AZ LOCAL Magazine October 2015 by AZLOCALMagazine

Issue 4

Issue 4 | October 2015

www.azlocalmagazine.com 1 2015 October

AZ LOCAL Your Connection to the East/Southeast Valley

High School Prep Tests i $

How Much Will College cost?

* i

Smore pops O

Gadgets in the classroom

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Issue 4 | October 2015

Academic degrees and certificates, university transfer options, high school outreach programs, career training, personal enrichment, and continuing education classes Two East Valley campuses to serve you San Tan Campus 3736 E. Bella Vista Rd. San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 (480) 677-7825

Superstition Mountain Campus 805 S. Idaho Road Apache Junction, AZ 85119 (480) 677-7700

www.centralaz.edu

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Your Choice Is Clear

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Contents education section

a&e

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halloween

news & business

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mental tricks to help raise grades

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Letter From The Editor

Angela Smith, Editor-in-Chief

Dear Readers,

smartphone usage in class

This issue is all about education. You’ll find articles about nurturing early childhood development, choosing career or community college, spending more for college and high school graduation rates. You’ll read tips to help your kids have a great school year on student loan debt and afterschool programs. We’re looking at the Florence and Coolidge Unified School Districts call for a vote on turning over the Coolidge Schools in San Tan Valley to the Florence Unified School District. We are also giving you some ideas for cozy and comfortable fall entertaining, inexpensive ways to give your home a fall facelift and fall home décor projects you’re going to just love. Our telling review of a popular Miami restaurant might surprise you. And we have a great crock pot chicken recipe for you too. We’ve had great support from local businesses and we want to encourage our readers to visit and shop with our advertisers.

Photo Credits Rico Shen Redrum0486 Ermolaev Alexandr - Fotolia.com Artifact Images Haunt Photography Shutterstock Buddy Lindsey

Other Credits Pepper & Carrot: Webcomic, artworks and texts are licensed under a CC-By license, unless otherwise noted in the page. © “David Revoy, www.davidrevoy.com

And our highlight on San Tan Valley will give you some facts about the unicorporated area of Pinal County you might not know. Next month, we’ll bring you lots of holiday tips on shopping, entertaining, food and much more. Finally, AZ LOCAL Magazine wants to congratulate Sheriff Paul Babeu on his entry into Arizona’s 1st congressional district race.

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Education Section

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Mental tricks to help raise grades Maintaining strong grades in every subject can be tough on even the brightest of the bunch. This is especially true these days, as students routinely are taking on more extracurricular activities and part-time jobs while enrolled in school. Students looking to grasp complicated class material -- and still have time left at the end of the day -- can stand to benefit from tried-and-true systems for learning, say experts. “Every student from a young age should learn speed reading, speed math and mnemonics,” says Harry Edelson, venture capitalist, managing director of Edelson Technology Partners and author of the new book, “Positivity: How to be Happier, Healthier, Smarter, and More Prosperous.” Edelson, the son of an illiterate Russian immigrant, attributes his triumph over childhood poverty and success in the classroom and business world, to the adoption of key mental tricks and a positive attitude. In “Positivity,” he delves into how others may follow suit. Here he shares a few insights. Speed Reading Speed reading allows a reader to take in written material much more quickly than traditional reading. While those wishing to improve their speed reading skills once had to attend seminars or enroll in a course, now lessons are widely offered online. Free software, as well as apps available for download to your phone, can offer training in this useful art.

Speed Math Like speed reading, speed math can help students finish their homework faster and with more precision. Additionally, learning this skill offers students a deeper understanding of mathematical operations. A range of books on the subject, as well as online tutorials, can supplement classroom learning. Mnemonics So much of school testing involves the need for recall and recitation, especially as schools nationwide adopt Common Core Standards. Mnemonics are a classic and effective method of memorization and information retention. Depending on the material, students can turn to existing mnemonic devices or create their own. Positive Thinking “I consider myself to be very lucky. I have been happy all my life even though I started out as poor as a child could be,” says Edelson, who says positivity can lend itself to success. “Take control of your senses, determine to be happy and develop a frame of mind that will make you and all those around you happy.” For an edge this semester, don’t reinvent the wheel. Consider first the academic techniques and personal philosophies that have worked so well for others. (StatePoint)

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Apps & Games

Nintendo DS/3DS Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day Big Brain Academy Flash Focus: Vision Training in Minutes a Day Personal Training: Math Brain Quest

Windows Mobile Mind Games

Mind: Brain Training Math Mini Games

Think Smart: Power Up Brain Brain Voyage My Reading Tutor Brain Boost: Beta Wave Mega Brain Boost Mind Quiz: Your Brain Coach Learning to Spell World Championship Spelling Brain Age Concentation Training Math Ninja For Kids Math Quest Math Lab Ultimate English Spelling Quiz The Spelling Bee

Android

Spell It

Mind Games

Science Quiz

Mind Tools Think Math Workout Math Tricks My Spelling Test Spelling Bee Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spell

Science School for Kids NeuroNation Lumosity Elevate: Brain Training Math Brain Extreme Memorado Brain Training - Math Workout Kognitivo

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ow Much Will College Cost?

Financial tips to help to pay for college Paying for college? Look beyond the tuition price tag when making your financial plans and you will encounter many expenses not listed in school brochures. Be aware of these costs. Determine in advance how you’ll pay for them and even consider how you may save money.

repayment works and how this decision will affect you in the future. A loan consultant at your bank can help you explore the best options for you. For example, applying with a cosigner may qualify you for a lower interest rate, saving you money down the line.

With some smart preparation, you can avoid unpleasant surprises. Here are some things to keep in mind when assessing college costs and financing options:

Plan Ahead

Financing No matter what your family’s financial status is, you should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form, which is the first step toward obtaining financial aid. Also explore additional financing options, like scholarships, tuition payment plans your school offers, federal loans and private alternative loans. Millions of Americans are faced with a rising amount of student loan debt. Make graduating debt-free your objective and only take out loans by necessity. After receiving award letters, scholarships and grants, calculate whether there is still a financial gap between your resources and the cost of college. Take out a private student loan only after exhausting these other resources and efforts first.

To be truly prepared for the years ahead, get as accurate an estimate of total college costs as possible. Most school websites offer a net price calculator that can give you an estimate of your total college cost and your financial aid award. Also, free online tools, such as Wells Fargo’s Get College Ready College Cost Calculator, available at www.WellsFargo.com/GetCollegeReady, helps you take all your personal factors into consideration. The site also features useful tips and checklists for parents and students on subjects like paying for college, managing money and building good credit while in school. When putting a price tag on college, don’t forget to budget for other certain and potential expenses like a mobile phone plan, medical insurance, lab fees and class materials. Save Money

If you do opt for a private loan, ensure you’re familiar with the loan’s terms, as well as the realities of graduating with debt. A responsible lender that defers payments until after you leave school can help you get educated on how loan

After tallying up college costs, you may encounter practical ways to reduce expenditures. For instance, you can save on big ticket items by attending your state

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school at the in-state tuition rate or by living at home. Save on day-to-day living costs by biking instead of driving and buying textbooks used. Get a smaller meal plan and prepare some meals in your apartment. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no doubt about it, college is expensive. Be realistic about the true costs associated with a financing an education and get savvy about how to pay for it wisely. (StatePoint)

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High School Students Studying

Helping High Schoolers Prep for College Entrance Exams

(StatePoint) Whether taking the SAT, the ACT or both, excelling on college entrance exams can significantly strengthen one’s school applications.

require several hours and be mentally taxing.

While students need to take personal initiative when prepping for these crucial tests, families can lend a helping hand in many ways.

Mathematical coursework, test-taking and preparation require the right gear. Set up your student for achievement with scientific and graphing calculators that feature a range of high-level functions. Remember, some questions in the math sections of the SAT can’t be solved without a scientific or graphing calculator.

Prioritizing Study Time Good study habits are important for academic achievement and will come in handy in college. They are also especially important during college exam preparation. Ensure your student has a quiet area to study for the big day, free of distractions like televisions, squabbling siblings and social media. A study schedule should be practical. If possible, consider giving your student a free pass from chores on days he or she takes a full practice test -- this will

The Right Tools

Choose one that is right for the task. For example, Casio’s CLASSWIZ fx-991EX is the first scientific calculator to feature spreadsheet functionality. It enables users to create spreadsheets with up to five columns and 45 rows. It can also convert graphs into QR codes which can be displayed on a projector screen, allowing students to work seamlessly with their teacher or test prep tutor.

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Designed for elementary, middle and high school students, Casioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range of calculators focus on such subjects as general math, trigonometry, statistics, algebra, geometry and physics, and are available in a wide variety of colors (a potential motivational tool for students who want to do math in style!). Whatever model you opt for, be sure it is authorized for use during the test and has an intuitive interface that will speed up calculations when time matters. Deeper Understanding Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not always enough to memorize materials. A competitive edge is gained with true comprehension. Fill your home with books and magazines on a wide range of subjects. Picking up new words in a practical context will happen naturally without feeling like work. On the math front, check out practical tools that encourage deeper understanding of difficult concepts, such as research-based books and education workbooks on topics like critical thinking, algebra, geometry and statistics. Test Day The night before the test is not the time to cram. Students should arrive at the test site refreshed, well-rested and well-fed. Fatigue or an empty stomach will prove distracting. Fill up on brain food containing Omega-3s, antioxidants and vitamin E. For those needing a morning boost, consider jogging the brain into action over breakfast with a challenging article or math problem. College entrance exams can significantly impact an academic career. Take every step you can to ensure a maximum score.

