Golden Corridor Living Magazine

Favorite Place in the World . . . . . . . 40

4 of the Latest Trends in Vehicles. . . 57

Supporting Others; Ways to Give. . . . 78

T H E

TRAVEL

I S S U E Sip and Savor at A Latte Vino

SUPPORTING OUR NONPROFITS

The Interview: Sheriff Mark Lamb $4.95 Complimentary • Spring 2017

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

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Favorite Place in the World . . . . . . . 40

4 of the Latest Trends in Vehicles . . .57

Supporting Others; Ways to Give . . . 78

Contents

Spring 2017

THE TRAVEL EDITION

T H E

TRAVEL

Features:

I S S U E Sip and Savor at A Latte Vino

SUPPORTING OUR NONPROFITS

The Interview: Sheriff Mark Lamb $4.95 Complimentary • Spring 2017

The LIVING Interview: Sheriff Mark Lamb

22

Travel Section

40

Automotive Section

57

Nonprofits & Ways to Donate

78

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

A Latte Vino in Casa Grande Photography by Tina Cates, Elegance N Images Photography.

Economy & Local Business

Health, Wealth & Education

Travel, Dining & Entertainment

Filling the Talent Pipeline Series: Setting the State. . . . . . . 26

Out & About. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Grande Sports Academy Joins US Soccer Development Academy. . . 90

Paid Sick Leave Requirement Goes into Effect July 1. . . . . . . . . 28 Preventing the Spread of Illness from Daycare to Home. . 34 A Latte Vino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

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CORRIDOR LILI VV ING •SPRING THE INTERV GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLI V ING INGSPRING 202017 17 IE W

Oh Those Resolutions… . . . . . . 68 New CAC Tech Curriculum Announced. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Pinal County Fair Gears Up to Open. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

Paw Prints on Our Hearts . . . . . 72

More than Just Pretty Faces. . 96

We Love Babies at Banner. . . . 76

Summer at the Library. . . . . . . 98

TRAVEL EDITION THE THETRAVEL TRAVEL • SPRING EDITION EDITION 2017

YOUR #1 Source for Decorative Rock in Casa Grande!

• Decorative Rock • Flagstone • Pavers • Concrete Benches • Decorative Pottery • Sand • Gravel • Boulders

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Tim & Shirley Tate Se Habla Español

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Letter from the Editor

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

H Bea Lueck

mmm. What to write… what to write. I always write this editorial at the last minute, right before we upload to the printer. You could say I wait until I’ve had the opportunity to read and review all the other editorial before deciding what to target in the editor’s letter. Or, you could say I procrastinate until I no longer have a choice in the matter. I’ll let those who know me best decide which is the correct answer. (HINT: it is a little of both!)

The main special section this edition is all about travel. Most of us only dream about the exotic destinations and taking that fabulous cruise, escaping to an island getaway or a trip to faraway destinations. Then there are the rest who, including our contributing writers, travel for both

business and pleasure on a regular basis. They have the planning and packing down to a science. I have one friend that books travel abroad based on the availability of certain aircraft types and seats!

So kick back with your favorite glass of wine and enjoy reading the various travel adventures this edition.

And speaking of wine – check out the new featured business in Casa Grande, A Latte Vino.

This edition also has a section for nonprofits. April 4th is Arizona Gives Day. Since 2013 over $7.5 MILLION dollars has been raised for nonprofits across Arizona. Check out some of the local organizations registered this year. Skip a takeout lunch or two and donate to a favorite cause. And don’t forget the Arizona State Income

Tax Credit. You need to make that payment by April 15th to qualify.

Check with your tax professional for guidelines.

Now on to a warmer subject—the weather! This is the time of year when the weather is perfect to catch a spring training ballgame, go hike Picacho Peak and enjoy the wild flowers blooming or just watch the kids playing outside. Which leads right into the April 15th Easter Bunny visit at Coldwell Banker ROX Realty on the page below. Hope to see you there!

Enjoy!

–Bea

Easter Visit with

The Easter Bunny!

Saturday, April 15th from 9am to Noon

FREE PHOTO with the Easter Bunny Sponsored by Coldwell Banker ROX Realty • 1919 N. Trekell Rd • Casa Grande EASTER EGG TREASURE HUNT 9:30am – Under 3 years old 9:45am – 3–5 years old 10:00am – 5–7 years old 10:15am – 7–10 years old 10:30am – 10 years old and up

6

OR LI GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR LIV VING ING • EDITOR L E T TER

FUN ENTERTAINMENT BOOTHS FOR THE KIDS FOOD VENDORS ONSITE

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TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

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520.431.2875 | dawnz@coldwellbanker.com 520.423.8250 | ROXsells.com ©2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

VOICES PUBLISHER Elaine Earle, CPA CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Larry Bagan EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bea Lueck MANAGING EDITOR Katie Mayer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Harold Kitching Donna McBride ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Debbie Cortez Samantha Saldate CREATIVE DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGN Tim Clarke GRAPHIC DESIGN Jake Pagano Tad Smith DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Chip Souza ADVERTISING INQUIRIES info@roxco.com COMMENTS & IDEAS editor@roxco.com CALENDAR INQUIRES calendar@roxco.com

Craig McFarland

Born and raised in California, Mayor McFarland has lived in Casa Grande since 2005. He is a graduate of California State University of Fresno, and retired from Golden Eagle Distributors in January 2015 as VP of Sales after a ten year run with the company, and 36 total years in beverage business sales management, marketing, and operations. McFarland began his first term as Mayor in December 2016.

Helen Neuharth

Helen was hired as the President/CEO of the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce in August 1991 and is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management from Boulder, Colorado.

Helen is an active member of the Arizona Chamber Executives.

Donna McBride

Donna McBride is the Program Administrator/Public Information Officer and Supervisor for the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Unit for Pinal County Juvenile Court . McBride is actively involved as a Board Member for Casa Grande Alliance, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, BlackBox Foundation, Mayor’s Reading Program, Pinal County Town Hall Vice-Chair, Parks and Block Watch Captain for the Casa Grande Police Department. A freelance writer and photographer, Donna and husband Mike enjoy white water rafting, kayaking and spending time with their 2 sons and 3 grandchildren who live in the valley.

(520) 426-2074 442 W. Kortsen Rd, Ste 101 Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Harold Kitching

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.

Golden Corridor LIVING is published by Raxx Direct Marketing. Editorial content is provided by affiliates of Raxx Direct Marketing, 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 CORRID OR LIof V ING 8 GOLDEN estate information is as 3-1-17 and is subject to current availability and pricing.

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

of the

Community

Jon Thompson

Mayor Thompson graduated from NAU in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

He was first elected to the Coolidge City Council in 2002 and served as Vice Mayor from 2006 to 2010. He gave up his council seat to run for Mayor and since being elected, has retired as Division Director for the Pinal County Adult Probation Department after 30 years.

Evelyn Casuga

Evelyn Casuga CEcD, serves as Economic/ Community Development Advisor for Access Arizona, the area’s regional economic development foundation. Evelyn works part time at CAC and consults with the Center for the Future of Arizona, and other non-profit/private entities. She volunteers with numerous organizations in economic and community development throughout Arizona.

Breanna Boland

Breanna is the Executive Director of the Casa Grande Alliance. She started working for the organization in 2012 as a Prevention Specialist. Breanna studied Public Health at Northern Arizona University and is a Arizona Certified Prevention Specialist.

Victoria “Tori” Ward

Victoria “Tori” Ward is a cruise and resort specialist with a master’s degree in political science. After leaving public service Tori returned to her first love, travel and has completed more than 30 certification courses with the cruise and tour industry including the most advanced certification, Commodore, from Princess Cruise Lines. In addition, they have awarded her “Alaska Expert” status. Tori is a member of the Cruise Line International Association.

SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

BUSINESS INDEX 53 3 27 87 2 59 83 35 77 10 67 82 87 19 85 75 19 79 70 7 31 39 47 71 15 17 97 93 91 95 11 61 65 28 29 100 30 61 35 59 17 97 92 94 43 80 58 73 69 5 35 74 91 49 59 73

A Latte Vino Academy Mortgage - CG Access Arizona Against Abuse Agave Dentistry American Family Ins-Hobbs Amy's Jewelry Annie-Mac Home Mortgage Banner / CGRMC Big Boy Tires Brutinel Calvary Chapel of Casa Grande Calvary Chapel of Casa Grande Capital R Construction Casa Grande Alliance Casa Grande Elementary Casa Grande Family Dentistry Casa Grande Main St Central Arizona College Coldwell Banker ROX Realty Coldwell Banker ROX Realty Coldwell Banker ROX Realty Coldwell Banker ROX Realty Coldwell Banker ROX Realty Coldwell Banker ROX - Property Management Cole & Leal Desert Sky Dental Desert Sun Heating, Cooling Dick & Mitchell DDS DM Family Dentistry Elegance N Images Emergency Road Service LLC Eva's Restaurant Fitzgibbons Law Offices Foothills Bank Freeway Chevy Grande Innovation Academy Iron City Polaris Jenkins Chiropractic JJ's Adobe Auto Mankel Mechanical O'Neil & Steiner, PLLC Ochoa's Restaurant Pinal County Fairgrounds ROX Casa Grande Insurance Seeds of Hope Star Towing Summit Rehab Sun Life Family Health Center TeePee Sand And Gravel The Landmark Event Center The Studio of Dance, LLC Title Security Tommy's Bistro Window Tinting By Rosie Yang and Horsley Dentistry GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

9

Submit your events online at goldencorridorliving.com MARCH

16

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4th Street Backyard Market - 9:00 AM-3:00 PM - Herbalicious of Arizona 423 N Florence Street Casa Grande

23

PINAL COUNTY FAIR - Pinal Fairgrounds-512 S. Eleven Mile Corner Rd, Casa Grande - Call for times

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PINAL COUNTY FAIR - Pinal Fairgrounds-512 S. Eleven Mile Corner Rd, Casa Grande - Call for times

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POWWOW - 9:00 AM-12:00 PM - Herbalicious of Arizona 423 N Florence Street Casa Grande

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6-9

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CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE - COMMUNITY FORUM - 4:30 PM-6:00 PM - CAC - 8470 N Overfield Rd Bldg M101., Coolidge

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DAY OUT DOWNTOWN & HISTORIC WALKING TOUR - 9:30 AM-2:00 PM - Main St. Community Patio-110 W. 2nd St., Casa Grande FREE GARDENING CLASS 8:00 AM-10:00 AM - 301 N Bailey St, Florence HISTORY SPEAKS! PIONEER WOMEN ARCHITECTS - 2:00 PM - Dorothy Powell - 405 E. 6th St., Casa Grande CONCERT IN THE PARK 6:00 PM - Peart Park - 350 E. 6th St., Casa Grande

CATFISH RODEO - 6:00 AM-10:00 AM - Dave White Park, Casa Grande $3 per child CIVIL WAR IN THE SOUTHWEST REENACTMENT - Picacho Peak-Off I-10 Exit 219, Picacho Peak - Call for times

PINAL COUNTY FAIR - Pinal Fairgrounds-512 S. Eleven Mile Corner Rd, Casa Grande - Call for times

PINAL COUNTY FAIR - Pinal Fairgrounds-512 S. Eleven Mile Corner Rd, Casa Grande - Call for times

APRIL HOW SWEET THE SOUND - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Coolidge Performing Arts Center 684 W. Northern Ave Coolidge $10 Presale $12 at Door

MARKET ON THE MOVE - 8:00 AM-11:00 AM - Sun Life - 1856 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande $10 Donation

SPRING FESTIVAL - 12:00 PM6:00 PM - Anthem at Merrill Ranch, Florence RELAY FOR LIFE OF MARICOPA - 11:00 AM-11:00 PM - 44345 M.L.K. Jr. Blvd, Maricopa

CAC 13TH ANNUAL JOB FAIR - 10:00 AM-2:00 PM - CAC 8470 N Overfield Rd., Coolidge

RIDE FOR THE WARRIOR GOLF TOURNAMENT - 8:00 AM - Dave White Park, Casa Grande $280 team $75 individual THE RAVE BRITISH INVASION - 7:00 PM9:00 PM - Coolidge Performing Arts Center 684 W. Northern Ave Coolidge $10 Presale $12 at Door

PINAL COUNTY FAIR - Pinal Fairgrounds-512 S. Eleven Mile Corner Rd, Casa Grande - Call for times The Legends - Country Music - 6:00 PM - Paramount Theater-420 N. Florence St., Casa Grande

COUTNRY THUNDER - 2:00 PM-12:00 AM - 20585 E. Price Station Florence (Limited tickets left) REGIONAL RICHES RAFFLE FUNDRAISTER - 6:00 PM Memory Garden 1451 E Florence Blvd, Casa Grande

New & Used Tires Custom Wheel & Tire Packages

R Propa efill ne Tan k

1300 Jimmie Kerr Blvd., Casa Grande

s

www.bigboytires.com Best prices in Casa Grande!

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

MARCH

APRIL

March/April 2017 APRIL (continued)

8

EASTER EGGSTAVAGANZA - 8:00 AM-10:00 AM - Florence Heritage Park, 600 N. Mail St., Coolidge

8

CAR/BIKE SHOW & SHOWCASE - VISTA GRANDE PERFORMING ARTS - 10:00 AM3:00 PM - Vista Grande - 1556 N. Arizola Rd Registration $45

13

ART IN THE LOBBY 5:00pm, Coldwell Banker ROX Realty, 1919 n Trekell Rd, Casa Grande

15

EASTER ROX - Photos with the Easter Bunny 9:00 AM - Noon. Coldwell Banker ROX Realty 1919 N. Trekell Rd., Casa Grande

MAY

2

GUITAR RECITAL - 7:00 PM CAC - 8470 N Overfield Rd., Coolidge

15

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF CG VALLEY - GOLF TOURNAMENT - 7:30 AM - Dave White GC-2121 N. Thornton Road, Casa Grande

20

DAY OUT DOWNTOWN & HISTORIC WALKING TOUR - 9:30 AM-2:00 PM - Main St. Community Patio-110 W. 2nd St., Casa Grande

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NIGHT @ THE MUSEUM Museum-110 W. Florence Blvd, Casa Grande - CALL FOR TIMES15 4th Street Backyard Market - 9:00 AM-3:00 PM - Herbalicious of Arizona 423 N Florence Street Casa Grande

20

A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS WITH CAC WIND ENSEMBLE - 7:00 PM - CAC - 8470 N Overfield Rd., Coolidge

FREE GARDENING CLASS 8:00 AM-10:00 AM - 301 N Bailey St, Florence

CASA GRANDE ART MUSEUM - CASA GRANDE MIDDLE SCHOOL - 5:00 PM-7:00 PM - CG Art Museum - 319 W. 3rd St., Casa Grande

POWWOW - Herbalicious of Arizona 423 N Florence Street Casa Grande - TBD

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ANNUAL STUDENT ART SHOW - CAC - 5:00 PM-7:00 PM - CAC - 8470 N Overfield Rd., Coolidge

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ROCKTACULAR ON STAGE - 7:00 PM - CAC - 8470 N Overfield Rd., Coolidge

CAC JAZZ SHOWCASE 7:00 PM - CAC - 8470 N Overfield Rd., Coolidge

DANCE CONCERT FEATURING MIDDLE OF SOMEWHERE 7:00 PM - CAC - 8470 N Overfield Rd., Coolidge

GOLF TOURNAMENT UNITED WAY OF PINAL COUNTY - 7:00 AM - Robson Ranch Golf - 6844 S. Robson Blvd, Eloy $400 per foursome BALL AND CHAIN SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT - ALL DAY Florence Heritage Park, 600 N. Mail St., Coolidge COMMUNITY SHRED DAY EVENT - CASA GRANDE YOUTH COMMISSION - 9:00 AM12:00 PM - First American CU 958 E Rodeo Rd., Ste 16, Casa Grande

CHORAL & HANDBELL CONCERT - 3:00 PM - CAC 8470 N Overfield Rd., Coolidge

17

PINNACLE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION - 6:00 PM Mesa Art Ctr-Main St, Mesa

Book Now for

PROM AND GRADUATION! Early Bird Specials - Call for Details Call to schedule appointment:

520-450-1494

315 N. Florence St., Ste 2B Casa Grande SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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

Council debates changes to Promenade

CG News

by Harold Kitching

W

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

City Council continues talks of adding police body cams

I

t had been a year since the Casa Grande Police Department held a study session with the City Council to outline progress on equipping officers with body cameras and updated dash cams.

Much has changed since then, the council was told during an update study session held Jan. 3.

The equipment is better; it can be implemented for less money and the department wants to equip all officers at once, rather than the piecemeal initial idea.

No date for implementation has been given yet.

“Each body camera costs $399 and then the data plan,” Lt. Frank Alanis, commander of the Special Operations Division and lead officer on the project said. “The data storage is unlimited for $79 per

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

officer per month. You can compare it to a cell phone. Going into the product, you have to buy the cameras, but once you get that it’s just dealing with subscriptions.”

He added, “One of the things, by waiting, it’s actually worked to our advantage because when we

continued on page 20...

hen the Promenade shopping mall was first announced, the project ran north from Florence Boulevard to past Kortsen Road and was projected to someday be a part of a massive work/shop/play area.

The present part of the mall was built, but after the national economic downturn, the northern part was sold to a different developer.

That area, now known as Casa Grande Commons, has been reworked in the past, changing areas for residential, apartments, commercial and businesses. It was again before the City Council for the latest change requests.

Points to remember are that, contrary to postings and speculation on social media, the requests do not affect the present Promenade shopping mall and that full development is far in the future — hinging on future growth and the proposed Kortsen Road interchange, which the city does not have the money to build — and could be changed again.

The request brought some sparring among the City Council members when it was first discussed on Jan. 17, but was given final approval during the Feb. 6 council meeting.

As Planning and Development Director Paul Tice told the council during the January consideration, “Another way to think about it is essentially a zone change request.

It originally was part of the Casa Grande Regional Shopping Center planned area development, where our mall has been built. The vacant property has been purchased by the Walton Group and it’s being rebranded as a new PAD known as the TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

Herald

Visit GoldenCorridorLiving.com/news/cg-news for Up-to-date Local News from Golden Corridor Living Magazine

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

Electric car company drives closer to finish line

A

nother step toward bringing an electric car company to Casa Grande was taken Feb. 6 with final approval by the City Council of annexing about 80 acres at Selma Highway and Thornton Road and rezoning the area to general industrial.

The land is at the eastern side of acreage that the car company says it will use as its manufacturing location. Pinal County is negotiating with land owners to purchase that western property, which would then be sold to Lucid.

The council has already approved an agreement with Pinal County for improving Thornton Road from Gila Bend Highway to Interstate 8.

As Planning and Development Director Paul Tice told the council before the annexation was given initial approval on Jan. 17, the city filed an annexation petition on Dec. 19, eventually signed by two of the three property owners involved.

“One … is approximately 40 acres except for a little strip along Thornton Road, which is being left out because we can’t annex the entire right of way of Thornton Road at this time, so we have to leave a little intervening strip,” Tice said.

“The same thing with the other 40-acre site.

He continued, “At the very south boundary of the annexation is a 33-foot-wide strip of

land needed to be in the city so we can make the Selma Highway improvements. That would be the southern terminus of the Selma Highway rights of way at this time and the north part of the right of way would come from the property

to the north.”

It was required that the city file a development and infrastructure services plan for the area.

“Obviously, because this prop-

continued on page 32...

Changes to Promenade (cont.)

Casa Grande Commons PAD.” Tice said a general plan amendment a year-and- a half to two years ago took much of the property out of the residential land use category, changing to commerce and business.

The latest change, he said, shows four areas of Casa Grande Commons, three of which are commercial and one residential, broken down as 414 acres of regional business and 50 acres of residential.

Building height What caught the attention of Councilman Dick Powell were building heights and separations from the residential area.

In general, Tice said, commercial buildings are limited to 45 feet high, with a 30-foot limit in transitional commercial, such as the small piece SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

in the lower right of the land map (included with this article).

But, there is a proposed exemption in both areas to allow 100 feet for hospitals, office campuses and hotels.

“As we looked at that, staff became a little concerned about 100foot building heights close to the boundary of this PAD, especially where it might abut an existing or future residential area,” Tice told the council. “We thought putting 100-foot-tall buildings, basically 20, 25 feet from the boundary, from the perimeter, was going to be too close in those areas and we needed to push those buildings further back to achieve land use compatibility.”

He continued, “We developed a compatibility standard — which the

continued on page 33...

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

13

CITY

SPEAK

THE 7 MINDSETS!

by Craig McFarland, Mayor of Casa Grande

O The “7 Mindsets” is relatively new but I’d bet it will have a longterm positive effect on personal relationships, education and workforce.

ne of my campaign pillars and community strategies is education and workforce development. I promised to promote what is good in our schools, training and education and to build a workforce ready to fill jobs. As a very wise person told me recently, “Significant changes come from significant investment.”

In January, I attended a student assembly at Cactus Middle School. It revolved around a theme called “The 7 Mindsets.”

“The 7 Mindsets” are laid out in a book by Scott Shickler and Jeff Waller that helps people, especially young people, to “Live Your Ultimate Life.” As the book states, it is a “blueprint for an extraordinary life.”

It seems to me that education and workforce development could benefit from these mindsets. It was fascinating to watch the young people at Cactus Middle School and how they embraced these concepts: • • • • • • •

Everything is possible Passion first We are connected 100 percent accountable Attitude of gratitude Live to give The time Is now

The students at Cactus Middle School have one class unit per week that they dedicate to each of these “Mindsets.” That 45 to 60-minute period includes a planned curriculum that was developed by the book’s authors and staff. It even has music that is tied to each lesson (the kind of music that young people listen to).

As we walked around the campus, every classroom

14

GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRIDOR ORLI LIVVING ING SPRING 20 17

door featured one of the “Mindsets.” Each door was decorated with their chosen “Mindset” along with commitment notes from students. Commitments like, “I commit to be a better person” and “I commit to be kinder to my fellow students.”

This “Mindset” program is being implemented in all of the Casa Grande middle schools. One of the principals made a comment that stuck with me. It was, “Through social, emotional, intelligence training and programs like ‘The 7 Mindsets’, we will spend less time on administering detention and spend more time on positive education.” Wow! Now that’s powerful! The “7 Mindsets” is relatively new but I’d bet it will have a long-term positive effect on personal relationships, education and workforce.

My belief and personal actions have always been to invest in our young people at an early age. Investment dollars and time go a lot further in a young person than someone who ends up in jail. Investments in organizations and events like the Unity March (organized by Villago Middle School), The Boys & Girls Clubs, Casa Grande Alliance, our local churches and all of the youth sports organizations are a good use of our time and our money.

One of my favorite quotes from “The 7 Mindsets” book spelled it out very well.

“We cannot solve the problems we face with the same level of thinking that created them.” – Albert Einstein My wife Nancy has a line she learned from her Dad that she uses all the time, “You’re a loser, you’re a winner, you’re right!” Finally, the Casa Grande Elementary School District vision, paraphrased is worth remembering. If we are to be successful . . . “the responsibility is yours and mine!”

TRAVEL EDITION THE TRAVEL • SPRING EDITION 2017

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COOLIDGE, ARIZONA

I Jon Thompson, Mayor, Coolidge

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t is my pleasure once again to write about our great City of Coolidge. 2017 has begun as one of the most busy and fruitful times for our city. Our strategic location between Phoenix and Tucson has attracted many investors and high profile businesses to the area. An inland port is planned for the southeastern part of the city. This will encompass hundreds of acres into an area close to Interstate 10, allowing shipping containers to flow much more efficiently throughout the U.S. We are also excited to have the future North-South Freeway travel through Coolidge. This proposed freeway will connect Interstate 60 near Apache Junction to just south of Coolidge on Interstate 10. All of these projects will make Coolidge a key player in Arizona’s commerce base.

In addition to new prospects, extensive work has begun at the Coolidge Municipal Airport. The City has replaced aging runway signage with upgraded signs and new energy efficient LED lighting. We have finished renovating our Taxiways “A” - “B” with new pavement, replaced our fuel farm and made major pavement improvements to our runways 17-35. All of these new features help current businesses and attract new prospects as we complete all of these exciting modernization projects. I’d also like to highlight our Monthly Fly-Ins to the community. Each month, running October – May, our free event to the public displays many types of aircraft from small to large.

It’s a great opportunity to come and meet the flying community and see what our airport has to offer.

Tourism also plays a key role in the livelihood of Coolidge and its citizens. More than 77,000 people visited the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in 2016 alone. Coolidge is very fortunate to have such a marvelous national park in our city and we work together to grow and strengthen that relationship with the National Park Service. We have fantastic partnerships, as well, with the Coolidge Unified School District (CUSD) and the Coolidge Chamber of Commerce.

These two entities have played a major role in making this city great. CUSD has one of the biggest theatres in all of Pinal County, seating over 900 audience members. The Performing Arts Center showcases talent from all over the globe and attracts thousands of visitors across the state. The Chamber of Commerce has also partnered with the Artisan Village of Coolidge where artisans showcase and create a wide array of art

from painting to glasswork. We are very proud to be one of the few makerspaces in Arizona and the first in Pinal County.

I envision 2017 to be a great year for the City of Coolidge and invite you to visit our city and see the wonderful sites. Plan your day here and take in the Casa Grande Ruins or visit our many museums including the Pinal Gem & Mineral, Copper State Heritage and the Coolidge Historical Museum. I hope you take the opportunity to see the many amenities Coolidge has to offer.

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

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SUPPORT CASA GRANDE’S ECONOMIC HEALTH

by Helen Neuharth, President/CEO, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce

Shop at local businesses

A

healthy communit y isn’t just about the health of the citizens of the community; it also means the mental, physical, spiritual and economic health of the community. Let’s talk about the economic health of our community.

Have you ever considered how you, as an individual consumer, make a huge difference in the “health” of businesses in Casa Grande?

We all have the ability to improve the economic health of our community through our purchasing power. In other words, buying locally! Just as we have excellent health care facilities, mental health services and places of worship (spiritual health) in Casa Grande, our community also has a variety of retail stores, large and small; business services for your home and/or vehicle; movie theaters; community theaters and a variety of entertainment venues throughout the year. We, the consumers, play an integral part in helping to create a strong and healthy community, in every way. We make it possible for businesses to stay in business.

Each dollar you spend in Casa Grande has

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value to the economic health of the community. It is estimated that for every $100 spent in Casa Grande, an average of $58.00 remains in the community. There’s a certain symmetry to that, isn’t there? Remember, it pays to shop Casa Grande!

The chamber publishes 20,000 business directory/ community guides every year.

