Deer Valley Times, January 2017

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January 2017

Vol. 5 • No. 2

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ART, MUSIC, AND P.E. EVERY DAY IN THIS ISSUE City News ..............................4 & 5 Things To Do ............................... 8 Real Estate ................................... 6 Living ............................................10 Business ........................................7 Education ..................................... 11 CRAFT MUCH? www.TheHippieHobby.com

2 • January 2017 •

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• January 2017 • 3

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11 Annual AnnualArizona Arizona Myeloma Myeloma Network’s 11th Network’s with Myeloma withthe theCure CureCorridor Corridor Living with MyelomaConference: Conference: Partnering Partnering with th Living th Annual ArizonaMyeloma Myeloma Network’s 11 11 Annual Arizona Network’s Myeloma Conference: Partnering with the LivingLiving with with Myeloma Conference: Partnering with theCure CureCorridor Corridor Saturday, 2017 Saturday,March March 18, 18, 2017

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Visit website forMayor further details and/or call and 623-466-6246 www.azmn.info/lwm Opening remarks and welcome byour Jim Lane, of Scottsdale Chairman of the Scottsdale Cure Corridor Initiative. The conference Co-Chairs, Dr.details Robert B. Kyle, M.D., Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN., and Dr. Visit our website for further and/or call 623-466-6246 Opening remarks and welcome by Jim Lane, Mayor of Scottsdale and Chairman of the the Scottsdale Cure Rafael Fonseca, M.D. Clinic Cancer Center Scottsdale AZ. Joining FacultyCure are Irene Opening remarks andResearcher, welcome by Mayo Jim Lane, Mayor of Scottsdale and Chairman of the Scottsdale Corridor Initiative.

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HYPER LOCAL NEWS FOR THE PHOENIX NORTH VALLEY / deervalleytimes.com

Re

4 • January 2017 •

CITY NEWS

MUSICAL THEATRE OF ANTHEM PRESENTS

DISNEY’S WINNIE THE POOH KIDS MUSICAL THEATRE OF ANTHEM (MTA) ANNOUNCES THEIR UPCOMING PRODUCTION OF DISNEY’S WINNIE THE POOH KIDS, a delightful show based on the beloved characters of A.A. Milne and the 2011 Disney animated feature film. Featuring favorite songs from the film as well as new hits by the Academy Award-winning Robert and Kristen Lopez (Frozen), this honeyfilled delight is as sweet as it is fun.

Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh is once again in search of honey. Along the way, he meets his pals Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, and Owl but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by the mysterious Backson! As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship, and of course…sharing snacks. Filled with all their favorite characters, Disney’s Winnie The

Pooh KIDS is a favorite for children to perform.

The talented cast, comprised of award winners and nominees ages 6-10, presents the show February 23-26 in Anthem. The award-winning production staff includes Co-Director/ Co-Choreographer Sarah Brayer, CoDirector/Co-Choreographer Jessica Kishbaugh and Vocal Director Karen Blanzy.

“We are so excited to return to the Hundred Acer Woods this season,” said Co-Director/Co-Choreographer Sarah Brayer. “This incredible cast is working so hard and we can’t believe the talent in this group of six to ten year olds! This classic tale is so timeless it touches the heart of each generation.”

Performances take place Thursday – Sunday, February 23-26, 2016 at Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42323 N. Vision Way, Anthem, AZ 85086. Times vary, so please see website for details. Tickets may be purchased online at www. musicaltheatreofanthem.org. Adult tickets are $19; Students, Seniors and Children 12 and under are $16.

Disney’s Winnie the Pooh KIDS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: (212) 541-4684 Fax: (212) 397-4684 www.MTIShows.com About MTA: Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) is an awardwinning, non-profit theater company located in Anthem, Arizona. The mission of MTA is to develop youth and adults within the field of performing arts while enhancing their intrinsic creativity and brokering their vast talents. MTA trains and educates youth so that they can become the artists, patrons, and leaders of tomorrow while providing opportunities to adults that empower them and foster their creativity. MTA’s principles include casting all who audition in select productions, presenting high quality shows that everyone can enjoy, and providing a positive environment where performers can practice teamwork and communication skills while experiencing the pride of accomplishment.

DEER VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS MOUNTAIN RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER CHRIS O’BRIEN AUTHORED A LESSON THAT WON THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA CENTER FOR MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES’ thirteenth annual lesson plan competition.

