Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine

Women & Infant Center Celebrates 1st Year. . . 40

CGUHSD: Introducing Dr. Steven Bebee. . . 68

Home & Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

“THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY”

THE EDUCATION EDITION The Historic Pinal County Courthouse

Golden Corridor LIVING

Summer Coloring Contest In Every Edition:

The Interview: JILL BROUSSARD

Pinal County Superintendent of Schools GOLDENCORRIDORLIVING.COM

$4.95 Complimentary • LATE SUMMER 2018

ARIZONA CIT Y • C A SA GR ANDE • COOLIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • MARICOPA

Residential & Commercial

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AL I C E P S R PAVE g at $4.99 Startin q. ft. per s

Basic backyards start at $2500* *Includes sod, basic curbing, assorted trees/plants and drip system.

Built With Pride From The Ground Up

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Custom Homes On Your Lot Or Ours ROC#175926

Coming Soon - Arroyo Verde Estates

Heating & Cooling

520-466-1489 UP TO $1,300 EBATES IN NEW UNIT R

30% OFF NEW LOCATION! COOLING SERVICE CALL 1102 E Jimmie Kerr Blvd. Casa Grande, AZ

Air Conditioning Heating Refrigeration

2681 E Santa Maria Drive, Casa Grande, AZ 85122, $245,000 2BD 2BA with Den, 1702 sq ft Adult Living at its finest in the desirable Mission Royale Community!

This stunning well maintained home features a split floor plan with 2 bedrooms, a den and 2 full baths. The open floor plan has an eat-in kitchen along with formal dining in the living area. The kitchen features granite counters, plenty of cabinets, black appliances, kitchen island and a breakfast bar. The large master bedroom has a organized walk-in closet with custom built shelves, double sinks in the bath and a welcoming combined shower/tub. There are plantation shutters throughout the home but keeping them open brings in so much natural light to this already bright and spotless home.

Don’t miss out on this elegant home being yours.

ANNALISA TAPIA

520-560-2960 | annalisa.tapia@coldwellbanker.com 520.423.8250 | ROXsells.com Š2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

Women & Infant Center Celebrates 1st Year . . .40

CGUHSD: Introducing Dr . Steven Bebee . . .68

Home & Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

“THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY”

Contents

Late Summer 2018

THE EDUCATION EDITION

THE EDUCATION EDITION The Historic Pinal County Courthouse

Features: Golden Corridor LIVING

Summer Coloring Contest In Every Edition:

The Interview: JILL BROUSSARD

Pinal County Superintendent of Schools GOLDENCORRIDORLIVING.COM

Pinal County Press Local News

14

The LIVING Interview: Jill Broussard

24

Special Section: Education

50

Home & Garden

70

$4.95 Complimentary • LATE SUMMER 2018

ARIZONA CIT Y • C A SA GR ANDE • COOLIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • MARICOPA

ABOUT THE COVER: The original photo of the historic Pinal County Courthouse was provided by Michael Joseph Baca (see photo on page 31).

The cover illustration was provided by artist Jacques Laliberte. When asked about the coloring page concept, Laliberte wrote, “A lifelong lover of magazines, shortly after arriving in Prescott I started my own newsletter called Art-rag. Thinking about this cover, the idea of letting readers add their own color was appealing!”

Please see page 98 for information on submitting your coloring of the cover or one of the other coloring pages in this edition.

Pinal County Superintendent of Schools

Economy, Finance & Business

Health, Happiness & Education

Travel, Dining & Entertainment

Let’s Work Together to Support & Be Informed . . . . . . 28

Out & About Photos. . . . . . . . . 38

Magic of Disney Thrills Adventure Lovers of All Ages. . . 86

Employer Alert: ICE Inspection Notices and Subpoenas . . . . . . . 32 Foundation raising funds to make Veterans Memorial a reality. . . . 33 Marketing 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Keep Your Kids Entertained. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Don’t Ignore Poverty: Everybody Has A Story. . . . . . . 44 Peer Leaders Lead the Way. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Theater Foundation Envisions Community Arts Center. . . . . . . 88 Small Fry Fiddler Champ . . . . . 94 CGUHS Elite Dance Invited to NYC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

G OLDENCORRIDORLIVING .COM

Letter from the Editor

FROM SUMMER HAZE TO SCHOOL DAZE A Bea Lueck

s triple-digit heat rolls through Pinal County, our focus on summer fun will soon give way to thoughts of classrooms, teachers and lunch boxes. In this edition, we give parents some organizational tips for getting out of the house on time, guidelines for comparing schools, preventing ‘summer slide’ and recognizing a child in distress. Meet Steve Bebee, the new Casa Grande Union High School District Superintendent, as he shares his first priorities for serving the district.

When we’re not getting ready for school, we still have some time for

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

a bit of late summer fun. Check out BlackBox Theatre’s new home and summer camps. And if you have been bitten by the acting bug, audition for one of the upcoming performances!

Downtown Casa Grande awaits your visit with new places to try BBQ, coffee and something called (really!) Frog Spit, all while you are shopping the newest clothing stores. If you prefer your vacations in the fall or winter, our travel expert shows you how to handle a Disney trip or cruise like a pro.

While you are thinking about the fall, it’s a good time to revamp your fitness regimen, update your home’s

look with 2018’s trending color schemes, and if you like homegrown veggies, consider planting a raised-bed garden for the winter planting season.

We give you some ideas for all three endeavors.

Enjoy getting all the fun you can out of the remaining summer days, but remember, the fun doesn’t stop at the end of the season. Fall is right around the corner and offers us a whole host of more seasonal activities … come on, pumpkins!

–Bea

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G OLDENCORRIDORLIVING .COM PUBLISHER Elaine Earle, CPA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bea Lueck SENIOR COPYWRITER & EDITOR Robin Layton CONTRIBUTING WRITER Donna McBride ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Loriann Rhodes David Truby CREATIVE DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tim Clarke SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jake Pagano GRAPHIC DESIGNER Rebecca Bowen CUSTOMER SERVICE/AD TRAFFIC MANAGER Jo Wobser PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER Julie Turetzky ADVERTISING INQUIRIES info@roxco.com

VOICES Meet some of our contributing Voices of the Community. These leaders come from public, private and nonprofit organizations. You’ll find their fresh ideas and timely stories in this edition.

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.

COMMENTS & IDEAS editor@roxco.com CALENDAR INQUIRES calendar@roxco.com (520) 426-2074 442 W. Kortsen Rd, Ste 101 Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Joel Belloc Mayor, City of Eloy Mayor Belloc was re-elected for his second term as Mayor of the City of Eloy in November 2016. 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.

Breanna Boland Golden Corridor LIVING is published by Raxx Direct Marketing. Editorial content is provided by affiliates of Raxx Direct Marketing, community members and local organizations. © 2018. 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 V ING 8 GOLDEN forming their own opinions.OR Real LI estate information is as of 7-1-18 and is subject to current availability and pricing.

Executive Director, Casa Grande Alliance Breanna is the Executive Director of the Casa Grande Alliance. She started working for the organization in 2012 as a Prevention Specialist. Breanna studied public health at Northern Arizona University and is an Arizona Certified Prevention Specialist.

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

of the

Community

Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie

Helen Neuharth

Certified Physical Trainer, CPT, 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.

President & CEO, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce Helen was hired as the President/CEO of the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce in August 1991 and is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management from Boulder, CO. Helen is an active member of the Arizona Chamber Executives.

Corianna Lee

Christian Price

Performing Arts Center Director, Coolidge Performing Arts Center Corianna “Cori” is a performing-arts teacher at Coolidge High School and the Performing Arts Center Director for the Coolidge Performing Arts Center. At Coolidge High School, she directs the dance, drama and technical theater programs and was named as an Arizona Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Thespian Society. Corianna has a bachelor’s in fine arts in dance and a master’s in special education. She is married with four children from kindergarten to high school and has been a resident of and employee in Pinal County for 17 years.

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.

Donna McBride

Rina Rien

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 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.

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!

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

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.

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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JULY

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ART & SIP AT TRUE GRIT 6:30 PM-12:00 AM - True Grit Tavern, 20800 N John Wayne Pkwy., Ste. 101, Maricopa, AZ 85139 While these events are ALLAges, please be aware that there may be adults drinking around your minors (8+, please)! Call 602-7968194 for more info.

4

FOURTH OF JULY AT THE POOL - 10:00 AM-2:00 PM - Palm Island Family Aquatic Park, 1115 N. Brown Ave., Casa Grande. Games, contests and open swim. Children $.50, adults $1.

4

GREAT AMERICAN 4TH CELEBRATION 2018 - 6:00 PM10:00 PM - Copper Sky Recreation Complex 44345 M.L.K. Jr. Blvd., Maricopa. See more at: http://www. maricopa-az.gov/web/gab

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FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW & ACTIVITIES - 6:30 PM12:00 AM - Paul Mason Sportsplex - 2525 N. Pinal Ave., Casa Grande, AZ 85122. Join us for great food, games and a traditional old fashioned Fourth of July celebration. Fireworks show begins at 9PM. Free event.

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MUSICAL SCAVENGER HUNT - 10:00 AM-11:00 AM - Casa Grande Public Library 449 N. Drylake St., Casa Grande. Ages 5-12.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

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PUPPET SHOW AT VISTA! - 2:00 PM-2:30 PM - Vista Grande Public Library 1556 N Arizona Rd., Casa Grande. Join Mr. David and the Mobile Puppet Theater.

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ART & SIP AT TRUE GRIT 6:30 PM-12:00 AM - True Grit Tavern, 20800 N John Wayne Pkwy., Ste. 101, Maricopa, AZ 85139 While these events are ALL-Ages, please be aware that there may be adults drinking around your minors (8+, please)! Call 602-796-8194 for more info.

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UNICORN TEA PARTY 12:00 PM - The Chandelier Tea Room 113 E 4th St., Casa Grande, AZ 85122. We will have tea, lemonade, unicorn dessert decorating, unicorn headband making and movie time!! $25 each child $10 each adult. All craft and dessert items provided. RSVP 529.252.6346.

Invoice must be paid to guarantee your seat at the table.

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ESCAPE THE ROOM 9:00 AM-4:00 PM - Vista Grande Public Library 1556 N. Arizola Rd., Casa Grande. Sign up to escape any of our three Escape Rooms-Â you will have 1 hour to complete the task! Ages 12-17 or grades 6th-12th.

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WINE ALL YOU WANT 6:00 PM-8:00 PM - Mimi’s Cafe, 839 N. Promenade Pkwy., Casa Grande, AZ 85222. All painting materials included in the price. No experience preferred. Buy tickets online at paintnite.com. Paint Nite is only for adults age 21 and older.

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DIVE-IN-MOVIE - 7:00 PM-9:30 PM - Palm Island Family Aquatic Park, 1115 N. Brown Ave., Casa Grande, AZ 85122. The community is invited to cool off at the pool while enjoying a newly released family-friendly film. The admission fee is $3.00 per person.

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LIBRARIES ROCK FINALE! - 1:00 PM-3:00 PM - Vista Grande Public Library 1556 N Arizona Rd., Casa Grande. Live music, crafts musical games to bring Summer Reading 2018 to a close.

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SUMMER SHOOTOUT - 7:00 PM-12:00 AM - Central Arizona Speedway, 512 S. Eleven Mile Corner Rd., Casa Grande.

Admission $15 Adults, $12 Seniors/ Military, Kids 11 and under free. Call 520-709-0718 for info.

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SUNSET PARADISE PAINT NIGHT - 6:00 PM-8:00 PM - A Latte Vino - 958 E. Rodeo Rd., Casa Grande. Tickets available at www.paintnite.com.

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TUTU TEA PARTY - 10:00 AM-4:00 PM - Desert Sun Performing Arts 19756 N. John Wayne Pkwy., Ste. 107, Maricopa.

Princesses ages 2-5. RSVP by emailing dspamaricopa@gmail.com

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MAD HATTER TEA PARTY - 12:00 PM-12:00 AM Mowgli Boutique, 113 E 4th St., Casa Grande, AZ 85122. The Chandelier Tea Room presents - Tea, lemonade, dessert, hat decorating. $25 each child $10 each adult RSVP Call 520252-6346 for more info.

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JULY CRAFT & WINE NIGHT - 6:30 PM - A Latte Vino 958 E. Rodeo Rd., Casa Grande. Bring your friends and join us for a night of fun, food, and crafting. We will be making a wooden bottle opener wall mount sign (12 X 24). $35. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today!

Venmo: @Rachel-Hutzler, Zelle: arizonachick523@yahoo.com, Google pay: Rachel.L.Hutzler@gmail.com

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ART & SIP AT TRUE GRIT 6:30 PM-12:00 AM - True Grit Tavern, 20800 N John Wayne Pkwy., Ste. 101, Maricopa, AZ 85139 While these events are ALL-Ages, please be aware that there may be adults drinking around your minors (8+, please)! Call 602-796-8194 for more info.

Submit your events online at goldencorridorliving.com

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

BUSINESS INDEX Absolute Homes / Vivid Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Banner / CGRMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Brutinel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 C.A.V.I.T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56-57

July – August 2018

Capital R Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Casa Grande Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Casa Grande Elementary School District . . . . . . . . 59 Casa Grande Elementary School District . . . . . . . . 65

AUGUST

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HIDDEN PARADISE - 6:00 PM8:00 PM - Mimi’s Cafe, 839 N. Promenade Pkwy., Casa Grande, AZ 85222. All painting materials included in the price. No experience preferred.

Buy tickets online at paintnite.com.

Paint Nite is only for adults age 21 and older.

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IT’S YOUR NITE - 5:00 PM12:00 AM - Robson Ranch

Casa Grande Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Grill 5750 N. Robson Blvd., Eloy AZ 85131 Succulent care. No green thumb required! Ticket information at plantnite.com.

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BOYS 7 GIRLS CLUB ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER - 6:00 PM-9:00 PM - 1251 W. Gila Bend Hwy., Casa Grande. Birthday Bash celebrating 20 years of service!

Call 520-876-5437 for info.

Casa Grande Main St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Casa Grande Union High School District . . . . . 66-67 Central Arizona College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Coldwell Banker ROX - Property Management . . . 81 Coldwell Banker ROX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Coldwell Banker ROX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Coldwell Banker ROX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Coldwell Banker ROX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Coldwell Banker ROX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

RECURRING EVENTS

Coldwell Banker ROX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Every Fri: Family Swim Night at the City Pool 5:15pm-7:15pm @ Palm Island 1115 N Brown Ave., Casa Grande. Admission is $3.00 for a family of four and each additional member is only $0.75. Call 520-4218677 for info.

Comfort In The Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Every 1st and 3rd Fri: Teen Night 7:00pm-10:00pm @ Len Colla Recreation Center 1105 E 4th St. Casa Grande. For students in grades 7-12. At each teen night activities are provided as a way for children to get out of the house and socialize in a safe environment. All activities are supervised and there is no fee to attend. You must be registered to attend.

Every Fri: Senior Line Dance Lessons 9:00am-11:00am @ The Woman’s Club 407 N. Sacaton, Casa Grande. All skill levels are invited to participate and dance to a widevariety of music. Beginners are encouraged. It is sure to be a fun activity that will get you moving!

Every Fri: Color with Susie 10:00am11:00am @ Dorothy Powell Senior Center 405 E. 6th St., Casa Grande.

We invite seniors to join us on Friday mornings for Adult Coloring! It’s an opportunity to socialize with others while creating masterpieces from a coloring book.

Every Thu: Cultivating Creative Arts 1:30pm-3:00pm @ Dorothy Powell Senior Center 405 E. 6th St., Casa Grande. Weekly art class designed to increase creative expression, socialization and wellbeing. Creativity + Socialization = Wellness. Everyone is welcome with no experience needed. Call 520-4218760 for more info.

Color Me Crazy Ice Cream Parlor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Craig McFarland for Mayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Cypress Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Desert Sun Heating, Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 DM Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Ed Whitehead’s Tire Pros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Fitzgibbons Law Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Every Tues: Crafts 9:30am-10:30am @ Dorothy Power Senior Center 405 E. 6th St., Casa Grande. Tuesday morning craft sessions are an opportunity for individuals to use their creative skills to make a widevariety of crafts.

Grande Innovation Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Every Tues: Bingo Night 9:00pm11:00pm @ Cotton Bowl Lanes 1740 N Pinal Ave, Casa Grande. Come play FREE BINGO & win prizes. Must be 21 and older.

Mankel Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Every Fri: Weekly Friday Indoor Market 10:00AM-4:00PM @ Limitless Events 1004 N. Promenade Pkwy., Ste. 119, Casa Grande. Call 507-363-1521 for info.

Every Tues: Art & Sip 6:30PM @ True Grit Tavern 20800 N John Wayne Pkwy., Ste. 101, Maricopa. ALL-Ages, be aware there may be adults drinking around your minors (8+, please)! Call 602-796-8194 for more info.

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

Jenkins Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Jewell Glass & Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Laliberte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Legacy Traditional Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62-63 Matt Herman for City Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Mission Heights Preparatory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Norris RV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Pinal County Veterans Memorial Foundation . . . . 33 ROX Casa Grande Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Seeds of Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Star Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Sun Life Family Health Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Title Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Yang and Horsley Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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! o l l e H We’re ROX Media Group G

olden Corridor LIVING Magazine is brought to you by ROX Media Group, a multimedia organization providing an annual portfolio of 3.6 million print copies of community, custom and travel publications throughout Arizona and in neighboring states. Our publications collectively reach millions of consumers who reside in or travel to Arizona every year and bring engaging local content to the communities and marketing partners we serve.

Since our founding in 2011, we have earned the respect of our readers and marketing partners through

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In addition to Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine, our other products you may have seen in the region include Golden Corridor Smart Shopper, the annual Winter Visitors Guide and TravelHost Arizona. Although you can find our work throughout our state, we are proud to be headquartered right here in Casa Grande.

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THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

Bea Lueck

Bea is the general manager and managing editor of ROX Media Group. She handles the various day-to-day activities necessary to take the publications from concept to print and distribution. She has over 22 years of experience in multiple advertising media, including print, direct mail, television and web.

General Manager & Managing Editor

Ray Newton

Contributing Writer

A veteran newspaperman, magazine and television reporter-editor, Ray also earned stripes at several universities, including Northern Arizona University, as a professor and administrator emeritus. Active throughout his adult years in several local, regional and national think-tank organizations, he’s a vocal advocate for giving back to communities where we live.

Julie is a marketing professional with 20 years of experience working in client and agency settings. Julie has created and managed marketing strategies across many industries, designed to meet client objectives and stay within an established budget.

Julie Turetzky

Senior Graphic Designer

Loriann Rhodes Advertising Executive

Susan Cohen

Sr. Account Executive

Creative Director

Katie Mayer Editor & Project Manager

Katie is an accomplished senior copywriter and editor with 12 years of experience working with everything from daily print newspapers to magazines and trade publications.

She is also an award-winning journalist and guest lecturer at her Alma Mater, the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

Robin has 28 years of journalism experience in newspapers and magazines. Currently the Marketing Director for Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, she has lived in Prescott Valley with her husband for nearly four years.

Robin Layton Senior Copywriter & Editor

Public Relations & Marketing Manager

Jake Pagano

Tim Clarke

Tim is a digital design professional with more than 27 years of experience. Tim is responsible for all creative consulting, magazine design, print production and web development for ROX Media Group.

He manages production for multiple publications as well as multiple Drupal and Wordpress sites for external clients.

Jake is an experienced and driven graphic designer whose creative design work can be found in dozens of consumer, travel and lifestyle publications throughout Arizona.

Jake is currently responsible for a number of publications at ROX Media Group including Sun Health LiveWell, Glendale@PLAY and TravelHost Arizona.

Loriann brings more than 10 years of media experience to ROX Media Group. Her background includes selling trade publications as well as consumer membership publications. As Account Executive, she represents Prescott LIVING Magazine, Quad-City Smart Shopper, TravelHost Arizona and the Visitor Guide – Greater Prescott Area and supports other ROX Media Group projects as needed.

Susan brings over 30 years of experience in medical marketing and sales to ROX Media Group. In her role, she represents Prescott LIVING Magazine, Quad-City Smart Shopper, TravelHost Arizona and the Visitor Guide – Greater Prescott Area. Susan is known for her great personality, and enjoys working with the business community to promote their products and services among readers locally and throughout Arizona.

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

Rebecca Bowen Graphic Designer

David Truby Advertising Executive

Jo Wobser Customer Service/ Ad Traffic Manager

Rebecca is a junior graphic designer with over five years of experience in the design and marketing industries. She has her associate’s degree in graphic design, and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in communication. When she is not creating eye-catching visuals, she is enjoying hiking and other outdoor activities.

roxmediagroup.net

Meet Our Team:

David is an accomplished sales manager who brings more than 20 years of industry experience. He has overseen sales divisions for some of the largest merchant services companies in the U.S., including Merchant Processing International and Complete Merchant Services. About five years ago, he began focusing exclusively on the sales of advertising.

Jo joined the ROX Media Group team in March 2018 following a career in customer service spanning more than 20 years. This rewarding experience coupled with her skill sets as a graphic designer and photographer allow her to provide excellent service and guidance to the ROX Media Group advertising clients she serves every day.

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13

PINAL COUNTY

by Staff Reports

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

Florence, Gilbert hospitals close

T

vide reliable infrastructure to help move people, goods and services, generate commerce and economic activity, and connect major freight and travel corridors,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said.

Major projects slated for Central to Southern Arizona:

he Florence Hospital in Anthem, as well as the Gilbert Hospital, shut down earlier this summer.

