Golden Corridor Living Magazine

Page 1

“THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY”

SUMMER 2016

MEDICAL HEALTH & WELLNESS I S S U E

10

DAY TRIPS from

The Golden Corridor

The Interview: Craig McFarland

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“THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY”

SUMMER 2016

MEDICAL HEALTH & WELLNESS I S S U E

10

DAY TRIPS from

The Golden Corridor

Contents Features:

Summer 2016

THE MEDICAL EDITION

The Interview: Craig McFarland

16

City Council Candidate Roundup

40

Medical, Health & Wellness Special Section

64

The Interview: Craig McFarland

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

Dr. Ramon Mourelo and the da Vinci® Surgical System Story on page 65 Photography by Bea Lueck

Economy & Local Business Health Communities: We All

Health, Wealth & Education Introducing: Out & About. . . . 48

Travel, Dining & Entertainment 10 Day Trips From Golden Corridor. . . . . . . . . . . . . .88

Play a Role. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Remembering to Forget. . . . . . 50

Summer BBQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Let Us Pray?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 God, What is Poor? Part 4. . . . 54

Creative Writing Contest. . . . . 98

Make It Better. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 CG School Named to Come on In. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

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State’s Top 40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


Letter from the Editor

OUR WEATHER AND ELECTIONS HEAT UP

W Bea Lueck

e are almost at the halfway point in the year. This issue is our Medical, Health & Wellness edition. For the first time, our cover features a local physician, Dr. Ramon Mourelo, and was shot in one of the operating rooms at Banner Casa Grande Regional Medical Center. You can read more about that adventure on page 81. While the first day of summer isn’t until June 20th, here in the central desert of Arizona – let’s just call it summer! Temperatures are now hitting the official 100-degree mark and climbing. Our spring respite is over! That means a bunch of bullet point advice: • Pack your cold weather clothes – it’s time to go as minimal as your work permits, unless you work outside in the sun, then wear long sleeves to protect your skin. • Carry oven mitts to drive and handle hot objects. Really. Trust me. It works. • Time to shift our outdoor activities to dawn or dusk. There is no need to mow the grass during the day when 4 a.m. works just fine. • Respect the heat and stay hydrated, especially if you are not accustomed to the Arizona heat. Whoever said, “It’s a dry heat,” wasn’t sweating gallons.

THE THEMEDICAL MEDICAL EDITION EDITION

• •

Stock up on sunscreen and apply it liberally. Skin cancer is no joking matter and neither is sunburn that requires treatment at a burn unit. Don’t leave children or pets in a vehicle in the sun – EVER! The kids are soon out of school - time for fun at the library, the Boys & Girls Club or aquatics center. Watch our children around water – ALWAYS! Never take your eyes off them for even a second. Plan vacations to cooler climates, if even for a few short hours of relief. Day trips in Arizona offer many great tourist attractions. Pretend to be a tourist! Watch out for critters that slither, sting and bite!

Every year our firefighters get called out to help with a variety of avoidable rescues - someone overcome by the heat, fallen off of or stranded on a mountain, envenomated by a rattlesnake or the call everyone dreads the most – a child that has fallen into a pool. So do your part and avoid all the perils and pitfalls so you can enjoy summer to its fullest. And speaking of all things heating up, let’s just jump feet first into the fire and briefly discuss politics. On a local level, I encourage everyone to

talk to the candidates and attend the community forums. Get to know the people you are electing to office to represent you. For most upcoming city and county positions, we have a great field of candidates. For the state-level propositions – please take lots of time to read and research the two propositions. We have two choices: yes or no. And while it sounds simple, it isn’t. The consequences of your vote, either for or against, will be felt by the state for many years to come. And for the federal campaigns – all I can say is, “I can’t wait until it is over. “ I, for one, am tired of the name-calling and kindergarten squabbling. Please tell me what you intend to do to improve the quality of life for me and the country and stop the endless evening news fodder. The only positive is the weekly Saturday Night Live skits - November 9th can’t come soon enough! Our next edition is aptly themed the Education edition and will be released mid-July – just in time to enroll for the new school year. We have several excellent choices for parents in our area, which include public, charter and parochial. We’d love to hear from both educators and parents regarding your thoughts on education in Pinal County. Email me at editor@raxxdirect.com

–Bea

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VOICES PUBLISHER Elaine Earle, CPA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bea Lueck MANAGING EDITOR Katie Mayer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Conn-Hood Harold Kitching Donna McBride Jim Rhodes ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Debbie Cortez Melissa Wolf CREATIVE DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGN Tim Clarke GRAPHIC DESIGN Jake Pagano Tad Smith CHIEF OF OPERATIONS & FINANCE Elaine Earle, CPA ADVERTISING INQUIRIES info@raxxdirect.com COMMENTS & IDEAS editor@raxxdirect.com CALENDAR INQUIRES calendar@raxxdirect.com

Bob Jackson

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

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 Media. Editorial content is provided by affiliates of RAXX Media, 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 ING SUMMER 20 16 8 GOLDEN estate information is asLIofV5-4-16 and is subject to current availability and pricing.

THE MEDICAL EDITION


of the

Community

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.

Jerry Chinn

Jerry Chinn’s is an award-winning and college-educated documentary filmmaker and photographer with more than 30 years of professional experience. Whether through film or still photography, his passion is telling stories that enlighten and inspire the viewer.

Susan Conn-Hood

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

THE MEDICAL EDITION

BUSINESS INDEX 100

Academy Mortgage - CG

23

Access Arizona

37

Ace of Shades

71

Agave Dentistry

73

American Family Ins-Hobbs

32

Annie-Mac Home Mortgage

10

Avocado Nursery

69

Banner / CGRMC

33

Brutinel

47

Capital R Construction

57

Casa Grande Alliance

63

Casa Grande Elementary

85

Casa Grande Family Dentistry

51

Casa Grande Union High School District

42

Central Arizona College

3

Coldwell Banker ROX - BROKERAGE

95

Coldwell Banker ROX - BROKERAGE

91

Coldwell Banker ROX - BROKERAGE

21

Coldwell Banker ROX - BROKERAGE

31

Coldwell Banker ROX - BROKERAGE

61

Coldwell Banker ROX - BROKERAGE

43

Coldwell Banker ROX - BROKERAGE

96

Coldwell Banker ROX - Property Management

77

Cottonwood Medical Center

62

D.A. Milewski Household Cleaning

81

Desert Sky Dental

74

Dick & Mitchell DDS

79

DM Family Dentistry

77

Elegance N Images

62

Farmers Insurance - Bryant

30

Fitzgibbons Law Offices

15

Henry Brown Auto

4

Heritage Motors

74

Jenkins Chiropractic

34

Make It Better

37

Mankel Mechanical

29

On Sight Shooting School

2

Phoenix Patio Systems

41

RAXX Media

45

ROX Casa Grande Insurance

92

Rox Travel CG

5

Sircle Pain Clinic

94

Star Towing

72

Sun Life Family Health Center

73

Sunshine Child & Adolescent Care

52

Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce

27

TeePee Sand And Gravel

62

Title Security

77

Yang and Horsley Dentistry SUMMER 20 16 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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• Cactus • Agave & Yucca • Sonoran Desert Plants • Honey & Seasonal Produce • Community Garden Specialist May 14th Farmer’s Market from 9am - 1pm May 28th Grape Vine Workshop from 10am - 11am (check our facebook page for schedule!)

Thanks for considering us for all your gardening needs!

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6855 N. Overfield Road, Casa Grande 10

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THE MEDICAL EDITION


MAY

JUNE

May-June 2016 MAY

15

CAVIT live burn - 7 a.m.Signal Peak Campus Burn Building Tower

19

Maricopa High School Graduation - 6:00 PMMaricopa High School

26

28

17

20

26

18

21

27

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DAY OUT DOWNTOWN & HISTORIC WALKING TOUR - 9:30 AM-2:00 PM - Main Street Patio-Alley behind Cook E Jar, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 PINNACLE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION - 6:00 PMPinnacle High School

19

Vista Grande Graduation 6:00 PM- Vista Grande High School

PARTY IN THE PARK CONCERT SERIES - 6:00 PM-8:00 PM - Peart Park - 350 E. 6th St., Casa Grande, AZ

CENTRAL ARIZONA SPEEDWAY-DIRT TRACK CAR RACES - 7:00 PM- Central AZ Speedway-512 Eleven Mile Corner, Casa Grande

JUNE

6

18

6

23

Sports Camp - Len colla Center Children 6-14 - 4:00 PM-6:00 PM - Len Colla Rec Center 1105 E 4th St

Rocket Club - 4:00 PM-6:00 PM - Len Colla Rec Center 1105 E 4th St

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Arizona State Chili Championship - 10:00 AM-4:00 PM - Palm Creek 1110 Henness Rd

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Summer Theatre Camp Vista Grande High School - 1556 N Arizola Rd

CENTRAL ARIZONA SPEEDWAY-DIRT TRACK CAR RACES - 7:00 PM-12:00 AM - Central AZ Speedway-512 Eleven Mile Corner, Casa Grande,

Florence High School Graduation - 6:00 PMFlorence High School Coolidge High School Graduation - 6:00 PMCoolidge High School

THE BACKYARD MARKET CASA GRANDE - 7:00 AM-10:00 AM - Herbalicious-423 N. Florence St., Casa Grande

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AQUATIC CENTER OPENS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND - Palm Island-1115 N. Brown Ave., Casa Grande, AZ

Horseshoe Tournament Fundraiser - CG Elks - 12:00 PM-5:00 PM - CG Elks - 909 E Florence Blvd Grape Vine Workshop 10am-11am - Distinctive Earthscapes and The Avocado 6855 N. Overfield Road, Casa Grande

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Tuesday marketplace - 9:00 AM-1:00 PM - Southwest corner of 4th St and Florence ST

MONDAY, MAY 30TH AT 9:00 AM Antique Aircraft Fly Over by the Arizona Antique Airplane Association. Mountain View Cemetery Casa Grande located off I – 8 on South Trekell Road and West Skyway Ave

2016 Summer theatre Camp - Vista Grande High School 1556 N Arizola Rd

Flag raising - VFW Post #1677 Honor Guard

20

National Anthem - Sung by Brad Kepler

Blood Drive CG Valley Elks 12:00 AM-5:00 PM - CG Elks - 909 E Florence Blvd

A Tribute to our fallen Casa Grande Heroes for the past year* Rifle Salute & Taps - VFW Post #1677 Bag Pipes - Agent Mark Nelson, US Customs & Border Protection

KIDS 5-16 ENTER OUR ESSAY CONTEST! Winning entries will be published in the July education edition. Visit Vista Grande Public Library for details. Deadline to enter is June 15th

Guest Speaker Bob Jackson, Mayor of Casa Grande

JULY

4

July 4th Family Fun Daty at the Pool - 10:00 AM-12:00 AM - Palm Island-1115 N. Brown Ave., Casa Grande, AZ

THE MEDICAL EDITION

4

Fourth of July Fireworks Show and Activities - 6:30 PM-12:00 AM - Paul Mason sportsplex 2525 N Pinal Ave

23

Christmas in July CG Valley Elks - 12:00 AM- - CG Elks 909 E Florence Blvd

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The Casa Grande H

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

Larry Rains named new city manager

CG News

D

by Harold Kitching

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

State of the City address outlines key focus areas

T

here are several issues that future Casa Grande mayors and City Council members need to consider and act upon, Mayor Bob Jackson said during his final mayoral State of the City address in mid-March. These range from keeping up with infrastructure to accommodating the millennial workforce.

Infrastructure Because the city expanded and modernized the sewage treatment plant, Casa Grande was able to handle new industry. “We need to be working on the next generation of infrastructure projects,” Jackson said, “because I think what’s helped us the last nine years is being ready. We need to be ready for the next go around.”

Shopping mall “We need to worry about the mall,” Jackson said. “We’ve seen two major

12

tenants out there close in the last year – Target and now Sports Authority. Again, that goes back to this online shopping issue. We need to help figure out what we can do as a city to help that mall thrive.” Online shopping will continue to be a problem for traditional brick-and-mortar merchants in the city, the mayor believes. “I online shop, just like probably everybody here does,” he said. “But the fact of the matter is online shopping does not pay a local sales tax.” He added, “I’ve talked to some of the small merchants here in town. They’ll get somebody to come and look at an expensive piece of equipment…then they’ll go buy it online so they avoid the sales tax. That same business owner is the guy who gets the call when Little League needs a sponsor or the Cesar Chavez dinner needs a sponsor for scholarships.” He continued, “And I think moving

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forward, we need to get a handle on Internet sales. I don’t know the answer, but I think that’s something that future councils are going to have to work on.”

Economic development “We’ve got economic development always on our list,” Jackson said. “We have the only rail-served industrial area in Arizona – that area south of us

continued on page 24...

eputy City Manager Larry Rains has been formally named Casa Grande’s next city manager. The vote, during the April 18 City Council meeting, was unanimous. His appointment will be effective Aug. 7, which is the day present City Manager Jim Thompson previously announced he will retire. Mayor Bob Jackson said that date could be moved up if Thompson decides to leave earlier. Prior to the vote, Jackson said, “A couple of months ago, Jim tendered his retirement to us and we’ve kind of gone down this road. He authorized me to sit down and work out an agreement with Larry and I think what we’ve done is provided you with what he feels is fair and certainly I feel is fair, as well.” According to the staff report accompanying the agenda item, Rains’ yearly salary will be at step 10 of the city manager pay scale, or $178,662.43. That scale runs from $145,475 to $200,440 annually. Rains would also receive, in addition to the standard city benefits, an automobile allowance, cell phone allowance, and city-paid dependent insurance and life insurance, the staff report adds. “I will say that the appointment of Larry as the city manager, he certainly is capable and I think is the best candidate we would have found to begin with, Jackson said. “Also, it really provides a good transition for the city. So with that, it’s my recommendation that we appoint Mr. Rains as the city manager.” After the vote, Rains told the council, “First of all, I truly thank you for this appointment. I can’t tell you how excited I am about the opportunity of being the city manager for the city of Casa Grande. Your vote tonight cerTHE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


Herald

Local News from Golden Corridor Living Magazine

ALL THE NEWS WE THINK IS FIT TO PRINT!

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

Officials discuss impact of new hybrid beacon signal

C

asa Grande will work with the Arizona Department of Transportation to get federal funding for a hybrid beacon signal near Cacheries Court on Florence Boulevard. But before City Council approval, there were questions about whether people would actually use the signal and whether it could cause traffic tie-ups because of signals already at Henness Road and Camino Mercado, where there are existing crosswalks. The signal would be just east of Cacheries Court in front of two motels on the south side of Florence. That area has seen four pedestrian fatalities from people trying to dart across the road in the dark, including a mother who was killed while trying to cross with her 5-year-old son. Another fatality was a man crossing to a convenience store on the north side of

Larry Rains (continued) tainly shows a confidence and I appreciate it.” He added, “I’ve had a lot of folks ask me throughout the last couple of weeks about this position, and quite frankly the outpouring of support from many of the folks sitting in this audience and the community has just been overwhelming and certainly caused me to reflect and it just humbles me, quite frankly.” Rains pointed out that it was 14 years ago in May that he came to Casa Grande as city finance director. “A couple of things that I think are just impactful and one of the reasons why I looked at Casa Grande to come here 14 years ago and why I’m so excited about this opportunity today is, number one, Casa Grande as an organization and community has such a rich leadership fabric and most communities that those of us in this profession move to from community to community can’t THE THEMEDICAL MEDICAL EDITION EDITION

Florence. The beacon would be similar to the one on Pinal Avenue north of Casa Grande Middle School, which is activated by pedestrians. It would not be a regular traffic light. Under the resolution, ADOT will apply for $386,417 in federal funding. There would be no city matching funds unless there are cost overruns. If that happens, the city would be responsible for the overage costs. According to the staff report accompanying the agenda item, “The purpose of this agreement between the state and the city is to allow the state to acquire federal funds for the design and construction of a pedestrian hybrid beacon, crosswalk striping, signage, and lighting to help reduce the number of pedestrian motor vehicle crashes and to enhance the

say that,” he said. “The fact that the city of Casa Grande serves as an economic hub to western Pinal County, the fact that things are very, very stable here, comparatively, to pretty much the rest of the nation, the fact that we have such a fine community and the folks that are willing to really work for the betterment of this community have all been motivating factors for me to really put my roots here in Casa Grande and call this place home.” Rains said he looks forward to “working through the transition with Jim. I mean, obviously, he’s had a fantastic career here and as he concludes his tenure, my goals these next couple of months will be to make this transition as seamless as possible.” He added, “I also look forward to working with each of you (the council) individually and collectively, with our experienced management staff and the 450-plus employees that work here daily to make Casa Grande a better place. I’m excited about working with

ability of pedestrians to safely and comfortably cross Florence Boulevard.”

Timeline It will be a while before the signal would be built. Councilman Matt Herman asked when

everybody and getting on that common vision and moving forward. Thanks to all the folks that have been supportive over these last couple of weeks and my family and friends who have supported me for 27 years in this government endeavor.” Jackson said, “Thank you, Larry. And thank you, Jim, for picking somebody as your deputy that could step into the job when you retired.” Thompson, who came to the city in 2004, announced his retirement in an employee newsletter in February. The resignation date was accepted during the March 7 City Council meeting, beginning the process of finding a replacement. “Part of this process included engaging in a discussion with Larry Rains, the current deputy city manager, who has served in that role since 2008,” the staff report accompanying the agenda item said. “After the interview process, the council instructed the mayor and staff to attempt to reach an agreement with Rains to serve as the city’s next

those federal funds would be available. “The design will hopefully start as soon as we get the approval to accept those federal funds,” Public Works Director Kevin Louis replied. “ADOT will

continued on page 25...

city manager.” Rains came to Casa Grande as finance director, then was appointed deputy manager. “Rains possesses more than 25 years of experience in the public sector, including service as the finance director for the cities of Wilcox, Clifton, and Eloy,” the staff report says. “He also previously served as the city manager for the city of Wilcox for eight years. For the last 14 years, Rains has been with the city of Casa Grande, where he has provided exemplary service as the city’s finance director and deputy city manager.” The report continues, “The appointment of Mr. Rains will provide the city with a capable leader who is already familiar with the community as well as has detailed knowledge concerning the operations of and issues facing the city. His appointment should provide for a smooth transition from Thompson’s retirement to Rains’ assumption of the city manager position.”

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CITY

SPEAK A We are constantly looking at ways to upgrade and improve our service delivery to our citizens.

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CITY PROJECTS UPDATE by Robert “Bob” Jackson, Mayor, Casa Grande

s we close out the city’s fiscal year I thought I would take the opportunity to update everyone on several of our ongoing projects. The Council earlier in the year approved a new Computer Aided Dispatch/Record Management System for the police and fire departments. The old system was more than 20 years old and simply could not accommodate many of the newer requirements. Think about your personal computer needs today and think about what you were doing 20 years ago and you can see how obsolete the system had become. The upgrade costs about $1.5 million and will take about a year to fully implement. It will have many new features to streamline our dispatch operations and the records system. A second program we are undertaking for the police department is body cameras for our officers. As the Council looked at different alternatives, we felt that with everyone having smart phones today, we needed to be sure that the officers were protected from recordings which fail to show the officer perspective in crucial situations. After looking at all available technologies and camera locations, we have elected to move forward with cameras mounted on the officer’s chest. While we recognize there is no perfect system, we felt this would best serve our officers. We will be outfitting our officers over the next few years. You will soon start seeing new police vehicles on the road, as well. After several years of looking at different makes and models, we will be switching to Chevy Tahoe SUVs. Police vehicles are typically only manufactured by one or two of the big auto manufacturers. They require many special features that are not on civilian vehicles. Over the years, we have used Ford Crown Victorias (no longer being manufactured with the police package), Chevy Caprices and Dodge Char-

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gers. Each has positives and negatives, but in the end, the Tahoes are best suited for our use. In the public works arena, we are working on a couple of projects that will help us achieve a more sustainable community. The first is a company called Waste Empowered. We are working on a long-term agreement with them to take all of our Municipal Solid Waste, process it and reduce its volume by more than 75 percent. This will allow us to extend the life of our landfill decades into the future. At its current pace we feel we have less than 20 years remaining before we need to look at a new site. This agreement with Waste Empowered is intended to keep our rates low and provide a long-term solution to our waste disposal. We recently approved a contract with a company called NFlux. The proposal will generate electricity and grow food crops for sale using effluent from our treatment plant. The electrical generation will be used to offset the current cost of electricity at our plant and be a good outlet for effluent reuse. We currently use a portion of our effluent for irrigation of the golf course and a portion is used by the SRP Desert Basin Power Plant. One final update involves the proposed new community center. At a recent Council meeting, we approved moving forward with the final design of the center. It was voter-approved about ten years ago and is the last of the bond projects that were proposed. The design is expected to take about six months with construction starting shortly thereafter. With luck we should break ground by the end of 2016. We are constantly looking at ways to upgrade and improve our service delivery to our citizens. There are lots of other projects being examined by the Council and staff with the goal of improving the quality of life in Casa Grande.