They contain excellent information about the “economic health” of the community and the businesses, service organizations, schools, healthcare facilities, recreational options, local governments and more that all work together to build our wonderful community of choice. The print guides are distributed free-of-charge throughout the year and can be picked up at the chamber office, 575 North Marshall Street, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The chamber compiles information and posts a Casa Grande community calendar of events on the website www.casagrandechamber.org and printed copies of the calendar of events are available at the chamber office. This calendar of community events is only as

good as the information that is provided to the chamber. If your business or organization would like to list an upcoming event on the community calendar, contact events@ casagrandechamber.org.

I have mentioned this before, but it bears repeating – the chamber office has about 8,000 walk-in visitors or Casa Grande residents each year. Many newcomers have remarked that they can’t believe what a great city Casa Grande is, citing the friendly residents and businesspeople, beautiful parks and community services, events and wide range of recreational and entertainment options here.

We can all take pride in the fact that we all contribute to Casa Grande’s economic health by continuing to spend our dollars here and support the community that supports us.

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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The Casa Grande Herald

CONTINUED…

A RIZONA CIT Y • CASA GR ANDE • COOLIDGE • ELOY • FLORENCE • M A RICOPA BODY CAMS...cont. from page 12

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS If you have unused or expired prescription drugs, you can go to the Casa Grande police station located at 373 E. Val Vista Boulevard or 520 N. Marshall St. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and drop them off at the MedReturn drug collection units. The units are co-sponsored by Casa Grande Police Department and the Casa Grande Alliance.

If you think you may have unclaimed assets such as uncashed payroll checks, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, escrow accounts, insurance proceeds or other money now held by the State of Arizona you can check by going to http://www.azunclaimed.gov/ Does wading through a financial report put you to sleep? Casa Grande has posted an easy-read illustrated financial report for the past fiscal year. You’ll find it and previous year reports at http://casagrandeaz.gov/dept/finance/annual-report/

Plans move forward for Jack in the Box restaurant

A

major site plan and conditional use permit for a Jack in the Box fast food restaurant at the southeast corner of Cottonwood Lane and Pinal Avenue have been approved by the Casa Grande Planning and Zoning Commission.

The proposal is for a 3,390-square-foot building with drive-thru on the north side of the lot.

There would be one entrance off of Pinal and a second from Cottonwood by utilizing the present 20-foot alley, which the developer will have to improve to city standards for paving.

According to the staff report,

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“Approximately 33,000 square feet of this lot will remain undeveloped to the south of the proposed Jack in the Box. The major site plan associated with this proposed development provides conceptual detail of a future building to be used as retail and restaurant space.”

A letter from the developer says that the future building will be about 6,000 square feet for retail and restaurant dual-use and includes a drive-thru.

The full staff report, with developer’s letter and building concepts is available at http://casagrandeaz. gov/dept/clerk/boards/pzc/, under staff reports below the agenda link.

first started this process, it was 100 gigabytes per officer, now it’s $79 per officer per month but we have unlimited data, so they can capture as much video as they want. That’s a set price and it’s the same thing with the dash cams.

The first-year cost would be $66,240 for 60 body cams, 10 docking stations, a five-year warranty and the storage fee. Each year thereafter would be a total of $59,040 for the storage and warranty.

When cables and other equipment are installed at the police department, implementation will be in four phases, each about a week long, Alanis said.

“The first group of people we want to get outfitted would be the day shift and the traffic unit,” he continued. “The second group would be the swing shift and the grave squads; the third group would be day relief and grave relief and our final group would be the Community Response Team and K-9s.”

Overall, 58 cameras will be needed for officers, and another two would be kept in reserve in case of problems with other cameras.

At the end of shift, the body cameras would be placed in a docking station which transmits the camera contents to electronic storage.

Councilwoman Donna McBride asked if any officers are now using body cams, which they have purchased on their own.

Police Chief Mark McCrory responded, “We did. We found out about it and we’ve issued a general order for them to stop, for the simple purpose is that creates a lot more hassle and a lot more legal problems than it does (to) help anybody.

Right now, as we sit here today, there should not be one man or woman on our police department wearing his or her own camera.”

Dash cams A story in the Casa Grande Dispatch said that each dash cam would

cost $4,500 and that the department needed to ask the council for the money. That is not the case.

“Currently, we will have 16 new Tahoes that do not have (updated) dash cams in them,” McCrory told the council. “We did not (originally), when we came to council, ask for the dash cams, because they were about $5,000 to $6,000 per dash cam and at the time our own internal feeling was we would (have) body-worn cameras first and then we’d come along with the dash cams. That got slowed up a little bit through no fault of anybody.”

He continued, “Frank has talked to Taser and their dash cams are $500 apiece. That saves $4,500 right off the top per vehicle and they integrate better with where we want to be in the future. We have that money available right now in line items, so when that product comes out (the target date is March) we’re planning on getting the 16 vehicles that we have outfitted with the Taser dash cam.”

Councilman Dick Powell asked if the dash cams would go on automatically when a body cam is being used.

Police Chief Mark McCrory replied, “We’re looking to go toward the Taser dash cam and the bodyworn camera. They will sync.”

The leading question about use of body cams is, when will they be turned on?

“Basically, it comes under the discretion of the officer,” Alanis said. “If they feel they need to turn it on, they will turn it on.”

However, there will be some rules, McCrory told the council.

“We have developed a draft policy for our agency, should we go to the Body One camera,” he continued.

“What we have done collectively as command staff is set down and reviewed some policies of agencies that have existing policies on Body One cameras and taken out some items from those that … we’ve mixed and matched to cover our needs here and laid out the criteria for how those body-worn cameras will be used, TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

The Casa Grande Herald

CONTINUED…

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

City seeks expert for Shonessy House restoration

Y

ears of talk about restoring the historic Shonessy House, south of the railroad tracks, next to the old Casa Grande Hotel, is taking a step forward with Casa Grande issuing a request for proposals for a certified historical architect.

If the City Council accepts the proposals and approves a contract, the project would begin in early April, with completion in June, the RFP says.

According to the request, “The Shonessy House (115 W. Main Ave.) is one of the oldest adobe houses in Casa Grande. The Shonessy House is part of the ‘Life on Main’ master plan that provides a blueprint for redeveloping approximately 15 acres of vacant land that the city owns south of the Union Pacific Railroad in downtown Casa Grande. The main component of the master plan is the historic plaza, which features the Shonessy House and will be the focal point as the city implements its recently approved master plan for the area. The house was built in 1890 and is in need of significant structural repairs to ensure the long-term stability of the building. As such, the

City of Casa Grande seeks a qualified historical architect meeting appropriate federal professional qualification requirements as published in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation to work with the City of Casa Grande to rehabilitate the Shonessy House to restore its structural integrity.”

In an earlier presentation about the Life on Main proposal, Planning and Development Director Paul Tice said, “The Shonessy House is really an important structure within the Life on Main area. It’s probably one of the oldest, if not the oldest, adobe residential structures in Casa Grande.”

He continued, “The city owns it.

We’ve been able to secure it from trespass, but it still is not secure from the elements. Part of the roof is peeled back on one corner. We still have some work to do to secure it from the weather, from deterioration. There are some cracks in the adobe wall that need to be stabilized.”

He continued, “We intend to do that to stabilize the structure and

then long-term totally rehab it for some kind of adaptive reuse. The intent of the city is to retain ownership of that and to rehabilitate it and to find adaptive reuses that might be compatible with that structure.”

According to the local historical society, “Rancher businessman William Shonessy arrived in Casa Grande around 1900, at age 65.

This house, which retains its original configuration except for a shed-roofed addition on the back and the enclosure of a rear-screened porch, was built some time before 1890 and is considered an outstanding example of Casa Grande's set-

tlement period homes. It was once the home of W.C. Smith, who owned one of the first stores on Main Street during the 1880s.

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Fisher lived here for awhile in the 1920s and used the back porch for a mortuary. Harry was killed crossing the railroad tracks coming home one day.”

It continued, “His wife handled the burial arrangements. She later married Bill Plenz and had a mortuary on the corner of N. Olive Avenue and Eighth Street. Between 1933 and 1943, the Don Chun Wo family lived here and operated the store and rental apartments next door.”

BODY CAMS...cont.

fit our department and to cover areas that maybe we have missed.”

And who sees the camera videos?

Councilman Ralph Varela said, “On the policy part, I think a lot of issues come up in terms of the release of information that comes from an incident. Will that be part of the policy in terms of who that information is released to? Is it public domain, is it investigative (individuals) only? How is that going to happen?”

McCrory responded, “It’s not really the who, but it’s the how. We’ve talked with (City Attorney Brett Wallace) on open records requests and there’s things that he will be required to do through release to the defense counsels and things like

that. He’s provided us with a lot of insight as to some of those questions that maybe we wouldn’t have really thought of on our side of the justice system that he brought up as to what needs to be released, when he has no choice to release it, how we’re going to handle open records requests, how we’re going to do redaction of certain things in those requests, because obviously we just can’t take the footage and just hand it out as is because we could have juveniles in it; we have people giving Social Security numbers, things along that line.”

He continued, “There may be a need … of possibly an additional position, and most likely in the City Attorney’s Office, at some point, to

handle open records requests, redaction, preparing cases for prosecution and providing items for the defense.

We’ve discussed initially for us having temporary help at the police department for open records requests that we can handle to alleviate some of the issues off of Brett. And, again, this is all guesswork on this part. We don’t know what to anticipate as far as requests. We do anticipate initially there’s going to be a lot of interest in this and people are just going to be hitting us with open records requests just to see what’s going on. We also anticipate that there’s going to be some, maybe, news media sources

when it must be used, who has access to it. And we feel like we have a pretty strong draft policy for this right now that would enable us, if this project is approved, eventually to move into a deployment stage, with the idea that our body-worn camera policy, as we have it written, we think is very solid, but it would be a fluid policy because it will be something that when this is implemented, we will see it needs tweaked or needs changed.”

He added, “The initial body-worn camera policy probably realistically, I guess, would look differently after a year because we would find some things that needed tweaked to better SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

continued on page 38...

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

The LIVING Interview

Sheriff Mark Lamb

There’s a new sheriff in town, and his name is Mark Lamb Interview by Bea Lueck

A

fter beating out democratic opponent Kaye Dickson in November’s election, Sheriff Lamb follows outspoken former Sheriff Paul Babeu as the next top cop to lead the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. Facing a tight budget, continued border-related crime and what he says are some relationships in need of repair, Sheriff Lamb believes he has what it takes to help Pinal County as it approaches one of its most promising years for economic development. We caught up with him to learn more his past and his plans for OUR future.

GC LIVING: We are here with Sheriff Mark Lamb. Congratulations on your new appointment.

SHERIFF LAMB: Thank you.

GC LIVING: So, let’s get to know who you are.

How did you end up in Pinal County and where did you grow up? What were you like as a little boy? Let’s just start at the very beginning.

SHERIFF LAMB: (Laughs) I was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii. My dad was a graduate of Thunderbird Business College (Thunderbird School of Global Management) and we had been living there for a long time. He actually went there originally and was a potato farmer in Puako on the Big Island. But our business primarily was scrap metal, so as a kid, I spent a lot of time doing scrap metal.

Around the time I was about 11, we moved to the Philippines for a year. And then we moved back to Arizona, which is where my dad was from - actually Chandler. So, I went to junior high and high school in Chandler.

I’d like to say I’ve always been a pleasant person. I’ve always been a pleasant boy. I look at the bright side of things, the positive side of things.

GC LIVING: Which high school did you graduate from in Chandler?

SHERIFF LAMB: Chandler High School GC LIVING: So are you an only child, or do you have siblings?

SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

SHERIFF LAMB: I’m actually the youngest of four children. I have two older brothers and a sister.

GC LIVING: So what were you like as a little boy? Were you a good student? Were you an athlete?

SHERIFF LAMB: I played baseball my whole life. I actually went to Dixie College (now Dixie State University) and played a little college baseball after high school.

GC LIVING: What position?

SHERIFF LAMB: I’m a center fielder. But, having played all my life, I could probably play most positions. I enjoyed sports. I was a good student. I graduated with honors. My GPA was somewhere in the three-pointsomething range. I don’t remember. That was a long time ago.

GC LIVING: So you went to Dixie College (now Dixie State University) and then?

SHERIFF LAMB: I went to college initially at Dixie State College at the time it was just Dixie College in St. George, Utah. Then I started the mission for my church in Buenos Aires, Argentina. And after my mission I came back; I did a little bit more college at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. And then I just kind of got off into the business world and started owning my own businesses.

GC LIVING: Did you learn Spanish while in Buenos Aires? Are you fluent? And how does

that dialect differ from the Mexican dialect spoken in Arizona?

SHERIFF LAMB: Yes, I learned Spanish in Argentina and I am fluent. The Spanish in Argentina is “Castellano”. The accent and some of the words and sayings are different.

It’s a lot like English here in America compared to English in England.

GC LIVING: So you were a young child in Hawaii, then moved to the Philippines, then moved to Arizona. Do you miss Hawaii, as far as a green island versus being in the middle of the desert?

SHERIFF LAMB: My family, when I was in high school, moved to Panama, Central America. It’s very similar to what we were used to in Hawaii – very green and tropical – and so that kind of filled that void. I still have a brother who lives in Panama. My dad has since passed away and is buried in Panama.

We try to go back as much as we can, but obviously we’ve been a little busy and haven’t been there for a couple years.

GC LIVING: So there are two things that I found on your campaign website, and what you’ve just said, that are very important to you your faith and your family.

SHERIFF LAMB: That’s absolutely correct. I’m a big believer. I’m a very religious person, so God and my faith are extremely important to me. And my family is equally important. I have five kids. My wife Janel and I have been married now for 23 years and we don’t plan on changing that anytime soon.

GC LIVING: (Laughs) SHERIFF LAMB: My oldest son Cade is 20 years old and serving a mission for our church in Boise, Idaho. My daughter, Sadie, is 18 and attending school at Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher. And I have three boys – ages 16, 14, and 13 – who are still at home.

GC LIVING: Which means your daughter is

OR LI V ING THE INTERV IE W • GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR VING

23

The LIVING Interview (continued) Daddy’s little girl and spoiled? (Laughs) SHERIFF LAMB: She is. That’s correct.

GC LIVING: So obviously you’re very busy as Pinal County Sheriff. What do you do in your free time to relax and unwind?

SHERIFF LAMB: There’s not a lot of that right now. But Sundays are very nice. Sunday is a little bit of football. But I am a huge MMA fan. I love the UFC. So, those are kind of my little getaways here and there, to be able to put the work aside and focus on something different than work. But I’m a little bit of a workaholic right now, so a lot of my time is work right now.

GC LIVING: You’re a big guy. Did you ever actually do any MMA or karate, or anything?

SHERIFF LAMB: Never actually in an actual bout, but yes. We’ve trained a lot. We’ve done sparring and then, obviously, it kind of coincides with this job. You want to make sure that you are at your peak physical fitness. You want to make sure that you’re strong and that you have the skill set to protect yourself and to protect others, because that’s what we’re required to do as police officers.

GC LIVING: Earlier you mentioned you’re a business owner. Tell me about your business and do you still operate it, or is it kind of on hiatus now that you’re in office?

SHERIFF LAMB: Great question. I’ve had different businesses throughout the years.

Most recently after I left Salt River Police Department and came to Pinal County, I started a pest control business to offset the salary difference. I had that business all the way through the campaign. I did sell a majority of it, so it’s a small role that I play in that business. I also had a solar company that is on hiatus. We’re deciding whether we will keep that business going or not.

GC LIVING: Where did you start your law enforcement career?

SHERIFF LAMB: I started at the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community at the Salt River Police Department back in 2006.

GC LIVING: How did you end up choosing a career in law enforcement?

SHERIFF LAMB: One of my neighbors, and my really good friend, was working there. I owned my own business at the time and he would see me come home and we would talk all the time. Then one day, he asked me if I was interested in doing a ride-along. And honestly I really hadn’t thought a lot about

24

OR LI GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR LIV VING ING • THE INTERV IE W

it. And I went on a ride-along, and that one ride-along was all it took. I was hooked.

GC LIVING: So he also worked for the Salt River Police Department?

SHERIFF LAMB: Yes. He has since moved on to a different agency. But yeah, that’s how I got into it.

GC LIVING: What departments have you been with during your law enforcement career?

SHERIFF LAMB: I’ve been with the Salt River Police Department and I’ve been with the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.

GC LIVING: When did you join Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, prior to becoming the Sheriff that is?

SHERIFF LAMB: In 2011 while I was still on the gang unit at the Salt River Police Department. I told the guys there, “You know what?

I’m going to run for Sheriff of Pinal County.”

I could see that Sheriff Babeu was looking to run for Congress or maybe even governor.

So I saw something I wanted to be part of in this community. I already lived in Pinal County, so I put in my application to come out here to Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. I actually didn’t get hired until 2012, at which time I came out here and began working in Pinal County.

GC LIVING: So you were a patrol deputy at that time?

SHERIFF LAMB: Correct.

GC LIVING: And how long were you in that position before you started campaigning for the head position?

SHERIFF LAMB: I was there a little over a year as a patrol deputy and then I took a reserve position and focused more on my business.

Pinal County has a resign-to-run policy regarding elected positions. I knew that at some point that was going to happen, so I took that opportunity to resign in November 2014, so that I could focus on making enough money to be able to run a campaign.

GC LIVING: OK, so you held different positions within the two departments. What did you like best, and why?

SHERIFF LAMB: Hands down it was being a gang drug detective. I really enjoyed that job.

The results were very measurable, especially where I was working within the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community. It was good to see your work and how it affected that community.

GC LIVING: What are you most proud of in your career so far?

SHERIFF LAMB: Obviously I’m most proud of this achievement, of becoming the sheriff.

I love it. I love the opportunity to serve the people.

GC LIVING: Your campaign website listed a number of awards that you had received while you were with Salt River Police Department. Tell us about them.

SHERIFF LAMB: I received the Rookie of the Year, Officer of the Year and Detective of the Year. The one I am most proud to have received is the Award of Excellence from the Arizona Gang Investigators Association. I worked hand-in-hand with another detective, actually the same detective who got me into this profession. I worked with him while he was at Mesa Police Department and we worked with the Department of Public Safety and a few other federal agencies and different surrounding agencies. We did a federal RICO case and we actually were able to really disrupt and dismantle a lot of the gang activity in the Salt River community.

GC LIVING: If it were possible, what would be your do-over moment?

SHERIFF LAMB: I would have joined the military. In hindsight, I always loved the military. And as a kid, I thought I would be in the military. Somewhere along the lines, after I returned from my mission, I started focusing a little bit more on business and kind of missed that window and that’s the one doover I would have.

GC LIVING: In law enforcement, everyone has a call they remember. What’s the one that really strikes you and stands out the most?

SHERIFF LAMB: You know, there are a lot of calls you remember. And some of the calls that you remember, you don’t like to remember. But unfortunately, they are the calls that ingrain in your memory. As far as calls that I remember that were fun – I’ve had a couple of foot pursuits with gangsters with guns, and we were able to catch them and protect the community. So those are some of the ones that stick in my mind, along with some of the other ones that you really don’t like to remember.

GC LIVING: What’s the one you remember that’s a feel-good event?

SHERIFF LAMB: You know we’ve had a lot of those. I really enjoyed working in the gang capacity, because we were able to do a lot of community events and that was really heartwarming. We were able to see changes

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

in people’s lives. I remember we were looking for a girl one time. We just happened to find her in an abandoned house, right outside of the reservation in Mesa. She was actually doing some harm to herself, but we were able to find her in time and save her.

So, that was fairly rewarding.

GC LIVING: Did you have a mentor while you were in law enforcement? Is it your detective friend that got you into this?

SHERIFF LAMB: It is. He got me into it and then we worked together as detectives. The characteristics he had that I really appreciated and then I tried to embody were that he was very intelligent; he looked at things very methodically, was very patient, and really, when you get into a lot of aspects of law enforcement, it requires those qualities – to be patient and to be fair and equitable as you look at things. What you may see on the outside may not be what truly happened. And really, he taught me to be able to look at that and to really delve into it and make sure that you’re finding what truly happened. And that it will come with the patience and you need to just be very systematic in how you do things. He was an excellent example of that.

GC LIVING: Well, now we need to ask the really telling question on that subject. What is his

SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

name?

SHERIFF LAMB: (Laughs) His name is Scott…

(Laughs) if that will suffice.

GC LIVING: What are some of the challenges facing those in law enforcement, not just in Pinal County, but also in the State of Arizona?

SHERIFF LAMB: I’m going to go a little broader and include those on a federal level, even on a national level. I think that the media has somewhat turned on law enforcement. And I think over the last eight years, we didn’t see a lot of support from the administration we had. It was not so pro-law enforcement. It didn’t help law enforcement.

Here in Arizona, we have a lot of the same challenges. We deal with illegal immigration. We deal with drugs, like all the other states do. We deal with human trafficking.

We deal with sex trafficking. Those are things that probably are some of the bigger issues that we deal with here in the State of Arizona and those fall to our county as well.

GC LIVING: What made you decide to run for political office? It’s a big leap to go from working for a department to running for office to run the department.

SHERIFF LAMB: There are a lot of factors in that. The biggest factors are that I love this country. I love the constitution. I love the

freedom that we have in this country and what I was seeing in this country was not what I thought was the direction that we needed to go.

I believe that we were starting to lose some of those freedoms and lose track of what truly made us the great nation that we are, and so I wanted to get involved and do my part and get in and show my kids, at the same time, that you can do whatever you put your heart and your mind to, and you can actually make a change.

If you believe in what you do and then you have a good cause, I think that you can do a lot. But ultimately, it’s my love for this country, my love for freedom and the constitution of this great country.

GC LIVING: So why do you think the citizens of Pinal County chose you over the other three candidates for office?

SHERIFF LAMB: I think what people were hungry for in this country was real people--people that weren’t politicians, people that are just normal people, and I think that’s what I am. I never worried about being crossed up, because I’ve always just been honest and I feel like I ran good campaigns. I tried to keep it about the issues and not personal and not get ugly with the campaign, and I believe it’s

continued on page 36...

OR LI V ING THE INTERV IE W • GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR VING

25

Economy • Local Business

FILLING THE TALENT PIPELINE SERIES: SETTING THE STAGE

by Evelyn Casuga, 2nd VP, Access Arizona and Sr. Advisor, Community Relations, Office of the President, Central Arizona College

F

illing the talent pipeline, also known as workforce development, including training and retraining employees for existing and future industries, is a critical component to any economic development strategy for all communities. Coming up with land and infrastructure (e.g. water, sewer, electricity, roads) to meet business needs is a more straightforward, albeit expensive, process for communities and companies, however finding employees to meet workforce needs can be complicated.

Questions such as, “Are there people with certain skill sets that a company seeks already in the community?” “Are there enough of them to go around to meet the various companies’ needs?” “Is there a pool of people in commuting distance who are trained or can be trained?” “Can the region attract/ recruit new people with the right skill sets to move to the area?” “Is there adequate training in the region?” “Are there training providers in the area?” “Who does the training?”

Those are just basic questions with nuances for every type of industry.

The January issue of Golden Corridor Living highlighted Lucid Motors, which will ultimately need 2,000 employees. Expansions by existing industries in this region are also anticipated. Raytheon in Tucson is expanding by 2,000 employees over five years and Intel announced an additional 3,000 jobs to complete

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

its Fab facility in Chandler. These and other business announcements will no doubt impact the Golden Corridor. So how can we position our current and future residents to take full advantage of employment opportunities?

In Arizona, we’ve seen industry sectors, such as agriculture, mining and aerospace, ebb and flow, and hopefully we recognize that dependence on singular sectors is not a formula for sustained economic success.

Sunny weather is nice, but not enough when competition for jobs and industries is global and fierce. Arizona has relied on housing development as a growth industry and suffered prolonged consequences as recently as the Great Recession, evidenced by abandoned subdivisions.

There is movement to change the game.

A recently announced charter agreement signed by Central Arizona College, Maricopa Community Colleges and Pima College will begin to offer uniform curriculum in advanced technology at each of the colleges along the I-10 corridor to meet workforce needs starting as soon as Sept. 2017, however this only scratches the surface for sustainable, long-term success. Greater momentum will be required to make this last.

For the region to truly be competitive in recruiting employers who create high wage jobs and to retain and attract potential residents earning living wages from surround-

ing areas, the task of nurturing talent begins at early childhood. Equally important is a different community mindset that acknowledges and supports post- secondary degrees and certificates for residents of all ages as a formula for ongoing community success.

Central Arizona College will play a significant role, as will Arizona@Work-Pinal, a federally funded Pinal County-operated organization working with employers and job-seekers. Pre-K through12th grade education lays the foundation for student learning. Employers have ongoing training for existing employees on new equipment and technologies. Nonprofit organizations, such as United Way, Seeds of Hope, Goodwill, veteran groups and churches, recognize and support job training for target populations as well.

A concerted community effort in workforce development is vital to sustained economic viability and improved quality of life for all residents in the area. Quantifying measures of success may include higher median incomes, increased high school and college graduation rates, lower drug and alcohol use and any number of statistics that can be tracked over time. The key, however, is local community will and collaborative approaches to use resources available to us. Look here in the coming months for expanded discussions on Filling the Talent Pipeline.

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

Helping you build your business in PINAL COUNTY, ARIZONA

developable land

easy access to air, highway and railway

great place to live

accessarizona.org

Connect with us.

Call 520-836-6868 or email info@accessarizona.org

LEGAL

EMPLOYERS SHOULD KNOW Paid sick leave requirement goes into effect July 1

by Denis Fitzgibbons, Fitzgibbons Law Offices

W

hen Arizona voters passed Propo sit ion 20 6 i n November, much attention was focused on increasing the state’s minimum wage to $10 per hour. However, of greater concern to many employers is Prop. 206’s other provision: mandator y paid sick leave.

Effective July 1, employees of small employers (under 15 employees, including part-time and tempor a r y workers) are eligible for 24 hours of sick leave per year. At larger employers, the requirement is 40 hours.

All employers are subject to the new law, which provides for a minimum accrual of one hour of leave for every 30 hours worked, up to the limits noted above. Accrual starts with the first day of employment or July 1, 2017, whichever is later. Employers can have policies restricting employees from using leave within the first 90 days of employment.

If an employer is already providing enough paid time off to cover the minimum amount of paid sick time, and if the employer allows its workers to use that time off in the same way and for the same purposes as paid sick leave, then the employer does not need to provide additional paid sick time.

