Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine

Medical, Health & Wellness. . . 26

Home & Garden Section . . . . . . 54

Dancing for Our Stars. . . . . . . . . . 67

“THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY”

MEDICAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

EDITION In Every Edition:

The ROX Interview: MATT LEMBERG

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley GOLDENCORRIDORLIVING.COM

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Medical, Health &

Wellness . . . 26

Dancing for Our Stars

n . . . . . . 54

Home & Garden Sectio

“THE VOICE OF

MEDICAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

. . . . . . . . . 67

Y” THE COMMUNIT

The ROX Interview:G

EDITION

MATT LEMBER

of the Boys & Girls Clubs y Casa Grande Valle

ion: In Every Edit

• $4.95 Complimentary GOLDENCORR

IDORLIVING.C

SPRING 2020

OM

LIDG E AND E • COO Y • C A SA GR ARIZ ONA CIT

ENCE • ELOY • FLOR

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

SPRING 2020

• MAR ICOP A

The ROX Interview:

Special Insert:

Matt Lemberg

Boys & Girls Clubs of Casa Grande

12

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley Local News:

Special Section:

Special Section:

Pinal County Press

Medical, Health & Wellness

Home & Garden

10

26

67

54

22

48

Economy, Finance & Business

Health, Happiness & Education

General Plan Update Uses Local Input to Set Course of Future Growth. . . . . . . . . . 22 The SECURE Act: Understanding

Out & About. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 How to Set Your Children Up for Success. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

How It Will Impact Your

Canine Coronavirus Isn’t Same

Retirement Savings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Infection as Human COVID-19 . . . . . . . . . . . 52

G OLDENCORRIDORLIVING .COM

Letter from the Editor

BUSINESS INDEX Absolute Homes / Vivid Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Annie-Mac Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Spring Flowers or Sniffles?

H

ere in the spring of 2020, health and fitness is at top of mind for everyone.

It’s a seasonal thing as the weather draws us outside, plus the coronavirus pandemic which makes it seem like the only safe places to be are at home and in extremely well-ventilated outdoor settings.

But one of the best ways to fend off any kind of threat to our immune systems, besides washing our hands, is to remain as healthy as we can. Maintaining our strength and vigor, and keeping stress at bay as much as we can, is critical at times like these.

A perfect new place to push your health journey forward is the award-winning Fitness Court just unveiled in Maricopa’s Pacana Park. This “outdoor gym” is exactly what we’re looking for these days.

Casa Grande City Council

B & G Automotive Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Blasted With Scarlett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Brutinel Plumbing & Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Capital R Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Casa Grande Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Member Donna McBride reminds us stress isn’t just for grownup. Kids face a lot of it as well, either Bea Lueck absorbing it at home or school. She has suggestions on how parents can dial stress back for their children and themselves, a skill families need more than ever.

Even Census 2020 is part of the health puzzle, with a community waiting to be counted so this region can get its fair share of federal funding for our health, transportation and other needs.

There are so many ways to boost our own and our community’s health most of us have never even thought of. It’s time to really take care of ourselves and each other.

Casa Grande Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Casa Grande Main St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Central Arizona College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Chris Buys AZ Houses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Coldwell Banker ROX - Property Management . . . . . 21 Coldwell Banker ROX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Cypress Point Retirement Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 DM Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Dreamstyle Remodeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Essential Health & Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Fitzgibbons Law Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Garrett Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Grande Innovation Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Healthmatch Advocacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Iron City Polaris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Jenkins Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Mankel Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Medical Waste Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

B OYS & G I R L S C LU B S E C T ION A DV E RT I S E R S

Norris RV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Academy Mortgage - CG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

ROX Casa Grande Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Airport Tavern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Al & Riley’s A/C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

–Bea

Arizona’s Best Choice Pest & Termite Services . . . . . 82 Brutinel Plumbing & Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Casa Grande Union High School District . . . . . . . . . . . 92 J Warren Funeral Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Pinal County Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Premier Cardiovascular Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Seeds of Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Shearer Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Sircle Pain Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Star Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Sun Life Family Health Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37

Mankel Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Theta Wellness Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

PPEP Tech High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Title Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Skydive Arizona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Vitalant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

UltraStar Multi-tainment Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Yang and Horsley Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

G OLDENCORRIDORLIVING .COM PUBLISHER Elaine Earle, CPA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bea Lueck DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Laurie Fisher ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Jamie Brashier Scott Metteauer COPY EDITOR/WRITER Blake Herzog CREATIVE DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tim Clarke GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jon Kammerman Shannon Price CUSTOMER SERVICE/AD TRAFFIC MANAGER Jamie Brashier PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER Julie Turetzky COMMENTS & IDEAS editor@roxco.com CALENDAR INQUIRIES calendar@roxco.com • goldencorridorliving.com/calendar

VOICES Angela Askey Executive Director, Public Relations and Marketing, Central Arizona College Angela is the Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing for Central Arizona College. Prior to her arrival at CAC, Angela served as the Media Relations Coordinator at Mesa Community College and the Community Relations Coordinator at Idaho State University College of Technology.

Joel Belloc Mayor, City of Eloy Mayor Belloc was elected as mayor of the City of Eloy in November 2014. He has also served as a member of the Eloy City Council from 2002-2012 and as Vice Mayor from 2012-2014. He graduated from Central Arizona College with an AAS degree in drafting/ design, attended Pima College and the University of Arizona, where he enrolled in landscape architecture. He currently manages his family’s farming business Belloc Inc. Mayor Belloc is a longtime resident of Eloy and has been married to his wife Cecilia for over 40 years. Together they have three children, 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mila Besich Mayor, Town of Superior Mila Besich, a fourth-generation resident of Superior, was elected as the Town’s Mayor in 2016. She wears many hats in her community and region, serving as Executive Director of the Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition and Advertising Director for Copper Area News Publishers.

SUBSCRIPTIONS info@roxco.com • goldencorridorliving.com/copies ADVERTISING INQUIRIES info@roxco.com • goldencorridorliving.com/advertise (520) 426-2074 442 W. Kortsen Rd, Ste 101 Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie Certified Physical Trainer, CPT, Certified Corporate Wellness Coach, WickedFiTT Tiffanie is the owner of WickedFiTT in Casa Grande, AZ. She is a well-known personal trainer, group fitness instructor and allaround fitness junkie. Tiffanie specializes in weight loss, strength and conditioning and general fitness.

Tim Kanavel Golden Corridor LIVING is published by Raxx Direct Marketing. Editorial content is provided by affiliates of Raxx Direct Marketing, community members and local organizations. © 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this publication, including but not limited to editorial content, illustrations, graphics and photographic images, may be republished, reproduced or reprinted without the prior express written consent of the publisher.

The publishers of Golden Corridor LIVING assume no responsibility for errors or omissions of any advertisement beyond the actual cost of the advertisement. In no event shall the publishers be liable for any consequential damages in excess of the cost of the advertisement. Golden Corridor LIVING shall not be liable for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, or damages from the use of information contained herein. Submitted articles do not reflect the opinions of the owners or management of Golden Corridor LIVING Information contained within submitted articles had not been verified for accuracy and readers are responsible for CORRID LI V ING 8 GOLDEN forming their own opinions.OR Real estate information is as of 3-1-20 and is subject to current availability and pricing.

Economic Development Program Manager, Pinal County Tim graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in regional development. His career in Arizona has taken him from the former Greater Tucson Economic Council to the Arizona Department of Commerce, to private enterprise at the Tucson Airport, to president/CEO of the Wickenburg Regional Economic Development Partnership, and to his present position as the economic development program manager for Pinal County.

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

of the

Community

Renée Louzon-Benn

Rina Rien

President, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce Renée became President of the Chamber in May, 2019. She has had 22 years of involvement with the local business community and the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce. Renée and her husband enjoy “living local,” dining at local eateries, walking the downtown area and hiking Casa Grande Mountain.

Director, Casa Grande Main Street As Executive Director of Casa Grande Main Street since 2012, Rina fosters a collaborative approach toward building a vibrant downtown community. Rina enjoys partnering with highly creative people who share a passion for promoting Historic Downtown and preserving its rich history.

Donna McBride

Bob Shogren

Councilwoman, City of Casa Grande Donna is the Program Administrator/Public Information Officer and Supervisor for the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Unit for Pinal County Juvenile Court. She is actively involved as a Board Member for Casa Grande Alliance, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, BlackBox Foundation, Mayor’s Reading Program, Pinal County Town Hall Vice Chair, Parks and Block Watch Captain for the Casa Grande Police Department. She is a current member of the Casa Grande City Council.

Director, Casa Grande Alliance Bob is a longtime resident of Pinal County. He has been an educator, school district administrator, community organizer and nonprofit board member. He also served for many years at the state and national level, working with AmeriCorps and other volunteer programs.

Craig McFarland

Jon Thompson

Mayor, City of Casa Grande Born and raised in California, Mayor McFarland has lived in Casa Grande since 2005. He is a graduate of California State University, Fresno and retired from Golden Eagle Distributors in January 2015 as VP of Sales after a 10-year run with the company. He has spent 36 years in beverage business-sales management, marketing and operations. McFarland began his first term as Mayor in December 2016.

Mayor, City of Coolidge Mayor Thompson graduated from NAU in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was first elected to the Coolidge City Council in 2002 and served as Vice Mayor from 2006 to 2010.

He gave up his council seat to run for Mayor and since being elected has retired as Division Director for the Pinal County Adult Probation Department after 30 years.

Gigi McWhirter

Tori Ward

Resident Animal Whisperer Conceived in a plane behind the Airport Tavern, Gigi is living proof that it takes a village to raise a kid properly. Married to the best man and we live in what I call the “Best Dog House in Casa Grande” shared with a bunch of dogs, two parakeets and a finch called “Rusty”. Lived in Alaska, drove on the Arctic Ocean, walked on the Great Wall of China and drank Guinness in Ireland. But none of this compares to my profound love of animals and Flying Leap wines!

Cruise and Resort Specialist, ROX Travel Victoria “Tori” is a cruise and resort specialist with a master’s degree in political science. She has completed more than 30 certification courses with the cruise and tour industry including the most advanced certification, Commodore, from Princess Cruise Lines. Tori is a member of the Cruise Lines International Association.

Christian Price Mayor, City of Maricopa Mayor Price is serving in his third term as Mayor. Mayor Price is an entrepreneur and small-business owner and is a partner of the Sierra West Group, a financial advisory firm. Raised in Tucson and a graduate of Northern Arizona University, he participates in numerous regional and national coalitions including serving as the Treasurer on the Executive Committee of the Arizona League of Cities and Towns.

SPRING 2020 • THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

9

PINAL COUNTY

by Blake Herzog

• A RIZONA CIT Y • CASA GR ANDE • COOLIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • M A RICOPA • A RIZONA CIT Y • CASA GR ANDE • COOL

Steel Skeleton of Lucid Motors Plant Already Complete

T

since. And in the last year and a half we were able to put this project together and pull it off, and it’s actually functioning right now,” he said.

The cost of building the initial recharge facility is coming in at nearly $8 million, the largest single expense being the turnout and infrastructure to channel water from the Central Arizona Project system into the basins.

Because the basins are so new they haven’t been fully filled yet, but early indications are they’re functioning well, Kieren said.

Once they’re full, the level of the water in the basins will be used to measure how quickly the water is being sent into the aquifer, he said.

he steel framework for the Lucid Motors production facility already has risen over the southwest corner of Casa Grande, completed at the end of February.

“Utilities are on schedule, the steel structure, a key milestone is completion, and that’s on schedule for completion tomorrow, and in fact we’re going to have a little ceremony with our steelworkers tomorrow. And then we go into the concrete. So everything is on schedule right now,” Lucid Director of Manufacturing Mike Boike told Golden Corridor LIVING on Feb. 25.

The nearly 60-foot tall structure will house the three traditional units of an automobile factory: the general assembly shop, paint shop and body shop, he said. Other functions will be handled offsite.

Construction of the Lucid facility officially began with a “groundbuilding” ceremony at the site Dec. 4 and was attended by Gov. Doug Ducey and numerous other dignitaries. Since then, more than 600 workers have been putting in the groundwork and airwork on a facility projected to create 4,800 direct and indirect jobs in the next decade.

These construction workers are using prefabricated components to build the factory,

Continued on page 24...

Continued on page 25...

Arizona Water Company built a 48-inch wide slidegate with a span of up to 19 feet on the Central Arizona Project canal to obtain the water for the recharge basins. It is currently being manually operated but its automatic controls will soon come online. Photo courtesy of Arizona Water Company.

Water Providers Work to Recharge Pinal County Aquifer

A

s Pinal County leaders search for solutions to a projected groundwater shortage for new development, utility providers are turning their efforts to bolstering the aquifer by “recharging” it with new or recycled water.

Arizona Water Company began channeling Central Arizona Project water into two new basins on the southwest edge of Coolidge in January.

The basins are designed to funnel water down into the soil, through the soil and into the groundwater table, where it can replenish the aquifer for current users and potentially supply future growth.

Mark Kieren, general manager of the Coolidge and Casa Grande water systems for Arizona Water Company, said the

10

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

company expects to be able to send 2,000 acre-feet of water annually into the aquifer through the two basins.

An acre-foot is generally defined as the amount of water needed to supply a suburban family household for a year, though usage varies widely.

Arizona Water has the right to use nearly 11,000 acre-feet of water from the Colorado River every year in the Coolidge area, and studied the alternatives for transporting and using that water, Kieren said.

The idea of building a water treatment plant was considered but proved too costly to pursue, so in 2014 Arizona Water decided to pursue the recharge option for its allocation.

“That was the choice we made back then, and we’ve been working toward that ever

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

PRESS

Visit GoldenCorridorLiving.com for Up-to-date Local News from Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine

LIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • M A RICOPA • A RIZONA CIT Y • CASA GR ANDE • COOLIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • M A RICOPA •

$30 Million in Pinal Sales Tax on Hold as Court Decision Appealed P inal County’s 2017 voter-approved transportation sales tax is now headed to the state Supreme Court, leaving some $30 million already collected in limbo in an escrow account.

The half-cent tax was upheld in a 3-0 ruling by District One of the Arizona Court of Appeals in January, when the judges found the tax valid under state law after it had been rejected by a tax court judge in mid-2018.

A joint opinion written by Presiding Judge Kenton D. Jones found the half-cent sales tax on all retail sales transactions up to $10,000 was enacted by the Pinal Regional Transportation Authority as authorized by voters, applies across all retail categories and uses a modified model as authorized under the state constitution.

“A tax statute is not unconstitutional simply because it does not impose an identical burden on all taxpayers,” the court said.

Pinal County resident Harold Vangilder and others appealed the ta x through the Phoenix-based Goldwater Institute after it was approved by 50.1% of voters in a November 2017 election. According to the libertarian institute’s website, the tax is unconstitutional because it created a new category of sales tax by limiting it to sales up to a certain value, a distinction the county isn’t permitted by law to make.

Jennifer Tiedemann, Goldwater deputy communications director, said the institute has been given until March 19 to file an appeal.

Pinal RTA General Manager Andy Smith said he has been advised not to discuss the legal case.

The 2017 ballot had two propositions related to the half-cent tax; one authorizing a 20-year regional transportation plan outlining road improvement projects prioritized for construc-

tion and a second for the funding mechanism, the tax itself.

The regional plan won 56% support from voters and includes a north-south connector highway between Apache Junction and Coolidge with a connector to

Casa Grande and Interstate 10, a four-lane connection between Maricopa and I-10 through Casa Grande and an expansion of Selma Highway to four lanes between Thornton Road and State Route 87.

Florence Copper Offering Site Tours of Pilot Facility

F

The wellfield for the pilot test facility at Florence Copper’s in-situ copper mining operation in Florence Courtesy of Florence Copper.

SPRING 2020 • THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

lorence Copper Inc., the company operating a pilot test facility for a copper mine in the Town of Florence midway between the original townsite and Anthem at Merrill Ranch, is inviting local residents to see it in action.

“Our site tour program is strong, and we encourage residents to call us for a public site tour to learn about the in-situ copper recovery process and the benefits for the Town of Florence and all of Pinal County,”

said Stacy Gramazio, manager of communications and public affairs at Florence Copper.

The company is giving periodic tours of its 24-well test facility, which has begun to extract copper oxide deposits from what’s estimated to be 2.5 billion pounds of copper reserves.

Gramazio emphasized this project does not involve strip mining or plunging workers down a dark, narrow shaft.

Continued on page 57...

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

11

PHOTO BY ERIN LEMBERG

Lemberg family portrait.

L-R Gavin, Matt, Corrie, Noah and Colin.

The ROX Interview

Matt Lemberg

Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley Interview by Bea Lueck

I

I have had the pleasure of knowing Matt since he started at the Boys & Girls Club 18 years ago. As the teen and athletic director, at times it was hard to tell Matt from the kids. Truth be told, there are still times his youthful antics and enthusiasm are apparent. There were plenty of naysayers when he first assumed the role of executive director. There were also plenty of supporters who wanted to give him a chance to make the job his. As time moved forward, the number of supporters grew as Matt grew into the position. He faced every challenge with a smile and steadfastness. Rarely did you see him get ruffled when something went awry — even the time the water heater at the old gym sprung a major leak, flooding the administrative office in general and Matt’s office the worst.

During his tenure the Club has grown from two locations to soon to be six. The number of youth served went from 250 to over 650 daily. The budget needed to operate six clubs has grown as well. Grants and fundraising efforts account for about 80% of the Club’s operational dollars. Under Matt’s tutelage, the Club has been able to continue to grow and provide services to the Casa Grande area youth. I probably haven’t told him enough, Matt I’m proud of you.

GC LIVING: I finally have the opportunity to sit down and interview a longtime friend, Matt Lemberg, the executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley. Let’s start at the beginning. Where did you grow up?

MATT LEMBERG: I was born in Huntsville, Alabama, and lived there until I was 8, and then our family moved to Casa Grande. I would say I grew up in Casa Grande, but not quite born and raised in Casa Grande.

GC LIVING: Close enough by most standards. Tell us about your family.

MATT LEMBERG: I have two siblings. My brother, Timothy, is three years younger than me and my sister, Erin, is six years

younger. We grew up in the Casa Grande elementary and high school system.

GC LIVING: Your father, Rick Lemberg, was a long-time pastor at First Presbyterian Church. Were you the typical preacher’s kid?

MATT LEMBERG: Oh yes. I was the pot-stirring, never got caught but kind of leading the charge of silliness pastor’s kid.

GC LIVING: I remember a youthful piercing or two.

MATT LEMBERG: I was definitely told in great disappointment, “Matt, what are you doing? Your dad is a man of the cloth,” more than once. So, yes, I was a pastor’s kid, complete with all the fun challenges.

In addition to being a pastor’s kid and

SPRING 2020 • THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

spending a lot of time in church, the youth pastor, Michael Dahl, and the youth leaders, particularly Paul Cooper, were huge influences on my life. Because of their influence, I thought I would become a youth pastor.

A D-minus in an Old Testament class the first semester in college changed that direction. It was an eight o’clock class, my first semester of college. I wasn’t doing horrible things, I was just not sleeping, and I wasn’t prepared for the difficulty of this class and was failing. The professor actually called my dad and said, “Hey, Mr. Lemberg. I think your son is on drugs.”