THE MEDICAL EDITION


1990 N. Pinal Ave. 1990 N. Pinal Ave. Casa Grande, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 AZ 85122 1990 N. Pinal Ave.

520-836-2147 520-836-2147 YOUR CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, 520-836-2147 Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Y E A R S

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YOUR CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, 10 10 DODGE, JEEP, RAM DEALER 520-836-2147 CASA GRANDE YOURSERVING CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP, RAMBEYOND! DEALER AND www.HenryBrownChrysler.com www.HenryBrownChevy.com CORNER OF PINAL AVE. AND KORTESEN RD.

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Florence Blvd.

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ARIZONA’S BEST CAR DEALS ARE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK! THE CORNER OF PINAL AVE. AND KORTESEN RD.

N. Pinal Ave.

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www.HenryBrownChevy.com Monday - Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm

N. Pinal Ave.

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Monday - Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm Florence Blvd. Saturday 8:00am Sales Hoursto 5:00pm

N. Pinal Ave.

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SalesCASA HoursGRANDE SERVING 520-836-2147 Monday Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm ARIZONA’S BEST CAR AND BEYOND! Monday Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm DEALS ARE CLOSER Saturday 8:00am to 6:00pm Saturday toCHRYSLER, 6:00pm THAN YOU THINK! THE 8:00am YOUR CHEVROLET, CORNER OF PINAL AVE. ARIZONA’S BEST CAR Sales Hours RAM DEALER AND KORTESEN RD. DODGE, JEEP, Service & Parts Hours 10 DEALS ARE CLOSER Monday - Friday 8:00am to& 8:00pm Service Parts Hours Kortesen Rd. THAN YOU THINK! THE Monday - 8:00am FridayCASA to 6:00pm SERVING GRANDE Saturday to7:00am 6:00pm CORNER OF PINAL AVE. AND KORTESEN RD. Saturday 8:00am to7:00am 5:00pm AND BEYOND! Cottonwood Ln. Service Hours Monday -& Parts Friday to 6:00pm Y E A R S

Kortesen Rd.Ln. Cottonwood

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SERVING CASA GRANDE www.HenryBrownChevy.com AND BEYOND! YOUR CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, 1990 N. Pinal Ave. Hours DODGE, Sales JEEP, RAM DEALER Casa Grande, AZ 85122 OVER

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Sales Hours Monday - Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm Sales Hours Saturday 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday - Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm Service & Parts Hours Saturday 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday - Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm 1990 N. Pinal Ave.Hours Service & Parts Saturday 8:00am to 5:00pm Casa AZ 85122 MondayGrande, - Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm Saturday 8:00am to 5:00pm 520-836-2147

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Cottonwood Ln. Florence Blvd.

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Florence Blvd.

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THE MEDICAL EDITION

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THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


The LIVING Interview

Craig McFarland:

He knows our community. Here’s why you should know him. Interview by Rock Earle

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he name “Craig McFarland” has been the subject of ubiquitous mention around Casa Grande for years. Before I knew him personally at all, he kept popping up all over on my radar screen - Boys & Girls Club, Chamber of Commerce, this board or event or that one, yada yada yada, ad infinitum … who on earth is this guy? Is there really just one? Or is he really three?! In recent years, particularly since he retired from Golden Eagle Distributors, our paths have crossed a bit and I have gotten to know the real Craig McFarland a little better. And it turns out that he is the real deal - smart and successful - yes - but also generous and civic-minded. He really does want a better future for the community and its citizens - and he is willing to dedicate his time, in what would constitute his “golden years,” to help make it better. So what a fortuitous circumstance, or coincidence, that as I write this, we are in the midst of an election year - and an odd one at that. Let me explain. I’m a little fuzzy on the details, but a couple of years ago the date of our local elections was changed to be synchronous with other state and federal elections. What was originally a May 2015 City election was moved to November 2016. This means that Bob Jackson, our incumbent four-term Mayor, is still in office, finishing what will be 9 1/2 years during the worst economic times since the Great Depression - an extraordinary run by any measure. But Bob is termed out and cannot run again, so we are guaranteed a new face in that office. Which is where Craig McFarland comes in. As of the date of this interview (midApril, 2016) Craig is the only declared candidate for Casa Grande Mayor - surely an odd state of affairs for local races in small towns. We were going to get around to interviewing Craig eventually anyway, but with his new ideas, energy, previous appearances in this magazine and winning prospects, we thought we and our fellow citizens should get to know him a little better. - ROCK EARLE

GC LIVING: Craig, what do you make of the wacky local election situation – one Mayoral candidate and nine candidates for three seats on City Council – this year? CRAIG MCFARLAND: This election is definitely an odd state of affairs, certainly on the national stage. Our local election moving from a spring election cycle to the fall (to coincide with state and federal election) has helped bring more candidates to

THE THEMEDICAL MEDICAL EDITION EDITION

the city election. So the combination of a raucous national election and the timing change for our local elections, has created the interest in our local race. That’s a good thing. It’s good to see people interested in making a difference in our community. The current Mayoral race with just one candidate . . . is also odd. Not that I am complaining, but I also don’t want to take anything for granted. I don’t expect to be

anointed and want to win the community’s confidence and vote. I believe I am and would be the best candidate for the position of Mayor of Casa Grande. I am a collaborator and consensus-builder, and I will encourage entrepreneurs to build new businesses in our city, expand their existing businesses and remain in Casa Grande. I have the time, passion, training, experience and leadership skills to help make Casa Grande better! My ultimate goal is to make Casa Grande better than I found it! GC LIVING: So Craig, what on earth brought you to Casa Grande? CRAIG MCFARLAND: Well, my entire career has been in the beer business – primarily working for Anheuser-Busch in various capacities – and one of my customers was Golden Eagle Distributors in Tucson. When a succession crisis arose in their business, they invited me to become their vice president and Branch Manager of the Golden Eagle Casa Grande branch (the largest branch outside of Tucson). This branch was poised for growth and ultimately became the key SPIKE Beverage Distribution Center with their push into the Phoenix market. The move to Casa Grande from St. Louis caused a mini crisis in my domestic situation, as my wife Nancy did not know anything about Casa Grande! When I told her we were moving to Casa Grande she Googled “shopping” and Kmart is the only thing that came up. She cried. Over time, though, she relented and we moved to Casa Grande. Nancy is a very resilient and positive person. Once she got settled, she was sold on Casa Grande. It is our home. GC LIVING: The beer business sounds like every man’s dream! Tell us a little about that

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The LIVING Interview (continued) and some of your experiences? CRAIG MCFARLAND: As you said, it was a dream job. I have had the opportunity to travel, learn about and drink beer, teach people about beer, attend every type of sporting event and sit in the best seats all under the umbrella of work. With the good comes some sacrifices – from Jan 1979 to Jan 2005, (I’ve held) 10 different positions with Anheuser-Busch, Inc., including the training department (Los Angeles), field sales management (Seattle, Washington and Boise, Idaho), division administrator (Denver, Colorado), revenue management & coupons and refunds (St. Louis, Missouri), sr. field sales (Phoenix), sales director AZ/NV (Phoenix) and western sales director retail sales (St. Louis, Missouri). Those new positions meant moving ten times and living in six different states. In my career, I managed everything from training department curriculum, field sales wholesaler activities, corporate ABI revenue management – we had a $500 million budget – and managed all ABI personnel, sales, events, marketing and wholesalers serving Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and finally, managed ABI retail shelf sales personnel and programs for the Western U.S. What I enjoyed most about the beer business was talking to people about beer and the differences in beer. Most common questions and arguments about beer

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would range from convincing people that “Beechwood Aging” of Budweiser makes a difference to why it’s easier to make an alestyle beer vs. a lager/Pilsner-style beer. My love of everything beer has led to my home brewing of my own beer. I have made everything from Pale Ale, Black IPA, regular IPA and even a Bourbon Aged Stout. GC LIVING: Wow! OK, back up . . . “Beechwood Aging” . . . what is that?

“Our Mom would say, ‘You boys go out and play. Just be back before dark.’ Fortunately, no one got seriously hurt and we all made it home.” CRAIG MCFARLAND: Beechwood aging is a process only used by Budweiser beer. “It creates a smoothness and drinkability you will find in no other beer at any price”. That’s actually a quote off the Budweiser label . . . if you want to check it out. Budweiser is naturally fermented with bottom fermenting yeast. They spread the Beech-

wood chips across the bottom of the fermenting tanks, seal the tank, fill it with wort (sugar water), add the yeast on top and it floats to the bottom of the tank and covers the Beechwood. It creates a greater surface area for the yeast to interact with the wort (fermentation creates alcohol and Co2) thus giving a more complete aging and fermentation process. Now I’m sure you’re sorry you asked. GC LIVING: No, no good stuff. OK, what sort of an upbringing prepared you for this? Tell us about little Craig’s formative years... CRAIG MCFARLAND: I am the oldest of five boys, born and raised in California. I lived in Washington D.C., Honolulu Hawaii and Fresno, Walnut Creek, Concord and Northridge (mostly Fresno) in California. I was raised by two loving parents. We did move around, as my Dad was in the Navy and eventually went to work for Anheuser-Busch. Living with four brothers included many life experiences like running paper routes, Boy Scouts, seven-person road trips in a station wagon with no air conditioning (back seat facing backwards), terrorizing neighborhoods and yes, just a few fights. Additionally, we brought home a long list of animals that boys find around a neighborhood –dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, pigeons, turtles, frogs, spiders, insects, snakes and lizards. You name it, we probably had it at one time. Our Mom would say, “You boys go out and play. Just be back before dark.” Fortunately, no one got seriously hurt and we all made it home. I won’t lie, there were some close calls. GC LIVING: Did you have any special education that prepared you for your business career? CRAIG MCFARLAND: School for me was a series of highs and some lows. Moving frequently made it hard to make consistent friends and longtime friends. I learned to be adaptive and find things to do with my brothers. Boy Scouts was also a really good program for me. It gave me direction, leadership, extracurricular activities and real-life survival skills. I graduated high school in 1972 from Hoover High School in Fresno, California, graduated college in 1976 from California State University Fresno (Aug. 1972 – June 1976, B.A.). I also had a great opportunity to attend the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2005 and 2006. It is a concentrated

THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


two- week program through Wharton that gives business executives a crash MBA course and interaction with classmates from all over the world. I received two advance certificates from Wharton. It was a great experience! GC LIVING: So, back to your start in business with Anheuser-Busch – tell our readers about your first job? CRAIG MCFARLAND: As mentioned, after college I went to work for Anheuser-Busch, Inc. in Los Angeles at its Van Nuys brewery. At the time, this location was also a Busch Gardens, with a bird sanctuary along with other wild animals. It was a Los Angeles tourist attraction. They gave tours on a monorail, just like Disneyland. My first office was above the bottling lines and next to the monorail. It was literally 10 feet from my office. Crazy! My first job was as a training specialist, where I learned about beer. I learned how to make it, how to take care of it, how to sell it and how to market it. I literally visited every part of the brewery from top to bottom, including the hop room, grain elevators, milling room, mash tanks, lauder tanks, brew floor, brew kettles, fermenting cellars, finishing cellars, what we called the “government cellars” (this is where the beer was counted and the U.S. government took count for its excise taxes), the keg room, the bottling floor,

THE THEMEDICAL MEDICAL EDITION EDITION

and the warehouse. Every possible part of the brewery and brewing process I was privy to inspect, ask questions about and learn. It was an amazing experience for a 24-year-old from Fresno, California. My job was to work with our wholesaler family in all 14 western states and help spread Anheuser-Busch beer knowledge to our wholesaler personnel, to our retailers and to consumers. I did presentations in front of groups as small as five and as big as 350 people. We did beer education programs for all our wholesaler personnel from all the western states. I traveled and did programs in almost all 14 western states from Alaska to New Mexico, including 350 retailers in Salem, Oregon; 100 students in an advertising class at the University of Arizona; the University of Colorado; Arizona

“My life goal is to leave this place, my community, better than I found it . . . that’s who I am!”

State University and retailers in Billings, Montana; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Anchorage, Juneau and Fairbanks, Alaska and all over California. I think the only state I didn’t get to was Hawaii. It was an amazing time and if you had more time, I could tell you a dozen stories. GC LIVING: And presumably you climbed the company ladder well and nicely? CRAIG MCFARLAND: I did. It took moving 10 times, six different states over the course of 26 years, settling in Casa Grande when Golden Eagle Distributors hired me away from ABI in Jan 2005 to run its Casa Grande branch operation. We lived and worked in Los Angeles, California; Seattle, Washington; Boise, Idaho; Denver, Colorado; St. Louis, Missouri; Phoenix; St. Louis, Missouri again and finally Casa Grande. Anheuser-Busch, like many companies its size, back in the day, moved people around. That’s how you advanced – learning different parts of the business from training, field sales, revenue management, coupon fulfillment, corporate key account sales and senior sales management. You learned how to give sales presentations, wholesaler convention speeches, presentations to senior management and even presentations to August Busch III. My wife and I have been in Casa Grande

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Economy • Local Business

A strong education system also strengthens the business climate and overall quality of life for a healthy community.

EDUCATION IS ESSENTIAL FOR A HEALTHY WORKFORCE, ECONOMY & COMMUNITY by Helen Neuharth, President/CEO, Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce The Career Camps are an effort to help business and education build a strong partnership that will ensure meaningful experiences for students.

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s citizens of Casa Grande a nd A r i z ona, we have the opportunity to help strengthen the education system in Arizona. The Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce does support the passage of Proposition 123, a referendum for restoration of inflation funding of the Arizona Public Schools. Passage of Proposition 123 will add $3.5 billion over the next 10 years into K-12 classrooms without raising taxes. A strong education system also strengthens the business climate and overall quality of life for a healthy community. Career Camps, a summer program for seventh and eighth grade students in the Casa Grande Elementary School District, is coordinated through the Casa Grande Elementary School Dis-

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trict in partnership with the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce and supported by a number of business and community leaders. The goals of Career Camps are to raise student awareness and interest in various career fields, help students recognize the preparation needed to enter various professions and provide relevance about education and its importance for students to attain future goals and aspirations. Career Camps are designed to provide real-life experiences with various occupations and an understanding of the educational requirements needed to fulfill various jobs. The Career Camps are also an effort to help business and education build a strong partnership that will ensure meaningful experiences for students and ultimately help meet

future community workforce needs. This year, the camps will run from Monday, June 6 through Friday, June 10, 2016 and include: Pharmacy Camp; Health Care Camp, Camp WIN (What’s Important Now-Police/Safety), Fire Services, Agriculture Camp, Entertainment & Theatre Camp, and Veterinary Services Camp. For more information about this program please contact me at the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce, (520) 8362125 or Dr. Frank Davidson at the Casa Grande Elementary School District at (520) 836-2111.

THE MEDICAL EDITION


Dream Horse Set-up!

3732 South Peart Road, Casa Grande $375,000 This dream horse set-up is complete with irrigation, mare motel and large work shop with roll up door. You will love this secluded property with 2181 sq ft, which includes an added on game room. Recently updated with new tile floors, new kitchen and updated baths this split floor plan features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, office and a game room. The backyard is so inviting with the sparkling pool, large covered patio, fire pit, BBQ, bar area, 8X24 root cellar, 8X48 storage shed, irrigated pasture, dog run, washing area, tack room, and plenty of room to ride. This is a one-of-a-kind horse property with quiet surroundings and easy access to I-10 or I-8, close to town for all your shopping and close to the hospital.

SUE PITTULO

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LOCAL BUSINESS

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: WE ALL PLAY A ROLE

by Evelyn Casuga, Economic/Community Development Advisor, Access Arizona

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healthy community doesn’t happen by accident nor is a healthy community guaranteed to stay that way forever. A healthy community requires the same kind of attention as keeping our bodies in good condition. As a starting point, David Darling and Gayla Randall at Kansas State University capture Dimensions of a Healthy Community as follows: It’s a place where: • Residents hold a common vision of their collective future which challenges, motivates and unites them; • Leaders identify and resolve issues; • Organizations and institutions anticipate and adapt to an ever-changing environment. This may sound too ideal or out of reach, however, if we reflect on the fact that when any of these elements are missing or somehow dysfunctional, we all recognize it. We can name neighborhoods, large and small communities – rural, urban, and suburban – where neglect, disrepair, and instability are the norm. We know what this looks like – rundown or abandoned buildings, for instance – and certainly not just in physical appearance. Also, we know what it feels like, i.e. not safe. We know what healthy communities look and feel like, too – families playing in a wellgroomed park, robust commercial activity, volunteers at the ready, and a stable political environment. Imagine a potential new business and industry exploring the best place to locate or expand. The notion of a healthy community may not be explicitly on the list of requirements or needs, but be assured that the elements are. Adapted from authors Mark Peterson and John Rohrer in their Total Development Paradigm model, the key layers include: • Leadership Infrastructure – vision, knowledge of development process, technical knowledge sources and networking • Human Infrastructure – values, work ethic, knowledge skills, family structure and vision of the future • Support Infrastructure – healthcare,

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churches, financial sector, education and information systems, recreation and parks, law enforcement, retail sector and housing • Physical Infrastructure – water, sewer, roads, industrial parks, utilities, technology and waste disposal • Economic Base – manufacturing services, agriculture and mining Like Darling and Randall, Peterson and Rohrer recognize the need for vision, shared goals, and identified action plans as well as for leaders and community members to actively participate in focusing energy and resources to achieve the greatest opportunity for success in building a healthy community. Let’s look at a few key components and ask ourselves where our community and our region stands. • Leadership – without it, nothing happens in a community: Who are the leaders, with or without titles? Is there room at the table for new leaders e.g. younger, more diverse? • Governance – in all sectors, city, county, education, civic, social, religious, and healthcare; do the various segments of a community have a voice or are there those who are left out or feel left out? • Formal and informal organizations – how many do we have and what is the quality of these civic, social and political entities? Growing, fading, reinventing? • Planning Processes – once again, in all sections; is it top-down or participatory? Is the public, when appropriate, truly engaged? • Responsibility/Accountability – is there ownership and buy-in for community action? Creating and maintaining a healthy community is an ongoing conscientious task like taking care of our bodies. So how do we all participate to build a healthy community and increase the chances of staying that way? It’s easier than you think and EVERYONE can play a part. The CALL TO ACTION from the “How to Build Community” poster published by Syra-

cuse Cultural Workers says to pick one or more of these steps below. For a number of these, healthy personal behaviors are included as a bonus, as well! • Turn off your TV • Leave your house • Know your neighbors • Look up when you are walking • Greet people • Sit on your stoop • Plant flowers • Use your library • Play together • Buy from local merchants • Share what you have • Help a lost dog • Take children to the park • Garden together • Support neighborhood schools • Fix it even if you didn’t break it • Have pot lucks • Honor elders • Pick up litter • Read stories aloud • Dance in the street • Talk to the mail carrier • Listen to the birds • Put up a swing • Help carry something heavy • Barter for your goods • Start a tradition • Ask a question • Hire young people for odd jobs • Organize a block party • Bake extra and share • Ask for help when you need it • Open your shades • Sing together • Share your skills • Take back the night • Turn up the music • Turn down the music • Listen before you react to anger • Mediate a conflict • Seek to understand • Learn from new & uncomfortable angles • Know that no one is silent though many are not heard, work to change this. Evelyn can be reached at Access Arizona, (520) 836-6868.

THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


Helping you build your business in PINAL COUNTY, ARIZONA

developable land

easy access to air, highway and railway

great place to live

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Connect with us.

