Emotional event kicks off drowning awareness month
BY ISRAEL GONZALEZ
Jeff Clark, the Chandler Fire, Health and Medical Department chief, vividly remembers the first drowning call he received 22 years ago. It was a pediatric drowning call.
“The mom met me at the front door and handed me her baby,” Clark said. Meanwhile, his mind filled with thoughts. He wanted to see this little girl—whom he dubbed “Mary”—thrive and maintain her innocence. Instead, Clark gets to hug his daughter daily, while Mary’s parents do not.
Clark recalled this incident during a July 29 press conference at Phoenix Children’s Hospital as it launched its 12th annual Drowning Impact Awareness Month campaign.
The campaign is Arizona’s largest collaborative effort to prevent drowning and spread awareness of pool safety. Clark was one of three speakers; Dr. Jonathan Midgett, senior science and policy adviser with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and Shani O’Malley, mother of Zane Hayes, who
Proposed revisions to food truck regulations to be discussed
BY KENNETH LAFAVE
Food trucks may at last start serving up treats through the streets of Chandler, as City officials consider revisions to its code to accommodate the popular, mobile mini restaurants.
The possible changes will be discussed at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, 25 S. Arizona Pl., Suite 201. City officials will be present, and business owners and other interested parties are invited to attend. RSVP is required to the following email address, info@chandlerchamber.com.
Common in other Valley communities, food trucks have not been welcomed in Chandler, where high license fees and strict ordinances limited their presence.
“We have been able to work with some of the other cities, like Scottsdale, Tempe,
The most immediate proposed change will affect the cost required to open a food August 15 - September 4,
once nearly drowned were the other two.
“Everything Phoenix Children’s Hospital does is based on data,” said Tiffaney Isaacson, water safety coordinator at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
“A lot of our incidents in summer months revolve around pool and water, but families start tuning us out in summer. The campaign continues productive conversation and calls attention to the issue.”
The event had more than 100 attendants and personnel from multiple health, fire and medical departments from across the state. Clark spoke from his experience as a first responder and his own personal calls.
“These calls are things that leave an imprint on our career,” Clark said. “In a first responder’s head, when you see traumatic things over and over again, you have a slideshow in your head. And I have some particular slides and every first responder in this room, their slides are a little different.”
Clark spoke to his department’s efforts in spreading awareness and the importance of circulating water safety tips.
“Chandler firefighters began hanging banners and pamphlets on every door,” Clark said. “We target neighborhoods. We hit these blocks every year. Awareness is a very important thing.”
Chandler has experienced five water-related incidents this year, which resulted in the deaths of one adult and
2016
BY KEN ABRAMCZYK
Gilbert and Phoenix,” said Brad Moore, owner of three food trucks and founder of the Phoenix Food Truck Coalition, an advocacy group.
“Chandler’s been a little more difficult. But I have to give Chandler credit. They’ve gone back over the ordinances, a lot of them 16 and 17 years old, and decided to implement something more progressive.”
With the changes about to take place, City officials are looking for input.
“This will be a feedback session,” said Matt Dunbar, revenue and tax manager for the City of Chandler. “We’re updating the code, and we’d like ideas and thoughts from the community as we propose these changes.”
A number of red light cameras are expected to be relocated next year as Chandler officials focus on reducing the number of incidents in accident-prone intersections.
Chandler Police Cmdr. Matthew Christensen outlined these plans during a presentation to the City Council, which will mull a contract renewal with camera providers American Traffic Solutions in September.
“If the council approves (the contract), they’ll be moved to high-accident locations,” Christensen said.
Christensen said collisions are increasing at intersections closer to the Loop 101 and 202 freeways, along the railroad corridor and Chandler Boulevard.
FEATURE
Christensen said congestion associated with the freeway traffic may contribute to the higher numbers, but other factors like construction may also play a role.
The camera’s footage results in the issuance of 1,200 tickets a month or 100 tickets per camera. Christensen said tickets are issued for running red lights and speeding.
If the council approves the contract renewal, the cameras will be moved when the contract begins in April, Christensen said.
Matt Burdick, the City’s communications and public affairs director, said he did not know if councilmembers will vote on the actual relocation of the cameras in a separate action when they mull the contract.
Chief Jeff Clark of the Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department adds a purple ribbon to trees outside Phoenix Children’s Hospital as part of Drowning Impact Awareness Month kickoff event. STSN photo by Israel Gonzalez
Sunday Funday Brunch
truck in Chandler.
“Right now, each food truck employee has to get a separate license as a peddler. For an owner and three employees, that means it costs $600 to get your business licensed. Plus you are required to pay a $1,000 surety bond,” Dunbar said.
For a small business like a food truck, that can be steep. By contrast, the Town of Gilbert charges a $55 flat fee per food truck, with no bond required.
Gilbert’s fee was “a little low” for Chandler, Dunbar said, but the new Chandler fee will be substantially less than before.
“For one owner and three employees, the cost will soon be about $160, plus a $50 annual renewal.”
The $1,000 bond will not be required.
The regulations fall under the City code’s chapter 20, which was designed for transient businesses like ice-cream trucks, Dunbar said. That’s why, for example, City officials forbid staying in one place on the street for more than 15 minutes. A stationary position under the existing code requires the truck to be on a paved surface, immediately adjacent to a commercial building. That’s under review.
“Location requirements are being hashed out,” Dunbar said. “Food trucks want to set up where they like, but some other industries want restrictions.” The majority of these are restaurants.
It’s especially important for a food truck to have a presence on the street because of the visibility, Moore noted.
“You have to build an awareness of your product working on the street before people will hire you for catering jobs,” Moore said.
Food trucks that become popular
through street business can also be “incubators for restaurants,” when a client base is built and interest is curried. Since starting his food truck business six years ago, Moore has opened two brick-andmortar restaurants as off-shoots.
The reason for Chandler’s sudden interest in revising codes affecting food trucks relates to their burgeoning popularity.
“They’ve taken the industry in a different direction,” Dunbar said. “It’s no longer just industrial sites. It’s more of a gourmet thing. Social media have helped make them popular. On social media, you can follow a food truck from location to location.”