And my dad said, “I am not going to promise you he’s not, but I’m pretty sure he’s not.” “Well, then I don’t think he’s college material,” is what the professor told my dad.

GC LIVING: What college was that?

MATT LEMBERG: I went to Whitworth College — it is now Whitworth University, in Spokane, Washington.

I loved it. It gave me the opportunity to be far away from Casa Grande. Like a lot of kids who grow up here, I was excited to get out. Jumping ahead, I’m very glad I’m back. At the time, a small Christian college in a different climate was going to allow me to do some snowboarding, and the opportunity to play tennis. It checked a lot of boxes for me.

GC LIVING: On a positive note, you not only graduated from college, you went on to get your MBA. MATT LEMBERG: I survived, stayed in college and even survived academic probation. (laughs) GC LIVING: I’m guessing your parents had you on probation from life after that.

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

13

MATT LEMBERG: Oh yeah. I never knew you could hear someone shaking their head in disgust over the phone until the day I told my dad about that D-minus. In the end I pulled it together and passed the class and went on to graduate. The next step was to get an MBA from Northern Arizona University. That was the toughest year of my life academically. I thought the jump from high school to college was big and that one was even more so.

GC LIVING: You were dating Corrie then, weren’t you?

MATT LEMBERG: Corrie and I were engaged that year I was at NAU. We’d been dating for about three years at that time, all long-distance. She was at ASU and I was at Whitworth and then NAU. We’ve been married since 2002.

GC LIVING: And you survived the wedding in spite of the Lakers jersey.

MATT LEMBERG: That’s right. That’s right.

Anytime I can talk about the Lakers is an opportunity I want to take. The Lembergs are huge LA sports fans. It’s where most of our extended family lives. Game four of the 2002 Western Conference Finals was the day of our wedding. And that doesn’t mean a lot to most people until I say it was the day Robert Horry hit the three at the buzzer to win the game and tie the series.

Having known that that had happened, my brother went home and got a Lakers jersey and I wore it into the reception and was booed very violently.

I was concerned at first it was just Corrie’s side of the family who were booing me. But I think Suns fans were too.

GC LIVING: You and Corrie have three sons.

MATT LEMBERG: Yes. God bless that woman.

GC LIVING: You married up.

MATT LEMBERG: I definitely married up.

There is this half-joke, half-truth. There

14

OR LI GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR LIV VING ING • THE INTERV IE W

is not anyone in the world who knows us both that likes me more than her.

My joke, our yin and y ang, is that she has all the talent but gives herself no credit and I have no talent but give myself all the credit. We work perfect together (laughs). Bea, don’t nod in agreement!

GC LIVING: (laughs) I’m sorry.

M AT T L E M B E R G : Please note that the interviewer is nodding in agreement.

Seriously, she’s phenomenal. Corrie grew up here, her family is still here. She graduated ASU, and went on to be an elementary school teacher, first in the Toltec Elementary School District and then in the Casa Grande Elementary School District. And when our children were born she stayed home to raise and homeschool our children. Gavin is 11, Noah is 7, and Colin is 4.

GC LIVING: Your faith is important to you.

To the point you actually did become a minister.

MATT LEMBERG: (laughs) So is Homer Simpson, though, on one episode.

GC LIVING: But did you buy the degree online for $29.95?

MATT LEMBERG: I think I just checked a box online. When you get a D-minus in an Old Testament class you can’t become a youth pastor. Seriously, faith is very important to both Corrie and I and part of our family. We attend Calvary Chapel here in Casa Grande now and love our church. We led youth group for many years and through some of those relationships a number of our youth group kids asked if I would officiate their wedding.

GC LIVING: So now you’re out of college and looking for employment. How did you end up at the Boys & Girls Club?

MATT LEMBERG: I graduated from NAU in May of 2002. We got married two weeks later; Corrie had one more year of ASU. I was working for a 1-800 call-in debt-con-

PHOTO BY MICHAEL DAHL

The ROX Interview (continued)

solidation place. It was not for me but it was a needed job at the time. We lived in Mesa and were coming to Casa Grande to help my best friend, Ben Marquez, the youth pastor at First Presbyterian Church with some things. Dave Ellis, a local business owner, was an elder at the First Presbyterian Church and a board member with the Boys & Girls Club. The Club was looking for a teen and athletic director and he connected me with the Club staff.

GC LIVING: Was soccer going at that time?

MATT LEMBERG: The Boys & Girls Club took over soccer the year before I came — we just finished our 18th season this year.

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

And I’ve been here for 17 of them. One big role when I was hired was running the soccer league each fall. The other half was working with teens. I spent a lot of time at the middle schools, hosting open gym and school dances. I did that for just under two years. And in January of ‘05, I took over as executive director.

GC LIVING: What was going on with the organization at that time?

MATT LEMBERG: The Arizona City elementary school location opened just before I came on and we were a two-club entity at that point. I loved it. I was fairly young professionally, and was blessed with phenomenal board members, and a strong board. Certainly in those early years there were a number of people who really helped me develop the needed leadership skills, and management styles — just all the things I hadn’t experienced. I understood working with the kids and understood what I’d learned in college about running businesses, but now I needed to learn about working with a wide and varied group of people — board members and the community. Matt Herman was the board president when I came on. He was followed by Kai Gerkey, Ross Feezer and then you ...

GC LIVING: Nope. Greg Gates was before me.

MATT LEMBERG: That’s right, you took over midterm for Greg Gates when he moved.

So many people were instrumental to our organization’s success over the past 21

years, not only getting the Boys & Girls Clubs off the ground, but in helping get the organization to where we are today.

GC LIVING: The Club recently had a major announcement.

MATT LEMBERG: Yes! We just announced we’re going to open our sixth club in July. We’re opening a club at Santa Cruz Elementary School in Maricopa. I’m very excited about that. We had our first club-related conversation with people in Maricopa in 2010. Looking back, it wasn’t the right time for anybody for several different reasons.

GC LIVING: Having been part of those 2010 conversations, most of it at that time was economic.

MATT LEMBERG: The State of Arizona was in the downturn market. Grants that were previously available had dried up.

Donations were down. The Club could not economically take on the financial responsibility of a new site and risk failing.

GC LIVING: Financially, the Club is primarily funded by donations and grants. Very little of the budget is from the membership fees.

MATT LEMBERG: Right. Today about 20% of

SPRING 2020 • THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

our $1.2 million budget comes from membership fees. We are better prepared today to grow effectively than we would have been 10 years ago. We’ve grown over the years and have an amazing team of people who are prepared to launch a new Club.

We completed our strategic plan about a year and a half ago and we want to serve young people throughout Pinal County.

Maricopa is exploding population-wise.

There is not many things for young people to do during the out of school time so it was a very natural fit. The Maricopa school district and city have been great to us.

GC LIVING: How many youth do you impact each year now?

MATT LEMBERG: At our five current clubs we see about 650 kids every day through our afterschool programs. Then we have members who play on our soccer league.

We also have “other youth served” in a program called Smart Moves, which is a prevention program that we take into elementary schools. With those two things combined, members and other youth services, we served 4,200 young people in

continued on page 62...

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15

CITY

SPEAK

CASA GRANDE — UNITED IN OUR PURPOSE

by Craig H. McFarland, Mayor, City of Casa Grande

T Our five focus areas in the adopted Strategic Plan are: quality of life; marketing; education and workforce development; fiscal responsibility and economic opportunity.

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here is a sentence in our Declaration of Independence issued by the Continental Congress July 4, 1776 that speaks to our forefathers’ commitment to our fledgling alliance that we call these United States of America. It is: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

What a powerful statement!

Consider what they faced, sending this Declaration to the King of England and basically calling him out.

Come take our freedom, come take our liberty, come take our fortunes, come take our lives. It makes today’s struggles look trivial.

Fast-forwarding to current-day Casa Grande, the stakes aren’t as high for City leadership as we work together to update our Strategic Plan, but we are no less united in our declaration of purpose.

The Strategic Plan is a document through which the City Council and senior City staff sets forth our Focus Areas and motives for City employees as they provide services to residents and businesses.

It does include some action statements but does not outline specific activities workers should undertake, since there are countless ways to reach any particular goal, and employees gain ownership in the process by figuring out the how.

As we were putting together the current plan we adopted in June 2018, we underwent a process that helped us understand our areas of focus and clearly communicate our purpose. We were also able to understand our needs by honestly listening to new ideas.

We were able to uncover the deeper goals of our City, and through that came up with a plan that helps to unite us with common motivation.

Our five focus areas in the adopted Strategic Plan are: quality of life; marketing; education and workforce development; fiscal responsibility and economic opportunity. You can find a link to the complete document at www.casagrandeaz.gov/city-council-adopts-

five-year-strategic-plan.

Any good strategic plan is updated periodically (sometimes yearly, sometimes every other year). It is meant to be flexible as things change or goals achieved move you to the next need or Focus Area.

As we undergo this process of updating we have added a sixth Focus Area: advance our healthy community. The activities in this area will concentrate on enhancing health and safety for all of our residents through such public safety initiatives as data-driven traffic enforcement, our CGHELPS Resource Center, our homelessness and workforce housing task forces and our Healthy Community website at https://casagrandeaz.gov/community-health.

We anticipate the City’s 2020 Strategic Plan will be adopted by the end of April.

The City’s leaders are united as we take our Strategic Plan in this exciting new direction, which will enhance life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for every Casa Grande resident under our community’s growing horizon.

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

Casa Grande Main Street is Proud to Participate in Arizona Gives Day April 7

by Rina Rien, Director, Casa Grande Main Street

C

asa Grande Main Street will be joining Arizona Gives Day along with hundreds of other nonprofits from all over the state on April 7 to raise much-needed funds for future maintenance of the Casa Grande Neon Sign Park. Through www.azgives.org, Arizonans will be able to support their favorite nonprofit(s) for 24 hours of virtual giving to strive for additional cash incentive prizes.

But you don’t have to wait until Arizona Gives Day to get started. Here are some easy and fun ways you can support the park now and help us spread the word as future plans are announced: • Visit www.neonsignpark.com to learn the history of the park and how you can support us now through monthly contributions or becoming a Founder and sponsoring a personalized paver, plate or bench.

• Visit our TripAdvisor site at www.tripadvisor.com to post a review and photos.

• Use our Facebook @neonsignpark and Instagram #neonsignpark tags on photos you take at the park.

• Stay tuned to get the latest news about our Arizona Gives Day event and planning by signing up for our eblast at downtown@cgmailbox.com or texting “CGMS” to 57711 and following instructions that follow via text.

• Can’t join us for the Arizona Gives Day Event? Visit our campaign site and donate directly at: www.azgives.org/ cgmainstreet.

MORE EVENTS Casa Grande Main Street is sponsoring several other events this spring for residents and visitors to experience downtown’s history, art and attractions: • Casa Grande Art Association Studio Tour: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., March 7-8. This is a local art event with a tour of local art studios throughout the city, each including a marketplace with additional regional artists showing and selling their work.

Tour begins at Casa Grande Art Museum, 319 W. Third St., and admission is free.

Map and details can be found at www. casagrandeartassociation.org.

• Casa Grande Fine Art and Fiddle Fest: March 13-15. Casa Grande’s 13th annual art show is being joined by a first-ever fiddle competition. Approximately 40 artists exhibit and sell their work for a juried show drawing up to 3,000 people each year. All events are at Peart Park, 350 E. Sixth St. Schedule: Art preview and free concert 5 to 8 p.m., March 13; fine art exhibition and fiddle competition 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 14; fine art exhibition and live entertainment 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 15. For more information on the art show call 520-836-8744; for more on the Fiddle Fest call 520-709-0150.

• Day Out Downtown: 9:30-11 a.m. March 19 and April 16. Orientation and refreshments begin 9:30 a.m. at the Main Street Patio, 110 W. Second St. behind the Cook E Jar. This is followed by an hourlong walking tour with living history sites, Neon Sign Park and more. Tours last approximately one hour.

SPRING 2020 • THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

Historic Downtown…

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110 W. 2nd St., Casa Grande 520-836-8744 www.cgmainstreet.org GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

17

ELOY, ARIZONA ELOY’S AMENITIES REALLY SHINE IN SPRINGTIME

by Joel Belloc, Mayor, City of Eloy

I Eloy is a place to enjoy during every season, but spring is when the desert blossoms and Eloy shines.

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t is a beautiful spring in Pinal County. I hope everyone has been able to get out and enjoy the weather, view the spectacular spring flowers and be thankful for a new year. One of the biggest events going on right now is the U.S. Census. It is now underway and I hope all of you will do your part and fill in and send the form.

Being counted helps bring new federal dollars to Eloy, which will result in better streets, parks, senior programs and much, much more.

A couple of other projects are completed or in the works that we hope bring new investment to Eloy.

One is the recently completed hotel feasibility analysis that shows our community is ready and able to support new hotel development.

City staff is in the hunt for a new hotel using this data as a key part of our overall marketing strategy.

Eloy, with its prime location right on Interstate 10, offers one of the best sites in Arizona for jobs, hotels and other amenities. Now we just have to prove it and take advantage of what Eloy has to offer.

One of Eloy’s best-kept secrets is our very own Skydive Arizona, located at the Eloy Municipal Airport. People from all over the world are well aware of Eloy’s skydiving attributes and are anxious to return each year for some of the best recreational and competitive freefalling and parachuting.

Eloy attracts enthusiasts from dozens of countries and each of them stays in the area, eats in the restaurants, shops and in some cases even live in Eloy and the surrounding area for up to six months at a time.

Chances are if you hear groups of people speaking a language you can’t quite understand it could be skydivers here to enjoy their chosen sport.

If you’re looking for a unique activity in Eloy, drop by the airport, visit the Bent Prop Saloon for some of the best food in Pinal County and then stay awhile to watch single and tandem sk ydivers soar through the air and land gracefully on their feet with a huge grin on their face!

For the more ad-

venturous, sign up for a tandem jump and experience the exhilaration of freefall, the grace of floating on air, the excitement of landing, no worse for the wear, but having the time of your life. For the less adventurous, Skydive Arizona also has a fully operational indoor wind tunnel allowing for the full sensation of skydiving, but only several feet off the ground.

If you are less inclined to jump out of airplanes, but want to experience something new that celebrates the past, visit the newly opened Santa Cruz Valley Historic Museum, Sunland Visitor Center and Chamber of Commerce. A former school building, which now houses all three organizations, has been completely renovated and houses one of the finest collections of artifacts, historical photos and documents from Pinal County. They are centrally located in Eloy on Toltec Road, north of I-10 and south of Frontier Street.

Eloy is a place to enjoy during every season, but spring is when the desert blossoms and Eloy shines.

Enjoy the amenities of our community.

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

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19

COOLIDGE, ARIZONA ROAD IMPROVEMENTS THROUGHOUT COOLIDGE BENEFIT RESIDENTS, ECONOMY

by Jon Thompson, Mayor, City of Coolidge

T Together, our staff and Council have come up with ways to help improve our aging infrastructure and make way for new opportunities.

his month I’d like to speak about one of the items that has been a major focus of our citizens. As Coolidge grows and more residents move into the city, roads have been ranked as an important infrastructure concern. The City Council and I have taken important actions over the past few years to continually improve our roadways throughout the City.

As part of this improvement, major roadways in the downtown part of the City have been completely resurfaced. Central Avenue, Coolidge Avenue and Main Street have been redone and the results have proven to be outstanding. Our maintenance program in neighborhoods north of Arizona Boulevard are also continuing to be a success.

This work helps to make the roads smoother and prolong their lifespan. It also shows residents our commitment to making sure our roads are safe and taking a proactive approach to what can become a very expensive fix if not addressed.

This year we are continuing to work in various areas around the City. Some of our neighborhoods in the downtown area will be seeing roads repaved with brand-new material. We’ve also added new sidewalk ramps to help our public navigate throughout the area easier. All of these improvements will make a noticeable difference to our residents and visitors.

$15.3M federal grant will beef up roads near Nikola site I’m also excited about a federal grant that will assist with important improvements in the southern portion of Coolidge. In a collaboration with Pinal County and the City of Eloy, major roadway improvements will be made to Hanna and Houser roads.

This $15.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation shows efforts made by the City and stakeholders to improve the entire community. The Inland Port of Arizona, known as IPAZ, will become a regional player in Central Arizona, and a grant of this size will help improve much needed roadway to support such a large project.

Jackob Anderson, president of Saint Holdings and developer of IPAZ, looks forward to the improved infrastructure in the area. “The award of the grant shows the region that IPAZ is now nationally recog-

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nized as a significant rail industrial park serving the entire Southwest. It also has all the infrastructure needed to support advanced manufacturing, industrial and distribution needs.”

Nikola Motors is the first tenant to take part in IPAZ, and Coolidge looks forward to the company moving into the space, where it is expected to generate thousands of jobs.

Together, our staff and Council have come up with ways to help improve our aging infrastructure and make way for new opportunities. We always strive to find out what’s important to our citizens, and I believe we’re on track to make the community a better place to live. IPAZ will be a welcomed addition to Coolidge as it prepares for its first tenant in addition to growth occurring in the southern region of the City.

I’m excited to see the changes that have been made and look forward to seeing future improvements as we continue to expand. Coolidge is fast becoming a wonderful place to live, work and play.

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

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General Plan Update Uses Local Input to Set Course of Future Growth

by Renée Louzon-Benn, President, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce

T

he Chamber is all about community.

We work with our business members to help their businesses thrive and to build a healthy local economy. We emphasize shopping local and using local business services and products.

Every dollar we spend in Casa Grande helps the City to continue developing a robust community with well-funded public safety services and well-maintained streets and roads. Our emphasis on having a strong, educated and trained workforce will attract larger businesses and industry.

Casa Grande is our community of choice and even though we hear about a sudden economic boom with new industries and corporations, the truth is that Casa Grande has experienced strong and steady growth, especially since 2000 – a 100% increase in population.

The key is to have balanced and sustainable growth and careful planning each step of the

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way. The City and other local business and community leaders and citizens are strategically planning for the future and methodical growth that will lead to prosperity for Casa Grande as a whole.

City leadership is currently working on the updated Casa Grande General Plan 2030. They are seeking input from all Casa Grande residents on shaping the future. A notice for the City’s General Plan Update public meeting held in January stated, “Our General Plan is our community’s long-term blueprint for our future and how we want to manage it. State law requires every 10 years, we update our plan and ask our community to ratify it at a Citywide election.” This is an opportunity for local residents to give feedback in planning for the future of the city. More public meetings will be scheduled. For more information, visit casagrande2030.azurewebsites.net.

A healthy community is one in which all

of the elements (business, education, government, citizens, services, industry, recreation, tourism, arts and humanities) work together with the same motivation and the same idea for a balanced and sustainable present and future. We encourage all of our businesses and residents to think about the direction we would like to see Casa Grande go over the next 10 years that would provide a strong and economically stable city we are proud to call home.

