Golden Corridor Living Magazine by ROX Media

“THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY”

HOLIDAY 2014

The Holidays are here!

Tips for making them great Choices in Education: What is the Best for Your Family?

SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION

The Interview:

Dr. Shannon Goodsell Superintendent Casa Grande Union High School District

OUR LOCAL ECONOMY: GROWING OR NOT?

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THE EDUCATION EDITION

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“THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY”

Contents

HOLIDAY 2014

The Holidays are here!

Tips for making them great

SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION

The Interview:

Dr. Shannon Goodsell Superintendent Casa Grande Union High School District

Choices in Education: What is the Best for Your Family?

OUR LOCAL ECONOMY: GROWING OR NOT?

ARIZONA CIT Y • C A S A GR ANDE • COOLIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • MARICOPA

THE EDUCATION EDITION

The Living Interview with Dr. Shannon Goodsell, Superintendent of the Casa Grande Union High School District Excellence in Education Right Here in Our Community

The Casa Grande Herald

Economy & Local Business

Health, Wealth & Education

Travel, Dining & Entertainment

How Important is education to our community? . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Planting the Seeds of Hope. . . 64

small town, BIG DREAMS; The Cabbage Patch Miracle. . . 80

The attitude has changed . . . . 22 New Look-New Name; Beverage Mart is now The Liquor Factory. . . . . . . . . . . 30 2014 Leadership Survey; Really, what does it take? . . . . 42

Features:

Holiday 2014

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 20 14

Youth Development program has provided life skill education for over 100 years . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Why Credit Unions Aren’t Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Check out this year-end financial checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . 78

10 Tips for Enjoying the Holiday Season without gaining weight . . . . . . 82 Judging the Trip Down Under . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Christmas on Main Street . . . . 96

THE EDUCATION EDITION

Letter from the Editor

’Tis the Season!

T Bea Lueck

he end of the year brings many things; a time to reflect on the past and to genuflect for what you have received. I would like to personally thank each and every person involved in making Golden Corridor LIVING what it is today: • My staff – THANK YOU for all your late nights, weekends and every other waking moment of your lives to make our publications what they are today. You are very much appreciated! • Our contributors – your articles and stories are what make this magazine great. • Our readers – you read our magazine at the doctor’s office, you take it home from one of our many distribution locations and you share it with family and friends. We love your feedback and suggestions. • And most of all, our advertisers – thank you for your belief in us and our products. We are the medium to bring your message to the community. We would not have been able to grow to where we are today without you. We look forward to helping you continue to grow your business in the coming year and for many years to come. The main topic of this edition is education. A strong, positive education system is a must for a strong and vibrant community. One of the main topics of discussion when a major employer is looking to locate in a new community is schools and the quality of education. Employers want an educated workforce and they want a quality education system for the employee’s families. Hats off to the many fine choices our area provides. And thank you to the voters that approved the various

budget overrides that allow schools to continue to provide the educational choices to our students. I ask everyone to do two things this holiday season. One: shop local! Keep your money circulating in our area. Every dollar you spend in our community means the retailer can pay their employees that in turn spend

UPCOMING HOME & GARDEN EDITION Deadline for editorial and advertising submission December 8, 2014. Magazine copies to be available at the Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce Home & Garden Show January 10, 2015.

that dollar at other retailers that pay their employees – it’s a wonderful circle! Plus the tax dollars help the city and county to provide the services you want and need. And two: donate local and help support those in need in our community! Whether you take an Angel from a tree and buy a gift for a child, drop a few bucks in the Salvation Army bucket, or buy some extra

non-perishable food for the food bank – please help make the holidays a little brighter for someone less fortunate. Speaking of food banks – did you know there is a pet food bank? Far too many people are faced with surrendering their beloved pets to already overburdened shelters due to the lack of funds to feed their dog or cat. If you can help with pet food donations, go to www.pinalpets.org or drop off at area veterinarian offices. Another way to donate is to re-allocate some of your State of Arizona income tax money by using the available tax credits. Various schools are eligible. So are several area non-profits that provide services under the working poor tax credit. Donations must be made by December 31st to qualify – check with your tax professional for the details. No, you don’t actually ‘save’ any money. Think of it as a robbing Peter (State of Arizona) to pay Paul (your favorite charity/school). The nice thing about this is you get to designate where the money goes! It’s About Local – this isn’t just a fancy tagline. This is what we truly believe. You can get thousands of magazines – both online and in print, on any subject imaginable. Golden Corridor LIVING is about our community, Casa Grande and the surrounding cities in western Pinal County. Happy Holidays and let’s look forward to what 2015 brings.

Bea

Voices of the Co PUBLISHER Elaine Earle EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bea Lueck CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Conn-Hood Erica Herman Harold Kitching Junior Reporters Jeppe Leifelt Shamus Leech MEDIA COORDINATOR Angela Johnson ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Jamie Wagner Don Johnson Marketing Assistant Tami Deeks CREATIVE DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGN Tim Clarke CHIEF OF OPERATIONS & FINANCE Elaine Earle DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Richard Lueck ADVERTISING INQUIRIES info@raxxdirect.com COMMENTS & IDEAS editor@raxxdirect.com CALENDAR INQUIRES calendar@raxxdirect.com (520) 426-2074 3151 N Piper Ave., Suite B117, Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Bob Jackson

Born in Whitefish, Montana, Mayor Robert Jackson has lived in Casa Grande since 1991. He is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, holding a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He retired from the City of Casa Grande as Public Works Director in 2002 and is now serving his fourth term as mayor ending in 2015.

Bryan Harris, Ed.D

Bryan Harris is the Director of Professional Development for the Casa Grande Elementary School District. During his career, he has served as a classroom teacher, Instructional specialist, elementary school principal, and district-level administrator.

Cindy Schaider

Cindy has been working in the drug abuse prevention and treatment field since 1980. She has trained thousands of people across Arizona on a variety of substance abuse issues. Cindy retired from the Casa Grande Alliance, Inc at the end of October 2014, having served as Executive Director since its inception in 2007.

Dan Gilchrist, D.V.M

A city boy turned country veterinarian, Dan is a winter visitor to Casa Grande having escaped the brutal New England cold and snow. He is enjoying our Arizona weather while keeping up with his passion as a writer.

Susan Coon-Hood Golden Corridor LIVING is published by RAXX Direct. Editorial content is provided by affiliates of RAXX Direct, community members and local organizations. The publishers of Golden Corridor LIVING assume no responsibility for errors or omissions of any advertisement beyond the actual cost of the advertisement. In no event shall the publishers be liable for any consequential damages in excess of the cost of the advertisement. Golden Corridor LIVING shall not be liable for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, or damages from the use of information contained herein. Submitted articles do not reflect the opinions of the owners or management of Golden Corridor LIVING. Information contained within submitted articles had not been verified for accuracy and readers are responsible for forming their own opinions. Real estate information is as of 11-16-14 and is subject to current availability and pricing.

Susan has been a Fitness Instructor and Wellness Presenter for over 20 years and has conducted various speaking engagements on fitness, whole food education and proper hydration. Susan is an active member of the Casa Grande Toastmasters group and the Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce.

ommunity

Meet some of Casa Grande’s finest...

Harold Kitching

with a ff o 5 1 0 2 t r a t S

! H S A L P S BIG

Harold has worked for newspapers across the country. He was city government reporter for the Casa Grande Dispatch for 11 years until he resigned after the newspaper began downplaying local news.

Featuring our

Jim Dinkle

Jim is currently the director of the Access Arizona, the area’s regional economic development foundation. He came to Arizona as a 24 year veteran of economic development from Indiana.

Jim Rhodes

Jim is the Director of the Small Business Development Center at Central Arizona College and has a diversified work background in public administration; business administration; sales management; and new business development. Jim has taught leadership and senior management courses at several colleges and universities.

Kimberly Gressley

Kimberly serves as an Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development Agent for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Pinal County since 1988. Gressley currently serves as President of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents and President-elect of the Joint Council of Extension Professionals.

Erica Herman

Erica is a Casa Grande native who knew she would be an artist and writer since she first started holding a crayon and still resides in Casa Grande and lives with her husband Matt, two teenage daughters and four Chihuahuas.

THE EDUCATION EDITION

HOME & GARDEN SECTION Special Introductory Rates Available! PERFECT FOR: Architects Landscapers Builders Mortgage Carpet Cleaning Nurseries Designers Plumbers Electricians Real Estate Furniture Satellite & Security Gardens Tile Handymen Upholstry Insurance Vertical Blinds Water Purifying Kitchen Cabinets

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HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

• Cactus • Agave & Yucca • Sonoran Desert Plants • Honey & Seasonal Produce • Community Garden Specialist ees r T e d a h S & t i Bareroot Fru thru 17th Arrival 14th Come join us at our

Farmers Market

December 13th & January 10 (check our facebook page for schedule!)

Thanks for considering us for all your gardening needs!

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6855 N. Overfield Road, Casa Grande 10

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 20 14

THE EDUCATION EDITION

DECEMBER

JANUARY

December 2014-January 2015

December EVERY WED & FRI Pickleball Open Gym 9:30-11:30am @ Len Colla Rec Center (520) 421-8655 $2

EVERY TUES Casa Grande Kiwanis Club 7:00am @ Holiday Inn www.kiwaniscg.org

Satin Slippers Ballroom Dance Club 7:00-9:30pm @ The Dorothy Powell Center (520) 421-8760 $5-$7

EVERY TUES S.E.V.E.N Networking Chapter 9:00am @ Vantage West Credit Union (520) 233-6299

EVERY TUES Farmers Market 9:00am-3:00pm @ Florence St & 4 th St (480) 818-3092

13 13

19 20

EVERY THURS Line Dancing 10:00am-12:00pm @ Len Colla Rec Center (520) 421-8655

EVERY THURS Volleyball Open Gym 6:30-8:30pm @ Len Colla Rec Center (520) 421-8655 $2

1-30

Day Out Downtown & Historic Walking Tour 10:00am-2:00pm @ 3rd & Florence St. (520) 836-8744

23-25

Caywood Farm Tours 1:00PM @ Caywood Farms $10 per person, Reservations Required (520) 560-1119

Farmers Market 8:30am-1:00pm @ Florence St & 4th St (480) 818-3092

Winter Wonderland 5:309:00PM @ Historic Downtown Casa Grande (520) 836-8744 Safe Sitter Class 8:30am-4:30pm @ Discovery & Encounter Rm at Banner (800) 230-2273 $15 Christmas on Main Street 12:00pm @Casa Grande Mainstreet (520) 421-8677 Electric Light Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting 5:30PM @ Peart Park (520) 421-8677

Chat, Chew and Chocolate Coffee 9:00am @ Mimi’s Café (619) 261-4505 Farmers Market 8:30am-1:00pm @ Florence St & 4th St (480) 818-3092

C ruise Extravaganza 6:00pm @ Temptation Travel ROX (520) 836-8517 Farmers Market @ Distinctive Earthscapes (520) 723-4480

Winter Wonderland Ball 7:00pm @ Museum of Casa Grande (520) 836-2223 Santa’s Magical Shoppe 1:00-4:00pm @ City Gate Parking Lot (507) 363-1521

Farmers Market 8:30am1:00pm @ Florence St & 4th St (480) 818-3092

Chat, Chew and Chocolate Coffee Signature Event 5:30pm @ The Big House Café (619) 261-4505 $20 Holiday Boogie @ Skydive Arizona (520) 466-3753

Western Auction 10:30am @ Western Trading Post (520) 426-7702

20-21

Casa Grande Holiday Arts & Craft Festival 10:00am-4:00pm @ Promenade Mall (520) 797-3959

Farmers Market 8:30am1:00pm @ Florence St & 4th St (480) 818-3092

Pancake Breakfast at the Airport 8:00-11:00am @ Casa Grande Municipal Airport Farmers Market 8:30am1:00pm @ Florence St & 4th St (480) 818-3092

January EVERY WED & FRI Pickleball Open Gym 9:30-11:30am @ Len Colla Rec Center (520) 421-8655 $2 EVERY TUES Casa Grande Kiwanis Club 7:00am @ Holiday Inn www.kiwaniscg.org EVERY TUES S.E.V.E.N Networking Chapter 9:00am @ Vantage West Credit Union (520) 233-6299 EVERY TUES Farmers Market 9:00am-3:00pm @ Florence St & 4th St (480) 818-3092 EVERY THURS Line Dancing 10:00am-12:00pm @ Len Colla Rec Center (520) 421-8655 EVERY THURS Volleyball Open

Gym 6:30-8:30pm @ Len Colla Rec Center (520) 421-8655 $2

8 10 10

Canadian Invasion@ Skydive Arizona (520) 466-3753 Farmers Market @ Distinctive Earthscapes (520) 723-4480

CG Chamber Home, Health & Garden Show 10:00am4:00pm @ City Gate (520) 836-2125

Satin Slippers Ballroom Dance Club 7:00-9:30pm @ The Dorothy Powell Center (520) 421-8760 $5-$7

CG Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards Program 6:009:30pm @ The Property (520) 836-2125 Casa Grande Life Walk & Diaper Drive 10:30-11:30am @ Peart Park

Live Theater Amelia Earhart @ Museum of Casa Grande (520) 836-2223

Chat, Chew and Chocolate Coffee 9:00am @ Mimi’s Café (619) 261-4505

Street Fair-Car & Motorcycle Show 10:00am-5:00pm @ Historic Downtown (520) 836-8744 Street Fair-Car & Motorcycle Show 10:00am-4:00pm @ Historic Downtown (520) 836-8744

Day Out Downtown & Historic Walking Tour 10:00am-2:00pm @ 3rd & Florence St. (520) 836-8744 Chat, Chew and Chocolate Coffee Signature Event 5:30pm @ The Big House Café (619) 261-4505 $20 Annual AgriCountry Bluegrass Jamboree 9:00AM-6:00PM @ Pinal Fairgrounds (520) 723-7881 $8

Odyssey Wellness Expo 9:00am-12:00pm @ Odyssey Preparatory Academy (602) 370-9062 11

The Casa Grande

• A RIZONA CIT Y • CASA GR ANDE • COOLIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • M A RICOPA • A RIZONA CIT Y • CASA GR ANDE • COOL

Local developments

CG News

by Harold Kitching

cgnews-info.webs.com or www.haroldkitching.com

CERVANTES OUT

n Tuesday, November 18th, Casa Grande Police Chief Johnny Cervantes and Capt. J.R. Parrow resigned. The announcement from City Manager Jim Thompson said: “Today, I received notices of resignation from both Chief Johnny Cervantes and Capt. J.R. Parrow. As a result, I have appointed Lt. Kent Horn, the Police Department’s highest ranking senior officer, as Acting Chief. My office, along with Human Resources, will begin the process of a search for an Interim Chief by hiring an outside firm. This process is expected to take up to 30 days. Subsequent to the appointment of the Interim Chief, we will begin actively recruiting for the position of Chief. This pro-

cess may take up to six months. As we proceed with these steps, I ask that each of you continue to perform your duties at your highest professional levels to help your departments as we navigate through this change in leadership.” Cervantes took over as chief in April of 2013. Parrow was hired in February of this year. Cervantes’ resignation comes after a multitude of complaints from both former and present officers about his management style. Complaints include an aloof manner toward officers; more interested in his own image than in that of the department; not being specific in his orders, causing lower supervisors to not always understand what he wanted; word not getting down

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 20 14

Johnny Cervantes to officers in the field about policies or directives; what was policy one day was not policy the next; pulling officers off patrol duties to fill such details as the Community Response Team; arguing with lower supervisors about the number of officers needed on a patrol shift, indicating that no more

continued on page 19...

lthough homebuilding in Casa Grande, except for some infill, has been in the dumps since the economic crash, commercial projects have been steadily picking up. Casa Grande was selected by Tractor Supply Co. as the location of a major distribution center serving its retail stores in California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, including Coolidge. The center will be on 100 acres at the southeast corner of Burris and Peters roads Tractor Supply bills itself as the largest retail farm and ranch store chain in the United States. “At Dec. 28, 2013,” the tag at the bottom of its press releases says, “Tractor Supply Co. operated 1,276 stores in 48 states. The company’s stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers. The company also serves the maintenance needs of those who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Stores are located in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities.” According to the development agreement with the city, the distribution center’s payroll for the first year is projected at $5,265,878, climbing to $8,460,430 at full buildout. There would be 161 employes at the start, climbing to 267. Beginning wages are listed as $93,600 for senior management, $60,412 for other salaried positions and $27,366, or $13.16 an hour, for hourly positions.

Harbor Freight Tools Harbor Freight Tools, a major seller of tools and other equipTHE EDUCATION EDITION

Herald Local News from Golden Corridor Living Magazine

ALL THE NEWS WE THINK IS FIT TO PRINT!

LIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • M A RICOPA • A RIZONA CIT Y • CASA GR ANDE • COOLIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • M A RICOPA •

ment, opened a retail store at the northwest corner of Florence Boulevard and Peart Road, taking over the old co-op building that had stood vacant for years. “We’re thrilled to be opening our 14th Harbor Freight Tools store in Arizona and very pleased by the warm welcome we’ve received in Casa Grande” said Eric Smidt, president of Harbor Freight Tools, in the store’s announcement. “At Harbor Freight, we’re all about delivering high quality tools at ridiculously low prices. We do it by manufacturing our tools at the same factories as the expensive brands, but we cut out the middle man and pass the savings on to our customers.” According to the company, Harbor Freight Tools was established in 1977 and now has more than 500 stores, making it the leading discount tool retailer in the U.S.

Planet Fitness Planet Fitness has announced that its 20,000-plus square feet facility is scheduled to open in mid January in the Fry’s shopping center on Florence Boulevard. According to the announcement, “for just $10 a month you get access to tons of cardio equipment, user friendly machines, THE EDUCATION EDITION

two express circuit rooms, free weights, cable towers, stretching area, full service locker rooms and friendly staff 24/7. “They also have free fitness training included with all memberships and they accept Silver Sneakers. Look for their pre-sale event beginning next year.”

Big House Restaurant Big House, located at 104 E. Fourth St., is expanding its operation, taking over more of the building and building an outdoor patio for dining. In addition, it is taking over the failed Picazzo’s at Florence Boulevard and Florence Street, turning it into Mexican food restaurant to be k nown as Estilo/Mex.

More restaurants Also on the restaurant scene, a McDonald’s fast food restaurant scheduled for the Promenade mall will be “the latest and greatest prototype,” the company said. The 5,252-square-foot restaurant with dual drive-through lanes and outdoor seating area under a covered patio will be built on a vacant lot between Olive Garden and Mimi’s, with opening scheduled by next summer. Raising Cane’s chicken restau-

rant will be built on the south side of East Florence Boulevard from the mall, located between Culver’s and Walgreens. Raising Cane’s is proposed as a 3,616-square-feet convenience food restaurant with a drive through. On the other end of town, a Taco Bell restaurant will go in at Villago Marketplace on North Pinal Avenue. The 2,566-square-foot restaurant with drive-through will be in the center of the south part of the marketplace, abutting McCartney Road.

The company said its stores offer brand name apparel and accessories for the entire family at up to 70 percent off department store prices, with most stores also carrying shoes, home furnishings, gifts, and toys.

Western Dental

Phoenix Mart

Western Dental has opened an office at 1348 E. Florence Blvd., taking over the former Pet Club building and offering general, orthodontic and specialty dental services. According to the company, Western is one of the nation’s largest dental providers, serving more than 800,000 patients in Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas.

Phoenix Mart, the giant international products showcase center planned for north of Florence Boulevard east of Toltec Buttes Road, is still on the horizon. The major site plan/final development plan for the main building -- covering 43 acres at 1.589 square feet -- has been approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The commission has been told that progress is being made to bring water, sewer, electric and telecommunications to the site. A mid-2016 opening date is now projected.

Beall’s Outlet Stores Beall’s, which some time ago closed its store in area of the present Big Lots and Office Max, has returned to Casa Grande with an operation at Promenade mall.

Others Although not as widely publicized, three businesses have moved into the long vacant commercial center at the northwest corner of Trekell and Rodeo roads. They are a cheer gym named Revolution Cheer, Diva’s Hair and Nails and Dollar General.

HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Economy • Local Business

How important is education to our community? by Robert “Bob” Jackson, Mayor, Casa Grande

I Local economies are complex and our goal is to provide more available dollars to the area with a goal of driving new small business opportunities as well.

know I talk frequently about this issue to various groups but I cannot understate how important it is to our community. To keep Casa Grande healthy we need to continue to attract new industries and encourage existing businesses to expand. The key to both of these goals is a strong work force. Strong work forces don’t happen by accident, they are a product of a good education system. We are lucky in Casa Grande to have a good elementary school system, an improving high school system, a strong CAVIT [editor’s note: Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology] program and Central Arizona College that offers not only two year degree programs and job specific training but also limited four year degree programs. If you wonder the value of education, I recently found the following information in a magazine* dedicated to economic development. The average annual income for:

CITY

SPEAK

A high school dropout: $20,329 A high school graduate: $28,659 Those with an Associate’s Degree: $36,853 Those with a Bachelor’s Degree: $49,648 Those with a Master’s Degree: $60,709 The incomes are based on 2013 information and it certainly depends on career choices but the message is clear the more education you have the higher your income level is likely to become. Think about the difference between a high school dropout and a two year degree from a community college like CAC. Over a 30 year working

career (and most are probably closer to 40) the difference amounts to almost a half a million dollars! In Pinal County CAC has a program called Promise for the Future that provides every student an opportunity to have a free education. Why wouldn’t you want to take advantage of the potential to make more money in your lifetime? One of the trends we are seeing in Casa Grande is more new businesses coming to town wanting a highly trained work force and paying higher wages. If our work force cannot keep up with the demand we will no longer be able to attract new, higher paying jobs to the area. The ripple effect is less spendable income that will affect many of the jobs in retail and tourism. Local economies are complex and our goal is to provide more available dollars to the area with a goal of driving new small business opportunities as well. We recently announced a new company coming to town, Tractor Supply Company. They are proposing to hire up to 270 new employees with starting wages in the $30,000 range. This is over $8 million in our local economy due to wages alone. Think about the restaurant owner that is always looking for new business, some of the new money may help them expand their business and put someone else to work. College is not for everyone but jobs like Tractor Supply are going to become more available over the next decade in Casa Grande. They will require at a minimum a high school degree or equivalent. We need to make sure we have the work force ready to take the jobs and continue to grow our local economy.

GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGHOL HOL IDAY IDAY202014 14

* Sept. 2013 American City and County Magazine, the Economic Analysis and Areas, Research Network at the Economic Policy Institute.

THE THE EDUCATION EDUCATIONEDITION EDITION

Economy • Local Business

Education – lifelong learning by Helen Neuharth, President/CEO, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce

ife is an education! Each day we should strive to learn something new or re-educate ourselves about something we already ‘think’ we know. Our health is one area that I would like all of us to make a point to educate or re-educate ourselves. A healthy body = a healthy mind = a healthy community = a healthy and happy life. A coalition was created over a year ago called Let’s Move Casa Grande. Our vision is to create a culture of wellness in Pinal County and the mission is to design and implement a wellness pilot project in Casa Grande. Those serving on this coalition represent large, medium and small businesses, health-care providers, education, community advocacy, Casa Grande City and Pinal County.If you would like to learn more about Let’s Move Casa Grande you can email letsmovecasagrande@ gmail.com. In our community there are many healthy opportunities all around us. There are hiking trails, walking paths, tracks to walk around, beautiful parks, tennis courts, basketball courts and more. The Dorothy Powell Senior Adult Center has exercise equipment and other healthy options for seniors. On Wednesday, October 22, 2014 I attended the groundbreaking at Odyssey Preparatory Academy for their Scholars with Shovels “Cultivating a Community of Growers”. They have future plans to establish a farmers

THE THEEDUCATION EDUCATION EDITION EDITION

market once their garden begins to produce product. I believe there are similar projects being done at either one or both of the high schools.These projects are learning experiences for the students in science, mathematics, business planning and team work. The other day I heard that anyone born after 1994 has never lived without technology;

they are referred to as Millennium Nets. Not all ‘baby boomers’ but many of us have felt overwhelmed with the fast-moving pace of technology in our society. However, the ‘baby boomers’ and pre-boomers have valuable information and traits that need to be shared with our youth. We learn as we teach so we can teach others as they learn.

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Page Article Casa Grande Main Street

A return to holiday shopping bliss in our historic downtown by Rina Rien, Director, Casa Grande Main Street

he holidays are once again upon us. Anxiety sets in as the marketing machine kicks into high gear with frantic messages to get your shopping done online. What those ads don’t tell you is how critical the holiday season is for all local business. Opt out of website security breaches and mall madness this season. Discover the treasure trove of one-of-a-kind gifts and a return to holiday shopping bliss in our historic downtown. Here, local artisans and momand-pop shops offer uniquely crafted treasures for all tastes and price ranges. Our downtown is pedestrian friendly and you won’t have to find a new parking space to go from one store to the next. How about a gift certificate for wellness classes or a spa day? Maybe your speed is a romantic dinner and tickets for live music, theatre or dancing at one of a variety of entertainment venues? The talk of the town is the upcoming Winter Wonderland Ball at The Museum of Casa Grande, Saturday, December 13th at 7 p.m. This formal / semi-formal gala includes live music

and dancing featuring Moore’s Quartet plus One, gourmet hors d’oeuvres by Curbside Cafe, cocktails and photo booth. All ages are welcomed and you can visit www.cgvhs.org or call 520836-2223 for more information and tickets. As the year draws to a close, we’ll be gearing up for our 15th Annual Street Fair and Car Show on January 17th and 18th, 2015. Street Scene, Day

Out Downtown and 4th Friday events will be dark January as we prepare to welcome crowds from all over the Southwest, hundreds of exhibitors and car show participants. Be sure to check our website or contact our office for the latest update on available exhibition spaces, car show applications and volunteer opportunities. Casa Grande Main Street is a non-profit 501(c)3 organi-

You can find all the latest downtown event info by checking out our website at www.cgmainstreet.org. Click on our Facebook link to stay connected and “like” our page for impromptu announcements.

zation working on downtown revitalization and historic preservation. The Main Street program is designed to improve all aspects of the downtown experience. Strengthening public participation and making downtown a fun place to visit are as critical to Main Street’s future as drawing new business, rehabilitating structures and expanding parking options. Visit our website at www.cgmainstreet.org for more information on our mission, memberships and upcoming events.