Dunbar added that Chandler licenses “between 15 and 20 food trucks,” most of them serving businesses during meals. City officials hope to raise that number significantly by making it easier to comply with regulations.
Kenneth LaFave is an associate editor with the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at klafave@santansun.com.
With impending changes in the City codes, Chandler may soon be seeing more food trucks on its streets. STNS photo by Kimberly Carrillo
The cameras would begin operating or continue to operate in April at the following intersections:
• Alma School and Warner roads
• Alma School and Ray roads
• Alma School Road and Chandler Boulevard
• Alma School and Queen Creek roads
• Arizona Avenue and Warner Road
• Arizona Avenue and Ray Road
• Chandler Boulevard and Kyrene Road
• Dobson and Ray roads
• Dobson Road and Chandler Boulevard
• Gilbert and Riggs roads
• McClintock and Ray roads
• Rural and Ray roads.
The cameras now operate at
• Alma School and Warner Roads
• Alma School and Ray roads
• Alma School and Queen Creek roads
• Arizona Avenue and Elliot Road
• Arizona Avenue and Warner Road
• Arizona Avenue and Ray Road
• Arizona Avenue and Ocotillo Road
• Chandler Boulevard and McQueen Road
• Chandler Boulevard and 56th Street
• Dobson and Warner roads
• Gilbert and Riggs roads
• Rural and Ray roads.
Christensen said the City will begin a publicity campaign approximately 60 days before the cameras are activated at the new locations. Speed-tracking signs will be placed at these intersections to remind motorists of their speeds.
“For the first 30 days (after cameras are activated), we give warnings,” Christensen said. “We don’t want this to be a surprise to anyone. We want them to drive at the speeds they are supposed to.”
Christensen said the department receives very few complaints about the cameras. “The system is set up for digital and it is set up for 5 seconds before and 5 seconds after (the light). It shows video and photos,” Christensen said.
“We’re not getting a lot of people who say that it’s not accurate.”
Ken Abramczyk is an associate editor at the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at ken@santansun.com.
Feedback wanted on proposed valet parking zone locations
Downtown businesses, patrons and residents are invited to a public hearing at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the City Council Chambers, 88 E. Chicago St., to share feedback on the proposed valet parking zones in the downtown area.
Eleven valet parking zones throughout downtown Chandler have been proposed by City staff based on feasibility of the location.
Before valet companies begin operations, they would have to follow a process, including obtaining a permit from the City and getting written feedback from affected businesses.
These zones are:
• On Buffalo Street, just east of Oregon Street
• Corner of Oregon and Buffalo streets
• Arizona Place and Buffalo Street
• Washington and Buffalo streets
• Commonwealth Avenue and Arizona Place
• Boston and Washington streets
• Alley south of Boston and Washington streets
Vendor fair raises funds to fight ataxia
The Arizona Ataxia Support Group, a nonprofit associated with the National Ataxia Support Group, will host the Shop ‘Til You Drop Craft and Vendor Fair 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Disability Empowerment Center, 5025 E. Washington St., in Phoenix.
The fair is free and serves as a fundraising and an awareness event.
Chandler resident Mary Fuchs is an AZ Support Group co-leader.
Ataxia is a group of rare and often fatal degenerative neurological disorders. An estimated 150,000 people in the United States are affected by ataxia. Symptoms are progressive and often impact coordination, hearing, vision and speech. Ataxia affects both genders and all ages, but too often ataxia strikes children and young adults. At this time, there is no effective treatment or cure for ataxia.
Through Shop ‘Til You Drop Craft and Vendor Fair, organizers are going to bring the greater Phoenix community together for a fun-filled shopping and educational experience in support of
the important work of the National Ataxia Foundation. The event includes a Chinese auction, raffle, chair yoga demo, free massages, children’s activity area, special guests, local craft vendors and health and wellness vendors. For information or to donate, visit http://ataxia.donorpages. com/2015AZShop/.
• Boston Street and San Marcos Place
• Chicago Street and Arizona Avenue
• California Street and Commonwealth Avenue
• Commonwealth Avenue and San Marcos Place
For information about the process or the proposed zones, call (480) 7824354.
The editors of the SanTan Sun News are seeking residents of the Southeast Chandler community to contribute to our publication. We have been delivering the news of the area to 30,000 driveways for more than 17 years. As a writer for the SanTan Sun News you would be compensated for reporting on local stories in your community. Professional writing experience is required. If you might have an interest in joining our stable of talented community journalists, please send your resume and writing samples to Christina@SanTanSun.com.
Chandler resident Mary Fuchs is an AZ Support Group co-leader. Submitted photo
Donate blood in the final weeks of summer
The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help prevent a blood shortage. Blood donations often decline in August as final summer vacations are planned and back-to-school activities ramp up. On average, during the summer months, about two fewer donors give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what is needed.
Donations are needed now to help ensure blood is available for patients in need. Donors with types AB, O negative,
B negative and A negative blood are especially encouraged to donate. Plasma from type AB donors can be transfused to patients of any blood type, as can type O negative blood. Type B negative and A negative blood can be transfused to Rhpositive or negative patients. These are the most in demand blood types and are in constant need.
To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Funding available for special events
The City’s Special Events Sponsorship Program is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations that seek funds to help with their events in Chandler.
The City Council approves $30,000 annually to be allocated to organizations that present quality, special events in the city. Funds are awarded to events that enhance the community through such areas as cultural and educational enrichment, diversity and heritage, community pride and economic vitality.
“Chandler has a great variety of family-friendly events throughout the year that celebrate our history, diversity and culture,” said Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. “These grants are one small way we can help the groups that work so hard to organize these events.”
Applications are available online at
www.chandleraz.gov/special-events and must be returned to the City’s special event coordinator by 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20. A panel of six citizens who serve on City-appointed boards and commissions will review the applications. The panel’s recommendations will be submitted to the Chandler Cultural Foundation for approval. Awards will be announced at the end of September.
Last year, 15 organizations received funds, including the Arizona Railway Museum, ICAN, the Inter Tribal Council of Az Inc., the American Chinese Arts & Cultural Exchange Association, Chandler Coalition for Civil and Human Rights and others.
For more information or to receive an application, call (480) 782-2665 or visit www.chandleraz.gov/special-events.
