Feb. 16 – March 1, 2013 www.SanTanSun.com

F E A T U R E S T O R I E S Chandler’s budget ranks high . . . . . . . . . . . community . . . Page 4Learn about Curious Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . business . . . . . Page 16Gold medalist at fundraiser . . . . . . . . . . . . youth . . . . . . Page 28Floridino’s feeds Chandler . . . . . . . . . . . . . neighbors . . . Page 43Public art to Chandler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arts . . . . . . . . Page 57

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by Tracy HouseChandler has weathered the storm in what Mayor

Jay Tibshraeny calls the worst recession since the Great Depression, and will move forward and continue to be recognized as a great community.

Tibshraeny shares the City’s accomplishments and offers a look at what’s ahead during the 2013 State of the City address and accompanying video presentation, held in Chandler City Council Chambers, 88 E. Chicago St., 6 p.m. Thu., Feb. 21. The free event is open to all residents and begins with a reception with the City Council at 5 p.m. in the Vision Gallery across the courtyard from the Council Chambers. Light refreshments will be served and an RSVP is not required to attend.

“We had a number of things in 2012 that were good,” Tibshraeny explains. “We were named one of the top 50 best places to live by Money Magazine. We were named top 10 Best Run by 24/7 Wall Street. We were named

by selena larsonSchool safety is not singularly a Chandler Police

Department issue, nor solely a Chandler Unified School District concern, say representatives from both. That’s the main takeaway from a series of meetings held between the two in the wake of the Dec. 14, 2012 shooting in Newtown, CT.

The deaths of 20 small children and six staff shook the nation and raised a spotlight on school safety in districts across the country.

Parents and community members reacted to the news of the shooting in varying ways. But what was on top of mind for everyone was the obvious question: How safe are our schools?

In the wake of the incident, Chandler Unified School District sent out a letter detailing the safety precautions that were in place, as well as recognizing steps taken as a result of the tragedy. Some of the

Police, schools, community partner for safety

HOODIES: Get a peek under the hoods of retro trucks and cars like this 1956 Nomad at the 10th Annual Chandler Classic Car Show, held 10 a .m . to 4 p .m . Sat ., Feb . 23 in downtown Chandler, surrounding Dr . A .J . Chandler Park . Read more on Page 50 . STSN photo

see State of the City page 4see School safety page 14

GEARED TOWARDS GROWTH: Bringing more jobs to Chandler is on top of Mayor Jay Tibshraeny’s 2013 agenda . Booming development in the technology, health care and education fields bode well for the City . Submitted photo

SCHOOL SAFETY: Officer Gomez at Kyrene Aprende Middle School stresses the need for collaboration among schools, police departments and the community . STSN photo by Selena Larson

Mayor touts wins, job growth in annual address

by K. M. lang

Recently, a group of Hamilton High School students visited several of their nation’s most sacred institutions before attending one of its most important rites: the inauguration of a democratically elected president.

“It offered wonderful educational memories,” Hamilton teacher Sarah Burgess says of the experience. “But more important than that, it helped students think about what it means to be a good citizen, a citizen who questions, a citizen who participates, a citizen who’s involved.”

Most of the 35 students who took part in the four-day adventure are or have been enrolled in Hamilton’s

AP-level American Studies course, co-taught by Burgess and Patrick Whorton, who was unable make the journey.

In the eight years Hamilton has offered the class, students have traveled to five “key American sites and events,” including New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. They also attended Barack Obama’s first presidential inauguration in 2009.

“When we were looking at where to travel four years ago, the inauguration was obviously an exciting COLD CAPITOL: Hamilton High School students braved the East Coast chill to attend

the presidential inauguration in Washington, D .C . Submitted photo by Steve Carr

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A recent survey of Chandler residents shows a large majority believe the government leadership is doing a very good job managing the city’s budget and providing a good return on their tax dollars. More than 700 responses were tabulated.

“The response to this year’s budget survey was terrific, and we thank all our citizens who participated” says Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. “I think a big reason why the city’s satisfaction level rating is so high with residents is because we do listen to their input.”

The survey was developed by the city’s budget office and conducted primarily online Dec. 15, 2012, through Jan. 18. A total of 639 responses were received through the city website, and 67 paper copies were also submitted.

A total of 98% of survey respondents rated the performance of Chandler’s municipal government as “satisfactory” or higher, which includes 25% rating the city’s performance as excellent. When asked if they were getting a good “return” on their local taxes for the city services they received, 91% said “yes.”

The results also showed residents strongly support the council’s past fiscal decisions related to protecting existing customer service levels and its emphasis on “maintaining what we have” relative to infrastructure construction and maintenance.

Some of the higher rated programs and services were Fire Emergency Response, 96% “Very Important” rating; Police Patrol Services, 93%; Neighborhood Park Maintenance, 84%; and Youth Recreation, 74%.

“This City Council will thoroughly review this year’s feedback as we set priorities for the community,” Tibshraeny adds.

The survey is just one way the council is soliciting public input on the proposed 2013-14 budget. The mayor and council are hosting another Budget Connect event from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Mon., March 4. The presentation will use the city’s website, social media outlets and cable TV Channel 11 to solicit feedback. Residents can also attend the meeting that night in person at the Chandler City Council Chambers, 88 E. Chicago St., downtown Chandler.

Comments and questions are also accepted at several upcoming council meetings where the proposed budget will be considered and discussed prior to its adoption in June. Public input is always available by contacting council members or staff directly. For information, visit chandleraz.gov/budget.

State of the City from page 1

fourth in the nation for tech start-ups per capita, and again, one of 100 best places for young people. So we’ve had accolades for our city.”

Tibshraeny says smart budgets and financial stability are helping the City earn national attention.

“Chandler has led the state in attracting good jobs and also jobs in the high-tech industry,” he says, pointing to economic development from Intel, Infusion Soft ND others along Price Corridor.

Though sworn to secrecy, Tibshraeny hints at future announcements, including some from Fortune 500 companies.

