City gearing up to show off local artists’ musical prowess
BY MARJORIE RICE
On April 2, stand on a sidewalk in downtown Chandler, close your eyes and you may think you’ve been transported to New Orleans’ French Quarter, with strains of jazz coming from every direction.
On that spring Saturday, jazz performers will set up on the sidewalks in front of five downtown shops to entertain music fans as part of the 17th annual Chandler Jazz Festival, April 1 and April 2. Admission is free.
The event kicks off Friday night, with a blues vibe on the new Main Stage in the Downtown Library Plaza, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave. It swings into the sidewalk jazz on Saturday, followed by a night of jazz on the Main Stage.
Blues bands include the Levi Platero Band, Paul Cruize and the Blues Crew and headliners R.D. Olson Blues Band. Saturday night’s Main Stage action kicks off with the South Mountain Community College Latin Jazz Big Band, followed by the Gabriel Mark Hasselbach Quintet and winding up with headliners El Chicano.
And that’s not all.
In addition to the sidewalk music, blues and jazz entertainers will perform at the Ostrich Lounge, El Zocalo, Vintage 95 and the Original Chop Shop restaurants. Each night ends with a jam session at Vintage 95.
The festival has been swinging downtown Chandler since 2000, and it’s grown to become Arizona’s largest free jazz event, with music, a beer and wine garden, vendors, food trucks and more.
Community paramedics try to reduce emergency medical calls
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Each year, Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department responds to about 16,000 medical emergencies.
In an effort to reduce the number of these calls, the department is adopting a preventive stance.
The department’s Community Paramedicine program, in effect since 2014, has been quietly working with individuals who have complex medical issues. The idea is to help them better manage their diseases, and thereby reduce their dependency on 9-1-1 calls and emergency hospital visits.
“It’s been a great outreach to our community,” said interim Fire Chief Tom Dwiggins. “We met with hundreds of people who’ve complex medical issues and we’ve been able to provide them the education
they need to create a healthier lifestyle for themselves.”
Once paramedics have identified people who they feel will benefit with education and tools, they pass their information to the Community Paramedics team.
In teams of two, two-person community paramedic crews, the Community Paramedics visit individuals with chronic conditions in a nonemergency situation in their homes. They help the patients to understand their disease better, help them navigate the healthcare system and adopt a regular routine with their medications. For example, in the case of diabetic patients, the paramedics would educate them on the benefits of diet and exercise, the importance of taking their medications on schedule and similar matters.
Bart Salzman is artistic director and founder of the festival.
He got the gig in 1992, when Rich Dlugas, then director of community services for Chandler, asked him to
put together a festival to draw people downtown.
“Chandler had a Jazz Fest,” Salzman said, “But they had it in a park east of downtown and they wanted to bring it to the center of the city. My vision was to create a French Quarter feel with music everywhere. I made a couple of calls, and in a week we had $10,000 and sponsors, and we put on a festival in April 2000. In 17 years we’ve never missed a beat.”
Salzman, himself a jazz trumpeter, runs the festival as a consultant for the City.
“Each year we’ve attracted more famous performers and a bigger budget,” he said. “Typically we get 10,000 people over the two days, depending on the weather.”
New this year is the permanent Main Stage, in the park next to the downtown library. That required a change in scheduling, Salzman said. “The stage has no shade, so we’re not able to put bands on the stage until 5 p.m. We used to have local bands during Saturday afternoon, so we now have a lot more stuff in restaurants and on sidewalks during the day on Saturday.
“We want people to know that there’s a lot going on Saturday, starting at 2:30.”
Music fans can wander through downtown, shopping, snacking and
Student’s view of politics changes after attending Sanders’ rally
Hamilton High School graduate and ASU journalism student Elisabeth Niman attended Bernie Sanders’ rally on March 15 in Phoenix. These are her thoughts.
BY ELISABETH NIMAN
I am a first-time presidential election voter. I attended the Bernie Sanders’ campaign rally March 15 at the Phoenix Convention Center and it changed how I view politics.
First-time voters have a rare opportunity. They can continue to vote in the future, educate themselves about politics and involve themselves in the democratic process, or they can become so jaded by poll results, election outcomes and the general state of society that they rarely bother to voice their opinion again.
This election cycle, however, voting has become a priority—even if for the wrong reasons. Many people say they’re afraid a
fascist or socialist will take power and ruin the country. As a result, candidates and their campaigns try and sway your vote. The drawback to being an inexperienced voter is they are successful at this, and you, the voter, are not always sure why. I will use my recent experience as an example.
My backstory: I had an average upbringing. I’m moderate on the political scale and had a modest education courtesy of Hamilton High School. We live in a decent part of Chandler, and I have two siblings—a sister and a dog. I have realistic expectations of life: paying off college debt until I’m 40, married with two kids by 35, a steady writing job interspersed with rogue freelance work. All in all, an exceptionally average life.
