Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine by ROX Media Group

City of Eloy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Chillin’ with my Dog. . . . . . . . . . . 72

Home & Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

“THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY”

Arts & ies t i n a m u H Edition In Every Edition:

The ROX Interview: ERICA HERMAN

ARTIST AND TEACHER GOLDENCORRIDORLIVING.COM

$4.95 Complimentary • LATE SUMMER 2019

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

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©2019 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.

The Seeds of Hope community garden is all abloom this summer as a result of many hands volunteering their time to get it ready for our first planting season. From community service workers clearing the plot with a bobcat, to Sun Valley Church trenching the irrigation system, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a team effort. Jim Jepson, Program Coordinator, Sr. from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension supervised a group from AmeriCorps NCCC installing the irrigation system. Our first crops include tomatoes, squash, corn, cucumbers, peppers and okra. What is harvested is cooked and consumed at our Hot Lunch, Angeles de Esperanza and Afterschool programs. Phase II begins this Fall. It will focus on a prayer, meditation and reflection portion of the garden. A pergola and a labyrinth, along with ornamental plants, roses, trees and bushes will complete this tranquil area. Phase III will include raised beds for individuals and families to adopt and plant on their own. We will also add an educational piece on plant care, nutrition and on-site cooking demonstrations. To get involved with any part of this community project email Mark@seedsofhopeaz.com.

seeds of hope are blooming this summer

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City of Eloy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Chillin’ with my Dog . . . . . . . . . . 72

Home & Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

“THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY”

Contents

Late Summer 2019

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION

Arts & ies Humanit Edition In Every Edition:

Features: The ROX Interview:

SPECIAL SECTION:

Erica Herman, Local Artist and Teacher

ERICA HERMAN

ARTIST AND TEACHER GOLDENCORRIDORLIVING.COM

THE ROX INTERVIEW:

$4.95 Complimentary • LATE SUMMER 2019

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

ARIZONA

ELOY

WWW.ELOYAZ.GOV

THE INTERSECTION OF VALUE, LOCATION AND OPPORTUNITY

Eloy: Intersection of Value, Location & Opportunity SPECIAL SECTION:

Home & Garden SPECIAL SECTION:

Arts & Humanities

80 86

Economy, Finance & Business

Health, Happiness & Education

Everything’s Groovy in Casa Grande. . . . . . . . . . 24

Out & About Photos from Around Town. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Intelligent planning process takes time, avoids chaos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 St. Vincent de Paul Society of Casa Grande’s mission is to serve the people in need. . . . . . . . 28

Healthy habits + realistic expectations = weight loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Chillin’ with my Dog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

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Letter from the Editor

It’s a Dry Heat!

A Bea Lueck

ccording to the calendar, we are in summer. Arizonans – particularly those in the central desert regions – tend to describe the time of year by the temperature. Hot. Hotter. Really HOT. And a brief period of not-quite-so-hot. On July 2, 2011, I posted this photo on Facebook. So far this year, temperatures have been very pleasant and moderate compared to 122 degrees. For as long as I can remember, the monsoon season began when the dew point was 55 degrees or more three days in a row. It was easy to tell when that happened because your ‘swamp coolers’ stopped working effectively and it was muggy-miserable. In 2008, the National Weather Service decided it was better to have a fixed start and stop date and made June 15 to September 30 the official monsoon season. Here it is the first part of July and the dew point is all of 28 degrees. Getting shocked by static electricity formed when walking across the carpeting is a real threat! Meteorologists are saying any day now the storms will come. And to help you be prepared, we’ve included a helpful tips article on how to prepare for the monsoon storms. This edition is a first for Golden Corridor LIVING. We have introduced a special section on Arts & Humanities. We have so many great organizations and options to participate in

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

western Pinal County. Music, art, and theater opportunities can be found throughout the region. In fact, we barely scratched the surface of what’s available to enjoy. We hope you enjoy reading about some of the events and organizations in our area. We will be featuring more in the coming months. Our ROX Interview this issue features local artist and teacher, Erica Herman. Earlier this year, Erica was recognized by Gov. Doug Ducey, receiving the Governor’s Award for Educator in the Arts. During the interview, she shared a very personal journey on what is still a taboo subject, her battle with mental illness. As a longtime fan of her art, I am very proud of Erica for sharing her story. Rather than keeping silent, Erica is very open about her diagnosis and how she plans to help others eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness using art to share their stories. Read more on her goals and how the community can become involved. Also in this issue is the second-year series on Eloy economic development. As the economy continues to gain momentum, interest in our area continues to climb as prices in the metropolitan areas drive industry and investors to seek more affordable locations. Recent announcements of Lucid Motors in Casa Grande, Nikola Motors in Coolidge and the opening of Apex Motor Club in Maricopa all

July 2, 2011 support strong growth potential in Pinal County. The next issue is our annual Leadership edition. The Women in Business section will feature local women business owners and managers. Details aren’t 100 percent confirmed but we will be hosting a Women in Business networking event. If you would like to participate, send an email to info@ roxco.com. Watch for details on our Facebook page! Stay cool and stay safe during the coming monsoon storms.

–Bea

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

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VOICES

PUBLISHER Elaine Earle, CPA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bea Lueck CONTRIBUTING WRITER Donna McBride DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Laurie Fisher CREATIVE DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tim Clarke GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Rebecca Bowen Shannon Price CUSTOMER SERVICE/AD TRAFFIC MANAGER Jo Wobser

At Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine, our slogan is “The Voice of the Community,” because we believe that the stories in our local region are best told by the people, companies, nonprofits and governments that comprise our community. Here are the “voices” who helped make this issue possible! 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.

PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER Julie Turetzky COMMENTS & IDEAS editor@roxco.com CALENDAR INQUIRIES calendar@roxco.com • goldencorridorliving.com/calendar SUBSCRIPTIONS info@roxco.com • goldencorridorliving.com/copies ADVERTISING INQUIRIES info@roxco.com • goldencorridorliving.com/advertise (520) 426-2074 442 W. Kortsen Rd, Ste 101 Casa Grande, AZ 85122

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.

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

Bob Shogren Golden Corridor LIVING is published by Raxx Direct Marketing. Editorial content is provided by affiliates of Raxx Direct Marketing, community members and local organizations. © 2019. 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 10 GOLDEN forming their own opinions.OR Real LI estate information is as of 7-1-19 and is subject to current availability and pricing.

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

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

of the

Community

Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie 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.

Gigi McWhirter 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!

Tim Kanavel

Christian Price

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

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.

Renée Louzon-Benn

Rina Rien

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

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

Donna McBride

Jon Thompson

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.

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.

Craig McFarland

Tori Ward

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.

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.

LATE SUMMER 2019 • THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Submit your event online at GoldenCorridorLiving.com/calendar JULY

FOURTH OF JULY BASH - 6:00 PM-8:00 PM - Jones Park 421 E. 1st St., Eloy. Waterslide, games, food, music, vendors raffles. Fireworks at sundown. Contact Maggie at 520-466-7351 for info.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION AT THE POOL 2019 - 10:00 AM-2:00 PM - Palm Island Family Aquatic Park 1115 N. Brown Ave., Casa Grande. Half price admission. Games, contests and open swim for patrons. Call 520-421-8677 for info. FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION 2019 6:30 PM-10:00 PM - Paul Mason Sports Complex 2525 N. Pinal Ave., Casa Grande. Games, inflatables, water slides, music, contests vendors and more. Fireworks @ 9PM.

GREAT AMERICAN 4TH - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM Copper Sky Regional Park 44345 M.L.K. Blvd., Maricopa. Entertainment, activities for the entire family, great food vendors and of course a grand display of colorful fireworks.

FAMILY SWIM NIGHT - 5:15 PM-7:15 PM - Palm Island Family Aquatic Park 1115 N. Brown Ave., Casa Grande. Banner Health sponsored free admission. Visit casagrandeaz.gov for info. THE MAVERICKS & LOS LOBOS - 8:00 PM-11:00 PM - Harrah’s Ak-Chin 15406 N. Maricopa Rd., Maricopa. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com.

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CHALK NIGHT - 6:30 PM-8:30 PM - Boston’s 804 N. Cacheris Ct., Casa Grande. $25 per person. PM Chalking with the Millers on FB to reserve your spot. ART & SIP - 6:30 PM-8:30 PM - True Grit Tavern 20800 N. John Wayne Pkwy., Maricopa. Visit KauiWilson.com for info.

PROJECT PRESLEY LIVE - 7:30 PM-9:30 PM - Robson Ranch Golf Club 5687 N. Robson Blvd., Eloy. Chance - Elvis Presley Tribute Artist. Call 800-770-7044 for info.

FAMILY SWIM NIGHT - 5:15 PM-7:15 PM - Palm Island Family Aquatic Park 1115 N. Brown Ave., Casa Grande. Banner Health sponsored free admission. Visit casagrandeaz.gov for info.

PASSPORT PRIZE PARTY! - 7:00 PM-11:00 PM - Neon Sign Park 408 N. Sacaton St., Casa Grande. A prize drawing event party. Hosted by Casa Grande Locals on Facebook. MOVIES UNDER THE STARS - 5:30 PM8:00 PM - UltraStar Multi-Tainment Center 16000 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa. FREE event. Visit ultrastaraz.com for info.

CHALK NIGHT - 6:30 PM-8:30 PM - A Latte Vino 958 E. Rodeo Rd. Ste. A1, Casa Grande. Visit Chalking with the Millers on Facebook to reserve your spot.

CONCERT SERIES - AMY AND GAIL - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - BlackBox Theatre 407 N. Sacaton St., Casa Grande. Tickets $12. Visit blackboxaz.org for more info.

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS - 5:30 PM8:00 PM - UltraStar Multi-Tainment Center 16000 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa. FREE event. Visit ultrastaraz.com for info.

HOME

CONCERT SERIES - NANCY ELLIOTT - 7:00 PM - BlackBox Theatre 407 N. Sacaton St., Casa Grande. Tickets $12. Visit blackboxaz.org for more info.

FAMILY TRIVIA NIGHT - DISNEY EDITION - 6:30 PM - CG Community Recreation Center 1905 N. Peart Rd., Casa Grande. $5 per person, free for CRC members. For info and to register visit casagrandeaz.gov/rec.

FAMILY SWIM NIGHT - 5:15 PM-7:15 PM - Palm Island Family Aquatic Park 1115 N. Brown Ave., Casa Grande. Banner Health sponsored free admission. Visit casagrandeaz.gov for info. DIVE-IN-MOVIE: INCREDIBLES 2 - 7:00 PM-9:30 PM - Palm Island Family Aquatic Park, 1115 N. Brown Ave., Casa Grande. Enjoy a family-friendly film on a giant inflatable screen while staying cool in the pool. $3 per person. CONCERT SERIES - LINDA BILQUE - 7:00 PM - BlackBox Theatre 407 N. Sacaton St., Casa Grande. Tickets $12. Visit blackboxaz.org for more info.

20-21

EVEN MONSTERS CAN BE PRINCESSES - 2:00 PM BlackBox Theatre 407 N. Sacaton St., Casa Grande. Adults $10, Child/Std/Sr $8. Visit blackboxaz.org for more info.

BARNYARD BOUQUET - PAINT NITE 6:00 PM-8:00 PM - Mimi’s Cafe 839 N. Promenade Pkwy., Casa Grande. Visit yaymaker. com for tickets.

ART & SIP - 6:30 PM-8:30 PM - True Grit Tavern 20800 N. John Wayne Pkwy., Maricopa. Visit KauiWilson.com for info.

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

BUSINESS INDEX Absolute Homes / Vivid Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Annie-Mac Home Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Brutinel Plumbing & Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

July – August 2019

STAND UP IN THE BOX MICHAEL BAILEY - 7:30 PM - BlackBox Theatre 407 N. Sacaton St., Casa Grande. Tickets $10. Visit blackboxaz.org for more info.

4TH ANNUAL FREE BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAY - 8:00 AM12:00 PM - Parking lot of New Hope Baptist Church 83 N. Pueblo, Casa Grande. For children Pre-K to 12th grade. Child must be present. Provided by Hope & Christ. Sponsored by Walmart and Safeway. Contact 562-335-4593 for info.

IMPROV INVITATIONAL 7:30 PM - BlackBox Theatre 407 N. Sacaton St., Casa Grande. Tickets $10. Visit blackboxaz.org for more info. ART & SIP - 6:30 PM-8:30 PM - True Grit Tavern 20800 N. John Wayne Pkwy., Maricopa. Visit KauiWilson.com for info.

ART & SIP - 6:30 PM-8:30 PM - 347 Grill 16000 N. Maricopa Rd., Maricopa. Visit KauiWilson.com for info.

DESERT MOUNTAINS - PAINT NITE - 6:30 PM-8:30 PM - Boston’s 804 N. Cacheris Ct., Casa Grande. Tickets available at yaymaker.com.

THE OWL IN THE LEMON TREE - PAINT NITE - 6:00 PM-8:00 PM - A Latte Vino 958 E. Rodeo Rd. Ste. A1, Casa Grande. Tickets available at yaymaker.com.

Casa Grande Main St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Central Arizona College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Chris Buys AZ Houses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Coldwell Banker ROX Property Management . . . . . . . 9 Coldwell Banker ROX Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 23, 103 Cypress Point Retirement Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 DM Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Fitzgibbons Law Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Grande Innovation Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Mankel Mechanical - Two Brothers Plumbing . . . . . . 84

AUGUST

Casa Grande Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Dreamstyle Remodeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

PROJECT S.A.F.E. - 11:00 AM-4:00 PM - 903 N. California St., Coolidge. Event meant to bring the community closer together. Games, music & more! 520723-3300 for info.

FAMILY SWIM NIGHT - 5:15 PM-7:15 PM - Palm Island Family Aquatic Park 1115 N. Brown Ave., Casa Grande. Banner Health sponsored free admission. Visit casagrandeaz.gov for info.

Casa Grande Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Casa Grande Art Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

JULY (CONT.)

Capital R Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Mitchell & Crosby Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

REVISITING THE ORBISON YEARS - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Robson Ranch Golf Club 5687 N. Robson Blvd., Eloy. Call 800-7707044 for info.

MYSTIC DESERT - PAINT NITE - 6:30 PM-8:30 PM - Mimi’s Cafe 839 N. Promenade Pkwy., Casa Grande. Visit yaymaker. com for tickets.

BELL BIV DEVOE - 8:00 PM - Harrah’s Ak-Chin 15406 N. Maricopa Rd., Maricopa. Tickets $29.50-$59.50 available at ticketmaster.com.

ELVIS AND ARETHA TRIBUTE CELEBRATION 5:00 PM - Paramount Theatre 420 N. Florence St., Casa Grande. For tickets visit triplerrrproduction.com for info. LATE SUMMER 2019 • THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION

Norris RV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Pinal 40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Pinal County Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 ROX Casa Grande Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Seeds of Hope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 St. Vincent de Paul Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Star Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Sun Life Family Health Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 The Garnet of Casa Grande . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Title Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Yang and Horsley Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

! 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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of The Colonnade, taking a brisk walk.

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THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

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

Graphic Designer

Shannon Price Graphic Designer

Scott Metteauer

Creative Director

Katie Mayer Editor & Project Manager

Laurie Fisher Director of Sales & Marketing

Public Relations & Marketing Manager

Rebecca Bowen

Tim Clarke

Rebecca is a graphic designer with over six years of experience in the design and marketing industries. She has her associate's degree in graphic design and her bachelor's degree in communications with a sub-specialization in marketing. She enjoys solving marketing challenges with eye-catching visuals and strategic layout design. Shannon joined ROX Media Group in September 2018. She has an associate degree in graphic design as well as a bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in marketing. Shannon is a graphic artist with more than six years of design experience and spent the past three years working in the newspaper industry. She and her family have lived in Casa Grande for over thirteen years. Scott has been in the graphics industry for 40 years, He started in typesetting and paste-up, and worked his way to running the pre-press department at several large printing companies. He has been in outside sales in the graphics industry for the past 34 years. Scott now works for Rox Media Group as a Senior Account Executive.

Sr. Account Executive

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Jo Wobser Customer Service/ Ad Traffic Manager

Tim is a digital design professional with more than 28 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.

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. Laurie joins ROX Media Group as our new Director of Sales and Marketing from California. She is a marketing professional with over 25-years of experience, specializing in print and digital media such as SEM, SEO and social media, and enjoys helping her clients to achieve their marketing goals. Customer service is her No. 1 priority! Laurie is an avid hiker and cyclist who loves the outdoors and looks forward to enjoying the beauty of Prescott. 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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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

Casa Grande Union High School Graduate Now Commander of the Highway Patrol Division

O Help Prevent West Nile Virus and Mosquito Activity

he first West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in Pinal County during a seasonal mosquito surveillance by vector control specialists. T he Pinal Count y Public Health Services (PCPHSD) does mosquito surveillance throughout Pinal County to assess the relative risk of mosquito-borne disease to the community. Traps are hung to catch mosquitoes, which are then identified to determine if they are the type that carry disease and check if WNV is present in those mosquitoes that are caught. The data gathered is used to determine the risk of mosquito borne disease to local residents and visitors. “This is a good time to remind people that the best ways to prevent mosquito-borne

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illness are for residents to stop mosquito breeding on their property by checking for and emptying any standing water,” Chris Reimus, Manager of the Pinal County vector control program said. “Even a short time outdoors can be long enough to get mosquito bites, so take care to wear protective clothing and use an effective insect repellent.” Here are ways to help prevent mosquitoes and mosquito bites: • Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Even cans, bottles, jars, buckets, old tires, drums and other types of containers can collect water and breed mosquitoes. • Change water in flower vases, birdbaths, planters, troughs and animal

•

watering pans at least twice a week – be sure to scrub them out! Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets; move air conditioner drain hoses frequently to prevent standing water. If you have a swimming pool or backyard pond, keep it operational. If it is not in use, remove standing water, or keep it chlorinated and run the filter daily. Ensure your screens fit properly on windows and doors. When using an insect repellent, make sure it is effective. Look for EPA-registered or CDC recommended repellents.

Continued on page 32...

n Satu rday, July 6, 2019, Major Jenna Mitchell, a Casa Grande Union High School graduate, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel assuming command of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol Division. Lt. Colonel Mitchell, who began in 1993, has truly worked her way up through the ranks, serving in every position from officer trainee to Lieutenant Colonel throughout her career. “Major Jenna Mitchell has served the public for 26 years with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, excelling at every role from officer to major. In her most recent assignments as chief-of-staff for several divisions, she excelled in her leadership and responsibilities overseeing the day-to-day operations of those divisions,” said Colonel Frank Milstead, Director of the AZDPS. “We know that under her leadership the department will continue to uphold its mission.” Lt. Colonel Mitchell is only the second female Lt. Colonel in the history of the Arizona DPS and the first to command the Highway Patrol Division.