According to Jeremiah Foster, the court-appointed receiver from Resolute Commercial Services LLC, in a statement posted to the Florence Hospital website, “We regret to inform the public and other concerned parties that Gilbert Hospital and Florence Hospital at Anthem are both closed as of June 18, after a wind down process that began on June 15. This decision was a difficult one to make in terms of community services, but both hospitals and their parent company (New Vision Health, LLC) experienced prolonged financial hardship prior to the receivership that made continued operations unsustainable. We’re working with all relevant governmental and community entities to ensure the hospitals are safely shuttered and that access to medical records is maintained.”

Both properties were owned

by New Vision Health. The company attempted to remedy its financial issues, but financing was unable to be secured.

Florence Hospital opened March 8, 2012, and was licensed as a general-acute care hospital and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The year after its opening, the hospital found itself in financial difficulty and filed for bankruptcy.

continued on page 21...

Read more news on pages 22 & 80...

Girders go on for new I-10, SR 87 interchange

E

loy’s new interchange at Interstate 10 and State Route 87 is taking shape. Arizona Department of Transportation crews placed 45,000-lb. girders that will form the deck of the SR 87 bridge, according to an ADOT press release.

“The new interchange will be located just north of the current alignment of SR 87 and will carry the road over the Union Pacific Railroad

tracks as well as new lanes of I-10 to connect with Phillips Road on the other side of the freeway,” stated the release.

The work is part of a project to make I-10 traffic flow more safely in Pinal County. Crews are building four miles of new interstate lanes that will widen I-10 in the area to six lanes between mileposts 209 and 213.

ADOT reports that “This fall, crews will begin creating a first-of-its-kind dust detec-

tion zone designed to identify dust storms in the area and provide drivers with information to make safe decisions.”

A second ADOT team is widening I-10 to six lanes north of Interstate 8 in Casa Grande, including new bridges and a new interchange at Jimmie Kerr Boulevard. When both projects are completed by late summer or early fall in 2019, I-10 will be a six-lane freeway from Casa Grande to Tucson.

Statewide road projects approved for 2019-2023

“A

major freight corridor in Southern Arizona that moves trucks to and from Mexico for produce and other goods will undergo a full build-out of improvements over the next few years,” according to an Arizona Department of Transportation press release.

Other major expansion

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projects along key commerce corridors including Interstate 17 and US 93, along with SR 260, were also approved by the state transportation board as part of the annual update to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program.

“ADOT’s mission is to pro-

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

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 •

Governor Ducey releases $38m plan for new school buses

G

ov. Doug Ducey released a $38 million plan to purchase more than 280 new school buses in low-income communities across the state utilizing settlement funds from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust.

School districts with 60 percent or more students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch and the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind will receive funds to replace school buses that are at least 15 years old and have more than 100,000 miles.

Under the plan, an estimated 80 percent or more of the new school buses will go to school districts in counties at risk of violating federal air quality standards.

“K-12 education remains our top priority,” said Gov. Ducey.

“These dollars will go a long way toward making sure Arizona students are safely delivered to school every day. Additionally, putting these dollars toward the purchase of new school buses

will free up existing funding sources, allowing school districts to focus on other capital needs to benefit students.”

If the plan, is approved, funding will likely be available during the second quarter of fiscal year 2019.

In 2016, the U.S. Dept. of Justice filed suit against carmaker Volkswagen for violating the Clean Air Act by modifying its vehicles to cheat emissions tests. The suit resulted in a settlement agreement that requires Volkswagen to spend $10 billion to buy back vehicles or compensate vehicle owners and $4.7 billion to offset pollution from the modified cars.

Arizona will receive $57 million over the next two years. The plan also includes funding other projects such as supporting wildland fire crews and equipment for the Arizona Department of Transportation.

NEW SCHOOL BUSES IN ARIZONA SCHOOLS

In January of 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Volkswagen for violating the Clean Air Act. The lawsuit resulted in a settlement agreement that allocates dollars in damages to Arizona for projects that will improve Arizona’s air quality. The plan must be presented to the settlement trustee prior to distributing the dollars. Governor Ducey’s plan for distributing the settlement dollars prioritizes updating school buses across the state.

$38 Million

The state has developed a plan to distribute $38 million over the next two years to replace aging school buses at school districts and the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind.

Estimated New School Buses

by County Apache: 8 Cochise: 9 Coconino: 6 Gila: 8 La Paz: 9 Maricopa: 85 Mohave: 21 Navajo: 12 Pima: 60 Pinal: 30 Yavapai: 18 Yuma:15

Eligible Buses

Buses that are at least fifteen years old with over 100,000 miles will be eligible for replacement.

Funds will be given to school districts with 60 percent or more students eligible for free or reduced price lunch, primarily in counties which need assistance in meeting federal air quality standards.

Additional Priorities

The plan also includes using funds to purchase new crew carriers to transport the newlycreated post-release fire crews, wildland fire engine trucks for the Department of Forestry and Fire Management and for mission-critical equipment for the Department of Transportation.

Total: 281 buses

Info and graphic from azgovernor.gov

Assisted living center OK’d in Casa Grande

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

T

he Casa Grande Planning and Zoning Commission approved a new assisted living center, to be located east of Peart Road and south of Florence Boulevard.

The Nauvoo assisted living and memory care facility will consist of two buildings, with a total of just over 18,300 square feet. There will 46 beds contained in 32 separate rooms and the facility will have 32 parking spots.

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15

CITY

SPEAK

ACHIEVE PINAL!

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

E With the accelerating pace of social and technological change, the World Economic Forum estimates that 65 percent of children born today will end up in careers that don’t even exist yet.

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ven before I took office, I have been supporting, encouraging and talking (to anyone who will listen) about education and workforce development. If we expect our communities to grow and prosper, we need to be prepared for the jobs of the future. Achieve Pinal is a regional grassroots effort dedicated to working with education, government, business and other interested community partners. The goal is to develop a competitive future workforce by improving educational attainment in Pinal County (achievepinal.org).

Many jobs are expected in Pinal County over the next decade (Casa Grande in particular). By 2030 nearly 70 percent of all jobs will require a post-high school degree or certificate. The percentage of Arizona residents age 25 to 64 who have completed a two- or four-year degree or post-high school professional certificate in Arizona overall is 43 percent and in Pinal County is 29 percent. Our goal by 2030 is 60 percent, so this means we have some work to do!

Jobs are changing quickly. We are living through an era of unprecedented change in the workplace.

With the accelerating pace of social and technological change, the World Economic Forum estimates that 65 percent of children born today will end up in careers that don’t even exist yet.

What can ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students do to prepare for college and/or prepare for career directly after high school? Here is a checklist: • Complete an Education Career Action Plan (ECAP) in ninth grade.

• Visit www.azed.gov/ecap • ECAP will help you to find a career you will enjoy.

• It has an inventory of jobs, job pay, job training requirements, it will ask you questions about what you like to do and what you are good at.

• Make sure you take the necessary high school courses that support your career choice for entry into college and/or courses that will help you get that post-high school professional certificate.

• Pursue involvement in extracurricular activi-

• •

•

•

•

• • •

•

ties that interest you.

Complete the PSAT in the 10th or 11th grade.

Volunteer in your community and seek out summer internships in your career area/area of interest.

In 11th and 12th grade, enroll in courses that allow you to earn college credit or skilled trades certificates while attending high school.

Begin to look for scholarship opportunities.

Use the FAFSA4caster tool to find out if or how much federal student aid you qualify for fafsa4caster.ed.gov In 11th grade, register to take the ACT or SAT in the spring. Talk to school counselors to waive the test registration fee if you cannot afford it.

Revisit your ECAP with your counselor.

Visit at least one campus of a college you want to attend.

Make sure your applications are submitted to colleges of interest by Thanksgiving of your senior year.

Complete the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by mid-Februar y of your senior year fafsa.ed.gov

For Pinal to Achieve, for Casa Grande to Achieve, we must be prepared. As parents and community members, we can assist this effort by encouraging our young adults to follow this checklist and by giving to charitable organizations that advance education. If we own businesses or work for large companies, consider hosting an internship program.

Partner with our local community college (CAC) to help you meet your workforce needs. And finally, we all need to be the positive voice for education and workforce development. Share success stories about our local school district(s) with neighbors, friends, employees and customers.

We can all make a difference!

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

PHOTO BY KEITH LAVOO PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT

RE-ELECT

c r a i g 4 m a y o r. c o m

Mayor Craig McFarland

CITY OF CASA GRANDE

“If you’re not involved, you’re not part of the solution. Through my business and life experiences, I have learned giving back and being involved in my community is important.

I am an experienced, positive, passionate person and believe I can help make Casa Grande a great place to work, live and play!”

PRIORITIES AND GOALS Quality of Life . . . dedicate funds to clean up our blighted areas, improve our customer service, complete citizen satisfaction surveys Marketing . . . develop branding guidelines, build a “Marketing

Casa Grande” organization that will market/promote Casa Grande throughout the state and region

Education . . . Collaborate with area education institutions for

workforce development, encourage local industry and the City to adopt apprenticeship opportunities for our residents

Fiscal Responsibility . . . maintain a budget that can

withstand a 5% revenue reduction, benchmark City jobs to ensure we are competitive in salary/pay, evaluate City services to ensure we are the most efficient vs. the private sector

Infrastructure . . . 100% citizen access to the Internet, identify and fund a transit plan, improve major arterials by 25%, increase the City trail system by 5% annually Advance our Healthy Community through the Mayor’s Homelessness Taskforce, Healthy Community website and volunteerism programs Promote economic development

PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY THE CRAIG MCFARLAND FOR MAYOR COMMITTEE

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

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17

COOLIDGE, ARIZONA IN COOLIDGE, WE TAKE QUALITY OF LIFE TO HEART

by Jon Thompson, Mayor, City of Coolidge

I I’m proud to hear the positive feedback from residents commenting how Coolidge takes their suggestions for improvement seriously.

Along with our roadwork, downtown Coolidge has seen its share of improvements.

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

’m honored Coolidge is featured in this edition of the Golden Corridor Living Magazine. One of my pleasures as Mayor is relating how our City is making so many positive changes in the community.

You may have read in past articles about our road improvements happening all over the City. I’m proud to hear the positive feedback from residents commenting how Coolidge takes their suggestions for improvement seriously. Along with our roadwork, downtown Coolidge has seen its share of improvements. New benches, flower planters with trees, large sidewalks and plentiful parking complement the new road. We worked with business owners and community members for input on how the downtown area could be improved, and the result of that work is nothing less than superior.

The improvements to our downtown have also been well received by businesses and organizations.

One of the largest specialty bread companies plays a vital role in that area. Mediterra Bakehouse serves restaurants and such specialty stores as Whole Foods and AJ’s Fine Foods.

United Dance Group recently leased a space owned by the City. Their vision is to turn the building into a state-of-the-art dance studio. United Dance competes across the country and recently won a national dance title in Las Vegas.

Plans have been submitted by Pinal County to expand its footprint into the City. All of these entities are a vital part in how the future of Coolidge will take shape.

We have also made strides in outreach programs to help beautify the City. The Disabled American Veterans, Boy Scouts, church groups, school groups, community partners and more have displayed the desire to bring a sparkle to Coolidge. It’s this type of community effort that assists our staff in transforming a good city into an excellent one. Painting of buildings, trash removal and park equipment installations are just some of the great improvements our community partners have helped with across the City.

To go along with those beautification efforts, the City has added additional code enforcement staff to ensure Coolidge has the opportunity to really shine.

The department’s staff takes its job very seriously and has already made strides in ensuring that the look and feel of Coolidge is welcoming to all who live and visit.

When monsoon season is underway, drainage and water flow is a major concern. The City has taken many steps over the year to mitigate potential flooding. Our roadwork in the downtown area is one of those examples. A new retention basin was installed alongside the road allowing excess water to flow freely. These projects seem hidden most of the year but are very noticed and welcomed during the heavy rain season.

Our airport continues to be one of those hidden gems that garner more attention with business expansion and flying activity year after year. We were awarded the ADOT Airport of the Year in 2017, covering all of Arizona. The council and I feel the airport is a vital part of the City and we continue to

PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNITED DANCE

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CITY OF COOLIDGE

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

support improvements to further economic development. Our extensive runways and taxiways repaving improvements have been well received by tenants and the flying community. In addition, we’re proud our airport was selected by Sports Illustrated for a photo shoot and Budweiser for a TV commercial supporting veterans.

As we celebrate and support our agricultural roots, Coolidge is beginning its transformation into a little industrial powerhouse. Stinger Bridge and Iron continues to attract worldwide attention in its industry.

The business has helped repair a major section of the San Francisco Bay Bridge and is a key player on one of the country’s largest bridge projects taking place in Long Beach, Calif., the Gerald Desmond Bridge.

Bright International is a major player in the hair care market, serving large manufacturers in the U.S. and around the globe. It has continued to expand its manufacturing facilities as demand for its product grows.

Finally, a vision to bring an inland port to Arizona is looking to take shape right in Coolidge. The Inland Port concept will distribute shipping containers off of rail lines and onto semitrucks, allowing goods to flow much quicker.

We are very fortunate as well to have the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Coolidge. Visitors from all over the world come to see the Great House and explore the grounds of this ancient landmark.

Dating to 1350, this national park is a treasure not to be missed.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CITY OF COOLIDGE

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

All of these great projects and community efforts are what makes Coolidge distinct from many other cities. We look for ways to continually partner with businesses and the community to make this City a shining example of what can be accomplished with a team effort. I’m extremely proud of the transformations already in place and can’t wait for more to happen as the year continues. I invite you to visit our City and experience the friendliness of the people and the wonderful downtown area.

Coolidge really takes our commitment to quality of life to heart, and we hope you can experience that soon.

I’m extremely proud of the transformations already in place and can’t wait for more to happen as the year continues.

I invite you to visit our City and experience the friendliness of the people and the wonderful downtown area.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CITY OF COOLIDGE

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19

ELOY, ARIZONA MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

by Joel G. Belloc, Mayor, City of Eloy

I Economic development requires a steady, ongoing commitment, the resources to compete on a national stage and a great product.

This Council has demonstrated the commitment, Eloy has the great product, and we are working together to develop the resources.

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have been pleased that Eloy is getting more assertive relative to its economic development efforts and the partnership that is ongoing between the City and our Chamber of Commerce. One such effort is the fall and spring tour of downtown buildings and vacant land opportunities jointly hosted by both organizations. The last tour was held on the morning of May 11 and was attended by several key real estate professionals interested in future Eloy investments.

Several members of Eloy’s Community and Economic Development staff were in attendance along with Mark Benner, executive director, Eloy Chamber of Commerce.

After some coffee and doughnuts, all of the attendees toured both sides of Main Street peering through windows and discussing potential uses and possible improvements that needed to be made, what type of signage works best in a downtown setting and brainstormed various strategies for making things happen.

Although the passage of time has been tough on Main Street, everyone talked about the buildings having “good bones.” In other words, the structures for the most part are sound; they were initially built well and can now be put back into productive use with some imagination, elbow grease and a few dollars.

Another partner in the downtown enhancement effort is the Downtown Advisory Commission. This is a group of interested community leaders working diligently to make the area vibrant, fostering a fu-

ture destination for business, services, shopping and someday, new restaurants. The high level of interest, energy and ideas, coupled with a strong community commitment will make it possible to revive a proud community and once again see the Main Street store fronts open and streets full of visitors and Eloy residents. Please contact Mark Benner (520-466-3411) if you would like to attend the tour in the fall.

Another key step Eloy has recently taken is to hire an Economic Development Specialist to market and represent our City in the development world and oversee the process of completing a strategic economic development plan going forward. Eloy has not had an Economic Development Strategic Plan since 1999, and both the City and the market have changed considerably over the past 20 years. While the entire state of Arizona suffered greatly during the Great Recession, many rural communities have recovered at a slower pace than urban areas. At the request of staff, City Council at their May 29 meeting, authorized the issuance of a Request for Qualifications to attract consulting firms with experience in rural Arizona communities to prepare this plan in concert with the Community Development Department, our strategic allies including APS, community leaders and the City Council. The goal is to not only have a guiding plan but a focused implementation strategy for the next two to five years that will serve as the blueprint for Eloy to realize its job growth goals and measure its economic development success.

Economic development requires a steady, ongoing commitment, the resources to compete on a national stage and a great product. This Council has demonstrated the commitment, Eloy has the great product, and we are working together to develop the resources. Eloy’s location is one of the best in the Southwest, and we are working very hard to improve the opportunities for our residents and those who choose to invest in our community.

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

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…

Highway ‘gators’ can bite

H

ave you seen any gators on the highways lately?

No, not THOSE gators.

The chunks of tires you see on a road are nicknamed “gators” and they can cause massive damage to a vehicle, whether you strike them while driving, or your vehicle’s tire blows out.

With a busy summer season in full swing, the Arizona Department of Transportation and state Department of Public Safety remind motorists to stay alert to tire treads or other debris. Drivers also should regularly check their vehicles’ tire pressure to

reduce the risk of blowouts “We all need to pay attention and be prepared for debris at any time, but tire gators increase in number when the weather turns hot,” said Raul Amavisca, ADOT Central District engineering administrator for maintenance.

“Our maintenance yard bins fill up with more rubber during the summer.”

According to an ADOT press release, DPS is often the first line of defense against gators, conducting traffic breaks to temporarily stop traffic so troopers can toss tire debris to the shoulder of

ADOT WORK: An artist’s rendering of the Union Pacific Railroad bridge on SR 347.

Credit: ADOT

ROAD PROJECTS...cont. from page 14 • State Route 189, Nogales to Interstate 19: Improvements along SR 189 to ensure international commerce can efficiently and safely travel between Arizona and Mexico at the Mariposa Port of Entry, one of the busiest land ports in the United States.

• Interstate 17: Anthem to the Sunset Point rest area: Widening of I-17 • US 93: “The Gap” Tegner Drive to SR 89: This project will widen a 3-mile stretch of US 93 near Wickenburg to a fourlane divided highway.

• Interstate 10: Ina Road to Ruthrauff Road: $109 million

•

•

•

•

allocated from FY 2020 to FY 2022 to widen the freeway between Ina and Ruthrauff roads.

Interstate 10: Ruthrauff Road traffic interchange: $102 million allocated from FY 2019 to FY 2021 for this reconstruction project.

Interstate 10: Houghton Road traffic interchange: $46 million allocated from FY 2019 to FY 2021 for this construction project.

Interstate 19: Ajo Way traffic interchange: $36 million is allocated in FY 2019 for the second phase of this reconstruction project.

Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway: The 22-mile freeway, which is currently under con-

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

a freeway.

“We also get to see the damage a large piece of tire tread can inflict on another vehicle,” DPS Capt. Tony Mapp said. “These can be dangerous situations, which makes it so important to avoid distractions and keep an eye on the roadway out in front of you.”

Maintaining proper tire pressure to limit the chances of creating a highway gator.

“You’re improving your odds, since over- or under-inflated tires are more likely to suffer blowouts,” Captain Mapp said.

“It’s worth it to take the time to check your tire pressure.”

struction, will provide a longplanned direct link between the East Valley and West Valley.

• Interstate 10 (Maricopa Freeway): I-17 Split to the Loop 202 Santan Freeway in Chandler: This project will widen the mainline and includes improvements at the Broadway Curve to help traffic flow more efficiently.

• Loop 101 Pima Freeway: Interstate 17 to Pima Road/Princess Drive: Construction of a general purpose lane in each direction, along with modify-

ing freeway ramps and frontage road connections at 10 interchanges.

• Loop 303 Study: Interstate 10 to proposed SR 30: Construction of a new freeway, new bridges and other improvements, once the environmental study process is complete and a final decision is made by the Federal Highway Administration.

A complete list is at azdot.gov/fiveyearprogram.

Read more news on page 23...

Currently in Pinal County

F

our Pinal County projects equal a $150 million investment in the area’s transportation. The projects started in January and are expected to continue for two years.

• Third lane added to I-10 bet ween Picacho and Casa Grande. New interchange with SR 87.

• Dust detection system with

short- and long-range radar systems to ID blowing dust hazards for drivers.

• Widening a second section of I-10, between Earley Road and Interstate 8. Also includes replacing the bridge at Jimmie Kerr Boulevard.

• On the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, a bridge will be built to carry SR 347 over the Union Pacific Railroad track.

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21

MARICOPA, ARIZONA MARICOPA HIRES NEW CITY MANAGER WITH PROVEN EXPERIENCE

by Jennifer Brown, Assistant to the City Manager, City Manager’s Office

M MAYOR CHRISTIAN PRICE

We are excited to welcome Rick Horst to the City of Maricopa.

With his extensive service as a successful leader and proven track record in economic development, we feel confident in his ability to implement the policy of the City Council and continue to move the City of Maricopa forward.

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aricopa City Council unanimously approved a three-year contract with Rick Horst for the position of city manager.

Horst has been the city manager of Rocklin, California since 2011. He has more than 28 years of experience in the field of public administration with 23 years in the position of city manager.

Horst is a credentialed city manager, certified with the International City/County Management Association.

“We are excited to welcome Rick Horst to the City of Maricopa,” said Mayor Christian Price. “With his extensive service as a successful leader and proven track record in economic development, we feel confident in his ability to implement the policy of the City Council and continue to move the City of Maricopa forward.

His sincere interest in the city and buy-in to become part of our close-knit community is exactly the type of executive we set out to find.”

Horst entered his first year of service in Rocklin (2011) with a nearly $3 million budget deficit. He led the city through that first year, finishing in the black by $9,999 with only two positions being eliminated or left unfilled and zero reliance on reserves. Every year since, the budget has been in the black without using reserves for operational needs.

During his time in Rocklin, the city reversed over $600 million in sales tax leakage through effective economic development efforts, resulting in a 284 percent increase in sales tax receipts over the past seven years. Part of the economic development efforts included the creation of the Office of Event Tourism with the creation of the Quarry District and performing arts amphitheater bringing renewed life and redevelopment to the older parts of the city. Rocklin Adventures, a unique outdoor high-adventure venue is under construction and is designed to bring over 120,000 visitors annually. This triggered significant

private investment in the downtown.