“Chandler has stamped itself as the high-tech and innovation hub of the southwestern United States,” he explains. “People are taking notice of things we’ve known.”

As part of the East Valley, Chandler continues to work at the state and regional level to foster good relations and have a strong voice.

“It’s a very dynamic area Chandler is part of,” Tibshraeny states.

Job creation and leadership in the technology and innovation fields will continue into 2013.

As part of an outreach partnership, Tibshraeny announces the City of Chandler will partner with the Chamber of Commerce to work closely with the business community.

Tibshraeny’s Health Connect initiative continues to be a talking point for the Mayor, who believes it is important for a community and

individuals to be healthy physically, mentally and financially.

“Pretty significant things happened in 2012 in the health industry, or at least broke ground,” Tibshraeny adds, referring to Chandler Regional Medical Center and Banner Health.

“Generally speaking Chandler is an incredible community, and we’ve had a really good run of things, and I think the future is going to bode very well for the City.”

For those who cannot attend the mayor’s State of the City address, it will be televised on Cable 11.

Tracy House is a freelance writer living in Ironwood Vistas with her husband and four children. She can be reached at Tracy@SanTanSun.com.

WHAT DO YOU THINk?

What do you think of Mayor Tibshraeny’s 2013 agenda? Are Chandler officials focused on the right things: If not, what would you like to see addressed this year?

Send your responses to Letters@SanTanSun.com and include your community name for possible inclusion in a future issue of the SanTan Sun News.

Chandler’s budget gets high marks from residents

Feb. 16 – March 1, 2013 5www.SanTanSun.com Community

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2013Celebrating 11 years of service.

CITY ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY SCHEDULEWith Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 18, the

City of Chandler announces the following service schedule and closures:• City administrative offices will be closed. • Trash and recycling collection will be unaffected

and occur as scheduled. • Recycling-Solid Waste Collection Facility for

residential self-haul will be closed on Feb. 18 and reopen Thu., Feb. 21.

• Tumbleweed Recreation Center at Tumbleweed Park will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Chandler Tennis Center at Tumbleweed Park will be open regular hours from 8 a.m. to noon and 3 to 10 p.m.

• Environmental Education Center, Snedigar Recreation Center, Senior Center and downtown Community Center will be closed.

• Downtown, Basha, Hamilton and Sunset libraries will be closed. • Chandler Museum at McCullough-Price House will be closed.

Valley Metro bus and light rail passengers need to be prepared for a fare increase, effective Fri., March 1, including a 25-cent one-ride increase on the local bus / LINk / light rail and a 50-cent Express / RAPID increase. The last fare increase was in July 2009.

“We recognize that a fare increase can be challenging for our customers,” says Valley Metro CEO Steve Banta. “However, what we heard loud and clear during public outreach was a value for our existing service. This increase will maintain the service on the street today.”

The change in fares includes the addition of a 15-day pass, which gives frequent transit users the option of purchasing a multi-day pass that is less costly than the 31-day pass. Another change effective March 1 is the elimination of the three-day pass.

Upcoming changes to service include:• Route 96 on Dobson adds one morning and two afternoon trips to serve the Snedigar Sports Complex• Route 112 on Country Club / Arizona Avenue extends south to Pecos Road• Route 251 on 51st Avenue extends south to Pecos Road to serve the komatke Heath Center• Route 541 - Chandler Express is rerouted to serve the West Mesa Park-and-Ride• Express Route 542 - Chandler Express adds one weekday roundtrip• A new 19th Avenue connector travels between Bethany Home Road and Dunlap Avenue to help reduce congestion during light rail construction• Route 1 on Washington / Jefferson is rerouted to enter the new Sky Train Transit Center at 44th Street and Washington

There will be no changes to light rail service. For more information, call 602-253-5000 or visit ValleyMetro.org.

Fare hike on Valley MetroSee the moon, planets, double

stars, nebulae, star clusters and more from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sat., Feb. 16, when Chandler Environmental Education Center hosts its annual Star Party at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., east of Lindsay Road. The free event is open to the public and appropriate for all ages.

The East Valley Astronomy Club brings their telescopes for visitors. Hot beverages are available on a donation basis.

At 5:30 p.m., prior to telescope viewing, visitors can take a guided tour of the new Solar System Walk around the park’s lake. The signs and monuments that make up the walk share information about the sun, planets and other objects in the solar system. The walk is leisurely and the terrain easy.

Telescope viewing takes place outside from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the east end of the parking lot. Although

it’s best to arrive early to see as much as possible, participants may join the program at any time.

Visitors should park on the west side of the parking lot, then walk to the east side of the lot where the telescopes are. Drive carefully, because park lights will be turned off during the program. Flashlights are discouraged near telescopes, but those who wish to use the park for other activities, such as fishing, are encouraged

to plan ahead and bring their own low-level lighting such as a lantern or headlamp.

Inclement weather could alter or cancel the event, so interested participants should check visibility Saturday. If the sky is cloudy, call 480-782-2889 for updates.

For more information, call 480-782-2890, email EEC@chandleraz.gov or access chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.

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6 Feb. 16 – March 1, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comCity of Chandler Insider 25th Ostrich Festival celebrates heritage, community

It was in 1988, soon after the annual Chandler Spring Festival had sprung, when a small group of business and community leaders met to decide the event’s future. The festival turned a bit stale over the years and no longer reflected the dynamic, growing city Chandler had become in the 1980s.

While some on the committee wanted to ground the festival for good, one member hatched the idea to tie the event into a mostly forgotten part of Chandler’s early history – ostrich ranching.

In the early 1900s, the Salt River Valley boasted the largest population of ostriches in the United States. The unusual flightless birds were imported and raised to supply plumes for

expensive ladies’ hats.By 1920, town founder Dr. A.J.

Chandler had one of the largest ostrich flocks in the area, with more than 500 birds that also served as an attraction for gawking tourists from the San Marcos Resort. Within a few years, however, the lucrative ostrich feather market collapsed and the big creatures disappeared from the area as quickly as they had arrived.

