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Neighbors
February 2 – 15, 2013
www.SanTanSun.com
Free Star Party at local park
Purple Dragonfly deadline nears
Stargazers explore the night sky from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sat., Feb. 16, when Chandler’s Environmental Education Center (EEC) hosts its annual Star Party at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., east of Lindsay Road. The event is free, open to the public and appropriate for all ages. The East Valley Astronomy Club brings their telescopes for visitors to see the moon, planets, double stars, nebulae, star clusters and more. Hot beverages are available on a donation basis.
March 1 is the early bird deadline for the 4th annual Purple Dragonfly Book Awards contest, which recognizes excellence in children’s literature. May 1 is the final deadline. Submissions postmarked by March 1 receive their choice of one of two free eBooks: “The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing” or “Promote Like a Pro,” both written by Arizona Press Women member Linda Radke. Open to both printed and electronic books, there is no publication date restriction as long as the titles entered are still in print. “In our efforts to include everyone, the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards are divided into 35 distinct subject categories, ranging from books on the environment and cooking to sports and family issues,” says Radke, who is also president of Five Star Publications, which sponsors the Five Star Book Awards, encompassing the Purple Dragonfly and Royal Dragonfly book contests. “Our judges are industry experts with specific knowledge about the categories over which they preside,” continues Radke. “But what really makes our contest unique is the judging point system. A minimum score of 55 out of 80 must be earned before any place is awarded to the entrant, even if it is the sole entry in a category. We also have minimum scores for first- and second-place awards and honorable mentions. If someone wins a Purple or Royal Dragonfly award, they truly earned it!”
STARGAZING: A young woman looks through a telescope while another waits her turn during a Star Party at Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler. Submitted photo
At 5:30 p.m., prior to telescope viewing, visitors can take a guided tour of the new Solar System Walk around the park’s lake. The signs and monuments that make up the walk share information about the sun, planets and other objects in the solar system. The walk leisurely and the terrain easy. Telescope viewing takes place outside from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the east end of the parking lot. Although it’s best to arrive early to see as much as possible, participants may join the program at any time. Visitors should park on the west side of the parking lot, then walk to the east side of the lot where the telescopes are. Drive carefully, since the park lights will be turned off during the program. Flashlights are discouraged near telescopes, but those who wish to use the park for other activities, such as fishing, are encouraged to plan ahead and bring their own low-level lighting such as a lantern or headlamp. Inclement weather could alter or cancel the event, so interested participants should check visibility Saturday. If the sky is cloudy, call 480-782-2889 for updates. For more information, call 480-782-2890, email EEC@chandleraz. gov or access chandleraz.gov/ veterans-oasis.
VALENTINE’S DAY
YOU CAN HAVE BEAUTIFUL LONG, FULL HAIR
Meal for Two
$40
[\
Choice of One Appetizer, Choice of Two Specialty Dinners, Dessert, and Bottle of Champagne *Good only 2/14/2013 11am-10pm, cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or promotions.
One winner is chosen from all entries to receive the grand prize, which includes: a $300 cash prize; 100 foil award seals; one hour of marketing consultation from Five Star Publications; $100 worth of Five Star Publications’ titles; publicity on Five Star Publications’ websites; inclusion in a winners’ news release sent to a comprehensive list of media outlets; and will also be placed in the Five Star Dragonfly Book Awards virtual bookstore. The grand prize winning book must be outstanding in content, readability, entertainment value, overall production and live up to Five Star Publications’ strict standards of excellence. All first-place category winners are put into a drawing for a $100 prize, and each receives a certificate commemorating their accomplishment, 25 foil award seals and mention on Five Star Publications’ websites. A list of first-place winners will be sent with the winners’ news release to a comprehensive list of media outlets. First-place winners will also be placed in the Five Star Dragonfly Book Awards virtual bookstore. One second-place winner is chosen in each category. Second-place winners receive a certificate commemorating their accomplishment and mention on Five Star Publications’ websites. For rules and entry forms, visit FiveStarBookAwards.com. For more details on Five Star Publications, email info@FiveStarPublications.com or call 480-940-8182.
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