The contest is very competitive with entries coming from across the United States. Mr. O’Brien’s lesson derives from learning and experiences gained in a FulbrightHays Group Project Aboard Curriculum Development that took him to Oman and Zanzibar for a month this past summer. In reviewing the lesson plan, the University of

Arizona wrote that his work is exceptional and reflects well on Mountain Ridge High School and our District. Chris received an honorarium for himself and books for Mountain Ridge High School.

In addition, his lesson plan will be posted on the University of Arizona website and burned onto 1,000 lesson plan CDs for distribution to teachers throughout the country.

National Board Certification renewal of teacher Vicky Mead. National Board Certification is an advanced teaching credential. This rigorous, peer-reviewed process, ensures that Board-certified teachers have proven skills to impact learning and advance student achievement. Board certified teachers are invaluable to Deer Valley

as mentors to their colleagues and for their ability to provide guiding input for curricular decisions. Vicky has been with the district for 15 years and was originally certified in 2007.

Her renewal gives her certification for another ten years. Congratulations National Board Certified Teacher from Stetson Hills, Vicky Mead!

Congratulations to the University of Arizona Center for Middle Eastern Studies’ thirteenth annual lesson plan winner, Mountain Ridge High School Teacher, Chris O’Brien.

DVUSD is proud to celebrate the

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• January 2017 • 5

CITY NEWS JOUSTING, JESTING, JUST FOR YOU! THERE IS SOMETHING FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES AT THE ROYAL FAIRE LONGING FOR CHILDHOOD DAYS OF MAKE BELIEVE? MYTHIC HEROES SLAYING DRAGONS, SEA MAIDENS APPEARING FROM THE SEA, STEEL CLAD WARRIORS JOUSTING atop mighty steeds and knights in shining armor saving damsels in distress, this can all be found at the Arizona Renaissance Festival. There is definitely something for the children and the child in all of us to be found at the Faire. Arizona’s annual festival is one of the largest in the nation, held on weekends in February and March in its fanciful European style village constructed on a 30-acre site just below the foothills of the Superstition Mountains, east of Phoenix and northwest of Tucson. This is where you’ll find theater, circus, an arts and crafts fair, acrobatics, a jousting tournament, people-powered rides, and a feasting – all rolled into a non-stop, day long family adventure!

Merchants hawk their wares, selling everything from clothing to custom ceramics. Observe in awe at the demonstrations displaying skills of blacksmithing, jewelry making, glassblowing, leather work and pottery throwing.

Over 200 artisans are housed in the market lanes filled with whimsical storybook shops.

There are thirteen open-air stages where you can listen to raucous music and roaring comedy. Catch the swordplay and wordplay of festival favorites Don Juan and Miguel. It’s hard to miss the wild antics of The Tortuga Twins (three unrelated men in tights), and more than amusing to decipher Zilch the Tory Steller (the misspelling, like his miss-speaking is intentional). On or off the stage you are bound to rub shoulders with delightful characters.

Don’t miss the-The Living Fountain!

Or the Sea Fairies!

A variety of food and drynk is available to satisfy your appetite; bread bowls, stews, steak-on-a-stake, roasted chicken and so much more. In the midst of this enormous feast you’ll find the King of festival foods - the huge roasted turkey leg. Tempt your

diet plan with desserts from the Monk’s Bakery, the Cappuccino Inn, or the Chocolate Shoppe. Pubs serve beers, wine and soft drynks to quench your thirst.

And kids love this place! Dozens of activities bring out their smiles.

Guests young and old will revel in the magic and mystery upon seeing the newest attraction at the Faire; Living Mermaids, witness the wonder of these lovely,elusive and charming sea fairies of the deep. A Festival favorite with children is Mother (and Father) Goose brought to life, with costumed ducks and geese, Maggie, Mimi and Matilda. Kids will cheer for their favorite knight at the 5,000 seat jousting arena or try their hand at archery. Children delight in the return of a falcon, the King of sports, at the Falconer’s Heath. Kids also, love riding the people-powered Da Vinci’s Steam ship, the Swan Swing, Christopher Columbus’ “Voyage to the New World”, the Slider Joust, as well as, the Piccolo Pony, a rocking horse bigger than an elephant. In addition to the people-powered rides, the Festival offers interactive games like the dragon climbing tower, the castle siege, Jacobs’ Ladder, a maze and an archery range. Kids will surely be asking for a hat, wand, garland, wooden sword, shield, or to have their face painted, or to make a sand dragon, or perhaps purchase a pet gorgi or drabbit along with other unique and interesting items available for purchase at the Festival. What’s more, kids will marvel at the acrobatic antics of Clan Tynker. Those bolder of heart may feed the dragon or play King of the log. HUZZAH! We deal with the 21st century every day. Now the Renaissance is back, offering an opportunity to relax and escape to the amusements of a much simpler time. You can meet all these colorful characters on weekends, Saturdays, Sundays, and Presidents’ Day Monday, February 11 through April 2.