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Issue 4 | October 2015

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Five Ways to Get Kids Excited to Learn

Many kids love the prospect of learning, while others may need a bit of motivation. But parents can get kids on board with a little encouragement and creativity to make learning fun. Here are some ideas to get kids excited to learn.

Library Visits By making a run-of-the-mill trip to the library seem like a true adventure, kids will associate books with intrigue at an impressionable age. The librarian can point out the best titles for inspiring learning and fun. Time visits to occur during your local branch’s storytelling hour or other early childhood programming. Also, be sure to sign your child up for a personal library card, which will be a source of pride at the circulation desk and put them on the path of reading enrichment.

Learning Tablets To give kids an extra edge in learning, consider a fun yet educational tablet, such as the InnoTab MAX. Durable enough for kids, this device has a 7-inch multi-touch screen, and features progressive learning content that adapts to a child’s age. Web access and communication apps, which kids can use to exchange messages with friends and family, are limited to protect children, and parents are free to manage these controls. The tablet comes with Movie Maker and Art Studio, amongst other apps, and additional content can be found at the Learning Lodge app store. “The tablet has proven to be a welcome way for kids to interact with digital media,” says Dr. Eric Klopfer, Platform Learning Expert and member of the Expert Panel at VTech, a world leader in age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children. “Touch interfaces and well-crafted content have meant an easy-on ramp for many children who learn through this technology.”

Board Game Night After dinner, gather round the table a second time. From classic word games that challenge one to stretch the limits of his or her vocabulary, to trivia games testing science and world history knowledge, board games have the potential to bring the family together and also to educate. Be sure to check the box for age-ap-

propriate guidance.

Wearable Tech Wearable technology can inspire kids to learn and be creative while staying active. For example, the VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX offers motion-activated games, a stopwatch, calendar, 3D clock face and calculator so kids can work out simple math problems. It also includes a time-telling app featuring a friendly owl that helps kids learn to tell time, and additional apps are available for download on the Learning Lodge. The internal memory offers ample storage for budding photographers and videographers documenting the world around them.

Sweeten the Deal Consider creating a rewards chart where children can track their progress as they meet learning goals. It can be an effective way to motivate kids to try new ways of learning and work hard to reach a goal. You can find many free downloadable charts online. More ideas can be found at www.vtechkids.com/parenting. To make learning a priority in your home, get kids on board. They’ll be inspired when they see that learning can be fun. (StatePoint)

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Five ways to support your student and your school this year

It’s back to school season again. Time for schoolwork and sports, plays and parties, friends and field trips. For students, parents and teachers, this is an exciting time of year. Yet for teachers, the start of a new year can also be unnecessarily expensive. Research shows that each year most teachers spend on average more than $400 of their own money to provide supplies and materials for their classrooms. This year however, you can help ease this burden on your favorite teacher and school by showing your support with any of these five tips:

• Volunteer. You can help your child’s teacher and your school just by volunteering. Chaperones and volunteers are always needed for school activities. Ask your child’s teacher if they have a volunteer sign-up form so you can participate. You should also make sure you are ready and willing to undergo a background check. Once you are approved, you may have the opportunity to help in the classroom, the library or at dances and sporting events.

• Think It Up. There’s a creative solution for any problem. With this in mind, Staples has pledged $10 million to support Think It Up, a program dedicated to the support of student-powered, teacher-led projects. Think It Up allows students to work with their teachers to identify passion projects for their classrooms and these projects are crowdfunded on Thinkitup.org. You can learn more about the individual projects by visiting the site and you can support Think It Up by donating at your local Staples store.

• Join the club. If your child is in middle school or high school, their school probably has a booster club. Why don’t you join it? Many booster clubs revolve around sports teams but there are also clubs for theater, speech or music as well. These clubs orchestrate fundraisers to grow revenue for their group and they could certainly use your help.

• Get shopping. Teachers spend plenty of their own money to outfit their classrooms so make sure you do your part by getting your child everything he or she needs for the upcoming school year. Staples has the items your student needs including notebooks, two-pocket folders, index cards, composition books, Crayola crayons and more. Why not pick up a couple of things for your favorite teacher’s classroom as well?

• Use your talents. Everyone has their own special talents that make them unique, put yours to use in support of your child and his or her school. Help the class with a large project or serve as a tutor or career mentor. Use your talents to help and your efforts will benefit students today and in the months and years ahead. What could be better than that? You can help to make it a great school year for everyone. So go on, get creative and put your talents to use. You’ll be amazed by what you can teach and what you learn. (BPT)

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Using

smartphones In Your

Classroom

How and and why to choose a smartphone for use in your classroom

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o smartphones contribute to a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education or does it further the social disengagement of our society? The first commercially available was the Motorolla DynaTAC 8000X. It has a retail price of $3,995 (about $9500 in present-day terms), the high price tag ensured that it would not become a mass-market item. The creator of the Motorolla DynaTAC 8000X is Martin Cooper, who went on to found GreatCall, Inc. GreatCall is well known for releasing the Jitterbug, a senior-friendly cell phone. As years passed, cell phones became more affordable and portable.

reference applications.

eMarketer, an independent market research company, estimates 4.55 billion people worldwide use a mobile phone, of those 1.75 billion are estimated to be smartphone users. Neilson Research reports that 58 percent of 13 to 17 year olds own a smartphone. In 2011, this figure was only 22 percent.

Android Google Play has 1.43 million apps. Google has thousands of educational apps.

There are three major smartphone operating systems. Android has the largest market share at 52.14 percent. iOS has 40.82 percent of the market share. Windows Phone has only a fraction of the market share at 2.6 percent.

Apps

Apple The Apple App Store has more than 1.4 million apps and more than 100 billion copies of apps have been downloaded. Apple reports that about 10 percent of their apps are education or

Windows As of April 16, 2015, there are 206,284 apps available on the Windows Store. At the 2014 Mobile World Congress, Microsoft announced they have more than 4 million app downloads a day. This is quite impressive as Appleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s App Store has an average of 6 million app downloads a day. Microsoft has roughly 2,000 apps that are classified as educational. Microsoft compiled a list of the 100 best education apps here: http:// aka.ms/Apps4Edu

Amazon Android apps can also be downloaded from the Amazon App Store. There are currently 334,000 apps available for download. GetJar Has over 849,036 mobile apps for Android. Many of them available on the Play Store. However the Play Store does not support some low-end tablets, so Get Jar is a good alternative. F-Droid Is an Android App store that has only Free and Open Source Apps. F-Droid has around 1,600 apps.

operating systems M

Mobile Operating System Marketshare

What reasons are there to use smartphones in the classroom? 1. The United States is moving toward a Digitally Connected Citizenship. Currently petitions to the federal government, the President in particular, requires a digital signature to sign the petition. Which requires filling out an email, name and address at https://petitions.whitehouse. gov 2. Students can learn in a way that is comfortable for them. Young students are more apt to be able to pick up and utilize smartphones to their full advantage. This is likely linked to the fact, that many types of devices utilize similar design elements, and that younger generations are immersed in a digital lifestyle outside of school. 3. Students are able to find answers quickly. With faster internet speeds, and more intuitive search engines, students are able to find answers more quickly. The downside is the retention rates will likely drop as students will

have less of a reason to retain the material, when the answer is only a few taps away. 4. Mixed Media learning always produces better results. Mixing audio, video and written material allows a student to better understand the subject from different angles, and allows for better retention with the message being distributed in different formats. 5. There is a growing library of educational apps. There are hundreds of thousands of educational apps available. Many of the apps are game-style which can make learning more fun. 6. Smartphones allow for collaboration and social learning. Smartphones allow students to collaborate in a more global fashion, allowing students to discuss subjects with experts across the world. They also learn and share information in groups and projects in ways more like collaboration in the mobile workplace of the future.

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Career College Or Community College? Deciding Which Is Right For You What's the difference between a career college and community college? While both types of learning institutions share the goal of enriching students' lives through education, the experience they provide to students can vary greatly.

The Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities (http://www.career.org/) provides a wealth of information about career colleges. Notably, there are a few key distinctions found at career colleges.

Community college, educational and social enrichment

Programs:

Community colleges are designed to serve a diverse group of students, from recent high school graduates to those looking for educational and social enrichment.Â To meet the needs of this varied student body, community colleges tend to offer numerous programs and classes, but don't necessarily focus on hands-on job skills. Community colleges typically offer non-degree classes and two-year associate degree programs for those looking to later transfer to a traditional college or university. With the recent national push encouraging high school students to further their education, many community colleges are struggling to cope with the surge in new students, which has resulted in large class sizes and waiting lists for many popular programs. Career college, workforce preparation and handson learning At career colleges, the main focus is to prepare students for the workforce once they graduate. These career-focused schools want their students to have the necessary skills to hit the ground running their first day on the job. This intensive approach is made possible with classes of smaller sizes that are taught by experts who are working in their field. Some may know career colleges as vocational schools, tech schools or trade schools, and more recently they have expanded to include many more in-demand career programs. In addition to the traditional trades, career colleges now also focus on graphic design, information technology, business, criminal justice and health care professions. For those who are thinking about enrolling in college, have a specific career in mind and excel in a hands-on learning environment, a career college might be a good option. Most students at career colleges have already tried community or even traditional colleges and are looking for programs that train them for the workforce, not post-graduate education. Benefits of choosing a career college "Everything we do is focused on preparing students for the career path they have chosen, and we structure the programs to give them skills they need to be successful on the job," says Westwood College Chicago Campus President Hamed Shibli. Westwood offers 35 career-focused degree programs across its 14 campuses. Learn more about the various types of career-focused programs offered at Westwood College (http://www.westwood.edu).