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

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 •

Casa Grande Suspends Recycling Program Effective July 1 F a ton for recycled materials. But after the collapse of the global market for recyclables, it would now COST the city $67 a ton to process recycled materials, plus the cost of transportation and stiff penalties if a load is contaminated with non-recyclables.” “China’s decision to pull out of the global market has had a major impact on the cost of recycling nationwide,” said Casa Grande Public Works Director Kevin Louis. “Given the enormous price spike, it’s our staffs’ recommendation to suspend the program until we can find a more cost-effective solution.” City Manager Larry Rains explained, “If the recycling program was continued, it was estimated there would have to be a $2-$3 increase in monthly city garbage collection fees.”

PHOTO BY BEA LUECK

or about 30 years, nearly 45 percent of the world’s recyclable paper, plastics and other goods were shipped to China for processing. In 2017, China announced new, stringent restrictions on what their country would accept. That left recycling programs in the United States scrambling to find replacement services. As vox.com pointed out, “After years of hearing that we should recycle more, it’s pretty shocking to realize that we don’t have an infrastructure that can deal with all of it.” In Casa Grande, recycling was encouraged as part of their municipal trash collection program. The City used to receive about $25,000 or $30,000 per year as payment for the recyclables. The announcement on the Casa Grande City website reads, “Last year, the city was PAID $18

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Casa Grande Alliance Announces New Director

T Bob Shogren

he Casa Grande Board of Directors has named Bob Shogren as its new Executive Director. A longtime resident of Pinal County, living that past 14 years in Casa Grande, Shogren began his career as an educator, school district administrator and community organizer in the San Manuel area. Shogren recently finished 34 years of public service in state government serving the governor the last 13 years in the Office

LATE SUMMER 2019 • THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION

of Youth, Faith & Families Division. He has worked at both the state and national level in service and volunteerism. He left his mark leading the expansion of the AmeriCorps programing and initiated the Arizona Service Enterprise Initiative. Board President Donna McBride said the Board of Directors is extremely pleased to have someone of such high caliber and knowledge join their team. “T he com mun it y of Cas a Grande is lucky that Bob was ready

to bring his skills and experience back to his own community,” she said. “He will be a natural fit.” According to Shogren, “I am inspired by the long history of CGA, Inc. and how the Alliance has served the Casa Grande area and positively impacted youth and families for over 30 years. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to provide and expand the exceptional programs to our community.”

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Bipolar Me by Erica Herman

The ROX Interview

Erica Herman Local Artist and Teacher Interview by Bea Lueck ROX Group has several Erica Herman originals hanging in our offices. She has been on our radar to interview long before receiving the Governor’s Award for Educator in the Arts. During our conversation, the direction of the interview took an unexpected turn. Erica shared how art has been part of her journey with mental illness. Her candor in discussing what many still consider to be a taboo subject is very enlightening and what you expect after you meet Erica in person.

GC LIVING: Let’s start at the beginning. Tell us about Erica Herman. Where did you grow up? ERICA HERMAN: I was born at the old Hoemako Hospital on Florence Boulevard and raised here in Casa Grande. I went to school at Evergreen Elementary, Casa Grande Middle School where I work now, and graduated from Casa Grande Union High School. I still associate City Hall with high school. GC LIVING: Were you always interested in art? ERICA HERMAN: Always. One piece I have framed in my house is the first picture my mom saved. I was about three years old and went to Mary Moppets Day Care. It was October and we were painting pumpkins pictures. I painted my pumpkins but turned it into a man with the thing coming out of the top of the head and arms and legs and a face on it. The workers couldn’t believe I had done something so detailed. When my mom picked me up, they made this big fuss. After that, the first thing she bought me was the ginormous box of crayons with the sharpener on the back. My mom was a single mom. It was me and my little brother and not a lot of extra money for that kind of stuff, but she always found a way. She knew what fueled me. In school, it was music, and chorus and P.E. but no art class. Art depended on your teacher. If you had a teacher who was really into art, then the teacher would make sure to incorporate it in the classroom. For example, Miss Crow, Phyllis Crow, was my third grade teacher. And she saw a potential in me. She called my mom and said, “I want to take Erica to this art fair in Phoenix.

It’s on Saturday.” She told me it had to be our secret because she couldn’t take every student. But now the whole world knows. (laughs). So thank you, Miss Crow. The art festival was outside and I remember the general feel of it, but what I specifically remember is making paper. They had a paper making station and I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God, art’s not just crayons or markers or watercolors.’ In junior high I had Miss Hindman. I’m still really good friends with her. I had her for art and advanced art in both seventh and eighth grades. That is what sealed the deal, I knew I was going to be an artist. My backup plan was a teacher. And if those two didn’t work out, then I was going to be a movie star. GC LIVING: I read in another interview that one of your goals is to bring art education back at the elementary level. ERICA HERMAN: Yes. I feel there’s a lot more in the arts that could be done, especially earlier in a student’s education. These kids are tested to death. They’re not going to perform if they don’t have an understanding of the outside world. The arts have a lot of problem-solving techniques and correlations into the science and mathematical world I think our kids are sorely missing. Our kids need a balanced education. GC LIVING: Where did you go to college? ERICA HERMAN: I went first to Central Arizona College (CAC). Going to CAC taught me what college was about. High school was easy for me. But I didn’t learn things like how to take notes. And then got a transfer scholarship to ASU. I applied for the Col-

LATE SUMMER 2019 • THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION

lege of Education but was on a waiting list. I didn’t want to wait 18 months, so I started looking into other colleges. I got in at the University of New Mexico where I completed my Bachelors of Education and my Masters of Fine Arts. Along the way I had my daughters. Then moved back to Casa Grande. I wanted to live and work in Casa Grande, and raise my kids in Casa Grande. GC LIVING: Now I see you wearing maroon and gold on a regular basis ... ERICA HERMAN: Oh yes. GC LIVING: What is your affinity to ASU? ERICA HERMAN: Matt, my husband, graduated from ASU. My goal is to get my doctorate from ASU in arts education. You can build your own program. That’s what I’m working on now. I need to figure out how I’m going to pay for it. A PhD is a personal goal of mine. GC LIVING: You recently received the Governor’s Award for Educator in the Arts. Did you fill out an application or did someone nominate you? ERICA HERMAN: Gloria Leija at the city of Casa Grande nominated me. The first phase narrowed it down to 12 people. We were invited to a ceremony in February to announce the top three in each category. It was such a big celebration for Matt, our daughter Jordan, and me to make the top three. That was about a month and a half before the final presentation. I just wanted the day to get here. GC LIVING: If you had gone the acting career route the Oscars would’ve killed you. ERICA HERMAN: Exactly! I wouldn’t have made it. I was just a nervous wreck inside because I wanted it to be over, the anticipation was killing me. We had a table at the

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The ROX Interview (continued) dinner with my superintendent Dr. Jo Etta Gonzales, Mayor Craig McFarland, Councilman Dick Powell, Gloria Leija and my family. The lights went down and boom, a video starts. The first thing I see is Regis Sommers’ and Gloria’s faces. GC LIVING: So they knew before you did? ERICA HERMAN: Everybody knew I won except for me. I can’t believe Matt Herman kept it from me because he is not a good faker. He only found out because someone slipped and told him. GC LIVING: So now we have Erica Herman Day in Casa Grande. ERICA HERMAN: Yes, April 8th is Erica Herman Day. I have the mayor’s proclamation framed at home. My goal for Erica Herman Day next year is a mural on a building. It will be all gridded out and we can have a community painting party, with kids from all age groups. Each child can paint a square. Something artistic and fun for everyone. GC LIVING: What was your first major art project in town? ERICA HERMAN: Probably the mural at Palo Verde Elementary School. It’s currently the

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largest mural in Casa Grande, 180 feet long and nine feet high. It took me all summer to work on it. I knew it was going to be hot. But I could only work on it when school was not in session. It took me a week to grid it and draw it out. I got up at four a.m., and worked until six-thirty or seven. And then came home and jumped in the pool. At one o’clock when the wall was in the shade, I’d be back. I had a group of kids that worked with me that summer. That will show you the dedication of middle schoolers. Their parents would drop them off. I supplied Gatorade, water and music. We worked on it little by little all summer. When school started, we had a couple of after-school days where teachers at Palo Verde wanted to help. When it was done we had a dedication ceremony. The kids presented me with flowers and an artist’s apron that every kid at the school signed. GC LIVING: You also did the mural at Villa Oasis Interscholastic Center in Toltec. ERICA HERMAN: Margie Harrow, the administrative secretary, saw what I did at Palo Verde and had the idea. She applied for the

grant. It was for a mural but the mural had to be health-related. I said why don’t you have a contest and have the kids design it. So they did. What I painted was a student design. I’ve gotten better over the years. Disposable 99¢ paint brushes. Disposable paint pan liners. At Costco I buy those metal trays by the stack. They are aluminum and recyclable. When you’re working on a mural and first getting the paint applied, what it looks like doesn’t really matter. When everything is painted is when the fine details come in. I’ve also done the Sutton Law office and the alleyway by my studio, which is my own personal mission. GC LIVING: How did you decide to do Frida Kahlo on your building? ERICA HERMAN: Well, she’s my favorite artist. I believe that she and I have these weird connections. For example, her name if you take out the F and the D and put in an E and C it spells Erica. GC LIVING: (Laughs) Exactly. ERICA HERMAN: We were born three days apart. She was in severe accident at age 18 that almost killed her and broke her back and the same with me. I was in a severe accident that almost killed me at age 18 at the Salt River. And of course, we’re both artists. We just have a lot of connections, I’ve always loved her. The mural on my building began because of the transient population in the area. There was a lot of litter in the alleyway. There were lots of nefarious things going on. And there was a lot of tagging. One of the things I know is if you put art on a wall, 95% of the time people won’t mess with it. So I thought if I did something on that wall that would stop the tagging at the entrance to the alley. I talked to the property owner about the idea and he said, “Absolutely.” When I was driving up one day I just saw it in my mind. Those two windows look like eyes, I thought that’s going to be Frida’s big eyes staring out and her flowers are going to be on the top. Then I could tell people, “I’m on Marshall Street. It’s the one with Frida on the side of the building.” First I did my side of the alley and then talked to the building owner across the alleyway. On that wall I’m doing the history of Casa Grande. It’s partially done, there

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

are some other things I want to add. What I want to do next is something metal. There’s a chain link fence right next to the wall I’m working on. I’m collecting

metal objects for it. I don’t want to give too much away but it’s going to be a hanging metal art piece. GC LIVING: Your style has really evolved over the years. I have one of your earlier pieces, a crucifix painting with the broken glass and jewelry glued to the canvas. I’ve also seen sugar skulls. What are you doing now? ERICA HERMAN: Right now I’m working on lots of different things. I’ve got into the arts and crafts movement, so I’m working on a macramé piece. I’m also working on a sculpture. I haven’t done sculptures since I was in art school. I’ve been working on it for three weeks and it’s a sculpture of Frida Kahlo’s face and it’s very detailed and challenging for me to do things that I haven’t done in twenty something years. I’ve never been big on portraiture or watercolor. I truly believe watercolor is one of the hardest mediums because you don’t have as much control as you do with thicker paints. So I started taking my love of cactus and transferring that into watercolors of different desert scenes. This year my goal, since I’m not good at

LATE SUMMER 2019 • THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION

faces, was to become better at faces. A good way to become better at faces is knowing your own face, inside and out. So I draw a self-portrait every single day, then I date and number it. Every day I use a different medium. I’m currently on day 118. GC LIVING: Is art your therapy? The way you unwind from life’s daily grind? ERICA HERMAN: We could talk more about this in a minute because I don’t want to get distracted. Art is a strategy for keeping my mind occupied. I struggle with mental illness, so I’ve learned these tricks to help. Some I learned on my own, before I knew something was wrong with me. Last summer, I did some cognitive therapy, brain therapy, to retrain my brain cognitively. One of the things I do is try different techniques in my art. When I master a technique and it’s easy for me to do, I start working on different angles like shading or add different elements. It keeps my mind challenged. I did a show at the Paramount Theater with Domingo DeGrazia. He was playing music and my artwork was up, and it got a

continued on page 78... OR LI V ING THE INTERV IE W • GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR VING

COOLIDGE, ARIZONA STATE OF THE CITY 2018 by Mayor Jon Thompson, City of Coolidge

I Our Parks and Recreation Department continues to strengthen its participation numbers in various sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, T-ball and softball.

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t was a pleasure delivering the State of the City address to our Coolidge Chamber of Commerce and community members in May. Coolidge is on a path to a brighter future with growth in our business community, new homes and many new projects starting to take shape. Nikola Motor Company chose Coolidge in late 2018 to serve as its manufacturing headquarters. This $1-billion capital investment and upward of 2,000 jobs was much welcomed news. Interest in the area continues as Nikola becomes the first company to lay down roots in the Inland Port of Arizona, an area reaching Coolidge’s southern border. Another major company in Coolidge is expanding its presence. Stinger Bridge & Iron recently brought some additional acreage into the City. Its bridge projects can be seen all across the country including the nearly completed Gerald Desmond Bridge in Long Beach, California. The company is playing a key role in this $1.2-billion project. Our financials continue to improve and more efficiency has been applied around the City. Our City Manager, Chief Financial Officer and Council are always looking at ways to maximize the dollars we receive. We were able to pay off a fire tender (1½ years early) and fire pumper (2½ years early). Additionally, we have renegotiated contracts with our police software provider saving over $85K annually and City health coverage saving over $96K annually. The City has also implemented an investment policy that could earn over $160K in interest. These are just some of the major steps our staff has been able to achieve over the year, and I anticipate even greater improvements as we carry on through 2019. Roadways have also been a top priority for the City. Our maintenance program throughout Coolidge ensures better driving conditions for our citizens. This program has already helped improve miles of roads, and we hope to continually add more improvements in the coming years. Our Parks and Recreation Department continues to strengthen its participation numbers in various sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, T-ball and softball. The department also installed a new playground in Landmark Park. This playground is a welcomed addition to our citizens in the western side of the City and adds additional activities for children to take part in.

The Coolidge Library is also experiencing tremendous growth. In 2018, over 70,000 items were checked out. This represents a 12% increase from 2017. The library is well received by the community and offers many programs for children, teens and adults. Since the opening last year of the multipurpose room, lectures, trivia, story time and more have filled the room each week. The library is a great resource, and the Council and I are very pleased with the results. The Fire and Police Departments continue to implement great training courses and further their acts of service in community events. Our first responders do an excellent job in assisting those in need. They also participate in a wide variety of outreach events like the Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods, community softball games, Special Olympics and more. Finally, I’d like to end with some great news that will tremendously improve our Coolidge Municipal Airport. The FAA recently awarded the City a $9.5-million grant. This award will help improve aging runways and restore them to full operational status. The airport is always looking to improve each year and new tenants are moving in. I believe Coolidge Municipal Airport will be one of Pinal County’s premier airports in the future, supporting increased flight operations and an abundance of aeronautical businesses. It will possibly become much like Mesa Gateway Airport. I’m proud of the work our City staff has shown in all their achievements. This year looks to be even better with nearly 100 new homes being built, a robust budget outlook and companies exploring the area to lay down roots. Our achievements now play an important role in the surrounding communities. With the addition of Nikola’s manufacturing facilities to call Coolidge home, the whole region benefits with increased job opportunities and a crucial path to create even more. Working together produces the kind of results all of Pinal County benefits from. When we foster a community of unification, the end product produces an abundance of opportunities in which we can show Arizona, the country and the globe our readiness to compete in the global marketplace. I look forward to working with local businesses and cities to help move these opportunities forward to benefit the entire region.

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

123 E. Pebble Trl., Casa Grande, AZ 85122 $293,000

• • • • •

Breathtaking home with a pool in desirable Coyote Ranch neighborhood! Tastefully painted with tons of upgrades. Recently updated kitchen and flooring Open concept kitchen and living room Beautiful backyard oasis with pebble tech pool with solar pool heater for swimming year round! Outdoor kitchen with pergola

KELLY HERRINGTON, SALES MANAGER/REALTOR® 520.780.0843 | Kelly@roxsells.com

520.423.8250 | ROXsells.com ©2019 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.

Everything’s Groovy in Casa Grande by Renée Louzon-Benn, President, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce

asa Grande has been my communityof-choice for more than 24 years. I moved to Mesa, Arizona 26 years ago from a small town in the smallest state. I was a bit overwhelmed living in a huge city – which like any urban metropolis offers invisibility in the crowd and a sense of being a part of a working machine. I just wanted to explain why the amazing small-city quality-of-life Casa Grande offers, with its friendly residents, business community and services, unique mom-and-pop shops and restaurants is so appreciated by those who didn’t have that experience before moving here. We all know about the fabulous, no-snow weather that makes Casa Grande a winter wonderland for us as well as thousands of visitors, many repeats. It’s like a family reunion but more fun. Most of our popular events occur in the winter, including the Electric Light Parade; Home, Health & Garden Show; Historic Downtown Street Fair; and Cowboy Days & O’odham Tash. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who want to daily golf, hike or play pickleball. We have an active arts and humanities community in Casa Grande and Pinal County. Contact each organization or venue for more information and to determine their hours during summer months or start your list for the winter arts season. • Casa Grande Main Street hosts numerous free community events and activities in historic downtown. Call 520-836-8744 or visit cgmainstreet.org. • The Paramount Theatre, 420 N. Florence St., in historic downtown Casa Grande, is an artistic focal point for the Greater Casa Grande area, providing arts, entertainment and education for all ages. Call 520-8364200 or visit paramountfoundation.org. • A mix of cultural and educational programs for youths and adults are offered by the

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award-winning The Museum of Casa Grande, 110 W. Florence Blvd. Call 520836-2223 or visit tmocg.org. BlackBox Foundation (Studio for the Arts), 407 N. Sacaton St., is in the historic Casa Grande Woman’s Club building. It is a 501(c)(3) performing arts organization that offers theatre performances, improv to the public and performing arts classes for young children through teens. Call 520-428-7050 or visit blackboxaz.com. The Hills of Casa Grande Pioneer Heroes Museum, 317 E. 4th St. The Hill family has been collecting western history of Casa Grande and Central Arizona for more than 30 years. Call 602-317-2566 or visit pioneerheroesmuseum.com. The Casa Grande Art Museum, 319 W. 3rd St., is open October through May, Wednesday-Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Call 520-836-0237 or visit casagrandeartmuseum.org. Assuage Art & Photo Gallery, 111 W. Florence Blvd., Ste. 2. Call 612-868-2230 or visit facebook.com/assuagegallery. Central Arizona College (CAC) brings a number of high quality musical, theatrical and entertainment productions your way with its seasonal Entertainment Series. Call 520-477-7469 or visit EventsAtCAC.com.

