of Golden Corridor LIVING assume no responsibility for errors or omissions of any advertisement beyond the actual cost of the advertisement. In no event shall the publishers be liable for any consequential damages in excess of the cost of the advertisement. Golden Corridor LIVING shall not be liable for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, or damages from the use of information contained herein. Submitted articles do not reflect the opinions of the owners or management of Golden Corridor LIVING Information contained within submitted articles had not been verified for accuracy and readers are responsible for forming their own opinions. Real CORRID OR V ING 20 16 to current availability and pricing.

8 GOLDEN estate information is asLIof 3-7-16SPRING and is subject

THE TRAVEL EDITION

of the

Community

Jim Dinkle

Jim is currently the director of the Access Arizona, the area’s regional economic development foundation.

He came to Arizona as a 24 year veteran of economic development from Indiana.

Breanna Boland

Breanna is the Executive Director of the Casa Grande Alliance. She started working for the organization in 2012 as a Prevention Specialist. Breanna studied Public Health at Northern Arizona University and is a Arizona Certified Prevention Specialist.

Jim Rhodes

Jim Rhodes is the retired Director of the Small Business Development Center at Central Arizona College. He remains an advocate for small business and an advocate for Central Arizona College.

Jim currently works with the economic development organization, Access Arizona, helping businesses in Central Arizona to grow and prosper.

Susan Conn-Hood

Susan has been a Fitness Instructor and Wellness Presenter for over 20 years and has conducted various speaking engagements on fitness, whole food education and proper hydration. Susan is an active member of the Casa Grande Toastmasters group and the Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce.

THE TRAVEL EDITION

BUSINESS INDEX 100

Academy Mortgage - CG

23

Access Arizona

99

Agave Dentistry

35

American Family Ins- Jan Hobbs

35

Annie-Mac Home Mortgage

67

Arizona Department of Housing

10

Avocado Nursery

57

Banner / CGRMC

15

Brutinel

27

Capital R Construction

53

Casa Grande Alliance

55

Casa Grande Elementary

27

Casa Grande Family Dentistry

21

Casa Grande Main St

55

Casa Grande Union High School District

54

Central Arizona College

3

Coldwell Banker ROX Realty

29

Coldwell Banker ROX Realty

85

Coldwell Banker ROX Realty

97

Coldwell Banker ROX Realty - Property Mgmt

61

Cottonwood Medical Center

74

Dancing with Chad

61

Desert Sky Dental

47

Dick & Mitchell DDS

5

DM Family Dentistry

71

Elegance N Image Photography

41

Farmers Insurance - Gaston Bryant

40

Fitzgibbons Law Offices

34

Five Star Carpet Cleaning

94

Gallopin’ Goose

20

Greater CG Chamber of Commerce

4

Henry Brown Auto

91

Heritage Motors

61

Jenkins Chiropractic

38

Lucky Chinese Restaurant

39

Mankel Mechanical

93

Phoenix Patio Systems

75

PrimeTime DJ

37

ROX Casa Grande Insurance

88

ROX Expeditions

83

Rox Travel CG

34

Santa Cruz Commerce Center

64

Seeds of Hope

45

Sircle Pain Clinic

39

Star Towing

62-63

Sun Life Family Health Center

2

TeePee Sand And Gravel

77

The Windmill Winery

41

Title Security

76

Tri-City Bridal & Formal Wear

65

Turning Point Beauty College

49

Visit Surprise AZ

65

Yang and Horsley Dentistry

30-31

Yost Realty Group - RE/MAX of Casa Grande SPRING 20 16 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

9

• Cactus • Agave & Yucca • Sonoran Desert Plants • Honey & Seasonal Produce • Community Garden Specialist April 2nd - Fig Workshop from 10am - 11am April 9th - Farmer’s Market from 9am - 1pm May 14th - Farmer’s Market from 9am - 1pm (check our facebook page for schedule!)

Thanks for considering us for all your gardening needs!

520-723-4480

6855 N. Overfield Road, Casa Grande 10

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING SPRING 20 16

THE TRAVEL EDITION

MARCH

APRIL

March-April 2016 MARCH

11

13

- 9TH ANNUAL FINE ARTS EXPLOSION - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Peart Park - 350 E. 6th St., Casa Grande

15

CASA GRANDE JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE {AGES 11 17} - 4:30 PM - Dave White GC-2121 N. Thornton Road, Casa Grande

19

13

LEGENDS OF COUNTRY MUSIC -5:00 PM Paramount Theater-420 N. Florence St., Casa Grande

16-20

to 20 ANNUAL PINAL COUNTY FAIR - Pinal Fairgrounds-512 S. Eleven Mile Corner Rd, Casa Grande

20

14

JOB CLUB ON MONDAYS - 2:00 PM - AZ Workforce-1015 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande

17

HISTORY SPEAKS! WOMEN ARTISTS OF ARIZONA - 2:00 PM - Dorothy Powell - 405 E. 6th St., Casa Grande

22

15

18

PARTY IN THE PARK CONCERT SERIES - 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM - Peart Park - 350 E. 6th St., Casa Grande

25

12

15

19

25

12

15

19

26

CASA GRANDE TRAP & SKEET-GNAT WARFARE AERIAL TARGET DRONES - 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM - CG Trap & Skeet-8015 S. Isom Rd., Casa Grande, AZ 85193

12

MARKET ON THE MOVE 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM - AZ Home Furnishing-2300 E. Tanger Dr., Casa Grande, AZ 85122

12

9TH ANNUAL FINE ARTS EXPLOSION- 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM - Peart Park - 350 E. 6th St., Casa Grande

12

HISTORY SPEAKS! -HOHOKAM / ARCHAEOLOGY - The Museum - 110 W. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande COMEDY NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM - 7:00 PM - The Museum - 110 W. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande

RC AIR SHOW, SWAP MEET AND FUND RAISING EVENT - 11:00 AM - 2725 S. Isom Rd, Casa Grande

DAY OUT DOWNTOWN & HISTORIC WALKING TOUR - 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM - Main Street Patio-Alley behind Cook E Jar, Casa Grande TUESDAY MARKETPLACE - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM - Southwest corner of 4th St. & Florence St., Casa Grande PIATIGORSKY FOUNDATION CONCERT - 6:30 PM Paramount Theater-420 N. Florence St., Casa Grande

CIVIL WAR IN THE SOUTHWEST REENACTMENT - Picacho Peak-Off I-10 Exit 219, Picacho Peak CG EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE MINISTRY BLOOD DRIVE - 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM - St. Anthony Comm Center-150 N Drylake St

CATFISH RODEO FOR YOUTH - 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM - Dave White Park-2121 N. Thornton, Casa Grande, CIVIL WAR IN THE SOUTHWEST REENACTMENT - Picacho Peak-Off I-10 Exit 219, Picacho Peak

TUESDAY MARKETPLACE - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM - Southwest corner of 4th St. & Florence St., Casa Grande

THE BACKYARD MARKET CASA GRANDE - 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Herbalicious-423 N. Florence St., Casa Grande FAMILY EASTER CELEBRATION-CITY OF CASA GRANDE - Paul Mason Sportsplex-2525 N. Pinal Ave., Casa Grande 2016 GRANDE BRIDAL & FORMAL EXPO - 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM - Property-1251 W. Gila Bend Hwy, Casa Grande

APRIL

1

DOWNTOWN STREET SCENE - 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Downtown-3rd St. & Florence St., Casa Grande

7

12TH ANNUAL JOB FAIR CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM - CAC - 8470 N. Overfield Rd., Coolidge

9

19

2

FIG WORKSHOP - 10 AM to 11 AM - Distinctive Earthscapes & The Avocado, 6855 N. Overfield Rd., Casa Grande

8

REGIONAL RICHES RAFFLE FUNDRAISER - 6:00 PM Memory Garden-1451 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande

9

30

2

9

15

2

9

16

$5 FOOD FESTIVAL - 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Carr-McNatt Park1115 N. Brown St, Casa Grande BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE CG VALLEY - YOUTH OF THE YEAR BRUNCH - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Boys & Girls Club of the CG Valley Youth of the Year Brunch THE TRAVEL EDITION

FARMER’S MARKET - 9 AM to 1 PM - Distinctive Earthscapes & The Avocado, 6855 N. Overfield Rd., Casa Grande MARKET ON THE MOVE - 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM - AZ Home Furnishing-2300 E. Tanger Dr., Casa Grande

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM GALA - 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM - The Museum - 110 W. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande HOT SPOT GYMNASTICS GOLF TOURNAMENT - 8:00 AM Arizona City Golf Course-13939 S. Cleator Rd, Arizona City

PARTY IN THE PARK CONCERT SERIES - 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Peart Park - 350 E. 6th St., Casa Grande

DAY OUT DOWNTOWN & HISTORIC WALKING TOUR 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM - Main Street Patio-Alley behind Cook E Jar, Casa Grande

31ST ANNUAL CG ROTARY FOUNDATION DENIM & DIAMONDS DINNER AND AUCTION - 6:00 PM - The Property - 1251 W. Gila Bend Hwy., Casa Grande

SPRING CITY WIDE CLEANUP - 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM For more information about adopting a park or street or to reserve vests and trash bags call (520) 421-8677.

SPRING 20 16 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

11

The Casa Grande H

• A RIZONA CIT Y • CASA GR ANDE • COOLIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • M A RICOPA • A RIZONA CIT Y • CASA GR ANDE • COOL

City considers splash pad

CG News

T

by Harold Kitching

cgnews-info.webs.com or www.haroldkitching.com

Officials consider police body cameras

C

asa Grande is inching closer toward outfitting police patrol officers with body cameras.

As outlined during a City Council study session, it will be a multiyear process, buying 10 Taser AXON Body 2 cameras to start and more in future years, as the budgets allow.

The timeline for approval is still uncertain, depending upon further review and completion of a department policy, but could be back before the council in a

12

month or so.

“A body camera is basically a video/ audio recording device worn by officers,” Interim Police Services Manager Chris Vasquez told the council. “It basically gives a perspective of how we (the officer) see it, not (people on sidelines) It’s to give our viewpoint of what we see as an officer out there conducting a traffic stop or a crime or a simple stop.”

Vasquez added, “We believe it will further enhance public trust. With everything going on in the country, Ferguson, St. Louis, the issues that departments are facing, we believe a good sound program, a good sound policy in how we do this will go to improve, or to maintain, the public trust that we currently have.”

The body cams would be registered to individual officers and not shared during different shifts. That is to be able to accurately track use by an officer.

As Lt. Frank Alanis, commander of the Special Operations Division, out-

GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGSPRING SPRING202016 16

lined it, the video storage will automatically link to the City Prosecutor’s Office and the Pinal County Attorney’s Office through a Web program known as evidence.com, a free service that comes with the body cam purchases. As explained, this allows those offices to review the videos, selecting what evidence is needed, rather than having a police department employee answering all requests.

It was later explained that the City Attorney’s Office would have to review the videos if a public records request from a citizen is made, determining what could or could not be included.

Council questions Council members had several questions about the cams and their use.

• When the officer rolls up on a call, is he required to activate the camera himself or is it activated automatically?

continued on page 24...

he idea of a downtown children’s splash pad, rejected by a majority of business owners in the Florence Street area, is now being considered for the southeast corner of Peart Park.

As outlined to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board during the January meeting, the project is still in the initial planning stage, with community meetings for suggestions still to come.

“The concept has been in the master plan and the city’s budget for several years,” Community Services Director Bill Schwind told the board.

“We’ve been trying to look at a downtown location for a splash pad element in our parks system for awhile,” he continued. “City management had us looking downtown when we were doing all the renovations on Florence Street, on a little city owned lot between a couple of businesses there… we were trying to do a little easement exchange with some property owners there.”

Schwind added, “We kind of were negotiating with property owners (and) got the Main Street group involved. They did a bunch of public outreach out there and basically due to a lot of their concerns relative to the use of the property and the local businesses and operation down there, they basically shied away from any kind of land exchange with us and basically asked us to go find another location downtown to operate.

With limited choices and whatnot, the easiest and most operable facility that we have for us is Peart Park.”

Bruce Spiegel from the design team at The Phoenix-New York Co. of Scottsdale told the board that – as envisioned – the splash pad, with 24 spray heads, would be adjacent to the park’s playground.

Being near the restrooms building, he said, “should alleviate some of the issues that other groups (from the Florence Street meetings) had about damp children ruining their businesses.”

Spiegel said the basic concept for the THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

Herald

Local News from Golden Corridor Living Magazine

ALL THE NEWS WE THINK IS FIT TO PRINT!

LIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • M A RICOPA • A RIZONA CIT Y • CASA GR ANDE • COOLIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • M A RICOPA •

Balancing police and fire retirement funds

C

asa Grande is slowly chipping away at the $35.8 million needed to make its police and fire retirement plans solvent.

As outlined by Finance Director Doug Sandstrom during a Jan. 19 City Council study session, going into the new fiscal year, the police retirement fund is short by $25.3 million and the fire fund by $10.6 million.

Although Sandstrom said the total shortage in the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System is $35.8 million, the charts that accompany his presentation show it as $35.9 million, apparently from rounding off some numbers.

Sandstrom did not cite figures for the Arizona State Retirement System, which covers the city’s civilian personnel.

“The ASRS is a statewide system and generally (in) better shape than anything

Splash pad (continued) splash pad area would have shaded seating and picnic tables and benches.

The pad itself, he continued, would have a textured concrete surface, allowing it to be used during colder weather as the center of other events, such as music or art expositions.

An enhanced idea, known as Plan Yellow, would build a sundial into the pad’s surface, with the arm acting as a giant shower head raining down on the children.

That plan also envisions additional fencing between the splash pad and the existing lawn area, Spiegel said, “to keep kids from just sort of dashing back and forth into the grass while they were wet and then coming back in and kind of mucking up the plumbing of the splash pad system.”

Another concept, known as Plan Red, would break the shade structure into three pavilions, Spiegel continued, “which would allow, if you were having THE THETRAVEL TRAVEL EDITION EDITION

that we see in the pensions…all the reform efforts that we’re looking at and what the state is looking at,” he said. “For the public safety system, it’s two completely separate systems for the city. You’ve got the police system and the fire system.”

He added, “It is wholly owned and operated by the city of Casa Grande. That’s the biggest difference when you look at public safety retirement compared to the ASRS, which is a statewide system where you’re a city in the state, you belong to it and you’re all in the same pool. Public safety is a separate system from every single agency.”

However, the city police and fire systems are overseen by the state retirement board.

“A thing to note on this, this is a debt of the city,” Sandstrom continued. “It is a contractual agreement that we have with

our employees and, based on the actuarial studies, that is how much money we have to come up with over the next 20-some years to make sure that we can operate this pension system.”

Projections are that it will take about 22 years to balance out the police and fire funds.

Although the state continues looking at pension reform, Sandstrom said, “Under the Arizona State Constitution, you cannot change something that negatively impacts current employees. So it’s something that can only happen for

new employees.”

He added, “The thing to always keep in mind is that (it) has no impact on that current liability of $35.8 million … the only way that goes away is by paying it.”

a birthday party or some kind of event, you wouldn’t be quite so close to the party next to you.”

Spiegel added, “In both situations, we would light the shade structures for use into the evening or to provide some additional security lighting around the splash pad area.”

A major question is use of water for the splash pad and where it would eventually go.

Parks Superintendent Rod Wood told the board that the basic splash pad plan would have the water from the low volume spray heads going to waste. Another option, he said, would be to have the water going into a smaller irrigation system that could reuse it in the area, a major expense.

Schwind told the board that there are three routes that can be taken for water utilization and conservation.

“One is basically using just low volume heads (where) the water hits the concrete and some evaporates, there’s drains in there and the rest basically just

goes to the sewer and gone,” Schwind said. “Secondly, you can put an underground system where you’re capturing the water and then doing some kind of pumping system out of there to help irrigate plants, shrubs, garden areas or whatnot in and around the park that we can design and use.”

He added, “Thirdly, you can recirculate the water and continue to use that over and over again. From a water conservation perspective, that is going to be the most costly to operate and very difficult to achieve and maintain health standards when it comes to utilization of that water. I think if you talk to water specialists, that would be their least recommended operation.”

Schwind told the board, “I know one of the things that’s going to become an issue is water conservation and what are we doing with water (and) how much water were we using. With the 24 heads, I don’t think we have numbers to throw at you today, but that’s going to be all put into our assessment as we move forward

and get this thing a little further down the design road and kind of see. That’s going to be a big determinant, I think, as to whether or not this thing gets not only funded but approved for moving on to the next level.”

The Community Services Department has money in this year’s budget to begin moving the project, Schwind said, “but as we pick up a few more kind of wishes and desires from various community groups that we talk to, i.e. fencing, a little more lighting and landscaping, that all has to play into our available funds.”

Schwind added, “This meeting tonight kind of kicks off a little bit of community outreach. We’d like to get this in front of our advisory board. We met with library staff and will be doing some things online to a lot of our customers and try to rally and have another couple of meetings, anyway, to get a little bit more feedback so we can make a presentation to City Council at an upcoming council workshop, moving forward into our budget season.”

City rates rise Under both the civilian and public safety personnel systems, both the employee and the city contribute an amount monthly.

“The state Constitution also restricts

continued on page 25...

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CITY

SPEAK E Thank you all for the opportunity to serve as the mayor for the past nine years.

14

A LOOK BACK, A LOOK FORWARD AND A GOODBYE

by Robert “Bob” Jackson, Mayor, Casa Grande

very March I provide a State of the City presentation to the community. This year, it will be my last. It has been an honor and privilege to serve Casa Grande for the past nine years. As I prepare to give my last State of the City, it has caused me to look back to the start in 2007 and think about all the changes that have occurred during that period.

Think back. In 2007, the mall was just opening, providing our citizens the ability to do virtually all of our shopping locally. The mall has also helped us keep our tax dollars local and allowed us to provide city services throughout the economic downturn.

The addition of the Harkins Theatre has provided a first class venue to enjoy our leisure hours and has likely led to new area restaurants.

A couple of years ago, we also saw the construction of Sam’s Club. This addition provided Casa Grande with a much-needed shopping outlet and, more importantly, allowed many of our residents the ability to keep our sales tax revenue here.

Over the past nine years we have seen several new industries emerge – Ehrmann Arizona Dairy, Franklin Foods, and Tractor Supply, among others. We have also seen expansions of many of our long-tenured industries such as ACO Polymer and Hexel.

From the city’s perspective, we have managed our finances well, as shown by increasing the bond rating several times thereby saving taxpayer dollars through lower interest rates. We have constructed a new public safety building, a new fire station, widened Cottonwood Lane east of Trekell Road and expanded our wastewater treatment plant. These projects have positioned us to compete well for new growth both in housing and industrial uses.

Over the past year some of our economic news has not been good – for instance, the closure of Target.

One of the sad things about the closure is, that much like the earlier closure of Best Buy, the store was profitable, but the decision to close was a corporate decision. The challenge moving forward is to find a reuse for the space. It is owned by Target and is not managed by the mall, making it much more difficult to market.

Among the issues that still need attention during my last term is a final resolution of the proposed community center. I believe the resolution will hap-

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING SPRING SPRING 20 2016 16

pen before summer and, whatever the outcome, we as a council must make a final decision and move on to other pressing issues. My opinion is we need the center not only for an amenity for our citizens, but to allow us to consolidate all of our recreation programs and improve our quality of life.

The other issue that needs resolution is Grande Sports World. We need to make some tough decisions about CGPI. Like many difficult issues, sometimes it helps to look back on the circumstances that led to the decision. At the time the city was looking to expand our soccer and football youth programs, we looked at several locations for the fields including Ed Hooper Park (not enough room to adequately put the fields there) and the Linden property, a newly acquired parcel on the far north side of town, (significant infrastructure needs and location made the property a challenge).

The owner of the Francisco Grande approached the city about a joint venture. In short, my decision was based on two things – the ability to meet the needs of the growing youth soccer and football programs and not having ongoing maintenance responsibility for the fields. The council is meeting to discuss how we want to move forward with the CGPI and what role it will play in our overall quality of life offerings.

I think one other accomplishment that I will be particularly proud of is the development of a trail system on Casa Grande Mountain. Through the efforts of many dedicated volunteers and the timely arrival of AmeriCorps workers, we have been able to build miles of trails in this very unique area at no cost to the taxpayers. It is a work in progress and we currently have a new team of AmeriCorps workers expanding the system.

As I close out my term in office, I realize every day how nice a place Casa Grande is to live, work and play. Thank you all for the opportunity to serve as the mayor for the past nine years.

THE TRAVEL EDITION

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15

The LIVING Interview

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THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

The LIVING Interview

Bob Huddleston

From retail to rookie cop then all the way to the top Interview by Brett Eisele GC LIVING: Bob, you are a Casa Grande favorite son, of sorts. How do you feel about that?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Wonderful! I enjoy my life here in Casa Grande and my successes within the community. I like being identified with Casa Grande.

GC LIVING: Were you born here?

BOB HUDDLESTON: I was not. I was born in Lafayette, Indiana. My family moved here in 1966 when I was 8 years old. I’m not a natural- born, but this is hometown for me.

GC LIVING: Moving from Lafayette, Indiana to Casa Grande, Arizona had to be a step down in terms of population?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Very much so. Even at 8 years of age I noticed it. As a matter of fact, my brother, sister and I laughed when we first came into town because there was only one stoplight, which was at Florence and 2nd Streets, and as children we thought that was hilarious.

GC LIVING: What brought your family out here?

BOB HUDDLESTON: My aunt invested in a radio station, KPIN-AM. She recruited my father to come out and co-manage it with another relative and he did so for several years.

GC LIVING: You attended Evergreen Elementary School and then on to the junior high.

While there, did you play any sports?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Booster league football, but for some reason I can’t remember what it was called back then. Bob Brutinel and Vern Hancock were our coaches – that much I do remember. Oh, and Bud Johns the architect! But to answer your question, I played football 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.

THE THETRAVEL TRAVEL EDITION EDITION

“...my brother, sister and I laughed when we first came into town because there was only one stoplight... and as children we thought that was hilarious.”

GC LIVING: What did you play at Casa Grande High School?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Nothing. I raced motorcycles. (Laughs) I got the bug about 12 or 13 years of age and had dirt bikes all through high school and raced motocross in the Phoenix area.

GC LIVING: Were you any good?

BOB HUDDLESTON: No. (Laughs) But I had an awful lot of fun!

GC LIVING: Who were some of your buddies in high school that we would have known?

BOB HUDDLESTON: I don’t know that you would know any of them. I hung around with Mike McBride – you probably know him – (contributor) Donna McBride’s husband. Mike and I were buddies all through junior high and high school and still are today. Another friend of mine was Kevin Sonneman. He went to work with Southwest Gas and retired a couple of years ago.