Employees are allowed to use their accrued paid sick leave

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GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • BIZ!

for their own illness and for the illnesses of family members. At the end of a year, any unused paid sick leave carries over to the next year, unless the employer chooses to pay them for their unused sick time. (Any unused leave does not need to be paid out when the employee resigns or is terminated.)

Employers that w a nt to r e qu i r e employees to provide notice prior to taking foreseeable leave must have a written policy that spells out how the notice is to be given.

Failure to Comply The first violation carries a minimum $250 fine. Each subsequent violation carries a minimum $1,000 fine. Also, non-compliant employers must pay the employee the unpaid balance of the earned paid sick leave owed, plus interest, plus an additional amount equal to twice the unpaid sick leave.

Employers should begin to prepare for the July 1 effective date by ensuring that employee handbooks and policies are consistent with the new law and that their payroll systems are able to track the accrual and payment of sick leave.

For help with the new law, contact your payroll service, employment attorney or Fitzgibbons Law Offices (520-426-3824).

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

FINANCIAL

FOOTHILLS BANK BRINGS ENHANCED OFFERINGS TO COMMUNITY

by Shea Nieto, CCIM, Regional President

F As a business owner, you want a bank with great resources, sophisticated solutions, and smart ideas.

Youaalso want aowner, bank that genuinely values you as a As business you want a bank with great customer.

Well, you’ll find all this at Foothills Bank. resources, sophisticated solutions, and smart ideas.

You’llalso getwant the level of that expertise you’dvalues expect from You a bank genuinely you as aa big bank, with friendly, personalized attention from customer. Well, you’ll find all this at Foothills Bank. a localget business just yours.you’d Superior service You’ll the level of like expertise expect from a without a superior attitude?

Consider it done.

As business youpersonalized want a bankattention with greatfrom bigabank, withowner, friendly, As a business owner, you want a bank with great resources, sophisticated and smart ideas. a local business just like solutions, yours. Superior service resources, sophisticated solutions, and smart ideas.

520.423.4900 foothillsbank.com You also awant a bank that genuinely values you as a without superior attitude?

Consider it done.

You also want a bank that genuinely valuesMember you asFDIC a customer. Well,Shea you’ll find all this at Foothills Bank.

Nieto, customer. Well, you’ll find all thisCCIM at Foothills Bank.

You’ll get the level of expertise you’d expect from a 520.423.4900 foothillsbank.com Regional President You’ll get the level of expertise you’d expect fromFDIC a Member big bank, with friendly, from (520)personalized 423-4910 attention big bank, with friendly, personalized attention from Shea.Nieto@foothillsbank.com a local business just like yours. Superior service a local business just like yours. Superior service without a superior attitude? Consider it done. without a superior attitude? Consider it done.

520.423.4900 520.423.4900

foothillsbank.com foothillsbank.com Member FDIC

oothills Bank has been serving Pinal County residents and businesses since 2011. Founded in Yuma, Arizona since our formation in 1997, we have steadily increased our presence throughout the state over the past 19+ years, particularly in our primary markets of Yuma, Prescott and Casa Grande.

As previously announced, we are excited about our merger with Glacier Bancorp, Inc., which is expected to finalize in the second quarter of this year. Glacier Bancorp, Inc. is a regional bank holding company headquartered in Kalispell, Montana which provides commercial banking services in 88 communities throughout Montana, Idaho, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and Colorado. Adding Arizona to its geography fulfills a long-held goal of Glacier Bancorp due to our economic base and growth opportunities.

W hat does this merger mean for us locally? It means Foothills Bank will add horse-

power to an already finely-tuned motor as we continue to set ourselves apart as the premiere community bank in the state of Arizona, as well as increase our statewide presence, including throughout the communities of Pinal County.

We’re also happy to announce that Foothills Bank will retain its name, look, board of directors and employees.

“We are excited to be partnering with the entire Glacier organization,” said President/ CEO Mary Lynn Lenz. “Foothills Bank has been serving customers in our communities for over 19 years and our commitment to those communities is very important. This partnership will allow our customers to benefit from enhanced product offerings and a greater lending ability throughout Arizona.”

Consider this your personal invitation to come visit us at 1433 North Pinal Avenue in Casa Grande and learn about what we can do for you!

Member FDIC

1433 N. Pinal Avenue, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 1433 N. Pinal Avenue, Casa Grande, AZ 85122

32 Karen Pines Street Dedham, MA 02026 978.264.3264 32 Karen PinesSPRING Street Dedham, MA 02026

Client:

Foothills Bank

Live Area: N/A

Publication:

ROX! Magazine

Trim: 3.85” (w) x 10.375” (h) Art Director:

Insertion Date: May/2014 Client: Foothills Bank

Scale: 100% Actual Size Live Area: N/A

Creative Director: B. Pruett C. Matzker

Account Mgr: R. Walsh Creative Director: B. Pruett

JOB NUMBER: FHB-008 FILE Grande, NAME: Publication: ROX!N. Magazine Trim: 3.85”FHB_Suit-3.85x10.375_RoxMag_May-14 (w)AZ x 10.375” C. Matzker 1433 Pinal Avenue, Casa 85122(h) Art Director: Insertion Date: May/2014

2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

Scale:

100% Actual Size

Account Mgr:

Client Approval

Client _________ Approval Initials

R. Walsh _________

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI V ING BIZ! • GOLDEN

29

CASA GRANDE PREMIERS NEW SPOTLIGHT SERIES

C

asa Grande's Public Information Office is expanding its programming with the launch of a new Department Spotlight series. Spotlight videos will be released monthly with the purpose of highlighting the leadership, operations and facilities of each of the city's 11 departments.

This series is intended to serve as a tool to provide residents with a better understanding of the many functions and contributions of each department, as well as an opportunity ROX LIVING AD 013017 PRINTER FILE.pdf to get to know the city staff and leadership.

Casa Grande Spotlight Series The first episode features an overview of the Casa Grande Police Department provided through a special interview with Police Chief Mark McCrory. This Department Spotlight, as well as future episodes, can be viewed on Cox Channel 11, the city's YouTube Channel and the city website.

With each Department Spotlight piece, the Public Information Office will also unveil a package of corresponding City Tips. City Tips are informational slides that provide resi1 2/1/2017 1:13:54 PM dents with useful instructions and resourc-

es as they navigate the most frequently-requested services. The Police Department's installment of City Tips can also be viewed on Cox Channel 11, the City's YouTube Channel and the city website.

To suggest a topic for a future Department Spotlight or City Tip video, please contact Public Information Officer, Kayla Fulmer at (520) 421-8627 or email kayla_fulmer@casagrandeaz.gov.

To view the videos, visit casagrandeaz.gov or https://www.youtube.com/user/CGAZGOV

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950 N. Peart Rd, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 • (520) 381-2360 30

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • BIZ!

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

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• A grand vaulted ceiling in the living room with a magnificent stone fireplace.

• There is a family room is adjacent to the formal dining room plus a den/office.

• The bright kitchen has a breakfast bar, pantry and includes all appliances.

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520.431.2875 | dawnz@coldwellbanker.com 520.423.8250 | ROXsells.com ©2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

The Casa Grande Herald

CONTINUED…

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

Casa Grande hires new deputy city manager

S

teven Weaver, the city administrator of Riverton, Wyoming, has been hired as Casa Grande’s deputy city manager.

Weaver, who took the job March 6, replaces Larr y Rains, who was promoted from deputy to city manager last April after Jim Thompson resigned.

The city’s announcement quoted Rains as saying, “Steven’s demonstrative experience in research, policy analysis, budget preparation and personnel management will be an immense asset to the city of Casa Grande’s leadership team. His vast knowledge and experience will prove to be extremely beneficial as we

ELECTRIC CAR...cont. from page 13 erty is so close to other existing development, services and infrastructure are going to be immediately available,” Tice said. “Selma Highway, the south boundary of the site, and Thornton Road, which is the eastern boundary of the site, will both be improved into arterial standards. There would be some additional right of dedication required as the Lucid project moves forward and then there would be a development agreement with Lucid that will specify the roadway improvements that would be made to Selma and Thornton.”

At an earlier discussion, John McGuire, speaking from the audience, asked what would happen if county negotiations to purchase the western property fail.

“Is there any risk to the city involved with us annexing this if that falls through in the future?”

McGuire asked.

City Attorney Brett Wallace replied, “We are moving forward with this annexation and our

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move forward to maintain excellent relationships with City Council members, employees and our residents.”

The announcement said Weaver will be responsible for “adminis-

trative and managerial duties assisting the city manager, assisting in the direction and implementation of major policies and procedures, directing the activities of assigned department directors and staff and implementing programs and solutions in designated areas of responsibility.”

Weaver was quoted as saying, “I am excited to serve as the deputy city manager for the city of Casa Grande. I look forward to returning to Arizona, where I grew up, and introducing the great state to my family. I am eager to work in a community that is experiencing growth, to create relationships with companies that are currently located in Casa Grande and

companies interested in locating there, as well as help the city attain its goals.”

T h e a n n o u n c e m e nt s a i d Weaver has been administrator in Riverton since Aug. 2011, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city, its 130 employees and a city budget of $21 million-$30 million.

Prior to Riverton, Weaver held assistant to the city manager and city manager positions in Coalinga, California and Carlton, Oregon, respectively.

He has a bachelor of science in sociology from Brigham Young University, as well as master of public administration from Boise State University.

conversations with the property owners, our conversations with staff, is that it is an area that we do want annexed into the city of Casa Grande, irrespective of what ends up happening.”

He added, “If we do move forward with the annexation and the project doesn’t come, there will be an extra area that we’ll service but it’ll be an extra area in our industrial area. And obviously, we certainly hope and anticipate the project will come.”

Councilman Dick Powell also replied, “The comment I would make is, this belongs in Casa Grande. If we’re trying to create this general industrial area, which we’re getting off to a very successful start in doing, that piece is key.

It’s on Thornton Road and Selma Highway once it goes through, instead of ending on a ditch bank you have to cross over and then double cross. That’s going to create more development out on the west side of that.”

Powell continued, “I think that piece is essential and probably the

most important piece of ground in Casa Grande right now.”

During the Jan. 17 meeting, when the annexation and rezoning received initial approval, Nick Wood, an attorney with Snell & Wilmer, which represents Lucid, said, “I’ve been in zoning land use for what seems like about a hundred years and during that time, every once in awhile, a project comes forward that is truly transformative for a city.”

Wood continued, “What that means is, it becomes an economic engine that not only creates significant new jobs for the city, but it also becomes a catalyst to attract other businesses that bring quality jobs. And that results in quality growth and that’s what cities are always trying to achieve. The Lucid project is one of those transformative projects.”

Lucid has said the facility, projected to cost $700 million, will break ground in the first half of 2017, with an initial hiring of about 400 people and an accompanying training process involving Central

Arizona College and technical and community colleges in Maricopa and Pinal counties.

Lucid said that by 2022, it hopes to have more than 2,000 full-time employees.

Wood said city officials were essential in working out the details.

“It’s been a team effort, as far as being a very complicated effort,” he said. “We’re not quite to the finish line yet, but this is a very major step. So again, I want to thank you all for your leadership and your assistance.”

Mayor Craig McFarland told Wood, “If I could ask you to do something, go back to your client, Lucid, and please explain to them that we are on board with this project and want to see it to fruition. So any help they can give, also, in making this come full circle would be much appreciated.”

Wood replied, “Will do, Mayor, thank you.”

A major report, including documents, contracts and other items, is posted at www.haroldkitching.com/special TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

The Casa Grande Herald

CONTINUED…

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

PROMENADE...cont. from page 13

City resumes talks of Teen Center’s fate

T

he Casa Grande Teen Center, opened about 10 years ago in Camino Mercado, has fallen on hard times with average daily attendance below two teens.

The question is, what to do?

The City Council has approved a change to the lease of the building from CAC, with the aim of shutting down the center and using the space “for family, youth, and teen programming.”

During a City Council study session, some background was presented and suggestions offered, including keeping the building for other community uses.

The bottom line, though, was that the present Teen Center, leased from Central Arizona College for $1 a year, would be phased out.

Recreation Superintendent Matt Jankowski told the council that the center has been open for after-school activities Monday through Friday, with some hours on Saturdays.

“Over the last year, we have seen a pretty steep decline in both daily visits, as well as special events that are offered at the facility,” Jankowski said. “As it sits right now, there are many days where we don’t get any participants. Good days we get sometimes three kids. Our daily average for the month is actually under two people per day, so we are not seeing very many people attend out there on a daily basis.”

He continued, “We do a number of special events out there. We used to do one a month, (but) now we’re

continued on page 38...

SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

applicant has agreed to — which is that all buildings within 200 feet of any part of the boundary that is adjacent to residential, future or existing, would be limited to 30-foot height. So, these 100-foot buildings would have to be 200 feet back from the boundary in those cases. The other compatibility standard was to introduce what we call a landscape buffer at those same locations.

The buffer was a 30-foot landscape buffer and in that buffer the trees would have to be increased from our normal size of 24-inch box to 36-inch and half of them would have to be evergreen, so we have a year-round screen and spaced at a maximum of 30 feet apart.”

The developer had asked for exceptions for multifamily buildings, such as apartments next to single-family homes.

“What they’ve asked is that they be allowed to have multifamily structures adjacent to single-family up to 50 feet tall, as long as they provide a 75-foot setback from the single-family site and they provide a landscape buffer that is 25 feet wide and the minimum number of trees at one per 30 feet, 50 percent of which shall be evergreen,” Tice said. “In the PAD, that eastern boundary is adjacent to Hacienda Road. Hacienda will have 110-foot right of way, so the single family in this case is going to be on the east side of Hacienda. So, you would have the intervening street of 110 feet, an additional 75-foot setback and in that 75 foot, a 25-foot landscape setback with the wall and the trees, so actually you’re going to get more than 75, a lot further than 75 feet from the backyards of those single-family homes. On the south area there’s planned to be a collector street that would have a 60-feet right of way. And again, any single-family homes built to the south of here will have the intervening street, then the 25-foot landscape and then a building setback of 75

feet.”

He continued, “Really, the only location in this PAD that multifamily can be built is along the eastern border of that yellow area, and that’s because the general plan requires that multifamily housing have primary direct access onto an arterial or collector street. For this reason, staff believes that it would be appropriate to grant the exception. We think that actually with the exception, which requires the increased building setback, the landscape buffer, we’ll get a better outcome than our current code, which allows two-story buildings to be put 20 feet away from the property without the landscape setback.”

Tice said a close example is Tierra Pointe, adding that, “The buildings are 43 feet tall, not 50, and you can see how that is adjacent to McCartney Center of single-family, increased building setback and the landscape buffer, as well, from that single-family home.”

Powell objections Councilman Powell said, “It seems like we’ve changed our standards, pretty much, by letting other places use it and have it in other PADs and plans. And the two-story for apartments can be done pretty much, if you want to do it now in Casa Grande.”

That’s not the case, Tice responded.

“We haven’t changed things across the board,” he said, “but the code does allow for council to consider and grant exceptions if you think they are appropriate. So, any exception that’s granted, it’s only granted through council action by request.”

It’s probably too early to be making such decisions, Powell said.

“This is going to be a project that’s five, six years, at least, down the road,” he continued. “Before you get onto Kortsen Road you have to have an interchange; you have to know who’s putting up the mon-

ey to build the interchange. When you give people approval ahead of time, you really don’t know, a future council, you kind of tie their hands. I would rather see us go three-story, which is a story more than we normally grant, and at the time they’re ready, they can come back to council if they can make a case to get the 50-foot.”

He added, “I don’t see why anybody that wants to do it now can’t come in and say we want to build all the apartments 50 feet tall, because you’ve let some others do it and if they’ve done it, everybody should be able to do it. The thing about a 50-foot apartment that makes it a little bit different than a hospital or something else, this is where people live and have all their belongings. They’ve got kids. Everybody’s in there. In a hotel, people check in (and) it’s pretty empty during the daytime; they sleep overnight; they leave in the morning.”

Fire safety is also an issue, Powell said.

“When you talk about a 50-foot height and try to fight a fire on that tall of an apartment building, there’s some real danger. I talked to our fire chief today about what could happen.

“One of the things that’s interesting is a 50-foot ladder won’t reach the top of a 50-foot building because you have to have the lean effect to get up it. If those started to catch on fire or whatever, it would be problematic to guarantee the safety of the citizens.”

Tice pointed out that major water lines have to be extended to the proposed PhoenixMart to the east, coming through the Kortsen corridor and providing enough water for firefighting in the Casa Grande Commons area.

Fire Chief Scott Miller said, “Sprinkler systems will be built into the system, so you’re going to have it where if something did happen — and not saying it’s cat-

continued on page 89...

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

33

PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF ILLNESS FROM THE DAYCARE TO HOME

by Andrew H. Jones, Community Relations Coordinator, Sun Life Family Health Center

I

f your child attends daycare, he or she is probably sick more often than a loving parent might like. Whenever children are together in a shared common space, the germs will pass at an alarming speed. The most common illness is the common cold (Rhinovirus). According to the CDC, “Common colds are the main reason that children miss school and adults miss work each year in the United States; there are millions of cases of the common cold with adults having an average of two to three colds per year, and children having even more” (CDC, 2017). While the cold is transmitted through both contact and air, there are several steps parents can take to decrease the chance of the spread from daycare to home.

“Though you can't protect your child from every virus he or she encounters, these healthy habits can increase his or her resistance” (Moninger, 2017).

• Wash hands frequently with warm water and soap. This will not inactivate the Rhinovirus, but will rid the hands of it.

• Keep your home clean by regularly disinfecting light switches, door knobs, and other areas prone to a high volume of contact which increases the spread of germs.

• Keep hand sanitizer in your car to use when leaving the daycare facility. This will help eliminate germs from getting into your car.

• Teach children at a young age appropriate sneezing and coughing techniques.

• Keeping children active will boost their immune system. “Exercise causes changes in antibodies and white blood cells (WBC), WBCs are the body's immune system cells that fight disease” (Medline Plus, 2017).

• Upon arriving home, immediately have children shower and brush teeth or have fresh play clothes ready and wash hands as soon as they enter the home. Since the Rhinovirus is transmitted through close contact, this measure will ensure that when another family member hugs the child who attends daycare, he or she will not come into contact with contaminated clothing.

• Making sure your child gets enough sleep.

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GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • BIZ!

TIP OF THE MONTH: GERM FREE DROP ZONE

Create a Germ Free Drop Zone near the entrance of your home to drop backpacks, sanitize hands and change clothes. This will decrease significantly the spread of daycare germs throughout the house. #OneSmallChange

Healthy Eating Habits for Children Healthy eating for your child is one of the most important aspects of preventative care a parent can take. “Lowered immune function may result in an increase in acute illnesses such as colds and the flu” (Diagnose-Me.com, 2017). With proper nutrition for your child, the immune system will build up. A child with a lowered immune system is more susceptible to infection. Thus, feeding children a healthy, balanced diet to include all of the food groups, in proportion with the child’s age, will result in a nurtured immune system.

Importance of Childhood Flu Shots Staving off a cold is imperative, as oftentimes the cold can turn into the flu or a super cold. A good preventative measure for children is the flu shot. Parents can have their child receive this vaccine at an early age.

However, the vaccine should be given annually as the cold and flu virus mutates. According to the CDC, “Some children 6 months through 8 years of age require two doses of influenza vaccine. Children 6 months through 8 years getting vaccinated for the first time, and those

who have only previously gotten one dose of vaccine, should get two doses of vaccine this season” (CDC, 2017). The first dose should be given as soon as the vaccine becomes available at your pediatrician’s office.

Sun Life Family Health Center welcomes you to learn more about our pediatric services.

Sun Life offers continuous and comprehensive health care to individuals and the entire family.

In addition to providing care when you are ill, we will also help you achieve a healthy lifestyle and work with you to help prevent illnesses.

CDC. (2017). Children, the Flu, and the Flu Vaccine.

Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/ children.htm CDC. (2017). Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ features/rhinoviruses/ Diagnose-Me.com. (2017). Weakened Immune System. Retrieved from www.diagnose-me.com/ symptoms-of/weakened-immune-system.php Medline Plus. (2017). Exercise and immunity.

Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/ article/007165.htm Moninger, J. (2017). All-Natural Cold & Cough Remedies. Retrieved from http://www.parents. com/health/cold-flu/cold/natural-cold-coughremedies/?slideId=51239

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

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The LIVING Interview (continued) ...continued from page 25 because we stuck to the values.

I think people are hungry for people with convictions and values in this country. After all, when you think of Americans and America, that’s what you think of, and I feel like I best embodied that – the values, the convictions that people were looking for, and the freedoms and the constitution. Those are the things that we stuck to the whole time, and I think that the results show that’s what people were really hungry for.

GC LIVING: So let’s circle back to the previous question and how that answer ties in with the challenges facing law enforcement here in Pinal County. So here we have problems with illegal immigration, drugs and sex trafficking. How can we change the perception of law enforcement to a positive here in Pinal County?

SHERIFF LAMB: That’s a great question. And

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OR LI GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR LIV VING ING • THE INTERV IE W

one of the things that I’ve said all along in the campaign and I continue to say is we, as law enforcement, need to bring the humanity back to law enforcement. I want to focus on that. I believe in empowering our deputies to do their jobs, and then empowering them to trust in doing what’s right.

I have a little patch that we have on our shirts, which by the way, we didn’t want to spend the money to get new shirts, so we had a patch made to cover the old Sheriff’s name on the shirts. The patch says, “Fear not. Do right.”

And I think, in law enforcement, we need to just condition these guys to get back to just doing what’s right and really being part of the community and playing a role in the community. And I think, as we do that, people will start to look at law enforcement a little bit different again – back to what it used to be.

GC LIVING: So what are some of your shortterm and long-term goals for the department?

SHERIFF LAMB: Short-term goals – and this actually turns into a long-term goal – but a short-term goal is morale issues. We want to make sure that we fix our morale issues, and I think we’re already working on that. We’ve got some budget issues that we’re working on. We’ve got some relationships that we’re strengthening or we’re restoring. In particular, there were some damaged relationships between the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and the Pinal County Board of Supervisors, and so we’re working hard on our shortterm goals. We’re going to fix those issues.

Long-term goals are that we want to continue to do what we need to do to maintain a good morale. We want to make sure that we can keep those deputies here that have the experience and not lose them to other agencies. We want to make sure that we can continue to provide a quality product to the people of Pinal County, and like I always say, provide a maximum return on investment on the county residents’ tax dollars.

GC LIVING: There was a time, not too long ago, that the sheriff’s office took some pretty drastic budget cuts which reduced the number of staff, particularly in the jail. Is that something that you’re going to work on addressing as budgets become available from the board of supervisors? How do you plan on addressing staffing shortages as our

county continues to grow so rapidly?

SHERIFF LAMB: The county has been absolutely amazing so far. We have been working hand-in- hand with both finance and the board of supervisors and the other agencies within the county, and they have been amazing working with us.

There are some budget issues, but part of fixing that budget actually is putting more bodies on the job, so we reduce the amount of overtime that we’re paying. That can fix a lot of these issues, and so we are currently hiring deputies and we’re hiring detention officers. We’re working on trying to fix those issues already, and it’s only been a month. I think we were two weeks into it when we had already put out the word that we were hiring.

GC LIVING: With the number of attacks on police in recent years, what do you plan to do, going forward, to help keep your deputies safe?

SHERIFF LAMB: There are a lot of things.

We’re going to continue to make sure that they have the proper equipment. I go back to what I just said. We’re hiring. That’s a big thing. We need to make sure that we’ve got enough bodies on the street.

We’re not even at full capacity for what the board has approved us to hire. We’re 16 deputies short and we’re almost 20 detention officers short, so we’re working hard to get to that point of where we’ve already been approved. Also important is equipment, and one of the most important things is also training.

GC LIVING: Well, you just touched on equipment. What are your thoughts on police body cams and dash cams?

SHERIFF LAMB: I think that’s a big thing right now. There’s good and bad with it. I recognize those qualities, but we’re not in a position right now as a county. We just don’t have the funding. We’ve got a lot of other budget issues that we need to work through.

We just recently met with ASU Police Department, as a matter of fact, and we talked about this. They were kind of at the forefront getting body cameras into a lot of these local agencies, and they were actually even at the forefront on a national level.

The storage is extremely expensive for the data and for the video, and we’ve just got a lot of other issues within the county. We’ve got to dial in our budget first before we can

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

get into this, so it’s not something that we’re looking at doing right away.

GC LIVING: Issues related to racial discrimination have continued to make headlines in the country as well as here in Arizona.

How do you plan to address this in our community?

SHERIFF LAMB: This is – and no offense to you –this is something the media has really latched onto it. That’s what sells. And I think that the media has really skewed what’s going on in this country. Now, am I going to sit here and tell you there aren’t instances of discrimination? No, I’m not going to sit and tell you that.

From a county level, I don’t see that as an issue within the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. Our job is to go out and enforce the laws and to protect the people of Pinal County.

We don’t look at your race or your religion or any of those issues, whether you’re a male or a female, when we’re arresting people or when we’re trying to enforce the law. What we look at is, are you violating the law and do we need to protect the people of Pinal County? And we’ll continue to do that job regardless of what race, color or religion you are.

GC LIVING: You’re coming into office, following Sheriff Paul Babeu. What areas or procedures that he implemented do you plan to

SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

expand or eliminate?

SHERIFF LAMB: The sheriff did a good job with some of the border things and there are some other good things that he’s done.

What we’re going to do is bolster some of those things.

We need to fix the budget. We’ve eliminated some of the positions within the sheriff’s office that were overkill or redundant and that weren’t really needed. We’re trying to consolidate positions with the help of the county human resources and finance departments. We’re working on examining what the county can do for us that we don’t actually have to budget for within our own budget. So we’re working hard on fixing those things.

We’re going to continue to do the job and enforce the law and protect the people within Pinal County. One of the things we’re going to try to get is more bodies up in the Copper Corridor. We’re going to try to involve some of these other agencies that want to work within our county, where you actually can partner with them and it’s low impact for us, but it puts a lot more bodies in our county, a lot more law enforcement opportunities within our county.

GC LIVING: One of the areas that Sheriff Babeu initiated was the aviation unit with the use

of a helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft. Will you be continuing this department?

SHERIFF LAMB: I’m glad you asked that question, because there are a lot of people who don’t understand exactly what the aviation unit is. I think they’ve done a good job of bringing that aviation unit in. We actually received a grant from the state through GITIM (Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement Mission). Those monies actually paid for the aviation unit. What we’re responsible for , I believe, is two employees who we paid for out of our budget. Everything else is paid for out of that grant.