There are also several museums in Pinal County. Be sure to call or visit the websites of the following museums for summer hours: • Ak-Chin Him-Dak Eco-Museum, 520568-1350 • Oracle Historical Society, 520-896-9609, oraclehistoricalsociety.org/museum.html • Pinal County Historical Society (Florence), 520-868-4382, pinalcountyhistoricalsociety.webs.com • Superior Historical Society & Bob Jones Museum, 520-689-1969, superiorarizonachamber.org/businessdirectory/433/superior-historical-societybob-jones-museum • Superstition Mountain Historical Museum, 480-983-4888, superstitionmountainmuseum.org I encourage everyone to learn more about this great community – even if you have lived here all of your life. You may discover new businesses, attractions, events and activities. For community and visitor/tourism information in Casa Grande and throughout Arizona, visit the Chamber office, 575 N. Marshall St., Casa Grande, AZ 85122, MondayFridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For local business updates online, visit facebook.com/cgbiz or casagrandechamber.org.

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

Economy • Finance • Business

SAVE THE DATE! CG Mosaic Festival November 3, 2019 LATE SUMMER 2019 • THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION

N Walnut Ave

N Park Ave

The Museum of Casa Grande

W Florence Blvd

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Casa Grande Art Museum

E Florence Blvd

Blackbox Theatre at The Woman's Club

4th

Neon Sign Park

Paramount Theatre

ha rs

Main Street Alley

0 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

Blackbox Theatre at The Woman's Club

Main Street Alley

Paramount Theatre

Casa Grande Art Museum

Neon Sign Park

Sunset Court

Festival will be celebrating its second year on Sunday, Nov. 3 with a street festival on Sacaton and specialty performances at The Museum of Casa Grande, Casa Grande Art Museum and the BlackBox Theatre. Sponsored by the Flinn Foundation and Arizona Commission on the Arts, CG Mosaic Festival celebrates our cultural diversity, connecting our community through a shared love of the arts. Sign up for our text-message service now so you don’t miss the fun. You’ll receive timely announcements on your smartphone for upcoming events with hotlinks that will take you direct to event info and ticket sales. Just text CGMS to 57711. You’ll be prompted to authorize the texting service with a “yes” and receive a confirmation within seconds. You can also find all the latest information for ongoing downtown events by checking out our website at www.cgmainstreet.org. Click on our Facebook link to stay

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Sunset Court W 3r dS t

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to 4 p.m. with special events. When you are ready for a cool treat or bite to eat, there are several options within walking distance. On Florence Street, Deadlift Coffee Shop has extended hours into the evening and features gelato, smoothies and specialty coffee drinks. In addition to old favorites like Cook E Jar and the Big House Café, CGQ House at the corner of Florence Boulevard and Florence Street offers a seriously smokin’ version of Southwestern flavored barbecue that has to be experienced to be believed. Just a few blocks away you’ll find Eva’s Fine Mexican Food at the Five Points intersection where summer evenings have a cool mix of bingo and trivia game nights. The ambience can’t be beat at BeDillon’s, just a short walk across Florence Boulevard and one block north of The Museum of Casa Grande. As we move toward the fall season, The Paramount Theatre and Main Street events will kick off again. Neon Nights will feature neon-themed exhibitions and entertainment in partnership with other venues. The CG Mosaic

Q:\GIS\Projects\Planning & Development\2019\Casa Grande Mainstreet Downtown Map\cg_mainstreet_downtown_map.aprx

ith the opening of the Casa Grande Neon Sign Park, more evening visitors are being attracted to our Downtown Arts and Culture District to enjoy a variety of offerings extending through the summer and into the coming season. Why not time your visit to the sign park with an extended evening of fun at one of our arts and culture venues? To the west of the neon sign park, the performing arts are well represented by two venues. The Studio of Dance on Sacaton Street provides a foundation for dance and art education for all ages with recitals and dance exhibitions featured. Just across from The Studio is BlackBox Theatre at The Woman’s Club, where community theater comes alive with original plays, musicals and stand-up comedy for a variety of audiences. The Casa Grande Art Museum and The Museum of Casa Grande both close for the summer but offer special events to keep locals engaged. The Museum of Casa Grande will be open on First Fridays during the summer noon

Downtown Arts and Culture

GIS

by Rina Rien, Director, Casa Grande Main Street

N Center Ave

Come to the Arts and Culture District in Historic Downtown Casa Grande this Summer

5/30/2019 75 150 Feet 1 inch = 150 Feet

The Museum of Casa Grande

Historic Downtown… Experience the Difference

110 W. 2nd St., Casa Grande 520-836-8744 www.cgmainstreet.org connected and “like” our page for impromptu announcements. Casa Grande Main Street is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization advocating downtown revitalization and historic preservation. Visit our website at www.cgmainstreet.org for more information on our mission, memberships and upcoming events. GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Intelligent planning process takes time, avoids chaos by Tim Kanavel, Program Manager, Pinal County Economic Development

he one question I get asked by a lot of people, and I do mean a LOT of people, is why companies like Lucid, Attesa and Nikola are not up and running “right now.” Believe me when I say that I completely understand where this question is coming from when it comes to timeframes. First of all we have had a few projects in the area that have announced they were going to begin operations in Pinal County, only to fizzle out. Secondly, it is in our nature to want something now and not later. In the world of economic development, the process from announcing to actually putting a product out is just that – a process. It would be nice if the timeline was much, much shorter. But in reality, there are several steps to go through before a company can even break ground on a project. That, my friends, is the business of intelligent planning. Without this planning and zoning process we’d have complete chaos when it comes to what is being built and where it is being built. Let’s go through a hypothetical situation. Company Tim wants to build hot-rod motors in Pinal County. Now these are going to be LOUD, 1,000 horsepower engines that will need to be tested before they go to the public. Without the planning and zoning process,

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • BIZ!

they might be able to place my plant in the middle of a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood. Company Tim would be able to test our engines at any time, day or night. They would be able to have semi-trucks (Nikola perhaps?) carrying the parts we need, come through the neighborhood at any time day or night. It already doesn’t sound appealing, does it? That, in a nutshell, is why we have a planning process. In the case of Company Tim, they would have to find a parcel of land in Pinal County that is, or could, be zoned for industrial use. Next after purchasing a promising piece of land, they would have to go to the county or city (depending on location) and apply for a zoning change if that isn’t already industrialuse property. OK, so the property is zoned. Can they build now? No, not yet. Company Tim would then have to go to the governmental agency and submit plans for their plant. In that time, they would have to get an air-quality permit (in case of any emissions), work with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality in case of any potentially hazardous chemicals that might be needed, work with the Arizona Department of Water Resources to make sure there is enough water to be supplied to the plant and work with the local

transportation authority to make sure roads are available for the semis and the workers to get in and out without hampering the normal flow of traffic in the area. It may seem like a lot, but trust me, I only covered a 10th of what needs to occur to go from announcement to production. The reason why we have these processes in place is to protect you from any potential for harm that may occur when it comes to starting up a new company. Just as a note, when Pinal County met to develop our strategic plan for the first time, we fleshed out our process of Priority Express Processing. The County is committed to streamlining, where possible, it’s Specific and Commercial Site Plan Review Process. This is a comprehensive review that recognizes that companies need to relocate, expand rapidly and efficiently. While it may take some time to go from announcement to production, trust me, it is well worth it.

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

The Pinal County elected officials, administration and staff recognize and thank the hundreds of men and women who are working hard to protect historical sites, property and lives from the Woodbury Fire. Your bravery and devotion to your duty is an inspiration to us all.

(520) 509-3555

pinalcountyaz.gov

@pinalcountybos @PCEconDev

3-1-1 (in county) @pinalcounty

St. Vincent de Paul Society of Casa Grande’s Mission is to Serve the People in Need by Annalisa Tapia

t. Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP) provides the community with food boxes, lunches for the homeless, hygiene packs, household vouchers based on the need, clothing vouchers to use in the store, diapers for adults and infants, infant formula, blankets and water. Some of the services SVDP provides: • SVDP is a designated hydration station. Anyone can stop in during office hours and receive a bottle of water. • Food boxes are available Monday – Friday from 9:00AM - 1:00PM. The client is eligible to receive one every 90 days. Possible delivery of food boxes in certain situations (call the office for details). Senior delivery is scheduled for once a month. • Daily discounts on items in the Thrift Store - Store hours are Mon – Sat from

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9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The store has a variety of items including diapers, clothing, blankets, furniture, household items and non-narcotic prescriptions. Sales vary by day. Some of the projects SVDP is involved in: • Back to School Program – This program allows the parent to sign up their child to receive a $40 voucher per child to shop at Ross. The event takes place in July. They are currently accepting donations. • Homeless Coalition – This program allows SVDP to work with other organizations to learn about each other’s resources. SVDP staff is able to refer a client to another organization if SVDP is not able to assist them. • National Community

•

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Health Partners (NCHP) – Housing for Heroes Project – SVDP assists Veterans with food and furniture when NCHP finds them permanent housing. Seeds of Hope – Hot Lunch Program - SVDP works with St. Anthony of Padua Parish to help provide food for the hot lunch program at Seeds of Hope. Victory Outreach Men’s Home – SVDP assists with food and clothing. Utility Assistance Program – When the funds are available, SVDP will assist a client in paying their water bill with Arizona Water Company.

You ask what you can do to help? • Shop in the Store – The proceeds from store sales keeps their pantry run-

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ning. Their prices are low and they have different product sales throughout the week. Saturday is always 50% off all items. They need donated food and hygiene products on a daily basis. Tax-deductible monetary donations.

You can receive a tax credit for your donation! Under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 43-1088(G)(2), AAFB is recognized as a Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO), QCO code 2057. You may be eligible to receive a FULL TAX CREDIT, up to $400 (filing as a single unmarried head of household) or $800 (married filing joint return) for donating to AAFB. See www.azdor.gov for more details, or call 602-255-3381 or 1-800-843-7196 from area codes 520 or 928. Consult your tax preparer or financial adviser for specific advice regarding your donation.

St. Vincent de Paul Society Sylvia Cassity, Conference Administrator 405 E 2nd St, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 (520) 836-2009

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

Is Your Customer List a Trade Secret? by Denis M. Fitzgibbons

our business owns information critical to your success, and you need to protect it from competitors and other outsiders. However, not everything you think is confidential is protected as a trade secret. In its 2013 Calisi ruling, the Arizona Court of Appeals provided useful criteria for what constitutes trade secret protection. The Calisi case involved a company’s customer list that a former employee took with him when he left to join a competitor. The Court of Appeals held that only those secrets “affording a demonstrable competitive advantage” will qualify as a protected trade secret. Further, Arizona law will not protect a company’s information if the company has not taken appropriate steps to ensure that its information qualifies as a “trade secret.” The Court of Appeals cited several factors to determine whether a customer list qualifies as a trade secret. First, a customer list may be entitled to trade secret protection when it represents a “selective accumulation of detailed, valuable information about customers – such as their particular needs, preferences or characteristics – that naturally ‘would not occur to persons in the trade or business.’” In other words, a qualifying customer list must contain information a company compiles by virtue of its relationship with the customer, not simply by gathering required contact information or purchasing a commercial list of prospects. Second, a customer list may be protected if the company can show it compiled the list by “expending substantial efforts to identify and cultivate its customer base, such that it would be difficult for a competitor to acquire or duplicate the same

information.” Third, as noted above, another factor to consider is whether the information contained in the customer list “derives independent economic value from its secrecy, and gives the holder of the list a demonstrable competitive advantage over others in the industry.” Finally, courts will examine how the company handles its customer list. Is the list marked “confidential”? Does anyone who uses the list sign an agreement to maintain its confidentiality? If the company does not treat the list as confidential, neither will the courts.

Achieving Trade Secret Protection To strengthen your claim that your customer list is a protected trade secret, start with the following: Include in your customer list more than mere contact information. The list should also contain types of services provided, notes from client meetings and phone calls, billing histories, reminders about client preferences, notes about plans for future products and services to be purchased, and any unique and novel information concerning the customer.

LATE SUMMER 2019 • THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION

Use a process to obtain and maintain the information beyond basic information gathering. Preserve any information concerning the marketing methods used to build a client list as well as the success rate of those methods. Keep records of the expenses incurred in creating and maintaining the customer list. By having a record of the expense and effort that go into building a client list, you will be in a better position to protect your list as a trade secret. Communicate to all employees the secret nature of client information and grant access only to employees who require that information to perform their job functions. Your employee manual and new employee training should emphasize that this information is confidential and the company

expects its employees to maintain that confidentiality. Require non-employees to sign an acknowledgement of confidentiality before you give them access to your customer list. These steps provide only a starting point for protecting your customer list. Creating a written plan that maximizes that protection should be the result of a well-thought-out process that reflects the nature of your industry and competition, the unique characteristics of your company, and the input of a legal advisor experienced in protecting trade secrets and other confidential information. Denis Fitzgibbons is a senior partner at the Fitzgibbons Law Offices in Casa Grande, 520-426-3824, denis@fitzgibbonslaw.com.

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2019 Pinal 40 Scholarship Awards PHOTOS BY EGAN EYES PHOTOGRAPHY

he 2019 Pinal 40 scholarships were presented at an awards event in Casa Grande on June 5. Each of the agricultural scholarships has a value of $2,000 or $3,000, with a combined value of $50,000. Sixteen of the twenty-two recipients attended the presentation ceremony. Congratulations to all of the scholarship winners! Applicants are required to be residents of Pinal County with plans to enroll in an agriculture related program. Qualifying programs include Agribusiness, Animal Science, Crop Production, Veterinary Medicine, Horticulture and other agricultural specialties. Here are the 2019 scholarship recipients and the schools they will attend.

Katy Adams – $3,000 / University of Arizona / Pre-Veterinary Science Shae Barnes – $2,000 / University of Arizona / Agribusiness Perla Bolanos – $3,000 / University of Arizona / Animal Science Terese Maxine Cruz – $2,000 / Environmental Studies Brooke Driver – $2,000 / Central Arizona College Liberal Arts (eventually Veterinary Science) Amanda Garcia – $2,000 / Central Arizona College / Agriculture Education Dylan Hale – $3,000 / Arizona State University / Agribusiness Annabelle Hampton – $2,000 / Central Arizona College Agricultural Business and Communications William Henderson – $2,000 / Cornell University / International Agriculture and Rural Development Tegan Homol – $2,000 / Central Arizona College / Associate of Science Halle Householder – $2,000 / Central Arizona College / Agribusiness Mariah Lara – $2,000 / University of Arizona / Agri-Business Angelita Consuelo Meza – $2,000 / Central Arizona College / Equine Management and Training AAS Blake Norris – $3,000 / Central Arizona College Animal Science Deja Ponds – $2,000 / Pre-Vet / Animal Science Savannah Rodriguez – $2,000 / University of Arizona / Animal Science Tyler Rodriquez – $2,000 / University of Arizona / Veterinary Science Connor Sawyer – $2,000 / University of Arizona / Ag Ed and Animal Science Brian Scott – $2,000 / University of Arizona / Biosystems Engineering Victoria Shoemaker – $2,000 / Colorado State University / Animal Science Chloe Stephens – $3,000 / Pre-Veterinarian / Bio Medics Royal Whitehead – $3,000 / Central Arizona College / Agricultural Science 30

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THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

The Pinal 40 Board of Director’s

congratulates the

2019 Scholarship Recipients:

A very special thanks to all of our Sponsors & Friends for their continued support!

Thank you to: • The Pinal 40 Scholarship Committee, Matt Lemberg, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Casa Grande Valley • Staff of The Property Conference Center • Parents of the 2019 Scholarship Recipients

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…

Central Arizona College Vaqueros Bring Home a 3rd National Championship

PHOTO BY CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE

he Central Arizona College (CAC) Vaqueros baseball team faced Iowa Western Community College in the 2019 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) JUCO World Series, winning the game with a 13-8 score. It was a wild and crazy way to win a championship. The Iowa Western Reivers seized a 7-0 lead in the top of the first inning. But, that didn’t deter the Vaqueros as they methodically chipped away at their opponents’ lead, scoring 4 runs in the first inning, one run in the second inning and five more in the third inning. They added two more runs in the fifth inning and one more in the sixth inning, winning the Championship. Coach Anthony Gilich stated afterwards, “Winning a National Championship at the JUCO World Series was a great experience. I am so happy for the school, the program and for the players. We had an unbelievable ride and I couldn’t be more proud to be the head coach at Central Arizona.” “Couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to play at Central and perform at the

World Series,” said pitcher Lucas Knowles, who entered the game in the seventh inning. “The relationships I built with my teammates and coaches throughout the year will last forever, what a great time! I had the opportunity to play at the NCAA College World Series last year, but to win the whole thing with this group of guys was something special.” This is the third time that CAC

has won the World Series in six appearances. They took their first title 43 years ago in the 1976 World Series, defeating St. Clair

SEVEN CAC BASEBALL PLAYERS CHOSEN DURING 2019 MLB DRAFT Lucas Knowles, (LHP), taken in the 14th round by the Washington Nationals. Dakota Donovan, (RHP), taken in the 16th round by the Los Angeles Angels. Jonathan Stroman, (RHP), selected in the 22 round by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Jason Nelson, (RHP), chosen by the San Diego Padres in the 31st round. Emmy Ordonez, (INF), chosen by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd Round. Former Vaqueros Edgar Barclay (LHP), drafted in the 15th round by the New York Yankees and Andrew Edwards (LHP) selected in the 31st round by the New York Mets. MESQUITOES...cont. from page 16 • If using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent. WNV, spread through the bite of certain mosquitoes, is common in Arizona. The Zika virus has not yet been seen in Arizona. For those that get a mosqui-

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Count y Communit y College from Michigan. In 2002, CAC defeated Manatee Community College from Florida.

to-borne disease, symptoms can be mild to severe, sometimes even fatal. Check with your health professional if you think you have become ill from mosquito bites. If you have concerns regarding standing water, green pools or mosquito activity, call Pinal County at 866.287.0209 or go to http://pinalcountyaz.gov/ehs

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

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…

Marana Council Considers Annexation into Pinal County

t’s an idea that’s been considered for at least a decade, but now it looks like it might move forward. The Town of Marana, on the edge of Pima and Pinal Counties hopes to annex land to the north, including Pinal Airpark, as the community seeks opportunities for economic growth. Heath Vescovi is Marana’s economic development specialist. On June 11, 2019, Vescovi presented information to the Council during their Study Session on the potential of annexation into Pinal County, including the Pinal Airpark. Pointing out ‘Mega Projects’ taking place in Pinal County, Vescovi noted the potential jobs, development incentives, Opportunity and Foreign Trade Zone incentives. Viscovi described the land the

Town of Marana hopes to annex as a potential economic development hub and current economic activity center. The proposed annexation includes areas both on the west side and the east side of Interstate 10. The area under consideration is approximately 3,000 acres, or 4.7 square miles. Pinal Airpark assets include major utilities, such as water, wastewater, fiber, and electric although some of the infrastructure systems are quite aged and will require updating and investment. Mayor Ed Honea noted, “Pinal Airpark can be a gold mine for us… Pinal County is looking seriously at trying to do some expansion and bring some more jobs to Pinal Airpark. The thing about annexing the Airpark is that it belongs to Pinal

County so any infrastructure upgrades or whatever are not necessarily ours, they would be Pinal County’s upgrades. But we could have an impact on what’s built there… Most of those people are going to live in North Marana, right across the street from the gate.” “It offers us some opportunity,” Honea continued. “This has been a dream of mine to go up

there for a long time.” “I wasn’t quite on board over the years, but I like it,” Councilwoman Roxanne Ziegler said. Mayor Honea suggested they direct staff to move forward with due diligence to scope out what they need to do in order to accomplish this annexation. Councilwoman Ziegler made a motion to that effect, which passed unanimously.