Shalom Chapter of Hadassah schedules fall events
The Shalom Chapter of Hadassah has released its fall schedule of events.
The first regular Hadassah meeting is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, with a presentation by Neighbors Who Care at the Oakwood Clubhouse, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes.
Lunch, scheduled for 11:30 a.m., is optional and costs $16. Send reservation check to Ruth Friedman, The Renaissance, 9508 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes 85248 or call (480) 802-9600.
It’s barbecue time again at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct.13, with a Fun Fundraiser at the Halley Pool in Ironwood on Alma School Road in Sun Lakes. Hot dogs, chicken, salads and desserts will be served for $19. Send reservation check to Marilyn Behr, 25803 Eastlake, Sun Lakes 85248.
Cathy Olswing, president of the Hadassah Desert Mountain Region, will meet with the group at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20. Holly Parker, who spearheads the Just 3 Things campaign, also will discuss how donations make a difference to those in need. An optional
$16 lunch is scheduled at 11:30 a.m. Send a reservation check to Ruth Friedman, The Renaissance, 9508 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes 85248 or call (480) 802-9600. The Shalom Chapter of Hadassah has scheduled the following events: Wine & Cheese Patio Party, Nov. 1; and a Trip to the New Western
For membership information, call Cyril at (480) 802-0243 or Kathy at (480) 895-
Chandler recruiting firefighter candidates
The cities of Chandler, Scottsdale and Tempe will be recruiting qualified applicants for future firefighter positions.
The process will create a two-year eligibility list for future firefighting jobs with the departments. None of the cities have open firefighting positions at this time.
The three-part application process began with online preregistration to prequalify up to 1,500 eligible candidates. For those who pre-qualify, they will attend an in-person registration session Monday, Sept. 21. An in-person written exam will be completed by candidates Saturday, Oct. 10.
Locations and times for the in-person events will be given to the applicants deemed eligible. There is no fee to preregister and begin the recruitment process.
The exam results will be used to create an eligibility list, which will remain valid for two years. Similar multicity recruitment efforts attracted approximately 1,500 applicants in 2010 and 2013.
“The City of Chandler continues to grow, and while we do not have any open firefighter positions in the department at this time, we are preparing for the time down the road when we will need to hire new firefighters or replace retiring members,” said Jeff Clark, Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department battalion chief.
“We are looking for men and women with a strong work ethic and dedication to service. People who have the ability to learn, work as a team and act with integrity.”
Details on the multicity recruitment are online at www.chandleraz.gov/fire.
Candidates must be 18 years of age or older by Sept. 21 and legally eligible to work in the United States. Only one registration per candidate is allowed.
The following documents (originals or copies) must be provided by candidates or their proxies at the time of registration: a completed multicity test registration form; a candidate’s valid driver’s license; a valid paramedic or emergency medical technician certificate for the state of Arizona, National Registry EMT or proof of paid enrollment in an upcoming EMT class and the candidate’s Department of Defense Form 214, if applicable.
City accepting applications for HOA Academy
Residents who are involved with homeowners associations are encouraged to apply for the City of Chandler’s fall HOA Academy.
As requested by residents, this year’s fall academy will be held midday between 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Thursdays in September at the Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd. Lunch will be provided.
To register for the free academy, contact the Neighborhood Programs office at (480) 782-4354. Applications are due Friday, Aug. 28, and may be downloaded at www.chandleraz.gov/ neighborhoods.
Class topics will include:
• Thursday, Sept. 3: Amending Association Documents. Participants will learn how to read association documents and the five-step amendment process. Participants also will discuss language or provisions that conflict with Arizona and federal law.
• Thursday, Sept. 10: Rental Properties in HOAs and Chandler Code Enforcement. Participants will receive an overview of 2014-15 Arizona legislation and learn how to work effectively with rental properties through the HOA and the Chandler Code Enforcement Office.
• Thursday, Sept. 17: Collection of Assessments, Fines and Penalties. Participants will discuss proactive approaches such as five secrets for collection of delinquent assessments and legal remedies to collect delinquencies.
• Thursday, Sept 24: The Proper Way to Conduct Association Meetings. This class will review laws that regulate HOA boards, committees and member meetings. Participants will receive tips on how to conduct efficient meetings.
The academy is organized by the City’s Neighborhood Programs Division and held in partnership with the Code Enforcement Office, The Mulcahy Law Firm and Shaw & Lines LLC. Enrollment priority will be given to Chandler residents. Those who complete the four classes will receive a certificate of completion and recognition at a future Chandler City Council meeting. For more information, call (480) 782-4354 or visit www.chandleraz.gov/ neighborhoods.
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EVENTS
AUGUST
15 Vision Kidz Workshop, Vision Gallery, 480-782-2695
15 Water Safety Event, Arrowhead Pool, 480-782-2750
17 General Plan Citizens Advisory Cmte Meeting, Police HQ, 480-782-3059
21 Free Summer Concert Series –Tres Guitarras, Center for the Arts, 480-782-2680
22 Chandler Cultural Foundation Yard Sale, Center for the Arts, 480-782-2680
22 Water Safety Event, Hamilton Aquatic Center, 480-782-2750
25 Special Election, Proposition 484, 480-782-2180
27 Homeschool Day, Environmental Education Center, 480-782-2886
28 Free Summer Concert Series – Ritmo Latino, Center for the Arts, 480-782-2680
29 Water Safety Event, Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, 480782-2750
SEPTEMBER
1-30 Library Sign-Up Month, 480-782-2812
4 General Plan Planning Lab, Chandler Museum, 480-782-3059
12 BMX Bike Event, Espee Park, 480-782-2746
16 Mayor’s Listening Tour, Sanborn Elementary, 480-782-2890
18 Garibaldi Night, A.J. Chandler Park, 480-855-3539
21 Council Study Session and Regular Meeting, Council Chambers
24 City Council Meeting, Council Chambers
26 Dragonfly & Butterfly Bash, Environmental Education Center, 480-782-2890
Call the Special Events Hotline at 480-782-2735, or go to www.chandleraz.gov for event information.