GC LIVING: Did you enjoy going to high school here?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Oh, very much! Yes. GC LIVING: Did you get decent grades?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Fair. My mom always compliments me in saying that I got near honor roll grades and never brought home a book. I didn’t really believe in homework at the time and did what I needed to do in class and was successful, I guess, but I had a very good time.

GC LIVING: Where did you go to school after that?

BOB HUDDLESTON: I took a few classes at Central Arizona College (CAC), but never completed a degree.

GC LIVING: Did you go through the CARLOTA (law enforcement training) program at CAC? BOB HUDDLESTON: I did in 1980. I was hired on at the police department here in Casa Grande and they sent me through the academy, which is an interesting story.

Back then it was not a legal requirement to immediately go through the academy.

The department had one year to send new officers through the program. I was the last officer with Casa Grande that, upon the day of hire, I was given a badge and a gun and a training officer and was told to hit the street.

GC LIVING: Who was the chief then?

BOB HUDDLESTON: George Coxy was the chief at the time.

GC LIVING: And who was your training officer?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Pete Clutter.

GC LIVING: Pete Clutter, now that’s going back a few years. Was your entire career in law enforcement with the Casa Grande Police Department?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Yes, it was.

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The LIVING Interview (continued) GC LIVING: What was it like in the day? How many people were on the force?

BOB HUDDLESTON: I think there were about 28 or 29 – something like that.

GC LIVING: Were you in the new building yet?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Yes, the new downtown building at Peart Park opened in 1979. So it was brand new when I was hired in 1980 and the old building was still there, (now the Chamber of Commerce) but it was only used for storage.

GC LIVING: Going back to the early years, what did you do for fun around here when you were young and there weren’t a lot of people here in Casa Grande?

BOB HUDDLESTON: You mean high school?

GC LIVING: No! No. BOB HUDDLESTON: (Laughs) GC LIVING: We don’t want to talk about that.

What did you do when you were at Evergreen? What did you guys do for fun?

BOB HUDDLESTON: I recall heading for the park. We’d play football in the park. Where I lived at 12th Street and Trekell Road, there was Gilbert Park nearby. All the guys in the neighborhood would get together at Gilbert Park and play football. Last night I was remembering back to my buddy who lived next door to me. We used to walk downtown and would go to Simmon’s Sports Supply and look around and buy model cars and such and then walk over to Flo’s Coffee Shop and have a hamburger and a milk shake and then walk home.

That was a typical Saturday for us.

GC LIVING: Flo’s is now The Cook E Jar? BOB HUDDLESTON: Yes.

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GC LIVING: The 4th of July fireworks displays were held at the old high school stadium, was that a big deal?

BOB HUDDLESTON: It was. As I mentioned, we lived at 12th and Trekell and would sit in the front driveway along with homemade ice cream and watch the fireworks from the driveway. Best seat in the house!

GC LIVING: Did anything happen during that period of time that you remember was a big deal for Casa Grande?

BOB HUDDLESTON: I remember the freeway (I-10) coming in and watching that go up.

That was right after we moved into town.

I don’t know the exact year, but I would guess ‘67 maybe? That seemed to change a lot of things with Casa Grande. The traffic level went down and I remember my Dad talking about that being a big move for this area with the freeway coming through.

GC LIVING: All the businesses were downtown where the state highway was and now there was nothing.

BOB HUDDLESTON: Yes. Well, there was an old gas station on the corner of Pueblo Drive and Florence Blvd. We used to ride our mini bikes down there because it was dirt road down Pueblo Drive and that gas station was pretty much in the country.

That was the last thing on Florence Blvd. heading out of town. After that, it was just cotton fields. It was called “Shorty’s” gas station and we would ride our mini bikes over there and fill them up with gas.

GC LIVING: Was the Jack in the Box there yet?

BOB HUDDLESTON: No. No. No. That didn’t come in until much later. There was Larry and Allen’s Grocery Store; there were one or two little buildings west of Shorty’s Gas Station. But the gas station was about it. It was the end of town.

GC LIVING: When you got out of high school, did you know what you wanted to do?

BOB HUDDLESTON: No. I was in retail. I worked for Charlie Blewer at the Rasco Store on Florence Street. I worked for him for four years, I think, and at the time I thought that’s what I wanted to do – work in retail, because I really enjoyed it. I went to California to run a store for a couple of years in Brawley, California, but that store was bought back. It was a franchise that Charlie owned that was bought back by the parent company. So I moved back to Casa Grande and started looking around

for what I wanted to do. I looked at retail and put in applications every place I could think of around town, but I was having a little bit of trouble. I remember I even applied at the new Kmart, but I was having trouble finding a job. And this is the story of how I got involved in law enforcement. I was sitting at my Dad’s house one evening and he had the newspaper open and he said, “It says here the City of Casa Grande is accepting applications for police officers.” I said, “I don’t know Dad. You know, nobody ever got rich being a cop.” And he said “Well son, nobody ever got rich being unemployed either.” It was a lesson learned, you know. Hint taken!

I went down and applied and started the testing process. Back then, and even to this day, the interviews and tests that are involved are numerous and it takes two or

“My mom always compliments me in saying that I got near honor roll grades and never brought home a book.” three months to get through all of that. I started through the process and realized I really enjoyed the fellow applicants. They were good people – good, responsible people. I just enjoyed being around them and I was fortunate because there were three openings and 150 applicants. I was fortunate enough to get hired on, and as I said, they gave me a badge and a gun and put me out on the street with a training officer. It took me about two weeks to realize that’s what I wanted to do for my career. I fell in love with it.

GC LIVING: Did you begin working the grave yard shift because you were the new guy?

BOB HUDDLESTON: I don’t know if it was because I was the new guy, but they did assign me to graveyard and at the first day of briefing I was a fish out of water. I had

THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

no idea what I was getting into. Sergeant Serapio Hernandez was the supervisor of the squad. I remember officers Ardell Witt, Jerry Edwards and also Gary Hitterman.

Now these are big guys and I remember looking around that room thinking, “They are going to chew me up and spit me out.” I was a little guy back then.

Anyway, they were all very helpful and coached me along as best they could. I spent the next three months – I think it was – out on the street working with Pete Cutter and learned a ton of information prior to going to the academy.

GC LIVING: There were different sectors if I’m not mistaken. Where were you assigned?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Back then the city had two divisions, “A” and “B.” Today they can run four to five districts. I was generally assigned the west side of town. You could draw a line down the middle of town and the west side was ours.

GC LIVING: That had to be interesting?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Oh very much so, yeah.

On graveyard (shift) back then, you spent a lot of time on burglary prevention. So, you were sneaking around trying to observe people that were out walking or also sneaking around. We wanted to see what they were up to and there was a lot of cat and mouse. Yes, it was very interesting!

GC LIVING: How long were you on graveyard?

THE THETRAVEL TRAVEL EDITION EDITION

BOB HUDDLESTON: Probably for several months and then, as I said, I went to the academy. After four months in the academy and graduation they put me back with Pete Clutter for a while and then cut me loose on my own and I was on day shift for quite a bit after that. Back then they used to move you around from shift to shift every four months. So I worked other shifts, but quite often it seems I was on day shift.

GC LIVING: Did the “rotation” program work?

BOB HUDDLESTON: It did. There was a vote taken among the officers. There were several officers who were going to class at CAC and they wanted some control over the shift they were going to serve on so that they could plan their classes accordingly.

The chief at the time approved it. So the officers then started bidding for shifts.

However the rotation had it’s good points and bad points, but I think giving the officers some control over it was good.

GC LIVING: Jumping ahead for a second, you eventually became chief and I was wondering how you felt about the process as the chief?

BOB HUDDLESTON: I liked the bid process very much so. Now, there was always some management requirement; you sometimes had to balance out the shifts. For instance, sometimes with the bid process, you would

end up with all the junior people on one particular squad and that’s not good. You need some seniority on there, so occasionally we would have to interject some management and move some people around, which was contrary to their seniority and to their bid preference but, you still had to balance it to provide the best service to the public.

GC LIVING: Was your Dad proud of you?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Very much so, yeah. I remember early on when I was a sergeant, I had moved up. I had been a detective and then I got promoted to sergeant. He used to tell me, “Someday you are going to be chief down there,” and I would say, “Dad, you know, that’s not going to happen.

Don’t even think that way.” Anyway, when it finally came about and I went through the testing and interview process for the chief’s position and the day Ken Bucannan (City Manager) gave me a call and said, “You’re the guy, you take over next Monday,” my Dad was the first one I called and I ... it kind of makes me teary eyed now, but I called him up and I said, “Dad, I made it.” He goes “What?” I said, “They just appointed me chief.” He said, “I knew it, I knew it.” (Laughs) So, he was ... he was very proud.

GC LIVING: Let’s talk about your dad. When

continued on page 26...

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Economy • Local Business

DISCOVER PINAL COUNTY….VACATION IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD!

by Helen Neuharth, President/CEO, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce Plan your trips by stopping by the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce office at 575 N. Marshall St. to pick up brochures about other Arizona destinations.

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H

ave you ever visited Aravaipa Canyon, Biosphere II, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, the Casa Grande Ruins or Goldfield Ghost Town? Do you know where Ira Hays Memorial Park is located or the Tom Mix Monument?

Have you visited the Leaf & Feather Farm, the Queen Creek Olive Mill or St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Monastery or gone on a tour at Caywood Farms or Shamrock Farms? Have you experienced a ride in the monster truck at Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch or taken a leisurely ride on the Dolly’s Steamboat or watched the skydivers land at SkyDive Arizona?

Do you know there are 13 museums to visit in Pinal County?

Well folks, all of this and more is available to you right here in Pinal

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County! Yes, right in our own backyard, so to speak. To find out where all of these places are located or where to call for more information, all you have to do is stop by the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce and pick up a copy of the FREE Pinal County Tourism Map. Maybe you’d like to explore other parts of Arizona or take the kids on an expedition to discover Arizona during spring break. Plan your trips by stopping by the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce office at 575 N. Marshall St. to pick up brochures about other Arizona destinations. Designated as the official office of tourism information by the Arizona Department of Tourism, the chamber is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

More information about Casa Grande and area businesses is available in the colorful and informative, 88-page 2016 Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce Business Directory and Community Guide. This directory is FREE along with maps of Arizona and Casa Grande. You can also find this information and more on the chamber’s website www.casagrandechamber.org.

“Staycations” in Casa Grande and Pinal County are great, cost-effective ways to spend time with family and friends!

THE TRAVEL EDITION

WHAT MAKES A COMMUNITY?

By Rina Rien, Director, Casa Grande Main Street

T

he buzz around town for weeks has been the unfortunate decision from corporate heads of Target to close the only store in Pinal County. News headlines report Walmart is closing stores in rural towns across the nation where mom-and-pop shops went under when Walmart moved in. Are these decisions a result of understanding their market, visiting the employees and towns affected or just reviewing a set of numbers that will please stockholders?

Meanwhile, new businesses are blooming like spring flowers in your Historic Downtown District. The second business, born from the weekly outdoor market hosted by Herbalicious of Arizona, is now a storefront called “Apothecraft” , adjacent to the newest local craft brewpub, Old Town Ale House. After breakfast at the Cook E Jar, you can walk around the corner to visit Darlene Moberly’s new women’s accessories shop, “Dazzling Dealz

by Darlene”. Darlene’s shop started as

an online business coupled with her introduction of CG Chat, a Facebook page promoting local social and business opportunities.

What makes a thriving business community? As one big box store after another leaves our community, maybe we too should redefine our priorities for where we invest our dollars. Locally-owned businesses buy, sell, employ, contribute to charities and pay taxes right here in your town, every day of the year. In downtown Casa Grande, a sense of community means merchants take a sincere interest in serving their customers and supporting one another. Stopping by a shop downtown often means having a meaningful conversation with the owner, beyond selecting your purchase. Sharing stories about family, history and life in general, gives you a sense you’ve entered a different time – when people slowed down and took the time to actually get to know each other.

First Friday nights now through May

will give you a chance to stop by after work or for date night to check out the latest happenings. Park once, take a leisurely stroll down Florence Street and expand your horizons to include your own backyard. Any day of the week, you’ll find everything from community theatre to open mic and social dance classes at BlackBox Studio for the Arts.

Stop by our office on Second Street to pick up our latest Downtown Visitor’s Guide. Check our events calendar online at www.cgmainstreet.org and like us on Facebook to keep posted on the latest itinerary.

Casa Grande Main Street is a non-profit organization designed to improve all aspects of the downtown experience. Strengthening public participation and making downtown a fun place to visit are as critical to Main Street’s future as drawing new business, rehabilitating structures and expanding parking options.

1 2 th rd 3 4 st

Fridays

FRE CommuE ni Event ty

Street Scene

Historic Downtown…

Experience the Difference 110 W. 2nd St., Casa Grande 520-836-8744

THE TRAVEL EDITION

Sharing stories... ...gives you a sense you’ve entered a different time – when people slowed down and took the time to actually get to know each other.

5:30pm - 9:00pm Between 2nd and 4th Streets on Historic Florence St. Upcoming Dates: 3/4, 4/1, 5/6 Live music, car show, guest exhibitors and merchants open late!

Tuesdays

Day Out Downtown

FRE CommuE ni Event ty

9:30am - 2:00pm Historical Walking Tour, 10:00am Upcoming Dates: 3/15, 4/19 Main Street Patio (Alley behind Cook E Jar at Florence Street)

nd

Saturdays

The Museum of Casa Grande

(520) 836-2223 • www.tmocg.org Museum exhibits open 12:00pm - 6:00pm Visit website for Special Events

Fridays

Herbalicious of Arizona

P.O.W.W.O.W.

60 lbs. for $10 – first pass produce!

423 N. Florence St., Downtown Casa Grande 8:00am - 11:00am 3/25, 4/22, 5/27 SPRING 20 16 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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LOCAL BUSINESS

THE RECIPE FOR A SUCCESSFUL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

by Jim Dinkle, Executive Director, Access Arizona

E

conomic development has been my livelihood for the better part of 25 years. I have practiced it in the public, private and nonprofit sectors at the regional, state, county and municipal levels, so I have learned a thing or two about what makes economic development programs successful in terms of achieving their missions. The following are some of the characteristics of great programs: MISSION STATEMENT: Without a defined purpose and goals, any economic development program is adrift without direction.

Such a statement should be carefully crafted and considered by a consensus of interests who represent a good cross section of the community – by people who intimately know the community. The mission at the end of the day must be realistic and achievable.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: A diverse, engaged, united and working board of directors is essential. The most successful program that I ever led was set apart by a group of 15 concerned citizens. One board member was annually ranked by a regional magazine as the top mover and shaker in business. Another was a wildly successful LGBTQ entrepreneur. There were several bankers, restaurateurs and manufacturers in the mix, too. The only person missing from that board table, I always felt, was somebody representing labor. This board succeeded because it had rigid term limits, set measurements of what was expected of participation and it was a good mix of public and private sector interests.

Without a doubt, the most dysfunctional board upon which I ever served was one that had 10 standing committees that met monthly, in addition to its monthly executive committee and board meetings. Guess what I was doing all the time? Attending meetings!

That particular board had over 40 members.

Plain and simply, there were too many cooks in the kitchen.

FUNDING: As Dostoevsky wrote, “Money is the honey of humanity.” Without adequate, sustainable funding, an economic development program will not be able to recruit and retain professionals, to achieve the organization’s mission and maintain its programs and services. Funding can come from a va-

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riety of sources. It can come from the public sector, private sector contributions, grants, fundraisers, benefactors, fees for services and more. Just like the composition of a successful board of directors, funding should be diverse and not reliant on just one group.

When I came to Pinal County in 2012, there were a couple of communities we served who complained about the reserves that our organization banked. Any viable organization must have an operating reserve ratio and/or a “rainy day fund,” but how much? Our board of directors made the decision to spend down some of the reserves in order to implement some of the key recommendations contained in our strategic plan written in 2012. Those investments included rebranding, marketing and new technology.

Lumix CPAs and Advisors, a Baltimore firm, posts on its Web site, “The Standards for Excellence Institute sets a range of three to six months of working capital, and states that “Organizations also risk having reserves that are too large. Nonprofits are in the business to deliver services in furtherance of their missions, not to accumulate wealth.”

COLLABORATION is key. Forging partnerships with elected and appointed public officials, business decision-makers, community groups, concerned citizens and others with interest in economic development is essential.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS and training are achieved, for example, in economic development by the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) exhaustive

training program that eventually leads to “Certified Economic Developer,” or CED, designation. MPA programs offered by universities are also an excellent source for economic developers to learn more about finance, budgeting, asset management and organizational management. I am particularly impressed by the training and high ethical standards set forth by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

A professional economic developer never starts a conversation with a business prospect by talking about incentives. Incentives must be weighed on their cost benefit, return on investment and, in my opinion, the need of the business being granted the public funds.

Due diligence by economic developers to know every detail about the businesses they are recruiting or helping to expand is absolutely essential. Something as elementary as a Google search or a Dun & Bradstreet report can arm the economic developer with must-know information, otherwise you may be taking a person or business on face value.

Talk about a leap of faith! Again, economic developers are dealing with public funds and due diligence is a fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers.

CHECK POLITICS AT THE DOOR is my mantra. As elected officials change, so do priorities, personalities and philosophies.

Economic developers must be able to freely provide elected officials, who are often parttime or new to public office, with the most concise, unbiased tangible information, because the outcome may be the disbursement of public funds for incentives, infrastructure or other costs that could be best spent elsewhere on transportation, education, social services and more.

AND, FINALLY… When I came to Pinal County in October 2012, I challenged people to think outside the box, to look at their communities from a higher altitude and to dare to be different in marketing and promoting regional economic development. In this writing I have laid out some of the ingredients I feel are necessary for a successful economic development strategy. To paraphrase Coach Vince Lombardi, we must measure ourselves by what we do with what we have.

THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

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CG News

CONTINUED…

POLICE BODY CAMS...cont. from page 12 “It has a feature where if you turn on your emergency lights and siren, it automatically turns on the camera,” Vasquez responded. Otherwise, it is the officer’s responsibility after analyzing the situation.

• When does it know to shut off?

“It’s a little bit of common sense and little bit of what’s going on,” Vasquez said.

• If the camera has recorded, say, some kind of a mob incident, is there the ability to blur out the faces of the innocent bystanders who are watching?

“Either blur out the entire thing, where you can still tell what’s going on, or individual faces in it,” Vasquez responded. “That capability is there.”

• Could body cam footage be used for training classes, for disciplinary action or for performance evaluations?

“If an incident occurs and the training sergeant feels that training is relevant, they make a formal request to the chief,” Alanis said. “They’ll discuss the video, the value in that video, create a file within evidence.com where we can keep that video and training officers can view that video for training purposes.”

• What if the video shows something that is against department policy, an action that could be used for disciplining the officer?

“It’s one of the conversations we’ve had with the department as it goes,” City Attorney Brett Wallace said. “We’re constantly, I think, evaluating that and asking them, from a managerial perspective, ‘What do you want to do?’”

Wallace added, “I think it’s a very important question, because the officers are going to want to know and need to know if they’re going to be disciplined because of something that was seen on the camera. That can be a tricky situation.

Certainly I think they will hold the officer accountable – they’re going to have to deal with that, if they’re not turning the camera on when they should, if they’re not tagging videos.”

Wallace continued, “Tagging videos is, frankly, my biggest concern, and from a prosecutor’s standpoint, our biggest worries. (It’s) one area that I think we’re going to have to certainly focus

24

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING SPRING 20 16

on. I know the department will be focusing on it. If they don’t tag the videos, we can’t identify them, the evidence is potentially lost and that’s chargeable against the prosecutor’s office. So, there are a lot of those policies I think will need to be evaluated.”

He continued further, “I also frankly think that you’re going to come out with the best policy that you can to start, and it’ll be version 1.0, and if we’re not on version 3.4 in a year, I would be surprised, because it’s such an area where you have to learn how the officers are using them, how the public is responding to them, any particular technology issues that you have. The policies, I think, are going to be changed a few times until you really figure out how they work in the city.”

• What will it take to properly staff the type of records keeping involved?

“I think with the staff we currently have at the police department we’re OK,” Vasquez said. “Where it may become an issue will be Mr. Wallace, his office, when it comes to having to handle public records requests, having to redact these videos for release. He may need additional personnel. As far as us, at this point in time, I don’t see that as an issue.

With the links allowing access for the county attorney, city attorney and city prosecutor, we don’t need a PD person to dig out video.”

• Will there be the ability to track whether an officer has turned on the camera, or has failed to turn it on, say, 12 out of 20 times?

“The only thing in the policy will be supervisory responsibility,” Vasquez said. “Their responsibility will be to go through, not to view the video, but to make sure that all videos for that officer are there.”

• What has been the reaction from police officers about the concept of body cams?

“It’s very positive,” Alanis said.

Protecting officers “The thing we really haven’t talked much about, and I think everybody up here knows that,” Mayor Bob Jackson said, “is the reasons we’re looking at body cams right now is because of all the

things that have happened where everybody has a cell phone with video camera in it and you don’t see it from the officer’s perspective.”

He added, “Who knows with the problems they’ve had in Chicago and Baltimore and Ferguson if body cams would have made it different? You’ve got a third party’s perspective on a cell phone video that certainly it’s like Monday morning quarterbacking. We all know what we should have done three days later, but when you’re in the head of the incident it looks different. I think really that when we first started talking about body cams, that’s what drove the decision to at least start looking. We’ve been lucky here, we’ve not had any of those kinds of incidents, but if you have one it’s too late.”

The public’s right to know • Is there a policy that dictates how long before videos can be released? In a Chicago incident, it took nine or 10 months.

“That will be in that policy that we’re developing,” Vasquez said. “It goes to the city attorney and his office and once he gives us the OK, yes, we will; if not, we won’t.”

City Attorney Brett Wallace continued, “Obviously we have to take a look, and the public record requests and the disclosure is going to be an interesting challenge as we go through. We’re going to have to review. We have to redact. But with every public records request we do essentially (that) falls under the public records laws and they favor disclosure.

There are times if it would impede an investigation, if there’s some other reason, but generally we try to release it very quickly. We do need to review the footage, though, in order to redact things.

Sometimes (it’s) personal identifiable information, addresses (and) other things that you’re going to need to redact prior to releasing any of that information.

That’s what’s going to take time.”

• Can anyone request to see the footage or is it only those involved in the incident?

“With public records requests, people can ask for any information that they think is within the scope of the public’s business,” Wallace said. “They don’t have to be personally involved.