Horst also has experience in developing creative solutions for transportation funding. Under his leadership, the City of Rocklin put together a public/ private-funding package for a new interchange on Highway 65 that will open up over 200 acres for new development to include more than 1 million square feet of commercial development. This has the potential for new job creation in excess of 2,000 and all with no debt accumulated.

“I am honored by the confidence the City Council has given me and am excited to join a very professional and forward-thinking team,” Horst said.

Horst was born in Crestview, Florida. Following graduation from Okaloosa Walton Community College with an arts degree in music education, Horst served a two-year church service mission in Canada before completing his formal education at Brigham Young University and earning a Bachelor of Science in recreation management and youth leadership, followed by a Master of Arts in recreation management and community resource development. Some years later, he completed course work toward a master’s in public administration at Troy State University. Married for nearly 40 years to Cynthia, Horst and his wife have six children and 14 grandchildren.

Rick Horst

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

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

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument brought $4M to area economy in 2017

by Robin Layton

P

eople have traveled to view national parks since 1872, when Yellowstone was declared the first one. In 2017, park vacationers added over $35 billion to the nation’s economy.

The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument played its part in that economic boost to the tune of just over $4 million.

According to the annual National Park Service report, 75,000 park visitors spent an estimated $4.3 million in local gateway regions while visiting Casa Grande Ru ins Nat iona l Monument.

“These expenditures supported a total of 65 jobs, $2.3 million in labor income, $3.8 million in value added, and $6.4 million in

CONTINUED…

PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.NPS.GOV

economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Casa Grande Ruins National Monument,” stated the report.

Visitor spending varied across the National Park System, from big parks such as Yellowstone National Park which attracted 4.1 million people and supported more than 7,350 jobs, to smaller parks like Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site that attracted more than 45,000 visitors and supported 43 jobs.

According to the 2017 report, most park visitor spending was for lodging/camping (32.9 percent) followed by food and beverages (27.5 percent), gas and oil (12.1 percent), souvenirs and other expenses (10.1 percent), admissions and fees (10 percent) and local trans-

portation (7.5 percent).

In the Coolidge Chamber of Commerce June 2018 newsletter, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument Acting Superintendent Dave Carney shared that the monument “welcomes visitors from all around the world. We enjoy sharing the story of this place and the experiences it provides. NPS staff, volunteers and community and tribal partners care for the Great House and other archaeological sites, historic buildings, plant and animal life, and interpret the monument’s resources … both here at the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, as well as in surrounding communities. Many other people, in nearby communities, provide our visitors with food and drink, lodging, gasoline and

other services that complete the national park experience, contributing to local jobs and economies.”

Total visitor spending at the monument has increased steadily since 2012, when it was at $3.7 million. In 2017, area hotels saw $1.4 million in business related to the park, and restaurants saw $980,000 in business.

According to the report, “2017 National Park Visitor Spending Effects,” more than 330 million visitors nationally spent $18.2 billion in 2017 in the communities near national parks. Of the 306,000 jobs supported by that spending, more than 255,000 were in communities that lie within 60 miles of a park.

Read more news on page 80...

Arizona’s Parks by the Numbers • 22 National Parks • 13,321,857 visitors to national parks • $1,114,700,000 economic benefit from national park tourism • $144,740,870 of rehabilitation projects stimulated by tax incentives (since 1995)

• $64,635,613 of land and water conservation fund appropriated for projects (since 1965) • $31,115,406 in historic preservation grants (since 1969) • 204,886 hours donated by volunteers • 1 National Heritage area

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

• 2 National Trails managed

by NPS • 1,463 National Register of Historic Places listings • 46 National Historic Landmarks • 10 National Natural Landmarks • 1 World Heritage site • 10,836,520 objects in

national park museum collections • 12,607 archeological sites in national parks • 22 threatened and endangered species in national parks

Source: NPS GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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The LIVING Interview

Jill Broussard

Pinal County Superintendent of Schools Interview by Bea Lueck GC LIVING: We’re here today with Jill Broussard, the Pinal County superintendent of schools. What is a county school superintendent and how are you different than the district superintendents?

JILL BROUSSARD: That’s a great question. (laughs) A lot of people are confused, thinking that I am over the superintendents for the 19 districts within Pinal County, but it’s not that. We really act as a service organization to the districts within the county. We provide professional development, financial services, and cut the checks for the teachers and all school employees. We have the accountants and the districts submit their expenditures and whatnot. We help make sure they’re balancing correctly with the county treasurer, and that everything is accurate. Our office is also a pass-through for some federal and state funds.

We also have an accommodation district. It’s called Mary C. O’Brien Accommodation District and has an elementary school that’s K-6, as well as a high school, Villa Oasis, that works as an alternative high school for students who need some additional support to graduate.

GC LIVING: Is it educational support or emotional-behavioral?

JILL BROUSSARD: We like to support all the students’ needs, but a lot of times these students have either been in juvenile detention, or perhaps were not succeeding at their other schools. Maybe they’ve dropped out and want to come back or they are a teen parent or homeless. We also have quite a few students who come to the Villa because they like the small class sizes in our program. Traditionally, I hear in the community that it was known as the high school for bad kids and that’s not the

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

case at all. We have a lot of great kids over there, and some exciting stuff happening with them.

On top of that, I assist the districts in any way that I can. We can organize consortiums for different services to make them more affordable for our districts. The County School Superintendent is also tasked if a board member on any of the school boards is unable to complete their term, my office interviews and appoints someone to that position until the next election.

We also have the juvenile detention facility in Florence, and we’re responsible for the education of those youth there, as well as any youth at the jail facility who have been remanded as adults.

GC LIVING: So just because they are currently detained, they are not relieved of going to school?

JILL BROUSSARD: That’s right. And we’re not relieved of the duty, we have to educate them. That can be very challenging, because we have students who are, let’s say, 11 years old to 18 years old, and even higher if they have an individual education plan for special education. They’re all in the same class together, and we have a limited number of teachers, and we have to meet all of those needs academically. We also have a transition program that helps teach them how to budget, do job interviews, explore additional job skills training…

GC LIVING: Basic life skills.

JILL BROUSSARD: Yes, that was my big project when I first came on, revamping that program, because they were going to school four hours a day, which is the requirement, but I extended the day to six hours, and we developed a transition program for those students, and it was really exciting, because those students ... And some of them

Pinal County spelling bee champion

have been in detention several times. But those students started asking “Can we have school on Saturdays too?” And they really enjoyed what they were learning. We have some guest speakers come in and talk to them. That is a huge source of pride for me, because I want to make sure those kids aren’t forgotten. And it also relieves a burden from our taxpayers and communities if we educate and prepare them for the workforce.

GC LIVING: Well, the better educated they are as youth, the lower the rate of recidivism.

JILL BROUSSARD: That’s right. And occasionally, you’ll have a student come in who’s maybe 17 and has five credits, because they haven’t been to school in so many years.

And when we receive a student like that,

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The LIVING Interview (continued) we don’t want to say waste their time, but we don’t spend a lot of time on capturing credits in order for graduation, because the reality is, if they’re there for 18 days, we’re not going to get them much closer to graduation. So we’ll put them on a GED path, and help them get their GED. We really look at each individual student, because they come in at so many different education levels.

GC LIVING: So what are some of the challenges you face? You said earlier that you put together curriculum enhancements for the districts. How does that work?

JILL BROUSSARD: For example, right now there’s an online curriculum, with benchmarking and whatnot, that the districts would like to use, that’s aligned with our standards right now. We can work with the vendor and say “we have a volume of districts, that would like this, and can we get some special pricing because of the volume?

The districts can pitch in and we have this great program at a great price, or a much more affordable price for the districts than if they secured the program individually.

And that helps keep our money in the district for other tasks. We really need to stretch that dollar as far as we can. Not just because of funding, but also because it’s taxpayer dollars.

GC LIVING: Now as far as curriculum, you’re not over the curriculum at each individual district. That’s up to the district to establish.

JILL BROUSSARD: That’s right. I’m going to use a buzzword here, and ... (laughs) that’s

local control. Your school board makes decisions, based on recommendations from the staff and the administration.

GC LIVING: What do you think, personally, as an educator, on teaching to the test?

JILL BROUSSARD: Personally as an educator, because I am a teacher, it’s inevitable. Because the tests are aligned with our standards. We’re teaching those standards.

And if it’s a good test that’s aligned with our standards, it’s all one and the same.

There are examples where districts or counties have put too-large an emphasis on the results of those standardized tests.

And if you do that, then you have the issue with teachers and students and staff being overly concerned with specifics of what is on the test. There are many steps that safeguard to make sure that as teachers, we don’t have access to those tests ahead of time, so that we can specifically teach to those questions.

When you have such a heavy emphasis on test results, where a large portion of the teacher’s salary or 301 money is contingent upon their students and the success that they have on the test, then you could have that issue. But I think that good teachers, who teach to the standards, paired with a supportive administration who gives them great training and a good curriculum, and you have a good test that’s asking questions based on the standards, then really there’s no reason to be overly concerned about that.

Oath of Office 2012

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GC LIVING: What do you feel, personally as an educator, on Common Core?

JILL BROUSSARD: This is a tough one. There’s some great aspects of Common Core, because we’re teaching our students to become problem solvers. There are some aspects that cause a lot of frustration with the public and teachers who have traditional math training. Historically, there was our old method of doing math, which is still accurate and it works. I learned it that way too, your rote memorization type of formulas and whatnot. What I like about the Common Core math is they still teach us formulas, but they pull apart and explain to the kids why it’s done this way, and what it means, rather than just memorizing it. So that they can apply it in other areas. Our traditional math was really only understood by less than 70 percent of the population. So less than 70 percent of the population really understood why they were doing what they were doing, or were successful at memorizing formulas and what they mean, and when to use them. So the Common Core math actually addressed the other 30 percent of the population and said, “Oh, you know what, here’s some other ways to solve this same problem.”

What I don’t like is when teachers count work incorrectly if a student understands it in a different way and when they come to the same accurate conclusion with a different method, because I feel like that’s what we’re really trying to get at, you know?

There’s more than one way to get to this answer. We’re giving you the tools, several tools, to get to that answer, and you should be able to - in my opinion - get to that answer anyway you want. We’re teaching you several ways of doing this.

GC LIVING: You touched briefly on 301 funds for educators. And at the end of the day, that was voter initiated. Does it help to hold teacher’s feet to the fire, so to speak, or are we handcuffing our educators as most of them do not get to select their students. Is their paycheck tied to the success of every student in the class?

JILL BROUSSARD: Yes, but not necessarily the same scores. There’s different aspects of 301, and showing a year’s growth for the student is part of it. When I taught kindergarten, I would have students come in who didn’t know their colors, didn’t know the

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

Association of Education Service Agencies Executive Council. Jill Broussard is President-Elect for 2019.

letters in their name, let alone the entire alphabet, and then I had students who were coming in and who could read. Occasionally I would have one come in who’s reading chapter books already. You might have a larger discrepancy, but have to look at each student individually. So yes, I think that we should tie 301 money to the success of every one of those 30 students in the classroom.

It doesn’t take 301 money for most teachers to be invested. We need to ensure that we are looking at each student individually, and we’re dedicated to their success.

GC LIVING: “Red for Ed” has been in the national news.

JILL BROUSSARD: I heard it was the largest teacher strike in history.

GC LIVING: Because I like investigating things, and I like numbers, because of some of the figures being bandied about on Facebook, I pulled the funding numbers for every district, every school in the state. There is a huge disparity, from a low of $4,000 to over $24,000 per year per student. I distinctly remember several years ago voting on school equalization funding.

JILL BROUSSARD: Yes. GC LIVING: Math tells me, four does not equal 24. How do we make this a more even playing field? Even within Pinal County, we had anywhere from a low of $6,000 to over

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

$21,000 per student at Sacaton.

JILL BROUSSARD: When you look at Sacaton, that has to do with the fact that they’re on the reservation. So they receive additional funding from the tribe for that.

GC LIVING: OK, I’ll use two similar districts.

Casa Grande is $6,000 and change per student while Coolidge is $9,000 and change.

It’s a significant difference.

JILL BROUSSARD: There’s so many different buckets for funding. They get the same amount from the state, and that’s a set amount per student. But then you have your bonds and your overrides. And if your voters pass that, so that’s why your more affluent areas, not that Coolidge is more affluent than Casa Grande, but that’s typically why you’re going to see a huge disparity between communities.

So you would think, “Hey, well, it’s not that much more if we pass this bond or this override,” but historically, over the last 10 years, we weren’t getting any bonds or overrides passed in any community here in Pinal County. The last two voting cycles, we have started to see more public support of the schools, and I think a lot of times there’s a misunderstanding as to what an override is. Or even a bond. A bond has a specific purpose in mind - a fixed asset purchase. Our bus fleet is aging, and those

buses are about $225,000 apiece, give or take. And for example, they have 60 buses.

But let’s say they need to replace 10. And they need to start replacing 10 every two years on a cycle. This is huge. You don’t have that capacity in your budget. You don’t have the ability to do that. So they want to pass a bond, so that they can do that.

Then there’s your override. That doesn’t mean that your school blew their budget.

It means that they want more capacity in their budget. Each year you have this certain capacity that you’ve got to stay within.

GC LIVING: Schools are legislated on the maximum capacity that they can tax and they can spend. So the overrides allow them to locally alter what is mandated by statute.

JILL BROUSSARD: That’s right. So if you wanted to start a new program, or add new teachers, that’s when you look at an override. A lot of times it has to do with the fact that our district’s additional assistance has been cut. Governor Ducey’s plan is working on restoring that. Our building renewal funds have been taken away. An example would be Villa Oasis High School. We had a classroom with a mold issue because of a leak. We don’t have money in our budget to repair that. So now we have to put together an application for the state’s School

continued on page 82...

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Economy • Finance • Business

LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO

Support + Be Informed

ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY

by Helen Neuharth, President/CEO, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce

D

o you know your neighbors?

Do you know what is happening in our community?

Let’s talk to one another more often, don’t always depend on social media. I recall the television ad relating a dating scenario: The message from the ad was “just because something is stated on the Internet – it isn’t necessarily true!”

Do your homework and learn more about the current and past history of Casa Grande and Pinal County. Stop by the chamber office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and pick up a current street map of Casa Grande and a tourism map of Pinal County.

Explore Casa Grande and Pinal County this summer! To learn more about City government, you can attend City Council meetings (the first and third Monday each month); find out how to serve on one of the City’s boards or commissions; read local publications; talk to your friends and neighbors; attend your homeowners board meetings or join your Neighborhood Watch (if applicable to your surroundings). Visit the Chamber’s website regularly at casagrandechamber.org.

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Here are some very good reasons to live, work and raise your family in Casa Grande. Share the positive with others: • Quality Education – Central Arizona College, Casa Grande Elementary School District, Casa Grande Union High School District as well as private and charter school options.

• Quality Health Care – Oncology, dialysis, heart and other medical specialists; the home of Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, Sun Life Family Health Centers and a number of excellent clinics.

• Housing – a wide selection of new or pre-owned homes; gated communities; apartment complexes and neighborhood amenities.

• Shopping – explore the many stores in historic downtown, at The Promenade, along Florence Boulevard, Pinal Avenue and Cottonwood Lane; to name a few locations. Shopping locally ensures your tax dollars remain in Casa Grande to support public safety (police and fire), maintain our streets and infrastructure.

Community partnerships and volunteerism – there are many businesses and organizations that work together on various projects and events that have a positive impact on all citizens.

Volunteerism is the glue that holds much of our community together.

• Location, location, location – ideally located at the intersection of I-8 and I-10; Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce is an active and progressive business-centered organization; the largest business organization in Western Pinal County and a valuable resource for residents, visitors and business. If you have questions or would like to know more about Casa Grande, Pinal County or ways to volunteer please contact me at president@ casagrandechamber.org, call (520836-2125) or stop by the Chamber at 575 N. Marshall St., Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If we don’t have the information you seek, we will happily refer you to the correct resource. Check out the Chamber’s website: casagrandechamber.org •

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

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WHAT’S UP DOWNTOWN

by Rina Rien, Director, Casa Grande Main Street

A

s most of us reach our breaking point with monsoon storms and air-conditioning induced lethargy, take heart in knowing summer is a time for transformation and exciting new venues and opportunities in your historic downtown.

Brought to you by the Brinkin Family of Big House Café fame, the downtown welcomes CGQ BBQ, a seriously smokin’ version of Southwestern flavored BBQ that has to be experienced to be believed.

Custom sauces add to the unique flavor, and don’t let menu items like Whistle Berries, Wild Man Phil Sandies and Frog Spit throw you – it’s all good! Open for lunch and dinner at the corner of Florence Boulevard and Florence Street, call for hours or delivery at 520-836-5830.

If I had a nickel for every survey I’ve received asking for a downtown coffee stop – well your wait is over! Deadlift Brews and Shakes is taking their successful mobile business to the next level and opening a coffee/ shake and ice cream shop just around the corner from CookE-Jar at 305 N. Florence St. Plans are to have a late summer

opening as they work diligently to convert the space.

Foster’s Fashions will be moving to an available space right next door to its existing location on Fourth Street. Moving into the Foster’s Fashions existing space is Mowgli Boutique, where girls of all ages can indulge in tutus, trendy fashions and chandelier tea parties. June will be the transition time with openings in July so be sure to call for updates on hours and timing.

The previous Old Town Ale House space is under renovation to install fire sprinklers and expand the occupancy to allow for beverage and food service in this fabulous central location next to the Historic Paramount Theatre on Florence Street. Once upgrades are finished, the space will be complete with an existing liquor license for microbrewery entrepreneurs interested in either expanding or founding a Casa Grande location. Contact Paula Lambert at AZ New Horizon Realty, 520-423-0087, for updates.

Other Florence Street locations are currently available

Sign up for our text message service for weekly updates.

Text CGMS to 57711. You’ll be prompted to authorize the texting service with a “yes” and receive a confirmation within seconds!

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for retail, entertainment and service-oriented uses primed to take advantage of the late 2018 opening of the Casa Grande’s Neon Sign Park. The park will serve as a destination and pedestrian link between the downtown commercial district and arts and culture district consisting of The BlackBox Theatre, Museum of Casa Grande and Casa Grande Art Museum. The park is in final design development and expected to break ground late summer.

This project is supported by a grant awarded to Casa Grande Main Street from the American Express Partners in Preservation program, a partnership of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express Foundation. Major support from local partners include the Kramer family, stewards of the park location at Arizona Plaza, Casa Grande’s Historic Preservation Commission and The Museum of Casa Grande providing historic neon and vintage signs on permanent loan. A Founders Campaign is well underway with opportunities to “Make Your Mark on The Casa Grande Neon Sign Park.”

Contact the Main Street Office for more information.

You can find all the latest information for ongoing events and more by checking out cgmainstreet.org. Click on our Facebook link to stay connected and “like” our page for impromptu announcements.

Historic Downtown…

Experience the Difference

110 W. 2nd St., Casa Grande 520-836-8744 www.cgmainstreet.org

Casa Grande Main Street is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization working on downtown revitalization and historic preservation. The Main Street program is designed to improve all aspects of the downtown experience. Strengthening public participation and making downtown a fun place to visit are as critical to Main Street’s future as drawing new business, rehabilitating structures and expanding parking options.

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

ABOUT THE COVER:

PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOSEPH BACA

The original photo of the historic Pinal County Courthouse was provided by Michael Joseph Baca.

The cover illustration was provided by artist Jacques Laliberte. When asked about the coloring page concept, Laliberte wrote, “A lifelong lover of magazines, shortly after arriving in Prescott I started my own newsletter called Art-rag. Thinking about this cover, the idea of letting readers add their own color was appealing!”

Please see page 98 for information on submitting your coloring of the cover or one of the other coloring pages in this edition.

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI V ING BIZ! • GOLDEN

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EMPLOYER ALERT:

ICE INSPECTION NOTICES AND SUBPOENAS The federal government imposes strict requirements on employers in verifying their workers’ employment eligibility - and tough penalties for employers who fail to comply.

by Ed van Vianen and Denis Fitzgibbons, Fitzgibbons Law Offices, Casa Grande

I

n the normal routine of businesses, employers have a lot to worry about – including attracting customers, managing employees, making payroll, and following regulations. Work gets hectic, and employers may not pay close attention to their hiring practices.

As a result, workers may get hired without documenting their eligibility to work in this country. Because employers can be fined – and, in certain situations, criminally prosecuted – for employing unauthorized workers, it is especially important that employers confirm that their employment documents are in order.

Employer Responsibility In Accepting Documents Federal immigration law requires employers to hire only U.S. citizens or aliens who are authorized to work in the U.S. and to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all individuals hired in the U.S. after Nov. 6, 1986. To document this verification, employers must use the Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) for all employees and retain the I-9s for inspection.

In gathering documents from persons for verifying employment authorization (e.g., birth certificates or unexpired passports) and identity (e.g., unexpired driver’s licenses or voter’s registration cards), employers are expected to accept documents that reasonably appear to be genuine and appear to relate to the persons presenting them. Employers are not expected to be document experts.

The Form I-9 for each employee must be retained for three years after the date

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of hire or for one year after the date employment ends, whichever is later.

ICE Inspection Notices and Subpoenas More and more, we learn of employers in Central Arizona and elsewhere who are subjected to inspections by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. The inspections are designed to ensure that employers are verifying the identity and employment eligibility of their employees.

To ensure compliance, an ICE agent or auditor can initiate an administrative inspection by serving an employer a Notice of Inspection (NOI) and subpoena (DHS Form I-138) that can compel the production of the Forms I-9. The subpoena is an important piece, as employers generally do not otherwise have to allow access to employee records unless the inspector has a valid warrant signed by a judge.