Historic Downtown… Experience the Difference 110 W. 2nd St., Casa Grande 520-836-8744 16

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THE EDUCATION EDITION

Page Article

Coldwell Banker Professional Agents Donna Anderson

Robin Armenta

Sherry Balentine

Jim Beck

Dennis Callahan

Sarah Campbell

Elaine Canary

Rock Earle

Brett Eisele

Stephen Gubrud

Colleen Gunderson

Kay Kerby

Keith LaVoo

Bea Lueck

Cynthia Perry

Sue Pittullo

Linda Pixler

Pree Powers

Doreen Riley

Connie Rush

Georgia Schaeffer

David Schlagel

Gretchen Slaughter

Joyce South

Dave Streicher

Annalisa Tapia

Cathy Taylor

Dawn Zimbelman

Sandy Wascher

1919 N. Trekell Rd., Casa Grande

520-423-8250

Each office is independently owned and operated.

THE EDUCATION EDITION

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Page Article Access Arizona

What’s developing in Pinal County?

Access Arizona Knows! by Jim Dinkle, Executive Director, Access Arizona

inal County continues to make great strides in growing its economy with new jobs and investment. Unemployment is continuing its year-long descent starting with 8.3 percent in January compared to the US Department of Labor’s most recent number for September of 7.1 percent. The county’s 7.1 percent unemployment is similar to the Arizona average of 6.8. I flew to Ontario Airport on October 30th to welcome one of our county’s newest businesses, Food for Life (www.foodforlife.com). Food for Life is a family-owned business headquartered in Corona, California. Company President Jim Torres, Vice President Charles Torres, their sons and Corporate Engineer Luis Rocha, extended a warm welcome to me and to Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce President Helen Neuharth on our visit. Food for Life purchased the former Hunter-Douglas building in Casa Grande at the

corner of W. Gila Bend Highway and Thornton Road. It hopes to begin baking at the facility in May 2015. Its website is www.foodforlife. com and its products can currently be purchased in most area Sprout’s, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Sunflower Farmers Markets. I can speak from firsthand experience about Food for Life, because I am a long-term customer of their breads and cereals starting when I lived in the Midwest. You will never find any bread in my house other than Food for Life’s Ezekiel 4:9 Low Sodium! Their Ezekiel 4:9 Almond Sprouted Whole Grain Cereal is another staple in my pantry and it is 100 percent flourless, rich in protein, low fat and high in fiber. Another business we are welcoming to Pinal County is Tractor Supply Company (www. tractorsupply.com), which held its groundbreaking for a new distribution center in Casa Grande at the Central Arizona Commerce Park at Peters and Burris Roads on November

17th. The new 663,000-square-foot distribution center will initially employ about 180 over two shifts. TSC is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville. The company has 1,361 stores and it opened a Coolidge location on October 10th at 950 N. Arizona Boulevard in a former Safeway. According to a company press release, the Coolidge store is expected to employ 12-17 full and/or parttime employees. On the commercial and service side of our local economy, azcentral.com reported that Buffalo Wild Wings on Elliot Road in Gilbert has closed with plans to reopen near Interstate 10 in Casa Grande. Neighboring Buffalo Wild Wings will be a new McDonald’s at the Interstate 10 and Florence Boulevard exit. For more information about growing or relocating your business in Pinal County, contact Access Arizona at either info@accessarizona.org or 520.836.6868.

accessarizona.org

The nation’s explosive region for growth.

Multimodal access. Solid infrastructure. Skilled workforce. Collaborative local leadership.

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

THE EDUCATION EDITION

Page Article

CG News

CONTINUED…

...continued from page 12 than two per shift were needed; discipline in the department was uneven, favoring those the chief liked over those he didn’t; Cervantes had one supervisor as his spy, reporting to him what officers were saying. Because of officer complaints and unrest, a mediator was apparently called in to discuss the issues. The city has remained quiet about the progress of those negotiations. The department has been dogged by other issues since Cervantes arrived in April of last year. It was decided that there should be two captains in the command structure rather than three division commanders. Two men, J.R. Parrow and Todd Hanley, were hired for the positions, bumping the former commanders down to lieutenant. The first announcement was that the move was not a demotion but merely a realignment. Then

it was announced that the men dropped to lieutenant would also have their pay cut, something not mentioned at the start. One of the men resigned, the two remaining officers hired an attorney and are in legal discussions with the city. Another officer, passed over on his application for a captain slot, hired an attorney to press an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint, also now being negotiated with the city. Another complaint from officers is that both of the new captains were longtime friends of Cervantes from when he was a commander in the Scottsdale Police Department and were selected on that basis, not on merit. Officers said that the performance of one of them, Hanley, was such that he had to have his probation period extended. On Oct. 13, a terse email circulated within the department and to some city officials saying, “Effective October 17, 2014,

Captain Todd Hanley will no longer be an employee of the Casa Grande Police Department.” No further details have been given by the department or by city management. No details have been released about Parrow’s resignation. The search for a new chief to replace Bob Huddleston drew 77 applications, narrowed to four who were brought to Casa Grande for interviews. They are Cervantes; Andre Anderson, a commander in the Glendale, Arizona Police Department; Christopher Cotillo, chief of the Seat Pleasant, Maryland Police Department; and Charles Padgett, interim chief of the department in West Allis, Wisconsin. That was later narrowed to Cervantes and Anderson. Officers said Anderson was more of a ‘cops’ cop. Officers said that while Anderson visited the department and rode along on patrol to get a sense of the community and what officers were facing, Cervantes spent his time

at City Hall and attending City Council meetings. His appearances at City Hall began months before the formal application process began, they said, leading them to belief that he had the inside track as the favorite of City Manager Jim Thompson. During the public presentations by the four applicants, one said privately that he had just overheard someone from city management say that Cervantes had already been selected. That meant that the appearance by the four before the public was a sham, he said. [Editors note: all of the complaints are included in stories on www. haroldk itching.com or w w w. cgnews-info.webs.com, clicking on Police Plan. Those are complaints only, not the result of any formal investigation. A background story on what the four final police chief candidates told the public during the hiring process is filed under Archives at the same websites.]

Holiday Crafts One fun filled – abet messy, family craft idea is decorating ornaments. This can be done at any age, from toddlers to seniors. • • • • • •

Assorted colors plain glass ornaments Assorted colors Sharpie ®Markers Craft glue Assorted colors glitter, sequins, beads, nonpareils LOTS of newspaper – to keep the mess to a minimum Empty egg cartons – to hold the drying ornaments

Cover your work surface with newspapers to gather as much fallen stuff as possible. Yes, laugh now, you will find glitter for weeks. Give each person an ornament to decorate. You can add scrolls, images, dots, squiggles and zigzags – whatever you want. After the marker has dried, you can accent by applying glue and then sprinkling on glitter, beads etc. Or you can go straight to the gluing and skip the marker. Set on the empty egg carton for the glue to dry. Kids have fun decorating ornaments to hang on the tree or give to others. Parents and grandparents cherish these gifts – I have many saved from children and grandchildren! THE EDUCATION EDITION

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PageAlliance CG Article

How do we make sure our kids never get hooked on drugs? by Cindy Schaider, Executive Director, Casa Grande Alliance The Casa Grande Alliance depends upon partnerships with our schools to share our message of ‘healthy life choices’ to young people.

hen I meet a parent, or grandparent, I am often asked, “How do we make sure our kids never get hooked on drugs?” Thirty years ago there were few good answers to that question. But substance abuse prevention science has come a long way, and we now have research to guide us as we guide our children. As is true for any disease, there are factors that put a youngster at risk for addiction, and factors that reduce that risk. These risk factors are put into four categories: individual, family, community and school. Based on research, there are specific actions related to schools that we can take to reduce the chance that our kids – all of our kids – will use alcohol and drugs. These strategies apply from kindergarten all the way through high school. 1. Parents and community members must be actively involved in our local schools. That includes everything from supporting school funding to volunteering at your neighborhood school. You can read to children, monitor during lunch, help with events – your Principal has many opportunities for you. And you don’t have to have kids in that school to be a participant! 2. We must communicate high expectations, both academically and behaviorally, to our children. Little kids must be reminded to use their manners, to be kind to others, and to pay attention in class. Parents can reinforce these expectations by asking questions after school like, “What made you smile today?” and “Tell me one thing you learned today.” The messages of course become more complex with teens, but the dialogue with caring adults remains important. 3. Students must feel that school is important, and have a sense of belonging at school. Adults can help by always talking positively about school and making school attendance a priority. (It grieves me to see families shopping with their school-age children in the middle of the day. Barring unique circumstances, allowing children to skip school sends a risky message to the child.)

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

4. Stay on top of your child’s grades. Children with poor school achievement are much more likely to become involved in alcohol and drug use. We know that not all kids will be “A” students, but each child is capable of being successful in the school environment – with adult support. The Casa Grande Alliance depends upon partnerships with our schools to share our message of ‘healthy life choices’ to young people. We work with the schools to design and implement age-appropriate programs on campus: • Drugs, Not Now – Not Ever rallies for students in grades 4 and 5 introduce, and reinforce, the message that most youth do not use drugs. Developmentally, children of that age are deciding what is ‘bad’ and ‘good’, so we clearly place drug use into the ‘bad’ category. • SMART Moves is a prevention, decision making and peer pressure curriculum implemented for students in grade 5 by Boys and Girls Clubs, and we partner by teaching one of the sessions. • Play Healthy provides student athletes, and their parents and coaches, with health information such as good nutrition, hydration, and drug prevention. The presentations are for middle and high-school age athletes. • The Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Chapters are three campuses: Vista Grande High, Casa Grande Union, and Casa Grande Middle School. These clubs offer youth a peer group who shares their values of staying drug and violence free. Through them, youth learn leadership and resistance skills. • MOST (Making Our Students Think) is a project within SADD wherein youth communicate with other youth about the infrequency of drug and alcohol use. MOST youth in Pinal County do NOT use drugs and alcohol, and SADD helps get the word out.

THE EDUCATION EDITION

Kids will bend over backwards to please you!

Over half of Casa Grande teens who don’t use drugs and alcohol choose not to because they don’t want to disappoint their parents or another adult in their life.

Teens whose parents talk to them regularly about the dangers of drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs, yet only a quarter of teens report having these conversations.

(AYS 2012, 8th, 10th & 12th grades.)

(ONDCP, National Media Campaign)

Make sure your kids know you do not approve of underage drinking or drug use! Drug abuse prevention and treatment referrals 901 E. Cottonwood Lane—Suite C Casa Grande, Arizona 85122 520-836-5022 www.CasaGrandeAlliance.org Follow us on Twitter: @CG_Alliance

THE EDUCATION EDITION

HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Page Article Pinal County Economic Development

The attitude has changed by Tim Kanavel, Director, Pinal County Economic Development It came down to working with this current group of supervisors to develop a game plan. Basically ‘what kind of jobs do we really want here?’

n many localities economic development is considered a blood sport. Cities facing off with cities all fighting to get a company looking to relocate. Time and time again, this turns out to be a failed strategy with no one winning. Pinal County has taken a new approach to compete on a local, state and national scale. “It makes little if no sense for us to fight against Casa Grande, Maricopa and Apache Junction for businesses,” said District 3 Supervisor Steve Miller. He pointed to several areas on a Pinal County map, showing areas that are ripe for commercial development. “We have our challenges, that’s for sure,” Miller continued. “We are currently dealing with State Land to try and make the Union Pacific Classification Yard a reality. But when you look at other areas across the county, they have their challenges too. It makes for a better economic development package to join forces with other chambers of commerce. They have their strengths,

we have ours. Together we make a formidable team to a company wanting to come here.” Miller specifically pointed to the recent announcement that Tractor Supply Company will be developing a major warehouse and factory next to the WalMart Distribution Center on Thornton Road (groundbreaking was to occur on Monday, November 17). “That’s was a coup for not only Casa Grande, but for the entire county,” Miller stated. “The end result is jobs, good paying jobs for our residents. When you combine that with the upcoming Phoenix Mart, this is not just good news for the county, it’s great news for the county.” Pinal County as a whole offers a lot to a company looking to start up, expand or relocate. Open space to build is readily available. There is a vast transportation network that includes easy access to Interstates 10 and 8. And now – a more business friendly climate adopted by county leadership. “Job creation is our primary focus,”

Pinal County At A Glance: • • • • •

•

The county encompasses 5,374 square miles, larger than the State of Connecticut I-10, I-8 and Union Pacific Railroad all provide transportation through Pinal County Home to almost 400,000 residents Has 12 incorporated and several unincorporated communities within its borders Pinal County has 3 Native American communities: • Ak-Chin Indian Community • Gila River Indian Community • Tohono O’odham Indian Community Pinal County has two distinct regions. The eastern portion is characterized by mountains with elevations to 6,000 feet and copper mining. The western area is primarily low desert valleys and irrigated agriculture.

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

Miller said. “When you want jobs to come here, you have to know what companies want.” Pinal County Economic Development Director Tim Kanavel said that to get the attention of employers, the county had to have an attitude change. “We could be settle for service oriented jobs and small tourism,” Kanavel said. “But in the end, those jobs tend to not pay all that well. So it came down to working with this current group of supervisors to develop a game plan. Basically ‘what kind of jobs do we really want here?’” Kanavel said the county is focusing on five targeted employment centers. Aerospace/Defense, Manufacturing, Health Services, Natural/Renewable Resources along with Transportation and Logistics. “It came down to how could the county create a business friendly environment,” Miller said. “We started looking at the permitting process. I have heard from people who wanted to start a business that our processes actually slowed down their progress and they became discouraged. Right away we had to make some reasonable concessions, but make sure the Countywide Comprehensive plan stayed intact.” The supervisors focused on removing or mitigating roadblocks that prevented an ‘ease of commerce’ otherwise known as unnecessary time constraints on permitting, creating compatible zoning along with fair and even enforcement of regulations. Our new catchword around the county is “we want your business,” Miller stated.

THE EDUCATION EDITION

LOCAL BUSINESS

Page Jim Rhodes Article

Business Education and Training: When and Where You Need It

by Jim Rhodes, Long time small business advocate

ducation and training is typically part of preparation for a particular career or job opportunity. So the ideal situation is one where we carefully plan and with great dedication follow the plan to prepare for a career. Also ideal is the possibility that there will be some sort of work available that matches up with our preparation. A look at the number of young college graduates that have moved on to plan B or C in their careers provides a hint that even the best career planning does not always result in the best career. Another twist is the situation where an individual prepares for a desired career and is confronted with an opportunity for greater personal or financial reward following a different path. Let’s look back at career Plan A. This plan is often developed with the help of a career or academic advisor. It includes results of aptitude and interest tests. Finally the plan is developed without the individual doing an appreciable amount of work in the career area

THE EDUCATION EDITION

of choice. Thus, the first job may well be a crapshoot as a long-range career. The most immediate career challenge may well be answering the question “how quickly can I turn this ship around?” A second challenge will, of course, be who is going to fund the rest of this venture? The traditional college education still has great value. However the reality of the evolving economy has influenced the recognition of the need for new training and education delivery mechanisms. Answers to questions for educational institutions now may include how many jobs are readily available or available in the near term in the market area; what sort of preparation is necessary to be considered for employment; and, what pieces of prior training will apply to immediately available work. In other words, how close am I to being prepared for new opportunities in my job market? Many of the new careers include work that was once done by a full-time employee and is now awarded to individual contractors. The trick is to convert the employees to contractors as quickly as

the work becomes available. The education and training that supports this conversion is often best provided by a local community college. Schools such as Central Arizona College in Pinal County, Arizona monitor career education needs through industry councils that are cooperative ventures between the college and local businesses. Additionally, CAC Outreach Coordinators work with local high schools to coordinate career offerings with embedded high school programs. There will need to be effective linkages between regional economic development and entrepreneurship. It will be important to know why some regions are more entrepreneurial than others. What characteristics go to supporting a reputation of business friendliness? To what extent has the new economy involved? In the move from employee to entrepreneur, success is certainly not guaranteed. The following issues are important and must be addressed. They may be addressed one-on-one or in the classroom. Some may also be addressed in executive “round table” sessions. We need to start early on planning for a future business. The commitment to start a business may not have been made but what needs to

be in place to make a successful transition from a job to a business? This will include personal or life planning as well as business planning. A great management book by Brad Smart is entitled “Top Grading”. It deals with the subject of hiring the top 10% of workers available for a job. What the trainers want to know is how we influence the development of the top 10% of employees through training and education. How do we make these people available to companies looking for employees or partners? A few years back, a study was done on businesses that it failed. It was determined that 90% of the businesses that failed in the US the prior year actually had a book of business accounts receivable that would have sustained them had they simply collected their money. Finally here is a business lesson that is driven home to us each day in business journals and historical accounts of the business world. US business spends billions on the mechanics of starting and sustaining businesses. There is no shortage of textbooks and strategy papers. Businesses fail because strategies are not executed and because those who fail are not held accountable before serious damage is done.

90% of the businesses that failed in the US the prior year actually had a book of business accounts receivable that would have sustained them had they simply collected their money.

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PageInsurance Rox Article

Tips For The Road Ahead

Be Safe, Be Smart On A Long-Distance Road Trip

hether you’re traveling alone, with a buddy or with your spouse and a car full of kids, there are few things more “American” than the long-distance road trip. Countless vacation travelers will drive the highways looking for fun and making memories with every mile. If traveling down the “holiday road” is in your plans, take the time to prepare for your trip. You’ll have a more enjoyable vacation if you plan carefully. Here are a few driving tips, courtesy of Rox Insurance CG, LLC: 1. Maintain your car. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires.

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2. Plan your trip and know where you’re going. Call ahead for proper and safe directions to get you to your destination safely and have maps of the area on hand to help you navigate once you are off the main road. You’re more likely to make good decisions, even in dangerous situations, if you’re clearheaded and know where you’re going. 3. Be alert. Seems obvious, but driver inattention is surely the cause of a lot of accidents. If you stay focused behind the wheel and plan carefully, you will have a wonderful summer road trip. 4. Take precaution with a cell phone. Cell phones can be a lifesaver when you need immediate access to emergency services after an accident. Keep your phone within easy reach and get to know its features. However, use it prudently. Reports suggest that driving while talking on the phone increases accident rates. 5. Wear your seat belt. Whether or not it’s required by law in the state through

12777 (7-12)

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THE EDUCATION EDITION

Page Article

www.edwardjones.com

which you’re driving, always wear your seat belt as a safety precaution. 6. Protect your car against theft. Help deter criminals from taking your car with steering wheel locks, switches that disable fuel or ignition systems, and electronic tracking devices. 7. If you’re in an accident. Taking immediate steps if you’ve been in an accident can protect your family and your car from further damage. Stop immediately and make sure your car is not blocking traffic. Turn off your car to keep it from overheating or catching fire. Warn oncoming cars using road flares or orange triangle reflectors. After you have protected yourself and your family, call your insurance company immediately. 8. Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, you want to be sure you’re protected when you’re on the road and far from home. An independent insurance agent or broker can provide the personal service and advice you need to travel in confidence.

To learn more about what an independent insurance agency offers you, contact us at 520-836-7660 or check us out at roxinsurance.com.

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Member SIPC THE EDUCATION EDITION

HOLHOL IDAYIDAY 20 142014 GOLDEN CORRID OR OR LI V ING 25 GOLDEN CORRID LI V ING

“I felt that being an administrator, you have an opportunity to have a greater impact in regards to a larger numbers of students, in order to be able to make that difference.”

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THE EDUCATION EDITION

The LIVING Interview

Dr. Shannon Goodsell Superintendent Casa Grande Union High School District Interview by Elaine Earle and Bea Lueck GC LIVING: Dr. Goodsell, please give me your bio. Where were you born and raised? DR. GOODSELL: I was born and raised in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area. That’s where I grew up and that’s where I went to school. Several generations of my family have been in Oklahoma. I started off in the education business as a teacher in Oklahoma. I taught social studies. Later at the age of 27, I was a high school principal, an athletic director, and at the ripe age of 30, I became superintendent in the state of Oklahoma. I’m now 45 so this is going on my 15th year to be a practicing superintendent for public education. As far as educational background, I have two Bachelor’s Degrees, both from Oklahoma State University. I have a degree in Business Management with a minor in Marketing, a degree in Social Studies Secondary Education with a minor in Economics. I have my Master’s degree from the Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, and then I have my Doctoral degree from Oklahoma State University in Education Administration. GC LIVING: So were you a good student throughout your schooling? DR. GOODSELL: Actually I was. I will tell you that extracurricular activities were my motivator to be a good student. I, of course, played football in high school and my father always told me that if I did not bring home adequate grades, that I would not play. And so thus, I made sure that my grade point average was sufficient enough to make sure that I could play football. GC LIVING: What position did you play? DR. GOODSELL: Safety as a matter of fact. I

THE EDUCATION EDITION

was a pretty good strong safety. We’ll just leave it at that, and so we had a great time playing football. It is my love. Actually, my father was my coach throughout most of my career, growing up through elementary, middle school and even in the high school. So he was a very good motivator for me in regards to both football and in regards to education. GC LIVING: Did you play football in college? DR. GOODSELL: No. I had offers to go play college football but I had an academic scholarship that was worth more money. So, I was the first person in three generations not to take their college football scholarships to go and play and I took an academic scholarship instead. GC LIVING: What school was it offered at? DR. GOODSELL: It was an academic scholarship to the Oklahoma State University, which covered tuition and books. So, it was a very nice lucrative scholarship, and that was based upon grade point averages that I earned in high school and also with my participation in extracurricular activities. GC LIVING: Were you valedictorian or salutatorian? DR. GOODSELL: No, but I was in the top 5. GC LIVING: Very good. Who is your favorite teacher in high school? DR. GOODSELL: I will tell you that probably my favorite teachers in high school would have been my football coaches. But what I can tell you is one of my favorite teachers of all time was my fifth grade teacher, and that was my mom. I will tell you that I did spend more time in on recess duty, writing sentences and got into more trouble my

fifth grade year than I did any other year in school, but it was worth it. My mom was a great teacher and she had a really great emphasis in regards to math, and so that’s kind of where I think that I started to advance and excel in mathematics was based upon the instruction that I got from my mother. GC LIVING: Is that why you went into education, because of her? DR. GOODSELL: Yeah, I think so. Both my mother and my father had the value system of education that you’ve got to give back. They are very invested in our community. They’re very invested in children and in my family, both on my side and my wife’s side; there are an estimated 25 teachers, coaches, administrators, superintendents in the business of public education. So it’s kind of the family business and it is a commitment of giving back to your community and someone made that commitment for them in order for them to receive the education that they did. Part of that value instilled in me was to pay it forward. GC LIVING: Why did you make the transition between teacher to administration? DR. GOODSELL: I originally got into education because I wanted to make a difference, and of course I also wanted to be a football coach, and I felt that being an administrator, you have an opportunity to have a greater impact in regards to a larger numbers of students, in order to be able to make that difference. The downfall, I will tell you, of being an administrator is when you move from being a teacher to a principal, you are one step further removed from stu-

HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

The LIVING Interview dents, and when you move from becoming a principal to a superintendent, you’re another step further removed from students. I still believe that I’m in education because I have an opportunity to make a difference for children. For me, the only drawback to being a superintendent is that I am a little bit further removed from the classroom than what I would like because I still do miss being around kids and being a teacher. GC LIVING: That was my next question, do you miss teaching... DR. GOODSELL: Oh absolutely, absolutely. But I still am able to fulfill some of my coaching types of duties. I work very hard with our Casa Grande Football Association, our little league that we have for our younger athletes in our community, and I’m a volunteer football coach for those little guys and have brought some of those up through the stem from fifth grade, sixth grade on and that has been a really, really great rewarding experience. GC LIVING: So why Casa Grande? You lived in Oklahoma and now you’re in Casa Grande. DR. GOODSELL: Golf and sunshine. It was time for a change. GC LIVING: Which first? DR. GOODSELL: Ahh sunshine. The snow and the ice is awful in the eastern part of Oklahoma. The other reason was really for family opportunities. Casa Grande is a good school district, and that’s one of the criteria if we were going to make any kind of a move as a family. Obviously, we want to move to a good school district. Public education is something that both my wife and I hold in high regard, and so that was the first criterion. The second is we were interested in moving to a place where we could have some family time, some family vacationing time, and Arizona provides that as an opportunity for us. One of our goals as a family is about every fifth weekend we try to treat either the area or the state as if we are a tourist. So we take advantage of all the tourist opportunities that Arizona provides. GC LIVING: So what are some of the challenges that the Casa Grande Union High School District faces? DR. GOODSELL: I would say the first one is funding. The state of Arizona is probably in the bottom 5% in regards to the amount of money that it contributes towards public