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


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STATE OF THE CITY...cont. from page 12 where Tractor Supply is. We need to continue to market that.” Part of economic development is workforce development, which is “always a problem,” he continued. When economic developers come to the city, Jackson said, Casa Grande gets criticized for its workforce. “Unfairly, I believe, so we need to make sure that we’re ever vigilant about making sure we have the best qualified workforce we can possibly have.” Millennial workforce City officials are already seeing how millennials view work, Jackson said. “I think moving forward, one of the things that we are all going to have to look at is the millennial workforce,” he continued. “I know we’ve had this discussion many times in City Hall.” Jackson added, “I’m a baby boomer. I’m sure they thought the same thing about me when I was 20-something years old…it’s a different work ethic, a different work mindset. We recently implemented a paid time-off plan instead of the traditional sick leave/vacation

leave. (This is) very strongly-supported by millennials, not so much the baby boomers. But it’s one of those transitions that we all need to make.” He continued, “I think going forward, the city of Casa Grande needs to get ahead of that, because if we don’t, we’ll have an aging workforce and we’ll find ourselves in a situation where we don’t have people to fill those jobs. And it’s not just us – everybody has the problem – so we have to make ourselves more attractive than our competition.”

Transit system “We’re seeing growing pressure to have a transit system here in town. I think that while we would all love to see that happen, they are very expensive and we need to make sure that we have proper revenue to be able to continue to operate that,” Jackson said.

Widening I-10 “We need to work on widening I-10. While we’ve seen projects at the I-10/I-8 intersection moved up on the list, we’ve seen the Picacho area moved up on the list, there’s no activity on that stretch

Council approves sidewalk repairs

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he City Council has approved a contract to rebuild the high sidewalks along First Street between North Sacaton and North Florence streets in downtown Casa Grande. The $272,898 contract is with D.W.A. Construction of Casa Grande. It will be funded by present and future Community Development Block Grant money. According to the staff report accompanying the council agenda item, “The project includes the removal and replacement of existing sidewalks and adjacent curb and gutter sections. There is additional related and appurtenant work associated with the project, such as street and driveway pavement removal abutting the new sidewalk and curb and gutter sections, construction of short curb walls at the back edge of the sidewalk in certain locations, minor storm drainage improvements and fixture adjustment work.”

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The work also aims to bring the stretch of street into compliance with Americans with Disability Act requirements. “This segment of street has undesirably high curbs along much of its length ranging up to 18 inches above the adjacent street gutter line,” the staff report says. “The intent is to generally improve the overall streetscape, reduce the curb heights where possible and to create an ADA- compliant sidewalk on each side of the street.” The contract will be for sidewalk work, not for stormwater water flow changes. The city has a separate request for a stormwater water master plan in the downtown area. The work will include: • Removing about 14,225 square feet of old pavement. • Constructing about 1,680 square feet of new curbs.

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through the Indian community and we really need to work on that,” Jackson said.

Kortsen interchange “We need to work on the Kortsen Road interchange, because if we’re going to open up that east side of the freeway that’s what’s going to help us do that. We need to have sewer service over there,” Jackson said.

Proposed I-11 “There’s an environmental impact statement going on for the proposed I-11 corridor. We need to be very active in making sure that they bring I-11 through Casa Grande in the area that we want them to bring it,” Jackson said.

Trails “We need to continue developing the trail system up on CG Mountain. There are thousands of acres up there; we need to make sure that we build it out to the best of our ability. We have a regional trails system here in town. We need to start working on implementing that, as well,” Jackson said.

• About 6,610 square feet of new concrete sidewalk, including two new sidewalk ramps. • About 2,485 square feet of new driveway pavement. • About 3,310 square feet of new asphalt street pavement. • Adjustments for 28 water meters, hydrants, and valve boxes. • The existing brick driveway will be removed with the bricks saved and then rebuilt after the street and sidewalk work. As Public Works Director Kevin Louis explained to the council, “This segment of the street has undesirably high curbs along much of the length and is probably, as we looked at sidewalks in the downtown area, one of our most challenging streets. We went through the process of having these improvements designed and it’s to meet the ADA requirements. Again, this is one of our most challenging blocks in the downtown area.” He added, “I know you can go to any block down there and identify issues with

Quality of life As the city considers all of the above issues, Jackson said, “We really can’t lose site of the quality of life issues that Casa Grande has. Typically what happens in government is the thing that’s screaming the loudest…the quality of life things, are the last on the list. As we go out and prospect for economic development newcomers into the area, quality of life issues are one of the top things they look at, so we can’t really ignore that, as we move forward. But the pressure’s going to be there to spend that money someplace else.” He added, “I’ve said this many times – Casa Grande is a great place to live. We need to maintain that sense of community here, and I think one way you do that is to be able to live, work and play in the same spot. I did my time commuting to another city. It was always really hard to decide whether I’m going to spend my leisure hours where I lived or where I worked. We have a unique situation here where we have a fairly robust job market so we can live, work and play in one location.”

our sidewalk facilities, but it is a typical condition that you’ll find in such a historic area of town.” Councilwoman Lisa Fitzgibbons asked, “Is there any other area that has those sidewalks, or is it just that little stretch?” Louis replied, “Like I mentioned, you can look in the downtown area and find a lot of areas that need attention.” Funds are limited, Louis said, but “when we do make permanent improvements in the downtown, we want them to mirror what we’ve done on Main Street, on Sacaton, during Phase I and then on Florence Street and Second Street on Phase II.” He added, “This is an interim solution to some issues we’ve had with pedestrian safety. We have experienced some trip and falls in that area. It’s also our first step at trying to identify a citywide ADA compliance process. We’ll be going through this effort all throughout town.” In the future, First Street will also play

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CG News

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BEACON SIGNAL...cont. from page 13 administer the project (and) we’ll be working with them under their timeline. Once we get that first date, then we can kind of outline how things will look in the future. We’re trying to push this forward as quickly as we can through what I will consider a not-real-quick project through the federal process, but we’ll do the best we can.” During the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting in March, city Traffic Engineer Duane Eitel said ADOT would start designing the project after approval from the council. “It takes about a year to do the design,” he said. “The project is currently scheduled for construction to be completed by 2019, but we’re working on moving it up” to perhaps the fall of 2017. Eitel said it would take about the same amount of time if the city were to do the entire project itself. “If we looked at using our procurement standards – what we have to do to go through procurement,” he said, “if we started very soon, we’d still have to hire a consultant to do the design. When the design is done, we then put out a bid package, find the low bid, then we have to go to City Council and get it approved.” Eitel added, “All those things have certain timeframes. The rule of thumb that I use from starting a project to starting construction, not construction finish but just starting, is about a year. It could be 10 months (or) it could be 14. So, our design and ADOT’s would be done at about the same time. If we’re successful moving it up to the fall of 2017, (it would be) maybe two months difference than if we did it ourselves.”

Congestion question On the traffic congestion question, Louis said, “What we did when we did the preliminary layout of this to get the approval to move forward through this process, we identified a location for that crossing that would have the most impact or benefit to the hotels in the area and be far enough away from both of those signals so that this signal will not have a negative impact on that sequence.” That location would not stack traffic, he said. THE MEDICAL EDITION

Councilman Karl Montoya said, “On the location, you’ve already committed to, where the location doesn’t affect the two lights, but realistically it sounds like it could be questioned. But is it where the people cross?” Louis replied that it is about where some of the pedestrian fatalities have occurred. Montoya responded, “OK, there’s no reason to build one if that’s not where they’re crossing. You’re going to be in compliance with your two lights and I don’t know if putting the two lights together or what the distance is, I didn’t measure that off. But I don’t know if there’s any synchronizing the two lights together so you don’t see people going faster through the yellow light to come up to the beacon that’s blinking already and they’re already going faster than the 45 (mph), which they’re probably doing 55 by now just because they’re beating the light and setting up your crosswalk for disaster. Hopefully you guys have thought about that a little bit.” Louis replied, “We’ll take into consideration all those things during the design process, yes.” Councilwoman Mary Kortsen said she agreed with Herman that there also has to be a matter of personal responsibility regarding crossing streets.

Effectiveness Kortsen had questions, though, about whether the signal beacon would be effective. “I’ve watched, and I was the person, one of the people, that really pushed for the one that’s over there by the Historical Society (Florence and Center). I work in that area and I watch. Nobody uses it during the day. You will see people that are down for the Old Town events and things (at night), those people use it.” Kortsen continued, “I have yet during the day, seriously, to see mothers with their strollers and that. Again you can kick a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. I do have some concerns that we’re now doing this and will they be using this one, because they definitely are not using the one – on a regular basis during the day – over here by the Historical Society. And, again, I was one of the ones that just kept pushing you guys to do it.” That’s actually not the case, Council-

man Dick Powell said. “I drive to work through there every day and there are people that do use it.” Kortsen injected, “Oh, that’s great.” Powell continued, “There are a number of people that use it. It’s not an overly-populated area (and) there’s not heavy usage, but I see people crossing at it – from older people to handicapped to kids, and that type of thing.” Powell added, “The most dangerous thing is kids on bicycles coming across when you almost can’t see them in the evening.” That aside, Powell said something has to be done about the Cacheries Court area, given the fatalities there. Consideration also has to be given to the Cracker Barrel situation to the east, he said. “One of the things I’ve heard a lot of people complain about is the exit out of there, if you’re coming from Cracker Barrel or whatever, and you come out, it’s really had to get back on the highway,” he continued. “I know one of the things, they said (is) ‘Why don’t they have a strip where you come out where the stoplight was done there (Camino Mercado)?’ You would enter at Cracker Barrel but exit down at the oth-

er stoplight, which would certainly (ease) some congestion and some traffic. I think it’s something we need to do, but I would also suggest that we look further at maybe trying to do something to get a cross where people can leave that going to the west, and it’s not very far, and then hit the lane down to the light that’s there when they exit, which would really be a lot safer.” It had been pointed out a few years ago that putting a traffic light at the entrance to Cracker Barrel was not practical because of the close proximity of a series of signals on the Interstate 10 overpass just to the east. That would cause tremendous synchronization problems. Regarding the Cacheries situation, Herman said perhaps thought could be given to finding out how much it would cost to build a pedestrian fence in the area, funneling people to the proposed crossing signal. “It’s sad that people get hurt, killed there,” he said. “We have to do some public safety responsibility, but maybe with something like that. I hate to be a nanny to everybody, but you know, if we’re going to put the money into it let’s make sure that it’s going to work.”

City looks into stormwater drainage issues

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asa Grande is looking for a company to do a stormwater drainage master plan, drainage feasibility study and concept reports for the final phase of the downtown streets reconstruction project. “The roadway infrastructure for Casa Grande’s historic downtown needs reconstruction, along with other infrastructure improvements,” the request for qualifications says. “The area experiences repeated stormwater flooding during and after heavy rains. This impacts local business and results in partial or complete road closure for cleaning and maintenance purposes.” Phase I of the project was completed around 2007 and involved reconstruction of Main Street from Casa Grande Avenue to Sacaton Street. “Phase I also involved costly stormwater drainage infrastructure,” the request says. “However, this area still receives stormwater flooding complaints during

heavy rainfalls and requires maintenance.” The originally proposed Phase II involved the reconstruction of First and Second streets, along with proposed stormwater drainage infrastructure. “Stormwater infrastructure was deemed expensive with (the) least benefits after lessons learned from Phase I construction,” the request continues. “A substantial portion of Phase II was removed from the original Phase II plan and was completed in 2012. The revised Phase II involved reconstruction of Second Street from Casa Grande Avenue to Pinal Avenue and mill and overlay of Florence Street only, with no provisions of stormwater drainage infrastructure. The remaining portion of original design was deferred to the future. The city would like to proceed with the final phase of downtown reconstruction. The major element, besides paving, of the final phase of reconstruction is stormwater drainage.”

SUMMER 20 16 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

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The LIVING Interview (continued)

continued from page 19... now for over 11 years. I retired from Golden Eagle in Jan. 2015 after 10 years (with a total of 36 years in beverage industry sales management and operations). I was brought to Golden Eagle to help with the Executive Management Committee. It was made up of a group of diverse individuals including the CFO, executive vice president of operations, company attorney and company owners. We helped guide company policy and direction. In addition to that, I also ran the Casa Grande branch operation. (Working for) Anheuser-Busch and Golden Eagle was a great time and a great experi-

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GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGSUMMER SUMMER202016 16

ence that has netted Nancy and me many lifelong memories and friends. GC LIVING: And through it all you lived the American Dream, personally too, with a great and supportive wife, two wonderful children and now many grandchildren pretty much classic textbook success in Life 101. CRAIG MCFARLAND: I am a very lucky man. I’ve been married to Nancy McFarland for 38 years. We have two grown children – Kelly, 35, is a graduate of the University of Arizona and Scott, 34, is a graduate of Arizona State University and Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. We have five grandchildren – Dillan, 7; Connor, 5; Keira, 5; Lei-

la, 3 and Brady, 1. One family lives in Casa Grande and the other in north Phoenix. I moved my kids around and I know they would tell you that it wasn’t easy moving away from friends. You would think I would have learned from my own experience as a kid! I think they would also tell you that they have friends all over the country and that they are better adapted because of the experience. Nancy and I are included in that adaptability and experience. We bought and sold nine houses over that 26year period, made some money on every one of them . . . until now. The good news is we are not moving. We are here to stay. I attribute who and what I am today to my life experiences, my parents, my brothers, my partner Nancy, and my children. Also, everything I experienced as a kid and as an adult. As a young person, Boys Scouts shaped me the most. I learned early on that you leave your campsite better than you found it. Before you leave camp, you line up and police the campsite, picking up anything foreign that doesn’t belong. As an adult, moving, adapting and maturing in different environments and different situations has made me who I am today. My life goal is to leave this place, my community, better than I found it . . . that’s who I am! GC LIVING: I know it sounds like we are jumping around, but tell our readers about your job at GED? CRAIG MCFARLAND: I came to work with Golden Eagle in Jan. 2005 and committed to work 10 years. I had three different positions with Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc. and SPIKE Beverage (that was our non-Anheuser-Bush side of the business starting in spring 2006). My first position was vice president/branch manager at the Casa Grande branch. My second job was vice president corporate sales, statewide, and my office was in Tucson. Finally, I was promoted to vice president sales. I traveled throughout the state, as we had branches in Tucson, Casa Grande, Buckeye, Flagstaff, Show Low, Globe and Tempe. Golden Eagle had approximately 350 employees with revenues near $250 million (on the low side). Most of my job was meetings and managing people. The key to a successful company is good people. We sold beer, wine, liquor, water, soft drinks,

continued on page 36... THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


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CG News

CONTINUED…

SIDEWALK...cont. from page 25 a major role in moving stormwater from the flooding- prone downtown area. “First Street has been identified as a preliminary way for most of our drainage, when we do design a drainage solution for the downtown,” Louis said. “It is going to be one of the roads that we use that we transfer that storm water through the downtown. This project is just focused on sidewalks and it is not pavement improvements at this time, because of that future construction.” Councilman Karl Montoya asked if the sidewalk work will have any affect on the drainage issues.

“Really, it’s not going to be changing any of the drainage conditions,” Louis replied. “The street flooding that occurs today will continue to occur. We’re not solving any of those drainage issues. However, none of the improvements we anticipate will have any impact on the surrounding area. We may still have sections of sidewalk, if we lower it, that may be impacted during those high flow periods, which is not unusual for that downtown area, but we shouldn’t see any impact to the surrounding properties.” Montoya said he hopes that no one will be flooded out or hampered by high water because of the sidewalk work. “That is our plan,” Louis replied.

Mayor addresses controversy over athletic fields

T

he city swimming pool in McNatt Park will be drained and completely replastered. This is the second major upgrade since the renovation of the pool decking. Casa Grande Performance Institute, which is the large complex with athletic fields just east of Francisco Grande Resort, has been the subject of some controversy in recent months – mostly about lagging payments to the city. “I know there’s been a lot of stuff recently written about it,” Mayor Bob Jackson said during his annual State of the City address in mid-March. “Some is true, some is not.” Jackson continued, “What needs to be considered is the reality at the time the complex was built. We, at the time, were looking for youth fields and we were looking at different pieces of property that the city of Casa Grande owns. We have a robust youth soccer/football program in town and we’ve run out of field space for them.” He added, “Francisco Grande came to us and they said, ‘Look, we have an idea of a public/private partnership where if you help us build this facility we will maintain that facility,’ so as we sit here today, we have eight soccer/football fields for youth programs out there that are the best in the state of Arizona. And if you talk to people who have kids that play soccer and have been here to play, they

28

will tell you that these are the best fields they’ve ever played on.” He continued, “We don’t pay a dime for that maintenance. If we were to maintain them ourselves … we believe that cost would be somewhere between $500,000 and $600,000 a year.” The complex, also referred to as Grande Sports World, has brought other benefits to the city, Jackson said. “I think many of you may not know, but we have major league soccer teams out there, their version of the Cactus League spring training every year,” he continued. “It’s really put us on the soccer map.” Because Arizona is not a soccer state, “we don’t see much of that,” he said, “but when the Seattle Sounders come down here to practice, our winter visitors from Seattle get on the Internet to find out what the practice schedule is in the Seattle newspaper so they could go out and watch them.” Jackson continued, “We have college scouts here all the time; we have ESPN soccer here all the time; we have international soccer leaders here in town – all of which helps bring a focus on who Casa Grande is.” Expectations “Has it performed the way we really wanted it to?” Jackson asked. “No, it

GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING SUMMER 20 16

continued on page 58...

Roundup of state legislative bills

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asa Grande Mayor Bob Jackson touched on some of his concerns with the actions of the state legislature during his State of the City 2016 address in mid-March. “We find ourselves in a situation frequently with the state legislature doing things that affect our ability to do the services that we provide to the public,” Jackson said.

Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) The money comes from several sources, but mostly from the state tax on gasoline. The revenue is allocated to cities and counties based on population. The fund is supposed to be for road improvements and maintenance. “Over the last five or six years the state has taken money out of that HURF funding to pay for the Department of Public Safety,” Jackson said. “And it’s affected us in Casa Grande about a million dollars a year.” He added, “That means your road network is going to not be able to be kept at the standards that we’ve become used to.” In a sense, Casa Grande is lucky because a majority of its streets are in

good shape. “We recently completed a study which is out for public hearing right now through the Sun Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization,” Jackson said. “They did a pavement rating system for Casa Grande, Coolidge and Eloy. The categories were poor, very poor, good, very good and excellent.” He continued, “In Casa Grande, 82 percent of the streets were rated as excellent, very good or good. And that, again, is a tribute to our ability to stretch every dollar we have to the maximum ability possible.” Good roads help with economic development, Jackson said. “You drive into a town (and) if the roads look good you think, ‘Well, the town looks pretty well run.’” He added, “I’m not saying anything at all about our neighbors, but I think that’s one of the reasons why we are so lucky with a lot of the economic development successes.” What about those lower-rated streets? “I’d be the first one to say I could

continued on page 58... THE MEDICAL EDITION


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LET US PRAY?

Recent U.S. Supreme Court decision provides guidance regarding prayer and the exercise of religion at public meetings. by Nancy L. Davidson, Attorney

O

n March 2, 2016, the Phoeni x Cit y Council voted to reinstate prayer at the opening of its meetings, but limited the speakers to city chaplains. The vote reversed its previous decision to replace prayer with a moment of silence, which sparked many questions such as: • Can the government open a public meeting with prayer? • Can the government ban prayer from public meetings? • Can the government prevent a group from giving an invocation before a public meeting? • What does the Constitution say? The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has two provisions that deal with religion: the Free Exercise Clause and the Establishment Clause. The Free Exercise Clause protects the people’s right to practice religion as they please, so long as the practice does not conflict with “public morals” or any “compelling” governmental interest. The Establishment Clause prohibits the government from preferring, endorsing or advancing one religion over another. Similarly, Article II § 12 of the Arizona Constitution prohibits the government from using public money/property for any religious worship, exercise or instruction, or to the support of any religious establishment. In addition, Article IX § 10 of the Arizona Constitution provides in part: “No tax shall be laid or appropriation of public money made in aid of any church[.]” The U.S. Supreme Court recently addressed the issue of invocations at public meetings in Town of Greece v. Galloway. Between 2009 and 2010, only Christian speakers performed invocations at

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GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGSUMMER SUMMER202016 16

t he b oa rd meetings of the Town of Greece, New York. Even so, the court found n o v i o l ation of the First Amendment. According to the court, the town had made it clear that it would permit any resident (including nonbelievers) to provide an invocation. The town neither reviewed the invocation speeches in advance of the meetings, nor provided advice as to their content. The Town of Greece decision provided examples of what the government cannot do as part of its invocation practices, such as preaching conversion, classifying people based on beliefs, engaging in a lengthy discussion about religious beliefs, instructing a person to participate in prayer, singling out or chastising a dissenter, or threatening damnation. The First Amendment does not prohibit the government from opening public meetings with a prayer by a private speaker, nor does it limit any prayer to nonsectarian content. However, once a government entity invites prayer at a public meeting, it must allow the speaker to “address his or her own God or gods as conscience dictates.” This means the government cannot screen, censor, suggest or ban specific content from any prayer or invocation, or otherwise discriminate against any religion or belief. Nancy Davidson is an attorney at the Fitzgibbons Law Offices in Casa Grande. Her law practice includes municipal law, real estate law, land use and zoning, homeowner association law and business law. THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


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When you apply for credit, whether it’s a credit card, car loan, or a mortgage, lenders want to know whether you are likely to repay your loan and make the payments on time. To determine if you are a good credit risk, lenders examine your credit score whenever you apply for credit. Your credit score is an important factor in determining whether creditors will approve your credit application and, if you are approved, the cost of your loan.