By law, employers have at least three business days to produce the I-9s. ICE may also ask the employer to provide supporting documentation that commonly includes: • a copy of the employer’s payroll with detailed wage information for each employee; • an employee list that shows each current employee’s full name, date of birth, Social Security number and hire date; and • a copy of the employer’s articles of incorporation and annual report (if a corporation) or articles of organization (if an LLC) and business license(s).

Stiff Penalties for Violations If the employer fails to produce the

required records, or if the Forms I-9 contain discrepancies and are found to be not in compliance with the law, the employer has 10 business days to make corrections.

An employer may be fined for substantive and uncorrected technical violations. For example, monetary penalties for substantive violations, which include failing to produce a Form I-9, range from $110 to $1,100 per violation. Penalties for knowingly hiring and continuing to employ workers without gathering and retaining the required forms and records range from $375 to $16,000 per violation, with repeat offenders incurring penalties at the higher end of the range.

In determining penalty amounts, ICE considers five factors: the size of the business, good-faith efforts to comply, the seriousness of the violation(s), whether the violation involved unauthorized workers and history of previous violations.

Conclusion To avoid serious consequences, employers must make sure that their Forms I-9 are on file and in order from the date of hire through the required document-retention period.

If your Forms I-9 or supporting documents are not in order, or if you are served with an ICE inspection notice and subpoena, you should contact your employment attorney or the Fitzgibbons Law Offices for assistance in complying with the federal government’s strict requirements.

Ed van Vianen and Denis Fitzgibbons are attorneys at the Fitzgibbons Law Offices in Casa Grande (520-426-3824.)

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

Foundation raising funds to make Veterans Memorial a reality

by Donna Stadum

T

he Pinal County Veterans Memorial Foundation was established in 2010 by retired Pinal County Sheriff Frank Reyes and retired Casa Grande Attorney Thomas McCarville. The mission statement reads: To Build a Memorial to Honor all Pinal County Veterans who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice.

The intention behind the memorial is to create a site of beauty, honor, peace and respect. It will be a place for all i n d i v i du a l s and g roups to u s e f or ser v ices, schools to teach the histor y of our count r y and

the public to come and reflect on the sacrifices our fallen heroes have made for our freedoms of this great nation. The location of the memorial will be in Casa Grande at the Ed Hooper Park.

The lease agreement was signed in Januar y 2016 by the City Council.

The memorial will be in a park-like setting with the centerpiece being the Memorial Circle. A bronze statue of a serviceman from the waist up, offering the folded American flag will be placed on a pedestal representing the likeness of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with the words “ON BEHALF OF A GRATEFUL NATION” carved into the concrete base. Surrounding the sculpture will be 12-foot walls with flags posted behind. Five walls will each represent a branch of the service: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Pavers will be placed for those who wish to recognize a family member or give thanks.

The foundation Board of Directors is comprised of veteran and civilian volunteers who have the same vision as its founders. As a 501(c)3 organization, all funds raised have come from donations, fundraising events, “My Fallen Hero” book sales and community outreach.

We currently have just over $130,000 and initial estimates to build the memorial are between $300,000-$400,000. If you wish to make a donation, find out more about the foundation or come to one of our meetings or events. Please visit: pcvmf.org

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

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Saturday, August 20, 201

6th Annual Bowling Tournament TWO Start Times!

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10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

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Saturday, August 18, SSiilleenntt

TWO Start Times! Pinal Ave and O’NeilAAuuccttiioonn Cotton Bowl: 1740 N. Pinal Ave 10:00am and 2:00pm 5500//5500 Pinal Ave and O’Neil Space is limited - Please pre-register.

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$30/Doubles Team $15/Single Includes 3 games, Cot Bowl to Register 520.83 shoe rental,Cotton & goodies

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI V ING BIZ! • GOLDEN

33

FEATURING

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

COMING FALL 2018

The LEADERSHIP Edition

Don’t miss this opportunity to promote your business!

Thwarting Thieves . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Pillars of Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Luxury Cruises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

“THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY”

THE HEALTH & WELLNESS EDITION

CELEBRATING MARICOPA! • Meet Mayor Price • Weight Loss Challenge

In Every Edition:

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MARKETING

by Robin Layton

W

Now, look at your company. Is that really the target you are going for? Can your bank account handle that? Are your locally-made widgets bound for a worldwide distribution? Probably not.

Branding Think of a sandwich with two allbeef patties and a special sauce. You know where to get one, right? How about iPhones; - we’re assuming you know the company with the fruit logo that manufactures those?

These two companies are the class acts of brand marketing, which is putting your logo and message out to the masses in every form of advertising available to ensure consumers do not forget you, - and it takes a huge marketing budget.

Direct response Your target market, the people you want to buy your goods or services, are much easier (and affordable) to reach than you think.

Channels to use direct response marketing include: • M ag a zines, ne w spap ers, shoppers – coupons or special offers with expiration dates • Digital – website, social media posts, video, analytics, geo-fencing (web ads with zip code targeting) • Email – using an email database of your target customers • Direct response mail – mass mailing, zoned where your target consumers live

hether you are celebrating your ribbon cutting today or you’ve been in business for 20 years, the right approach to marketing is what will keep your business afloat for decades to come.

Marketing doesn’t need to be a daunting task. There are just two kinds of strategies to consider: Branding and direct response.

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GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • BIZ!

The beauty of these platforms is the trackability of each. You can follow your digital, email and mail sales campaigns and know exactly how many sales you made and which campaign was responsible.

It’s easy to become complacent while running your business. You have bills to pay, customers to make happy and the days fly by. Just because you have been in the business for a long time, doesn’t mean you can neglect your marketing.

Consumers are fickle. They will forget where they bought that neat thing last year. They won’t remember your name when trying to give a friend a recommendation.

That’s where your marketing strategy comes into play. You don’t need to saturate the world with your message, just your small corner of it.

• Know your print publications – who reads them and what is the distribution. Purchase ads in those you think your customers will read.

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

S

ometimes running your business is all you have time to do. It’s OK to call in a professional to help sell your products and services. Rox Media Group publishes and distributes over 3.6 million print copies annually and reaches millions of consumers who live in or travel to Arizona every year. Understanding your goals enables Rox Media Group to make educated recommendations and properly set up, measure and scale your campaigns.

Brand awareness: Reaching your key audiences to raise awareness about your brand, product or service Local awareness: Bringing awareness to geo-based locations, such as brick-and-mortar stores Brand engagement: Building a customer community or following and growing your audience Driving traffic: Bringing people to your website Lead generation: Capturing info such as email addresses or contact information

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•

Join social media public pages. Restaurants are a great example. Owners join local “foodie” pages and monitor how the public receives their establishment. Post a photo of a special dish and tell everyone to “come on down…”

Revamp that website and then socialize the link everywhere – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Paid posts can be designed to use as little or as much money as you want. Make it easy to use, web users have very little patience. Put your main widget out front with its price and a one-click way to get it.

Start a blog. It’s simple You’ve got this great business, so you are obviously enthusiastic about that subject. Now, share it.

Drive customers to your web-

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

•

•

site through programs such as Google Ads. People still enjoy getting mail in their mailboxes. Have your pieces professionally designed so they are eye-catching, drive your customers to your website or a telephone number set up to take orders. Make your special offer an urgent need with an expiration date.

Join your local chamber of commerce and business groups.

Website conversion: Prompting visitor action on a site, such as filling out a form or making a purchase

ROXMEDIAGROUP.NET

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI V ING BIZ! • GOLDEN

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DEVYN SOPHA AT VISTA GRANDE’S 2018 GRADUATION - PHOTO CREDIT CORINA SOPHA

BETO MCANULTY SCVUHS BOY OF THE YEAR 2018 GRADUATE PHOTO BY TRINI MCANULTY

ANGELA GEEN’S DAUGHTER HS GRAD PHOTO BY LAURA HALE

COUGAR CUBS - PHOTO BY CINDY JAMES-STILES

DYLAN TORRES 2018 CAC GRADUATE - PHOTO BY MICHELLE AROS

EIGHTH-GRADE PROMOTION LEGACY TRADITIONAL SCHOOL 2017 - PHOTO BY JOLEEN GIONET

2018 CASA GRANDE UNION HIGH - SUBMITTED BY JO MEJIA

ALYSSA ROBINETTE 2018 VISTA GRAD

BENJAMIN CALVERT-UNION HS

BRYCE BEEBE BRANDON LEE AND VICTOR DIAZ-CORIANNA LEE

AMY BREITKREITZ

CHRISTA SULLIVAN - 2011 ASU GRAD - ALL IN PHOTO CG NATIVES

JAYDA CHAVEZ EIGHTH-GRADE GRADUATION PHOTO BY LARYSSA CASTELLANOZ

HIGH SCHOOL GRAD IN 2 YRS, 3 SEMEMSTERS, ASU NEXT - MOM SHELLY PATE

Out & About

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 ABIGAIL GARZA - CGUHS GRAD

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ALYSSA DURAN KINDER GRADUATE 2018 PHOTO BY VERONICA MARTINEZ THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

Health • Happiness • Education

FAITH’S KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION PHOTO BY DANIELLE FRAIJO

MARK TROELL 2018 VISTA GRANDE PHOTO BY VERONICA MARTINEZ

JESSICA PELLAND’S DAUGHTER - KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION

KINDERGARTEN GRADUATE “2014” PHOTO BY HECTOR & BRANDI OSUNA

KELLI WILCOX

ASHLEY GUADIAN

GABBY ABRIL

JADE, JAXX, AND UNCLE DERIEN - PHOTO BY CHRIS BEAUREGARD

KEZIAH SOMMERS - EIGHTH-GRADE PROMOTION

AMY COPPINGER

AMY BREITKREITZ

KIMBERLY GARCIA - ASSOCIATES IN GENERAL STUDIES 2018

SHRINA MEJIA CASTELLANOS - FAMILY PHOTO - “IT TAKES A VILLAGE”

KINDERGARTEN GRADUATES

KINDER AND SENIOR PIC PHOTO BY GABBY ABRIL

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

LIZBETH PEÑA

MIGUEL “GORDO” CHAVARRIA GRADUATED KINDERGARTEN FROM PICACHO SCHOOL - WITH “POPS” DAVID CHAVARRIA - PHOTO BY TRINI MCANULTY GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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BANNER CASA GRANDE CELEBRATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN & INFANT SERVICE CENTER

by David Lozano, Earned Media Senior Manager, Banner Health

T

ime goes by quickly when you’re having fun. But in our case, time has flown by when bringing babies into the world. In 2016, Banner Casa Grande embarked on an exciting journey – groundbreaking for a 26,000-square-foot Women & Infant Services unit to enhance maternity care and services.

Soon after the groundbreaking, construction started and took about a year to complete. While there were some minor issues along the way, the brand new, $17 million unit opened on July 25, 2017. City officials were at the dedication, and the community showed up to celebrate and tour the new building. There was even extensive press coverage throughout the Phoenix area, showcasing the new building and what it meant to have these expanded services readily available for patients.

“It’s like we had this groundbreaking, blinked our eyes, and before you knew it, there was a new beautiful building on our campus,” said Rona Curphy, CEO of Banner

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GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • YOU!

Casa Grande Medical Center.

“We’ve really committed ourselves to upholding Banner Health’s mission of ‘Making health care easier, so life can be better’ for our patients and their loved ones.

In the last year, this new unit has come to signify the importance of investing in our community.

Whether it’s a new hospital unit, a new surgical robot or new medical program, we’re not only saving lives through exceptional patient care but also helping to boost our local economy. We’re proud we can play an instrumental part in that by helping our residents stay in Casa Grande for medical care, no longer needing to drive to Tucson or Phoenix for treatment.”

Banner Casa Grande continues to offer childbirth preparation courses so new parents can be ready for “labor day.” Also, through breastfeeding classes, mothers can learn about the benefits of breastfeeding their baby during their child’s first hours and days of life. While

these patient-care maternity services have been available before the new unit opened, the expanded unit has also allowed for enhanced services.

“A lot of exciting things have occurred since we opened the new unit,” said Janet Taylor, RN director of the Women & Infant Services unit. “For example, we offer laboring tubs for laboring mothers. This is an alternative method of relaxation and pain control so delivery can be easier for mothers. Also, having a new baby in the house on the first night, we want to help eliminate

the worry of cooking at home.

So we provide families a takehome celebration dinner for that first night with their baby.”

Taylor adds that in the new unit’s first 11 months of

operation, from opening day on July 25, 2017 to mid-June 2018, there were 639 babies delivered.

So now that the new unit is a year old, what better way to celebrate than by having a first birthday party! The public is invited to attend a free open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, July 28 at the hospital, at 1800 E. Florence Blvd. Tours of the unit will be given, light refreshments will be served, there will be a “meet and greet” with doctors and medical staff, and people will have a chance to win door prizes.

Curphy said, “This birthday party is not only to celebrate the first year the unit has been open, but also to say ‘thank you’ to the community. The community has been the driving force of all that we do here, and we appreciate the support they have given us over the years.”

For more information about maternity services at Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, visit BannerHealth.com/casagrande.

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

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Urgent Care

KEEP YOUR KIDS ENTERTAINED AND FREE OF BOREDOM OVER SUMMER BREAK

by Andrew H. Jones, Community Relations Coordinator, Sun Life Family Health Center

S

ummer break is upon us and in the 8. Neighborhood Watch – Using old boxes, age of cellphones and video games, build a giant robot to protect the neighborit isn’t hard for kids to find something hood from “aliens from outer space.” to do on a hot summer day. Howev9. Bowling – Maybe it’s the simple nature er, spending too much time with a phone or of the sport and the obvious lack of tension video game remote control in hand isn’t ideal in the building that puts everyone at ease. for anyone, especially when there is plenty of Laugh at the gutter balls and cheer for each good old-fashioned fun to be had. Here are a other’s strikes. few fun and safe activities for children of all 10. Water Balloon Baseball – My favorite ages to keep them free from boredom.

- and even teens will have trouble resisting 1. Make a Family Flag – Cut a large rectthis silly task - is to try to hit a wobbly water angle from an old white sheet or pillowcase. balloon with a bat. Your yard will be littered Use markers and/or paint to make your own with broken balloon pieces afterward, so family flag. entice clean up by offering an ice cream treat 2. Make a Puppet Theater – Turn a card to each kid who helps out. table on its side or use a large cardboard box.

11. Play a Classic Card or Board Game Make your own paper bag or sock puppets, – Playing cards is not only fun, it is a great or use dolls and stuffed animals. way to keep kids thinking. A few of my kids’ 3. Paint Rocks – Find rocks and paint funfavorites include War, Slap Jack, 21, Rumminy replicas of your family. Make sure to add kub, Monopoly, Catch Phrase or even pull out googly eyes! the old school domino set.

4. Play Tabletop Soccer – Pick teams and 12. Cook Off or Bake Competition – sit at opposite ends of a table. Use a pingAnything involving food is always a hit with pong ball for the soccer ball. Players move the kids. Putting together a lunch or dinner is ball by blowing on it. To score a goal, a player also a great way to practice teamwork. Better must blow the ball off the opponent’s edge of yet, try a food-tasting contest and have mom the table. or dad choose the best tasting dish without 5. Indoor Campout – Hang sheets or knowing who made which dish. Loser does blankets over tables or chairs. Let children the dishes. hangout, snack, and nap 13. Library Story Time in the “tent.”

– Check with your local Tip of the Month: Children library for fun activities; 6. Measure Things – have a lot of energy to libraries typically do sevHow tall are you? How release, be active with them! eral for each age group long is the table? How and you can find the big around is the tree? #OneSmallChange ones that are of interest How wide is the sideto your child. walk? Give your child a 14. Movie Marathon – Select a movie tape measure and work together to find out. series to watch. A few suggestions that my 7. Make Paper Airplanes – Look up kids love include Avengers, Batman or the Lord instructions online on how to make different of the Rings trilogy. Get everyone’s favorite types. Fold some paper airplanes and hold ice cream or make popcorn. Make it a special a contest to see which flies the farthest or event. Tip: Check your local library for movie stays afloat the longest.

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rentals.

15. Volunteer Work – Whether it’s helping at a food bank or the public library, volunteers are always in need. It is important your children learn that the world really does not revolve around playing video games or silly apps on their phones. There are plenty of fun and rewarding opportunities to volunteer your time. Working side by side with your teen on something that involves sacrifice for the benefit of another will provide work experience, new friends and fun!

Take advantage of summer break and have fun spending quality time with your children.

Let your children decide what they would like to do as an activity. You may learn something new about them and possibly even yourself.

Let them take control and participate with enthusiasm! If you can create an experience that includes just one of these activities you will be off and running to fun-filled moments and creating memories.

Sun Life Family Health Center wishes you and your family a fun, safe and healthy summer break. To learn more about our office locations and hours, visit slfhc.org Sun Life… Excellence in health, wellness and education.

References Lauren Piro. (2017). 40 Boredom-Busting Activities to Do With the Kids. Retrieved from https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/ craft-ideas/how-to/g1389/diy-kids-activities/?slide=24 The Myria Editors. (2017). 33 fun summer activities for kids and families. Retrieved from https://myria.com/33-fun-summer-activities-forkids-and-families Woman’s Day Staff. (2018). Fun Summer Activities That Won’t Break the Bank. Retrieved from https://www.womansday.com/life/work-money/ tips/g1212/summer-activities/?slide=2 THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

Join us for our 3rd Annual Sun Life Gala Proceeds will help Sun Life continue to make healthcare services and programs available and affordable to our communities Arizona Grand Resort & Spa • Saturday, August 18, 2018 • 6pm

• Registration $150 per person or to make a donation, contact Renee Louzon-Benn 520-381-0366 or renee.louzon-benn @slfhc.org • Register online www.sunlifegala.org S P O N S O R S H I P

AT OUR THIRD ANNUAL GRAND GALA, GUESTS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MINGLE DURING THE RECEPTION, BID IN A “SILENT” PURSE AUCTION AND RAFFLES, ENJOY A PHOTO BOOTH, A PLATED DINNER AND THE COMEDIC ENTERTAINMENT OF DUELING PIANOS.

O P P O R T U N I T I E S #SunLifeGala

A V A I L A B L E

DON’T IGNORE POVERTY: EVERYBODY HAS A STORY

by Donna McBride, Program Administrator/PIO and Supervisor for the CASA Unit, Pinal County Juvenile Court, Casa Grande City Councilwoman

There are other kids like me in school. We don’t talk to each other – but we know who we are.

Some get made fun of, bullied. We don’t take up for each other.

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sit in the back of the room for most of my classes. I figure I won’t be noticed by the other kids that way. And if I’m lucky, the teachers won’t call on me. The less I’m noticed, the safer I will be.

It’s been a tough summer. Most 15-year-old kids like school being out. Not me. No summer vacation, sleeping in, playing video games or going to the movies. My summer break has been filled with trying to stay out of the heat, find something to eat at least once a day and get some water. At least when there’s school I know I can get breakfast and lunch and some relief from the Arizona heat.

I’m not homeless. But I am homeless. My dad hasn’t been around for years now. Who knows where he is, and honestly, I don’t care. My

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • YOU!

mom has done her best, at least for a couple years. Then, I think she just got tired. Tired of working two jobs, keeping food on the table, watching out for me. I don’t remember when she stopped trying. She would tell me she was working late, but I could smell the beer on her when she got in. Then she would skip coming home for a couple days at a time. For my 13th birthday, she offered me some pot since I was “a teenager.” I didn’t smoke it. She said I was almost an adult, so I was on my own.

To give her credit, at least she makes sure to pay the trailer rent that includes utilities. No air or swamp cooler but running water. Everything else is on me. I can’t remember the last time she brought groceries home. I don’t worry about it during

the school year because I get free meals. And on Fridays, I stash part of my food in my bag so I will have something over the weekend.

By Monday morning though, my stomach is growling like crazy. If I get someone to let me do an odd job, I save the money for food.

I don’t steal food because, well, it’s wrong. And the stores have cameras nowadays. I don’t need trouble with the cops. I do admit that I have rummaged through alley trash or those donation bins for clothes.

I figure if people are getting rid of them anyway, it’s not exactly stealing, right? I take them home and clean them up. I wash my clothes in the bathtub and let them hang out to dry.

During the wintertime, I use an old hair dryer I found to help dry them.

I don’t join clubs at school because

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

For a list of local resources, visit: casagrandeaz.gov/ community-health

Ignoring poverty or making judgment calls about people won’t change it. Educate yourself, step up to be the change in our community.

Three ways YOU can help:

I am quiet, not because I am shy, but because I am afraid for someone to find out about how I live.

most of them cost money in some way. But I offer to help some of my teachers after school. Nothing special, just little things around their room. But it sure beats going home to nothing, to nobody. And they sometimes have snacks in their desk that they share.

There are other kids like me in school. We don’t talk to each other – but we know who we are. Some get made fun of, bullied. We don’t take up for each other. It would bring attention to us, and it just isn’t worth it. I do think some of my teachers have suspected because of the questions they ask me. And the fact that my mom has never showed up for parent-teacher conferences.

It was all I could do to get her to go with me to register for high school.

I keep my grades up so there isn’t a reason for them to call her.

They say everyone has a story. My name is Jake and this is mine. I have a home, but not really. I am quiet, not because I am shy, but because I am afraid for someone to find out about how I live. If they take me away, I may end up someplace that is worse. This isn’t the best, but at least I know what to expect. If I can make it until I’m 16, then I will get a job and make some money. I can save up to leave after I graduate. To where, I don’t know. But it will be my choice. Right now, I am just trying to survive. So, the next time you see a kid who is sitting alone, checking out an alley, buying a pack of meat at the dollar store, don’t judge. Everybody has a story.

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

1. EDUCATE YOURSELF: Be a good neighbor and take notice of what is going on around you. If you see a young person who is coming and going without supervision, take notice.