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 20 14

education. That was a result of the downturn in the economy. It used to not be that way and I think the biggest challenge we face is trying to provide all the programs, all the coursework for graduation requirements, and all the elective opportunities that the kids would like to take in order to fulfill their dreams of what they want to do past high school. It’s difficult without funding. Obviously, you have to have teachers. You have to have equipment. You have to have materials, and you have to have supplies. Balancing that budget is a very, very difficult process, and sometimes you have to make difficult decisions based upon the monies that you’re provided. GC LIVING: Approximately how much is the school district’s budget? DR. GOODSELL: We operate on about a 23 million dollar budget, and that sounds like a lot of money, and it is a lot of money, but when you have 3,800 students, that money does not go very far. We have an estimated 25 advanced placement or pre-advanced placement courses and they have a curriculum that is over

We provide some 25 elective opportunities for our students to expand their horizons and provide them with the opportunities to do what their heart desires. and above the regular education setting. And a matter of fact, that curriculum is so rigorous that once that student gets done with that class, they get the opportunity to take a test. If they do well on the exam, then they have earned college credit at the high school level, and we want to provide that as a nice supplement for college tuition because it is incredibly expensive for our students once that they graduate. We provide some 25 elective opportunities for our students to expand their horizons and provide them with the opportunities to do what their heart desires for future careers. We provide over 40 athletic and extracurricular opportunities including band for our students. So when you’re trying to offer all these

different opportunities for kids, that money does not go very far. We still have the gas bill, water bill, and electric bill; the utilities that still have to be paid on maintaining the buildings. We still have our busing expenses. Our school district covers approximately 1,200 square miles, so transportation is a bit of an issue for our school district in making sure that all students are able to come to school to take advantage of the opportunities of education they desire and need. GC LIVING: To put that in perspective, the square mileage is about 1/5th of Pinal County. DR. GOODSELL: T h at i s c or r e c t. C a s a Grande Union High School District in essence is the second largest school district in the state by geographical land mass so we try to streamline our buses as much as we possibly can because gas is expensive and the buses do not get great miles per gallon averages. GC LIVING: Some of the other challenges you face is hiring educators. DR. GOODSELL: It has been. GC LIVING: You had to make some very drastic moves this school year. DR. GOODSELL: Yes, we have. One of the things that I am not willing to accept, either as a superintendent or as the parent of a child who is attending one of our high schools, is a long term substitute teacher. We want highly qualified teachers teaching our students, and that gets to be very difficult because for the state of Arizona when we start talking about graduation requirements and credits, we are looking at individuals who are specifically licensed in physics; people who are specifically licensed in chemistry; people who are specifically licensed in American history; world history, economics, mathematics, English, etc. It’s a very, very specific person that we’re looking for. In addition to complicating this factor is that we have started our S.T.E.M. academy, our science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs, and those programs are also very specific and very high-end in regards to the academic requirements and curriculum structures for those classes. Finding those folks is difficult. That problem has grown exponentially because of the funding in the state of Arizona. Our salary schedule scale is not where it needs THE EDUCATION EDITION

to be in regards to attracting and maintaining these highly qualified teachers. We’re very fortunate and blessed to have the teachers that we have, but we have got to be able to attract more certified and highly qualified teachers because the end result of not being able to do that means we have to put a long-term substitute teacher into those classes who is not highly qualified, and that is not acceptable for me as a superintendent, and it’s not acceptable for me as a parent. Our first objective was to look locally to see if there were individuals who were highly qualified who could teach in our classrooms, and we did not find them. Then the next opportunity we had was to look statewide, and that was not available for us either. The third option that we had was to look inside the geographical boundaries of the United States and we were able to aggressively attend job fairs. We were able to get some teachers to come out of Pennsylvania. Our fourth and final option was to look internationally in regards to individuals interested in coming to the United States and coming to the state of Arizona, specifically in Casa Grande, for the opportunities to teach our students. All the teachers that have come internationally have bachelor’s degrees. Some of them have gotten master’s degrees. Some of them have double master’s degrees, and even a few of them are almost finished with their doctoral degrees. My daughter is in those classrooms. I asked her how her chemistry class was going because her chemistry teacher is from the Philippines. Her report back to me was that chemistry was hard, and I said, “Exactly. That’s how it is supposed to be, and so everything is running well with those classes. We’re very fortunate to have those teachers here with us. GC LIVING: Tell us more about the S.T.E.M program. DR. GOODSELL: The elementary school district has been able to get a grant so they have started the S.T.E.M. Program at Casa Grande Middle School. Those students will then leave the middle school and continue to the high school and graduate not just with a high school diploma but with a high school engineering or a high school biomedical diploma. That then gains them THE EDUCATION EDITION

admission into Central Arizona College for their S.T.E.M. Program because we want our children to stay here. We want Casa Grande to support Casa Grande. GC LIVING: So the curriculum flows from middle school to high school to college? DR. GOODSELL: That is absolutely correct. Once those students get those advanced degrees, either through ASU, UofA, NAU, Grand Canyon University, or wherever it is that they want to finish or complete their degrees, then we want them to come back to Casa Grande because we need them working in our hospitals, in our businesses and industries in Casa Grande because that is how our community is going to grow. And so this is a program that’s not only just an investment in our students; this is an investment in the future of Casa Grande. GC LIVING: Where do you see education trends going? DR. GOODSELL: A lot of that depends upon funding. People ask me what my thoughts are on school choice. I don’t mind school choice as long as the playing fields are equal. We do not need to have one system that has a direct advantage over another. Parents need to have an opportunity to send their children where they believe their child is going to get the best appropriate education. I agree with that. For me personally, I believe that the best educational opportunity

is in the public education system that we have right here in Casa Grande. I also believe that we’ve got to make sure that the laws, rules, regulations, and funding sources of parents’ choices are equitable across the board. We do not want to make one system have an advantage over the other. It has to be fair and equitable for everybody to make the best opportunity and educated choice in regards to where and how they want their children to be educated. GC LIVING: Are more students looking for a career path, a trade school type education or are they more college focused? DR. GOODSELL: Well, here’s the thing that I would say. Number one is that not every high school graduate is going to college and we need to have that as a reality and that is not necessarily a bad thing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a high school graduate who has learned the skill, who has learned the trade, who has attended the career and technology programs that are offered. And by the way, many of our career technology programs are linked into our colleges and you can receive some college credit for participating in our career and technology education programs. But there’s absolutely nothing wrong with someone earning a skill, learning a trade, entering

continued on page 40... HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

The Liquor Factory

New Look - New Name Beverage Mart is now The Liquor Factory!

re you looking for that special spirit? Or vintage bottle of bubbly? How about trying a new craft beer? The Liquor Factory on Florence Boulevard is the place to go! Inside you will find over 500 varieties of craft beers in stock. You will also find the Growler Station where you can fill your jug with a choice of craft beers on tap to enjoy at home. Factoid #1: A growler is a glass or ceramic jug used to transport draft beer, commonly sold at breweries, brewpubs and specialty stores as a means to sell take-out craft beer. The growth of craft breweries and the growing popularity of home brewing have led to an emerging market for the sale of collectible growlers. The most popular growler size is 64 fl. oz - there is also a 32 fl. oz ‘howler’ short for a half growler. The Liquor Factory is your source for high-end spirits. They take Top Shelf to a new extreme with specialty craft and limited edition selections of bourbon, whiskey, scotch, gin, rum

and tequilas. Have you ever experienced that one-of-a-kind drink and wondered, “How do I make that at home?” The mixology experts at The Liquor Factory can help source the recipes and find those hard to get ingredients. Special orders are NO PROBLEM! Ask about The Liquor Factory’s loyalty discount program and how you can receive 5% off your purchases. Factoid #2: Did you know molecular mixology, inspired by molecular gastronomy, is the practice of mixing drinks using the analysis and techniques found in science to understand and experiment with cocktail ingredients on the molecular level. Science and technology meets bartending and brings it to a whole new level! And coming soon in 2015 the Liquor Factory is adding a Bistro Bar & Deli where you can sit back, relax and enjoy your favourite libation. Look for our announcements on Facebook about our special tasting events and sales. (www.facebook.com/930beveragemart)

BEVERAGE MART IS NOW –

Specials: ORIGINAL GROWLER STATION Casa Grande’s

Bud Light 12PK $9.99 Svedka Vodka 750ML $9.99 Generic Vodka 1.75L $10.99 Fleischmann’s Vodka 1.75L $11.99 RR Canadian Ltd Whiskey 1.75L $13.99

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930 E Florence Blvd – Casa Grande AZ 85122 (In the Pep Boys Plaza) 30

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

THE EDUCATION EDITION

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2,500 S.F to 12,000+ S.F Suites Available

Retail - National Chain to Independent Boutique - Restaurant Space

For More Information on Leasing Contact Lorena M. Sage, Leasing & Sales Consultant

520-836-9663

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Cars RV’s Trucks Motorcycles

• 24/7 Emergency Service • Fast Courteous Service At Low Rates • Licensed & Insured • Light Duty & Medium Duty Towing • Jump Starts • Lockout Service • I-10 & I-8 Towing

(520) 836-2500 THE EDUCATION EDITION

1201 N. VIP Blvd. Casa Grande, AZ 85122

www.StarTowingCG.com

HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Page Article Tribal Gaming

ECONOMY

Tribal Gaming Makes a Difference in Arizona by Chairman Louis Manuel, Jr., Ak-Chin Indian Community

hile many people associate Arizona casinos with enter tainment, most don’t realize the far-reaching community benefits our state receives that are a direct result of the economic impact of Arizona’s tribal casinos. When many of A rizona’s tribes put forth Proposition 202 to make gaming available on tribal lands, the tribal leadership and the Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA) made a promise to the state and local governments to give back a portion of the gaming revenue. In 2002, when Arizona voters passed Proposition 202, the gaming compacts outlined the specifics of that promise. Today that means 12 percent of these funds are directed to city, town and county governments for government services and an additional nine percent goes to the state’s regulatory expenses. This funding supports such programs as education, emergency services, wildlife and habitat conservation, statewide tourism and the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. Proposition 202 has made an impact far beyond the original projections to provide much-needed support to our state. The Ak-Chin Indian Community is an active participant in AIGA because we believe that

it is the right thing to do and it is at core of who we are -- to help to better our community, the community around us and the state of Arizona. But for the Ak-Chin Indian Community, that is not where the benefits stop. For example, in 2013 we made a financial investment of $10 million in the city of Maricopa. The Community’s investment not only directly supported the Maricopa Unified School District, but a significant portion of that investment was allocated to the operation of the city’s Copper Sky Recreational Complex. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, celebrating 20 years in Maricopa, opened on December 28, 1994. Of all of our Community’s economic activities, Harrah’s is the largest contributor to the Pinal County economy. In 2011, an economic impact study was done and showed that Harrah’s provides more than 1090 jobs in the area, more than $36,713,700 in payroll and more than $205,322,355 to the state’s economy. Before tribal gaming revenues, many roads in our Community were dirt roads, and we had many members still living in dirt houses. Today, we have a variety of government services and programs for our Community members including the justice center that serves as a multi-purpose center that in-

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

cludes a police department, detention, probation, public defender’s office, prosecutor’s office and courts. The Ak-Chin Indian Community also has many other facilities such as The Ak-Chin Him Dak Eco Museum, the Ak-Chin Indian Community Library and Education Center and Vekol Market which are amazing resources for the Community. Our Community has made other significant investments as well, not only on tribal lands but also in the surrounding areas, adding such enterprises such as the Ultrastar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle, the Santa Cruz Commerce Center, the Ak-Chin Regional Airport and Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Course. These enterprises continue to allow the Ak-Chin Indian Community to add jobs, increase multiple revenue sources and increase much needed volunteers. In addition, the Ak-Chin Indian Community has also made other investments in the Greater Phoenix area such as a partnership agreement with Live Nation with the introduction of Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix. We also have an official partnership with the Arizona Rattlers, including, naming rights to the arena football team’s field, now renamed Ak-Chin Field. In addition, the Arizona Super Bowl

Host Committee announced its first major partnership for Super Bowl XLIX (49) with the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Our Community’s ongoing commitment to bringing high-quality entertainment to the state and helping future generations compliments our partner’s goals to do the same. Tribal gaming is important to the state of Arizona as it provides much-needed financial support for important programs such as education and emergency services. The AIGA continues to advocate, educate and promote tribal gaming to benefit tribes and all of Arizona. It is important for the population of Arizona to understand that our tribal casinos provide us with much more than entertainment and there are multiple community benefits that our state receives that we otherwise would not have. The Ak-Chin Indian Community is nestled into the Santa Cruz Valley of Southern Arizona. The Community lies 58 miles south of Phoenix in the northwestern part of Pinal County. Ak-Chin is an O’odham word translated to mean “mouth of the wash” or “place where the wash loses itself in the sand or ground.” Ak-Chin has an enrollment of more than 1,004 tribal members and a land base of just over 22,000 acres. For more information, visit www.ak-chin.nsn.us

THE EDUCATION EDITION

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Serving Arizona Since 1999 THE EDUCATION EDITION

All Of Our Employees Are Drug Tested & Background Checked To Provide Better Service To You! HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Page Article Banner Medical Center LOCAL BUSINESS

Banner Casa Grande set to soon unveil Banner Telehealth’s TeleICU for state-of-the-art patient care by David Lozano, Public Relations – Arizona East Region

It’s gratifying to know that our nurses and doctors will be able to save more lives and that our local community will have that extra layer of care.

here would any of us be without advanced technology? We’re living in a “technology era.” From our cars, to our cellular phones, technology helps us in our everyday lives, making things easier and even safer for us.The great part about technology is thatit can also save lives! That’s exactly what will happen at Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, starting Tuesday, Dec. 9. Once Banner Telehealth’s TeleICU (intensive care unit) program officially goes into service at Banner Casa Grande, it will save lives by teaming on-site medical staff with intensive-care specialists or intensivists and experienced nurses. These intensivists follow patient care from remote monitoring centers located in Mesa, Ariz.; Santa Monica, Calif.; Denver, Colo.; and Tel Aviv, Israel. Specialists and nurses at the centersuse specialized software and audio/video technology to continuously monitor patients’ vital signs, lab tests and other important medical data to track progress and watch for changes that might signal a problem. This highly sensitive monitoring technology gives the Banner Telehealth team the ability to quickly notice changes in a patient’s condition, should they occur, so they can be addressed immediately. If a change in the patient’s condition is detected, the Banner Telehealth specialists work with the bedside medical team to help determine what course of action is appropriate. In addition to providing this stateof –the-art care in the ICU, Banner Casa Grande patients will also have the benefit of this type of technology and access to specialists in the Emergency Department.“We’re really excited about this technologyand how it’s going

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

to enhance the care for our most critical patients,” said Kelly Kieffer, Chief Nursing Officer for Banner Casa Grande. “Our medical staff is ready for it when we go live in a few weeks. Banner Telehealth has had this in place for several years; it’s been extremely successful and helped saved thousands of lives. Now that we’re a part of the Banner Health family, it’s gratifying to know that our nurses and doctors will be able to save more lives and that our local community will have that extra layer of care.” Banner Health was one of the first in the nation, and the first health care provider in the states of Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada to use this telehealth technology to monitor patients who are a few miles to thousands of miles away. “Banner has always been a leader in providing excellent patient care - but Banner is also leading through innovation. The Banner Telehealth program focuses on cross-continuum tele-services including remote monitoring of patients throughout the Banner system, including individuals in their homes. This investment in technology, people, and processes to improve patient outcomes provides yet another example of how Banner is an emerging national leader in healthcare” said Julie Reisetter, Chief Nursing Officer for Banner Telehealth. Currently, the Banner TelehealthTeleICUprogram covers more than 450 ICU patient beds throughout 21of Banner’s 25 hospitals. According to a national database of ICU patient experience, from 2007 to 2012, there were 5,849 intensive care unit patients at Banner Health hospitals who were expected to die, but instead survived thanks to this technology. During that four-year period, Banner Health ICU patients stayed 109,348 fewer days. They were then able to be transferred

to a less acute setting where their risk of death and complications were significantly reduced. “Banner Casa Grande is considered a rural hospital,” said Rona Curphy, CEO of Banner Casa Grande Medical Center. “To have this type of technology available inour own medical facility like the bigger hospitals - for example, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix-is going to be absolutely phenomenal. Our patients and their loved ones can have that peace of mind that they have faster accessibility to critical care specialists and experts in their own back yard.” Since its transition from Casa Grande Regional Medical Center this past summer, to Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, the hospital has already undergone a multitude of changes including a newlyrefurbished front lobby that was officially unveiled to the public on Tuesday, Oct. 28.An open house was held that evening so that members of the local community could see what the new front lobby looks like. Other recent changes to the facility include a fresh new coat of paint on the exterior building, and new signage reflecting the name change to Banner Casa Grande Medical Center. “Our transition has been rapid but remarkable,” Curphy said. “It’s exciting to see all of these new changes taking place – a new front lobby, a new look to our building and new technology like the Banner Telehealth TeleICU program. I can tell you that this is just the beginning, and I’m looking forward to what we’ll be able to provide to our patients in the future.” For more information on services offered at Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, please go to: www.bannerhealth.com/ casagrande.

THE EDUCATION EDITION

Page Article

BANNER HEALTH’S INNOVATIVE

CARE IS NOW CLOSER

TO THOSE WHO MATTER MOST.

Casa Grande Regional Medical Center is now Banner Casa Grande Medical Center. That means your community hospital, already known for providing outstanding care, is now part of a health system nationally known for innovation. We understand that people heal better when surrounded by friends and family. That’s why Banner Health is committed to bringing innovation in intensive care, obstetrics and patient care close to home. We couldn’t be happier to continue serving this community with medical advancements that help save lives and enhance patient satisfaction—right where you need it. (520) 381-6300 • www.BannerHealth.com/CasaGrande • THE EDUCATION EDITION

/BannerCasaGrande HOLHOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR OR LI V LI ING 35 IDAY 2014 GOLDEN CORRID V ING

Page Article Agave Dentistry

LOCAL BUSINESS

Local dentist and his amazing staff will bring out your smile Dr. Davis and Family

r. Tyson A. Davis is from Mesa, Arizona. He learned to speak Spanish fluently while serving a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Venezuela. He studied dentistry at one of the top dental schools in the country; University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in beautiful San Francisco. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery there and graduated with honors for academic excellence. Dr. Davis finds the most joy in spending time with his wife, two beautiful children (6 and 2.5 years old), and newborn baby girl. He also enjoys watching and playing all sports, riding quads and motorcycles, and simply being outdoors. Dr. Davis has been at Agave Dentistry for five years. Agave Dentistry can help take care of routine cleanings and

Bridgette and Lissette

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

maintenance for children and adults, as well as assist with any other dental needs including but not limited to: fillings, root canals, extractions, dentures, crowns, and bridges. Dr. Davis places and restores implants in house. Agave Dentistry tries to take care of all possible dental work at their location for the affordability and convenience of their patients. However, if it is past their expertise and truly in the best interest of the patient, they will sometimes refer patients to a specialist. Ultimately, Dr. Davis and his staff will make sure you receive the very best dental care possible. They strive to provide each patient with the individual care and attention they deserve. Agave Dentistry understands how painful a toothache can be, and they do all they can to make time to see people with emergencies. They realize that going to the dentist can be scary, but they have a lot of experience helping uneasy patients feel more comfortable in the dental chair. Dr. Davis’ favorite part about his job is interacting with patients. He genuinely loves talking to and being around people. The most rewarding part of his job is seeing people more confident with their smiles before they leave the office. Call the office today at 520.876.9955 to see how you can be even more confident with your smile by getting free whitening for life as a valued patient of Agave Dentistry. Dr. Davis has a wonderful staff that has a collective total of over 140 years combined dental experience. His

staff members are hardworking and excellent at keeping a positive work environment. They are friendly and kind, and go above and beyond to put their patients first and make sure they are comfortable. We would like to introduce you to a couple of our newest staff members: Bridgette is our front office guest coordinator. She was born in Mesa and has lived in Casa Grande for the past 10 years. She has been in customer service for over 14 years and in the dental field for five years. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She truly enjoys being a part of the Agave family. She says, “ Dr.Davis , the Agave staff, and our patients are all such a pleasure. I really enjoy seeing people smile when they leave our office!” Lissette is the front office insurance coordinator. She is from El Paso, TX and has been living in Arizona for the last 15 years. She recently married her best friend of 5 years and they have two beautiful daughters. She graduated high school from CGUHS in 2009 and then attended Chairside Dental Academy located in Mesa in 2012 and graduated that same year. Before coming to Agave Dentistry she was a dental assistant for 2 years at a Pediatric Office. She says, “What I love about working with Dr. Davis and the Agave Staff is their wonderful personalities and amazing work ethic. “ Agave Dentistry is currently accepting new patients. Call us today at (520) 876-9955. THE EDUCATION EDITION

520-876-9955 Tyson A. Davis D.D.S THE EDUCATION EDITION

Expires 1/31/15

For new and existing patients. Call for details. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires 1/31/15

Coupon must be presented at initial visit. Specials are for new and existing patients with no insurance. Coupon cannot be combined with free whitening or any other offers.

Page Article

2028 N. Trekell Rd #107 Casa Grande, AZ 85122

WWW.AGAVEDENTISTRY.COM

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR SPECIALS & GIVEAWAYS

Services Provided by an Arizona Licensed

HOLHOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR OR LI V LI ING 37 37 IDAY 2014 GOLDEN CORRID V ING General Dentist

Page Article CityGate Introducing

FAMILY DENTISTRY FAMILY PRACTICE Peers provide & ORTHODONTICS LOCAL BUSINESS

insight on living with diseases

Quality, Affordable care for Everyone! Accepting New PatientS Hablamos Español

care for Everyone!

Same Day Appointments Based on Availability

We accept most insurances.

520-836-3446

865 N. ARIZOLA RD, CASA GRANDE

FAMILY DENTISTRY & ORTHODONTICS Accepting New PatientS Hablamos Español

Same Day Appointments Based on Availability

We accept most insurances.

On-site application assistance with AHCCCS, Healthcare.gov and Sun Life’s discount programs.

520-381-0381

PatientS

On-site application assistance with AHCCCS, Healthcare.gov and Sun Life’s discount programs.

Quality, Affordable care for Everyone!

by Lindsey Gemme, Community Relations Quality, Affordable Coordinator, Sun Life Family Heath Center, INC. New Accepting Hablamos Español

o you suffer from a ment workshop. e Day 56, SamKathy, chronic illness or pain, “I loved it,” said ments oint App or care for someone who has conducted workshops Based on who does? Do you feel on a variety of issues, was so Availability like you are living day-to-day, a impressed by the impact of the slave to your symptoms? Learnclass that she is now facilitating it to her peers. ing to live with chronic illness A key to the success of the and yet still feel that you have a workshops, which began in good quality of life can be chalPrescott and Tucson over four lenging. Sun Life Family Health years ago, is that people who live Center in Casa Grande underOn-site application assistance with AHCCCS, with chronic diseases - such as stands how you feel, and is ofHealthcare.gov and Sun Life’s discount programs. diabetes, heart disease or arthrifering a free six-week self-management workshop tis - help teach othto help you develop ers how to do it. those coping, and Kathy said the Learning live GRANDE 865 N. ARIZOLA RD,toCASA self-healing, skills. workshops taught with the illness T h e s i x- w e e k her how to be more and live a full class is called the proactive in dealing Healt hy Liv ing with her condition life is critically Workshop, develand the significance important as we of mak ing small oped by Stanford expand life span changes in her life. University. Starting “It’s just bunches next month, Sun of little, meaningful Life (865 N. Arizola changes that have a big impact,” Road) will be hosting the workKathy said. shop at 5-7:30 p.m. every TuesThe program, developed by day from Jan. 6, 2015-Feb. 10, Stanford University, uses two 2015. Participants will meet once trained peer leaders, one or both a week for six weeks and learn of whom have a chronic condimany techniques that will help them to manage their various tion, to facilitate the small-group illnesses, with the support of workshops. Each workshop lasts others who face the same chalsix weeks. Participants meet once a week for 2½ hours. lenges. Each workshop particiChronic disease is a growpant will receive a free book on chronic illness and self-maning crisis in the state, and the Healthy Living workshop is a way agement. Healthy refreshments to help improve the quality of life will be provided. The workshop is evidence- of older adults. More than 1.2 million Arizonans are over the based, and makes a huge difage of 65, and 70 percent suffer ference for those who have parfrom at least one chronic disease. ticipated. Let’s take Kathy, for While studies suggest that example. She was diagnosed a chronic disease self-manageyear ago with a rare, progressive and frequently fatal lung disease. ment programs like Healthy In June, she participated in the Living are successful in adults chronic conditions self-manageof all ages, it can be especial-

We accept most insurances.