Really, the only request we ask when we get requests is, ‘Is it for a commercial purpose?’ We ask that because it’s different from what we can charge them. But ordinarily if someone asks for that information we may have to redact a good number of things that were a part of that (sensitive information), but we would make it available.”

He added, “The requests can be cumbersome, but the public records laws usually don’t favor us saying, ‘Hey, it’s just cumbersome.’ But sometimes the public may have to understand that it could take a good deal of time to go through that, because when you do something like redact – let’s say they have to review 20 hours of footage – you’ve got to review all of that footage and then you have to do the necessary redaction. So, if someone makes a request for 20 hours of footage it’s probably going to take someone an actual week’s worth of work time in order to complete that.”

Wallace continued, “When videos first come online, people tend to be a little bit more curious and then I think most people’s experience is that, unless there’s a incident, the further that you get on and you get used to the body cameras, there’s fewer requests you’re going to see. You’ll still see certain requests, especially if there’s an incident or event going on in the city, people will go ask for those, because they’ll be interested in it. But as, I think, people get more used to the cameras and they see the data is not all that much information they can really get out of it, the requests would probably die down. The biggest issue, though, really is the redaction pieces, because body cameras are way different than the normal paper file we have, reading a police report or anything else.”

Redaction is needed in some cases, Wallace said, because without it, “the video may show the layout of someone’s home, may show where the security system is or the data, wireless phone, now I know what kind of phone they have.”

“People could pick up on those kinds of things, so redaction tends to be very, very important to try to protect the rights of the individuals, as well as certain aspects of the event that maybe involve the officers, as well.”

THE TRAVEL EDITION

CG News

CONTINUED…

RETIREMENT FUNDS...cont. from page 13 the amounts that our employees have to pay to 11.65 percent,” Sandstrom said.

Fire For the fire pension fund in the new fiscal year, he said, the city will pay 29.92 percent of an employee’s salary each month.

“That 28.9 percent rate that we are currently paying (for fire) includes a portion for the current liability, to pay for our current employees today, and then a portion is paid to the unfunded liability,” Sandstrom said.

“If this system was completely up to date, completely funded, what our annual employer contribution rate would be is 12.02 percent, so it would be a lot less than what you’re seeing today.”

He added, “On an annual basis, what that means is over and above what our annual retirement contribution is, we are paying additional $755,000 annually towards that unfunded liability. That’s built into that rate. So, one of the ways to get rid of that unfunded liability is just to continue this higher rate that has the normal retirement built into it and the unfunded (amount).”

Police “On the police side, you can see the exact same pattern, much bigger numbers,” Sandstrom said.

“We’ve got our current rate at 42.1

percent on the employer side. It’s going to go up in the next fiscal year to 45.4 percent. A 3.3 percent is a much better increase than what we saw last year where it jumped up at almost 10 percent.”

He added, “That big jump is how they started really looking at that unfunded liability and figuring out. They changed certain methods of forecasting what it was, how much the 20-year cost of the system is. (That) is what caused the state issue for us. With the employer contribution of 45.44 percent, if this was 100 percent funded, our contribution would be 11.99 percent. About 33 percent is going toward that unfunded liability.”

Overall cost “Every year we spend about $2.3 million on the police public pension system; $1.8 million of that is going toward that unfunded liability,” Sandstrom said. “Fire side, it was just under $800,000.”

He added, “A big chunk of our operational dollars is going to pay down that unfunded liability. One of the things we did for both fire and police this year – one of the recommendations out of the state reform committee system – is we took what our budgeted amount for retirement is on the employer side and we sent them all in one big chunk on July 1. Because the public safety retirement system can get a better return on the investment than what we do, it ends up making money to start chip-

Police transition to Chevy Tahoe vehicles

T

he Casa Grande Police Department is switching to Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit vehicles, replacing the Chevrolet Caprice sedans which haven’t worked out well.

For years, the department used the Ford Crown Victoria police models, but that ended when Ford ceased production following a multitude of safety complaints and lawsuits. Since then, the department has used the Caprice sedans.

The City Council approved spending $336,231 for nine 2016 Tahoe vehicles.

The Police Department has had a rotation program in place, which aims to replace a THE TRAVEL EDITION

third of its vehicles each year.

The low bid, from Midway Chevrolet, was $37,359 per Tahoe. The cost of outfitting each of the vehicles has not yet been determined because they won’t be available until early next year, but the staff report says it could be about $33,000 per Tahoe, bringing the total cost to $79,359 each.

“We’ve done a thorough investigation of all the options, as far as patrol vehicles, and looking at the conditions that we place those vehicles in,” Public Works Director Kevin Louis told the council.

“Staff has determined with the police

Although the police and fire retirement systems are city-owned, they are part of the state’s retirement system.

“Sometimes I think we lose sight of a number of things that will do something about it,” Thompson said. “We don’t control how the public safety retirement system is set. It’s done by the state, so we’re very limited to what they do and the actions that they take.”

In the case of the high city contributions to the police retirement system, Thompson said, “That’s driven us to start to think about, ‘Do we go out and hire new employees?’ or, ‘Do we hire transfers, or laterals, from other departments?’ If you hire a lateral, your cost goes up substantially, because you’re buying that into the system.”

Thompson concluded, “We’ve seen this overall number kind of go up and down over a period of time, but it is evident that for the first time, we finally have started to see the downward trend, because we’re paying more into it than we have ever before.”

He added, “The state never used that option. Historically it’s like, here’s your bill and you just pay your bill. You’re going to pay your 28.92 percent for fire and the employee is going to pay the 11.25, but now we’re given the option to at least start paying it up front and doing some other things with the state that is allowing us to buy that liability down, which is a great thing (and) we haven’t had some of those options in the past.”

ping away a little bit at that. It’s an amount of money that we’re going to have to pay anyway. Anytime that we were to send additional toward that unfunded liability it does have an impact on that employer contribution and would decrease it.”

Fluctuations As both Sandstrom and City Manager Jim Thompson pointed out, the $35.8 million shortfall statistics are, as the situation stands today, based on the date the actuarial study was done.

“So tomorrow it might be different,” Thompson said. “We have somebody leave our organization or we hire a new person, depending on the age, depending on their likelihood of staying here throughout the entire tenure, (then) that will change these numbers.”

Thompson added, “For an example, if in fact all the employees we have, we add none new, we don’t make any changes to our current pool and we go through that period of time, yes, that’s the case. But, we all know we’ve had turnover, retirements, other things occur, or we add additional staff, that then changes this number.”

As Sandstrom put it, “It changes every year and that’s why every single year you’ll see a new rate, a new actuarial study done and the new contribution rate. That contribution rate is intended to get us up caught up by the time that 22year period is over with, but it will change year-to-year-to-year.”

department that the Chevrolet Tahoe is the platform of choice moving into the future for the department.”

He added, “One of the decisions staff tried to make was to purchase the vehicle with upfit at the same time. However, with Chevrolet’s projected build schedule for these vehicles, if ordered before the end of the year, won’t be available (for delivery) to the city until March or April and actually we’re hearing word it may go possibly May or June of next year. So it doesn’t make a lot of sense for us to try to assume what the cost of the upfit items are going to be at this time. However, we will look at the available options to us as we move forward into the future, as far

as piggybacking off of other bids that are out there for that equipment and/or going out for solicitation ahead of the delivery of those vehicles.”

Councilman Matt Herman asked how much more expensive the Tahoe will be compared to a Caprice.

“The total cost, they’re very comparable,” Louis replied. “They’re not identical. Obviously the Tahoe being a larger, more robust vehicle is going to cost a little more.”

Louis said one consideration was how much a vehicle would cost over its lifetime.

continued on page 28...

SPRING 20 16 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

25

The LIVING Interview (continued)

At Ground Breaking Ceremony for the New Public Safety Facility with Mayor Bob Jackson. continued from page 19... did he go to work for Vern Walton?

BOB HUDDLESTON: You know, I don’t know the exact year. I would guess probably ‘76,’77 something like that, because I recall when I was in high school he worked for Desert Motors which was the Dodge dealership out on the Stanfield highway.

He worked there I think until around the time I graduated, which was ‘76, and shortly after he went to work for Vern Walton Motors.

Then there was a five or six-year period in there prior to Desert Motors when he bought and ran the Oasis Nursery. Yeah, I used to spend the summers digging holes.

(Laughs) That was my job, whenever they’d get a landscaping job I’d go out with the crew and help dig the holes for the trees.

GC LIVING: At least you earned some spending money! You know, I bought all my cars from your Dad and he used to tell me stories…

BOB HUDDLESTON: Uh-huh…

GC LIVING: No, he never told me anything about you.

BOB HUDDLESTON: (Laughs) GC LIVING: Did you get to know Vern Walton well as a result?

BOB HUDDLESTON: You know, I knew him, but I knew his son Scott in school, and as a

26

GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGSPRING SPRING202016 16

“...what I always kept in the back of my mind was not to do the easy thing or the cheap thing or even the best thing, but to do the right thing...” matter of fact, the football stories I’ve told you, Scott was always the quarterback on the football teams. I had been over to the Walton home on several occasions dealing with football, birthday parties, and even way back in Cub Scouts.

GC LIVING: That was just a couple of blocks from your house?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Yes, it wasn’t far.

GC LIVING: Tell me some of the memories of your Dad. I ask because there are a lot of people in town who knew him.

BOB HUDDLESTON: Yes, I get that often you know and for my mother too. I’ll get people that ask me “Was Bob your Dad?”

And then they’ll say, “You know, I bought cars from him for years.” Same thing with my Mom, they’ll ask if I’m related to Mrs. Huddleston and I’ll say, “Oh yes.” I’ll hear, “Well, she was my second grade teacher.”

She taught second grade in Stanfield for 25 years.

My Dad was probably the most levelheaded, calm, kind person that I’ve ever known. He coached and mentored me throughout my life and taught me exactly those values – to be level-headed, calm and most importantly, I think, to do the right thing. I think throughout my career... what I always kept in the back of my mind was not to do the easy thing or the cheap thing or even the best thing, but to do the right thing and that was my dad.

GC LIVING: Was he a God-fearing man?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Oh yeah, we were raised in the Methodist church – Sunday school, youth group, all of that.

GC LIVING: Did you go to the Methodist church on Trekell Road?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Yes, yes, that’s the one.

Of course it was within walking distance and so any kind of youth choir or, as I said, youth group, my brother, sister and I were usually involved in. Those Christian values have carried over to this day. My wife Doria and I belong to Crossroads Church here in Casa Grande and we see the blessing of having God in our lives every day.

GC LIVING: Let’s go back to the police department. You mentioned you became a detective, then a sergeant. Did you accomplish that in a relatively short period of time?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Yes it was. Things seemed to go in threes for me. I was a patrol officer for three years; I was a detective for three years, and that was the normal term. It was three years and then you would rotate out. At the end of my three years, I tested and promoted to sergeant and I was a patrol sergeant for three years and then I promoted to lieutenant.

GC LIVING: Isn’t that sort of a fast track in this business?

BOB HUDDLESTON: It was. You know there were pros and cons with doing that. I think I obviously proved myself, because I wouldn’t have been promoted to lieutenant had I not, but I missed out on some things that a patrol sergeant does and be-

continued on page 36...

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27

CG News

CONTINUED…

CHEVY TAHOES...cont. from page 25 “A good for instance,” he continued, “is looking at the Chevy Caprices that we have right now. We had two that were in what I consider minor collisions that are now totaled vehicles. They are a total loss because of the unibody construction of the frame. With these Tahoes, they are basically sitting on a truck chassis and that’s what we need for our police officers to do what we ask them to do every day.

It’s not easy on a vehicle.”

He added, “So we think that we’re going to get a much more reliable useful life out of the Tahoes and we could even consider — obviously we’re not going to make that decision today — looking at some of these vehicles and possibly doing a second-life rebuild on them.”

Louis said this will give the department some options to more closely examine the lifetime costs of the vehicles.

“It’s very comparable to a sedan-type vehicle,” he said.

Herman said police officers told him that because of the amount of gear they wear on their belts “it was pretty tough to get in and out of the Caprice sometimes and they like this (Tahoe) better.”

He added, “I agree with the bigger, heavier chassis in our unique conditions here with the roads and off-road.”

Herman also wanted to know if any

equipment, such as lights or GPS units, could be taken from the old Caprices and used on the Tahoes.

“I can’t give you an exact dollar amount that we would save with equipment that we could reuse, repurpose for this upfit,” Louis replied. “They aren’t going to be exactly the same as the Caprice.

The wiring harnesses that are needed are going to be different. However, we do look at each piece of equipment and we evaluate whether it can be used or not.”

He added, “When we go to replace these vehicles when their useful life is up, we’ll probably have a better chance to reuse that equipment versus switching from a sedan to this SUV unit.”

Louis told the council that a special effort was made to make local car dealers aware that bids were being sought and to acquaint them with the process. Three bids were received with the only local one from Garrett Motors of Coolidge. Garrett bid $352,794.75 for the nine vehicles, with Courtesy Chevrolet bidding $344,560.78 Herman commented, “I know you guys put a lot of work into it and I really appreciate the extra effort to get local bids on this. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for Garrett, I really wish it would have. Hopefully in the future we can use some of these local guys to make these big purchases like this.”

City upgrades pool

T

he city swimming pool in McNatt Park will be drained and completely replastered. This is the second major upgrade since the renovation of the pool decking.

The $104,612 contract with California Pools & Landscaping from Chandler will be done before the summer swim season begins.

“The last time anything was replaced with regards to the pool plaster was in 2004,” Recreation Coordinator Matthew Jankowski told the City Council. “The lifespan typically of pool plaster is about five to seven years, so we’ve gotten quite a bit of use out of what is there.”

Jankowski added, “The existing pool plaster, right now, is stained (and) there

28

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING SPRING 20 16

Casa Grande 2015 financial report highlights - Initiatives & Accomplishments Police • Part 1 UCR crimes per 1,000 population decreased by 11 percent. (The FBI Uniform Crime Report classifies Part 1 crimes as murder and nonnegligent homicide, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, larceny-theft and arson).

• Police cleared 43 percent of Part 1 UCR crimes. (According to the FBI Web site, 47.4 percent of violent crimes and 20.2 percent of property crimes were cleared nationally in 2014.)

• 265 animals were adopted.

Fire • Crews responded to 6,952 emergencies, of which 5,400 (78 percent) were emergency medical services and 232 (3 percent) were fire-related.

• 80 percent of advanced life support response times were under five minutes.

• There were three residential structure fires per 1,000 structures.

Public Works • Sewer plant treatment of an average of five million gallons per day of wastewater was completed.

• Crews collected 18.3 tons of residential trash.

• 62,295 tons of solid waste was collected at the landfill.

• The community recycled an average of 45 pounds per household per quarter in residential solid waste materials.

Community Services are some areas where it’s chipping. The plaster has signs of significant wear, including stains, chips and cracks. We’re also having some areas with our inlets and outlets being clogged – they’re not working quite properly – something we battled a little bit last year. We were able to work through, but it’s just gotten to be time now where we need to replace those things.”

continued on page 68...

• The patio and area around the pool was resurfaced and older fencing was replaced.

• Golfers played 68,071 rounds of ninehole equivalents.

• 98 percent of program participants rated programs as satisfactory or better.

• There were 311,357 visitors at the two city libraries.

• There were a total of 29,505 meals served and 6,204 volunteer hours received.

• 10.77 acres of parkland per 1,000

population were maintained at a cost of $1,108 per acre.

Development Center • 1,653 building permits were issued.

• An average of 17 inspections per inspector per day were performed.

Financials • Local indicators point to continued stability. Casa Grande is witness to a sustained, but lower number of issued building permits. The prior three fiscal years have seen a slow residential housing construction market. Non-residential building permits with a value of $45.3 million were issued in fiscal year 2015, with an increase from the previous year.

Continued commercial development conveys the actuality that sufficient rooftops have been constructed to expand the commercial markets, which in turn, expands the city’s economy and tax base.

• Casa Grande’s economy is reflective of the state and the nation as a whole, the city is experiencing slow sustained economic growth in nearly all areas, with the exception of residential construction. Although total sales tax revenue is down 23 percent from peak collections in FY 2008 – when adjusted for the construction portion of the sales tax – the city’s FY 2015 collections are actually 10 percent higher than FY 2008 collections and reflect five consecutive years of reoccurring growth.

• Casa Grande, like all Arizona cities, places a heavy reliance on city sales tax. Overall, local sales tax revenues comprise 43.8 percent of General Fund revenues. The city’s sales tax rate is currently at 1.8 percent, with an additional 0.2 percent pledged to park and recreation projects or economic development. Management is projecting the city’s sales tax collections to continue increasing slightly next year as the economy continues its recovery.

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COUNTRYWALK ESTATES $210,000

Popular 3 bedroom, 2 bath floor plan w large eat-in kitchen; granite countertops, breakfast bar & tile floor; great room w gas fireplace; split master w soaking tub & shower; RV gate, easy care landscaping, covered patio; energy saving sunscreens; close to schools; walk to shopping. Lovely furnishings are negotiable.

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Spacious 2342 sq ft single level great room plan w formal dining too!

3 bedrooms; 2.5 baths; 3 car garage; RV gate & parking; split master w jetted tub, shower double sinks; Spacious kitchen w ample cabinets, crown molding, pantry, stainless appliances, & Corian counters. Easy care landscape & extended covered patio.

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AK-CHIN’S EARLY HIM DAK GROWS A 21ST CENTURY BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY Our agricultural heritage taught us to be adaptable or we would not have survived.

The same thinking applies to growing industry in our Community.

Below: Harrah’s Ak-Chin added a 152-room hotel tower to it’s Casino Resort in 2010.

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H

ow does growing corn, cotton and potatoes prepare you to compete in a 21st century business environment? In the case of the Ak-Chin Indian Community, it’s all a matter of their Him Dak. In Ak-Chin’s native language, Him Dak means way of life and firmly rooted in the tribe’s way of life is its background in farming. In fact, the word Ak-Chin comes from an O’odham word meaning mouth of the wash or place where the wash loses itself in the sand or ground, referring to a type of farming that is dependent on washes created by seasonal flood plains.

To be successful in this type of farming, Ak-Chin’s ancestral farmers had to become uniquely adaptable to changing climates and conditions.

This resilience, which has been passed down through the generations, laid the groundwork for a business philosophy that today emphasizes economic diversification to capitalize on changing markets and commerce opportunities.

Originally sustained only by its agricultural activities, Ak-Chin’s rapid growth began with development of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, which opened in 1995. Now as Pinal County’s largest employer, Ak-Chin generates an economic impact of nearly $437 million annually and that was before they added a 152-room hotel tower to the Casino Resort, the purchase and improvement of Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, and completion of the $50 million UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle. Moreover, this figure does not yet reflect the economic impact of the Casino Resort’s latest multimillion dollar expansion,

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which will include a spa, conference center with multi-use ballroom space, a parking garage, new restaurants and more than 200 added hotel rooms.

In addition to its entertainment venues, the Ak-Chin Indian Community leadership is committed to bringing new industry and job growth to its Indian Community as well as the surrounding area. To that end, the Community has been completing a series of renovations to its Ak-Chin Regional Airport, which it purchased in 2006. The latest improvements include the installation of runway and apron lighting and the addition of an AWOS system.

Ak-Chin has also agreed to a multimillion dollar investment in Quail Run Building Materials, Inc. of Phoenix to build a second site for the company in its industrial park, Santa Cruz Commerce Center. Conveniently located between the cities of Maricopa and Casa Grande and less than five minutes from its regional airport, the fully improved industrial park offers approximately 50 acres of immediately leasable land with a build-to-suit option for qualified tenants. Quail Run will join neighbors, Hickman’s Family Farms, M&S Equipment and others who already enjoy tax advantages and below market lease rates that have enabled them to grow and expand.

In fact, Hickman’s just completed its second expansion in July of last year.

Charles Carlyle, Chairman of the

Top: Hickman’s Family Farms added approximately 90,000 SF to expand their operations at the Santa Cruz Commerce Center; Middle: The Ak-Chin Regional Airport is less than 5 minutes from the Santa Cruz Commerce Center; Bottom: Ak-Chin Farms harvests potatoes for Frito Lay, Poore Bros, and other small companies across the country.

Ak-Chin Industrial Park Board, which oversees the development, improvement and leasing of the Community’s industrial properties, said, “Our agricultural heritage taught us to be adaptable or we would not have survived. The same thinking applies to growing industry in our Community. We need to diversify to foster our long-term sustainability.”

According to Carlyle, it is because of this Him Dak, the Ak-Chin Indian Community is not just surviving; it’s thriving.

THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

custom leasing solutions in a native environment

EDUCATION

COOLIDGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: PINAL COUNTY’S HIDDEN TREASURE

by Corianna Lee, Coolidge Performing Arts Director

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never knew this was here!” is a common exclamation made by patrons upon entering the Coolidge Performing Arts Center for the first time.

Upon walking into the Coolidge Performing Arts Center, patrons and guests are often in awe of the grand theater located in humble Coolidge, Arizona, just two miles down the road from the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. Upon entering, a patron has the choice of 930 seats and there isn’t a “bad” seat in the house! The grand stage provides ample space for large groups of performers such as the Central Arizona Symphony. The expansive theater is the largest operating venue in Pinal County, but few knew it existed – that is, until now.

Often patrons believe the Coolidge Performing Arts Center is a newly-constructed venue.

In fact, the Coolidge Performing Arts Center was built in 1977 by the Coolidge Unified School

District to house its high school performing arts programs.

The theater was utilized by the school consistently until the mid to late 1980s. However, a decline in high school performing arts programs and loss of arts instructors allowed the building to become nearly dormant until 2003 when members of the community formed the Coolidge Cultural Foundation. The Coolidge Cultural Foundation organized concerts and provided a community children’s theater during the summer, making it the foundation’s mission to revitalize the “Coolidge Auditorium”. Eventually the Coolidge Cultural Foundation also became inactive, leaving the theater dormant until 2012 when Coolidge Unified School District hired a dedicated performing arts center director.

The new director was tasked with revitalizing interest in the theater and rebranding it as well as re-establishing a support foundation and jump-starting

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THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

the ailing performing arts programs at Coolidge High School.

Now in 2016, the Coolidge Performing Arts Center is gaining momentum through the Coolidge Performing Arts Center Foundation. Through the Coolidge Performing Arts Center Foundation, community performing arts are alive and well through the Central Arizona Community Symphony, Desert Song Community Choir, and the Artisan Village Children’s Theater and the Artisan Village of Coolidge.

Coolidge Performing Arts Center boasts award-winning performers and concerts at reasonable prices. Cultural performances from award-winning musicians to music festivals, Ballet Folklorico groups, tribute artists and local artists have graced the stage, in addition to the up-and-coming Coolidge High School Performing Arts events. Local groups such as charter schools and civic organizations and events such as awards ceremonies and other community events are also consistently held in the theater.