There are many resources in our communities that you can contact that have expertise to help.

2. DONATE: From Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, to local food banks - there are nonprofit agencies who help those in need with free clothing, training, housing and food. By donating your unwanted items, you are helping!

3. GIVE OF YOURSELF: There are agencies that work with families, youth, elderly and veterans.

You can help put together food boxes, teach a class such as resume writing or offer tutoring to a student who needs some extra help in school.

Decide what YOU enjoy doing and share it with others.

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI V ING YOU! • GOLDEN

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THE BENEFITS OF GROUP FITNESS ARE

Real

by Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie, Certified Physical Trainer, CPT, WickedFiTT

I

t’s 4:30 on a Monday morning.

It’s been six months since you made an early New Year’s resolution. This is the year you get in shape, and so far you’ve been good about sticking to your new exercise routine.

But this morning … not so much. You didn’t sleep well, and your bed is so comfortable.

You can skip the gym, that run, just one day without it being a big deal, I mean, who’s going to know right?

Does this sound familiar to any of you? Skipping a workout and breaking a promise you’ve made to yourself. Maybe you are bored, maybe you are no longer challenged doing the same workout alone every day.

We are creatures of habit and consistency can be a wonderful thing but not when it comes to doing the same workout over and over again. Your body craves variety, and in order to get the results you desire, you need to shake things up a bit.

Group fitness classes are a fun, motivating and challenging way to fit exercise into your schedule. And now there is such a variety of classes that are guaranteed to spice up your routine so you are having fun with friends while getting in shape.

Let’s talk a little more about group fitness.

I will start with accountability, this is a big one. If you have to

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wake up early in the morning, you’re not as likely to skip your workout if you’re going to a group that is expecting to see you, as opposed to working out in the gym or maybe walking/ running by yourself.

Whether it’s an instructor-led class at a gym or fitness center or a group of friends, once you’re there you’ll probably work hard to keep up with the group.

With group exercise classes, you have other people’s energy driving you, supporting and challenging you.

Group classes also tend to cost money, one of the world’s oldest known motivating forces, and if you miss class, you know the coach is going to ask you where you were.

Now, onto variety.

There is a group for every exercise fitness level and preference. You name it, from cross-training, spinning, indoor aqua classes to dance classes such as Zumba.

The possibilities are endless!

There is more to exercising than rolling out of bed, lacing up your shoes and going for a 5-mile run. Instructor-led group classes can help you maintain a safe, healthy exercise routine.

From having a legitimate warm up and cool down, adding that those integral components are the ones most commonly skipped by people who exercise on their own. With group classes, you’re getting the expertise of the instructor to make sure the exercises you do are safe and to help watch your form. Group exercise programs usually target full-body workout. As a result, you are challenged to work those weak points of yours that may be overlooked when working out alone.

Qualified instructors can also address any physical problems you may have and cater your exercises accordingly, offering modifications. Always make sure you tell the instructor/ trainer if you have a limitation. They’d be more than happy to incorporate different exercises, and, chances are, you’re not the only person in class with that limitation.

One of my favorite benefits of group exercise is the community environment. Exercise is a way for people who like spending time with each other to get

together. When working out in a group class you have other people there doing the same workout as you. If you continue going to the same classes you start to become friends with many of these people, they then become your support system, your fitness family. During your workout, you look around at these people who are all there for the same reasons as you, and you feel a sense of companionship. You know that if you fell, they would all stop to make sure you are OK. You realize that when you miss two weeks of class your absence is noted and people were worried about you.

These long-lasting relationships are good for your health and your social life.

Remember to find the time that’s right for you. Some people are morning people, some people aren’t. Kids have to be taken to soccer practice and after school programs. Work sometimes runs late. Make sure your exercise group meets at a time your busy schedule can accommodate.

So, if your solo-workout routine is lacking a bit these days, consider signing up for some group exercise classes. A change of pace, some new friends and a little extra structure might be exactly what you need to reach those fitness goals.

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

PEER LEADERS LEAD THE WAY

by Terri Durham, Office Coordinator, Seeds of Hope

M

ariela works with the Stanfield Elementary School District. Amanda is married with two kids living in the East Valley. Wendy, Julissa and Zeniada are alumni or students of Central Arizona College. One thing they all have in common is where they got their first taste of leadership: the Seeds of Hope afterschool Peer Leadership program. What began as a teen club in the early 1990s to help teenagers learn pro-social skills is still an integral part of our after-school program.

Today, eight teens assist after-school coordinator Toni with the daily planning, crowd control, feeding, youth activities, resolving conflict and cleanup each afternoon at the Mondo Anaya Community Center. In return, they receive a small stipend and a whole lot of experience in leadership, including opportunities to attend leadership events. All Peer Leaders are required to go through our Jobs for Life program that teaches Biblically based principles on

work ethic and soft skills for the work environment.

Because we cultivate relationships with kids who attend our afterschool program year after year, it’s not uncommon for peer leaders to come up through the ranks. Applying for a peer leader position has become a rite of passage for many of our program participants. Each new school year sees a new class of peer leaders anxious to learn the other side of what it takes to run the afterschool program.

When summer rolls around a few of our peer leaders are ready to take the next step.

High school graduates apply to college, some relocate and start new jobs, and a few of the younger peer leaders move up and become the role models for the new ones joining the ranks.

In 2017 we initiated a very small scholarship program for long-term peer leaders going on to college.

With 25 years of ministry to Casa Grande, our peer leader program has invested in countless young people who show

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

promise of becoming positive contributors to society. Sometimes they come back to say, “thank you.” But whether or not they do is not why we continue the program. The return on our investment is seen in how they impact and shape our com-

munity as adults. That’s all the thanks we need.

This quiet little leadership program breaks the cycle of poverty by encouraging education, employment and stable families. That’s quite a return on investment.

Celebratin g 25 Years 1993–2018

Spiritual, Educational, and Social Support to Casa Grande since 1993.

WWW.SEEDSOFHOPEAZ.COM GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI V ING YOU! • GOLDEN

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HOT

DOG!

by Gigi McWhirter

A

s the “dog days of summer” make their appearance, it is especially important that you keep your pets safe from heatstroke.

Heatstroke can happen to any dog – from the very fit to the pampered lap dog. Here is a list of dogs that are at an even higher risk: • ANY dog left outside in hot weather • Puppies • Geriatric dogs • Dogs with existing health issues such as heart disease or other chronic illnesses • Canines not used to warm weather • Over exercising or over exerting in the heat • Animals left alone in a vehicle • Brachycephalic (short noses and flat faces) like Boston Terriers, Boxers, Bulldogs, Pekingese, Pugs and Shih Tzus and even mutts with faces like these breeds.

HELL ON WHEELS

It only takes 10 minutes on an 85-degree day for the interior temperature in a parked car to go up to 102 degrees. In half an hour, the temperature can easily exceed 120 degrees. Imagine yourself sitting in a vehicle with no air running and no means of opening a window or a door to allow air in.

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GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • YOU!

From the panic to the fear – the experience is horrific. You can go to YouTube and watch the video created by a veterinarian demonstrating what happens in a hot, parked car. A slightly opened window does not cool things down in the vehicle. If you notice an animal that has been left in a parked car, contact the manager or owner of the business or building immediately. If no response, call local animal control, police or fire department right away.

NO SWEAT

Humans have sweat glands to help keep us cool. A dog does not sweat. Their noses and paw pads are what cools them. A dog that is heating up can only pant to try and get their temperatures back to normal. This does not work in extreme conditions. In just a short time, critical damage to the brain, heart, liver and nervous system can occur. Symptoms of overheating include: • Heavy panting • Glazed eyes • Extreme thirst • Bloody diarrhea and vomiting • Weakness and collapsing • Body temperature of over 104 degrees • Increased pulse rate and heartbeat • Seizures Once a dog’s temperature reaches 109 or higher, heat-

stroke occurs. Then seizures happen as a result of the brain swelling. Irreversible kidney damage is the result of dehydration. GI ulcers can occur due to a lack of blood supply. And then possible death. It only takes a few moments for all of these events to occur.

Because a dog normally pants a lot when it is hot, it may be difficult to recognize that overheating or heatstroke is happening. If you suspect your dog is overheating, move it to a cooler area and take its temperature. (Ask your veterinarian to show you how to correctly take a rectal temperature.) If the reading is below 104 you may start the cooling off process by offering small amounts of water. Too much water can lead to vomiting, which can cause dehydration. Next, call your veterinarian for further instructions.

If the temperature is over 104 degrees, call the animal hospital immediately and tell them you are heading over with a dog suffering from heatstroke (this allows them to prep for your arrival). You can begin trying to cool the dog by soaking it with cool, but not cold, water. Water-soaked towels and a hose work nicely. Start the cooling process by running the water carefully over the head, neck and the areas below the front and back legs. If possible, carefully cool the tongue, but do not let the water run down the throat – you do

not want water to enter the lungs.

DO NOT put water in a dog’s mouth that cannot swallow on its own. If possible, put a fan on the dog. Recheck its temperature. If it is below 104 degrees, stop the cooling process. Too much cooling can lead to a too-low body temperature and possibly blood clotting. Even if the pet seems to be recovering, it is essential that you get to a veterinarian hospital or clinic right away.

SUNday FUNday

To keep your dog safe from the heat, make sure to provide plenty of fresh, clean water all the time. If your dog has to be outside for any period of time, there should be lots of shade available. Only exercise your pet in the coolest part of the day and keep plenty of water on hand for both of you and cover your dog’s paws with protective paw coverings. If you cannot walk on the ground barefooted, NEITHER SHOULD THE DOG! Letting your dog run through the sprinklers or splash in the pool while supervised is another fun way for your dog to cool off when the outside temperature is over 90 degrees. And finally, NEVER LEAVE YOUR ANIMALS ALONE IN A PARKED CAR. Always consult with a veterinarian on any and all animal health questions, not Dr. Google.

Happy tails to you!

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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Special Section:

SCHOOL CHOICE CONSIDERATIONS

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earning style: Find a school that best fits your child’s learning style or interests. Knowing if you’re looking for a specific type of instructional program will help focus your search.

Programs: The school should

have the types of programs (sports, art, music, etc.) that are the most meaningful to your child.

Class Size: Class size and student teacher ratios can have an impact on student learning, this may be a factor to consider. On the other hand, small schools can also have their limitations to resources and programs.

Grades Served: If grade

configuration is important to you and/ or your child then determine whether the school is a good match (K-6, K-8, etc.) for your expectations.

Performance: The state

annually grades all of Arizona’s public schools, district and charter. The letter grades, which range from A to F, can serve as a guide to how students perform on standardized tests.

Culture: Every campus has a

IT’S TIME TO GET YOUR CHILDREN READY FOR

SCHOOL DAZE!

by Robin Layton

A

s children, we spend most of the year wishing for summer vacation to start.

When it finally gets here, poof, it’s gone!

As adults, we can definitely relate to summer fun disappearing in a blink.

Suddenly, you have zero time to complete school clothes shopping, dental appointments and eye checkups. In Arizona, parents also have something else to consider … they have the bonus of being able to research and make school choices for their children.

It’s time well spent to learn the differences between public, charter, private, online and home-school options. For instance, according to Gov. Doug Ducey’s Office of Education, “Arizona state law allows students to apply for admission to any public school, based on available classroom space. The law requires that school districts develop policies regarding open enrollment that may include transportation and that the policies shall be posted on the district’s website and available to the public upon

request. Transportation is available for special education students.” So, if you live in one area, but work in another and you prefer the schools where you work, you can seek admission to that school district.

Charter schools are defined by the Office of Education as “tuition-free public schools that were established to provide additional choices to families for learning environments that would improve student achievement.

Most public charter schools are operated independent of local school districts by either nonprofit or for-profit entities, although school districts may also sponsor charter schools.”

According to the Arizona Charter Schools Association, charters are public schools that must follow the open enrollment laws. So, a charter cannot turn away a child for low test scores or disabilities. The

unique culture. Evaluate whether the school maintains a welcoming and safe environment, which should include high expectations for learning.

Source: Arizona Charter Schools Association

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

association does mention that many charter schools have waitlists and recommends checking deadlines and enrollment policies.

If you prefer to send your child to a private school, assistance through scholarships may be available. Most of them are based on financial need, but you can find the right one for your family through the many Arizona school tuition organizations. Learn more at education.azgovernor.gov/

edu/arizona-school-choice.

Online instruction is also available to meet the unique needs of your child.

Arizona is a national leader in providing learning opportunities for its students, according to the Office of Education.

To learn more, visit inacol.org.

Arizona recognizes home-schooling options and recommends visiting ade. az.gov/resources/hs.asp to contact your county officials about your area’s specific home-schooling requirements.

GETTING CHILDREN READY TO FACE THE SCHOOL DAZE! Set up a bedtime and wake-up routine in advance. If you can, try starting these new routines about two weeks in advance of the first day.

Get to know the teachers. It’s hard during

all of the open houses, orientations and meet-and-greet options to spend quality one-on-one time with your kid’s teachers. If you can take a few minutes before or after school to chat one-on-one, everyone can benefit.

Plan healthy lunches and snacks. By

planning meals at home, you are more likely to make healthy choices for your children during the school day.

Protein-rich snacks and lunches with fruits and vegetables and other yummy wholesome items will make sure your kids have the right brainpower and energy to tackle their school days.

Organize clothing. We’ve all been there – morning meltdown. Just what are they going to wear? Once you’ve donated the clothes your kids have outgrown, take a few more minutes to carefully organize what is left. From there you can decide what you need more of before school starts.

Setup a central staging area in your home. The notoriously missing shoe, backpack or

textbook…it always happens. By choosing a clutter-free area of the house as a central housing hub for all things school related, including lunches and more, you will save yourself precious time and frustration in the mornings.

Update medical records. Provide teachers and school administrators with a complete list of any medical concerns or medications they will need to know about your child, including allergies. Also make sure all emergency contacts are updated and notified they are on the emergency call list.

Talk about bullying. Approximately one in three children experience bullying at some point during their school career. By talking with your children, you can ensure they know how to properly treat their classmates, teachers and administrators. You can talk about when it is appropriate to speak up if they see bullying happening.

And you can make absolutely sure your child knows you will support them if they come to you with information that they are being bullied.

Source: www.azed.gov

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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Special Section: Education

EDUCATION News from around town

Y

News Bites

our local schools and colleges are not just the places students go to learn new things.

Casa Grande is home to public, private and charter schools that produce top-quality graduates, as well as colleges and trade schools that prepare your children for bright futures. There is

big news to share here: A school is celebrating 100 years in Casa Grande, another one broke ground for an expansion, and others have new features and programs to keep students engaged and involved in their communities. We’re proud to share the news from your local schools in Golden Corridor Living.

IT4Reality fair run by partners who educated students on how to spend their monthly paycheck wisely.

CASA GRANDE UNION HIGH SCHOOL

CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE

Two New Buildings at Signal Peak Campus

A

new student union and a new science building will open at the Signal Peak Campus of Central Arizona College in August.

The new student union will include the dining hall, café, Vaquero Student Lounge, meeting rooms, the campus bookstore and public safety. The new science building will feature teaching labs with associated prep spaces, a STEM classroom, faculty offices and student lounge spaces.

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

CENTRAL ARIZONA VALLEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

CAVIT Promotes Career and College Awareness

S

eeing a need to provide students with a realistic glimpse into their future career and college pathway choices, CAVIT implemented four all-day professional development trainings this school year. Firstyear students had the opportunity to attend two unique offerings. CAVITCon brought in industry professionals to share information on emerging careers and associated technical skills. COLLEGECon provided students the opportunity to attend post-secondary school presentations that offered information on admissions, life on campus, financial aid and available degrees.

To enhance future employment success, CAVIT offered a reverse job fair to second-year students. This event turned the tables on students as community partners asked employment interview questions in a speed dating format. Making sure seniors received financial planning, students received a paycheck representing earnings from their chosen career and participated in the CAV-

Casa Grande Union High School to Turn 100

C

GUHS has a rich 100-year history. For the 2018-19 school year, staff and students will be celebrating this centennial anniversary. Many activities are planned throughout the school year. Athletics will be implementing an engraved paver project for community members to purchase a brick which will displayed at the school.

Our 2018 graduating class received over $5 million in scholarships. Our graduates will be attending colleges or universities across the U. S., which include: U of A, ASU, NAU, GCU, Duke, Virginia Military, Johnson & Wales, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Mary Baldwin University, Baylor and many others.

The Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams program offers annual grants of up to $10,000 each for 15 teams of high school students, educators and mentors from across the U.S. to invent technological solutions to real-world problems.

This year, CGUHS engineering and mathematics teacher John Morris was selected as an Excite Award winner for an application written and submitted with CGUHS sophomore engineering student Chloe Buchanan. Morris has recently returned from the 2018 EurekaFest at MIT and will be working through

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

Special Section: Education

the remainder of the summer with Buchanan and a team of students to prepare their final application for submission.

Sirk first presented his big idea to a panel of judges in Arizona. In May, he won the state YE competition and was awarded $1,000, and was sent in June to compete nationally against 18 other YE students for $20,000.

His invention, called “The Scrubber Glove,” is a microfiber cloth used to make cleaning easier. He came up with the idea as a dishwasher at a local restaurant. In the fall, Sirk will attend Marshall University on a soccer scholarship and will study sports journalism.

Mission Heights offers the YE program so that students, like Ryan Sirk, can learn business skills, creative risk-taking and personal values necessary to succeed in today’s market.

GRANDE INNOVATION ACADEMY

to school and to show them off to all their friends. We, like St. Francis, love animals.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM St. Anthony of Padua School has a pre-kindergarten program. Three- and four-year-old children attend school in a smaller building that is designed just for their small bodies.

Parents may choose from a half-day or whole-day program. Our program is geared to provide educational standards as well as social standards. Our PreK program is licensed by the state and is also part of First Things First. Scholarships are available to help with the tuition. We invite parents and children to come for a tour. (520) 836-7247.

Academy Breaks Ground for Expansion

O

n May 7, 2018, the Grande Innovation Academy held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new gymnasium.

The gym is on the rear lot of the kindergarten through eighth-grade charter school in Casa Grande. The gym is the first in Casa Grande to have an indoor rock climbing wall.

The Grande Innovation Academy also broke ground on the lot next to the new gym where a structure housing 10 new classrooms will sit. The expansion is due to the 150-plus new students who have enrolled for the upcoming school year.

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA CATHOLIC SCHOOL

School to Incorporate Program Helping Youth Learn and Grow

S

tudents display the models they made of animal cells. Science class is a favorite for many of the middle school students.

As they study the science standards, they are called upon to create cell models, erupting volcanoes, bridges that can hold 25 to 30 pounds and many other fun experiments that illustrate and test their skills in putting the science standards into practice. This year, Robotics will be introduced to the students through a grant received from the City of Casa Grande.

MISSION HEIGHTS

Mission Heights Entrepreneur Student Takes Third Place in Nationwide Competition

2

018 Mission Heights’ graduate, Ryan Sirk, recently competed at a Youth Entrepreneurs Big Idea nationwide competition in Wichita, Kansas, where he won third place and was awarded $2,000.

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

BLESSING OF PETS Every year we celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who is the patron saint of pets. One of our priests comes to school and we celebrate Mass outside as the students sit with their pets: snakes, dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses and other animals in all variety of sizes. At the end of Mass, the pets are blessed with holy water and a special prayer.

The students are thrilled to bring their pets

VISTA GRANDE HIGH SCHOOL

Vista Grande High School Ready for New Year

V

ista Grande High School is looking forward to the 2018-19 school year, with some changes on the horizon!

The band and football programs have new leaders and are preparing to start our season with the first game on Aug. 17.

The Spartan football team will soon be participating in a special media day event in the Tucson area by volunteering in the hospitals.

Three exciting plays will be produced by the high school drama department: three musicals,” Bring It On,” “Mama Mia,” and for the holiday season, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Eighty percent of the 2018 graduating class were offered over $6.1 million in scholarships.

We are proud that some of the 2018 graduates will be attending ASU, U of A, NAU and GCU in the state. Others in this year’s class will be attending out-of-state universities including Harvard, Providence College and Brown University. Vista has various service organizations, special-interest clubs, sports, JROTC and drama for students who are looking for a group to join. Come and check us out!

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

53

Special Section: Education

ACTIONS PARENTS CAN TAKE TO HELP THEIR CHILDREN BE SUCCESSFUL IN SCHOOL

by Stephanie Collier, Project Coordinator, Casa Grande Alliance

P

arents hope that their children will do well in school and go on to be happy, successful adults.

However, there are specific things that parents can do that have been shown to make a difference in their children’s school success.

Here are tips from our Strong Families Program, which uses an evidence-based curriculum that has been proven to have a positive effect on school success, as well as reducing youth substance abuse and increasing positive family functioning: 1 Identify a specific time and place for homework. Having a quiet, distraction-free study area with supplies handy helps to focus on homework, and having a regular study time helps establish a routine. Routines help children focus their attention and energy and minimize parents’ need to remind their child to do their homework. Consider making the study area a phone-free zone.

Check their homework and praise their efforts. It’s a good idea to check regularly to make

54

sure homework is completed and your child demonstrates an understanding of the lesson. A child who knows they are being monitored is more likely to exhibit good behavior. Checking homework can help identify any areas in which your child is struggling and needs additional help and also provides an opportunity to praise your child for his or her efforts. Verbal praise and recognition has been shown to encourage children to keep up the good work.

Let your child be involved in after-school activities. While some parents see extracurricular activities as a reward for doing well in school, letting your child get involved in a school-based activity that they enjoy can actually be a motivator. Many school activities like sports or band require good grades and citizenship for participation. It won’t be just you concerned about your youth’s success in school – their coaches and activity sponsors will be talking to them about it and monitoring

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

their progress also!