520-381-0381

865 N. ARIZOLA RD, CASA GRANDE 38

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

THE EDUCATION EDITION

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CENTER FOR CHILDREN

Same Day Appointments Based on Availability

more fruits and vegetables, or ly beneficial for older adults. on how they integrate relaxation That peer-to-peer conversation and exercise techniques into is very important for an elderly their day-to-day activities. population. Among Arizonans 65 “One of the things this proand older, nearly 60 percent have arthritis and about 20 percent gram has behind it is that it is are diabetic. evidence-based,” said Ramona The Healthy Living workshop Rusinak, manager of Arizona is one component of the ArizoLiving Well in the Bureau of Tona Living Well Institute, and is bacco and Chronic Disease at the funded with help from a twoArizona Department of Health year federal grant from the AdServices. “Healthy Living has over 20 years of clinical backministration on Aging awarded to the Arizona Department of ground and data collection on it Health Services, as well as threeto prove that people actually do year funding from St. Luke’s reduce hospitalizations and docHealth Initiatives. tor visits.” The workshops began at StanThe workshops are open to people with chronic conditions, ford University in 1991 as part of as well as to their family mema five-year research project. Sevbers and caregivers. They’re so eral hundred organizations now popular that the workshop is ofoffer the program worldwide. fered in 12 counties in Arizona. Kate Lorig, one of the program’s developers, said their research Participants and program offifound that participants of the cials say the response has been program reduced their sympoverwhelmingly positive. The individuals in a workshop often betoms and their health care costs and were more physically active. come a close support system for “Learning to live with the illone another during the workshop - and sometimes after ends. ness and live a full life with the Samite Day ts men Appoint illness is critically important as Set in an intimate and inforon Basedlearn we expand the life span and have mal setting, participants to Availability more older people,” said Lorig, use tools such as brainstorming, a professor of medicine at Stanproblem-solving and “action plans.” They incorporate those ford’s School of Medicine. “The skills into their lives to address other thing this program does is a host of issues - from dealing allow patients to share their wiswith fatigue, pain and feelings dom in a structured, safe, way.” of isolation, to increasing exerPre-register today for the workshop at Sun Life by contactcise, healthful eating and better communication skills with faming Lindsey Gemme by phone at (520) 836-3446 or by email ily members, friends and health Hablamos Español at Lindsey.Gemme@slfhc.org. care professionals. Class sizes are limited. We welDuring the workshop, 10-16 On-site application assistance with AHCCCS, participants sit in a semi-circle come you to programs. bring a friend or Healthcare.gov and Sun Life’s discount and share details of their lives. spouse, as long as your guests They discuss their progress on are registered before the start of individual goals, such as eating the workshop.

CENTER FOR CHILDREN

Quality, Affordable care for Everyone! Accepting New PatientS We accept most insurances.

520-836-5036

1856 E. FLORENCE BLVD CASA GRANDE THE EDUCATION EDITION

Quality, Affordable care for Everyone! Accepting New PatientS Hablamos Español

We accept most insurances.

On-site application assistance with AHCCCS, Healthcare.gov and Sun Life’s discount programs.

520-836-5036

1856 E. FLORENCE BLVD CASA GRANDE

CENTER FOR WOMEN

Quality, Affordable care

for Everyone!

Accepting New PatientS Hablamos Español Same Day Appointments Based on Availability

We accept most insurances.

On-site application assistance with AHCCCS, Healthcare.gov and Sun Life’s discount programs.

520-836-0380

1864 E. FLORENCE BLVD., SUITE 2 • CG HOLHOL IDAYIDAY 20 142014 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING 39 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

continued from page 29... the workforce and becoming a productive member of the Casa Grande community. We at the high school district make sure that our academic structure is for career and college-ready. So that means that we have got to spend time and energy on both focuses because both are absolutely 100% important. They’re important in regards to development of the student. They’re important in regards to that student being able to go out and contribute to Casa Grande, either as a college-bound student who is going on to attend higher universities’ educational opportunities, or a student who is entering the workforce. Our job is to make sure that a student is ready for both. GC LIVING: Expand on S.T.E.M. DR. GOODSELL: Okay. GC LIVING: How is that benefiting the student, the community, and the future employer? DR. GOODSELL: S.T.E.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The purpose of this program only to have the high-end academic accountability for the student or to provide the high-end academic opportunity for the students; but the purpose of the program is to show them how the theory of the classroom applies to the real world. I’ll give an example of that in action. Just

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recently our freshman bio-medical class was having conversations, lectures, discussions on a unit about blood; blood typing, cross-matching blood, different types of properties of blood, blood borne pathogens and viruses. One of our partners in our S.T.E.M. program is our local hospital, Banner Regional Medical Center. The laboratory at the hospital was able to take time out of their busy day and provide an opportunity for our students to come and tour the actual lab of the hospital. Licensed medical technologists provided in-service and lecture opportunities and had conversations with students about what they do in the hospital specific to the unit that the teacher was teaching. After that, the students were actually able to go and tour the lab. They were actually able to look at the facilities. They were actually able to see medical technologists at work doing what they do through the chemical analyzers to the blood banking operations to the microbiology types of facilities that our hospital provides our local communities and the goal, which was achieved, to link the theory of the classroom to the real world applications of what that theory meant. And the kids absolutely loved it. We want to provide that as an opportunity for our students. To take the highend academic requirements of the S.T.E.M.

program and show them how those real world applications apply. Because once you do that, then you get those kids hooked. And they get hooked on something that’s real and hooked on something that is a goal they can look forward to for the purpose of graduation which is, “I’m going to go work in that job.” Or, “I’m going to go work in that particular field,” and it just makes everything real for our students. We are doing that with some great success. GC LIVING: Where are our graduation levels, our statistics now? Many years ago, only about half of the students were receiving diplomas. DR. GOODSELL: I t h i n k t h at t h at h a s changed significantly for us. I don’t have that data in front of me but I will tell you that most are receiving diplomas. We also have instituted some programs at the school in order to help kids to get their diplomas. We have instituted the Desert Winds Learning Center. If a student has gotten behind or has failed some classes at the comprehensive high schools that would be Union, Vista, or Verde then they would go to the Desert Winds Learning Center. The specifics of that program are to provide an opportunity for that student to catch up. So they would be able to take their current course work plus the additional classes that they failed in order to catch up with their cohorts of students to graduate THE EDUCATION EDITION

The LIVING Interview at 18 and to graduate on time. Many students are taking advantage of that program and I will also say that that credit recovery program is very quickly becoming a model program for the state of Arizona, and we have been selected to present that program at this year’s Arizona State School Board Association Conference Meeting. GC LIVING: Okay, let’s turn the field just a little bit. You had your 15 minutes of fame but not in a good way back in May of 2014. DR. GOODSELL: Sure. GC LIVING: There were some problems on campus? DR. GOODSELL: Yes there were. GC LIVING: And there was a video? DR. GOODSELL: Yes there was. We have two primary focuses for our school district. The first one is we are charged with providing our students with educational opportunities and we are charged with producing graduates for the children who are in our school district. The second charge that we have is making sure that our campuses are safe and secure. We had a situation at Union High School which was not safe. Our students wear their student ID so that we can make an accounting for every child, for every student, to ensure not only their educational opportunities but to make sure that their safety is secured. There was a video taken of me in regards to a reaction that I had to a student who was being very disrespectful towards authority. A student was very disrespectful in regards to adult intervention. The adults were trying to get that student to comply with school rules so we could make our campuses safe. The video was unfortunate, but it was my reaction to the disrespect that was generated from a student. GC LIVING: This isn’t just about high school. These are young adults getting ready to go to the work force. DR. GOODSELL: Absolutely. GC LIVING: Employers have rules too. DR. GOODSELL: Yes they do. We have to ensure that high school has an opportunity to mimic our society and our culture. You do have rules in the workplace. If you cannot comply with those rules, policies, and regulations, then more than likely you will not be able to maintain your employment with that employer. Many of our employers require, as a part of their employment, THE EDUCATION EDITION

individuals to wear ID badges. That ensures that their facilities are safe and secure, as well as to keep track of the comings and goings of their employees. That is standard operating procedure. We utilize our IDs in the same fashion. The rules are designed to be respected. The rules are designed to be followed. When an adult is there to enforce the rules for a student, the responsibility of the student is to comply with those rules. That is the expectation we have from our young adults. We have that expectation across the board now in our high school campuses and it’s very nice to see our young students behave appropriately and it’s very nice to see their academic performance in the classrooms. GC LIVING: What are some of the things you’re most proud of at the districts right now? What accomplishments? DR. GOODSELL: Well, the one thing that I am very, very proud of is the Desert Winds Learning Center. For far too long, we had a graduation rate that was not where it should be. There was not that opportunity for remediation. There was not that oppor-

We have to provide the moral support, the character education and the instructional assistance… whether that be in math, science, English, or history, at which they need some help. tunity for recovery. We have provided that safety net because we absolutely refuse to give up on a kid. We refuse to say that a child is just simply going to drop out and not finish high school. In order to do that, we have to provide the moral support, the character education and the instructional assistance that that child may need whether that be in math, science, English, or history, at which they need some help. We have to provide a system and an opportunity for that child to receive their credits, to make up those credits and to graduate on time and be the proud recipient of a diploma just like all of their other classmates. And so, I am very, very proud of that program because I think it’s providing a tremendous opportunity for those kids

who didn’t have that opportunity before. GC LIVING: One last question, earlier in November was the election for the bond override? How do overrides work? DR. GOODSELL: For high school districts, they’re funded a little bit differently. The State of Arizona has set the requirements for graduation that a student must have four years of English, four years of math, three years of history, three years of science, and eight electives. For the state of Arizona, if they have set that as a requirement, then they are responsible to fund that at a minimum level. But interestingly enough, that requirement is only for regular education students. If our students want any opportunities beyond that, then the State of Arizona says that we’re supportive of that, but we’re just not going to provide it in the form of funding. That is the responsibility of the local community. As an example, the 25 advance placement opportunities that we have for our students; that is the responsibility of override funding; everything from ROTC to band to culinary arts to agriculture to DECA to marketing. All of those opportunities that our kids have, for 3,800 students, which is quite a bit, all of those extras are provided by override funding. All extracurricular opportunities that we have for both boys and girls in competitive sports; from band to football to swimming to golf to tennis; all of those are the responsibility of the local community. We also utilize override funds to help with our salary schedule scale. We need to try and increase it more so we can attract and maintain highly qualified teachers so we can teach our students. These override funds are, in essence, a part of our budget because without these funds, we would not be able to provide all of the opportunities that our students have. Minus these funds, I think our community is going to see a reduction in those opportunities and that’s very unfortunate. Our students need every opportunity that they can in order to fulfill their academic needs and to basically move forward as a graduate and a productive member of our community. GC LIVING: Dr. Goodsell, it was a pleasure speaking with you. Best of luck in your endeavors! DR. GOODSELL: Thank you! It was my pleasure as well.  HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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2014

Leadership

FROM KEN FERGUSON

hat does Community Leadership mean to you? A focus towards improvement of the quality of life for all residents in the community. A constant re-calibration of listening and executing the needs and wants of the community. Being accessible and amenable to necessary change. Community leadership means a call to action, to serve, to organize and advocate for a healthier and sustainable community. Community leadership is not pure oversight. It does not have to have the answer to all things. However, it can be focused on prioritized needs and seek out the resources to get things done. Describe the state of current Community Leadership. While I see many good efforts by individuals I also see a lack of presence and engagement. As an advocate for the arts and arts education I get the sense of apathy and a lot of “we can’t do that”. Fractured. By that I mean, I don’t see a

clear vision for the future of our city. Although, when speaking with many leaders, elected and otherwise, there are many nods of agreement for needs and wants but not enough active engagement in making it happen. Clearly this is all just my opinion and observation. I can respect the challenges that our leadership has. Maybe it’s fatigue and or lack of resources. How would your improve our Community Leadership? Town hall meetings to define our community. More transparency on what the plans for downtown are. I would seek more leaders who see the value of performing arts and education as a means of engaging our community and as a viable social and economic positive. A more concerted effort to continue the re-vitalization of downtown. Casa Grande does not have a performing arts center and surrounding smaller cities do. That makes no sense to me and to everyone I speak to, even elected leadership. Less focus on

Other comments on Community Leadership. The more I learn about our community’s history, the more impressed I am with how great things have happened in the past. The boom and bust in the past 10 years or so have impacted leadership. I believe we can raise our heads above the cubicles, meetings, and luncheons; start connecting as a community more clearly. We have a unique town. I love our downtown and I am frustrated with it at the same time. Just growing up some place doesn’t always provide the best perspective for the future of a community. I would love our community to become less insular and more engaging. That starts with leadership. I see engagement on some levels. Now I’d like to see more from other community leaders reach out.

FROM ANONYMOUS

FROM DEBRA SHAW RHODES

What does Community Leadership mean to you? People that are current with our times, even if it means that the old guard needs to step aside or be open to new ideas. In government and local organizations officials and officers who work to improve the quality of life for all.

What does Community Leadership mean to you? Someone who cares about the community and it’s development and success in building it.

Describe the state of current Community Leadership. City officials seem to be stuck in the old thinking that this community stay small--sorry people look around this is no longer possible. True or not some of the stories I have heard, and changes I have seen, mostly in building codes, are not consistent with our community growth annually and with winter visitors. How would your improve our Community Leadership? Not sure. I have more or less retired to let the younger people with new, pertinent ideas that are relevant to our time and demographics. The best I can do now is VOTE! And I have and will continue to do. Other comments on Community Leadership. I am seeing a growth in local service organizations which excites me.

zoning for industrial use and more focus on the residents and community identity now. Less reasons why we can’t do things and more on how to do we get this done.

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

Describe the state of current Community Leadership. There are a few that are a constant but they seem to be the influence of the community and I personally think some new people need to be involved. How would your improve our Community Leadership? As stated above getting new people in with some fresh new ideas and allowing those ideas to be given and processed to see if they may have more vision than the standard groups ideas to date. Other comments on Community Leadership. I think we need a Task Force that is the central core of all the groups at here working on different initiatives and let it be the driving force to help all come together such as I did in Kansas City when we had received a $3 million dollar grant from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Kansas City matched with another $6 million dollars. It can be done.

THE EDUCATION EDITION

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Survey REALLY, WHAT DOES IT TAKE? I hate to keep saying “I told you so”, but … at this stage, you gotta admit, you gotta agree with me:

Nobody cares about leadership.

Last issue we printed and reviewed twenty-two responses, most quite thoughtful. I pointed out then that we had made quite an effort, including printing up custom invitations as well as hand-delivering quite a few of them, to get important people to opine. And, much to my dismay, we got only 22 responses, including:

Three elected officials.

Still upset about that. Yes, the average citizen has lots to do these days. Our lives are so crammed full of stuff we don’t really have time to live anymore – we’re all too busy chasing our media-driven dreams. But the politicians? WE PAY THEM NOT ONLY TO HOLD BUT TO ALSO SHARE THEIR OPINIONS:

Hey Politicians!!! Hello???

Nonetheless, I tried to stay positive, leading you, the genial reader gently through my own concept of leadership, then offering a re-set in the pursuit of public opinion:

Leadership Survey 2.0.

Which could be entered online, anonymously, from the comfort of your La-Z-boy in front of 72” of NASCAR with Doritos and Mountain Dew … and still:

Deafening Silence.

Actually, thanks to Anon, Debra Shaw Rhodes, and Ken Ferguson, we’ve got not nothing, but something, all three printed opposite, as the sum total of responses to Leadership Survey 2.0. “Where do we go from here?” you ask?

Our Leadership efforts will now turn into a series of actual meetings involving those who went to the effort to respond, on which we will regularly report on in these pages.

Our Leadership efforts will now turn into a series of actual meetings involving those who went to the effort to respond, on which we will regularly report on in these pages. The Survey will turn into a monthly feature of Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine, with its own page, colors and logo, asking super important questions (easily and anonymously answerable online) like “what is your favorite Mexican food restaurant in town?”, and “how many times a week do you play soccer?”. So thanks for reading and make sure you check out the new LIVING Survey on Page 83; maybe we can all have some fun with subject matter less serious than our future as a community. In the meantime, the 26 of us will soldier on with efforts to make this a better place to live.

THE EDUCATION EDITION

- Rock Earle

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EDUCATION

Excellence in Education Right Here in Our Community

compiled by Elaine Earle

hy is choosing the right education so important? Children deserve the very best opportunity for success! Each child has unique interests and their own optimal environment for learning. We have had over twenty years of choice initiatives in Arizona. We are faced with so many choices in education; public, private, charter, online, homeschoolâ&#x20AC;Ś More Choices Than Ever! We can also direct our state tax dollars with the public and private tax credits. We at LIVING Magazine surveyed the Golden Corridor and hope that you enjoy reading about all of the educational initiatives displayed in this Education LIVING Special Feature. A special THANK YOU to our Casa Grande, Eloy and Picacho communities for passing the budget override for their respective districts which will invest in our community and our children!

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THE THE EDUCATION EDUCATIONEDITION EDITION

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Health • Wealth • Education

Mission Heights Preparatory High School

Rob Gay

Norma Zheng

Mission Heights is pleased to offer the only public high school paleontology program in the country. This would not be happening without the work of Mr. Rob Gay who has brought his passion and experience with Paleontology to MHP. Students are engaged in fieldwork in Utah and Colorado, as well as preparing their finds and curating collections at the school. The students engage in authentic scientific research, some of which are being published in technical journals. Mr. Gay is very proud of his students!

Amanda Mace Amanda Mace has been teaching at Mission Heights since its doors opened in 2011. She currently serves as MHP’s upper-level English Teacher and Curriculum Coach. She has spent many years teaching English at the college level in the past and brings those expectations into the classroom. Mrs. Mace is a teacher who is zealous about the written word and how it applies to the daily lives of all her students.

Norma Zheng is a senior at Mission Heights and is the school’s first National Merit Recognized Scholar. Norma has been with Mission Heights since the beginning and has been a great asset to the school with her work in the Drama Program and National Honors Society. She also served as an intern for Kirkpatrick for Arizona this past fall. She plans on pursuing a career in International Relations.

Central Arizona College For nearly 45 years, Central Arizona College has been serving and educating 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.

THE EDUCATION EDITION

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Excellence in Education

EDUCATION

Casa Grande Elementary School District Women of Today & Tomorrow

Representative TJ Shope Visits CGMS On September 22, 2014, Casa Grande Middle School was able to host State Representative TJ Shope. Kelly Powers, a math teacher at CGMS, lead the tour as part of the Take Your Legislator to School Week.

Since its start in 2009, the annual Women of Today and Tomorrow conference for middle school girls and their mothers has impacted hundreds of families by bringing them together for a day of celebration and learning.

Ironwood Honors Local Heroes for 9/11 On September 11th, 2014, Ironwood Elementary School held a ceremony to honor our local Border Patrolmen, Policemen and Firemen. The first grade students gathered in red, white and blue and presented care items to the men in uniform.

A Legacy of…

Million Father March This year CGESD participated in the Million Father March, welcoming the fathers and guardians of our students onto our campuses to celebrate and encourage the commitment of fathers to their child’s education. The event took place on September 10th, 2014 and was a great success.

En To rol da l y

Family

Photo by Kaylee Ivy

“We wanted our son to feel part of a school family while receiving a top notch education. The dedication, devotion and true compassion—from the teachers and administr ators— demonstr ate to us that Legacy truly embr aces their mission statement.” ~ Janelle L., Legacy parent

Learn More at www.LTSEnrollment.org or Call (480) 385-1551 46

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THE EDUCATION EDITION

Excellence in Education

EDUCATION

The Pride of Casa Grande Director Martin Hebda has led his marching band and color guard to many state competitions with great success. Recently, at the CDO Marching Festival, they left with a rating of Excellent and the highest score of the day! The group swept all the high honors awards for outstanding Color Guard.

Casa Grande Union High School District

Cavity Prevention program Spartan Sparkies Preschool at Vista Grande hosts a dental health screening and education program presented by Sunlife Family Dentistry & Orthodontics. The program included topical fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth, brushing education â&#x20AC;&#x201C; best tooth brush techniques, and dental referrals if needed.

Vista Grande High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard

The Robot Team John Morris, in the classroom and many hours after school, has mentored students in the design, programming, and production of robots created to perform specific, assigned tasks. CG Union teams have competed in national and international competitions with great success for many years! At least ten to twelve Robot Team students are currently engaged in technology professions. Photo: left. Preparing power distributor for competition; right. 669 ready to go!

The Vista Grande High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard was invited to present the colors for the opening ceremony at the recent Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco Forty Niners football game. Photo: Cadet Major Navarro Merriman, Cadet 1st Sgt Ace Flores, Cadet Gy. Sgt. Tyler Ryle and Cadet Sgt. Curtis Begay

AP Art at Vista Grande Artist: Brooklyn Payne, Media: Multimedia; Title: Untitled AP art students are working on submissions to the College Board for the Advanced Placement Studio Art class offered at Vista Grande High School. A body of work will be submitted digitally, and the five best pieces will then be submitted by mail to be read and judged by trained readers at the end of the year. Students who earn a good score may be eligible for college credit. The criteria demand working at a high level. they are expected to work on the pieces during school, after school, and weekends, much as they would in a college course. THE EDUCATION EDITION

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Excellence in Education

EDUCATION

The Odyssey Preparatory Academy Odyssey differentiates itself in the educational community by implementing the programs within the four pillars: Navigating Knowledge, Creating Character, Launching Leaders and Focusing Globally, which prepares scholars for college admission, success with higher education and fulfilling careers in a global society.

Odyssey scholars have access to the campus FabLab. FabLabs are interactive, hands-on, and do-it yourself fabrication laboratory which allows for students to take ownership of their project and through intrinsic creativity, realize they’re capable of many things. The Odyssey Preparatory Academy actively seeks to create and nurture a culture of academic excellence and ethical behavior that is embraced by all team members. The Odyssey Core Values are recited in the morning, reinforcing their importance. The Odyssey Core Values empower scholars to use their talents in order to grow emotionally and academically.

Kindergarten is designed to stimulate your child’s curiosity and prepare them for what it means to be in school while gaining awareness of the world around them. Odyssey offers full day kindergarten along with a full day gifted program for scholars who quality.

Pinnacle Charter High School

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH - SEPT

Rebeka Galvan

Nicholas Brannon

just started his first year at Pinnacle. He has already completed two classes and is looking forward to graduating from high school.

Todd Scout is our first graduate for the 2014-2015 school year. Congratulations Todd!

Above left: Pinnacle High School students participated in a community wide event, called ‘Make a Difference Day’. They painted fences that had been previously tagged with graffiti. Left: Meet the Teacher night in August 48

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

Josh Duran STAFF OF THE MONTH - SEPT

Bonnie THE EDUCATION EDITION

EDUCATION

Excellence in Education

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School Mrs. Debra Schisler

One of the greatest tributes to Mrs. Schisler, 6th grade teacher at St. Anthony of Padua School, was this recent accolade from a parent of a child in her care. “... I believe Debra Schisler is one, if not the best teacher any of our children have ever had…She self-motivates them to do their best…has them evaluate how they are doing, and what they need to work on. …she instills good learning habits, a desire to learn, and creates an environment where they can thrive. Her love of the children is apparent, and her devotion to them and to her job is inspiring. She instills in her students the love of learning and a passion for education, because it is reflected in her…” – Tammy McCarville, Parent, October 14, 2014

Ms. Carolee Sopicki “St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is blessed with teachers like Carolee Sopicki. Ms. Sopicki teaches selflessly for the good of the students and the school. She sponsors the school’s Student Council, gives up her lunch period, and other times, to meet with the students to help them, to activities and service projects. She is the driving force behind our annual Science Fair. She has been involved in the Geography Bee, The Aerospace Competition at ASU, The Young Author’s Conference, and taking her 7th grade classes to experience the educational programs at Sea World in San Diego. She has been an incredible asset in the school’s Accreditation Process and assists in administrative matters…Ms. Sopicki is much loved by students, parents and fellow teacher.” – MaryLou Davila, Friend and Co-worker, October 29, 2014

Matthew Powers “St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is a community full of great students. Matthew Powers is one of those students. He is a hardworking 7th grade student at St. Anthony’s School. His diligence is demonstrated by the number of times he has been on the school’s Honor Roll. Matthew enjoys both Science and Math, thinking one day he may want to be an engineer. Matthew is an active member in the school band, playing both the trombone and the clarinet. He also plays the guitar and piano. He is also an active member of the school’s sports program, playing on the soccer, baseball, basketball and football teams in recent seasons. Matthew’s commitment to service to the parish community is demonstrated through his altar serving, as well as volunteer service to the community. We thank Matthew for all that he does to be a great model student of our school.” – Carolee Sopicki, Teacher, October 29, 2014 THE EDUCATION EDITION

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Page Article CGESD EDUCATION

Casa Grande Elementary School District

Investing in the community by Bryan Harris, Ed.D. Director of Professional Development & Public Relations Casa Grande Elementary School District

he Casa Grande Elementary School District has a long and rich history of community involvement and leadership. Dr. Frank Davidson, Superintendent of the District, explains the philosophy of community involvement and investment, “We rely on the community for support, for our customer base, and for our funding, but we realize that we need to give back to the community in

tangible ways so they can see the value of their investment. The greater Casa Grande community relies on us just as much as we rely on them.” As a result, District leadership, school-based staff, and Governing Board members are involved in a variety of programs and leadership positions throughout the community. Here are a few highlights of the tangible ways the District staff give back to the community:

Ways to Support the Casa Grande Elementary Schools:

Schools and students rely on the generous support from families and members of the community. Here are 3 easy ways to become involved in the education of students in Casa Grande.

Donors Choose

DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to support local teachers and students. On the site, teachers post classroom project requests which range from art supplies to technology. Individuals and businesses then choose which projects to support and donate funds directly and solely for that project. It has been described as a “revolutionary idea” that has impacted over 12 million students across the country.

Volunteering at schools

Schools appreciate parents and community members who donate their time and talents in the schools. To learn more about how to volunteer, contact any school office.

