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TheaterWorks Creates Holiday Immersive Theater Production
Following the massive success of TheaterWorks’ Up to 12 audience members per performance will revolutionary immersive theater experience experience this 100-minute immersive theater CURIOUSER & CURIOUSER, the theater production flowing through each room exploring, announces a new holiday version of the production solving puzzles, encountering inhabitants, and opening November 27, A CURIOUSER experiencing live theater in a new and safe way. NUTCRACKER. Wonderland has been taken over by the Mouse King community to engage in traditional stories that help and is stuck in an eternal winter. A CURIOUSER us celebrate this time of togetherness. Our new NUTCRACKER travels through Winter Won- immersive theater experience will allow people to derland with the White Rabbit and the Sugar Plum still have those traditions and participate safely,” says Fairy to find the four keys that activate the device that TheaterWorks Managing Director Cate Hinkle. will defeat the Mouse King and free the Nutcracker. “The holidays are an important time for the In order to create a safe space for both audience Cathy Carlat, Peoria Councilmember Vicki Hunt Filled with snow and the traditional music of members and actors, audience members will be and the West Valley Art Museum. Tchaikovsky, A CURIOUSER NUTCRACKER required to wear face coverings, temperatures catapults you into the worlds of Alice in will be taken upon arrival, gloves will be provided Tickets to A CURIOUSER NUTCRACKER range Wonderland and The Nutcracker. This family- to audience members to wear throughout the from $48 - $36 and are on sale now. Advance ticket friendly, holiday version of CURIOUSER & experience, all touch points will be sanitized between purchases are required. Multiple performances take CURIOUSER continues the safe and intimate groups and a thorough deep clean will take place place on November 27 – 29, December 3 – 6, 10 – 13, approach to live theater developed by the theater each evening, in addition to other safety protocols 17 – 23, 27 – 30. in response to the pandemic restrictions. Audience put in place. members walk through every theater, rehearsal The production takes place at the Peoria Center for the space and hallway in the Peoria Center for the This production is supported by the Constance W. Performing Arts. For more information or to purchase Performing Arts experiencing winter Wonderland McMillin Trust, Thom and Shelley Gyder, the City tickets, contact the Box Office at 623-815-7930 or intimately. of Peoria Arts Commission, APS, Peoria Mayor visit curiousertheater.org. Bring the Thanks to Thanksgiving SAVE $50 OFF INSTALLATION Installing Family Fun! We specialize in outdoor recreation With purchase of a equipment installation including Gorilla Playset! assembly, maintenance and relocation Code: Save50 of residential playsets, basketball goals and trampolines. We sell Gorilla Playsets or “you buy, we install” most brands and models - including gazebos, pergolas and sheds!
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Cover Story
Throughout 2020, schools and students alike have faced unprecedented challenges. Now, as Arizona starts to revive, students are looking for the education option that best fits their needs. Some schools are offering online learning while others are offering a hybrid learning model. Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC), a local public career and technical education district, has returned to their in-person, hands on learning model, which is necessary for the variety of programs and certifications they offer.
With four campuses throughout the North and West Valley and more than 37,000 students from 48 high schools from districts in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, West-MEC offers an assortment of funded programs designed for students that are looking for unique career pathways after high school graduation.
West-MEC students can earn a certification and gain employment immediately after high school or apply their experiences and knowledge to their next level of traditional education. There are a variety of career programs for students and families in North Phoenix and nearby communities.
“Today, more than ever, it’s vital that students understand the application of academics to real-world careers,” says West-MEC Superintendent Greg Donovan. “The United States is, and will be, in need of a highly trained and skilled workforce for the 21st century. We are grateful for the opportunity to develop new and thriving educational centers where students are empowered to participate fully in the economy.”
West-MEC’s focus is on the delivery of quality, comprehensive, articulated, industry-validated programs, facilities, equipment and resources that include classroom instruction, laboratory instruction, work-based learning, and a Career and Technical Student Organization.
The Northeast Campus features West-MEC’s Automotive Collision Technology, Automotive Technology, General Construction Technology, Medium/Heavy Diesel Technology, Coding, Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, and Veterinary Sciences programs.
Those with specific career aspirations such as Alexia Schuyleman, a senior in the Northeast Campus Veterinary Sciences program, can get a head start on the competition for college after high school graduation. The two-year program she has enrolled in will teach her how to deliver medical care to domestic, exotic and large animals, i.e. cats, dogs, reptiles, and birds.
“I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian since I was five-yearsold. Being here and in the profession and having the knowledge is important so when I am working in a clinic, I’ll have that experience to know how I can help right away. That was the biggest thing that drove me to West-MEC,” Schuyleman says.
Veterinary Science students have the opportunity
to assist a certified veterinary technician and/or veterinarian in surgery, run laboratory tests, obtain animal vitals, and provide daily care and enrichment to the animals up for adoption. This program prepares students to be a vital part of the veterinary team, working together to save animal lives.
The Veterinary Sciences program is not the only healthcare related certification a student can obtain at West-MEC’s Northeast Campus, either. Students can participate in the Medical Assisting or Pharmacy Technician programs, as well as other trades such as General Construction Technology or Automotive Collision Technology.
Pharmacy Technician program instructor Audrey Stewart said that every graduate of her one-year program is eligible to test and be employed as a pharmacy technician. Should students choose to further their education at a university or pursue additional healthcare-related careers, they will already have an advantage.
“Anyone my age when I describe what I do says, ‘I wish they had that when I was in high school,’ and the amazing part is that the students all have an inkling in what they want to do. I don’t expect them to all come in to be pharmacy technicians for life or to become pharmacists, but they have an interest in healthcare. So, I try to keep it broad so they can have success in whatever they choose to do in the end,” Stewart says.