August is Drowning Prevention Awareness Month
Chandler’s Aquatics Division and Fire, Health & Medical Department have been holding water safety events at City pools since the start of the month in conjunction with the Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Annual Drowning Impact Awareness campaign. The campaign encourages safety around water and is Arizona’s largest collaborative effort to prevent drownings. Entrance is free to the public during each event and participants will view a CPR demonstration and short water safety presentation before entering the water.
Remaining events will occur from noon to 1 p.m. on the following dates: Saturday, Aug.15, at Arrowhead Pool, 1475 W. Erie St.; Saturday, Aug. 22, at Hamilton Aquatic Center, 3838 S. Arizona Ave., and; Saturday, Aug. 29, at Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center,
Applications now being accepted for Chandler’s HOA Academy
If you serve on an HOA board, or are thinking about it, Chandler’s free Homeowner’s Association Academy is a great way to network and learn from experts knowledgeable in HOA management.
The academy features a series of four classes focused on a variety of topics, including: amending association documents; rental properties in HOAs and Chandler code enforcement; collection of assessments, fines and penalties; and the proper way to conduct association meetings.
For the first time, the free classes will be held during the early afternoon hours from noon to 1:30 p.m. each Thursday from Sept. 3-24, at the Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road. Lunch will be provided to participants. Applications may be downloaded at chandleraz.gov/neighborhoods and are due Friday, Aug. 28.
For more information, call 480-7824354.
5901 S. Hillcrest Dr. Purple ribbons are being distributed at the events to remember those touched by child drownings. Ribbons also are available at Chandler aquatic and recreation centers, fire stations, libraries, the Vision Gallery and Center for the Arts.
Remember that “Eye to Eye Supervision” is the key to drowning prevention. Watch children at all times when they are around water, install secured barriers around pools, learn CPR and teach children how to swim. Water safety tips and drowning prevention information is available on the Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department website at chandleraz.gov/fire. For information on pool hours, swim lessons and related programs, visit chandleraz.gov/aquatics, or call 480782-2750.
At Your Library
Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr.
✔ National Bad Poetry Day, Aug. 18, 2:15 p.m.
“Roses are red, some whales are blue, it’s National Bad Poetry Day, I hate grapes.” If you are a teen ages 12 to 18, there is an open mic waiting to hear your contribution of bad poetry.
✔ National Aviation Day, Aug. 20, 2:30 p.m.
Do you have the Wright stuff? Teens ages 12 to 18 are invited to celebrate a couple of wild and crazy guys – Orville & Wilbur Wright – with some fun and games.
✔ Henna with Joanna, Aug. 25, 2:15 p.m.
Joanna is back by popular demand to give teens ages 12 to 18 a lesson in the art of henna.
Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave.
✔ Permit Prep presented by AAA Arizona, Sept. 14, 6 p.m.
This 90 minute workshop will teach teens about the dangers of distracted driving and help prepare them to take their written permit test. Space is limited, so pre-register at chandlerlibrary.org.
Indoor Yard Sale
Chandler Center for the Arts Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler AZ
If you are ready to clean up around your house, de-clutter closets, make room in the garage, and find new homes for some of your “stuff,” let your hard work benefit a great program for youth in our community.
Chandler Center for the Arts will host an INDOOR YARD SALE from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015. The sale is open to the public, and all funds raised will support the Center’s Connecting Kidz programs, which provide free and low fee arts and activity programs for youth.
With your help, the lobby of the Center will be filled with a large selection of donated items: dresses and costumes (gently used), small appliances, antiques, working electronics, household decor, collectables, wood furniture, patio furniture, musical instruments, artwork, office/school supplies, bedding and linens (gently used), tools, vinyl records, watches, costume jewelry, retro toys, games and dolls.
The following items will not be accepted: books, CD’s, mattresses, shoes, and clothing (other than dresses and costumes). Items can be dropped off at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. (NW corner of Arizona Ave. and Chandler Blvd.), Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon, now through Aug. 21.
Due to limited storage space, large furniture (dressers, bed frames, desks, etc.) and large working appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, etc.) will only be accepted from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21. Please call 480-782-2689 on or before Aug. 21 for the large item drop off location.
For more information, visit www.chandlercenter.org.
Looking to take a school field trip that will strengthen the skills students will use every day, such as problem solving, team work, exploration and more? Check out the Environmental Education Explorations program at Veteran’s Oasis Park. Visit chandleraz.gov/EEC or call 480-782-2886.
NOT IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD
Cops, customers and communication
BY CMDR. GREGG JACQUIN
Most of us rarely think about our communications with the police department until we have to call. If you call, we will come, and it is usually then that we think about what kind of service we can provide and likewise, wonder what could have prevented this situation or made it better. I mention that because fighting crime is really about customer service, communication and working together.
Our product is to respond and help, regardless of the situation. Our personnel rarely think about back orders, returned merchandise, out-of-stock items or going elsewhere; we simply want to help fix the problem and hopefully make a difference. That includes being proactive and engaging with our customers before we are asked, or have to.
On many occasions, I have asked you to help us help you by doing what you can to protect yourself and your property. These tips are plentiful and repetitive and we all seem to have heard them at one time or another. In fact, we probably have said to ourselves after the fact “we should have,” “could have” or “will” next time. What’s important about this is the fact that our partnership is invaluable and really is the difference maker. Without communication and relationships, we likely would find our quality of life compromised.
I will continue to ask you to make your homes, property and persons safer and be
vigilant so we don’t have to see you in the worst of circumstances. But, I also want you to know that if we can connect with your group, HOA, club or other organization, we would like to do that as well. As always, we value our outreach and are happy to attend meetings and events. There are also ways to connect with us through our website at www.chandlerpd.com, Facebook, Twitter or other means if you prefer, which leads me to my next message.
There are a couple of powerful tools the department uses to connect, serve and succeed. There are times that we wish to get immediate information out to you without having to burden you with the search. Imagine, without having to search for information about our activity, that we can deliver it directly from us to you.
This system is called CENS and stands for the Community Emergency Notification System. The system is designed to rapidly deliver information to an affected area through the telephone system. It works by taking information from the 911 database and pinpointing an area we want to deliver the message to and sending it out. This is an important tool we can use to alert residents to a situation they need to know about. CENS can send messages in Spanish and English and send to hearing impaired users with a TTY message, and only by a law enforcement agency if warranted.