Fast forward about 70 years to the now-forgotten Chamber of Commerce board member who had the foresight to see the potential of a festival centered on the world’s biggest bird.

While some committee members’ heads remained stuck in the sand, the idea slowly took wing, and the very

first Chandler Ostrich Festival was held downtown in March 1989. Despite the occasional rainy day, a major change in venue and stiff competition from other spring events in the Valley, the Ostrich Festival has survived and thrived for a quarter century.

It has become one of the most publicized festivals in the state, receiving widespread national and international coverage, and drawing hundreds of thousands of people to Chandler the second weekend in March, every year.

“Today, Chandler is known as a progressive, cutting-edge city and the high-tech hub of Arizona,” says Mayor Jay Tibshraeny. “We are also a community that celebrates its culture and hometown traditions.

• The Mayor’s ostrich Festival 5K Fun run/Walk8 a.m. Sat., March 2Mayor Tibshraeny invites participants to run the parade route along Arizona Avenue from Ray Road south to Chicago Street two hours before the parade begins. 4peaksracing.com

• ostrich Festival Parade10 a.m. Sat., March 2Bring chairs and blankets and enjoy more than 100 parade entries, including antique cars, horses, high school marching bands, creative floats

and community groups. The parade begins at Ray Road and proceeds south along Arizona Avenue through Downtown Chandler to City Hall at Chicago Street. Thorobred Chevrolet sponsors the parade.ostrichfestival.com/parade

• ostrich Festival2 p.m. to midnight Fri., March 810 a.m. to midnight Sat., March 910 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sun., March 10Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Road.ostrichfestival.com

OSTRICH FESTIVAL EVENT SCHEDULE

FLIGHTLESS FUN: Bareback and chariot ostrich races continue to be one of the biggest draws of the Ostrich Festival . Submitted photo

EARLY ONLOOKERS: The sidewalks along Arizona Avenue are crowded during one of the first Ostrich Festival Parades in Downtown Chandler . Submitted photo

WHAT THE OSTRICH FESTIVAL MEANS

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“The idea for an ostrich festival came out of a leadership retreat when I first started on the Council. It was exciting to be a part of the discussions that went into creating this signature event. I think as the festival grew in the early years, it instilled some pride in our community because of the interest it created, both regionally and nationally.” –Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny“As new people and businesses move to Chandler, it’s important that we share the story of our community’s roots with those who are new to Chandler. The Ostrich Festival gives us an opportunity to pay homage to our city’s history while enjoying a fun, family event.” –Terry Locke, director of Community Relations, Chandler Unified School District, chair of the 2012 Ostrich Festival“We love showing off Tumbleweed Park. It’s our largest facility, and our parks crews get excited this time of year as they prep the grounds for the big party. They know how important this festival is to the community and are proud to help make it a success. And we make sure everyone has their fingers crossed that there won’t be any R-A-I-N.” –Mickey Ohland, Chandler Park Development & Operations manager

“This event holds a lot of nostalgia for many people. I see some families that hold their family reunions at the festival every year. There are also people from out of state who for years have visited Chandler just to come to the Ostrich Festival.” –Terri Kimble, Chandler Chamber CEO“I remember early one Sunday morning during the festival when former Chamber Director Steve Verick and I were jumping up and down on trash inside a dumpster so we could fit more bags in. That is a snapshot of the relationship between the City and the Chamber … and the community spirit involved in the event.” –Dave McDowell, former Chandler assistant community services director“I remember many years ago my family took my niece and nephew, who were visiting from Texas, to the festival. It rained steady and was muddy and dreary. But we had so much fun walking in the mud! We all won goldfish at one of the games of chance. They’re adults now, and we still laugh at the great time we had that day.” –Matt Orlando, former city councilmember

Feb. 16 – March 1, 2013 7www.SanTanSun.com City of Chandler Insider

Ostrich ranching was there at the beginning of our town’s founding, and we congratulate the Chamber of Commerce for making the Ostrich Festival such a fun and important part of our recent history.”

The festival has succeeded for 25 years thanks to the leadership of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, numerous sponsors from the local business community, thousands of dedicated volunteers, elected officials, City staff and, of course, the ostriches.

People come for the carnival rides, food, musical entertainment, art, crafts, kids’ activities and the annual parade. But it’s the ostrich races, ostrich merchandise and ostrich burgers that

made the Chandler tradition one of the premier festivals in the Southwest.

No one can forget the first time they see a jockey ride on the back of an ostrich, while racing others around a small dirt track.

This year’s festival is March 8 through 10 at Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd. The Chandler Ostrich Festival is owned by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and produced by Universal Fairs in partnership with the City of Chandler. The Chamber phone number is 480-963-4571, and the festival website is ostrichfestival.com.

Information provided by the City of Chandler Communications and Public Affairs Department.

SKY HIGH: Residents flock to the annual Ostrich Festival to enjoy carnival rides, food, music and more . Submitted photo

8 Feb. 16 – March 1, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comCommunity

event,” recalls Burgess. “Whether students are Democrats or Republicans, being there, right in the middle of what they’ve studied, hearing inaugural addresses that they hear about in class – from an educator’s standpoint, we feel it’s a very significant part of their year.”

The trip required a year to plan, and students signed up months before Election Day, before the Democratic and Republican conventions were held, when it was still unclear who would be sworn in. Still, individual politics didn’t interfere with the students’ enjoyment of the inauguration or what they took away from it.

“We were all Americans when we got there,” says junior Zak Ghali, president of Hamilton’s American Studies Club. “It was very unifying.”

“You get to see history happen instead of reading about it,” adds junior Aundrea DeGravina, explaining that waiting with crowds on that cold January morning, listening to patriotic anthems, poetry and speeches, and seeing President Obama take his oath brought the election process home to her.

“I felt more a part of it, even though I couldn’t vote,” she explains.