Other factors that can affect your credit application include your income and employment history. Your credit score is calculated based on information in your credit report, which is a profile of how you manage your credit (loan) accounts. Your credit report details how many credit accounts you have, how much you owe, the amount of your credit limits (primarily applies to credit cards), when you opened the credit account, your repayment history (including late payments), and certain public records (for example, a bankruptcy filing or a tax lien). Each of the three national credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) maintains a credit report about you. The information your creditors provide to the credit bureaus affects your credit score. For example, if a creditor reports that you made a late payment, it’s likely that your credit score will drop.

MOST CREDIT SCORING MODELS CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING FACTORS WHEN CALCULATING YOUR SCORE:

• Payment History • Amounts Owed • Types of Credit Used

• Length of Credit History • New Credit

HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT TIPS TO INCREASE YOUR CREDIT SCORE: • At least once a year, review your credit reports from each of the three credit bureaus for inaccuracies and file a dispute immediately if you find an error. You are entitled to obtain a free credit report once a year from each of the three bureaus. To obtain a free copy of your credit report, go to annualcreditreport.com or call 877-FACT-ACT (877-322-8228).

• Pay off debt rather than moving it around.

• Pay your bills on time. Late payments can hurt your score significantly

• Apply for installment loans (mortgages, car loans, etc.) within a 0-day period because most credit scoring models will count multiple inquiries within a short period of time as only one inquiry.

• Keep credit card balances low relative to credit limits (30 percent or lower is recommended).

• Open new credit accounts only as needed; new accounts decrease the average age of your total accounts. • Avoid closing credit card accounts because this also decreases the average age of your accounts.

Maintaining a high credit score is important because this is one of the factors that determines whether you will be approved for credit and the cost of your loan. Applicants with high credit scores typically are offered lower interest rates and better terms and conditions than applicants with lower scores. A low credit score reduces the chances that your loan application will be approved. And if it is approved, you will likely pay a higher interest rate for the loan than a borrower with a higher credit score. If you apply for credit and are denied, you have the right to obtain a free copy of the credit report the creditor used when denying your application. You should obtain a copy of the credit report to make sure that it is accurate. If you find inaccuracies, you should file a dispute with that credit bureau. HERE ARE THE PHONE NUMBERS & WEBSITES OF THE THREE MAJOR CREDIT BUREAUS:

Experian-1-888-397-3742 • www.experian.com | TransUnion-1-800-916-8800 • www.transunion.com Equifax-1-800-685-1111 • www.equifax.com

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GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGSUMMER SUMMER202016 16

FOLLOW US:

THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


Some plumbing and electrical challenges can make a grown man feel like a child. When you find yourself needing help call the Pros at Brutinel Plumbing & Electrical.

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600 E. 1st St., Casa Grande, AZ 85122 THE MEDICAL EDITION

SUMMER 20 16 GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING

33


A Vision for Casa Grande’s Future

MAKE IT BETTER - CASA GRANDE (MIB-CG) is a group of local stakeholders who believe in a bright future for Casa Grande Evelyn Casuga

Craig McFarland

David “Red” Fitzgibbons

Rona Curphy

Robert “Bob” Jackson

Tim Smith

Judee Jackson

Larry Yount

Rock Earle

Robert Miller

Brett Eisele

Darrell Wilson

You Can Help Us Make Casa Grande Better Contact Make It Better - Casa Grande: Info@Mib-Cg.org


M ISS IO N STATE ME N T MIB-CG will seek to improve the community’s prospects in the following ways: PROMOTE: Enhance the quality of life and the future of our community by supporting projects such as a showcase Community Recreation Center, the Regional Trail Plan and fostering opportunities for private investment. PROPOSE: Propose and support initiatives and opportunities to improve our community. EDUCATE: Engage all citizens individually and/or groups on the consequences to communities of obstructionist and no growth policies. ADVOCATE: Provide public advocacy when necessary to champion worthy initiatives that have been, are being, or otherwise would be at risk or denied in any venue/city/county/state by various special interests. ACCOUNTABLE: Be involved and proactive in the local political climate to remain positive and “pro” progress by engaging in debate and the decision process for local government.

makeitbetter-casagrande.org facebook.com/Make-it-Better-Casa-Grande


The LIVING Interview (continued) continued from page 26... and a myriad of other beverages. As well, we managed events like the Arizona Renaissance Festival and Country Thunder and implemented strategic programs like converting our Tucson and Casa Grande truck fleet to compressed natural gas. We sent out delivery trucks from Page and Chinle to Ajo and Nogales and just about everywhere in between. I have learned that you can’t do it by yourself. You need collaboration. You need to include people in the decisions. This experience and exposure has helped me understand what and how we can make things better – make things better for Casa Grande. GC LIVING: Let’s get back to your comment about learning from the Boy Scouts to leave everything better than you found it... CRAIG MCFARLAND: My business career has been the perfect on-ramp to all kinds of community services. In my time here in Casa Grande, I have served on 11 different boards and civic organizations, including the Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce board of directors; Boys & Girls Clubs of Casa Grande Valley board of directors, including a term as board president and time on the executive board; Central Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation board of directors (now called Access

Arizona), Golden Eagle Distributors Strategy Committee member/executive board, Wings Like Eagles Foundation board, Pinal 40 board of directors and executive board, Starwood Vacation Owners Association, Apartment Owners Association, and Master Association board of directors, board

“[Working for] Anheuser-Busch and Golden Eagle was a great time and a great experience that has netted many lifelong memories and friends.” president and current vice president in Hawaii; Market Casa Grande committee member (which includes a new website visitcasagrandeaz.com) and Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster). I believe in the Boy Scout motto “Be prepared.”I believe in the Scout Oath, “I will do my best to do my duty to God and my

country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” I believe in the Scout Law, “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.” And finally, I believe in the Scout Slogan, “Do a Good Turn Daily.” As I said earlier, I believe we need to leave our community better than we found it. I also believe that people can be divided up into three groups – those who watch things happen, those who wish things would happen and those who make things happen. The first two categories drive me crazy – I put myself in the last category. I also believe that leadership is not a right. You can’t take leadership. True leadership is earned . . . true leadership is given. GC LIVING: So, following your recent retirement from GED, what are your thoughts about how you are going to spend all of your free time (laughing)? CRAIG MCFARLAND: I have always thought Casa Grande is a great place to live, work, raise a family and, yes, even retire. I have no plans to leave. I can’t imagine a better place to retire. As one of my friends is fond of saying, “I can get to Sky Harbor airport faster than my friends in Scottsdale!” I have always believed in the potential of the area, but lately it has become clear to me and some other local stakeholders that we are not participating in the recovery to the extent that some of our neighbors are. We have certainly had some wins lately, in terms of new industries locating here, but we lag in some major metrics, like property values. Resale prices of our homes are barely back to replacement cost. Why is that? One of the reasons must be that people don’t want to live here very badly. I like to look at it from a site selection point of view. In other words, if I were the head of a large company seeking to relocate or establish a new division in the Southwest U.S., why would I consider Casa Grande? The first and most obvious checked boxes on my form are large-scale logistical advantages, like the intersection of two interstates, a shovel-ready rail-served industrial park, a major railroad main line, an airport not in the Phoenix flight zone

continued on page 44... 36

GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGSUMMER SUMMER202016 16

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37


COME ON IN! by: Kay Kerby and Sarah Campbell

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THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


E

verything about this home says “Welcome.� From the wide, curving sidewalk to the covered entry and beautiful wood double doors topped with a lovely arched window enhanced with stained glass, this home just begs you to enter and enjoy. The classically-designed foyer dividing the formal living room and dining room is complemented with columns and spiced with Southwestern white glazed Saltillo tile. This custom-designed home is located on an over one-half acre lot in Koenig Estates and was originally constructed for Casa Grande businessman Glen Gray and his wife, Lavern, by Casa Grande builder Henry McLaughlin in 1987. The excellent

THE THEMEDICAL MEDICAL EDITION EDITION

design choices made 30 years ago have passed the test of time. The two subsequent owners have meticulously maintained and upgraded this grande dame residence. Entertaining is easy in the great room, which boasts a beverage wet bar with drink refrigerator, gas fireplace, large television and abundant room for friends and family. The entire home and the outdoor areas have surround sound. The master suite is sumptuous and features a gas fireplace, doors to the patio, a secret garden patio for early morning coffee, a spa-like bath and an absolutely huge walk-in closet. In addition, there are three guest bedrooms and three baths.

The spacious patio overlooks the pool and the big cabana with beverage bar, built-in outdoor kitchen and another full bath with outdoor shower. The front and back landscapes are desert garden gems while remaining virtually carefree. The current owners, Jack and Marcy Voigts, have added a solar array greatly reducing the cost of electricity. There is abundant off-street parking, an RV gate, parking area and a threecar garage. This home with 3,308 square feet is currently listed with Coldwell Banker ROX Realty for $398,000. Contact Kay Kerby and Sarah Campbell 520.560.0769 or 520.423.6577

SUMMER 20 2016 1620GOLDEN CORRID OROR LI VLI ING 39 SUMMER SUMMER 16GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRID OR LI VVING ING

39


CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE ROUNDUP by Harold Kitching

T

en people have filed statements to run for Casa Grande City Council in the Aug. 30 primary election. That includes the three incumbents wanting reelection: Karl Montoya, Lisa Fitzgibbons and Mary Kortsen. The first challengers to file were David Snider, Bob Huddleston and Donna McBride. During a candidate briefing by City Clerk Remy Miller on April 20, paperwork was taken out by Marty Schmidt, Peter Redwine, Gary Wood and Gilberto Mendez. Nine of the candidates filed statements of organization. Redwine filed a committee registration with a $500 threshold exemption statement that his campaign intends to receive or spend less that. Statements are required before a candidate may circulate nomination petitions. Petitions require at least 179 signatures of Casa Grande registered voters. The maximum that may be turned in is 357. May 2 was the earliest day petitions could be returned to the City Clerk’s Office for verification. The deadline is 5 p.m. on June 1. The 2016 election manual, posted at www. haroldkitching.com/political, has answers for both the public and for those running. Only one person, Craig McFarland, has so far filed his statement to run for mayor. Incumbent Bob Jackson is not running for reelection because of term limits.

40

GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGSUMMER SUMMER202016 16

A general election, if needed, would be on Nov. 8. According to a statement from the City Clerk’s Office, “Any candidate receiving a majority of the votes cast at the primary election will be declared elected to that office without running at the general election. If not all seats are filled at the primary election, then the primary is deemed a nominating election and those candidates receiving the highest number of votes proceed to the general election.” It continued, “The number of candidates to proceed to the general election is two times the number of available seats. For example, if two council seats are not filled in the primary, up to four candidates would proceed to the general election.” Because of a change in state law, Casa Grande is now required to conduct elections in even-numbered years instead of the traditional odd-year voting. This makes Casa Grande’s city election a part of the state and federal ballots, pushing it toward the bottom of the ballot.

Who are the candidates?

The candidates who have filed paperwork to run for Casa Grande City Council in the August primary election have a variety of backgrounds. • Peter Redwine Installer, CenturyLink • Gary Wood Insurance agent

• •

• • •

• •

Marty Schmidt Employed at Frito-Lay David Snider Former city library director and former county supervisor, now operating a consulting service. Gilberto Mendez Arizona State University student Donna McBride Program administrator for Pinal County Juvenile Court Bob Huddleston Retired Casa Grande police chief, serves as judge pro tem for Casa Grande Justice Court. Lisa Fitzgibbons (incumbent) Director of marketing and business development for Fitzgibbons Law Offices Karl Montoya (incumbent) Agriculture consultant with Fertizona Mary Kortsen (incumbent) Self-employed as an independent paralegal and certified legal document preparer

Only one person so far has filed to run for mayor • Craig McFarland Retired after 36 years in beverage industry sales management and operations

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LOCAL FARMER AND CAC PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO CHINA by Angela Askey, Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing

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ocal farmer and entrepreneur James Bechtel II and Karen Geldmacher, professor of agriculture at Central Arizona College, recently partnered together to provide soil analysis recommendations for TA Ecology Science Group Limited. This past month, five representatives from China including an attorney, agricultural

investor, project manager, and two soil professors traveled to Arizona to visit local farming operations and review soil test results with Professor Geldmacher. Geldmacher explained the top three soils found in Pinal County and how these soils are similar to soils found in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Kasgar Region, Nei Monggoi Autonomous Region, Shandong Province, and Jiangsu Province. These four main areas in China are the focus for product trials this next year. One soil sample revealed a low pH level and high sodium content. For this area, Geldmacher recommended planting crops that would absorb the sodium (salt grass), grazing the ground for a few years while the salt is extracted from the soil, and then planting more valuable

crops. Both Geldmacher and Bechtel explained the type of crops and potential management practices that could assist China in renewing land use for primarily growing cotton as well as corn, rice, dates and nuts. They explained that by creating diversity in crops there would be additional opportunities for greater income throughout the year. As a consultant to TA Ecology Science, Bechtel has reviewed in great detail the biotic resources and location conditions for each region in China being studied. Through collaboration with Bio Flora, the fertilizer division of Global Organics Group in Goodyear, AZ, he will be assisting them with the development of plans to improve millions of acres of land for agricultural use.

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The LIVING Interview (continued) continued from page 36... and lots of blue sky and sunshine. And that list is very, very extensive, including an expanded and modernized sewage treatment plant which has allowed and will continue to help Casa Grande bring in new industry. Items missing from my checked boxes are more quality of life items like a community center, young people entertainment, a well-trained workforce, and major sporting events – stuff for the people. So my question back to you is how do we take advantage of who we are, where we are? How do we positively impact and influence the hundreds of thousands of people who drive right by Casa Grande on I-10 and I-8? We have some untapped marketing potential right there, I’m telling you!! GC LIVING: What other “hard” infrastructure and other improvements do you see championing in coming years and beyond? CRAIG MCFARLAND: My wish list includes expanding the sewer line expansion to the east side of I-10, working with Gila River Indian Community and the Arizona Department of Transportation to make widening I-10 between Casa Grande and Chandler happen sooner than later, creating a true transit system, working with existing systems like CART (Central Arizona Regional Transit) and developing a cooperative system with funding sources at the state and federal level, building the

“We need a workforce ready to fill jobs and a better understanding of the new millennial workforce.” Kortsen / I-10 interchange, keeping an eye on and being involved in the evolving I-11 project. Working to encourage infill projects in Casa Grande (fill in open spaces and vacant developments) and cleaning up our blight. One of my pipe dreams would be to try to move the Pinal County fairgrounds to a location along I-10 . . . it could happen with cooperation from the city, State Trust Lands and Pinal County. GC LIVING: We have had a very active economic development effort here for years. What kind of economic development program furthers these developmental dreams? CRAIG MCFARLAND: Whatever the actual organization looks like, we must continue to market and promote our location and industrial area (I-8/I-10/rail/Airport location). I’m working with a team to begin marketing Casa Grande outside of the city and working on our image outside Casa Grande.

We have four million potential buyers in the Phoenix metro area. Workforce development and training is critical, also. We need a workforce ready to fill jobs and a better understanding of the new millennial workforce. To achieve that, we will continue to seek help from Central Arizona College, Casa Grande Elementary School District & Casa Grande High School District. Shopping malls aren’t exactly industrial job sources, but the stores lost this year (Target and Sports Authority) hurt our efforts. We must address this issue immediately with the developer and promote a more robust “Shop Local” campaign, because online shopping doesn’t pay the bills. As I mentioned earlier, we can also encourage developers to infill home building by creating development incentives including reducing or eliminating impact fees in select cases or in select zones. And again, I would work to develop and implement “Marketing Casa Grande” MCG (see “Marketing Casa Grande”), a destination marketing project which includes a media plan, a visitor guide program, a visitcasagrandeaz.com website and mobile application – all to promote and market Casa Grande. GC LIVING: Wow! That sounds like something that is missing from our current effort. And all of that is easy to say, but what is it that you will do in this pursuit that is new and/or different? CRAIG MCFARLAND: What you say about our economic development activities is absolutely true, but I think that bringing new investment to our community should be a marketing effort that spans all aspects of a community – business and industry for sure, but also residents, retired or not, and also visitors, who may or may not be looking for a new place to live. Quality of life is a key component to successful economic development. We need to improve and bring quality of life to our Casa Grande community. So I want to help build a “Marketing Casa Grande” organization that will market/promote our housing opportunities (Real Estate), quality of life, education, events, sports activities/ venues, lodging/hotels/RV resorts, visitors and trail systems – truly marketing every facet of Casa Grande’s attractive lifestyle.

continued on page 46... 44

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The LIVING Interview (continued) continued from page 44... As for our community, the City of Casa Grande, 30 years from now, will we be able to say we left it better than we found it? I believe we can if we implement solutions that we come up with today. We need to tap into more of the creative energy and talent in this city to solve our problems and take advantage of our opportunities. To steal a quote from Bob Jackson, “We all live in this city and bear the responsibility of making it better.” Specifically, my quality of life initiative wish list includes: • Building the proposed community recreation center at the Gilbert family property site • Continue to develop our Regional Trails Plan, which means we continue developing the trail system up on Casa Grande Mountain • Beginning to build our Regional Trails Plan (bike trails in town) using the community center as the hub and working with developers to get this project moving • A “Shop Local” campaign • Promote CG Events • Sports, world-class athletic fields • Golf courses (at $40 a round, not $150 – $300) • Increasing home buying (Let people know they can drive 20 minutes and save $200,000 on housing costs by buying in Casa Grande) • Hotels and lodging • Restaurants • Entertainment • Nearby side trips • Historical downtown and museum visits / tours • Nature and desert tours • RV resorts • Education • Arizona Tourism Office • Chamber office (business resource center) • Dorothy Powell Senior Center And on top of it all, we have a very well run city government, City Council and mayor. GC LIVING: Let’s talk about the “softer side” of making our area better - things that directly improve our quality of life or what you referred to as “stuff.”

continued on page 90... 46

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Out & About PHOTO BY AMANDA HARTMAN

Exciting events and striking scenery in Pinal County

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 PHOTO BY BEA LUECK

PHOTO BY KAREN SCOTT

PHOTO BY PATRICK BERNEY

PHOTO BY SHERRIE KLIPPING

L-R: Alice Parkins, Mark Vanderheyden, Ruby Lerfald

PHOTO BY MELISSA ANN

PHOTO BY SEEDS OF HOPE


Health • Wealth • Education

PHOTO BY PATRICK BERNEY

PATRICK BERNEY

PHOTO BY MELISSA ANN

PATRICK BERNEY

PHOTO BY SHERRIE KLIPPING

PHOTO BY TEKKA KALANI

PHOTO BY NIKKI PEREZ

BEA LUECK

PHOTO BY MONICA GONZALEZ

PHOTO BY TISH SOPHA

PHOTO BY TEKKA KALANI

PHOTO BY BEA LUECK

PATRICK BERNEY

PHOTO BY PATRICK BERNEY


REMEMBERING TO FORGET by Donna McBride

I

remember drawing pictures in grade school that ended up on the refrigerator, no matter how ugly they really were. As a teenager, I tried other ways to score some points with my mom so I could stay out late on Saturday night. And as I moved into my twenties, I just wanted to gain her admiration and respect. My mom (known to most as Mama Tess) said something recently that brought a flood of childhood memories back. She looked down at her hands and replied, “Look at these wrinkly old hands.” All she saw were the wrinkles. I saw the hands of a wise, proud, hard-working woman. I grew up in West Virginia, where my own grandparents didn’t have running water until my mom helped equip their old farmhouse with indoor plumbing. My dad died at 34 years old, leaving my mom with three kids (5, 10 and 12 years old). I’m sure, at times, she wanted to give up. But she didn’t. Instead, she taught me about having values, respect and working hard. She inspired me to volunteer and share our blessings with people not as fortunate as we were. She wouldn’t let me feel sorry for myself because I didn’t have a dad like the other kids. She made me work hard to earn my allowance. I had chores, was grounded when I did wrong and had to study for my grades. But most of all, she never made me feel like I was a burden to her. Ever. Fast-forward a few decades. I moved to Arizona, got married and started a family of my own. Mama Tess ended up coming out as a “snowbird” for several years until she realized the snow was for the birds and made Arizona her permanent home. There is no any secret lotion that will remove the wrinkles from her hands or face. And I admit, I’m glad. It reflects the woman that I’ve loved my whole life. Every day of my life she has been there for me – good and bad. Those hands tell a story of working in the garden, cleaning up after me when I was sick and helping me when I was learning how to be a mom to my own two sons. The wrinkles on her face remind me of those smiles she shared with me, the frowns I deserved a “few times” along the way and the kindness she shared with others. Mama Tess was an independent woman before most