For those who want to self-register your cellphone or VoIP phones, visit
www.maricoparegion911.org/CENS.htm. This registry is just another way we can communicate with you. Likewise, there is a new way to communicate with us by way of nonemergency text messaging. There is a new number on our police cars for a nonemergency situation or to share information with us. You may now text us at the department at (480) 782-4130. This text may generate a response back to you with an answer to your question, possibly a call for service or an indication that we have your information and will pass it along to the appropriate people.
We now have another exciting program we are working on. We can take information directly from alarm monitoring companies that are connected to our system and accept the alarm’s information directly into our dispatch system. This allows us to receive the information quicker and respond faster than using the traditional alarm monitoring process. In a true alarm situation, officers will respond faster. This program is new and growing, but captures the essence of trying to deliver our service more efficiently.
Once all alarm companies join this program, we anticipate a jump in the number of alarms that notify the department this way. This does not change the way we view alarm calls; it only enhances the way we handle them. There are many new and changing platforms in the future landscape of law enforcement, but as we share these with you the fundamental ability and need to communicate does not. And, one last note along the way for you. I want to recognize the men and women of the department that don’t wear a uniform who just “do,” “handle” and “take of business” every day on the front lines of communication and service before the officer ever hears about it.
The bottom line is that as a community we need each other and it starts as partners. As you will hear me say hundreds of times, make the business of your neighborhood the business of our partnership.
The Chandler Police Department’s nonemergency number is (480) 782-4000. If there’s an emergency, always dial 911.
Healthy habits highlighted at library
People can adopt lifestyle habits at any age to help maintain or even potentially improve health. These habits also may help keep our brain healthy as we age and possibly delay the onset of cognitive decline.
“Healthy Habits for a Healthier You” is a one-hour workshop from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield,
Gilbert. The workshop covers four areas of lifestyle habits associated with healthy aging: cognitive activity, physical health and exercise; diet and nutrition and social engagement. The program is designed to offer research-based recommendations about taking care of your brain and body. The program is free, but anyone who wants to attend must RSVP at (602) 5280545.
Conference focuses on multicultural education
Dr. James Banks will be the keynote speaker at the fourth annual Multicultural Education Conference Saturday, Sept. 12, at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Banks serves as the Kerry and Linda Killinger Endowed chairman in Diversity Studies and director of the Center for Multicultural Education at the University of Washington.
He will discuss “Multicultural Education: From Pedagogy to Practice in the 21st Century.” The event is hosted by the Mesa Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Celebration Committee, East Valley NAACP and Maricopa County Community Colleges. These groups seek to foster the idea and express the fundamental purpose of multicultural education, which is to provide teaching and learning that is based on democratic values that affirm cultural pluralism within culturally diverse societies in an interdependent world.
The conference is scheduled from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the college’s Pecos Campus, 2626 E. Pecos Rd., Chandler.
Dems to welcome Pawlik to September meeting
Chandler resident Jennifer Pawlik will discuss the Chandler Unified School District’s bond issue during the Sun Lakes Democratic Club’s meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, at Sun Lakes Country Club’s Navajo Room, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd.
A sixth-grade teacher, Pawlik serves as a precinct committee person and secretary of the LD 17 Democrats and publishes the LD 17 newsletter. She has been an educator for 17 years, nine of which in the CUSD.
She is a graduate of EMERGE (leadership training for women), an active
member of the school community and of the school district’s bond committee.
At all club meetings, nonperishable food items are collected for the Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank in the venue’s west parking lot from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is also a collection box at the north entrance of the Sun Lakes Sunset Grill lobby.
The Sun Lakes Democratic Club’s meetings are held the second Monday of each month. Refreshments are served. For more information, call Tom Amrhein at (480) 895-1162
Missing woman found dead
A missing Chandler woman was found dead Aug. 7, reportedly of natural causes, according to police.
Kimberly Joy Gaarder, 57, was found just before 5 a.m. parked in a driveway of a vacant home in South Chandler. She was last seen at 2 p.m. Aug. 6 in Gilbert, four hours before she called her daughter. She had several medical conditions, and police said they believe she died as a result of those. Foul play is not suspected.
DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS: SEPTEMBER 5
The deadline for news and advertising is 12 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, for the Saturday, Sept. 5, issue of the SanTan Sun News. All news must be submitted to News@SanTanSun.com by that day to be considered for the next issue or by filling in the “submit a news release” form on the newspaper’s website at www.SanTanSun.com. To send an item for consideration in the SanTan Family Fun, email it directly to STFF@ SanTanSun.com. Send advertising files and information to account reps or contact Ads@SanTanSun.com. For deadline information, visit SanTanSun.com and click on “About us” or call (480) 732-0250 for advertising rate details.
Kimberly Joy Gaarder. Submitted photo
AZSOS, Phoenix Mercury introduce ‘Get in the Game’
BY TRACY HOUSE
Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan, the Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns visited Hamilton High School to stress the importance of voter participation through the organizations’ “Get in the Game” initiative.
More than 150 seniors from government classes and the girls basketball team converged on HHS’ gym Monday, Aug. 10, to take part
in the kickoff of “Get in the Game,” which included a visit from the Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Squad, along with the pro teams’ mascots, Scorch and Gorilla.
Reagan, along with Mercury Vice President and Basketball Hall of Famer
Ann Meyers Drysdale, Suns broadcaster Tom Leander, Maricopa County Recorder
Helen Purcell, Rep. Jeff Weninger and Chandler Unified School District
Superintendent Dr. Camille Casteel spoke to the students about the importance of registering and voting. Also in attendance were CUSD governing board members
David Evans, Bob Rice and Annette Auxier, and Terri Kimble, president/CEO of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce.
The ties to Hamilton connect to the country and state government.
Purcell’s grandson and assistant are HHS graduates; Weninger has one son attending Hamilton and another who has graduated.
Reagan encouraged students—the next generation of voters—to take part in the election process. Drysdale told pupils that their vote does count.
Students got pumped up by the Mercury Hip Hop Squad, and the gymnasium exploded with cheers when HHS teachers, Danny Milbauer (Mr. D), dance teacher, and Alicia Cox, sports medicine teacher, took to the floor for a dance off.