Business Opportunity Community

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

Economy • Finance • Business

The SECURE Act: Understanding How It Will Impact Your Retirement Savings

by Ann F. Schrooten, Estate Planning Attorney

T

he SECURE1 Act, which was signed into law in December, is the most significant retirement legislation in more than a decade. The Act puts into place numerous provisions intended to strengthen retirement security and make saving for retirement easier and more accessible for many Americans. The Act includes provisions that: • delay the starting age for required minimum distributions; • eliminate the maximum age for making tax-deductible IRA contributions; and • e x pa nd t he scop e of penalty-free withdrawals and tax-free distributions from 529 plans.

The Act also eliminates the “stretch IRA” by reducing the period of tax-free distributions for many types of account beneficiaries.

Below are some of the SECURE Act’s key changes and what they mean for current retirement savers and future retirees.

Age for Required Minimum Distributions Increased to 72 The Act increases the age, from 70½ to 72, at which an individual must begin taking re-

quired minimum distributions (RMDs) from their traditional IRA or other tax-favored retirement account. This change applies beginning with traditional IRA account owners who will attain the age of 70½ on or after January 1, 2020. Persons who reached the age of 70½ in 2019 or before still need to make the required minimum distributions in 2020.

Age Restriction on Traditional IRA Contributions Eliminated The SECURE Act eliminates the maximum age for traditional IRA contributions, which was previously capped at 70½ years. As Americans live longer, an increasing number continue employment beyond traditional

retirement age. The Act allows anyone who is working and has earned income to contribute to a traditional IRA regardless of age.

The maximum amounts you can contribute to a traditional IRA for 2020 are $6,000 per person under age 50 and $7,000 if you are age 50 or older.

Penalty-Free Withdrawals for Childbirth and Adoption Costs The Act allows an individual to take a “qualified birth or adoption distribution” of up to $5,000 during the first year after the birth or adoption of a child. This distribution is not subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalty.

Stretch IRA Eliminated for Certain Inherited IRAs Previously, beneficiaries who did not inherit their accounts from a spouse were in some cases allowed to withdraw required minimum distributions for the span of their lives – thanks to an option known as a “stretch IRA.” The Act reduces the withdrawal period and requires most non-spouse beneficiaries to withdraw all assets from the inherited IRA within 10 years following the death of the original account holder. There are no required minimum distributions within those 10 years, but the entire balance must be distributed by the end of the 10th year.

Beneficiaries excepted from the 10-year distribution requirement include a surviving spouse, a minor child of the decedent, a disabled or chronically ill individual, and beneficiaries who are less than 10 years younger than the decedent.

Expansion of Section 529 Plans A 529 plan was originally designed as a college savings plan.

The Act expands a 529 education savings account to cover costs associated with registered apprenticeships, homeschooling, up to $10,000 of qualified student loan repayments, and elementary and secondary tuition costs. Distributions for student loan repayments includes distributions to pay qualified student loans for siblings.

SECURE is an acronym for “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement.”

Conclusion If you are the owner of a tax-favored retirement account, the SECURE Act should prompt you to review your accounts and IRA beneficiary designations to ensure that you take full advantage of the new law’s provisions and avoid any potential risks.

Ann Schrooten is a Casa Grande estate planning and probate attorney with the Fitzgibbons Law Offices (520-426-3824).

1

SPRING 2020 • THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

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PINAL COUNTY PRESS A R IZONA CIT Y • C A SA GR A NDE • CO OLIDGE • ELOY • F LOR ENCE • M A R ICOPA

CONTINUED…

Gov. Pushes to Widen I-10 Bridge Over Gila River to Six Lanes

I

continue to repair it. The governor’s allocation will complete the funding for a new bridge, expected to cost about $78 million, with the rest coming from the federal government.

As for the rest of the stretch, ADOT is working with the GRIC, Federal Highway Administration and Maricopa Association of Governments on a separate environmental and engineering study of adding one lane in each direction, as well as a “nobuild” option. The study is to be completed in August, according to that project’s web page, www. i10wildhorsepasscorridor.com.

But the timeline depends on land acquisition from the tribe and funding, neither of which has a set timeline.

ADOT has set aside $50 million for “initial improvements” on I-10 beginning in fiscal year 2023, and MAG $112 million for the Maricopa County section in fiscal 2025, which is about 8 miles. The ultimate cost of widening the stretch and where the rest of the money will come from hasn’t been determined, though ADOT will look for federal as well as state and local funding.

Casa Grande Mayor Craig Mc-

Farland said he is optimistic the widening of entire stretch between Casa Grande and Chandler, where at least five people died in crashes during February, will start in the next five years.

He cited the funding in the state’s 5-year road improvement plans and the GRIC’s commit-

ment to the engineering study and a coalition being formed by the Pinal Alliance.

He said to try to speed the process along, during an upcoming trip to Washington D.C. “I’m planning to go to our legislators and do a little pounding of the pavement.”

WATER RECHARGE...cont. from page 10

that’s our responsibility. It turned out pretty nice, it’s a really nice facility and everything’s gone pretty well,” he said.

The Arizona Department of Water Resources determined last year that projected future growth in Pinal County would create 8 million acre-feet of unmet needs over the next 100 years. An adhoc committee headed by County Supervisor Steve Miller and state Rep. David Cook is meeting to look for potential water supplies and address other issues.

In Maricopa, water and wastewater service provider Global Water is in the planning and permitting stages for a similar recharge facility, which President and CEO Ron Fleming said will hopefully come online in 2021.

He said the company focuses on using treated wastewater for nonpotable uses such as landscaping, but typically has excess amounts of it during the cooler winter months when demand is lower, so that excess will go into the recharge basins.

“We’ll be recharging right into the area where we’re withdrawing from for use, so right back into the aquifer,” he said.

Global Water has also signed an agreement, subject to Arizona Corporation Commission approval, to serve the Inland Port Arizona between Eloy and Coolidge, including the site of the planned Nikola Motor Company manufacturing facility.

Fleming said the company plans to build recharge facilities for the new utility being formed there.

Arizona Water’s longer-range plans call for three more basins on the 10 acres set aside for the recharge project, but Kieren said the construction timeline will be tied to the complex matter of finding enough water to meet the needs of future Pinal County development.

“We’re trying to stay ahead of it, and we’re trying to take advantage of this water that’s available to us through this CAP allocation,

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SOURCE: WWW.I10WILDHORSEPASSCORRIDOR.COM

nterstate 10’s one remaining two-lane stretch in each direction between Phoenix and Tucson is the 26 miles that cross the Gila River Indian Community just north of Casa Grande.

Gov. Doug Ducey has included $28 million in his budget to fully fund replacement of the bridge across the Gila River, which sits near the midpoint of this stretch of highway.

Ducey said during his State of the State address in January: “62,000 people drive over it every day. That’s 23 million a year.

So let’s break ground ASAP.” Construction is expected to begin during the 2021 fiscal year, which begins July 1, the governor’s office said. The new bridge will be six lanes wide, with capacity to add additional lanes.

The existing bridge, two spans going east- and westbound, is 56 years old and approaching the end of its expected life span, the Arizona Department of Transportation says on www. i10bridgeproject.com, a webpage for ADOT’s study of alternatives for repairing or replacing it.

ADOT indicates on its website the preferred solution is to replace the bridge rather than

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

PINAL COUNTY PRESS A R IZONA CIT Y • C A SA GR A NDE • CO OLIDGE • ELOY • F LOR ENCE • M A R ICOPA

CONTINUED…

Florence Prison Shutdown to Have Financial Impact at Town, State

G

ov. Doug Ducey’s announcement of plans to close Arizona State Prison Complex-Florence during January’s State of the State speech took many Town of Florence leaders and residents by surprise, and officials are now assessing its potential impact to the community.

A “white paper” released by the Town at the beginning of February estimates Florence’s government and economy receives more than $3 million in direct benefit per year from the prison complex, Intergovernmental and Communications Manager Benjamin Bitter said.

“While the timeline for any closure remains uncertain, largely due to the fact that any transition would require state funding and the state budget is still in its early negotiation phase at the Capitol, we are working hard to ensure that our residents and the employees that work in our community will retain their jobs and high quality of life,” he said.

The white paper, which Bitter said will be a “living document,” said expected impacts to the Town include: • Loss of $1.5 million in population-based state-

LUCID MOTORS...cont. from page 10 expected to total 11.4 million pounds of steel and 67.4 million pounds of concrete by the time they’re done.

The company will then start production of the Lucid Air, a luxury electric sedan touted for being able to go more than 400 miles without needing a recharge, including autonomous driver software that can be updated over time as technology advances.

•

•

shared revenue and county transportation tax, with the largest single hit being more than $465,000 in state-shared income tax. $1.25 million in Town wastewater fees for service to the complex.

Loss of 1,000 potential jobs after the consoli-

Company CEO Peter Rawlinson visited the site Feb. 8 so he could share details of the progress at a sneak preview “Love Is In the Air” event Feb. 13 for holders of the $1,000 reservations Lucid is taking for the cars.

And on Feb. 24 the company announced a partnership with LG Chem, which will supply battery cells for standard versions of the Air through 2023.

Boike said the first 30 employees for its new factory are in

SPRING 2020 • THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

•

dation of staff from the Florence complex with that of the Eyman prison complex, also within the Town’s boundaries.

Increased pressure on e m e r g e n c y r e sp on s e to the Eyman complex, which requires a 5-mile detour due to its location past a bridge insufficient

training at the company headquarters in Norwalk, California, and will in turn help train the other workers brought on board throughout this year.

Eighty prototype vehicles are currently being produced in Norwalk as Lucid prepares for a “global reveal” of the Air in April, which will include final specifications, available configurations and pricing.

General applications to work at the Casa Grande site are avail-

•

to handle the weight of a fire engine.

Increased slum and blight concer ns a round t he Florence complex, which the Town has been trying to mitigate over the last few years.

Continued on page 57...

able through the Careers section of www.lucidmotors.com, with more specific job descriptions to come later.

Boike said he is encouraged by the pace of progress at the factory site and that construction is on pace to meet the goal of turning out its first Airs before 2021 arrives.

“We’ll be done by the end of the year. The factory is going to be done by the end of the year,” he said.

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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Special Section:

City Fitness Challenges Pump Up the Golden Corridor

by Blake Herzog

F

or lots of people, the most effective way to get them to pound the pavement, dance in class for their cardio or pump iron for their strength training is to challenge themselves—not just personally but as part of a larger group that will hold them accountable and maybe offer some kind of “carrot” for completion, too.

At least two Pinal County cities have been crafting such challenges for their residents to build community along with muscle, heart rates and momentum around the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. These challenges cannot only help those who participate, but give ideas to individuals or groups elsewhere looking to set up their own challenges.

Casa Grande is offering such challenges at its new Community Recreation Center at 1905 N. Peart Road, for members and nonmembers alike, Recreation Coordinator Nikolina Sabo said.

“Our very first challenge was called ‘3 Miles a Day for 30 Days,’ she said. “This challenge encouraged participants to develop a regular fitness plan as a part of their overall wellness. It encouraged them to engage in 3 miles worth of physical activity each day for 30 days straight.

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

“Participants had to track how many miles per day they either walked, ran, rode on a bicycle, did on a treadmill or an elliptical.

Those who did at least 3 miles a day each day had an opportunity to enter a raffle and win wireless earbuds,” she said.

Sabo added, “We had a ‘Holiday Hustle’ challenge in which members were encouraged to complete at least 30 workouts (one workout equals a group fitness class or a workout on

their own) from the beginning of November to end of December.” Those who met that goal got a chance to win a personal training session.

Maricopa is following up on its annual City Weight Loss Challenges with a series of fitness challenges, said Henry Pollock, recreation coordinator for fitness, with the first ending in February and the next one set to kick off in June. “The Copper Sky Fitness Challenge was a six-week, team-based

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF MARICOPA.

In addition, the Fitness in the Park series is a free one-hour bootcamp-style workout open to everyone, held 8:30 a.m. every third Saturday of the month at Carr McNatt Park, 1115 N. Brown Ave. These will be held through May 16, and will be replaced in June through August by a free one-hour Aqua Zumba or Aqua Aerobics class at the Palm Island Family Aquatic Park at Carr McNatt Park.

For more information about City of Casa Grande fitness classes and activities call 520421-8677 or visit www.casagrandeaz. gov/ recreation.

More than 50 group exercise classes are held every week covering conditioning, aerobics, yoga, Silver Sneakers, aquatic fitness and other activities are held in the Copper Sky Multigenerational Center. It also offers personal trainers.

For more information about City of Maricopa fitness classes and other options call 520-316-4600 or visit www.maricopa-az.gov/ departments/community-services/copper-sky.

Both community fitness centers offer memberships, which include additional benefits.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CASA GRANDE PARKS AND RECREATION

competition where each week individuals had a scorecard with a variety of categories like personal training, group exercise, flash challenges and more,” he said.

“They would get points depending on what areas were completed over the six weeks. We had 30 people split up between two teams, and it was a huge success for our first run,” he added. The upcoming edition will likely include even more activities for participants to engage in, he said.

These communities are showing fitness challenges can work at the city level, but they’re a great idea for families and groups of friends or co-workers, too. There are apps and blogs online with suggestions about how best to set up a contest to get everyone’s blood pumping.

Of course, Casa Grande’s CRC and the Copper Sky Recreational Complex, at 44345 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Maricopa, offer many more ways for residents to get a true fitness regimen going. Sabo said the CRC has more than 60 group fitness classes every week available with a day pass or included with a membership.

Residents Asked to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 After First Pinal Cases Diagnosed

P

inal County authorities reported the County’s first three cases of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, on March 6 and March 7, the first known cases of “community spread” of the virus in Arizona.

The patients were identified as a woman in her 40s, a health care worker employed in Maricopa County and living in Pinal, and two other people from the same household.

Dr. Shauna McIsaac, director of the Pinal County Public Health Department, said at the press conference where the first positive test result was announced that further community spread can be minimized if residents take these preventive steps: • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Wash your hands often with soap and

by Blake Herzog

• • • •

water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces like doorknobs, light switches and electronic devices using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

COVID-19 is believed to be spread mostly through coughs and sneezes from an infected person. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and difficulty breathing.

McIsaac said people who are elderly or have pre-existing medical conditions such as chronic lung disease have a higher risk of se-

SPRING 2020 • THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

rious illness after being infected by the virus.

If you traveled to an area where COVID-19 is spreading and have developed fever with a cough or shortness of breath within 14 days, or have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.

If you do not have a healthcare provider, you may need to be seen at your local hospital emergency room/urgent care center. Call the emergency room/urgent care center to get instructions before going in.

For current information on COVID-19, visit www. pinal.gov/publichealth and www.Maricopa.gov/ Coronavirus. For statewide case counts and information about testing at the Arizona State Public Health Lab, visit www.azhealth.gov/ COVID-19.

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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Special Section: Medical, Health & Wellness

Look for Ways to Reduce Stress for Both Kids and Adults

by Donna McBride, Council Member, City of Casa Grande

S

tress is a natural part of life nowadays. It’s all around us.

Some say it is easy to see the signs of stress. Some people overeat, some sleep too much or too little. A person might shut down while others take it out on others in their attitude and actions.

Newsflash! Stress does not just affect adults.

Kids are the same way. But because they are “just kids,” people seem to forget that. Those temper tantrums before school or the meltdown on the way to a friend’s birthday party are often attributed to being “one of those days.”

Just like adults, if kids don’t learn how to manage stress, they will self-medicate with food, drugs and alcohol or inappropriate behavior. They will reach for something to make them feel better right away, and often, it won’t be healthy and could be life-altering.

Kids learn from us. Our actions teach them habits. These five helpful tips can be good for all ages.

Smash the schedule

Kids are expected to pay attention and perform in school for seven hours and shine at extracurricular activities for a few hours. Then there’s coming home to finish homework and get to bed at a decent hour — just to do it all over again the next day.

Where is the downtime? Their brains and bodies need to rest. And, they might not realize this by themselves. Knowing when they are overscheduled is important. Look at their schedule each week and make sure there’s some downtime every day.

Live for leisure

Doing something that doesn’t add pressure can help. Do it without setting out as a competition, goal or lesson. It just is. While toddlers may do this naturally, for the older the kids it is harder. Everything becomes a competition. It wouldn’t hurt everyone, adults included, to simply enjoy.

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So find ways to combine play with physical activity like riding bikes, throwing around the baseball, taking the dog for a walk or hiking.

Relax and rest

Sleep is vital for everything from minimizing stress to improving mood and school performance. Lack of sleep is a definite red flag kids are overscheduling their time. Parents may need to help reduce commitments while guiding them about the importance of sleep.

Create an environment that helps prepare for a good night’s sleep. For example, keep TV and other electronics out of your child’s bedroom. That room is good for quiet time, reading and resting.

Believe your body

Help your kids to understand their bodies and how stress affects them (and you). Encourage them to listen to what their bodies are saying. Leaving class because their stomach hurts or waking up repeatedly with a headache is a sign there’s too much happening. Falling asleep in class is another red flag.

You stress – kids stress!

Stress is contagious. When parents are stressed out, kids are stressed out.

If we live in an atmosphere where it’s one thing after another, your kid is going to pick up on that. It is not about the spoken word, but the body language that comes with stress. A disorganized home is another stressful trigger for kids, and this is especially evident in the mornings.

Bottom line, there’s many ways to release our daily stresses. For instance, you can walk into my office and find encouraging words of wisdom all around.

Stress doesn’t have to control the journey of this thing we call life. Being good role models for our kids and grandkids will help our communities be healthier, happier and more successful.

CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

Family Resources Casa Grande Alliance Strong Families Program www.casagrandealliance.org • 520-836-5022 City of Casa Grande www.CasaGrandeaz.gov Click on “Healthy Community Resources” National Parent Helpline 1-855-4A Parent (1-855-427-2736)

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

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Special Section: Medical, Health & Wellness

Auto Collisions Can Plant Time Bombs for Back Pain, Arthritis

by Dr. Sean Paul Jenkins, Owner, Jenkins Chiropractic

I

have been a practicing chiropractor since 1998, and in Casa Grande since 2006. I see on average about 10,000 people a year, so you can imagine I have seen a lot of different kinds of conditions over the years.

There are a few that are more

Normal

After Car Accident

challenging than others, like disc bulges, scoliosis, sciatic pain and advanced arthritis. The majority of patients come to see me for a flare-up of a chronic pain disorder that was never treated or treated improperly.

There is one condition I have

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seen over the years where most people underestimate the severity of the trauma, and that is injury from auto accidents. I wish I had a dollar for every time I asked one of my patients if they have ever been in a car accident and they would say yes, but I was not hurt.

An auto collision injury is devastating to the spine. It changes the structure of the spine, causing you to lose the natural curves which affect the nervous system.

It damages ligaments, tendons, muscles, and can set you up for a lifetime of chronic pain if not treated properly. A lot of the time after a car accident you may not feel pain right away due to a release of adrenaline and endorphins, but over the next 10 to 14 days your body will begin to relax and pain does increase.

The other factor is that the body will begin to heal and fibrotic adhesion will develop, which could lead to scar tissue.

That is a huge problem. Scar tissue will restrict the natural motion of the vertebrae. Since the discs do not have their own blood supply they begin to dry out, causing disc desiccation and then premature arthritis in the spine, which develops in about two to five years.

