City News

ENHANCED ARIZONA 511 TRAVELER INFORMATION SYSTEM LAUNCHED ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES EASY ACCESS TO ROAD CONDITIONS

A MODERNIZED, MOBILEFRIENDLY ARIZONA 511 TRAVEL INFORMATION SYSTEM WEBSITE AND PHONE LINE ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. The new system uses the latest technology to provide a customized experience with realtime updates from ADOT, the premier source of information on Arizona’s highway system.

The new AZ511.gov website allows users to save their favorite routes and most used traffic cameras. Before leaving for a destination, drivers can log onto AZ511.gov to view incidents along their route, get estimated travel times to their destination and receive alternate route suggestions. Travelers may set up text or email alerts for their routes. Users can also call the 511 phone line to hear personalized updates. The 511 phone line is now easier to navigate and voice recognition has been upgraded.

“Drivers have always turned to ADOT for the most accurate information on Arizona’s highways. The improved website and phone line make it even easier to access the information drivers need to make informed decisions when traveling throughout our state,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “As Governor Ducey has said, the principal job of state government reviews. In some cases, con artists have even timeshare interest at a location in Mexico. The they’ve been scammed. If you believe you are a victim of consumer is to protect and improve the quality of life for our citizens. Embracing new technology and offering better information to support motorist safety aligns with his charge to state agencies.”

The new site is easy to navigate and includes information not previously available. Speed maps for all of Arizona’s roadways are displayed. Motorists can see the weather forecast, radar, and National Weather Service watches and warnings. Border wait times have also been added. ADOT’s Twitter feed is visible on the home page, making it easy for travelers to get their questions answered by ADOT public information officers.

The 511 phone system includes the ability to transfer directly to state and national parks, airports, and other transportation-related contacts. Additionally, the phone system will allow callers to transfer to the Arizona Adopt a Highway system to report those who litter.

Soon to follow is an AZ511 mobile app for iOS and Android that will offer route planning, advanced monitoring of route conditions, and “drive mode” that will read off critical alerts to drivers.

“The new Arizona Traveler Information System was born out of demand from Arizona motorists for more information – especially during critical events like snowstorms or highway closures. With a 24/7 operations center, ADOT is the principal source of this information,” said Dr. Timothy Tait, ADOT’s director of communications. “While these new services have officially launched, we are still adding features, addressing issues and catching bugs. If you see something we can improve, be sure to look for ‘Contact Us’ under the ‘About’ link on the website.”

ADOT set up its statewide 511 phone line in 2002 and is part of the nationally-designated three-digit phone number for traveler information. Over the past year, AZ511.gov had more than 65 million hits and the 511 phone line received more than 430,000 calls.

The new AZ511 system is part of a range of tools used by ADOT to help drivers safely navigate the state. With the ADOT Alerts app – available at ADOTAlerts.com – more than 65,000 users are receiving alerts about crashes, serious weather or closures of highways to help them make informed driving decisions based on their loca-

AG BRNOVICH WARNS OF SPIKE IN RESALE SCAMS INVOLVING TIMESHARES IN MEXICO

ATTORNEY GENERAL MARK BRNOVICH IS WARNING ARIZONANS ABOUT A RISE IN SOPHISTICATED SCAMS RELATED TO THE SALE OF TIMESHARE INTERESTS IN MEXICO. Scammers often posing as real estate brokers contact consumers and claim that a buyer would like to purchase or rent the consumer’s existing con artists tell consumers that a buyer wants to pay tens of thousands of dollars for their timeshare, but the consumer must pay money upfront for taxes, or put money into an escrow account. The consumer is directed to wire money to accounts in Mexico. The scammers will attempt to continue to extract money from the consumer until the consumer runs out of money or realizes

Although these scams are typically operated by individuals within the country of Mexico, scammers frequently conceal their identity by using the name of legitimate businesses in the United States, often using the names of businesses registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission that have been inactive for years. Scammers will also create new, slick websites to appear legitimate, and populate internet sites with fake posed as part of Mexico’s government and say the Mexican government has set up a fund to assist victims of timeshare fraud in Mexico.

“Our office has seen an increase in consumer complaints involving timeshare resale scams in Mexico,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. “These scammers know some people are desperate to get out of their timeshares and prey upon that vulnerability to steal their money. Never wire or send money to people you don’t know or to a stranger in another country.”

tion using geofencing technology. fraud, you can file a complaint online with the Attorney General’s Office. You can also contact the Consumer Information and Complaints Unit in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763.