Besides these tips, another thing that parents can do to improve the odds of their children’s success in school is to have regular talks with them about the dangers of drugs and underage drinking. Since the average age of first substance use in Pinal County is age 13, parents can start building resiliency in their children by having these talks early and often.2 While it’s never too early to start having these conversations, what you say will need to grow and mature right along with your child.

A simple message that drugs are bad for you is effective for younger children. However, at the age of 9, your child is ready for conversations that include why drugs are bad for you; what harm they can do to a person’s body and brain. During the preteen and teen years, youth are becoming more independent in their thinking and establishing their own identities. While you may not think they’re listening, and they probably won’t act like it’s “cool” to talk about the dangers

of drugs and underage drinking, studies reveal that 55.8 percent of kids in Pinal County did not use drugs because they thought it is harmful and 55.1 percent said it was because their parents disapproved. 2 How do you get these conversations started? A news story or a song on the radio could provide an opportunity to start talking.

Be sure to listen for what your child has to say about it, too. Invite them to ask questions. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers – it’s better to tell them that you don’t know, but you can both find the answers and learn about it together.

For more information about substance abuse prevention or our Strong Families Program, a free program for youth ages 10-14 and their parents, visit the Casa Grande Alliance website at casagrandealliance.org or call 520-836-5022.

1 The Casa Grande Alliance uses Iowa State University’s Strengthening Families 10-14 curriculum.

2 Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, 2016 Arizona Youth Survey, Pinal County

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

Youth are 25% of our population… ..and 100% of our future.

One caring adult can make a difference in a child’s life… be the one! Over half of Casa Grande teens who don’t use drugs choose not to because they don’t want to disappoint their parents or another adult in their life.1 1

Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, 2016 Arizona Youth Survey

Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Referrals 1460 N. Pinal Ave. Casa Grande, Arizona 85122 520-836-5022 | CasaGrandeAlliance@gmail.com www.CasaGrandeAlliance.org Facebook: CGAlliance | Twitter: @CG_Alliance

STUDENT-RUN WELLNESS CLINICS (sample services listed for each)

Services are by appointment only and provided by CAVIT students in training.

Animal Clinic with Program Veterinarian Bathing, Physical Exam, Vaccinations

Hair Clinic Color, Haircut, Perm, Updo

Dental Clinic with Program Dentist Fillings, Routine Cleaning, Tooth Extraction

Massage Clinic Chair, Deep Tissue, and Hot Stone Massage

Medical Clinic with Program Physician Assistant Physical Exam, Glucose and Cholesterol Checks

Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology 1789 W. Coolidge Avenue in Coolidge www.cavitschools.org

(520) 423-1944

Special Section: Education

CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE – YOUR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

by Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing

S

ince 1969, Central Arizona College serves and educates the diverse communities of Pinal County. With five campuses and three centers located strategically throughout the county, CAC provides accessible, educational, economic, cultural and personal growth opportunities for those of all ages.

CAC empowers its students and staff to succeed by providing a TRUE Learning community. The college offers an array of academic degrees and certificates in fields such as accounting, administration of justice, agriculture, animal science, business, chemistry, computers, culinary arts, diesel/heavy equipment, early childhood education, fire services, geology and planetary science, health careers,

nutrition and dietetics, skilled trades and technology, and visual and performing arts.

Community members are provided multiple learning opportunities through career training, personal enrichment classes, online and university transfer courses, and continuing education classes.

Weekend College opportunities provide convenient class meeting times on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the CAC Corporate Center.

At the completion of the three-year Weekend College program, students will earn an associate of arts degree that leads directly into ASU’s Organizational Leadership Bachelor Degree program. Visit centralaz.edu/weekend for more information.

The college also presents a variety of community events throughout the year at each of its campuses and at the Don P. Pence Center for the Performing and Visual Arts at the Signal Peak Campus in Coolidge. For a complete listing of all CAC community events offered throughout the year, please visit EventsAtCAC.com. At this portal, you may RSVP to free events and purchase tickets for ticketed events.

Enrollment is currently taking place for fall 2018 with classes beginning on Aug. 20. Advisers are available to help students develop their educational path. To schedule an appointment with an adviser, please call (480) 677-7825 or explore all of the options that CAC has to offer at centralaz.edu.

www.centralaz.edu 58

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

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

Success for Everyone – The Responsibility is Yours and Mine ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

. . . h g i H h c a Re

Casa Grande Elementary Schools Leading the Way

Visit Your Child’s School Today!

Percentage of Casa Grande Parents Providing the 12 Schools an “A” or “B” Rating 97

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520.836.2111 • WWW.CGESD.ORG

Special Section: Education

RETHINKING EDUCATION FOR FUTURE SUCCESS

by Jennifer Weber, The Grande Innovation Academy

E

ducation has surpassed the basic three R’s of Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. In order to prepare students for success in college and their careers, a “whole child” approach needs to be taken. The Grande Innovation Academy has devoted time and resources to develop creative spaces to teach the “whole child” with a growth mindset.

Fostering a culture around technology, our Pre-K through 8th grade charter school is the only school in Arizona with a Situated Multimedia Arts Learning Lab, also known as a SMALLab, fully integrated into the school’s curriculum. The SMALLab is a

room-sized 3D interactive environment designed to motivate student interaction and productivity. Students are up and out of their seats learning while collaborating with other students.

The Grande Innovation Academy installed a fabrication laboratory as a platform for project-based, hands-on STEM education. The Fab Lab offers scholars a place to create, tinker, learn, mentor and invent while connecting to a global community of learners, educators and scientists. This creative space includes 3D printers and industrial-grade fabrication tools to encourage research and invention.

Educating the “whole child”

Rock Wall means integrating health and wellness, so the Grande Innovation Academy implemented garden and kitchen classes. The GIA garden provides scholars with the opportunity to learn about plants by growing their own. Applying hands-on science and math lessons, scholars chart the process from germinating seeds to the kitchen. In the kitchen, scholars learn how to follow a recipe and the importance of calculating serving sizes.

Because active children have greater attention spans and bet-

ter academic performance, GIA scholars experience PE every day. By installing a rock climbing wall, GIA has incorporated math and science into fitness. Besides building self-esteem, scholars work on their critical thinking skills as they problem solve the physical puzzle of reaching the top. Scholars also experience art and Spanish to sharpen critical and creative skills.

To find out more about The Grande Innovation Academy, or to enroll, visit GrandeInnovationAcademy.com

Expand your child’s education!

We are a Pre-K through 8th grade charter school fostering a creative campus designed to develop individual thinkers. As the only AZ school with a SMALLab, our scholars learn using hands-on technology combined with virtual reality experiences.

Our Jr. Chef Competitions, Global Day of Design, out-of-state field trips and clubs offer scholars extracurricular opportunities to learn skills they’ll need throughout their lives.

Everyday PE is always more exciting with a rock wall. The only way to see how we take education beyond the textbook is to see for yourself!

Tuition Free Bus Transportation Lunch Program Small Class Sizes Outdoor Garden

Full Day Kindergarten Full Time Gifted Program After School Enrichment Spanish, Arts and Sports SMALLab and Fab Lab

GRANDE I N N O VA T I O N ACADEMY

We are now accepting enrollment applications for 2018-2019. Enroll today at: GrandeInnovationAcademy.com

950 N. Peart Rd, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 • (520) 381-2360 60

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

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

Special Section: Education

Start planning your holiday marketing campaign!

Shopping, Dining Special Events & More!

520.426.2074 Info@roxco.com

• Serving Pre-Kindergarten (4 years old by Sept. 1st) through 8th Grade students from Casa Grande, Coolidge, Arizona City, Eloy and Maricopa • National test MAPS taken three times a year for students in Kindergarten - 8th Grade.

• Catholic Religion taught daily.

Children's Mass on Tuesdays.

• Scholarships are available to make tuition affordable • Fully accredited by NWEA and First Things First

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School

Sister Carol Seidl, Principal • Diana Peck, Scholarship and Enrollment Manager 501 E. 2nd Street, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 • (520) 836-7247

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA CATHOLIC SCHOOL STRIVES TO TEACH WHOLE CHILD

by Sister Carol Seidl, Principal, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School

S

t. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is at 501 E. 2nd St. in Casa Grande.

It has been in operation since 1950.

We educate students from preschool through eighth grade. Our preschool program enrolls 3- and 4-year-old children by Sept. 1 of each school year.

Our pre-kindergarten program is licensed

by Arizona and we are a member of First Things First and Quality Care. Our teacher-to-student ratio is 13-to-1 for the 3-yearold program and 15-to-1 for the 4-year-old program. An aide is also working with the teacher in the morning and afternoon.

We offer two programs: Morning only from 7:40 to 11:30 a.m. and an all-day program from 7:40 a.m. to 3 p.m. Before and after school care is available Monday through Friday.

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

Our program is academic, social and religious. We strive to teach the whole child by using creative, instructional and fun centers.

Total group instruction occurs daily. Children are allowed free playtime outside in our interactive playground.

Snack time is provided for the child in the morning and the afternoon. If a child stays all day he/she may purchase a lunch from the school’s hot lunch program or bring their lunch from home.

Parents are asked to do 30 volunteer hours per school year to be a part of their child’s education.

Scholarships are available to help with tuition. For more information contact Sister Carol Seidl, Principal, at (520) 836-7247.

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Special Section: Education

“Prepare t o

” ! d S uccee

COLLEGE & CAREER READY AT MISSION HEIGHTS

E

by Amanda Mace, School Leader, Mission Heights Preparatory High School, Casa Grande ducation in Arizona has been under serious scrutiny.

One area of concern is whether schools are preparing their students for the future. The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) has added more college and career readiness standards for a school’s letter grade. According to the ADE, “Students are considered college and career ready when they have the knowledge, skills, academic preparation and behaviors needed to enroll and succeed in college.”

The vision at Mission Heights is, “Every student will be prepared to succeed at the nation’s top institutions of higher learning.”

As a staff, we have considered how we are doing in this area, and if we are addressing the state’s concerns. Last year, Mission Heights

sent 94 percent of our graduates to university, community college or the military. This contributed to our “B” letter grade given by ADE. As an AVID school, the college and career-going atmosphere is prevalent. It is in our classrooms, in our curriculum, and in our culture. Last year, we joined hands with Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology (CAVIT) to expand our career readiness. We broadened our Youth Entrepreneurs program, adding internships in the community. We also added a Career Prep class that focuses on resumes, portfolios, budgeting and interviews.

We continued our College Prep class for juniors to prepare them for life after graduation. Tours of every major Arizona university occur twice a year. We host a FAFSA and College Night, as well as proctor the ACT and

“Prepare t o

Accuplacer test on campus. We also require the ASVAB for upperclassmen. We added CAC classes on our campus. In fact, over 50 percent of our graduates were enrolled in college classes. Every time a student is registered for the SAT/ACT, is accepted into a university, or has filled out the FAFSA, we recognize them. This past spring, we had our first College Signing Day, in which 95 percent of our graduates revealed their plans to the student body.

The question at Mission Heights is not “Are you going to college?” it is “Where are you going to college?” It is the expectation for all to have a plan, and we are confident our students are college and career ready. More than that, they are PREPARED TO SUCCEED on those paths.

” ! d S ud!c”cee e

Enroll today online at mhprep.com/enroll or stop by for a tour!

“Prepare t o 94% graduation rate to university,

“Prepare t o

S u cce

community colleges and military

S uc

Mission Heights Preparatory High School is a tuition-free public college prep school with a family atmosphere featuring: • • • • •

Grades 9-12

Highly Qualified Teachers Top AzMerit Scores in the county Dual Enrollment and Early College Options on MHP's campus Digital Arts programs including cutting edge competitive Esports program and Photoshop Competitive sports including football, volleyball, cheerleading, wrestling, men and women's soccer, baseball, softball and track • Music and Drama programs Enroll today online at mhprep.com/enrol • Youth Entrepreneurs program and community internships that teaches students business and encourages marketing of their own skills 94% graduation rate to university, community colleges and military Performance on AZMerit Exams • A Travel Club that experiences 20 daysHigh in Europe • CAVIT program Grades 9-12 • A wide variety of clubs & extracurricular activities 1376 E. Cottonwood Ln. • AVID Program Casa Grande, AZ 85122 Graded a B school by ADE Accredited by •AdvanceED

www.mhprep.com | 520.836.9383

1376 E. Cottonwood Ln., Casa Grande, AZ 85122 www.mhprep.com • 520.836.9383 • Amanda Mace, school leader Amanda Mace, school leader

Enroll today online at mhprep.com/enroll or stop by for a tour!

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CORRID OR LIVING V GOLDEN CORRIDOR LI • SPECI A L SEC TION 94% graduation rate toING university,

community colleges and military

Accredited by AdvanceED

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

MOST AWARDED SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PINAL COUNTY

ili

m Co

ol

ho Sc

The responsibility is Yours and Mine

ity

ts

en

Success for Every One

m un

es

ud

St

Consisting of 7,000 students in 13 school sites, the Casa Grande Elementary School District is one of the largest school districts in Pinal County. With a long and rich history of serving the community, we are passionate about meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students based on our mission of Success for Every One – The responsibility is Yours and Mine. We proudly serve students in preschool – 8th grade and offer a wide variety of programs ranging from our highly-popular gifted classrooms to our award-winning music programs. No matter the interests or needs of your child, we have a place for them in the Casa Grande Elementary School District.

Visit www.cgesd.org to find out more.

OUR LONG AND RICH TRADITION OF SERVING FAMILIES HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED BY LOCAL, STATEWIDE, AND NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS. IN THE LAST DECADE ALONE, THE RODEL FOUNDATION HAS RECOGNIZED FOUR CASA GRANDE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPALS AS ARIZONA EXEMPLARY PRINCIPALS AND THE ARIZONA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION HAS NAMED FOUR SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT AS A+ SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE.

Fa m

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

96%

SCHOOL RATINGS BY PARENTS FOR OVER 10 YEARS IN A ROW, 96% OF FAMILIES IN THE CASA GRANDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT RATE THEIR CHILD’S SCHOOL AN A OR B.

WWW.CGESD.ORG

8 OUT OF 10

SCHOOL RATINGS BY PARENTS

8 OUT OF 10 FAMILIES IN CASA GRANDE CHOOSE THE CASA GRANDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT TO EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN. FAMILIES HAVE A CHOICE WHEN IT COMES TO THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN; COME SEE WHY THE VAST MAJORITY OF FAMILIES CHOOSE THE CASA GRANDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT.

CASA GR ANDE ELEMENTARY DISTRICT Dr. JoEtta Gonzales, Superintendent 220 W. Kortsen Road, Casa Grande, AZ (520) 836-2111 • www.cgesd.org joetta.gonzales@cgelem.k12.az.us

Special Section: Education

CASA GRANDE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 2018-2019 Registration First day of school is Friday, August 3, 2018

REGISTRATION SCHEDULE ALL STUDENTS MUST REGISTER If you are planning to attend Casa Grande Union High School

If you are planning to attend

• • • • •

Monday, July 23 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Tuesday, July 24 12:00 noon to 7:00 PM Wednesday, July 25 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Thursday, July 26 12:00 Noon to 7:00 PM Friday, July 27 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

If you are planning to

Vista Grande High School

2730 N. Trekell Road 520-836-8500 Parents may complete online registration beginning July 2, 2018. Parents will also need to attend one of the registration dates below:

must be pre-enrolled by Thursday, July 19 in order to participate in registration week.

1556 N. Arizola Road 520-876-9400 Parents may complete online registration beginning July 2, 2018. Parents will also need to attend one of the registration dates below: • • • •

Monday, July 23 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Tuesday, July 24 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Wednesday, July 25 9 AM to 4 PM Thursday, July 26 10 AM to 6 PM

NO NEW ENROLLMENTS DURING PREENROLLED REGISTRATION WEEK. Students

attend Desert Winds Learning Center 1362 N. Casa Grande Avenue 520-316-3361 Parents may complete online registration beginning July 2, 2018. Parents will also need to attend one of the registration dates below: • • • • •

Monday, July 23 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Tuesday, July 24 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Wednesday, July 25 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Thursday, July 26 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Friday, July 27 No Registration

NEW ENROLLMENTS FOR ALL CGUHSD All new enrollments must have all required documents listed below: 1. Picture I.D. of parent/legal guardian (proof of guardianship required) 2. Proof of residence in the form of a current utility bill, rental agreement or purchase contract.

3. Student's birth certificate 4. Students immunization record 5. Transcripts from previous school (grades 10-12)

6. Withdrawal form from previous school (grades 10-12) 7. Eighth-grade promotion certificate (grade 9) 8. Documentation if student has special needs

A parent must attend with their student(s) through the entire registration process.

Please understand the registration process may take at least an hour.

All AP students will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit for each AP class they are enrolled in, and they must take the AP exam.

WWW.CGUHSD.ORG

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THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

Casa Grande Union High School District

A 21st Century Education with 21st Century Choices!

CAMPUSES

Every Student Access 1:1 Schools Two comprehensive campuses, a STEM program and Learning Center Program

STAFF

Led by 152 qualified teachers

COURSE OFFERINGS Over 200 course offerings

LIBRARY AND RESOURCES

More than 10,000 volumes at two campuses

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional Learning Communities with emphasis on effective instructional practices and 21st Century Skills and Student Based Learning

TUTORING

STEM PROGRAM AT CGUHS

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

COMMUNICATIONS

Websites, PowerSchool, Schoolway App, direct email to staff, weekly news

ACTIVITIES

Choir and Drama, FFA, FBLA, FPS, Robotics, Marching Band, National FCCLA, DECA—state, national and international awards

COLLABORATION ALTERNATIVES

CAVIT, CAC, private corporations, City of Casa Grande

FACILITIES

Professional Culinary Arts Kitchen, FFA greenhouse, Art, Auto Shop, Computer Labs, Theater Arts Auditorium

ATHLETICS

Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Football, Track, Cross Country, Soccer, Golf, Spiritline, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling

Available four days a week on all campuses

www.cguhsd.org • (520) 316-3360

Special Section: Education

A quick conversation with

DR. STEVEN BEBEE

Superintendent, Casa Grande Union High School District

Please share with us your background in education: I am a product of the public school system and I attended schools in the Cartwright, Peoria, Chino Valley and Prescott school districts. My inspiration to teach was Bob Scott, my elementary physical education teacher.

I grew up in the Cartwright School District and attended Glenn L. Downs from first through sixth grade. Mr. Scott was an amazing man who genuinely cared about each of his students as an individual and he made school fun.

After graduating from Prescott High School, I attended Yavapai College in Prescott and earned my associate degree in education.

I then transferred to Grand Canyon University in Phoenix where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a minor in social studies. After teaching for a few years in the Cartwright, Deer Valley and Paradise Valley school districts, I returned to school and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University, while making the transition from teacher to administrator in my professional career.

While completing my master’s degree at NAU, I became the Dean of Students at Sunrise Middle School in the Paradise Valley School District. From there I became an assistant principal at Thunderbird High School in the Glendale Union High School District where I spent two years as the Assistant Principal for Discipline and Attendance, and two years as Assistant Principal for Operations and Athletics.

That experience, and the potential desire to move to the East Valley, prompted my next move to become an assistant principal for the freshman class at Hamilton High School

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in Chandler. The housing crash of 2008 and a 120-mile daily commute brought me back closer to home and landed me in the Cave Creek Unified School District as the principal of Sonoran Trails Middle School for one year and then to Cactus Shadows High School for the past nine years.

In 2011, I decided to pursue my doctoral degree, which was a lifelong goal I had set for myself. When I finished in 2014 with my doctorate in educational leadership with an emphasis on effective schools, I began the pursuit of my ultimate professional goal of becoming a superintendent. My love for athletics and my love for children has led me to an amazing 23-year career in public schools.

What prompted you to make the move from Cave Creek principal to leader of CGUHSD? Are you relocating to Casa Grande or commuting?

Because I had the small town experience as a high school student myself, I have become a huge fan of the quality of life and the impact a small town can have on the lives of students and the community as a whole. As I began my pursuit to become a school district superintendent, I focused on small town school districts and looked for a good fit. Knowing that I have had a very successful career in educational leadership and that I was now ready to take that next step in my career, I began to explore openings in Arizona this year. The more I researched Casa Grande Union, the more things just felt right and the more it felt like this was a place that I would love to be.

I am absolutely planning to relocate to Casa Grande, along with my wife, as I take on the responsibility of leading the Casa Grande Union High School District. In my life, I have always believed in going all in on anything that I take on and do not believe I could be as effective leading the district while commuting every day. I went all in at Cactus Shadows by moving my family into the community and I will do the same with Casa Grande Union. I value

relationships, and by living in the community that I serve, I look forward to the relationships I will establish with the teachers, staff, students, parents and the community at large.

What are you planning to tackle in your first 100 days as superintendent?

My entry plan for the Casa Grande Union High School District will focus on the first 100 days as superintendent. I will meet with the governing board to ensure that I fully understand the expectations and directions the board sees the district moving in and to understand the board’s goals for the upcoming school year. I will work with my leadership team to meet and listen to parents, employees and community members as I learn about the needs of the district. Once I have completed my first 100 days as superintendent, we will be in a better position to create a vision for the coming years.

My top priority will be to build trust with our stakeholders and to gain a deeper understanding of our district. My listening and learning will help the team to make immediate improvements and to determine best courses of action for our students, our community and our staff. The team’s work will focus on student achievement, the development and growth of our staff, transparency and efficiency in district operations and the needs of the Casa Grande Union High School District community.

During my first 100 days, I will take the district through a comprehensive review of programs, systems, initiatives, services, student academic performance and fiscal conditions to assess our strengths, challenges and opportunities for improvement. Additionally, I will continue to build on our partnerships with the greater Casa Grande Union High School District community.

