www.SanTanSun.com Healthy promise
Residents will be asked to make a commitment to wellness by choosing one activity and signing a pledge to work towards it. “The pledge will be a very personal choice, whether it’s going for a walk after dinner, joining a new exercise class or just drinking more water,” says Erika Berry, City of Chandler recreation coordinator. “By writing it down, we hope people are more committed to taking action.” A limited number of free healthy pledge T-shirts will be available for people who sign and want to publicize their pledge to wellness. Preventative services are offered as well, with health screenings and children’s safety information, and Chandler Regional Medical Center will bring physicians to speak on topics such as recognizing and handling depression. Tibshraeny launched his Health Connect initiative last fall with a three-pronged approach to wellness in Chandler including physical, mental and financial health. Financial health comes in the form of a prescription drug card that can save residents who may not have health insurance as much as 59% off regular prescription rates. A solid fitness routine is key to physical health, and the Mayor promotes all the fitness activities and amenities in Chandler. Each month on the website chandleraz.gov/ connect, Tibshraeny blogs about a “facility of the month” in Chandler. He also emphasizes good mental health through a number of suggestions to deal with stress via his twitter account, @jaytibshraeny. For more, visit chandleraz.gov/connect. Information provided by the City of Chandler Communications and Public Affairs Department.
Community
March 16 – April 5, 2013
Senior Expo gets Classes drive safety home adults active Free blood pressure checks are given at Chandler’s 23rd Annual Senior Expo, held 9 a.m. to noon Wed., March 20 at the Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave. There will also be a limited number of free cholesterol and glucose tests for attendees on a firstcome, first-served basis.
Seniors can brush up on their driving skills by attending the AARP Driver Safety Program offered from 1 to 5 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at the Chandler Senior Center, 202 E. Boston St., Chandler. A certificate is given at the end of the class. Depending on the insurer, it may provide a car insurance discount. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-AARP members. To register, call 480-782-2720. For information, visit aarp.org/findacourse.
Celtic spirit comes to Chandler The free event features more than 60 representatives from a wide variety of health care agencies, leisure services and senior-related product firms. City departments and other local organizations will also be present. The expo is hosted by Mayor Jay Tibshraeny’s Committee for the Aging, presented by the City of Chandler Recreation Division, sponsored by CIGNA and co-sponsored by Dignity Health and Prime Times Magazine. To learn more, call 480-782-2720 or visit chandleraz.gov/senior-adults.
Enjoy a free performance featuring the rowdy energy and smooth Celtic harmonies of The Knockabouts from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thu., March 21 at the lakeside amphitheater of Chandler’s Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd. The band plays traditional pub tunes on authentic instruments and delivers a sound they say “captures the spirit and soul of the Celtic lands.” In case of inclement weather, the performance will be held indoors at the park’s Environmental Education Center. For more details, visit chandleraz.gov/ veterans-oasis and knockabouts.org.
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Donate items for service members Donations are needed by the East Valley Military Support Group, which has completely run out of food items and toiletries. Suggested food items for donation include coffee, powdered Gatorade, hot chocolate, beef jerky, crackers, nuts, hard candy, Rice Krispies treats, dry cereal, power bars, dried fruit, soup, tuna, canned chicken, corn beef hash, refried beans and taco items. Toiletries needed include soap, hair clippers, nail clippers, files, cotton swabs on sticks, hair gels, razors, shaving cream, large towels, blankets, foot powder, corn starch, combs, brushes and cotton balls. Fun items needed are games, baseballs, footballs, flying discs, dart boards, DVDs, CDs, foam balls and AT&T telephone cards. For more details, call Faith Steele at 480-963-4462 or 480-540-5883, or email faithsteele215@yahoo.com.