Career colleges' curriculums are designed to meet specific needs of employers. They focus on specific tasks students will need to accomplish in their field of training. Hands-on training: Much of the curriculum at a career college will be spent focusing on actual tasks that will need to be completed on the job. Technical skills: Career-focused training is most appropriate for jobs that require technical training. For example, students in graphic design get a lot of hands-on training with design programs like Adobe InDesign and Photoshop so they become proficient and are ready to work once they finish their degree. Staff with experience in the field of study: Many staff members of career colleges are also working in the fields they teach and can help students gain a better understanding of what might be expected of them once they get a job. Career services: Career colleges have a team of career services representatives who can help students prepare resumes, practice interview skills and locate job search resources.Â Accreditation: Career colleges are typically accredited by national accreditation agencies that measure faculty experience and outcomes such as graduation and employment rates. Conversely, community colleges and traditional colleges are most often regionally accredited and are measured on areas such as student learning, teacher effectiveness, and resources available. "Career colleges and community colleges appeal to different types of students," says Shibli. "We recommend visiting colleges and talking with enrolled students to determine the best choice. We want to enroll students who are passionate about their future and will be successful." (BPT)

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Ways to Nurture Early Childhood Development

(StatePoint) From the nursery to the playroom, playtime should be safe and fun. But experts say that beyond these considerations, these spaces should incorporate elements that promote early childhood development. “Infancy and preschool years are a crucial time of children’s lives, when they are developing new motor, cognitive, language and social skills,” says Dr. Lise Eliot, Early Brain Development Expert and Expert Panel Member at VTech, a world leader in age-appropriate and developmental stage-based electronic learning products for children. “Toys should provide multi-sensory experiences that engage and cultivate a love of learning from a very young age, while delivering the developmental benefits appropriate for each child’s age and stage.” To encourage growth and enrich children’s play experiences, Dr. Eliot and VTech offer these tips: • Include books in the playroom and read often to your child. Doing so will demonstrate well before the school years begin that reading is not just for classroom, but also a recreational activity that can and should be done for fun. Look ahead by adding books that will be age-appropriate in the future. • Development happens extremely rapidly, so seek out learning toys that grow with children. For example, the Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train, which teaches letters, numbers, colors and vocabulary, can be used for floor play or a ride on. Once babies are on their feet, it can be transformed into a walker or a wagon that can be pulled, helping to build motor skills. • Kids are never too young to develop an appreciation for music. Babies

can start by playing with tambourines, maracas, toy keyboards and other fun musical toys. Child-sized instruments can improve hand-eye coordination and rhythm, and set kids up for lifelong musical inspiration. • Create safe zones in your house where kids can have free reign to play and explore. “The more opportunity children have for physical exertion and exploration, the better for the development of both their minds and bodies,” says Eliot. • Focus on giving preschool age kids a head start on their education. Provide them with fun ways to get started, such as the Write & Learn Creative Center, which features animated demonstrations to teach proper stroke order for uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as drawing activities to inspire skills and creativity in young artists. • Foster language and social skills by spending time each day playing together. The interactions you share are key to cognitive and emotional development as well as social and emotional growth. Research has proven that early two-way conversations with babies and young children are critical to their own speech and reading development. To encourage social skills and prepare young children for preschool, set up play dates with friends. For more playful ideas, parenting tips and information about early childhood development, visit www.vtechkids.com/milestones. By incorporating these elements and toys that nurture a range of critical cognitive and physical skills, you can make playtime not only fun, but functional.

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Americans Spending More for College Out-of-Pocket (StatePoint) The Bank of Mom and Dad is open for business, as parent outof-pocket spending has become the number one source of college funding. In fact, 62 percent of families did not borrow to pay for college last year, according to a new report. The national study, “How America Pays for College 2015,” from Sallie Mae and Ipsos, now in its eighth year, found that parent income and savings covered the largest share of college costs -- 32 percent -- surpassing scholarships and grants at 30 percent, for the first time since 2010. Families covered the balance of college costs using student borrowing, student income and savings, parent borrowing, and contributions from relatives and friends. While families spent 16 percent more on college in academic year 20142015, the report found that fewer families are worried that economic factors would affect their ability to pay for college, fewer eliminated colleges from consideration due to cost, and fewer took cost-saving measures to control college costs. “The increase in the amount families are spending appears to be less about the rising cost of college and more about the choices parents and students are making about how they pay for college,” says Michael Gross, vice president and head of the higher education practice at Ipsos Public Affairs. “Traditional economic concerns, such as job loss, declining home values, and decreased value of savings, are less worrying for parents this year, allowing families greater freedom to concentrate on college.” Still, while the majority of families agree college is an important and worthwhile investment -- and are making such responsible decisions to help pay for it as filing for federal aid, reducing personal spending and working while attending school -- only 40 percent of families have a plan to pay for college. “College remains a priority for parents, and they are feeling more confident as they reach into their own pockets and put their money where their values are,” says Raymond Quinlan, Chairman and CEO, Sallie Mae. “It’s gratifying to see families are borrowing responsibly and making efforts to reduce costs.” In an effort to move that stubborn statistic and encourage more families to make a college financing plan, the experts at Sallie Mae are expanding their suite of free tools and information. To get started, they recommend these three steps: • Start with money you won’t have to repay. Supplement your college savings and income by maximizing scholarships, grants, and work-study. • Explore federal student loans. Apply by completing the Free Application

Yuriy Rudyy - Shutterstock for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. • Consider a responsible private education loan. Fill the gap between your available resources and the cost of college. To view the complete report, visit SallieMae.com/HowAmericaPaysForCollege. For free tools, such as a college planning calculator, scholarship search and the College Ahead mobile app, visit SallieMae.com/PlanforCollege. For many families, college is one of the biggest investments they will ever make. Fortunately, as the cost of college trends upward, so too is the incidence of responsible decision-making when it comes to financing an education.

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Fact vs. Fiction: 7 Truths about College Course Materials (StatePoint) You’ve seen the headlines: “The cost of a college education is soaring!” “Course materials have never been more expensive!” “Textbook producers take advantage of our students!” Yes, these headlines may be sensational, but they’re not entirely accurate. While college can be expensive, students aren’t helpless victims crushed by debt from buying textbooks. Instead, they’re savvy consumers to whom education companies cater. Below are seven fictions -- and the corresponding facts -- about college course materials. Fiction: The cost of college textbooks and course materials is a major contributor to student debt. Fact: Books and supplies account for just four percent of college costs. Students’ primary expenses are tuition (43 percent) and boarding (40 percent). Fiction: The cost of course materials is climbing. Fact: Student spending on course materials has declined nearly 20 percent since the 2007-2008 school year and nearly 12 percent since 2013-2014, according to Student Watch data. New digital learning platforms, which use interactive techniques to help students master course concepts, have also helped reduce costs. Fiction: College course materials are unaffordable for the average student. Fact: Students can save money on textbooks in a variety of ways. Online resources such as CourseSmart offer digital titles at up to 60 percent below the hardcover price. Other money-saving options include purchasing eChapters, loose-leaf editions, blackand-white editions and print-it-yourself editions. Fiction: The reason that new editions of course materials are released so often is to increase publisher profits. Fact: Course materials in many fields -- especially medicine, law and accounting -- are updated periodically to reflect changes in regulations, technology and methods. Instructors want course materials to be as current as possible to ensure students can apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

Fiction: Since Open Educational Resources (OER) are free, they will eventually replace purchased textbooks. Fact: While free to students, OER are not free to create, since they must be developed, formatted and regularly revised. Commercial producers and open-source publishers often work together to provide effective, affordable course materials. However, producing materials for a single course can cost anywhere from $500,000 to $3 million. Increasingly, OER publishers are trying to transfer these costs to students and taxpayers. Fiction: Students with print-related disabilities -- including blindness and dyslexia -- don’t have access to the course materials they need. Fact: Access is improving, thanks to programs like the AccessText Network. Founded and supported by the Association of American Publishers (AAP) and leading education companies, they are working to ensure that students are not limited by disability when accessing and using course materials. Students should visit their colleges’ Disabled Student Services office for information about participating. Fiction: Students don’t really need the course materials to pass the class. Fact: Course materials are a key component of academic success. Academic improvement from using digital course materials and traditional textbooks is as high as 79 percent.