“The best part is that it gives them flexibility with full-time options with benefits, or part-time while pursuing other options such as college or other education.”
West-MEC’s Northwest campus offers many of the same programs as its sister locations, but a unique aspect of the Northwest Campus is the Biomedical Science program.
“This comprehensive and accelerated program invited students to participate in the vast field of biomedical science including work in forensics, anthropology, biomedical engineering, and more,” says instructor Tye Helm.
Helm adds, “West-MEC’s Biomedical Science interns learn applicable job and social skills that help program bridges the gap between academics and make them valuable employees. industry by instilling vital biomedical skills and techniques, core knowledge, and professional soft- The Project SEARCH students are fully engaged in skills for students to enter the laboratory technology both classroom and on-the-job learning experiences field prepared. Furthermore, the program follows a through worksite rotations, giving them not only student-centric, research-based, teaching paradigm knowledge but also confidence to succeed in their that prepares students for the field in the same manner future workplaces. as leading medical schools in the nation.” West-MEC’s Northwest campus also offers a Medical Assisting Program for those students interested in healthcare. The two-year Medical Assisting Program prepares students with the necessary clinical and administrative knowledge to become entry-level medical assistants. Students will receive hands“The steps you see the students take are amazing,” says Job Coach Lyntasha Barrett, whose own daughter went through the program several years ago. “They’re nervous and a bit stressed out at first, but then they blossom into confident and happy adults. And, when they go on to get a job and do well in their careers, it’s a wonderful sight to see.” West-MEC is a public school district and receives its funding from the state of Arizona. About 68 percent of its ‘‘ Today, more than ever, it’s vital that students understand the application of academics to on training and learn how to properly administer injections, real-world careers. funding comes from the state and the remaining 32 percent comes from take vital signs, record the CTED (Career and EKGs, implement Technical Education basic accounting procedures, and understand the District) voter-approved measure. The majority of fundamentals of patient documentation. West-MEC’s instructional budget is designated to 12 West-MEC does not limit its instruction to traditional This funding helps support CTE programs, Career high school students, either. The district offers a and Technical Student Organizations training, student variety of adult education courses to those wishing grants, and professional development for teachers. The to make a career change or become certified for in- remainder of the funding goes toward West-MEC demand job opportunities. operated programs.
In addition, West-MEC also boasts its Project SEARCH Program. Project SEARCH is an international program that helps empower young adults with disabilities to help them make a successful transition from school into a professional career. Participants are taught relevant, marketable skills while immersed in the working world. Student Member School Districts that teach satellite programs.
Applications for all of West-MEC’s CTE programs went online in early October for the next academic year. High school students can access the application online at system.west-mec.org/application.
For a full list of programs at each West-MEC campus, visit west-mec.edu/career-programs.
Shopping Farmers Markets Across the Valley Welcome Locals this Fall
By Jill Frier Photos Courtesy of Farmers Market on High Street
November is the perfect time of year in Arizona to get out and enjoy the weather and one of the local farmers markets in the Valley of the Sun. Here are a few of the farmers markets in the metro area – be sure to check the website before you go to make sure you are aware of any restrictions in place.
Of course, be sure to adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines when you go, including wearing a mask, and don’t forget to pack that hand sanitizer!
PINNACLE PEAK FARMER’S MARKET
Pinnacle Peak Farmer’s Market is a weekly Saturday morning market on Pinnacle Peak and 43rd Avenue in Glendale, located in the parking lot of Hurricane Harbor Water Park. Hours: Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon Address: 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale Website: facebook.com/ pinnaclepeakfarmersmarket
FARMERS MARKET ON HIGH STREET
The Farmers Market on High Street is a weekly Sunday morning market located in the High Street shopping district at 56th Street and the 101 Freeway. Hours: Open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Address: 5415 East High Street, Phoenix Website: highstreetaz.com/farmers-market
ANTHEM FARMER’S MARKET
The Anthem Farmers Market is a weekly Saturday morning market located in the Anthem Veteran’s Memorial Park. Hours: Open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Address: 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy., Phoenix Website: arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets. com/anthem-farmers-market
DOWNTOWN FARMER’S MARKET
The Downtown Farmer’s Market is a weekly Saturday morning market located on Central Avenue and McKinley. Hours: Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Address: 721 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Website: downtownphoenixfarmersmarket.org
UPTOWN FARMER’S MARKET
Uptown Farmers Market is a weekly Saturday and Wednesday morning market on the southeast corner of Central Avenue and Bethany Home Road, located on the grounds of the North Phoenix Baptist Church. Hours: Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday is currently closed for the season. Address: 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Website: uptownmarketaz.com
ROADRUNNER PARK FARMER’S MARKET
The Roadrunner Park Farmer’s Market is a weekly Saturday morning market located in northeast Phoenix near Paradise Valley Mall between the 51 Freeway and 36th Street. Hours: Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Address: 3502 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix Website: arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets. com/roadrunner-farmers-mkt
OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE FARMER’S MARKET
The Old Town Scottsdale Farmer’s Market is a weekly Saturday morning market located in Old Town Scottsdale on 2nd Street and Brown. Hours: Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Address: 3806 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale Website: arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets. com/old-town-scottsdale
ARROWHEAD FARMER’S MARKET
The Arrowhead Farmer’s Market is a weekly Saturday morning market located on the north side of the Arrowhead Town Center mall parking lot in front of the old Sears building next to the AMC movie theater. Hours: Open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Address: 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale Website: getlocalarizonaevents.com/ saturdaymarket
These are just a few of the many farmers markets open around the Valley for the fall and winter season, so we recommend visiting these or researching ones in your own neighborhood.
For information about other fun activities and events in Arizona, read ladybugsblog.com.