RECYCLING PROGRAM...cont. from page 17

“We were surprised, quite frankly to find that we would extend the useful life [of the landfill] by only three to six months,” Rains said regarding the recycling program. “If you’re looking at it purely from a financial perspective,” Rains said, “You could begin to make some sense as to why this (suspension) is actually being recommended to the mayor and council.” The City’s press release offers details regarding the suspension: “As part of the Fiscal Year 2020 budget approved by the City Council, curbside recycling will be suspended beginning July

1, 2019. The Public Works Department will be placing flyers in blue recycling bins notifying customers of their last recycling pickup date. “City workers will not be collecting the blue bins after the last scheduled recycling pick up. Residential customers can either bring the bins to the Public Works North Operation Center at 3181 N. Lear Avenue, or they can keep them. If a customer keeps their blue bin, recycling materials will not be picked up after a customer’s last recycling pickup date. “The Public Works Department will continue to evaluate the recycling program should the

city consider reinstating curbside recycling in the future. In the meantime, a list of sites where residents can take recyclable materials can be found on the city’s website at www.casagrandeaz.gov/recycle.” Although the change in service is being described as a “suspension,” the City is unlikely to resume the service in the foreseeable future. In the FAQ’s listed on the casagrandeaz.gov website, it is written, “The city is suspending the current recycling program until a more effective, efficient, and economically viable means of recycling is found to replace the current program.”

On the other hand, by suspending the program, residents can expect to see about a $2 per month decrease in their trash collection bill. The cost difference between putting the trash into the landfill, versus recycling it? According to Rains, sending the trash to the landfill will cost about $38 per ton, as opposed to about $135 per ton to send it to Phoenix for processing. One question that had to be answered was how this decision would affect the lifespan of the City’s landfill.

LATE SUMMER 2019 • THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION

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ELOY, ARIZONA ELOY RESIDENTS CELEBRATE COMMUNITY, HERITAGE, ARTS AND CULTURE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR by Joel G. Belloc, Mayor, City of Eloy

O Every day Eloy culture is evident through special events and parades consistently held throughout the years.

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ver the last 100 plus years, Eloy has consistently exhibited an extremely deep reservoir of human endurance. From a rest stop and watering hole on the De Anza Trail in the 1700s to the 1900s when Eloy became one of the nation’s most important agricultural regions, Eloy was ever changing and persevering. Eloy has continued to survive, thrive and become the cultural center for numerous populations including African American, northern European, Native American and Hispanic. Although now predominantly Hispanic, many different folks have lived here in harmony for several decades. As this edition of the Golden Corridor Magazine focuses on arts and humanities, let me use this opportunity to reflect over important ways Eloy residents celebrate their community, heritage, arts and culture. Every day Eloy culture is evident through special events and parades consistently held throughout the years. Eloy residents actively participate in our Veterans Day parade, MLK March, Easter Egg Hunt, Harvest Festival, Memorial Day events, 4th of July celebration, the annual Tip Over the Shelves 5k Fun Run and, of course, Christmas in Eloy featuring the Electric Light Parade. These events are great times for neighbors to reconnect; strengthening long-term relationships and continuing to build community pride. The arts are represented in our community, as well. Ballet Folklorico can be seen at many of the events listed above, featuring incredible dancing, beautiful colors and young people intent on preserving their rich heritage to be passed on to the next generation.

Our high school, Santa Cruz Valley Union, has among many of its student organizations one devoted to Mariachi music and dance. Eloy’s Parks and Recreation division offers dance classes for youth of all ages from ballet to tap. Fine arts are well represented by the residents and artists in Robson Ranch that includes a Fine Arts Guild and community art center with instruction and work space for numerous creative activities. The City of Eloy offers various arts and crafts programs, and Central Arizona College offers a full fine arts curriculum. Lastly, I invite all of you to visit the Santa Cruz Valley Historic Museum. As of this writing, the City is completing improvements to the historic school house, originally constructed in 1930, which will be occupied by the Santa Cruz Valley Historic Museum, the Sunland Visitor Center and the Eloy Chamber of Commerce by September 2019. According to the museum website, “One of our organizational goals is to preserve our unique heritage and to tell our story from the perspective of residents’ shared stories and memorabilia — all handed down from past generations. The history of ‘Those Who Came Before’ — the Hohokam or First Americans, the Spaniards, settlers, the Mormon Battalion, Civil War soldiers, railroad builders, and the hardy migrant workers who followed the cotton, citrus and produce harvests — will all be preserved and shared in perpetuity.” I humbly invite all who read this to visit our museum or come see for yourself what makes Eloy a special place that our many long-term residents and recent arrivals call home.

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

ARIZONA

ELOY

WWW.ELOYAZ.GOV

THE INTERSECTION OF VALUE, LOCATION AND OPPORTUNITY

welcome O

On behalf of our Mayor and City Council, I am pleased to introduce you to the City of Eloy, Arizona and the attributes that make our city an outstanding environment for economic investment. We cordially invite you to peruse this material demonstrating why Eloy is the right choice to locate, operate and grow your business.

ELOY COUNCIL

Mayor Joel G. Belloc

Vice-Mayor Micah Powell

The City of Eloy is a short 50-minute drive south from the Phoenix Metropolitan area, which has over 3 million people. Strategically located about halfway between Phoenix and Tucson along Interstate 10 (just south of Interstate 8), Eloy has an abundance of vacant, shovel-ready land which is ideally suited for commercial and industrial development Eloy’s prime location has attracted numerous companies over the years, such as the Western Regional Distribution Center for Empire Cat, Schuff Steel, Otto Environmental Systems, and ELRUS Aggregate Systems. The City’s economic base is enhanced by the presence of Skydive Arizona at the Eloy Municipal Airport, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world for skydiving. Further, we are home to Robson Ranch, an active adult golf community, which includes over 1,000 units (and growing!) of quality housing and resort style amenities. The City prides itself on having a business-friendly environment that offers predictable and competent development services to our customers. We are fully capable and willing to meet your timetable to be open for business by offering expedited plan review, permitting and inspection services Thank you in advance for considering the City of Eloy. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.

Councilmember Jose Garcia

Councilmember Georges Reuter

Councilmember Andrew Rodriguez

Councilmember Daniel Snyder

Sincerely,

Harvey Krauss City Manager Councilmember J.W. Tidwell

ELOY, A Z

ELOYAZ.gov • 2019

freight Salt Lake City Reno

PROXIMITY Denver

Las Vegas Kingman

Flagstaﬀ Albuquerque

Los Angeles

San Diego

Located at the intersection of I-8 and I-10

Eloy El Paso

100miles Puerto Penasco MX

Nogales

200 miles 13

300 miles 400 miles

Houston

Hermosillo MX

Eloy at a Glance......................................................................................................4 Character Areas for Future Growth........................................................... 8

Utilities.......................................................................................................................11 Transportation Access.................................................................................... 12 Area Map................................................................................................................. 14 Industrial Community...................................................................................... 16 Agribusiness..........................................................................................................17 Strategic Partners............................................................................................. 18 Educational Foundations...............................................................................20 Key Connections................................................................................................ 26 2019 • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

contents

Development Catalysts.................................................................................. 10

Produced & Published in conjunction with

ROX Media, LLC 844.729.9769 | roxmediagroup.net Elaine Earle, Publisher 520.840.1796 | cfo@roxco.com

Every effort is made to make this publication as accurate as possible. City of Eloy Economic Development and ROX Media LLC. & affiliated companies (collectively, the “Publishers”) will assume no responsibility for errors, changes, representations or omissions. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any way without the express written permission of the Publishers. Users of this publication are encouraged to verify all data and information of material interest to the user. The Publishers make no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding any goods or services advertised in this publication. Unless otherwise noted, all images are courtesy of The City of Eloy Economic Development. Advertisements are provided by the subject companies and the Publishers shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party’s rights therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved. 520.426.2074

ELOY, A Z

ELOY

at a glance

GET TO KNOW ELOY Access and Visibility

Eloy is located at the confluence of two major interstates, I-8 and I-10 and offers three full-diamond interchanges on Sunland Gin Road, Toltec Road and Sunshine Boulevard. In the future, these existing highway corridors, coupled with the North-South Freeway and Interstate 11, will add significant international, national, statewide and regional surface connectivity to Eloy’s growing industrial sector. The Union Pacific Railroad mainline parallels I-10 the entire width of Eloy and includes several rail spurs with access to the industrial business area.

Size

Eloy residents and visitors alike enjoy many days of sunshine and a moderate climate, most of the year. Winter daytime temperatures range from 60 to 80, while nighttime temperatures generally average in the 40s. Area humidity is usually in the 15-30 percentrange year-round.

Taxes

The local property tax rate is currently $1.1210/$100 assessed valuation, and Eloy’s sales tax (reviewed by the City Council on an annual basis) is 3 percent. The transaction privilege tax rate is 3 percent. For current information on taxes, visit eloyaz.gov/documentcenter/ view/732.

Photo courtesy of Volo Photo, LLC

The city includes approximately 113.7 square miles of land, much of it available for development.

Weather

ELOY, A Z

ELOYAZ.gov • 2019

Retail

Eloy residents are within easy reach of shopping opportunities, and enjoy a wide variety of restaurants and small shops, as well as entertainment and recreational facilities.

Aviation Access

Eloy Municipal Airport is a general aviation facility conveniently located 4 miles north of downtown. It offers a lighted 3,900-feet by 75-feet runway and has a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) that provides 100LL fuel and Jet-A Fuel. Its mission is to encourage and advance the safe and orderly development of aviation in Eloy.

Medical Care

Sun Life Family Health Center provides residents with a full spectrum of typical health care services, including a pharmacy. More complex medical needs can be addressed within minutes at Banner Casa Grande Medical Center. The community also has 32 additional physicians (specialists) available, along with other medical professionals, through the Associated and Allied Health Professions in Casa Grande.

Workforce

Eloy employers draw upon a base population of nearly 117,000 residents living within 30 minutes of the city. Skilled and semiskilled workers are available to provide a stable, hard-working labor force for area employers, while workforce development programs are abundantly available through such institutions as Central Arizona College, Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology, ARIZONA@WORK and other programs.

2019 â&#x20AC;˘ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ELOY, A Z

ELOY

at a glance For more information visit:

www.eloyaz.gov

17,412

Total Population

*includes approximately 6,800 inmates within area private prisons

49% 51% Male

Female

*adjusted for prison population

50-99

Employees Per Business

3.16%

Age Distribution 0-9

1,499

10-19

1,844

20-29

4,007

30-39

3,405

40-49

2,619

50-59

100+

60-64

1.19%

65+

20-49

1,749 695 1,594

7.51%

Median Age 10-19

1-4

12.25%

5-9

56.13%

3,798 14.54% 6

ELOY, A Z

POPULATION BY RADIUS 20 miles – 76,490 25 miles - 99,244 30 miles - 117,810 40 miles - 237,771 50 miles - 1,522,366

20.16%

Labor Force

34.1

Office and Administrative support

BLUE-COLLAR LABOR FORCE WITH

ROOM FOR MANAGERS ELOYAZ.gov • 2019

HOUSING

Renters

Owners

65.61% 34.39% Average Commute

23 Minutes

Low taxes and small state government means Arizona offers one of the lowest costs of doing business in the U.S., according to the Arizona Commerce Authority. The state also boasts a robust, skilled workforce and ease of transportation to local and international markets.

18.5%

less than national average per capita income going to taxes

2ND LOWEST IN NATION Government employees per 100 residents (Source, 2018 ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index)

6TH MOST FAVORABLE IN NATION

FREIGHT DRIVE MILES / TIME*

*ungoverned speed, rounded to 10 minute increments

CITY

DISTANCE

Tucson AZ . . . . . . . . . . . . Phoenix AZ. . . . . . . . . . . . Nogales MX . . . . . . . . . . . Yuma AZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . Puerto Penasco MX. . . . Hermosillo MX . . . . . . . . San Diego CA . . . . . . . . . El Paso TX . . . . . . . . . . . . Los Angeles CA . . . . . . . . San Francisco CA . . . . . . Dallas TX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Houston TX . . . . . . . . . . . New Orleans LA . . . . . . . Seattle WA . . . . . . . . . . . . Calgary AL . . . . . . . . . . . . Vancouver BC . . . . . . . . . Minneapolis MN . . . . . . . Detroit MI. . . . . . . . . . . . . Orlando FL . . . . . . . . . . . .

51 miles. . . . . . . . . . . 54 miles . . . . . . . . . . . 119 miles . . . . . . . . . . 187 miles . . . . . . . . . . 190 miles . . . . . . . . . . 291 miles. . . . . . . . . . 357 miles . . . . . . . . . . 368 miles. . . . . . . . . . 434 miles. . . . . . . . . . 815 miles . . . . . . . . . . 1,003 miles . . . . . . . . 1,114 miles. . . . . . . . . 1,460 miles . . . . . . . . 1,483 miles . . . . . . . . 1,606 miles . . . . . . . . 1,619 miles. . . . . . . . . 1,639 miles . . . . . . . . 1,979 miles. . . . . . . . . 2,076 miles. . . . . . . . .

2019 • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

A LOOK AT ARIZONA

DRIVE TIME 50m 60m 2h 2h, 50m 3h, 30m 5h 20m 5h 10m 5h 10m 6h 30m 12h 14h 20m 16h 10m 21h 20m 22h 40m 24h 25h 26h 30h 30h

Property Taxes

15TH MOST FAVORABLE IN NATION

Unemployment Insurance Tax (Source, 2018 Tax Foundation State Business Tax Climate Index)

13TH LOWEST IN NATION

Average Workers’ Compensation Costs (per $100 of payroll) (Source, 2018 ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index)

+2 MILLION

Number of Workers Living in Greater Phoenix Area Alone (Approximately 54 Miles from Eloy)

65 MILLION

Number of people a one-day drive is capable of reaching

+100 CITIES +4 COUNTRIES

(Including Mexico, Canada, England and Germany) Served by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

800 TONS

Daily Amount of Cargo Handled at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

ELOY, A Z

character areas

FOR FUTURE GROWTH

Robson Ranch was initially developed in 2006, and currently provides over 1,000 up-

scale homes with quality-of-life amenities requested by active adults. Single-family housing and condominium living are complemented by facilities to accommodate a variety of sports activities including 18-hole golf, arts and crafts sessions, hiking and biking, an aquatics center, Pickleball and tennis as well as access to retail and commercial services. New phases of development are currently under construction.

W Battaglia Dr

ARIZONA CITY

ELOY, A Z

N Toltec Rd

to break ground on a manufacturing facility in Casa Grande in 2019. The electric-car startup will compete with Tesla for the luxury-car electric market. Lucid has partnered with Central Arizona College, creating a regional workforce training program.

S Sunland Gin Rd

Lucid Motors plans

Employment Corridor

Eloy’s business corridor is home to many of Eloy’s retail and industrial employers. Frontier Street is north of and parallel to the Union Pacific Railroad as well as Interstate 10 to the south. A large inventory of vacant, industrially-zoned and utility-served property is available for development.

ELOYAZ.gov • 2019

Although the Eloy community was settled in the early 1900s, Eloy incorporated itself as a city in 1949. Historically an agricultural community, the city is strategically located at the crossroads of Interstates 8 and 10, making it a prime location for an industrial-based economy.

Eloy Municipal Airport is located approximately

3 miles northwest of downtown and encompasses approximately 100 acres. With two active runways, the airport is available to general aviation from dawn to dusk. Hangars and T-shades are located on airport properties, and aviation fuel is available for sale. The Eloy Municipal Airport is home to Skydive ArizonaTM, a world-class facility attracting skydivers from around the world. In October 2019, Skydive Arizona hosted the FAI Parachuting World Cup. The Bent Prop Café is located onsite for food services, as well. The city owns approximately 280 acres adjacent to the airport for a future business/ industrial park.

Three miles from I-10, Nikola Motor Company, a hydrogen-electric vehicle manufacturer, is expected to make a $1 Billion commitment to the region. Located just outside of the Eloy city limits in the Inland Port Arizona industrial park, the company will be producing clean energy, hydrogen-powered semi-trucks.