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Five tips to help your child have a great school year (BPT) - They grow up fast, don’t they? One minute they’re in a car seat and the next you’re picking out a school backpack. The transition to preschool and kindergarten is a big leap for most families and sometimes it can feel like a roller coaster ride. There are some obvious ways to prepare your kids for these changes: buying school supplies, getting them used to waking up on time, eating breakfast and possibly even taking a school bus ride. But there are some not-so-obvious preparations, too, like preparing yourself to take on a brand new role – as the parent of a school-aged child. “As parents, it’s so easy to focus on our kids and what they need that we forget to consider what we need,” says Donna Hunt O’Brien, an expert in early child development and Director of Training, Curriculum & Program Innovation at Parents as Teachers, an organization devoted to supporting families and young children. “It’s important to prepare yourself for your child’s transition too. You are your child’s first and best teacher and that role will expand as your child starts her journey through school. The more confident and prepared you are the more confident and successful your child will be.” To help make your child’s school year as successful as possible - and to help you enjoy the ride, as well - here are five things you can do to create a strong partnership between your family and your child’s school: * Open the lines of communication with your child’s teachers and adult friends. You’re not the only teacher in your child’s life any more. Now she has other adults who are there to help. Introduce yourself, give out your contact information and make it clear you’re happy these new teachers are a part of your child’s world. After all, you both already have something in common -- you like watching your child learn new things. Establish a positive relationship with these other adults right away and you’ll feel more comfortable coming to them when you need support. * Involve your child’s fan club. By the time your child is 3 or 4 years old, she will have many adults in her life who care about her, including grandparents, babysitters, and relatives. They are her loudest cheering section, so keep everyone in the loop about her triumphs and challenges as she enters that next grade level. * Let teachers know what makes your family tick. What’s the free time passion in your household? Do you read books together, play music, or do you love to spend time outdoors playing games? Share what your family likes to do with your child’s school. This will give teachers an inside look at what your child loves and make it easier to find ways to capture her imagination. * Share what makes your child special. If you’re the parent of multiple kids, then you know better than anyone that every child is different – each has his or her own strengths and needs. As your child’s first teacher and parent, you’re the expert on everything to do with your kid. Take the time to listen to her thoughts and concerns and make sure you pass along this information to your child’s school. It can help teachers know what to look for and how to lend a helping hand when your child needs it. * Take the time to find your team. As parents, you’re all on this roller coaster ride together, so don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and share some stories with your fellow passengers. Learning that other parents have the same concerns or issues you do can make you feel better about your own situation. These first school years are a big step, not only for your children, but for you as well. Make them amazing and don’t forget to celebrate your child’s victories. They grow up fast, so enjoy the ride together. For more tips and to find helpful programs, visit www.ParentsasTeachers.org.

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+Keeping Teens On Track:

National High School Graduation Still Shows Room For Improvement (BPT) - It’s graduation season, and across the country many families will revel in their graduate’s accomplishments. Nationally, there’s reason to celebrate, too; 81 percent of American high school seniors are expected to graduate this year, the highest rate ever, according to the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). But there’s sobering news as well. According to a StageofLife.com teen survey, nearly half of all high schoolers know someone who’s not graduating. With nearly 20 percent of teens expected not to graduate this year, educators and administrators are not the only ones responsible for closing this graduation gap. For example, youth advocates like Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) are collaborating with corporate initiatives, such as the Taco Bell Foundation(TM), to provide teens a critical pathway towards high school graduation

and beyond that will inspire them to reach their full potential and achieve their educational and career goals.

“We know that failing to graduate high school has a severe long-term impact on a young person’s ability to secure employment and affects virtually every aspect of

his/her life,” says Dr. Damon Williams, chief educational and youth development officer at BGCA. “Our Club’s year-round programs at 4,100-plus locations across the country help ensure teens have the inspiration, tools and resources needed to stay on track to graduate high school on-time.”

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The national high school dropout rate affects not only the one million teens who fail to graduate and their families, but also our nation’s economic standing as a whole. The American economy will lose nearly $159 billion in lost taxes and higher government expenditures over the students’ lifetimes, according to Williams. Teens fail to graduate for a number of reasons, including failing coursework, falling into the wrong crowd and traumatic home or school events causing chronic absenteeism, according to America’s Promise Alliance. Yet when teens get the support they need, they are more likely to remain in or return to school; 41 percent of teens surveyed by the Alliance said encouragement from someone else inspired them to stay in or return to school. “As a company that gives many young Americans their very first job, we’re invested in supporting teens and young adults,” says Brian Niccol, chief executive officer at Taco Bell Corp. “We’re passionate about doing our part to instill in youth confidence to tackle the next big thing, to succeed, to be the best expression of themselves, to lead, to use their voice to go after a cause, and to have an impact in their communities-and this begins by supporting teens to ensure they graduate high school.”

The

national high school dropout rate affects not only the one million teens who fail to graduate and their families, but also our nation’s economic standing as a whole. The American economy will lose nearly $159 billion in lost taxes and higher government expenditures over the students’ lifetimes, according to Williams..

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For nearly two decades, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the non-profit Taco Bell Foundation to help teens steer their path and equip them with the resources needed to succeed in high school. In 2014, Taco Bell Foundation expanded its partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs with a goal of providing a $30 million grant over five years to bring its Graduate for Mas program to Clubs across the country. With the support of partners like the Taco Bell Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs’ programs help 1.4 million teens stay on track to graduate from high school, and 70 percent of Club seniors to be college-bound by 2018. Keeping just 10 Club members in school until graduation would add $2 million to the American economy over those members’ lifetimes, the organization estimates. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the organization’s academic success programs, visit www.greatfutures. org. To learn more about the Taco Bell Foundation’s Graduate for Mas program, visit the www.graduateformas.com.

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The back-to-school item you may have missed: managing screen time (BPT) - Kids are back in school, and parents have gone through their checklists to ensure their children are prepared to put their best foot forward this coming year. Children have the right school supplies, healthy snacks and are enrolled in afterschool activities to unleash energy after a day in the classroom. However, there’s one item that may not have made it onto the list that could have a significant impact on kids’ performance in school — setting rules about mobile device use. Forty-four percent of parents report their child’s mobile screen time interferes with completing schoolwork or going to bed on time, according to a recent Intego survey conducted by Ipsos. There’s no question that not devoting enough time to homework or lack of sleep can negatively impact a child’s performance in school. That’s why parents need to learn how to manage their child’s mobile phone and tablet use. Here are a few easy steps parents can take to help ensure their kids’ use of mobile devices is measured and harmless: Set rules. It’s important for parents to be proactive and have a serious discussion with each of their children about how to use their mobile devices safely and communicate rules for their responsible use, such as:

• Always use a password to lock/unlock the device. • Get permission from a parent before downloading an app or making an in-app purchase. • Don’t share photos that could end up embarrassing others or themselves. • Don’t be afraid to talk to mom, dad or another trusted adult if they run into anything that makes them uncomfortable online or on their mobile device. Check ratings. Prior to downloading apps, parents should check its age rating to determine if it’s appropriate for their child. The familiar ESRB ratings are now featured on mobile apps and games in the Google Play store. “In addition to knowing if a game or app is age appropriate and what type of content triggered its rating, parents also need to know about its interactive elements,” says Patricia Vance, president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). “These elements describe certain features that can be found in digitally delivered games and apps, which may include if the game or app enables purchases, if users can interact, and/or if unrestricted Internet access is provided, among other useful information.”

Activate parental controls on the device. In the mobile device’s settings, parents can activate various controls that are password-protected to prevent certain types of apps from being downloaded based on age ratings. These settings can also block in-app purchases, Internet access and other features parents may be concerned about. However, they only work if parents don’t share their password with their child! Manage screen time. It’s important for parents to limit when and where their child can use their mobile device. While parents can encourage their kids to proactively shut off their device during homework time, meals and bed time, they can also enforce the rules by downloading a third party parental control tool such as Intego’s Family Protector for iOS, which allows parents to set time-based limits on Web, app and camera use. With Family Protector, parents can manage their child’s iOS device remotely through the Web or through an iOS or Android app. Mobile phones and tablets have many benefits — from providing children with a way to play or communicate with friends and family to accessing educational apps that teach as well as entertain. Notwithstanding all of the positive aspects of providing your children with mobile devices, parents can add these simple tips to their back-in-school checklist to help ensure their children are not only safely and appropriately connected, but that this school year is a successful one.

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Afterschool Programs Helping Kids Improve Math and Science Skills

At a time when there’s widespread concern that U.S. students are not prepared for a changing economy that relies on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), many parents are sharing some good news about how afterschool programming is getting their children prepared in these crucial areas. Parents of nearly seven in 10 children who participate in afterschool programming report that their child’s program offers such learning opportunities, according to a new household survey commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance. The special report, “Full STEM Ahead: Afterschool Programs Step Up as Key Partners in STEM Education,” found broad support among parents for providing STEM learning after school, and high satisfaction with these offerings among parents of children in programs that provide STEM education. Indeed, more than half of parents with children in afterschool programming say this was an important factor in choosing their child’s program, the new report finds. “Afterschool is a dynamic, effective setting for innovative STEM education,” says Afterschool Alliance executive director Jodi Grant. “With their focus on hands-on learning and youth development, and the time they can give students to experiment, afterschool programs are well positioned to increase STEM skills in this country.” Here are some key findings from the report, which is based on “America After 3PM,” the most comprehensive survey ever to ask parents about their children’s participation in afterschool STEM programs: • A majority of parents say afterschool programs can not only help students gain STEM skills, but also that they should be offering STEM opportunities.

• Low-income, African-American and Hispanic parents are more likely than others to report that their child’s afterschool program offers STEM learning and strongly support such opportunities. • Most afterschool students have STEM learning opportunities at least once per week. • Parents whose children learn STEM subjects in afterschool report that math is offered most often. • STEM activities are offered more often in urban than in rural and suburban programs. National and state results from that report are available at afterschoolalliance.org/AA3PM. The report recommends engaging and educating parents about the important role afterschool programs can play in supporting STEM learning and increasing programming and investment. “Afterschool programs can help teach the skills that will help the next generation thrive in the global workforce, particularly populations traditionally underrepresented in STEM, because girls attend these programs at similar rates as boys, and African-American and Hispanic children are more likely to participate in afterschool than Caucasian children,” says Afterschool Alliance vice president for STEM policy Anita Krishnamurthi. With one in five students in the United States unsupervised after the school day ends, challenges remain, experts say, and more afterschool programs that provide robust STEM education offerings are needed. (StatePoint)

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Four Top Technology Degrees For Today’s Career Seekers (BPT) - The career outlook for technology professionals remains highly promising. With so many emerging employment opportunities, The White House announced the TechHire initiative in March to encourage American cities to offer training to prepare the workforce for careers in growing tech fields.