For more information contact the Festival at 520-463-2600 or on the web at www.renfestinfo.com.

WHEN YOU GO: WHAT: The 29th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival WHERE: East of Apache Junction on US Highway 60, near the Superstition Mountains.

WHEN: Eight consecutive weekends (Saturdays, Sundays, and Presidents’ Day Monday) from February 11th through April 2nd The Festival runs from 10AM until 6:00PM, rain or shine.

ADVANCE TICKETS: $22 for adults & $12 for kids ages 5-12 at Fry’s Food Stores statewide. Children under 5 are always free.

Tickets purchased at the gate are $2 more and tickets available on line at www.RenFestInfo.com Senior discount tickets (60 and over) are $21 only available at the box office.

PARKING: FREE courtesy of Fry’s Food Stores INFORMATION: Call 520-463-2700/ WEBSITE: www.RenFestInfo.com

HYPER LOCAL NEWS FOR THE PHOENIX NORTH VALLEY / deervalleytimes.com

6 • January 2017 •

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REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE TRENDS

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YOUR NORTH VALLEY COMMUNITY THEATER

January 27 Through

Directed by Victoria Fricker

February 11

YOUTH EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP Begins 4:30pm Monday, January 30 Ages 7-19 (no cut) Performances March 30 - April 2

Now that the new president is weeks away from inauguration, Phoenicians can exhale a deep sigh of relief.

While many experts are predicting a moderate year for housing in 2017, homebuyers and sellers in the Valley can expect a competitive market as hot as the coming summer.

Phoenix is projected by Realtor. com to be the No. 1 market in the U.S. next year. Two generations in particular will be filing change-ofaddress forms in the coming months – Baby Boomers and Millennials.

These groups are entering retirement, becoming empty nesters and starting families, respectively.

“Buyers and sellers should be prepared to see the market heat up with inventory dwindling and demand extremely high in our market,” says Allen Studebaker, real estate professional with HomeSmart Elite Group. Homes will stay on the market 14 percent fewer days (11) than the national average among top metros, according to Realtor.com.

The number of houses on the market is down 3.7 percent from last year, says Studebaker. Meanwhile, sales are up 2.6 percent over the same period.

Another bright spot for our market

is the median sales price is up 7.1 percent – to $226,000 – and this should continue to improve as sales remain strong. Sellers still need to be smart before taking advantage of the rising demand when putting a price tag on their property.

“Sellers need to exercise restraint from overpricing their homes based on low inventory as buyers are much more educated on values than ever before,” Studebaker says. “Many websites provide buyers information on home values and they are using it to their advantage when deciding to write an offer. If a home is grossly over-priced based on this valuation, the buyer simply will not write an offer for fear of offending the seller.”

Phoenicians will have to take all this good with a little bad.

“Interest rates have no place to go but up,” Studebaker warns.

Rates have been historically low as the economy and housing market have recovered.

“We are absolutely going to see another increase in rates at the next Federal Reserve meeting at the end of January,” Studebaker says.

What can you do?

“Buyers should get prequalified and make a decision to purchase before they lose their buying power with higher interest rates and rising home prices,” he adds.

ADULT CASTING CALL

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE 9 am Saturday, January 21 Performances March 30 - April 2

1611 W Whispering Wind Dr Suite #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085 info@StarlightCommunityTheater.com 623-252-6815

www.StarlightCommunityTheater.com

HYPER LOCAL NEWS FOR THE PHOENIX NORTH VALLEY / deervalleytimes.com

BUSINESS

• January 2017 • 7

FIVE REASONS WHY YOU NEED MORE WEB CONTENT TODAY

By Ryan Englin, CEO of Inspire Business Concepts

my website?” Well, how about five reasons?

ometimes getting business owners to create content for their website is like getting kids to eat their vegetables.