Along with the inauguration, the students, accompanied by teachers, chaperones and several family members, visited an impressive number of

national landmarks, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the korean War Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Monument and Mount Vernon. At Arlington National Cemetery, the group witnessed the changing of the guard.

“I’m a military brat,” says junior Satara Setzer, “ so going to Arlington was really special to me.”

The group split up to tour the Smithsonian’s various museums, then reunited to explore the Newseum – a 250,000-square-foot “museum of news” – where

they just missed seeing Bill Clinton, but enjoyed an impressive view of the city. The students also visited the U.S. Capitol, and were treated to a special tour of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“A lot of the kids had seen the movie Lincoln,” says Burgess, “and they were able to sit in the Gallery.”

After the inauguration, the Hamilton group attended a ball hosted by the Smithsonian Institute, where they were photographed with George Washington and Abraham Lincoln – in Madame Tussauds, that is. The tour, booked through EF Smithsonian Student Travel, also included a stop for bowling and a trip to an Alexandria sweet shop.

“They know how to have a trip that is 90% education, but that the students really enjoy and have fun with,” says Burgess.

Both DeGravina and Ghali praise their teachers and chaperones for successfully supervising their charges – especially on inauguration day, when the group rubbed elbows with more than a million enthusiastic spectators.

“It was probably a little stressful,” DeGravina points out. “Coordination is key, and I think we had it.”

“We had a great group of students to travel with,” says Burgess. “We got them all to the inauguration on time, and we got them all safely back to Arizona.”

K. M. Lang lives and writes in Sun Groves. To contact her, email KMLang@SanTanSun.com.

HONORING SACRIFICE: Hamilton teacher Sarah Burgess helps student Sara Belko make a tracing at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial .

PATRIOTISM IN PERSON: Hamilton High School students, including James Davis, left, and Alex Weber, visited many of the nation’s most sacred sites . The two are shown at the Martin Luther King, Jr . Memorial .

HHS to DC from page 1

CELEBRATING DEMOCRACY: After attending President Obama’s second swearing-in ceremony, Hamilton students kicked up their heels at an inaugural ball hosted by the Smithsonian Institute . Submitted photos by Steve Carr

Feb. 16 – March 1, 2013 9www.SanTanSun.com CommunityAuthor gives talk about kids, death Student, neighborhood

communities hold sales

One never knows when a child will ask questions about death. To prepare for the difficult conversation, adults are invited to attend a presentation entitled, “Good Grief: How to Talk to Your Child about Death,” given by award-winning Sun Lakes children’s book author Sheri Sinykin at 2 p.m. Sat., Feb. 23 at Ed Robson Branch Library, 9330 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes.

Sinykin’s presentation shares practical information gleaned through personal grief counseling and the writing of her critical thesis, as well as her experience as a hospice volunteer, caregiver for her dying mother and author of two books dealing with death for young readers.

The talk closes with a reading of her first picture book, “Zayde Comes to Live,” and an opportunity for questions and discussion before a book sale and autographing session.

Illustrated by kristina Swarner and published by Peachtree Publishers, the book was awarded a 2013 Sydney Taylor Honor Book Award by the Association of Jewish Libraries, a Parents’ Choice Recommended Award and was named to “Tablet Magazine’s” Best Children’s Books of 2012.

Recommended for children ages 5 to 9, “Zayde Comes to Live” concerns Rachel and her Jewish grandfather, who comes to live with her family because he is dying. Rachel worries where he will “go.” Her friends’ words of reassurance about heaven and paradise don’t ring true because Rachel’s family is Jewish.

Though “Zayde Comes to Live” is told from a uniquely Jewish perspective, reviewers have praised

it for its universal appeal and respect for other mainstream religious beliefs about the afterlife. Highly regarded children’s book author, Jane Yolen, called the book “Tender, moving, as perfect a circle as life... A book for when you and your child need it and when you do not.”

Sinykin’s picture book was inspired by her own hospice volunteer experience, the comments of a Sun Lakes hospice rabbi and caretaking her mother at the end of life.

Sinykin’s suspense novel for middle schoolers, “Giving Up The Ghost,” was published in 2007 and has been reprinted in paperback and in korean. It takes place on a haunted plantation two years after Hurricane katrina, and presents an authentic portrayal of death in a home hospice setting.

Sinykin, a snowbird who divides her year between Sun Lakes and south-central Massachusetts, is also known as the lead author of “The Magic Attic Club” book series, which featured dolls and doll products.

For more information, contact MJClement@mcldaz.org or Sheri Sinykin at scsinykin@gmail.com or 508-343-0206.

Bargain hunters might find just what they are looking for at four rummage sales happening in the SanTan Sun area, beginning with the a Sat., Feb. 16 garage sale organized by Basha High senior Samantha Incorvaia to raise money for the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare. The sale runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2182 E. Palm Beach Dr., Chandler.

The fundraising event is part of a senior service project for school Samantha created in response to the diagnosis of a family member with uterine cancer. Info: 480-276-5861 or sammyi520@aol.com.

springfield community More than 60 homes are

expected to participate in the third community-wide garage sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., Feb. 23 at Springfield Adult Community, 6495 S. St. Andrews Blvd. between Riggs and McQueen roads.

Back and front gates of the community will be open during the sale, distributing highlighted maps of participating addresses. One patrol person and four

volunteers will assist as needed throughout the community.

Nonfurniture items that do not sell can be picked up by Big Brothers & Big Sisters to be donated after the sale. Info: Ron Sippy, 480-802-3841; katherine Benko, 480-361-2123; kelly king,720-299-3682.

sunbird golf resort On Sat., Feb. 23 SunBird

Golf Resort holds its Annual community Rummage sale at 6250 S. SunBird Blvd. off Riggs Road between McQueen and Cooper roads.

The sale runs from 7 to 11:30 a.m. and proceeds go to SunBird’s HOA fund. Info: 480-802-4901.

soleraNearly 100 homes participate

in Solera Chandler’s annual community yard sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat., March 2 at 6360 S. Mountain Blvd. east of Gilbert Road on the south side of Riggs Road in Southern Chandler.