Another fast-growing tech specialization is in health information systems. The North American healthcare technology market is predicted to grow significantly to more than $31 billion by 2017, up from approximately $22 billion in 2012, according to Research and Markets’ North American Healthcare IT Market Report.

The United States has about five million open jobs today, which is more than at any point since 2001. Over half a million of those job openings are in information technology fields like software development, network administration and cybersecurity, many of which did not exist just a decade ago.

Demand for health informatics specialists is partly driven by the growing complexity of healthcare operations, government initiatives to promote IT in hospitals and the shift toward paperless billing and payment environments.

As an added incentive for Americans to pursue tech careers, the average salary in a job that requires information technology (IT) skills – whether in manufacturing, advertising, retail or banking – is 50 percent higher than the average private-sector American job.

Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems can pursue professional certification as a Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management (CAHIMS) to show employers their knowledge and skills. 3. Systems Analysis and Integration

“Our information technology students today are enthusiastic about the future job,” says Dr. Rajin Koonjbearry, professor and cyber security expert at DeVry University. “Not only are traditional IT careers standing out, but increasing private information online calls for cyber security experts to help companies protect against threats.” Here are some of the most valuable tech specializations and degree programs available to career seekers today: 1. Cyber Security Cyber security has been listed by The World Economic Forum as one of the top five global risks in terms of likelihood, and has been ranked as a top concern in federal chief information officer surveys. The White House even released an executive order aimed at improving critical infrastructure cybersecurity. Demand for cyber security professionals continues to rise, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 37 percent increase in information security analyst jobs through 2022. To meet this demand, colleges and universities are starting to offer degrees in cyber security. In May, DeVry University unveiled a new Cyber Security Programming specialization within its Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems program, available on campus or online in select states. The program includes Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) preparation and exam facilitation, a key credential employers may require in hiring cyber security professionals that has been accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). 2. Health Information Systems

Computer systems analysts play a vital role in researching, planning and recommending software and systems that best meet an organization’s business requirements. These analysts combine their knowledge of information technology and business to manage the organization’s overall computer system – from designing and developing new systems to helping networks run more efficiently and effectively. According to a new market report, the global market for system integration is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 11 percent from 2014 to 2020. Following graduation, students who want to stand out from the competition can pursue a post-baccalaureate certificate in Information Systems and Management. 4. Web Development and Administration The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 20 percent employment growth for Web developers by 2022. During that period, about 28,500 new jobs will need to be filled in an industry that already has roughly 141,400 positions. The expansion of e-commerce is expected to fuel this high job growth in the coming decade. Companies need web developers who can design webpage layout and solve code problems, help expand their online retail presence and safeguard the site and end users’ privacy. Given the high job growth rates expected in these four areas, bachelor’s degree candidates are increasingly looking for programs that meet their future career aspirations. A specialized degree, especially when paired with a professional certification valued by employers, can open doors to a rewarding career.

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Central Arizona College to Honor Veterans By Angela Askey, Director of Marketing

PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Central Arizona College will host Veterans Day events throughout Pinal County to honor veterans of the armed forces. Local veterans and community members are invited to join CAC students, faculty and staff in honoring the many men and women who have and continue to put forth their lives to defend our freedoms. Each campus tribute will feature a Presentation of Colors, singing of the National Anthem, special words of thanks and guest speakers. CAC campus events are scheduled as follows: Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 12 p.m. Superstition Mountain Campus East Side of F Building (near flag poles) 805 S. Idaho Road Apache Junction, AZ 85119 Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. San Tan Campus Room A101 3736 E. Bella Vista Road San Tan Valley, AZ 85143 Thursday, Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. Maricopa Campus Lawn between A and B Buildings 17945 N. Regent Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138 Monday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. Aravaipa Campus D Building 80440 E. Aravaipa Road Winkelman, AZ 85192 Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. Signal Peak Campus M Building West Plaza 8470 N. Overfield Road Coolidge, AZ 85128 For more information about the Veterans celebrations please contact (520) 494-5517 or veterans@centralaz.edu. www.centralaz.edu For nearly 45 years, Central Arizona College has been serving and edu-

cating the diverse communities of Pinal County. With eight campuses and centers located strategically throughout the county, CAC provides accessible, educational, economic, cultural, and personal growth opportunities for those of all ages.

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www.ActivityVillage.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy

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How to Sweeten Celebrations with S’mores, All Year Long Things you’ll need: • 2 HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate Bars • 1 tsp. shortening • 12 marshmallows • 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs • 12 lollipop sticks • Parchment paper Makes 12 Treats

Whether you’re hosting a big party for friends or it’s a movie night in with the family, you can sweeten the fun with an iconic treat that can be enjoyed any time of year. Consider going beyond the Classic S’mores recipe that family and friends have been enjoying for decades. HERSHEY’S is offering some great twists to the classic snack. Be the Life of the Party Hosting a party? S’mores Pops bring to life all of the elements of the traditional recipe in a newly imagined treat. How to make: • Line cookie sheet or tray with parchment paper. Remove wrappers from chocolate bars; break into pieces. • Place chocolate and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute; stir. If necessary, microwave for an additional 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. • Dip about 1/2 of each marshmallow into melted chocolate; shake off excess chocolate. Immediately sprinkle chocolate portion with graham cracker crumbs or dip for heavier coating. Place uncoated side on prepared sheet. Push lollipop stick through top of chocolate about halfway into marshmallow. Repeat procedure with remaining marshmallows. • Refrigerate for about 5 minutes or until firm. Store in cool, dry place. For more inspiration, ideas and S’mores recipe variations, visit www.CelebrateWithHersheys.com. To add a touch of sweetness to celebrations, enjoy this treat the traditional way or put a fun spin on an old favorite. (Statepoint)For more inspiration, ideas and S’mores recipe variations, visit www.CelebrateWithHersheys.com

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Beyond Trick or Treating Fun Family Activities for the Halloween Season (StatePoint) Trick-or-treating may be the standard Halloween tradition for most American families, but the holiday has branched out extensively over the last decade. Today, Americans spend over one billion dollars visiting Halloween-themed attractions. Where are they going, and what are the best activities for your family? The experts at Hauntworld.com are offering some spooky answers in this ultimate fall to-do list.

Farm Fun Many farms offer tons of fall activities ideal for families with young children, including picking the perfect carving pumpkin, finding your way out of a corn maze and drinking homemade apple cider. Other fun activities include pony rides, hay mazes, non-spooky hayrides, petting zoos and even shooting pumpkin cannons.

Ghost Tours Ghost hunting television shows have really increased the popularity in finding haunts and eerie tours. Learn more about your local area’s spooky history by taking family or out of town guests to haunted mansions, cemeteries, prisons and more.

Zombie Runs What could be scarier than a 5K run? One with zombies of course! Zombie runs are a good time for the whole family, providing a fun reason to get kids and teens moving, using obstacle courses, contests, prizes and more as incentives.

Haunted Hayrides Hayrides can be as sophisticated as a Hollywood movie, complete with fog machines and lights. Some have even adopted new twists. For example, on a zombie paintball hayride, guests go on a high adrenaline adventure, hunting and shooting zombies with paintballs. Haunted hayrides make guests and especially smaller kids feel safe as they ride in groups.

Home Haunts Americans are now decorating their yards and homes into spooky graveyards with high tech lights, animations and more. Some homeowners take it further by also decorating their home’s interiors and creating mazes in the garage or backyard. Finding a spooky home haunt or neighborhood near you can be a great Halloween activity to do if you’re on a budget. For tips and tricks on haunting your own house, visit www.hauntedhousesupplies.com.

Escape Rooms Escape rooms offer an immersive and interactive experience like none other. These Halloween-themed attractions involve working together to solve puzzles and riddles in order to escape a room in under an hour.

Haunted Houses Haunted houses come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from three-dimensional black light attractions to haunted trails to major scream parks. Haunted houses also change regularly, so it may be very different from visit to visit. Today, most haunted attractions don’t rely as much on blood and guts as they do on interactive special effects, sophisticated costumes, story lines and computer-generated imagery. To celebrate the scary side of Halloween, get the family together for an unforgettable night filled with fun and screams. To find America’s scariest haunted houses, trickiest corn mazes, spookiest zombie runs and every pumpkin patch, ghost tour and escape room near you, you can review a comprehensive directory of these attractions at www.Hauntworld.com. While tradition never gets old, novel Halloween activities provide different thrills than a standard trick-or-treat trip around the block.

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Don’t Let this Halloween Give Your Budget a Scare (StatePoint) Cooler weather and seasonal fall colors means it’s almost time for trick-or-treaters! Getting ready for all the fun the season has to offer can add up fast. Don’t let this Halloween give your budget a scare. With some helpful money saving tips, you will be ready to have a spooktacular Halloween. Decorations Bring the colors of fall into your home with seasonal decorations. From pumpkin kitchen towels to owl décor and festive candle holders, you can accent your home in style. Adorn your front door with an autumn wreath. Warm your home with pumpkin scented candles and fall themed tablecloths and runners. For a scary theme guaranteed to thrill your trick-or-treaters, stock up on Halloween décor like skeletons, jack-o-lanterns, bats and cobwebs! Candy and Treats Whether you’re planning for a crowd or just a few, don’t forget to stock up on the candy and treats that make Halloween so sweet. Try your hand at homemade goodies like scrumptious monster cupcakes or homemade popcorn balls. Make a Halloween trail mix with chocolate

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candies, pretzels, candy corn, rice cereal and pumpkin seeds. Visit www.dollargeneral.com/easymeals for quick, festive snack ideas to feed your hungry monsters. Use a fun decorated candy bowl and fill it with Halloween favorites to hand out to costumed visitors. Make sure to stock up on Halloween themed napkins and paper plates to add festive flair to your table spread. Costumes Above all, Halloween planning includes having a great costume. Check out your closet and use clothing items you already have to create a fun DIY look. Use bold make-up and fun hair styles to create your own unique costume. For the trick-or-treater who likes to accessorize, check out Halloween selections at your local discount retailer, like Dollar General. A variety of costume essentials and accessories are available starting at $1. Halloween comes once a year, but it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that you have to break the bank to have a great time. With quick tips and money saving ideas, you can have fun affordably.