I didn’t understand the obsessive draw politicians like Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders inspired until I attended Sanders’
The Levi Platero Band opens the Chandler Jazz Festival on the Downtown Stage at 5 p.m. Friday, April 1. Submitted photo
Motorcycle safety training course is offered
enjoying the sidewalk sounds, then spread out on the grass for the evening, or head to restaurants where some of the headliner bands also will play after their Main Stage performances. And after the main show each night, they can check out the jam sessions at Vintage 95. “Those are unbelievable fun,” Salzman said.
The festival includes all types of jazz–blues, old standards, modern, vocalists–again, echoing New Orleans’ eclectic mix. “If you go stand in the middle of downtown Chandler you’ll get that blending,” Salzman said. “I love that feel–it’s an exciting vibe, that’s what we try to create.”
It’s called a jazz festival but Friday night the blues rule. “Glendale used to have a jazz and blues festival,” Salzman
said. “They stopped doing that three years ago, and we decided to bring those bands and those fans to Chandler. We get a whole different crowd on blues night, which is a lot of fun.
“On the blues side, the Phoenix Blues Society is the sponsor. They’re my partners in picking the blues bands. We have three of the finest blues bands around. The first is from Albuquerque. They’re young guys who are really hot.
The Levi Platero Band. Paul Cruize is a fixture here. He’s got the unbelievable Royce Murray on organ. And the R.D. Olson Blues Band is the real deal blues. Vocal and harmonica-led, R.D. Olson is the band leader. They just came back from the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. They were the top winners in the Arizona competition for blues
bands. They’ve been around a long time.”
Jazz night headliners El Chicano has been a standout in L.A. Latino Rock for upward of 40 years, with various artists over the years. “They’re like Santana,” Salzman said. “They’re every bit as good but they have day jobs and don’t tour as much. It’s primarily Latin pop and jazz. They get a huge audience every time.”
The Chandler Jazz Festival takes place at various times Friday, April 1, and Saturday, April 2, at the Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. The concerts are free. Call (480) 861-3236 or visit www.chandler. gov/jazz for more information.
The Chandler Police Department is hosting a motorcycle safety training course 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 2, in the parking lot of Hamilton High School, 3700 S. Arizona Ave. The course is free and limited to 40 riders.
Riders of all levels of experience are encouraged to sign up for the course. Applicants must provide their own motorcycle and safety equipment and have the proper motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license.
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety provided a $14,924 funding to the department’s traffic unit to offer the course, which is designed to educate the public on the safe operation of a motorcycle. If any of the participants want to stay for additional riding or further instruction, the officers will stay for several more hours if needed.
To access the course application, go to www.chandlerpd.com.
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Gabriel Mark Hasselbach brings his quintet to the festival’s Downtown Stage at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, April 2. Submitted photo
The R.D. Olson Blues Band performs at 8 p.m. Friday, April 1, on the Downtown Stage. Submitted photo
“So far, the program has worked with about 100 people through their scheduled visits and reviewed 1,700 patient encounters to provide follow-up as needed,” said Val Gale, department spokesman and Health and Innovations battalion chief.
Additionally, when they are not scheduled for appointments, the team is available in the 9-1-1 system to run lowacuity type of calls, he said.
The program does not use additional costs and uses the current resources available to the department.
Dwiggins said that community paramedics programs are increasingly available in cities around the nation in different variations, and they are aimed at reducing the number of emergency calls.
“We would much rather spend our time and energy preventing an emergency from never happening than responding on an emergency,” he said.
The interim Fire Chief said that the
department is taking a page out of its own history.
In earlier times, in an effort to reduce the number of fires, the department started educating the public on how to prevent fires in their homes and businesses.
“We’ve taken that same approach with our medical calls, and we’re trying to provide education to our citizens on ways that they can have healthier lifestyles,” Dwiggins said.
One way to measure the program’s success is to analyze call data and see if the number of calls have dropped.
Dwiggins said that talking to the patients is a better way to measure the success.
“A lot of our measurement comes from that human contact; where our paramedics can sit down with the patient and ask how they feel,” he said. “The patients have told us when we visit them that they feel so much better, and they feel like they’re finally being able to live with whatever disease they have.”
Health Connect Expo offers valuable information for the family
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Get ahead with your wellness information by attending the Health Connect Expo.
Mayor Jay Tibshraeny’s initiative for a healthier Chandler includes the annual wellness event; it takes place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center.
“Four years ago, the mayor introduced what he called his Health Connect Initiative—a three-pronged approach through physical health, financial health and mental health,” said Dave Bigos, the City’s mayor and council assistant. “This is an offshoot of the physical wellness portion of that initiative.”
Health Connect Expo brings 30 vendors, speakers and demonstrations under one roof, all geared toward health and wellness.