Visitors can pick up a community map at the gatehouse with all participating homes marked. Community gates open promptly at 7 a.m.

Author Sheri Sinykin

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Sun sets with gypsy folk rock

Classes aim to heal mind, body

Kare Bears host ‘Posh’ fundraiser Dinner, silent auction benefit animals

Celebrate Scandinavian heritage

‘Two-meat salute’ for first responders

FastMed offers free flu shots

‘Kingston Trio’ headlines Gilbert folk fest

The acoustic, indie rock music of Dry River Yacht Club can be heard at the free Sonoran Sunset Series concert at Chandler’s Veterans Oasis Park on Feb. 21. The park is at 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd. on the northeast corner of Chandler Heights and Lindsay roads, and the concerts are held at the lakeside amphitheater from 6 to 7 p.m.

Visitors can listen to what the band describes as “soul-stirring,” “transcendental” and “psychologically seductive” Gypsy western folk music.

The Tempe-based group has been playing together since 2008, and compares stylistically to Sufjan Stevens, St. Vincent and the Dresden Dolls, and vocally to Zooey Deschanel, Bjork and Ani DiFranco.

Light snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. In case of inclement weather, the performance will be held indoors at the park’s Environmental Education Center. For more information, visit www.chandleraz.gov/veterans-oasis.

Those feeling under the weather from seasonal allergies, flu or other ailments might find the relief they seek with collaborative healing classes offered from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Mondays at Tao Healing Center, 1840 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite D-7, Chandler.

Guests learn and perform meditation practices, relaxation exercises, healing methods and therapeutic healing points. Upcoming sessions include treatment

for sound sleep and headaches, Feb. 18; release constipation, diarrhea and IBS, Feb. 25; lower back, shoulder or neck pain, March 4; and arthritis or joint pain, March 11.

Classes are free, but a donation of $10 is suggested. Tao Healing Center is a nonprofit organization. Info: taohealingcenters@gmail.com, taohealingcenters.org.

The public is invited to enjoy a ladies night out at The SunBird kare Bears’ Posh Party, 5 to 9 p.m. Wed., Feb. 27 at SunBird Golf Resort Ballroom, 6240 S. SunBird Blvd., south of Riggs Road between McQueen and Cooper roads in Chandler.

The Posh Party features dinner with a choice of beef stroganoff or baked chicken, a style show, silent auction with several items of value on which to bid, door prizes, cash bar and contests for those wearing the dressiest hat and most unusual hat.

Funds raised at the party go to support St. Mary’s Food Pantry, Neighbors Who Care, Clothes Cabin, Hamilton High Leo’s, Basha High Leo’s,

Lions Club, Hospice of the Valley, Toys for Tots and more.

Tickets are $17 per person and are available at the SunBird Golf Resort Office or by calling 480-802-4901. For information contact Shirley Jackson, president of kare Bears, at 480-883-9018.

Enjoy an evening of celebration, including silent and live auctions, cocktail hour, dinner and dancing at Friends for Life Animal Rescue’s annual special dinner and silent auction from 6 to 10 p.m. Sat., March 2 at The Buttes, A Marriott Resort, 2000 Westcourt Way, Tempe.

All funds raised benefit Friends for Life Animal Rescue, 143 W. Vaughn Ave., Gilbert, allowing the shelter to provide medical attention for homeless cats and dogs. Friends for Life Animal Rescue is a

nonprofit, volunteer-run, no-kill shelter dedicated to ending the suffering of homeless dogs and cats in the community.

Friends for Life seeks companies to donate items or sponsor the event. If interested, contact fundraising@azfriends.org.

Tickets are $75, which includes admission, dinner and drink tickets, and can be purchased by contacting fundraising@azfriends.org, calling 480-497-8296 or visiting azfriends.org.

An Alaskan travel log and presentation by renowned photographer and world traveler David Reesor and his wife, Diane, is the highlight of Scandinavian Club of Southeast Valley’s Annual Heritage Buffet Dinner and Program on Sun., Feb. 17 in Sun Lakes Country Club’s Arizona Room, 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd.

The event begins at 5 p.m. with a social hour, featuring homemade lefse garnished with butter, sugar and cinnamon, and no-host bar.

The dinner – a choice of chicken cordon bleu or lemon crumb cod served with twice-baked potato, green bean almandine, tossed green salad and carrot cake with whipped cream cheese frosting

– and program run from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees learn about the history

and life of Niels Petersen, late 1800’s immigrant from Denmark and early settler in the East Valley of Phoenix, and his historically preserved, large Queen Anne Victorian architectural style home in Tempe. Scandinavian treasures, photos and artifacts will be shared, and an authentic Swedish dress will be auctioned off.

Tickets are $20 to 22 and can be purchased at the Sun Lakes, Phase One concierge desk; online via email; at Ace Hardware; or by calling ken Egertson at 480-883-9301. Info: scandiclub.org, mail@scandiclub.org

Note: In the Feb. 2 issue, we mistakenly included veterans. This offer is only for Arizona law enforcement, fire and emergency medical service personnel. We apologize for the error.

Famous Dave’s BBQ honors local police, fire and ambulance personnel with a free “two-meat salute” on Sun., Feb. 24 at all four Famous Dave’s locations including 3250 W. Frye Rd., Chandler and 2206 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert.

First responders can choose from St. Louis-style spareribs, Georgia chopped

pork, Texas beef brisket, country roasted or barbeque chicken, traditional or boneless chicken wings, Southside rib tips, hot link sausage or beer-battered cod for the “two-meat salute.” Also included are a honey-buttered corn muffin and a choice of one side.

Valid photo identification and proof of service must be provided by Arizona law enforcement, fire and emergency medical service personnel. Visit famousdavesbbq.com for more information.

In celebration of FastMed Urgent Care’s recent grand opening at 3705 S. Arizona Ave., Suite 1, Chandler, free flu shots are being offered until Tue., Feb. 26.