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Imagination drives us to change.

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Inside the art

NamineNobody AZ LOCAL: What is your name and where do you live in Arizona? My name is Bailey S. McDaniel, and I live in San Tan Valley, Arizona; a little town with a lot of people. AZ LOCAL: What type of art do you do? I’m a digital artist, but sometimes I dabble in traditional painting with acrylics, or even sewing and crafting with clay. I got into art when I was very young. From the time I could pick up a crayon I was always drawing and coloring. AZ LOCAL: How did you get started in art? Over the years, whether it be in school or just at home, I was always doodling and sketching out different things. I’d mostly drawn myself or characters I’d liked from other media when I was younger, but as I got older I began to create my own original characters and began to make little worlds. It wasn’t until I was around 12 that I really got into drawing more. That was about the time that I started to get really big into certain anime and video games. AZ LOCAL: Who is a big influence for you? I was very influenced by Hayao Miyazaki’s work, such as Spirited Away, or Kiki’s Delivery Service. I was also heavily influenced by Tetsuya Nomura; a director and character designer for many Japanese rpgs by Square Enix. One particular video game that had a very big impact on me and my art is the Kingdom Hearts saga. With its mixture of Disney and Japanese styles, it pushed me further into a more cartoony styled ‘anime’ look. From there I’ve developed a style of my own as I try to experiment with more of a mixture of realistic and stylistic designs.

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AZ LOCAL: Why did you choose art? Over the years I’ve struggled with anxiety and bipolar disorder, and I’ve found that drawing has helped me to channel many of my episodes into something more productive. Many of my pieces can take on a rather dark tone, when I’m trying to channel my stress or depression, but many of them have a much more light hearted tone as I try to pull myself back out of my ruts. As I draw more and more I find that my style is rapidly developing and changing. Something drawn only weeks earlier seems drastically different from what I am capable of now, and my emotions are the drive I have to push myself further and further. AZ LOCAL: Are you open to take commissions and how can a person reach you? I am always taking commissions, and I am always open to discussion on what it is you’d like. Whether it be original art, fan art, or even works of your characters, I am up for just about anything. Just drop a note in my Deviantart. Or into my ask box on Tumblr. And don’t be shy! Take a look at some more of my works while you’re there! Most of my larger works are hosted on Deviantart while my Tumblr is flooded with more of my sketches and doodles. I’d love to hear from you.

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Episode 3: the secret ingredients

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Those who know demand Ricoh for eDiscovery.

Ricoh’s eDiscovery teams know that technology alone doesn’t get the job done. It takes experience. It takes passion. In fact, that’s why so many law firms and corporations trust Ricoh. When we’re needed the most, we’re there every time. Find out how Ricoh’s eDiscovery experts can deliver for you. Visit ricoh-usa.com/legal. ©2012 Ricoh Americas Corp.

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Superstition Mountain Campus 805 S. Idaho Road Apache Junction, AZ 85119 (480) 677-7700

www.centralaz.edu

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how to inspire young girls to dream big (StatePoint) For parents, encouraging children to dream big is part of the job description. And while more doors are now open for women in historically male-dominated fields like science, technology and sports, for parents with daughters it’s more important than ever to drive home the “you can do anything” message. While you can’t be there all the time, when you’re together, you can do your best to steer the conversation in ways that inspire. The experts at VTech, an award-winning electronic toy manufacturer that is introducing a revolutionary range of dolls for girls called Flipsies, are offering a few tips to help parents find ways that they can empower their girls to follow their dreams and aspire for more: Talk about It Everything your child consumes, from television to books to magazines, becomes part of her consciousness. Monitor what your daughter watches and reads, and encourage her to choose media with positive messaging, cultural value or a lesson. Together, look for shows and books that feature women following their dreams. Read the newspaper and talk about articles illustrating women doing great things. Innovate Play Time The way children play can be very influential to their development and self-esteem, and toy makers are catching on that parents are looking for more in their children’s toys. Parents can take advantage of new trends in toy design that infuse interactive technology with classic role play to encourage engaging, imaginative play. A new line of dolls and playsets, Flipsies, encourages young girls ages four and up to let their dreams shine and be anything they want to be, whether it’s a doctor, marine biologist, baker, rock star or veterinarian. Each of the eight dolls in the range has talents and big ambitions -- from

Eva, a pet lover who dreams of being a veterinarian to Styla, a confident DIY-er and aspiring fashion designer. The dolls wear a charm with special powers to “flip” their dreams into reality, encouraging girls with the message that they can do the same. Be a Role Model Surround your daughter with positive role models. From her basketball coach to her teacher to you, children look to grownups for guidance and often model their behavior. If possible, consider taking your daughter to your workplace or along on volunteer projects so she can see what you do during the day. Talk to her teacher about participating in a career day at school. For empowering activities, games, quizzes and webisodes for girls, and more parenting tips and resources, visit www. Flipsies.com. From the toys your child plays with to the media she consumes, you can inspire your daughter’s happiness and success by directing positive messaging her way.

Issue 4 | October 2015

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Quick, Inexpensive ways to give your home a fall facelift

Natural hues like orange and green can make kids' bedrooms pop in fall. (StatePoint) A seasonal home makeover doesn’t need to cost a fortune or be difficult to execute. Quick, easy and innovative ideas can give your Seasonal sets of cabinet hardware can keep the look fresh in your home. All you need is a screwdriver and a few hours. home the fall flair needed to celebrate the season. “Seasonal décor updates should jive with your home’s style, while also adding something extra to the mix,” says Eric Cohler, who has been listed as a top international designer by House Beautiful and Elle Décor magazines. “Keep it easy though, so that when the season is over, you won’t end up with a lack of motivation to refresh and a space that feels passé.”

A free web-based application, Splash by Amerock, offers a new interactive design and shopping experience by allowing you to truly customize hardware for cabinets and furniture. The interactive site and first of its kind product line allows you to test various colors and shapes of cabinetry hardware and view the different looks on different style and color cabinets.

To add autumn elements to your home without completely revamping your From kitchens to bathrooms to bedrooms and living areas, you can make your rooms pop with bold colors. Think orange, purple and black for Hallowinterior, consider these ideas: een flair, or greens, reds and browns for a natural effect. Rotating Gallery

Hardware is easy to swap out and you can give your home a fun, fresh fall A digital photo display is the easiest way to showcase seasonally suitable makeover inexpensively and without much hassle. To check out 20 unique photos of friends and family. In fall, that means Halloween portraits, au- color options, visit www.Amerock.com. tumn picnics, trips to the pumpkin patch, and back-to-school photos. Curtains Consider rotating the artwork displayed in your home to highlight seasonal colors. Whether you want to get spooky for Halloween or focus on fall’s Another easy way to make a quick look-and-feel change to a room is by natural hues, this task won’t take long to do and will greatly impact the look swapping out curtains. It’s a great way to customize a space to better fit the mood of the season. What’s more -- a quarterly rotation of window and feel of each room. treatments presents a much-needed opportunity for a good cleaning. Be sure to store your freshly laundered linens in a sealed bag so they don’t Pops of Color collect dust. When they make their appearance the following year, they will “With relatively little effort, you can add bright, bold colors to your home be vibrant and fresh. by swapping out the knobs and handles on your cabinets, credenzas and Fall can be a particularly busy time of year; however, a few easily impleother furniture,” says Cohler. mented ideas can go a long way to add a festive vibe to your home.

Suffering from fall allergies? What you can do to find relief? 78

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(BPT) - You heard all about the worst allergy season ever. You know the pollen tsunami swept through and left everyone sneezing and wheezing in its wake. But you want to know why the end of summer is almost here and you’re still miserable. “Although spring, summer and fall have different sets of allergens to trip up allergy and asthma sufferers, they can cause the same symptoms,” says allergist Janna Tuck, M.D., Fellow of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Those who have multiple triggers, may not be able to distinguish between what’s causing their symptoms. They just know they’re congested, with red eyes and an itchy nose.” Ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger in the fall. It usually starts releasing pollen with cool nights and warm days in August, and can last into September and October. And the majority of people who are allergic to spring plants are also allergic to ragweed. So what can you do to manage allergy and asthma symptoms in the fall? Many of the same things you do in spring, according to ACAAI. “The most important reminder is to start taking fall allergy medication two weeks or so before symptoms usually begin,” says Dr. Tuck. “You should also continue your medication for two weeks after the first frost. Both nasal and eye symptoms associated with ragweed allergies can linger after pollen is no longer in the air.”