Tax Credit Donations

Did you know that taxpayers in Arizona have the opportunity to redirect a portion of the taxes they already pay directly to local schools? This tax credit is a full refund, not a deduction and all the money goes directly to the school of your choice. Individuals can donate any amount up to $200 and married couples can donate up to $400. To learn more log on to http://www.cgelem.k12.az.us/families.cfm?subpage=1204677

We have a brand new Facebook page! Check us out at www.facebook.com/CGESD 50

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• Women of Today and Tomorrow—Since its start in 2009, District staff have been a leading force behind the highly successful and innovative Women of Today and Tomorrow Conference. This annual conference for middle school girls and their mothers impacts hundreds of families by bringing them together for a day of learning and celebration. • Music at the Mall—Each year students from each of the District’s schools offer a free concert for families and members of the community. Located at The Promenade Mall, the event draws thousands of people for a morning of music and a celebration of student creativity. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, November 15. • Casa Grande 1/2 Marathon & 5K—Last February, District staff and volunteers were instrumental in kicking off the first annual Casa Grande 1/2 Marathon & 5k. The event, which drew hundreds of people from around Arizona raised funds to support programs offered by the Central Arizona Breast Center. The race will be held again on February 7, 2015. • Leadership Positions on Community Boards— Many members of the District’s administration, Governing Board, and staff serve on various boards and commissions in the community such as The Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Optimists, Casa Grande Alliance, Boys and Girls Club, Against Abuse, and Planning & Zoning. THE EDUCATION EDITION

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Success for Every One

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Casa Grande Elementary School District is The choice for families in Casa Grande

Did You Know? • For 10 years in a row, 96% of our parents have rated their child’s school an A or B. • No other school choice option provides more opportunities for students to participate in sports, music, art, extracurricular activities, and gifted services. • Casa Grande Elementary has more A+ Schools and A+ programs than any other school district in Pinal County. • The District has a proven, rigorous instructional program built upon “Success for Every One”. • The Casa Grande Elementary School District has 4 Rodel Exemplary Principals. That’s more than any other school district in Arizona!

Visit Your Child’s School Today!

CACTUS MIDDLE SCHOOL David Owen, Principal – (520) 421-3330 CASA GRANDE MIDDLE SCHOOL Jennifer Murrieta, Principal – (520) 836-7310 CHOLLA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kay Brack Steward, Principal – (520) 836-4719 COTTONWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Patty Dee, Principal – (520) 836-5601 DESERT WILLOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Keely Bina, Principal – (520) 876-5397

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

EVERGREEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Debbie John, Principal – (520) 836-6694 IRONWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jennifer McClintic, Principal – (520) 836-5086 MCCARTNEY RANCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Robert Quinones, Principal – (520) 876-4235 MESQUITE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Julie Holdsworth, Principal – (520) 836-7787 PALO VERDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Joanne Kramer, Principal – (520) 421-1650 SAGUARO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Celie Downey-Foye, Principal – (520) 836-7661 VILLAGO MIDDLE SCHOOL Jeff Lavender, Principal – (520) 423-0176 EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER Kameron Bachert, Assistant Dir. – (520) 876-0045

THE EDUCATION EDITION

HOLHOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR OR LI VLI ING 51 IDAY 2014 GOLDEN CORRID V ING WWW.CGELEM.K12.AZ.US • 520.836.2111

Page Article CGUHSD EDUCATION

Casa Grande Union High School District

“All Living the Pursuit of Excellence for Lifetime Achievement”

he Casa Grande Union High School Dist rict (CGUHSD) is proud to serve the high school students of our community. For those who are new to our community, CGUHSD covers approximately 1,200 square miles and is considered the second largest school district in Arizona by geographical land size. Approximately 3,800 students attend CGUHSD in various school sites. The District has been strategically designed to accommodate the needs of all learners and student interests. Both Casa Grande Union High School (CGUHS) and Vista Grande High School (VGHS) are large, comprehensive schools for those students who are interested in the traditional high school experience. CGUHS has an enrollment of approximately 1,600 and VGHS has an enrollment of approximately 1,800. Between the two high schools, the district offers over 35 Arizona Interscholastic Association competitive extra-curricular activities for boys and girls. Both high schools offer a rigorous Advanced Placement curriculum designed to challenge every student and offer college credit opportunities on the high school level. In addition to the core content curriculum of math, science, English, and history the sites offer a combined 37 additional elective programs. For those students looking for an alternative to the traditional high school experience, CGUHSD offers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The STEM classes at Casa Verde High School are designed for students looking to push the limits of a high school curriculum and course work in math, science and engineering. This program is designed to be both demanding and

interactive. We also have a robust, award winning robotics team and we are very proud of their accomplishments. Classes for this program are designed to be smaller with greater emphasis placed on lab work and practical applications. It is the intent of CVHS instructors to provide students with the opportunity to put theory into action and experience education on a different level. Students must make application to this program, and upon graduation, students will receive the equivalent of a high school engineering degree or a high school bio-medical degree. For those students who need extra help on course work, or personal support meeting graduation requirements, CGUHSD offers the Desert Winds Learning Center. It is through this program that students are allowed to accelerate through course work in order to get back on track and graduate on time. This program provides the students of our community with the opportunity to receive a high school diploma instead of a GED. At CGUHSD we know and value the immense benefits of extracurricular activities and community service to students applying for scholarships at both state and out-of-state colleges and universities, public and private. Opportunities are provided to all students through participation in Arizona Interscholastic Activities programs, other after-school programs, and curriculum offerings such as Advanced Placement Art and Culinary Arts. For students interested in what was traditionally called vocational education, now termed Career and Technical Education (CTE), the following options are available: Career Exploration - An Arizona Department of Education approved curriculum framework

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aligned with Arizona Workplace Standards, Arizona Technology Standards, and the National Career Development Guidelines. Agriscience, associated with Future Farmers of America (FFA) – Eight courses including titles from Agriscience 1 to Agriscience 8 focusing on plant and animal science to crop management and advanced agricultural mechanics. Automotive Technologies & Skills USA, the Career and Technical Student Organization associated with this program – Six courses cover safety in the shop, theory of operation, construction, maintenance procedures, repair of automotive components,. diagnosis and repair of today’s automobiles. Business Operations Support and Assistant Services (FBLA), Future Business Leaders of America is the Career and Technical Student Organization associated with this program – Six courses covering accounting, business law, management, personal finance, marketing, international business and entrepreneurship. Early Childhood Program & FCCLA, Family Career and Community Leaders of America is the Career and Technical Student Organization associated with this program – Six courses focusing on different stages of child development to organizing and running a preschool. Information Technology & Skills USA – Six courses covering content providing students the opportunity to acquire fundamental skills in both theory and practical applications of Graphic Design including pre-production/planning phase, plan implementation, creating products for the customer, editing and refining graphics, product delivery, quality assurance and product presentation.

Marketing, Management and Entrepreneurship & DECA. Distributive Education Clubs of America is the Career and Technical Student Organization associated with this program. Six courses covering sales and marketing as it applies locally, nationally and internationally while exploring the economic impact of these industries in the class room and gaining practical experience with students working in the DECA Store at the school. The Intern class provides marketing students with an opportunity to engage in practical learning through participation in a structured work experience that can be either paid or unpaid. Other CTE programs include six Construction Technology courses, six Culinary Arts, four Engineering Science, two Welding, and four Performing Arts classes. Notice that all these programs are associated with national or international organizations, all of which provide support, program information and curricula from dedicated, experienced professionals. In conclusion Casa Grande Union High School District certainly wants to say a sincere “Thanks” to our many valued support staff and particularly to all the dedicated drivers who provide transportation busses for the many students participating in classes and after-school activities demanded by the above named programs. The hours are many, the students served are numerous, and the miles travelled incalculable. We are proud to state all that CGUHSD has to offer the students of our community, but instead of hearing it from us we invite you to check it out for yourself. Please stop by any of our campuses for a quick tour or please feel free to join us and watch our athletic teams in action. We are CGUHSD! THE EDUCATION EDITION

Casa Grande Union High School District st

A 21 Century Education with 21st Century Choices! CAMPUSES:

Two comprehensive campuses, one STEM Academy and a Learning Center Program

STAFF:

Led by 165 highly qualified teachers

COURSE OFFERINGS:

COMMUNICATIONS:

PowerSchool, School connect, direct email to staff, weekly news

ACTIVITIES:

Over 200 course offerings

LIBRARY AND RESOURCES: More than 10,000 volumes at two campuses

FFA, FBLA, FPS, ROBOTICS, MARCHING BAND, National FCCLA, DECA, Academic Decathlon claiming state, national and international awards

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Emphasis on effective instructional practices

COLLABORATION/ ALTERNATIVES:

CAVIT, CAC, private corporations, City of Casa Grande

TUTORING:

Available four days a week on all campuses

STEM:

FACILITIES:

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at Casa Verde

Professional Culinary Arts Kitchen, FFA greenhouse, Art, Auto Shop, Computer Labs, Theater Arts Auditorium

ATHLETICS:

Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Football, Track, Cross Country, Soccer, Golf, Spiritline, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Wrestling

THE EDUCATION EDITION

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Page Article

Invest in a child’s education!

Why Choose Legacy Traditional Schools?

Legacy Traditional School District is among the fastest growing charter school districts in Arizona because of the increasingly high demand for our philosophy and academic programs. Awarded an “A” rating by the Arizona Department of Education, Legacy Traditional Schools is founded on the partnership between parents and staff in encouraging students to pursue academic excellence to the best of their abilities. We offer an accelerated, back-to-basics curriculum taught by caring, knowledgeable educators in a safe structured learning environment that emphasizes patriotism and citizenship.

your choice—$400 per couple, $200 per individual— you also can earmark which extra-curricular option you wish to fund.

What programs can I choose to fund with my tax credit? • Athletics—such as cross country, softball, flag football, volleyball, basketball and baseball • Fine Arts—including band, orchestra, choir and drama • After School Clubs—in areas such as Science, Photography, Letters to Soldiers, Running, Sewing and Chess • Field trips—to places such as the Arizona Science Center, Pioneer Living History Museum, Shamrock Farms and the Arizona Puppet Theatre

What does my tax credit donation cost me?

FOUR CONSECUTIVE YEARS!

What is the Arizona Public School Tax Credit? As a tuition-free, public charter school district, our students benefit greatly from the tax credit donations made possible by the State of Arizona. By law, not only can you donate to the school of

Best of all, your donation doesn’t cost you anything. Up to $400 of the amount you contribute may be claimed as a state tax credit on your income tax return. For example, if you contribute $400 to Legacy Traditional Schools, your state tax credit would be $400, which may be subtracted from any taxes you owe that year. Your support of children’s education—whether or not you have school-aged children—enhances the quality of your community now and in the future. Donate online at: LegacyTraditional.org/SupportLTS.

Please consult your tax advisor for specific tax questions. Thank you!

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Donate Today!

THE EDUCATION EDITION

Free, K-8, Public Charter School | Before and After School Care Page Article

A Legacy of…

Enrichment

“Our sons are not just receiving a text book education but they are taught how to be good people. The sports programs and extracurricular clubs available are great additions. It also is interesting to see what parent-run, after school clubs are offered each year (Show choir and clogging? Who would have thought?).” ~ Rebecca A., Legacy parent

Casa Gr ande Campus

Maricopa Campus

1274 E O’Neil Drive

17760 N Regent Drive

To support the enrichment of a child’s education, visit LegacyTraditional.org/SupportLTS.

Donate Today!

IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR OR LI V LI ING 55 THE EDUCATION EDITION HOL IDAY 2014 GOLDEN CORRID V ING Learning Today...Leading Tomorrow. Building a HOL Legacy of Learning

Page Article MGRM Pinnacle EDUCATION

Local charter high school offers a self-paced, tuition free, online education

GRM Pinnacle High School has been a member of the Casa Grande Community for nearly 15 years and is fully accredited through AvancEd. MGRM Pinnacle High School offers tuition free, self-paced, online curriculum aligned to common core standards in a positive learning environment. MGRM Pinnacle High School offers the unique experience of blending online learning with classroom instruction. This format has been highly successful for many students. Upon enrollment, students receive a Personalized Learning Plan specifically designed to meet student needs and address future goals. Teachers and staff maintain daily communication with home to ensure academic success for all students. School sites are structured to promote student learning and achievement in all areas. Due to our smaller class sizes, students receive individualized

attention from highly qualified and certified teachers. Students access learning through state-of-the-art technology and participate in discussion that promotes critical thinking skills. The Personalized Learning Plan prepares our students for college and the job market. Furthermore, MGRM Pinnacle High School provides a strong program in Personal Career Exploration (PCE). PCE is an offline class that examines personal development, college, and career planning. PCE includes community service projects, job internships, and partnerships with companies in Casa Grande. Through our PCE program, our students have participated in community sponsored events, such as ‘Playtopia’, ‘Anti-Crime Night’, and ‘Make a Difference Day’. Through these programs, our students learn the importance of community service. MGRM Pinnacle High School plays a vital role to the Casa Grande community. We have

a diverse population of students who prefer alternative education. Students choose to attend MGRM Pinnacle High School due to our positive learning environment and support structure. Site instructors work with each student on an individual basis to help students set goals and succeed academically. There is a growing number of students who prefer to work in a self-paced online format. Students can work ahead, recover credits, or stay on target with their grade level. Because of our efforts, there are more students graduating from high school and becoming contributing members of society. Students can register between 7:30a.m.4p.m. any day during the week. Our school is located on 409 W. McMurray. There are 3 sessions students can attend. 8:00-1:00 p.m., 11:00-4:00 p.m., and night classes from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. Please call our registrar at 520-423-2380 ext. 2300 to register.

MGRM Pinnacle Charter High School THE RIGHT CHOICE: OPEN REGISTRATION

 Open Enrollment Ages 14-21  Earn a High School Diploma Faster by Accelerating Your Classes  Exciting Electives and Core Classes  We now have 3 sessions. 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  Smaller Class Sizes  One on One Mentoring for Continued Future Success

CALL OR WALK IN TODAY TO REGISTER!!!

MGRM

PINNACLE

(520) 423-2380 • 409 W. McMurray Blvd., Casa Grande Office Hours: 7:30AM – 4PM 56

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THE EDUCATION EDITION

HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Page Article of Padua St. Anthony EDUCATION

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School

Faith based school is a proven path of success

The school is an educational and spiritual path that has enabled many alumni to receive scholastic awards as well as achieve beyond the elementary school setting.

t. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is prominently located on 2nd Street in Casa Grande, very near the heart of historic downtown. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School has been a member of the Casa Grande Community for more than 60 years. We have had the privilege to educate children, but also to help children grow into adults that continue to give back and support their community. We are a faith based Pre-K to Grade 8 accredited school offering financial assistance to those who qualify. Our religion curriculum focuses on our celebration of sacraments and promotes service to our school, local, and global community. Core curricula consists of reading/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Ancillary classes in physical education, computer, and Spanish are also offered as a part

of the total academic program. The student to teacher ratio is 16 to 1. Band is also offered as an extracurricular subject for those interested in pursuing a musical instrument. Our Pre-K program is a three star program as designated by Quality First and is also a part of our school’s accredited program. With certified teachers assisting learners of all types we offer resource assistance

to those students requiring further accommodations. Our more gifted students are challenged within the regular classroom and involve themselves in an array of activities designed to excel at a higher academic level. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is and has been an educational and spiritual path that has enabled many of our alumni to receive scholastic awards as well as achieve beyond the elementary school setting. We’re proud of our Flinn Scholars, Merit Award Recipients, and other notable honors and we congratulate them on their achievements. While there are many paths that can be taken to achieve excellence in education, St. Anthony’s is a proven path of success. To find out more about us, take a tour, and become a member of our school community please call us at 520-836-7247.

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School S

t. Anthony of Padua Catholic School has been a member of the Casa Grande Community for more than 60 years. We are a faith based Pre-K to Grade 8 accredited school offering financial assistance to those who qualify. Our religion curriculum focuses on our celebration of sacraments and promotes service to our school, local, and global community.

2nd Street in Casa Grande

520-836-7247

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THE EDUCATION EDITION

Page Article Odyssey Prep EDUCATION

Begin Your Journey on the Path to Potential

The Odyssey Advantage by Patty Messer, Principal of The Odyssey Preparatory Academy – Casa Grande Campus

t The Odyssey Preparatory Academies every child matters. Through the use of innovative curriculum and technology, students are empowered to become compassionate lifelong learners, respectful of intercultural communities and prepared to lead in the ever-changing global market place. Odyssey differentiates itself in the educational community by implementing programs from the very beginning, preparing scholars for college admission, success with higher education and fulfilling careers in a global society. While full day Kindergarten is not mandatory in the state of Arizona, The Odyssey Preparatory Academy – Casa Grande

A Full Day, Tuition Free Kindergarten Program Full Time Gifted Program

Campus offers tuition free, full day kindergarten. Studies have shown, children who attend fullday kindergarten learn more in reading and math over the year than those in half-day programs. In August 2014, a new program called The Path to Potential was launched for Gifted Scholars. This full time gifted program offers qualified scholars a differentiated curriculum focused on learning strengths. Hands on learning experiences with a campus garden and a FabLab exist as well. A FabLab is an interactive, hands-on, and do-it yourself fabrication laboratory which allows for students to take ownership of their project and through intrinsic creativity, realize they’re capable of many things.

We encourage you to visit www.odyprep.com/CG or call us at (520) 381-2360 to take a tour of our campus and see what sets us apart!

THE EDUCATION EDITION

The Odyssey Preparatory Academy Casa Grande Campus is a college prep school for K - 6th grade offering:

FabLab Hands-On Learning Campus Garden Call us now at (520) 381-2360 to see what sets us apart and to begin your journey!

www.odyprep.com/cg 950 N. Peart Rd. Casa Grande, AZ 85122 (520) 381-2360 HOLHOL IDAYIDAY 20 142014 GOLDEN CORRID OR OR LI V ING 59 GOLDEN CORRID LI V ING

Page Article Central Arizona College EDUCATION

CAC Receives Largest Grant in History of College by Angela Askey, Director of Marketing

n early October, Vice President Biden announced grant awards given to community colleges under this year’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grants initiative (TAACCCT). Created in 2009, this is the fourth and final round of TAACCCT grants. A total of $450 million was awarded to support community colleges in developing partnerships with employers to educate and train individuals for in-demand jobs. “This funding will enhance opportunities for veterans, unemployed, underemployed and Trade Adjustment Assistance eligible workers throughout Arizona,” stated Doris Helmich, CAC President. “We are grateful for the opportunity. It is important to our tax payers that Arizona and Pinal County has a skilled workforce who will continue to attract industry and jobs to the state and county.” CAC, in partnership with consortium members; Eastern Arizona College (Thatcher, AZ), GateWay Community College - Maricopa Skills Center (Phoenix, AZ), and Estrella Mountain Community College - Southwest Skill Center (Avondale, AZ) will share $10 million to establish

the Arizona Regional Advanced Manufacturing Professional Upgrade project (AZ RAMP Up). AZ RAMP Up will be financed 100% with the funding provided through the Department of Labor’s Employment Training Administration. It will be designed to accelerate student learning and strengthen student success in advanced manufacturing. Strategies that include competency based education, prior learning assessments, and engagement with industry will be used. Additionally, academic and industry recognized certificates that transfer to other degree programs within the state and those that lead to skilled manufacturing jobs in Arizona will be established. The consortium will partner with local and regional employers and industry partners to develop training programs that enable workers to build skills and obtain good jobs. Industry certifications will include the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS), the American Welding Society (AWS), the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA), the National Career Readiness Cer-

tificate (NCRC), and NCRC +. AZ RAMP Up will lead to the development of one new associate degree and six new certificate programs and will enhance 11 existing certificate and two associate degree programs among the consortium members. “These investments will help prepare workers with the skills needed for in-demand careers and advance the role of community colleges as engines of economic growth,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “The award is part of a long-term commitment to ensure that American workers have access to training for the specific skills needed to stay competitive in the ever-changing job market.” For nearly 45 years, Central Arizona College has been serving and educating 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. For additional information about the College visit: www.centralaz.edu.

Preparing Today’s Students to be Tomorrow’s Leaders

Educational, Cultural and Personal Growth Opportunities Campuses: Signal Peak Campus 8470 N. Overfield Rd. Coolidge, AZ 85128

Aravaipa Campus 80440 E. Aravaipa Rd. Winkelman, AZ 85192

Maricopa Campus 17945 N. Regent Dr. Maricopa, AZ 85138

San Tan Campus 3736 E. Bella Vista Rd. San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

Casa Grande Center 1015 E. Florence Blvd. Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Corporate Center 540 N Camino Mercado Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Florence Center 800 E Butte Ave. Florence, AZ 85132

www.centralaz.edu

Centers:

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Superstition Mountain Campus 805 S. Idaho Rd. Apache Junction, AZ 85119

THE EDUCATION EDITION

Come Join Our Family

Ven y se parte de nuestra famila!

As a business owner, you want a bank with great resources, sophisticated solutions, and smart ideas. You also want a bank that genuinely values you as a customer. Well, you’ll find all this at Foothills Bank. You’ll get the level of expertise you’d expect from a big bank, with friendly, personalized attention from a local business just like yours. Superior service without a superior attitude? Consider it done.

520.423.4900

foothillsbank.com Member FDIC

Lower right: Jan Hobbs, Agent

(520) 423-0122 275 E. Cottonwood Ln., Ste. 1 www.janhobbsagency.com American Family Mutual Insurance Company and its Subsidiaries, American Family Life Insurance Company Home Oﬃce - Madison WI 53783 3883855 11/12

THE EDUCATION EDITION

1433 N. Pinal Avenue, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Page ArticleGillis & Dinner Nussbaum WEALTH

Good estate planning is essential by David A. McCarville, Partner at Nussbaum Gillis & Dinner It is good to be thankful for all of the blessings we each have and to think about how we can better serve our family and community in the future.

hat is a Living Trust? A Living or Revocable Trust is a contract that allows individuals to hold their assets in trust during their lifetime for their own benefit and after they pass away or become incapacitated the Successor Trustee can manage the assets and make the necessary distributions. Why do I need a Living Trust? To avoid the need for a Probate Court Order to manage your assets during your incapacity or after you pass away. The fact is that all of us are mortal and an increasing percentage of us, currently estimated at 40%, are going to experience mental health illnesses in our old age which will make us legally incapacitated and unable to manage our own finances. A properly funded

Living Trust allows families to avoid the need for complex and prolonged Court involvement at a time when they have lost a loved one either to a mental illness or death. An added benefit of a Living Trust is that unlike direct distributions to beneficiaries through payable on death or transfer on death provisions, a Successor Trustee (that person or entity that you appoint to manage your affairs) can review each beneficiaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s situation at the time of distribution and determine whether or not the beneficiary would be better served by taking less than a full distribution at one time. Life is messy. There are a number of reasons why an individual may not want to take a full distribution, such as the fact that it may immediately terminate important benefits the beneficiary

is receiving which may not be available once the inherited funds are gone. Mental health issues including alcohol, drug or gambling addictions are not rare and an inheritance for an individual who is struggling with any of these issues can create more problems than it can solve. As we enter this holiday season, it is good to be thankful for all of the blessings we each have and to think about how we can better serve our family and community in the future. Making the right choices in estate planning is essential in order to make sure that upon our death or incapacity our family will not be subjected to unnecessary Probate Court involvement in our affairs and that any assets we leave behind for our loved ones are truly a blessing and not a burden.

protecting your Family Is your most Important decision David A. McCarville estate planning living trusts powers of Attorney Advanced Health Care probate

Complimentary Initial Consultation 520.316.0610 | www.ngdlaw.com 442 W. Kortsen Road, Suite 201, Casa Grande Scottsdale 480.609.0011 | Avondale 623.882.0017

NUSSBAUM GILLIS & DINNER, P.C. ATTORNEYS AT LAW

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THE EDUCATION EDITION

Lakeshore Village

remier rofessional

Office Location in Casa Grande

Executive Suites Available $450 Per Month • Includes Utilities Common Area Reception, Conference Room & Breakroom

FOR SALE OR FOR LEASE 1800 SQ FT AND UP

Competitively priced & affordable Beautiful views • 1.1 Acre Shovel Ready Restaurant/retail site available

Contact: Roy Pittullo 520-251-0349 or Vernon Barnes 520-705-0196 Reata Land – Roy Pittullo, Designated Broker

Back Pain Too Much To Bare? We Can Help! Our whole body approach uses interventional therapy to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing so you can LIVE WITH OUT THE PAIN!

CALL TODAY OR REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE. THE EDUCATION EDITION

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HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Page Article Seeds of Hope HEALTH

Planting the

Seeds of Hope

eeds of Hope has been meeting the needs of at-risk individuals and families in the Tri–Valley area since 1993. We provide opportunities for change through various programs and community development at no charge to any participant from five different locations in Casa Grande and Stanfield. In November of 2012, the long awaited Mondo Anaya Community Center was completed in Albert Cruz park. Through a lease with the City of Casa Grande to build in the park, our location gives us an excellent opportunity to make a difference in that neighborhood. Through this facility we have seen our vision of community development

really start to take shape. Several group and agencies have partnered with us to use the community center to bring spiritual, educational and social opportunities for children and adults on a daily basis. One example is the After-School Program for youth ages 5 to 18. It provides a safe environment, with organized tutoring, crafts and recreation for the children to grow into conscientious citizens and responsible adults. English as a Second Language and Citizenship classes are an example of how we address the needs of adults. Each of our programs helps strengthen the family and provide a better tomorrow. As an independent and local faith-based

organization, the contributions from our community allow us to continue investing in our neighbors, providing ministry and program opportunities to improve lives. Through the efforts of our staff, volunteers and partnering organizations over 350 children and adults participated in our many programs last month alone! The Arizona Working Poor Tax Credit is an excellent way for you to be a part of helping our community. When you donate, you are able to claim a dollar–for-dollar tax credit on your state tax return. This is an excellent way for your tax dollars to stay in your community, helping your neighbors.

AaxTC axredit Credit Donation akes aH ifference LocalCC harities! AT Donation MM akes aH ugeuge DD ifference toto Local harities! Frequently asked questions about the Arizona charitable tax credit... Frequently asked questions about the Arizona charitable tax credit... Q. What is the Arizona Tax Credit Q. What is the Arizona Tax Credit for Charitable Organizations? for Charitable Organizations? A. You may claim a tax credit for A. You may claim a tax credit for voluntary cash contributions you voluntary cash contributions you make during a taxable year to a make during a taxable year to a qualifying charitable organization. qualifying charitable organization.