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people realized it was possible. There’s no getting around the fact that Mama Tess is aging. I knew a few years ago something was going on, but couldn’t quite figure it out. But then it hit me faster than a dust storm in the desert coming out of nowhere. She had made the trip between Casa Grande and Florence hundreds of times. But one day, something went terribly wrong. She got lost. The fear in her voice was as severe as the fear in my heart of not knowing where she was. She called me and kept saying, “Just come find me.” I felt helpless. I kept calm as I had her tell me about her surroundings, street signs…anything I could think of. After several tries and too many agonizing minutes, I took off and found her sitting in a hospital parking lot in Queen Creek. But the woman I found was not my mother. The dazed look and frazzled state was that of a stranger. After locking up her car, I took her to her appointment with plans to pick her up when she was done. I remember going back to my office, shutting my door and crying. Trying to soften my sobs behind closed doors, I knew it was time. A few weeks later, medical tests told the story. We had Dementia. I say “we” because I am on this journey with her. Even when she doesn’t understand, when she doesn’t remember, I do. It is a family disease. I immediately jumped into action to “fix it.” I scaled back on my own activities to give more time to her. I tried organizing her life with calendars, reminders of appointments, pill boxes with timers. Looking back now, I think I did more damage than good, especially for our relationship. I wasn’t thinking like her daughter, but instead a caregiver. In trying to fix things, I only made more stress for us both. I was losing her, and as selfish as it sounds, losing a bit of myself too. I needed help. And I found it at the Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens (PGCSC). They are a local nonprofit agency that develops community resources to address the unmet needs of the elderly and seniors. They offer a variety of services and resources. I had driven by their office almost daily to and from work. I remember pulling into the parking lot and sitting there for a long time, willing myself to get out of the car. Putting one foot in front of the other, I made my way

to the door. Opening that door was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It was finally admitting I needed help – that I wasn’t in control and had failed Mama Tess. What I found was understanding, warmth and hope with staffer Carol Wilson. She equipped me with good, solid information on Dementia, resources for patients and caregivers as well as local support groups. For the first time in nearly two years, I felt I wasn’t alone. Just as important, I didn’t feel like I failed my mom. Not long after that, I attended a support group. I expected to find a room full of depressed people, but instead I found people laughing, having a few private conversations and the welcoming smile of Carol. I didn’t talk that day. I listened. I heard some of the same struggles, anger, guilt and even some funny stories about dealing with their loved ones. Between the support group and resource information, I learned that we need to work together to make things easier for her to remember. We now try to keep her on a schedule that eases anxiety. I learned, as a caregiver, I am never alone as long there are places like PGCSC. Mama Tess just celebrated her 80th birthday. Still living independently, but no longer driving, she realizes she can’t do all the things she used to do. She is determined she doesn’t want to be burden to me. It is hard to explain

THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


Casa Grande Union High School District

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

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

STAFF

Led by 148 qualified teachers

COURSE OFFERINGS Over 200 course offerings

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

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Emphasis on effective instructional practices

TUTORING

Available four days a week on all campuses

STEM AT CASA VERDE

to her that she will never be a burden, ever – just the same way she has tried to convince me over the years that I wasn’t a burden to her. Perhaps it is a moot point trying to convince each other anyway. There continues to be hectic moments. I get discouraged. She gets angry when she can’t remember. But I keep the attitude that “every day is a new day.” I cannot let Dementia define her…or me. On her good

days, she is spunky and fun to be with. On her bad days, I look at her beautiful wrinkles and let them take me back to a time where I remember good times. I know it will never get better, just different. I will continue to make mistakes as I love her and care for her, but I am always thankful that she is my Mama Tess. And nothing will erase that memory.

Coming mid-July 2016 Golden Corridor LIVING's Education Edition This special section includes information on Public, Charter and Parochial Schools • Elementary & High Schools Preschools • College • CAVIT

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

COMMUNICATIONS

Websites, PowerSchool, Schoolway App, direct email to staff, weekly news

ACTIVITIES

Choir and Drama, FFA, FBLA, FPS, Robotics, Marching Band, National FCCLA, DECA—state, national and international awards

COLLABORATION ALTERNATIVES

CAVIT, CAC, private corporations, City of Casa Grande

FACILITIES

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

ATHLETICS

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

Parents & Educators - we'd love to hear your opinions on local education. Please e-mail your comments to editor@raxxdirect.com THE THEMEDICAL MEDICAL EDITION EDITION

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SurpriSe, AZ

Located along U.S. 60, northwest of Phoenix, Surprise is one of the fastest growing communities in the U.S. Today, Surprise is a 74-square-mile city on the move. Flanked by one of Arizona’s largest mountain preserves, and situated in the saguaro-dotted Sonoran Desert on the northwestern edge of the Valley of the Sun, it’s no “surprise” that Surprise was named Arizona’s fastest growing city four times in recent years. Even the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers decided to take up residence here. The once sleepy squaremile farming community surprised just about everyone when it successfully courted the two teams away from their Florida training homes. The Cactus League Spring Training facility and stadium, along with a regional library, aquatic center, recreation center, and 57-acre massive park are the centerpieces of this new square-mile-plus downtown development, putting Surprise well on its way to becoming the playground of the West Valley. Looking for some cool and affordable summer fun? Surprise’s 10,562-square-foot Aquatics Center takes swimming beyond the box. It includes a 4,700 square-foot water play area with zero depth entry, eightlane competitive pool, diving well with two one-meter boards, two slides, splash pads, vortex whirlpool, classroom, concessions and more. Hike or bike to a rare desert waterfall at White Tank Regional Park located on the western edge of Surprise. Waterfall Trail is a very popular and easy hike, suitable for the entire family. Hit the greens at one or all of Surprise’s championship golf courses. 52

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Cimarron at Sun City Grand, was designed by Greg Nash. Play tennis, racquetball and table tennis at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex. They have leagues as well as drop-in tennis. From time to time you can also catch professional exhibition tennis here. A one-stop-shop for family entertainment, Uptown Alley has bowling, laser tag and games, as well as a full service restaurant and night life opportunities for the adult crowd. Be sure to check out the Wild World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park or take the family to one of two pick-your-own citrus farms. Spend a day at Maricopa County’s northwest regional library. The $5.5 million, 20,000-square-foot library features a gift shop, and many public access flat screen computers and separate adult, teen and child areas with greenhouse reading rooms overlooking a five-acre lake. Be sure to visit the 12’x78’ mosaic that depicts the history of Surprise. Stunning natural beauty is just the beginning in Surprise, where art and culture extend to all corners of the city and include everything from fine arts, galleries to local traditional crafts and performances. Be sure to check out Arts’ HQ, the City Hall art collection or WHAM’s new showroom. The City also hosts several unique special events that are must-see activities like Fiesta Grande (October), Surprise Party (December) or the Second Sunday in the Park (Sept. to Spring). The festive events include live bands, hot-air balloons, food and treats for the entire family. Enjoy your visit to Surprise, Arizona!

Surprise Stadium

Surprise Party

THE MEDICAL EDITION


The Recreationa l Playground Of Phoenix’s West Valley

Texas Rangers Spring Training

White Tank Mountains

Wildlife World Zoo

Why Surprise? • Weather and Natural Beauty • Spring Training • White Tank Regional Park and Nature Center • World Class Tennis & Racquet Facilities • Surprise Park ( 57 Acres, Lake, Aquatic Center, Playground, Library, Dog Park, etc) • Surprise Party • Wildlife World Zoo • Proximity to Nascar, Coyotes Stadium, Diamondbacks, Wickenburg • Greg Nash Designed Golf Courses • Consistently Ranked One Of The Safest Cities In The Us

16126 N. Civic Center Plaza • Surprise, AZ 85374

KC Royals Spring Training


Esther Turner Cotton Reading Esther Cotton’s memoir has made me hungry for keeping my family’s story. My mother was one of six children. The last living, my Uncle Sam, recently lost his wife and has come to visit. Sam first came to Casa Grande to live with his father and sisters in 1942 at the age of 12. Today at 85, he has a hard time recognizing places where he grew up. This was his home until he was 24. He bagged groceries for George Y Wa, picked cotton, worked at a cotton gin, and worked for my father on our farm. So much of what Esther writes about is vividly etched in his memories of Casa Grande. My father’s only sister, Aunt Marguerite, has had a few health issues lately. She was only three or four years old when her parents moved here. When we visit her, my sister, cousins, and I find ourselves reminiscing about our childhood, stories of our parents, grandparents, and family. Several of the photos Esther and Nadine provided for this series are taken in front of an enormous Saguaro at the base of the Casa Grande Mountain. That Saguaro was just a few hundred feet west of my grandparents’ home on Peart Road. Anytime family or friends came for a visit, they were taken over to the cactus to have their photograph made. My parents’ farm was often visible in the background of those photos...but this is Esther’s story. Nadine Turner Hackler is my dearest friend – a woman of strength, character, and compassion, who has made a very real difference in my life. Born in Prescott, Arkansas, her family moved to Casa Grande in 1938. Each time I have wanted to confirm facts about Casa Grande’s history for articles I have written, Nadine, without fail, has been my source for details and information. Her memory is as sharp as her wit. Nadine’s parents, A.L. ‘Buck’ and Effie (Machen) Turner married in 1923 in Camden, Arkansas. Buck was a dirt farmer, logger, grave digger, cabinet maker and carpenter. They raised four children: J.T. (John Thomas, known to his friends as ‘Buck’), Nadine, Esther, and Opal Lavone (Bonni). Effie’s father was a Confederate in the Civil War. J.T. retired a Colonel in the U.S. Army, serving in WW II and the Korean Conflict. Esther became an LPN and X-ray technician and has lived in Bisbee since 1951. Bonni worked as the office nurse for Dr. J.B. Tucker for many years and lived in Casa Grande until 54

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“God, what is poor?” by Esther Turner Cotton In fond remembrances of Mother and Daddy Dedicated to Nadine, my sister

Chapter 4

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n Sunday morning, we – the kids – got cleaned up and dressed in our best clothes and went to Sunday School. Mr. Ethington came by in his big Plymouth sedan, picked us up, and we made the rounds to all the tent camps and collected all the children. He drove us into Casa Grande to the Calvary Baptist Church for Sunday School. Sometimes there were fifteen kids in the car. The authorities must have turned their heads when we had so many bodies in one car, because we were never stopped or questioned. Too, there was hardly any traffic on Sunday morning. It was a challenge every week to see how and where we could squeeze in another child. We waged a friendly contest to see if the car from Ethington’s Ranch west of town brought in more children than the car from Pate’s Ranch east of town. We had such good times singing choruses and laughing. Mr. Ethington was kind to us and “God – he never made us feel like poor hired help!”

It was fun to explore the desert after work and on weekends. We discovered a whole new world of animals and insects. There were scorpions, small brown and sand-colored ones of all sizes, and light green ones that grew up to 5 or 6 inches long that lurked in, around and under rocks, sticks and bushes. If you didn’t shake your clothes and shoes – even sheets – you might be surprised because they like to hide in the dark places. Desert rattlesnakes were to be watched for and respected also. One day when we got home, mother heard a rattle and saw a big snake coiled in the corner of the tent. She got daddy’s 410 shotgun and blew that snake to “smithereens!” There was a poisonous snake called the Sidewinder. It made a distinctive pattern

her death in 2000. Growing up, music was always part of their lives; Buck was “an old fashioned hoe-down type fiddler,” J.T. played the guitar and Nadine played the organ and piano by ear. To this day, they remain a close-knit family. In the early 1970’s, Nadine’s sister, Esther,

began writing for her children a memoir of her life in Arkansas and Arizona. In keeping with Nadine’s wish, Esther is sharing the following excerpt from that work. Preface by Georgia Schaeffer, Casa Grande native and Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker ROX Realty. THE MEDICAL EDITION


Esther Turner Cotton * The Ethington home was purchased in the 1980s by Michael and Nancy Jackson, renovated and is The Property Convention Center. ** Our house in town was on the northwest corner of Florence Blvd. and Olive Drive (across the street from where the present Dairy Queen sits). The City Hall was located where the Chamber of Commerce now sits.

in the sand as it moved along slithering sideways. We often followed the tracks and tried to find it but it would disappear into a gopher hole. Nights in the desert were so pretty. The skies were so clear and the stars were so bright and seemed to be close enough to touch. It was truly like you have heard in the old cowboy songs, with none of the smog clouds or noises that we have today. At that time, there still were many coyotes which howled and yelped all through the night. The desert owl, dove and quail calls and songs were heard in the early morning. The desert lizards were sand-colored and so big and fast. There was a joke that they were big enough to carry their stick to sit on and cool their feet from the hot desert sands. Once I remember seeing dust whipped up by a small herd of wild horses in the desert northwest of Casa Grande. We soon grew to love the wide open skies, the desert surrounded by purple mountains and the dry air. It was quite a contrast to the wet, closed-in wooded areas and clouded skies in Arkansas. When the cotton grew and matured,

THE MEDICAL EDITION

there were acres and acres of the white fluff. Then it was ready to be picked. Daddy bought 12-foot canvas cotton sacks for mother and him and shorter ones for us kids. We got up early and went out into the hot fields and pulled and dragged our sacks up and down the rows, picking the white cotton balls. They were so light and fluffy and it took so many of them to fill a sack and make the weight. The pay was 75 cents for one hundred pounds. The days were so long and it was hot – sometimes the temperature was 115 degrees and there was no shade. Even though the cotton is soft, the pods are dry and prickly – and our fingers bled. It seemed our backs would break from bending all day. Even though we suffered physically, I’m sure it didn’t compare to the mental anguish and stress our parents were having just trying to survive and keep the family going. At one point Mr. Ethington decided to build a new, high home* for his large family and he wanted to live closer to town. He learned that daddy had done some carpenter work (he built our farmhouse in the flats in Arkansas), so he was hired as a laborer. What a great day for us, because it was late

August and it was an opportunity for us to move to town before school started in September. The foreman on the building was a tall redheaded man. He was also the Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church, where we attended Sunday School. His name was Wiley Hinton. His landlady in town was Mary Plenz, a licensed mortician who operated a mortuary in a big two-story stone building. She also owned several low-cost rent houses and through Mr. Hinton, we were able to rent one of the houses** about a block from the mortuary. Our dad worked for her part-time around the mortuary and digging graves at night. I want to digress a bit and go back to the terrifying experience of starting in the school in Casa Grande after we arrived in March. Our sister Bonni , who was in first grade and I in the fifth, attended old Central School in downtown. There were two buildings – one was a large two-story and a basement which housed third, fourth and fifth grades. The smaller building housed first and second grades. It was harder for Bonni, I’m sure, than for us. Besides being put in separate buildings, there was a matter of different nationality. This was so foreign to us. We had never heard the Spanish language and the percentage of Mexican students was so large that we were overwhelmed. First grade had bilingual classes, even then, because in many families only Spanish was spoken at home and the smaller children did not speak English. There were no preschools or kindergartens. The schoolyard in front was lined with olive trees beside an irrigation ditch and there were big tamarisk or salt cedars along the side of the schoolyard. The back side of the playground ended across the sidewalk from Florence Blvd., the main street downtown. …to be continued.

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THERE IS HELP FOR DRUG ADDICTION by Stephanie Collier, Prevention Specialist, Casa Grande Alliance

H

ailey lay in a hospital bed. She had a concussion, a few broken bones and multiple bruises after she passed out while driving and hit a parked car. Unable to get out of bed, she had time to reflect on her past and think about how she ended up here... Hailey started drinking her sophomore year in high school. She wanted so much to feel like she fit in and she found acceptance in a group of youth her age that used alcohol. By the 12th grade, Hailey had used marijuana and pills – pretty much anything she could get her hands on. She found herself feeling like she needed to pop a few pills just to get through her day. Once a bright student, her mother noticed that Hailey’s grades were lower than usual. She confronted her, but accepted her daughter’s explanation that the classes were getting harder and balancing school and a social life was not easy. Hailey managed to graduate with grades that were barely passing. She knew she had to quit using drugs or she would never make it through college. One morning, she flushed her pills down the toilet and swore she wouldn’t use anymore. That evening, Hailey was a mess. She was sweating and felt sick to her stomach. She had a pounding headache and her thoughts were racing. The longer she waited, the worse she felt. Then, she couldn’t take it anymore – she got in her car and drove to a friend’s house. Her friend gave her two pain pills she had taken from her dad’s prescription. After about an hour, Hailey was feeling somewhat normal again. She left her friend’s house to go get a coffee, as she was starting to feel sleepy. She awoke in the back of an ambulance, with no recollection of the accident.

What is drug addiction?

For a long time, people who were addicted to drugs were thought to be lacking will power and good morals. As a result of scientific research, more is known about drug addiction today than ever before. Addiction is defined as a chronic relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the

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brain; they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long-lasting and can lead to many harmful, often self-destructive, behaviors.1 According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 21.5 million people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year2. Addiction can happen to anyone, regardless of ethnic background, financial status, or any other indicator. However, research shows that people who start drinking before the age of 15 are six times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at or after age 21.3

Signs of addiction include the following: •

• •

• •

symptoms such as anxiety or jumpiness, shakiness or trembling, sweating, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, depression, irritability, fatigue or loss of appetite and headaches.4 Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences: Even though it is causing problems (on the job, in relationships, legal issues), a person continues the substance use. 4

Can addiction be treated successfully? Yes. Addiction is a treatable, chronic disease that can be managed successfully… Treatment approaches must be tailored to address each patient’s drug use patterns and drug-related medical, psychiatric and social problems. 1

Neglecting Other Activities: Spending less time on activities that used to be important (exercising, pursuing hobbies, etc.) because of the use of alcohol or drugs; drop in attendance and/or performance at work or school.4 Risk Taking: Becoming more likely to take serious risks (ex. stealing) in order to obtain one’s drug of choice.4 Relationship Issues: People suffering from addiction often act out against those closest to them, especially if someone confronts their substance problems. 4 Changing Appearance: Displaying noticeable changes in physical appearance that cause concern or lack of hygiene. 4 Tolerance: Over time, a person's body adapts to a substance to the point that they need more and more of it in order to have the same reaction. 4 Withdrawal: As the alcohol or drug wears off, the person may experience

For more information on substance abuse prevention or a listing of local substance abuse treatment programs, visit the Casa Grande Alliance at www.casagrandealliance.org, or call 520-836-5022. 1

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/science-drug-abuse-addiction-basics.

2

SAMHSA, Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

3

http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm

4

https://ncadd.org/about-addiction/signs-and-symptoms/signs-and-symptoms.

THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


You would do anything for your loved ones...

but when it comes to medicine, sharing isn’t caring! Your meds are just for you. Drug abuse prevention and treatment referrals 901 E. Cottonwood Lane - Suite C Casa Grande, Arizona 85122 520-836-5022 | casagrandealliance@gmail.com www.CasaGrandeAlliance.org Facebook: Casa Grande Alliance | Twitter: @CG_Alliance


CG News

CONTINUED…

ATHLETIC FIELDS...cont. from page 28 hasn’t.” He continued, “But I don’t think that it’s the white elephant that so many people have made it out to be. Again, we’ve run youth programs out there that we don’t pay a dime for the maintenance. So in my mind, we were going to build the fields anyway, (but) we just built them out there (and) somebody else is maintaining them at a savings to the city of somewhere between $500,000 and $600,000 a year.” There has been much talk about the United Football League that was in town when the complex was begun. “We were pretty sure that they weren’t going to last and so when we initially looked at them, we had only programmed revenue from them for three years,” Jackson said. “They were there for a year and then they left.”