We also just received a fixed-wing plane from the border patrol and it goes through a grant that we have called Stonegarden, which is for protecting the border and fighting drugs and human trafficking. And so we have a little bit more money now that has been allocated to help with fuel and those types of things. And this plane has camera equipment on it. It allows us to be able to really do the job well within this county and assist our federal partners in doing it.

We are trying to sell one of those helicopters. I know that the previous sheriff and his administration started this process. It’s a helicopter that was purchased back when

continued on page 64...

OR LI V ING THE INTERV IE W • GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR VING

37

The Casa Grande Herald

CONTINUED…

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

TEEN CENTER...cont. from page 33 trying to do about one a quarter, but even those are having very few people attend them, in general.”

When the center was opened, a complaint was that its location was so far away that many teens, especially those with parents working during the day, would be unable to get there. At that time, there was no building in the center of the city that would accommodate a center, and the Boys & Girls Clubs was geared only for younger children at its location next to City Hall.

“What we find out there is the location of the Teen Center has been the biggest challenge with it,” Jankowski said. “It’s kind of out of the

BODY CAMS...cont. from page 21 that will be looking for this as a way to generate stories or think they’ll maybe uncover something or just to see what we’re doing on a day-today basis.”

City Attorney Wallace added, “Especially when you first implement the cameras, you can anticipate a lot of people just wanting to see the information. And the jurisdictions I’ve talked to, they’ve seen that – people who will mass request, if they’re going to go to trial – they’ll mass request videos from the officer that’s going to be there just to fish and see if there’s anything in there.

And then the upticks you see is if you have a critical incident, if you have an incident of newsworthy coverage, you will see people making requests for that, as well. So, we do anticipate at least initially to have more public records requests, but that would go down sometime after that.”

He continued, “From the prosecution standpoint there’s going to be a lot more evidence available to us.

It’s going to be a very useful tool for us. From a prosecution standpoint, it’s going to help us dispense justice in a better way overall because we’re going to be able to see a lot of things.

38

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

way. It’s by the Florence Boulevard and I-10 interchange, so having a way out there after school has seemed to be the biggest issue.”

For almost three years, beginning in 2010, grant funding was used to provide transportation.

“We transported students from Casa Grande, Cactus and Villago middle schools via a 15-passenger van that was driven by a staff member,” Jankowski said. “They would stop at each one of these schools, pick up students and take them out to the teen center. In 2013, that service ceased, because we were no longer getting any riders there. We were getting between zero and two a day, typically closer to zero. So, we’ve been seeing a very steady decline

over the last couple of years, but we have taken a little bit more of a focused look at it over the last year.”

Jankowski said the center has ping pong and air hockey tables and other games, plus televisions.

“There are definitely things for people to do out there, but for whatever reason we’re not getting much participation from the local teenagers,” he said. “We’ve done rides. We have tried to do special events, so we are just in a position right now where it’s getting a little bit more difficult to justify providing the programming that’s out there without anybody attending,” Jankowski said.

The proposed community recre-

continued on page 66...

Some of these jurisdictions have seen slight increases in the number of pleas taken, slight increases in the number of charges that the prosecutors were able to sustain. But with that comes, obviously, a substantial amount of time watching the videos and reviewing the footage, because for every hour they take tape if it’s our case we’re watching an hour of it, as well.”

Varela told the chief, “I think part of the national discussion is some police departments have been more accommodating in releasing information as opposed to others. (There were) others that withheld it for a year and that created a lot of community dissension, so I’m sure that that’s part of the policy process that you’ll be going through.”

“Yes,” the chief replied.

Powell said, “I would think this (cameras) would really be beneficial to the police department. When you have two parties that realize they’re being videoed, they’ll probably be more civil than they might be if they didn’t realize, ‘OK, if I get in trouble with my mouth, it’s going to be on record, I need to handle it.’ This has been a really tough past year for policemen and there are so many people who are rallying around the blue

line, but I think this really helps a lot of times to refute false claims that an officer did this or did that when you have video proof that that was not the case. It really vindicates him and the police department – both.”

McCrory responded, “Along those lines, we are very fortunate here in our community that we have an unbelievable amount of support from the public. What I think this does for us is show them that their support is warranted and that we really have nothing to hide. The word ‘transparent’ or ‘transparency’ gets used too many times, but it is important, especially in our profession today. And I think what this shows the public is that their support is warranted and that their police department really is able to be transparent and we are who they think we are.”

a camera that costs a lot of money and without a storage plan into more of, what I will say, very simplistically, is something that almost models your cell phone plan, where you’re getting a device and the instrument that’s pretty affordable, but you’re paying for the data and for the storage thereafter.”

Using the previous piecemeal plan of adding 15 cameras a year would be manageable, Rains said, but would cause difficulties in trying to determine which officers had cameras during an incident, “so fully deploying this will be better on the police side, there’s no doubt.

But it’s going to drive some indirect costs that the chief pointed out that we are trying to quantify now. And, as we bring the items back before council for your consideration of the procurement piece of this project, we are certainly going to be outlining, we’re going to better study the staffing component that we think we’re going need and outline that to the council so that you’re fully aware of that when we make our decision.”

Alternative programs

City manger’s view City Manager Larry Rains said the evening’s presentation was primarily twofold: “No. 1, to bring the newest council members up to speed with what we’re doing on this project, but No. 2, there’s been some questions as to why we’ve waited this long to get to this point.

Part of it has been that we’ve seen the industry really changing, from

ation center has become a focus for additional teen recreation programming.

City Manager Larry Rains told the council, “You may recall that during our discussions at our budget retreat, really we were looking at two different components. Number one, the component of adding the community recreation center and the amount of dialogue that we were having regarding teen services, coupled with the fact that the Boys & Girls Clubs had successfully implemented a program (The Lounge) at our Vista Grande Library that is certainly receiving a fair amount of participation and success.”

You’ll find video of the study session at http://casagrandeaz.swagit.com/ play/01032017-1658 TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

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Special Section: We asked Golden Corridor residents

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE

1. ADDIE HUCKABEE Sicily, Italy.

I lived there almost 3 years while hubby was stationed there with the U.S. Navy. The best part was that he proposed to me and married me there 15 years later, and after 16 years together, we both have many memories from there.

15 11

2. JANA BARNARD Maui, Hawaii.

My husband and I went for our 10-year anniversary, along with our best friends who were just married. Maui was so beautiful and relaxing. The food was amazing, and the locals were great! My husband surprised me by renewing our vows on the beach! I hope to go back one day.

6 2 6. MEGAN MCKNIGHT Mon-

4. ALANA HARDMAN Page,

7. AMANDA MICHELLE

Arizona. Antelope Canyon is absolutely breathtaking! It is definitely worth the drive and money for the tour.

5. UMA I. VAN ROOSENBEEK

Uri, India. I have traveled most of the world except Russia!

This small village in northern Kashmir is the most beautiful spot I have ever seen in my life.

It combines the beauty of Swiss Alps with the wilderness of the Himalayan ranges.

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3. JENNIFER JUNIPER Belfast and

County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It was one of my favorite trips. Not only was the countryside astonishingly beautiful (it’s called the Emerald Isle for a reason) I’ve never seen a place so lush and vividly green), but the people were warm, friendly and interesting.

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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4

1

13

7 17

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terey Bay, California. My dad and I were stuck in the area and decided to make the best of a rainy day by going to the aquarium, eating the best clam chowder I’ve ever had, walking around the boardwalk and going antiquing. That was pretty much the best day of my life so far.

MORRISON Taos, New Mexico.

My five-time great grandfather was Padre Antonio Jose Martinez and his hacienda is now a museum. He is prominent figure in New Mexico history as he led his parishioners through the periods of Spanish, Mexican and United States governments.

To be in the place of my ancestors was incredible.

8. JOANNA VASQUEZ Chica-

go, Illinois. I was there for the

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World Series! It was a once-in-alifetime event.

9. ROSEMARY NICOLE

MEDRANO San Juan, Puerto Rico. There are things to do

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whether you’re an adventure junkie or want to relax in paradise. You can take in the Spanish Colonial architecture of Old San Juan, visit the world class beaches to collect she or enjoy incredible surfing.

10. KELLY HARTIN Kiev, Ukraine. I

went in my sophomore year of college. One of the coolest parts was visiting the Kiev Monastery of the Caves. It’s 1000 years old TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

PLACE IN THE WORLD TO TRAVEL?

16. MARILEE MESSING Dubai,

UAE. I went to see one of my sons who lives there. It was beautiful!

17. ROD REASNER Puerta Vallarta,

Mexico. It’s first because of the snorkeling and jungles.

18. ANN LECLAIR Just got back

We received over 120 responses and have included a roundup here.

To read the rest of them, visit goldencorridorliving.com /favorite-place

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from six weeks in Tel Aviv. It was awe inspiring!

19. KATHERINE MARIE

MARTINEZ Guarda Chile.

It is my favorite.

20. KELLIE BEDORE Thailand. It

has beautiful beaches, amazing history and culture, fabulous food, great shopping and lovely, gentle people.

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21. LISA BELTRAME VANSCOIK

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Jamaica. We took our girls and it was our last big family hurrah, as our youngest daughter was graduating and joining the U.S. Marine Corps. We had the best time, just hanging out with each other and laughing a lot. It truly was paradise.

22. ASHLEY DAUGHERTY Roatan,

Honduras. It is my favorite place, so far.

and the only light you are allowed is a burning candle placed between your fingers, with your palm catching the wax 11. RJ GEEN Kelowna, British

Columbia. I’ve literally been all over the U.S. and Canada, but it is by far the most beautiful with its mountains, crystal blue water and valley forests.

12. JENNIFER LARA Sydney,

Australia. I lived there for a year.

I loved it! Great weather year-

SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

12 round and beautiful beaches.

Not to mention, it’s a gorgeous city! My dream is to go back someday and take my husband!

13. LAURA DETOUR New York

City, New York. Seeing the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, I tried to imagine it all through immigrants’ eyes as they arrived in the “New Land” and saw the statue for the first time.

14. ASHLEY CHACON Germany.

The people I’ve met there were amazing. I got to see many castles, as well as the concentration camp. I canoed on the Rhine river. Just their culture, as a whole, was amazing.

15. CHARLOTTE COLWELL Alaska.

It is my favorite.

23. DEBORAH DOERFERT Belize.

It is beautiful and the people are so friendly. It’s great for snorkeling, scuba diving, shopping, dining and relaxing on their many beaches.Kay F. Brown Glacier Park, Montana. It’s breathtaking and full of nature and wildlife.

24. DANIELLA AVEDA London. It’s

so clean and there is so much to see. You can literally lie down on the grass in their parks. All the flowers in the Queen’s Gardens are so perfectly placed, and people just love her!

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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Special Section: Travel

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE Anchor YOUR way! Comparing ocean cruises with river cruises

by Tori Ward, ROX Travel, Cruise and Resort Specialist

PHOTO BY JERRY CHIN

W

hen clients ask me if I like cruising, my response is, “I Cruising past the iconic Budapest Parliament and under the Chain like ocean cruising; I love river or small ship cruising.”

Bridge is an experience I’ll never forget. Spending my morning in My husband and I spent our honeymoon on a small the Hermitage Museum and my evening enjoying a performance 40-passenger vessel that explored tiny villages and of Swan Lake was only one of the wonderful tours included during communities along the inside passage of Alaska. We kayaked along three days we spent in St. Petersburg on a Russian River Cruise. glaciers, four-wheeled on an island with only one habitant and went While cruising the river between St. Petersburg and Moscow, I lost fishing with the crew one day for fresh halibut. We saw whale every count of the many onion-domed churches, abandoned monasteries day and many brown and black bears with bear cubs, because the and babushka-clad waving grandmas I saw.

Another concern that I’ve heard from clients is that river cruises redraft of the vessel was so shallow that we could almost pull right into quire more formal dress. The opposite is actually closer to the truth. I’ve shore. I’ve taken two ocean cruises to Alaska and, while lovely, they been on three different river cruises and never had a formal night on were nothing like that trip. When we share those experiences with any of them. Almost all ocean cruises include at least one formal night. people, the first response is almost always, “It sounds wonderful, but Currently there are some outstanding deals on both types of cruisthat type of trip is so much more expensive.” es. With summer right around the corner, give me a call if you’d like But, is it really?

The type of personal experiences desired should always inform information about a trip that will be perfect for you and your budget.

Victoria “Tori” Ward is a cruise and resort specialist with an interest in your choice of the type of cruise to select. If you want to spend more traveling and seeing the world since she first began to crawl. For more time in each location with fewer people on board and want more of a information on these trips and others, contact Tori at tori@roxtravel.com cultural immersion, then a river cruise is a great option. Many people or 928-254-9968. reject that because they assume, from looking at the bottom line brochure price, an ocean cruise is less expensive. If price is the only factor preventing Ocean Cruise-10 Day Med River Cruise 12 Days-City of Lights you from taking a river cruise, consider the following. I decided that I would compare Base Price Including Taxes and Port Fees Base Price Including Taxes & Port Fees $4,099 p.p an ocean cruise that included at least one French Balcony Room, tours in each port $2,089.92 p.p Mid-Ship Balcony Room highly desirable European city with a river cruise that also included a popular European city in the itinerary. From my experience, I assumed the cost would be about $93.00 Transfer Fee from Airport to ship Transfer Fee No Charge if using Ships the same when all things were considered. and back even when using Ships Air Program Air Program I wasn’t able to find a 10-day river cruise and believed that since the 12- day cruise Eight tours for - Rome, Naples, Sicily, that I was comparing included two nights Includes 8 Day Cruise and 2 Nights each in Croatia, Montenegro, Corfu, Corsica and on land in luxury hotels in both Paris and Paris and Prague in luxury hotels Toulon=$1068.70 Prague, my assumption would be incorrect. Both of these cruises were during the same cruise season.

Surprised? So, river cruising turns out Beverage package with beer and wine included Beverage Package-$57.45 per night=$574.50 to be very affordable because so many of the optional items you pay for with ocean Internet Package-460 mins =$159.00 Free WIFI cruising are included on a river cruise. On the ocean cruise, the excursions alone totaled more than half the base price for Tips-12.95 per day automatically added to Tips Optional the cruise itself.

River cruises tend to focus more on your on-board account=$129.50 the cultural experience of each area, therefore, you end up spending more Formal Nights- 2 Formal Nights-0 time in the ports. And, since most large European cities were established along rivers, the added benefit of docking closer Total Price=$4,114.62 per person less air Total Prince=$4,099 per person less air to the city’s center in more efficient than finding transportation from coastal areas.

42

CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

We Specialize in Home and Auto Solutions for Winter Residents.

Coverage available for Park Models and Golf Carts too!

520.836.7660 ROXINSURANCE.COM

We’ll give you a $ 10 gas/grocery card when you let us q uote your insurance!

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Special Section: Travel

LONDON: START HERE

by Elaine Earle, Publisher

L

ondon in many ways is home to me. I was fortunate early in my accounting career working for one of the “Big Four” accounting firms to be an expat living in London for a couple of years. After coming back to the U.S. to visit, I often felt like I was going home when I returned to London.

Whether we want to recognize it or not, London is the capital of the world.

I often want to deny this but was just back in London over Christmas and there was a hard-bound book in our hotel room titled London is the Capital of the World. I immediately denied that statement but then realized it is true.

If you have never been out of North America (beyond Canada and Mexico!)

-- GO TO LONDON! In fact, there is a direct flight that goes from Phoenix to London every day of the week and twice a day during certain times of the year! For better or for worse, everyone must see and experience London at one point in their lifetime.

And when I say this, I don’t mean stay out by Heathrow Airport or stop by on the way to a golf trip to Scotland. I

t is a a h t , s Ye Tree s a m t Chris ube!

T e h t n o American Personal R adius Violation 44

GOLDEN CORRIDOR CORRID OR LIVING LIVING V ING •• SPECI GOLDEN CORRIDOR LI SPECIAALL SEC SECTION TION

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

Special Section: Travel

mean, go to London and stay somewhere in the middle of the city for a few days to a few weeks. Get a Tube pass; put on your best walking shoes and FitBit, and with map in hand, go experience this incredible global city.

You could spend a lifetime exploring London and yet constantly be amazed.

Nevertheless, I must admit that after having lived in London for two years, I could not wait to leave the city and did not want to return any time soon -- I actually didn’t return for 13 years!

Why? In short, it was all the things that would bother a normal person trying to exist in any big city. I was tired of being sneezed on during a Tube ride to work during cold and flu season. I was tired of opening my front door and seeing a homeless person there blocking the doorway. I was tired of everything being so expensive and hearing stories from my friends back in Arizona that they just bought a 3,000 squarefoot house for a ridiculously low price (their garage was bigger than my London flat!). I was tired of trying to carry my groceries and an umbrella while squeezing myself during a London bus to ride home in the rain (and did I mention how much rain there is?). I was tired of dodging 20 million tourists while trying to get to work as a mere resident of the city. Then there was the five-mile commute to work, which took an hour or more. The trains were a human sardine tin in the morning -- where train personnel literally try to push in as many humans as possible to fit on each train. I thought that I was smart by living in Zone 2, which was pretty close to the city center, but all it meant in the morning is the train is full by the time it gets to your stop. Once, I thought that I would be creative and pack my sneakers and just walk home.

Bad idea! I became physically sick from all the smog that I inhaled during that walk home, not to mention, I got lost

SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

in an industrial section (this was before GPS and Smartphones). And the list of things I hated goes on…

So, why would I also say that I love London? Well, it must have taken me 13 years to recover from what I believed to be a bad experience living in the city, because over Christmas, I returned to London to visit, and I adored every single minute of the week I spent there. In fact, I have already booked another return visit with my children for later this fall. Was the recent trip perfect? No. Actually, we encountered all the normal occurrences that made me dislike the city in the first place, such as getting diverted on the bus due to a political demonstration, encountering all bus service stopped due to an accident on a bridge or getting covered in soot while walking as a pedestrian near street construction.

But now with a fresh perspective, I would say that London is absolutely beautiful. The architecture of the city is second to none. There are some of the fanciest, classiest and most modern buildings sprouting up in the city, such as the Gherkin, Shard, Walkie-talkie and the Cheesegrater. There are also very classical, historical, oneof-a kind buildings such as Lloyd’s of London, the Royal Exchange, the crescent-shaped shopping row of Regents Street and beautiful row homes from the Georgian and Victorian age. One thousand pictures of buildings after four days and 30 miles of walking doesn’t begin to capture the amazing architecture of London.

I finally looked up and adored the magnificent buildings for the first time ever on just this recent trip. I never noticed the beauty of London when I was slogging it out there as a daily worker coming into the city.

One of the best things about London is that it is one of the most

diverse cities on the planet. Over 300 languages are spoken there and almost 40 percent of the population was born outside of the United Kingdom.

You would actually be hard-pressed to find many British people in the heart of London! And with diversity comes lots of great things to eat! London’s Chinatown is unbelievable, as is its Indian food (Brick Lane or elsewhere).

I’ve heard that some of the ethnic food that you have in London is actually better in London as compared to the country of its origin. Why is this? The quality of ingredients found in London is the best around. There is always something good to eat in London!

While London is diverse, it is also safe. Guns are not allowed and many police officers do not even carry guns.

There are also hardly any garbage cans! Ever since the IRA dropped bombs in these, garbage cans really aren’t very prevalent in the city. Millions of people take to the Tube and trains in London for everyday transportation, yet you hardly hear of any disturbances, crimes or threats to safety. Many of these diverse ethnicities have learned to live peacefully among each other, even though their people groups do not get along in their home country.

Many of the people from these diverse countries were very fortunate to come to London to seek a better life than their home country. I am fascinated by the taxi or Uber driver stories of how they immigrated to London and brought their families over with them.

In London, one thing is for certain -- you will never be bored! Another really great thing about London is its world-class museums. Even better is that they are all free! The museums ask for a donation in a jar in the lobby, but there is no admission charge. And these are some of the best museums on the planet, starting with the famous British Museum. Other really great

One of the best things about London is that it is one of the most diverse cities on the planet.

Over 300 languages are spoken there and almost 40 percent of the population was born outside of the United Kingdom.

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Special Section: Travel

Whether you love cities or hate them, London has grown to become one of the most significant financial and cultural capitals on Earth, and is a must-see for everyone!

46

museums are the National Gallery, London City Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Tate Modern and the National Maritime Museum which is right next to the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory where you can stand on the Prime Meridian.

If you like open spaces, grass, flowers and fields, London also has more garden space than any other city in the world. There are eight Royal Parks of London covering almost 5,000 acres! Richmond Park alone constitutes more than 2,300 acres and has wild deer in it. In addition to the Royal Parks, there are also numerous garden squares, other parks and green spaces.

Hyde Park, one of the most wellknown of the Royal Parks, is right in the heart of the West-End of London and is known for Speakers Corner and Serpentine Lake and is close to the gates of Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace. Hyde Park is central to many things in London, with Notting Hill just northwest of it, Kensington to the west, Knightsbridge to the south, Green Park, St. James Park and Buckingham Palace to the southeast and Piccadilly Circus, Mayfair, Oxford Street and Bond Street to

CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

the northeast.

London has history going back over 2,000 years, from the early Roman times to the Vikings to modern day, much of the history relating to the European settlers in America had British beginnings. Many great heroes in history are remembered in the museums and monuments in London such as Admiral Nelson. Take the time to study the exhibits in the museums in London and you will be amazed at the advancements, discovery and achievements that occurred in British history and shaped the history of the Earth and life as we see it today.

Whether you love cities or hate them, London has grown to become one of the most significant financial and cultural capitals on Earth, and is a must-see for everyone! In planning our family adventures for the future, London is the first stop before seeing anywhere else in the world!

I feel very fortunate to have not only lived in London for a few years but to also return as a tourist. It is somewhere that I will teach my children to love and visit. It is also somewhere that I will continue to

return throughout my life. I may even consider moving there again! It would be a great honor to have one of my children study in one of their universities or live there, as well, for a period of their lives.

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

DETACHED GARAGE/WORKSHOP

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GEORGIA F. SCHAEFFER ASSOCIATE BROKER, REALTOR , GRI, ABR, CDPE, SRES, SFR ®

520.560.3333 | georgias@coldwellbanker.com

DAWN M. ZIMBELMAN REALTOR , CDPE, ABR, SRES ®

520.431.2875 | dawnz@coldwellbanker.com 520.423.8250 | ROXsells.com ©2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

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Special Section: Travel

WHY USE A TRAVEL AGENT? THEY HAVE YOUR BACK!

by Tori Ward, ROX Travel, Cruise and Resort Specialist

W

hen my husband and I meet new people, the subject will eventually turn to occupations.

As a travel agent, I have an exciting job that results in many questions.

Many times the conversation will include statements such as: 1. Low-price travel search engines offer the best prices available for travel. Why would anyone use a travel agent when we have the Internet?

2. I’m already paying for the vacation. I don’t want to pay a travel agent too.

3. There is no benefit in using a travel agent.

All of these statements are common misconceptions people have about working with travel agents.

When I respond, I always start with the third misconception.

I think about one of my favorite couples for whom I booked a 50th anniversary trip. They wanted to go to Alaska on a cruise and also rent an R.V. and do some camping in and around Denali. I booked hotels going and coming, along with the flight from Chicago to Alaska and back; arranged an R.V. rental and four different campsites as well as a day trip through Denali. Three weeks prior to the trip, I received an early morning phone call telling me that the husband was seriously ill and would require immediate surgery. They had a huge investment in the trip and the cancellation period had passed, so the financial penalty could have been significant. However, by 10 a.m. that morning I had cancelled everything and had all charges reversed on their credit card. The thousands of dollars

they had pre-paid were completely refunded and they didn’t have to make dozens of phone calls.

In today’s DYI world it is easy to sit in front of a computer and book a trip without ever talking to anyone. However, if something should go wrong or, you thought you were booking Florence, Italy for vacation and find out the day before you travel that it’s actually Florence, South Carolina, try to get someone on the phone that will actually help you. Don’t laugh. It happened to the mother of one of my friends. Knowing someone has your best interest at heart is the best reason to book with a travel agent.

We want your return business and will do everything possible to help if something goes wrong. It’s called customer service – something rarely seen as we increasingly use the computer for services.

Do you have to pay more to use a travel agent? No. We are paid a commission by the cruise lines, hotels and other vendors who charge the same price if you book those arrangements yourself. And, sometimes, as in the case with the Alaska anniversary couple, some of the items aren’t commissionable such as R.V. rentals and campsites. But, we want our clients to have a wonderful, stress-free vacation and that starts before you even begin to pack.

Another misconception is a travel agent will book the most expensive trip to maximize commission or won’t be able to find the best fares. With so many online offers available, it would be foolish for an agent to think that the client wouldn’t be checking for themselves. As well, we receive updates and can log in to the same

PHOTO BY JERRY CHIN

reservation systems vendors use.

However, there are times when I will ask clients if they are really sure that the cruise they want to the Caribbean for $599 in June is worth the lower price when it will be the good ship lollipop with children out of school, meets the love boat with young people celebrating graduation with a suitcase full of hormones. A call center would just book a trip like that with no questions asked. A travel agent working for the client would either recommend different dates or a ship that caters to more mature people.

Finally, after the trip ends, we continue working for our clients if we discover a problem. Recently, I found out a client was injured while on a cruise in October. A fellow traveler just happened to mention the fall.

Even though the trip was booked a year ago and the travel was complete, the client had forgotten she had selected trip insurance to supplement the cruise. Yesterday, we filed a claim for reimbursement of the medical expenses she had while on board.

Details, persistence and continued service – it doesn’t cost more to use a travel agent; they have your back.

Victoria “Tori” Ward is a cruise and resort specialist with an interest in traveling and seeing the world since she first began to crawl. For more information on these trips and others, contact Tori at tori@roxtravel.com or 928-254-9968 PHOTO BY JERRY CHIN

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CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

Special Section: Travel

Family owned & operated Catering for all occasions

CAMPING CABINS AT KARTCHNER CAVERNS STATE PARK NOW AVAILABLE

I

magine your next camping trip – waking up from a good night’s sleep on a comfortable bed, you walk out the front door onto the porch and breathe the fresh cool morning air while the sun warms your face.

As you look out at the neighboring mountainside, birds sing gleefully around you.

Welcome to the camping cabin, Arizona State Parks and Trails' version of glamping!

Arizona's state parks provide perfect destinations for family camping adventures without the need for an RV or tent.

New cabins at Kartchner Caverns offer a comfortable stay within walking distance from the cave and the Discovery Center.

Take your cave tour, explore in the Discovery Center, hike the trails and enjoy nearby attractions in Benson, Bisbee, Sierra Vista and Tombstone.