Here’s a sampling: Information from nearly 30 health and wellness organizations and City departments; blood sugar checks, oral health for kids and hearing and vision screenings by Dignity Health of Arizona; fitness and cooking demonstrations; and child fingerprinting by Chandler Police.
Mobile On-site Mammography will offer breast cancer screenings conducted by a
licensed and registered mammographer. They will take about 15 minutes and will be done in the mobile office in the recreation center’s parking lot.
Breast cancer screenings are available to Medicare patients; also, most major insurance carriers are accepted. Staff will verify insurance benefits and advise if there are any charges payable by the patient.
Meanwhile, the Desert Cancer Foundation of Arizona will cover the cost for noninsured or underinsured patients.
Residents must bring their insurance card, doctor’s name and address and location of prior mammogram films. For appointments, call (480) 967-3767 or (800) 285-0272.
“We’re trying to take a multigenerational approach as well so there’s something for the entire family,” Bigos said.
There’s no charge to attend the expo. What’s more, you may leave your wallet at home.
“We don’t allow anyone to sell anything there either,” Bigos said. “It’s informational and there’re a lot of giveaways as well.”
For more details, visit chandleraz.gov/ connect or call (480) 782-2243.
Spring Boutique to benefit school
St. Mary-Basha Catholic School is hosting its first Spring Boutique from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the school, 200 W. Galveston St., Chandler.
The event will boast a variety of local vendors, as well as food vendors on site
throughout the day. Grab a cup of coffee, a bite to eat and shop for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and teacher appreciation gifts. Proceeds benefit the school. For more information, call (480) 963-4951.
Chandler uses these vehicles to send two-person community paramedic crews to visit individuals with chronic conditions in their homes. Submitted photo
County supervisors cheer on youngsters in robotics competition
Maricopa County Supervisors Steve Gallardo, District 5, and Denny Barney, District 1, were on hand at the first Regional Sea Perch Underwater Robotics Competition recently.
The competition hosted 20 underwater robotic teams from the county to vie for a spot in the Sea Perch International Competition later this year. The March event brought together 150 students, actively engaged in the study of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to compete and advance to international competition.
“Science is so important and that’s why you’re here today,” Gallardo told the student participants. “You spent the past weeks and months preparing and working hard and, today, you’re able to see your robot compete. And that’s what’s so exciting.”
The event took place at Chandler High School Aquatics Center, which falls in Maricopa County’s District 1.
“We are proud to host this important event,” Barney said. “These children represent our future, and it’s important that we take every opportunity to encourage them to explore STEM education, which will help us remain competitive in the job market of tomorrow.”
The event was made possible with a $25,000 grant from the Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority (IDA). The grant request was submitted by the Si Se Puede Foundation, a 501
(c)(3) nonprofit organization helping underserved communities in Chandler and South Phoenix.
“I commend the IDA for funding this important project that will allow youth in our underserved communities to show their smarts, learn, and have fun,” Gallardo said. “As a former Governing Board member representing Carl Hayden High School, which won a national robotics competition beating M.I.T., I am a strong supporter of STEM education.”
“You are our future scientists, our future engineers, and our future leaders,” Victor Vidales, IDA board president, told participants. “We are honored and excited to be able to help make today’s competition a reality.”
“This event will empower all participants to enhance their STEM skill sets, expose them to a highly competitive and challenging environment, and provide an opportunity to advance to international competition,” said Alberto Esparza, president and CEO of the Si Se Puede Foundation. “This event is consistent with our mission of providing educational opportunities for underserved youth, while developing the next generation of STEM leaders so they are workforce ready.”
The Maricopa IDA’s mission is to create and maintain jobs within the County, and assist residents of the County to achieve a better standard of living and way of life. Since May 1975 the Industrial Development Authority of the County
DEADLINES FOR SANTAN SUN NEWS: APRIL 2
The deadline for news and advertising is 12 p.m. Thursday, March. 24, for the Saturday, April 2, 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.
of Maricopa has served Arizona with distinction. The authority has helped spur economic development, increased the availability of affordable housing, and as of November 2013 has financed in excess of 436 projects throughout the state. These efforts continue to bring new benefits to the state’s economy every year. for information, visit www.mcida. com.
The rules of competition and underwater robotic challenges is governed by Sea Perch Program and managed by Association of Unmanned
Vehicle Systems International Foundation. The Sea Perch Program provides students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science, and mathematics while building a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) as part of a science and technology curriculum. Students build a competition ready ROV from a kit comprised of low-cost, easily accessible parts, following a curriculum that teaches basic engineering and science concepts with a marine engineering theme. For information, visit www.seaperch.org.