There are countless studies showing that you can be in a car accident going five miles an hour

with minimal property damage to the car and still sustain injury to the body. Hopefully you are never in an accident but if you or a family member is, please go get checked out by a health care professional right away and make sure X-rays are taken. If there is pain radiating from the spine to the arms or legs, an MRI is warranted to rule out disc injury.

Our first priority is to turn the pain off and much of that will be muscular, so ice, electric stimulation and laser therapy will resolve most of it. But it is imperative to restore the normal curvature of the spine and break up the fibrotic adhesions that will form around the vertebrae. Physical therapy helps, but we need to address more than just the muscle.

An auto injury is a neurophysiological disorder, and the spine needs to be adjusted by someone who went to school for it.

A lot of the time, the problem is ligaments take months to heal, and it is important that the structure is stable before the patient is released from care.

So now you can see how not being treated for a car accident can cause you no pain at the time of the injury, but more later as arthritis forms in the spine.

And if you are one of my patients and you have been in a car accident and have not come to see me, you better call me ASAP.

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

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Special Section: Medical, Health & Wellness

What is Public Health?

by Roseanne Nguyen, Program Manager, Pinal County Public Health Services District

W

hen you hear “public health,” what comes to mind? Most people recognize public health as “health inspectors” who inspect restaurants. Public health is about protecting and improving the lives of people where they live, work and play.

At Pinal County Public Health Services District, we have four major divisions: environmental health, community health, preparedness & response, and clinic services. We believe in promoting health and preventing disease through prevention and intervention.

Our mission is to cultivate a healthy community where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Environmental Health

Our Environmental Health Division protects the health and safety of the residents and visitors in Pinal County. This past fiscal year, the Food Protection & Safety team performed over 3,200 inspections. With our county growing, environmental specialists ensure sanitation and hygiene are at the forefront of their inspections. Remember any time you visit a restaurant or attend a concert in Pinal County, our environmental team has you covered.

Also, the team investigates complaints and health hazards; this includes green swimming pools, animal waste, bees, flies, food safety, hotels, RV parks, mosquito breeding and more. In 2019, 481 mosquito surveillance traps were installed throughout the county.

Community Health

The Community Health Division serves school districts throughout Pinal County and the Juvenile Justice Center. By educating youth about issues such as mental health and drug misuse prevention, Community Health

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CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

Public Health Staff August 2019. Photo taken by Pinal County Library Employee

promotes healthy lifestyles to all ages. Furthermore, we also partner with the Pinal-Gila Council on Senior Citizens to provide chronic disease self-management workshops. These workshops are designed to empower people with chronic illness and/or chronic pain to take charge of their health care by encouraging them to set and achieve their health goals.

Workshops are available throughout the year.

We welcome you to contact Cori Wilson for more information at 520-866-4515 or cori. wilson@pinal.gov.

Preparedness and Response

We have two teams who prevent outbreaks and respond to emergency events: Infectious Disease and Epidemiology Section (IDES) and Public Health Emergency Preparedness & Response (PHEPR). Both teams are highly trained in emergency intervention, surveillance and disaster response. They work behind the scenes to ensure Pinal County is safe and prepared.

WIC, Vital Records & Clinical Services In our public health clinics we provide multiple services, including Women, Infants & Children, vital records, immunizations and reproductive health services. These programs ensure Pinal County individuals and families receive quality preventive health care.

Our WIC program has new resources coming soon. First, we are adding breastfeeding peer counseling; this will provide peer-to-peer support for breastfeeding moms. We are also improving the way clients access nutrition education in WIC by providing cooking classes and some WIC appointments by phone.

For vital records needs, we provide birth and death certificates on a walk-in basis in

Maricopa Clinic. Photo taken by Public Health Employee

three of our clinic locations: Casa Grande, Maricopa and San Tan Valley.

In addition, Public Health protects you and your family by providing affordable immunizations for both adults and children and reproductive health clinical services, including family planning and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment to all genders.

Additionally, we offer the Well Women health check program, which includes breast and cervical cancer screenings and mammogram referrals.

We welcome you to explore and use our services. Call 866-960-0633 to schedule WIC or clinic appointments or walk in to one of our clinics for immunizations. For more details, including locations and hours of operations for our clinics, please visit our website at http://pinalcountyaz.gov/publichealth.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you another year. We look forward to building a healthier year with you!

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

Special Section: Medical, Health & Wellness

Theta Center Offers Multiple Approaches to Health and Wellness

by Marie Gagne’, BCDHH, CNC, LE, Director, Theta Wellness Centers of Arizona

Theta Wellness Centers of Arizona is creating individual wellness solutions and transforming lives using noninvasive therapies, cutting-edge machines, full body scans, biological age reversal programs, nutritional guidance and natural products.

A

t Theta Wellness Centers of Arizona our clients learn how to achieve renewed health and vitality through weekly visits at our premier health retreat. Our holistic beauty and wellness center is fully staffed with an outstanding group of well-qualified, caring professionals who are ready to listen and recommend natural solutions for your health concerns.

Allow us to help plan your wellness goals and guide you on the path to health and vitality. Using a variety of customized programs, nutrition and 21st century wellness machines, we are helping many become free from bad behaviors and stubborn addictions and move forward with their lives while experiencing health and vitality.

Theta Wellness Centers of Arizona is creating individual wellness solutions and transforming lives using noninvasive therapies, cutting-edge machines, full body scans, biological age reversal programs, nutritional guidance and natural products.

Benefits

Treatment sessions are offered in our relaxing spa environment. Clients routinely alternate from the Theta Chamber, which helps to eliminate anxiety, stress, PTSD, depression and various forms of addictions to acoustic

light treatments using color therapy and frequencies together for pain control and inflammation reduction. Our low-pressure hyperbaric chamber, alias “the cube,” decreases injury healing time, bacteria, infection, diabetic ulcers and neuritis, as well as helping to speed up the healing time of bone issues.

Most sessions are concluded on our PEMF Pure Wave Bed, which produces pulsed electromagnetic fields that move around an individual’s body. This field then delivers healing energy to the body by producing negative ions and far infrared waves as you drift off in comfort recharging your cells. The inner light LED and frequencies bed helps the body regulate high blood pressure, reduce wrinkles, clear acne, calm rosacea and repair tissue and nerve damage in most clients.

preparing the perfect plan to include frequency detection and correction, non-invasive machines, whole foods and gluten-free supplements with unique cleansing programs.

Individual Wellness

Summary

Any real and lasting change must take place within the individual. Theta Wellness Centers of Arizona will give you the necessary tools to achieve lasting wellness. It has been said if you want something different you must try something different. Individual protocols are carefully constructed,

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CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

Holistic Aesthetics (Skin Care) The holistic aesthetics studio located within the center offers the Micro-Zen Facelift, which I created.

The studio offers advanced skin and body education with certification to licensed aestheticians wishing to branch out in learning the effects of frequency optimization when applied to treatments. Learn the art of holistic beauty through wellness as I teach classes in the art of holistic beauty using the MG’ Triad System.

Theta Wellness Centers of Arizona is being referred to as a true oasis in the desert. Visit our center soon and discover why we are the best kept secret in Arizona.

Experience a new zest for life and live large. For more information visit www.azthetawellness.com.

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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Special Section: Medical, Health & Wellness

Maricopa Honored with Fitness Campaign Innovation Award

by Adam Wolfe, Public Information Officer, City of Maricopa

T

he National Fitness Campaign has awarded the City of Maricopa with its inaugural Healthy Infrastructure Award in Innovation, recognizing our community leaders and trailblazers in one of its five categories: leadership, programming excellence, storytelling, design excellence and innovation.

The campaign recognized the City of Maricopa with the 2019 Healthy Infrastructure Award in Innovation for its exemplary work to integrate new and fresh ideas into the fitness platform and become the first Fitness Court® built citywide to connect wellness initiatives and residents in local communities. Located in Pacana Park, the Fitness Court®

38

has been dedicated to Maricopa’s veterans, firefighters and police officers and is already a favored meeting place for the City’s fitness lovers.

“When Mayor Christian Price announced a citywide fitness challenge, their residents answered the call and supported in an unprecedented way,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of the National Fitness Campaign.

“Integrating the Fitness Court® mobile app into their already active lifestyle, this group of all ages and fitness levels got moving and have fully leveraged their new outdoor gym. We applaud the City of Maricopa for the commitment to make healthy lifestyles a priority for their residents.”

CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

“We want to bring everybody together, not just veterans and first responders, we want to make the park more useful for all. We want this community to have full support of fitness and nutrition resources to achieve their goals,” said Matthew Reiter, marketing and development coordinator for the City of Maricopa.

The City joins a distinct group of community and city leaders recognized by the National Fitness Campaign including: Oklahoma City for the Healthy Infrastructure Award in Leadership; City of Loveland, Colorado for the Healthy Infrastructure Award in Programming; City of Killeen, Texas for the Healthy Infrastructure Award in Story-

telling; and the City of Avenal, California for the Healthy Infrastructure Award in Design Excellence.

The Fitness Court® is a stateof-the-art, digitally connected platform for adults of all ages and abilities to develop healthy habits and maintain long-term wellness.

The courts include stations which facilitate circuit-training exercises including push-ups, pull-ups, lunges, rowing, and a progressive training wall. A smartphone app is available to guide users through the course.

For more information about the National Fitness Campaign and to find the nearest Fitness Court®, visit www.nationalfitnesscampaign.com.

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

Special Section: Medical, Health & Wellness

Experienced and Compassionate Physicians Serving the Pinal County Community for Over 23 Years Our friendly office staff are a dedicated, experienced, and caring team who share our vision and values for providing 100 percent patient satisfaction.

P

remier Cardiovascular Center is a thriving cardiology practice with office locations in Casa Grande, Chandler and Maricopa. Our experienced and compassionate physicians have been serving the Pinal county community for 20 years and have earned a trusted reputation for providing excellent cardiac care. PCC physicians are affiliated with many major hospitals, including Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, Chandler Regional Medical Center, Mercy Gilbert and Banner Desert Medical Center.

Our practice includes five board-certified cardiologists including two non-invasive cardiologists, Ashok Solsi MD and John Tretter MD; three interventional cardiologists, Georges Nseir MD, Romas Kirvaitis MD, Ramprakash Devadoss, MD; an electrophysiologist, Ziad El Khoury MD; and a Physician Assistant, Rob Gervais specializing in varicose veins/venous insufficiency. Dr. Solsi is the president and founder of PCC. Dr. Nseir is actively involved in ongoing research. We are proud to be an IAC-accredited facility for Nuclear Cardiology, Vascular Testing, and Echocardiography with state-of-theart diagnostic equipment. We have fully-integrated certified electronic medical records, including our new Patient Portal that allows you to connect with our doctors and staff through a convenient, safe and secure online environment.

PCC offers a full range of diagnostic services, including

consultation and evaluation, exercise stress testing, cardiac catheterization, cardiac interventional procedures, Holter/ Event monitoring, Pacemaker assessment/implantation, Arrhythmia Ablations, Stress Echo/Pharmacological Stress Echocardiogram, Transesophageal Echocardiography and Cardiac, Carotid, Abdominal, and Vascular. Our interventional cardiology services include: Intravascular Stenting, Artherectomy, Balloon Angioplasty, Intravascular Ultrasound, Peripheral Vascular Interventions and Thrombolysis. Our vein services include radiofrequency, venous ablations, foam sclerotherapy and cosmetic sclero.

Our Casa Grande location is conveniently located at 803 N Salk Drive, adjacent to Banner Casa Grande Medical Center. Our office hours are: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays. We accept all major commercial, Medicaid, Marketplace and Medicare insurance plans. Many of our staff members and doctors are bilingual and can speak Spanish and French. Our friendly office staff is a dedicated, experienced and caring team who share our vision and values for providing 100 percent patient satisfaction.

Please call or stop by to schedule an appointment for a complete cardiac checkup, because “Prevention is better than a cure!”

Your Number One Heart Specialists Ashok C. Solsi, MD • Georges Y. Nseir, MD • John Tretter, MD • Ziad El Khoury, MD • Romas Kirvaitis, MD • Ramprakash Devadoss, MD • Rob Gervais, PA-C Visit us online at www.pcvc.md or on Facebook 40

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OFFICES LOCATED IN: 803 N. Salk Drive • Casa Grande, AZ 21300 N. John Wayne Parkway Bld. 7, Unit 116 • Maricopa, AZ Phone: (520) 836-6682 • Fax: (520) 836-6703 77 S. Dobson Rd. • Chandler, AZ Phone: (480) 814-0266 • Fax: (480) 814-0018 THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

Special Section: Medical, Health & Wellness

Arizona Medical Waste Brings Value, Customer Service

by Diana DiVello, VP of Sales & Compliance, Arizona Medical Waste

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business is only as strong as the customer relationships it builds its foundation upon. In a community as tightknit as Pinal County, this could not be more important. In today’s tech-fueled world, encouraging leaner operations and less customer contact, the disconnect between the business and the customer grows ever so surely — the healthcare industry being a prime example. Where most companies favor robotic relationships as opposed to human ones, Arizona Medical Waste is doing things differently — the old-fashioned way.

As one of Casa Grande’s best-reviewed companies, AMW offers low-cost solutions for doctors, dentists, hospitals and other health-care clinics’ medical and dental waste disposal needs.

Built from the ground up over a decade ago by the DiVello family, Arizona Medical

Waste quickly made its mark in Arizona as a top-rated medical waste management company. How they did it wasn’t a surprise: They focused on the customer first. And they also offer their services in California, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado.

“The first thing we say to a new customer is, ‘Welcome to the family!’” said Victor DiVello, CEO of AMW. “And that’s exactly how we treat our company and our customers — as family. This makes it second nature for us to extend the greatest level of customer service anyone can ask for. When you put customers first, everything else falls in place.”

One of AMW’s core competencies is helping practices of all sizes save money on their medical and dental waste disposal. This is done by evaluating which waste streams an office produces the most of, how that office is currently disposing of that waste, and then recommending which methods to employ to

SPRING 2020 • THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

save costs on disposal and management.

“Customers are absolutely pleased when we show them how much money we can save them,” Diana DiVello, vice president of sales, said. “We simply audit their current medical waste streams and waste provider’s service invoices, and work our magic. I don’t think we’ve taken on a new customer without saving them at least 25% to 50% off their current bill.”

To have your services reviewed, contact Diana at 800-563-3854 or diana@medicalwastedisposal.com for your quote.

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Special Section: Medical, Health & Wellness

Group Fitness Classes Promote Good Habits, Accountability

Team WicketFiTT

by Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie, Certified Physical Trainer, Certified Corporate Wellness Coach, WickedFiTT

I

believe habits are contagious. Maybe it sounds obvious, or maybe it sounds impossible, but either way I believe whatever is the norm in your social group usually becomes the norm for you, too. Research supports the idea.

Think about it. We are always making decisions based on what other people think, actions and habits, which is why it’s super important to surround yourself with people whose habits support your healthy lifestyle.

So, maybe if we surround ourselves with fit, active people who enjoy healthy foods and living healthy, we’ll be more likely to make the same healthy choices.

Since this is the Health and Wellness issue, I thought it would be a great time to gain some insight by interviewing some of my social group — the members of WickedFiTT. I asked them all the same questions, here are some answers and some pretty great advice.

Question No. 1 — What is your WHY? Your inspiration?

Suzi Howard: “Being a role model for my daughter, getting strong and healthy to show her it can be done. How to be healthy, happy and still have fun.”

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Team WicketFiTT

Amy Faulk: “After much thought, I concluded my inspiration comes from helping others and motivating others to be better and do better. However, I constantly fall short on motivating myself. Due to all the things I’ve endured and lived through, my WHY is my drive to live more abundantly. Which means I really need to take better care of myself.”

Norma Montijo: “The thing that inspires me the most is my children. I want to be the best version of me at all times. I want them to see that no matter what trials and tribulations life hands you, always be kind and show love.”

Question No. 2 — How do you stay motivated?

Veronica Webb: “My doctor gave me some fantastic advice. She said the best thing I can do for my health is to sweat 30 minutes a day. Period. It’s better than any pill that she could prescribe for me to fix any problem that I have/had. Also, fitting into clothes that I haven’t worn in years feels fantastic!”

Lindy Bushnell: “It’s become habit for me. I also have amazing women that I enjoy being around. The negative feelings that happen when I don’t work out is horrible. I never want to feel that way. I also get high out of my workouts. FREEBIE!!!!!”

Question No. 3 — What is your definition of accountability?

Lorena Flores: “If you say you will do something, do it, or at least try your best to get it done.”

Mary Holland: “Accountability is a part of the group fitness atmosphere. People notice when you do not show up. You can ask others to hold you accountable, but it is ultimately up to you to decide to make a change and stick with it.”

Question No. 4 — What advice would you give to someone interested in joining a group fitness class?

Catherine Decker: “Joining a group fitness class is a wonderful experience to meet like-minded individuals, get support from others to go beyond what you think you can do. There is a sisterhood and belonging that is nurtured when you see the same group of women accomplishing their goals, and sometimes these classes are the only connection they have to other women who may be having a conflict and they find a bond with another individual that can give them moral support. Bottom line, it’s just a lot of fun!”

We would love to hear from you: Email us anytime at wickedfittgym@gmail.com.

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

Special Section: Medical, Health & Wellness

Essential Health and Medicine Staff

Essential Health and Medicine Offers Alternative Solutions for Individualized Care You are unique… your healthcare should be too!

E

ssential Health and Medicine, Casa Grande (EHM) is a unique health care clinic offering a variety of services to improve and maintain your health. We offer conventional medical and natural methods of healing such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, pulsed electric magnetic field (PEMF) and reflexology.

PEMF is an effective treatment for many types of pain, scar tissue, shingles, neuralgia and many other issues. NASA has researched and utilized this method of healing astronauts for many years.

Lori Soteros, NP, is a licensed nurse practitioner with more than 30 years experience in health care. She focuses on

underlying causes of disease that better address the healthcare needs of the 21st century using a systems approach and engaging a therapeutic partnership. Chronic conditions are on the rise and identifying the root cause is her goal. Underlying issues that prevent optimal health include, but are not limited to, infections, toxins, genetics, nutritional deficiencies and metabolic dysfunction.

Dr. Gregory Donnelly is known by many as “the best chiropractor in Arizona.” He graduated from Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, Iowa in 1992, and has been practicing in Casa Grande for over 15 years. He takes time to get to know each patient to offer individualized treatment

SPRING 2020 • THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

plans. He uses a combination of traditional chiropractic manipulation and instrument adjusting (activator). Soft tissue therapies are essential for proper and lasting results.

Massage therapists at EHM are experienced and offer a variety of specialties such as hot stone, lymphatic drainage, cranial sacral, sports massage, and more. They also work closely

with the chiropractor in motor vehicle accident cases helping to ease discomfort of whiplash and other injuries.

We are a well-rounded holistic clinic offering conventional medical care and various alternative specialties including three acupuncturists. Most insurance is accepted, including Medicare.

New patients and walk-in appointments are welcome!