1. IT GIVES PEOPLE SOMETHING TO SHARE. When you have customers who love you and your business, they’re eager to tell their friends. But sometimes they’re not sure what to say or how to say it. By creating content, you’re giving your customers something they can give to friends and family, helping them spread your message.

S

They may believe you when you say it’s good for them but they’re not going to invest in it without a fight.

I often get asked, “Give me a reason why it matters if I create content for

2. NEWSLETTERS KEEP IN TOUCH WITH CUSTOMERS, PAST AND PRESENT. Your content is one of the best things for you to include in the newsletter. It is unique to your business and gives your newsletter value to your customers.

3. NOT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS THINGS THE SAME WAY. Use new content as an opportunity to share messages or ideas in different ways. Here you can break complicated ideas into smaller pieces or use different examples. By taking the time to put together regular content, you’ll be able to connect with more people.

4. NEW CONTENT HELPS KEEP YOU RELEVANT ON SEARCH ENGINES. Putting out new information on your website shows search engines that you’re alive and helps maintain your search position while your competition grows stale.

5. NEW IS MORE INTERESTING THAN OLD. Keep your website (and social media) interesting with more content. Even though you think there’s nothing new or exciting for you to share, your

audience disagrees. When you put out new content, you’re giving them more insight into your business, educating them on solutions, showing them new services you offer, and keeping them engaged in your brand.

You don’t need to put out a lot of new content. If you wrote one new web article per month, you’d end up with 12 pieces of content in a year! That’s more than most businesses.

The best part is, new content is useful in other ways too. The content you create can be used in sales, in marketing, and to keep people coming back.

Content is an investment, but it pays back in the long run.

Ryan Englin is CEO at Inspired Business Concepts. To contact Ryan email: ryan.englin@ inspirebusinessconcepts. com. Visit www. inspirebusinessconcepts.com

HYPER LOCAL NEWS FOR THE PHOENIX NORTH VALLEY / deervalleytimes.com

8 • January 2017 •

THINGS TO DO TEDDY BEAR TEA PARTY AT AZ AIR TIME

WHEN: Friday, January 20, 10 a.m.-noon WHERE: AZ Air Time, 13802 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 145, Scottsdale COST: $5/hour per child DETAILS: Calling all preschoolers who love their teddy bears! Ages 6 and under are invited to bring their favorite teddy bear to jump and play with at AZ Air Time trampoline park from 10 a.m. to noon. Lemonade, iced tea, and cookies will be served. Complimentary coffee will be served to parents. Foam pit and rock wall climbing is included with admission. For more information call (480) 427-2000 or visit www.azairtime.com

PVCC AT BLACK MOUNTAIN STAR PARTY

WHEN: Thursday, January 26, 7:00-9:45 p.m.

WHERE: PVCC at Black Mountain, 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale COST: Free DETAILS: Join us Thursday evening for our free community Star Party. Observe the night skies through high power telescopes. The event is a partnership with PVCC Astronomy faculty and the Phoenix Astronomical Society. RSVP are requested so we can ensure we have enough telescopes. Info: 602-561-5398; RSVP: events@pasaz.org

E E! V SA DAT E H T

S

CONNECT2STEM

WHEN: Saturday, January 28, 10a.m.-3p.m.

WHERE: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, 435 N. Van Buren Street, Phoenix COST: Free DETAILS: The University of Arizona in partnership with Cox Communications presents Connect2STEM 2017, a free event that is focused on inspiring kids about science, technology, engineering, math and medicine with over 100+ hands-on STEM activities where guests can touch synthetic cadavers, explore space equipment and network with STEM professionals. For mor information Visit phoenixmed.arizona.edu/ connect2stem2017 or call 602-827-2453.

2ND ANNUAL DOGGIE STREET FESTIVAL

WHEN: Saturday, January 28. 10a.m.-4p.m.

WHERE: Steele Indian School Park Memorial Hall, 300 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix COST: Free DETAILS: This not-to-be-missed dog and cat adopt-a-thon and family friendly, fun celebration features yummy eats, music, vet tips and auction prizes. Bring your friendly dog. Become a sponsor, member or volunteer.