The newly built cabins at Kartchner CavSPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

913 E. 8th St. Casa Grande, AZ 85122

520-876-9028 HOURS

Tuesday - Saturday 4- 9pm Closed Sunday & Monday

Come celebrate

erns feature two rooms. Two room cabins include a queen size bed and two pairs of bunk beds. Campers supply their own linens or sleeping bags. The cabins have electricity, heat and air-conditioning. All are furnished with microwaves and a mini-refrigerator.

They also have a covered porch, picnic table, grill and a fire pits. Showers and restrooms are within walking distance.

Camping cabins are also available at Roper Lake State Park in Safford, Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Lyman Lake State Park near St. Johns and Alamo Lake State Park near Wenden.

Elevate your camping experience with a little comfort and less hassle. Cabins are available for your next adventure. They can be booked by calling 1-877-MY-PARKS, 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST or at AZStateParks.com.

St. Patty’s Day at Tommy’s Bistro!

Enjoy our Corned Beef, Potatoes, and Cabbage for

$13.95

Green Beer For Happy Hour 4 p.m. - Close Call for Reservations 520-876-9028 OR LI V ING SPECI A L SEC TION • GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR VING

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Special Section: Travel

12 TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY WHILE TRAVELING by Staff Reports

D

epending on your preferences, traveling should be a time for rest and relaxation, fun and adventure or learning and exploring. It should not be a time for feeling sick. However, with changes in weather, exposure to germs in crowded places and possible lack of sleep due to jet lag, your body can be at risk for illness when you travel.

Here are 12 tips to help you stay healthy on your next vacation.

1. Get enough rest. The most important way to stay healthy while traveling is to sleep. If jet lag prevents you from sleeping well at night, make time for short naps throughout your days to compensate.

2. Wash your hands. Germs spread easily on airplanes and crowded spaces. Reduce your risk of infection by keeping hands clean. Wearing a medical mask can help prevent airborne germs from making their way into your respiratory tract.

3. Pace yourself. Don’t pack your itinerary with so many activities that you don’t have time to rest.

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CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Be active and have fun, but allow yourself periods to recover. Remember, traveling is hard on your system. Listen to your body.

Breathe and stretch. Start your day with some stretches and deep breathing. Consider doing the same before bed to relax your muscles and encourage a better night’s sleep.

Walk around. Get your daily exercise and stay away from crowds and germs. Skip public transportation and try walking around instead. You’ll take in more sights and sounds on foot too.

Take your vitamins. Getting enough nutrients can be difficult when traveling and eating on the go. Pack your vitamins from home, including a multivitamin, and remember to take them daily.

Eat breakfast. Don’t skip breakfast because you’re going out to lunch and dinner. Stop at a local grocery store and pick up some fruit, cereal, yogurt and juice for your room. Eating breakfast will give you the energy needed to start your busy day.

Stay hydrated. Carry a bottle of

water with you everywhere you go and drink, drink, drink it all day long.

9. Eat fruits and vegetables. Keep your body regular and healthy with fresh produce. Make sure you incorporate these into your meals or snacks every day while traveling.

10. Limit alcohol and sugar. Alcohol disrupts sleep and eating too much sugar will cause your blood sugar levels to be uneven. Yes, you’re on vacation, so have fun, but remember to consume both in moderation.

11. Use wetnaps and hand sanitizer.

A great substitute when soap and water are not available, these items will help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. They are especially important to use before a meal and after coming into contact with people and things like door handles all day.

12. Protect your skin. Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 during the day and reapply every two hours, if possible. When visiting areas with insects, be sure to wear bug repellent or special clothing to protect yourself.

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

Special Section: Travel

DOWN THE DESERT PATH

by Donna McBride

T

his is the time of the year when the rest of the country drools in envy of the beautiful Arizona weather.

Our winter visitors marvel at the sunshine and call “back home” to brag about wearing shorts, flip flops and sunscreen.

But where can Arizonans go? This certainly isn’t the time to skip town after successfully surviving all those hot summer days!

You don’t have to go far to still enjoy nice weather and beautiful scenery in the great outdoors. Jump in the car and head south to Tucson. For a short 65-mile trek from Casa Grande, you’ll find one of the top 10 museums in the country – Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Founded back in 1952, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is recognized worldwide because of its native plants and animals featured in ecological exhibits. For you history buffs, William H. Carr inspired and founded the museum with the support of his friend

Arthur Pack, an editor for Nature Magazine and a known conservationist. Moving to Tucson in 1944, Carr became familiar with local naturalists, and got involved with the Pima County Park Committee, which eventually led to the establishment of the “Arizona-Sonora Desert Trailside Museum,” today called the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Over 80 percent of the museum is outdoors with 97 acres that includes a zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum and aquarium. This is not just your normal museum! The friendly, tranquil atmosphere created by dedicated volunteers and staff make this oasis in the desert even more enjoyable.

This museum has something for everyone.

For those who enjoy easy hikes, you will find two miles of walking trials nestled in the 21 acres of desert habitat. Along the paths, you’ll notice signs that help identify over 1,200 native plants totaling 56,000 individ-

ual plants. Keep your eyes open for wildlife too. We were lucky enough to enjoy owls, longhorn sheep and fox along with many slithering snakes and lizards. Over 200 different species are said to call this area home.

Nearly 400,000 visitors come each year are joined by about 35,000 school children on field trips. No matter your age, you will be fascinated by the Earth Sciences Center that recreates an underground cave with stalactites and stalagmites.

The Warden Aquarium has two areas of interest. The freshwater gallery highlights the region's rivers, native fish and conservation efforts, while the salt water gallery showcases marine life from the Gulf of California.

Whether you plan to take a day trip or spend a few days exploring southern Arizona, be sure to make this a destination stop. So go on – hit the road and enjoy the beauty of gorgeous weather right in your own back yard!

Members enjoy unlimited admission 365 days a year:

STUDENT $35

INDIVIDUAL $55

DUAL $80 FAMILY $105 The Museum is located in Tucson Mountain Park - 2021 North Kinney Road, just 2 miles from Saguaro National Park (West) Visitors Center.

520-883-2702 info@desertmuseum.org SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

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WHAT IS

A LATTE VINO

?

We sat down and talked with owner Diann Prechel to find out!

by Bea Lueck

“I

envisioned it to be a nice, comfortable, relaxing place where people can hang out with friends, enjoy a glass of wine, beer, coffee or smoothie and just kick back in their home away from home.”

– Diann Prechel, owner

Yes, right now Zarpara from Willcox. Arizona Stronghold from Cottonwood. I'm continually adding new wines. The Arizona wineries and vineyards continue to mature and produce some amazing vintages.

Do you serve food?

Will you be doing any special tasting events?

Yes! A Latte Vino offers an assortment of small plated appetizers, sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts.

Yes. The goal is to have two or three events each month featuring different wines and food parings. The events are open to the public with limited seating so please RSVP. This allows us to create a more intimate tasting environment where you can enjoy the wine and learn more about the wine, the winery and suggested food parings.

Do you see yourself expanding the menu to entrees?

The food concept complements the “sit back and enjoy” atmosphere, rather than go out for a big heavy meal. It isn't our concept to have a full restaurant. We are discussing perhaps a BBQ grill special on the weekends or other special dinner nights in the future. It's always evolving!

Why coffee and wine together?

They share the same basic idea, where you enjoy them with friends and communicate. They are both better when shared with friends! Or come in and make new friends. I’ve had several people say they enjoy coming in by themselves to relax and unwind with a nice glass of wine or beer. Over the last two years I must have gone to over 100 wine bars all over the U.S. and abroad, looking for ideas. A Latte Vino is a blend of the best of all of them.

Do you plan on adding anything?

I will always be adding things it will be constantly evolving. So stay tuned.

How did you decide on what wines to serve?

It’s a lot harder than you may think. I researched and sampled a wide variety of wines. Part of what you find here is what I like and part of it has been doing intimate tasting parties with friends and getting their feedback. And of course, my beverage sales reps have been fantastic guides by providing samples and educating me on trends and what's popular in other locations. We currently offer over 50 wines – reds, white, and sparking varieties. Wine is kind of moody. It's all about how you feel. The flavor is just part of the experience. The ambiance finishes the wine.

Beer?

Yes! We offer over 25 beers including Arizona craft beers as well as popular imports and domestic beers.

52

Do you feature any Arizona wines?

GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRIDOR ORLI LIVVING ING

Is A Latte Vino child-friendly?

Yes, children are welcome, although the atmosphere it is more geared for adults. There are non-alcoholic beverages available, but we do not have a children’s food menu.

What prompted you to open a coffee and wine bar in Casa Grande?

I thought there was a need for a more upscale but comfortable place to relax and just "be". People, including myself, would go to the Valley for this type of establishment.

Casa Grande was ripe for the opportunity. A Latte Vino is a combination of what I want and what the community wants as a place to hang out and socialize

How did you come up with the ideas for the décor?

A lot of random shopping over the last year! I wanted it to be rustic and eclectic, but still glamorous. The overhead door to the patio was an idea that allows both sunshine and fresh air, allowing the perfect blend of outside and inside. I wanted it to feel like a Tuscany winery. The mix of seating styles creates intimate nooks all within the space.

Plus, there is a private room for intimate gatherings or small parties.

What has been your feedback so far?

Everyone loves it and says, "This is what Casa Grande has needed." One person told me, “The food is unexpected.

I would never have thought a brand new place would nail it from the very first day.” To me, it's everything I wanted and imagined it to be.

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

OVER 50 WINES TO CHOOSE FROM • 12 BEERS ON TAP • LOCAL CRAFT BEERS • SPECIALTY COFFEE • FLAT BREADS • BRUSCHETTA • SANDWICHES • SALADS • SOUP • BAKED BRIE • CHARCUTERIE TRAYS • ADDING BREAKFAST ITEMS WEEKLY

Only

CASA GRANDE’S COFFEE & WINE BAR

WE SERVE BEER AND SMALL PLATES OF FOOD AS WELL.

958 E RODEO ROAD, SUITE 1 CASA GRANDE, ARIZONA 85122

520-788-6677

WWW.ALATTEVINO.COM TUESDAY-THURSDAY 11AM-9PM FRIDAY 11AM-11PM SATURDAY 9AM-11PM SUNDAY 9AM-9PM

DIANN PRECHEL, OWNER

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SPECIAL EVENTS!

“

WINE TASTINGS • BEER TASTINGS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

“Amazing atmosphere, cozy, swanky, glitterific!”

“Exactly what this town had been missing!”

“Such a hip and trendy spot.”

ROCK EARLE ANNALISA TAPIA DOREEN RILEY

ANNALISA TAPIA

T

o help celebrate the launch of A Latte Vino, Coldwell Banker ROX Realty recently hosted its Agent Appreciation Night at the new local wine and coffee café. Guests enjoyed a variety of drinks, including a wide array of tasty and interesting red and white wines, craft beers and even some specialty coffees. Delicious appetizer platters (see photos) with small fare and finger foods, including meats, cheeses, dips, crackers, fruits, veggies and flat breads, were scrumptious and paired beautifully with the beverages. Diann and her staff did a wonderful job all around and Coldwell Banker ROX Realty, as well as the other ROX companies and their associates, will continue to support and enjoy this new and much-needed addition to our Casa Grande community. ~Rock Earle

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HISTORIC LOCAL EDUCATOR TO BE INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME Rebecca Dallis, ground breaking local educator, to be honored for her lifetime of achievement and service to the community in the era of segregation

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he Casa Grande Valley Historical Society was founded in 1964 by a group of pioneering women whose mission was to preserve and share the history of the area. Over time, the Society grew and evolved into The Museum of Casa Grande, but the mission remains the same. The Museum has seen exceptional growth with double the amount of field trips over the last season, rising attendance for public programs, and brand new exhibits being developed consistently.

These exhibits share the legacies of significant figures throughout Casa Grande’s rich history.

The story of one of Casa Grande’s historic educators, Rebecca Dallis, is recognized at the Museum as being a pivotal part of not only African American history, but the history of the city of Casa Grande as a whole. The former Southside Colored School where Dallis taught is preserved on the grounds of The Museum of Casa Grande, and has long been a stop on the Arizona Women’s Heritage Trail. In 2008, the dedication of

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the schoolhouse in Dallis’ name and opening of the “African Americans in the Casa Grande Valley Exhibit” was recognized in an official proclamation by former governor Janet Napolitano. The Museum of Casa Grande is now proud to announce that Rebecca Dallis will be inducted into the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame, and will be recognized among the 100 other incredible women who have contributed to the development of the state.

Rebecca Dallis, née Huey, received her teaching degree in 1924 from Swift Memorial College in Rogersville, Tennessee, where she met and married W.C. Dallis. They moved to Phoenix and Rebecca received her Master of Arts in Education from the University of Arizona in 1935, an incredible accomplishment for a black woman at that time.

In 1939, they relocated to Casa Grande where Rebecca took over the segregated one-room schoolhouse known as the Southside Colored School. The building held up to 70 students from grades K-8 at a time. They used discard-

ed textbooks and school supplies from South School, but Rebecca did not allow setbacks to diminish the quality of her students’ education. She went above and beyond her duties by hosting home economics and science classes in her home, and advocated for higher education. Rebecca even sent away for a correspondence class so she could learn Spanish and teach it to her students. After Arizona’s schools integrated in 1953, Rebecca continued to teach throughout the Casa Grande Valley until her retirement in 1962.

She sadly passed away in 1971 but left a legacy that is carried on through her former students, and preserved at The Museum of Casa Grande.

The Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held at the Arizona Heritage Center in Tempe on March 23rd from 3 to 5 p.m. The event is open to the public. Please RSVP at azwhf. org. The Museum of Casa Grande needs the public’s help in locating any family or former students of Rebecca Dallis so that they may attend the ceremony. If you have

any information, please contact the Museum at (520) 836-2223, or by email at info@tmocg.org.

The Museum of Casa Grande is continuing the celebration with its annual “Night at the Museum” fundraiser on April 15th at 6:30 p.m. This year’s event commemorates Rebecca and her husband W.C., who was an educator in Stanfield, with the theme “Dallis: Egypt and Beyond.” Visit the Museum’s website at tmocg. org for more information on the safari-themed gala. Keeping historic figures like the Dallis family relevant takes the entire community’s assistance, and the Museum relies on its supporters to continue its good work.

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

Special Section:

4 OF THE LATEST TRENDS IN VEHICLES

by Staff Reports

T

hinking of buying a new car this year? If you haven’t perused the dealerships in a while, you’ll notice a lot has changed in vehicles and their offerings.

Today’s vehicles, in general, are larger, have robust computers and are geared toward helping you drive more safely. And the vehicles of the future will likely bring even more of this technology to the road.

Earlier this year, the CES technology conference in Las Vegas and the North American International Auto show in Detroit provided a glimpse into the hottest trends on four wheels, as well as the technology of the future.

Here are four areas to keep an eye out for:

Autonomous driving

While fully autonomous cars won’t be available for a while, the technology is ever improving and will likely be implemented over time.

Vehicles such as Waymo by Google and the manufacturer Ford have both announced they have self-driving vehicles in the works. In the meantime, there is much technology already being placed in cars, such as driver-assist technologies and sensors that alert you to vehicles and objects around you. There is also adaptive cruise control, which will adjust your speed based on the distance of the car in front of you.

Crossovers

What drives like a car, but looks like an SUV? A crossover! Like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, these car/ SUV blends have the feel of a car but many of the features of an SUV. They are continuing to grow in popularity and more and more car manufacturers are offering them. In fact, nearly one-third of new vehicles purchased by Americans last year were crossovers.

Recently, Nissen debuted a new crossover, as did Mazda and Ford. Experts say these vehicles are increasing in popularity because they offer more space and flexibility, but also remain more fuel efficient than full-sized SUVs and trucks. And, of course, there is also more space – a feature appreciated by both young families with children and seniors alike.

Still, big vehicles do remain popular, and Volkswagen, Subaru and Ford all have some new options coming soon.

SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

Lots of data

When you think smart technology, you likely think of your phone. However, cars are increasingly coming with Internet connectivity, and officials and manufacturers are working on ways to leverage this technology for safety.

Some manufactures, such as Ford and Toyota, have launched a system that connects to Apple iOS and Google Android. As well, Ford has announced that some of its cars will use Amazon Echo and Alexa to allow drivers and passengers to use voice commands to instruct their cars to do things.

There are currently many talks about the issues of privacy and security, in light of all of this new technology, as well as the dangers associated with car hacking.

More electric vehicles

Today’s vehicles, in general, are larger, have robust computers and are geared toward helping you drive more safely.

Now more than ever, manufacturers are producing electric and hybrid vehicles.

Ford announced that it aims to produce 13 electric models by 2020, while Mercedes plans to make 10 by 2025.

Volkswagen is also working on 30.

Still, despite the fuel savings and benefit to the environment, electric car purchases have declined. In fact, the number sold has gone down by about one-quarter last year as compared to the year before.

Still, experts are hopeful that as electric car technology improves and people can drive them further distances, that they will become more attractive to buyers.

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Special Section: Automotive

NOT ALL AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEMS ARE THE SAME

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n automatic braking system is supposed to be a new standard safety feature on nearly every vehicle soon. AAA recently found that automatic braking systems vary greatly when it comes to performance and design.

Every system tested by AAA was designed to employ the brakes if the driver failed to do so. For systems designed to lessen crash severity, the speed was reduced by only about half of the speed reduction of systems designed specifically for reducing speed and preventing a crash.

In a survey among American drivers, AAA found that more than 65 percent of respondents believed that these systems braked without the help of the driver. However, experts warned that the majority of today's systems are not designed to stop a moving vehicle. With the help of the Automobile Club of Southern California, AAA analyzed five new vehicle models that came with automatic braking systems. Each system was put through several real-world tests to measure their capa-

bilities and limitations. They were grouped into two categories based on whether they were meant to stop crashes or lessen crash severity.

These were the findings after 70 trials: • Systems designed to prevent crashes escaped collisions in 60 percent of incidents when the vehicle was traveling below 30 miles per hour.

• System variations were very pronounced when pushed beyond their limitations.

• Systems designed to lessen crash severity escaped accidents in less than 35 percent of incidents.

• Systems designed to lessen crash severity could only reduce vehicle speed by less than 10 miles per hour when approaching another vehicle at 45 miles per hour.

• When approaching another vehicle at 45 miles per hour, systems meant to prevent accidents lowered speed by about 75 percent and were able to avoid 40 percent of accident scenarios.

In addition to these tests, AAA performed a survey among American drivers to analyze

their buying habits in relation to automatic braking systems. Almost 10 percent of respondents had braking systems on their current car or truck. Of those who did not have braking systems, 40 percent cited wanting to buy a vehicle with this type of system as their next purchase. Another 40 percent cited trusting these systems to do their job.

Men were more likely than women to make a braking system a priority when buying a new vehicle. Drivers who already had a vehicle with a braking system were more likely to have faith that it would work than those who had never owned an automobile with this type of system. Although experts recommend buying a vehicle with a braking system, they also stress the importance of understanding its limitations. To learn more, discuss your concerns with your ROX Insurance agent.

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Special Section: Automotive

AMERICANS FEEL UNSAFE SHARING THE ROAD WITH FULLY SELFDRIVING CARS

New AAA survey reveals that Americans still leery of a driverless future

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new report from AAA reveals that the majority of U.S. drivers seek autonomous technologies in their next vehicle, but they continue to fear the fully self-driving car. Despite the prospect that autonomous vehicles will be safer, more efficient and more convenient than their human-driven counterparts, three-quarters of U.S. drivers report feeling afraid to ride in a self-driving car, and only 10 percent report that they’d actually feel safer sharing the roads with driverless vehicles. As automakers press forward in the development of autonomous vehicles, AAA urges the gradual, safe introduction of these technologies to ensure that American drivers are informed, prepared and comfortable with this shift in mobility.

“A great race toward autonomy is underway and companies are vying to introduce the first driverless cars to our roadways,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations. “However, while U.S. drivers are eager to buy vehicles equipped with autonomous technology, they continue to fear a fully self-driving vehicle.”

In 2016, a AAA survey found that three-quarters of Americans reported feeling afraid to ride in a self-driving car. One year later, a new AAA survey found that fear is unchanged. While the majority are afraid to ride in a fully self-driving vehicle, the latest survey also found that the majority (59%) of Americans are keen to have autonomous features in their next vehicle. This marked contrast suggests that American drivers are ready embrace autonomous technology, but they are not yet ready to give up full control.

“U.S. drivers may experience the driver assistance technologies in their cars today and feel they don’t work consistently enough to replace a human driver – and they’re correct,” continued Brannon. “While these technologies will continue to improve over time, it’s

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important that consumers understand that today’s systems require your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.”

Additional survey findings include: • Half (54%) of U.S. drivers feel less safe at the prospect of sharing the road with a self-driving vehicle, while one-third (34%) feel it wouldn’t make a difference and only 10 percent say they would feel safer.

• Women (58%) are more likely to feel less safe than men (49%).

• Baby Boomers (60%) are more likely to feel less safe than Generation X (56%) or Millennials (41%) • The majority (59%) of U.S. drivers want autonomous vehicle technology in their next vehicle, while the remainder do not (25%) or are unsure (16%).

• Millennials (70%) are the most likely to want the technologies, compared to Generation X (54%) and Baby Boomers (51%).

• Three-quarters (78%) of Americans are afraid to ride in a self-driving vehicle.

• Baby Boomers (85%) are more likely to be afraid than Millennials (73%) and Generation X (75%) drivers.

• Women (85%) are more likely to be afraid than men (69%).

To educate consumers on the effectiveness of emerging vehicle technologies, AAA is committed to the ongoing, unbiased testing of automated vehicle technologies. Previous testing of automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, self-parking technology and lane keeping systems has shown

both great promise and great variation. This variation may be particularly concerning to consumers, with AAA’s survey revealing that 81 percent of Americans feel that automated vehicle systems should all work similarly and consistently across all vehicle manufacturers.

Future AAA testing will look at how well systems work together to achieve higher levels of automation.

“Every year, we lose approximately 35,000 people on America’s roadways, most as a result of human error,” said Jill Ingrassia, AAA’s managing director of Government Relations and Traffic Safety. “Connected and automated vehicle technologies have the potential to dramatically reduce this number, and automakers, government agencies and safety organizations like AAA must continue working together to ensure that these new vehicles are safely tested and deployed.”

For additional information about the survey, including a fact sheet and infographics, visit NewsRoom.AAA.com.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 56 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-forprofit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.

Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

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Out & About Exciting events and striking scenery in Pinal County

ARIENE REYNOSO

BLACKBOX FOUNDATION DINNER

If you would like to contribute images of area events, people, pets and scenery, please post on our Facebook page or email to: editor@raxxdirect.com

GIGI MCWHIRTER

DESERT SUN RIBBON CUTTING

AMY HALLBERG

ERICA YBARRA

DEBBIE YOST

DR. DAVIDSON WITH ALI JOHNSON AND BETZAIDA MOLINA

SEEDS OF CHANGE GALA 2017 NIKKI MEDRANO

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SEEDS OF CHANGE GALA 2017 NIKKI MEDRANO

DEBBIE CORTEZ TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

Health • Wealth • Education

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The LIVING Interview (continued) ...continued from page 37 there were no other assets.

Since then, we’ve been able to procure a helicopter and a plane through the DRMO program (Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office), which is a grant program through the military, so those have come at no cost. We just have to maintain them and we just have to pay for the fuel.

So now there is not a need for this helicopter we had originally purchased. So the idea is to sell that helicopter, and those funds will go back into the GITEM fund, not the general budget. And that’s what I want to make sure is clear because I think it was led to believe that the funds would go back and help the budget. Those funds will not go back in the general funding. It’ll go back in to the GITEM fund, which has the purpose of combating drugs, illegal immigration and human trafficking.

GC LIVING: We touched briefly on the budget just a few moments ago. Given the overall county budget crunch, do you believe the PCSO allocation is sufficient or inadequate for the needs of the growing county and the growing demand for public safety services?

SHERIFF LAMB: I wish I could tell you that I knew that answer right now. That is one of the things we’ve been meeting about weekly and sometimes twice a week or more with county finance, to really dial in whether or not the budget is right.

And so it’s probably going to be a little while longer before we know if we have enough money in the budget, if enough has been allocated or if we’re going to need more, but we’re working with the county finance department and with the board of supervisors to make sure that we dial it in just right.

GC LIVING: Now, most people don’t realize Pinal County is almost 5,400 square miles, which is about the size of the state of Connecticut.

SHERIFF LAMB: That’s correct.

GC LIVING: What are some of the unique challenges facing PCSO when it comes to managing law enforcement needs in an area the size of some states?

SHERIFF LAMB: There are a lot of challenges that come with it. One of the major challenges is that we also have the largest unincorporated communities. I believe the San Tan Valley is the largest unincorporated area

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in the country. If San Tan Valley were to be incorporated, if I’m not mistaken, they’d be the 11th or 12th largest city in the State of Arizona. So we are a county that is patrolling basically a city. So that’s one of the challenges that we face because it requires more manpower than a typical county agency would be used to.

We also have a very wide variety of terrain. We’ve got the Copper Corridor, which is a long stretch of various small towns that need service. One of the things that I’ve identified through the campaign, speaking with farmers and ranchers, is the lack of service that they receive and so we’re working on possibly even re-implementing ranger units. We’re looking at grants and different ways that we could possibly fund that – guys who would go out and patrol some of these areas that are unmanned and where you get a lot of hikers and recreational shooters and different things and even illegal immigration and drugs. So we’re working on ways that we can meet the needs of the farmers and the ranchers in some of the more rural areas.

That brings us back to the aviation unit.

You know, this is one of the things that helps us patrol a county this large is having that aviation unit. There are areas in our county that we can’t get through by vehicle.

We are mandated through the Arizona constitution to have the search and rescue, and our guys do a great job, and you’d be surprised at how many people actually need the search and rescue. Those are some of the challenges we face as well, because we’ve got so many recreational areas where people like to go and enjoy this beautiful county we have.

GC LIVING: Yes, we have such a varied region, from a highly populated area, such as San Tan Valley to the very rural desert areas, such as Hidden Valley or Vekol Valley, or in the Copper Corridor, the mining communities or the mountains. You mentioned the search and rescue team, how many calls would you estimate they respond to every year?

SHERIFF LAMB: Last year was 175 search and Rescue calls. And I can tell you, just recently it seems like it’s almost daily I get an email about somebody else who has been lost. This is a time of year where people like to go out and they like to hike and they like to be out there, but the temperatures and the climate

can change fairly quickly. And so, we’re getting a little bit more activity right now.