ROUNDUP...cont. from page 28 show you roads right now that don’t fall into those categories,” Jackson said, “but if you think about the roads you drive on all the time, they are all in pretty good shape.”

Guns in public buildings Jackson said the legislature is considering a law allowing guns to be brought into public buildings. “I know my wife, Judy, worries about this all the time,” he continued, “and if you’ve been in City Hall we have like zero security in there. What the law says is that you can bring guns into public places, as in City Hall, unless the government entity wants to put in a security system. So, you think about the number of buildings, even City Hall by itself. We have three main entrances. We’d have to have three security gates like you go through at the airport and three security guards.” The guns proposal would also apply to

The future “I do think that things are getting better out there,” Jackson continued. “I do know that you’re going to see some announcements, hopefully in the next few weeks, that will, again, bring light to the fact that this is a great facility. It’s brought a lot of attention to the city of Casa Grande that we would not otherwise have gotten. It’s really helped in our economic development, not to mention the increase we’ve seen in our room tax revenue. Nine years ago, we were hitting about $80,000 a year in room tax, today we’re almost $500,000. And it’s not because we’ve added a bunch of hotels, it’s because they’re much fuller than they used to be.” Earlier stories and financial sheets about the Performance Institute/Grande Sports World controversy are posted at www.haroldkitching.com/sports-world

other city buildings, such as Parks and Recreation and the two libraries. “We probably own 35 or 40 buildings,” Jackson said, “and if we’re going to put in a security system and a security guard, (it would) probably cost the city of Casa Grande a couple million dollars. The alternative is to let people come in with guns. I’m sorry, I just don’t think that’s good public policy, but as it stands today, that legislation looks like it’s probably going to pass.”

Eliminating tax on rentals The legislature also has a bill that would eliminate sales taxes on rentals. “That is not a big hit for Casa Grande, but it is a hit for some of the other cities,” Jackson said. “We get about $200,000 a year. If you’re in a city that has a higher percentage of renters, like Phoenix, that’s a huge financial hit. And there’s not a way to make that up, because you can’t raise property taxes, can’t raise sales taxes, so you would tend to take that as a budget cut.”

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Officials try to save vintage Dairy Queen sign

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he Dairy Queen sig n at M a rshall Street and Florence Boulevard in old downtown Casa Grande has been designated a local historic landmark in an attempt to head off a move by the corporation to replace it with a modern version. A resolution for the designation was unanimously approved by the City Council during its April 18 meeting. “Because the Historic Preservation Commission is concerned about losing some of Casa Grande’s history…the HPC is requesting that the sign be designated as a local historic landmark,” City Planner Laura Blakeman told the council. Blakeman, the city’s historic preservation liaison, added, “According to our historic preservation code, our code states and declares that as a matter of public policy that the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of landmarks in historic districts is necessary to promote the economic, cultural, educational and general welfare of the public.” Designating the sign as a historic landmark is a great thing, Councilman Dick Powell said, but added that he has questions about enforcement if Dairy Queen corporate is adamant about replacing the sign. “How enforceable (is it) and how can we protect the sign if the company says it has to be changed?” he asked. “Is there anything that we’re doing tonight that would keep them from being able to do that?” Powell added, “From what I was reading the (franchise) owner would like to keep it and I know the community would like to keep it. Once we get this done, is it a PR thing that puts pressure on the company to not change it, or is there any kind of official action that can be taken if he’s ordered to take it down and it’s a

landmark sign?” Basically, it boils down to just a pressure move, Blakeman responded. “What we’re trying to do is get that sign preserved as a local historic landmark and hopefully through our efforts with that that we have some kind of pressure to put on them to keep that sign,” she said. “I know that they’re also looking at one in Holbrook, as well, that we’ve heard they’re keeping because they’ve designated it a local historic landmark.” Councilwoman Mary Kortsen said that the iconic sign has the ice cream cone on top and the brazier sign below. She asked if both parts of the sign will be designated as historic. “Yes,” Blakeman answered. “We’re considering the sign (in its) entirety.” Marge Jantz, chairman of the HPC, said she and Jeff Trendler, the franchise holder, have been working for the past year to save the sign. “This is critical, obviously,” she continued. “Once we get the local landmark there’s no guarantee that Dairy Queen will still let us have it, but we do have a couple other things in our back pockets and we hope we don’t have to go there.” Jantz did not say what the “couple other things” are. “But we really need it as a local landmark,” she added. Jantz said “Jeff has told corporate that we’re going through this process. I think he’s really hopeful. That’s what he’s expressed to us, he’s really hopeful that this is going to work. It’s just our best shot.” THE MEDICAL EDITION


CG News

CONTINUED…

Fifth Street contract approved

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pproval has been given to a $121,001 planning contract that will lead to pushing Fifth Street through from Marshall to Drylake streets in old downtown Casa Grande, improving access to Peart Park and helping with downtown traffic flow. The project will be known as Peart Square. Because of this work, the plan for a splash pad in the southeast corner of Peart Park is on hold. Officials are waiting to see how that would fit in with the street extension. “This project would provide direct access to Peart Park, (to) which we currently have very little direct street access,” Public Works Director Kevin Louis told the City Council. “When we worked with the planning department to take a look at the opportunities in this area to enhance that park and connectivity to the downtown, we saw this as a key link that was missing, and especially for direct access and parking for Peart Park. He added, “We saw this as an opportunity to look at the downtown activities that cur-

rently take place and extending that through Marshall and to this new Fifth Street if we move forward with construction.” There are many “if” factors to be considered before approval of a construction contract, including budget. No construction time estimate was given, but a tentative timeline shows that planning should be completed by mid-July. According to the staff report accompanying the agenda item, “Improvements will include new curb, gutter, sidewalks and onstreet parking. A new privacy wall will be constructed between the roadway and the city library and police dispatch station.” Putting the splash pad on hold does not mean that it will never be built. Community Services Director Bill Schwind told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, “Once that (Fifth Street) architect is on board, we will team with them to talk about if we were to utilize this site down here for a potential splash pad, that when they do

City to add new trailhead

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he City Council has given final approval to buying 40 acres of land off of Isom Road that will allow eventual construction of a new Peart trailhead for Casa Grande Mountain. As the staff report describes it, “The 40 acres of land is adjacent to city of Casa Grandeowned property that houses the Casa Grande Mountain Ridge Trail. The plan for the newly-acquired land is to build a city-owned trailhead. Currently the Peart Trailhead is located on leased property and the lease agreement

can be cancelled at any time by (the) property owner. The purchase of this 40-acre property will allow for a permanent trailhead location to be established.” The purchase price is $40,000. In asking for approval of the purchase, Community Services Director Bill Schwind said, “What I’ve learned in looking at property to purchase in the state of Arizona, they’re not making any mountains any more and any city property near mountains is a good investment.” Councilman Dick Powell said the property

their design work for curb, gutters, sidewalk, sewer and all that kind of stuff we want to make sure that we’re involved with that so we can at least plan for something to go in down there at a future day.” He continued, “We’ll be communicating with the architects and the engineers as far as the road design goes to make sure that everything that we need will be taken care of, as far as infrastructure goes, for the future so we don’t put a bunch of stuff in the ground now, do a road, and then tear it up.” If Fifth Street is pushed through, the road

and part of its parking areas would be close to where the splash pad would be located. A splash pad at Peart Park is already funded, Schwind said, and more are projected for the city. “I think as far as the (park’s) master plan goes,” he continued, “there are probably three… community splash pads in the capital improvements plan. (They are) not scheduled to be funded anytime within the next two years, but there are locations throughout town that through our master plan have been kind of designated for splash pads.”

once had a picnic area. “It’s trashed and torn up now,” Powell said. “This is wonderful that we’re getting a hold of it and able to use it, because it should have been available a long time ago. We once thought we owned it and we found out the county did, then it got sold from the county into some private hands.” He added, “I’m really happy it’s back in city hands and it gets cleaned up. It’s just a natural area to start the trailhead. I think it’ll serve very well.” During the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting in January, Schwind said,

“There’s nothing in the works currently as far as getting it developed, but as far as acquiring that land, it is a good program.” According to the staff report, another $40,000 is authorized for trailhead work, which is expected to take several years to complete. The work includes: • Cleaning the property, including removing trash and glass particles. • Fencing the property lines and adding gateways. • Regrading areas. • Building the trailhead area. • Installing signage.

Councilwoman raises concerns over donation boxes

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ot all of the donation boxes you see around Casa Grande are actually for charities, a City Council member recently pointed out. “For a long time we would see it for a (charity) donation that you knew, a group that that you knew, here and there,” Councilwoman Mary Kortsen said during a regular meeting. “And over the last few years, I’ve just seen this proliferation of bins. And I start look at who is it, because I want to know who it is, and it’s THE MEDICAL EDITION

so hard to even tell if there is even anything (written) on them. And then all of a sudden you see them mushroom.” Kortsen said she read in a Phoenix newspaper about problems the city is having with such boxes, some on private property. “And just by coincidence when this came out, just prior to that,” she continued, “I was driving down McCartney Road off of Pinal and, lo and behold, on the south side, it’s totally undeveloped right now, and here sit two of them.

What they do is, there are some questionable groups that put these bins up in the hopes that they can get these clothing items and appliances and then they turn around and resell them. They are not for charity.” She added, “I would like to see us take a close look at this. What can we do? And I would like it enforced. We have some very good charities here. We have St. Vincent; we have Goodwill; we have Salvation Army and these people, they deserve these donations and that.”

She continued, “You have people out there that are leading the public astray and putting a box (out) and somebody puts things inside that box thinking it’s going to charity and it’s not.” Kortsen’s comments came during the informal council reports at the end of the meeting, not as a formal agenda item, meaning no decision could be made. “Duly noted,” Mayor Bob Jackson said, adding that he saw Deputy City Manager Larry Rains “over there writing notes.”

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THANK YOU CASA GRANDE!

by Terri Durham, Office Coordinator

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ebster defines community as people living in a common area, who share ownership or participation of a common interest. And what Seeds of Hope experienced on Tuesday, April 5 was nothing less than an outpouring deluge of community support for Arizona Gives Day. Arizona Gives Day is an annual

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24-hour online fundraiser for nonprofits across Arizona. This year over 900 nonprofits participated. Groups are categorized as small, medium, large, and rural. Additional prize money is awarded to the nonprofits that place in the top five of each category. Seeds of Hope is in the rural and medium-sized categories. Seeds of Hope had a goal of raising $42,000 this year, which is $15,000 more than we raised last year. With many prayers and good luck wishes we optimistically prepared for what is the largest fundraiser we do all year long. But nothing could prepare us for what we experienced from every corner of our community this year. At the hot lunch program, Toni set out a jar to collect spare change from the people we serve— people on fixed incomes who don’t always know where their next meal is coming from.

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When she counted what was collected on Arizona Gives Day it was over $200. The very people who depend on us for food willingly and enthusiastically gave to support us. Many churches and businesses also made donations that day. Not all of them gave the same amount, but the impact of their gifts is equal in what it allows us to accomplish in our programming. Individuals near and far got online and made donations. Some are friends, while some are friends of friends. But each one understands our mission to provide opportunity to improve lives spiritually, educationally, and socially.

At the end of the day our community of supporters helped us raise $56,484! That put us in third place in the midsize category, earning us an additional $8,000! Thank you, Casa Grande, for believing in what we do for our community. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for making us a household name in our community. Because of you, we can continue to impact individuals and families in meaningful ways. We LOVE community partners!

THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


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AWARDS KEEP COMING FOR CASA GRANDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT by Bryan Harris, Ed.D., Director of Professional Development & Public Relations, Casa Grande Elementary School District

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he Casa Grande Elementary School District is one of the most recognized and awarded school districts in Pinal County. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of its staff, there are a few more top-level awards and recognitions to add to the district’s long list of achievements.

Ironwood Elementary receives an A+ School of Excellence Award

In April 2016, Ironwood Elementary staff received notice that they were one of only 40 Arizona schools to receive the A+ School of Excellence Award. A team of independent judges from across the state reviewed Ironwood’s application and spent two days on campus interviewing staff and students and learning about what makes Ironwood unique and special. One of the things that set Ironwood apart was its implementation of a program for students, which is called Leader in Me. Based on the work of renowned leadership expert Stephen Covey, the program builds character, communication, and leadership skills in students starting in Kindergarten. Ironwood joins other Casa Grande Elementary Schools that have received this prestigious recognition: Villago Middle School (2013), McCartney Ranch Elementary (2013), and Cactus Middle School (2007).

Casa Grande Middle School Principal Jennifer Murrieta named a Distinguished Administrator by the Arizona School Administrators Also in April 2016, Casa Grande Middle School Principal Jennifer Murrieta was selected as the Arizona School Administrators (ASA) Distinguished Administrator for the Middle Level Division. Only six principals are recognized across the state each year. Mrs. Murrieta was recognized because of her deep commitment to ensuring success for every student at Casa Grande Middle School. She is no stranger to accolades as she previously received the Council of Administrators of Special Education Outstanding Leadership Award in 2010, and in 2012, she was one of ten Arizona principals named a Rodel Exemplary Principal.

Governing Board President Judee Jackson receives the 2015 Valle del Sol Profiles of Success Hall of Fame Award

In fall 2015, Governing Board President Judee Jackson was one of the honorees recognized at Valle Del Sol’s annual Profiles of Success luncheon at the Phoenix Convention Center. She was recognized in part for her efforts to enrich the lives of Latino students through participation in such innovative programs as Latino Familia and for her work with Pinal County’s Hispanic Leadership Institute. Since retiring from Arizona Public Service Company, she continues to be actively involved in supporting the children in Casa Grande.

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Superintendent Dr. Frank Davidson Awarded the Dr. Roger Sterling Kellis Leadership Award

Dr. Frank Davison who has served as the Casa Grande Elementary School District superintendent since 1997 has been recognized for excellence in leadership and community involvement by Arizona School GASTON BRYANT Administrators. Dr. Davidson exemplifies the spirit and intent of this GASTON BRYANT prestigious award which is given annually to ASA members who actively www.farmersagent.com/gbryant participate in civic leadership, mentor aspiring, new and veteran leaders and 829 W COTTONWOOD LNdemonstrate a vision of a better life for children through education. www.farmersagent.com/gbryantHe will be recognized at the ASA summer conference in June, 2016. CASA GRANDE, AZ 851222217

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THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


Casa Grande Elementary School District is

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The choice for families in Casa Grande

SUMMER IS BACK! AND SO IS THE SUMMER FOOD SERVICE by Wendy Garcia, CPFM, Field Supervisor-Food Services Dept., Casa Grande Elementary School District #4

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he Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) child nutrition program established to ensure that children, ages 18 and younger, continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. Free meals meeting federal nutrition guidelines are provided to all children at approved SFSP sites. This program encourages good health through nutrition and an active lifestyle, and it also provides an opportunity for learning. The Casa Grande Elementary School District has sponsored the Summer Food Service Program since 1992. The district’s mission, “Success for Every One, the Responsibility is Yours and Mine,” is demonstrated as we partner with families, students, and the community for the betterment of our children and their future. When the summer seems to run long and children begin to get restless, our program can remedy their boredom. We offer special events and activities at each site! Demonstrations from local community members, businesses, and students are presented at various participating sites during the summer. Crafts time is set up throughout the week for the children and games and theme days are held at all sites on specified days during the

THE THEMEDICAL MEDICAL EDITION EDITION

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”

Visit Your Child’s School Today! ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

program. This year’s program will be held Monday through Friday, May 23 through July 29 with various locations in and around the Casa Grande area, including Paradise Palms and Chuichu. For more information, call 520-876-3630. Answers to frequently asked questions along with site times, locations, menus and event calendar will be posted in May on the Casa Grande Elementary School District’s Food Services webpage at www.cgesd.org.

WWW.CGELEM.K12.AZ.US

520.836.2111

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Special Medical Section

Medical, Health & Wellness Special Section

HEALTH CARE: The act of taking preventative or necessary medical procedures to improve a person’s wellbeing. This may be accomplished with surgery, the administering of medicine, or other alterations in a person’s lifestyle. Services are typically offered through a health care system made up of hospitals, physicians and other clinicians or practitioners. Education and community outreach play a key role in prevention.

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n less than a century, prevention along with earlier detection has made many deadly diseases a rarity. As our community has grown, so have our health care options. No longer do we need to travel to the Valley for specialists. Many specialists now have offices or hours in our region. Along with expanded medical practitioners, we now have local dental options, including orthodontia and oral surgery, for both children and adults. As more information is shared on the Internet, alternative and holistic providers are now embraced as part of mainstream care. This year our Medical, Health & Wellness edition includes a bit of information on each: medical, dental, chiropractic, holistic and alternative medicine. We hope it inspires you to see not only the incredible health resources available in our community, but that it also empowers you to find your own tools for healthier living. Be well!

Major Announcements in the News •

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On May 9, Banner Casa Grande Regional Medical Center broke ground on an expanded Obstetrical Care Unit. The new 27,800-square-foot unit will feature the highest level of medical technologies for these services, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment and delivering expert care for all. Earlier this year, Banner Casa Grande

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completed its Level II Perinatal Services Survey with the Arizona Prenatal Trust. The hospital was recognized for its goal to provide exceptional care to high-risk pregnant mothers, and to newborn infants born at 32 weeks and above.

In 2016, Sun Life Family Heath Services is celebrating 40 years of continued service. With clinics in seven communities in Pinal County, it is now Pinal County’s largest primary care provider, offering care in family practice, women’s wellness and maternity care, pediatric care, family dentistry, in-house radiology, pharmacy and laboratory services.

THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


Special Medical Section

PHOTO BY TINA CATES

THE STORY BEHIND THE COVER What is one part skilled surgeon, one part robot and one part high-tech 3D video game? The answer is the da Vinci® Surgical System. When we began planning this edition of LIVING, we decided we wanted a cover image showing a medical professional in an authentic setting. Rona Curphy, the CEO at Banner Casa Grande Regional Medical Center, was extremely helpful in setting up this opportunity, as getting into the operating room takes a bit more effort and planning than other photo shoots. The e-mail came in late Friday afternoon saying there was a slot open in the operating room schedule on Monday. So first thing Monday morning, Tina Cates from Elegance N Images and I met with Karen Tiemann from Banner. The first stop was getting into our “bunny suits.” The staff was gracious and patient with us, taking the time to answer the zillion questions we asked - questions that had nothing to do with the photo shoot and all to do with satisfying our own curiosity. Dr. Mourelo was equally as gracious to take the time from his busy schedule to meet in the operating room for the photo shoot. The focus of the shoot was the hospital’s new robotic surgical system. It was difficult to get everything into the image, such as the doctor and his control console, the actual da Vinci® robotic device and the nurses. It literally FILLS the room! So the cover image focuses on Dr. Mourelo, with the unit behind him. The images here show more of the device, along with information on the apparatus from the hospital’s and the manufacturer’s websites. -Bea

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ntroduced by Intuitive Surgical, the state-of-the-art da Vinci® Si can help surgeons perform minimally invasive, complex surgeries. The system features four lightweight surgical arms, allowing for extended reach of motion into the body. The system is also much easier to use than past surgical robots with minimal setup in the operating room.

Dr. Mourelo with Razyl Maghanoy RN and Maritza Rodriguez, Surgical Technologist

Dr. Jonathan Willms, Sun Life OB/GYN recently did the 100th case on the robot.

What is da Vinci®?

Banner Health uses the da Vinci® Robotic Surgical System. Da Vinci®, a well-known system, consists of an ergonomically-designed surgeon’s console, a patient-side cart with four interactive robotic arms, a high-performance vision system and specially-designed instruments.