“That was a powerful group to really show the students the importance of
Mercury and Phoenix Suns mascots Scorch and Gorilla,
pearance at Hamilton High School for the
age 18-to 24-year-olds to
and
their civic duty, which is to register to vote and voting,” said Ken James, HHS principal. “These were heavy hitters that came out to encourage them. It wasn’t just the principal up there telling them to do this. These are big-time players. Hopefully that stuck with the students.”
For more information about voting visit www.azsos.gov/elections.
Tracy House is a freelancer for SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@ santansun.com.
• Gourmet kitchen with double oven & glass cooktop!
• 42-inch Cherry cabinets!
• Granite counters & large island!
• Priced to Sell
• Main floor bedroom and bath
• Dining – an entertainers delight 12 person table plus casual eating area!
• Storage everywhere you look!
• Loft for kids! 3.5-car garage with above storage for Dad!
Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan addresses the students at Hamilton High School as part of the “Get in the Game” initiative to encourage voters age 18 to 24 to vote. STSN photo by Tracy House.
Phoenix
respectively, made a special ap-
kickoff of the “Get in the Game” initiative to encour-
get out
vote. STSN photo by Tracy House.
Voter registration forms need to be completed 29 days prior to the next election to be able to vote. National Voter Registration Day is Tuesday, Sept. 22. STSN photo by Tracy House.
one child younger than 5. O’Malley, the last speaker, offered her personal story on near-drowning and recovery of her son, Zane. After dropping her children off at day care, it seemed to be just another day at work for O’Malley. During a meeting, she received a call that Zane was involved in a water-related accident.
“The moment they said (it was Zane) I plugged my ears and I closed my eyes,” O’Malley said. “I just kept saying, ‘Stay with me Zane, stay with me Zane’ and ‘Please God, please God.’ I think that car ride was 20 minutes and I did that for 20 minutes.”
When she arrived at the hospital, the doctors described the conditions of her son’s lungs. The doctors had to put him in a coma, O’Malley said. She would ask every day on the condition of her son.
“I wish every one of these children could have had an outcome like Zane’s,” O’Malley said. “They could have been more miracles.”
The campaign promotes purple ribbons that represent those affected by water-related incidents. Since the start of the campaign 12 years ago nearly 1 million purple ribbons have been distributed.
The event concluded with guests tying the last of more than 1,700 purple ribbons to trees at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The number represents the number of children and teens involved in water-related incidents in the Valley since 2000.
“One day they came through that door and said there was a change,” O’Malley said. “They said he was healing and there is improvements in his lungs.” Zane recovered and attended the conference. Not every family is as lucky. According to Children’s Safety Zone, a nonprofit organization that compiles Arizona drowning statistics, there have been 97 water-related incidents and 22 deaths in the Maricopa and Pinal counties this year as of July 27.
Stories, photos and items of children who have drowned were spread out across tables at the event.
“The purple ribbons are meant to inspire positive conversation,” Isaacson said. “Instead of people reading drowning headlines and saying, ‘Oh, that’s really sad,’ with nothing productive coming out of it, they can share awareness tips and ribbons.”
For more information on Drowning Impact Awareness Month, visit www.phoenixchildrens.org. Join the discussion on social media by using #BeH20Aware. More water safety tips and information can be found at www. chandleraz.gov/fire or www.chandleraz. gov/aquatics.
Israel Gonzalez is an intern with the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at israel@santansun.com.
The PromenadE at fulton ranch
Participants at water safety events in August will view CPR demonstrations before entering the water.
Chandler hosting free water safety events
BY ISRAEL GONZALEZ
Chandler will host free water safety events at various Chandler aquatic centers in August as part of Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Drowning Impact Awareness Month.
The events will feature Chandler’s Fire, Health & Medical Department demonstrating CPR, and Chandler’s Aquatic staff offering a water safety presentation.
“We want to educate men, woman and children of all ages,” said Angela LorenzoClavell, recreation coordinator II at City of Chandler Aquatics. “Water-related incidents can be prevented and we’re hoping for people to come on out.”
Participants will also be able to swim for free after the events, which include:
• Arrowhead Pool, 1475 W. Erie St. Saturday, Aug. 15, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Hamilton Aquatic Center, 3838 S. Arizona Ave. Saturday, Aug. 22, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
• Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, 5901 S. Hillcrest Dr. Saturday, Aug. 29, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
The Drowning Impact Awareness Month campaign was created by Phoenix Children’s Hospital to help spread awareness during the summer months.
“Everything Phoenix Children’s Hospital does is based on data,” said Tiffaney Isaacson, water safety coordinator at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
water-related incidents in the Maricopa and Pinal counties this year as of July 22, according to Children’s Safety Zone, a nonprofit organization that compiles Arizona drowning statistics.
There have been five water-related incidents in Chandler, which resulted in the deaths of one adult and one child younger than 5.
“This month is about remembering those who are impacted by drowning,” LorenzoClavell said.
Purple ribbons will be distributed at the events and by Chandler aquatic and recreation centers, fire stations, libraries, the Vision Gallery and Chandler Center for the Arts. The ribbons honor those affected by child drownings and to help spread awareness of the issue.
“The purple ribbons are meant to inspire positive conversation,” Isaacson said. “Instead of people reading drowning headlines and saying ‘Oh, that’s really sad,’ with nothing productive coming out of it, they can share awareness tips and ribbons.”
Lorenzo-Clavell and Isaacson offered quick tips on water safety around children. Always stay an arm’s-length away from your child when supervising Lorenzo-Clavell said. Leave distracting electronics such as cellphones or tablets in the house when children are swimming, Isaacson said.
Enjoy a variety of dining options—from authentic Italian and Asian cuisine to award-winning modern American delights, as well as unique shopping retailers, fitness and salon services to make you feel your best, expert childcare in a friendly environment and so much more.
“A lot of our incidents in summer months revolve around pool and water, but families start tuning us out in summer. The campaign continues productive conversation and calls attention to the issue.”
The campaign is entering its 12th year and is Arizona’s largest collaborative effort to prevent drowning. There have been 95
For more water safety tips and information on water safety events, visit www.chandleraz.gov/fire or www. chandleraz.gov/aquatics. More information on Drowning Impact Awareness Month can be found at bit.ly/1MSaKrc.