BANNER ALZHEIMER’S TO HOST MUSICAL SERIES FOR PATIENTS AND THEIR CARE PARTNERS MUSIC CAN AFFECT US IN for persons with mild to moderate innovate, adapt, and learn from each somed during that event. That was a POWERFUL WAYS, ESPECIALLY memory loss and their care partners. other to create music—the language joy to me,” she said. “But it was also WHEN IT COMES TO MOOD The participants will experience of the soul. a great experience for me to meet AND MEMORY. In support of a different region of the world other families and caregivers. We’re this engaging connection, Banner each week through music being “We’re excited to offer this series to all going through the same journey in Alzheimer’s Institute is proud to encouraged to explore memories and people and families within our com- different ways, and that connection introduce Passport to Music in 2019 engage in interactive experiences munity, because it offers an oppor- was incredible.” in partnership with the Musical in this unique environment. MIM tunity to help them remain socially Instrument Museum (MIM). The new fosters appreciation of the world’s active and engaged which is key to The Passport to Music series will be life enrichment program is designed diverse cultures by showing how we maintaining quality of life,” said Lori offered over the course of five weeks Nisson, LCSW, Family and Com- during 2019, and participants are munity Services director. “Recent encouraged to attend all sessions in studies convey the health benefits of their selected series. Each session music intervention for these patients. will take place from 12:30 to 2 p.m. People living with Alzheimer’s and at the Musical Instrument Museum, other related dementias maintain mu- main entrance lobby, 4725 E. Mayo sical aptitude and appreciation. While Blvd, Phoenix. EVERY YEAR, THE CITY OF PHOENIX IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO APPROVE A BALANCED BUDGET. Phoenix’s budget sets a plan to fund important city services, departments and functions such as Police, Fire, Water, Parks, Streets, Libraries, Neighborhood Services and many more. On March 19, the City Manager presented his 2019-20 Trial Budget to the Mayor and City Council. Staring April 2 through April 18, the city will be hosting 19 budget hearings citywide for community members to voice their input on what they would like to see in the budget. Details of the proposed budget are available at phoenix.gov/budget. The Mayor, City Councilmembers and city management will attend various budget hearings to share details on the proposed budget, take feedback and answer any questions. Information will be available in English and Spanish.

District 2 Meeting Dates/Locations:

• Tuesday, April 11 at 6 p.m..; Paradise Valley Community Center Multipurpose Room, 17402 N. 40th St • Thursday, April 11 at 6 p.m. CityWide Spanish/English; Maryvale Community Center Multipurpose dementia affects mood, memory and language; music can function as a THE DATES FOR EACH SERIES powerful tool in eliciting positive ARE: memories, emotions and interac- Spring series – May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 tions.” Summer series – Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Local resident Diane Gerdts has seen the positive results music has had on The cost to participate is $50 per pair her 85-year old husband Marlin, who and people can register by emailing has been suffering from Alzheimer’s BAIFCS@bannerhealth.com, or calldisease. He was first diagnosed ing (602) 839-6850. ous choir director, Diane knows the This program was funded by generpower and influence of music so ous support from Rosario Strano in was thrilled to participate during the honor of his wife Judy Loker to the pilot program. She said she couldn’t Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation. To believe how much Marlin enjoyed support programs and activities, visit himself. “My husband really blos- give.bannerhealth.com/Alzheimers.

PHOENIX HOSTING BUDGET HEARINGS IN APRIL FOR 2019-20 BUDGET, RESIDENTS INVITED TO ATTEND AND SHARE INPUT

about four years ago. Being a previRoom, 4420 N. 51st Ave. • Tuesday, April 16 at 6 p.m.; Goelet A. C. Beuf Community Center Multipurpose Room, 3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd. • Tuesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. Citywide Youth; Metro Tech High School Banquet Hall, 1900 W. Thomas Rd.

A list of ALL citywide dates/locations is available at phoenix.gov/budget.

If you are unable to attend, you can also share your thoughts on the city’s budget by emailing budget.research@ phoenix.gov. All community meetings will be broadcast on PHXTV Fall series – Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, Dec. 6 Channel 11 and will be shared to the city’s YouTube channel at youtube. com/cityofphoenixaz.

After the community’s review, the city manager will present a revised proposed budget to the City Council May 7, and the Council is expected to make a final decision on May 22. The Mayor and City Council will then consider adopting a budget-balancing plan in June, and the approved plan will take effect in July.

Respectfully,

Debra Stark Councilwoman City of Phoenix, Council District 3

CITY NEWS GIRL SCOUT TROOP, ABLE FINANCIAL DONATE COOKIES TO RYAN HOUSE

GIRL SCOUT AMBASSADOR TROOP 1991 FROM PINNACLE HIGH SCHOOL IN PHOENIX HAS TEAMED UP WITH ADAM BROOKS AND LEE EISINBERG FROM ABLE FINANCIAL GROUP TO DONATE 100 BOXES OF GIRL SCOUT COOKIES TO A CHARITY OF THE TROOP’S CHOICE. With the help of individual donors, the girls increased the donation to 150 boxes.

The Troop chose to donate their boxes to Ryan House, a center for respite and hospice services for children facing challenging medical conditions.

Erin Furnish, Community Relations and Volunteer Coordinator, said that the children look forward to eating Girl Scout cookies for snacks and to take them home. The Troop was delighted to bring some Girl Scout happiness to these children and their families. “We thank ABLE Financial for generously donating Girl Scout cookies to the children and families at Ryan House” said Troop member Isabelle Jacobs.

Pictured from left are Erin Furnish, Community Relations and Volunteer Coordinator at Ryan House; Girl Scouts Mackenzie Scott-Martin, Chloe Main, and Isabelle Jacobs.

PLEASE DONATE YOUR GENTLY USED OR NEW SHOES!

CLEANING OUT OLD SHOES? HAVE SHOES YOU’VE OUTGROWN? USE THEM FOR GOOD!

Four eighth graders (Alok, Noah, Tej, and Roman) in Explorer Middle School’s National Junior Honors Society, are hosting a Shoe Drive in Desert Ridge. This drive benefits Soles4Souls, who distributes shoes around the world. Since 2006, Soles4Souls has distributed over 30 million pairs of shoes to over 125 countries.

Did you know that there are 46.5 million people living in poverty right here in the US…and that 16.1 million of those are children? When you donate your used shoes to Soles4Souls, you are helping to finance the distribution of shoes to the people in our own community.

Donate any size, any kind of shoe. Sneakers, sandals, dress shoes, boots, high heels, boys’ shoes, girls’ shoes, cleats, even shoes without a match! Contact explorershoedrive@gmail. com with questions.

Follow on Instagram @explorershoe