Q. Do I claim my charitable contribution Q. Do I claim my charitable contribution as a tax credit or a deduction? as a tax credit or a deduction? A. Your charitable contribution to Seeds of A. Your charitable contribution to Seeds of Hope can be claimed as a tax credit beHope can be claimed as a tax credit because it is a Qualifying Charitable Organcause it is a Qualifying Charitable Organization. ization.

Is this as the Q. Is Q.this the the samesame as the School Tax Credit? School Tax Credit?

Q. How it work? Q. How doesdoes it work? A. Simply a donation by cash, check, A. Simply makemake a donation by cash, check, or credit card to Seeds of Hope or credit card to Seeds of Hope specifying a Tax Credit. Seeds specifying it as ita asTax Credit. Seeds of of to when use when will mail a receipt receipt to use hopehope will mail you ayou youyour file your taxes. you file 20142014 taxes.

It is similar, but taxpayers are alA. It A. is similar, but taxpayers are altoadvantage take advantage of BOTH lowedlowed to take of BOTH tax credit opportunities. tax credit opportunities. Q. much How much I claim? Q. How can I can claim? in 2014, taxpayers filing as “single” A. in A. 2014, taxpayers filing as “single” and “head of household” and “head of household” statusstatus may claim a maximum may claim a maximum creditcredit of of “married $200. $200. Taxpayers filing as Taxpayers filing as “married filing joint” may claim a maximum filing joint” may claim a maximum credit credit of $400. of $400. Q. Do to itemize deductions Q.I have Do I have to itemize deductions to claim the credit? to claim the credit? A. No, with with the 2014 tax tax A. starting No, starting the 2014 year, you to itemize year,do younot dohave not have to itemize deductions.to claim claim a credit. deductions.to a credit.

Seeds of Hope is a Qualified Charitable Seeds of Hope is a Qualified Charitable Organization. TAX ID # 86-0706004 Organization. TAX ID # 86-0706004 THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION! THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION! Name______________________________ Name______________________________ Address____________________________ Address____________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ City____________________________, City____________________________, AZ AZ Zip______________ Phone_____________ Zip______________ Phone_____________ Would receipt emailed to you? Would you you like like youryour receipt emailed to you? Yes!Yes!

No No

information canfound be found MoreMore information can be at at ww.azdor.gov ww.azdor.gov

Email_______________________________ Email_______________________________ Would you you like like to donate withwith Would to donate VISAVISA

MasterCard MasterCard

CardCard Number________________________ Number________________________ CSC#_____ Expiration Date_____________ CSC#_____ Expiration Date_____________ *we value youryour privacy. All payment information *we value privacy. All payment information will be willdestroyed* be destroyed*

Please mail or drop off at 702 E. Cottonwood Lane, Casa Grande, AZ 85122

VISIT US ONLINE AT SEEDSOFHOPEAZ.COM 64

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

THE EDUCATION EDITION

Trinity Southern Baptist Church is pleased to join with the greater Casa Grande community in honoring our area educators in this education-focused issue of Golden Corridor Living Magazine!

rinity celebrated its 56th anniversary in May, and through the years we have been blessed with incredible educators who have been integral members of our church family and our community. A large number of people with a passion for learning have called Trinity their “home church” for many years. We have many current and retired public school teachers and administrators. We also have families whose children attend Christian schools, as well as families that homeschool their children. It is such a tremendous blessing to pastor a loving church that recognizes and affirms the many ways families choose to teach their children. Trinity highly values education as an integral part of a child’s upbringing. It is wonderful that so many of these educators, parents, and mentors, as well THE EDUCATION EDITION

Page Article

Regular Sunday Schedule: First Morning Worship Service 8:00 am to 9:15 am Sunday School 9:30 am to 10:30 am Second Morning Worship Service 10:45 am to 12:00 pm Discipleship Training, Youth Ensemble for 6th grade to 12th grade 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Sunday Night Seminary, Kids Choir for 4-year olds to 5th Grade, Youth Group 6th grade to 12th grade 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Regular Wednesday Schedule: Wednesday Prayer Warriors and Praise Band Rehearsal 6 pm to 7 pm Adult Choir Practice 7 pm to 8 pm

as others who are dedicated to teaching, are also Sunday School teachers and leaders in our church! As one of our youth group teachers recently said, “I call it a blessing and a true privilege to teach young people about Christ. Getting to see them carry that message to others; and on into their adulthood and throughout the world as pastors, evangelists, or teachers does a heart good.” I am so very thankful for all of our educators, families, and children at Trinity, and pray that others will want to join what God is doing at Trinity as we, together, raise the next generation to be life-long learners and upstanding citizens in our nation and in the world. Teaching Our Children Together, Dr. Philip W. Calvert Senior Pastor, Trinity SBC Casa Grande, Arizona HOLHOL IDAYIDAY 20 142014 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING 65 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Page Article Taste of Casa Grande

by Jo Anne Pinto, MS Children’s Counselor, Against Abuse, Inc.

29TH ANNUAL TASTE OF CASA GRANDE WILL BE HOSTED BY ROBSON RANCH ON OCTOBER 18, 2015.

e at Against Abuse, Inc. can scarcely find the words to thank everyone who made the 28th Taste of Casa Grande the success it was. Thanks to our exceptional participants, our generous sponsors and contributors, and especially our energetic volunteers, who made it all possible, the Taste was hugely successful. Now it is time to move on to the next series of events that will help us continue to provide direct services to anyone needing shelter or assistance in battling violence and abuse in their lives. The incredible generosity and levels of support we have received over the years makes it possible for us to provide services to a wide range of women and children who suffer from abuse, neglect, domestic violence and myriad other forms of exploitation and maltreatment. Our work is ongoing, as is our need for support, and as the holiday seasons approach, we must once again depend upon the generosity of our communities. Without the stunning generosity that never seems to fail, we are able to provide Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas joy to the families with whom we work. For anyone wishing to reach out and pay something forward, there are many ways to help Against Abuse, Inc. and the people we serve. For example, donating gift cards to supermarkets will provide extra ‘goodies’ for people who would not otherwise be able to afford

2014 Door Prize & Raffle Donors 24/7 Fitness Against Abuse, Inc. Thrift Store Apache Gold Casino & Resort Alex Griffen Amy’s Jewelry Angela Potrament APS April Parrillo Arizona Cardinals Arizona Coyotes Arizona Diamondbacks

Avi Resort & Casino/ Laughlin Nevada Banner CGMC Auxiliary Gift Shop Big O Tires Billie Dalrymple/Your Quilted Dreams Birds n’ Blossoms Body Language, Chandler Fashion Mall Brownie’s Ice Cream & Espresso Butch Taylor

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

a Thanksgiving dinner. Angel trees will be appearing in businesses around the county; take an angel, buy a gift and return it to the tree. Everyone in services with Against Abuse, Inc. receives gifts from the angel trees. Every year we are privileged to watch women and children who have given up hope find the will to dream again when they experience the generosity of the community during these holidays. One year, a young mother with three small children could not stop the tears of joy as she watched her children stare, open-mouthed, at the tree and presents brought to them through the kindness and bigheartedness of a group of community members whose neighborhood decided to adopt the family. The angel trees answer many prayers. On a more serious level, there is another opportunity to support Against Abuse, Inc. by donating through your State of Arizona income tax. On the Arizona State income tax form, at the bottom, there are a series of charities to which one can donate, and preventing child abuse is one of them. A person can put any amount they like in that spot and the money goes directly to Child Abuse Prevention Arizona, which then distributes the money collected to local councils in each county. In Pinal County, the Pinal County Child Abuse Prevention Council, for which Against Abuse, Inc. is the fiscal agent, sponsors events that raise awareness of ways and means of preventing

CAF Aviation Museum Casa Grande Family Dentistry - Dr. Daryl Potyczka Challie Martin/The Studio, A School of Dance Chandler Center for the Arts Chili’s Bar & Grill Chrissy & Dennis Jenkins City of Casa Grande/ Dave White Municipal Golf Course

Cornerstone MallMaricopa Curtis Lewis & Dominic Palmieri, Owners Cottonwood Medical Center Cracker Barrel Cynthia Keck Dairy Queen David Snider Deborah Hudak, M.D. Dillard’s Distinctive Earthscapes,

Did you know you can donate up to $400* to Against Abuse, Inc by December 31st and take an State of Arizona income tax credit for the same amount? See your tax professional for details! *$200 single and $400 married taxpayers.

child abuse. The Council sponsors the annual Resource Round-up as well as the annual Child Abuse Awareness Conference. If any group in the county needs a speaker for a program, the Council is happy to provide someone knowledgeable on the subject. It is simply a matter of calling Against Abuse, Inc. and asking for a child abuse prevention speaker. The Council’s signature color is royal blue and our symbol is the pinwheel. Whenever you see a blue pinwheel, remember it is for child abuse prevention awareness. At City Hall you will see the children’s garden being planted and in amongst the flowers, you will see blue pinwheels, a symbol to help you remember the children. And remember Against Abuse, Inc., an agency that, with your continued help and support, works tirelessly to help raise women and their children out of the depths of darkness of violence and into the light of taking their rightful places in their communities.

Hair Affair/Ida Zertuche Harkins Theatres Dolly Steamboat Heard Museum Eva’s Fine Mexican Food/ Helen Denton Don Santos Cantina Herbal Life/ Ronnie & Denny & Debbie Haught/ Ysela Craig Family Tys Hilda Granados Fernando Cornejo Holly Valdez-Bizon Gina Weatherly Ida Zertuche/Hair Affair Glynn Thrower Photography Inge’s Fashions/Inge Grand Canyon Railway Buchholz Grande Valley Golf Cars Intrepid Enterprises/Bill Miller @Robson Ranch Inc. at the Avocado Nursery

THE EDUCATION EDITION

The Board of Directors and Staff of Against Abuse, Inc would like to say THANK YOU to everyone who made the 28th Annual Taste of Casa Grande a success.

We couldn’t have done it without you!

PageGrande Article Tase of Casa

2014 Sponsors:

PREMIER ($5,000): Eva’s Fine Mexican Food/Don Santos Cantina DIAMOND ($2,500): Achieve Human Services • APS • Crescent Crown Distributors • Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine/Smart Shopper • John R. & Deborah McEvoy • PepsiCo • Pinal County Attorney’s Office • Pinal County Sheriff’s Office PLATINUM ($1,500): Banner Casa Grande Medical Center • SRP Desert Basin • The GEO Group/Central AZ Correctional Facility • The GEO Group/Arizona State Prison (Florence West) • Thomas Erickson, MD • Wal-Mart Distribution #7013 GOLD ($750): Cooper & Rueter, LLP • Electric District No. 2 • Henry & Horne, LLP • Pinal County Federal Credit Union SILVER ($500): Abbott Nutrition • B & D Restaurants, Inc. • First American Credit Union • Foothills Bank • Garye & Teri Vasquez • Great Western Bank • Luminaria, LLC • Snider Consulting Services, LLC • Southwest Gas Corporation • Sun Life Family Health Center • The Garnet • Vantage West Credit Union • Villas by Mary T • Wavevision • Western Bank

Participating Restaurants: Achieve Human Services • Banner Casa Grande Medical Center • Big House Café & Catering • CAC/Pinal-Gila Council’s for Senior Foundation • Cold Stone Creamery • Cook E Jar • Culvers • Cupcakes n’ More • eegee’s • Eva’s Fine Mexican Food/Don Santos Cantina • Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc. • IHOP • La Paloma Restaurant/ Eloy • Mi Amigo Ricardo • Native New Yorker • O! Cupcakes • Olive Garden • Rico’s Doughnuts • Robson Ranch • Rubios Fresh Mexican Grill • Tom’s BBQ • Tommy’s Bistro

Fabulous Volunteers: David Snider, Gina Weatherly, April Parrillo, Angela Potrament, Bob Shogren, Jeff Fairman, Ben Dominguez, Valerie Williams, Lisa Borninkhof, Keli Duvas, Nick Toliusis, Virginia McEvain, Bill Miller, Sylvia Procela, Mary Duarte, Alice Wilcox, Brandy Wood, Paula Foley, and Fernando Cornejo and all the Wonderful & Generous employees of Eva’s who donated their time and expertise to the event.

Special Thanks: David Carter & and the marvelous members of CGUHS DECA Club, the fabulous members of Vista High School JROTC, Grande Valley Golf Cars at Robson Ranch, Iron City Polaris-Casa Grande and our dedicated and friendly drivers: Bob Shogren and Ben Dominguez, Curtis Lewis for design work and donation of restaurant sign stands.

Publicity: Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, Inc. • Alan Levine – Freelance to Casa Grande Dispatch • Pinal County Network News • Golden Corridor Living Magazine/Smart Shopper • Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce • Eva’s Fine Mexican Food/Don Santos Cantina • Dairy Queen (Florence Blvd. & Marshall) • First American Credit Union • Pinal County Federal Credit Union • Community Calendar • Serendipity Day Care

Special Sponsors: Eva’s Fine Mexican Food/Don Santos Cantina – Tickets Palma’s Linen Supply – Tablecloths & Skirting High Grad Rentals – Tables & Chairs Israel Lopez, Artist J Warren Funeral Services Jeff Fairman Jim & Rosanne Zimmerman Judee & Bob Jackson Judy Kitching/Mary Kay Cosmetics Laser Quest Phoenix Mark White, Artist Laurete Gamma Alpha Chapter PL 3082 Linda Tawney Portrait Studio THE EDUCATION EDITION

Lorraine & Curtis Lewis

Roy Friedman

Mary Jane’s Floral Designs

RCS Carnival & AZ State Fair

Office Max Old Town Custom Framing & GiftsRegis Sommers Gifts and Collectibles Merle Norman Cosmetics Pat & Jim Petroski &Day Spa – Kelsie Pate, Phoenix Coyotes Brandy, Danna & Jess Phoenix Mercury Merrilyn Ridgeway Phoenix Symphony Musical Instrument Pristine Cleaners Museum (MIM)-Phoenix Quality 1st Dry Cleaning Nature’s Nook/Sandi & Laundry Salcido Queen Mine Tours Bisbee Oasis Pavillion

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch Sam’s Club Serendipity Day Care/ Lorraine Lewis Sheena Valdez Sleep America Starbucks - Florence Blvd. Sue Versluis

Sun Communities/Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort Sylvia & Mike Aguilar The Property/Bedillon’s Nancy & Michael Jackson The Studio, A School of Dance The Winner’s Circle/ Barbara Kunz

Tom’s BBQ Tommy’s Bistro Travis Fitzpatrick Tucson Symphony Orchestra Valerie Williams Verde Canyon Railroad Virginia McElvain

Thompson’s Safe Lock & Key

WestWorld Paintball Adventures

Tina Heward/Shear Gossip Salon & Spa

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

HOLHOL IDAYIDAY 20 142014 GOLDEN CORRID OR OR LI V ING 67 GOLDEN CORRID LI V ING

Page Article Yang & Horsley

My journey into dentistry by Janelle Horsley DDS

y journey into dentistry started in the 1970’s, about a decade before I was born. My grandfather, Anthony Yang, moved his family to Superior, Arizona, to be a physician for the Magma Corporation. My father, Eugene Yang, would accompany my grandmother (also a physician) to her dental appointments in Mesa. As a teenager, my dad noticed all the hunting and fishing magazines in the dentist’s waiting room, and decided then that dentistry would allow him time for those hobbies he loved! After attending the University of Arizona, he went to dental school in the Philippines. My grandmother says that “at first he did not like it… then he met Julie, and then it was alright.” My parents married and graduated from dental school in the early 80’s, and began their

Dr. Eugene Yang (1956-2010), Dr. Julie Yang, Dr. Janelle Horsley, Dr. Phil Horsley

dental practice in Tucson. They worked for Drs. Bedoya and Vinall, who had a satellite office in Casa Grande, a small town that my dad loved. It reminded him of growing up in Superior. My mom and dad eventually opened their own dental office on Cottonwood Lane in 1994. My personal dental story began my sophomore year of high school, when I began a summer job of assisting my

parents in the dental chair. When I met my future husband at U of A, he decided to join me on the dental journey. We’ve lived and worked here in Casa Grande since we graduated from Loma Linda University in 2008. We live by the LLU motto: Service is our calling. Our family has loved serving this community for over 30 years, and we look forward to many more!

ON-TIME GUARANTEE:

Your time is valuable. We see patients within 10 minutes of their scheduled appointment time, guaranteed.

(520) 836-9685 • 325 E. Cottonwood Lane • www.casagrandedental.com 68

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

THE EDUCATION EDITION

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Lend Local Support Local HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Page Articleof Arizona University EDUCATION

Youth Development program has provided by Kimberly Gressley, Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development Agent for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension

The 4-H projects and activities that people choose to partake in can empower them to create a healthier, happier future for themselves, their community, their country and their world! 70

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

he Pinal County 4-H Youth Development program has provided life skill educational opportunities for over 100 years to all interested youth residing within Pinal County, including youth ages 5 to 8 through the 4-H Cloverbuds program and ages 9 to 19 in the core 4-H program. 4-H is the largest youth development educational organization in America. It is now over 112 years old, with over 7 million participants from 50 states joining together with another 5 million members from over 80 countries. These youth are united by an estimated 60 million alumni who proudly call themselves 4-Herâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. As part of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Pinal County 4-H program reaches out to over 3,500 youth annually through the 4-H club program, school enrichment and community events. There are numerous opportunities for youth to learn new skills through experiential, hands-on activities, including: learning about a specific project with adult volunteers, traveling to state, regional and/or national 4-H events, developing leadership and citizenship skills, participating in community service/service learning activities and learning how to speak in front of an audience. All of these 4-H activities and events help to prepare youth for their future. 4-H youth development professionals blend positive youth development elements into each program to nurture and grow youth into capable and contributing members of society. The 4-H program nationally has adopted a list of eight essential elements that have been summarized into four key concepts: belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. These are considered necessary attributes of youth programs striving to create environments conducive to optimizing youth development. Research has shown that participation in quality youth development programs such as 4-H leads to positive outcomes

for youth. These outcomes build stronger youth in areas of confidence, connection, character, competence and caring. Pinal County 4-H intentionally includes these elements in all activities and events. Pinal County 4-H currently has 19 community clubs throughout the county. What makes the 4-H program special is the focus on basic life skills development. 4-H practices its slogan, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Learning by Doingâ&#x20AC;?, in all areas of the program. 4-H offers a number of key program areas for youth to choose from, including: plant and animal systems, family and consumer science, healthy lifestyles, leadership and citizenship, science and technology, communication, expressive arts and youth in the outdoors. Through 4-H, youth have demonstrated changes in knowledge, attitudes, skills, awareness and behaviors over the years. Key impacts of knowledge gained in a traditional livestock project recently included: understanding the importance of record keeping, what maintaining bio-security means for their backyard animal operation, how they can protect their livestock and small stock animals, the consequences of drug mis-use and understanding drug residues in market livestock. Another non-livestock project recently offered to a local Casa Grande high school reported measurable increases of knowledge gained by the students including: understanding the importance of storyboarding, use of cameras, shutter speed and ISO, use and understanding of how to use Adobe Software, the rule of thirds and

THE EDUCATION EDITION

Article UniversityPage of Arizona

life skill education for over 100 years how to portray difficult topics on film. All programs in 4-H, whether they are in a 4-H club, after-school, in-school or community event, are evaluated with the intent to improve them for future years of educating youth. A wonderful example of nontraditional educational outreach, the Pinal County 4-H program is available to all youth as they strive to learn about life and the important skills that support the development of quality life styles. Pinal County 4-H is currently accepting enrollments for the upcoming 20142015 program year, as well as recruiting new adult volunteers. For adults, the 4-H program offers the opportunity to unleash their leadership potential and share their unique knowledge and abilities with fellow adults and youth.

Opportunities abound within the 4-H program for adults to learn and grow alongside their children. The 4-H projects and activities that people choose to partake in can empower them to create a healthier, happier future for themselves, their community, their country and their world! For youth, 4-H clubs generally meet as a whole group once per month in a community club setting, including a youth-led business meeting, educational activity and recreation activity. Specific project meetings are held for members usually amounting to several each month. If you are interested in joining the fun with Pinal County 4-H, please call the local University of Arizona Cooperative Extension office at 520.836.5221. We hope to hear from you soon!

Holiday Recipies Make this holiday season one to remember! Peppermint Bark

Fantasy Fudge

INGREDIENTS: 24 peppermints 2 cups (12 oz bag) of white chocolate chips

INGREDIENTS: 3 cups sugar 3/4 cup margarine 2/3 cup evaporated milk 1 12-oz. (340 g) package semi-sweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS: • Place peppermints in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or smaller. • Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. • Combine candy cane chunks with chocolate. • Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. • Remove from cookie sheet and break into pieces (like peanut brittle.)

THE EDUCATION EDITION

1 7-oz. (198 g) jar Kraft Marshmallow creme 1 cup chopped nuts 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS: • Combine sugar, margarine and milk in heavy 2-1/2 quart saucepan; bring to full rolling bail, stirring constantly. • Continue boiling 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring. • Remove from heat, stir in chocolate till melted. • Add marshmallow creme, nuts & vanilla; beat until blended. • Pour into greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. • Let cool and cut into 1-inch squares.

HOLHOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR OR LI VLI ING 71 IDAY 2014 GOLDEN CORRID V ING

Page Article Regional Fire and Rescue

Spotlight on Regional Fire & Rescue (RFRD)

Support Your Local Firefighters!!

magine the following: Your house is on fire. You call 911, but there are no firefighting services provided in your area. Your home is destroyed. For those living in unincorporated areas of Pinal County who do not contract for fire protection services, this scenario is a real possibility. Neither the State nor the County has an obligation to provide such services, and while some areas have chosen to form County-approved Fire Districts to address these needs, many have not, leaving residents and businesses vulnerable. Some assume that fire services are covered by property taxes - but while there is a line item on County property tax statements for “FDAT”, those funds go only to approved Fire Districts. Other locations, such as unincorporated areas just outside the city limits of Casa Grande, Coolidge, Eloy and Arizona City, are not eligible for FDAT funding. The good news is that residents in these areas can contract with Regional Fire for protection. If you’re one of them and have never met their fine professionals, do yourself a favor and stop by to say hello. The team – led by Chief Steven Kerber, a Coast Guard veteran and career firefighter – is located at the intersection of McCartney and Overfield, just south of CAC’s Signal Peak campus. You’ll find some of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet – a dedicated crew of highly experienced firefighters, EMTs and paramedics who focus every day on the safety and welfare of others. Regional Fire would not exist at all but for the extraordinary commitment of this im-

pressive team, who every day face the many financial challenges of ensuring that services are available 24/7/365. The only funding sources are subscriber fees, scarce grant funding, and donations. Even in the best of times not all residents or businesses chose to subscribe, and as the recession hit, the subscriber pool declined, leaving RFRD with a significant shortfall for continued operations. The decision by some not to subscribe places special burdens on the crew as they struggle to maintain operations and provide for the community’s safety. There are salaries to be paid, equipment to be purchased or repaired, and the means found to ensure that operations continue well into the future. So when major equipment repairs are needed, often unexpectedly, this poses enormous challenges. Recently RFRD’s primary responding vehicle suffered a major breakdown, with repair costs totaling over $18,000. While recently – after eight years of effort by RFRD two FEMA grants have been awarded – use of the funds is restricted to specific purposes, and the grants cannot be accessed at all until RFRD can provide matching funds of $12,250. What’s needed is more community support. Some homeowners understand that only subscribers are assured of receiving firefighting services, but many do not. Regional Fire has no obligation to respond to non-subscribers, and while sometimes they do so, it’s an approach they may have to reconsider. Non-subscribers in effect rely on their subscriber neighbors to pay the costs of maintaining operations, which places everyone at

risk. Without sufficient community support, these areas cannot be assured of services in the future. But as Chief Kerber would be the first to tell you, not subscribing also is a bad choice for other reasons. Non-subscribers pay higher home insurance premiums, and in the event of a fire, are charged for crew and equipment at hourly rates, costs that can run into thousands of dollars. In Arizona, insurance policies are not permitted to cover such costs, leaving even those with full replacement coverage on the hook personally. While subscribers receive an insurance discount and multiple services beyond fire protection (snake and bee removal, vehicle lockout services, etc.) – non-subscribers pay more in premiums but receive no benefits, and also carry significant risk exposure. And while Chief Kerber has nothing against insurance companies, he’d prefer that those extra premium payments go instead towards firefighter and EMT salaries and equipment. Remarkably, these financial challenges have not dampened the enthusiasm of this terrific team; their dedication, humility, professionalism, and total commitment to saving lives and being in service to others is truly humbling to experience. Spend some time with them and I guarantee you’ll go home inspired. And if you choose to give them even a little support, you’ll be glad you did. If you’d like to become part of the Regional Fire family, stop in and introduce yourself, or visit their website at regionalfire.org to subscribe or donate.