Israel Gonzalez is an intern with the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at israel@santansun.com.
Submitted photo
Daughters motivate woman to lose 60 pounds
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
Lisa Thiel always considered herself to be an athlete—until she hit 207 pounds after giving birth to her two daughters. The happiest times in her life left her without motivation or energy, even when she overheard her children and husband playing outside.
The Chandler woman knew it was time to make a lifestyle change; one that amounted to a 60-pound weight loss.
“My biggest motivation was my daughters,” she said. “I have two daughters and I wanted to be this healthy athlete that I always thought myself as.”
She began researching programs that would not only help her lose weight, but give her the tools she needed to maintain that goal. That research led her to Medifast Weight Control Center, a medically approved program by Johns Hopkins.
“I loved that it was a long maintenance program...looking at your whole life and not just a quick fix,” she said.
Registered dieticians and nutritionists designed a program for Thiel for which she consumed food every two to three hours. Some of the choices included shakes, bars, pretzels, macaroni and cheese, soups and her favorite—vegetarian sloppy Joes.
“The food was so good and it filled you up,” she explained. “They even had
little brownies to make and chocolate chip bake, so you felt you were getting a little bit of a treat.”
Every day one of her meals had to include a lean piece of protein and green vegetables.
“The biggest thing that I have learned from the whole Medifast program is how to eat again,” Thiel said. “You think, ‘I guess I didn’t realize how badly I was eating until I started on this program because I wasn’t thinking about food.’ It got me to think about the choices I was making, was it worth it and treating your body the way it deserves to be treated.”
The program gave Thiel the confidence she needed to feel proud of herself.
“Your metabolism has to keep going,” she said. “You have to keep eating and stay in the fat-burning stage. You can do that and you don’t feel like you are at a loss and want to grab a cheeseburger.”
After finishing the program, Thiel lost 62 pounds, dropping her weight to 145 pounds wearing a size 8.
“It’s pretty awesome to not have to go shopping at the plus size section and limited selection for clothes,” she said.
Because Thiel hit her goal, she entered a 10-week transition period that has helped her incorporate some of her own healthy eating choices.
After the 10-week period, she entered a yearlong maintenance program that will help her stay on track.
Lisa Thiel—shown here before and after her life change—has taken up tennis, swimming and running since she embarked on her Medifast journey. Submitted photos
“I do thank the whole staff at Medifast for giving me my life back. I didn’t know what I was missing out on,” Thiel said.
After completing the program, she decided to enter the national “Happy Afters” contest, for which she shared her story. She is among the finalists who will travel to South Carolina this September. There, she will spend three nights in the historic city having a professional makeover, a shopping session with a personal shopper and a chance to appear in Medifast’s national ad campaign.
“I get to see this amazing city and stay in a nice hotel,” she said.
Exercise has become a staple in
her life once again. Thiel has taken up tennis. She swims and runs nearly every day. She is competing in her first 5K race this September.
Looking back on her journey, Thiel questions why she did not make the change sooner.
“I’m so glad I did get to that point and that it is life changing,” Thiel said.
“I feel like I didn’t know what I was missing out on. I have a wonderful family, a great life and friends. I didn’t realize what I was missing.”
Meghan McCoy is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.
And, while she may be suffering from Alzheimer’s, it in no way diminishes the place she holds in people’s hearts. The gifts and contributions she has shared. The story she has to tell.
At Chandler Memory Care, our goal is to help her continue her story with a decidedly different approach to caring for those with memory loss.
Resident-centered, activity-based programming provides a supportive lifestyle tailored to her specific needs.
Athlete prepares for first half ironman
BY MEGHAN MCCOY
For 15 years, Chandler athlete David Kester thought about competing in his first half ironman.
When he was 30, he “really wanted to do an ironman,” but did not, Kester said. “I had a young son at home and didn’t want to spend time away from him,” Kester said.
Fifteen years later, Kester’s dream of competing in a half ironman resurfaced after his employers said, “If you can dream big and do one thing this year, what would it be.”
The company ignited a fire inside Kester and prompted him to sign up for 2015 Ironman Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Team For Cures at Tempe Town Lake on Sunday, Oct. 18.
would help motivate him during training. Multiple myeloma is a form of blood cancer that has a low survival rate. The money raised will be used for research to help find a cure.
When he registered for his first ironman he was given two choices—one of which included raising money for a charity.
“I’m always big about giving back,” Kester said, adding that raising money
He has to raise a minimum of $2,500 before Sept. 15. As of the first week of August he had raised $850. To make a donation, visit http:// bit.ly/1WbpB61, or call Kester at (602) 6286500.
The half ironman includes a 1.2-mile swim in Tempe Town Lake, followed by a 56mile bike ride before concluding with a 13.1mile run. The course will take competitors in a loop three times around Tempe Town Lake before finishing the 70.3 miles.
“A great thing about this event, family or friends may see you five, or six or seven times in the event,” Kester said.
He said he has eight and a half hours to complete the ironman, which he hopes to finish in around seven hours.
“I’m not focused on the time itself,” Kester said. “I could get stronger or
weaker when you start combining things.”
Kester began training in the middle of June for an average ranging from 15 to 20 hours a week.
He knew he had to strengthen his swimming skills because he has never been able to swim very far. He also had to purchase a road bike he could use during the half ironman.
“The funny part is I have ran many half marathons, but never biked 56 miles,” he said.
Kester soon learned that he could swim a mile, which made him feel pretty amazing.
Since June, his training schedule includes nine workouts a week—three
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swims, three bike rides and three runs. A typical week for Kester is riding his bike in the early morning for an hour and a half to two hours and then swimming that evening for 40 minutes to an hour.
“The next day I would do maybe just a run,” he said for 70 to 90 minutes. “The third day I do a bike and swim again. The fourth day it would be a run and swim.”
Kester gives himself a day off a week to let his body rest. Kester’s training has shown him that anything is possible when you set your mind on a goal.
Meghan McCoy is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.