The first Sea Perch Underwater Robotics competition hosted 20 teams to vie for a spot in the Sea Perch International competition later this year. Submitted photo
Young Asian leaders learn about American civic engagement
BY KEN ABRAMCZYK
Chandler’s Economic Development Department is hosting 23 young leaders and professionals from 10 countries as part of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative.
The 23 participants were expected to meet on Wednesday, March 16, with officials from the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and visit and tour Gangplank and Innovations. These fellows, whose trip was funded by a grant from the U.S. State Department, already visited economic development departments in Phoenix and Tempe. Other cities on their five-week itinerary include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tucson and Washington, D.C.
David Benson, YSALI director at ASU, said the program helps young entrepreneurs learn how to develop a business model and American social entrepreneurship. “It helps them start economic development in their home country,” Benson said.
The fellows participate on student or professional levels to learn civic engagement, NGO management, economic empowerment, governance, the legislative process and environmental and natural resources management. Applicants must be community leaders, 25 to 35 years old, currently employed and with at least two years of professional experience at the time of the application, speak English proficiently and have a track record of making an impact in their community. Students between ages of 18 and 25 can apply to be a YSALI academic fellow.
The fellows connect to business officials in Chandler to learn about potential hurdles and entrepreneurial challenges. Benson said a fellow from Cambodia wanted to begin a farm collective for rice there. Another from Indonesia wanted to start an ice cream business, using locally sourced fruit.
Benson said the owner of Paletas Betty, an ice cream store in Chandler, met with the Indonesian entrepreneur to discuss his experiences in starting his business.
The fellows learn the academic and cultural components of business startups, including connecting to the public, resolving issues with customers and creating a strategy to work with local government.
Participants learn about the challenges in working with citizens and see how local governments work with businesses. The fellows met with a light rail commission to see how it helped businesses.
“The participants learn about how we work with citizens and set policies,” Benson said. “They are exposed to American processes. They will be meeting [with the Chandler Chamber of Commerce] to start up a methodology for a business plan.” The fellows will learn about business leads and challenges.
The idea is to take the processes back to their home countries with the knowledge of possible solutions for their businesses and communities. “They learn how to put together a solid business plan and find solutions with their customers” in building empathy and responding as part of the process, Benson said.
Use golf skills to help veterans
East Valley Marines, Detachment 1296, is sponsoring its third annual golf tournament to benefit Arizona service members. The tournament is on April 15 at the Oakwood Country Club, 24215 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes.
It is a four-person scramble with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Players will also get a chance to mingle with several of the sponsored disabled veterans who are golfing at the event. The charge is $75. Sponsorships
are $100 to $1,000.
All net proceeds support the “Marines Helping Marines” program and the U.S. Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment West, providing assistance to Arizona Marine heroes in the form of transportation, shelter, food, power chairs and financial aid.
Player spots and sponsorships are still available. There are raffle prizes and a lunch included. Visit www.eastvalleymarines.org for more information.
Bank robbery suspect commits suicide inside his vehicle
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Chandler Police Department is yet to identify the adult white male who robbed the First Bank at Warner and Alma School roads on Friday, March 11 and subsequently killed himself inside his car.
“We’re investigating whether he was involved in other stuff,” said Detective Seth Tyler, a Chandler Police Department spokesman.
Around 9:30 a.m. on that day, the suspect entered the bank, displayed a firearm and took away an undisclosed amount of cash from the bank, officers said.
With the help of witnesses, Chandler officers were quickly able to provide a description of the suspect and his vehicle, both of which were found at a Chevron gas station on the northwest corner of Country Club Drive and Guadalupe Road in Mesa.
Mesa’s SWAT team moved in and began
to negotiate with the man, asking him to surrender.
At one point, the suspect exited the vehicle and confronted the officers with a firearm in his hand, Tyler said.
“Officers began giving the suspect commands, ordering him to drop the gun and surrender; he did not comply,” he said.
“After a few minutes, he went back in the car, shut the door and shot himself.”
He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Besides the suspect committing suicide, there were no injuries, and the officers did not fire their weapons at the suspect and the suspect did not fire his weapon at the officers or anyone else.
Tyler said that the investigation is still open and that the department is “working on the release of his identity.”
Noble named Rotarian of the month
Norm Noble of Ironwood was named Rotarian of the Month of March for the Sun Lakes Rotary Club. During his 11 years with the club, he has served in several positions, once as president, twice heading up the club’s annual golf tournament, and annually spearheading the club’s promotional activities.
Noble majored in English at Colgate University and did graduate work at the University of Washington. He worked in the commercial aerospace field for 45 years, traveling approximately 150,000 miles a year to visit airframe and airline companies in 82 countries around the world. He owned the Noble Group, a company that wrote and published custom newsletters for corporations, for 10 years after that.
He has authored five novels and continues to write, but mostly for local outlets relating to Rotary and the First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes, where he serves as a deacon.