GC LIVING: There are regions of the county that have made National news and not in a good way, such as Hidden Valley, Vekol Valley and Silver Bell area, as being an illegal drug corridor. Are they still considered very dangerous, even to go hiking or horseback riding?

SHERIFF LAMB: One of the issues we have down in that neck of the woods is we’re not on the border. And so I don’t want people to believe or think that we are a border county. We’re not on the border. However, we do border with the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation. And the way that the landscape is, it tends to funnel illegal immigrants into that area. We’ll get some illegal activity.

It’s not to the point where residents need to fear. We do a great job and we work with our federal partners to keep that area safe and I think the numbers show there’s been a reduction statewide of people coming across the border, or apprehensions, I think is a better term.

GC LIVING: Is Pinal County Sheriff’s Office

continued on page 81...

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

The Casa Grande Herald

CONTINUED…

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

TEEN CENTER...cont. from page 38 He added, “The promise that we made to the mayor and council from a staff’s perspective was to bring back this data, along with what we would consider to be an alternate plan to continue to provide some level of services for at least what I would consider to be the period of time from today until the time that we, in fact, have a rec center fully operable. As plans and programming continue to come forward on that, you’re going to find that we have fully put a focus on the teens. It’s really an emphasis on what will be our new facility.”

He continued, “But I think, given the data that we’ve studied over the course of the last several years, watching a bit of a decline, it just makes some sense to begin to shift the resources that we have out of this particular facility, but potentially continue to use the facility for some level of programming.”

Rains said discussions have included keeping the present Teen Center for some programming (negotiations for renewing the lease are underway), “but ultimately beginning to engage a little bit more directly with the Boys & Girls Clubs to see if we can use some of this equipment and potentially even shift, what I would consider reallocate, some of the resources into programming that is, in fact, taking the activities to the teens. And so I’m going to begin to have some discussions with the staff and certainly will keep the mayor and council apprised of how the dialogue goes, but likely will begin that shift ASAP, rather than waiting for our new community center to open.”

He continued, “Our plan is start a phase-out plan immediately. Obviously, we’re going to want to do some level of announcement. We’re going to want to notify the individuals that have been participating. As I mentioned, there is some level of discussion we’ve had with the Boys & Girls Clubs about the programming that

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they’ve been providing and whether or not we could put that model at all into what they’re doing there and what those costs might look like.”

Discussions of closing Councilwoman Mary Kortsen asked, “Financially and that, what’s the possibility that we would just close it down for regular daily programs within the next, say, two weeks? What would it take to do that?

What kind of savings would there be and what kind of impact would there be if we just took that center over there and said, ‘Instead of spending this on personnel and these costs, let’s just shut this down and put the notices out and go from there?’”

Jankowski responded, “When it comes to staffing out there, there are two staff people because it is a facility that operates primarily in the evenings and on weekends. It has limited hours compared to something like our recreation office. We spend somewhere in the neighborhood of $20,000 to $24,000 in personnel out there. When it comes to actual costs to manage the building and some of the programs, we’re looking at somewhere in the neighborhood of around $30,000,” including utilities, supplies and other costs.

Councilman Dick Powell suggested that perhaps the center could be open just for special occasions, saving costs.

Jankowski responded, “The idea is some of the programming that we move out there, the majority of it would still be use-based. So while it may be used specific just to teens, the programming that’s housed over at the Parks and Rec building or expanding our special interest class offerings, the majority of those items and program would be geared toward youth and teens.”

Alternatives Jankowski elaborated on moving some present offerings from the Parks and Rec building to the Teen Center building.

“We’re still interested in use of

this space out there,” he said. “We would like to be able to program it a little bit more efficiently and have it as a site to do special interest classes where we’re not necessarily paying staff to be there for a set amount of time, whether or not people show up, but actually hosting programs out of there where we know that there are going to be participants and people interacting at that site.

Ideally, we’d be able to move some of our more popular classes, like gymnastics and things that have a lot of equipment, a lot of setup, to go out to a site like that where that equipment could be set up and could almost stay up. That saves some of the wear and tear, too, because for a program like that, we have purchased — that’s all city property — those supplies, so the constant setting up and taking down and moving around when there are different events or activities going on, that does put some wear and tear on that equipment itself. So a site that’s a little bit more specific to something like that would be very beneficial and desirable.”

Rec Center When the community recreation center is opened (projected for 2018) there will be space for youth activities and the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Powell asked, “When will we know exactly what we can do as far as square footage and costs and all the different things? How much room do we have for a teen center and Boys & Girls Clubs and things like that?”

Jankowski responded, “For a teen-specific area, it’s closer to about 3,500 square feet just for them. The gymnasium, everybody will have access to. The Boys & Girls Clubs is going to have their own area, which in and of itself is probably going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of, I believe, about 5,000 to 6,000 square feet as well as use of half the gym.

Half the gym would be another 5,000 square feet. Those are all just the conceptual numbers that have been discussed. Nothing, (is) certainly, in concrete yet.”

Casa Grande seeks bids to add right-turn lane

C

asa Grande will be constructing a much- needed right-turn lane from Kortsen Road onto Arizola Road.

A contract is expected to be awarded April 7, with construction completed by mid-June.

The bids request says the work “involves the widening of Arizola Road on the west side to provide a right-turn lane for southbound traffic.”

It says the work will include: • Removing existing pavement, curb and gutter sections and landscaping.

• Excavating for the proposed street widening to accommodate the rightturn lane.

• Preparing the subgrade for the new street pavement.

• Placing, installing and compacting aggregate base course.

• Constructing new asphaltic concrete pavement.

• Constructing new curb and gutter sections.

• Constructing new decorative brick paver street pavement.

• Constructing new sidewalk and sidewalk ramps.

• Installing new traffic control signing and striping.

• Adjusting catch basins and utility fixtures to finished grade.

• Restoring the landscaping.

• Other miscellaneous and contingent work needed to complete the project.

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HEALTH

OH THOSE RESOLUTIONS…

by Tiffanie Grady-Gillespie CPT

If your goal is to lose weight, you may find that one way doesn’t work.

Instead of giving up on that goal, try a different approach.

Keep trying different approaches until you find the one that does work.

L

et's be honest – New Year's Resolutions are a flawed concept, at best. Don't get me wrong. It's awesome to make goals and strive to reach them, but waiting for some mythical concept like "a new year" to make those changes is just setting yourself up for failure.

After a few days, your enthusiasm for the changes will wane and you'll end up joining the large percentage of people who fail to keep their resolutions past March.

Still, it's good to set goals and strive to reach them. But you have to know what you're working toward or else you'll never make any progress.

So let's say you've started the New Year with the goals most of us end up setting, such as the following: • • • •

Lose weight Do more exercise Eat better Stop doing( X ) thing that is impairing your health

But now that we're a couple of months into the New Year, you're finding that it's harder to keep up with those resolutions. Eventually — and it's guaranteed to happen — you're going to break or have broken your resolution. So now what?

If you're like most of the world, you'll call it quits and say, "Oh well, I'll try again next year." Once you've broken the resolution once, you're far more likely to break it again. It's pretty basic psychology.

Come on...who cares? Of course you're going to break your New Year's resolutions! The reason you've resolved to do these things is because they're difficult. If they weren't, you would have already done them.

So you've broken the resolution — it doesn't matter! That doesn't mean you should give up on your goals. If anything, it's actually proof that you're making the right decision. Anything that's worth doing will be difficult. It's

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GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • YOU!

time to accept the fact that you're human and make mistakes and determine to try again. It may just be time to adjust your approach.

Think of it like driving to work. You leave your home to go to the office using the same route you take every single day, but you run into construction work on the road. You're forced to sit through frustrating traffic or have to detour to reach your destination.

Your fitness journey is very much the same. If your goal is to lose weight, you may find that one way doesn’t work. Instead of giving up on that goal, try a different approach.

Keep trying different approaches until you find the one that does work. Keep striving and pushing to be better. In the end, that's what the New Year's resolution was all about.

Don't be discouraged when you inevitably break that resolution. Use it as a challenge to evaluate what made you break the resolution in the first place. Once you pinpoint the problem areas, it's easier to revise your course and find a more effective way to reach your goals!

Treat each day like it's New Year’s Day Approach each day with the same enthusiasm and momentum you had

for your resolutions as you did on January 1. Treat each day as a new opportunity to achieve the goals you have set for yourself, and maybe set new ones. Remember, “If at first you don’t succeed; try, try again.”

Make it a team effort

If you have been trying to do this on your own, don’t. Tell your friends and families of your resolutions. Post it on Facebook if that helps. The accountability of family and friends helps during those weak moments, and will help you adhere to your resolutions.

Reward yourself

Celebrate your success when you reach different benchmarks, but make sure the celebrating doesn’t conflict with your resolution. Instead, have your reward be a part of your resolution.

Remember, the key ingredient is perseverance. Regardless of how many times you have to restart your commitment to a change, the important part is learning from the journey and applying that learning to the next attempt. You should look at any setbacks as part of the rehearsal process for success.

So, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and Do Not Give UP!

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

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OBGYN?

DELIVER AT BANNER CASA GRANDE OR DIGNITY CHANDLER REGIONAL

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Maricopa 520-788-6100 44765 W. Hathaway Ave

We accept most major insurances, Medicare & AHCCCS. If you are uninsured, we can help.

Hablamos Español

Sun Life Family Health Center is Your Non-Profit Community Health Center.

www.SunLifeFamilyHealth.org

EDUCATION

CAC GOVERNING BOARD APPROVES ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM TO SUPPORT ELECTRICAL VEHICLE AND INDUSTRY TRAINING

by Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing

T

he Pinal County Community College Governing Board has voted to approve new Advanced Technology certificates that will provide training opportunities for students interested in a variety of skill sets such as hands-on robotics and computer science.

Through Advanced Technology, students can now choose to pursue an Industrial Maintenance Certificate or Production Technician Certificate. By completing each of these 18 credit certificates, they can then continue their education toward an Advanced

Industrial Maintenance Certificate (35 credits), Advanced Production Maintenance Certificate (35 credits), or an Advanced Production Technician Certificate (34 credits).

“Students can put their career on a fast track by obtaining a certificate in as few as two semesters and gain employment with one of the advanced manufacturing industries in Pinal County,” said Engineering and Technology Division Chair Kristen Benedict.

With the vote granted by the Governing Board, CAC presented the new curriculum to the Higher Learning Commission, the college’s

accrediting body, for final approval and began offering the certificate classes in February.

For additional information about the new certificate options at CAC please contact Sandra Lascher-Zires in the college’s Engineering and Technology Division at 520-494-5308.

Your Local Community College

Enroll Today!

• A wide array of academic degrees and certificates.

• High school outreach and university transfer • programs.

• Career training and personal enrichment classes.

• Full service campus.

• State-of-the-art classrooms and labs.

Signal Peak Campus 8470 N. Overfield Road Coolidge, AZ 85128 Monday - Thursday • 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

(520) 494-5444 www.centralaz.edu

Your Future Begins Today at CAC. 70

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • YOU!

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

Lovely Lakeside Living!

2133 N. Nancy Lane, Casa Grande $320,000 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths and a powder room 2,110 sq. ft. of living space Hardwood floors in kitchen, great room and hallways. Shutters, blinds and ceiling fans throughout. Very spacious master suite with huge walk-in closet, a door to a private patio, posh bath with granite counters, travertine tile, separate vanities, walk-in shower, jetted tub and private water closet. The great room features surround sound, a stone gas fireplace and a wall of windows for a panoramic view of the lake. The kitchen is truly a dream come true with rich warm cabinets, dramatic granite counters and many upgrades including a huge Sub-Zero refrigerator. The ample, fenced patio area is all covered and has a gate and steps to the boat dock. There is a one car garage with storage and a two car garage with abundant storage and climate control. Two electric boats are included.

KAY KERBY SARAH CAMPBELL 520.560.0769

520.424.6577 | kay_sarah@coldwellbanker.com

520.423.8250 | ROXsells.com Š2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

PETS

PAW PRINTS ON OUR HEARTS

by Gigi McWhirter

His final tender touch let her know that all was good. His purpose was complete. He had taught us all the meaning of unconditional love.

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hose of us working in the field of veterinary medicine face a full realm of emotions throughout the day. There are days when an animal comes to our office who we have known since he or she was born - sometimes even born in our office or delivered out in the field by one of our veterinarians.

That doctor may have even assisted that pet with its first breath of life and will now be there for the last.

While we deeply care for all of the animals who cross our office threshold, there are a few who have a super special place in our hearts. Like my darling “boyfriend” Loki. Loki loved coming to the office so much, that when his owners were reviewing their weekly schedule, they had to spell the word “V-E-T” or he would make them crazy, running to and from the door until he got to get into the car and arrived at the animal hospital. Loki would check in at the front desk, roll over for belly rubs for the entire lobby full of humans and go to all of us in Receptionland for a hug and a tail wag. Loki was loved by a whole lot of others, too. He had a special caffeine-free “puppuccino” whenever they knew he was at the drive-thru window at Starbucks. Everyone at Lowe’s and Home Depot also knew him by name. One of our favorite “Loki moments” happened in our office when he was a pup. His human sister had a pet rabbit that came in not feeling well. The decision had to be made to send the bunny to heaven. Darling Loki would not leave the office until he said goodbye to his little friend. Loki was only three or four months old at the time.

Our sweet friend Loki, was an angel on Earth. And like all other angels – after realizing his work here on Earth was done – he went home. His precious body had been taken over by the horrible effects of diabetes. His people brought him into the office for his final goodbye and we all wept openly. As he was passing, he put his head on his human mama’s lap...and fell asleep. His final tender

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • YOU!

touch let her know that all was good. His purpose was complete. He had taught us all the meaning of unconditional love.

Dr. Dan Gilchrist, one of our associate vets, sent the following passage to me after one of my pets passed. I hope that these words will help you, should you need them.

“Jesus was asked to come to Lazarus who he loved, who was dying. He waited three days before he went, and by the time he arrived, Lazarus was dead. Even though he knew he was going to raise him from the dead, he wept. Why did Jesus tarry before going to Lazarus? There was something to be learned in those three days by Lazarus’ family. There are many things discovered between loved ones in the closing days of life. So it is with animals. We have a chance to reflect on our days together and share living memories, much more meaningful and sacred than the memories of the departed. Those last moments together are sacred, sweet memories to be cherished without regret. In the overall eternity of time, they were the blinking of the eye. The prompting of the spirit told you to wait just a little longer, and you obeyed. Be of good cheer. They are happy and safe now and so should you be. It’s what they would want for you. Go on your way rejoicing for all the wonderful times you had together. They were Heaven sent.”

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

Julie Yang, DMD | Philip Horsley, DDS | Janelle Yang Horsley, DDS Family-owned and locally operated for over 30 years

(520) 836-9685 325 E. Cottonwood Lane www.CasaGrandeDental.com Teeth Whitening | Veneers | Dental Cleanings Crowns & Bridges | Implant Restorations Root Canal Therapy | Extractions Dentures | & More!

a n i e d i r p We take

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Monday - Friday:

ack Pain • B • in a P r ts Shoulde int • Spor o J c ia il Neck and o Sacr l Pain Hip Pain • • a c ti st Surgica o ia c P • S t n e m reat Injury & T

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(Closed Lunch 12:00PM - 1:00PM) 1295 E. Florence Blvd., Ste. 1, Casa Grande

(520) 836 - 30 0 9

Follow us on Facebook www.summitrehabilitationcasagrande.com SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

SUMMIT REHABILITATION, LLC. GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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CASA GRANDE ELEMENTARY CALENDAR Early Dismissal-Parent Teacher Conferences March 16 2017 1:00PM to 8:00PM

Early Dismissal Elementary Schools April 26 2017 8:00AM to 12:45PM

Early Dismissal-Parent Teacher Conferences March 17 2017 1:00PM to 4:00PM

Early Dismissal Middle Schools April 26 2017 8:30AM to 1:45PM

Spring Break March 20 2017 to March 24 2017 (All Day)

Early Dismissal Elementary Schools May 3 2017 8:00AM to 12:45PM

Early Dismissal Elementary Schools April 5 2017 8:00AM to 12:45PM

Early Dismissal Middle Schools May 3 2017 8:30AM to 1:45PM

Early Dismissal Middle Schools April 5 2017 8:30AM to 1:45PM

Early Dismissal Elementary Schools May 17 2017 8:00AM to 12:45PM

Early Dismissal Elementary Schools April 12 2017 8:00AM to 12:45PM

Early Dismissal Middle Schools May 17 2017 8:30AM to 1:45PM

Early Dismissal Middle Schools April 12 2017 8:30AM to 1:45PM

Early Dismissal - Last Day of School 26 May, 2017 8:00AM to 12:45PM

In-Lieu Day-No School April 14 2017 (All Day)

Summer programs start in June Thestudiocg.com 520-371-1280 395 N Sacaton St Casa Grande, AZ 74

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • YOU!

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

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The responsibility is Yours and Mine

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SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

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In February, Villago Middle School teachers Mina Lorona and Brenda Cruz, along with Principal Jeff Lavender, participated in Education Day at the Capitol sponsored by EQUIPAZ. The goal of Education Day was to provide state legislators an opportunity to meet, interact with, and acknowledge the excellent work being done by public school educators from across Arizona. Brenda (2016) and Mina (2013) are both recipients of the Latina Teachers of the Year for Arizona by Chicanos Por La Causa.

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•

In Nov. 2016 Dr. Frank Davidson, Superintendent of the Casa Grande Elementary School District, announced his retirement after faithfully serving the district and community for more than 25 years. He started as principal of Cholla Elementary School in the early 1990s and worked as an assistant superintendent for four years before being named superintendent in 1997. During his tenure, he was twice named Arizona Superintendent of the Year. He has a long history of leadership and service to organizations throughout the community. “I have been fortunate to have worked alongside dedicated, talented and committed educators during my time in Casa Grande,” Dr. Davidson said.

“The District is well-positioned to provide excellent support to students and families for years to come and I am proud to have been a part of leading this amazing organization.”

Success for Every One

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Casa Grande Middle School teacher Michael Cruz was highlighted by the 7 Mindsets company as a story of success. Through a “We are Connected” video hosted on their website, Michael shared how he works to create positive relationships and a culture of opportunity for his students.

In March, Ironwood Elementary School staff and students celebrated their annual Leadership Day as part of their Leader in Me program.

Developed by leadership expert Stephen Covey, the Leader in Me program offers students the chance to develop and practice leadership in their schools and in their communities through service projects, team work and problem-solving activities.

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he Casa Grande Elementary School District has a long and proud history of providing excellent leadership in the community, around the State of Arizona and across the nation.

From cultivating leadership in students to recognizing outstanding leadership among staff, the Casa Grande Elementary School District is proud to celebrate the following accomplishments:

The choice for families in Casa Grande ilie

NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE CASA GRANDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Casa Grande Elementary School District is

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EDUCATION

Did You Know?

• 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” • More than 8 out of 10 families in Casa Grande choose the Casa Grande Elementary School District.

• For more than 10 years in a row, 96% of families rate their child’s school an A or a B.

Visit Your Child’s School Today!

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

WWW.CGESD.ORG

520.836.2111

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI V ING YOU! • GOLDEN

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HEALTH

WE LOVE BABIES AT BANNER CASA GRANDE MEDICAL CENTER

by David Lozano, Earned Media Senior Manager, Banner Health

As more and more people look to add to their families, it’s important they have the resources and medical care necessary to help with that special day.

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f you’ve ever had kids, you know there’s nothing like hearing your child ‘goo’ or ‘gaga’ for the first time. While crying, baby illnesses and dirty diapers can put a real damper (no pun intended) on parenthood, when you look back at it, you realize even these parts of being a parent are truly special.

Another special moment is meeting your baby for the first time. From the moment you find out you’re going to have a baby, through the moment your child is born, you realize your life will never be the same. Once you meet your baby, you fully understand that you and that child are embarking on a journey that will include lots of love, lots of emotions, and of course, lots of trips to the toy store.

Banner Casa Grande Medical Center is proud to help parents with that first “meeting” with their newborn baby.

After years of delivering thousands of babies, we pretty much have it down to an art. Look around the community you live in, and many of those people you associate with every day were

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • YOU!

probably born at our hospital, have children who were born there or even have grandchildren born at Banner Casa Grande.

Delivering babies is one business we definitely specialize in – and it’s a business we love because, like a matchmaker, we get to see people meet and fall in love for the first time. In our case, it’s parents meeting their babies and falling in love with them.

As more and more people look to add to their families, it’s important they have the resources and medical care necessary to help with that special day.

Banner Casa Grande has been in rapid transition, including the construction of a new Obstetrical Care Unit. Why a new building? Babies are being born at a rapid pace. For us to be able to meet the steep demands of helping to bring new lives into the world, it’s important to offer our customers the best service, care and medical technologies.

“We need to make sure we’re always one step ahead of the game when it comes to providing medical services like OB in our community,” said Rona

Curphy, CEO of Banner Casa Grande.

“The community looks to us for high quality, state-of-the-art treatment, so we have to make sure we are able to deliver and provide them with what they expect and deserve. There’s no reason for people to travel outside of our community if we can offer that same level of care and service they would normally find in larger cities.”

As the community continues to grow, and businesses spring up, the hospital also has to expand. Recently, Banner Health closed an outpatient OB/GYN clinic because patient volume was lower than expected for that particular location. However, that closure does not affect our continued plans to open the new 27,000 square-foot Obstetrical Care Unit at the hospital by the end of this summer.

Curphy said, “We work with many wonderful and highly skilled private practice OB physicians in the community who deliver hundreds of babies at Banner Casa Grande, and we will continue to do so. We’re excited for the opening of the new unit, and invite the community to watch for additional communication and advertising in the upcoming months related to that expansion project.”

As opening day of the new unit looms near, it’s evident we’re proud to offer this service to the community.

The new unit has become “our baby,” in a way. It’s a project we conceived, will soon deliver, and will continue to nurture, providing our community with exceptional patient care and service.

Just like many parents can’t wait to see their newborn babies, we can’t wait to see ours either.

“It’s hard to believe where we were a couple of years ago and where we are today,” said Curphy. “As we open this new unit and have plans for other projects in the future, this is our way of thanking the community for embracing changes we’ve gone through and giving back to everyone who has supported us through the years. We really appreciate it.”

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

Don’t let a wound that won’t heal keep you from kicking up your heels.

Sometimes, wounds don’t heal as quickly as they should. If not treated, these wounds can cause additional problems. At Banner Casa Grande Wound Center, we will create an individualized care plan, including the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy if needed, to speed up healing. We’ll help you feel confident to effectively care for these wounds in between visits and get you back in the swing of things.

Wound Care Appointments: (520) 381-6150 Mon – Fri 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

BannerHealth.com/CasaGrande

Special Section:

Don’t miss Arizona Gives Day on April 4th!

THE SEASON FOR GIVING, ALL YEAR ‘ROUND

C

haritable organizations typically see an increase in donations during the holidays. But for most, the need continues throughout the year. In fact, many actually see an increase for services during the summer months – a time when people are not traditionally in the “spirit of giving”.

So how do organizations survive? The answer is a number of ways! It takes outside-the-box thinking to raise donations in the highly competitive world of philanthropy. An annual dinner and golf tournament – while still a long-established strategies for fundraising – are no longer the only methods. Dinners are combined with casino nights and live entertainment with dancing.

Non-events, such as the Casa Grande Alliance’s Phantom Ball (coming up on April 1), where you donate what you would ordinarily spend on a raffle ticket or dinner without attending an event, is a novel concept to fundraising. Sun Life Family Health Center recently held its first For the Love of Chocolate 1-or 3-mile Walk/Run in Maricopa. This event is a combination fundraiser and FUN-raiser – designed to create awareness and community interest.

There is one event coming up on April 4 that has the potential to benefit MANY organizations,

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and it’s called Arizona Gives Day. Here is some important information about the annual day from the Arizona Gives Day website: Arizona Gives Day is a powerful 24-hour online giving experience that unites Arizonans around causes they believe in.

The single, statewide day of giving has raised $7.4 million for Arizona nonprofits since 2013.

Imagine networking your community for a single 24-hour period for donations utilizing social media and local marketing to generate much needed revenue with minimal expense!

That is exactly what will take place on April 4. Last year Seeds of Hope, Inc. secured more than they ever dreamed, raising over $68,000 plus winning incentive funds from the event sponsors for various categories.

Here is a partial list of participating area nonprofits: • Against Abuse • BlackBox Foundation • Boys & Girls Clubs of the Casa Grande Valley • Casa Grande Main Street • Girls on the Run serving Maricopa and Pinal Counties • Pet Social Worker / Tails of Hope • Pets In Need Action League (dba P.I.N.A.L.) • Seeds of Hope, Inc.

You can search by categories such as animal, arts & culture, religion or youth development.

You can also search by city or by keyword. Let’s make a difference in our communities! You can find out more on azgives.org The other deadline for donations takes place on April 15 this year and that is the Arizona State Tax Credit. This is a true tax credit, not a deduction. You make a donation to a participating organization or school, up to $400* filing single or $800* filing married joint, and reduce your tax obligation to the State of

Arizona for that amount.

The types of credits available are: • Qualifying Charitable Organization • Foster Care Charitable Organization • Public School Tax Credit • Private School Tuition Tax Credit *Speak with your tax professional for eligibility requirements to use the tax credit. You aren’t reducing the amount of money you pay but you do get to choose where the funds are directed.

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

Special Section: Nonprofit

AZ GIVES CALL TO ACTION! Arizona Gives Day Tuesday April 4th Historic Neon Sign Restoration Project

By Rina Rien, Director, Casa Grande Main Street

B

efore the interstate made Casa Grande a convenient stop for gas and fast food, motor lodges dotted the landscape along the well-traveled Highway

84 to Tucson. Neon signs at the Sunset Court and Horse Shoe Motel served as beacons in the desert, guiding weary travelers to a place to rest for the night.

Unfortunately, these historic

rest stops fell into disrepair or were demolished, but not before the original neon signs were rescued from a trip to the landfill.

Stored away for safekeeping, they remain dusty remnants of a bygone era, waiting in the darkness to shine once again.

Casa Grande Main Street and the Casa Grande Historic Preservation Commission have teamed up for Arizona Gives Day, April 4th, 2017. Our target is $10,000 in pledges, which will serve as a catalyst for acquiring matching funds and grants. Join us in fulfilling our ultimate goal: creating a public art space where our community may enjoy these and other icons for generations to come.

LEFT: Earle William Osborne, Jr. with son, Brooks. Horseshoe Motel photo courtesy of Doug Klassen.