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

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HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Page Article Pinal County Federal Credit Union

Why Credit Unions Aren’t Banks

hen you walk into our lobby, or call a loan officer, what makes Pinal County Federal Credit Union different from a bank isn’t im-mediately apparent. The two financial institutions may offer similar products and services. But the similarities stop there. Crucial differences exist--in ownership, in cost of borrowing money, and in use of services. • You own your credit union. Credit unions are member-owned nonprofit financial cooperatives dedicated to improving members’ lives. More than 95.1 million members own 7,000 U.S. credit unions with combined assets of $1.4 trillion. Stockholders own banks. Banks make money for stockholders, not for customers. Credit unions are the only democratically controlled financial institutions in the United States. You and other members elect a vol-unteer board of directors to oversee the credit union. The manager or president/chief executive officer reports to this board. Bank directors, however, are paid and legally bound

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to make decisions that benefit stockholders, not customers. • Credit unions have the best rates. Credit unions price loans, pay interest on funds you’ve deposited, and charge fees to provide you with high-quality, low-cost services. Banks price products and services to make a profit. Credit union loan rates also are better. Money market, savings, and interest checking accounts carry higher rates--giving back more to members. Interest rates on credit cards average three percentage points lower than bank rates, and auto loans average about one and one-half percentage points lower than bank rates. Credit unions make consumer loans and some member business loans. Banks offer consumer loans, but really emphasize business loans. • Credit unions educate members about money matters. They provide publications such as this newsletter to keep you advised of rates, loan sales, and financial trends that affect you. Pinal County Federal Credit Union stresses education, providing materials and

520-381-3100 PinalCountyFCU.com holding seminars on financial planning, car, and home buying to help you make informed buying decisions. Many banks simply ad-vertise their rates and sell their services. Because you’re an owner of Pinal County Federal Credit Union, you have a say in how we do business. Let us know how you think we’re doing, and what services you want at your credit union. Copyright 2013 Credit Union National Association Inc. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.

THE EDUCATION EDITION

Russell Page Page Article Shaw Title EDUCATION

The Secret To Becoming Good At Just About Anything by Russell Shaw

ere are some factual statements: Most people who enter the real estate business are gone in just a few years. Most real estate agents, who stay in the business, are not very successful. To be in the top 1% of all agents in the U.S. would require about 50 – 60 sales a year. Most agents, who are successful, (50 – 60 sales per year) do not really know why they are successful. They think they know but they are usually wrong. Only about 25% – 30% of the top 1% of all agents actually know why they are successful and most of those don’t know it very well. So success can seem mysterious or elusive. It needn’t be. If one were to apply the same exactness to the subject of real estate sales that any well trained engineer would apply to his discipline it wouldn’t seem mysterious at all. But applying that exactness would mean – really – looking, not listening. Look at what people do. Look at how they do it. Exactly. Look at what results they get from doing it. It makes little to no difference what they think is causing their stats to rise. What is causing their stats to rise? Anyone who says he (or she) knows why they are successful would be able to teach it – and teach it in such a simple manner that the other person could apply what was being taught and get a similar result. There would be no special cases, no exceptions. Not if a scientific approach was being used. Anyone who knew why they were successful would be able to increase their level of success. If they could not do that one thing then what they are thinking is the “reason” isn’t the real reason for the success they have had. That last one is so obvious it is usually missed. Is

THE EDUCATION EDITION

there really any “highly successful” person who left real estate sales so they could teach it? Even one? There are few subjects on earth (possible exceptions are mathematics, physics, chemistry, etc. – and the other so-called “exact sciences” – that don’t just reek with false data. The subjects of sales and marketing (those are two different subjects, by the way) have so much asinine, stupid and unworkable gibberish being pawned off as “the way to do things” that it is a minor miracle anyone who actually studies either of those subjects ever succeeds at all. Just as an example, about 20 years ago it was validated that, in some fields, women who were trained by male sales managers did not do nearly as well as women salespeople who had no sales training of any kind. Amazing. The “sales training” had an actual negative value. This

From the bottom up, the original scale went:

The secret to becoming really good at anything? First become really crappy at it. Become a bit less crappy and then even less crappy.

1. Unconsciously incompetent. Doesn’t know and doesn’t know he doesn’t know. 2. Consciously incompetent. Knows he doesn’t know. (note that NOT knowing is a step UP!) 3. Unconsciously competent. Knows how to do it, but doesn’t really know why it works. 4. Consciously Competent. Knows how to do it and knows why it works, so can increase it and validly teach it.

is just one example. So the thing to do is: LOOK, DON’T LISTEN. I don’t care what someone says they are doing to bring about sales results (and highly successful real estate sales people will sometimes actually invent things to tell others because it “sounds better” than what they are actually doing). There was a scale developed many years ago (originator is uncertain) that has been altered (for the worse, in my opinion) from what I learned in 1971.

The secret to becoming really good at anything? First become really crappy at it. Become a bit less crappy and then even less crappy. That is the actual path. There is no substitute for “stage time”. None. Fail. Fail more and go right on doing it. Having the right attitude is probably more important than any other factor. A complete willingness to do whatever is necessary and to have the viewpoint that you are going to persist until you have arrived. Sort of like it mattered.

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Comfortable and affordable 2BD 1BA townhouse, approx. 1,082SF. All appliances included. Quiet area with beautiful grounds and a community pool for your enjoyment. Centrally located. Call me to schedule your appointment today!

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Robin Armenta 520-414-8268 Robin.Armenta@coldwellbanker.com Easy to show 2010SF, 4BR, 3BA home is ready for new owners. All new flooring. Large open kitchen and family room. Bedrooms upstairs plus a large bonus area for family fun. Not a short sale or foreclosure so quick owner response and move-in.

Cathy Taylor 520-560-2083 cathyt@codlwellbanker.com

$145,000

$169,900

Bea Lueck 520-560-5671 Bea.lueck@coldwellbanker.com

Connie Rush 520-560-0433 connie.rush@coldwellbanker.com

$125,000

3BD 1.75BA 1753SF. Highly upgraded. Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen with tons of cabinets. All SS appliances & granite counter tops. Tile in the living areas and carpet in the BD. The master looks out over the backyard & has double sinks. Amazing back yard designed with huge paver patio. Furnishings are available.

$179,000

This one story home has 2,228SF, 4BD, 2BA, a huge great room and 3 car garage. The kitchen boasts staggered cabinets, granite counters, an island and a walk-in pantry. The pool is fenced and features a waterfall and slide. The covered patio has views of the backyard and sparkling pool.

Kay Kerby 520-560-0769 Sarah Campbell 520-424-6577 kay_sarah@cox.net 3BR 2.5BA 1,979SF. Beautifully appointed home features formal living/dining room plus a tiled great room and wet areas. New carpet in loft and bedrooms. Ceiling fans and upgraded hardware. All appliances are included. Southwestern influences inside and out. Lovely, lush backyard has extended and oversized patios which overlook the common area.

$189,900

Beautiful 3 BD, 2 BA, 2200 sq. ft. home built in 2006 in The Gardens at Tamaron Ranch. Model home perfect with formal living and dining. Engineered wood flooring in family room, hallway and den/office. Easy to care for landscaping. Call to see today. Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t last long! $189,900.

Dawn Zimbelman 520-431-2875 dawnz@coldwellbanker.com THE EDUCATION EDITION

$129,900

Gated Golf Course Community 2BD, 2BA, plus an office, large kitchen, separate laundry room. HOA amenities include heated pool & spa, exercise facility, community kitchen and event room, pickle ball courts and more! The serenity here is hard to beat! Not an Age Restricted Community.

$155,000

Elaine M Canary elaine.canary@coldwellbanker.com 520-431-3988

$274,900

Annalisa Tapia 520-560-2960 Annalisa.tapia@coldwellbanker.com *3.3 Acres *2,120SF. *3BD, 2BA + Den *20 X 40 Detached Garage/ Workshop *Covered Horse Corrals *Covered Patio with plant wall *Amazing mountain views

Connie Rush 520-560-0433 connie.rush@coldwellbanker.com This is a great home! 5BD, 3BA, 2,454SF with a finished basement, RV gate, lovely backyard and plenty of upgrades. Stainless appliances included. No HOA and just blocks from shopping and schools.

3BD, 1.75BA, 1911SF. Country living on 3 acres of land with wonderful mountain views. Features include a den, spacious living room, eat in kitchen, inside laundry and covered patio. Formal dining has an abundance of cabinets, new carpet in the bedrooms and fresh neutral paint throughout the home.

$144,900

Gretchen Slaughter 520-483-6054 gretchen.s@coldwellbanker.com

$219,000

You will love this well maintained home. Home has 3BD, 1.75BA, 1684SF, custom painting and great room. Kitchen is spacious enough to work in and open enough to be a part of all family activities. Backyard features covered patio, mature landscaping, basketball area, room for RV on 2 lots.

$79,900

Sue Pittullo sue@cowgirlhomes.com 520-560-0957

$235,000

4BD, 3BA, 2257SF. You will feel at home the minute you walk in the door. Custom tile, full bath & bedroom downstairs, spacious kitchen, family room & huge loft. The master has a beautiful bath with double sinks & vanity. Both front & back yards are beautifully landscaped & include a storage shed.

Annalisa Tapia 520-560-2960 annalisa.tapia@coldwellbanker.com 4BD 2.5 BA 3260 SF, 3 Car Garage and a Pool! Immaculate Large family home with 4 generously sized bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3 Car garage and a Pool!!! Beautiful kitchen with new SS appliances in 2012. Impeccably maintained and ready for your family! Call me today for a showing!

Huge Price Adjustment. Home is immaculate! There is fresh interior paint and new carpet. There are 3BD, all with walk-in closets, 2BA, 1468SF, and a great room with fireplace. The master features a spacious bedroom, bath with dual sinks and separate tub and shower. The pool is fenced for safety.

$189,000

Kay Kerby 520-560-0769 Sarah Campbell 520-424-6577 kay_sarah@cox.net

Elaine M Canary elaine.canary@coldwellbanker.com 520-431-3988

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THE EDUCATION EDITION

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Page Article Edward Jones WEALTH

Check out this year-end financial checklist Collaborated by Jack Stonebraker and Fred Tucker

• By making these and other moves, you can say a fond farewell to 2014, knowing that you’ve done what you could to help bolster your financial position — for 2015 and beyond.

s 2014 draws to a close, you may want to look back on the progress you’ve made this past year in various areas of your life — and that certainly includes progress toward your financial goals. At the same time, you may want to make some end-of-year moves that can close out 2014 on a positive note while paving the way for a productive 2015.

Here are a few such moves to consider: • Boost your retirement plan contributions. This actually isn’t an “end-of-year” move because you have until April 15, 2015, to conPMS Black tribute to your Roth or Traditional IRA for the 2014 tax year. Nonetheless, the sooner you get extra dollars working for you in your IRA, the better. You can put in up PMS White to $5,500 to your IRA (or $6,500 if you’re 50 or older) for 2014. If you

•

are self-employed, or run a small business, you also have until April 15 to contribute to a retirement account, such as a SEP IRA or a SIMPLE plan. In addition to helping you build resources for retirement, these types of plans can offer you some tax advantages — so if you haven’t established a retirement plan yet, consult with your financial and tax professionals Sell your “losers.” If you own investments that have lost value since you purchased them, you can sell them before 2014 ends and use the tax loss to offset some capital gains you may have earned in other investments. If you don’t have any capital gains, you can use up to $3,000 of your tax losses to offset other ordinary income. And for a loss greater than $3,000, you can “carry over” the excess and deduct it from your taxes in future years. If you still liked the investment that you sold at a loss, and you want to keep it in your portfolio, you could repurchase it, but you’ll have to wait 31 days to avoid violating the IRS’ “wash sale” rules. Keep in mind that these suggestions only apply to investments held outside your employer-sponsored retirement account; you can’t take a tax deduction on capital losses in a 401(k) or similar plan. Evaluate your 401(k) investment

mix. You may be able to adjust the investment mix in your 401(k) as often as you like. So when evaluating your 401(k), make sure your holdings aren’t concentrated in just a few investments, and try to determine if your portfolio is still appropriate for your risk tolerance — not too aggressive or too conservative. Also, if your plan offers a “Roth” option, consider taking advantage of it — with a Roth, you won’t be able to deduct your 401(k) contributions from your taxes, but once you retire, you won’t be taxed on your withdrawals. Review your insurance coverage. If you’ve experienced any changes in your life in 2014 — new spouse, new child, divorce, new job, etc. — you may need to review your life insurance coverage to make sure that it’s still sufficient for your needs and that you have the correct beneficiaries in place. By making these and other moves, you can say a fond farewell to 2014, knowing that you’ve done what you could to help bolster your financial position — for 2015 and beyond. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your estate-planning attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

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ENTERTAINMENT

small town, BIG DREAMS The Cabbage Patch Miracle by Erica Herman

They also say that the joy comes in giving, not receiving. I think this becomes better understood the older you get.

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s the holidays draw near and my children write out their “wish” lists that include electronics that I have never heard of, I am drawn back to memories of December, 1984. Life was good. I had a Pat Benatar haircut, a few pairs of Jordache jeans, and a phone in my room. Christmas was upon me, but the anticipation of the day was not as great as it had been when I was younger. Several factors could have attributed to this loss of excitement. Knowing I was going to get a gift from my junior high school boyfriend before school let out for winter break helped ease the time until the big day. Also, my mom’s company Christmas party and my annual check from grandpa were both guaranteed to happen the week before December 25th, so that would fill the void of expectancy for a few days. However, what was most affecting my Christmas spirit was what I was wishing for deep down inside of me and knew I had no chance of getting– a Cabbage Patch Doll. In the months leading up to December of 1984, Casa Grande, as well as most of the United States, had a severe Cabbage Patch shortage. Demand for these unique dolls, created by artist Xavier Robert (and signed by him on their backside), overwhelmed the factory and created a backlog of orders. Stampedes at malls and shopping centers were reported nightly on the news and stores held lotteries for the sales of the dolls they did receive in shipment. Even though I was a thirteen year old eighth grader and way past THE THE EDUCATION EDUCATIONEDITION EDITION

Traveling Travel • Dining • Entertainment the stage of playing with dolls, I wanted what the whole nation wanted and couldn’t have. I didn’t even bother asking or writing this wish down because I knew there were none of the dolls to be found, and if by miracle my single-mother-raising-two-kids mom did find one, she was never going to be able to afford it. I resigned myself to the fact that I would be happy with my gold plated ID bracelet (junior high boyfriend present), Mickey Mouse watch (company gift), and be satisfied with dreaming about how to spend the one hundred dollars my grandpa sent on all the after Christmas sales. Imagine my surprise when on Christmas morning I awoke to find a Cabbage Patch doll under the tree! I was speechless, which is no easy feat for me. A real doll, with

the signature and adoption papers, named Selena Minnie. I must have asked my mom a million questions about that doll: How did she get it? Where did she find it? How did she afford it? Did she find it in Casa Grande? If so, where? My mom would only smile and tell me to enjoy. So I did – I enjoyed her immensely. I took that doll everywhere my eighth grade year and she held a place of honor on my messy bed all through high school. She even hiked the Grand Canyon with me in college and served as my pillow for four grueling days. She eventually was passed down as a doll for my own daughters to play with. Everything else I received that day is forgotten in my memory. The excitement of the perfect, unexpected gift is all that remains. Years later in adulthood I finally

found out how my mom got the doll that meant so much. In October of that year, she went to Western Auto on her lunch break to put a bike on layaway for my brother for Christmas. While there, she saw a few of these unusual dolls in boxes on a shelf and thought that they were so ugly that they were cute. She decided to get one for me and put it on layaway with the bike. As the months ticked away and the demand for the dolls grew, my mom wondered if the doll would be there when she made her final payment. It was, and she got it safely home a few days before Christmas. At that time, people were buying the dolls that retailed for $24.99, for $500.00 or more. I asked her why she didn’t sell it. That money would have really helped our family out. My mom

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looked at me like I was crazy. She said, “I couldn’t sell it, it was your Christmas present.” Some say that things were easier in the 80’s, that Casa Grande was a simpler place back then. I beg to differ. The landscape of our town may have changed, but the general foundation is still the same. We still face the challenges of raising our children and steering them in the right direction. We still worry about how to provide for our families and make the holidays special for those we love. They also say that the joy comes in giving, not receiving. I think this becomes better understood the older you get. I challenge you this December to remember your Cabbage Patch moment and create that excitement for someone new. You never know how it may affect them…

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Page Article Holiday Tips

DINING

10 Tips for Enjoying the Holiday Season Without gaining Weight! by Susan Conn-Hood, Certified Yoga/Fitness Instructor & Juice Plus Whole Food Educator

Food can be a big part of the holiday season, but it doesn’t have to be the focus.

1. Focus on weight maintenance vs weight loss during the holidays. If you are currently overweight and want to lose weight, this is not the time to do it. Maintenance of your current weight is a big enough challenge during the holiday season. 2. Plan on NOT dieting after the New Year. Anticipation of food restrictions sets you up for the binge-type eating over the holidays. Besides restrictive diets don’t work in the long run. They increase your loss of lean body mass vs fat, slow down your metabolism, increase anxiety, food preoccupation, and binge eating, and make weight re-gain more likely. 3. Be physically active every day. Often the busy holiday season schedules bump YOU off your exercise routines. Physical activity especially aerobic activities (brisk walking, jogging, bicycling, and swimming) can help relieve stress, regulate appetite, and burn up extra calories from holiday eating.

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

4. Eat a light snack before going to holiday parties. It is NOT a good idea to arrive at a party famished. Not are you more likely to overeat, but you are less likely to resist the temptation of eating the higher fat and higher calorie foods. Try eating a piece of fruit, a small carton of yogurt, or even string cheese before you go. 5. Make a plan. Think about where you will be, who you will be with, what foods are available, what foods are really special to you (that you really want to eat) vs. those that you could do without, and what your personal triggers to overeat are and how you can minimize them. 6. Take steps to avoid recreational eating. To avoid recreation eating, make one plate of the foods that you really want (2-3 small bites of each food). Eat it slowly-savoring and enjoying every tasty bite. When you are done, pop a mint or piece of gum in your mouth, get a tall glass of water and sip on it throughout the night.

7. Reduce the fat in holiday recipes. There are plenty of low fat and low calorie substitutes that are amazingly tasty. Magazines are full of reduced calorie and reduced fat recipes. Give them a try, and share cooking creations with friends and family. 8. Choose your beverages wisely. Alcohol is high in calories. If you chose to drink-choose light wines and beers, and limit your intake to 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks per occasion. 9. Enjoy good friends and family. Food can be a big part of the holiday season, but it doesn’t have to be the focus. Holidays are a time to reunite with good friends and family-to share laughter and cheer, to celebrate and to give thanks. Focus more on these holiday pleasures. 10. Maintain perspective. Overeating one day won’t make or break your eating plan. If you over-indulge at a holiday meal, put it behind you. Return to your usual eating plan the next day without guilt and despair!

THE EDUCATION EDITION

Page Article

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Page RhineArticle River Travel

River Cruising – Th TRAVEL

by Elaine Earle

arlier in the year my husband and I were considering options for fall travel, and it first occurred to us that neither of us had been to Europe in awhile. I’ve been traveling internationally for almost 20 years and have almost always done pure independent travel, especially in Europe where clean and easy to follow trains can take you just about anywhere that you want to go, but I have never seen the Rhine river valley of Germany, together will all its fairy tale cities and majestic castles. I once lived and worked in Zurich so I would have been happy just to go and spend some free time there. Rock has traveled a lot, too, and we both just adore Germany, so we quickly agreed that part of the world would be a very attractive option for this trip. So we next thought long and hard about whether we should rent a car and spend a week driving the Rhine towns ourselves or leave the driving to someone else, so to speak, and just get on a boat! Many factors came into our discussion and agreement that we should do a river cruise. We weighed the cost and came to the conclusion that the cost wouldn’t be that different by the time you rent a car and pay almost $10/ gallon for gas (yes it is that much!), then find and pay for hotels in city centers and buy all your own food. Then there is the hassle and stress factor. Traveling independently does require research and navigation of your own. There is a much greater chance of getting lost or not finding a room for the night if you haven’t done all your booking ahead of time. Only having to unpack once in the cruise cabin is also very attractive! We’re not the only ones to have figured this out, of course, which is why river cruising worldwide has exploded in popularity recently. (Like many Americans, we both have done a handful of ocean cruises, and my husband has done several river cruises, but never the romantic Rhine.) We decided to narrow our trip planning to October when the kids would be on fall break from school and started doing our river cruise research. Our travel agency, Temptation Travel ROX, has done a fair amount of advertising and booking of river cruises on some of the big river cruise lines, and we had just recently started to notice Avalon Waterways but had not yet

GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGHOL HOL IDAY IDAY 202014 14

booked a customer on one. Of key importance, we found that Avalon offered very high quality, new ships just like the other lines but also advertised the inclusion of many things in the cost of the cabin. This turned out to be true, with included excursions at every stop, and there was no other nickel and diming for anything else while we were cruising. There really was just one price for our trip, not many incidentals and the price was still actually cheaper than some of the competing cruise lines. That is always a fear when you get on a cruise – your room bill and all the incidentals when you are done! Many very high quality shore excursions, all of your fantastic meals and even soft drinks, even local beer and wine (if that is important to you), were among many other things that were all included! The length of the cruise was perfect also. Our cruise was 7 days - just perfect for the normal working American. Avalon does offer shorter and longer cruises than the one that we selected if someone wanted to cruise for a different length of time. For the cruise that we selected, there were departures twice per week which made selecting a cruise that fit our flight schedule and other plans easy. We selected the 7 day Avalon Waterways Romantic Rhine cruise that leaves from Zurich and ends in Amsterdam and flew into Zurich a few days early to not only get over our jet-lag but also enjoy this favorite city of mine. We then took a motor coach to board the boat in Basel, Switzerland on a Sunday. One of the many things that I loved about this cruise is that there were no days at sea; we were always in port somewhere of interest. Above: Heidelberg, Germany; Left-top: Avalon’s Felicity ship on the Rhine river in Germany with the Berg Castle in the background.; Left-middle: Rhine River, Germany; Left-bottom: Strasbourg, France; Top-right: Zurich, Switzerland THE EDUCATION EDITION

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And my husband loves ships but hates hordes, so since these river boats are much smaller than ocean cruises with only around 130 passengers vs. thousands on a typical ocean cruise, he grumbled much less than normal, much to my enjoyment. Also because the river boats are so much smaller, they can fit in areas that a larger boat could not go. We therefore were able to dock right in the heart of the Rhine cities and towns and walk off the boat right into the town center. The scheduled stops on the cruise were also perfect for us. We got to see the bigger cities like Cologne but also smaller ones such as Speyer and Heidelberg (see cruise itinerary at right). The cruise is also designed for all sorts of travelers. There were handicapped and elderly people on our cruise (some over 90 years old!). Because the cruise ship is docked right in the heart of the Rhine town that you will be seeing, all passengers could travel at their own speed and get around very easily. There were even special included excursions that were geared more for “gentle” walkers. Have we converted from independent travel? No! However, we have certainly become river cruising fans. We are ready to book our next one! Will we do Avalon Waterways again? Yes! IN FACT, before we departed on our last day on board the cruise, we interviewed our Cruise Director and took a tour of the newest Avalon ship in port in Amsterdam. We are now planning a spring and fall group tour of the Romantic Rhine on this amazing cruise line. Group tours can offer some fantastic discounts that one could not get when booking their own THE EDUCATION EDITION

trip on the internet. And, of course, without a travel agent, you are alone. An Avalon river cruise was a GREAT decision for us – you should consider it, too! We at Temptation Travel ROX! will be organizing group tours on many excursions in 2015; including river, ocean and land tours with

Receive a $700 per couple Air Credit on Avalon Waterways Europe River Cruise Vacations* May 17-24, 2015 August 7-14, 2015

Take the same cruise as the article to the left! selected carriers including Avalon. Going with a group takes a lot of hassle out of your travel planning and also offers you discounts on the tour and airfare that you couldn’t otherwise obtain through internet booking.

*Call Temptation Travel ROX for details. Prices are as of the date of print. Call for current promotions. Prices are based on double occupancy. Fares are cruise only and are subject to availability. Tax and port fees additional. Prices not guaranteed until booked and deposited.

We will be holding our first information night at Temptation Travel ROX! on Wednesday, December 3rd at 6pm at our Lakeshore offices (442 W. Kortsen Rd., Suite 101, Casa Grande, AZ). Drinks and light appetizers will be served. HOLHOL IDAYIDAY 20 142014 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING 85 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Page Article Judge The Traveling

Judging the

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

THE EDUCATION EDITION

The Traveling Page Article Judge

Trip Down Under by the Honorable William J. O’Neil, Presiding Disciplinary Judge, Arizona Supreme Court

Ever since I was knee high to a gnat, I’ve loved to travel. Growing up, my parents’ love of Arizona fueled them to drive our family all over this state. Countless lessons were learned about the history of this state during those journeys. Tammy’s family always loved to travel as well.

nfortunately, as we grow older we sometimes allow life and its busyness to make the path to travel soggy and slippery. Oft times, routines seem to slowly turn into the manacles of mindless habit. The paths we travel to and from the job, the store and even home becomes the only roads we know. In life, we can easily get chained into believing the universe is located only behind our own eyes. If there is a single key to the master-combination lock of such an attitude, we should all be grasping for that key! We have found travel is such a key. Our world is rich with history and diverse with cultures different from our own. Every time we journey we grow to appreciate a new culture, and are reminded how big the world is. A direct benefit of traveling for us is the aide-mémoire of why we fell in love with each other. When I’m traveling with my wife, all destinations are good destinations. Since high school, one of my best friends was a foreign exchange student from Australia; Ian Jackson. He has asked Tammy and me countless times to visit them in Australia. Candidly the trip always seemed too far, too expensive and too time consuming. This year we decided if we don’t go now, we never will. It was time to hike out of our self-imposed rut. We made the decision to visit our friends

THE EDUCATION EDITION

and with the help of Peggye Eck at Temptation Travel Rox, we booked the vacation to Australia and Queenstown, New Zealand. We should have gone much earlier. Peggye made a host of great suggestions. If you are going to fly the eighteen plus hours to Australia and even longer back, get the advice of a travel agent. Having an experienced travel agent can make the journey less worrisome and the organizational skills of a good agent is valuable. Remember, mistakes include doing the wrong thing with the best of motives and that can happen with remarkable regularity unless you have someone of Peggye’s experience. We sat down with her and laid out a plan aided by her suggestions. In Sydney, Australia we recovered from our flight and reset our internal clocks to the new time zone. We took a red bus tour of the city to better get the outlay of the city and absorb the sights. Australians are warm and friendly and we loved learning the history of the city. In a word, Sydney is gorgeous. The multiple parks and trails, accentuated the pure natural beauty of where the city is placed. Adjectives are not generous enough to describe the staggering beauty of that city. We climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge and looked over the magnificent Darling Harbor. We toured the historic Luna Amusement Park, constructed at the foot of

the Bridge in 1935 and still in operation. We meandered through the rich and vibrant Royal Botanical Gardens. Our hotel was in a section known as the Rocks. In many ways the Rocks is the “gateway” to Sydney. It is a perfect place to escape the everyday, every day. From its history, to the shops, restaurants, museums and views, it is a great place to stay in Sydney. In Melbourne, we met our friends, Ian and Mary Jackson. Melbourne is a beautiful city with the Yarra River meandering its way through its center. Our friends gave us a quick walking tour of the central part of the city. Melbourne seems to be sports central for Australia. We had lunch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia’s premier sports stadium. It is one of the world’s great sporting venues,

Left: Front row, left to right, Tammy O’Neil and Mary Jackson. Back row, Bill O’Neil and Ian Jackson The Great Otway National Park rainforest, Australia. Above: Judge O’Neil bungy jumps from historic Kawarau Bridge, New Zealand, where commercial bungy jumping began.