Noble and his wife, DenisAnn, have four daughters, one son, 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. They have lived in Redmond, Washington, and Sun Lakes since 2003.
Rotary programs scheduled are:
• March 22: Rotarian Julian Pickens, a family therapist specializing in substance abuse, will discuss drug addiction.
• March 29: Rotarian David Mork, whose 40-year career centered on rendering financial advisory services in business turnarounds, restructuring, and bankruptcy practice areas, will
discuss the most recent banking crisis in America.
Norm Noble, Rotarian of the month, twice headed up the club’s annual golf tournament. Submitted photo
• April 5: five students from Arizona College PrepErie campus, Basha, Chandler, Hamilton and Perry high schools will participate in a speech contest, addressing how the Rotary Four Way Test might be applied to their lives or the lives of others as well as especially to their peer group.
• April 26: Brock Barnhart, assistant communications director for the Arizona Department of Transportation, will discuss the South Mountain Freeway. The Loop 202 freeway, also known as the South Mountain Freeway, the last piece to complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeway system and expected to open by late 2019.
The Rotary Club meets for breakfast every Tuesday morning at 6:30 a.m. in the Oakwood Country Club Ballroom, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes. The meetings start at 7 a.m. and end promptly at 8 a.m. Cost of breakfast is $12. To make reservations for any meeting, contact Don Prestin at (480) 802-0439.
Crawford named ‘Man of the Year’ by Chandler Men of Action
The Chandler Men of Action, an AfricanAmerican youth empowerment organization, has awarded the 2016 Coy Payne Man of the Year Award to Dr. William H. Crawford III, vice president of student affairs at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. The presentation took place at the organization’s fourth annual banquet and fundraiser at the Chandler Community Center.
The award, which recognizes men who embody the CMOA mission of creating an environment of hope and opportunity for African-American youth, was given to Crawford for his commitment to educational leadership and the academic success of students in and outside of the classroom.
“Dr. Crawford exemplifies leadership in the educational community and beyond through his support, encouragement and participation in activities and programs that promote educational equity, which aligns with the mission and goals of both the Maricopa Community Colleges District and the Chandler Men of Action,” said Pastor
Victor Hardy, CMOA president. Crawford is chairman of the City of Chandler Merit System Board and chairman of the Si Se Puede Foundation’s Board of Directors. He is a board member of the East Valley Partnership, East Valley NAACP, and CMOA. He was previously employed with the Phoenix Police Department for more than 23 years, where he held numerous positions, He has doctorate and master’s degrees from Northern Arizona University and a bachelor’s degree in justice studies from ASU.
“Bill is an invaluable leader both at Chandler-Gilbert Community College and in the community,” said Dr. William Guerriero, interim president of CGCC. “He is a consummate professional and a mentor to many at the college, ensuring that every action and activity taken at the college contributes to student success. The college is appreciative that he is being recognized with this honor.”
Training of hearing service dogs will be discussed
Kristi Nolde-Morrissey, founder of Diamond Dogz of Arizona, will discuss what dogs and handlers need to learn and how dogs are taught, 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at the Ed Robson Branch Library, Lecky Center, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.
Diamond Dogz is an all-volunteer
nonprofit organization dedicated to the training and certification of hearing service dogs.
Real-time captioning will be provided and the meeting room is looped for hearing accessibility. Parking is available in the church lot next to the library. Refreshments will be offered.
SALON OROZCO
McQueen Road improvements to be discussed
Improvements to McQueen Road in South Chandler will be the subject of a public meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, at Chandler’s Hamilton Branch Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave. The roadway is bordered on the west by the Paseo Crossings and Rockwood Estates neighborhoods and on the east primarily by unincorporated areas.
McQueen Road south of the Santan Freeway has been widened over the past decade. Construction is about to begin on the final leg of McQueen Road to be improved in south Chandler; the two-lane segment between Chandler Heights and Riggs Road.
The upcoming project will take approximately $4 million and eight months to complete and will widen the roadway
to four lanes, plus add bike lanes, turn lanes, landscaped medians, street lighting, storm drains, curb, gutter, sidewalks and the extension of underground water, sewer and reclaimed water lines.
Grey Mountain Construction LLC was awarded the construction contract, of which $3 million comes from a federal grant. Traffic volumes on the current roadway average 8,300 vehicles per weekday at the southern end and increase to 28,000 vehicles daily at the point where McQueen reaches the Loop 202 Santan Freeway.
Information about the project will be available online in late March at www. McQueenRoadChandler.com and a 24-hour hotline has been established at (602) 7507139 to answer questions.
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Construction is about to begin on the final leg of McQueen Road to be improved in South Chandler Submitted photo
Former union service representative will discuss wage equality
Dave Martin, a retired union service representative, will talk about unions in Arizona and wage equality and the minimum wage at the next meeting of the Sun Lakes Democratic Club, 7 p.m. Monday, April 11, in the Navajo Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 Sun Lakes Blvd.