Historic Downtown…

Experience the Difference

110 W. 2nd St., Casa Grande

520-836-8744

HELP US BUILD AWARENESS AND MOMENTUM… SAVE THE DATES: FRIDAY, MARCH 24TH: Spaghetti Western Night Main Street Patio and Alley TUESDAY, APRIL 4TH: Arizona Gives Day Celebration and Live Auction Landmark Event Center

MAKE YOUR PLEDGE NOW TO POST TO OUR DONATION SITE ON APRIL 4th: NAME: ________________________________________________ PHONE_________________________________ ADDRESS: ___________________________________________ EMAIL__________________________________

I PLEDGE THE FOLLOWING AMOUNT TO BE DISPERSED APRIL 4TH 2017: _______$25 _______$40 _________$50 _______$75 _______$100 OTHER: $______________

SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

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Special Section: Nonprofit

THE IMPACT OF A VOLUNTEER

by Terri Durham, Office Coordinator Enter Miss Suzy. Suzy loves God and loves children.

She’s retired, but keeps busy volunteering.

She doesn’t have a background in teaching, just a passion for encouraging kids to dream big and be all God wants them to be.

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alls far below academically.”

That’s what his report card said when Amos gave it to after school coordinator, Toni. One of the requirements to be in the program is to show your report card every quarter, because Seeds of Hope improves our community by tutoring kids in our after school program. And Amos needed tutoring.

Behind those dark-rimmed square glasses was a brown-eyed first-grader who was falling behind his peers in school by no fault of his own. His family life was anything but normal. Mom and dad weren’t together and he shuffled back and forth between them and also between grandma and grandpa weekly.

He was capable of meeting educational standards, but he just needed a special someone to encourage him.

Enter Miss Suzy. Suzy loves God and loves children. She’s retired, but keeps busy volunteering. She doesn’t have a background in teaching, just a passion for encouraging kids to dream big and be all God wants them to be.

She started volunteering at the after school program once a week to tutor kids. But after working with Amos, Suzy knew he needed one-on-one time more than just once a week.

CORRID OR LI LIVING V ING • SPECI A L SEC TION GOLDEN CORRIDOR

So she started going twice a week, specifically to tutor Amos. She took flashcards, phonetic worksheets and new books on his reading level every time she went.

He was easily discouraged when he couldn’t perform well for Miss Suzy, like he wanted to. She lovingly cheered him on, urging him to do his best. He didn’t know it, but Miss Suzy was working on his self-esteem as much as she was working on his academics. Soon, Amos was choosing to stay in the tutoring room all afternoon with Miss Suzy working on improving his reading skills, instead of participating in other activities with the rest of the after school kids.

His favorite book to practice reading was Clifford, the Big Red Dog. Miss Suzy brought it every week to see how far he could read through it on his own. She promised him he could take the book home once he was able to read through the whole thing by himself. Now he had a goal and just the motivation he needed to keep trying his hardest.

Christmas break was approaching and school would be out for two weeks. The after school program would also be closed and Amos knew he wouldn’t see Miss Suzy for a while.

When Amos was picked up on the last day before break, he slowly walked out the door waving goodbye to her.

Their eyes locked on each other.

Would she come back after Christmas? He could only hope so. Little did he know she had tucked that Clifford book in his backpack as a surprise and a reassurance that she would be back.

She had grown pretty fond of that little boy. And the feeling was mutual.

Volunteers like Suzy are how Seeds of Hope makes a difference. On April 4 you have an opportunity to invest in Seeds of Hope and be part of the work we do in our community. Arizona Gives Day is a 24-hour online fundraiser for nonprofits across Arizona. Our 2017 goal is to raise $75,000 in 24 hours. Visit our website to learn more about Arizona Gives Day and how we improve lives in our community.

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

The LIVING Interview (continued) ...continued from page 64 working closely with DPS, Border Patrol and other area agencies to help each other on the number of calls?

SHERIFF LAMB: Yes, and there have been some good working relationships in some of those areas, and some of those were strained. We have met with the majority of those agencies and they’re ecstatic to work with us. And so we’ve been starting to work with others. We work with DPS already and we’re working on bettering that relationship.

Border Patrol is an excellent partner of ours and they enjoy working with us. We’ve been meeting with HSI, which is Homeland Security Investigations and ICE. We’ve met with our local partners, including DEA. Everybody is anxious to work and be part of this county and to help us in our job of keeping this county safe.

GC LIVING: A number of years ago, then Sheriff Roger Vanderpool came to an agreement with ICE to use the excess space in the Pinal county jail to house their detainees. Is there some opportunity in the future to do so again, or are we using the space that we have available now?

SHERIFF LAMB: We’re currently only a little over a third capacity. So, we actually do have space. I’ve said all along, I’m open to anything that benefits the county and that can help the people of Pinal County and to alleviate the tax burden they have. If the proper opportunity came along, the right opportunity, I would have no problem looking into something like that.

And with this new administration, and some of the recent changes we’ve already seen with the new president, I think they’re doing some things, some good things, already. And I think that’s going to increase the amount of work for ICE, so I would not be surprised if there’s an opportunity that may present itself. But we’re going to make sure that it’s something that works for the sheriff’s office, for the county, and is not something that ends up being a bad thing.

GC LIVING: You indicated earlier that there is still a very strong drug problem with interstates running through our community.

Why has it been so difficult to cripple the drug cartels and reduce drug-related crime?

SHERIFF LAMB: Because people won’t stop using drugs. You know, that’s really the bottom line. It’s a supply and demand is-

SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

sue. If there was no demand, the supply would dwindle away. But we continue to have demand because we have drugs in our communities and people are using those drugs. That would be the ideal situation, but that’s probably not reality. It is difficult because they’re ever-changing; they’re very intelligent.

When we make changes and we begin to cripple them, they make changes to get around that and we constantly have to be evolving to stay ahead and to continue to fight them. And that’s probably going to be an ongoing battle for as long as people are using drugs. And so we’re going to have to continue to work hard and be on top of our game and really it goes back to what you had said earlier. It is working with those partners – our federal partners, Border Patrol, DEA, HIS and ICE to achieve the goal, and DPS, to achieve the goal of eliminating or crippling this industry as much as we can.

GC LIVING: Putting you on the spot here, forgive me.

SHERIFF LAMB: No Problem.

GC LIVING: Were you for or against two items – legalizing marijuana and raising the minimum wage?

SHERIFF LAMB: I was against legalizing marijuana. I don’t believe it’s good for our society. I would have enforced the law either way. I took an oath to enforce the law, so as a sheriff, I’m going to enforce the law.

There are several issues, but one of the major issues is, it’s still against the law federally, so it creates a lot of problems if a state approves it and the feds still don’t approve it. So that was one of the issues. There’s a lot, of work to be done there first, but I’m not for it.

I was also against the raising of minimum wage. Not that I don’t want people to better their lot in life, it’s just, I’m a business owner

and it takes its toll on businesses and it will increase product prices across the board. So we’ll pay more for things. It’s just inevitable.

That is how business works.

GC LIVING: What do you want to see for a longterm future for Pinal County? For your family, my family, everyone else in the communities, what do you envision Pinal County growing to be?

SHERIFF LAMB: I think Pinal County is where the growth is going to be in Arizona. I’m not sure if you’ve had a chance to meet, Mr. Tim Kanavel with the county? He’s done an excellent job with economic growth. We need more economic development here in this county. We have the space for it and I think we would benefit from it tremendously.

And so, as a sheriff and as a sheriff’s office, we’re going to do our job and we’re going to do the best we can and whatever we can to help economic development in this county. In the end, people talk about, “How do you pay more or how do we reduce our taxes?” Well, it’s a revenue issue. You have to create more revenue. I’m not for raising taxes, and so the only other way to increase revenue is to bring more businesses into our county.

We’re going to work hard, as a sheriff’s office, to make sure that we create a good, safe environment where people want to come and live and work and spend their recreation time. So that’s what I see in the long term – creating an outstanding living environment, so that we can bring in the growth that I think is inevitable to this county.

GC LIVING: Let’s talk about your chief deputies. Tell us a little bit about them.

SHERIFF LAMB: Chief Deputy Matt Thomas was a no brainer. He has almost 24 years here in this county. He has dedicated most of his life to Pinal County, is extremely experienced, very well-respected throughout the law enforcement community and has already proven himself to be a huge asset.

He is an excellent law enforcement man and a good person, a very God-fearing family person who I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with.

I also have Chief Bryan Harrell. He was actually a sergeant when I was here, and also, an extremely respected person within the sheriff’s office. Very level -headed, doesn’t say a lot, but gets the job done. And we all have the same philosophy. There is one other

continued on page 88...

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Special Section: Nonprofit

THE BIRTH OF GRACE (PART 1) The Birth of Grace is the four part story of KVNG—91.1FM, “The Voice of Never-ending Grace”, Eloy and the whole Casa Grande Valley’s Hometown radio station, by H. David Landry and Eric Kruzel.

The Birth of Grace is the four-part story of KVNG—91.1FM, “The Voice of Neverending Grace”, Eloy and the whole Casa Grande Valley’s hometown radio station

The birth of aLandry child isand an amazing

by H. David Eric Kruzel quencies is intense and the signal cov- would have been a tremendously exThe Birth of Grace is the four part story of KVNG—91.1FM, “The Voice of Never-ending Grace”, Eloy and the whole eragebyarea extremely regulated miracle ofCasa God. The Valley’s birth of a non- radio station, Grande Hometown H. David Landry and Eric Kruzel.due to pensive venture. A copy of the Tohono the large on-air presence of the Phoe- tribal government notice was sent to profit, full-power FM, Christian radio he birth of a child is an amazing become a blessing in disguise. To October 2007 window opened. thelater who in exturn allowed us to file nix andis Tucson markets. granting thewould station, though definitely the would have been aFCC, tremendously quencies intense and the signalIn covThe birth of a childnot is anon amazing miracle of God. The birth of a build and maintain a tower in that location The competition for available frequencies pensive venture.

A copy of the Tohono erage area extremely regulated due to miracle of God. The birth of a nonforhave a change of tower location thesignal FCCcoverage has a process same level as the birth of a FM child, is still application, nonprofit, full-power Christian would been a tremendously expensive and the is intense and the area is the large on-air presence of the Phoe- tribal government notice was sent to profit, full-power FM, Christian radio radio station, though definitely not venture.

A copy of the Tohono tribal extremely regulated due to the large onCity of License. As it turnsgovout, a new whereby advantage is given to new miraculous in its own right; particularly nix and Tucson markets. In granting the the FCC, who in turn allowed us to file station, though definitely not on the ernment notice was sent to the FCC, who in on the same level as the birth of a child, is still air presence from the Phoenix and Tucson tower location wasn’t the only birthing station ownership and the longevity of the birth of Casa Grande Valley’s locally for a change of tower location and the the FCC has a process same level as the birth of a child, is still application, turn allowed us to file for a change of tower miraculous in its own right – particularly the stations. In granting the application, the FCC City of License.

As and it turns out, a new advantage is given new is miraculous inproduced itsValley’s own right; particularly whereby difficulty. an location intothe area. owned locally KVNG location a new City of License. As it turns birthand of Casa Grande locally-owned hasowner’s a process whereby advantage given The to tower location wasn’t the birthing station ownership and the longevity of the birth of Casa Grande Valley’s locally out, a new toweronly location and city changewould go and locally-produced KVNG 91.1FM – “The new station ownership and the longevity of Grace (KVNG – 91.1FM) result was thatininthe June ofThe 2008,difficulty.

Calvary 91.1FM –owned “Theand Voice ofproduced Never-ending an owner’s location area. locally KVNG were not the only birthing difficulties.

Voice of Never-ending Grace” (known as an owner’s location in the area. The result was through many difficulties, stretches of Chapel became “tentative selectGrace” (known as Grace 91.1FM).

Grace (KVNG 91.1FM) would gowould go through result thatofin2008, Junethe of 2008, Calvarybecame Grace–(KVNG – 91.1FM) Grace91.1FM 91.1FM).– “The Voice of Never-ending that was in June Calvary Chapel through many difficulties, stretches of Chapel became the “tentative selectGrace” (known as Grace 91.1FM). faith and the revealing of multiples of ee” to build the full powered FM staThe conception of Grace (KVNG) many difficulties, stretches of faith and the reThe conception of Grace (KVNG) can the “tentative selectee” to build the full-power faith and the revealing of multiples of ee” to build the full powered FM staThe conception of Grace (KVNG) of multiples of the miracles over the nextmonths be dated back to 2007 when at the urging FM station in their area.There There were, howevmiracles over next several in their area. were, howev- vealing can be dated back to 2007 when at the tion over themonths next several months their area. There howevcan be dated back to 2007 whenradio at the tion er, in complications yet towere, overcome in the miracles full several and years before finally beingbirthed and encouragement of other Christian andfinally years before finally being er,complications complications yet to overcome in before urging and encouragement of other and years being birthed urging andthe encouragement other of er, birthing process.yet to overcome in birthed and coming on-air. stations around nation, CalvaryofChapel and on-air and coming on-air thefull full birthing process. birthing process.

Christian radio stations around thefor na- the Christian radio(CCCG) stations the naWe willcoming continue the next installment of The KVNG’s original City of License was ChuiCasa Grande filedaround an application KVNG’s original of License tion, Calvary Chapel of Casa Grande chu, located onoriginal theCity northern-most portion of wasBirth of Grace in the next issue of the Golden noncommercial educational radio station KVNG’s City ofwas License tion,aCalvary Chapel of Casa Grande Chuichu, located on theNation, northern-mostsouth (CCCG) filedFederal an application for a nonthe Tohono O'odham Corridor LIVING Magazine.

In the meantime, you licensed with Communications We will continue the next installment of The Chuichu, located on thedirectly northern-most (CCCG) filed anthe application for a station non- portion of the Tohono O'odham Nacommercial educational radio of Casa Grande. Shortly after the FCC’s Birth of Grace caninWe listen to KVNG Grace 24 hours of The Corporation (FCC). will continue the91.1FM next installment the next issue of–the Golden portion ofsouth the Tohono O'odham Na- Living commercial educational radio station tion, directly Casa Grande. licensed withwindows the Federal Corridor magazine. thethe meantime, you announcement of of the favorable selection, a day throughout Casa These FCC filing are Communicarare.

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In the meantime, you hours a day throughout the Casa Grande Valley the favorable selection, thethey soverThese FCC filing windows areallows rare. ofnotified a full-power FM station, the FCC only Calvary Chapel that were not at www.grace911.com.

For further information can listen to KVNG – Grace 91.1FM twenty-four Shortly after the FCC’s announcement tions Corporation (FCC). or via live-streaming on any computer or smart nation of the Tohono O’odham Although who would to filing build eign a limited numbermany of openings with like short pleased with Grace, as a non-tribal-owned ra- at www.grace911.com. about the station, to make ainfordonation, or sponsor phone further hours a dayFor throughout the Casa Grande Valley of the favorable selection, the soverThese FCC filing windows are rare.

Calvary Chapel thatwithin they their werenation’s and Calvary operateChapel a full-powered FM station, dio station being located windows. of Casa Grande was notified a portion of our programming, you can email us at mation about the station, to make a donation, or via live-streaming on any computer or smart pleased withof Grace, as a non-tribal the FCCbeonly allows a fewlike openings and not or sponsor ainfo@grace911.com portion of our programing eign nation Tohono O’odham Although many who would to build border.

Although athe setback, this notification fortunate to ready and prepared when the or callyou us can at (520) 426-7911. phone at www.grace911.com.

For further infor email us at info@grace911.com or call us at radio station being located at very limited time frames. Calvary notified Calvary Chapel that they were and operate a full-powered FM station, owned (520) 426-7911. mation about the station, to make a donation, within their nation’s border. Although a Chapel of Casa Grande was fortunate not pleased with Grace, as a non-tribal or sponsor a portion of our programing you can the FCC only a prepared few openings this notification would later to be allows ready and when theand set-back, Biblically Focused • Locally Produced • Community Minded • Broadcasting 24/7 email us at info@grace911.com or call us at become in disguise.

To build Octobertime 2007 window opened. owneda blessing radio station being located at very limited frames.

Calvary (520) 426-7911. and maintain a tower in that location The competition for available freStreaming at Grace911.com within their Live nation’s border. Although a Chapel of Casa Grande was fortunate set-back, this notification would later to be ready and prepared when the become a blessing in disguise. To build October 2007 window opened.

The competition for available fre- and maintain a tower in that location

T

fm

Like us at facebook.com/grace911fm 82

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TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

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1649 E. Florence Blvd. (Brake Master’s Plaza) Casa Grande, AZ • 520-836-2780

Special Section: Nonprofit

WHEN IT COMES TO PRESCRIPTIONS, SHARING ISN’T CARING!

by Stephanie Collier, Project Coordinator (ACPP I), Casa Grande Alliance

H

elen noticed her friend, Mary, had a pained look on her face. “What’s wrong, Mary?” she asked.

“I don’t think I’m going to be able to join you today for a walk. My back is hurting so badly. I called the doctor’s office to make an appointment, but they can’t get me in until tomorrow. I’m just going to have to take things easy for a while,” replied Mary.

Helen didn’t like seeing her friend in so much pain and missing out on things they liked to do. She remembered how much it hurt when she had hurt her back about five months ago, while picking up a box that was a little too heavy. In fact, she remembered she still had some pills in her medicine cabinet left over from a prescription her doctor wrote her for the pain.

“Let me give you a few of my prescription pain pills until you can get in to see the doctor.” she told Mary.

Helen was being a good friend, right?

Wrong! Maybe even “dead” wrong.

The problem with Helen sharing her pain medication is a doctor, who has had many years of schooling, writes a prescription for a specific person based on his or her size and medical history, and with consideration of other medications they are taking, as well as other factors. While Helen’s intentions were out of care and concern, she could have hurt her friend even more, and maybe even

caused her death.

From this story, we learned to never share prescriptions because it’s dangerous (it’s also illegal). Something else we can learn from this story is that Helen kept her unused pills from a previous prescription in her medicine cabinet. The misuse and abuse of medications can be reduced by locking them up or disposing of any unused or expired medications properly so they cannot be stolen and abused. If you have children, friends or service workers (i.e. plumber, cable repair person, caregiver, etc.) in your home, it is important to keep your medicines out of the hands of others.

In Pinal County, one out of five youth report getting prescription drugs right out of their home medicine cabinet and 7.8 percent of Pinal County teens report misusing medicines in the past 30 days, with prescription pain relievers being the most frequently misused.3 A list of medication drop-off sites in Pinal County can be found on the Casa Grande Alliance website’s home page, at www.casagrandealliance.org.

Our nation is in the grip of a fast-growing epidemic of prescription drug misuse and abuse, as well as an increase in heroin use stemming from the abuse of prescription opiate painkillers. CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, said he was “stunned to learn 80 percent of the world's

You are cordially invited to NOT attend the 7th Annual Casa Grande Alliance Phantom Ball

The Phantom Ball is a non-event, so… don’t get a haircut, rent a limo or buy an outfit - don’t even shave those legs!

Go about your day and please do not attend our non-event!

Date: April 1, 2017 Location: Nowhere Time: Whenever

Go to www.CasaGrandeAlliance.org or call 520-836-5022 to purchase your non-tickets, non-event memorabilia, or to become a non-event sponsor!

All proceeds are tax deductible and go to the Casa Grande Alliance, a local non-profit drug-abuse prevention agency.

Partnering for a safe and drug-free community 84

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pain pills are consumed in the United States, which has just 5 percent of the world's population,” and that death from drug overdose had surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of unintentional death in America.1 In Arizona in 2015, more than 2 million grams of oxycodone alone came into the state – the third highest total per capita in the country.

That same year, Arizona Department of Health Services documented about 2,400 emergency room overdoses, a significant increase from just a year prior.2 The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University aired a documentary called “Hooked Rx” on Arizona PBS in January that gave more extensive information about the problem of prescription drug addiction right here in our own state. Earlier, in 2015, they also aired “Hooked,” which brought light to Arizona’s influx of heroin, which started with the abuse of prescription opiate painkillers. Both documentaries can be viewed at https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org.

In addition to keeping medicine safe and secure, disposing of unused or expired medications, and not sharing prescriptions, you can also encourage your physicians and dentists to use the Controlled Substance Prescription Monitoring Program. It is a secure and confidential database accessed by prescribers and law enforcement, designed to help avoid the inappropriate use of controlled substances and identify illegal activity. The Casa Grande Alliance implements the statewide Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse Initiative strategies in Casa Grande, as well as partners with other local and state agencies to reduce prescription drug misuse. For more information on how to prevent prescription drug misuse and abuse, visit the Casa Grande Alliance website at www.casagrandealliance. org or call 520-836-5022.

1 http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/29/health/guptaunintended-consequences/ 2 https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/hookedrx/ 3 Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. (2014) Arizona Youth Survey: Pinal County. Retrieved from http://www.azcjc.gov/acjc.web/sac/ays.aspx

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

You would do anything for your friends...

but when it comes to medicine, sharing isn’t caring!

Your meds are just for you.

Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Referrals 1460 N. Pinal Avenue Casa Grande, Arizona 85122 520-836-5022 www.CasaGrandeAlliance.org Facebook: CGAlliance | Twitter: @CG_Alliance

Special Section: Nonprofit

“HOW SWEET THE SOUND”

by Corianna Lee

“H

ow Sweet the Sound” will be an evening of arias and spirituals performed by renowned Hawaii-based soprano, Georgine Stark featuring the Desert Song Community Choir and accompanied by Kathy Renfro.

Music showcased will be from well-known operas such as Madame Butterfly and Carmen

in addition to a series of African American Spirituals and music.

Soprano Georgine Stark performs extensively with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. Stark’s love of spirituals came after her love of classical music when she discovered arrangements by the late Moses Hogan. She performed several of these

Coolidge Performing Arts Center Foundation presents

How Sweet the Sound An Evening of Spirituals & Arias

Acclaimed Hawaii based soprano Georgine Stark is joined by the Desert Song Community Choir and painist Kathy Renfro in showcasing African-American spirituals and songs from well-known operas such as Carmen and Madame Butterfly.

Saturday, April 1st 7:00 PM

arrangements in celebration of Black History Month in 2016. Stark grew up singing in church in Buffalo, New York, where she first discovered her love of music. Growing up, Stark was always on the hunt for new music and cultivated a deep love of many forms of music which is exhibited in her passion for performing. Stark will be joined by the Desert Song Community Choir, a local choir made up of members from various communities in Pinal County.

The Desert Song Community choir developed in late 2012 as the resident choir for the Coolidge Performing Arts Center. The Desert Song Choir performs in a variety of community events in addition to featured performances at the Coolidge Performing Arts Center. “How Sweet the Sound” will be a single evening concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2017 in the Coolidge Performing Arts Center, located at 684 West Northern Avenue in Coolidge.

This concert will feature VIP tickets that include a special meet and greet reception with the artist for just $20.00. General admission tickets are available for $10.00 pre-sale or $12.00 at the door. Children 12 and under are free. Advanced tickets can be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information on “How Sweet the Sound” and other events at the Coolidge Performing Arts Center, visit www.coolidgeperformingartscenter.org.

Coolidge Performing Arts Center Performance Hall 684 W. Northern Avenue Tickets: $10.00 pre-sale www.brownpapertickets.com

$12.00 at door *Children under 12 Free

$20.00 Special VIP Seating plus Artist Meet & Greet Reception Information: 520.723.3009 Coolidge Performing Arts Center Foundation, Inc is a nonprofit, tax exempt, 501c3 charitable foundation

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TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

Special Section: Nonprofit

WHY DONATE TO AGAINST ABUSE?

F

ounded in 1981, Against Abuse, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and the community to understand the nature and effects of family violence and providing the resources to meet the needs of those abused. In addition, the agency has taken a proactive role in providing a family-focused, culturally sensitive continuum of prevention and intervention services to individuals and families in need of services.

Programs and services include: Animal Safe Home Network Most domestic violence shelters are unable to shelter your pets.

Against Abuse, Inc. has created a temporary program called the Animal Safe Home Network (ASHN) to protect the safety of your pets.

La Paloma Center - The mission of La Paloma Center is to provide services that facilitate safe visitation for children and families impacted by domestic violence in a respectful environment supported by the community. The center provides supervised visitation between a non-custodial parent and one or more children in the presence of a third party, who is responsible for observing the visit and ensuring the safety of those involved. They also provide supervised transfers of the child from one parent to another.

Safe Journey House - Provides community-based domestic violence education, case management, referrals for emergency shelter and community resources and lay legal advocacy to the eastern Pinal County communities including San Manuel, Saddlebrooke, Eagle Ridge, Oracle, Mammoth and Kearney.

SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

Thrift Store and Clothing Bank Through generous donations from people in our community, the Thrift Store offers quality used clothing and household items at a reasonable cost to the public.

La Casa de Paz - The goals of La Casa de Paz are to provide safety, stabilization, basic needs, guidance and counseling to families in need. Women are assisted with exploring choices and alternatives to domestic violence. Through advocacy and case management, staff assists members with locating appropriate providers of legal, medical, vocational, educational and other human services.

Members who are ready to leave the shelter, but are not quite ready to set up independent living, may qualify for the transitional housing programs.

There are four homes of various sizes to meet the needs of our client members.

• Emergency shelter services for victims of domestic violence and their dependent children • Transitional housing • Outpatient counseling, community case management and legal advocacy La Casita de Paz - Provides safety and shelter for children from birth to 18 years of age who are battered, neglected, abused or in crisis. This home-like environment offers 24-hour care and supervision. Children placed in this facility receive unconditional emotional support, counseling, case management and individualized educational and recreational programs.

Administrative Office: 119 N. Florence St., Casa Grande, AZ 85122 www.against-abuse.org 520.836-1239 | 24-hour Crisis Line 520.836.0858

THREE WAYS TO DONATE: Arizona Gives Day 2017 - donate online April 4, 2017. Any amount.

Arizona Tax Credit for Qualifying Charitable Organizations deadline to donate 4-15-17. Get up to $800* in dollar-for-dollar Arizona State Tax Credit when you donate to Against Abuse, Inc.!

Taxpayers filing as “single” and “head of household” status may claim a maximum credit of $400. Taxpayers filing as “married filing separate” may claim a maximum credit of $400. Taxpayers that file as “married filing joint” may claim a maximum credit of $800.

In addition, you no longer have to itemize to take the credit.

Amounts lower than $400/$800 also qualify, so a $100 gift qualifies you for a $100 tax credit on your state taxes, lowering your final amount owed. *See your tax professional for eligibility and requirements.

Give your time! Volunteer opportunities abound. Please contact Sylvia Procela, Domestic Violence Community Outreach Supervisor at 520-836-1239 for more information.