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Page Article Judge The Traveling

Darling Harbour, Sydney Australia

Top: The limestone Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell National Park, Australia. Above: Kangaroo are a common sight at Trilta, the ranch station of Ian and Mary Jackson. Far right: Bill and Tammy O’Neil on the Great Ocean Road, Australia.

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

hosting cricket in the summer, and Australian style football in the winter – for many Australians it’s considered hallowed ground. Several impressive pedestrian bridges link it to the adjacent Melbourne Park which holds multiple other sports stadiums. It is there the Australian Tennis Open, one of the four grand-slam tennis championships is held. Across from those stadiums is AAMI Park. It is the home to Melbourne’s soccer and rugby teams. Its rectangular pitch, enclosed within a striking honeycombed-bioframe stadium and geodesic-dome roof was a standout. All too soon evening fell and our day in Melbourne came to a restful close. From Melbourne we drove our way to the city of Adelaide by way of the great Ocean Road. If you’ve ever been to California, think of the Pacific Coast Highway. The views were spectacular. We repeatedly stopped to take in the sights. We visually inhaled the iconic golden cliffs and crumbling pillars of the Twelve Apostles, the picturesque Loch Ard Gorge and the historic Cape Patton. We took the self-guided rainforest boardwalk at Mait’s Rest in the Great Otway National Park. The beautiful fern gardens and giant rainforest trees, up to 300 years old, were inspiring. In another section of the Park we walked above the rainforest on suspended bridges. The trip continued with gorgeous ocean views, spec-

Travel is one key to the adventure of life. It’s a great way to restore balance and remind yourself of how beautiful a world we live in. tacular scenery, and a great deal of laughter along the way. As we drove the horizon was frequently populated with small crowds of kangaroo. On one occasion a Koala bear crossed the road in front of us and posed for a few photos. We stayed a few days in Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia and soaked up its colonial elegance. From Adelaide we began the journey on the Barrier Highway, through the fertile heartland of Australia, into the outback leading to the sheep and cattle operation of Ian and Mary Jackson, called Trilta. We relaxed and just loved living in their world. The wildlife we encountered at their place was at times similar to Arizona wildlife but at other times an entirely different world. On their expansive property we saw eagles, turkeys, geckos, emu, the blue tongued sleepy lizard, the bearded dragon lizard and the frighteningly large monitor lizard to name a few. We visited Australia’s longest-lived mining city, Broken Hill. In 1993, Gosford-based sculptor Lawrence Beck proposed a Sculpture Symposium which transformed a lonely

THE EDUCATION EDITION

Page Article

Temptation Travel Rox presents…

ITALIAN VISTAS 13 Days • 18 Meals • Oct 17 – Oct 29, 2015 Highlights: Rome, Colosseum, Ruins of Pompeii, Sorrento Coast, Isle of Capri, Florence, Statue of David, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Tuscan Winery, Venice, Murano Island, Verona, Stresa, Locarno (Switzerland)

A Conrad Clark sculpture at the Sculpture Symposium, outside Broken Hill, Australia, overlooking the Outback.

hilltop overlooking that city and the Australian Outback into an artwork of international standing. We toured some of the extensive underground homes of the early miners of opals in the White Cliffs area. Hiking parts of the rugged Byngnano Range in Mutawintji National Park, with its vibrant red colors amazed us as it dramatically captured changes in the light. We marveled at the multiple Aboriginal rock art and engravings found there. A part of us still lingers with Ian and Mary in their beautiful Australia. We concluded our trip in New Zealand. From Lake Wakatipu, which it borders, to the streets and shops within, Queenstown is gorgeous on its own. But the natural beauty that surrounds it is jaw dropping. Upon arrival we boarded the TSS Earnslaw. First launched in 1912, it is the last and grandest steamship to ever ride the waters of Lake Wakatipu. Spectacular views were everywhere! The following morning we headed off to Doubtful Sound which is actually a fiord. It was named ‘Doubtful Harbour’ in 1770 by Captain Cook. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away. Getting to Doubtful Sound is an adventure in itself. With no direct road access, the only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is by a coach trip over Wilmot Pass followed by a cruise across Lake Manapouri. The Sound is the site THE EDUCATION EDITION

CANADIAN ROCKIES BY TRAIN 9 Days • 14 Meals • Sept 26 – Oct 4, 2015 Highlights: British Columbia, Vancouver, VIA Rail, Jasper, Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, Banff, Calgary

of several large waterfalls, some of which are over 600 meters. The steep hills are known for their hundreds of waterfalls during the rainy season which is when we were there! Queenstown is a hub of sports activities as well as natural beauty. From the moment the accelerator hit the floor on the Jet Boat at Shotover Canyon we started screaming in delight. It’s an astonishing white water ride which whips you past rocky outcrops and through the dramatic and narrow canyon at over 50 miles per hour and turns 360 degree spins at will. In November of 1988 the world’s first commercial Bungy operation opened up at the Kawarau Bridge. I concluded our time in New Zealand with a “leap of faith” when I bungy jumped off that legendary bridge. We all are in need of balance. Being dedicated and faithful to your responsibilities is important and commendable. But sometimes we can lose sight of what matters most in our busy culture. Travel is one key to the adventure of life. It’s a great way to restore balance and remind yourself of how beautiful a world we live in. But if you aren’t willing to turn that key, you’ll never do it. What are you waiting for?

CHRISTMAS ON THE DANUBE 9 Days • 19 Meals • Dec 4-12, 2015 Highlights: Vienna, Vienna Opera House, Holfburg Palace, Wachau Valley, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Christmas Markets, Rothenburg, Würzburg

Join us for a special

Travel Presentation! February 4, 2015 at 5 p.m. 442 West Kortsen Road Casa Grande, AZ 85122-5913 To RSVP or for more information, call Peggy at 520.836.8517 or email peg@temptationtravelrox.com CST# 2006766-20 UBN# 601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279 HOLHOL IDAYIDAY 20 142014 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING 89 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Page Article Author Dan Gilchrist ENTERTAINMENT

Born in a manger by Dan Gilchrist, D.V.M

Accompany veterinarian Danny K. Gilchrist on the road and at his clinic as he experiences lessons for life in his associations with his patients and their caretakers. Excerpt from his book, Fella:

hen I first started my practice in Edmeston, New York in 1982, I was a sole practitioner for the first 5 years. Consequently, I never had a night off, a day off, or a holiday nor vacation for 5 years. Our idea of vacation was a Sunday afternoon drive in the country for a couple of hours. Most of my work at that time was on large animals, mainly cows and horses. It was a long haul, but I think it was harder on my wife and children than me. To make Christmas different from every other day, I decided that if an emergency came in, I would take care of it and then tell the farmer that there was no charge today, Merry Christmas. One Christmas evening a man called with a cow that was having difficulty delivering a calf. This particular man had carried a bill for over a year without paying a dime on it. I was incensed that he would call on this of all days. I got in my truck and went for the cow’s sake. The closer I got to his farm the angrier I got. My steering wheel and dash board took the brunt of my anger. I decided without much deliberation that I would make an exception to my rule and give him a Jim Dandy of a bill when I got done. He was milking when I arrived so I went to work on the cow without his assistance, which didn’t help my humor. I tied her tail to her collar so it was out of my way, put on a shoulder length

sleeve, washed her up and went in up to my shoulder. The calf was twisted 180 degrees and in so doing twisted the whole uterus with it. It was like a cylindrical balloon that was twisted in the middle, constricting the passage way too much to allow delivery of the calf. I have seen hundreds of these deliveries, so I was adept at correcting the torsion. I put the length of my outstretched hand along the side of the calf’s head and began rocking the calf back and forth a couple of times and then with everything I had from my neck to the tips of my fingers I rolled the calf over inside the uterus. Once the calf started to rotate, it gathered momentum and rolled all the way over, taking the uterus with it and opening up the passageway fully. That also released 20 gallons of calving fluid in a mighty gush, all over my chin, neck, coveralls and ending up in my boots. Normally I would have taken that in stride, being relieved that the torsion was reduced and the necessity of a 2 hour C-section averted. My feet were cold, so the fluid in my boots being at the cow’s body temperature of 102 degrees offered some welcome warmth. Nevertheless, my foul humor was worsened by my sudden bath and drenched coveralls to ride home in. I delivered the calf and made sure he was breathing on his own and coming around nicely. Then I went to the manger and tied the cow’s head up so I

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

could administer some medication IV that would help her pass the placenta and whatever fluid that was left inside. As I stood there in the hay, holding the bottle of fluids and watching it bubble down the iv line and into her jugular vein, I felt something on my knee. I looked down and there was the cutest little beagle puppy, tail wagging, his eyes saying pet me, pet me, which I did. Then I looked down the manger and there was a cat laying on her side, nursing 4 kittens, and I could hear her purring from where I stood some 20 feet away. Then I looked down the manger and every cow in the barn had their eyes fixed on me. There was no hate, envy, guile, or malice in their gaze. Just wonder at who I was and what was I doing there. At that moment, a light went off in my soul and I realized on this Christmas day that a manger was the perfect place for the Savior, the only perfect human to ever walk the earth, to be born. There was no sin in that barn amongst the animals. They were celestial living beings. No other place among the living could offer him such sanctity. I came in anger and I left in humility. When I arrived home, I sat down at the table and made out a bill for the calving. Then I thought of my personal revelation. Then I thought ‘what would the savior do?’ I marked NO CHARGE… MERRY CHRISTMAS across the bill and mailed it out the next day. Two weeks

later, the farmer came in and paid his bill from the last year in full. I think of that night every Christmas and thank the Lord for my lifetime of experience with His creatures. When I am with them, I am home. Author Dan Gilchrist: A city boy, I had little association with animals, with the exception of a male English bulldog, Fella, who was my best friend until I was five years old. We played together, napped together and ate from the same bowl together when our mother wasn’t looking. His broad tongue covered my whole head in two swipes and many giggles. I was five years old when he died but I remember him as though it was yesterday. The picture on the front cover is my Fella. He, above others instilled in me a love for all animals. At the age of nineteen I dedicated the next two years of my life to my church, serving as a full time missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of latter day Saints, in France and Switzerland. In the final week of my mission, I had an experience I have recorded in these pages that softened my heart and my head and led me down a path to my future life’s work. The subsequent adventures are recorded in large part in this book. Life changing adventures and lessons learned in the small family farm barns, often in the dead of night, of central New York and northern Vermont, and within the welcome warmth of my clinic.

THE EDUCATION EDITION

Cruise Extravaganza FREE TO ATTEND

TEMPTATION TRAVEL ROX! OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, December 10th, 6pm 442 W. Kortsen, Suite 101 Casa Grande, AZ

Light appetizers and drinks will be served Come See Featured Cruises, River and Ocean, and Meet Our Travel Experts View Current Specials at All Price Ranges: Caribbean, Alaska, Baltic, Rhine, Danube, Hawaii and MORE

Peggye Eck Peg@temptationtravelrox.com Roxanne Eck rox@temptationtravelrox.com

520-836-8517 â&#x20AC;˘ 1-800-690-7660

THE EDUCATION EDITION

Attendees will receive a gift certificate for a FREE MEAL at a casual dining location in town!

HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Page Articlein the Desert Adventure ENTERTAINMENT

Out of Africa

by Jeppe Leifelt and Sebastian Nussbaumer, age 16 Junior Reports for Golden Corridor LIVING Magazine; assisted by Chandler and Christian Kaschimer, age 7

ave you ever wanted to go to Africa? Well, we, the Earle family, today supported by another exchange student, Sebastian from Switzerland, went to “Out of Africa”, and we had an awesome time! The moment you enter the Zoo you feel like you’re on another continent. Our amazing experience started with an explorer bus trip, where we got the chance to feed the exotic animals with our own hands. Our first stop was a friendly giraffe. We, the passengers, got the chance to feed her, and having the possibility to give a wild animal food, that’s usually living in Africa, was a great experience! After the giraffe we also saw some zebras. Have you ever thought about if a zebra is black with white stripes or white with black stripes? But here’s another interesting fact: Zebras are always pregnant! Their pregnancy takes a whole year, and when they actually give birth to a new zebra, their baby already weighs 70 pounds! Our great trip continued with a lot of other exotic animals. When we were set off, the

Earle family quickly decided what we are going to do next! We took a bus to get to the other end of the park, where the dangerous tigers live. One of them was walking right next to the fence, so we got the chance to see him really close! It was a very special experience to see those wild animals from so close! The Siberian tigers are the biggest cats in the world, and they weigh about 350 pounds. It’s hard for us to imagine how a tiger, which has a normal home in the cold forests of Siberia, must feel under the burning sun of Arizona. There was also an animal show for kids, which included two girls, working at the zoo, that brought animals we haven’t seen before. There was a gila monster, a green anaconda from South America, and a jackalope, and we got to touch all the animals. We heard a lot of interesting facts about the spectacular animals and they seemed to be living in a very healthy and caring environment. After the kids show we went looking at animals by ourselves.

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

Dean Harrison, Owner

Luckily almost all of the animals were awake and moving around in their cages. We saw bears, wolves, different types of tigers, primates, birds, caiman, sometimes referred to as a crocodilian and hyenas. At the Hyena Cage we met the owner of the park who seemed very friendly and started to talk about the hyenas. He seemed to know a lot about the animals he has in his own zoo and that he almost saw the animals as his own family. The most amazing animal we found was the white tiger. She was standing on the roof of a lit-

tle house and everyone could see her very well. It was beautiful! And then later this big final came: The awesome tiger show! The owner of the zoo was introducing us to the tiger and told us a lot about the differences in the way the animals act in their native country compared to how they act in a zoo, what the problems are and how it is a challenge for everybody! Then his assistants came, two young men and one young lady. They had some big balloon animals and were playing with the tiger; running around and sometimes even jumping into the big pool, always followed by the fast and strong tiger! The power you see in a tiger when they really want to catch something is incredible! So finally we can say that we had a great day, some very exciting but also frightening moments, but definitely a lot of fun! We can only recommend this trip to everyone else, no matter what age! THE EDUCATION EDITION

RELAX ON THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN

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Visits: Vancouver, BC • Ketchikan, Alaska • Juneau, Alaska • Skagway, Alaska • Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska (scenic cruising) • College Fjord, Alaska (scenic cruising) • Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska • Mt. McKinley, Alaska • Denali, Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska

Visits: London, U.K. • Brussels/ Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium • Copenhagen, Denmark • Stockholm, Sweden • Helsinki, Finland • St. Petersburg, Russia • Tallinn, Estonia • Gdansk (Gdynia), Poland • London, U.K.

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receive $100 off your booking!

APRIL 11-18, 2015

AUGUST 15-27, 2015

Visits: Princess Cays • Bahamas • St. Maarten • St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands • Nassau, Bahamas • Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

JUNE 27 - JULY 11, 2015

PEGGYE ECK • PEG@TEMPTATIONTRAVELROX.COM ROXANNE ECK • ROX@TEMPTATIONTRAVELROX.COM

520-836-8517 • 1-800-690-7660 www.temptationtravelrox.com

THE EDUCATION EDITION

HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Community Events Golden Corridor LIVING set out paper and crayons at a recent event we attended. We hope you enjoy the efforts of these young budding artists.

Thousands of ghouls, monsters, fairies and princesses of all ages â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not to mention several four-legged costumed pets, attended the City of Casa Grande Halloween Carnival 2014 94

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

THE EDUCATION EDITION

Business Properties

Page Article

Casa Grande

Commercial 3151 N Piper Ave: 3,040sf Office Warehouse (airpark area), lease or sale • Between Adrenaline Motorsports and Polaris Iron City • Perfect for contractor • 1,600sf w/4 offices, reception, conference rm, bathroom • 1,440sf warehouse with evap, fire sprinklers, 12’ rollup door etc

• • • •

1,000sf walled, gated outside yard Owner/agent Lease ($2,570/mo) or sale Keith LaVoo 520.560.3787; keith@cbrox.com

406 N Florence St: 3,600sf retail storefront, Historic Downtown for lease • Well-maintained large, airy retail space with full-frontal display windows, high ceilings and lots of light, perfect for a variety of retail and/or service businesses • Rare opportunity to lease fully-functional retail space in CG’s historic Downtown! • Work space in rear includes ADA-

compliant bathroom, kitchenette, office/work space and storage loft • Owner/agent • Lease $1,900/mo first year (call for offer details) • Bea Lueck 520.560.5671; bea@cbrox.com

413 E Florence Blvd: 2,562sf Freestanding Retail Building for sale • Location, frontage, and off street parking, this property has it. Great investment or location for your growing business • Currently leased with a great tenant • $185,000 • Owner may carry; submit

• David Schlagel 520.280.9049; david.s@cbrox.com

1923 N Trekell Rd: 2,060sf office/medical space for lease • Move in Ready! • Great Floor plan, lots of possibilities. • Waiting room, reception, 6 exam rooms, 2 offices, 1 open area plus storage. • Has been a chiropractic office in the past. • $1900/Mo

COLDWELL BANKER ROX REALTY 1919 N Trekell Rd Casa Grande, AZ 85122 THE EDUCATION EDITION

• Connie Rush 520- 560-0433; connie@cbrox.com • Charlie Weaver 520-705-0327; charlie@cbrox.com

Each office is independently owned and operated.

cbroxcom.com

Office 520.423.8250 Fax 520.423.8247 info@cbrox.com HOLHOL IDAYIDAY 20 142014 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING 95 95 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Holiday Electric Light Parade ENTERTAINMENT

Christmas on Main Street Saturday, December 6, 2014 The History of the Casa Grande Electric Light Parade As seen through the eyes of Mary Johnson and reported by Caryl Chase

wenty years ago, a Recreation Coordinator by the name of Mary Johnson was talking with Mary Ann Yandell (Versluis) about ways to “jazz” up the city’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Ideas were kicked around and Mary Ann told everyone about the electric light parade held in Colorado and from that the rest is history. . . In the beginning Arizona Public Service became the corporate sponsor, lending their professionalism, expertise and connections from other Electric Light Parades they were involved with at that time. Sponsorship quickly grew to include the media sponsor, Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, and Casa Grande Main Street, as it was a great way to promote our downtown. The first parade route went from Brown Ave. west on 4th Street, past what was then, City Hall (and is now the Main Library),

PHOTOS BY OSCAR PEREZ/CASA GRANDE DISPATCH

turning onto Florence Street ending on 2nd Street. One early memory - not sure it was the first year but it was early on, for that same route, the Frito Lay semi couldn’t make the left turn from 4th onto Florence Street, hence the need to “grow the route.” It has taken five different parade routes to get to the current route that starts at Colorado Street working its way west on Florence Blvd. to Florence Street and eventually down past St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church - approximately 2 ½ miles in length from start to finish. All routes have added space for more floats and more viewing areas for spectators. With each increase in length, the number of announcing locations has increased as well; currently there are four different announcing locations along the parade route to enlighten the crowd with a description of each float as they wind their way down the parade route. The city’s very first parade had maybe 8-12 floats, and most of them were city departments that were begged to participate. Now there are over 100 entries each year with about 85 entries showing up the night of the

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

20th Annual Electric Light Parade 5:00 P.M. ENTERTAINMENT AT ANNOUNCING AREAS

5:45 P.M. TREE LIGHTING AT CITY HALL & PARADE BEGINS! Parade route along Florence Blvd from Colorado west to Florence St, south to 2nd St.

parade and the crowd has grown to over 50,000 plus spectators viewing this spectacular event of lights and music each year. The cutest memory from that first parade was the ladies from the finance department dressed up as reindeer, with some lights on, pulling their boss at that time, Frank Brown. The parade hasn’t been without its share of trouble: one year a fire destroyed a float before the parade started, one year medical crews had to be called for a walker that fell and there have been numerous years that floats have gone dark or died on the parade route. And out of the twenty years we have only had rain for two of those years, but everyone can tell you the parade goes on “RAIN or SHINE”. Over the years the parade has

attracted bands, churches, RV parks, businesses, schools, families, service groups and of course the assorted Public Safety entries. Many parade participants come back year after year with new and creative ideas leading the way for the many first time entries. An event of this size needs an amazing amount of support and every city department plays a role in either the preparation before or working the day of to make sure it runs smoothly and without complication. And we couldn’t do this event without the support of the community, all of the announcers, judges, entertainment, staging crew, citizens on patrol lining the streets to keep them safe for participant and spectator alike - over 150 people volunteer their time to bring the community this large scale special event. THE EDUCATION EDITION

Holiday Electric Light Parade

WINTER WONDERLAND 12:30 – 5:00 P.M. (Downtown – 3rd & Florence St) VISIT WITH SANTA • PICTURES • GOODIE BAGS • ICE SKATING RINK • ENTERTAINMENT • MAKE IT-N-TAKE IT CRAFTS • HOLIDAY TIE DYE SHIRTS • GAME BOOTHS • FOOD BOOTHS In the words of a former city employee and current announcer for the event, Mary Johnson, “The way the parade grew after that first parade, the synergy it created, I’m always impressed with all the entries and their willingness to put forth the effort to have an entry in the parade. We always told people, it doesn’t have to be a lot of work or involve a great deal of time, but inevitably, so many people create so many

amazing entries! I also think never having a theme has created a vast array of creative, unique floats.” The Casa Grande Electric Light Parade has evolved from an idea and 8 to 12 floats to one of the largest electric light parades in the state winning the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association Outstanding Community/ Neighborhood Special Event Award in 2009. Truly a family holiday tradition.

Friends of the Casa Grande Library Present: Holiday Canteen: 1940’s Variety Show LOCATION The Casa Grande Woman’s Club 407 N. Sacaton St. - Casa Grande

Tickets are a $5 donation per person and are available at the door. Proceeds benefit the Casa Grande Public Library. THE EDUCATION EDITION

EVENING PERFORMANCE Friday, December 12th at 7:00PM MATINEE PERFORMANCE Saturday, December 13th at 1:00PM

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Page Article Library Creative Writing Contest

Rainbow Birds by Jalea Deptowicz

“Tweet, tweet!” CRASH, BANG! “Oh, I wish I was a blue jay, or a red jay. I’m tired of being dull and brown. Nobody appreciates me. I want to be so many different colors, it’s not even funny. My mom and I live together and we get made fun of for being brown.” The bird and her mom were flying to the end of a rainbow. “Momma bird, help me!” “My darling, I’m coming.” But it was too late, and the little bird went SMACK, right into the rainbow. When she came out, she was all the colors of the rainbow. “Momma bird, I’m a rainbow!” Mama bird said, “From now on, we will be rainbow birds.” And mama bird went into the rainbow and lived happily ever after. 98

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING HOL IDAY 2014

THE EDUCATION EDITION

INTELLIGENTLY!

THE EDUCATION EDITION

HOL IDAY 20 14 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

Academy Offers an Ideal Solution for Those With Less-Than-Ideal Credit

t is the mission of Academy Mortgage to deliver the dream of sustainable homeownership to as many homebuyers as possible. With our new lower FICO score requirements for FHA Fixed-Rate Loans, we are helping homebuyers with credit challenges to achieve this dream.

Program Benefits: • • • •

Fixed-rate home loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Low down payment options. Fixed interest rate and fixed monthly mortgage payments that won’t change during the entire term of the loan. Competitive interest rates.

We now accept

FICO

scores as low as

580 for FHA Fixed-Rate Loans

Program Eligibility and Requirements: • • • •

FICO scores of 580 and above now eligible for FHA financing. Debt-to-income ratio of 43%. Available to first-time homebuyers who don’t have perfect credit and are concerned about qualifying for a loan. Eligible properties include single-family homes and approved condominiums.

Contact me today to see if Academy’s FHA home financing program can open the door to homeownership for you.

Dawn Svoboda

Sales Manager/Loan Originator

(520) 421-1171 ▲ Cell: (480) 221-9826 442 W Kortsen Rd., Ste. 104, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 dawn.svoboda@AcademyMortgage.com www.AcademyMortgage.com/dawnsvoboda NMLS #177235 | AZ 0913936 NMLS #3113 | Corp State Lic AZ #BK-0904081

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All mortgage products are subject to credit and property approval. Rates, program terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all amounts. Additional conditions, qualifications, and restrictions may apply. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. Please contact Academy Mortgage for more information. THE EDUCATION EDITION