84 W Battaglia Dr

Downtown Eloy is the heart of the city and home to City Hall, the U.S. Post

Office, and the police and fire stations. Wrapping around the city’s governance complex and Main Street Park, the downtown area offers a host of investment opportunities for new construction and building renovation serving residential, office and retail uses. The new City Hall opened in the spring of 2019. The old location is currently under renovation and when completed, will more than double the available space for the police department. Downtown facade renovations are also underway in 2019. The area is also home to a number of community services, including Sun Life Family Health Center, Pinal Hispanic Council, Community Action Human Resources Agency and Eloy Veterans Center, among others.

10 2019 • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

www.eloyaz.gov ELOY, A Z

DEVELOPMENT

catalysts

he city can offer an array of tools to induce desired development, including but not limited to, the sectors of aviation and aerospace, advanced manufacturing, global logistics and value-added agribusiness.

These include:

• Significant industrial-zoned land inventory – over 5,400 acres

• Predictable Entitlements Process with its recently-revised zoning ordinance and updated general plan • Expedited review and permitting processes

• Foreign Trade Zone No. 174 (Over 250 acres available)

A foreign-trade zone is a designated location in the United States where companies can use special procedures that help encourage U.S. activity and value added – in competition with foreign alternatives – by allowing delayed or reduced duty payments on foreign merchandise, as well as other savings. Arizona offers up to a 75% reduction in real and personal property taxes for activated FTZs.

• Low impact fees • Incentives and potential deal-closing

FOREIGN TRADE ZONE

funding/improvements

• Knowledgeable and cooperative staff • Arizona Opportunity Zones

ELOY OPPORTUNITY ZONE

Arizona’s Opportunity Zone nominations were submitted on March 21, 2018 and approved by the U.S. Treasury Department on April 9, 2018, making Arizona one of the first states in the nation to have its zones officially designated. The federal Opportunity Zones program allows each state’s governor to nominate up to 25 percent of the qualifying low-income Census tracts as Opportunity Zones. It was created under a provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law December 2017. Investors who reinvest capital gains monies in Opportunity Zone funds will receive reductions on capital gains taxes relative to the years of their investment.

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www.azcommerce.com/arizona-opportunity-zones/

ELOYAZ.gov • 2019

UTILITIES Electrical Service

APS (Arizona Public Service) is the largest and longest-serving electric utility in Arizona and principal subsidiary of publicly-traded S&P 500 member Pinnacle West Capital Corporation. Like companies in Arizona’s largest metropolitan areas, most industry in Eloy is served by this reliable and innovative utility. Locally-owned and -operated Electrical Districts (ED) #4 provide electrical energy to Eloy’s residents as well as additional businesses. A majority of their customers are agribusiness operations and/or residential consumers. A variety of energy supplies are available, and the districts are responsive to new industrial customers.

Water Supply and Service

Natural Gas Service

Southwest Gas Corporation serves the City of Eloy’s customers with adequate, reasonably priced natural gas through a distribution system that matches the needs of residential, commercial, retail and industrial consumers.

Telecommunications Service

The City of Eloy’s primary telecommunications utility provider is CenturyLink, which accommodates both voice and data services. AireBeam Broadband will soon go live with a large, comprehensive ‘dark’ fiber network that will cover much of the developed city, including many of the area’s existing employers.

The City of Eloy provides potable water to the majority of the city’s incorporated area. Rates are reasonable, and since the City of Eloy is a designated provider for the purposes of the State’s Assured and Adequate Water Supplies, requirements for all new developments in the Pinal Active Management Area, we are a one-stop operation for new and relocating industries.

Wastewater Collection and Treatment

Eloy’s wastewater collection and treatment system extends throughout the majority of the City’s developed areas. Its wastewater treatment plant currently has a capacity of two mgd with existing flows at under one mgd. Our WWTP’s discharge supplies are treated to Class B standards.

2019 • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ELOY, A Z

TRANSPORTATION

access

ince 1902 when the Southern Pacific Railroad built a switch west of Picacho called “Eloy,” the community has placed transportation as a priority. The location of the Union Pacific Railroad’s main line coupled with the I-10/I-8 junction make Eloy extremely attractive for companies requiring efficient transportation of goods.

Existing Vehicular/Truck Routes Interstate (I-10) Interstate 10 is the only “all-weather” interstate corridor that connects Los Angeles and the Pacific Coast Highway to Jacksonville (FLA) and the I-95 Corridor. I-10 is the busiest Arizona freeway, serving a daily average of 175,000 vehicles traveling between Phoenix and Tucson. Eloy contains 11.3 miles of freeway exposure, much of which is identified as commercial, retail and industrial in the city’s general plan. ADOT is currently widening and improving I-10 within Eloy’s Planning Area as part of its five-year capital plan for the area. Interstate 8 (I-8) Interstate 8 connects central Arizona directly with the markets of Southern California, San Diego and Baja Mexico. The eastern terminus of I-8 is adjacent to the business corridor and is easily accessible for Eloy industries and businesses, and provides a virtually uninterrupted corridor into the heart of Southern California.

Future Vehicular/Truck Routes North-South Freeway Pinal County voters recently approved an increase in the county’s sales tax for the purpose of constructing regional roadway and transit improvements. A major project will connect the eastern portion of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area and Williams Gateway Airport with I-10 and Eloy. Interstate 11 (I-11) Congressional approval has been given to initiate a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement as the first step to implement the country’s newest interstate freeway, I-11 which will connect the economies of Nevada and Arizona and could ultimately link Mexico and Canada through the western United States.

ELOY, A Z

ELOYAZ.gov • 2019

Photo courtesy of Volo Photo, LLC

Union Pacific Railroad

UPRR is a major Class A rail transportation provider. Its double-tracked mainline traverses the entire width of Eloy, and is parallel to I-10 and the business corridor. The UPRR mainline through Eloy connects with the Canadian border to the north, Mexico to the south, the California coast to the west and as far east as Chicago, Memphis and New Orleans. Several of Eloy’s current industries already utilize rail spurs on this line, with backing and encouragement of the state and region. UPRR is committed to the development of a major rail classification yard southeast of the city.

Aviation Eloy Municipal Airport The city’s municipal airport is located approximately 4 miles northwest of the downtown area, and is the home to a world-class skydive operation and ancillary businesses. Eloy’s abundant clear skies, temperate weather and generally light winds provide unmatched opportunities for aviation-related enthusiasts and industries. Pinal Airpark Located just south of Eloy and adjacent to the proposed UPRR classification yard, the Pinal Airpark is owned and operated by Pinal County. A repair, maintenance and storage facility onsite is operated by Marana Aerospace Solutions (formerly Evergreen Air Center). The county has upgraded and improved the primary runway that currently accommodates commercial aircraft, including 747s.

“Eloy’s excellent location on I-10, near I-8 and on the main southern US rail line for Union Pacific railroad, provides the City with incredible opportunities to not only compete for manufacturing, warehousing and transportation/logistics projects at a regional level but at the statewide and national level as well. Eloy has several hundred acres of rail served properties all accessible by the adjacent robust interstate system and 2 international airports in the metro Phoenix area within 40 miles of the city. I believe Eloy is on the verge of great economic growth.” Tim Kanavel, Pinal County Economic Development Program Manager

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Arizona’s largest airport offers direct connections to international and national destinations, including more than 100 cities and four countries (Mexico, Canada, England and Germany). Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the eleventh-busiest large airport in the country, and fewer than 50 air miles to Eloy. Tucson International Airport Located approximately 65 air miles south of Eloy, Tucson International Airport is a general aviation airport facility that offers direct connections to international and national destinations and serves southern Arizona. It is Arizona’s second-busiest airport and can easily be accessed from Eloy via I-10.

2019 • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ELOY, A Z

D C B A Map courtesy: Pinal County GIS Esri, HERE, Garmin, NGA, USGS, NPS

Map courtesy: Pinal County GIS Esri, HERE, Garmin, NGA, USGS, NPS

ELOY, A Z

Map courtesy: Pinal County GIS Esri, HERE, Garmin, NGA, USGS, NPS

ELOYAZ.gov â&#x20AC;¢ 2019

AREA MAP

Map courtesy: Pinal County GIS Esri, HERE, Garmin, NGA, USGS, NPS

ACRES AVAIL.

WATER

POWER

SEWER

FEMA

300

YES

300

YES

500

MAYBE

1100

MAYBE

AREA

2019 â&#x20AC;¢ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ELOY, A Z

ELOYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S industrial A

community

number of thriving manufacturing companies are headquartered in Eloy. Their reasons for selecting the community as their base for operations include proximity to transportation, including rail; affordable land and construction; a steady supply of blue-collar workforce members and support from the city on development.

Otto Industries is a subsidiary of Otto Indus-

tries of North America. The company began making containers for the waste industry in 1952 and soon branched out into manufacturing recycled plastics into a wide variety of containers for industrial, commercial and residential uses.

Schuff Steel is one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest, most-trusted and experienced steel fabricators and erectors in the USA. Republic Plastics produces a range of custom and private-label foam food containers, plates, bowls and more for customers throughout the United States. Hasa Chemicals (Hasa Inc.) is a privately held company in Eloy. Categorized under Alkalies and Chlorine Manufacturers, current estimates show this company has an annual revenue of $5 to 10 million and employs a staff of approximately 34. San Juan Pools has been building fiberglass pools to consumer specifications for 60 years, and is pleased to be a part of the Eloy industrial community.

ELOY, A Z

ELOYAZ.gov â&#x20AC;˘ 2019

Eloy’s growth industry

AGRIBUSINESS

loy emerged from the desert in 1878-1880 as the Southern Pacific Railroad came north from Tucson on its way to Phoenix. Eloy’s Native American neighbors had already demonstrated their ability to raise crops, and with the advent of heavy duty, deep well pumps in the early 1900s, the area’s agricultural industries emerged with cotton and grain crops. Pecans also became feasible and economically viable as well. At present, there are approximately 40,000 acres under cultivation in Eloy’s planning area. Most of the crops are in cotton, grains, vegetables, and a small amount of guayule. Agribusiness here provides employment for some 1,000 residents and accounts for approximately 25% of the local economy.

Bridgestone Americas Inc. (The Bridgestone Group)

owns and operates the Agro Operations Guayule Research Farm in Eloy. The research farm supplies guayule biomass for rubber production at the company’s BioRubber Process Research Center in Mesa. Bridgestone Corporation is the world's largest tire and rubber company. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.

Monsanto-Delta Pine is a global agriculture company, developing products and tools to help farmers around the world to grow crops while using energy, water and land more efficiently. Monsanto is a Fortune 500 company and chose Eloy as a site for cotton seed ginning and delinting processes.

2019 • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ELOY, A Z

strategic

PARTNERS T

he City of Eloy works closely with a number of strategic partners and organizations committed to supporting and fostering the growth of new and existing businesses and those relocating to the city. Strategic alliances, such as those between higher education and employers, provide everything from workforce development to library resources for the community.

Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s economic development organization, whose mission is to recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries. azcommerce.com ARIZONA@WORK is a statewide response to the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act of 2014. This program is a private-public partnership of private business, community and labor organizations and local and state government agencies with a mission to provide innovative workforce solutions to employers and job seekers. Their workforce development network helps employers of all sizes and types recruit, develop and retain the best employees for their needs. Arizona at Work works closely with the City of Eloy through its office in nearby Casa Grande. arizonaatwork.com/pinal

Sun Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization provides transportation planning services to the communities of Casa Grande, Coolidge, Eloy and rural portions of Pinal County. It is a strategically-located corridor in which economic growth is expected to thrive. scmpo.org

City Hall Ribbon-cutting 2019 L-R: Councilmembers Jose Garcia, Daniel Snyder, City Manager Harvey Krauss, Vice-Mayor Micah Powell, Mayor Joel G. Belloc, Councilmembers Andrew Rodriguez, J.W. Tidwell, Georges Reuter 18

ELOY, A Z

ELOYAZ.gov • 2019

Pinal Alliance for Economic Growth brings together local governments and their economic development specialists in order to retain and expand existing businesses and attract new employers to western Pinal County. pinalalliance.org

Pinal County Economic Development Department Pinal County is located in the very heart of the Sun Corridor. The county’s economic development department works closely with Eloy and other local municipalities in order to expand and support existing and new businesses in this diverse economy. This includes traditional economies of mining and agriculture as well as emerging economies of aerospace, biomedical, renewable/green technologies, high-tech manufacturing and recreation/ tourism, etc. pinalcountyaz.gov

Eloy is a city poised for success well into the upcoming decades. Its location in the heart of the Arizona Advanced Technologies Corridor, a strategic alliance between Central Arizona College, Pima Community College and Maricopa Community Colleges, assures it will produce talent with the skills required by advanced manufacturing employers. And the newly created Opportunity Zones on both sides of the I-10 will incentivize further development of the area.” Sandra Watson, CEO & President, Arizona Commerce Authority

Arizona Public Service (APS) Corporation in conjunction with the Arizona Commerce Authority provides a website where developers and real estate agents can share relevant information on available properties. arizonaprospector.com Central Arizona College has embarked on a path of partnership with local industries and businesses – in addition to core curricula classes in education, business and nursing – for students to earn stackable certificates which can lead to apprenticeships and employment centralaz.edu Eloy Chamber of Commerce promotes co-

operation among businesses, trade, professional associations and governmental agencies and encourages growth of new and existing businesses and industries to enhance and diversify the local economy. eloychamber.com

2019 • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ELOY, A Z

EDUCATIONAL foundations

uality education offerings are critical for a skilled and employable workforce, and Eloy proudly offers residents a variety of accredited educational opportunities from post-secondary education to preK-12.

Post-Secondary Education Central Arizona College (CAC) serves as Pinal County’s two-year community college. The college, located northwest of Eloy, has agreements with all three of Arizona’s Universities (i.e. Arizona State University (main campus in Tempe), Northern Arizona University (main campus in Flagstaff) and University of Arizona (main campus in Tucson), thus able to offer access to four-year degree programs in a “2+2” degree arrangement ( i.e. course work can take place on the CAC Campuses in Pinal County and students can earn a four-year degree in a number of subject areas). The college has recently transitioned its focus from a traditional academic model to curricula that is responsive to the workforce needs of Pinal County’s industries – 70 percent of which are located in and around Eloy in western Pinal County. For example, the College has formed an innovative partnership with SUNDT Construction: the company participates in classroom instruction and upon graduation, many of those students are immediately employed by SUNDT. Other local industries such as John Deere, Lucid Motors, etc. are the beneficiaries of similar modifications in the curricula with graduating students enjoying high rates of employability.

POST-SECONDARY

DISTANCE

DRIVE TIME

Central Arizona College. . . . . . . . 24 miles. . . . . . . . 27 min University of Arizona. . . . . . . . . . 52 miles. . . . . . . . 51 min Arizona State University. . . . . . . 57 miles. . . . . . . . 60 min

ELOY, A Z

ELOYAZ.gov • 2019

Secondary Education Santa Cruz Valley Union High School District is a one-high-school district with an enrollment of 550 students and 50 teachers, administrators and staff members. Located within the campus of SCVUHS, a wealth of information can be found in the Eloy Santa Cruz Library. The Library’s automated catalog system allows both simple and complex information searches from any terminal in the system or via the Internet. Customers can choose from audio CDs, books, downloadable audio books, DVDs, eBooks, magazines, new releases, special collections, streaming video and more. This resource is a joint venture between the school district, the City of Eloy and the Pinal County Library District. The Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology (CAVIT) is a public school district working in partnership with 13 area high schools, including the Santa Cruz Valley Union High School. Students in these area high schools can begin preparing for high-wage, high-demand occupations through CAVIT, such as cosmetology, emergency medical technician careers, fire science, law enforcement, massage therapy and medical, nursing and veterinary assistant careers while still enrolled in high school.

CAC’s team of dedicated faculty and staff is committed to laying the groundwork for new and innovative methods of distinguishing CAC as a leading community college, providing a gateway to higher education and rewarding careers. Central Arizona College serves as a True Learning community by empowering students and staff to succeed.” Dr. Jackie Elliott, President/CEO, Central Arizona College

Primary Education Primary public education is accommodated by the Eloy Elementary School District, Picacho Elementary School District, Toltec Elementary School District within the city. Eloy Elementary is a multicultural district serving approximately 1,000 students. The district has three neighborhood elementary schools in the downtown area. These schools provide instruction in a core curriculum, including reading, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. The majority of the certified staff have at least 10 years of experience in the classroom. Toltec Elementary School District is a small, one-school district that strives to provide its multicultural student body with the best elementary school instruction possible. Picacho Elementary School District is located on the southwestern edge of Eloy, near Picacho Peak. It offers a smallschool atmosphere with big school results. The entire staff, from superintendent to bus driver, is committed to the idea that all children can and should succeed in school and life.

2019 • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ELOY, A Z

Teaching Reaching Understanding Empowering Learning. For more than 45 years, Central Arizona College has been serving and educating 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.

www.centralaz.edu

Education at the Speed of Industry CAC continues to work collaboratively with Pinal County/Arizona businesses to develop certificates and degrees that place students on career paths for lifelong success. In 2016, Sundt Construction and CAC recognized a larger gap in available skilled workers, leading them to conclude that developing an all-encompassing partnership was warranted. This led to the development of: • Five customized and tailored academic pathways • National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) core certification • American Welding Safety requirements • Embed OSHA 30 • “Soft Skills” training • Level 1 and 2 certification in the trade as well as a CAC credential Results thus far have been an increased enrollment in the program from ten at the beginning of 2017 to more than 100. CAC continues to develop partnerships with businesses like Resolution Copper, Abbott Nutrition, Wal-Mart Distribution, and Lucid Motors just to name a few. Industry Recognized Credentials

93%

2021 Goal-100%

ELOY, A Z

CAC Students Residing in Pinal Co.

77%

2016-17 Region One Athletic Championships

Men’s Cross Country Women’s Cross Country Softball Men’s Track & Field Women’s Track & Field

45 Total Championships ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • 2019

2019 â&#x20AC;¢ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ELOY, A Z

Pinal County’s 2017 growth rate tops in state By KYLEY SCHULTZ

“Both Maricopa County and Pinal County are doing exceptionally well in growth because they are the economic bases for the state.” Economist Elliott Pollack said.

Find out why companies and people are moving to Pinal County AFFORDABLE HOUSING

• The median list price per square foot in Pinal County is $114 Significantly lower than the Phoenix Metro average of $154.

BUSINESS FRIENDLY

• Expedited permitting • Business assistance programs for those who qualify • Very aggressive economic development efforts • Low tax rates

CONVENIENT TRANSPORTATION HUBS

• Interstates 10 and 8 converge in Pinal County • Easy access to West and East Coast • Union Pacific rail line goes through Pinal County • Two international airports in Phoenix and Tucson

PLENTY TO DO

• Five state parks and hundreds of miles of trails We're a get-off-the-couch type of county!