By design, this entry plan will move us beyond the events of the recent past and build on the strong history and foundation established by our dedicated and caring employees and community members. My main areas of

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

Special Section: Education

focus will be improving culture and climate district wide and to look for any operational changes that may be necessary to improve the efficiency of the district.

Speak to what you see are the biggest challenges at CGUHSD. I think the biggest challenge is going be my transition to the district and how quickly I can build the trust necessary to effectively lead this district. In my experience as a school leader, building the relationships with those whom you lead and serve is critical to the success of the entire district. Creating a process to listen and to learn all that I can to make the best decisions possible while keeping in mind the best interest for all students will be my focus. Of course, no one is happy with the recent letter grades for the schools in the district and we will be looking at all of the factors that affect those grades as a whole as our district wide challenge. Taking a team approach to leadership and focusing on the interests and needs of our students, I am confident that we can both improve the quality of education taking place in our schools as well as improve the culture and climate that currently exists.

How do you plan to improve community support/outreach for the school district?

I plan to become involved in the community as much as possible myself. I have been a member of Kiwanis here in Cave Creek for the past nine years and plan to move my membership to Casa Grande. I also want to become involved with the Chamber as well as Rotary Club. My goal is not only to be an effective leader for the district, but to make an impact as a citizen and member of the Casa Grande community as well. I plan to use social media as a means of getting information out to the community about the school district and will do everything I can to support community efforts that are taking place. I have already met with Dr. Gonzales from the elementary district and I know we both hope

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

that we can take a more proactive approach and collaborate more on behalf of the students who live in the school district. Professionally, I will continue my membership with the Arizona School Administrators Association and will be joining the Rural Schools Superintendents Consortium that already exists.

In your opinion, what skills does a graduate need to be successful in the current workplace and does CGUHSD have those or is planning to pursue?

Some of the most critical skills that students need to have when they leave high school in order to be successful in the workplace would be collaboration, teamwork, creativity, imagination, critical thinking and problem solving. I am very excited about the opportunities that already exist in CGUHSD and I believe that our students will all have the opportunity to achieve these skills in our district. Having our partnership with CAVIT and the CTE offerings that allow our students to achieve industry standard certification while attending high school is a huge service that is being provided to our students and their families. Ensuring that we have courses that challenge students to think critically and creating teaching environments that encourage creativity, teamwork and collaboration will be a continued focus for our district.

Various trade fields are actively seeking qualified employees. Do you see high schools increasing vocational training programs?

First, I think it is important to point out that times have changed and we have moved well beyond vocational training in school to what is now career and technical education.

In today’s world, many critical jobs need to be performed by skilled workers with the desire to do those jobs that are now at a critical stage because students over time have been discouraged from doing them. I believe that it is the responsibility of every high school to get our students ready for college and career before they leave us. I think so many times high school focuses on the college part of that equation but forgets about the career piece that is so important to so many students. I think high schools absolutely play a critical role in getting our students industry trained for those careers that they might desire when they leave high school. Again, our partnership with CAVIT and the career and technical education offerings we can provide our students in CGUHSD will ensure that our students are ready for whatever path they choose when they leave us. I plan to work very closely with our community to try to understand or identify the career needs that may exist in the community so that we might make sure our students are prepared to make a difference and to be successful in those careers.

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Special Section:

IT’S HOT. IT’S DRY. IT’S SUMMER IN ARIZONA. WHERE TO FIND HYDRATION & HEAT REFUGE • Hope Women’s Center Coolidge Hydration Station, 850 N. California Ave., Coolidge • TitleMax Hydration Station 1264 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande • Casa Grande Public Library Hydration Station & Heat Refuge 449 N. Dry Lake St., Casa Grande • St Vincent de Paul Hydration Station 405 E. 2nd St., Casa Grande • United Way of Pinal County Heat Refuge 402 E. 10th St., Casa Grande • National Community Health Partner Hydration Station 501 N. Florence St., Suite 101, Casa Grande • Seeds of Hope, Inc. Heat Refuge 518 E. 2nd St., Casa Grande

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Definitely time to stay cool and pay attention to your body and your home

by Robin Layton

S

o, is it hot enough for you? I’m sure you haven’t heard that at all around your 110-degree town lately! As we try to dash from one air-conditioned building to the next, we can easily forget to watch our body for signs of heat distress.

According to the United Way of Pinal County, “In Arizona, heat-related illness accounts for an average of 2,000 hospital visits and 118 deaths per year.

Six people in 2017 died in Pinal County due to a heat-related illness.”

You know it’s hot here when the state publishes its own “Arizona Heat Safety Resource Guide;” search for azdhs.gov.

The guide informs readers that “heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. Between 2000 and 2012, 1,535 deaths from exposure to excessive natural heat occurred in Arizona. In 2012, there were a total of 1,572 emergency department visits and a total of 212 inpatient admissions from exposure to excessive natural heat.”

The guide is an excellent resource for how to contact government agencies, to learn the definitions of heat-related illnesses and to understand what the National Weather Service warnings mean to you.

While you are keeping your body in check, next take a look at your home.

Summer in Arizona means monsoon season is closing in. The NWS is predicting that the 2018 season will start later than usual. This is the ideal time to check on these: • Roof: Check for loose shingles, leaks, debris • Plants: Trim anything that may break off and damage property. Secure young plants.

• Power outage prep: Make sure you have flashlights, a radio with fresh batteries, charged cell phones and a plan to stay somewhere cooler if this is an extended outage.

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

Now that you’re prepared Don’t sit on the couch and glare at the television all summer. Did you know that violet is a hot shade for home decorating this year? It’s true and we give you some cool ideas to splash some purple life into your abode.

Hey, parents! Back-to-school season is getting closer. Now is the perfect time to redesign your home’s functionality for optimal homework sessions. We share some tips that will make this easier than it sounds!

With the heat and the storms rolling in, you probably aren’t keen on working outside. However, now is the right time to start planning your winter garden. Our article on raised-bed planting will put some great blooming thoughts into your head.

So, sit back, stay cool and read on …

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

The United Way of Pinal County shares tips to avoid heat-related illness: • Increase fluid intake regardless of activity level.

Staying hydrated is extremely important.

• Limit exercise or outdoor activity between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• When outdoors, wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 and re-apply often. Wear a hat, lightweight clothing and sunglasses.

• Rest frequently in shady or cool areas to give the body’s temperature a chance to recover and cool down.

• Never leave infants, children or pets inside a parked vehicle.

• Respectfully check on elderly neighbors to make sure their air conditioning is working and in use.

Take advantage of free air-conditioning by visiting locations like shopping malls, the library or other heat refuge locations provided on the map.

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Special Section: Home & Garden

DETERMINING WHO IS AT FAULT IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT

D

etermining who is legally responsible in an auto accident requires identifying who is the negligent party.

In most cases, common sense can be used to determine fault, but often drivers do not know exactly which laws were broken by the at-fault party. This makes it more difficult to prove a case to an insurer when making a claim.

There are a few places to look for this supportive information.

Police reports

If you or the other party called the police or 911 after the accident to report injuries, there will be a police report.

If that’s the case, you can contact your local law enforcement traffic division to ask for a copy of the report.

Many police reports contain a responding officer’s opinion about who was at fault. If one party clearly violated any laws, the officer will write that in the report.

Typically, any mention of the other party breaking traffic laws will be enough to sway your insurer that you were not at fault.

State laws

As backup, you can search your state traffic laws to find out if the other party violated the law.

You can often find information on the

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DMV website, or you can get a copy of the driver handbook that will typically outline most instances of traffic violations. The handbooks include language that is written in layman’s terms so they are easy to understand.

Law school libraries and local public libraries may have more detailed versions of these codes.

No-doubt liability

In some accidents, the other driver is almost always considered at fault.

For example, if another motorist hits the back of your car, the insurance company will typically consider them at fault because it is most likely they were either following too closely or failed to react in time when you put on your brakes.

One of the basic rules of the road in every state is that a driver should follow a vehicle ahead at a safe enough distance to be able to stop even if the other person brakes suddenly.

Also, damage is easy to prove with a rear-end accident. One driver’s vehicle will be damaged on the front end, and the other driver’s vehicle will have damage to the rear.

That said, for drivers who are rear-ended, there are still a few situations where their carelessness is a contributing factor to the accident.

If the insurance company investigates the claim and finds that your brake lights were out, this could reduce the amount of compensation you receive and you could be considered at fault.

Your compensation may also be reduced if you ignored mechanical issues that should have been fixed and were a contributing factor to the accident.

Another example of an accident where there is a clear violator is a left-turn accident.

Anyone who makes a left turn and is struck by a vehicle on the other side of the road that is going straight in the opposite direction is an at-fault driver unless: • They were making the left turn at a green turn light.

• They were at a four-way stop and had the right of way.

• The oncoming vehicle was greatly exceeding the speed limit, which made it difficult for you to judge how fast they were coming toward you.

Also, the turning driver will have damage on the side of the vehicle, and the oncoming vehicle will have damage to the front end or the side if the turning driver tried to swerve.

520.836.7660

ROXINSURANCE.COM

For more information on automobile insurance coverage or for a free, no obligation quote, contact ROX Insurance Casa Grande at 520-836-7660

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

Insurance: because life happens

roxinsurance.com 442 W Kortsen Rd Suite 101 520.836.7660 info@roxinsurance.com

Special Section: Home & Garden

MAKING YOUR HOME ‘HOMEWORK’ FRIENDLY

by Robin Layton

A

re you ready for those child-sized, after-school tornadoes to hit your home? Well, they are coming! As the first day of school gets closer, it’s a perfect time to take a look at your space and ask yourself if it’s a place your student can flourish … and catch the bus on time.

Let’s start at your front door during the afternoon. The first thing a child will do is shed that backpack, sweater or coat. If your home doesn’t have a mudroom or nearby closet, consider rolling bins placed by the door and make it a policy to stow outdoor clothing there … along with the umbrella, because it does rain sometimes in Arizona!

A hungry child’s next stop after school will be the kitchen. If there is room available, consider putting a child’s desk in the corner with a nice lamp. This might keep your child from feeling isolated when he or she get sent to his or her room to do homework. It also makes sure you can keep your child on task.

The kitchen table, if well lighted, is also the perfect homework spot.

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It won’t take long for your calendar to fill up with school meetings, events, festivals and extracurricular activities and sports. To keep your family on track, a corkboard in the kitchen will do wonders. Let your child know this is where permission slips, flyers and other important documents will live.

Mornings are often a huge challenge for working parents with school-aged children. You need to make sure they eat breakfast, have their lunch or lunch money, the backpacks are filled with the necessary books, appropriate clothing is in place, permission slips, gym clothes, uniforms and homework are ready to go.

Having a place for everything can make those mornings run smoother. Give your child the responsibility of getting their supplies together for the day.

• Clear out a drawer in the kitchen or low shelf in your pantry, and put in an inexpensive plastic organizer. Keep snacks like granola bars and other healthy treats for your child to add to his lunch or to grab after school.

•

We’ve all been there … your child tells you at 8:05 a.m. they are out of lined paper. Or pencils. Or they need a special folder. Be a Morning Hero and have a school supply stash ready, hidden in a drawer or closet.

• Let’s not forget those mysterious disappearing shoes. Use your cubby spot near the front door for the kids to kick off their school shoes and store their sports equipment. You really don’t want a call at work that your child’s baseball glove is not with your budding sports star.

You don’t need to be the world’s greatest organizer to provide a sense of order in your home. Small adjustments like these can keep your child focused on school work when needed and free up the entire family so you can share more special moments together … rather than shimmying under a bed for that sneaker.

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

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LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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Special Section: Home & Garden

LE T ’S BUILD IT

Materials: • Railroad ties • Precast stones • Cement blocks • Bricks • Wood pallets • Rock or stone you’ve collected • Store-bought premade kits Tips: • Wood needs to be rot-resistant or treated with a preservative.

• Beds are generally 3- to 4-feet wide and can be as long as you prefer.

• Place cascading plants in the front of the bed, with trellised plants in the back.

RAISE THAT BED & GIVE JUST FOR YOUR PLANTS A SAFE THE KIDS D PLACE TO REST

by Robin Layton

“H

ere comes Peter Cottontail, hoppin’ down the bunny trail.”

And straight into your garden.

Those carrots are looking pretty irresistible to Mr. Cottontail. But, if you put that garden in a raised box, with some wire fencing around the top of the box, Peter will need to visit your neighbor’s garden for his snack.

Raised beds aren’t new, but they are making a resurgence, especially for senior gardeners.

Planting, hoeing and weeding can make your back ache, strain your legs and make you dizzy from bending over. A raised bed can eliminate that discomfort.

They are also perfect for growing a small plot of flowers and vegetables, providing decent drainage, and there are fewer weeds to deal with.

Master Gardener Julie Orris Olson feels raised beds are excellent for smaller plants like lettuce, carrots and spinach. “Don’t crowd your plants too much or you can stunt them. Worse yet,

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you invite diseases if the plants are stressed.”

She explained there are two planting seasons in the Golden Corridor. “Since we don’t have the frequent or deep freezes that you see in Northern Arizona, we have two planting seasons for summer crops and winter crops.

Right around the beginning of fall is the time to plant your winter crops.” A few ideas to plant in September include herbs like dill, basil and cilantro. Kale, lettuce, potato, turnips, radishes, peas and onions are also good fall vegetables, as are beans, carrots and corn.

Olson recommends filling your raised bed with a mix of good soil and potting mix. “Our desert soil has very little composted material in it and you’ll need that, so add the potting mix.

It will also aid in absorbing more water.”

Treated wood for the structure is best – or you could end up with termites. You can use many items to support twining plants, and make use of your vertical space. Trellises or poles are best.

id you know several 4-H Clubs are active in Pinal County?

4-H is the largest youth organization in the United States and is open to ages 5-19. Arizona 4-H is delivered by University of Arizona Cooperative Extension that provides experiences in which young people learn by doing. Kids complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.

Find a Local Club: extension.arizona.edu/4h/pinal For more information, contact Misti Todd, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator, 520.836.5221 ext 213 or email mltodd@email.arizona.edu 820 E. Cottonwood Lane, Casa Grande, AZ 85122

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

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77

Special Section: Home & Garden

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE VIOLET

by Robin Layton

O

ur homes are our nests … the places where we like to feel warm, snug and safe.

Those feelings can be achieved with a splash of color. Last year’s all-white and stainless-steel look is out. You just need to check out Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018 to see that writing on the wall. Ultra Violet is the new black, so to speak.

According to the Pantone Color Institute, “Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to ultra violet. The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering

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

places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.”

If walls of violet are too much of a statement for you, a well-placed lamp, piece of art or pillow could be just the thing your favorite room needs.

“Adding spice and brightness, ultra violet calls attention to a tufted couch, piece of art, or accent wall. As a color that can take you in so many directions, ultra violet makes a statement in any space, whether it’s one of tradition and elegance or unexpected boldness,” according to the Pantone Institute.

Complementary colors like a soft yellow or moss green can make your use of violet shades pop in any room.

Sherwin Williams agreed that jewel tones

were definitely “in” for 2018, but the company’s designers choose Oceanside as their shade for the year, a color they call “a collision of rich blue with jewel-toned green, a color that is both accessible and elusive.”

Sherwin William’s suggests “Oceanside’s multidimensional, marine-inspired look can create a welcoming statement as a lively color for a front door.”

So, as the temperatures begin to cool down in the fall, look around your nest and envision a wall or two in deep jewel tones … or your sofa with violet pillows. Spend the winter months in your cozy home, surrounded by relaxing colors that will also show your guests you aren’t afraid to share your bold side.

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

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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…

For a good cause: Sheriff’s office vs. Girls Softball team

T

he Pinal County Sheriff’s Office was challenged to a game against the San Manuel 16U Girls Summer Softball team. According to Officer Nicole Buccellato, “We gladly accepted and played them on June 8. During the game, the team held raffles and had a steak fry in order to raise funds for their league. We were honored to play and we had a great time.” The PCSO won the game, but Buccellato shared “it was a tough game and we got real lucky for one inning and pushed ahead.”

Around town in Casa Grande New Sidewalks Going In Pedestrians and bic yclists can feel a bit safer while getting around Casa Grande. The City is installing new sidewalk ramps at various intersections, reconstructing sidewalks across public alleys and private driveways and making spot repairs of existing sidewalks.

The work is in the area of Center Avenue to Casa Grande Avenue and

Melrose Drive to the alley north of Saguaro Drive. For questions or more information, contact Public Works at 520-421-8625.

Free Swimming Continues Through July 27 Children 17 and younger are invited to enjoy free Friday swimming at the Palm Island Fami-

ly Aquatic Park through July 27.

This new program is sponsored

by UnitedHealthcare and opens the park for free swimming every Friday noon to 5 p.m. The park is at 1115 N. Brown Ave. For more information, contact the Recreation Office at (520) 421-8677.

Progress Visible at New Rec Center

with a February groundbreaking and now the gym walls are at 24 feet and steel ledges are being set to support the roof. Utility work has been completed for the next two months. The center will be a multipurpose facility offering a fitness center, classrooms, gym, track and a special event venue. The $16 million project is being led by Haydon Building Corporation.

Construction on the new Community Recreation Center at 1900 N. Peart Road kicked off

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

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The LIVING Interview (continued) ...continued from page 27 Facilities Board and ask them to fund our repair so we can have our classroom back.

And then they decide whether or not they will fund that, and then, a little side note on that. We did get funded for that, it was repaired, and then we still had issues. And when we went back and said, “We still have issues,” they said, “Well, we already funded that and completed that project for you.”

So for a year or two, until we were able to incrementally work on that problem, that beautiful classroom, that was basically brand new at this point, was a storage room, because we don’t want to expose our staff and our kids to mold or anything like that.

So that’s frustrating … like when my high school needed a new gym floor because it was peeling and we have no money in our budget. When you don’t have those funds on hand, then you consider an override.

GC LIVING: If you look back at state funding for education over the last 10, 15, 20 years, it’s been a steady decline. Things are turning around, but it took a pretty radical move on the part of the teachers to say, “We’ve had enough.” What do you see coming in the future for Arizona education overall, and then specifically, Pinal County education? Are we seeing funding restored to 2008 levels yet?

JILL BROUSSARD: Boy, wouldn’t that be great?

No, not yet, but I definitely think we’re on the right track. I personally was very excited to see the governor, when he came out with this 20 percent by 2020. I felt he also made a good-faith effort in promising to increase our district additional assistance funds, which can be used in a number of ways. I’m seeing a growing support for our public schools here in Arizona where I didn’t see that just a few years ago. I think the strike made this issue very public, even to those who are totally removed from the education world. And I hope that will continue. We need to understand that our state doesn’t have an unlimited amount of capital. I see lots of growth in Arizona and lots of companies looking at coming here. It’s really a catch-22, we’re not getting a lot of businesses to relocate here, maybe because of the funding levels of education and the quality of schools. At the same time we have better quality and it draws more in-

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ACE conference “innovative program” award to staff at the Juvenile Detention Facility. Ernie Montijo, Arlene Juarez, Mary Helen Gonzalez

dustry in, which in turn helps our funding levels. I’m an eternal optimist and I really see the signs that we’re getting some.

GC LIVING: Some have said that it’s a political ploy and there really hasn’t been an established funding mechanism put into place. So if funds are allocated for the classroom, is it robbing it from support staff or buildings?

JILL BROUSSARD: In some instances, yes it is.

GC LIVING: Are we robbing Peter to pay Paul?

JILL BROUSSARD: I think that’s been the case. If you were following the Red for Ed movement, and you’re reading anything that was coming from a lot of the education leaders in the state, everybody was really wary, “Okay, they’re giving us money, but where are they going to take it from? The teachers want more, they gonna cut that DAA increase out.” But, I feel pretty confident saying I didn’t see that happening. So, with the increase to the DAA funds, that means we couldn’t give our support staff raises. The DAA funds will help supplement some of those additional things that come along with raising the teacher salaries. One of the issues that some of our local schools here in Pinal County faced was “Now I have

teachers who are going to be getting paid more than their principal” and that’s an issue. We were going to try to work on that.

They’re not necessarily considered support staff, they’re considered administration, and everybody hesitates at throwing more money at administration because that takes away from your classroom dollars.

GC LIVING: That’s something that has been bandied in the media and on social media - “Schools are administration heavy.” Are you in favor of consolidating districts and going to more of a unified district model?

JILL BROUSSARD: Yes, and I touted that when I was campaigning. Then I realized what a huge task that would be. Not to mention you have these small local communities that have been at odds with other local communities close to them. It’s not as simple as it looks. In fact, we did a partial consolidation between Florence and Coolidge a couple of years ago. We were the first in the state. It was a learning experience, even at the state level. Florence acquired three of the Coolidge schools in the San Tan Valley area from Coolidge.

Now you have taxpayers who voted for a bond, or an override, for the Coolidge dis-

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The LIVING Interview (continued) trict, but now they’re going to be part of the Florence Unified School district. But the district still has this amount of debt to pay off from the building of the schools. It was a huge project and they wound up with three schools for far less than they would have spent building another high school in San Tan Valley.

GC LIVING: The salaries of the superintendents range from the low end of the scale at zero in the smaller districts to just over $250,000 a year in the two mega-districts of Sunnyside and Tucson Unified. That sounds like an outrageous amount until you consider there are 43,000 students in each district and the cost per student is very low.

JILL BROUSSARD: And how much they are saving by having such a large district, right? That’s one of those things where you look at it from both angles. Think about the consortiums we form in order to get better pricing. When you look at a district like Tucson Unified, they don’t need a consortium, they are their own consortium.

You have benefits, but you also lose some of that local direction and impact. A superintendent who the kids know and respect,

Graduation with husband, Dan

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

and who has a pulse on their families and their community, is really very valuable.

There are states all over the country who have districts that are per county. However, like Ohio, or Michigan, they may have 112 counties in their state. Florida and Maryland are examples of states that have county wide school districts. Ohio has 88 counties, Michigan has 80. Michigan has 501 school districts!