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Special Section: Medical, Health & Wellness

Independent Health Advocate – What’s it All About?

by Carolyn Bennett, B.S.N., R.N., BCPA, Owner/Manager, Healthmatch Advocacy

Independent Health Advocacy is about individual empowerment for making sound health decisions.

W

hen the anesthesiologist revealed my husband’s lab results before surgery, I felt that awful feeling in the pit of my stomach. I knew the result of the hemoglobin was too low, but he blew it off by saying it’s OK for his age.

I knew better, and for this minor surgical procedure I did not think it would be a problem.

However, after surgery I asked for the lab to be repeated, and the response was “why?”

I insisted and that began our

journey through stage 3 colon cancer. Patients tend to be slotted into a one-size-fits-all category without “seeing” the individual. Two trusted providers ignored this important clue.

Consider this: For the last

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“Putting the Pieces Together”

d fin s tu U e Le YO carrve e th dese u yo

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520-836-7735 Lifetime RN Helping You Navigate the Healthcare System.

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Carolyn Bennett BSN, RN, BCPA 44

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Certified by

three years the National Academy of Medicine has publicly stated that the third leading cause of death is medical mistakes. Almost no one sets out to make a mistake, but the fast pace required today sets providers up for this terrible outcome.

Your health depends on good communication. Doctors and nurses are overworked and often do not have the time to fully explore a person’s history to find the causes of problems. It’s easier to quickly draw conclusions and prescribe a pill or treatment.

Specialization in medicine is great in that the provider has expert knowledge about the specialty, but our body systems are complex and work in harmony, not independently. Without good communication and coordination among all providers, treatment plans often collide, putting patients at risk for bigger problems.

Patient advocates can provide many types of services. They can help you understand your diagnosis, disease and medications or interpret what your doctor tells you. They can also help with elder care, insurance issues or your medical bills. Illness is a stressful time, often resulting in anxiety, confusion and poor communication.

An advocate can bring peace of mind that you have appropriate information to make good

health decisions. Advocates take your health information and assemble it in a manner that is easily and more quickly understood by providers. Other services include finding a provider, visiting the provider with you, arranging health-related appointments, home safety checks and more. An advocate is often the professional helping a loved one when you cannot be there to attend personally.

Health-care advocates have been around for 20 years but are just now becoming better known. Nurses and other providers are educated to be patient advocates, but most work within the framework of their employer. Employer-paid advocates working for hospitals, clinics and insurance companies do help patients, but their first loyalty is to their employer. It is the independent health-care advocate who can truly be the patient’s dedicated advocate.

Currently, independent healthcare advocates are not covered by health insurance. The patient or the patient’s family must pay out of pocket for the service.

However, patients overwhelmingly report great value for the services provided.

By the way, it’s been 12 years since that lab result came to my attention. My husband is alive, well and cancer-free today.

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

MEET NATHAN

Be a part of something bigger than yourself

BLOOD DONORS SAVE NATHAN’S LIFE Casa Grande resident, Nathan, was born with a rare blood disorder Rather than lasting 30 days, his red blood cells last only one week. Every month, he requires a lifesaving blood transfusion. He has already received nearly 80 blood transfusions - a need that’s expected to continue for the rest of his life.

“To all the donors out there - you have gone above and beyond to save my son’s life. Without blood transfusions, I would have lost my little boy.”

- Nathan’s Mom, April

Vitalant is the preferred local blood provider for 100% of hospitals in Pinal County.

GIVE BLOOD | vitalant.org Interested in hosting a blood drive? Call 480-675-5631.

SUPERIOR, ARIZONA TAKE A SUPERIOR “MICRO-CATION” TO BOOST YOUR WELLNESS

by Mila Besich, Mayor, Town of Superior

T For me, a microcation is a designated time for some rest, relaxation and memorymaking with my favorite people.

he day-to-day pressures of life often make it very difficult to find the right balance of health and wellness for everyone. Wellness is about more than our physical health or how much we exercise and what we eat. It is more about thriving through the life we live, cherishing each moment and making memories along the way.

People often ask me how and when I find time for myself, whether as an elected official, business owner, mother or friend. All of these roles often keep me moving at an epic pace. I have learned that wellness for me is found through purpose-driven, fulfilling work, being intentional in finding meaningful time with family and friends and of course good sleep.

My friends and family often joke about my “micro-cations.” With life being so busy, taking a traditional multiday vacation seems almost impossible.

Instead, a micro-cation can bring an essential break from the pace of everyday life, and can be anything you want it to be.

For me, a micro-cation is a designated time for some rest, relaxation and memory-making with my favorite people. Sometimes it is a day trip to a new place, or it may entail a hike or just time to sit and enjoy the quiet while sitting on the porch enjoying the fresh air of Superior. These micro-cations have

Riparian area meets the Sonoran Desert in Arnett Canyon become a must-have on my schedule, and I have found these getaways bring a sense of well-being and balance to my life.

Superior is an ideal place to enjoy a micro-cation.

Try a day trip to our Boyce Thompson Arboretum, where a stroll through the gardens can envelop you in the beauty of nature and give you a glimpse of deserts from faraway lands like Australia, Madagascar, India and so many other places. It’s an international micro-cation without having to pack or use your passport.

Or perhaps your micro-cation is a hike on the Legends of Superior Trails or the Arizona Trail. It could be a quad ride in the Tonto National Forest or just enjoying a scenic drive through the beautiful Copper Corridor. Your micro-cation could be a spa day and shopping in our downtown or enjoying a delicious meal at one of our local restaurants.

Superior offers abundant opportunities for your own micro-cation, and I encourage you to visit our community for your own micro-cation or longer stay. Superior is the place in Arizona where you can experience and attain fulfilling wellness experiences. We warmly welcome you to Superior any time of the year!

PHOTOS BY MILA BESICH, MAYOR, TOWN OF SUPERIOR

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THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

Central Arizona College Students Have Access to Health Services

by Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing

C

they may have within minutes of signing up.

WellVia, a national network of board-certified, state-licensed doctors, offer medical consultations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. WellVia doctors can diagnose acute non-emergent medical conditions and will send a prescription to a pharmacy of the student’s choice at the end of the consult, if necessary.

YEARS EST. CENT

SPRING 2020 • THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

PAST, INSPIRIN G

email the second week of classes to complete registration for themselves and family members.

All students enrolled at CAC are eligible to use the service for themselves and the registered dependents.

In partnership with WellVia, CAC’s Student Government Association and the Student Health & Wellness Taskforce have made this health service access possible.

T U RE FU T

CE L E B R

G

E TH

A $35 fee will apply per consult and WellVia offers a discount prescription plan.

Dr. Tramaine Rausaw, CAC dean of student life, explains, “Within minutes, students can speak to a doctor over video chat or phone from the comfort of their own home, car or residence hall and get the acute medical attention necessary to stay in class and on track.”

Students receive an enrollment

HE

ATI N

entral Arizona College students have health service options, including access to 24/7 telemedicine and counseling/ therapy services for themselves and up to four household dependents, including a spouse and/or children, with WellVia. Students and their dependents can speak to a provider by video chat or phone to discuss any illnesses or health concerns

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If you would like to contribute images of area events, people, pets and scenery, please post on our Facebook page or email to: editor@roxco.com

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THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

Health • Happiness • Education

KEVIN WEAD

BARBARA LANGAN

JOSH WUCHTERL - PICACHO PEAK

JOSH WUCHTERL - PICACHO PEAK

JOSH WUCHTERL - REID PARK ZOO

JESSE NEITZEL

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SPRING 2020 • THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

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How to Set Your Children Up for Success

by Nicole Youcupicio, Prevention Specialist, Casa Grande Alliance

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s parents, grandparents, role models and mentors, one of our biggest driving forces is wanting our children to succeed and become healthy, productive adults. By teaching them executive-function and self-regulating skills we can help ensure that our children overcome the adversity in their lives, learn how to make good decisions, and grow up to be successful adults.

Executive-function and self-regulating skills are the mental processes enabling us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions and juggle multiple tasks successfully. All of these skills are important for the multiple challenges that can produce major stress in their lives, including schoolwork, peer pressure, family situation, jobs, college and beyond.

It is likely you are already helping your children to learn these skills without realizing it. Let’s dig deeper to learn about what we can do to help.

There are three basic aspects of these skills: • Working memory — The ability to hold information in mind and use it.

• Inhibitory control — The ability to master thoughts and impulses so as to resist temptations, distractions and habits and to pause and think before acting.

• Cognitive flexibility — The capacity to switch gears and adjust to changing demands, priorities or perspectives.

Building these skills can start as early as infancy and continue into childhood and adolescence and are shaped by individual experiences. They are created through engagement with our children in activities that draw on and provide the opportunity to practice executive-function skills. For example, inter-

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actions with adults and parents help babies focus attention, create working memories and manage reactions to stimulating experiences.

Focusing on teaching these skills helps teenagers organize time efficiently and independently, manage schoolwork, get the most out of extracurricular activities, complete big projects on time and meet important deadlines.

Here are a few activities for each age range to assist you in establishing these skills from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University: 6-18 MONTHS: These executive-function activities encourage infants to focus attention, use working memory, and practice self-control.

• Lap games (i.e.: peek-a-boo, pat-acake, etc.).

• Hiding games (i.e.: hide-and-seek, hide a toy, etc.).

• Role play.

18-36 MONTHS: In this stage of development, language plays a crucial role in executive-function skills while teaching children to listen, follow the rules and express themselves.

• Active games (i.e.: follow the leader, freeze tag, freeze dance, hokey pokey).

• Conversation (i.e.: talk about expressing their feelings).

• Matching games (i.e.: puzzles).

3-5 YEARS: A lot of learning and developing takes place during this age range, and children begin to not rely on adults as heavily.

• Imaginary play.

• Storytelling (i.e.: encourage children to

•

tell you stories).

Quiet games (i.e.: cooking, puzzles, etc.).

7-12 YEARS: In this age range we are increasing the complexity of the games.

• Card games and board games.

• Physical activities/games (i.e.: organized sports, tag, etc.).

• Music, singing and dance.

• Brain teasers (i.e.: crossword puzzles, Sudoku, Rubik’s cube, etc.).

ADOLESCENCE: During adolescence, children begin to feel adult pressures weighing on them as they have to balance school and extracurricular activities almost entirely independently.

• Goal-setting (i.e.: planning for goal and envisioning next steps to reach goal).

• Tools for self-monitoring (i.e.: encourage positive self-talk, teach mindfulness of distractions, etc.).

• Extracurricular activities.

• Study skills (i.e.: identify reasonable timelines for projects, keep a calendar of upcoming events and deadlines, reflect on assignments and accomplishments after completed, etc.).

As you can see, there are many ways we can help guide and teach children to be prepared with the essential executive-function skills that will propel them to adulthood.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a presentation on enhancing executive-function skills or on the new research about adverse childhood experiences, please call the Casa Grande Alliance at 520-836-5022.

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

Adverse Childhood Experiences in Arizona Now Now more more than than ever, ever, we we are are beginning beginning to to understand understand the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences, the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences, or or ACEs, ACEs, on the developing bodies and brains of children. on the developing bodies and brains of children.

Traumatic Traumatic experiences—whether experiences—whether due due to to abuse, abuse, neglect neglect or household dysfunction—can have lasting impacts or household dysfunction—can have lasting impacts on on

aa person’s person’s health health throughout throughout his his or or her her lifetime. lifetime. While While research remains to be done, the science is clear: research remains to be done, the science is clear: Toxic Toxic stress caused by ACEs can profoundly change the stress caused by ACEs can profoundly change the otherwise otherwise healthy healthy development development of of aa child. child. Here’s Here’s aa look look at how this toxic stress impacts Arizona. at how this toxic stress impacts Arizona.

ACEs Are Prevalent in Arizona •• The The number number of of Arizona Arizona children children with with two two or or more more ACEs ACEs is is significantly significantly higher higher than than in in the the U.S. U.S. as as aa whole. whole. In In Arizona Arizona children children ages ages 12 12 to to 17, 17, 44.4% 44.4% have have experienced experienced two two or or more more ACEs, ACEs, compared compared to to the the national national average average of of 30.5%.

30.5%.

• As children age, the number of those who have experienced two or more ACEs increases.

• It is estimated that nearly 70,000 Arizona children have more than five ACEs.* 2011/12 National Survey of Children's Health. Maternal and Child Health Bureau in collaboration with the National Center for Health Statistics. 2011/12 NSCH Data prepared by the Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health, Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative. www.childhealthdata.org *Estimates generated from 2011/12 NSCH data set and 2010 Kids Count population estimates

state state ranking ranking Lower Lower = = Better Better Performance Performance Significantly lower than U.S. Significantly lower than U.S. Lower than U.S. Lower U.S. but notthan significant but not significant Higher than U.S. Higher U.S. but notthan significant but not significant Significantly higher than U.S. Significantly higher than U.S.

How Home Plays a Role How Home Plays a Role Children’s bodies adapt and

Children’s bodies adapt and develop in direct relation to their develop in direct relation to their environments. In fact, studies have environments.

In fact, studies have shown a significant correlation shown a significant between ACE scores correlation and home between ACE scores and home

environment. Higher ACE scores environment. Higher ACE scores were found in children who: were found in children who: • Live in poverty.

• Live in poverty.

• Live in unsupportive • Live in unsupportive neighborhoods. neighborhoods.

• Spend hours playing video • Spend playing video games hours and watching television. games and watching television.

• • • •

Have a physically ill parent.

Have a physically ill parent.

Take medication for attentionTake medication for attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and body mass index (ADHD) and body mass index (BMI).

(BMI).problems at school.

• Have • Have problems at school.

To learn more or to schedule a presentation, conTtaoctletahrenCmaosraeGorratnodsechAelldiaunleceaaptr: e5s2e0n-t8a3ti6o-n5,022 contact the Casa Grande Alliance at: 520-836-5022

• • • •

Have fewer family supports.

Have fewer family supports.

Are an ethnic minority. What’s Are anminority ethnic minority. more, children What’s have a more, minority children a disproportionately higherhave share disproportionately of six or more ACEs.higher share of six or more ACEs.

strong communities raise strong kids Arizona Adverse Childhood Experiences Consortium strong communities raise strong kids Arizona Adverse Childhood Experiences Consortium

Canine Coronavirus Isn’t Same Infection as Human COVID-19

by Gigi McWhirter

F

or those of you who have your dogs vaccinated, you have probably noticed the letters DHLPP/CV on your pet’s records. These initials all represent a disease your pet is receiving a vaccination for to help protect it from disease.

Here is a breakdown of the initials: D - Distemper H - Hepatitis L - Leptospirosis P - Parvovirus P - Pneumonitis CV - Coronavirus We, at the animal hospital where I work, have received several inquiries about the coronavirus being spread from humans to animals or vice-versa. Because of this, we will focus on the canine

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version of coronavirus and not the other parts of the vaccine.

Coronavirus is an infectious disease in canines, especially puppies. The usually short-lived virus can cause a lot of abdominal discomfort in dogs who have contracted the virus.

The virus is part of the “Coronaviridae” family that gets its name, because when it is seen under an electron microscope, the virus has a circle of projections that look like a small crown with ornaments sitting on it.

There are different coronaviruses that can infect birds and other animals. The dog version does not infect humans.

Dogs typically contract the virus through oral contact with fecal matter, eating from a contaminated bowl or from an infected dog.

Diarrhea is a symptom of coronavirus and can be confused with parvo. Sometimes they occur at the same time. Call your pet’s veterinarian if your dog has diarrhea or loose stools for more than 24 hours and becomes lethargic or not interested in eating.

After you have finished “poop patrol” make sure to thoroughly wash your hands. A fun way to make sure you have washed your hands long enough is to sing either the “Happy Birthday” or “ABC’s” song twice.

If you suspect or if your dog has been diagnosed with the corona or parvo, you must disinfect anywhere they may have defecated or where the dog has been. You may use a simple solution of 1-part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water and spray it on

those areas. Be careful using this solution on fabrics so as not to damage the material.

It is currently believed that dogs and cats are not carriers of the human COVID-19 virus, although some think that there is a remote possibility of contracting it from a pet if an infected person touched that pet and the virus stayed on the fur. This has not been proven.

If you suspect that you may have the human version of the coronavirus, please contact your physician immediately. Remember to wash your hands, do not touch your face and please, no butt-sniffing!

If you have any more questions about this topic, ask a veterinarian, NOT Dr. Google.

Happy Tails!

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

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950 N. Peart Rd, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 • (520) 381-2360 SPRING 2020 • THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

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Special Section:

Lesser-known drought-tolerant plants can brighten your yard

by Blake Herzog Even though winter was for the most part mild, there could be a few trees and shrubs that haven’t really made it through, or you might be developing a new vision for your outdoor domain.

S

pring has arrived in the desert, and for many it means it’s time for green-thumbed people to bask in the sunshine of their yard and re-evaluate the plant palette. Even though winter was for the most part mild, there could be a few trees and shrubs that haven’t really made it through, or you might be developing a new vision for your outdoor domain.

Maybe you’re interested in adding more desert or drought-tolerant species, but you’ve seen too many palo verdes or ocotillos in your ‘hood, and you want to mix it up a little.

One place to look for ideas is the low water-use/drought tolerant plant list used by the Pinal Active Management Area, which regulates which

Desert Willow

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plants can be used in public rightsof-way and medians, while acting as a resource for homeowners and businesses who want to cut back on their landscaping water use.

While the list includes perhaps some overfamiliar species of today’s southwest landscape trends, it also includes unfamiliar names that can bring some spice into your scene:

TREES

• Desert willow — A deciduous tree that drops its leaves in the fall, it can grow 15 feet to 40 feet and produces bell-like pink or purple flowers. It often has a leaning, twisting trunk, and when the flowers are dropped in the fall they are replaced by seed pods.

• Kidneywood —This is a smaller tree that could also pass for a bush; training and pruning could be necessary to form it into a tree.

They usually top out at 16 feet to 20 feet and can be a good choice for a small yard or side yard.

• Afghan pine — One of the most drought-tolerant pine tree species, they can be purchased young as “living Christmas trees,” and once

Afghan Pine planted they can quickly shoot up toward an ultimate height of 40 feet or even 60. Afghan pines can quickly become the centerpiece of your yard.

• Mexican Buckeye — This West Texas native can grow up to 20 feet, bursting into light pink and purple flowers in the spring and

Mexican Buckeye

THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

summer. Its dark green leaves turn yellow in the fall. Dark brown seed pods appear in the fall; do note that the seeds are poisonous.

SHRUBS

• Triangle leaf bursage — This 2-foot high shrub is abundant in the natural desert, where it acts as a “nurse plant” protecting smaller cacti and other growth from extreme summer temperatures. It can serve the same purpose in a backyard setting, while serving as a transitional plant to the open desert at the edges.

Plumbago tive to hummingbirds, who can give you hours of entertainment.

• Plumbago (white or cape) — Sprawling bushes produce huge clusters of white or blue flowers and are able to provide good amounts of cover for the yard. It also has vinelike qualities because it can be trained along fence lines, making it an ideal border plant.

They are also used to prevent soil erosion on banks and slopes.