Coolidge Performing Arts Center is catching the attention of patrons and performers alike!

There is an extensive waiting list of performers awaiting their opportunity to perform on the Coolidge Performing Arts Center stage.

THE THETRAVEL TRAVEL EDITION EDITION

MAKE THAT TAX REFUND MAKE THAT TAX REFUND COUNT! COUNT!

Now in its fourth year as the Coolidge Performing Arts Center, they are completing When you get a tax refund, your first instinct their season with performances from Arizona’s Balladeer, Dolan may be you to splurge on a luxury a treat.

When get a tax refund, your firstorinstinct Ellis on February 12, the United may bewrong to splurge on athat. luxuryBut or awhy treat. not Nothing with States Air Force Concert Band Nothing wrong withfor that.

But why not spend it on a gift yourself that on March 11 and the Central spend it on a gift for yourself that Arizona Symphony on March will keep giving foryears years to come? will keep givingback back for to come?

19. Tickets for upcoming events are easy to obtain through the Coolidge Performing Arts WebA DOWN PAYMENT ON A NEW HOME A DOWN PAYMENT ON A NEW HOME site, or by visiting the Coolidge • Down payments are usually the biggest obstacles • Downforpayments are usually biggest obstacles Chamber of Commerce. new home buyers.

Make itthe easier on yourself.

As the center continues to for new buyers. it easier on yourself.

• The home more you put intoMake your down payment, gain interest and momentum, the less you have to borrow for the long run.

• The more you put into your down payment, the hope is that the Coolidge • Get a “refund” every year, in the money you Performing Arts Center will the less have to borrow for the long run. saveyou on rent. no longer be the “well- kept • Get a “refund” every year, in the money you secret” that it has been for I’d be happy to talk to you about the loan options that save on rent. nearly the last 40 years! Each will enable you to get the most out of your IRS refund, and season brings new audiences get you started on your new life as a homeowner. and new artists. The release of I’d be happy to talk to you about the loan options that the 2016/2017 season will feature an expanded season with more will enable you to get the most out of your IRS refund, and concerts and community events, get you started on your new life as a homeowner. and is anticipated in March.

RUDY BENITEZ Patrons can purchase tickets, MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR view the current and upcomNMLS# 279367 ing season, and sign up for Phone: 520-836-7776 e-mail updates by visiting www.

Cell: 602-481-3967 RBenitez@annie-mac.com coolidgeperforminartscenter.

RUDY BENITEZ rudybenitez.annie-mac.com org or visiting the Coolidge MORTGAGE LOAN Performing Arts Center on AnnieMac Home Mortgage, 211 N. Florence Street, Suite 102 and 103, Casa Grande, AZ 85122. Arizona Mortgage Banker License (#0926586).

ORIGINATOR Facebook.

CONTACT ME TODAY!

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NMLS# 279367 Phone: 520-836-7776 SPRING 202016 16 CORRID OROR LI V ING 35 35 SPRING SPRING 20GOLDEN 16GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRID OR LI LI VVING ING Cell: 602-481-3967

The LIVING Interview (continued) continued from page 26... cause it was pretty quick I was pretty green (laughs) when I became a lieutenant.

GC LIVING : Did you once again have mentors when you became a lieutenant or were you just thrown into it?

BOB HUDDLESTON: I had fellow lieutenants.

When I was promoted was when Phil Bain retired and became the D.A.R.E officer. He had been the patrol lieutenant and that’s what I became, so I could always go and ask him questions. He was always around.

There was also Leo Hall and Al Apger.

GC LIVING : There was a union issue. Were you there for the union Issue?

BOB HUDDLESTON: I was there for the tail end of it. My first experience with the union was I had been there for several months and I had an officer approach me and tell me things were messed up and the union was going to make it right and I needed to join the union. I laughed it off and I said, “You’ve got to be kidding me, this is the best job I’ve ever had in my life!”

And I meant it. I didn’t feel I needed that.

GC LIVING : So in about 9 years you’re a lieutenant?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Yes. GC LIVING : Where do you go from being a lieutenant?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Chief is the next level and I honestly thought I would finish my

At Crime prevention event with then-Chief Deputy Jerry Monahan.

career as a lieutenant. For the most part, during my time as lieutenant, which was about nine years, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the opportunity to manage each of the three divisions, which at the time, were patrol which was the largest, investigations and support services, which were

“I was the last officer with Casa Grande that, upon the day of hire, I was given a badge and a gun and a training officer and was told to hit the street.”

dispatchers and records clerks. I had the opportunity to manage all of those, but by far the most time that I spent was in the patrol division as the patrol commander.

GC LIVING : The city went through some massive growth during your career. How did you deal with that?

BOB HUDDLESTON: It was very difficult and

the pattern it would take was public safety, police and fire would be advised there was a pending annexation and we would get some demographics on how many homes there were going to be, how much area – as far as acreage – was going to be included.

Quite often it was square miles instead of acreage. We would sit down and pre-plan for that and we would let the city know that it’s going to take X number of officers, X number of patrol cars and miscellaneous equipment of a certain amount to patrol this area. One thing I learned the hard way was when the city grows in that way, the revenue doesn’t come in until much later and you are very quickly faced with that growth that you anticipated, but no resources and so you’re stretched thin.

Slowly over the years the city did approve a lot of those resources so we did get additional officers and we did get additional patrol cars, but we started off behind the curve – way behind the curve.

GC LIVING : As a senior lieutenant, were you in on the planning process at all?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Oh yes, the city was very good about bringing people in and quite often our chief, Don Maxon, seemed to have a lot of faith and trust in me and I participated in a lot of the planning meetings in his stead. It was an educational experience and probably the biggest one I remember was the Copper Mountain Ranch project.

Of course that never transpired. As far as trying to plan that project out for the next 10 or 20 years assuming that it was going to build out, it was potentially a population of 80,000 people and trying to plan public safety services for that area was quite a chore and many other projects were all very similar, but on a smaller scale.

GC LIVING : That was good training for you for what you were about to do. How did you becoming chief come about? Did someone approach you?

BOB HUDDLESTON: No. In 1998 chief Maxon fell ill with cancer and he was gone more than he was at the station. The cancer steadily got worse and worse and I kind of assumed that role unofficially as acting chief. At the time I was the senior lieutenant. Al Apger and Leo Hall had since left the department, so as the senior lieutenant I stepped into those shoes.

continued on page 44...

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THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

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LUCKY SUSHI & CHINESE RESTAURANT

M

onica and Tony Chiang purchased Lucky Chinese in June 1999 as a Chinese cuisine restaurant and soon the restaurant became a local favorite. Tony was a chef with China Gate in Phoenix prior to opening in Casa Grande. The fare was good, with various combinations and traditional Chinese entrees on the menu. Whether you prefer spicy Yui-Shan or Szechuan meals or a milder delight, the plentiful portions and perfect seasoning will appease any size appetite. Lunch includes combinations with appetizer, soup and main entrée in lunch-size portions. Dinner portions are larger. A favorite

A Gem Hidden in Plain Sight!

for many diners is to order several entrees and share. This way, you can sample several different entries at one sitting. The restaurant is open 7 days a week for both lunch and dinner, with food available for both dine in and take out.

Still, as good as the food was, something more was needed in Casa Grande – and that something was sushi. And not just any sushi – GOOD SUSHI! So in December 2005, the first sushi bar in Casa Grande was opened. Chef Yoshi has been with Lucky Sushi & Chinese since they added sushi as a menu option. Yoshi was with Ayako of Toyko Restaurant in Scottsdale and Beverly Hills before venturing to Casa Grande.

No matter how busy the restaurant, Yoshi speaks with everyone sitting at the bar. He is a favorite with locals and visitors alike.

The wall décor includes photos

Open 7 Days A Week for Lunch & Dinner 38

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of Yoshi and the skydivers from Skydive Arizona in Eloy, showing off his tandem jump. International visitors to Eloy come to Casa Grande for the dining pleasures to be found at Lucky Sushi & Chinese.

Sushi is as much art as it is taste and texture. The visual experience is as important as actually eating the food. It is almost too beautiful to eat, but after that first bite, you will want to dig in and enjoy. Su (vinegar)shi (rice) starts with a vinegar seasoned rice mixture as the base.

While understated in significance, the rice is actually key to a quality roll. The building block ingredients added include cream cheese, vegetables and fish – both cooked or uncooked. Thin sliced pieces of raw fish without rice are properly called sashimi.

Popular choices are salmon,

multiple varieties of tuna, mackerel and shrimp to name a few.

How do you do FRESH fish in the desert, far from the source?

Very carefully! Fish is flown to distributors in Phoenix daily and then delivered to restaurants, many times the same day of arrival, to ensure freshness. Not all varieties are available year round, depending on quality. Oysters are available depending on season.

No matter if it is your first time at the restaurant or your 100th,you will be greeted with a smile. Whether you are seeking Chinese cuisine or Sushi, you will enjoy your dining experience.

Tony, Monica, Yoshi and the rest of the staff are true gems in Casa Grande dining.

Lucky Sushi & Chinese Restaurant Dine In or Take Out 1350 E. Florence Blvd. #B, Casa Grande 520.836.0102 luckysushichinese.com THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

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39

FORMING A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY IN AZ A closer look at LLCs – Arizona’s most popular choice for business entities

by Tina L. Vannucci, Attorney, Fitzgibbons Law Offices, PLC

A

limited liability company (LLC) is a unique business entity permitted by state law.

As a legal entity, an LLC is separate and distinct from its members and managers. Most people choose an LLC because it is simpler than a corporation to form and maintain while shielding the members and managers from liability for the LLCs debts, liabilities and other obligations.

Formation To form an LLC, Articles of Organization are filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission for approval, followed by publication in a Commission-approved newspaper. The Articles of Organization set forth the name and address of the LLC, its members and statutory agent, its general purpose, the term of the LLC, and whether the LLC will be managed by its members or a designated manager.

There are no minimum limits on the number of members an LLC can have and one person may start the LLC and serve as the sole member, manager and statutory agent. There are no requirements in Arizona for an LLC to hold meetings or file annual reports. Formalities of maintaining an LLC include filing Articles of Amendment, when any of the information provided in the Articles of Organization changes, and securing necessary licenses from federal, state and local jurisdictions.

Management In a member-managed LLC, all members are responsible for management of its operations, while in a manager-managed LLC, the members designate

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a person or persons who will control the LLC’s activities. A manager can also be a member of the LLC. Although not technically required, it is strongly recommended that members enter into an Operating Agreement regarding the LLC’s operation and management. In fact, an Operating Agreement is necessary if the members intend to operate the business in any manner different from the Arizona statutory default rules.

Fiduciary Duties Arizona LLC statutes are silent on the issue of whether members or managers owe fiduciary duties – a legal duty to act in the best interest of another, to each other or to the LLC when acting on behalf of the company. However, Arizona courts have found that fiduciary duties are owed in partnerships and by officers, directors and majority shareholders in corporations. Fiduciary duties are another matter that members may want to include in their Operating Agreement until there are clear standards provided by the Arizona courts or legislature.

Planning Ahead It is important for individuals wanting to form an LLC to decide at the outset how they would like the LLC to be managed and how the affairs of the business and the individuals involved will be addressed. This will assist the LLC and its members when dealing with any unanticipated matters or disputes.

Tina Vannucci is an attorney with the Fitzgibbons Law Offices in Casa Grande. Her practice encompasses business law, real estate law and municipal law.

THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

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COME ON IN! 42

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THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

T

he Evergreen neighborhood is significant for its association with community planning and development in Casa Grande, Arizona, from 1928 until 1967. The year 1928 marks the occasion when the Evergreen subdivision was first developed. The neighborhood went through several cycles of growth in the following decades, which corresponded to the development of Casa Grande itself. Most of the lots in the Evergreen subdivision had been developed by 1967 and the neighborhood reached a state of maturity. As a relatively prosperous area of Casa Grande, the Evergreen neighborhood is also significant as the home of many residents who played important roles in the history of the community and the region. Although not discussed here as a part of the historical content, the Evergreen neighborhood contains many representative examples of architectural styles and types that make the area significant in the area of architectural history.

this home is no exception, with over onethird acre of land for your enjoyment. (16,536 square foot lot, county assessor).

Other outdoor amenities include a large paver patio with built-in seating - perfect for entertaining – and expansive yard with room to add a pool.

This home features mid-century modern architectural design features such as builtin cabinetry and stained wood trim. Much of the home’s original wood casings and doors remain, as well as hardwood and parquet floors. This lovely home has been updated and upgraded but still captures the charm of its past.

Need a space for guests? This house has a separate casita with kitchenette, bedroom and bath. The main house has four bedrooms and three full baths. 1018 N. Lehmberg is close to the Palm Island Aquatic Center and Carr McNatt Park. The home is currently listed with Coldwell Banker ROX Realty for $199,000. David Schlagel 520.280.9049

You are welcomed onto the 1018 N. Lehmberg property with herringbone-patterned pavers blanketing the driveway. Lots in the Evergreen neighborhood are expansive and

THE THETRAVEL TRAVEL EDITION EDITION

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The LIVING Interview (continued) continued from page 36...

Toward the end when the chief was terminally ill, they appointed me acting chief and I was left as acting chief for close to a year. In hindsight, I think city manager Ken Buchanan was giving me an opportunity to show that I could do the job and things went well during that time frame.

Eventually the city announced they were going to hire a new chief and I knew that was coming about. I researched the job requirements for police chief and I did not have a college degree. I went to the city manager and I said “This job requirement says that a college degree is preferred, but it doesn’t say required. Would you allow me to apply for the position?” He told me at the time “I’ll allow you to apply, but that’s it.” He said, “There’s no favoritism; you’re just another applicant. Do your best, but no guarantees.”

I said, “OK” and turned in an application. It was a national search and there were applicants from all over the country.

I think there were around 50 at the time and the city narrowed it down to a group of ten and I was fortunate enough to be in that group. They proceeded with community interviews and there were a couple of interview panels that the ten applicants went before and then, as I said, within a couple weeks after that was completed, Ken Buchanan gave me a call and said I was the guy and that’s how it came about!

GC LIVING : After a stellar career you decided to retire. I have to say the person who was appointed after you left was a bit controversial.

Bob and his wife Doria

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“There was Larry and Allen’s Grocery Store; there were one or two little buildings west of Shorty’s Gas Station. But the gas station was about it. It was the end of town.”

BOB HUDDLESTON: “A bit” is putting it quite mildly.

GC LIVING : Did the city allow you to be involved with the choosing of the new chief?

BOB HUDDLESTON: No. GC LIVING : Did you agree with the choice?

BOB HUDDLESTON: You know, from what limited exposure I had to Chief Cervantes, I thought it was a good choice. I was not critical of that at all. He had come in a couple of times and talked to me before I retired and I thought he was a decent guy. He had a very strong interest in Casa Grande and the Casa Grande Police Department and I respected that and I thought he would be good for the community.

GC LIVING : But it just didn’t work. Do you think one of the problems was he came from Scottsdale to Casa Grande and that you can’t run both departments the same?

BOB HUDDLESTON: I don’t know what the problem was. I had conversations with numerous staff and officers while Johnny was in place and, for the life of me, I could not figure out where his theory of management was coming from. There’s no book that teaches what he was doing.

GC LIVING : There was a mass exodus.

BOB HUDDLESTON: Yes, there were numerous officers that left the department and that tells you how bad it was. I only heard stories, but you know it was sad what was happening to the department.

GC LIVING: Enter Chris Vasquez as interim Chief. Did you agree with that?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Oh, absolutely. I mentioned when I started back in 1980, Chris was one of those officers who was sitting

around the table with me back then. I think he had all of a year-and-a-half on at the time so he was the great veteran senior officer when I started. I grew to respect Chris very much over the years.

GC LIVING: He completed his 20 years and went to the county sheriff’s department.

BOB HUDDLESTON: Yes, he did.

GC LIVING: Chris was not chosen to be the new chief. Did that decision make sense to you?

BOB HUDDLESTON: No, but I’m not on the inside either. I will tell you I’ve never met the new guy. He may be the greatest thing that ever happened to the department, but Chris was a known commodity and it was working. The only issue that I could see with Chris is his age. Chris would probably not be there for the next 15 years. He would probably serve five or so years and then retire. That’s the only issue that I can see that would be negative towards Chris.

But, as I said, I’m not on the inside and I don’t know what they see in the new guy.

I talked to several officers that have talked with him and they say the outlook is good – that he seems to be the person they were looking for and they think he’ll work out just fine.

GC LIVING: Do you miss it?

continued on page 46...

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The LIVING Interview (continued) Racing Motocross 1975 at Arizona Desert Raceway in Buckeye Arizona

continued from page 44...

BOB HUDDLESTON: Oh, every day! I especially miss the earlier days and working in the field. There is a huge amount of personal pride and satisfaction in responding to emergency situations and being able to bring order back to an out-of-control situation. There is one point I wanted to bring up about being police chief. The history of our department goes back to 1915 with the first town marshal. I was the longest serving chief in the department’s history, at 14 years, and I’m very proud of that. The average life expectancy for a police chief across the country is three to five years.

Many chiefs, as with the last chief, last a year or so and then they’re gone. Some, me included, last quite a bit longer than that.

GC LIVING: With all of this vast knowledge you now have, you decided you just might run for City Council. What brought that on?

BOB HUDDLESTON: I spent 14 years as chief attending every council meeting, every subcommittee meeting that applied to public safety and going through the budget planning processes. You mentioned the growth planning processes. I’ve been through all of that and I have watched. I’ve watched the council do what the council

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does. Very early on I thought, “I could that.

I could do that well.”

I think any time you have a committee or a council you need a variety of experiences. You need a variety of skills that you bring to the table. I hoped to someday sit on the council as the public safety representative. I hoped to have the expertise for public safety that I can add to that mix.

Now, I think I’ve learned some skills in other areas as well.

GC LIVING: I must make it clear during this interview you have not announced yet that you’re running for City Council.

BOB HUDDLESTON: Exactly. I have not.

GC LIVING: A good buddy of yours decided to run for Justice of the Peace this last election and you became his campaign manager. He won, and as a result, what started the process of you wanting to be a Judge Pro Tempore?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Well, exactly that process. John Ellsworth called me one day and told me he was going to run for Justice of the Peace.

GC LIVING: Actually you had worked with him in the police department?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Oh, absolutely. Yes, since 1980. John was another one of the officers in my early years and I worked with him for many years thereafter. I always had the highest respect for John. He was

“I don’t know if it was because I was the new guy, but they did assign me to graveyard and at the first day of briefing I was a fish out of water.” a great, great cop. We eventually sat down and talked and he asked for my support with his campaign. He asked if I would be his campaign manager and I agreed. I said, “You know, I’ve never done anything in politics before, so I apologize if I stumble on this because I don’t know what I’m

Detective Sergeant with Casa Grande Special Enforcement Unit, also pictured, John Ellsworth, Pat O’Connor, Steve Shanafelt, and Lt. Phil Bain.

doing. I’m going to have to learn as I go,” and he was accepting of that. During the campaigning process, John had mentioned the idea of pro tempore. I said, “Well, keep me in mind, you know. Hopefully, this will all work out so keep me in mind.” He won the primary and essentially was elected at that point, as he didn’t have an opponent in the general election. During that time frame he asked if I was still interested and I said, “Absolutely.”

GC LIVING: You went to the Supreme Court Judicial College and graduated?

BOB HUDDLESTON: That’s exactly right.

GC LIVING: Do you enjoy being a judge?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Oh, very much. Yeah.

GC LIVING: You’ve done a lot of things in your career. Is there anything else you want to do?

BOB HUDDLESTON: You know, I’m enjoying retirement and traveling! My wife and I like traveling and we have a lot of flexibility in our schedule. I think that’s what I enjoy most right now is that flexibility.

As a police chief you are glued to your cell phone. It wasn’t really a good idea to leave town, but even when you did, you still had to be in touch via cell phone. You had to be ready to either respond or at least give direction over telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Right now I can turn the cell phone off. I can leave town if I want, whenever I want.

GC LIVING: I asked that question because your counterpart, Paul Babeu, the sheriff of Pinal County, wants to serve in Washington. Do you have any aspirations other than being a possible City Council member?

continued on page 96...

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SurpriSe, AZ

Located along U.S. 60, northwest of Phoenix, Surprise is one of the fastest growing communities in the U.S. Today, Surprise is a 74-square-mile city on the move. Flanked by one of Arizona’s largest mountain preserves, and situated in the saguaro-dotted Sonoran Desert on the northwestern edge of the Valley of the Sun, it’s no “surprise” that Surprise was named Arizona’s fastest growing city four times in recent years. Even the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers decided to take up residence here. The once sleepy squaremile farming community surprised just about everyone when it successfully courted the two teams away from their Florida training homes.

The Cactus League Spring Training facility and stadium, along with a regional library, aquatic center, recreation center, and 57-acre massive park are the centerpieces of this new square-mile-plus downtown development, putting Surprise well on its way to becoming the playground of the West Valley.

Looking for some cool and affordable summer fun? Surprise’s 10,562-square-foot Aquatics Center takes swimming beyond the box. It includes a 4,700 square-foot water play area with zero depth entry, eightlane competitive pool, diving well with two one-meter boards, two slides, splash pads, vortex whirlpool, classroom, concessions and more.

Hike or bike to a rare desert waterfall at White Tank Regional Park located on the western edge of Surprise. Waterfall Trail is a very popular and easy hike, suitable for the entire family.

Hit the greens at one or all of Surprise’s championship golf courses.

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Cimarron at Sun City Grand, was designed by Greg Nash.

Play tennis, racquetball and table tennis at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex. They have leagues as well as drop-in tennis. From time to time you can also catch professional exhibition tennis here.

A one-stop-shop for family entertainment, Uptown Alley has bowling, laser tag and games, as well as a full service restaurant and night life opportunities for the adult crowd. Be sure to check out the Wild World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park or take the family to one of two pick-your-own citrus farms.

Spend a day at Maricopa County’s northwest regional library. The $5.5 million, 20,000-square-foot library features a gift shop, and many public access flat screen computers and separate adult, teen and child areas with greenhouse reading rooms overlooking a five-acre lake. Be sure to visit the 12’x78’ mosaic that depicts the history of Surprise.

Stunning natural beauty is just the beginning in Surprise, where art and culture extend to all corners of the city and include everything from fine arts, galleries to local traditional crafts and performances. Be sure to check out Arts’ HQ, the City Hall art collection or WHAM’s new showroom.

The City also hosts several unique special events that are must-see activities like Fiesta Grande (October), Surprise Party (December) or the Second Sunday in the Park (Sept. to Spring).