❑ Baby
• Poor weight gain
• Non-effective latch
• Prolonged feeding times
• Gassy, colic, and reflux
❑ Mother
• Severe pain with latch
• Plugged ducts
• Mastitis
• Cracked and bleeding nipples
Dr. Katherine Cotton, DMD, MS Member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
David Kester. Submitted photo
‘Free Market Warrior’ to speak at Republican club
The Sun Lakes Republican Club will feature “economic literacy” with the “Free Market Warrior” Loren Spivack at its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, in the Arizona Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes.
The public is invited to hear Spivack speak. They will also have the opportunity to listen to Maricopa County Supervisor Denny Barney talk. Barney writes a monthly column for the SanTan Sun News.
Do you understand enough about economics to intelligently participate in our Constitutional republic—a government of the people, by the people and for the people? Every four years, millions of Americans go to the polls with little understanding of how a free society is organized. Spivack has delivered this presentation to hundreds of groups all over America. He demonstrates how far our country has strayed from the economic principles which created our prosperity. You will never think about economics the same way again.
“The Free Market Warrior” was born and raised in Massachusetts and spent most of his adult life in New York City. Before becoming active in politics, Spivack worked for several nonprofits and as a management consultant for profit and nonprofit companies. Spivack founded “Free Market Warrior” in 2009 in an effort to make a positive difference in American politics and economics. His background includes the readings of Friedrich Hayek, Milton Friedman, Ludwig von Mises, and Thomas
Sowell. Spivack has conducted his famous “Economic Literacy” seminars across the country to more than 100 groups in 14 states.
After graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1986, Spivack directed that university’s alumni donations program, Telefund, until 1987 when he moved to New York and directed the telephone branch of Brooklyn College’s capital fundraising campaign and then the Telefund program at Columbia University through 1989. In 1990, he was hired by UJA-Federation of New York to create an internal telephone fundraising department which grew over the next 12 years to 25,000 donations per year while generating up to $6 million annually. Spivack left the UJA-Federation in 2003 to pursue private consulting.
Barney will present a “State of the County” update. He was elected in 2012 to a four-year term on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. He served as board chairman in 2014. In his role as supervisor, Barney is focused on carrying out Maricopa County’s constitutional mandates, including public safety. He has prioritized making improvements to county regulatory agencies, including decreasing regulation where appropriate. Barney is a sixth generation native of Arizona and lives in Gilbert with his wife, Nichole, and their four children.
For more information, visit www.slgop.org or contact Mike Tennant at (480) 802-0178.
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LENDING A HAND
The Sun Lakes Fire Department, as part of the wildfire mutual aid system, was deployed Aug. 4 to Anderson, California, to fight the wildfires with its brush unit “Brush 231” for a maximum of two weeks. The combined crew of Sun Lakes firefighters Ariel Barr and Les Pechacek, Alan Glenister of the Goldfield Ranch Volunteer Fire Department, and Coy Boggler of the North City Fire Department relieved crews already fighting huge blazes that have exhausted available firefighting manpower and resources. Shown above are, from left, Pechacek, Barr and Glenister. Photo by Brian Curry
Hamilton student lands paid internship thanks to bank
BY TRACY HOUSE
Andre
Kirunda
is wise beyond his years. The 17-year-old Hamilton High School senior proves this as he speaks about his paid internship at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley, Queen Creek Branch.
Andre was one of five Valley students participating in the Bank of America Student Leaders program. He ironically applied so he could work on his communication and leadership skills.
“I thought I would hopefully improve that, and inspire people rather than just be a boss, be a leader,” he said. “Not only inspiring kids, but the people around me to do their best and help out the kids, fellow classmates and when I’m an adult, adults.”
Andre—who applied for the program with a letter of recommendation, resume and essay—helped with meals 35 hours a week at the club. He floated from one activity to another to interact with the kids through games and arts and crafts. Andre worked with more than 100 kids daily at the club.
“I’ve learned that you have to be really patient with them, but if you’re patient with them, the child will advance 10 times more than the expectations,” he said. “We have a great time with the kids. It’s nice to see how it is to make a difference in the kids’ lives.”
He is doing just that, according to David Bellman, youth development director, for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the
M.D.
East Valley, Queen Creek Branch.
“I wish I had a club staffed by several Andres,” he said enthusiastically. “I have a good team but with his natural leadership abilities, he is a major asset to the Queen Creek club and the organization as a whole. The Bank of America Student Leader program has benefited the Queen Creek branch this summer and the East Valley organization for the last several years. Thank you, Bank of America.”
Andre hopes to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy after graduation to major in aerospace or aeronautical engineering. He wants to serve as an Air Force pilot.
“I will also be applying for the Air Force (AF) ROTC program so I may still pursue opportunities in aerospace or aeronautical engineering in the AF should I get admitted into the program,” Andre said. “In the event that neither one of the Air Force pathways pan out, I will be applying to other universities that will allow me to pursue a B.S. in biochemistry so that I may pursue pediatric neurosurgery after medical school.”
Michelle Duenas, grants manager with the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley, described the students’ experience at her facility.
“We do more than just work with the kids, although that’s a big part of it,” she said. “Working in the clubs is the onthe-job training part of that, in addition to that we do several other things. We start with a thorough orientation of
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Boys & Girls Club and nonprofit work, and then they get to see the different departments and how the organization works. They choose, based on their interests and future career plans, a department or specific staff person to shadow.”
Based on the interns’ interests, Duenas said they work together to plan a program or special event to present to the kids. “When they work we make sure they get a balanced experience, so they’re not stuck in the same job or program area. They’re rotating weekly to different areas and jobs. We do move them around so they’re not doing the same thing the whole summer.”
In July, Andre will join 200 other Bank of America program participants
from around the country for a weeklong leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where they will participate in skillbuilding workshops, a service learning project, session to develop better money habits and meetings with a member of Congress. Since 2004, the program has supported 2,200 young people nationwide.
To learn more about Bank of America’s Corporate Social Responsibility programs and practices, visit www.bankofamerica. com/about and follow the company on Twitter @BofA_News and @BofA_ Community.
Tracy House is a freelancer for SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at news@ santansun.com.
Nish Shah, D.M.D.,
Hamilton High School senior Andre Kirunda recently finished an eight-week, paid summer internship at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley, Queen Creek Branch, through the Bank of America Student Leaders program. Submitted photo