Bill Mundell and Tom Chabin, Democratic candidates for the Corporation Commission, Jennifer Pawlik, candidate for the Arizona House, and Steve Weichert, candidate for the Arizona Senate, will also give presentations.
Nonperishable food items are collected prior to all club meetings in the west parking lot from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank. There is also a collection box at the north entrance of the Sun Lakes Sunset Grill lobby. The amount collected in February was 232 pounds of food and $20. The total collected in 2015 was 2,310 pounds of food and $686.
Sun Lakes Democratic Club meetings are on the second Monday of each month. Refreshments are served. Info: call Tom Amrhein at (480) 895-1162.
Volunteers needed to assist with ‘Let’s Pull Together’
Volunteers are needed to assist with Chandler’s annual “Let’s Pull Together” community service event, which will be held every Saturday during the month of April to help beautify Chandler neighborhoods during the weed season. Volunteers will help remove weeds from alleys and public areas, as well as assist seniors and disabled residents with front yard maintenance. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Cristabel Dykstra at
(480) 782-4354 or email cristabel. dykstra@chandleraz.gov.
Residents may report properties and public areas with weeds by calling (480) 782-4320 or by completing an online form at chandleraz.gov/forms/sr.aspx.
Residents also have the option to make a report using the free Chandler PublicStuff mobile app. Senior or disabled residents who need assistance with weed removal may call (480) 7824354.
Two are named East Valley Heroes by UBS
Rachael Witkin and Barbara Hover from the Bank of America Chandler Boulevard Campus were named 2015 East Valley Heroes at the United Blood Services annual awards event. Guests at the event heard from Amanda Missildine, who is alive today because of 112 red blood cell, platelet and plasma transfusions.
“Their generosity will always be a part of who I am,” said Missildine, who was diagnosed with a rare genetic liver condition known as Wilson’s Disease in 2005 while she was a senior in high school. “As a matter of fact, they inspired
me to become a nurse.” Following her story, she met 11 of the blood donors who saved her life.
Last year, more than 1,312 organizations hosted 3,597 blood drives across Arizona, which provided 90,158 blood donations. Because blood can be separated into components to benefit multiple patients, those donations saved more than 200,000 Arizona lives.
UBS, a non-profit community blood provider since 1943, serves patients in more than 60 Arizona hospitals. Info: 1-877-UBS-HERO (1-877-827-4376) or www.UnitedBloodServicesAZ.org.
Chandler’s Bank of America coordinators Barbara Hover, left, and Rachel Witkin, center, were among the top 2 percent of award-winning blood drive coordinators honored by United Blood Services, earning Hero Awards for providing the largest impact on the blood supply. UBS Executive Director Audrey Jennings is on the far right. Submitted photo
Celebrating safety
Chandler celebrated its long history with ostriches during the annual Ostrich Parade on Saturday, March 5, in downtown Chandler. Immediately following the event, the Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department, in conjunction with the Chandler Police Department, hosted its yearly Public Safety Day. Photos courtesy of the Chandler Police Department
for
Officer Garduno takes a break from clearing Arizona Avenue for the Ostrich Festival Parade to visit with a spectator and her dog.
The Chandler Explorers Post considerably helps the Chandler Police Department with its responsibilities
the Ostrich Festival Parade and Public Safety Day.
Sgt. Stewart kicks off the 2016 Ostrich Festival Parade as he performs one final clearing of the street.
A young crowd gathers around Officer Miller and his motorcycle.
The Chandler Police Department hosted its annual Public Safety Day on March 5 in conjunction with the Chandler Fire, Health, & Medical Department.
The SAU robot was on hand to show off its many talents.
There were a number of giveaway items and kiosks for adults and children.
The Forensic Unit had the event’s most creative display.
Officer Farley, a member of the department’s Special Assignment Unit (SAU), helps a youngster try on one of the heavy ballistic vests.
The K-9 Unit was on display to answer questions and provide a demonstration.
Parents had the opportunity to have their children fingerprinted, measured and photographed.
The Chandler Police Department is comprised of a number of units and sections that utilize sworn and civilian personnel. Park Ranger McKenna shows off his mobile office to a youngster.
Officer O’Neil, right, represented the department’s Honor Guard.
Volunteers needed to promote water safety and drowning prevention
Chandler firefighters are asking residents and groups to join them in their sixth annual a door-to-door campaign through local neighborhoods to help prevent water-related tragedies in the community. The 2016 drowning prevention campaign kicks off 9 a.m. Saturday, April 2, at the Desert Oasis Aquatic Center at 1400 W. Summit Pl. The goal is to educate residents about the importance of water safety for both children and adults.