GC LIVING: Pinal County, at 5,500 square miles, is approximately the size of Connecticut.

Most people don’t realize our county is larger than several states. In addition, districts have very unique challenges. The Casa Grande school districts, their boundaries cover 420 odd square miles.

JILL BROUSSARD: Because I travel to all the districts in the county and I go out and I see each community as unique. When I have to do a board appointment to fill a vacancy on the board, it’s invaluable to me to reach out to community members and listen to them because small towns have their politics and we need to hear them. That’s invaluable. I think it would just lose so much of its authenticity (if we consolidated to a county wide district). I love Pinal County and our rural areas and how unique each one is. I would hate to lose that.

GC LIVING: Now you mentioned it briefly, you are not appointed, you are elected. Why do we elect county school superintendents?

JILL BROUSSARD: That is what was written into the Arizona Constitution. It is a partisan position, but to me, education is a nonpartisan issue. I think we should all support education Not every state has a county school superintendent.

GC LIVING: So what made you decide to run for office?

JILL BROUSSARD: I have a lot of faith and was encouraged by others. I had never been involved with politics, and just in a conversation with someone and they encouraged me to do it, and I kind of laughed and scoffed and said, “No, I’m not qualified to do that”. (laughs) And honestly I never wanted to do anything but be in the classroom.

And then I was elected. I was tucking my son in that election night, and my best friend and my husband were downstairs and I heard them whooping and hollering.

I purposely took longer tucking in my son because I didn’t want to go down and face

Havasupai Hike with EF high school exchange students

the fact that, “Holy cow, what does this even mean for me and my family?” What it ended up meaning for my family was the opportunity to help more students than I could in the classroom. I am honored that I get to be the voice of Rural Arizona Education. That I get to advocate for teachers, staff and students… including my own children.

GC LIVING: Do you miss the classroom?

JILL BROUSSARD: Oh my gosh, yes, I missed the classroom. But thankfully I have the ability to go into a classroom and, and interact with the kids. I even thought about getting my substitute certificate, and being on call, but my schedule is all over the place. I’m not sure I could be reliable.

GC LIVING: If you could get out your fairy godmother magic wand and change one element of education, what would you change?

JILL BROUSSARD: I think I would change family support and engagement. Because it would go such a long way, not just for their kids, but for their local districts and their teachers if we had more parents involved and engaged in their kids’ schools and education, sitting down with them every night and doing homework, and having that discussion, and that time with each other, would create more understanding between teachers and parents. There’d be less parents leaving the phrasing and moral development aspect of their children’s lives to the teachers and taking more of an active role in their development. I think there’s a huge disconnect now between parents and their kids.

It’s priceless, and it goes so far, and it develops a well-rounded child. It teaches them priorities and responsibility, and if every parent could have that conversation with her child about why school is important... I think that would be the one thing I could change. 

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

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Traveling • Dining • Entertainment

MAGIC OF DISNEY THRILLS ADVENTURE LOVERS OF ALL AGES

by Tori Ward, ROX Travel, Cruise and Resort Specialist

G

rowing up in Florida our favorite summer activity was rafting and swimming at Rock Springs. The natural spring water was 68 degrees and my brother would only wade in to knee level with his arms crossed, before his lips started turning blue and he’d wade out goose-fleshed before trying again a few minutes later. I was more pragmatic and deployed the shock and awe technique of diving in immediately. My own sons grew up in Orlando after Disney opened. It’s a Small World was one of the first songs they knew all the words to and we measured rites of passage by how close they were to being tall enough to ride Space Mountain.

Disney has grown from two castlecentered parks on separate U.S. coasts to a global entertainment and vacation presence. With parks in Paris and several in Asia, children from around the world can experience the magic that has enchanted their American peers for over half a century.

Disneyland in Anaheim includes both the original theme park as well as Disney California Adventure Park, an attraction that brings the stories of Disney’s Pixar characters and their adventures to life.

Two favorite water attractions that appeal to children of all ages includes Tomorrow Land’s Finding Nemo, in the theme park, and the Little Mermaid featuring Ariel at the Adventure Park.

Currently, a three-day park hopper pass allows unlimited admission to both attractions with the added incentive of a Magic Morning, one early morning admission before the parks open to the general public to enjoy shops, select attractions and restaurants.

Downtown Disney provides guests a chance to recharge at one of the many restaurants offering both casual as well as fine dining experiences. Guests staying at one of the three Disneyland hotels are given restaurant reservation preference.

One of the few times I was ever late for a college class was the day Disney World LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

Orlando opened because I got tangled up in Disney traffic. Things have certainly improved since then and Disney World really is a small planet that encompass four theme parks, two water parks and two restaurant and shopping areas; Disney Springs and Disney’s Boardwalk.

The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios comprise the four theme parks within Disney World. At Epcot’s World Showcase, guests can explore pavilions representing 11 countries with restaurants, shops and exhibits in each. Epcot’s trademark geodesic dome houses Spaceship Earth, one of the many attractions representing science and technology. As an adult, I’ll admit that Epcot still holds enormous appeal.

Mirroring her sister on the West Coast, Disney World also offers many special packages that allow guests to select options designed to incorporate as many days, parks and attractions as budget and time permits, including golf packages. Lodgings at Disney World include 25 different styles of accommodations, from luxury to modest, including a campground.

An hour away from Disney World, Port Canaveral is the homeport to Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, cruise ships offering voyages from three to 14 days. On the West Coast, San Diego is the homeport for Disney Wonder with cruises from two to 14 days. And continuing to prove it’s a small world after all, Disney Magic sails to ports in Europe. The ability to combine a cruise and park vacation checks off many boxes for families trying to provide an experience that both children and adults will enjoy.

In 2005, Disney added another vacation option for travelers who wanted to see more of the world than the teaser at Epcot. Adventures by Disney offers guided vacations to 37 destinations on six continents. From the Great Wall of China to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, guests are accompanied by two Disney trained

guides who take care of all the details – from arranging private tours of the Vatican Museum to backstage private events where guests are given VIP treatment that includes special activities for junior travelers.

With so many options, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with all the choices offered

by Disney. Whether you have two days, or a month, and want to surprise your family with a vacation they will always remember, as an authorized Disney travel agent, I would be happy to help you design a magical Disney vacation that they will buzz about for light-years.

EXPERT TIPS: •

•

•

•

•

To stay cooler during the summer months, visit one of the water parks at Disney World during the day and one of the theme parks later in the afternoon. The water parks close at 5 p.m. The Magic Kingdom is open until 11 p.m. every day except Sunday.

Electing Fast-Pass at either Disneyland or Disney World allows a ticket holder to reduce wait time at three attractions per day and can be used by cell phone.

Make priorities. Unless you are only going to one theme park, you won’t be able to see everything in two or three days.

Even at a single theme park, it won’t be possible to do everything available.

If you are taking small children, keep in mind you will be walking for miles each day. Stroller rentals are available at the parks if you don’t take your own.

Just because your little one loves Mickey and the other Disney characters on television don’t be surprised if they become shy or scared when faced with the real thing.

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THEATER FOUNDATION ENVISIONS COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER

by Stacey Seaman, Education Director, BlackBox Foundation

F

ormer U.S. Education Secretary William Bennett once said, “The arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing, and arithmetic…music, dance, painting and theater are all keys that unlock profound human understanding and accomplishment.”

A recent evening spent with the students and volunteers at the BlackBox Foundation would indicate they agree with this quote.

The historic Woman’s Club building – the new home for the BlackBox Theatre - bustled with activity. While 20 kids sang and danced onstage during a rehearsal for the kids’ musical “Junie B. Jones,” several volunteers worked to change the black theater flats from a recent teen production of “The Addams Family” to cheerful yellow and purple for the Junie B. show. Jacob Hope, a local musician and private lesson teacher, was touring the

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space in preparation to start teaching drum lessons for the organization.

Another group of parent volunteers was setting up tables to sell homemade goods during shows, as well as sorting lawn decorations. As the kids’ rehearsal wrapped up, the teen improv group piled into the space from its rehearsal in a different location.

The chaos seemed strangely well-organized and was overseen by BlackBox Executive Director Ken Ferguson. “It’s really all in a day’s work,” observed Ferguson. “When you run as many simultaneous programs for kids and adults as we do, you get some overlap of activities.”

A brief glance at recent BlackBox activities shows that Ferguson wasn’t exaggerating. In its 2017-18 season, which ends the last weekend of July, the organization has produced or is in the process of producing: two teen plays, a teen musical, a youth

play and a musical, a Christmas radio musical written by a local author, an adult community theater musical and a play in conjunction with Central Arizona College, monthly improv comedy shows for teens and adults, a Ten-Minute Play Competition in conjunction with the Casa Grande Arts and Humanities Commission, a local rock band night, two edgier late-night plays, a teen summer camp musical and a kids summer acting camp and a staged reading and musical production with another local arts organization, the Pinal County Alternative Arts.

That’s in addition to a full schedule of acting, improv and singing classes.

Although that schedule seems pretty full, now that BlackBox has found a home in the Woman’s Club, Ferguson indicated that maintaining and expanding the production and education schedule is a priority for the arts organization.

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF BLACKBOX FOUNDATION

“We’re getting ready to launch our 2018-19 season, and we’re pretty excited about it,” explained Ferguson. “In addition to producing a full contingent of plays, musicals and camps for kids, teens and adults, we are revamping our education curriculum to make sure that all of our classes correspond with the National Core Arts Standards for theater. We want to make sure that anyone who takes a class with us knows that they are getting the absolute best instruction available.”

In addition to updating curriculum, one of the long-term goals of BlackBox is to provide community members with a permanent location to experience all forms of art. The Woman’s Club is envisioned as a place for people to come together to experience and celebrate various cultures and the arts. To produce the upcoming season of shows and classes, the BlackBox plans to maximize use of the Wom-

an’s Club and turn the building into a Community Arts Center.

Intentions are to remodel the interior of the space to make it more conducive to hosting art events. Currently, the Woman’s Club has a small built-in stage at one end, and other than that, is simply a large open space.

Through extensive semi-permanent renovations, the stage will be extended, curtains and a tech booth will be added, and lighting, sound, and tiered seating will be updated. Through work with a local architect, plans are to turn the interior into a flexible space to host theater, music, dance, art exhibitions, rehearsals, meetings, classes, workshops and more. This would enable the space to be used by a variety of local organizations with a minimum amount of effort to change the space over for different uses.

All of this, of course, costs money. To pay for the remodeling, the

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

BlackBox has broken it up into phases.

A successful capital campaign that will partially pay for the first stage was recently conducted, which includes working on the electric for the building and upgrading the theater lighting capabilities. For future phases of the project, grants are being sought, as well as donations. “What people may not realize,” explains Ferguson, “is that when we fundraise, we aren’t just trying to fund our current educational and artistic programs, but we are frequently focused on projects that will enable us to create better art for the future.”

Though BlackBox calls the Woman’s Club home, it also partners with several other community organizations to use the space, including the Arts and Humanities Commission, the Casa Grande Fine Arts Association, CG Mosaic, Zonta International, Friends of the Library, Casa Grande Quilting Association, and Pinal County Alternative Arts.

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI V ING FUN! • GOLDEN

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The goal is to increase outside community use by continuing to partner with other creative and cultural nonprofit organizations in the community to either produce, host, or house monthly events, classes and meetings.

According to Ferguson, one of the reasons they partner with other organizations is because BlackBox is committed to creating pathways to artistic engagement for all members of the community. The long-term outcome is an increased access “...we do it at a great personal to the arts for sacrifice because we value the under-served populations in arts so much.” the Casa Grande community.

Some of the ways they achieve this is to offer low-income families scholarships to participate in their programs, frequent “pay what you can” events

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and their partnerships with nonprofit service organizations.

By turning the Woman’s Club into a dedicated Community Arts Center, foundation members anticipate the ability to help anchor cultural and artistic groups in the community and offer them a hub for self-expression and artistic exploration. It is their hope that this hub creates a continued sense of community and tolerance for friends and neighbors alike in Casa Grande.

Although these goals can seem lofty for a small, rural theater company, Ferguson explains, “Theater can be magic.

It can transport you. It can move you and enlighten you. It should be accessible to everyone. This is why we do what we can at BlackBox Foundation to give opportunities to our community. We do what we can with what we have available to us. I’m not usually apt to mention this, but we do it at a great

personal sacrifice because we value the arts so much.”

One of the projects with which BlackBox has aligned itself is the Casa Grande Mosaic project. Created out of an Arizona Commission on the Arts Creative Communities grant that was won by the Casa Grande Arts and Humanities Commission, Casa Grande Mosaic consists of a small team of local arts advocates who represent various sectors of the community, including city government, arts education, small business, downtown Main Street, the Casa Grande Arts and Humanities Commission, and nonprofit arts groups.

The team is working to help showcase more cultural and artistic opportunities in the Casa Grande area. For example, the group is currently creating a oneday Mosaic Arts and Cultural Festival that will celebrate traditional and non-traditional artists alike this fall.

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In addition to the festival, Casa Grande Mosaic is interested in helping develop a downtown arts district, the heart of which would be in the triangle of land between North Sacaton Street, Florence Boulevard and West Third Street. Located in the heart of this triangle, the BlackBox Theatre at the Woman’s Club is within a block of the Museum of Casa Grande, the Art Museum and The Studio, which is a privately-owned dance studio. In addition, the future location of Downtown Main Street’s Neon Sign Park can act as a gateway between the historic downtown and the newly proposed arts district. With so many arts organizations in the same area, BlackBox intends to continue their work with other community groups to make their Community Arts Center a cornerstone of the proposed arts district.

As the evening rehearsals and activities wrap up at the Woman’s Club, a comfortable quietness wraps over the historic building. All of the young singers and dancers have been picked

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up by their parents, the improv teens have made their way out into the evening and the directors of the children’s play huddle quietly over a copy of the script to plan out what to rehearse tomorrow. Two volunteers laugh over a private joke as they put away paint cans, brushes and tarps. Ferguson surveys the scene with a paternal air as he packs up his own belongings.

“See those Junie B directors? And those kids finishing up painting?” he says, pointing out people in the space. “They are all our kids. They did programs with us, and now they’re volunteering and directing for us. The circle goes around, you know?”

“I like this part of the day,” he continues. “It’s the quiet after the storm.”

Ferguson pauses and grins as he locks the front door. “But of course, there’s always another storm when you make the weather.” Ferguson chuckles quietly to himself as he exits the historic building that has seen so many entrances and exits in its time – just like the stage in a play. 

For more information about the BlackBox Foundation and its work in the Casa Grande Community, visit blackboxaz.org, check it out on Facebook and Twitter or call 520-428-7050.

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

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PHOTO CREDIT: NANCY GRINDSTAFF, WEISER SIGNAL AMERICAN

SMALL FRY FIDDLER CHAMP IS BACKED UP BY MUSICAL FAMILY O

n June 18, Brie Dietrich of Casa Grande became the first Arizona resident to claim the title of National Small Fry Champion at the annual fiddle championships in Weiser, Idaho.

Each June for the past 66 years, hundreds of fiddlers and thousands of spectators converge on the town of Weiser to determine who will bring home the coveted titles. It’s a spirit of fierce competition, legendary fiddlers (Alison Krauss and Mark O’Connor both got their start there), and the strongest of friendships.

Brie collected a check and a glowing fiddle-shaped trophy for her first place win. She walked away with another check and a medal two days previously for winning first place

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with her sister Ranelle in the 12 and younger twin fiddle division. Twin fiddling consists of one fiddler playing the melody of a tune, while the other plays the harmony. This is a favorite for the Dietrich family.

Brie, an 8-year-old home-schooled student, entered her first fiddle contest at 5 years old and has been on a winning streak ever since. In addition to being the 2018 national champion, Brie also claims the titles of Oklahoma State Pee Wee champion and the winner of the Idaho Open.

In 2017, she placed second in the Arizona state contest behind Ranelle.

Venture over to Payson the last weekend in September if you’d like to see if she can secure the title for this year’s 9 and younger division.

No stranger to competitions, Brie says her favorite part about them is, “seeing my fiddle friends and playing with my back ups.” “Back ups” is the term fiddle players use for the multitalented guitar players who accompany them both on stage and during jam sessions. The Dietrichs often bring three of their very own “back up” players when they travel. This family of nine has seven children and the oldest five are all multi-instrumentalists. They often help each other out on stage and while practicing.

Three of the four Dietrich sisters who competed placed in the top five in their divisions at the National Oldtime Fidders’ Contest and Festival, which is in the third week of June. The fourth sister received

THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

HOTO CREDIT: BRAD STUBBS PHOTOGRAPHY

nursing homes and make a point to play locally at least once a month.

Maddie, the oldest fiddler of the siblings, teaches the younger ones and recently started giving lessons to their 3-year-old brother. He won the prize for youngest fiddler at his first contest in May. She also teaches many other youth in the area and was excited to see three of her students participate in their first contest earlier this year.

For more information about state and national fiddle contests go to fiddlecontest.org or paysonrimcountry. com/fiddlers-contest. The Dietrich girls recorded their first CD last month. It will be available this fall on iTunes. You can follow the The Arizona Wildflowers on Facebook if you’d like to see where they’ll be next.

LATE SUMMER 2018 • THE EDUCATION EDITION

PHOTO CREDIT: TIFFANY DIETRICH

the 2018 Best Female Entertainer award. Fiddlers must play three to five rounds consisting of three memorized tunes in each round. The divisions are capped at between 30 and 55 contestants per division. The top five contestants each receive cash and prizes, but it’s clear that it’s the tight-knit friendships and the honor of becoming top fiddler that keeps them coming back each year.

The Dietrich sisters play everything from banjo to fiddle to piano and everything in between. When not competing for top fiddle honors, they can be seen with their band, The Arizona Wildflowers, playing for private events and bluegrass festivals across the West. The girls especially love to play for assisted care centers and

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CGUHS ELITE DANCE AMONG THE ELITE INVITED TO NYC

by Corianna Lee

T

he dance program at Casa Grande Union High School is an outstanding one, but it recently achieved “elite” status.

The CGUHS Elite Dance Team received the elite invitation to represent Arizona and perform in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. To receive an invitation is rare, but to be able to accept it is even more rare due to the extensive

PHOTOS BY KAITLYN QUINTANA, CASA GRANDE UNION HIGH SCHOOL

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fundraising necessary to travel to New York City. However, this isn’t stopping the Casa Grande Union High School Elite Dancers.

Under the direction of dance instructor Mrs. Kaitlyn Quintana, students in the Elite Dance Company have extensive fundraising plans over the next four months at many businesses in Casa Grande.

Businesses supporting the fundraising efforts for the Elite Dance Team include Peter Piper Pizza, Anaya’s Mexican Food, Food City and Sonic, to name a few. Additional fundraising efforts include the group selling concessions at various events like

car washes, as well as hosting a talent competition at the CGUHS Auditorium on Sept. 7.

In addition to fundraising, the dancers are asking for the help of the community through business and individual sponsorships, tax credit donations and through a GoFundMe account.

“An Opportunity of a Lifetime” is the only way to describe the experience of participating in the nationally televised Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Once dancers arrive, they will be in rehearsals daily for four to five hours in preparation for the performance, but it won’t be all work and no play.

Dancers will see The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, see a Broadway production, visit iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Em-

pire State Building, in addition to gaining the experience of a professional performance opportunity, making NYC the ultimate learning experience.

Dancers from the Elite Dance Company attended professional workshops at the Debbie Reynolds Studio in Los Angeles and Disneyland in spring, in addition to performing in the Holiday Bowl in 2016. A performance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the next step in the growing dance program.

What an opportunity to represent the state and our local communities on a national stage.

To support the CGUHS Elite Dancers visit gofundme.com/ cguhs-danceteam-goes-to-nyc or contact Kaitlyn Quintana at 520-208-1447. Congratulations to CGUHS Elite!

gofundme.com/cguhs-danceteam-goes-to-nyc THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

Casa Grande Public Library

A

re you looking for the best fun and free thing to do with your kids this summer? Look no further, because it’s almost time for the 2018 Summer Reading Program at your Casa Grande Public Library! Our Summer Reading Program is designed to encourage children to read 20 minutes a day over the summer so they are ready for the following school year.

Families can sign their kids up for the Summer Reading Program in person at the library or online at cgsummer.eventbrite.com. If you sign up online, make sure you come to the library to receive reading logs for your kids and a calendar of events.

The Summer Reading Program officially kicked off on Sat., June 2

at the Palm Islands Aquatic Center at 9:30 a.m. This free event featured snow cones and swim time just for kids! Both the Casa Grande and Vista Grande Public Libraries are jam packed with fun events for kids and teens every day this summer. Each week your child attends the library, have him or her bring in a reading log to receive an awesome weekly prize from local businesses. If your child completes his or her reading log, they can bring it to either library from July 16 – 21 for a free book from our Scholastic Book Fair. Free programs, Free prizes, Free books! We’ll see you all at the library this summer. To find out more about the 2018 Summer Reading Program, please contact your public library:

Casa Grande Public Library: 520-421-8710 • 449 N. Drylake St. Vista Grande Public Library 520-421-8652 • 1556 N. Arizola Road Palm Islands Aquatic Center 1115 N. Brown Avenue

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Summer Coloring Contest Color the Cover or these pages and you could WIN! 3 WINNERS! 4 - Enchanted Island Admission Tickets 4 - Out of Africa General Admission Tickets (2 adult, 2 child) 1 - $100 AZ Airtime Scottsdale Gift Card 3 WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED BY THE EDITORIAL TEAM! Enter by emailing your coloring to info@roxco.com or posting on our Facebook page facebook.com/goldencorridorliving

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THE EDUCATION EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2018

BIOSPHERE 2

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