For more information visit pinalcountyaz.gov or email timothy.kanavel@pinalcountyaz.gov 24

ELOY, A Z

ELOYAZ.gov • 2018

2019 â&#x20AC;¢ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ELOY, A Z

ELOY

f o n o i t c e s r e t n i the

, E U L A V Y T I N U T R O P P O N O I T A C O L D AN Eloy continues to evolve from a primarily agricultural economy to a diverse economy in one of the best locations in the Interstate system. With over 10 miles of freeway frontage, adjacent to the I-10 intersection with I-8, numerous truck services and paralleled/ served by the Union Pacific railroad, Eloy is ready to support today’s and tomorrow’s commercial transportation needs. Eloy is a City committed to attracting warehouse/ distribution/ecommerce, manufacturing, retail and hospitality. Eloy has the proper workforce, location and desire to make your relocation or expansion process easy, at a price point that supports your bottom line. In other words, Eloy – At the intersection of Value, Opportunity and Location. For more about how Eloy is the best choice for your business, please call or write:

Jeffrey Fairman, Economic Development Specialist Direct: 520-464-3178 • Cell: 602-206-5101 • jfairman@eloyaz.gov 26

ELOY, A Z

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • 2019

KEY connections The City of Eloy and our community partners are proud to serve the businesses, residents and visitors in our community. We welcome your questions and feedback. Key City Staff Members Harvey Krauss, City Manager 520.466.9201 • jkrauss@eloyaz.gov Jon Vlaming, Community Development Director 520.466.2578 • jvlaming@eloyaz.gov Jeff Fairman, Economic Development Specialist 520.464.3178 • jfairman@eloyaz.gov Keith Brown, Public Works Director 520.466.3082 • kbrown@eloyaz.gov

Utilities Water & Sewer: City of Eloy 520.466.3082 • eloyaz.gov

Business Resources and Partnerships Arizona at Work 520.866.3600 • arizonaatwork.com/pinal Arizona Commerce Authority 602.845.1200 • azcommerce.com Eloy Chamber of Commerce 520.466.3411 • eloychamber.com Pinal Alliance for Economic Growth 520.836.6868 • pinalalliance.org Pinal County Economic Development 888.431.1311 • pinalcountyaz.gov Sun Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization 520.705.5143 • scmpo.org

Natural Gas: Southwest Gas Corporation 520.794.6444 • swgas.com Power: Electrical District 4 520.466.7336 • ed4.biz Power: Arizona Public Service Company 800.240.2014 • aps.com Telecommunications: CenturyLink 800.244.1111 • centurylink.com

For additional information and contact information, visit

eloyaz.gov

Telecommunications: AireBeam  520.233.7400 • airebeam.com 2019 • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ELOY, A Z

WHERE POTENTIAL BECOMES PROFIT

WWW.ELOYAZ.GOV

Honoring Pinal County Veterans by Donna Stadum, Secretary, Pinal County Veterans Memorial Foundation

Memorial rendering pictured above. The memorial will be a park like setting with the centerpiece being the “Memorial Circle”. A bronze statue of a serviceman from the waist up, holding the folded American flag, will be placed on a pedestal representing the likeness of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

LATE SUMMER 2019 • THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION

he Pinal County Veterans Memorial Foundation was established in 2010 by retired Pinal County Sheriff Frank Reyes and late Casa Grande Attorney Thomas McCarville. Our Mission Statement reads: To Build a Memorial to Honor all Pinal County Veterans who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice. The intention of the memorial will be a site of beauty, honor, peace and respect. It will be a place for all individuals and groups to use for services, schools to teach the history of our county 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. Lease agreement was signed into place, January 2016 by City Council. The memorial will be a park like setting with the centerpiece being the “Memorial Circle”. A bronze statue of a serviceman from the waist up, holding the folded American flag will be placed on a pedestal representing the likeness of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Board of Directors has hired Capital R Construction from Casa Grande to be the general contractor. We are in the design phase now and working closely with Rusty Riggs and his architect to update the design and get plans to the City for approval. We anticipate having new renditions for viewing at the 7th Annual Bowling Tournament on August 17th at Cotton Bowl Lanes. The goal is to be able to have a ribbon cutting and ground breaking in time for Veterans Day, 2019. More to come. 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 been donations, fundraising events, “My Fallen Hero” book sales and community outreach. We currently have just over $170,000 and initial estimates to build the memorial are between $300-$400,000. If you wish to make a donation, find out more about the foundation or come to one of our meetings/ events. Please visit: www.pcvmf.org

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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

BEA LUECK - HURTS DONUTS IN ELOY JUNE 2019

BEA LUECK - HURTS DONUTS IN ELOY JUNE 2019 RONNIE RODRIGUEZ - JAYLAN AND MAX 8TH GRADE PROMOTION

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REBECCA BOWEN - SUMMER TIME SPLASH TIME THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION â&#x20AC;¢ LATE SUMMER 2019

Health • Happiness • Education

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HEALTHY HABITS + REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS = WEIGHT LOSS by Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie, Certified Physical Trainer, CPT, WickedFiTT

think we can all agree the excitement of starting something new and exciting gets us pumped with motivation and thinking we’re ready to dive in head first, going from 0-1,000 mph … faster than a speeding bullet. This can be especially true when it comes to fat loss and of course the exercise and dieting that tends to come along with it. What’s so intriguing about some of the fad programs out there, such as The South Beach Diet, The Atkins Diet and The Cabbage Soup Diet, is that all you have to do is exclude certain things from your diet and eat exactly how they tell you… annnnd, BOOM, BABY! ... You’ll see instant results, which of course brings that oh, so wonderful instant gratification we all love.

The thing that seems to happen, as studies have proven, is that more often than not, people who lose weight using these “quickfix” methods tend to gain all the weight back. Oh, but it gets worse, they gain all the weight back, and sometimes even more, in six, nine and 12 months down the road. Why do you suppose that is? I have a few ideas. For starters, these “diets” just say what we can and cannot eat. We are not left to think or be responsible for ourselves, it’s just, “Well, this is what my diet tells me to do or not do.” Call me crazy, but wouldn’t learning basic habits be a better idea, such as how to read a food label or measure portion size? Whether you’re just getting started or starting over, the feeling of being overwhelmed with trying to figure out how to get past the hurdles that have stopped us in our previous attempts to reach our goals

Fitness Goals:

1. Lower Body Fat % 2. Get Stronger 3. Feel healthier

can seem scary. Having realistic expectations increases your chance of maintaining healthy lifestyle habits. Here’s how easy it really can be. If we work on building basic everyday habits, there’s no way to say, “Oh, umm that didn’t work for me,” or, “This plan isn’t for me right now.” Because, let’s be honest with ourselves, it all starts with something you can do. Motivation will come and go, which makes developing daily healthy habits so beneficial. Here are a few ideas we can all try: • Keep unhealthy foods out of the house, or at least out of sight, which can increase your chances of staying on track. • Simultaneously beginning to exercise and changing the way you eat increases your chances of success. Believe me, I’m not a big fan of the word “diet” — that word conjures up images of hunger, chewing on celery, some kind of crazy fad and sadness — but I do believe in trying to make healthier, cleaner food choices. Don’t diet, but do stick to a healthy diet. Review your activities and find one or two habits you can carry out each day. Build up to an entirely new outlook that hopefully fills you with positive energy and a healthy new lease on life. WickedFiTT is always welcoming new members, check out our new website www.wickedfitt.com.

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THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

Teens and Vaping – What We Need to Know by Nicole Youcupicio, Casa Grande Alliance, Prevention Specialist

-cigarette use, or vaping, is on the rise among youth across the country. Casa Grande is no exception. E-cigarette use is now the third most common substance abused by youth in Casa Grande at 13.7%, following marijuana at 14.3% and alcohol at 20.2%.1 The trend is steadily growing. We must proactively combat the misperceptions many of our kids have about e-cigarettes and vaping. An e-cigarette is an electronic device containing a solution of nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals that is heated and inhaled into the lungs. While using an e-cigarette is often called “vaping,” this terminology is very misleading. The devices actually produce an aerosol, not a vapor. The aerosol from an e-cigarette can contain tiny chemical particles from both the liquid solution and the device (e.g., metals from the heating coil). E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes and can be difficult to spot. They can look like pens, cigarettes, USB drives or even inhalers. They also go by many names and teen-specific terminology that we need to know. The most common e-cigarette products are JUUL, Vape pen, V8 Stick, Mods (Modify), Suorin, BO/ BO caps, and E-Juice. The slang terms used by teens use are rip, hit, drip or dripping, Juuling, ghosting, coil, juice and nic. With all of the e-cigarette marketing

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in recent years, it is not surprising how quickly the use of this product has grown in our country. According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey in 2018, the use of e-cigarettes among high schoolers increased by 78% in just one year.2 E-cigarettes are marketed as a “much safer alternative” to smoking traditional cigarettes. Although they do not contain tobacco, they do contain the same addictive chemical as traditional tobacco products, nicotine. The amount of nicotine in the solutions can vary widely depending on the manufacturer. The most popular with youth, the JUUL, contains 20 cigarettes worth of nicotine in one pod.3 With that much nicotine in one pod, the rate for addiction among youth skyrockets while their brains are still developing. The brain, on average, is not finished developing until the ages of 25 to 30 years old. Because of the clever and strategic marketing, most kids believe they are just “vaping” flavored liquid. A recent study by the Truth Initiative found that among current youth and young adult JUUL users, only 37% knew the product always contains nicotine.3

Although this new substance abuse trend is frightening and alarming, we all can help to prevent it. Let’s talk with our teens. Sounds simple enough, but studies show one of the top reasons why kids choose not to use alcohol and other drugs is because they do not want to disappoint a parent or another caring adult in their life.4 By having open and honest conversations and setting clear boundaries, we can help steer our teens away from drugs. Teens whose parents talk to them regularly about the dangers of drugs and alcohol are 50% less likely to use drugs, yet over 60% of Pinal County teens report never having these important conversations.4,5 Help build awareness about the dangers of vaping by learning more. If you would like more information on how to talk to your children about drugs and alcohol, please call the Casa Grande Alliance at 520836-5022. If you would like to schedule a presentation about teens and vaping, call the Pinal County Public Health Department at 520-866-7335.

1. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, Arizona Youth Survey - Casa Grande. (2018). 2. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, The National Tobacco Youth Survey. (November 2018). 3. Truth Initiative, Behind The Explosive Growth of JUUL report. (Spring 2017). 4. Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, Arizona Youth Survey - Pinal County. (2018). 5. Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, Parents: What You Say—and What You Do—Matters to Your Kids. (March 2011).

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

School time is here again! If you saw a pen in your child’s room, would you think twice about it? What about a USB charger?

School Supplies or Vaping Supplies? The items pictured are vaporizers and vaping supplies. Vaporizers (electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, JUULs) are devices used to inhale nicotine and other substances such as marijuana. Their appearance can resemble an actual cigarette, a common pen, an inhaler, a USB, and many other discreet disguises. Vaporizers emit little to no odor which can make detecting their use rather difficult. Regularly inspecting your child’s belongings (rooms, backpacks, cars) can help ensure a more successful school year.

Approximately 3.5 million high school students and 570,000 middle school students nationwide currently use e-cigarettes.¹ 1. National Youth Tobacco Survey 2018, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention & U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products

Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Referrals 280 W. McMurray Blvd. Casa Grande, Arizona 85122 520-836-5022 www.CasaGrandeAlliance.org Facebook: CGAlliance | Twitter: @CG_Alliance

Pursue Your Passion with CAC’s Lifelong Learning Programs by Angela Askey, Executive Director, Public Relations and Marketing

entral Arizona College provides lifelong learning program opportunities for hundreds of adults each year. These unique programs provide personal enrichment, assistance to help launch a career or options to exercise one’s creative side. Lifelong Learning programming at Central Arizona College (CAC) provides courses at various CAC locations with the following three focus areas: 1. Community Education Dedicated to offering noncredit personal enrichment courses such

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as arts, languages, wellness, computer technologies and special interest activities. There are no entrance requirements for Community Education courses beyond an interest in the subject. Classes begin throughout the semester and vary in length and cost. 2. Workforce Education for Small Business Offers training and activities that support business retention and expansion focused on marketing, finance, communications and customer service/soft skills.

3. Continuing Education Units (CEU) for Professional Licensure This new programming focuses on health career CEU’s for professionals seeking training for license renewal. The Massage Therapy CEU course began in March 2019.

Class offerings and additional information can be found on the website at www.centralaz.edu/ community-education. For information about Lifelong Learning programming, or to become an instructor, contact Joel Beck at 480-677-7721, Muriel Thomas at 520-494-6659 or April JacoRiggs at 520-494-6603.

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

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Chillin’ with My Dog by Gigi McWhirter

ummertime is upon us and who wants to turn on the oven? Instead of baking treats for your furry friend, why not make some yummy pupsicles? These frozen delights are not only easy to make, they are healthy, too! A cool way to freeze the treats is in a silicone mold. Molds come in all kinds of interesting shapes and sizes. The ice stick forms are fun to use because most dogs like to carry things in their mouths and hold items between their front paws while they are enjoying their nosh. You can also use small paper cups or a regular ice cube tray. You can buy molds at your favorite retailer or at amazon.com. By the way, if you shop through smile.amazon. com — each time you make a purchase, part of the proceeds will benefit a nonprofit organization such as Valley Humane Society of Casa Grande.

Here are a couple of ideas for your pup: Colden-Doodle

Ingredients: • water • fresh-squeezed orange juice (¼ cup juice to 1 cup water) • dog-friendly fruit (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, bananas are my dog’s favorites) • DO NOT USE: cherries, grapes, raisins, lemons, limes, grapefruit or persimmons* Directions: • Mix water and orange juice together. • Pour into mold, making sure to leave some room at the top. • Chop fruit into small enough bits so they will fit into the mold. • Add the fruit into the mold. • Put the loaded molds into freezer and freeze for several hours or overnight. • Remove from molds before serving.

daily food intake. You may also contact the food manufacturer (there will be a consumer telephone number on the label) and ask for ideas. One thing you can do with most of the canned products is form the food into a meatball shape and freeze it to offer as a frozen treat. Remember, just like us, treats must be given in moderation and with full consideration to your pet’s daily calorie intake — portion size is important.

Chow & Happy Tails to you! *For a list of dog-friendly fruits and vegetables please go to aspca.org.

Bichon Freezay

Ingredients: • low-sodium/low-fat chicken stock • dog-friendly vegetables (peas, carrots, corn or whatever vegetable your dog likes*)

“Pup-sicles” w/blueberries

Directions: • Pour chicken stock into mold, making sure to leave some room at the top. • Chop the vegetables into small enough pieces so they will fit into the mold. • Add the chopped vegetables in to the mold. • Put the loaded molds into the freezer and freeze for several hours or overnight. • Remove from molds before serving. If your pet is on a prescription diet, talk to your veterinarian — not Dr. Google — before adding these or any other treats to its 72

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Being Prepared for the Worst by Staff Reports

Be ready for summer monsoon dangers

ummer monsoons can wreak havoc in a short amount of time. Lightning-sparked wildland fires can spread rapidly; torrential rains can cause flooding; and storms and winds can knock out electrical power. Often roads are slick and dangerous. Less frequently, but just as scary, summer storms can bring Arizona haboobs — intense dust storms able to blanket entire cities.

Evacuations

If your home is threatened by a wildland fire or severe flooding, evacuations may be required, and often there is not much warning before you have to go. It’s not hard to prepare in advance, and you will be thankful you did if something happens. 1. Keep your vehicle ready at all times: Make sure your gas tank is full. Always have a blanket or sleeping bag, first-aid kit, lighter or matches, extra water, paper towels, and a working flashlight in your car is common sense anyway. Something else you’ll find handy to keep in your glove box is a school pencil bag filled with scissors, pens, Sharpies, tape and a few zipper baggies. 2. You can get a go bag ready right now that includes: • emergency cash and extra keys to your home • list of prescriptions (with a couple of doses)

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and other medical necessities, such as inhalers, EpiPens • contact information for family, friends, doctors and places to stay • passwords (if you have them written down) • change of clothing for a couple of days (don’t forget socks and underwear) • personal toiletries: toothbrush, hairbrush and other necessary items • flashlight (with working batteries) • diapers, formula and other supplies your baby will need, if applicable • extra charger and cable for your cellphone • pet supplies (including a leash and food) If you have to evacuate, you can simply grab your go bag and leave. Be sure to check it monthly to make sure you’ve kept any prescriptions up to date and the supplies are still appropriate (clothing for the right season, proper diaper sizes and so forth.) 3. In addition to your go bag, you will need to make sure to take your cellphone, credit cards and IDs (driver’s license and passport). Most of these you likely keep in a purse or wallet anyway, which you don’t want to forget. 4. Keep your important documents, valuable jewelry and irreplaceable family photos in a place where you can gather them at a moment’s notice. Keeping an extra suitcase nearby that you can scoop them all into at once will make this process easier. Meanwhile, make digital copies of all of these items now so you have a backup. 5. What to do about your computer? If you have a laptop, grab that. For desktop computers, take the main CPU, but if space is limited in your vehicle, leave the monitor, which can be replaced relatively easily. Grab any external hard drives you might be using. Cables and cords can also be replaced, so don’t worry about them if the timing is urgent.

6. Don’t leave your pets! Usually shelters will be set up that can take care of animals. Once you leave, you will not be allowed to return to get your pets. If there is time, bring pet food, too.

When you leave

• Be sure to turn off your utilities and lock your home. • If you have time, back your other vehicles into the garage, shut the doors and roll up the windows. Leave the keys in the ignition. • Place a white cloth on the front door to let emergency personnel know there is nobody inside. • As soon as possible, check in to a Red Cross registration site to let them know you are safe.

Safe Homes

Not only do you and your family want to be safe in the event of an emergency or evacuation, you also want your home to be prepared for monsoon season. Sudden bursts of high winds and massive downpours can create enormous damage to a home. Probably the most important step is to get your roof inspected for loose tiles and damaged shingles. Check out your attic and make sure there are no signs of previous water leaks. Taking care of minor repairs now can prevent big and expensive repairs in the future. Make sure your rain gutters are not clogged or leaky. Change your air filters frequently to help catch dust before it enters your home. If your home or neighborhood is susceptible to flash floods, consult an expert to discuss appropriate precautions and water damage prevention.