Another treatment option is allergy tablets, available for grass and ragweed pollens. The tablets need to be started at least three months before allergy season begins. While only two allergens can be treated with this method, it may be a good option for grass and ragweed allergies not controlled with other medications. Talk with your allergist to see if this option is right for you. If not, allergy shots are a tried and true method of relief. What else can you do about fall allergy symptoms? The first line of defense is to avoid triggers. After spending time outdoors, shower, change and wash your clothes. While working outdoors, wear a NIOSH N95-rated filter mask. Only N95 masks filter out pollen due to its micro size. Be sure to also keep your car and home windows closed. If you do go outside, wear a hat and sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes. If you suffer from any seasonal allergies, see a board-certified allergist. Allergists are trained to diagnose and treat your symptoms, and to work with you to create an individual action plan. If you think you might be one of the more than 50 million Americans that suffer from allergy and asthma, you can find an allergist in your area with the allergist locator tool. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

The One Security Improvement Businesses Must Make By October Issue 4 | October 2015

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(BPT) - Follow the news and it’s easy to see that payment fraud has become the largest theft-related threat facing business and consumers in the United States, as well as around the world. The cost of payment card fraud grew by 19 percent globally in 2013, hitting $14 billion, according to research from BI Intelligence. The threat is higher in the United States, where payment card fraud grew 29 percent to $7.1 billion. So why is payment card fraud more likely here at home than around the world? One of the largest reasons is because the country has fallen behind in combating payment card fraud through technology. About a quarter of the world’s payment card transactions are done in the U.S., but more than half of payment card fraud happens here because the United States is the only developed country that does not yet have wide-spread use of EMV chip technology. EMV stands for Europay, MasterCard and Visa, and EMV cards use a computer chip embedded in the card itself to create a unique transaction code for every purchase. This makes counterfeiting attempts much more difficult. Many U.S. businesses have been reluctant to implement EMV technology because of the added expense and time required to transition. However, this transition should not be put off any longer. Effective in October, liability for all payment card fraud will shift to the party who did the least to prevent the fraud, putting the burden on the businesses themselves. If your business is looking to improve its security and implement EMV technology before October, follow these tips to make the process as smooth as possible: * Find the time that works for you. You’ve heard the saying “timing is everything,” and this applies to your acceptance of EMV chip technology as well. Adopt EMV too soon and you could face additional costs as PIN debit networks add EMV standards. Adopting it too late, however, could cause you to face liability shift expenses. * Make your updates all-inclusive. Making the transition to accepting EMV technology is a great time to ensure you can accept emerging forms of payment as well. So when you add EMV, don’t forget to consider upgrades such as tokenization and contactless payments. Chase provides a point of sale terminal called Future Proof that accepts EMV chip cards, as well as mobile Near Field Communication (NFC) and other forms of contactless payment all in one streamlined device. * Be ready for other threats. Research shows that businesses that

accept EMV technology saw a reduction in counterfeit fraud (fraud that results when fraudsters steal card data at point of sale to create and use counterfeit plastics) while cases of electronic fraud (fraud that results when fraudsters steal data and use it for online purchases) increased. As you shore up your brick and mortar protection, make sure your website’s fraud detection technology is updated and ready for increased threats. * Don’t forget about this… Making payments with chip readers is slightly different from conventional readers, and not all chip readers look alike. Customers need to insert their card in the reader and keep it there until the transaction is complete. Make sure your front line employees can help customers through the transition. It’ll make the transaction smoother and ensure that customers get the great customer service you’re known for. Transitioning to EMV technology may seem confusing at first, but with liability for all fraudulent transactions shifting in October, your business simply cannot afford the risk. To learn more about how to install EMV technology and protect your business, contact Chase today or visit them on Twitter.

www.azlocalmagazine.com Issue 4 | October 2015

Five Easy Fall Home Décor Projects As you shift from outdoor barbecues to indoor feasts and gatherings, make sure your home is in tip-top shape with these five simple updates. 1. Picture Perfect Gallery Wall Show love to your favorite seasons by showcasing them on a featured gallery wall, which is a top design trend in 2015: • Gather a series of picture frames. Use ones that vary in size to create an eclectic look. • Using burlap, white paper, newspaper, or even pages from an old wallpaper book, place the material on the frame’s backing to create a unique backdrop. • Next, customize the gallery for fall by placing real or faux foliage in the frames. Since the frames are already hung, you can easily swap out décor for different seasons. 2. Painted Accent Wall Take your living area from lifeless to lovely with a pop of color. Paint an accent wall in a deep, rich hue to set the autumn scene in your home. Darker paint colors tend show more imperfections, so ensure a flawless finish by using painter’s tape to achieve sharp paint lines on trim, baseboards, crown molding and around doors and windows. You can prevent paint bleed with FrogTape brand painter’s tape, which is treated with patented PaintBlock Technology to leave you with a top-notch paint job. 3. Curb Appetites in Style with an Edible Centerpiece Create a palatable centerpiece as a practical, yet pretty addition to the table with these steps: • Wrap the base of a candle with plastic wrap to prevent direct contact with your filler material. • Nestle the candle into a bowl and surround it with small apples, cranberries or coffee beans. • Take your centerpiece to new heights by painting a decorative stripe or pattern around the bowl. 4. Keep Cocoa Warm with DIY Chalkboard Mugs Serve guests in style with customizable chalkboard mugs -- here’s how: • Tape around the top of a porcelain mug and handle, creating a straight line to paint beneath, using painter’s tape, such as FrogTape. Paint the taped-off area with porcelain chalkboard paint. Remove the tape when you finish painting and allow the mug to dry for 24 hours. • Bake your mug according to your paint’s directions. Allow it to cool. The paint will be as permanent as baked enamel -- and dishwasher and microwave safe. • Personalize the mug with festive phrases for visitors. 5. Personalize Pumpkins with Paint Easily amplify your pumpkins with glam -- here’s how:

Issue 4 | October 2015

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• Buy a few different shaped gourds and pumpkins from your local farmer’s market or grocery store. • Spray paint them with a metallic finish, white, lacquer or a textured paint. • Protect areas you don’t want painted (like the stems) with painter’s tape. You can also use the tape to create designs on the pumpkins prior to painting. For more home décor inspiration, visit frogtape.com. With simple projects, you can elevate your home with custom character just in time for fall.

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San Tan Valley: One of Eight Unicorporated Areas of Pinal County In 2009, the population of the area now known as San Tan Valley, was already over 79,000 people. That's the size of Flagstaff at the time. Then Pinal County Supervisor Bryan Martyn wanted to give the unincorporated area of the county near the San Tan Mountains it's own name to go along with the new ZIP Code that the US Postal Service was about to assign to the area on July 1st. After talking to over 200 people from all walks of life in the community, the name he suggested was Bella Vista. As word spread of the suggested name, many local residents were concerned that it wasn't the right name for their community. The San Tan Area Chamber of Commerce held a meeting and set up an online voting forum to discuss the name. What came from that voting was the name San Tan Valley. Unfortunately, only about 2,000 people out of the 79,000 residents actually voted, and the name won with just 18 percent of the vote. Today, San Tan Valley, Arizona has a large population, estimated over 94,000, and still isn't even a city. It's called a census-designated place. Located in northern Pinal County, it's a bedroom community located in the Phoenix metropolitan area's southeastern suburbs. As of the census of 2010, the population of San Tan Valley was 81,321. Whether that number or 94,000 is closer to being accurate, that's a LOT of people living in an unincorporated area of the county without it's own government. It's been said if the San Tan Valley did incorporate that it would be the 6th largest city in the state of Arizona.

were underway. An initial attempt, which proposed a name of simply "San Tan" for the area, was blocked by the neighboring town of Florence after rural residents there expressed concern that allowing incorporation would accelerate the urbanization of the area. A subsequent effort in 2005 failed to gain traction. Following the renaming of the area in 2009, a renewed effort at incorporation sought to put the issue to a vote in 2010, this time with the support of Pinal County. The Town Council of Florence unanimously rejected a resolution that would have approved San Tan Valley's proposed boundaries over concerns of their allotment of state shared revenue. Geography San Tan Valley is located at 33째10'13?N 111째34'20?W (33.170462, -111.572170). San Tan Valley is located in the unincorporated area between the towns of Queen Creek to the north and west, and Florence to the south. The area is also bound by the San Tan Mountains Regional Park on the west and the Gila River Indian Community on the southwest. The area consists largely of master planned communities, such as Johnson Ranch, Ironwood Crossing, Pecan Creek South, San Tan Heights, Skyline Ranch, Copper Basin and Circle Cross Ranch. The official boundaries are very irregular and goes as far north as East Queen Creek Rd., to the south to East Olberg Rd., as far east as Sierra Vista Dr., and as far west as N. Thompson Rd.

