October 6 – 19, 2012
www.SanTanSun.com
Vaccines, booster shots still best medicine by Cody Matera
A nationwide outbreak of pertussis, or whooping cough, has found its way to SanTan Sun area communities. Arizona in particular has felt the effects of the recent resurgence, with ongoing outbreaks in Gilbert and Mesa. Local physicians strongly recommend booster shots for older children and adults, especially those who have contact with unvaccinated infants, for whom the illness can be devastating. An outbreak of mumps at Higley Elementary in Gilbert in February – the first case of mumps at the school in a decade – has also left parents and medical professionals concerned that Valley’s youth are at risk. New studies show that vaccines meant to combat pertussis have substantially decreased in effectiveness over time, leaving even fully vaccinated individuals vulnerable to infection.
TASTE: Chandler’s Culinary Festival is a gourmet food and wine tasting event that features more than 30 SanTan Sun area restaurants. Chef J.F. Conrad of the Cordon Bleu School demonstrates at the 2011 event, which also showcases local businesses and benefits area charities. In addition to food samplings, there will be tastings of fine wines, craft beers and spirits. TASTE is from 5 to 10 p.m. Sat., Oct. 6 in downtown Chandler. For more, see Page 12 or visit www.tastechandler.com. Submitted photo
Time to make Medicare changes by Alison Stanton
“When you first get a vaccine, it alerts your body to that disease and teaches your body how to fight it off once you get it,” says Shoana Anderson, office chief for infectious diseases at the Arizona Department of Health Services. “Basically, as you start to get older, your body starts to forget that vaccine and how to fight that disease.” However, the worst effect of this outbreak is that many adults spending time around infants can potentially pass the illness on to them, because babies
For those already on a Medicare Plan who want to change or drop plans, this year’s Medicare Annual Election Period begins Oct. 15. As an independent broker of Medicare products, Alan Beyerle, CPCU, is expecting a surge in appointments and phone calls as he helps his clients determine which plan is right for them. Beyerle, who owns Alan Beyerle Insurance Agency, Inc. in Chandler, also offers a full array of services to his clients, including commercial, personal, auto, home and health insurance. To help people select their Medicare plans, Beyerle explains the ins and outs of available choices for Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Prescription Drugs and Medicare Special Needs. “There are a lot of different plans out there,” he says. “The only way to clearly explain the various choices is to sit down with my clients and go over exactly what their options are. These include rates, co-payments, coverages and exclusions. Only through individual client counseling can they make an informed decision on what is best for them. That’s why it is important to have
see Vaccines page 8
see Medicare page 9
CUSTOM TAILORED: Finding the right Medicare plan should be a personal process, says Alan Beyerle, an insurance agent who considers clients’ individual lifestyles, including travel plans and physical health, when advising them. Submitted photo
Award-winning coach takes time out Gazing around Bill Morgan’s cozy lakefront home in Chandler, one notices there is no hint of the man’s extraordinary accomplishments. Nothing jumps out to remind visitors of the three state football championships and numerous division titles he can claim as an elite high school football coach. One of the most successful football coaches on any level in Arizona, Morgan, 52, has not coached a team since taking Valley Christian High School to the state title game in 2009, a contest ironically played against St. Johns, a program directed by his brother, Mike. Morgan’s wife, Carla, known around campus and the football stadium for her thick, waist-length mane of blonde hair, was an American Sign Language
teacher at Valley Christian. She currently teaches at Hamilton High. When asked, Morgan retreats to a small table and produces the key to the City of Show Low for leading the football-crazed mountain community to their 1999 state title win. Morgan blushes and seems embarrassed by the honor. “The rivalries are so intense in the mountains.” In 2009, Morgan’s son, Jordan, a quarterback and defensive back, was honored as 2009 Small School Player of the Year by The Arizona Republic. The family returned to their White Mountain roots in 2010 so Jordan could play at Blue Ridge High School his senior year.
see Coach page 10
CHAMPION COACH: Coach Bill Morgan, right, celebrates the 2009 Chandler Valley Christian State Championship with his son, Jordan, wife Carla and daughter Nicole shortly after the on-field trophy presentation. Submitted Photo
F E AT U R E D STO R I E S Rain brings mosquitoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . community . . . Page 4 Dentist eliminates oral angst . . . . . . . . . . business . . . . . . Page 18 Preschool celebrates birthday . . . . . . . . . youth . . . . . . Page 29 The Cove: tasty refuge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . neighbors . . . . Page 47 Lost & found time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . spirituality . . . Page 59 SanTan Family Fun: Halloween makeovers made easy – Center Section
More Community . . . . . . . . . 1-15 Business . . . . . . . . . . 16-26 Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-36 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . 45-46 Neighbors . . . . . . . . 47-58 Spirituality . . . . . . . 59-62 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63-69 Directory . . . . . . . . . 70-72 Classifieds . . . . . . . . 73-74 Where to eat . . . . . 75-80