The new clinic is open 365 days a year with extended hours and can provide onsite X-rays, labs, EkGs, IV fluids, stitches and occupational health services.

Call 480-214-7828 or visit fastmed.com to learn more.

Folk music fills the streets of downtown Gilbert from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat., Feb. 16 during the Gilbert Folk Festival. Visitors can enjoy multiple stages of free live folk music, as well as the Gilbert Art Walk and Farmer’s Market taking place at the same time.

The festival showcases a performance

by the folk group that started an American musical genre that endures today, The kingston Trio, at 7 p.m. inside Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert.

Tickets are $36.50 to $44.50 plus fees and can be purchased at higleyarts.com.

Feb. 16 – March 1, 2013 11www.SanTanSun.com Community

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Submissions sought from young artists, authorsCTSC hosts student trip fundraisers, beginning Feb. 23

Chandler youths ages 13 to 18 are invited to participate in the fourth annual Young Artists & Authors Showcase held by City of Chandler’s Sister City affiliate, Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities (CTSC). Deadline for entries is Wed., March 27, with a $5 entry fee.

The Showcase theme for 2013 is “The Power of Exchange.” Sister City relationships and exchanges foster partnerships within the community and between international cities, counties and states. Using 2D media, entrants should illustrate the long-term impact exchanges have had on themselves or the community, expressing through art or literature how one or both have changed for the better.

Young Artist entries must be no larger than 24 by 30 inches, including matting. Watercolor, oils, pastels, pen and ink, charcoal, photography, two-dimensional mixed media and computer-generated art are all accepted.

A reception will celebrate Chandler’s young authors and artists from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Fri., April 19 at Vision Gallery in downtown Chandler. One piece of artwork and one essay from the Chandler entries will be submitted to Sister Cities International, where 10 finalists are chosen. From the 10 winning works, one author and one artist will be chosen as overall winners.

For more information or to submit entries, contact CTSC Education Committee Chair Barb Olivieri at chandler_tullamore_education@yahoo.com or at 480-347-8293. Entry guidelines and forms may be found under “Events” at chandlerirish.org.

student trip fundraisersMembers of the Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities

Pioneer Student Ambassador program are raising funds in a variety of ways to travel to Tullamore,

Ireland this summer for an immersion in Irish history, government, lore, language and foods.

Student ambassadors wash cars for a $5 donation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., Feb. 23 in the Applebee’s parking lot on the northeast corner of Alma School and Queen Creek roads. Prepaid carwash tickets may be purchased online at chandlerirish.org.

In addition, Applebee’s donates 10% of all dining sales Sat., Feb. 23 and Sun., Feb. 24 to the fund for all diners who mention “Seton Catholic.”

Also benefiting the students’ summer trip is CTSC’s second Pub Quiz at 6 p.m. Sun., Feb. 24 at Coach & Willie’s, 1 E. Boston St., downtown Chandler.

The public is invited to join members and friends of the Chandler Irish to test knowledge of current events, half Arizona and half Irish questions. The quiz is held in a private room with a cash bar and menu access; no cell phones allowed. Teams or individuals are welcome.

The entry fee is $15. Registration and more information are available online at chandlerirish.org.

The Pioneer Student Ambassadors are the first youth group from Chandler to travel to Ireland as part of a Sister Cities International student exchange program. They will stay with local families. For more information, contact Barbara Olivieri at chandler_tullamore_education@yahoo.com or 480-347-8293, or visit chandlerirish.org.

Dogs race at ‘Wags & Kisses’

Watch the family friendly sport of dog racing at the Third Annual Wags & kisses Flyball Tournament, hosted by Blazin’ k9s Flyball Team from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., Feb. 16 and Sun., Feb. 17 at Nozomi Park, formerly West Chandler Park, 250 S. kyrene Rd., Chandler.

A Chandler-based team, Blazin’ k9s fields two teams of four dogs each that run a relay race on a course measuring 51 feet. The dogs jump four hurdles and step on spring-loaded boxes that shoot out tennis balls. The dogs catch the balls and run back over the four hurdles. When the dogs cross the starting line the next dogs go. The first team to have all four dogs run without error wins the heat.

The public is welcome to watch at no cost. Leashed dogs are permitted.

For more on Wags & kisses or the Blazin’ k9s visit blazink9s.com, or contact team captains at carol@blazink9s.com or kim@blazink9s.com.

GO DOG GO: Hurdles are no problem for the Blazin’ K9s Flyball Team, who will compete at Nozomi Park on Feb . 16 . Submitted Photo

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Library offers free digital magazines

Cocktail Soiree goes red

Getting the latest magazines is a breeze for cardholders at the Chandler Public Library since it added digital magazine content provider Zinio to its list of eBook and digital media resources.

Digital versions of more than 380 magazines with full text and photo access, and in different languages are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week

from computer desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones and mobile devices through Zinio for Libraries.

Magazines such as “National Geographic,” “Good Housekeeping,” “Consumer Reports,” “Field & Stream,” “Men’s Health” and “Rolling Stone,” as well as some Spanish publications, can be viewed and downloaded free of charge by multiple users at the same time.

“They look exactly like the print copies, advertisements and all, but added interactive features such as embedded video and links to outside websites enhance the user experience,” says Library Manager Brenda Brown. “While we will continue to have traditional print magazines at all four of our locations, the Zinio magazine service continues the expanding digital world of our library.”

Brown says the library added Zinio in response to customer feedback. In recent years, the library enhanced its downloadable digital media offerings through the Greater Phoenix Digital Library’s Overdrive, Axis360, Gale Virtual Reference Library, Tumble Books, Open Library and Freegal music.

To access the selection of digital magazines, visit chandlerlibrary.org, hover over the “Read” tab, click on “Ebooks and Digital Media,” then look for “Zinio” and follow the instructions. For more details, call 480-782-2800.