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

Power Outages

Being prepared for power outages during storms also is important. Create an emergency-supply kit that includes: • nonperishable food items • water • battery-operated radio • external cellphone battery with cable • flashlights (make sure the batteries are working) • extra batteries • medication Don’t open refrigerator or freezer doors, this will help ensure your food stays cold. Refrigerated food will stay cold for about four hours without power, and a full freezer can hold its temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half full), according to FoodSafety.gov. Avoid touching wiring during a thunderstorm, and stop using computers or wired video games. Unplug your expensive electronics when a storm is approaching, but not during the storm. “Only unplug electronics before a thunderstorm; do not touch wires if you can hear thunder,” APS recommends.

Other Tips & Tricks

• Keep photos of your medication bottles on your phone — this will include the dosages and doctor information. • Take detailed digital photos of every room in your home, including cabinets, closets, furniture, artwork and valuables — it will be all-important for insurance purposes should you need it. • Create digital copies of your important papers. • Choose a secure digital location online (something besides your Google drive or Dropbox) for storing critical personal information (birth certificates, Social Security cards, marriage licenses, deeds to property, investments, etc.) and photos of your possessions. Everplans.com, pCloud. com and Sync.com each offer different approaches and pricing for keeping your items secure at reasonable prices. • Keep a copy of the digital documents and photos on a flash drive in your purse or go bag

LATE SUMMER 2019 • THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION

Documents You May Need • deed to your home • will (or trust) • proof of home and health insurance • immunization records • birth certificates • marriage licenses • medical records • driver’s license • passport • vehicle registration • pets’ vaccination records

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The ROX Interview (continued)

...continued from page 21 lot of positive feedback. One of the things you’ll see from my early work compared to now is color. I used to focus on a lot of neutral tones like browns and olive greens, or black or white. Sometimes metallic elements. My work in the past two years is full of every color. Let me think about how I want to say this. I’ve always done art. (crying) But if you look at my early art compared to my art now, you’ll see the progression over the past almost 20 years. When you look at my earlier stuff it has no color. I see a void because there was no color in my life. GC LIVING: It was a dark period. ERICA HERMAN: Yes. It’s hard to explain because I was living my life the way I always

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

live it, but as I got older, the way I always lived my life was becoming more and more difficult to maintain. I know now I suffered with mental illness since I was a kid. But we didn’t know what it was. When I look back, I was surviving because art is what was getting me through, but I wasn’t living. And I wasn’t living because I hadn’t been properly diagnosed. I was in and out of hospitals. In America, our mental health system is flawed and broken. No one knows what to do with someone who has problems, especially if they’re smart and educated. GC LIVING: You shouldn’t have a problem. ERICA HERMAN: Right. Why do you have a problem because your life should be easy? But we can’t control the way our mind works, and I think that’s what I was trying to do. I was trying to keep it in control but

it was getting progressively more and more difficult. You can see that through my art. Thank God for my family. It was years before I had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Once you get diagnosed with that, everything else in your life makes perfect sense. Everything on the checklist describes me to a T. I would go through bursts of activity that would last two or three months, producing artwork non-stop and then crash. As I got older the bursts of energy were fewer and the crashes were longer. Mental health problems are an epidemic no one wants to deal with. What changed it for me and my family is it had to be something bad before it could be something good. When I would go to a doctor or checked into a hospital was usually when I was at my lowest point. A doctor sees that and their automatic answer is, “Let me give you this pill which will cure your depression.” But no one took the time to see if that’s what was truly wrong with me. I was on Prozac, Wellbutrin, and others. Every antidepressant I took was supposed to make me feel normal or what I perceived to be as normal. I now know there is no normal and I embrace being the way that I am. GC LIVING: Did the antidepressants suppress your creativity? ERICA HERMAN: Yes. It makes you numb. You’re not happy, you’re not sad. Unfortunately, if you’re bipolar and taking an antidepressant and nothing is controlling the bipolar disorder, it can cause you to want to commit suicide. I was always the person excited for the next day to start, but I became this person where all I could think about was, “What’s going to be my way out? I don’t want to feel like this anymore.” I’m thankful I told my family. I went to a state facility after Matt and I consulted with several doctors so they could monitor me and get me on the right medication. It was the single worst experience of my life, but also the single best experience of my life. Everything you see in a movie about a mental institution, it’s like that but worse. It’s this dumping ground for people who come from all areas of life but no one knows what to do with them. I was there for two weeks and had one of the best psychiatrists in Arizona working with us. I

continued on page 97...

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Special Section:

Arizona Can Be Brutal In Summer A

lthough Arizona enjoyed an unusually cool May, 110º temperatures and higher will be the norm for the next few months. Monsoons will come, but it is expected the onset of the season will be later than usual, with below normal rains into August, then hopefully extra rain in September. Of course, during the heat, an easy solution is to move between air-conditioned buildings and vehicles, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be on the alert for heat-related distress. To avoid heat exhaustion, make sure you wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and a hat when you are outdoors. Use a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or more.

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by Staff Reports

Plan your outdoor exercise and recreational activities for early mornings and evenings when temperatures aren’t at their midday peak. Most importantly, prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. It is recommended that those planning moderate-to-high intensity exertion drink 17 to 20 ounces of water, fruit juice or electrolyte-rich sports beverages two or three hours before physical exercise. Not all fluids are recommended. Those containing caffeine or alcohol can actually make you more dehydrated. Of course, check with your doctor to ensure you are practicing safe precautions if you have any medical conditions.

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

In the last 20 years, over 35 children have died of heatstroke as a result of being left in a hot car in Arizona, according to NoHeatStroke.org. A recent law passed in Arizona states that if anyone believes a child or animal in a hot vehicle is in “imminent danger,” a good Samaritan can break a window to rescue them without civil liability. First, check to see if there is an unlocked door, and call law enforcement before resorting to a forceful entry. Also, make sure you lock your car when it is parked so children don’t accidentally crawl into a vehicle and get trapped.

Be a Good Neighbor

Make a courtesy check on elderly neighbors to ensure their air conditioning is working properly and they have adequate supplies of drinking water for themselves and their pets.

Smart Landscaping

Children and Pets

Children and pets are especially vulnerable to the heat. Make sure children drink water regularly, dress lightly and stay within air-conditioned spaces. Ensure fresh water is available at all times for your pets. In the summer, it’s probably best not to leave them outside during the middle of the day if possible. If they must be outside, make sure there is some shade. A grassy area would be great so they don’t get burned on hot pavement. Pet booties can be fashionable and help protect their paws. It is never safe to leave children or pets in a hot car, even for a couple of minutes. Temperatures can rise to well over 130 degrees quickly, leading to extreme heat distress and even death.

Recognizing that plants don’t waste water, people do, the Arizona Department of Water Resources (azwater.gov/ conservation/landscaping) states that the largest use of potable water in Arizona is for landscaping and outdoor use. When designing your outdoor landscape, you want to take two factors into consideration: Low-water-use plants that are drought tolerant will help save water and money on your monthly bills. Setting up an irrigation system is highly recommended. Check out the website above for lists of appropriate plants. Defensible space is critical, even in our desert landscaping. Wildland fires can blaze up quickly and destroy everything in their path. At ReadyforWildfire. org, it is recommended that you consider two zones: Zone 1 — about 30 feet from your home: Remove all dead plants and vegetation in that 30-foot zone. Trim trees regularly, removing branches that hang over your roof. Remove or prune flammable plants and shrubs located near windows. Make sure any woodpiles are not within Zone 1.

LATE SUMMER 2019 • THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION

Zone 2 — extends about 100 feet from your home: Cut or mow grass and weeds to a maximum height of 4 inches. You’ll want to ensure there is appropriate vertical space from the ground to the lowest branches on a tree, and check for horizontal spacing between trees and shrubs.

Safe Homes

Not only do you want to be safe in the event of a wildfire, you also want to be prepared for monsoon season. Sudden bursts of high winds and massive downpours can wreak havoc on a home. Probably the most important step is to get your roof inspected for loose tiles and damaged shingles. Check out your attic and make sure there are no signs of previous water leaks. Taking care of minor repairs now can prevent big and expensive repairs in the future. You’ll want to also make sure your rain gutters are not clogged or leaky. Be sure to change your air filters to help catch dust before it enters your home. If your home or neighborhood is susceptible to flash floods, consult an expert to discuss appropriate precautions and water damage prevention.

Of course, during the heat, an easy solution is to move between airconditioned buildings and vehicles, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be on the alert for heat-related distress.

Think HEAT H: Hydrate — keep up your fluid hydration. E: Environment/weather — know how hot it is, limit outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. A: Awareness — pay attention to how you are feeling. T: Take action — respond quickly if you think you are feeling the effects of heat exhaustion. The United Way of Pinal County coordinates a Heat Relief Network in partnership with municipalities, local government, faith-based communities and local businesses. You can find information on hydration stations, refuge locations and water donation sites at unitedwayofpc.org/heatrelief.

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Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses According to WebMD, there are two kinds of heat exhaustion:

• Water depletion. Signs are excessive thirst, weakness, headache

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• Salt depletion. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps

and dizziness.

Heat exhaustion symptoms:

• confusion • dark-colored urine (a sign of

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• dizziness • fainting • fatigue

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headache cramping nausea, vomiting or diarrhea pale skin, sweating rapid heartbeat

What to do? Get out of the heat ASAP. Drink fluids. Remove tight or unnecessary clothing. Take a cool shower or bath (for young children, put a wet T-shirt on them).

• • • •

Seek emergency help, especially if recovery isn’t noticeable within about 15 minutes. Untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. Did you know? After a bout with heat exhaustion, you’ll probably be more sensitive to high temperatures for about a week. So, if possible, avoid outdoor heat and heavy exercise until your doctor says you can safely resume those activities.

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Call Us Today! 2020 Annual Directory Reserve your advertising space* now and get your message in front of businesses throughout Greater Casa Grande in print and online for a full year!

Directory to Include: • Editorial section with photos, history, demographics and city statistics • Schools & Healthcare • Frequently used phone numbers • Dining and restaurant guide • Information on city parks and facilities. • Calendar of events • Chamber members listed alphabetically and by category • Map of the City of Casa Grande *Must be a Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce member to participate.

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Special Section:

Casa Grande Aglow with Opportunities for Increased Arts and Humanities Development by Staff Reports

s a community grows, the attention is focused on needs — health, public safety and infrastructure. But as civic maturity develops, a community longs for culture and beauty, realizing the value of tradition while growing a sense of identity and pride in one’s hometown. “What attracts people most, it would appear, is other people,” wrote William H. Whyte, an American urbanist who studied human behavior in urban settings. He believed that healthy civic communities have active, people-friendly public spaces that in turn increase economic productivity. Communities in the Golden Corridor have a particular opportunity to create a fresh approach to local arts and humanities. Each community can build on its

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current traditions and document the metamorphosis of diverse cultures into a common heritage and identity. The Downtown Arts and Culture District in Casa Grande celebrated the opening of the Casa Grande Neon Sign Park in April, which is quickly becoming a foundation for new social engagement. Neon signs look best when lighted and evening activities can originate around this hub. In June, a “Ready, Set, Glow” photo contest and party took place at the Main Street Alley. The neon event theme continues with the Independents Week Passport Prize Party, taking place in mid-July at the Neon Sign Park and sponsored by the Casa Grande Locals and Casa Grande Main Street. The Museum of Casa Grande gets high marks on Trip Advisor

as a “…good snapshot of the history of Casa Grande and the surrounding areas.” Another visitor wrote, “Smaller venue, but don’t let that fool you. Packed with good exhibits and information about the history of Casa Grande and area.” Although closed for the summer, and in the process of a remodeling, The Museum of Casa Grande is open on First Fridays (July 5, Aug. 2, noon to 7 p.m.). While The Museum of Casa Grande brings local history to life, the Casa Grande Art Museum offers a diverse selection of quality art and educational opportunities for all ages. It also is closed for the summer, but will reopen in the fall. Of course, arts and culture is not always officially sponsored or sanctioned, it can be organic and grow from a simple desire

to meet and share with those of similar interests. The Casa Grande Urban Sketchers began with a simple meeting notice in the local newspaper. Now the Sketchers meet regularly at local places to “Sketch what we see, when we see it, where we are.” The Paramount Theatre, with its mission and vision of “Preserving History — Promoting Fine Arts,” will put on an Elvis and Aretha Tribute Celebration Aug. 17. A 2017 open letter from BlackBox, stated, “An alternate definition for community is ‘A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.’ When viewed through this lens, it becomes clear that we can each make our own community. And one important self-selected community for many of us is the theater.”

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

Casa Grande Urban Sketchers

The BlackBox Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization founded in 2012 to provide the community with opportunities to experience the arts through performance and education. Later, in 2014, BlackBox Studio was launched as an educational arts program bringing classes, workshops and performance opportunities for the entire community. In 2018, it acquired the historic Casa Grande Woman’s Club building, which has become home to local theater productions. Recognizing the power of storytelling, programs at BlackBox are designed for all ages, with performances by kids, teens and adults. Coming at the end of July, auditions will be held for the play “Sylvia,” in which a couple adopt a dog, learning more about their own relationship in the process. Performances of Sylvia will be

The Museum of Casa Grande

Aug. 16-17 and Aug. 24-25. The Casa Grande Creative Communities Team was one of nine communities selected to participate in the AZ Creative Communities Institute (AZCCI). The goal was to engage the community in exploring unique ways that creativity could be put to work in Casa Grande. This culminated in the inaugural CG Mosaic Festival, which took place last November.

LATE SUMMER 2019 • THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION

The CG Mosaic Festival was held in the downtown Arts & Culture District and included a Kids’ Zone, food trucks, music, art projects and even a roller derby. Now the Casa Grande Creative Communities Team has turned its attention to developing art design elements for the underpass. The final design concept will be presented to the City Council in September.

“Casa Grande is a town rich in history and people who don’t wait around for someone else to make it happen. Casa Grande exists because a group of entrepreneurs at the turn of the 20th century saw an opportunity to build amenities around the ‘end of the line,’ where Southern Pacific Railroad halted its tracks to California due to the heat. Now a city of 50,000 that balloons to almost twice that with winter visitors, Casa Grande has managed to retain its small town charm while attracting new and exciting development to the area. We’re dedicated to preserving our past, celebrating the present, and envisioning our future as the economic locomotive of the Southwest.” Rina Rien, for the Arizona Commission on the Arts https://azarts.gov/ nextaz/az-creativecommunities/casagrande/ GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Special Section: Arts & Humanities

CAC Visual and Performing Arts Offers a Variety of Opportunities by Angela Askey, Executive Director, Public Relations and Marketing, Central Arizona College

he Central Arizona College Visual and Performing Arts division offers a variety of certificate and degree options, as well as performances that are enjoyed by hundreds of community members each year. The CAC Music Department is excited to debut a new two-year Associate’s Degree in Music beginning in fall 2019. This degree will be helpful not only for students who want to raise their level of music proficiency, but also for those who want to continue on at a university level to complete a four-year degree in music education, music composition, music performance, or music therapy, among other degree paths. As part of this degree, the CAC music department will continue to offer classes in music theory, class piano and voice, as well as private lessons for all instruments and voice.

Beginning in the fall, CAC will add the Central Arizona Symphony and Guitar Ensemble to the already established performance groups of Community Band, Choir, and Handbells. Most recently directed by Kim Calderone, the Symphony is well-established and has performed at various locations in Pinal County. Stacey Seaman, professor of music explained, “We are excited about adding the Symphony to our CAC musical ‘family.’ The Music Department is in a period of restructuring and growth, and the addition of the Symphony will help us to reach even more local musicians and offer more musical opportunities to audiences in Pinal County.” 88

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The Guitar Ensemble is a new performance group that will be based on the San Tan Campus, under the direction of CAC Guitar adjunct professor Keegan Norman. The purpose of the group is to give local classical guitarists an opportunity to hone their skills in a group performance setting. The Ensemble will meet weekly and perform a couple of times each year. All local musicians are invited to join one of CAC’s performing groups. While musicians of various skill levels are welcome, previous musical experience is required for all instrumental groups, and directors reserve the right to approve membership for all groups. The many events held at CAC enable cross collaboration and involve students in real-world applications. Students from the Digital Media Arts Degree, which specializes in graphic design and digital video and photography, use their skills to provide event posters, video and photography services to a variety of CAC events. As, Sue Tatterson, Professor of Digital Media stated, “I believe the opportunity for students to be involved in the production of marketing materials for the events at CAC is so important. Not only for the experience of working on pieces that will be distributed and

displayed publicly, but the work they produce for these events are wonderful additions to their portfolios.” She added, “The ultimate goal of our program is to have students leave with work-ready portfolios that will place them directly in entry-level positions or enable them to transfer to four-year degrees as juniors.” The CAC music department’s 2019-20 season of performances will include the following: • Central Arizona Symphony - Monday, November 4, 2019 • CAC High School Honor & Community Band Fall Concert - Tuesday, November 26, 2019 • CAC Handbell Choir and Community Choir Winter Concert - Sunday, December 8, 2019 • CAC Annual Art Show & Community Band Concert - Tuesday, April 28, 2020 • CAC Handbell Choir and Community Choir Spring Concert - Sunday, May 3, 2020 A full event schedule and tickets will be available online at EventsAtCAC.com or by calling the box office at 520-477-7469 in late August. For more information about the new associate degree program, private lessons, or performing groups at CAC, please contact Stacey Seaman at stacey.seaman@centralaz. edu or by phoning (520) 494-5399.

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

Special Section: Arts & Humanities

ARTIFACT FINE ART

Artwork by Leah Kiser

Left: Tea Rex

eah Kiser is an oil painter specializing in the meticulous rendering of anthropomorphized creatures. She carefully balances colorful humor and whimsy with realism and the rich organic colors and textures of nature. See more at www.artifactfa.com

Left: Socktopus

Right: Jackanapes of the World: Albino Belgian Hare Reindeerlope, English Angora Ramalonpe, Flemish Giant Moosalope, Holland Lopalope, Lionhead Elkalope, Netherland Dwarfalope, and Common Jackalope

Right: Leah Kiser at Flagstaff Arts in the Park

Where have the arts in education gone? While many schools have cut the arts from their curriculum, The Grande Innovation Academy has not! We offer Art for K-6th graders twice a week. Our 7th-8th graders are offered a unique Virtual Art Program called the NEST (Nobility, Empathy, Scholarship and Tenacity). This Humanities course, taught by Lauren Wong, incorporates Art History and Technique.