Benefits of Robotic Surgery With robotic surgery, patients who once faced several weeks in recovery following surgery can be back on their feet within days. Through advanced technology that creates THE THEMEDICAL MEDICAL EDITION EDITION

PHOTO BY TINA CATES

a less-invasive approach to surgery, patients may experience: • Reduced blood loss and need for transfusions • Less post-operative pain and discomfort • Less risk of infection • Shorter hospital stay • Faster recovery and return to normal daily activities • Less scarring

Banner Casa Grande Regional Medical Center installed and began using the da Vinci® System in fall 2015. Specially-trained surgeons use robotics to help patients have better, faster and easier recoveries from difficult procedures. The robot provides surgeons with all the benefits of traditional surgery while enabling continued on page 81... SUMMER 20 2016 1620GOLDEN CORRID OROR LI VLI ING 65 SUMMER SUMMER 16GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRID OR LI VVING ING

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Special Medical Section

GETTING FRIENDLY WITH FERMENTS by Jackie Paunil, MFA, CHC., owner of Terra Medela: Personal Health Coaching By reinforcing the troops and providing more beneficial bacteria from live foods, you are balancing the ratio of good to bad bacteria that strengthen and support your body in so many ways, and I will venture to say, in ways we haven’t begun to fully understand.

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oday I want to talk about the powerful healing and maintenance properties of fermented or cultured foods. There are many cultural varieties of these foods and drinks, originally created for preservation of foods prior to the convenience of refrigeration or (blek!) chemical preservatives. You can find lots of information about the cultural varieties online these days. Foods and drinks are allowed to ferment or grow bacteria, extending their shelflife and are later consumed as part of a standard diet in many cultures – not so much in America, though. We seemed to have turned our noses up at such “rotten foods.” It’s a pity really, as there were so many good things growing in those foods that the American culture abandoned for so long which we’re now realizing turned out to be really good for us. Our bodies are loaded with bacteria. They say a good three pounds of our weight is attributed to bacteria that are mostly essential to our good health and function. We are actually made up of more bacteria than human cells. As with life, there are the good guys and the bad guys. The beneficial bacteria of our gut microbiome, or the community of bacteria residing in our gut, contribute to proper digestion, immune system function and even our emotional well-being, believe it or not. When the bad guys, which are just looking for the moment to take over the microbiome, have the opportunity, they will take it. For me it was the excessive sugar in my diet that was feeding these nasty critters, giving them power and numbers to overtake the good guys. For some it may be a virus that made them vulnerable or eating foods with no real life to them – I’m talking about processed foods. Or for some, perhaps it could be pesticidal residue on and in foods. (We’ll talk GMO’s and Bt toxins another time). Just know there are some crazy bacterial battles going on inside your gut.

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So this is where fermented foods come to the rescue. By reinforcing the troops and providing more beneficial bacteria from live foods, you are balancing the ratio of good to bad bacteria that strengthen and support your body in so many ways, and I will venture to say, in ways we haven’t begun to fully understand. In two tablespoons of homemade sauerkraut, there are trillions of beneficial bacteria, otherwise known as probiotics. You can actually culture more probiotics in your homemade ferment than a bottle of good quality probiotic supplements. And if you’ve purchased those, you know they can cost you a pretty penny. Sauerkraut consists of cabbage and salt brine. Trust me, even an organic head of cabbage, for those of you that shy from the prices associated with organic products, doesn’t come close to the price of a bottle of probiotics, nor is the value as I said – in terms of the number of good bacteria – anywhere close either. So eat your probiotics from real foods that you’ve fermented yourself. Yes, you can buy them at a grocer’s, but first know they don’t compare in quality to what you can make at home, and secondly, buy only refrigerated brands. Heat sealing in the canning process kills the live bacteria that are so significant. Look for food products like sauerkraut and kimchi to start incorporating ferments into your diet. I find there are many people that just love fermented foods and have no problem gobbling down two tablespoons a day, but then the other end of the spectrum are the ones that couldn’t manage the flavor without some serious masking-combo of other foods. Hiding ferments in other foods to get them into your system is perfectly fine -- just remember not to heat them. I added about one teaspoon of sauerkraut to salads for my finicky fermented food eaters and gradually now serve it as a small side dish or condiment. Remem-

ber, fermented foods are intended as a condiment. That seems to help a lot of people get over the fear of having them daily. I also want to note an interesting observation regarding those finicky fermented food eaters -- their taste for the ferments seemed to change over time. I don’t know if they just coincidentally had a new set of taste buds or if they went through what I call, “a nutrient brain-body training process.” Let me explain that one. I find that many people crave certain foods and, low and behold, there seems to be a reason their brain was telling them to eat a bag of tangerines or a bar of chocolate. There are deficiencies that we may have and at some point, in some way, we have learned that certain foods supply certain nutrients or minerals that we need. I believe we get the message through a craving. This requires us to have first eaten or experienced the food as a nutritional source, so that our bodies-brains eventually register it as a source. But what about the foods with which we are unfamiliar, such as fermented options for most Americans? As we introduce something like sauerkraut into our diet, maybe it starts with repulsed, face-twisting, gagging swallows. But if we endure, knowing it is medicinal and we have our tiny bite daily, over time our body learns that the fermented food provides some wonderful firepower to the probiotic army in our gut. I’ve actually seen the initial gaggers morph into sauerkraut-eaters, seeking out the newly learned “source.” Perhaps the body and brain just needed a little training to really understand the value of the unfamiliar ferments, in order to start sending those craving messages? Check out the Brain-Gut connection research to really be amazed. Fermented beverages are another option, again much better made at home, but also available now at your grocer’s refrigerated section. If the THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


Special Medical Section

Bavarian Sauerkraut Fermented and Probiotic-Rich Shared by Jackie Paunil Prep Time 10-15 minutes

flavor puts you off, add beverages like kefirs or kombucha to your smoothies or add fruit to your brew for a natural sweetener. Yogurt is another fantastic probiotic source, if dairy is OK for you. Most of the fermented beverages require a starter (grains, SCOBY or culture) that you pamper and feed to sustain its life for future production. I love the story of the pirate Blackbeard keeping barrels of kraut on his ship for his crew. He was a very successful pirate. Was it because the sauerkraut kept his crew healthy? Cabbage is a great vitamin C source and after fermenting into sauerkraut the value skyrockets, not to mention the beneficial bacteria keeping the gut microbiome balanced for optimal health. My recommendation is to start with homemade sauerkraut. My recipe calls for some less common seasonings that you might have to order online in some areas, but certainly are not essential to the final product and can be omitted. It really is just a matter of some food processing, salt and water, packing with a few success tips, and then just waiting for the magic of the

fermentation process to do its thing. Start with just a teaspoon each day for a week. Gradually increase until you get to two tablespoons a day. Add it to salads, and eventually a plate of organic sausages, baked beans and kraut will be something you may even start craving. Casa Grande residents and visitors have access to a variety of practical food preparation and nutritional education classes through the Casa Grande Parks and Recreation programs. Fermented Foods and Beverages class will be offered again the last Tuesday in June. I try to include some recipe demonstrations that offer some seasonal selections to make it easier to get your hands on fresh, less expensive ingredients. Excerpt previously published from the Terra Medela: Personal Health Coach Blog Post. Paunil, J. (2016, January 21). Getting Friendly with Ferments. Retrieved from http://terramedela.com/ service/blog/2016/01/21/getting-friendly-with-ferments

I am a Certified Health Coach and hold a terminal degree (MFA) in Movement Analysis. I taught many years at university, doing research in both quantitative and qualitative analysis of movement, primarily of dance art and aesthetics. I have merged my areas of study and now work with private clients as an integrative nutrition coach. I also offer a variety of wellness classes to the community through the City of Casa Grande. Jackie Paunil, Certified Personal Health Coach terramedela.com 520-444-5434 THE THEMEDICAL MEDICAL EDITION EDITION

Prep Notes Set aside several clean outer leaves from cabbage head. Use a pulse setting on a food processor to shred cabbage and apple. Ingredients 2 small heads red or green cabbage, cored and shredded 1 large apple, cored and shredded 1 T caraway seeds 1 t juniper berries 2 T Himalayan salt or unprocessed sea salt 1 packet Veggie Starter- optional Directions Toss all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Knead and squeeze the cabbage and salt mixture thoroughly by hand to break up the structure of the cabbage shreds. Using a wooden dowel or veggie pounder, beat cabbage for approximately 10 minutes. Cabbage shreds should be limp, almost translucent and should release their juice readily. Layer this mixture of kneaded salt and cabbage into a mason jar and pack it down with a wooden spoon, dowel or your hands, so that sauerkraut is thoroughly packed into the mason jar or fermentation vessel. Continue layering and packing until your jar is full, and the level of brine or juices is higher than the level of the cabbage. Leave about 1/2" space at top. Use reserved cabbage leaves to cover the top of the cabbage mixture. Weight the cabbage leaves to keep shredded cabbage below the level of the brine. Cover and allow to ferment at room temperature (ideally 63Ëš-70Ëš) for at least two weeks before tasting it. If you prefer a stronger tasting sauerkraut, allow to ferment for an extended period of time until it achieves the desired sour flavor. Burp jar 2-+3 times daily, releasing pressure. Transfer to cold storage. Sauerkraut will keep for one year, properly fermented and stored. SUMMER 20 2016 1620GOLDEN CORRID OROR LI VLI ING 67 SUMMER SUMMER 16GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRID OR LI VVING ING

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Special Medical Section

ROBOTIC SURGERY SAVING LIVES AT BANNER CASA GRANDE MEDICAL CENTER by David Lozano, Public Relations External Media

The surgical robot mimics a surgeon’s hands allowing for better flexibility, accuracy and control.

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hat is robotic surgery? One may conjure up images of a stainless steel robot at the helm of the patient’s operating table performing surgery with no human required, like an assembly plant in an automobile factory. In reality, robotic surgery is the use of a robot, but a surgeon is actually navigating interactive robotic arms, performing a variety of surgical procedures. For a long time, larger and specialty hospitals were the only ones that offered robotic surgery. Today, smaller hospitals like Banner Casa Grande Medical Center are offering this leading-edge technology to the community – and it’s proving to be a popular surgical option for many patients. Right now, it’s being used as a minimally invasive or laparoscopic option, treating issues related to the abdomen area such as the stomach, kidneys and uterus. “We’re the main medical provider for many people who live in our community,” said Banner Casa Grande Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Rona Curphy. “So why make our own residents travel to Phoenix or Tucson if they don’t need to?” The surgical robot mimics a surgeon’s hands allowing for better flexibility, accuracy and control. The operating room is prepared just like it would for a regular surgery. Surgical staff is present in the operating room and as the patient lies on the surgical table, the robot is positioned over the patient, while the surgeon sits at a separate console and operates the arms of the robot. The tiny “arms” attached to the robot have tiny “surgical hands” and are used to enter the body and operate via small incisions. These tiny hands are able to get into tight areas of the body, compared to the surgeon’s hand. Because the “hands” of the robot are a lot smaller than

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an average-sized human hand, the incisions to the body are smaller and it allows for less blood loss, less stress to the body, minimal scarring and a quicker recovery time. Once in the body, surgeons are able to magnify their surgical sight with a small camera attached to one of the arms, which is then transmitted through 3-D optics. As all of this occurs, the surgical team supervises the robot at the patient’s bedside. While the da Vinci Surgical System is helping surgeons perform complicated surgeries, it’s not replacing doctors. Physicians who opt to use the robot as part of their treatment plan for their patients are required to undergo strict training and must be certified to use the robot. In addition, robotic surgery is a decision that must be agreed upon between the patient and his or her doctor, because not everybody may qualify for robotic surgery. “While we’re proud to offer this technology, it’s important that patients understand that the robot is only used for minimally invasive procedures,” Curphy said. “If a patient has had multiple procedures in the same area of the body, they may not qualify for robotic surgery. However, that’s a decision that will have to be made between them and their physician.” Banner Casa Grande provides next-generation surgical care to patients who are facing an array of medical conditions. The hospital has state-of-the-art surgical suites and medical professionals who are able to perform a wide-variety of inpatient outpatient surgical procedures such as: • Orthopedics • Gynecology • Urology • Ophthalmology Curphy said, “We know surgery is not only important for a patient and their loved ones, but it can also be scary for everyone. So, our job is to

not only provide the best treatment and care in a compassionate setting, but make sure they’re at ease, they understand their options, that we can help them relax before surgery, and answer any questions they may have prior to their procedure.” The surgical area at Banner Casa Grande Medical Center includes: • Pre-admission Department – contacts each patient before surgery to obtain patient information educate them about their procedure • Pre-operative Unit – 22 private spaces where patients are prepared for surgery and can relax with family before their procedures • Operating Rooms – five operating suites and three endoscopy rooms are equipped with stateof-the-art surgical, imaging, and endoscopic technologies • Post-anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) – Seven recovery bays where registered nurses work with physicians to ensure a safe and successful transition home or to an inpatient unit. Nurses working in the PACU are trained in adult and pediatric advanced life support. Nurses and caregivers in all hospital units are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). • Sterile Processing Department – Responsible for the proper and thorough maintenance, cleaning and sterilization of all surgical instruments, equipment and supplies used in the operating room. “We’re really proud that we have the capabilities to be able to provide this for our community,” Curphy said. “As health care and its technologies rapidly change, it will be exciting to see what we’ll be able to offer next.” For more information visit www.bannerhealth.com/casagrande. THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


INNOVATIVE CARE CLOSE TO HOME.

We understand that people heal better when surrounded by friends and family. That’s why Banner Casa Grande Medical Center provides innovation in intensive care, obstetrics, and patient care close to home. We couldn’t be happier to continue serving this community with medical advancements that help save lives and enhance patient satisfaction—right where you need it. (520) 381-6300 • www.BannerHealth.com/CasaGrande •

/BannerCasaGrande


Special Medical Section

THE ROLE OF X-RAYS IN OPTIMAL DENTAL CARE by Courtney Davis, Agave Dentistry

Most dental insurances cover annual dental radiographs at 100 percent because it is considered a diagnostic or preventative service.

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ost people know that it is recommended to visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and exam to help locate and prevent dental decay. However, it is not uncommon for patients to come in for their biannual dental appointment with hesitations about having X-rays taken. Just mentioning the word “radiation” often invokes an unpleasant image for many people. Whether the reason is fear of radiation, discomfort, financial concern, or simply a dislike for the process, you are not alone if you share any of these concerns. However, it is important to get dental X-rays taken regularly to improve your dental health, and here’s why. There are several benefits to having dental X-rays (also called dental radiographs) taken regularly. First, only so much can be seen by the naked eye. Dental radiographs allow your dentist the opportunity to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions that may not be visible to the human eye. X-rays can help your dentist find hidden dental structures, malignant or benign masses, bone loss, and cavities. X-rays help your dentist and hygienist get a more in-depth look at your gums and teeth and this more detailed perspective allows them to catch problems while still in their primary stages. Finding and correcting dental problems early allows you the opportunity to fix the issue when it is small, manageable, and typically long before any pain begins. An early fix also often means it is easier to fix, less invasive on the patient, longer-lasting and lowercost than more complicated procedures.

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Advances in dental X-ray equipment have provided dentists with the ability to obtain a good X-ray image using much less radiation than was previously required. At Agave Dentistry, Dr. Davis has been using digital sensors for years, which require much less radiation that the older film style X-rays. He has also recently upgraded his dental radiograph system to using the NOMAD Handheld X-Ray System to improve patient care and minimize the amount of radiation to the patient when taking a dental X-ray. The NOMAD system improves dental radiography speed, convenience, and quality with minimal exposure to radiation. The NOMAD lets off less than one percent of the allowed occupational dose of radiation. It has been proven safe with low patient dosage exposure, internal shielding, and backscatter shield to protect the operator. (http://aribex.com.) Radiation is all around us, all the time. Radiation is measured in units called “rems” and “millirems” (mrem). The National Council on Radiation Protection (NCRP) says that the average resident of the U.S. receives about 360 mrem every year from background sources. This comes from outer space, radioactive materials in the earth, and small amounts of radioactive material in most foods we consume. When your dentist takes radiographs of your teeth, you are typically exposed to only about 2 or 3 mrem. To put into perspective how small that amount of radiation is, consider the fact that people are exposed to about 5 mrem each time

NOMAD they make a cross-country flight, and those who cook with natural gas are exposed to about 10 mrem per year from radon gas in the natural gas supply. It is a small price to pay to keep your teeth healthy. Dentists need X-rays in order to complete a comprehensive exam at the highest level of care possible. A dentist performing an exam without X-rays is similar to asking a mechanic to fix your car without allowing them to open your hood. Just as the mechanic may be able to find or fix the problem without opening the hood of your car, it will most likely take longer and therefore cost you more money. Most dental insurances cover annual dental radiographs at 100 percent because it is considered a diagnostic or preventative service. Call our office today at (520) 876-9955 to see if we accept your insurance plan and to schedule an appointment with one of our excellent hygienists. For those who don’t have dental insurance, we offer some affordable options that are typically less expensive than a yearly insurance premium. We look forward to hearing from you! Radiation statistics found at: http:// www.physics.isu.edu/radinf/dental.htm.

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Tyson A. Davis D.D.S

For new and existing patients. Call for details. Expires 7-31-16

Expires 7-31-16

Coupon must be presented at initial visit. Specials are for new and existing patients with no insurance.

520-876-9955

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

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1864 E. Florence Blvd., Suite 1, CG 520-350-7560 • Restorations • Emergency and hospital dentistry • Exams • Teeth cleaning

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Enrollment assistance with AHCCCS, Healthcare.gov and Sun Life’s discount programs.

We accept most insurance-AHCCCS Uninsured? We can help!

1856 E. Florence Blvd, CG HOURS: www.SunLifeFamilyHealth.org MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Sun Life Family Heath Center, INC.

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OB/GYN PRACTITIONERS: Eddie Estrada, MD, FACOG, MHA, CPE Vinniola “Vinnie” McBride, WHNP Virginia Savala, DO Bianca Smith, DO Susan Stein, MD Jonathan Willms, DO, MS

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1864 E. Florence Blvd, Suite 2 • CG 520-381-0380 HOURS: www.SunLifeFamilyHealth.org

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hen you first walk into one of our 12 locations, you may not realize that you are coming in for more than just a doctor’s visit. Being a patient at Sun Life Family Health Center means that your medical care is based on the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model. What that means is that our staff creates care that is patient-centered and not doctor-centered. It emphasizes care coordination and communication to transform primary care into what patients want it to be. So when you come in for a physical checkup, Sun Life medical providers will work with you personally to set personal health goals that you want to achieve based on your medical history and medical tests. And our providers aren’t only

looking at your current state of health; they take your lifestyle into consideration, as well. You can expect at a regular checkup or routine doctor’s visit to be asked about how you’ve been feeling lately – both physically and emotionally. If you are feeling overwhelmed or melancholy, that can affect everything in your life and can impact how well you are taking care of yourself. With integrated services such as lab, and on-site pharmacy or pharmacy services, Sun Life can address your physical health at a routine visit. In between doctor’s visits, our behavioral health, diabetes education, and outreach and enrollment department can also support you in finding the resources you need to maintain access to quality healthcare and a healthy lifestyle for you and your family. Outreach can help you not only navigate the

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Special Medical Section

NOW TAKING WALK - INS!

1515 E. Florence Blvd Ste#103, Casa Grande, AZ 85122

520 423-8282

Dr. Alexandru Tanase has been practicing Pediatrics for over 20 Years. Providing ALL URGENT CARE SERVICES Except Wound Suturing as well as complex conditions as: • • • • • •

Developmental Problems-Autism, Asperger Syndrome Temperamental Problems/Parenting Strategies Asthma / Allergies Headaches/Migraines/ Concussions Regular Check Ups/Sports Physicals/Vaccinations Hearing Screening (Otoacoustic emission) and Circumcisions.

Most Insurances Accepted!

healthcare system by helping you apply for Sun Life’s sliding fee or payment schedules and learn about insurance options through the marketplace, but also match you up with other community organizations that provide assistance with everything from emergency assistance to help with utility payments or signing up for food stamps and much more. Our Casa Grande location is also home to a dental office. Our dentists and hygienists can do things as simple as a routine cleaning to more complicated procedures. Our Community Dental Program also travels to schools and other locations and Sun Life hosts an annual Give Kids a Smile event. These services ensure that the youth of Pinal County, as well as our adults, are receiving screenings and proper dental checkups.

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Our services are continually evolving We regularly survey our patients so that we know how to meet the needs of our growing patient population. Due to these surveys, we have opened several new offices across Pinal County in the last few years. Those offices include three family practice locations, a Center for Children (patients 0-18), two new Centers for Women (ob/gyn), and a completely new pediatric dental office. And we do much of this through with the help of generous donations from readers like you, who have supported our nonprofit organization for the last 40 years. We are not just a doctor’s office. To learn more about Sun Life, please visit our Web site at www.SunLifeFamilyHealth.org, or find us on Facebook.