Food from local restaurants, live music with the Joseph Leyva band, wine and cocktails, and live and silent auctions are all part of the fun offered at the 2nd Annual Red Dress Cocktail Soiree sponsored by Dekker Financial to support Go Red for Women.

The event runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 at Noah’s Event Center, 2100 E Yeager Dr., Chandler. Tickets are $15 or two for $25.

Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s national campaign to increase awareness of heart disease – the leading cause of death for women – and to inspire women to “make it their mission to fight the No. 1 killer. Funds raised support educational programs that AHA provides and life-saving research the association funds to reduce the effects of heart

disease in women.Last year’s Red Dress Cocktail Soiree raised

more than $32,000 for Go Red for Women with the help of more than 100 participating local businesses and 175 attendees.

Dekker Financial, www.dekkerfinancial.com, has been offering financial planning services in Chandler since 2002. Meredith Dekker, CDFA, founding principal of Dekker Financial Services and Chandler resident, is a member of the Executive Leadership Team for Phoenix Go Red for Women, www.phoenixgoredluncheon.org.

Learn more at facebook.com/RedDressCocktailSoiree or call 480-229-7227.

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SUNNY SIDE: Thanks to the completion of a new solar energy array, visitors at Tumbleweed Recreation Center in Chandler now have access to covered parking and the City of Chandler has savings on energy costs . The array’s 2,492 panels are expected to generate nearly 1,000,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, which based on last year’s figures, will offset approximately 58% of TRC’s annual usage . Submitted photo

14 Feb. 16 – March 1, 2013 www.SanTanSun.comCommunitysafety precautions in place include 911-enhanced phones, security fencing and gates, security cameras and police and security officers.

Over the December holiday break, the Chandler Police Department met with school administrators to see what other security measures may be needed. Officials say a partnership between the police department, school administration and the community will yield the best results

raising awarenessDevon Adams, AP English teacher

at Basha High School, says school administration has reached out to the teaching staff to address safety concerns and ask their opinions on how to make schools safer.

“Elementary schools in the district like knox Gifted Academy, where my own daughter attends, are in talks of adding security,” Adams says. “For example, having parents check in and out in the front office for school events. Also, both Basha High and knox Gifted Academy promote single entry to campus.”

Basha High School implemented new precautions, including adding an administrator on campus for the zero hour course before first period classes, and now requires all seminary students to enter and exit through the front office rather than through a formerly unlocked side gate.

Officer Fernando Gomez, the Chandler Police Department resource officer at kyrene Aprende Middle School in the kyrene School District,

stresses the need for collaboration and vigilance among all parties, including parents in the community.

“We need to talk to children about keeping their eyes open and parents being on alert,” Gomez says. “Although the tragedy in Connecticut was committed by an adult, most of them have actually been students.”

Less than a month after the shooting in Newtown, a teenage gunman opened fire at Taft Union High School in California. A teacher’s quick thinking and calm demeanor allowed 28 students to escape what could have been a massacre.

“Parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing and not be afraid to check on them,” Gomez says.

Some safety precautions in place in schools throughout the state are silent witness lines of communication. Comment boxes, text and phone lines are available for students or community members to voice their concern if necessary. At kyrene Aprende Middle School, the Jaguar Tip Line is available for students or parents to call and leave a message.

More officersIn the wake of the Newtown tragedy,

many parents were concerned about the police presence on school campuses. In Chandler, there is a police officer assigned to all middle and high school campuses, as well as a security team that is in close contact with police, school administrators and students.

“We have excellent relationships with parents and the administration,” says Gomez. “But what’s even more important is the relationship I have with the kids.”

It’s the job of the campus officer to deal with any issue that arises including theft, fights, assaults and possession of drugs.

CUSD is working with the Chandler Police Department to do a safety assessment and see if there are any necessary measures needed to increase safety.

Superintendent Dr. Camille Casteel says schools are safe now, but there are extra safety measures they are seeking to implement.

“We are working with the budget committee to secure additional funding,” Casteel says. “We want to acquire funding to lock classroom doors from the inside, purchase a mass notification system, additional security cameras and input facilities for key card access.”

The district is also asking the budget committee to hire more security at elementary schools where there is no constant police presence. One suggestion was to hire former police offers as security personnel at locations where an increased security presence is needed.

The police department encourages officers to become familiar with the schools and be more visible in the areas, including doing paperwork in school parking lots.

“We’re in agreement that there should be more of a presence,” Gomez says. “We’re encouraged to go to the schools and introduce ourselves, tour the schools and become familiar with them.”

At this time, CUSD does not support arming school administrators or educators, but there is an agreement among leadership that all parties should remain vigilant to protect against violence.

“Everyone has their eyes and ears open on alert,” Gomez says. “If you see something that’s suspicious, make the phone call.”

community response Many groups across the country came

together to raise funds for the Sandy Hook Elementary School community in Newtown. To date, CUSD’s Hearts & Hugs campaign, a district-wide effort

School safety from page 1

INCREASED MEASURES: Schools throughout Chandler and Kyrene districts are increasing security, including single entries to campus and increasing police presence in the area . STSN photo by Selena Larson

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The deadline for news and advertising is noon, Wed., Feb 20 for the March 2, 2013 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 SanTanSun.com. To send an item for consideration in the SanTan Family Fun, email it directly to STFF@SanTanSun.com.

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to raise funds and send letters, raised almost $5,000.

Students and parents of Riggs Elementary, along with the community of Seville in Gilbert, set out to collect 26 cents for 26 victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy. Students were encouraged to collect change while parents, friends and the community wrote checks in various amounts of 26.

Girl Scout Troop 670 oversaw the fundraising and made sure all donations got to the right place. The United Way received a donation of $1340.26 from the Riggs and Seville community.

The Flower Girls Chandler Service Club is hosting a fundraiser for the families of the Sandy Hook community. The organization is selling rubber bracelets imprinted with 26 acts of kindness. The Club has raised $150 with a goal of $600.