Some of the top benefits of offering the ARTS to students: Creativity. The arts allow kids to express themselves better than math or science. Improved Academic Performance. The arts don’t just develop a child’s creativity —the skills they learn because of them spill over into academic achievement. Decision Making. The arts strengthen problem solving and critical thinking skills. Focus. The focus vital for studying and being successful at work is learned through painting, singing or learning lines for a play. Collaboration. Many of the arts teach kids their contribution is integral to it’s success, as kids work together and share responsibility to achieve their common goal.

GRANDE I N N O VA T I O N ACADEMY

950 N. Peart Rd, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 • (520) 381-2360 LATE SUMMER 2019 • THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION

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Special Section: Arts & Humanities

Casa Grande Art Association by Leah Kiser, President, Casa Grande Art Association

here is a spectacular new art exhibit at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport, thanks to the Casa Grande Art Association (CGAA) and the Museum of Casa Grande! The exhibit is titled “PLANE AIR.” Local artists submitted exciting new work in a variety of media within the theme “All things Aeronautical.” The show also includes a dramatic collaborative art installation of hundreds of colorful paper airplanes made by various community members including children, seniors and members of the special needs population! Also included is an exhibit curated by the Museum of Casa Grande. Both exhibits will hang at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport until October 15th. Don’t miss it!

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THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

Special Section: Arts & Humanities

“VINTAGE PLANE” Artist Ed Ward

“WHAT A WAY TO SOAR!” Artist Edna Harris

Follow our Facebook page: @thecgaa to learn about future Art @ the Airport Shows, Art Studio Tours, drawing groups, and other art opportunities in the Casa Grande community! Visit our website:

casagrandeartassociation.org to learn about who we are and download a membership application! “AUTO GYROS” Artist Gene Irvin

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Special Section: Arts & Humanities

Casa Grande Art Museum by Leah Kiser, President, Casa Grande Art Association

he Casa Grande Art Association has also been busy sprucing up the exterior of the Casa Grande Art Museum! Funded almost entirely with donations, and built with the muscle of many energetic volunteers and partner organizations these projects exemplify the generosity, hard work, and talent of Casa Grande. The landscape has been revitalized, colorful mosaics are sprinkled throughout the sculpture garden, and finally: a magnificent steel fence, built by volunteer welders and students from Central Arizona College, is about to make its appearance in front of the art museum!

Getting the fence going was an exciting first step, the momentum propelled many volunteers to consider what else we could do to help beautify the exterior of the museum. The CGAA held several fund raisers to have the museum painted, and put in new plants, gravel, and irrigation. CGAA member and master gardener Lynn Swanson worked with Roy “Rabbit” Mejia to get the grounds looking wonderful! In this picture CGAA volunteers and family members worked to remove the old gravel to prepare for the new look!

Vista Grande National Honor Society members helped out too!

Volunteer Welders and Students who’ve been working on the fence: Bob Spille, Megan Wilson, Jim Butler, Richard Santasiero, Stan Balka, Liberty Milligan, and Cameron Wilson. Not pictured: Tim Gates

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THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

Special Section: Arts & Humanities

The Casa Grande Art Museum Fence

he fence was proposed to the Art Museum Board, and one member - Jeanette Rhodes was very enthusiastic about the project. She offered $10,000 toward the materials for the fence. This is a photograph of Jeanette seeing the fence for the first time. Sadly, Jeanette passed away this spring, and was unable to see the fence standing in from of the museum. Stan Balka, a former CGAA member and CAC welding student proposed the fence idea to welding instructor Richard Santasiero, to see if the college could help with the construction. They offered to build the fence as a volunteer project at no cost! Stan has since moved to Green Valley, AZ but he still drives to CAC every Saturday to work on the fence.

Richard Santasiero, a welding instructor at CAC is the mastermind of the project. He took the initial fence design, and turned it into a binder filled with cad drawings. Under Richard’s direction, the fence has become a reality.

FENCE DESIGNER LEAH KISER

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CITY

SPEAK T Art in public places enables people in all societies to better understand their communities.

CULTURAL ENRICHMENT IN PUBLIC PLACES BUILDS COMMUNITIES by Craig H. McFarland, Mayor, City of Casa Grande

he Casa Grande City Council embraces the responsibility for expanding experiences with performing and visual arts in public places and providing diverse forms of cultural enrichment. Art in public places enables people in all societies to better understand their communities. In 2017, the Arizona Commission on the Arts and Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts selected a Casa Grande team to participate in the AZ Creative Communities Institute. Members of the team included Erica Herman, local artist and teacher; Rina Rien, Director of Casa Grande Main Street; Stacey Seaman, local artist and teacher and member of the Casa Grande Arts & Humanities Commission; Gloria Leija, Casa Grande City Clerk; and later joined by Regis Sommers, Arts & Humanities board member. I recommended the team. This team of five became members of an active learning network that participated in numerous training sessions and held local focus groups in the community to explore unique ways that creativity could be put to work in Casa Grande. The goal: Create something that would have a positive impact on the community.

The team culminated its learning experience with a CG Mosaic Festival held in November 2018, which included creative art experiences for all ages. To advance the City’s experience with creative art, the Casa Grande team submitted an application to the Arizona Commission on the Arts and Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts to continue participation in the AZ Creative Communities Institute Year 2 and receive funding for art projects. The committee was again selected and will expand its “mosaic” theme to create art elements for the Union Pacific underpass area. With the assistance of local artist Lisa Swanson, the team has held several community focus groups to seeks input on art design elements for the underpass, which will be divided into four sections: e.g., Section 1 — railroad underpass westbound; Section 2 — railroad underpass eastbound; Section 3 — facades, eastbound and westbound; and Section 4 — cement side panels, leading into the railroad underpass on Gila Bend Hwy 84 eastbound and westbound. An example of the artwork draft design for the underpass is included below:

The draft art concept for all sections will be presented to the Casa Grande Arts and Humanities Commission, and the community will be invited to offer comments. The Committee plans to present the final design concept to the City Council by September 2019. Keep an eye out for the Arts and Humanities Commission upcoming agenda items.

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THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

Special Section: Arts & Humanities

CG Mosaic Festival NOVEMBER 3, 2019 The CG Mosaic Festival celebrates cultural diversity and local talent in our community through a shared love of the visual and performing arts.

Join us on November 3, 2019 for live music and special exhibitions at the Casa Grande Art Museum and Blackbox Foundation as well as Community Theatre at The Woman’s Club and The Museum of Casa Grande.

For details, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cgmosaicfestival/

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Special Section: Arts & Humanities

Casa Grande Urban Sketchers: ‘We Sketch What We See’ by Ellen Koehn, Founder, Casa Grande Urban Sketchers Group

oing with the old adage, “Build it and they will come,” Casa Grande Urban Sketchers put a meeting notice in the local newspaper and on internet chat group sites for its first meeting time and place. That was in late October 2018. Soon our growing membership met each Tuesday at different places, such as Caywood Farms, North Mountain Park and an auto supply junk yard. We are always looking for new, interesting places to sketch and paint. In May, we participated in the Art @ the Airport -Plane Air Show at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport along with the Casa Grande Arts Association, Casa Grande Arts and Humanities Council and The Museum of Casa Grande History. We were proud to be included in this community event. Our schedule is posted on our Facebook page, Casa Grande Urban Sketchers, as well as with local internet chat groups (CGCHAT, NextDoor) and in the newspaper. During the winter, we meet weekly on Tuesdays

at varying locations. The summer schedule is more relaxed with fewer meetings per month, but they are always posted. Our guidelines are very simple, we sketch what we see, when we see it, where we are. No photographs or internet images are used. We have no teacher, no dues and no critics! All mediums and skill levels are welcome. Some folks paint or use watercolors; some use ink or pencil. All mediums are fun and interesting. We simply enjoy sharing our efforts and the relaxation of being out and about in Casa Grande. For more information contact Ellen Koehn, 253-350-1243, ekoehn7@gmail.com or visit the Casa Grande Urban Sketchers Facebook page. Ed Ward , Janet Bourdon, and guest at Caywood Farms

Barbara Enders

Sketchers taking a break outside the Casa Grande Public Library

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Frank Cheatle, Dwayne Smith and Bryan Downing - Old Town Sketch

THE ARTS & HUMANITIES EDITION • LATE SUMMER 2019

The ROX Interview (continued) ...continued from page 78 was able to get on a regimen of medication and went through the cognitive training therapy. Once we knew what was wrong, then I could learn ways to make my brain work in alternative ways so the medication would not stifle my creativity. It’s been life changing being balanced. GC LIVING: It’s an evolution. ERICA HERMAN: I have a good team. I have a psychiatrist who monitors my medication. I have my family doctor who knows everything going on. I have a therapist, she’s probably the one who saved my life. I don’t want to change me. I like who I am. I am passionate talking about it. Every single person I talk to either knows someone, or loves someone who suffers from some type of mental illness. Project-wise that’s probably been my biggest project. I’ve taken on working through art to share my feelings about mental illness. I did a nine-piece series where I painted different parts of my body and laid on canvas. One canvas is life size and it has me from the front and back. (See page 18) Black is always representing the depressed side and a very bright color, usually hot pink, is always representing the manic side and then these swirls and dips that go around each body part and sometimes intertwine. I juried at ASU Gammage for the 20192020 theater season and made cut one. I won’t find out until July if I made cut two. If I make cut two then it will be hanging at ASU Gammage for the 2019-20 season. GC LIVING: So what’s your future for art? Do you have something in mind? ERICA HERMAN: One of the projects that I’m working on is creating a community art project. I got the idea from the AIDS quilts

in the 1990s. The idea of my project is this: a specific size of rolled canvas that’s cut, folded and various paints and other supplies along with instructions. This will be put into a large plastic bag with handles. Also inside will be literature on mental health and where you can get services. The bags would be available at different locations around town like the Veteran’s Affairs office, the city of Casa Grande, my therapist’s office, Horizon Human Services and more. The bags are free. My goal is to piece the canvas together with bright duct tape. May is mental health awareness month and, in coordination with the city, display the blocks in various public places so people can walk between the canvas blocks to see the different things created. I want to start in Casa Grande, but then expand in Pinal County. I applied for a seed grant for funding and hopefully will find out soon. This combines the two things I’m good at - being crazy and (laughs) art. My family and I laugh about it. I’m usually the first to talk about it or make fun of myself. If you can’t laugh at yourself then it’s even harder. Another one of my goals is to spend my time working with others through art. GC LIVING: You’re doing that now. I’ve seen

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what you are doing with young artists involved in the not quite legal artistic endeavor of painting (tagging) on the sides of buildings. ERICA HERMAN: Hector. I’ve made him my intern. He can work at the studio whenever he wants. He has his own stuff he works on. He is working on things that are not on a wall. He had his first art show in Phoenix. GC LIVING: Fantastic! ERICA HERMAN: Yes. It makes me proud. I would like to do more of that kind of thing, mentoring youth or working with younger youth. GC LIVING: Maybe be a school teacher. ERICA HERMAN: (laughing) No, I’ve done that for 21 years! Originally my goal was to be an artist. Being an art teacher allowed me to pay the bills and do art. GC LIVING: We know Frida Kahlo is one of your favorites. Is there a style that is a favorite of yours? Cubism, impressionism, pointillism. What is your mental go-to? ERICA HERMAN: I would probably say impressionism. I like impressionism, it doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s your impression of how you see something. I also mix pointillism in with it, or “dashilism”, that’s what I call using dashes instead of dots. GC LIVING: Dashes are dots just connected. ERICA HERMAN: There you go. No! Don’t connect it! (laughs) 

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MARICOPA, ARIZONA CULTIVATING A STRONG ART SCENE by Adam Wolfe, Public Information Officer, Department of Administrative Services

From local art exhibits to displays at City Hall, we work to cultivate a strong art scene across the city.

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s cities grow, residents seek out areas to gather and be social. These can include shopping centers, restaurants and parks. But one thing all of these areas have in common is some sort of art display. From local art exhibits to displays at City Hall, we work to cultivate a strong art scene across the city. “As a young city, we don’t have a lot of traditional festivals or events to display local art, so we use City facilities to help showcase our artists,” City of Maricopa Mayor Christian Price says. “This helps us build excitement not just in the art community, but across the City.” The City of Maricopa also helps cultivate the local art scene by working with the City’s resident-managed ARTS Council. This Council has recently introduced film festivals, poetry slams and art exhibits for the public to enjoy. The annual COPA Shorts Film Festival brings hundreds of people to the City of Maricopa to enjoy short films from a wide range of creators, including local high school students and international submissions. Maricopa City Hall also served as host to the 2019 All-Arizona Poetry Slam Championship. “We have a diverse community with a wide array of interests,” Mayor Price says. “Our arts scene reflects this! From film to painting to needlepoint, we proudly showcase the varied arts of our community.” Maricopa’s local artists and performers were on display during the City’s Great American 4th Celebration at Copper Sky Regional Park.

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Special Section: Arts & Humanities

Art & Hope … A Vision of Success by Donna McBride, Pinal County Juvenile Court Program Administrator II

ids at Hope started in 1993 when a group of professionals in the youth development field expressed concern with people over-using the term “youth at risk.” They felt it stereotyped an entire generation and degraded their ability to succeed. The term “Kids at Hope” created great attention in the community-based youth development field, education, recreation and law enforcement. Communities were ready to shed the old label to a mission that inspires, empowers and creates an environment where all children and youth can experience success, no exceptions. Across the country, over 500,000 children and youth have been served in Kids at Hope schools, organizations and communities daily. In fact, 18 states are now engaged with

the practice, including Arizona, where the Arizona Supreme Court has adopted the concept as part of its evidence-based practices model. On a local front, Pinal County Juvenile Court Services has implemented the Kids at Hope model, resulting in a change of philosophy among staff and the families they encounter. Whether youth are involved with probation, diversion or are detained at our Youth Justice Center, the message is clear that we want them to be successful. Director Denise Smith has created an atmosphere throughout the department that reflects the

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attitude that youth can succeed when they are surrounded by adults who believe they can. “We know we can have a positive impact on our kids. We did this by starting with our own staff and changing our culture. We hire people that are open-minded to this belief. Our workforce contributes every day to this philosophy by their own interactions with the youth,” Smith explains. Programming will include “time traveling” to help kids articulate their own futures. This is done in four important areas: home and family; education and career; community and service; and hobbies and recreation. At our Youth Justice Center, staff use art therapy to help youth express themselves on paper. It is amazing how they transpire their inner fears, hopes and dreams by bringing them to fruition. Art helps validate self-expression, self-awareness and problem-solving. The poster submissions are not just to hang on the walls at our facility but a way for these young artists to share their visions. Along the way, it also reduces stress levels, increases self-esteem and achieves personal insight. That’s what the Kids at Hope philosophy is all about.

To find out more about Kids at Hope:

Arizona State University Cowden Family Resource Building 850 S. Cady Mall Tempe, AZ 85281 866-275-HOPE www.Kidsathope.org

Images created by youth in detention

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Special Section: Arts & Humanities

Highlights of the Casa Grande Neon Sign Park by Rina Rien, Director, Casa Grande Main Street

ince the opening of the Casa Grande Neon Sign Park April 13, 2019, its status as Arizona’s newest “roadside attraction” has led to tremendous community support and media coverage. In addition to being a key component in the City of Casa Grande’s strategy for destination marketing, Casa Grande Main Street is reaching out statewide to promote and attract new business and redevelopment interest with the park serving as a catalyst for nightlife. Here are some highlights since the opening:

Casa Grande Roller Derby sports “Neon” attire at grand opening.

Visit our new website, www.neonsignpark.com and be sure to tag your photos on social media with #neonsignpark so that we can share! Photo courtesy of John Mihalic, Desert Sky Mustang Club Neon Park Photo Contest Entry June, 2019.

Arizona Highways filmed local artists and the park opening for a segment to air in fall 2019.

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Special Section: Arts & Humanities

Members of Urban Land Institute of Arizona visit the Neon Sign Park in April, 2019.

A crowd estimated at 300 to 500 attended the grand opening April 1.

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SUPERIOR, ARIZONA A WONDERLAND FOR THE ARTISTIC SOUL by Mila Besich, Mayor, Town of Superior

F Today, we continue to add new murals, we celebrate local authors, songwriters, musicians, culinary marvels and all who share their creativity within our community.

rom my earliest childhood memories, art was everywhere in Superior, reflecting our town’s soul and its penchant for creativity. I remember large murals on the buildings and within our school and vividly recall the day in 1982 when the “Helping Hands” statue on Main Street was dedicated during Superior’s Centennial. Members of the Baile Folklorico Alma de Superior Dance Troupe (now known as the Superior Dance Company) have performed their traditional Mexican dances for over three generations. They continue to perform at community events and throughout Arizona to this very day. Looking back through our history, you will learn about local bands who entertained, dramas and skits performed throughout the community at school and in our churches. The people of Superior still celebrate their creativity. Today, we continue to add new murals, we celebrate local authors, songwriters, musicians, culinary marvels and all who share their creativity within our community. The local artist community hosted its first ever Superior Art’s Festival in April and already is organizing the 2020 festival. Superior’s monthly Second Friday event includes “Music in the Park,” where our local musicians get together to perform a variety of songs. The Boyce Thompson Arboretum also hosts a variety of art classes from painting and photography to book readings. Superior is quickly becoming one of the most colorful towns in Pinal County — and perhaps in the state of Arizona — as our downtown businesses choose

bright colors for the exterior of the buildings, and our newly remodeled food court park has a hidden mural, a new welded fountain and a color scheme to brighten your day. Recently, a local artist Marilee Lasch became a certified Storyteller; she can often be found refining her technique and telling uplifting and fun stories about life in Superior and her own personal adventures. Local art can be found in local galleries and restaurants. Many of our galleries also host art classes. At Superior Town Hall, we are working energetically to be the most idea-friendly community in our state. We also ardently support the arts in our community, it helps to strengthen our sense of place. Our scenic beauty provides the backdrop for amazing photographs, paintings, videos. This majesty also provides a serene setting for reflection and inspiration. We invite you to take a day trip or stay a weekend in Superior where your creativity is warmly welcomed and you will find countless ways to engage your inner artist!

PHOTOS BY CAT BROWN

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