The festive events include live bands, hot-air balloons, food and treats for the entire family.

Enjoy your visit to Surprise, Arizona!

Surprise Stadium

Surprise Party

THE TRAVEL EDITION

™

The Recreationa l Playground Of Phoenix’s West Valley

Texas Rangers Spring Training

White Tank Mountains

Wildlife World Zoo

Why Surprise?

• Weather and Natural Beauty • Spring Training • White Tank Regional Park and Nature Center • World Class Tennis & Racquet Facilities • Surprise Park ( 57 Acres, Lake, Aquatic Center, Playground, Library, Dog Park, etc) • Surprise Party • Wildlife World Zoo • Proximity to Nascar, Coyotes Stadium, Diamondbacks, Wickenburg • Greg Nash Designed Golf Courses • Consistently Ranked One Of The Safest Cities In The Us

16126 N. Civic Center Plaza • Surprise, AZ 85374

KC Royals Spring Training

CAN THE

by Richard O’Neil, CPA (and proud Grandpa to one of the team members)

C

an the Casa Grande Dream Team really make dreams come true? This team of young Casa Grande dancers formed in August of 2015 with three goals in mind – to fulfill their own dreams of competing on an international stage, to take the hopes and dreams of Casa Grande with them and to inspire all of Casa Grande to believe in their dreams.

In the words of 12-year-old team co-captain Faith Owen, “This goal may sound lofty, but we are no strangers to national competition. Among the eight members of this team, we hold 14 national championship titles.” Those words may sound a bit precocious coming from a little girl whose teammates nicknamed her “small fry,” but when you realize that same little girl has five national championship medals hanging around her neck, you realize she has the ability to back up every word.

It’s not all about them

Ashley Fisher who is 15 years old and a two- time national champion says, “We are competitive dancers, but that is not what this team is all about. Dance is our method of communication, but our mission is to get out a message.

That message is to believe in your dreams and to work together with others to make your dreams come true.”

How did these kids get so good?

The answer is twofold – hard work and coaching staff.

Coaches Carrie Galle and Kimberly Hurtado have waived all fees to coach the team. Although that is very generous, it is not surprising given these two have been training most of the girls since they were little more than toddlers.Coach Galle has a national reputation. In the days when she was a young girl competing, she won gymnastic state championships in both Arizona and California. In total, the athletes she has trained have won over 200 regional awards, eleven state championships, and nineteen national championships.

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THE TRAVEL EDITION

Health • Wealth • Education

Y DO IT? PHOTOS BY TINA CATES, ELEGANCE N IMAGES, CASA GRANDE, AZ

Coach Hurtado is multitalented. She coaches, choreographs, and designs costuming. Many of her costumes have earned perfect scores in competition.

The team is seeking to be chosen to represent the United States in The Dance Worlds Competition hosted by the U.S. All Star Federation. The girls will be competing in the national championships of three different competitive associations. During each of these national championships a limited number of outstanding teams will be chosen to represent the United States at The Dance Worlds competition. The Dance Worlds competition will be held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort & Convention Center.

More than 12,500 performers from more than 40 different countries will compete. Portions of the competition will be covered by ESPN.

Is it an impossible dream?

The greatest of all dreams must seem impossible in the beginning. Yet, these young ladies have ignited a freight train of support from the community, ranging from a homeless man who donated five dollars to Doug and Shannon Wells, a California couple who will host the team during two of the competitions in their palatial home on the edge of Canyon Lake. To say they have inspired the community is an understatement. David Owen, principle of Cactus Middle School said, “These girls have garnered a great deal of attention. They have handled it great. They have become role models to the entire school.”

The entire team contracted the flu, with fevers breaking only days before they took the stage in their first competition. Despite coughs, sniffles, and watery eyes, the team took third in the nation. Yet, they failed to gain the illusive world bid. There are two competitions remaining. The team’s health is rapidly improving.

Can they do it? An anxious Casa Grande hopes and watches.

THE TRAVEL EDITION

SPRING 20 16 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

51

PLAY HEALTHY: STUDENT ATHLETE SUCCESS

by Breanna Boland, Executive Director, Casa Grande Alliance

A

s parents and community members, we put time and effort into helping our youth become successful in life. One way we do this is by encouraging our children to participate in extracurricular activities such as school sports and community sports leagues. Participation in sports provides youth an opportunity to grow mentally and physically. Some of the benefits of participating in sports include learning to work well with others, building self-confidence, enhancing communication skills, learning how to set and achieve goals, relieving stress and improving physical and mental health. The list could go on and on!

It is important for parents to understand that a youth’s participation in sports does not make a child immune to substance use.

According to Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of The Partnership at Drugfree.org, “Sports can be a positive protective factor in a young person’s life because of all those great things - structure, goal setting, fair play and achievement, but it’s not a silver bullet.” Studies indicate that there is a link between youth who play sports and substance use. A review of 17 different studies – all but one taking place in the U.S.— indicated that alcohol use was greater among students who engage in sports.

They also found that participation in sports was associated with less illegal drug use, other than marijuana. The association with marijuana use wasn’t clear.2 Substance use can lead to substance abuse, and it can happen to anyone.

Some of the common misperceptions are: • Youth who are involved in sports don’t have time to use alcohol or drugs.

• Being an athlete and using drugs or alcohol don’t go together because athletes are health- conscious.

In actuality, some factors make student athletes more prone to substance use then

52

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their non-athletic peers. Being a student athlete can be tough and even stressful at times. Think about it… student athletes have to perform at school, at practice, at games and at home. Some of the reasons why student athletes turn to alcohol and drugs are to deal with the pressure to perform well in school and in sports, enhance performance, deal with injuries and to self-medicate to relieve physical pain.4 In Pinal County, 27 percent of our youth state they use alcohol or drugs to help relieve stress.1 As a parent, coach, or caring adult in the community, it is crucial to understand how stress presents itself in youth and how to help our youth relieve stress without turning to alcohol or drugs.

Stress can manifest in physical issues (headaches, stomach aches, sweaty palms, etc.), emotional issues (anger, frustrations, fear, sadness, etc.), behavioral issues (saying something mean, blowing up at someone, etc.), and in relationships (self-isolation, feelings of being unwanted).3 Participation in physical activity is one way to relieve stress, but if that is already contributing to a child’s stress level, it is essential to help him or her find some alternative stress-relieving activities. Some suggested ways of relieving stress, besides physical activity, include arts and crafts, talking to friends, talking to parents,

writing in a journal and meditation, among others. Working with our student athletes to identify alternative ways to relieve stress will help them to be more successful in sports and in life.3 In addition, having conversations about the risks of substance use and setting clear no-use policies is another way to protect your student athlete from substance use.

Youth who have good relationships with their parents are two times less likely to use alcohol and three to four times less likely to use marijuana.5 One of the main reasons youth give for not using drugs or alcohol is they don’t want to disappoint a parent (or another caring adult) in their life.1 The Casa Grande Alliance has a free evidence-informed presentation for parents, coaches, and student-athletes called Play Healthy. Play Healthy talks to student athletes about what it takes to be a student athlete including nutrition and water intake, sleep and abstaining from alcohol and drugs.

The Play Healthy presentation for parents adds a piece about what parents can do to help their student athlete be successful.

For more information about Play Healthy, substance abuse prevention, or how to have conversations about drugs and alcohol with your child visit www.casagrandealliance.org, or call 520-836-5022.

1 Arizona Criminal Justice Commission-ACJC. (2014). Arizona Youth Survey.

Retrieved from http://www.azcjc.gov/ACJC.Web/sac/AYS.aspx 2

Cairney, J., et. al. (2014). Sport participation and alcohol and illicit drug use in adolescents and

young adults: A systematic review of longitudinal studies. Addictive Behaviors, 39(3), 497-506.

Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460313003766 3 Molgaard, V., Kumpfer, K. & Fleming, E. (1993). Iowa State University Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14.

4 Reardon, C. L., & Creado, S. (2014). Drug abuse in athletes. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 5, 95–105. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.2147/SAR.S53784

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. (2012).

The Importance of Family Dinners VIII.

5

THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

One caring adult can make a positive difference in a child’s life.

Youth are 25% of our population… but 100% of our future!

Over half of Casa Grande teens who don’t use drugs choose not to because they don’t want to disappoint their parents or another adult in their life.* * Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, Arizona Youth Survey 2014

Drug abuse prevention and treatment referrals 901 E. Cottonwood Lane - Suite C Casa Grande, Arizona 85122 520-836-5022 | casagrandealliance@gmail.com www.CasaGrandeAlliance.org Facebook: Casa Grande Alliance | Twitter: @CG_Alliance

EDUCATION

FREE WORKSHOP SERIES AT CAC FOR STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS

by Angela Askey, Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing

C

entral Arizona College will offer an expanded Pathways to Success workshop series during the spring 2016 semester. This series is designed to assist students in getting a jump-start on their education and career success. Workshops are open to all students and community members.

Workshops this spring will focus on customer service, stress management, workplace conflict, how to start planning now for your lifelong career, how to structure your resume to be noticed and how to be confident in any interview.

Pathways to Success workshops will be held from 3 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. via interactive TV (ITV) at the following campus and center locations: • Aravaipa Campus (80440 E. Aravaipa Rd., Room E108, Winkelman, AZ 85192) • Casa Grande Center (1015 E. Florence Blvd., Room B103B, Casa Grande, AZ 85122) • Maricopa Campus (17945 N. Regent Dr., Room B113, Maricopa, AZ 85138) • Superstition Mountain Campus (805 S. Idaho Rd., Room C105, Apache Junction, AZ 85119)

• Signal Peak Campus (8470 N. Overfield Rd., Room 0208B, Coolidge, AZ 85128) • San Tan Campus (3736 E. Bella Vista Rd., Room C124, San Tan Valley, AZ 85143) The following is the workshop schedule for spring 2016: • March 22: Reaching Across Generations • March 29: Dream Job - how to start planning now for your lifelong career • April 5: Community Resource • April 12: Playing Nice in the Sandbox - Generational differences in the workplace

• April 19: Cultural Diversity • April 26: Workplace relationshipsWorking with you is killing me • May 3: Community Resource • May 10: Community Resource • May 17: Emotional Intelligence • May 24: Community Resource For additional information regarding these workshops please contact 520-494-5010 or email Sherrie Soria, Director of Student Retention at sherrie.soria@centralaz.edu.

Your Future Begins Today at CAC.

Signal Peak Campus 8470 N. Overfield Rd. Coolidge, AZ 85128 520-494-5444

Maricopa Campus 17945 N. Regent Dr. Maricopa, AZ 85138 520-494-6400 54

Superstition Mountain Campus

805 S. Idaho Rd. Apache Junction, AZ 85119 480-677-7700

San Tan Campus

3736 E. Bella Vista Rd. San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 480-677-7825

GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGSPRING SPRING202016 16

Aravaipa Campus

80440 E. Aravaipa Rd. Winkelman, AZ 85192 520-357-2800

u

ed . z a l ntra

w.ce w w

THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

Casa Grande Elementary School District is

Casa Grande Union High School District

A 21st Century Education with 21st Century Choices!

CAMPUSES

TUTORING

Available four days a week on all campuses

STEM AT CASA VERDE

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

COMMUNICATIONS

Websites, PowerSchool, Schoolway App, direct email to staff, weekly news

ACTIVITIES

Choir and Drama, FFA, FBLA, FPS, Robotics, Marching Band, National FCCLA, DECA—state, national and international awards

are these people?

Post your answers to our Facebook page for a chance to win FREE meals from Culver's!

Did You Know?

• Casa Grande Elementary has more A+ Schools and A+ Programs than any other school district in Pinal County • The District has a proven, rigorous instructional program built upon “Success for Every One”

Visit Your Child’s School Today!

COLLABORATION ALTERNATIVES

CAVIT, CAC, private corporations, City of Casa Grande

ity

Who

The responsibility is Yours and Mine

ol

Emphasis on effective instructional practices

ho Sc

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Success for Every One

m un

More than 10,000 volumes at two campuses

ts en ud St

LIBRARY AND RESOURCES

m

Over 200 course offerings

Co

COURSE OFFERINGS

Fa m ili

STAFF

Led by 148 qualified teachers

es

The choice for families in Casa Grande

Two comprehensive campuses, one STEM Academy and a Learning Center Program.

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FACILITIES

Professional Culinary Arts Kitchen, FFA greenhouse, Art, Auto Shop, Computer Labs, Theater Arts Auditorium

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

ATHLETICS

Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Football, Track, Cross Country, Soccer, Golf, Spiritline, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling

WWW.CGELEM.K12.AZ.US

520.836.2111

THE TRAVEL EDITION

SPRING 20 16 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

55

HEALTH

PLANNING YOUR MEDICAL CARE FOR YOUR VISIT IN CASA GRANDE

by David Lozano, Public Relations External Media

It’s important our visitors and part-time residents of Casa Grande have a good medical plan in action in case they need it.

56

T

here’s so much to plan for when you’re taking a trip.

Whether a long one or a short one, you put together a list in your mind of all the essentials you’ll need to get to your destination. Items like clothes, shoes, a toothbrush, and food are things we tend to stock up on when we hit the open road.

But how about your health care essentials? I admit that even though I’ve worked for Banner Health for a long time, those are things I tend to forget when my family and I take our yearly road trip to California. Luckily, my wife who doesn’t work in health care, easily remembers what we need – aspirin, decongestants and other items.

We have a first aid kit in both of our cars in case we need access to BandAids or some type of anti-bacterial cream. But one of the worst things that could probably happen to anybody while they’re away from home and away from their regular primary care physician is to get sick or hurt.

I remember a few years ago we took a family vacation to Florida. I caught a very bad cold and my wife caught a stomach bug. We traveled from one part of the country to the other, only to spend most of our time in the hotel room trying to get better, rather than sightseeing with other tourists. Since over the counter medications were not relieving our symptoms, eventually, we sought help at a local urgent care so we could try to salvage whatever we could with this trip. We decided from that point on, if we ever needed medical help, we need to plan for it when we go out of town.

Luckily for those tourists and parttime residents who come to Casa Grande and spend time in our beautiful area, but are not able to bring their primary care physician with them, Banner Health has got things covered for you. Do you have a cough?

GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGSPRING SPRING202016 16

Or maybe you got a sunburn while you were out sightseeing and enjoying the beautiful weather? Our Banner Urgent Care at 1676 E. McMurray Blvd. is open every day, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“It’s important our visitors and part-time residents of Casa Grande have a good medical plan in action in case they need it,” said Banner Casa Grande Interim Medical Director Dale Curtis, MD. “If you ever come to our urgent care or receive treatment in our hospital, that medical information is shared with your primary care physician back home so that once you return home, they have it in their files and the proper course of continued treatment can be administered if needed.”

Got something a little more serious? Maybe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath? Banner Casa Grande Medical Center’s Emergency Department at 1800 E. Florence Blvd., is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, treating the most serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses or injuries. If you have a medical emergency and are not able to get to the hospital, please call 911.

“I also recommend that if you’re planning to visit our area and have a pre-existing medical condition that you check with your primary care

physician first at home to make sure you can travel safely.” Dr. Curtis said.

“Also, you may want to check and see what kind of medications you may need while you’re away from home and try to bring your medical records and any medical insurance information with you, in case you need it.”

If you decide to visit or stay for an extended period of time in Casa Grande, it’s important you research not only where the best restaurants are or the best tourist areas are located, but also where Banner Casa Grande is located and the extended services we offer in case some type of medical need arises or a medical emergency occurs.

In addition to having more than 170 physicians on site, and offering medical specialties such as cardiology, gynecology, and pediatrics, Banner Casa Grande Medical Center also offer state-of-the-art equipment including multi-slice CT scans and high-definition MRI. If you or a loved one are planning a trip or planning to live temporarily in Casa Grande, or in the areas of Pinal County that are served by Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, please visit our web site to help you with your medical planning needs at www.BannerHealth.com/ casagrande.

THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

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Esther Turner Cotton Much of the early development of the Casa Grande Valley was influenced by Peter H. Ethington, a southern gentleman from Kentucky. In 1917, Peter arrived in Arizona with his wife Anna, and their young children. Initially settling in Gilbert, in 1920 they made Casa Grande their home. A visionary for his time, Peter was a cotton farmer and car dealer. An area farmer who was keenly aware of the nation’s economy in the late 1920s-1930s, flyers were printed, which were distributed in several southern states, advertising employment for cotton pickers in the Southwest. This advertisement ultimately drove many people to settle in Casa Grande with opportunities of gainful employment. My grandfather, George Mansell, was one of those people.

Quoting from the 75th Anniversary Calvary Baptist Church history, (in the 1920s) “Peter H. Ethington, a large man with a soft voice, was instrumental in establishing a Southern Baptist church in Casa Grande. He was an intelligent man of ready wit, with a keen sense of understanding of people and a deep appreciation of personalities and abilities of people he met. He became the first superintendent of Sunday school. During the week he contacted adults and children and furnished them transportation on Sunday. Observers were amazed at the number of children that emerged from the Ethington car on Sunday mornings”.

Nadine Turner Hackler is my dearest friend, a woman of strength, character, and compassion, who has made a very real difference in my life. Born in Prescott, Arkansas, her family moved to Casa Grande in 1938. Each time I have wanted to confirm facts about Casa Grande’s history for articles I have written, Nadine, without fail, has been my source of details and information. Her memory is as sharp as her wit.

Nadine’s parents, A.L. ‘Buck’ and Effie (Machen) Turner married in 1923 in Camden, Arkansas. Buck was a dirt farmer, logger, grave digger, cabinet maker and carpenter. They raised four children: J.T. (John Thomas, known to his friends as ‘Buck’), Nadine, Esther, and Opal Lavone (Bonni). Effie’s father was a Confederate in the Civil War. Veteran. J.T. retired a Colonel in the U.S. Army, serving in WW II and the Korean Conflict. Esther became an LPN and X-ray technician, and has lived in 58

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING SPRING 20 16

“God, what is poor?”

by Esther Turner Cotton In fond remembrances of Mother and Daddy Dedicated to Nadine, my sister

Chapter 3

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addy parked the truck on the corner of Florence Street and North Main Street by the Popular Store, a clothing store owned by the Serrano family. Across Main Street to the south were the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks.

While we were parked waiting for daddy to do some business it was time for the schools to let out for the day. I remember three boys about thirteen years old walked by and read aloud “A.L. Buck Turner, Prescott, Arkansas, Wt. 1800 lb.” One of those boys was Jay Wilson, who became a close friend with my brother and he and his family are dear friends of all our families today.

Peter H. Ethington was a short man about 5 feet tall and he was the heaviest person I had ever seen. He weighed approximately 350 pounds but he had a kind face and spoke with a soft voice when he talked to us. He was a business man in Casa Grande with a new car dealership and a service station and garage.

He also had one of the biggest cotton farms

in the valley. He had recruited the families that daddy had brought to Arizona earlier in the year, and we too were going to live on his land outside of town.

We drove west on Highway 84 for 3½ miles, turned north for one mile, then west for a mile and a half. At first we passed Mr. Ethington’s big house under the cottonwood trees, the big hay barn and the green alfalfa fields, but our destination was in the middle of the desert. There was an abundance of greasewood or creosote bushes, mesquite trees, cactus of all kinds, saguaro, barrel, prickly pear but most of all there was the sand – I will tell more about the sand later.

J.P. Tunnel’s sister and her family had their tents close by so we unpacked our own beds from the truck and spent the first night outside and close by.

The next morning mother and daddy went into town to get our tents from Mr. Ethington. They only had two dollars and hoes for chopping cotton cost $1.12 each. They bought two and Bud Botrial and Louis Hammer at the B & L Hardware let them charge the balance of 25 cents.

When they returned we all helped stretch the tents. We chose a spot near two large mesquite trees and put the tents up. There was no floor for them but the ground (or sand) was fairly level. The tents faced each other with the doors (or flaps) opening to a walkway between which was covered with

Bisbee since 1951. Bonni worked as the office nurse for Dr. J.B. Tucker for many years, and lived in Casa Grande until her death in 2000. Growing up, music was always part of their lives; Buck was “an old fashioned hoedown-type fiddler”, J.T. played the guitar, and Nadine played the

organ and piano by ear. To this day, they remain a close-knit family.

In the early 1970s, Nadine’s sister, Esther, began writing for her children a memoir of her life in Arkansas and Arizona. In keeping with Nadine’s wish, Esther is sharing the following excerpt from that work.

– Preface by Georgia F. Schaeffer, Casa Grande native and Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker ROX Realty.

THE TRAVEL EDITION

Esther Turner Cotton

Far Left: Buck Turner with Esther, Bonnie, J.T. and Nadine “taking a bath” 1938-39.

Left: Buck Turner, Henry Huffman. Henry’s brother and an unknown man.

the tarpaulin. In one tent was the kitchen with a table and benches. The cooking utensils, dishes and groceries were put in stacked boxes for cupboards. In the other tent were two double beds, two trunks and our clothes.

Mother and daddy slept in one bed and the three girls slept in the other. Our brother slept on an iron cot set up in the cooking tent and outside when the weather permitted.

The first crisis of living in tents came with the wind so to speak. In the desert, when it gets very hot and the dry winds start blowing, the energy builds and whips up the dry desert sand. It gets so dense and big that it clouds the sun and visibility gets down to five or ten feet. It seemed as if we would lose our tents from their ropes and stakes – some people did. We learned to note the signs of an approaching storm and prepared for it by closing up and mooring down!

At first mother did the cooking outside on an open fire under the mesquite tree. We ate a lot of beans, potatoes, biscuits, flour gravy, and our usual evening meal was cornbread and fresh milk. We stopped every day at Montgomery’s on our way home from the cotton fields and bought a gallon of fresh milk and sometimes a half gallon of butter-

THE TRAVEL EDITION

milk for mother who didn’t drink sweet milk.

We hauled our drinking water about three miles. We filled our barrels and cans at the Sunset Court Service Station and Tourist Court near the Highway 84 underpass. Mr. Ethington probably had some arrangement with the owners, the Osbornes, to pay for the water, since it came from the city water system and was on a meter. Our water for bathing and washing clothes was from the electric irrigation pump and canals. It was unfit for drinking because of the alkaline and other mineral content.

On Monday morning after our arrival, we began working in the fields. The cotton rows were a quarter mile long and we were paid 10 cents a row for chopping out the weeds and thinning the young cotton plants. If it was a fairly clean field with few weeds and goat heads, and only needed thinning. The pay was 7 cents a row.

Oh! How our shoulders and backs ached at the end of a day. And since we didn’t have gloves, we developed big blisters on our hands, especially between the thumb and index finger. But after a few days they dried up and healed into hard calluses and didn’t hurt anymore.