For more information call 323-445-5087 or visit doggiestreetfestival.org

2017 FAMILY

R E C M A M M U P E X PO

SUNDAY, MARCH 5 ENCHANTED ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK | ENCANTO PARK CENTRAL PHOENIX | SUNDAY 1pm-5pm

ZONA

in the

Become a vendor or a sponsor today!

Contact us: heidi@iminthezona.com

HYPER LOCAL NEWS FOR THE PHOENIX NORTH VALLEY / deervalleytimes.com

COVER STORY

• January 2017 • 9

DVUSD KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS RECEIVE

ART, MUSIC, AND P.E. EVERY DAY

K

indergarten has truly changed over the years, evolving into a program that focuses on strong academic, social, and emotional skills that young learners will need to succeed in school and in the future.

The best kindergarten programs balance high academic expectations with “brain breaks” that encourage the development of creativity. Parents have come to expect and love the Deer Valley kindergarten program that focuses on nurturing the youngest learners.

“I absolutely love the healthy, nurturing, and fun learning environment in the kindergarten program. By the end of the year, my daughter not only knew how to read well, but she now enjoys reading. She is excelling in Math. It was so amazing to watch my daughter’s progress and know that she was excited about school and learning,” said parent Amy Kearney.

One of the ways that Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) balances learning is by providing specials, including art, music, and P.E. classes every day for kindergarten students at all of the DVUSD K-6 and K-8 schools to enhance overall learning, growth, creativity, and physical development.

“My child participated in specials each day, and these classes are beneficial and important for all students. These classes can be emotionally therapeutic for students and allow them to recharge to get through their academic day. They promote creativity and allow our children to use their imagination to create while building skills. They open the door for lifelong appreciation of the arts and for maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercise,” said another kindergarten parent, DiEsta Kiesling.

Several studies have shown that these types of classes increase achievement in literacy and mathematics, including a 2006 Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum study on art education, which showed a link between arts education and improved literacy skills.

Another way that kindergarten has changed is the increase in communication from school to home. “We were continuously informed about upcoming lessons, progress that was made with reading, homework expectations, and friendly reminders that helped us stay organized at home, said Kearney.

“I love the consistent and open communication regarding academic, developmental, and behavioral progress of my child,” added Kiesling. “In addition, I believe full-day kindergarten improves overall success by providing the time needed to learn the skills necessary to move onto first grade.”

Deer Valley Unified School District has offered free full-day kindergarten since 2014 and this is the second year that special classes are offered every day. For more information about the kindergarten program including registration forms, visit www.dvusd. org/kindergarten.

HYPER LOCAL NEWS FOR THE PHOENIX NORTH VALLEY / deervalleytimes.com

10 • January 2017 •

LIVING

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: HELP TO KEEP YOUR RESOLUTIONS

M

aking and keeping resolutions is difficult without direction or the advice of experts. Luckily, there are plenty of great resources to help, no matter what you are trying to accomplish.

Here are four books that can help you stick to your goals throughout the year.

CLEAN EATING From quinoa and chia seeds to spinach and pomegranate, “Super Clean Super Foods” is a colorfully illustrated, comprehensive guide that shows readers how to incorporate unfamiliar ingredients into everyday dishes. The book explores the incredible health properties of each super food and includes tips on how to maximize its health benefits, allowing readers to work toward specific goals. For instance, you can

create a food plan to boost energy, have a healthier pregnancy, limit jetlag, reduce aging, and more.

ACHIEVE MORE Whether you are seeking improvement in your career, relationships, or in your overall performance, “Success: The Psychology of Achievement,” can help equip you with the tools you need to drive yourself toward success using proven psychological strategies and expert advice. From positive thinking to work-life balance to learning how to say “no,” the lessons in this dynamic infographic guide, authored by an organizational psychologist, are tailored to your personal situation through questionnaires and self-analysis exercises.

SMART MEALS Bowls are a delicious way to lose

weight and eat healthy, but they can also be laden with hidden calories. Inspired by the very latest bowl food trend, “100 Weight Loss Bowls,” features color-coded recipes engineered to come in at under 400, 500, or 600 calories, allowing you to easily build a nutritious meal plan that meets your daily target for gradual and sustained weight loss.

this guide doesn’t require a gym membership or expensive fitness equipment.

Start 2017 off on the right foot.

