—Daniel Herman, former Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic
“I felt like I was in heaven. If people watch this production, their inner souls will be purified. This really is a
Phoenix • Tucson • Mesa
A TOUCH
HEAVEN.”
FEB 19–MAR 3
of
“There is a massive power in this that can embrace the world. It brings great hope…It is truly
—Choi Yun Xi, Korean President’s Award-winning artist
—Broadway World
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hen Yun’s unique artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures—the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture.
This epic production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most distant past. You’ll explore realms even beyond our visible world. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms—classical Chinese dance—along with patented scenographical effects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom.
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“Absolutely THE NO.1 SHOW in the world” ALL-NEW SHOW WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA
An edition of the East Valley Tribune
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PAGE 8
Sunday, October 14, 2018
31 teen suicides in 15 months fuels alarm here BY JIM WALSH GSN Staff Writer
T
performance for the very fortunate.”
—Kenn Wells, former lead dancer of the English National Ballet
State hands GPS, Higley their grades
hirty-one East Valley teenagers have completed suicide in the past 15 months – including five since Aug. 30 – with the latest a 16-year-old Chandler boy who took his life last week. The alarming trend has prompted parents, school administrators and teachers, youth outreach workers, a state legislator and the mayors of Gilbert and Chandler to mobilize the region and develop a strategy to combat a complicated issue with no easy answer. The most recent deaths occurred in Queen Creek, east Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert, with the youngest an 11-year-old boy. Although the multi-city, multi-dimensional response to the heartbreaking trend is in an early
stage, education consultant Katey McPherson believes she is making progress in developing the community-wide approach that she says is needed to deter teen suicide. “Everyone needs to speak the same language and take action,’’ McPherson said. “Mental health and wellness are an ongoing, progressive education. It’s a constant conversation all year long.’’ McPherson has been building a coalition of allies to combat teen suicide – including Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels, Chandler Mayor-elect Kevin Hartke, state Rep. Jeff Weninger, R-Chandler – as well as community organizations focused on behavioral health issues in both municipalities. The East Valley Behavioral Health Council in Gilbert and For Our City-Chandler have pledged their support. Gilbert Public Schools also is leading the new East Valley Prevention Collab-
Moo over, Gilbert
orative, a network of East Valley school districts that will work together on deterring teen suicide. Noticeably absent is a state-level suicide prevention coordinator. Though that position was created by the State Legislature in the final days of the 2018 session, it has yet to be filled. Suicide is the leading cause of death of Arizonans between the ages of 10 and 14 and the second leading cause of death for those 15-24. Wenninger said he supports more mandatory training for teachers to recognize the warning signs of teen suicide and child abuse. He praised the Tempe Union High School District’s recent groundbreaking training sessions to educate more than 800 employees on the warning signs of suicide and said he hopes
see SUCIDE page 13
Public safety facility plans roll along as vote looms BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor
G (Kimberly Carrillo/GSN Staff Photographer) To celebrate National Farmers Day last week, Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company in Gilbert staged a Farmer Tap Takeover as farmers manned the taps and brewmasters, such as Robby Roseman, participated in a cow-milking competition. Pokie, on of the Arizona Dairy Company's cows, was udderly happy with the change in scenery and probably cud have used a brew herself. Arizona Wilderness Brewing also was touting its line of beers that use lactose to go along with cheese curds from Ariozona Farms Cheese.
ilbert’s proposed Public Safety Training Facility is taking shape with proposed color schemes, landscaping, floor plans and lighting. The Planning Commission recently gave input on the police and fire facility planned on 50 acres of town-owned land near Power and Pecos roads. “I’m excited to see this come forward,” said Commissioner Brian Johns at the Oct. 3 study session. But before any dirt can be turned, Gilbert needs voters to pass a $65.3 million bond in the Nov. 6 general election to help pay for the facility – estimated to cost $84.6 million. If voters agree to tax themselves to pay off the debt, Gilbert property owners would see their secondary property tax raised to $1 from 99 cents of assessed value. That would mean a homeowner with a $250,000 home would pay $3 more a year, according to town officials. The town will fund the remaining $19.6 million. Early voting kicked off Oct. 10 and ends Nov. 2. Staff presented commissioners three color schemes for the administration building and the shooting range with commissioners favoring Scheme A, which included blue glass, grays and a reddish-color
see TRAINING page3