The campaign targets a different section of the city each year, and this year the walk area targets 14,077 homes in North Chandler, including the neighborhoods east of the Loop 101 Price
Freeway and north of Galveston Street.
Last year more than 100 volunteers visited 15,388 homes.
CFHM Department staff will assign small groups of volunteers to a specific Chandler neighborhood and provide instructions, maps and door hangers with water safety information. Participants will then walk their assigned route and leave a door hanger at every home. Each route will take two to three hours to complete. Volunteers must provide their own transportation to the neighborhood they are assigned, and they are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, hats, sun glasses, sunscreen and to take along drinking water.
Children and youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult or be part of a supervised group.
Four fatalities last year
Last year, CFHM responded to 11 water-related incidents that involved adults and children, with four fatalities. “These tragedies take lives and change lives 100 percent of the time,” said CFHM Acting Fire Chief Tom Dwiggins. “The focus of this campaign is to remind the community that these incidents continue to happen, they happen to adults and to children, and they are preventable.”
According to Dwiggins, children need direct and constant adult supervision and barriers to water, such as pool fences. Adults must take responsibility for their own safety around water, never swimming alone, while under the influence of
alcohol or when taking medications that cause drowsiness. Additionally, adults must take personal responsibility for securing pools or other bodies of water at their home, supervising children in their care, and teaching them how to swim at the appropriate age. Learning how to perform CPR is also an important step that adults can take to better prepare themselves for a medical emergency. Dwiggins is appealing to all segments of the community to assist in this effort, including scouting groups, religious congregations, businesses, service clubs, swim teams and other organizations. Individuals or groups that cannot participate on April 2 can still support the walk at a time that is more convenient. For informaion or to register: (480) 782-2124 or visit chandlerfire@chandleraz. gov prior to April 2.
Secret storage spot in every home
UNUSED SPACE:
Totes above the garage door can’t be seen from the street.
A garage storage system that utilizes the space above the garage door is being offered by Keep Track Storage Solutions of Chandler, which can install 30 totes above most standard 16-foot garage doors with 12 inches of available headroom left between the garage door and ceiling.
“People like concealing their stuff in cabinets or containers put on shelves, but then both take up valuable space you need to park your car inside and still open your car doors,” says Marshall Schoewe, Keep Track president. “I’ve affordably captured that void of unused space above garage doors like never before.”
Because the totes are arranged in a two-dimensional grid pattern, customers can document the contents with photos and then upload them with a free software app onto their computer or storage device for instant reference.
Chandler Fire Marshal Cina Sunderhaus hands out door hangers to volunteers at the 2015 Drowning Prevention Neighborhood Walk. Submitted photo
Members of the Desert Thunder Aquatics Team receive instructions before starting the 2015 Drowning Prevention Neighborhood Walk Submitted photo
ICAN Chandler receives $35,000
grant from DPR Foundation
ICAN has received a $35,000 grant to support its youth development programs from the DPR Foundation, an initiative of DPR Construction to help disadvantaged children. DPR Construction also partners with ICAN and other valley agencies for the annual DPR School of Construction that takes place each summer to show youth the construction industry through an interactive day of learning at the DPR campus.
“DPR Construction is a long-standing and valued partner of ICAN,” said Shelby Pederson, ICAN’s interim executive director. “They not only invest in our programs through grant funding, but also dedicate leadership time in our programs and developing curriculum for our youth to learn about their industry.”
ICAN is a free, family-centered youth service in the East Valley that provides programs to equip youth to achieve personal and academic success by tackling substance abuse, gang involvement and juvenile delinquency. Info: (480) 821-4207 or www.icanaz.org.
The DPR Foundation has awarded more than $5 million to 34 different organizations across the country. Info: www.dprfoundation.org.
Child abuse prevention is discussion topic
Owen Fabert will speak about child abuse prevention after the next luncheon of the Sisterhood, 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 13, in the Bradford Room of the Oakwood clubhouse, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd., Sun Lakes. Cost is $22. Lunch will consist of cranberry chicken on a croissant, side salad, flourless butterscotch torte dessert and coffee, and iced tea.
To RSVP: call Margo at (480) 8953226 before May 4.
ICAN youth enjoy a DPR School of Construction program that takes place in the summer and teaches youth about the construction industry. Submitted photo
Seton’s music education program hits the right notes
March is National Music in Our Schools Month, an annual observance that promotes the benefits of quality music education programs in schools.
Seton Catholic Prep ushered in the month by launching a Ukulele Club, which was formed by 12 students who are big fans of this tiny instrument. Also, Seton celebrated the accomplishments of Lexi Hill of Gilbert and Danielle Peterson of Phoenix who were selected to perform at the All-Regional Honor Festival for Band, and Katrina Jacques of Gold Canyon who successfully auditioned for the All-Regional Choir.