Flattop Buckwheat • Flattop (or California) buckwheat — This bush can grow up to 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide and produces pale pink or white flowers that form a flat top over the crown during its blooming season, March through June. Its habitat preferences include dry rocky slopes and washes.

• Penstemon — A family of shrubs found across the American West, they’re known for their stalks of dense bright pink, red, purple, blue or white. Easy to care for, you can just chop the stalks off once the flowers fade. They are also attrac-

Penstemon

Matilija Poppies

FLOWERS (perennial)

• Matilija poppies — This plant’s flowers, the largest of any in the poppy family at six or more inches across, have showy white petals with surrounding bright yellow stamens in the size and shape of a golf ball. They are magnetic to bees in particular and provide an unusual, breathtakingly beautiful ground cover for your yard.

• Blue flax — These plants reach 18 inches to 20 inches tall and generally require little attention, as they are self-seeding and prefer dry soil; the more sand and clay in that soil the better. The plants grow at an angle and their light blue flowers pop in the spring. Individual flowers last just a day, but there’s

SPRING 2020 • THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

Mojave Aster generally another one coming right behind it.

• Mojave aster — As members of the sunflower family, these flowers may not be as showy as their brethren but still give off a sweetly pure vibe with pale lavender petals around a yellow disk at the center. These plants grow up to 30 inches high and attract a particular species of butterfly, who start their journeys as gray and orange stripes living off of the asters’ nectar.

• Angelita daisy — A dependable producer of small, bright yellow flowers year-round, these are especially prevalent in winter and spring. A low plant that grows up to 10 inches, they can be used to complement larger plants or provide a striking contrast to purple or red florals.

The Pinal Low Water Use Plant List is an adaptation of the Phoenix Active Management Area’s list, which was compiled in 2004, and a link to it can be found at www.new.azwater.gov/conservation/ landscaping. Anyone who would like to suggest a change to the current list can email AMA Director Jeff Tannler at jmtannler@azwater.gov.

One place to look for ideas is the low wateruse/drought tolerant plant list used by the Pinal Active Management Area, which regulates which plants can be used in public rights-ofway and medians, while acting as a resource for homeowners and businesses who want to cut back on their landscaping water use.

Blue flax

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PINAL COUNTY PRESS A R IZONA CIT Y • C A SA GR A NDE • CO OLIDGE • ELOY • F LOR ENCE • M A R ICOPA

FLORENCE COPPER...cont. from page 11 “There are no people underground, no open pits, no smelters, no large haul trucks, no blasting, etc. – and there is very limited land disturbance,” she said.

Tours offer an overview of the in-situ copper recovery process. Visitors see the well fields where a solution of 99.5% water and 0.5% sulfuric acid is pumped up to 1,200 feet underground to dissolve copper deposits from bedrock, plus the control room for the wells and the plant where the copper extract is sent to be formed into sheets.

There are 34 employees working on the two-year pilot project, launched in December 2018.

Last year the company applied for additional permits from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Arizona Department of Economic Quality to begin commercial mining there, but Gramazio said it’s unclear when those might be issued.

I f a n d w h e n p e r m it t e d, Gramazio said the commercial operation will create some 480 jobs, about 170 directly by Florence Copper and another 300

PRISON CLOSURE...cont. from page 25 Most state revenue passed through to municipalities is based on population and Florence has 26,419 residents, according to the most recent state estimate.

This includes 17,000 inmates, and of those about 3,600 are at the Florence complex.

Ducey’s office said following the speech the closure will save $247 million in maintenance and repair costs to the facility over three years and would allow for full staffing and better security at the Eyman complex. No current employees of the Florence prison will lose their jobs to the closure,

by related service providers, primarily a drilling company.

A study commissioned for the project estimated the mine will bring $2.1 billion into the Pinal County economy over its expected lifespan of 25 years.

Gramazio said the company’s pilot facility has shown the mine will minimize environmental impact through the in-situ process. “The Town of Florence, at the close of operations, will not lose the land. At the close of operations this land could be redeveloped, which is different from traditional mining,” she said.

Tours of the Florence Copper site, on Hunt Highway at Largo Road, can be requested through www.florencecopper.com or by calling 520-374-3984.

Florence Copper, a wholly owned subsidiary of British Columbia-based Taseko Mines Inc., is in litigation with the Town of Florence, which is appealing a Maricopa County Superior Court decision from last July. The lower court ruled in favor of the company’s right to mine and ordered the Town to pay $1.7 million in legal fees.

Florence Copper filed an answer to the town’s appeal on Feb. 12.

Gramazio pointed to a ruling released by Superior Court Judge Roger E. Brodman in January 2019 as evidence of the strength of the company’s case. The judge found prior landowner Harrison Merrill never gave up his mining rights to the property since a 2003 development agreement between the developer and the Town, which allowed mining in the area in question, was never amended regarding that issue.

“The Town failed to show that Merrill affirmatively intended to give up vested mining rights.

Therefore, there is no mutual agreement to modify vested mining rights, and Merrill never waived or abandoned mining rights,” Brodman wrote, because Merrill maintained environmental permits for an existing mine left from a previous effort to extract the copper, and testified he did not believe he relinquished the rights.

A 2007 development agreement between Merrill and the Town eliminated all references to mining rights and slated about 7,000 homes to be built there instead, said Benjamin Bitter, the Town’s intergovern-

the governor’s office said.

It also said the Florence complex’s approximately 3,600 prisoners will be transferred to a combination of county jails and third-party operated correctional facilities, though officials from multiple Arizona counties said in the wake of the speech they have little or no capacity to take state prisoners.

Geoff Paulson, an analyst for the state’s Joint Legislative Budget Committee, told the House Appropriations Committee on Feb. 12 Ducey is requesting $82 million in his budget over the next two fiscal years to fund transfer of prisoners to other locations.

The governor’s staff is working with county officials around the state, as well as private prisons, to identify how many beds might be available, he added.

The oldest of nine correctional facilities within the Town’s borders, the Florence complex opened in 1908 and houses the state’s execution chamber, last used in 2014.

Under the governor’s plan the execution chamber would be the only part of the complex kept open at the Florence complex, but leaving it there could limit the options for reusing the property, Paulson said.

At least two members of the appropriations committee point-

SPRING 2020 • THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

CONTINUED…

Sheets of 99.5% copper are produced by a solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX/EW) plant at the Florence Copper test site.

Courtesy of Florence Copper Inc.

mental and communications manager.

Merrill lost his land to foreclosure in 2009, at which point Florence Copper purchased the portion designated for mining in the 2003 agreement.

“Merrill asked that his 2007 plan supersede all previous zoning, and the Town granted his request by passing an ordinance amending the Town’s zoning map to reflect the master planned community. The ordinance, which is still in effect, specifically states that the 2007 plan supersedes the previous development plans for the property,” Bitter said.

ed out the net cost for closing the Florence complex per year going forward is an additional $50 million in the governor’s budget, when contracts to house prisoners at other locations and other costs are included.

Rep. Regina Cobb (R-Kingman), the committee chair, said she has the same concerns, but “I think it’s a non-win situation here. We haven’t kept up with prison infrastructure for a long time, and we’re trying to make up for past times,” when a small fraction of repair needs at state prisons were being funded each year.

Read more news on page 65...

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Special Section: Home & Garden

Top 8

Reasons Why Homes Catch Fire and How to Prevent Them

F

ires are the most common claim for homeowners and they can start in a variety of ways.

The causes of these fires range from food left unattended on the stove to candles left burning. A majority of these fires are preventable with some forethought and care to minimize the risks.

Here are the eight most common causes of house fires as identified by the National Fire Protection Association.

1. CANDLES The NFPA says more than half of all candle fires start because of candles that were left too close to flammable items. They should always be kept at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

Remember: • Never leave a candle burning near flammable items.

• Never leave a candle burning in an unoccupied room.

• Candles should fit securely into holders so they won’t tip over.

• Blow out any candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.

2. SMOKING There are some 17,600 smoking-related fires a year, resulting in 490 deaths and more than $516 million in property damage.

Remember: • If you smoke, consider doing so outside.

• Use wide, sturdy ashtrays to catch butts and ashes.

• Look for cigarette butts under furniture and between seat cushions to make sure no lit butts have fallen where they can’t be seen.

• Don’t smoke in bed or on your sofa.

3. ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTING Electrical fires can be caused by an equipment malfunction, from an overloaded circuit or extension cord, or from an overheated light bulb, space heater, dryer or other appliance.

Remember:

• • •

Don’t overload outlets or electrical cords.

Don’t leave Christmas lights or halogen lights on overnight or when not at home.

Have an electrician perform an annual checkup of your wiring.

4. DRYERS AND WASHING MACHINES The most frequent causes of fires in dryers are lint/dust (29%) and clothing (28%). In washers, they are wire or cable insulation (26%), the appliance housing (21%) or the drive belt (15%).

• Remember: • Clean the lint screen often and don’t run the dryer without it.

• For gas and propane dryers, make sure there aren’t any leaks in the lines.

• Vent the dryer to the outside of the house and ensure nothing blocks the Protect vent pipe.

• Keep the area around the dryer free of combustible materials.

they are more likely to be serious because of the factors that can contribute to the fire: a dry tree, electrical lights and a fuel supply (gifts) under the tree.

Remember: • Keep trees watered and dispose of them before they are dry.

• Turn off tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed.

• Check lights for any shorts or other electrical issues before putting them on the tree.

8. COOKING Two-thirds of cooking fires start because the food or other materials catch fire. Fires are more likely to start on a range (57%) as compared to in the oven (16%), mainly due to frying. Most injuries occur when the cook tries to put out the fire.

Remember: all • thatBe you’ve builtcooking with aand company you can alert when don’t leave food unattended.

• Don’t throw water on a grease fire; put a lid on the pan to smother the fire.

• If an oven fire flares up, turn off the oven and leave the door shut until the fire goes out on its own.

• Keep clothing, pot holders, paper towels and other flammable items away from the stove.

• Have working smoke detectors in the house. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.

Home sweet hom

5. LIGHTNING NFPA says an average of 22,600 fires per year are caused by lightning strikes.

During lightning storms, remember: • Do not use computers, TVs or other electrical equipment.

• Unplug major electronics to minimize damage.

6. CHILDREN PLAYING WITH FIRE The NFPA says that children start an average of 7,100 home fires per year, causing about $172 million in property damage.

Remember: • Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.

• Teach children fire safety at an early age.

• Make sure children have adequate supervision.

7. CHRISTMAS TREES The NFPA says an average of 230 fires are attributed to Christmas trees each year and

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The ROX Interview (continued) ...continued from page 15 our community in 2018.

GC LIVING: Have you been able to add programs or services since moving to the rec center?

MATT LEMBERG: Our internal joke is we’ve gone from the first flip-phone to the iPhone X overnight. I would have told you that the old high school gym location was old when I graduated from that gym in 1997. And then we were in it for 20 years. Kids are rough on things.

We have more space, more program space, so we can fit comfortably and effectively more young people. It’s a better-designed space. It’s not a renovated locker room like we used to have. The rooms are bigger. Our computer lab is 2 1/2 times what it used to be. The most exciting thing is we upgraded the teen center.

I’ve seen great teen centers run out of closets, and I’ve seen beautiful buildings not have any teens come. A big piece of the success within that space for teens is having caring staff, and our teens know that. It’s fun to walk

by and just see 90 or 100 or 110 middle school and high school kids in there. At the old facility we had space for about 30 middle school kids.

Being able to triple last year’s numbers is my favorite part about what the new building has allowed us to do.

GC LIVING: You’ve been with the Boys & Girls Club: first, as teen and athletic director and then, executive director for what - 17 years now?

MATT LEMBERG: April of ‘03 was the start date, so yes, coming up on 17.

GC LIVING: So, what’s the future bring for Matt Lemberg? You haven’t been pounding the streets to get out of Dodge.

Casa Grande is home.

MATT LEMBERG: Yes, Casa Grande’s home. I grew up here. My wife’s family still lives here. My sister and her family live in Chandler. Our ties are here and I love this community. This community supported me as I grew up and grew into the position. I’m a product of this community and could absolutely see myself being here my whole career. The exciting part is there are opportunities to open new clubs in our area.

Now however, I’ve told Corrie if the Los Angeles Dodgers ever called I would accept the job without talking to her, but I’m pretty sure I would have to talk to her about any other job offers. This is where I want to be.

GC LIVING: What are some of the changes in the

challenges of a youth organization you’ve seen in the last 17 years? Obviously, some of the challenges the kids faced 17 years ago are different than today’s challenges. How does the Boys & Girls Club adapt?

MATT LEMBERG: I think the easy answer is social media.

Social media didn’t exist when I started. I’m glad social media didn’t exist when I was in high school. We want to be a safe place for kids to go when they’re not in school, and we want to help them navigate life. Over the last 10 years, especially, around young people, mental health issues is a great conversation, that as a society we’re having for all people but certainly for youth.

Another challenge over the last 17 years with more computer use is that kids are not outside playing together. They’re not as social or as physically active. We’ve looked at a couple times about starting an e-sports league.

GC LIVING: In order to provide the services mentioned, money is always a driving factor to provide staff, equipment, resources and the ability to open new clubs. This year the Club has a new fundraiser, “Dancing for our Stars”. How did that come about?

MATT LEMBERG: Statewide the Boys & Girls Club executives get together a couple times a year. We were talking about fundraising and Gerald Szos-

PHOTO BY SCOTT SAMPLIN/SUN PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

tak, the executive director at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona, starte d te l l i ng u s about an event I think they had taken from the A merican Kidney Association. We had been talking for a couple years about changing the format of our annual dinner. It’s a nice format but a number of organizations in town have them.

It’s not anything unique. The television show, Dancing for the Stars continues to be popular and unique. The fundraising potential with this is unlimited because much of this is online. Anyone in the world could donate at $10 a vote. The better we do at promoting it, the more money we can raise so we’re really excited about it.

GC LIVING: You’ve got a team of local celebrity dancers including the Battle of the Mayors - Mayor McFarland from Casa Grande and Mayor Price from Maricopa. They’ve been paired with professional dancers, including your wife, Corrie, and all have been dancing their feet off preparing for the big event at the Pence Center.

To purchase tickets people can go online to the website, to your Facebook page and of course, call the club. I see the celebrities themselves sharing their links online.

MATT LEMBERG: Bring your cell phones to the event. There will be online voting during the competition!

GC LIVING: The Club has done a number of fundraisers over

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the years. Some have been very popular and some have been very ... unique. How did the monkey tail come to be?

MATT LEMBERG: So the monkey tail... Someone sent me picture of some funny facial hair, and I didn’t realize at that point what kind of death trap you would fall into on Google if you type in “funny facial hair.” Looking through pictures of obnoxious beards and different things I found one called, “The Monkey Tail.” At that point in my life I had a marriage compromise and got three months of facial hair control every year November 1st to January 31st. I thought it’d be funny to have a monkey tail beard.

My lovely bride is a beautiful, understanding woman, but I knew that was going to be a difficult ask and needed to tie it to the Boys & Girls Club in some way. At that time we were interested in seeing if you could raise money through Facebook. So I took photos at various events and posted them to Facebook.

We ended up raising several thousand dollars.

Fundraising looks different than when I started in

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63

The ROX Interview (continued) ‘05. Many organizations have a dinner or golf tournament. What can we do different to stand out? We felt “Dancing for Our Stars” was a good fit for our community to offer something new and exciting while raising funds.

People no longer give to a nonprofit just because it makes them feel good.

They want to see a return on their investment. Our return is we see 650 kids every day. A recent national study found that young people were more likely to demonstrate greater positive outcomes related to academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles when they attended a Boys & Girls Club at least 52 days per year (and the positive effects were even greater when they attended at least 104 days per year).

With these results in mind, we recently partnered with the Casa Grande Elementary School District to compile the state test scores of Club members and compare them to district averages. For the sixth year in a row, members who attended Club programs more than 104 days were more likely to pass these tests than were their peers who did not attend one of our Clubs. Last year, 208 students (in grades 3-8) attended a Club more than 104 days.

These Club members were 3% more likely to pass the ELA (english language arts) portion and 7% more likely to pass the math portion of the AzMERIT Test than were those students who never attended one of our Clubs! Our organization is very proud of these results, which show some of the impact that we are having on our Club members!

Five years ago, we had three clubs. Now we’re four months out from having six. To move into a new building and open a new

club within 15 months is aggressive. We’re appreciative for the leadership and the vision and the desire to serve kids, knowing that to meet that desire, we’re going to have to work harder. Two and three years ago, our board received the National Boys & Girls Club Board Awards. It was great to receive national recognition for the board’s efforts.

GC LIVING: What haven’t we covered?

MATT LEMBERG: Well summer registration is coming up in April and soccer registration is in the fall. We always need coaches.

I also have a personal project. I’m part of a group that has been working the last couple years to bring Young Life back to Casa Grande. Young Life is a non-denominational high school outreach ministry.

We have been raising funds and we’re hoping to launch soon. 

PHOTO BY BEA LUECK

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THE MEDICAL, HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION • SPRING 2020

PINAL COUNTY PRESS A R IZONA CIT Y • C A SA GR A NDE • CO OLIDGE • ELOY • F LOR ENCE • M A R ICOPA

CONTINUED…

Now is the Time to be Counted in Census 2020

W

ith March and April upon us, Golden Corridor residents can make sure they “count” for their communities and state.

The U.S. Census Bureau will start sending official mail to households across the country March 12, with detailed information on how to participate in the once-a-decade population count required by the Constitution, according to www.2020census.gov.

For Census 2020, residents will have the option of responding to the survey online, by phone or by mail. It will ask where they are residing as of April 1, along with other demographic questions.

As of April 1 every household is scheduled to be contacted by the Census Bureau with information on how to participate, and additional reminders will be sent over the course of the month to those who have not responded.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Census Bureau is continuing to urge residents to

Allie Bones, Vice-Chair, Arizona Complete Count Committee & Assistant Secretary of State

Debbie Johnson, Chair, Arizona Complete Count Committee & Director, Arizona Office of Tourism

respond online, by email or over the phone, to minimize the need for site visits by Census workers.

As officials have been reminding residents, getting an accurate count in each community, county and state is critical because the final number determines population-based issues including congressional and

legislative districts and federal funding in numerous areas.

An op-ed article by the chair and vice-chair of the Arizona Complete Count Committee states: “$675 billion in federal funding is on the line for distribution to states. In fact, nearly $3,000 per Arizonan every year can be tied to the census count

— that’s more than $20.5 billion annually. These funds support things like education, health care, infrastructure, child safety and so much more.”

The statewide committee’s chair is Debbie Johnson, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, and vice-chair is Assistant Secretary of State Allie Bones. Gov. Doug Ducey formed the committee last year to coordinate efforts at the county and municipal levels.

State Rep. T.J. Shope, whose district includes most of Pinal County, is also on the committee.

Johnson and Bones also said the state’s efforts are focusing on groups that have been undercounted in the past, including young children, multifamily housing residents, military families, non-native English speakers, low-income households and minorities.

More information about Arizona’s push for a complete census count is available at www. azcensus2020.gov.

