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Community
May 21 – June 3, 2016
May 21 - June 3, 2016
www.SanTanSun.com
www.SanTanSun.com
Navarrete Elementary crossing guard earns statewide AAA honors BY TAMARA JUAREZ
Wendy Meador spends two to three hours guiding students across Sun Groves Boulevard as they travel to and from Navarrete Elementary School. With a smile on her face and “stop” paddle held prominently in the air, she weathers heat and rain to protect children from ongoing traffic and to increase awareness of reckless driving habits. For her commitment to child safety, AAA has named Meador the 2016 Crossing Guard of the Year. The Chandler resident has served as a crossing guard for two years and was nominated by Bridgett Scott, dean of students for the Chandler Unified School District, who took notice of Meador’s dedication and creative approach to keeping students safe. “Wendy goes above and beyond what is expected of her,” Scott said. “She knows students by name and is close with all the families. When she noticed cellphones were a problem in our neighborhood when crossing students, she created her own sign, which she wears around her neck that says, ‘Keep our children safe. No cellphone zone.’ That is not something many crossing guards would do.” The AAA’s Crossing Guard of the Year award is given to one Maricopa County crossing guard who demonstrates the highest level of friendliness, professionalism and safety. Honorees receive a $500 gift card and are presented with a plaque and $500 check made to the school for which they work. To be considered for the award, nominees must show complete knowledge of the latest edition of the “Handbook for Adult Crossing Guards” and a clear
Wendy Meador was named AAA Crossing Guard of the Year.
understanding of their duties, said Stephanie Moe, corporate responsibility supervisor for AAA Arizona. “AAA is a safety advocate,” she said. “We are very involved in traffic safety, from legislative issues to
Chandler Crossings gearing up with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Come November, Chandler will have its own Alamo. Construction of the popular, Texasbased theater— Alamo Drafthouse Cinema—on the northeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Here is a rendering of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, which is Chandler Heights expected to be the crown jewel of the Chandler Crossings mixed-use Road, is on schedule. center at Arizona Avenue and Chandler Heights Road. It’s slated to The Chandler open later in the year. Crossings development nail salons; and office spaces. It may also will also feature a BASIS Chandler charter include a grocery store. school; a high-end fitness center called Jim Horvath, president of Tucson-based Smart Gym; several restaurants including Town West Realty, developers of the Blue 32 Sports Grill and Dairy Queen; an project, said that the company is creating a emergency care facility; med spa, hair and lifestyle and entertainment center.
community education and community outreach, and we wanted a way to recognize these guards. It is often an overlooked job. It doesn’t get a lot of recognition or thanks. This ward is a way to say thank you for all they do, for standing out there in the heat, making sure kids are safe as they make it to and from school.” Navarrete Elementary School celebrated Meador’s win with a surprise schoolwide assembly on April 29. “I feel very honored,” Meador said. “Being a crossing guard is very rewarding, and it’s an easy job to do when you have built strong relationships with families and children. It’s fun to come to school and know the faces I’ll see.” The 45-year-old crossing guard and mother of three said she never expected recognition and made a sign that says “Keep our children safe,” only as a way to increase safety in school zones. “When I saw people not respecting the crosswalk, I thought I could remind people why we have the 15 mile per hour signs,” she said. “With the increase of cellphone use, it takes seconds for an accident to happen. I wanted to bring awareness to keep the kids safe.” Chandler residents recognize and seem to appreciate the work she does, said Meador. “In the morning, I feel like I’m part of a Miss America pageant, with all the waving,” she said with a laugh. “There is very few drivers who go by who I am not making eye contact with, and they smile back. I’ve had people roll down their window and give me positive feedback.”
Rockefeller Group making inroads in Chandler, Gilbert BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Think Rockefeller and what comes to mind immediately are the landmark skyscrapers in New York City and their associated glory. Lesser known is the renowned real estate developer’s reach in Arizona. New and ready for tenants, the Chandler Corporate Center Since 2006, the IV, built by Rockefeller Group, has a flex concept and may Rockefeller Group, accommodate office, lab or assembly use. now owned by Mitsubishi Estate in distinctive office buildings spread Japan, has been buying property and on 31 acres in the master planned constructing commercial buildings business park, Chandler Corporate in the state. It owns five such sites in Center, located in the northwest corner Chandler and Gilbert. of McClintock Drive and Chandler In Chandler, there are the four Boulevard; Chandler Crossroads is an SEE ROCKEFELLER PAGE 7
SEE ALAMO PAGE 5
Voted Chandler’s BEST REALTOR for 4 years!
F E AT U R E STO R I E S Chandler to dedicate Veterans Memorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . Page 11 Chandler tech companies announce partnership . . . . . . . . . . BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21 Audition to be a speaker at the next TEDx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 27 City seeks vendors for Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-off . . . NEIGHBORS . . . . . . . . . . .Page 47 Ziggy Marley promotes peace in a turbulent time . . . . . . . . . ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 55
See WHY on page 18
A Very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year from The Amy Jones Group!
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