There were at times as many as fifty men, women, and children in the field working while the row boss sat in his pickup truck watching the operation and was ready to assign more rows when we got to the end of a round, which was a quarter mile up and a quarter mile back. Some foremen paid at the end of the day, but as I recall we got paid at noon on Saturdays.

We really looked forward to Saturday afternoon. We got on the back of the truck and rode into town with mother and daddy. Usually he parked the truck under a big tamarisk tree on a short side street by the old Central School yard. On Saturday afternoons, Casa Grande was alive with activity. Women were doing the weekly shopping; men were sidewalk visiting or getting car repairs and children were running in and out of the five and dime stores or going into the drugstore for cokes or ice cream cones. Papago and Pima Indians were all around town. They rode into town early from the reservations, starting while it was cool, and stayed all day and sometimes all night sleeping in and under their wagons. Usually the men would be so drunk on bootleg wine that their wives couldn’t get them to leave. It was not unusual to see the women drunk also – the children would wait. Personally, I think this was one of many small disasters of a bureaucratic regulatory situation.

The highlight of our afternoon was eating strawberry ice cream which daddy bought for us. Sometimes we got to see a movie, which was a new experience. We - or I - had never seen a full-length feature movie. The tickets cost us 10 cents each. The first movie I ever saw was “The Cowboy and The Lady” and it starred Randolph Scott and Jean Arthur. It was thrilling. Late in the afternoon before sunset we returned home after stopping at Sunset Court to fill the water barrels. We were together and we were happy. I remember these times fondly. …to be continued.

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CRUISING THE INSIDE PASSAGE

by Donna McBride

R

ain, snow and ice – it sounds like the winter storm everyone back East has been experiencing. It actually describes one of the best vacations I’ve ever had. Alaska cruises once had the reputation of being an “old people” cruise, but I can tell you, it isn’t! We had the good fortune to enjoy a cruise when my husband Mike was nationally recognized by his company.

We selected a seven-day cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line going from Whittier down to Vancouver.

Every port had an adventure while the evenings on the ship were filled with performances, great meals and even a little relaxing.

We decided to fly into Anchorage a few days early to explore before boarding. First on the list was white water rafting. Being avid kayakers for years, this Level 4 (5 being the highest) was a bit risky for us. The water was cold, even with rain gear, but we still worked up a sweat through the four-hour ride.

We set sail out of Whittier and the first day sailing gave us the opportunity to explore the ship and enjoy the endless restaurants and shops. The first stop was Icy Strait Point outside the small village of Hoonah, with the main attraction being the world’s largest zip line. With my feet firmly on the ground, I cheered on Mike from atop the 1,300 foot moun-

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tain as he slid through the misty fog going over 65 mph in roughly 90 seconds!

The next day we ended up in Juneau where we took in Mendenhall Glacier and some whale watching. Against the picture-perfect backdrop of snow-covered peaks and glaciers, we were able to see bears, sea lions and whales as we made our way through Stephens Passage.

Skagway was really the high point of our trip. It was here where we scheduled a safari.

You may be thinking, “There’s a safari in Alaska?” You bet! Glacier Point Wilderness Safari was a wilderness expedition to the incredible Davidson Glacier that

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explored fjords, a rain forest and towering mountains.

We began with a journey on a high-speed expedition boat. A few seals and sea lions greeted us along the way before we were dropped off on a remote beach at Glacier Point. From there, we boarded an old bus through the forested moraines where we landed in the middle of no place.

A crew, who lives on the island for about six months of the year, helped us suit up in gear that certainly was not made for a person of my 5-foot stature.

We hiked through the rain forest before jumping into 31-foot voyager canoes to paddle down the river to the glacier. The water teamed up with the misty rain to create mystic fog as we made our way down the river and around the bend. There before us was Davidson Glacier – looking incredibly intimidating as our guides led us up to the edges of the ice.

The group was silent as we took in the view and started hiking up the glacier. Small streams of clear water slid downward, inviting us to fill up our empty water bottles.

Hiking the glacier was like nothing

I ever imagined I’d be able to do.

It was nature in all its glory. And while we could have stayed there for hours longer, we had to make our way back down to the canoes to start the long journey back.

The long and exhausting trip back to the cruise ship was a daze.

It felt good to enjoy a hot shower and climb into bed as we sailed on to Ketchikan.

In Ketchikan I had co-piloted a floatplane through the Tongass Narrows, seeing occasional waterfalls and walls of granite.

From Ketchikan we cruised the inside passage, ending up in Vancouver Canada.

We enjoyed a half-day train ride from Vancouver back to Seattle, before flying back into Phoenix.

Looking back at this trip, we enjoyed just about every adventure of transportation by way of air, land and sea.

Whether you take the back roads, the unseen waters by canoe, hike through a rainforest or just sit on the cruise ship and enjoy the views of the glaciers – do it. It is nature’s way of boasting its power. And I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

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Inconsistent meals, changes • Do some research about medin your activity level, access to ical facilities or doctors in the Weand accept insurance-AHCCCS-Medicare doctors healthmost care and even area you are visiting, in case time zones are allUninsured? major factors We can you need help!medical attention. for keeping blood sugar Healthcare.gov in • Keep your Enrollment your assistance with AHCCCS, and Sun Life’smedications/insulin discount programs. check as you plan your next trip. with you in a carry-on if you “The main complaints I hear are traveling

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THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

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TEN THOUSANDS DOLLARS LATER… What Happened After Winning Arizona Gives Day?

by Terri Durham, Office Coordinator

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ast April we competed in Arizona Gives Day – a 24 hour online giving campaign for nonprofits across Arizona – and won $10,000 in prize money! It was the support of our community that put us on

top, so we returned the favor by investing the prize money in our Mondo Anaya Community Center.

The MACC houses the after-school program, grandparents raising grandchildren program and adult education programs like Jobs

APRIL 5, 2016 www.seedsofhopeaz.com 64

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for Life. But in cooperation with other like-minded nonprofits, we offer our building free of charge to programs like the University of Arizona’s Strengthening Families, CGESD STEM training, a monthly wellness check by a local doctor, summer feeding site for our local school district, Connect Autism support group, men’s Bible study and so much more. It’s a hub of activity five days a week.

The MACC is a community treasure chest because of the opportunities for all ages there.

Take Agnes for instance. She is a grandmother raising her four grandchildren. She participates in a monthly support group for other grandparents in similar circumstances. Her grandchildren can participate in our after school program where they receive tutoring and see prosocial behavior modeled. Her unemployed daughter uses our computer lab to update her resume, apply for jobs online, and check her e-mail for replies. Not only do we meet

the needs of Agnes’ entire family, but we do it under one roof in a location she can walk to.

Arizona Gives Day is April 5 this year. If you’re reading this article we hope you will choose to make a donation on that day.

Any amount helps us get closer to our goal of raising $35,000 in 24 hours. Sound impossible? That’s what we thought last year too.

And $10,000 later we learned that nothing is impossible with God. Visit our Web site to find out how to donate on April 5 and follow us on Facebook. We’ll be watching the leaderboards closely and sending out updates all day long!

THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

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ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING ANNOUNCES “PATHWAY TO PURCHASE” HOME LOAN PROGRAM TO CREDITWORTHY ARIZONANS Program Features Down Payment Assistance to Homebuyers

T

he Arizona Department of Housing acting jointly with the Arizona Home Foreclosure Prevention Funding Corporation (AHFPFC) announced that it has launched Pathway to Purchase, a new loan program for Arizonans statewide looking to become homeowners in select cities. “With the escalating increase in rents, many creditworthy renters are finding it more and more difficult to save for a down payment,” said Reginald Givens, with the Arizona Department of Housing. “With the Pathway to Purchase program, this obstacle has been removed. Pathway to Purchase gives qualified buyers a true pathway to homeownership

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with a second mortgage provided as a deferred and potentially forgivable loan that can be used for down payment and closing cost assistance.”

The ADOH Pathway to Purchase home loan program provides an attractive 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage with a down payment assistance (DPA) second mortgage, equal to 10 percent of the purchase price (up to $20,000 maximum), to qualifying homebuyers purchasing a primary residence which they intend to occupy within the cities of Arizona City, Avondale, Buckeye, Casa Grande, Coolidge, Douglas, El Mirage, Fort Mohave, Goodyear, Huachuca City, Laveen, Marico-

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pa (city), Red Rock, Sierra Vista, Snowflake, Tucson and Yuma.

The DPA is provided as a second lien against the property that can be used for the down payment and closing costs. The five-year deferred loan will be forgiven at the completion of 5-years, with no payments and no interest due. New construction and manufactured homes are not currently permitted.

The Pathway to Purchase program is available to homebuyers with an annual household income equal or less than $89,088, purchasing homes not exceeding $356,352. First-time, boomerang and move-up homebuyers should find the program especially

helpful. Homebuyers must work through an ADOH-approved lender and other participating lenders to obtain a Fannie Mae HFA Preferred, 30-year fixed mortgage. Funding for the Pathway to Purchase DPA Second Mortgage Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Hardest Hit Fund and has a $48 million allocation through the Arizona Home Foreclosure Prevention Funding Corporation (AHFPFC).

Funds are available on a firstcome-first-serve basis.

To learn more about AzHFA Pathway to Purchase DPA Second Mortgage Program, please visit www. azhousing.gov or call 602-771-1000.

THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

CG News

CONTINUED…

POOL REHAB...cont. from page 28 Jankowski said California Pools replaced tile on the north side of the facility in 2013 and there have been no problems with their work.

“The scope of this project specifically will demolish and remove all of the existing plaster from the facility,” Jankowski said, “replacing any missing tile and checking all plumbing features to assure that they’re in good, proper working order.”

He added, “They are not going to be doing any of the in-tile work at the pool.

After having it evaluated, that’s not anything that needs to be replaced at this time, so that’s a cost-saving measure. We’ll be able to keep all the racing lines. Pretty much anything in the water and outside of the water that’s tile will stay intact.”

Jankowski said the work, carrying a two-year guarantee, will also be an opportunity for inspecting the pool’s drain system “and make replacements that we need, upgrades, anything like that. All of the interior plumbing will be inspected, including our inlets, our outlets, making sure our filtration system’s working properly.”

Improved lighting will also be installed.

“We’ve got a number of lights that have been fixed as they’ve been needed over the course of the years,” Jankowski said, “so about half of our pool lights are LED (and) the other half are the old halogens that don’t look quite as nice. Everything will be much more consistent once this work is done.”

Mayor Bob Jackson asked if the work will be completed before this summer’s swim season.

Jankowski confirmed that it would.

Eloy Fire fighters rescue dog

I

t started out as a call about a burning house to the Eloy Fire District the evening of Feb. 11. It ended with firefighters reviving a soot-covered barely breathing dog found in the laundry room of the smoke-filled house.

“I picked him up and we took him outside and he took a couple of gasps for air, so we said we need to give him some oxygen and get working on him,” Capt.

Derrick Ethington told a Phoenix television station.

He added, “He didn’t have very much more time. When we pulled him out… he was gone. I mean, he was taking his last breaths.”

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By careful use of a large oxygen mask, Tucker was brought back to life.

Firefighters then took him to a veterinarian office in Casa Grande where they were met by Tucker’s owner, Trudy Craig, who wasn’t home at the time of the fire and had been called by neighbors.

“I kept screaming, ‘Is he alive?’” she said. “That’s all I could think about. I ran to the truck and he was in the backseat … and I think I grabbed him. I love my dogs.

What they did, I mean, I didn’t even know how to thank them.”

Craig later posted on Facebook, “I am beyond grateful! Tucker means the world to me!”

As a side note, Eloy firefighters reached into their own pockets to help pay for Tucker’s emergency bill.

Since the incident, the Fetch Foundation has donated two “Fido Bag” kits to the fire district. The kits contain emergency supplies, including a small oxygen cone designed for animals.

Tucker has since visited the fire station, Ethington said.

“We were just talking about that,” he said. “Amazing, it’s not the same dog.

He’s running around the station in there.

It’s amazing today.”

“We’ve been told that it will take about five weeks to do this project, which isn’t too terribly long,” he said.

“We had the decking redone last year, so now we’re working at the inside of the pool, but it would be ready to go for this upcoming season. I believe the way the contract is written they have got to finish by April 20, so we’ll have plenty of time.”

Councilman Matt Herman noted that the pool was plumbed for a heating system, although a heater was never installed. He asked if it is still working.

Jankowski said nothing about the plumbing system has been altered, “so what would need to be purchased essentially is the heating system,” which is not included in the contract.

The budget had set aside up to $170,000 for the work, meaning a savings of $65,388 with the California Pool’s bid.

“We got two bids. One came in much higher than this one,” Jankowski said.

“That was from Shasta Commercial & Olympic from Scottsdale at $149,500.”

With that savings, Jankowski said, “actually we’re hopeful that we might be able to take care of a couple of things that are on the list when it comes to capital improvements this year, looking at our chlorine system, possibly, as well.”

And perhaps installing the heating system, Kortsen added.

The savings of $65,388 is not enough money for such a system, Jackson replied.

Officials study park, trail improvements

B

etter lighting at Carr McNatt Park and the possibility of acquiring 40 acres for a new trailhead for Casa Grande Mountain are being studied.

“Looming ahead of us, as far as upcoming council decisions, we’re working with a lighting company, looking to enhance the lights on the practice fields at Carr McNatt Park,” Community Services Director Bill Schwind told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board during its January meeting.

“We recently had a master plan done for that park, looking at the long term usage of that entire area,” he said, “but the number one issue — and with the amount of money that we’ve got available to us — we kind of had to adjust our priorities accordingly.”

Schwind continued,”In dealing with a lot of the user groups that use that facility, right now the center body of that park does have lights, but they’re very old and they don’t light up the entire surface of that area. So,

by adjusting those lights and kind of getting that relit, they’re going to pick up a lot more surface area for practice field space and it will enhance both foot candles and the lighting levels at that park to make it a little nicer and more enjoyable for the folks that are practicing and using that facility. That is currently in progress.”

Acquire land “We were offered a 40-acre piece of property out off of Isom Road that would serve as a trailhead to assist with some of the use and needs out there at Casa Grande Mountain,” Schwind said.”So we’re looking at that, waiting for a retail contract to come our way so we can present that to City Council as an option to acquire additional land there for future park development.”

He added, “Nothing (is) in the works currently as far as getting it developed, but as far as acquiring that land, it is a good program.”

cgnews-info.webs.com or www.haroldkitching.com THE TRAVEL EDITION

CG News

CONTINUED…

Police, dispatcher honored for saving lives

T

wo Casa Grande police officers and a dispatcher have received life-saving awards for their actions during two emergencies.

As Interim Police Services Manager Chris Vasquez relayed to the City Council before the presentations, both incidents required resuscitation.

On Oct. 23, Officer Jeffrey McKean responded to an emergency call involving a 31-year-old woman in full code, meaning

her heart had stopped, said Vasquez.

“He saw that she was being administered CPR by her mother on a bed,” Vasquez continued. “He assisted the mother in placing the woman on the floor and he then started compressions on the chest. He did so until the fire rescue personnel arrived on the scene and they took over.”

He added, “While at the scene, she was revived and brought back to life and eventually transported to a hospital.”

On Nov. 18, Vasquez said, dispatcher Kelly McCoy received a 911 emergency call about an 84-year-old man needing CPR. “While officers and fire were being dispatched,” he continued, “McCoy gave clear and concise instructions to the caller on how to perform CPR.” The caller was very

New police chief announced

A

tribute was paid to outgoing Interim Police Services Manager Chris Vasquez.

Vasquez, who was passed over as permanent police chief in favor of Mark McCrory, deputy police chief in Tulsa, Okla., had been appointed as interim director in December 2014 after the resignation of Chief Johnny Cervantes in the wake of many officers leaving, low morale in the Police Department and other internal prob-

lems people linked to his management.

Vasquez served 20 years with the Casa Grande Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant. He then went to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and was later elected county sheriff.

During council reports at the end of a Jan. 19 City Council meeting, Councilman Dick Powell said, “The other thing I want to do is thank Chris Vasquez for what he has done for our community. He took on

Grant funds new library computers

A

$25,600 grant from Cox Communications will fund updates to computer lab equipment at Vista Grande Library.

“The Cox Technology Center grant will enable the Vista Grande Library to provide updated computer lab equipment for youth and families in our community,” a staff report for the Casa Grande City Council says.

THE TRAVEL EDITION

The grant specifies that the computer lab must be branded and named the Cox Technology Center to coincide with the ongoing use of the donated Cox equipment.

“The 33 updated computers and one projector in the proposed center at the Vista Grande Library are in the ideal location to serve the needs of students and families in Casa Grande,” the re-

upset that her husband was unconscious, but McCoy was able to calm her down and keep her on task.

“The wife at one point became discouraged and wanted to give up, but McCoy gave her the encouragement and the information she needed to push on and to continue,” Vasquez said.

“During this time while giving the instructions, McCoy was able to direct police and fire to the location.”

That was difficult, Vasquez said, because the numbering system was not consistent and it made finding the location a problem.

“And she did this for a period of 10 minutes, giving instructions and guiding personnel to the scene,” he said.

Upon Cpl. Jacob Robinson’s arrival, he took over chest compressions on the man, Vasquez continued.

He added, “While he was doing compressions, McCoy remained on the radio with him, doing the count for him to keep him on track, so at the same time, she could work with the wife for fire personnel to respond. He did CPR for over five minutes.”

a hard job. We had a disgruntled, disorganized police component and he went in and restored unity and trust.”

He added, “And this whole community, Chris, is really appreciative of the interim job you’ve done and we won’t forget what you’ve done.I wish you well, but I want to sincerely thank you for all the good things you’ve done in the last year for us.” There was applause from the audience.

The city announced in January that McCrory was expected to begin serving in his new position in February.

port says. “Library staff and qualified guests will teach technology classes in the center. We currently offer classes for basic computer and internet applications, social media, and digital library resources. By updating the equipment and software available, the Cox Technology Center will benefit both students and general library patrons who are looking to improve their technology skills in anticipation of higher education or employment opportunities.”

When paramedics arrived, they took over CPR and were able to revive the man.

“Because of Cpl. Robinson, Officer McKean and Dispatcher McCoy, two of our citizens got a second chance at life,” Vasquez said. “And that’s why tonight we want to award them a lifesaving award from the Casa Grande Police Department.”

Area city unemployment rates roundup

C

asa Grande had an average unemployment rate during 2015 of 6.4 percent, according to statistics recently released by the Arizona Department of Administration.

By comparison, Casa Grande’s average jobless rate for 2007 – the year before the national economy crashed – was 4.1 percent.

The December unemployment rate for Casa Grande was the lowest at 5.4 percent, while the highest unemployment rate during 2015 was 7.6 percent in August.

View the full monthly area unemployment statistics for 2015 at www.haroldkitching.com.

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Special Bridal Section

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THE TRAVEL EDITION

Special Bridal Section

THE 4 C’S OF DIAMONDS:

KNOW YOUR DIAMONDS

D

Diamonds remain the traditional engagement ring choice because they are enduring and match everything.

Diamonds are the hardest material – that’s why they are suitable as gemstones for diamond solitaire engagement rings. They don’t lose their polish and they are resistant to scratching. The only way for diamonds to be scratched is by other diamonds. As engagement and wedding rings are worn daily, people prefer diamonds due to their above mentioned properties.

When choosing a diamond, be aware of the “Four C’s” as follows: • Carat: This refers to the unit measurement of the diamond and refers to weight (not size). Every carat has 100 points.

• Color: The color of diamonds varies considerably and most people prefer a very white- colored diamond for an engagement

THE THETRAVEL TRAVEL EDITION EDITION

ring. Colors are graded from D (colorless and rare) and most good quality diamonds will be around F and H, while grades D to I are acceptable to buy as they are almost identical when mounted. Colored stones, both natural and enhanced, can be yellow, pink, blue, brown or black. Colored stones are rarer and can be more costly than clear stones.

• Clarity: Being natural, there will be inclusions in the diamond. The fewer imperfections, the greater the clarity and the more light is reflected from the diamond, causing it to “sparkle”. Naturally, more clarity increases its value. Perfectly flawless diamonds with no internal flaws or surface blemishes are very hard to find, as they are extremely rare. Fewer flaws in a diamond result in greater brilliance as more light is reflected.

(The scale used to grade clarity goes from F1 for a flawless diamond, to VVS1 and VVS2 for very slight inclusions, to VS1 and VS2 for very

slight inclusions, SI1 and SI2 for slight inclusions and I1, I2 and I3 for imperfect diamonds.)

• Cut: Cut refers to the shape (Round Brilliant, Princess, Emerald etc.) of the finished stone. Every diamond regardless of its shape gets its brilliance by cutting and polishing the diamond facets to the maximum shape for the raw stone. A correctly cut stone allows the light that enters to be dispersed properly back through the diamond’s top facets.

Depending on your budget, there may be a 5th “C” – Cubic Zirconia or CZ. Man-made diamonds have increased in popularity as prices have increased for both gold and diamonds.

Because of its low cost, durability, and close visual likeness to diamonds, synthetic cubic zirconia has remained a top competitor for diamonds. Another option as a synthetic gemstone is moissanite.

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Special Bridal Section

WEDDING CHECKLIST C

ongratulations on your upcoming nuptials! Getting engaged is the first step; now it’s time to plan the BIG DAY. One word of advice – relax.

No matter how much you plan, there will be hiccups. Don’t stress over the details.

Remember you are marrying the love of your life and soul mate. Everything else is secondary. Key to a happy wedding day is to delegate the responsibilities to others. Let your mother (or mother-in-law to be), best friend, siblings AND your groom help with the planning.

Each wedding is unique and some require more planning than others. This isn’t a complete list, just a guideline. You’ve been planning in your mind for years, now is the time to make it reality. Remember reality isn’t a Hollywood production and doesn’t have a Hollywood budget. That doesn’t mean you have to settle for second-best. Look for budget friendly options.

12+ months before

• Create a budget. Allow a contingency for the unexpected.

• Pick your team to help with the planning.

Consider hiring a wedding consultant. A wedding planner comes not only with good suggestions but may be able to arrange discounts with preferred vendors.

• Pick the date! Include alternate dates and coordinate with your desired wedding and reception venues, caterer and key guests for availability.

• Start planning the guest list. Create an A – B – C list of people that can be cut or added depending on costs.

8-10 months before

• Start shopping for your wedding gown.

• Select your wedding and reception venues.

• Meet with and select your photographer, videographer, DJ and other entertainment.

Remember all the good ones get booked months in advance.

• Register for gifts.

• Research a wedding insurance policy to protect your deposits.

• If you have a large number of out of town guests, consider reserving a block of rooms at a nearby hotel.

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6-8 months before

• Order bridesmaid dresses.