If you would like to contribute images of area events, people, pets and scenery, please post on our Facebook page or email to: editor@roxco.com

Send us your photos! facebook.com/goldencorridorliving/

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE CASA GRANDE VALLEY

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Featured Dancers

Evelyn Casuga

Angela Doerr

Dr. JoEtta Gonzales

Dr. Nadeem Kazi

Paula Lambert

Scott Lehman

Mayor Craig McFarland

Dr. Jeff Mitchell

Bobbi Jeen Olson

Mayor Christian Price

Event Timeline WELCOME Matthew Lemberg, Executive Director Angie Timm, Dancing for our Stars Committee Chair

INTRODUCTION

INTERMISSION CLUB TESTIMONIAL

Master of Ceremonies Skyla Teel

PERFORMANCES TEAMS 6-10

YOUTH DANCE TEAM

CLOSING REMARKS

The Studio Eva Rodriquez, Boys & Girls Club Alumni

Jenni Cardenas, Board President Angelica Canez, Parent

PERFORMANCES TEAMS 1-5

AWARDS CEREMONY

DANCING FOR OUR STARS 2020

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DANCING FOR OUR STARS 2020

5

Welcome

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Dancing for our Stars!

We are excited that you have decided to join us this evening.

Over the past few months, the 10 dance teams have worked tirelessly to perfect the routines you are about to see. If you asked any of them why they subjected themselves to all of the practices, and ultimately why they agreed to dance tonight, all would give some variation of the same answer: “It’s all for the kids!” I hope you remember that tonight as well.

Some of these dances will make you laugh. Some may make you cry (for good reasons). And some might make you want to dance — we have already started recruiting dancers for next year’s event. Each of these dancers is here tonight because they want to help our organization have a positive impact on the lives of the youth that we serve, even if it pushes them out of their comfort zone. So as each dance ends, I hope that you will stand up and applaud.

Help us recognize these dancers for their bravery and vulnerability. Help us celebrate their skill and technique. But most of all, join us in appreciating their efforts to make our community a better place for children.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Matthew Lemberg

Executive Director Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley

Produced & Published in conjunction with ROX Media, LLC | 844.729.9769 roxmediagroup.net Elaine Earle, Publisher | 520.426.2074 | info@roxco.com Every effort is made to make this publication as accurate as possible. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley and ROX Media, LLC & affiliated companies (collectively, the “Publishers”) will assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any way without the express written permission of the Publishers. The Publishers make no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding any goods or services advertised in this publication. Unless otherwise noted, all images are courtesy of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley. Advertisements are provided by the subject companies and the Publishers shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party’s rights therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever. Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE CASA GRANDE VALLEY

CGKIDS .ORG

Event Emcee

Skyla Teel Skyla Teel is a wife, mom, Professor of Reading and Education and a rodeo coach at Central Arizona College. She is also a columnist for the Casa Grande Dispatch and the host

of the show “Rec Talk” which is filmed at Central Arizona College.

Teel is excited for the opportunity to emcee this inaugural event and is not at all jealous of the dancers.

Why? What did you hear?

Performance Order TEAM 1:

Angela Doerr & Krisenna Hancock “World Dance Medley”

TEAM 2:

Scott Lehman & Grace Hambright “Party Rock Anthem”

TEAM 3:

Dr. JoEtta Gonzales & Daniel Kent “Sway”

TEAM 4:

Paula Lambert & Alexander McQueen “On Broadway”

TEAM 5:

Mayor Craig McFarland & Corrie Lemberg “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile”

TEAM 6:

Mayor Christian Price & Marsha Hindman “Jailhouse Rock”

TEAM 7:

Evelyn Casuga & Demorea Epps “Coordinations”

TEAM 8:

Bobbi Jeen Olson & Daniel Kent “Stirrin’ Up Trouble”

TEAM 9:

Dr. Nadeem Kazi & Karen Calipus “Goop Melange”

TEAM 10:

Dr. Jeff Mitchell & Chelsea Stubblefield “Two Dancing Maniacs”

DANCING FOR OUR STARS 2020

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Media Sponsors

We are proud to support The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley * Advertising * Custom Publications * Marketing & Branding * Graphic Design * Social Media * Newsletters

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE CASA GRANDE VALLEY

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Host & Partners At The Studio of Dance, our mission is to educate students in the art of dance, and empower students of all ages to express their creativity in a safe and positive environment.

The Studio has been in the Casa Grande area for 30 years, teaching students from the ages of 2.5 up to adult. We have classes in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern, hip-hop, ballroom, Bollywood, world dance, and more!

We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of each student who walks through our doors and graces our dance floors.

We love what we do at The Studio and are committed to staying in front of the current trends in dance. We love being a part of each student’s life, and we love seeing children grow and develop into amazing adults.

DANCING FOR OUR STARS 2020

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Host & Partners

We would like to give special thanks to Central Arizona College for their hospitality and commitment to helping to ensure our inaugural event in the beautiful Pence Auditorium is a success. In particular: Brooke Aiazzi, Community Events Coordinator Chief of Police, Greg Roberts and CAC Campus Police officers who will provide safety and security for the event Director of Facilities, Ernesto Valenzuela and his crew Professors Sue Tatterson and Trevor Smith Professor and Pence Director, Michael Armendariz

Don P. Pence Auditorium

Thank you for your partnership and commitment to this project!

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE CASA GRANDE VALLEY

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Hospitality Sponsors Beverage

Desert Water & Ice

Food Restaurant and Catering

Event Tables, Chairs, Furniture

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DANCING FOR OUR STARS 2020

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Event Judges

Brad

Kepler

You can find Brad all over Casa Grande supporting many different city events and groups.

He has been an employee at Casa Grande Union High School since 1988 and has shared many of his talents with so many youth through the years. He is an

International recording artist with many songs and albums listened to around the globe. He also has professional theatre experience from years of stage in Kansas and has shared those talents at CGUHS with directing many of the schools performances. He

would like to wish all of the contestants the very best and to remember to have fun.

Robert

Miller

Robert Miller was born and raised in Casa Grande, and has been married to his wife Kristin for 8 years. Robert and Kristin have two children, Ramsey and Mia.

Robert is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, and says It is his mission to educate and inspire people to achieve their financial goals.

Robert is highly motivated, and believes greatly in being a servant leader in his community.

Robert is involved in the following organizations:

1. Boys and Girls Clubs 2. President of the Pinal County Veterans Memorial Foundation 3. Board member of Casa Grande Rotary 4. Committee member of Young Life Casa Grande 5. Chairman of the Casa Grande Planning and Zoning Commission 6. Vice chair of the Casa Grande Board of Appeals 7. Elder at Trinity Lutheran Church

He’s involved in other community events and organizations as well. It has been his goal to be a participating member in the community to create an environment that will provide opportunity for all. It is his philosophy that you cannot help change things from the sideline, so get involved and support your passions to make this community better for everyone.

Carrie

Vargas

Carrie Vargas has been a resident of Maricopa since 2006 when she began as a teacher at Maricopa High School. She

12

jumped into involvement in the city when she became a school board member a few years later. In 2010, Carrie founded Maricopa Community Theatre, a local 501(c)3 whose purpose is to educate, enlighten and entertain through live theatrical performances, camps and

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE CASA GRANDE VALLEY

classes. She has participated in city events planning committees, and currently serves as the chair for the Cultural Affairs and Arts Committee. Carrie has also served as a coach/production person, and as a board member for the Miss City of Maricopa Scholarship Organization. For the last 5 years, she has served as the Executive Director for the non-profit organization where she has crowned 12-16

titleholders each year to provide scholarship opportunities for as many young women as possible.

Carrie is currently teaching at Leading Edge Academy in Maricopa, where she is an eighth grade English and Social Studies teacher. Carrie is also the reigning Mrs. U.S. Ultimate Elite titleholder. She has been married to her husband, David, for almost 23 years and has 3 children.

CGKIDS .ORG

Casuga

Evelyn Casuga was born in the agricultural San Joaquin Valley of Central California in a small community with the hospital, Reedley, and grew-up in the even smaller neighboring community, Orange Cove, population 3350, until she left for college.

Evelyn attended and graduated from Reedley High School (1972) since there was no high school in Orange Cove, and then went on to get her Bachelor of Arts, double major Community Studies/Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz (1976), Masters of City and Regional Planning, University of California, Berkeley (1983).

Growing up in the ‘60’s, she was imprinted with the words of our 35th President John F. Kennedy who said, “Ask not what

your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” a clear call to action. Her lived reality included having immigrant farmworker parents from the Philippines who actively volunteered in their little town to build a better community for all the (baby boomer) children.

As evidenced by a very long career in public, private, and non-profit sectors, the thread of “community building” is woven throughout her professional and community life and, thankfully, still continues. Her focus areas include community/economic development, civic engagement, and education.

She is currently serving as Senior Advisor, Community Relations, Office of the President, Central Arizona College Director, Community & Economic Prosperity, Center for the Future of Arizona.

Evelyn has been married to Jerry Stabley for nearly 29 years, who

is also “retired” and continues to work part time at the City of Eloy and volunteers with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters and is a 2nd/3rd grade reading tutor. Their son, Justin Stabley, 26, is a graduate of Casa Grande schools and completed his bachelor’s degree from ASU’s Cronkite School of Journalism. He works in public radio and social media.

A fun fact about Evelyn is that coming from an agricultural area, as teenagers there were always jobs back then. Girls we typically worked indoors with swamp coolers in the packing houses during plum and nectarine season.

She was the official “tally girl” who had to manually count all the boxes packed by women who were paid by the box.

When asked to tell us why you agreed to dance for this event she said, “when Matt (Lemberg) mentioned this unique fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs, it caught my attention.

His powers of persuasion

Evelyn & Demorea

Evelyn

combined with an opportunity to contribute in a totally different way has me excited to venture into an untested arena (dancing in front of an audience with no formal training!?!) and a little apprehensive about my abilities.

If the event brings in resources for the Boys & Girls Clubs, and community members have fun together, it’s worth the effort!

“I’ve had the privilege of working all over the State of Arizona for over 35 years. There’s not one story, but a collective one that keeps me energized. In conversations with community leaders and individuals throughout the State, I hear stories across generations about shared optimism and values of what communities want for their children and the places they call home. Despite economic roller coaster rides in all communities over the years, the stories of perseverance, reinvention, innovation, and collaboration are constant.”

Demorea

Epps

Demorea Epps (AKA) TRAY has been dancing for 18 years and has never lost the passion for it.

He danced at the Arizona Ballet in

Phoenix and also learned a lot from his teacher, his world of dance, Mrs. Martin in High School.

He’s been teaching dance for 10 years and has taught at community centers in Phoenix as well as at The Studio in Casa Grande and has loved every moment of it. He

attended the Boys and Girls Club for about 2 years in his younger days and shared that it was a great and rewarding club to be a part of.

DANCING FOR OUR STARS 2020

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE CASA GRANDE VALLEY

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Doerr

Angela Doerr was born in Northbrook, Illinois, but raised in Georgetown, Kentucky.

After high school, she attended Purdue University and earned her Bachelor of Science in Operations Management.

She has had the opportunity to live and work in many different places and different roles such as Chicago, Illinois (3 times); New Orleans, Louisiana (3 times); Zwolle, Netherlands (2 times); Altavista, Virginia; Tipp City, Ohio; and now Casa Grande. Angela has worked for Abbott Laboratories for 29 years and is very passionate about what they do as a company, helping people live healthier lives.

She currently serves as the Site Director for the Casa Grande

plant. They produce liquid and powder nutritionals for people of all ages (Similac, Pediasure, Ensure, Glucerna, etc.). She is passionate about leading an organization and making science based nutritional products that help people of all ages live healthier lives.

Angela is married to David McLaughlin who is from Ohio.

They met in New Orleans and will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in April 2020.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley has experienced first-hand Angela’s community involvement. She serves on the Board for the organization and say she has three passions; helping kids reach their potential (Boys & Girls Clubs), helping animals (Best Friends Animal Society), and funding research to help juvenile diabetics live long, healthy lives.

Angela loves to travel and hike, and has a goal to visit and hike all national parks. She loves to read Nora Roberts and John Grisham novels and watch movies; Pretty Woman, Coal Miners Daughter, and October Sky are some of her favorites. Angela also likes to golf and states she is not very good at it, but plans to get better.

When asked why she agreed to dance for this event, she shared, “it will be such a fun way to raise funds for the kids”. She does mention, however, that she fears falling or forgetting the dance moves, but she is excited and hopes to lose a little weight along the way. It is very clear that Angela is dedicated to children, in fact when she was little she even aspired to be a teacher.

Angela shared a very touching professional life story with us related to a customer. “When I was working at our Tipp City, Ohio plant I was contacted by a local

Angela & Krisenna

Angela

5th grader to request help to put together a production chart for a class homework assignment (they had to write to a company they cared about). He reached out to me because he was taking our Elecare product. We decided to go visit him at school and present him with our 125-year history book to help with his production chart. We met he and his grandfather and learned that he had a condition that causes his esophagus to swell when eating regular food.

Our Elecare product was his sole nutrition. We soon learned he was the most optimistic and happy young man. Abbott Nutrition has since kept in touch with him. He is in high school now and even joined our commercial sales team for one of their meetings where he and his parents spoke to the group.”

We look forward to her performance and continued work for our community.

Krisenna

Hancock

Krisenna Hancock

Krisenna’s formal dance training began at the tender age of 3. She wowed audiences with her enthusiasm for performance

as a product of the Talent Factory. Years of gymnastics, tap, jazz, hip-hop, ballet and ballroom classes built a strong foundation for her career path as a professional choreographer/ performer and dance/gymnastics instructor. When Krisenna was

8, her step mom introduced her to Cabaret bell dance. Krisenna’s vocal training and piano lessons also helped to shape her understanding and love of music as a creative outlet.

DANCING FOR OUR STARS 2020

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Gonzales

Dr. JoEtta Gonzales was born and raised in Kearny, Arizona.

JoEtta is truly an Arizona native and her journey through school shows that. JoEtta attended Ray High School, graduated and went on to attend Arizona State University (BAE), Northern Arizona University (M.Ed), and then finally finished up her schooling at Arizona State University (Ed.D). All of her hard work and diligence has paid off, she is now the Superintendent of the Casa Grande Elementary School District.

JoEtta shared with us that as Superintendent of the Casa Grande Elementary School District she gets to work with amazing educators and support staff to influence and shape the future. She has been passionate about working with children all of her life and in her current role she has the opportunity to help ensure our children have safe, supportive schools and opportunities to grow intellectually and socially. She

is passionate about continuous improvement with the intent to do ordinary things extraordinarily well, and is driven by the notion that education changes lives and strengthens communities.

We also learned that JoEtta’s husband Joe is also a native to the area, having attended Casa Grande Union High School. The couple have three adult daughters and two grandsons that they enjoy immensely. They also care for her mother who lives in their home and have an adorable dog named Lolita.

When asked why she agreed to participate in the Dancing for our Stars event, she said, “I’ll do just about anything to support strong programming for kids.

I believe in the Boys and Girls Clubs and what it has to offer our youth and families, and want to support our strong relationship”.

Something that not everyone may know about JoEtta is that she is an avid sports fan. She told us, “there’s nothing I like doing more than watching sports with my

family on TV or in person, a great athletic matchup brings me great joy!” Another fun fact is that she wanted to be Cher when she grew up.

JoEtta was asked to share her favorite story from her work or professional life and we loved her response!

“Recognizing staff for their sense of compassion is one of the favorite things I get to do as a Superintendent. We have a #BeKind award that we give out once or twice a month, and it’s a big surprise. Early the morning before, we put yard signs out in front of the school that say, “Our District is recognizing an extraordinary educator today”.

No one except the supervisor knows who is getting the award, so the signs bring an element of suspense to students, family members, and staff alike. The recipient’s family is brought in, and a group of directors

JoEtta & Daniel

Dr. JoEtta

from the District Office all show up to deliver the surprise recognition. We walk down the hall with celebratory music, and all enter the employee’s work area together. We celebrate the kindness of the employee by sharing a collector’s coin, a certificate, and kind words from everyone who came. It’s heartwarming and moving to appreciate staff in this way. I’m so glad we started this tradition”

Daniel

Kent

Daniel Kent owner and

dancer at The Studio.

Daniel grew up in Idaho where he started dancing at the age of 12. He became a Latin ballroom competitor, and was

able to travel to many parts of the world. Daniel became a two-time national finalist in the Youth Open Latin division. He has been teaching for the past 17 years, and has coached many dance teams along the way. He has studied ballroom with many

top world competitors, as well as ballet, jazz, and dance education at BYU-I, and CGU.

DANCING FOR OUR STARS 2020

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Dr. Kazi & Karen Dr. Kazi was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan. When he was 26 years old he moved to Chicago, Illinois. He attended the University of Karachi, Medical School and did his fellowship at Loyola University Medical Center. In 1997 he was convinced to come to Casa Grande and has been here ever since.

During medical school Dr. Kazi was heading in the path of becoming a Cardiologist.

During his school, his mom was diagnosed with, and unfortunately passed away from colon cancer.

It was at that point that his very personal story changed his path.

He then pursued becoming a Gastroenterologist so that he could help patients and families live a healthy life.

Dr. Nadeem Kazi

Dr. Kazi has been married for 29 years to Shani Kazi and has two sons. One of their sons is attending ASU and enrolled in the Global Business Program. He has worked for both Charles Schwab and Vanguard. Their second son is also attending ASU and pursuing a career as a Pediatrician.

Dr. Kazi is passionate about helping and being an advocate for the underserved population in his community. He is also a strong advocate on the political platform standing up for what is right for the patient. He is very active in the Arizona Medical Association and the Pinal County Medical Society.

Dr. Kazi loves music and dance.

With his former life in Pakistan, he feels that he is able to live in any

situation under any circumstances, with any group of people.

Growing up in a family of doctors, he knew he was destined for the same path.

Hearing patient stories at the table was the norm in his family. He had no other option than following in his family’s footsteps.

One of his favorite stories from his career was a story about a 37-year-old man. This patient was a young, hardworking individual that had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He had just been hired by a new company and finally had health insurance. The disease had progressed and he had a major obstruction causing him to be unable to eat. His final wish was to be able to go home to

Puerto Rico to die, but also to have the ability to eat again.

Dr. Kazi went out on a quest to find an answer and decided to place a stent into the blockage.

This particular procedure was successful, the patient lived and was able to go home and eat.

When Dr. Kazi was asked why he agreed to dance in this event he said it was an easy decision, anything that has to do with educating boys and girls he is big advocate for.

Karen

Calipus

Karen Calipus Karen started dancing when she was 3 years old. Her parents could see she had a lot of energy because she was always flitting and twirling around the house whenever music was playing. Sometimes you would see Karen just dance to the tune stuck in her head.

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Later, Karen’s parents enrolled her at The Studio, A School of Dance owned by Chaille Martin.

She began with a hip-hop class, taught by dance instructor Marsha Hindman. That was really beginning of her formal dance training.

Karen danced throughout high school and received a scholarship from Karen Burns to take her dance class at Central Arizona College for a semester. She practice many styles of dancing, including hip-hop, tap, jazz, ballet, modern, lyrical, belly dancing, tribal belly dancing, fusion belly dancing, folkloric belly dancing,

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE CASA GRANDE VALLEY

and Zumba!