Relying on books, tools and other resources can help you achieve your goals.

(StatePoint)

WORKOUT BUDDY The first full-color fitness book that teaches you how to actively engage a partner in your workout routine, “Partner Workouts” features bodyweight exercises, yoga positions, cardio and more. Three long-term, comprehensive exercise programs provide regimens so you and your partner can motivate each other to achieve your fitness goals over a period of time. From choosing your partner and setting your goals to tracking your progress and nutrition,

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LOCATION: 16447 N 91st St., #105 Scottsdale AGES: 7+ PRICE: Base price: $295 with optional additions DESCRIPTION: AZ on the Rocks will give you the most unique and unforgettable birthday party in Arizona. All base packages include a 2.5 hour party, with use of the party room and your own host. You and your guests will have all the necessary gear to climb and will use our free-fall device at the end of the party. You will have access to a freezer/refrigerator to store party goodies and the birthday child will receive a FREE AZR T-Shirt.

Upgrades and options available to enhance your birthday event even more!

CONTACT: Visit www.AZontheRocks.com for information or email Stephanie Mills at Contact2@azontherocks.com to register.

LOCATION: 7 locations valleywide – Ahwatukee (I10 and Ray Rd) 480-753-9500, Chandler (Loop 202 and Gilbert Rd) 480-899-1231, Deer Valley (I-17 and Loop 101) 623587-7700, Desert Ridge (Loop 101 and Tatum Blvd) 480-585-0041, Glendale (Loop 101 and Glendale Blvd) 623-772-5403, Mesa (US60 and Stapley Rd) 480-539-8400, Tempe (Loop 101 and Rio Salado Pkwy) 480-557-9100 AGES: 2-92!

PRICE: Pricing starts at $175. $25 deposit required on all parties. Info on specific party packages can be found on our website at AsYouWishPottery.com/ Birthday-Parties DESCRIPTION: Make your nest party extra colorful by hosting it at As You Wish! Our bright, festive studios are perfect for sharing an artistic adventure when celebrating birthdays. Choose from an array of pottery or canvas projects. We have several different party packages to choose from. All packages include: Invitations, 2 hours of studio time, Dedicated As You Wish staff member, Special Party Plate for the Birthday Child, Souvenir Celebration Pin. You may bring in cake, drinks and presents as well.

CONTACT: For more information visit AsYouWishPottery.com $15 OFF YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY ZONA CODE: ZONA16

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EDUCATION

• January 2017 • 11

UNCOVERING THE TRUTH ABOUT COMPASSION AND GENEROSITY

By Allison Sitcler, Senior, Bourgade Catholic High School

I

n this season of giving, we pose the question: “can you be a good person if you lack compassion and generosity”? This question is exactly what I and my fellow seniors in Mr. Arnold’s British Literature class at Bourgade Catholic are trying to unravel.

Through reading pieces of literature such as Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, Gift of the Magi, and Why the Chimes Ring, we are closing in on the truth regarding the intrinsic value of compassion and generosity.

The first step is to study the core meaning of compassion and generosity, next is to practice these values in our daily lives.

Through our work to discover the meaning behind compassion and

generosity, my fellow seniors and I are purchasing toys to give to sick or terminally ill children at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

The toys were valued from two dollars to one hundred dollars. Along with the toys, we include a handwritten letter to make the gift more personal.

In the end, can you be a good person if you lack compassion and generosity? It is my belief that a good person that lacks compassion and generosity, simply cannot exist. These two values feed off of each other. One cannot be generous without first being compassionate; compassion is what allows us to understand and sympathize with others in the darkest of times and in turn, motivates us to reach out in generosity. Both compassion and generosity allows us to place value on making the world, and those that live on it, a better place.

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What I am taking away from this experience is a motivation to give rather than to receive, to look at the lives of others before my own, and to come to understand that a small deed can impact the lives of many.

Allison Sitcler is a senior at Bourgade Catholic High School. She is captain of the cheer team, peer counselor, president of the Active Bourgade Christians club as well as holds a school record as a pole vaulter.

More than a high school, Bourgade Catholic provides a college preparatory curriculum with robust student activities in a nurturing environment that emphasizes Catholic values. Members of The Class of 2016 were accepted to 97 different colleges and universities and earned over $10.8 million in merit scholarships. Learn more by visiting www.BourgadeCatholic.org.

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