Calvary Chapel Casa Grande 962 W. Gila Bend Highway David Landry, Senior Pastor Services

Saturday: 6:30pm Sunday: 9:00am & 11:00 am

Mid-week

Wednesday: 6:30pm Awana Club: 6:30pm Youth: 6:30pm

freegrace@calvarycg.org • 520-836-9676

www.calvarycg.org

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The LIVING Interview (continued) ...continued from page 81 person, as well – Kevin Cavanaugh. He’s our administrative commander - very intelligent and former law enforcement, so he gets the law enforcement side, but also a business man. He’s been absolutely invaluable to us and to me in identifying areas where we can save money and things that we need to change within the budget or within the sheriff’s office to make it more streamlined and more efficient for the taxpayer.

And then I also have Chief Matt Hendrick, who is the chief over the jail. He’s actually a sworn officer, so what we wanted to do there was bring somebody in who could look at the jail from a different perspective. We have great captains in there who know how the jail operates. We wanted somebody to come in with a different perspective, common sense, to look at it and be able to identify issues that we needed to change within the jail, as well.

All of these guys have done an outstanding job and have made this job of being sheriff a lot easier for me.

GC LIVING: Now, the Pinal County Jail has an accreditation that most other county jails does not, correct?

SHERIFF LAMB: That’s correct.

GC LIVING: Tell us about the accreditation from the Nationals Sheriffs’ Association for Jail Operations. [EDITORS NOTE: The accreditation is governed by legal-based standards established through case law. The Pinal County Jail received its first accreditation in June 2011 and was reaccredited December 2013 receiving a “Level 1” rating, which is the highest score possible. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Jail is the first Arizona Jail to receive its National Accreditation.]

SHERIFF LAMB: One of the first things we did is we sat down with the accreditation people.

There were changes that we thought needed to be made in the jail. I think back when we had our ICE contract and the accreditation, I think those two got intertwined a little bit.

And so people assumed that things that we were doing because of the ICE contract were because of the accreditation. We’ve realized that those two are separate and there are things that we can change that don’t affect the accreditation.

In the end, what I told the accreditation people, and this is what I tell everybody – if it’s going to impede an officer’s safety or

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OR LI GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR LIV VING ING • THE INTERV IE W

impede on the residents of Pinal County, then it wasn’t something that I was going to do. If it went by the wayside, it went by the wayside. But it looks like we’re going to be able to still maintain that and do the changes and make this a great place.

GC LIVING: So taking over a new position, there probably are not enough hours in the day for you to hit the ground running and to learn from the very bottom up. What’s your day like?

SHERIFF LAMB: Every day is busy. I typically leave my house around 6:30 a.m. I get home about 7:30 p.m. and that would be on the early end, so we’re looking at anywhere from 12 to 15-hour days. All of us are in meetings. Sometimes we divide and conquer; sometimes we’re all there. What we’ve worked hard on is to try to get with all of our partners, our federal partners and our local agency partners and at the same time, we’re already trying to hit on the issues that need to be fixed, such as the budget and laying the groundwork for making this a great place to work. And things that we can do to keep deputies here and to work on getting them more money – these are all things that we’re working on, while at the same time, getting out and meeting with as many people as we can and expressing to them our desire to work together.

GC LIVING: How much are you hands-on on day-to-day Sheriff’s Office operations, or is that what your chief deputies maintain and you are running from meeting to meeting?

SHERIFF LAMB: I’m all about empowerment. I believe that we pay people to do these jobs and they do a great job at it. A lot of the operational side of things, I don’t have to be hands-on. There are still decisions we make here and there. People want to know when a major incident happens. They want to hear from the sheriff, so there are those things that we have to get involved in sometimes, but right now, we’re focused on trying to fix the things that we as administrators are responsible for. And the other folks have done a great job of just doing their jobs, and it’s really made things a lot easier for us on this transition.

GC LIVING: One of the other candidates had spoken very vocally about doing an audit. Is that something that you see a need to do? Or are things pretty much rolling along the way they should?

SHERIFF LAMB: You know, there’s a lot of talk.

People kept saying, “Well, you got to do a forensic audit,” so when we came in, we were already talking in December about doing an audit. And it’s nothing against the previous administration; we just want to make sure that everything that you took over is there. Any time you buy a company or you take something over, you want to make sure of what you are getting, so we’re looking at auditing equipment lists and evidence and all these different things.

A lot of people talked about a forensic audit. Well, a forensic audit, we found out, is more geared toward if there’s some criminal activity you believe may have taken place.

So, a forensic audit really wasn’t what was needed here, so we’ve been working with the county on doing an audit of the finances and the budget. We’re auditing of the equipment and making sure that as we take over, everything’s accounted for. And we know where what we have and moving forward, we know what ground zero looks like.

GC LIVING: What do you want to tell the residents of Pinal County about the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office? What can they expect when they pick up the phone and dial 9-1-1?

SHERIFF LAMB: Well, I want to say first and foremost, thank you for having the trust in me to put me in this position. I truly do want to be a servant to the people of Pinal County. And I think people who have met me and talked to me and worked with me, they know that’s truly who and how I am.

What I want is to be 100 percent responsible and effective with their tax dollars. I want to give them maximum return on investment.

And I want them to know that they have a sheriff who is a man of his word, who is a family man, a man of convictions and values and somebody, whether you agree with me or you don’t agree with me, you’ll know in the end. I hope that people will say that Sheriff Lamb was a good sheriff; he was fair and equitable and his employees within the sheriff’s office treated the people the same way. 

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

The Casa Grande Herald

CONTINUED…

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

PROMENADE...cont. from page 33 astrophic — such as a room content fire, one or two heads usually will control it and put it out unless there was some catastrophic failure of that. So I don’t see a concern with that.”

He continued, “Regarding 10 stories, we have the two ladder trucks – one’s 100-foot, one’s 114-feet. If you average 10 feet per floor, I would say you could get up to about an eight-story to be able to get to a window. It just depends on the setback, as Councilman Powell has alluded to, because that does lower reach. And that’s where the fire marshal comes in and looks at roadway access around the building, so we always have some kind of an access. As far as the sprinkler system in there, that’s the best protection and we’d be going up and inside and hooking up to the standpipes in the stairwells and then extending on in from there, so it’s designed with those safety features in mind.”

Other council views Councilman Ralph Varela asked if coming back later for changes could cause obstacles for the developer.

Tice responded, “What would have to happen with that procedure is they would have to come through with another amendment to request for the PAD to amend that, create the new standard. So, it would be the process just like we’re going through now.”

Mayor Craig McFarland asked if that would cost a lot of money.

Tice answered, “It would cost. I think the short answer is, yes, it would be in the neighborhood of processing fees of over $2,000 plus whatever legal fees or consulting fee they would be paid.”

Powell said, “But they probably wouldn’t have any money in construction at the point they ask for that so they could build at 50 feet.”

That is correct, Tice said.

SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

Councilwoman Mar y Kortsen wanted to know if fire safety would be considered before anything is built.

“We would never, would we, build something that is not fire safe – we wouldn’t allow it?” she asked.

Tice answered, “No, we would not build it if it was unsafe. There are a couple of opportunities in the process for review of fire safety.

One is at the site plan level, where we have just started putting our paper together, citing the building, the parking, the access ways.

And the fire marshal is in that review process to make sure that there’s adequate provision for fire access. And at the building permit stage, the building stage, all of these would be sprinkled buildings, and there’s an additional review for fire apparatus access. So, yes, there is opportunity for fire review at different points in the review process.”

If problems are found, the developer would have to alter plans.

Powell was still not happy.

“I’m disappointed, I guess, to see us make deals with almost every developer that comes along, special accommodations,” he said.

“Basically what it does, it waters down the effectiveness of our code. And when we make an exception, I can guarantee you that people if they put in apartments they’re going to want it to be 50foot,” he said. “This is going to be a really busy road on Kortsen. They said it was designed to be on the section lines, where it would be the busiest on the arterial roads, but you can’t keep people and commercial away from a busy highway and that’s going to be an extremely busy road.

“We don’t know yet when it will happen. It’s going to be well into our future unless something pops and somebody comes up and says we’ll pay for that interchange. I just hate to set a precedent right now with this sitting council, be-

cause we don’t know what it looks like in five or six years when this thing may be ready to be built.

Maybe it’s a good idea; maybe it’s not a good idea. I’d rather set it at three stories and then let them come back. You can always come back and ask for a plan exception.

It’s done all the time, if you have a good reason for it. I’m not going to commit civil war or anything about this, but I’m disappointed to see us not enforcing the rules that we have and making, in my mind, too many exceptions to the bigger developers and some of the small people that need something are not necessarily going to get it. It’s usually somebody that’s got a big development going. That does trouble me, but whatever the council’s pleasure is I’ll accept.”

T hat riled Councilwoman Kortsen.

“Personally, as each of these were brought up over the nine and a half, 10 years I’ve been doing this (on council) I can’t recall a time, truly, where I have voted one way or the other based on the need of a person that was on the proposal, if it’s a small proposal, if it’s another proposal. I don’t care for the inference that I have participated in the idea that the developers come to town and we give them what they want. I can’t recall a time since I’ve been on council that we haven’t actively discussed, had different opinions. There’s been times where I thought of one thing and I thought, ‘Wow, that’s good point,’ to whatever someone said.”

She continued, “And so I just want that to be said, that as we’re looking at this piece, this piece is a future part. I believe that as we do each one, we considered each one. There’s been discussion on buffers, on fire prevention and that sort of thing and there there’s been consideration. It isn’t as if we sat down and we rolled over on it.”

Powell answered, “Mary, I’m not talking about what you vote on, what I’m talking about it what has

been presented to council. If you have somebody that wants to build a five-story hotel in other places, we haven’t seen that kind of thing come from the small people. It’s almost always the big one. If you go back and look, almost invariably – and a lot of times they deserve it – they’re putting in a lot of infrastructure; they have some innovation that makes things different that we will change for if it is an improvement or something that embellishes the result we’re going to get. But it’s not always the case and it’s always basically the bigger ones that that happens with.”

Kortsen responded, “I’m not going to get into that argument.”

Councilwoman Lisa Fitzgibbons said, “I’m not looking at it on who is bringing it, either. I understand your point, Dick, and I think over the years I’ve been on council, we’re all pretty conservative on making sure that we’re setting a precedent. And I get that.

We have so many exciting things going on in this community and I think when you look at the future, these people aren’t buying homes; they’re buying apartments because it more affordable. It’s convenient.

So I get your point but we have the flexibility here. They’re not guaranteeing they’re building a five-story building, but at least we have the flexibility to be progressive and competitive with cities that we compete with – Phoenix, Tucson, whatever.”

She continued, “I get your point.

I do respect that, Dick, but I’m looking at the future and I think this is something we could use here.”

The vote that night for initial approval was unanimous, with Powell adding an explanation of his “yes” vote.

“I have a component that I don’t like,” he said, “but I’m not going to vote against the plan. It’s good plan overall.”

There was no discussion during the vote for final approval.

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Traveling • Dining • Entertainment

GRANDE SPORTS ACADEMY JOINS U.S. SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY ...setting the gold standard of excellence for youth soccer development in the country.

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G

rande Sports Academy (GSA) recently announced that it will be joining the U.S. Soccer Development Academy program for the 2017/2018 season.

Grande Sports Academy is the only year-round soccer residency academy that has onsite high school education provided by a major university – Arizona State University (ASU) for its residents. ASU is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the most innovative university in the United States, surpassing Stanford University and MIT. Since its inaugural year in 2010, Grande Sports Academy previously, in collaboration with Real Salt Lake, has been setting the gold standard of excellence for youth soccer development in the country. Every Grande Sports Academy graduate has received a college scholarship offer (130) or signed a professional contract (31). Sixty-eight of GSA’s players have been chosen by their home country to compete for their nation’s national team during the past six years (48 for U.S. National Teams and/or 20 for foreign teams).

Grande Sports Academy alumni have earned scholarships to prestigious academic and athletic universities that include current Division I NCAA Champion Stanford University, 2014 Division I NCAA Champion University of Virginia and soccer powerhouses – University of Maryland, UCLA, Wake Forest University, Clemson University, Georgetown University, University of Louisville, Marquette University and University of New Mexico.

Grande Sports Academy’s newly appointed technical

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director, Sean McCafferty, will oversee the technical side of the academy program including planning, curriculum development, player development, structure and day-to-day operations. McCafferty joined Grande Sports Academy after a long successful stint with Continental FC DELCO (merged entity of Spirit United & FC DELCO) in PA where he was the director of coaching/technical director for over 12 years.

During this time, McCafferty coached talented players that earned scholarships to attend some of the top collegiate programs in the country (Notre Dame, UVA, Georgetown, etc.) and also developed professional players.

Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia Union, MLS All-star in his rookie season, called into US MNT Camp in Jan. 2017) is the most notable player, having played for McCafferty from age 12 to 18.

An important initiative of McCafferty’s plan as the new technical director will be fostering close relationships with local and regional youth soccer clubs as Grande Sports Academy builds and expands the academy structure, with an objective to contribute to the advancement of youth soccer not only in Arizona, but regionally and nationally.

Grande Sports Academy has been awarded the Best Training Facility and Best Match Facility by U.S. Soccer.

Grande Sports Academy will be conducting talent ID camps beginning in February and space is limited. For more information on dates and online registration visit http://grandesports.com/academy/soccer-talent-id-camps/

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

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91

2017 SPRING VARSITY SPORTS SCHEDULE

Sponsored by Ochoa’s

3/14 Boys Baseball vs. Saguaro H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball at Saguaro H.S., 3:45 p.m.

3/29 Boys Tennis vs. Apache Junction H.S., 3:30 p.m.

Girls Tennis at Apache Junction H.S., 3:30 p.m.

3/16 Boys Baseball vs. Dysart H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball at Dysart H.S., 3:45 p.m.

3/30

Boys Baseball at Maricopa H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball vs. Maricopa H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Boys Tennis at Williams Field H.S., 3:30 p.m.

Girls Tennis vs. Williams Field H.S., 3:30 p.m.

4/4

Boys Baseball vs. Seton Catholic Prep, 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball at Seton Catholic Prep, 3:45 p.m.

Boys Tennis vs. Seton Catholic Prep, 3:30 p.m.

Girls Tennis at Seton Catholic Prep, 3:30 p.m.

4/6

Boys Baseball at Tempe H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball vs. Tempe H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Boys Tennis at Mesquite H.S., 3:30 p.m.

Girls Tennis vs. Mesquite H.S., 3:30 p.m

3/21 Girls Softball vs. Thunderbird H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Boys Tennis vs. Maricopa H.S., 3:30 p.m.

Girls Tennis at Maricopa H.S., 3:30 p.m.

3/23

Boys Baseball vs. Marcos De Niza H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball at Marcos De Niza H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Boys Tennis at Estrella Foothills H.S., 3:30 p.m.

Girls Tennis vs. Estrella Foothills H.S., 3:30 p.m.

3/28

Boys Baseball at Higley H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball vs. Higley H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Boys Tennis vs. Marcos De Niza H.S., 3:30 p.m.

Girls Tennis vs. Marcos De Niza H.S., 3:30 p.m.

3/14 Boys Baseball at Poston Butte H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball vs. Poston Butte H.S., 3:45 p.m.

3/17 Boys Baseball at Cienega H.S., 5 p.m.

Girls Softball vs. Cienega H.S., 5 p.m.

3/21 Boys Baseball vs. Willow Canyon H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball at Willow Canyon H.S., 3:45 p.m.

3/22 Girls Tennis at Gilbert H.S., 3:30 p.m.

3/24 Boys Baseball at North Canyon H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball vs. North Canyon H.S., 3:45 p.m.

3/28 Boys Baseball vs. Notre Dame Prep, 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball at Notre Dame Prep, 3:45 p.m.

4/11

Boys Baseball at Marcos De Niza H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball vs. Marcos De Niza H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Boys Tennis vs. Combs H.S., 3:30 p.m.

Girls Tennis at Combs H.S., 3:30 p.m.

4/13

Boys Baseball vs. Higley H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball at Higley H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Boys Tennis at Higley H.S., 3:30 p.m.

Girls Tennis vs. Higley H.S., 3:30 p.m.

4/18 Boys Baseball vs. Yuma H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball at Yuma H.S., 3:45 p.m.

4/20 Boys Baseball at Seton Catholic Prep, 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball vs. Seton Catholic Prep, 3:45 p.m.

4/24 Boys Baseball at Thunderbird H.S., 4 p.m.

4/25 Boys Baseball vs. Tempe H.S., 4 p.m.

Girls Softball at Tempe H.S., 4 p.m.

3/29 Girls Tennis vs. Dobson H.S., 3:30 p.m.

3/30 Boys Baseball at Campo Verde H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball vs. Campo Verde H.S., 3:45 p.m.

3/31 Boys Baseball vs. Campo Verde H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball at Campo Verde H.S., 3:45 p.m.

4/4 Boys Baseball vs. Williams Field H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Tennis vs. Campo Verde H.S., 3:30 p.m.

Girls Tennis vs. Campo Verde H.S., 3:30 p.m.

4/5 Girls Tennis vs. Westwood H.S., 3:30 p.m.

4/6 Boys Baseball at Williams Field H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball vs. Williams Field H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Tennis at Highland H.S., 3:30 p.m.

4/7 Boys Baseball at Mesquite H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball vs. Mesquite H.S., 3:45 p.m.

4/11

4/13

Boys Baseball vs. Mesquite H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball at Mesquite H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Boys Baseball vs. Queen Creek H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball at Queen Creek H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Tennis vs. Poston Butte H.S., 3:30 p.m.

4/18 Boys Baseball at Queen Creek H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball vs. Queen Creek H.S., 3:45 p.m.

4/20 Boys Baseball vs. Shadow Ridge H.S., 3:45 p.m.

Girls Softball at Shadow Ridge H.S., 3:45 p.m.

YOUR HOSTS: Lucy Garcia & Jazzmyn Rutledge

512 E. COTTONWOOD LANE, CASA GRANDE • 520-836-9867

Casa Grande's Oldest and Finest Mexican Restaurant Serving the Valley since 1950

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GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI LIVVING ING • FUN!

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

HOMEMADE HUMMUS DIP Transport yourself with this old Middle Eastern classic. Enjoy as a dip with fluffy pita and crisp veggies or as a spread on your favorite sandwiches and crackers.

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • •

2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, or more as needed, plus more for garnish 1/2 lemon, juiced 2 tablespoons roughly chopped freshparsley leaves, plus more for garnish 2 cloves garlic, peeled 1 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon dark Asian sesame oil 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cumin 12 to 15 grinds black pepper 1/4 cup water Paprika, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. In a blender combine all the ingredients except the parsley and paprika to be used for garnish. Blend on low speed until smooth. You'll have to stop the blender often to push down the ingredients. If the mixture is too dry and you're having trouble blending it, add a few more tablespoons of olive oil to help things along.

2. Scrape the hummus onto a plate.

3. Sprinkle the paprika over the top, drizzle lightly with olive oil, scatter some parsley on top, and serve.

4. You can make the hummus up to a couple of hours before you serve it. Cover the top with plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature.

Per Tablespoon: Calories: 57; Total Fat: 4 grams; Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams; Protein: 1 gram; Total carbohydrates: 5 grams; Sugar: 0 grams; Fiber: 1 gram; Cholesterol: 0 milligrams; Sodium: 96 milligrams Recipe originally from FoodNetwork.com

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PINAL COUNTY Pinal County FAIR GEARS UP TO OPEN

Fair

Enjoy rides, entertainment, March 22-26, 2017 animals, food and fun

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10 RIDE ALL DAY $

Unlimited Rides $20

When Purchased Before March 22, 2017 Check online for Sale Location On Sale March 1st while supplies last

Great Entertainment F R E E - with paid admission Keepsakes - Friday MC Magic & Grupo Contro l - Saturday Mariachi Innovación & Ballet Folklorico Tapatio - Sunday

by Karen Searle, Executive Director Pinal County Fairgrounds & Event Center

G

et ready for a week of excitement as the Pinal County Fair brings five days of fun and celebration with something for everyone! Gates officially open March 22 and remain open through March 26.

Music is always a big part of the fair. Headline entertainment is shaping up to be a great lineup! Making his Pinal County Fair debut – MC Magic will take the stage on Saturday. Bringing his hip hop style to the fair, he is sure to delight audiences. Grupo Control will also be on stage Saturday, March 25. Specializing in Norteño music, Control is always a crowd pleaser. Both concerts are free with fair admission.

The All American High Dive Show, Big Blue Bear, an amazing balloon artist and monkeys are all new to the fair this year. The All American High Dive show features champion divers and gymnasts doing incredible dives from several heights, including an 80-foot dive! Another feature of the show is the Human Torch Fire Dive! The Big Blue Bear

rides along in a miniature car with her friend Nancy. Balloon Artist Steven Rose will be at the fair all five days. Awesome creations of all kinds will thrill onlookers. Wild About Monkeys returns to the fair and brings baboons and other creatures guaranteed to make you laugh.

Jams, Jellies, quilts, collections and more will be on display. Exhibitors from 4-H and the general public work all year to compete for the coveted blue ribbon that comes with bragging rights.

At only $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 6-12, everyday admission to the fair is a bargain when you consider that all the shows are free.

Budget-conscious guests are encouraged to take advantage of the several discounts the fair offers from free admission and rides for youthful readers to discount senior day and free military admission. Save on unlimited rides by purchasing your ticket in advance! Additional discounts are available with details online at the fair’s website www.pinalfairgrounds.com

Pinal County Fairgrounds 512 South Eleven Mile Corner Road 520-723-7881 www.PinalFairgrounds.com

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TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

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MORE THAN JUST PRETTY FACES! CGUHS Cheer has passion for life and encouraging others

PHOTO BY JAMES WALKER

by Richard O’Neil, CPA, O’Neil & Steiner, PLLC

A

ttend any Casa Grande Union High School football or basketball game and you are bound to see the members of the CGUHS spiritline perform. The job of a cheerleader is to encourage, to support and to inspire others. In this day and age, cheerleading has also become a competitive sport all its own. Casa Grande Union High School’s spiritline has brought a whole new level of cheerleading to Casa Grande.

Over the last six years, under the watchful eyes of varsity coach Katie Kramer and junior varsity coach Michelle Estrada, a program has

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emerged that is attracting statewide attention.

Watching them perform on the sidelines seems normal until you see them take flight.

With pyramids reaching frightening heights, young fliers spinning through the air and gymnastic prowess rarely seen outside of a university setting, there is no mistaking this group is something special. Competing against other cheer lines, this team has made it to the state championship final competition five years in a row. In the recent state championships Casa Grande Union’s spiritline placed fourth in state AIA division II. Four of the team members hold national championship titles, and several have been nominated as “All American” cheerleaders.

The individual accomplishments of this group go far beyond cheerleading. For most of the team members, cheerleading is not their only extracurricular activity. They are also involved in activities like the National Honor Society, Key club, fine arts, vocal music, and elite competitive dance. The majority of the students attend advanced placement classes, and most are rated near the top of their class. Two of the spiritline members serve on the city’s youth commission, with cheerleader Savannah McMahon serving as commission president.

When you get to know these young people you realize they are healthy, happy, well-balanced students who have a passion for life and a passion for encouraging others.

Granddaughter of longtime Casa Grande businessman and civic leader Don Johnson, varsity coach Katie Kramer has deep roots in Casa Grande and is passionate about the community. She seeks not only to help the team members to become the best cheerleaders they can be, but also to instill in them

a sense of civic responsibility and to build future community leaders. In fact, over the last few years the CGUHS spiritline has transformed from just being high school cheerleaders, to becoming cheerleaders for the entire community. For example the team has recently cheered for local businesses to help raise funds for the Museum of Casa Grande/ Historical Society, helped with Hot Wings for History at the Museum of Casa Grande, helped the Casa Grande Main Street program promote downtown merchants through their social media networks, helped Home Depot to prepare gift bags for the homeless, helped collect items for families who lost their homes in the Yarnell fire, put together a dance for the children at the Early Childhood Learning Center for their Special Olympics activity day, helped the Casa Grande Police Department paint out graffiti, hosted a cheer clinic and donated the proceeds to The Make a Wish Foundation, participated in Relay for Life, face-painted at the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Community Fun Day, and participated in a local clean-up campaign.

One thing is for certain, this team is not just a bunch of pretty faces. The next time you watch this group perform, realize you are watching the development of future leaders in our community.

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

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SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

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97

SUMMER AT THE LIBRARY

S

ummer is just around the corner, and staff members at the Casa Grande Public Library are already hard at work planning the 2017 Summer Reading Program. The library hopes to inspire children this year to “Build a Better World” by offering a variety of educational programs centered on the theme of building and construction. The program provides children with a hands-on and interactive summer learning environment where they can improve reading skills during the summer to be ready for the new school year in August. The library encourages children to continue reading in the summer months by offering weekly prizes for children who read and set reading goals with their parents. At the end of the summer reading program, all children who complete a reading log will receive a free book of their choice from the scholastic book fair.

The library’s annual Summer Reading Program is geared toward children of all ages and will kick off on Saturday, June 3 at the public pool. Highlights of the 2017 Summer Reading Program include Wildman Phil, family build days, video game tournaments, family movies, storytimes, and much more!

All children will learn about the Summer Reading Program during the month of April and May by attending assemblies featuring our talented librarians Mr. David and Ms. Julie. Children will receive a flyer from their teacher with more information about the library’s Summer Reading Program after the assembly.

The 2017 Summer Reading Program will conclude on Saturday, July 15 with our 3rd annual Library Comic Con! Kids, teens, and parents are invited to attend a half-day event featuring storm troopers, 3D printing, virtual reality demonstrations, costume contests, raffles, comic books artists, presenter panels, and more! This end of summer celebration of comic book culture has become a local favorite, drawing huge crowds, amazing costumes and amazing photo opportunities.

We hope to see you all at the library this summer for another fun season of reading and learning together. Stay up to date on current and summer library programs by visiting our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ cglibraryaz and our library website at www.cglibrary.org.

CONTACT INFORMATION: David Brown Youth Services Librarian Vista Grande Public Library (520) 421-8652 x5111 David_brown@casagrandeaz.gov

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GOLDENCORRID CORRID CORRIDOR OR ORLI LI LI ING ING •• FUN! FUN! GOLDEN VVV ING

TRAVEL EDITION • SPRING 2017

Puzzles Sudoku

Word Search

Answers to puzzles on page 91 SPRING 2017 • TRAVEL EDITION

GOLDEN CORRID CORRIDOR OR LI V ING FUN! • GOLDEN

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