Music is an integral part of Seton’s Fine Arts Program, which is housed in the state-ofthe art Fine Arts Building. Dedicated in the fall 2011, the building includes a 400-seat theater, music computer lab, dance and art studios and 14 multipurpose classrooms.
“At Seton Catholic, we are proud of our student efforts in music and all fine arts,” Principal Pat Collins said. “When we talk
Phoenix rally. I went with a group of friends, all rabid Sanders’ supporters, and a camera. We stood in line, surrounded by Sanders’ supporters and advertising, cellphones and backpacks. We listened to guest speakers and singers. We were content to stand and wait for Sanders’ arrival, but anticipation hung heavy over the crowd and set the mood of weary dissent.
Every so often, a group of large men wearing matching “Bernie 2016” shirts would begin to chant “BER-NIE, BER-NIE, BER-NIE,” and the crowd would join before cheering loudly, and return to quiet unrest. When Sanders finally stepped out from behind an enormous hanging American flag, the crowd
about preparing a student for a future we still cannot define, Seton can say that we give students the opportunity to learn and communicate using the universal language of music.”
According to the National Association for Music Education, students benefit from quality music education in many ways, including:
• Higher SAT scores: Students who have experience with music performance or appreciation score higher on the SAT. One report indicates 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math for students in music appreciation courses.
• Language and reasoning development: Students who have early musical training will develop the areas of the brain related to language and reasoning. The left side of the brain is better developed with music, and songs can help imprint information on young minds.
• Improved memorization: Student musicians
roared and surged forward, desperate to catch his attention. They treated him as more of an idol, a god, than any rock star I have ever seen. While he didn’t seem to necessarily enjoy the attention, he didn’t dislike it either, and launched directly into his speech. Sanders did not vary much from his comments during the presidential debates, or his rallies in other states. He championed equal gender, racial and economic rights, a living wage, free health care and higher education, and taking down the Big Bads on Wall Street. The crowd knew him so well, and he them.
Yet I found myself clapping, cheering and booing with everyone else. The mob mentality gripped me tightly. At one point,
Wisdom teeth are almost certain to cause problems if left in place. This is particularly true of impacted wisdom teeth, such problems may occur suddenly and often at the most inconvenient time. While the kids are out for spring break, there couldn’t be a better time to take care of this preventative procedure.
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Most commonly we remove wisdom teeth between the ages of 14 and 22 years whether they are causing problems or not. The procedure is technically easier and patients recover much quicker when they are younger. What is a relatively minor procedure at 20 can before quite difficult in patients as they get older. Also, the risk of complications increases with age and the healing process is slower. We utilize the latest technologies and techniques to make your procedure go smoother and your healing process faster.
constantly use their memory to perform. The skill of memorization can serve students well during their education and beyond.
• Success in society: Music has a positive impact on abilities and character. Students in band or orchestra are less likely to abuse substances over their lifetime.
• Fostering teamwork: Students learn how to work together and build camaraderie by participating in band, orchestra or choral groups.
Seton’s performance-based courses include band, choir, guitar and piano, and there are extracurricular activities such as orchestra and the Ukulele Club. There are opportunities to perform at Mass, Fine Arts Nights, plays and musicals including the Drama Department’s recent performance of “Grease,” which sold out nearly every performance.
Recent alumni who are succeeding in music include Brianna Antrum, a freshman at Ava Maria University, a private Catholic
I thought to myself he could say anything, and I’d go along with it. This was an extremely disturbing thought, so I considered why Sanders was so compelling. I wondered why I felt like he was speaking to me, and why I responded so readily to him.
Sanders is remarkable in that he is the most positive and uplifting candidate in the running. His speech comprised of a heady mix of calling out the bad guys, flattering the crowd, promoting unity, pushing optimism and doling out a healthy dose of hope. He was confident and unwavering in what he said, and the crowd responded to that.
He fed the crowd lines like, “Challenge the status quo, we can do better. Don’t let people tell you you can’t dream big,” and “We
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university in Florida. For her Seton senior service project, Antrum played ukulele for Hospice patients, an experience that fueled her desire to become a music therapist. For more information about Music in Our Schools Month, visit www.nafme.org/. For more information about Seton’s Fine Arts Program, visit http://setoncatholic.org/finearts.
can’t make real change real change when they divide us up, and we are too smart to fall for that!”
His optimism made the predominantly college-age audience believe they could make a difference in their own lives and their country. I found what made Sanders so intoxicating: idealism.
That’s the conundrum of the first-time voter: we love what the passionate politicians say and stand for. But is it too optimistic? When chasing utopia, have they lost the way of reality? Young voters want to say yes, because we are young and foolish and want to maintain our idealism a little longer; because of this, we will always be a target of charming politicians.
Pictured from left are Ukulele Club President Quentin Hovis, Vice President Catalina Rojas and James Stevenson. Submitted photo