• Start planning honeymoon.

• Send save-the-date cards. Think ahead on invitations on discounts if you order both together.

4-6 months before

• Shop for formalwear.

• Renew or get passports, if necessary.

3 months before

• Order wedding cake.

• Attend your engagement or bridal shower.

(It may be earlier, depending on when hosts decide to have it.)

• Purchase or rent the men’s formalwear. If purchasing, make sure the alterations are done early.

• Hire wedding-day transport: limousines, rental cars. If you are hiring unique transportation such as horse and buggy or street cars, make reservations at 6 months.

• Write your vows.

2 months before

• Mail your invitations.

• Purchase gifts for parents, attendants, and each other.

• Book your hairstylist and makeup artist.

Have a complete trial run to make sure it is the results you want. Take cell phone pictures to have available on your wedding day.

1 month before

• Apply for a marriage license according to your local requirements. If you are being married out of country, double check legal requirements.

• Final wedding gown fitting. Bring your Maid of Honor along to learn how to bustle your dress and make any other necessary adjustments to get you dressed.

If necessary, have your dress pressed • Make sure the bridesmaid’s dresses are ready for the wedding.

• Make last-minute adjustments with vendors.

2 weeks before

• Review final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet sent a response.

• Deliver must-have shot lists to photographer and videographer. Include who should be in formal portraits and

THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

Special Bridal Section

determine when portraits will be taken.

• Deliver final song list to your DJ. Include special song requests and songs you don’t want played.

• Determine wedding-party positions during ceremony and the order of the party in the processional and recessional.

Give a copy of the list to the DJ for announcements.

• Bride: Get your last pre-wedding haircut and color. Don’t get it cut the day of the wedding.

1 week before

• Give reception site/caterer final guest head count. Include meals for vendors such as the photographer or DJ. • Give the venue manager a list of vendor requests such as a table for DJ or setup space needed by florist or cake designer.

Include a schedule of vendors with delivery times and contact numbers.

• Call all wedding vendors and confirm arrangements. If possible, confirm everything in writing.

• Groom: Get your hair trimmed.

• Groom: Ask the best man to make sure all groomsmen attend fittings and pick up their outfits.

• Attend bachelor/ette parties. A week before the wedding is better than a day or two before!

2-3 days before

• Bride: If you need to, have your gown pressed or steamed.

• Groom: Go for final fitting and pick up your formalwear.

• Reconfirm final details with all vendors.

THE THETRAVEL TRAVEL EDITION EDITION

Discuss any necessary last-minute substitutions.

• Call the limousine- or car-rental company for final pickup times and locations.

Day before

• Clear any final balances before the wedding.

Night before

• Rehearse ceremony. Everyone meets at the ceremony site to rehearse and iron out details.

• Give your marriage license to your officiant.

• Attend rehearsal dinner. Present attendants with gifts at the rehearsal dinner.

• Day of the Wedding • Present parents and each other with gifts.

• Give wedding bands to the best man and the maid of honor to hold during the ceremony.

• Give best man the officiant’s fee envelope to be paid after the ceremony.

• Introduce your key people (venue, DJ, photographer) to your wedding planner or maid of honor to handle any questions or problems during the reception.

• Assign a family member or attendant to be the photographer’s contact so he knows who is who.

Postwedding

• Appoint a groomsman or someone to return any rentals.

• Appoint a bridesmaid of someone to take the bride’s gown for cleaning.

• Bridal and Groom: Write and send thankyou notes to gift-bearing guests and vendors who were especially helpful.

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PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DANCEWITHCHAD.COM

Special Bridal Section

DANCING SHOES

A

by Christy Boyer

first dance can be like a first kiss.

Exciting, romantic…and a little nerve-racking. The first time you and your new husband twirl around the dance floor. Maybe you sway in unison.

Maybe you have a choreographed routine planned for your guests. Maybe you invite other couples on the dance floor to join you.

Whatever you choose, it should reflect you and your groom. And, there’s nothing to be worried about! So set aside any anxieties about your dancing experience, and read more about how to plan a beautiful and meaningful first dance at your wedding.

First of all, contrary to a widely-circulated myth (emphasis on myth), everyone can, in fact, dance. Everyone does have rhythm. It’s true, scout’s honor! Think about it. Your breath has its own rhythm. Your walking pace has its own rhythm. Music has rhythm, but dancing just has slightly different rules. It’s simply combining your rhythm with your partners, and learning how to dance with each other.

Which is exactly what Chad Lakridis of “Dance with Chad” does – he gives dance lessons to brides and grooms, and even advises on father/daughter dances, mother/son dances, and bridal party group dances (yep, bridal parties can even learn a dance routine and boogie for your guests!), creating a positive environment for people to feel comfortable and learn how to move together. He agrees – everyone can dance, you just need to figure out how to move in harmony with another human being.

How does one do this? Practice, practice, practice! And, ask for help. Dancing should reflect your relationship’s special dynamic, and the way you dance with your honey will inevitably show how you both interact with each other on and off the dance floor. So, remember your dancing should look natural! Chad shares that posture is paramount, including how you stand and how you carry yourself. In other words, hold yourself well, and be there for your partner.

Next, choose a meaningful song. If you need help picking one, just ask. Share your personalities on the dance floor, whether it is

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sweet, romantic, or even funky! And remember, most guests simply enjoying watching the couple that they love share a memorable moment. Take Chad’s advice: Focus on your own movement. Allow your dance teacher to train your partner and train you. Train each other well, and everything will go beautifully – realize this is part of a dynamic that you will carry into your life together.

Check out DanceWithChad.com, and learn more about first dances, lessons (both private and public), and wedding dance workshops.

And remember, everyone can dance. So have fun and put on those dancing shoes!

THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

WHAT IS A QUINCEAÑERA? I

n Mexico, the quinceañera or quince años celebration takes place to celebrate the fifteenth birthday. The quinceañera is similar to a debutante ball or cotillion, bat mitzvah or sweet sixteen party and signifies the transition between childhood and adulthood. Historically, the young woman would be wearing makeup, heels and formal evening dress for the first time. Today, it is mostly ceremonial.

The day begins with a Catholic mass, accompanied by parents, godparents (padri-

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nos), special friends and family and the court of honor. A court of honor is chosen from her peers and younger family members and consists of seven to fifteen paired-off girls and boys, known respectively as damas and chambelanes. There are many similarities to a wedding ceremony. After the mass, the girl may leave her bouquet of flowers on the altar for the Virgin Mary as a gift. The Quinceañera may receive various symbolic and traditional gifts such as a cross or medal, a rosary and Bible and a tiara signifying she is a princess to her family.

A celebratory reception takes place after the mass. Traditional components to the evening include choreographed dances for the girl and her escort and the court of honor, a special waltz with her father where he then passes her to her escort or chambelán de honor.

Additional ceremonial components are regional and include the ceremony of the Change of Shoes, in which a family member presents the Quinceañera with her first pair of high heel shoes; the Crowning ceremony, in which a close relative places a tiara or crown on her head; and ceremonia de la ultima muñeca (literally “ceremony of the last doll”), during which her father presents her with a doll usually wearing a dress similar to the Quinceañera. The ceremony of the last doll is based on a Maya tradition; it is related to the birthday girl’s later giving up

Special Bridal Section

of the doll as she grows into womanhood.

At the end of the evening, the doll is given to a young family member or sister as the Quinceañera is now a woman and not a child to play with dolls.

Once all symbolic gestures and dinner have taken place, the evening is less structured and the celebration reaches its peak, where live musical groups begin playing music, keeping the guests entertained. The music is played while the guests dine, chat, mingle, and dance. Guests may receive a recuerdos or small favor or memento of the evening.

Judith Kitching

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(520) 252-2840 THE THETRAVEL TRAVEL EDITION EDITION

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Special Travel Section

PHOTO BY JERRY CHINN

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Special Travel Section

SPECIAL SECTION:

TRAVEL

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Special Travel Section

Summers in Arizona usher in magnificent cotton candy sunsets, balmy evenings under the stars and magical lightning displays. But the oppressive heat, monsoon winds and dust storms often leave us dreaming of a getaway.

The oven door hasn’t quite yet opened up on Arizona, but now is a great time to start making your summer travel plans. With close proximity to the world’s most majestic national parks, breathtaking beaches and – of course – Disneyland, there are many nearby options for families and adults looking to beat the heat. For vacations abroad, travelers can enjoy a wide range of affordable flights departing from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

While the rest of Arizona is melting in the summer heat, you can melt your stress away with these eight summer getaway vacations brought to you by ROX Travel!

To book your vacation with ROX Travel, visit roxtravel.com or call 520836-8517 or toll free 1-800-690-7660 80

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THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

Special Travel Section

SAN DIEGO

Something for Everyone

by Tori Ward

I

f you are looking for a mini vacation or longer trip where getting there doesn’t wear you out or eat into your time, one of the best locations on the West Coast is San Diego. From metro Phoenix the flights are frequent and fast. San Diego is a perfect adults -only destination.

The area is relatively easy to navigate and the weather is just short of perfect most of the time. In the summer, when much of the country is scorching, San Diego enjoys averages of high 70s during the day and 60s at night. Add the beautiful coastline and you’ll have all you need for a romantic getway, fun girls trip or guys only friendcation!

Only 15 miles down the highway from San Diego is beautiful La Jolla. With plenty of public parking and lots of boutique shops lining the downtown area. it’s a perfect day trip. La Jolla has a wonderful gallery district and many locally-owned mom-and-pop restaurants. If you want to see some marine life and don’t want to spend time at the big box aquarium in San Diego, Children’s Pool at La Jolla Cove, provides a protected area for sea lions and seals. The area is easily accessible by walking from downtown. And it’s worth the visit! Watching these amazing creatures sun and play in the surf is incredibly soothing.

After a hard day shopping, walking and sea-gazing head back to San Diego and settle in at one of scores of restaurants along the harbor, or hop a trolley over to the Gaslamp Quarter. Many of the restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter are 21+ and some have rooftop bars where you can enjoy the views of the bay and Coronado Bridge. Theatres, nightclubs and concert venues provide plenty of options for grown-up entertainment.

If your trip is with your male friends consider a visit to

THE THETRAVEL TRAVEL EDITION EDITION

the USS Midway Museum for an early morning tour of the aircraft carrier before boarding a state-of-the- art vessel for a deep sea fishing adventure. If you love the ocean breeze but not the bobbing up and down, there are some wonderful golf courses where you can challenge your friends to a round of golf. The loser can buy a round later at one of more than 115 craft breweries in the area. San Diego was recently named the “Top Beer Town” in America by Men’s Journal. It truly has something for everyone!

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Special Travel Section

DISNEYLAND PARK & WALT DISNEY WORLD ®

®

Tips to make the “Happiest Place on Earth” even happier

by Tori Ward

A

s a mother of three boys and living in central Florida, I never had to do a lot of planning for vacation during the summer when they were young. We had a pool and I knew they, along with our neighbors’ children, were happy poolside. As they grew older and ready to venture out, summers almost always included a trip to Walt Disney World®. So when I think of summer vacation for families, I naturally think Disney.

A trip to Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® Park is a rite of passage for some families. It can prove to be exhausting for the adults. However, it is such an amazing experience for children that every family should try it at least once. My advice is to buy a ticket pack that allows for entrance over a span of days. Don’t overdo activities during any one day.

There is no way to see and do it all in a single day, so have a strategy. For instance, visit Tomorrowland one day and Adventureland the next day so you aren’t running from one side of the park to another. Peter Pan’s Flight at Walt Disney World® just added an interactive element that makes standing in line a little less hot and boring.

Tori’s Traveler Tips: When your children start getting whiny, it’s probably time to leave. Rather than trying to fit everything in, plan a two-day visit and stay at a Disneyland® Resort or another one nearby. There are sometimes family and hotel package specials and discounts available. Check with your travel agent to learn how you can qualify. Beware of bogus too-good-to-be-true Internet deals for Disney vacations.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE: Fun for all ages

D

isney Cruise Line offers the magic of Disney in a relaxed fashion, which parents can enjoy as well.

There are short cruises from the West Coast that have enough activities to keep your children busy while you grab some pool or nap time. On-board activities include live music shows, deck parties, and “Pirate Night.”

There’s also dancing, fireworks and first-run movies.

Recreational activities cater to all age groups. Among these fun activities are the Disney Oceaneer Lab, where children can experiment in controlled and supervised labs and Vibe, Disney’s exclusive teen club, which offers your older offspring an opportunity to escape their younger siblings and parents.

At Vibe, they can chill with peers in an indoor lounge with a dance floor, karaoke, and video games. The Disney Cruise Line ships are also large enough to accommodate both an “adult only” pool, plus a family water park – a great place to make

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by Tori Ward

the camera you’ve been toting around worth the trouble. Be sure to capture those priceless expressions at splash down.

Also available are longer cruises from the west coast, including Alaska. Most of the activities offered on the regular cruise itinerary are available. And yes, the outdoor pool is heated! Visiting Alaska and sharing the breathtaking views of glaciers and marine life is an experience you and your family will never forget.

Tori’s Traveler Tips: Book your cruise early. Each Disney Cruise Line ship only has a limited number of family-size suites. Your travel agent can check availability and reserve the suite or staterooms that fit your family’s needs and offer the best value.

Family and vacation package specials and discounts are often available. Check with your travel agent. Beware of bogus toogood-to-be-true internet deals for Disney Cruise Line vacations.

THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

Dreaming the Perfect Wedding? of

Whether you are planning a destination wedding for friends and family or a romantic honeymoon for just the two of you, the travel professionals at ROX Travel can help make your dreams come true.

Just a few wonderful places to choose from: Q Hawaii Q Sandals®/Beaches®-Jamaica, Bahamas, Antiqua, St. Lucia Q Caribbean-Virgin Islands, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic Q South Pacific Q Disney Q Las Vegas Q Mexico Q Europe Q On Board Cruise Weddings Q Fairy Tale Irish Weddings Q Lighthouse Weddings Q Historical Southern Weddings

www.roxtravel.com

Tori Ward • 928-254-9968

442 W. Kortsen Rd., Suite 101, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 • 520-836-8517

Special Travel Section

BEACHES RESORTS

Play date to date night

by Tori Ward

S

ailing around the Caribbean Islands was something our family did when our boys were old enough to learn the ropes. Those were the best vacations because every day we would be at a different island, and the boat provided enough challenges to keep the boys engaged. They learned all sorts of things – from launching the dingy, to getting conch out of the shell. We visited some wonderful islands and loved the Caribbean people.

However, for a taste of the islands without the hard work of sailing your own boat, Beaches Resorts has it all. It’s a great option for families who want an all-inclusive vacation with entertainment for all ages. Beaches Resorts has two resorts in Jamaica, plus one in Turks, and one in Caicos.

There are activities scheduled for all age groups during the day, and an option for child care in the evening, so couples can share a special date night sans children.

For families with babies and toddlers, Beaches has includ-

ed activities and facilities for them as well, including a nursery staffed by certified nannies. In addition, Beaches has teamed up with Sesame Street, so your children can meet and play with their favorite characters. Other activities include water parks, a camp for kids, and XBox Play Lounge.

The all-inclusive concept includes all meals and activities in one price, so it helps control vacation spending.

Tori’s Traveler Tips: Make your reservations early, especially if you want to travel during peak vacation periods, as Beaches Resorts are often fully booked. Also, check with your travel agent to see how you can qualify for special Beaches Resorts vacation packages and discounts.

R.V. CAMPING: You can take it with you

R

by Tori Ward

enting a recreational vehicle (R.V.) for a vacation can offer a family many advantages. For instance, there are no worries about what will fit in your luggage.

If you want it, bring it! The kids’ bikes, fishing poles, games and puzzles, your cozy pillow, and even a canoe or kayak can all come along for the journey. It also facilitates spontaneity. For lunch and restroom breaks, the nearest rest stop or pullout works just fine.

If this sounds like something you and your family might enjoy, you’ll want to start planning at least four to five months in advance. Otherwise, the odds of securing the best camping spots and promotional R.V. vacation packages are slim. When you consider an R.V. campground keep in mind that not all sites are created equally. If you think you’d enjoy an unimproved site overlooking a scenic spot, you’ll need to check how long your particular R.V. can be self-sustaining and monitor the reserve levels closely. R.V. campsites that offer water, sewer and electrical hook-ups are definitely a convenience, and can prolong your stay almost indefinitely. Some upscale R.V. campgrounds even have a swimming pool, fitness center, and convenience store.

Tori’s Traveler Tips: Remember, it’s everyone’s vacation. Take turns doing the cooking and cleanup. Also, do your homework.

Research campsites before you go, so you’ll know what facilities you can expect. Also, before heading off, make sure you have a solid understanding of how everything works on your rental R.V.

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THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

Coyote Ranch

Everything You Have Ever Wanted!

194 W Crimson Sky Court

$355,000 • • • • • • • •

3 bedrooms plus office 2.5 baths 2,446 square feet Insulated 3 car garage with separate AC, plentiful overhead and cabinet storage Very open floor plan with 9 foot flat ceilings Abundant tile flooring Kitchen features 42” cabinets, numerous pull-outs, double wall oven, granite counters, breakfast bar and upgraded stainless appliances The spacious master suite boasts a door to the patio, a huge walk-in closet and a bath with separate vanities, soaker tub, spacious shower and private water closet.

There are many extras here, including a central vac, water softener, reverse osmosis, very extended patio, RV parking and hookups, pool with water feature, and carefree landscaping on a .41 acre lot

Kay Kerby 520.560.0769 Sarah Campbell 520.424.6577 Kay_sarah@cox.net ©2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

Special Travel Section

COSTA RICA

KAUAI, HAWAII: Adventure Island

by Jerry Chinn

T

he oldest and least developed of Hawaii’s main islands, Kauai is frequently overlooked in family vacation plans. However, with a mild year-round climate, Kauai offers an anytime destination for outdoor activities and kid-friendly adventure. Start by getting a true overview of this picturesque and diverse island. Load up everyone for an exciting helicopter island tour. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the 3,000-foot “Jurassic Park” waterfall; the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon; and Mt. Wai’ale’ale, the wettest place on earth.

Next, take the Kipu ZipLine Safari. This multi-activity day-long tour includes an easy two-mile tandem kayak paddle up the Hule’ia River, a lush rainforest hike, and refreshing swim at the base of a waterfall. After lunch, you’ll all board a tractor-pulled wagon for a guided tour of Kipu Ranch and see where movies such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park (dinosaurs not included) were filmed.

However, don’t relax yet, because the excitement isn’t over! The Kipu ZipLine Safari concludes with everyone donning a harness and helmet for a thrilling zip line slide through the Kauai rainforest. Now, that’s a day to remember.

In between the many choices of family excursions, you and the kids can enjoy Kauai’s beaches, fabulous snorkeling, unique historic and scenic sites, and roadside shopping for hand-crafted gifts. Also check out the delicious food and colorful entertainment at the Stewart Family Luau.

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From amphibians to zip lines

by Jerry Chinn

I

t might be a small country, but Costa Rica has a lot to offer adults as well as children. If swimming in the tepid surf of Jaco Beach or gliding along the gently flowing Rio Frio to check out caimans, iguanas and sloths isn’t your family’s thing, there are plenty of other thrill rides to get the adrenaline flowing. For instance, there is whitewater rafting. Costa Rica has several rivers to challenge rafters from first-timers to first-class competitors. One of the most popular rafting adventures is the Pacuare (pa-kery) River, providing rafters a mix of exciting class-III and IV rapids along its route. It’s definitely a wet’n wild ride! The T-shirts in the gift shop at the end of the run say it all: “Pacuare River, Costa Rica, Paddle or Die!” Costa Rica also boasts some of the world’s longest and fastest zip line rides plus jungle hikes that cross not-for-thefaint-of-heart swinging rope bridges. However, my favorite for a family stay or outing is the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort. Heated by, and within sight of, the Arenal Volcano, the property has rivers and pools of steamy water to relax the body and sooth the soul. A stay at the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort offers a mix of luxury and budget accommodations, as well as full spa and fitness facilities.

Also onsite is an atmospheric restaurant boasting delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that feature Tipico cuisine (typical local dishes) along with modern American fare. While there, be sure to keep an eye and camera out for the colorful toucans and white-faced capuchin monkeys frequenting the surrounding trees.

Just a short plane ride away, Costa Rica offers much to see and do, friendly locals and great value for your vacation dollars. The attitude and atmosphere of Costa Rica can be summed up by the traditional Costa Rican salutation “Pura Vida.” It means, “May you enjoy pure life.”

Jerry’s Traveler Tips: The roads and driving protocol in Costa Rica can prove quite daunting for even the best American driver. Rather than rent a car, consider hiring a professionally-driven vehicle. Better yet, book an excursion with a local tour company that provides transportation. Along the way, stop at a roadside stand for a cool and refreshing drink of coconut milk straight from a cut-to-order coconut.

THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

Special Travel Section

BOTSWANA

The ultimate family adventure

by Jerry Chinn

W

hat adult and child doesn’t love seeing exotic animals such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and leopards? Now, instead of seeing them caged at a zoo, picture the thrill of seeing them living wild and happy in their natural habitat. National Geographic and wildlife experts predict in 10 years or less there will be no big cats left in the wild, making a safari in Botswana (southern Africa) truly the adventure of a lifetime. Imagine sharing with your child or grandchild an experience they’ll never forget. You’ll feel like explorers traversing the primal wilderness in search of wild beasts… safely of course, under the guidance and care of your expert guide.

Tours in Botswana vary widely, from the luxurious to rustic. Having been to Botswana many times, I suggest a tour that offers some of both. While the comforts of a luxury hotel are nice, there’s nothing like camping in the bush and falling asleep to the sound of lions roaring a short distance away. That’s when you truly know you’re in Africa.

Why Botswana? Botswana is the safari destination of choice for most travelers. It offers the opportunity to see a wide variety of African wildlife and birds, and a full 40 percent of the land is involved in wildlife habitat and conservation. Important to most travelers, it’s arguably the safest Africa destination today. The CDC and WHO classify Botswana as “low risk” for diseases commonly found elsewhere in Africa (no shots are required to visit).

Also, Botswana is financially and politically stable. Being the world’s largest producer of diamonds, it is far from being a starving third-world country, and politically it is the oldest, continuous democracy on the African continent.

THE THETRAVEL TRAVEL EDITION EDITION

Jerry’s Traveler Tips: Botswana basically has two seasons, the wet “green” season and the dry season. I recommend going when the seasons are just changing from wet to dry (May-June) or dry to wet. (November-December). Avoid going during the hottest, driest months (August-October).

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Peru: Land of Clouds, Colors &..

Time Travel?

by Jerry Chinn The adventure continues...