Karen taught hip-hop for Chaille Martin/The Studio for two years.

Then she worked for an airline as a flight attendant for two years.

After traveling to many interesting places, she became an Operations Coordinator for Crown Castle and have been there almost 2 years. She enjoys using her CAD and drawing skills to help with the blueprints.

Karen’s main job is handling the purchase orders and processing Invoices as well as setting up meetings for Construction.

Karen is the oldest of three siblings. Her family is comprised of

her mom Joy, step-dad Bob Laba, sister Sarah, brother Andrew and domestic partner, Josh. They have two cats, DJ (an orange tabby) and Sid (a Manecoon with black and white spots).

Karen loves to draw, watch scary and dramatic movies and TV shows with Josh. She also love to work out, typically from dancing, hiking, or walking, and loves to play the violin.

She played with the Symphony group at CAC last semester and hopes to join them again in the fall.

CGKIDS .ORG

Paula & Alexander

Paula

Lambert

Paula J Lambert was born in Twin Falls, Idaho and raised in Southern Idaho. She was second to the youngest of a family of six girls and two boys. Her dad was a Construction Superintendent who believed his family should be with him wherever he was working. One year, she and her little sister attended five different elementary schools.

She shared that it was a great experience! She graduated from Filer High School, in Filer Idaho. She attended accounting and other assorted classes at Central Arizona College and

then participated in a Human Resource Certificate Program at University of Phoenix.

Paula does Commercial and Residential Real Estate. She finds it very rewarding to assist someone with the great American dream of home ownership or with starting a new business.

Paula has two wonderful children who are married: Israel (spouse Lida) and Alicia (spouse David) and is blessed with five grandchildren (Zeke, Brynae, Emily, Wyatt and Weston) as well as with her partner, Randy, his son Justin, and his two grandsons (Adrian and Dominick). She is extremely grateful and fortunate for the joy they all bring to her life.

When she first moved to Casa Grande and worked for Cyprus Mines, a manager said, “how do we expect the community to

support us, if we don’t support the community? Very wise words which I am a firm believer in,” she said. She first became involved with the Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board. She also served as a Board Member and President for United Way of Pinal County and Eloy Chamber of Commerce and was an active committee member for over 12 years with the March of Dimes WalkAmerica. In 1999, she was asked to join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Casa Grande Valley and served for 8 years as a Board Member and a Past President.

The involvement with these civic and community organizations opened the door for many personal and professional achievements. She is very proud to be part of organizations that truly make a difference in the quality of life of our community.

The friendships that developed with her involvement continues to be very dear and sincere to her and they will last a lifetime with so many wonderful memories!

When asked why she participated in this event she said, “I’ve always loved dancing and enjoy watching Dancing with the Stars. The only time I performed in public was for a short play in high school so I have some anxiety, but the excitement of being able to participate in this new fundraising event for the Boys & Girls Club outweighs the fear!”

Alexander

McQueen

Alexander McQueen

16 and a Junior at Vista Grande High School. He has been dancing for two years. Alexander takes ballet, modern, tap, and lyrical Dance at the Studio.

He is a member of the Vista Grande High School Spartan Dance Company.

Alexander has danced the Nutcracker in the Studio’s The Nutcracker, and will be dancing as a Party Doll and Sugar Plumb Cavalier in this year’s production. Alexander is an actor who has been in numerous plays with Vista Grande High School, Casa Grande Youth Theater,

and the Blackbox Theatre.

Some of Alexander’s roles include Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, Gomez Addams in the Addams Family, Scar in the Lion King, and the Butler in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

DANCING FOR OUR STARS 2020

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Thank you to all Volunteers for their time, talent and treasure!

20

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE CASA GRANDE VALLEY

CGKIDS .ORG

Lehman

Scott Robert Lehman was born and raised in Casa Grande and is a true native.

Scott attended Casa Grande High School and then joined

the United States Air Force.

Scott is the CEO of multiple businesses, with used car sales being the largest of them.

He states he is passionate because “we don’t sell cars, but rather offer solutions to people that feel or felt they could not get into a reliable car.”

Scott has a lovely wife named Jennifer and five children, Levi

Ledezma, Echo Mayo, Brandi Jaworski, and twin girls Taylor & Sydney Lehman. He also has two fur babies, Spice and Ginger.

Scott said that community involvement is a priority to him.

He also said, “I try to help in the community in as many ways as possible, from teachers, to the local fire department, schools, veterans, and children in need.

My biggest passion is lending a helping hand where I can make a difference. Whether that is a monetary donation or reading

Scott & Grace

Scott

a book to a classroom and giving the kids an encouraging message, I love all of it because I know I helped someone have a better future”.

A fun fact about Scott is that he is the pilot of his own plane.

He gets great joy in flying as much as possible. We asked him why he agreed to participate as a dancer, and his answer was simple, “It sounds like fun”.

Growing up, Scott wanted to be an attorney.

Grace

Hambright

Grace Hambright Grace Hambright was born in Taiwan, where she worked as an English teacher for many years.

This experience inspired in her a passion for teaching and helping others. She came to the USA in 2010 and made her home in Tucson. Soon after, she

discovered ballroom dancing, which ignited a second passion for dancing in her. She started ballroom dancing competitively and she has had 1st and 2nd place finishes in multiple prestigious competitions, as well as a Best of the Best Challenge.

Grace is now teaching professionally with Mystic

Rhythms Ballroom Studio, where she gets to enjoy her passion for teaching and her passion for dancing.

DANCING FOR OUR STARS 2020

21

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McFarland

Craig McFarland was born in California, and grew up in the Fresno, Walnut Creek, and Northridge areas.

He attended Hoover High School in Fresno and then earned his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from California State University. After college Craig went to work for Anheuser-Busch, a career that caused him to move 10 different times, to 6 different states, over the course of 26 years. Craig now serves as the Mayor of Casa Grande.

Craig has been married to his wife Nancy for over 42 years. This couple has two grown children, Kelly Herrington, graduate of University of Arizona and Scott McFarland, graduate of Arizona State University and Loyola Law School - LA, CA. He also has five grandchildren; Dillan, Keira, Connor, Leila, and Brady. One family lives in Casa Grande and

the other in Scottsdale.

Craig is very active in his community. He is a proud board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley.

In addition to being Mayor, through his business, charity and life experiences he has learned to listen, analyze, discuss, encourage, and trust his teams.

He has the leadership skills to help run any organization.

His goals include: • providing leadership, promoting economic development, and developing, improving, and collaborating with our education and workforce partners; • increasing the city of Casa Grande’s quality of life; • building a “Marketing Casa Grande” organization that markets and promotes the marketing and housing opportunities, quality of life, education, events, sports

activities/venues, lodging/ hotels/RV resorts, visitors, and trail systems; • advancing our “Healthy Community” through his homelessness taskforce, Healthy Community website and volunteerism programs, and; • representing Casa Grande in the greater AZ community by being the face of the city.

A fun fact that we learned about Craig was that when he was 6 months old he lived in Washington, DC in an adul-only apartment with his parents. His bed was a dresser drawer. Six months later his family moved to Hawaii. We also learned that when Craig was in college he wanted to be a weather person. In the end, however, it translated into City Planning.

Craig & Corrie

Mayor Craig

When asked why he agreed to dance for this event he said, “I love what the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley does for our young people. I cannot give enough to this organization”.

Craig was also asked what his favorite story from his work and professional life was. He told us. “it is not so much from work, my family is my favorite story and my legacy that I am most proud of!”

Corrie

Lemberg

Corrie Lemberg with The

Studio in Casa Grande - Corrie was born and raised in Casa Grande, where she studied dance with Marsha Hindman and Pamela

Rau. While attending ASU, where she earned her B.A. in Early Childhood Education, she studied Tap, Ballet and Jazz. She has also studied hip hop. Corrie taught elementary school here in Pinal County for seven years

before becoming a stay at home mom to her three sons. She has been dancing for more than 20 years.

DANCING FOR OUR STARS 2020

23

Jeff & Chelsea

Dr. Jeff

Dr. Jeff Mitchell was born in Safford, AZ and moved to Casa Grande at 4 years old. He was raised here, went to Evergreen Elementary School, Junior High, and the old High School where he graduated in 1996. Go Cougars!

After graduation from CGUHS Dr. Mitchell went to NAU in Flagstaff where he graduated with a degree in Exercise Science. He then went to Dental School at the University of Colorado in Denver, Colorado.

Jeff loves being a dentist and feels that it is great fit for him.

He stated, “I get to help people and their health, control my work schedule, have time for my family, work with my hands, and meet so many amazing people. My work team is another family to me and so are my patients. I love seeing my patients out in the community.

I love living in the community in which I live. I grew up in Casa Grande and was exposed to dentistry by family friends the Tomkinsons and Dicks. Both are amazing families who were great examples to follow.”

Dr. Mitchell’s lovely wife Katie is

Mitchell

from Buckeye/Goodyear, AZ. She is a fitness instructor at the Casa Grande Recreation Center, PTO President at McCartney Ranch Elementary School, and according Jeff she is pretty much the greatest person on the planet. They have four amazing kids, two girls and two boys, and a bulldog called “Money Pit”, not really, “Chops” is his real name, “Money Pit’ just seems more appropriate.

He and his wife met in Flagstaff at NAU. He said that, “being from Casa Grande and living through the heated summers, we told ourselves we would never come back to the heat, it was so oppressive, but as we started raising kids we realized how important it would be to be closer to family.” When the job opportunity opened up they jumped and haven’t looked back since. They love the small-town community that Casa Grande offers and having the ability to be outdoors for 8-9 month of the year; hiking, biking, and running in all the open spaces without the traffic of the big city.

We asked Jeff to tell us about his community involvement,

what he is passionate about. He said, “I try to give back to the community. I have been able to coach swim team, soccer and baseball over the past decade or more. As an active member of my church, we have many opportunities to help others in need in the community through many acts of service, area clean-up projects, many Eagle Scout projects beautifying the community, etc... I feel my most important job is to be a father to my four children; helping them to try to be good citizens and showing love to others; just being there for them is a huge benefit that not all kids have. If I fail as a father, then nothing else really matters”.

A fun fact about him is that he had a piece of glass in his foot for over 10 years because he didn’t go to the doctor when he stepped on a shaving mirror in the shower.

He duct taped the wound closed because he had a test that he had to take that day in college.

When asked to tell us why he agreed to dance he said “I just love dancing, dancing is my favorite!

Just kidding, Matt asked for help, he has seen me playing around dancing like a fool for fun at the school’s daddy/daughter dances over the years. I have been a contender for goofiest of all dad dancers, I think that Matt just wanted to give me an opportunity to take my dancing skills to the next level.”

When asked what he loved most about his professional life Dr. Mitchell said, “every day is a blessing, we have opportunities to help others every day! I love it when we can take a person who is afraid of what we do and make them enjoy being here. Let’s face it, going to the dentist is not anyone’s favorite thing to do, but if people can leave happy then we have made the world a better place”

Chelsea

Stubblefield

Chelsea Stubblefield with The Studio in Casa Grande. Chelsea teaches modern dance, and the Jr. Company classes at The Studio. In high school, Chelsea studied under

24

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE CASA GRANDE VALLEY

the talented folks at The Studio learning styles such as ballet, ballroom, hip-hop, jazz, lyrical and modern dance.

CGKIDS .ORG

Olson

Bobbi Jeen Olson was born and raised in New Mexico.

She attended Moriarty High School and has taken acting, real estate, and various other classes at Central Arizona College throughout her life. Bobbi Jeen is Co-owner of the Western Trading Post, which is a multigenerational, family-owned business that traces its roots back to the late 1800’s. Bobbi Jeen is a professional model, actress, stunt double, and TV host; however, she started as a cowgirl. Growing up in the ranching way of life and following the team roping

circuit enabled her to lead a diverse life. Eventually this trail led to the Western film and fashion industry.

Her passion is to work on positive, family-oriented projects, which help promote her Western heritage. She has appeared on the cover of various magazines, been the subject of high-fashion photo shoots and runway shows, and appeared on-screen in both television and film. She cohosted the Miss Rodeo America Coronation, produced and hosted many fashion shows including one which was aired nationwide on RFDTV/The Cowboy Channel.

She is also the Host for Western Trading Post TV (Sundays 7:30 p.m.) on the Cowboy Channel which is now going into its third season on national TV and is filmed mostly in Arizona.

Bobbi Jeen works alongside the Arizona Film Commission as a Film Resource Coordinator for Pinal County, and is intricately involved in her community, not only local, but the Western and

film community, which knows no borders.

Bobbi Jeen is married to Jim Olson, which she refers to as the love of her life. They have been together for over 21 years. This duo has an 18-year-old son who she describes as amazing in every way, “Rowdy Olson- my world!”

The other important person in their life is Grammy, her mother, who also owns part of Western Trading Post and is her ROCK! Their family also includes dogs, cats, horses, and of course cattle.

Bobbi Jeen is very passionate about our youth and their future.

As a mentor to many she stated, “I love seeing others dreams come true. Dreams do come true, it just takes a lot of hard work, time, dedication, tears and faith”.

When we asked Bobbi Jeen why she agreed to dance for this event, she said that she loves helping our community and our youth and that this is a fabulous cause. She just hopes she remembers how to dance after 20 years! Growing up, it was her goal

Bobbi Jeen & Daniel

Bobbi Jeen

to do as many things as possible and be good at them.

Some of her favorite stories from her work and professional life include working with some of the most amazing, talented and inspiring individuals like Chuck Norris (Walker Texas Ranger), Woody Harrelson (Hi Lo Country), Patricia Arquette (Hi Lo Country), Penelope Cruz (Hi Lo Country), Dean Cain (A Horse for Summer), Eric Roberts (Deadly Sanctuary), Paul Green (Deadly Sanctuary), Daniel Baldwin (Deadly Sanctuary), Kristina Wayborn (Warning), Marty Kove (Warning), and portraying Etta Place in the PBS Gunfighters of the Southwest.

Bobbi Jeen loves to keep our Western heritage alive to pass on to the next generation. On any given day you may find her working with horses and cattle, teaching youngsters the cowboy way, or see her portraying it in print and film. Find out more at www.BobbiJeen.com.

Daniel

Kent

Daniel Kent owner and dancer at The Studio. Daniel grew up in Idaho where he started dancing at the age of 12. He became a Latin ballroom competitor, and was able to travel to

many parts of the world. Daniel became a two-time national finalist in the Youth Open Latin division. He has been teaching for the past 17 years, and has coached many dance teams along the way. He has studied ballroom with many top world

competitors, as well as ballet, jazz, and dance education at BYU-I, and CGU.

DANCING FOR OUR STARS 2020

25

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE CASA GRANDE VALLEY

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Price

Christian Price was born in Provo, UT, moved to Tucson when he was one year old and lived there until he left for college. He graduated from Canyon Del Oro high school (CDO) in north Tucson and then attended Northern Arizona University (NAU) in Flagstaff, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Christian is very busy as both a Financial Advisor and small business owner. He is a partner in a financial advisory firm called the Sierra Wealth

Group, which is based both in Arizona and in California. He loves helping show people how and where to save their money so that they can retire rich someday. He is also a jeweler and owns a company called Odyssey Jewelers. He said he loves the jewelry industry for the simple fact that, “who does not love to play with gold, diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires?”

He enjoys both careers because of the experience they give him regarding being a small business owner. He loves the challenge.

Christian is married to Cindy Price. They have a young family that includes a 13-year-old son and 8, 6 and 4-year-old daughters. Funny, but true, they keep him hopping!

Along with his busy work and family life, we asked Christian

to tell us what he is passionate about and his level of community involvement. He said that as the Mayor of Maricopa he is passionate about all things in the community and all things Maricopa! Maricopa is his home and he wants it to be the best place in the entire world to live, work and play. He attempts to attend almost every event that is held there. Maricopa is a young city, only 17 years old, with huge needs and even higher expectations, but together the community is making amazing things happen and succeeding against all odds. “We don’t take NO for an answer and we believe in getting things done when nobody believes in us, so watch out for Maricopa we are doing BIG things!” Christian reminded us that he “just loves serving as Mayor! It is one of the most

Christian & Marsha

Mayor Christian

rewarding things I’ve ever done in my life”.

We always like to know fun facts about our dancers, so of course we asked. Christian told us that in January of 1994, he fell off a 125ft cliff in Oak Creek Canyon, walked out beat up, and bruised, but by some miracle, he had no broken bones or serious injury. We also learned that he wanted to be an Air Force pilot and then fly commercial jets when he was growing up.

When asked why he agreed to dance for this event, he jokingly said he was pressured into it.

He also commented that raising money for a great cause like the Boys & Girls Clubs is worthwhile and it is something different… plus, his wife wants him to learn how to dance.

Marsha

Hindman

Marsha Hindman Marsha is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Art. She taught Art and dance in

the public schools for 37 years and taught tap, hip/hop, jazz, and bollywood at the Studio for the past 14 years. Ms. Hindman has choreographed numerous musicals for CHJHS, CAC, and various community theatre groups. She is currently teaching

the adult tap and Bollywood classes. Marsha loves sharing her passion for dance with all her students.

DANCING FOR OUR STARS 2020

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2020 Annual Sponsors Gold

Silver

Bronze

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BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE CASA GRANDE VALLEY

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2020 Event Sponsors Presenting Sponsors

Reception Sponsors

Media Sponsors

Dancer Sponsors

Friend Sponsors

Fanatic Sponsors AJM Business Srvs

Lithotech, Inc

Security Title Agency

Title Security Agency

Western Trading Post DANCING FOR OUR STARS 2020

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Thank You to Our Partners & Board of Directors Hair & Makeup Dub Hair Studio - Stephanie Kennedy & Diane Greenslate

Practice Dance Facilities Mystic Rhythms Ballroom

The Studio

photographer Egan Eyes Photography

Dancing for Our Stars Event Committee Deb Braunstein Jenni Cardenas Jarrett Croft Angela Doerr Shallene Green

Tisha Joseph Daniel Kent Judy Kitching Kimberly Kloberdanz Brian Kramer

Bea Lueck Nancy McFarland Angie Timm Tina Vannucci

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley Board of Directors Deb Braunstein

Community Volunteer

Jenni Cardenas

Dean - Central Arizona College

Rona Curphy

Gilberto Mendez

Michael Jackson

Robert Miller

BeDillon’s Restaurant & Cactus Garden, The Property Conference Center

Community Volunteer

Mindi Dawkins

Realty Executives Arizona Home Pro’s

Mick Degn

Judy Kitching

Mary Kay Cosmetics

Steve Kloberdanz Great Western Bank

Vanguard

Edward Jones

Moh Saleh SRP

John Santistevan APS

Angie Timm

AZ Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Foundation

Jennifer McClintic

Casa Grande Elementary School District

Community Volunteer

Angela Doerr

Craig McFarland

Fitzgibbons Law Offices

Abbott

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Jan Hobbs

American Family Insurance

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE CASA GRANDE VALLEY

City of Casa Grande

Tina Vannucci

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