Selena Larson is a freelance writer and East Valley native. She can be reached at Selena@SanTanSun.com.

HELPING HAND: Hearts and Hugs, a CUSD campaign to encourage residents of Newtown, CT, through letters and donations raised almost $5,000 . Submitted photo

PUBLICIZE ST. PATRICk’S DAY EVENTS

Let the SanTan Sun News help you publicize your St. Patrick’s Day events in a special section. Is your restaurant having a St. Patty’s Party? Is your bar serving green beer? Are you creating St. Patrick’s Day crafts with children or hosting a St. Pat’s Day event or fair? If so, email your details to Lynda@SanTanSun.com including: a brief description of the event; times, days and dates; cost or free; if registration is required; venue and address; publishable phone number; and web site if applicable. Also include your contact information for verification purposes. We welcome photos, which must be 300 dpi JPEGs or taken on a digital camera on the “best” or “highest quality” setting. Information is due by noon on March 6 for the March 16 issue. March 17 is Patrick’s Day. Submission does not guarantee placement.

Free fire, police open house

See how a person is removed from a damaged vehicle by fire personnel, and watch police dogs in action during a free public safety open house Sat., March 2 at Chandler Fire and Police department headquarters in downtown Chandler. The Fire Department open house from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. is at 151 E. Boston St., while the Police Department event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. next door at 250 E. Chicago St.

In addition to facility tours, a variety of fire apparatus and police vehicles will be on display at both headquarters, along with a vintage car show at the Police Department. Fire personnel will demonstrate vehicle extraction techniques performed by the Technical Rescue Unit, and Hands-Only CPR classes will be offered every half hour. Police demonstrations include k-9 and Tactical Robot units.

Activities for children at the Chandler Fire open house include free balloons, coloring books, “lil’ fire hats” and appearances by department mascot, I STALO. At the Chandler Police open house, children can have their faces painted and play in a bounce house.

Free parking is available within walking distance, including in the City Hall garage at 240 S. Washington St. The annual Ostrich Festival Parade takes place the same morning, along Arizona Avenue.

For more information about the open house at the Fire Department, call 480-782-2120 or visit chandleraz.gov/fire. Details on the Police Department open house are at chandlerpd.com.

CHANDLER DOCTOR DONATES NEWBOOK SALES TO LOCAL CHARITY

Book LaunchSaturday, April 6th 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., The Buttes in Tempe

In a time of serious change, Dr. Natasha Deonarain presents arefreshing new way to view the disease-focused paradigm whichAmerica operates within, and how you can learn how to lead yourown way to optimal health through 7 fundamental principles. This is aclarion call for all who want to change their own future and help tore-shape America’s troubled healthcare system.

“I could not put this book down! The 7Principles of Health is unlike any bookon health you have read! It is NOTabout disease, it is about the power ofour marvelous bodies to heal! All our‘talk’ about ‘Health Care Reform’....THIS IS IT!”—Naomi Rhode, CSP, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame

Bring this coupon and get the price of your book

A 100% DONATIONto the Gladys T. McGarey

Medical Foundation.

Visit ourwebsite to pre-order your book now!

www.health-conscious.org • email: info@7poh.comContact Mary Zook at 602-708-2911 for more information.

Dr. Natasha Deonarain

Comprehensive Health Care to Assist in Achieving Recovery

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• Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehab

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Feb. 16 – March 1, 2013 17www.SanTanSun.com Community

ASK US ABOUT “TEETH IN A DAY”

The DPR Foundation, a company-wide initiative of DPR Construction to help disadvantaged kids, awards the East Valley youth program ICAN a $50,000 grant to support youth development programs that build skills in youth to avoid substance abuse, gang activity and juvenile delinquency in high-risk communities . The investment supports access to the program for 250 youth daily, a 55% increase since 2012 when ICAN moved into its new Lon E . Hoeye Youth Center in Chandler following the successful completion of a $5 .6 million capital campaign . Info: 480-821-4207, visit icanaz .org .

Annel Cordero of Chandler, a single Latina mother who was a high school dropout, received the AF Chapter of P .E .O . Scholar Award, a $1,500 merit-based grant for women pursuing a doctoral degree . She was recognized by her Teen Age Pregnancy program counselor for her intelligence and a strong determination to better

herself . Cordero received a $15,000 Scholar Award last year to pursue a Ph .D . in psychology at Utah State University and expects to graduate next year . Members of the chapter took her under their wing with special holiday baskets, a donated computer and stand and encouraging cards and letters . P .E .O . was founded in 1869 to promote and advance the education of women . Info: blj423@gmail .com .

American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter provided assistance to five adults and two children who lost their house to a fire in Chandler . The Red Cross met their needs, giving them food, clothing and bedding after the blaze near Arizona Ave . and Frye Road .

SanTan Sun ChronICleSAssistant city manager awarded highest honor

The highest honor that can be given to an assistant or deputy city manager was awarded to Pat McDermott, Chandler’s assistant city manager, by the Arizona City / County Management Association at its 2013 winter conference.

McDermott currently oversees Chandler’s Economic Development, Municipal Utilities, Building & Facilities and Transportation and Development departments, and has overseen every Chandler department during his tenure of more than 37 years.

The Catherine F. Connolly Outstanding Assistant City / County Management Award was created in 2007 to recognize assistant city and county managers who demonstrate exemplary service to

their organization and community. The Arizona City/County Management Association was established in 1954 to increase the knowledge and ability of city, town and county managers.

McDermott was appointed Chandler assistant city manager in May 1989. Before that he was city manager for Brighton, CO, and city manager for Las Vegas. He also served as assistant city manager and community development coordinator for Chickasha, Ok. In addition, McDermott served on a variety of committees as part of the Maricopa Association of Governments, as well as other local and regional committees in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado at Denver. McDermott also attended the Institute for Public Executives at Arizona State University and the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia.

Pat McDermott

AWARD WINNER: Annel Cordero, center, with AF Chapter members Kathy Olney and Ruth Rees . Submitted photo