ROX Expeditions: www.roxex.com 1.800.690.7660 Jerry Chinn, Program Director jerry@roxexpeditions.com

A Discovery Photo Workshop Exclusive

“Andean Landscapes & Portraits” Highlands of Peru: May 19-27, 2016

An exclusive photo workshop-tour, exploring and photographing Peru’s dramatic landscapes and colorful culture. Highlights of the tour are sunset and sunrise visits to the World Heritage site, Machu Picchu, along with the rare opportunity to observe and photograph the Corpus Christi festival. Held each year, this festival celebrates Peru’s cultural and religious heritage with processions, markets, traditional foods, arts and handcrafts. Accompanied by a local professional guide, you’ll also learn about the legacy of the Inka Empire, colonization, and Peru’s contemporary blended culture.

8 days: Lima, Cuzco and Sacred Valley 10 person maximum, cost: $3,300*

A $500 deposit will reserve your space Get up to $500 off the cost of a future ROX Expedition** .

** Refer friends and family to ROX Expeditions and receive $100 credit for each confirmed expedition participant. Credits expire after 12 months. Up to $500 per person may be used toward cost of one expedition. *Prices per person, double occupancy

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I

n part one, Jerry began exploring Peru’s Machu Picchu.

Going off the beaten path, he discovered a mysterious and ominous-looking shallow cave.

Clearly man-made, Jerry couldn’t resist its calling and stepped into the darkness…

Entering The “Doorway” To An Extraordinary Experience The cavern was seven or eight feet deep with the roof slanting down to just four feet at the far end. I walked into the opening until I could go no further without bending down. Then, I turned to look outward over Machu Picchu’s crumbled structures and silent central plaza. I let the top of my head touch the smooth, cool granite. At the same time, and without thinking, I gently pressed the palms of my hands against each sidewall.

A feeling of quiet and peace came over me as I closed my eyes and let my mind drift. After a few moments, I opened my eyes again.

What I saw was startling, baffling and amazing. Machu Picchu had been transformed from a dead artifact to a live, functioning city.

I saw men, women and children in traditional dress, carrying on the activities as they would have hundreds of years ago… tending the terraced crops, harvesting and preparing foods and constructing walls while the children played.

It was definitely a lot to take in, and impossible to comprehend.

Was I hallucinating? Had the altitude taken possession of my mind and senses? I had to break contact and exit the cavern.

Getting a 2nd Opinion Stepping out of the opening, I returned to the comfort of reality.

Nearby, I saw a lone female trekker pausing to survey Machu Picchu and the surrounding peaks and deep river valley below. I waved to her and she came toward me.

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ROX Expeditions

It was then when she noticed the cavern. “What’s that about?” she asked. “It’s obviously man-made,” she continued. I paused. “Well… it’s definitely interesting,” I said. I introduced myself. “I’m Jerry.” “Hi, I’m Lynn,” she replied.

Without saying a word about what had happened to me, I suggested to Lynn she try stepping inside, as I had done.

“OK…” she said, with a hint of skepticism. I instructed her to repeat my actions, which she did.

I could vaguely see Lynn as she looked out from the darkness.

Five, then ten minutes passed.

After about fifteen minutes, she emerged. Lynn appeared shaken.

For a long moment we just looked at each other. Finally, she broke the silence, “Whoa, what was that?” I answered by asking what she experienced, not wanting to disclose what had happened to me. Unbelievably, what she described matched my encounter perfectly. We talked about what we saw, punctuated by, “Yeah, me too.” Suddenly, we both noticed a middle-aged, brown-skinned man watching us from a short distance away. He was dressed in warm contemporary clothing, with a small bag made of Peruvian cloth worn across his body.

Viktor & Inca Bridge He approached and introduced himself as “Vik-tor.” “Do you like to see Inca Bridge?” “I show you,” he said in halting English. Neither of us knew of an Inca bridge at Machu Picchu. However, agreeing to follow a perfect stranger to who-knows-where seemed like the thing to do. So, off we went.

As we climbed upward past the stone doorway called the Sun Gate, I was struggling to keep up with the much older Viktor. “You Okay?” he asked. I assured him I only needed to catch my breath for a minute or two. “You wait here,” he said. He walked away, 50 yards or so, and disappeared THE THETRAVEL TRAVEL EDITION EDITION

behind a large boulder. When he reemerged, he was carrying a black stick. It was wood, about four feet long and an inch and-ahalf in diameter. He handed me the stick. “You use this,” he said, demonstrating it as a walking stick.

Carved into the stick were the three ritual symbols of the Inca… the puma, snake and condor. A piece of red Peruvian cloth was wrapped around the handle.

The walking stick made the climb easier. However, the trail, discernible only to the initiated, continued to challenge me. Reaching a spot overlooking a sheer 300-foot drop, Viktor paused, thankfully. “You know the coca leaf?” he asked. I nodded affirmatively. Well, I did know native people value the coca leaf for its medicinal benefits – an antidote for altitude sickness included. Also, I knew the leaves themselves are not narcotic or addictive.

“This good for you; I show you,” Viktor said, withdrawing several leaves from his bag. He carefully selected three perfect leaves, fanning them between his index finger and thumb. He held the leaves high, offering them to the cardinal directions. Then, he chewed the leaves, keeping them in his cheek. Lynn and I accepted coca leaves from Viktor and replicated his actions. The climb got easier after that.

first met. “Muchas Gracias,” I said, offering him a customary payment for his service. “No, no,” he said, waving away the money I held out to him. I then proceeded to give him the walking stick he had let me borrow. He waved that away also, saying, “For you. You keep.”

And keep it I did. Getting it home on the plane was another story.

Since 2007, I’ve returned to Peru a couple of times. Each visit and different season has been unique and amazing, with incredible opportunities to photograph the dramatic landscapes and

Jerry Chinn is an insatiable globe-trotter and award-winning photographer. As Program Director for ROX Expeditions, he develops and coordinates small-group (6-12 persons) tours and photo workshops. Currently scheduled workshop/tours for 2016 include: Costa Rica, Peru and Botswana (southern Africa). For more information, contact: jerry@roxex.com

ROX Expeditions: www.roxex.com 1.800.690.7660 Jerry Chinn, Program Director jerry@roxexpeditions.com

Travel on Purpose® exclusive

“From the Lion’s Mouth”

BOTSWANA (southern Africa) 8 or 10 days A first-hand exploration of the real story behind the illegal and legal hunting in Africa. • Learn about the historical and current challenges of wildlife conservation and habitat preservation. • Hear from community leaders, researchers and conservationists, about the political and economic implications of hunting, and the impact of tourism/eco-tourism.

• Visit locations where it all happens.

Shrouded In Clouds Viktor told us “very few” tourists ever see the Inca Bridge, which hangs from the side of a sheer cliff and is made of braided fiber ropes. Apparently, Lynn and I weren’t meant to be included in the “very few.” As we neared the place where Viktor said we would see the bridge, we were enveloped in heavy, wet clouds. Unable to see more than a few feet in any direction, the bridge remained something we could only imagine.

Viktor apologized as best he could while leading us back to where we

colorful native people. However, I haven’t had a repeat of my time travel experience… as yet. Perhaps, next time.

9 days + opt. 2 days at Victoria Falls (add $600*) 12 persons max. Starts July 21, 2016, cost: $3,650*

A $500 deposit will reserve your space Get up to $500 off the cost of a future ROX Expedition** .

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HEALTH

HIKING 101

by Susan Conn-Hood, Certified Yoga/Fitness Instructor & Juice Plus Whole Food Educator

S

pringtime and summer are the perfect times for hiking in Arizona. With sunshine, warmer weather, flowers, cacti and beautiful greenery, there is much to enjoy! Hiking can be a fun activity for virtually everyone, including children, adults, sedentary individuals, the very fit and even the physically challenged. Once you select a particular trail, do your research to learn as much as much as you can about it before you go.

Before hitting the trail: • Find a group or partner. For

many, the safest and most enjoyable way to hike is with an organized group or a companion.

• Leave a copy of your itinerary.

Leave your planned route with a family member or a friend so that you can be readily located should you encounter expected trouble.

• Get in shape. Follow a basic workout program to get in shape for the rigors of hiking.

Walk, run or preferably stair climb to develop the aerobic and muscular endurance needed for hiking. Also, work

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on strengthening the hip, leg, abdominal and back muscles if you plan on carrying a heavy backpack.

• Start low and go slow. Taking a hike that’s too challenging can be painful and potentially harmful. Beginners should build up to strenuous hiking by taking progressively longer walks – first on level terrain, then on hilly roads. Be sure to wear the same shoes or boots that you’ll wear when hiking.

• Be prepared for emergencies.

Pack a flashlight with extra batteries and a light bulb, first aid kit, pocketknife, strike anywhere matches (store in a waterproof case with a striker), compass portable stove, extra food and clothing, lightweight nylon poncho or space blanket and a nylon cord to make an emergency shelter.

• Dress properly. Wear synthetic materials, particularly next to the skin. Cotton and silk retain moisture, which is not only uncomfortable but also potentially dangerous if the temperature suddenly drops. Three layers are recommended when hiking in cold weather. Use fabrics such

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as COOLMAX, Under Armour, polypropylene or Thermostat blends as an inner layer to wick moisture away from the skin.

• Protect your feet. Walking shoes are fine for paved or dirt roads. Low-cut hiking shoes are appropriate for easy trails, while ankle-high boots are generally worn when hiking on difficult trails. It is best to wear synthetic sock liners and wool socks, even during the summer, because they help keep the feet dry. Bring extra socks and adhesive moleskin padding to protect sore spots before they develop into blisters.

• Understand time and distance.

Hiking a mile on a trail isn’t the same as walking the equivalent distance on level terrain. Pay close attention to guidebook estimates of how long a trail is, the elevation gained and how much time it takes to hike. A conservative rule of thumb is to allow one hour for every 1.5 miles of trail, plus 30 minutes for each 1,000 feet of ascent.

• Carry a cell phone. In the event of an emergency, you can use your cell phone to contact help. Keep in mind, cell phone reception is not always the

best in the wilderness. You may have to climb a ridge to get good reception.

• Stay well-hydrated. Pack at least one quart of fluid for every two to three hours of light to moderate hiking. Drink water or sports drinks at regular intervals, which means four to six ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes. Never drink from streams or other outdoor sources, which are often contaminated with bacteria, parasites or other harmful substances.

• Avoid sunburn and shade your eyes. Wear a hat and sunglasses that protect against ultraviolet light and use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply frequently if you sweat profusely or get wet.

• Listen to your body. Discomfort in a muscle or foot early in the hike can develop into a significant pain or injury as the hike continues. Cut the hike short if the discomfort continues.

We are so very lucky to live here, as there are so many beautiful areas to hike in Arizona. Be smart; be safe and enjoy your hike!

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NEW ZIP LINE IN ORACLE IS ARIZONA’S LONGEST

by Joe Pyritz, Director of Communications Pinal County

You couldn’t have asked for a better spot. This zip line is going to be known nationwide.

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H

ow many of us have dreamt of flying on our own, like Superman does on the big screen and in comics?

Thanks to a Pinal-owned company called Arizona Zipline Adventures, you can stop dreaming about your chance to be Superman and actually be Superman – minus the Lex Luthor, of course.

Located just east of the town of Oracle, Arizona Zipline Adventures offers a lot more than zip lines. There is a small café serving a variety of sandwiches from local eatery Oracle Patio Cafe, hiking trails, a well-stocked shop for outdoor enthusiasts and a swing that must be seen to be believed.

“We had the idea about two years ago,” said Brandon Luthy, one of the principals of Arizona Zip Line Adventures. “We began going through the permitting process and in August, after we had all of our permits, we began to work on this place. After the permitting process, things came together very fast.”

The land where the zip lines are located is owned by Oracle rancher Joe Goss.

“This was the vision of Brandon Luthy,” Goss said. “I am thankful that we could put something like this together

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for benefit of the community.”

Since the closure of the mine and smelter in San Manuel, the area of the Tri-Community (Mammoth, San Manuel and Oracle) has been in a so-called economic limbo. A project such as a zip line brings much needed tourist revenue and exposure to an area that is rich in biodiversity.

“Just look around,” stated Pinal County Economic Development Director Tim Kanavel. “This is a perfect location for this endeavor. You are at the base of the Catalina Mountains.

Looking north, you have the Galiuro Mountains and the weather up here is cooler than it is in the valley. You couldn’t have asked for a better spot.

This zip line is going to be known nationwide.”

Luthy agrees and adds that this project has been welcomed by those who live in the area.

“The project has been well-received throughout the tourism community in Tucson, Pinal County and Phoenix, because this is the largest of its kind in the state.”

Those who make the trip to Oracle will find there are actually five zip lines to enjoy. A complete package will get you a ride on all of the zip lines culminating with the final run that is

1,500 feet in length.

The official grand opening of the zip lines was held on Friday, January 29.

On that day, several elected officials, including all five members of the Board of Supervisors, were on hand to see what the newest tourist destination in Arizona had to offer.

“This is going to draw people from all over the county, the state and, I will venture to say, from all over the world, (people) will come here to experience this attraction,” Supervisor Pete Rios said at the opening. “This is going to benefit the people of Pinal County, but most importantly, it is going to benefit the community of Oracle. With all the people coming in, the small businesses that are located here are going to see a huge benefit.”

This is an activity that doesn’t have a huge footprint in the way of concrete along with bricks and mortar.

Many are calling this “ecotourism” with the combination of enjoying an activity, while at the same time, experiencing the surrounding flora and fauna of the area.

For more information on Arizona’s longest zip line, log onto www.ziparizona.com. Cape and blue tights are not required!

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LOCAL BUSINESS

GALLOPIN’ GOOSE GETS UPDATES, MAINTAINS CHARM THANKS TO BAR RESCUE

E

stablished in 1935 as one of the first licensed bars in Pinal County after the Prohibition Era, the Gallopin’ Goose is one of your venerable neighborhood bar and grill destinations. The “Goose” is where Waylon Jennings started his solo career way back when.

Scott Wohrman purchased the property in 2009 and has been operating it ever since.

Several months back, Spike Network television show Bar Rescue was looking for an Arizona project and owner Scott Wohrman responded. Soon after, the production and construction crews from Bar Rescue rolled into town to transform the Gallopin’ Goose over a five day period.

Construction was on a fastpaced schedule and, in the end, the Goose was transformed back to a local jewel without losing any of its original rustic charm.

The building was painted inside and out and new lighting, tables and chairs were added – your typical facelift. But Bar Rescue went beyond your typical changes! The Goose also received not only a new bar but

new back end systems, such as a new draft system, new point of sale system and a lifetime subscription to Partender, an inventory tracking and ordering system. Entertainment was not ignored. The stage now features new lighting and sound systems – even the new Orange Door Entertainment System which provides not only music but karaoke and trivia. You can watch all the action this summer when the Gallopin’ Goose rehab airs on Bar Rescue. Information on date and time will be on the Goose’s Facebook page (https:// www.facebook.com/Gallopin-Goose-620460744738112) The Gallopin’ Goose is not just a local bar – it’s a great dining destination as well. Whether your tastes run from burgers to sandwiches or salads, the menu offers something for everyone – with breakfast served all day!

If you enjoy a good ol’ Country night on the town, make your next date night at the Gallopin’ Goose in Coolidge. Enjoy a great dinner out and stay for the live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night.

Gallopin’ Goose Established 1935 1980 S. Arizona Blvd.

Coolidge, AZ (520) 723-0300

• • • • • • •

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THE THE TRAVEL TRAVEL EDITION EDITION GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGSPRING SPRING202016 16

Come for Dinner and Stay for the Band!

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It’s Your Move Contact Us for a free market analysis!

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1919 N. TREKELL RD. CASA GRANDE ©2015 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

The LIVING Interview (continued) continued from page 46...

BOB HUDDLESTON: No. GC LIVING: What do you think of Sheriff Babeu running?

BOB HUDDLESTON: I have a great deal of respect for Sheriff Babeu. He is a go-getter. If he’s faced with any task, any challenge, he will address it full-on. He will hit it hard.

He will do everything within his power to accomplish it. And I don’t think that those qualities, those skills, will change a bit if he gets into Congress. I think he’ll be the same guy. I have a lot of confidence in him.

I think, if elected, he’ll be wonderful.

GC LIVING: Back to your family, what are your brother and sister doing?

BOB HUDDLESTON: My brother is retired, also. He owned and operated a trucking company in the Phoenix area for years.

Four or five years ago he retired from that and does a lot of traveling back and forth between Phoenix and Pinetop. My sister just recently retired last year. She was an elementary school teacher for most of her adult life.

GC LIVING: Your wife and grandchildren?

BOB HUDDLESTON: I’m married to Doria Garza and the same story about her as with my Mom and Dad. People ask me all the time, “Are you married to Doria?” I say, “Oh, oh yes,” and they’ll say, “Oh I bought a house from her 20 years ago.” She’s been a staple in this community, as far as real estate goes, for years and years.

She and I met late in life. We were both single and recovering from divorces. We got together, started dating and got married and have been very happy ever since.

GC LIVING : She’s a jokester.

BOB HUDDLESTON: She is. She’s fun to be around and that same smiling face that you see in public, she’s 24/7 that way. It’s just a wonderful life!

GC LIVING : Do you two have kids from your first marriages?

BOB HUDDLESTON: We do. You have to remember though all of our kids are adults now. It’s not like we’re a “Brady Bunch” or anything, but the kids are all adults and they all get along just fine.

GC LIVING : And they have their kids.

“Taser Taser Taser!”

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GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGSPRING SPRING202016 16

“He used to tell me, “Someday you are going to be chief down there,” and I would say, “Dad, you know, that’s not going to happen. Don’t even think that way.””

BOB HUDDLESTON: Some do, yes.

GC LIVING: Thanksgiving must be a happy time at your house?

BOB HUDDLESTON: Always, yes. Anytime we get all the kids together and the grandkids it’s a happy time. We have nine grandkids all together. Our house is a very busy house. There’s always somebody there and that’s just the way we like it.

GC LIVING: Tell me about your children.

BOB HUDDLESTON: I have three kids. My oldest son Rob is 39 years old and works with the developmentally disabled here in Casa Grande. My son Timothy is 32 and he is an EMT at Community Bridge’s downtown facility in Phoenix and works with the homeless shelter and assists people with their medical needs.

My daughter Molly is 19 and she’s currently at Mesa Community College studying to be an elementary school teacher.

One of the reasons I’m very proud of them is – and this was brought to my attention maybe a couple of months ago in a doctor’s appointment – the doctor was asking about my children and I told her that story and she said, “Well, the apples don’t fall far from the tree, do they?” I had never thought of it that way, because none of them are involved in law enforcement, but she said, “No, they’re all in public service.

They’re all serving the community.” And I said, “Hey, I hadn’t thought of that, but that’s wonderful.” I’m very proud of that.

GC LIVING: Life moves on, doesn’t it?

BOB HUDDLESTON: It does. We’re all getting older.

GC LIVING: Thank you, Sir. 

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Page Article Library Creative Writing Contest

e h t f o y e n r u Jo Elements

by Sherman Cole Sheldon

S

o there I was, sitting in my tent, trying to get a fire going. My friend Shortstaff the dwarf tried to help me. We took turns blowing on the dry leaves and striking rocks and flint together. We didn’t want to make a fire after what happened, but after a long ten minutes we had warm flames. We made beds of soft piled leaves and, using our cloaks as pillows, we turned in for the night. That night we’d had to roast bugs, they were nasty, but they were food.

We’d been camping for days, searching for answers and a place to sleep.

Let me tell you why I’m here and why I have a dwarf for a friend.

There once was a good wizard named Merlin who died fighting an evil wizard named Malidark (you’ve probably already heard of Merlin). Merlin died in a fire, the same fire burned down our house before he could stop Malidark. Before dying, Merlin passed on his secrets to me. My name is Ron Mexico. I was his apprentice (you probably haven’t heard of me). It was hard to get out of the Castle, we had to run up and down five burning flights of stairs, jump out the window and run through the west side of the woods all the way to the north where we finally stopped to set up camp near a giant oak tree.

Merlin told me all I need to know. He said I would have to use the elements of fire, water, air, and earth. I don’t know how to use them yet, and Merlin wouldn’t tell me. He said that I’ll never be able to use them if I don’t learn how on my own. Merlin did many great things in his life. He created goblins and dwarves and dragons. He even created my friend, Shortstaff. All goblins, dwarves, and dragons are good, except for Malidark’s. He too had a gift for creating magical creatures, but his are all evil.

Have your child stop by the Vista Grande Library in Casa Grande to enter the Golden Corridor LIVING essay contest!

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THE THETRAVEL TRAVELEDITION EDITION

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Both first-time and experienced homebuyers may take advantage of a USDApurchase Home price, Loan,$190,000 provided meet qualifications.

Contact me to Sample 5% loan scenario: $200,000 loanthey amount, 5% down payment, $1,333.75/month (PITI),No 30-year fixed 4.125% interest 5.487%Home APR. Subject type, loan-to-value, and credit score. there. two see ifrate, a USDA Loantoisproperty the right solution for you.

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All mortgage products are subject to credit and property approval. Rates, program terms, and Samplewithout 3% down conventional scenario: year fixed rate mortgage.

Purchase price conditions are subject to change notice.

Not all products are30available in all states or loan amount $242,500 with 3% down payment ($7,500) P&I $1,228.72. FICO for all amounts. Additional$250,000, conditions, qualifications, and restrictions may apply. score of 720, 5.171% APR. MI will be higher with a FICO score under 720. All mortgage products are subject to credit and property approval. Rates, program terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all amounts. Additional conditions, qualifications, and restrictions may apply. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. Please contact Academy Mortgage for more information.

Branch Manager |and N M L S there # 1 7 7 2 3 5 may be a program for you! You situations are the same Branch Manager | N M LS #177235 (520) 421-1171 ▲ Cell: (480) 221-9826

442buying W Kortsen Road, Casa for Grande, AZ 85122 (520) 421-1171 ▲ Cell: Contact (480) 221-9826 aren’t sure ifdawn.svoboda@AcademyMortgage.com is 104, best YOU…. me and I will help

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Casa Grande, AZ 85122

you look at AZall0913936 the numbers. I have the best tools in the industry to dawn.svoboda@AcademyMortgage.com C o r p N M L S # 3 1 1 3 | Corp State Lic AZ #BK-0904081

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and budget.

Sample 5% loan scenario: $200,000 purchase price, $190,000 loan amount, 5% down payment, $1,333.75/month (PITI), 30-year fixed 4.125% interest rate, 5.487% APR. Subject to property type, loan-to-value, and credit score. All mortgage products are subject to credit and property approval. Rates, program terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all amounts. Additional conditions, qualifications, and restrictions may apply.