History San Tan Valley derives its name from the nearby San Tan Mountains. The origin of the name San Tan is disputed, with suggestions ranging from a corruption of the name Santa Ana to the last name of George Santan, prior postmaster in nearby Gila County. Previously referred to by residents as San Tan Heights, San Tan Foothills, Greater San Tan and simply the San Tan Area, the community lacked any official name and residents used nearby Queen Creek for their mailing addresses. To coincide with the addition of a new ZIP code for the community on July 1, 2009, the United States Postal Service was petitioned to provide the area with a new name. As part of the initial request, "Bella Vista" name was submitted to the postal service, but some local residents opposed the suggested name. In response, the Greater San Tan Area Coalition organized a non-binding vote on June 23, offering residents the opportunity to vote on a name for the community. The area, which had consisted primarily of undeveloped desert and agriculture prior to 2000, experienced considerable growth in the early part of the decade. As early as 2004, attempts to incorporate the area

Situated east of the San Tan Mountains, the community is located in the Sonoran Desert. As such, it experiences the hot, arid summers and moderate winters that typify the area. Demographics In 2010 San Tan Valley had a population of 81,321. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 66.2% non-Hispanic white, 5.0% black or African American, 1.2% Native American, 2.1% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 0.2% non-Hispanic reporting some other race and 23.4% Hispanic or Latino. The median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2013: $1,105 (0.8%) The median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2013: $1,484 (0.8%) The nearest city with a population of 200,000+ is Mesa, AZ (19.2 miles

Issue 4 | October 2015

, pop. 396,375). The nearest city with a population of 1,000,000+ is Phoenix, AZ (38.5 miles , pop. 1,321,045). The nearest cities include Queen Creek, AZ (2.6 miles ), Blackwater, AZ (3.4 miles ), Sacaton Flats Village, AZ (3.4 miles ), Upper Santan Village, AZ (3.5 miles ), North Pinal, AZ (3.6 miles ), Gold Camp, AZ (3.6 miles ), Sacaton, AZ (3.7 miles ), Florence, AZ (3.7 miles ). Education San Tan Valley is serviced by the following school districts. Each district has its own high school located within San Tan Valley: • Coolidge Unified School District - CUSD (San Tan Foothills High School) • Florence Unified School District - FUSD (Poston Butte High School) • J. O. Combs Unified School District - JOCUSD (JO Combs High School) But this may all change in November 2015. Florence and Coolidge Unified School Districts have called for a vote by residents that would allow

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FUSD to take possession of the CUSD schools in the San Tan Valley. (See the article titled, San Tan Valley Schools Consolidation, in this issue for all the details.) Education levels for the population 25 years and over in San Tan Valley are: • • • •

High school or higher: 89.6% Bachelor's degree or higher: 15.2% Graduate or professional degree: 5.1% Mean travel time to work (commute): 40.8 minutes

Emergency Services Emergency services are provided by the Pinal County Sheriff's Office and Rural Metro Fire. San Tan Valley is a beautiful community without it's own government. Today, talk of incorporation of San Tan Valley continues amoung local groups, businesses and residents, but with three attempts in the past, all failing, residents could find it a long, uphill climb if they don't come together in the near future.

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Education

Occupation: Female

Religious stats

Issue 4 | October 2015

Occupation: male

Racial Stats

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= Home on the Range =

South of the Border Chicken Corn Tortillias

Ingredients: •

3 T canola oil

•

4 lg. chicken breast

•

1 (19 oz) can of enchilada sauce

•

2 (11 oz) cans cream of chicken soup

•

1 (4.25 oz) can black olives, sliced

•

2 dozen corn tortillas

•

1 lg. onion, chopped

•

1 (8 oz) pkg. taco style cheese

Directions Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Once the oil is heated add the chicken. Cook about 5 minutes per side. Remove and allow to cool. Once the chicken has cooled it can be shredded. Cut the tortillas into 8 wedges per tortilla. In a large mixing bowl combine the soup, olives and onions. Begin layering in the crock pot with the enchilada sauce on the bottom. Then add the tortillas, soup, chicken and the cheese in that order. Continue layering in that order to the top being sure to end with the cheese. Cover and cook on low temperature 7 hours. Tip: This is best served in a bowl and topped with sour cream or guacamole.

Issue 4 | October 2015

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San Tan Valley Schools Consolidation Have you received your ballot yet? The one asking for your support for the Coolidge Unified School District and Florence Unified School District consolidation of schools in San Tan Valley? Look for it and get it in ASAP. This is very important and affects everyone in San Tan Valley one way or the other. Use this link to read the pros and cons of the school consolidation so you can make an informed decision. http://www.azlocalmagazine.com/cusd-fusd-update9-21-15.pdf We support the consolidation and hope you will too.

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Issue 4 | October 2015

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Trends turn to cozy and comfortable fall entertaining

Americana patterns are popular this fall for entertaining (BPT) - As the glorious days of summer slip into crisp evenings, the changing colors trigger a transition in seasonal décor. “There’s an exciting mix of texture and color in fall fashion that’s extending into home decorating,” says designer Julie Robbins. “As for tabletop, a big trend this season is blending patterns you wouldn’t ordinarily put on the same table. For example, paring a very exotic or modern pattern, like an animal print or an architectural design with a mainstream vintage Americana pattern such as Fiesta, or maybe mixing a polka dot pattern with fine china. It’s unexpected, but it really works.” Robbins helps customers put a new spin on their dinnerware as the lead designer at Replacements, Ltd. touted as the world’s largest retailer of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles. Robbins says shades of purple are trending this fall, including various tones of berry and plums, along with warm autumn oranges and sage. Popular textures lean toward natural materials such as burlap, leather and knits. If you really want to get your creative juices flowing, Robbins suggests repurposing an old shawl into a table runner. Get cozy with friends and family As home decor changes with fall trends, so is the way many entertain. Gatherings lean toward relaxed, cozy evenings making memories with friends and family; a respite before the upcoming busy holiday season. “My favorite autumn get-togethers are around the fireplace with homemade chili and cornbread — a very casual, blue jean kind of thing

and that’s a big trend for fall entertaining,” Robbins says. “People are paring back and looking for ways to entertain that don’t mean setting a table for 12. This ranges from baby boomers looking to downsize to millennials who want substance over flash. It’s earthy and simple.” Robbins says fall root vegetables and apples coming into season signal a time for cool weather dishes and the tableware that goes with it, such as soup bowls and mugs. Canapé plates and individual dip bowls are perfect for tailgating and outdoor finger food buffets around a bonfire or fire pit, because these smaller pieces give guests the freedom to mingle. Reuse, repurpose, recycle Another great tip, when moving your entertaining out of the dining room: think about the space you’re going to use, then brainstorm innovative ways to repurpose things from your table. “I like to fill pitchers with flowers or fall foliage to create gorgeous accents that can be used outdoors or anywhere around the house,” says Replacements’ Product Marketing Manager, Keith Winkler. “It’s easy to turn a serving tray into a unique center piece by placing small mums, pansies or other fall potted plants in a nice arrangement on the tray. You can turn wine glasses upside down and place candles on the base to create unique holders. The possibilities are endless.” Repurposing is more than fun and functional — these new uses also make great conversation starters. Robbins plans on posting fall entertaining and decorating ideas on Replacements’ Facebook page throughout the autumn months.

Issue 4 | October 2015

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New Specialty License Plates Now Available

Four new specialty license plates to help personalize and customize your vehicle are now available for purchase from the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division. The new plate designs include Arizona Coyotes, Midwestern University, U.S. Marine Corps and Firefighter Safety Training. Coyotes Like many of Arizonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specialty license plates, these four support specific charities. Funds raised by the Arizona Coyotes license plate will go to the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, which supports nonprofit organizations that serve children and service men and women with health care, education, cultural arts and youth sports in the state of Arizona. "We are very excited that Coyotes license plates are finally available in Arizona," said Arizona Coyotes Co-Owner, President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc. "We hope our great fans purchase the Coyotes plates to show their support for our team and the Arizona Coyotes Foundation." Midwestern University Funds raised by the Midwestern University license plate will go to support scholarships for students studying health sciences. "Our student scholarship programs have always benefitted greatly from generous community support," said Midwestern University President and CEO Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D. "We are very grateful to both ADOT and to the legislature that we could create a new avenue to augment scholarship funds, and also allow our friends and family to show their pride in our wonderful university." US Marines Funds for the U.S. Marine Corps license plate will be used to award scholarships to children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen killed or wounded in combat or those children who have demonstrated financial need. This plate is also available for motorcycles and golf carts. "Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a real honor for me to be able to pay tribute to the Marines who serve our country so selflessly by helping to create this U.S. Marine Corps specialty license plate," said former Marine Corps Captain Ira M. Shapiro. "Proceeds from the license plate fee will flow to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation which helps us honor Marines and Navy Corpsmen by educating their children. The Scholarship Foundation is a tremendous organization that invests in our children and will improve our community for years to come." Firefighter Safety Training Funds for the Firefighter Safety Training license plate will be used to provide scholarships for life safety training of firefighters in Arizona. "The Arizona State Fire Training Committee appreciates both ADOT and our state legislative support to provide crucial life safety training to Arizonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rural firefighters," said Committee Member Randy Redmond. In addition to these new specialty plates, the Classic Car license plate is now available for personalization. Specialty license plates have an annual fee of $25 for a non-personalized plate and $50 for a personalized plate, with $17 going to support the charities. Vehicle owners can order the new plates online at ServiceArizona.com or at any MVD office or Authorized Third Party business. The plates are also available with a disability symbol. For more information, please visit azdot.gov/mvd.

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Burger House’s burgers: an underwhelming experience

Burger House in Miami has great ratings on Yelp!, and is ranked # 2 best restaurant in Miami, AZ on Trip Advisor. So on a recent trip to the Miami/Globe area, I stopped in to try the food. The restaurant itself has a hole-in-the-wall feel, that is comfy and well lit. The kitchen is visible from the front counter. The staff is friendly, and very helpful. As for the food, the onion rings were delicious, but were slightly greasy. I mixed ketchup and their signature hot sauce to dip them into. Their hot sauce wasn’t spicy, and had a slightly sweet flavor. Burger House serves Pepsi products and unsweet tea. I ordered the tea, it was brewed well, but I wish they served sweet tea. For a restaurant named the “Burger House,” the double-cheeseburger was more store-bought then homemade. The burgers tasted like previously-frozen, preformed patties. The bun was slightly larger than the burger. The burger featured shredded lettuce, and fresh sliced onions. The burger cost me $4.50. The total meal cost was about $11.00. Porter’s Cafe in Superior, serves better (and homeade) burgers, however they are twice the price. But I definitely think that they are worth driving the extra 17 miles to Superior.

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have a safe and fun halloween

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