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Special Medical Section

DOES SITTING STRAIN YOUR BACK? by Dr. Sean Jenkins

W JENKINS CHIROPRACTIC

If you are in PAIN, find out if Dr. Sean can help you!

Are you experiencing... BACK PAIN • NECK PAIN HEADACHES • AUTO INJURY Special Offer

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Exam and Consultation ca sa g ra n d ech i ro p racto r.co m

Must bring this ad to receive offer. Due to Federal guidelines, free exam is not available to Medicare patients. Expires 7-15-16

Jenkins Chiropractic 1891 N. Trekell Rd. Casa Grande

520-836-2969

casag randechiropractor.com

e do it every day. Whether we drive to work, sit typing on a computer, play video games or watch television in the evening, we all spend hours sitting each day. Our sedentary lifestyle with too much sitting can cause our backs to become strained, leading to discomfort or pain.

So, what can you do?

As the 80’s song says - get physical! One of the best ways to alleviate or reduce back pain is to stay active. Increased activity doesn’t just dramatically decrease low back pain, physical activity is natural, drug-free and yes - fun! Getting up and taking a break to walk for a few minutes throughout the day is good for your spine and your overall health.

How to boost your health

Prolonged sitting doesn’t just strain your back—it’s also bad for your health. Sitting and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to a variety of chronic conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. When you get moving, you are not only helping your back, but you enhance your overall health too. Everyone can benefit from increasing their activity level. Developing malfunctioning spinal joints from excessive sitting puts needless wear and tear on your spine. Feel better by making sure you’re well-adjusted. To optimize your health, be all you can be and perform at your best, give us a call at (520) 836-2969.

Experienced, Quality Care for the Entire Family Living & Serving in Casa Grande for over 60 Years After-hours Emergency Treatment Available Most Insurance Accepted Services Provided by an Arizona Licensed General Dentist

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(520) 836-7111 • 721 N Olive Ave. • Casa Grande, AZ 85122 • www.dickandmitchelldds.com

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Special Medical Section

OVERVIEW OF METABOLISM by Susan Conn-Hood, Certified Yoga/Fitness Instructor & Whole Food Educator

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etabolism represents all chemical reactions that sustain the life of cells and thus the life of the organism. The process can be divided into two categories: catabolism, or the breakdown of molecules to obtain energy and anabolism, the syntheses of compounds needed by the cells. Carbohydrates, proteins and fats provide a variety of substances essential for the building, upkeep and repair of body tissues and for the efficient functioning of the body. Carbohydrates come in three forms – starch, sugar and cellulose. Starch and sugar are essential energy sources for humans. Cellulose is a non-caloric indigestible carbohydrate known as dietary fiber, which provides volume or bulk in food. Proteins are the chief tissue-builders of every cell in the body. Proteins help make blood hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the cells, forms antibodies

to fight infection and supplies nitrogen for genetic synthesis. Fats are considered concentrated sources of energy, providing energy more than double that of carbohydrates and proteins. Fats make up part of the structure of cells, form a protective cushion and heat insulation around vital organs, carry fat soluble vitamins and provide reserve storage for energy. Exercise intensity is the primary factor determining the degree of fat or carbohydrate utilization during exercise. During light exercise, most energy from cells is derived from fat. However fat oxidation increases as intensity rises until it reaches 65 percent of your target heart rate. Beyond this intensity, a gradual decline in the rate of fat oxidation is observed until intensity goes above 80 percent, at which point fat oxidation rapidly declines. Training can reduce this decline in fat utilization thus demonstrating that with

continual endurance training, the body becomes more efficient at using fat for energy and increases metabolism.

Practical fitness tips to increase your metabolism: • • • •

Low to moderate long-duration steady-state cardiovascular exercise - 65% Fast, continuous, maximum steady-state cardiovascular training between - 65%-80% Interval training with moderate and high-intensity intervals during the workouts - 65%-80% Resistance training with weights and/or strength machines will improve several hormonal responses and impressively improves muscle and bone density, which results in better overall health and a faster resting metabolism.

Sa e D Appom intmeany (Based ts! On

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Exercise intensity is the primary factor determining the degree of fat or carbohydrate utilization during exercise.

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NEW OFFICE

1864 E. Florence Blvd., Suite 1, CG 520-350-7560 • Root canals • Special needs children/cases • Nitrous available • Family Visits

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• Restorations • Emergency and hospital dentistry • Exams • Teeth cleaning

We accept most insurance-AHCCCS Uninsured? We can help! www.SunLifeFamilyHealth.org

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520-836-5036 www.SunLifeFamilyHealth.org

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1856 E. Florence Blvd, CG HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Special Medical Section

THE ENERGY TREE: DEPLETION AND RESTORATION by Jackie Paunil, MFA, CHC., owner of Terra Medela: Personal Health Coaching Develop a sustainable transformation to achieve the energy that allows you to do more than just get through your day.

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s a visual for understanding our adult body's energy depletion, imagine a tree trunk and outwardly reaching branches above the soil line as a depleted and colorless tree. And below the surface of the soil are the roots, again colorless. The trunk is the power and force of the energy we utilize to reach out into those branches to perform, participate and engage in our energy-requiring activities – mentally, physically, spiritually. The roots are the source by which we absorb essential nutrients and provide for ourselves. For many, infancy and childhood would be a period of time where our tree would be saturated with color and vibrating with energy, fueling our body, mind and spirit to experience, learn, and indulge in our world. But too often, the color begins to recede indicating the deficiency of nutrients present not just in our diet, but in our life experiences, so that before we even reach adult maturation, we can be devoid of color. Our energy source that fills our trunk with vibrating color is initiated from the very distal ends of the roots, where the essential nutrients that we

need are drawn from the foods that we consume. As the nutrients slowly enter the root system, color fills the root hairs and rises. Just filling those roots with nutrients takes time; for it has taken time to leave them colorless. The foods we chose to eat are the source for that energy. Choosing nutrient-poor foods offer very little and toxins within those foods actually deplete what little nutrients we have extracted from such a dismal diet. Choosing nutrient-rich foods rebuilds and revives the root system and continues as we continue to consume nutrients that eventually fill the roots and the trunk with color. This is the time where many give up on a real food diet. We are inundated with immediate gratification options offered by pharmaceuticals or even misleading single-focused research suggestions. We must remember that transitions take time. The word transition has to do with a process or period of time in which change will occur. We must be patient in the process. Not until we have energy-saturated the roots will color rise to the trunk, and not until that trunk is vibrating with the color, can it begin to radiate out toward

those branches. As the branches fill with color, we begin to reach out to those activities and areas with this energy that allows us to go beyond, to again enjoy life and what it has to offer. What we desire is to live beyond those limits that once barely allowed us to just get through our day. And with time, the nutrient-rich food that we continue to provide for our body allows expansion and development of new branches. These allow us to pursue yet even more in our lives, as they represent what we perform, participate and engage in within our newly transformed lives. This is restoration. Grow your own energy; rebuild, revive, restore. Get started with your own transformation. Develop a sustainable transformation to achieve the energy that allows you to do more than just get through your day. Excerpt previously published from the Terra Medela: Personal Health Coach Blog Post. Paunil, J. (2016, March 7). The Energy Tree: Depletion and Restoration. Retrieved from http://terramedela.com/ service/blog/2016/03/07/visually-defined-energy-depletion-and-restoration

Grow your own energy; rebuild, revive, restore.

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Special Medical Section

Associates in Pediatric & Internal Medicine

Michael P. Ridge, M.D., A.B.I.M. LaTrecia M. Herring, M.D., F.A.A.P., A.B.I.M. Craig W. Connor, PA-C Kevin G. Hall, PA-C Darryl R. Brown, M.D. Natalie A. Teng, M.D. C. Marlene Hoeft, RN, MSN, FNP-C Derral E. Hawthorne, PA-C Kelsie D. Pate, RN, MSN, FNP-C John D. Shull, PA-C (520) 836-5538 560 N Camino Mercado, Suite 7 (800) 895-5538 Casa Grande, AZ 85122 Fax (520) 876-0878 www.cottonwoodmedical.com Accepting New Patients

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! THE THEMEDICAL MEDICAL EDITION EDITION

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Oral Health Care System:

Arizona

Oral Health Knowledge Index Among Adults in 2015

10 8

8.8

6

8.2

6.3

HIGH-INCOME ADULTS

4

Poor Oral Health

Excellent Oral Health

Oral Health Status Index Among Adults in 2015

2

7.2

HIGH-INCOME ADULTS

LOW-INCOME ADULTS

59%

LOW-INCOME ADULTS

OF LOW-INCOME ARIZONA ADULTS

ANSWERED ALL OF HPI’S ORAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE SURVEY QUESTIONS CORRECTLY COMPARED TO 52% OF HIGH-INCOME AND 44% OF LOW-INCOME U.S. ADULTS

0

Arizona

48%

OF HIGH-INCOME ARIZONA ADULTS

U.S.

Oral Health Attitude Index Among Adults in 2015 10 Positive

7.1

5

5.9

5.0

4.0

0 Neutral

-5 -10

Negative

High-Income Adults

Low-Income Adults

High-Income Adults

Low-Income Adults

U.S.

Arizona

Percentage of Population on Community Water Systems Receiving Fluoridated Water in 2012 64%

0-25%

32% 36%

26-50% 74% 64%

76-100%

89%

99%

72%

64%

58%

70%

77%

76%

72%

90%

92%

71%

52%

95%

55%

92% 91%

100% 90%

67%

96% 88%

94% 58%

78%

96%

80% 43%

53%

79%

99%

94%

44%

51-75%

56%

97%

23%

78%

46% 70% 84% 90% 15% 86% 97% 100%

58%

OF ARIZONA’S POPULATION ON COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS RECEIVE FLUORIDATED WATER

11%

Information provided by the Arizona Dental Association. For more information, visit ADA.org/statefacts

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(520)

426-0404

www.dmfamilydentistry.com

The only Dental office in Casa Grande honored for excellence 6 years straight.


Special Special Medical Medical Section Section

HEAT SAFETY – HEAT RELATED ILLNESS by Arizona Department of Health Services

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rizona is one of the hottest places on earth from May to September. Heat-related illnesses are common during the summer. Year after year, nearly 2,000 people visit Arizona emergency rooms because of heat-related illnesses. Some heat-related illnesses could even be fatal. Over 1,500 deaths from exposure to excessive natural heat have occurred in Arizona from 2000 to 2012. As a result, the Arizona Department of Health Services has developed a Heat Emergency Response Plan, a Heat Safety Resource Guide, and a bilingual Heat Brochure. To sign up for email alerts and information regarding extreme heat warnings, check out the instructions on our Extreme Weather and Public Health homepage.

Preventing Heat-Related Illness Your body keeps itself cool by letting heat escape through the skin, and by evaporating sweat. If your body does not cool properly or not enough, you might suffer from a heat-related illness. Anyone can be susceptible to heat-related illness. Those at greatest risk are children under four, adults over 65, homeless people, outdoor workers, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications. Heat-related illness may be serious or even deadly if unattended. Staying healthy during the summer is easier if you take the time to protect yourself by making sure you are drinking enough water and limiting your exposure to the heat. Follow these simple rules: • Drink water. Even people who stay mostly indoors all day should drink at least two liters of water per day. People who spend time outdoors should drink one to two liters per hour that they are outdoors. People that do strenuous activity outdoors should be very careful, because your body can lose up to four liters of water per hour during strenuous activity. Carry water with you and drink, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. 80

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• •

• •

Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella. Always apply sunscreen to exposed skin. Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat. Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Stay indoors when possible. Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize that you, or someone else, are showing symptoms of a heat-related illness, stop activity and find a cool place.

Signs & Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness When temperatures are on the rise, watch for the following symptoms: • Thirst: By the time your body tells you that you are thirsty, you are already mildly dehydrated. • Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. They usually involve the abdominal muscles or the legs. • Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is less dangerous than heat stroke. It typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a warm, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Fluid loss causes blood flow to decrease in the vital organs, resulting in a form of shock. • Heat Stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

Stages of Heat-Related Illness

Heat-related illness usually comes in stages. The signal of the first stage is thirst. Drinking water at this stage can prevent you from progressing to the more serious kinds of heat related illnesses. The next stage is muscle cramps. These cramps can be mild or very painful. If you are caring for a person who has heat cramps, have him or her stop activity and rest. If the person is fully awake and alert, have him or her drink small amounts of cool water or a commercial sports drink. Gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold the stretch for about 20 seconds, then gently massage the muscle. Repeat these steps if necessary. If the victim has no other signals of heat-related illness, the person may resume activity after the cramps stop. The signals of the next, more serious stage of a heat-related illness (often called heat exhaustion) include: • Cool, moist, pale skin (the skin may be red right after physical activity). • Headache. • Dizziness and weakness or exhaustion. • Nausea. • The skin may or may not feel hot. The warning signs of the most serious stage of a heat-related illness (often called heat stroke or sun stroke) vary but may include: • Vomiting. • Confusion. • Throbbing headache. • Decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness. • High body temperature (sometimes as high as 105° F). • Skin may still be moist or the victim may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry. • Rapid, weak pulse. • Rapid, shallow breathing. • Seizures. NOTE: Heat stroke is life threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if you are suffering from any of the above symptoms. THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


Special Medical Section

THE STORY BEHIND THE COVER (continued) them to operate through tiny incisions. With smaller incisions, patients can heal faster. The surgical robot allows surgeons at Banner Casa Grande Regional Medical Center to closely explore the surgical site using 3D high definition robotic-guided instruments through small incisions. The robotic instruments bend in all directions and precisely mimic the surgeon’s hand movements, permitting access to tight

and difficult to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible by hand and require larger incisions. The surgeon’s hand movements are seamlessly translated into precise movements for the robotic arms. The surgical system cannot be programmed, nor can it make decisions on its own. It requires every surgical maneuver be performed with direct input from the surgeon.

PHOTO BY BEA LUECK

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Special Medical Section

Consumer Wellness Monograph

events, but not acidic enough to kill bacteria, absorb nutrients, and breakdown half-chewed, over-processed nutrient-lacking “food”. In truth, since the majority of those suffering chronic illness in the US today also suffer from acid-based conditions (poor diet, poor digestion, IBS, Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, hypertriglyceridemenia, alkaline liver, diabetes type 2, neuropathy, arRighting What’s Upside Down thritis, cancer, etc.). Hydrochloria, or low stomach acids, contributes mightily to these conditions, and causes many sufferers to also suffer frequent food poisoning because of lack of acid barriMax Stanley Chartrand. Ph.D. (Behavioral Medicine) er. These episodes are mistaken for “stomach flu”, which is actually a rare form of flu, indeed! The reason so many think they have too much stomach acid is because the food stays in their stomach for 2-4 hours where it Introduction: If I was speaking to a never really digests properly. This lack of breakdown of the food room full of adults and asked those prohibits the pancreas from doing one of its chief tasks, secrewho suffer from acid reflux to raise their hands, about a third of the hands tion of high pH bicarbonate into the duodenum so that the pyloric sphincter can open. The lack of proper digestion (from low or would reach for the sky. If I was to ask them if the problem is too imbalanced stomach acids and lack of bicarbonate secretions much or too little acid, like a Gregorian Chant I would hear “too into the duodenum) causes a “stenosis” at the top of the duodemuch”. And my reply would be, “Oh, really? Welcome to the Twilight Zone.” For in today’s dietary world, too little, not too much acid is the num. This prevents the stomach from emptying and the food, problem for at least 95% of sufferers of GERD/GORD/GRD with nowhere to go, refluxes back up into the esophagus, espe(gastroesophageal/gastro-oesophageal/gastric reflux disease). Lost in cially when lying down. As stated earlier, the acid & partly brothe world of microwaved, genetically modified, synthetically fortified, ken down food is strong enough to burn the esophagus, even degerminated, chemically preserved, and artificially colored & flathe pharynx/larynx, yet it is nowhere near acidic enough to vored food, is that nothing about the recent changes to the food we break down the food enough so that nutrition can be extracted eat is good for the human body. Nothing. Our children are not develby the time is reaches the upper intestine. oping, as increasingly more suffer from developmental disorders.

Overcoming

ACID REFLUX

Even our pets get chronic health rarely seen in the wild and die early Are the Reflux Meds All You Need? deaths when fed what modern humans eat. So, now we ask those What does the research say about taking the acid reflux mediwho raised their hands to read on. Learn how to change your life—the cations of our day? Let us summarize their findings: ® SIRCLE way!

  Yes, you see, the healthy stomach has an acid-alkaline bal ance of pH 1.2-2.0 (on a logarithmic scale of 1.0-14.0). It was meant to be a veritable caldron of acid so that we can: 1) create   an “acid barrier” to kill the bacteria & viruses we ingest each day, without which we would become ill with the slightest amount of same, 2) help us absorb vital nutrients, such as iron, copper, zinc, calcium, folic acid, B-12, and various proteins, and 3) break down food components to a fine puree (created from sufficient HCL, citric acid, pepsin, and bicarbonate) so that it can be emptied through a pencil-sized pyloric splincter into the duodenum within 25-minutes of entering the stomach. In the duodenum, bile acids are sprayed onto fatty lipids to maximize HDL, minimize LDL for their specialized purposes in your body. When food reaches the small intestine, food-to-nutrition differentiation then occurs to sort out energy, nutrients, and waste (food-to-nutrition synthesis) until we achieve that balanced state called homeostasis. Satiation, or the feeling of fullness when we’ve eaten enough, is closely connected to our ability to absorb these nutrients. If we do not get enough nutrients, we often will not experience satiation until it is too late. Weight gain by nutrition starvation is arguably America’s number one health problem today!

Not Enough Acid, You Say?

Description of the Reflux Cascade

The reality is that today’s modern stomach boasts a puny pH 2.5-3.0, acidic enough to scar the esophagus during reflux 82

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Increased bone loss and fractures Anemia (deficiency in iron and other vital nutrients) Depression, other cognitive disorders Increased risk of pancreatitis and diabetes Vitamin B12, folic acid deficiencies

Functional Review of Human Digestion • Vision/Smell/Taste/Tactile • Bolus down esophagus • HCL Acid/Churning • Chyme via Pyloric Sphincter

• Duodenal Process • Food-to-Nutrition Synthesis • Hydration & Bile Recapature at the Transverse Colon • Waste/Water Cycling • Elimination

THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


Special Medical Section

Fibromyalgia, Neuropathies of all kinds Elevated risk of pneumonia and breathing disorders Chronic colitis, including colon cancer Fatty liver cirrhosis And much more! The list of problems associated with long term use of this class of medications is troubling in light of the fact that clinical practice has little to do with looking for underlying causes. Instead, dietary and digestive habits are left in tact in the vast majority of cases and rampant prescribing of acid-suppressing drugs is the norm for the day! Research shows this to be a very dangerous path to follow for such conditions. Since these drugs interrupt the metabolic processes of the human body, nutrient extraction is interrupted and patients suffer increasing nutrition deficiencies. There is also negative interaction between acid reflux meds and other medications and substances. However, simply stopping the drugs without professional guidance can cause severe rebound effects!     

SIRCLE: Righting What’s Upside Down

and digestive efficiency. 7.The best reflux medicine is ionized alkaline water. It is quicker, at lower cost, and will allow you to regain your health! 8. Put (1) drop of Digestzen Essential Oils by doTerra in a few ounces of water and drink before dinner each night. There is so much more to consider in each case, for we are all individuals. Many times, we find that the cause is an injury in the neck that has been neglected, or a string of septic keratosis in the ear canal that is often mistaken for earwax (see illustration below) or some other potentially life threatening infection that has not been diagnosed. Neuropathy and diabetes sufferers cases nearly always experience acid reflux and keratosis obturans! Nearly all of those taking multiple medications have severe acid reflux, unless, of course, one of those meds is for acid reflux. Then, they will experience the associated health issues listed above. So much to learn; so much to know, that it is best to seek the guidance of a qualified professional. Resources for Study

Chartrand, M.S. (2013). How to Raise Your Body’s pH & Overcome Chronic Disease. Casa Grande, AZ: Digicare Behavioral Research. Eland, A, Alvarez, CH, Stricker, BC, Rodriquez, LA (2000). The Risk of Acute Pancreatitis Associated with Acid-suppressing Drugs. Br J Clin Pharmacol, 2000, May; 49(5): 473-478. Hofmann, A., and Mysels, K. (1992). Bile acid solubility and precipitation in vitro and in vivo: the role of conjugation, pH, and Ca2+ ions. Journal of Lipid Research. http://www.jlr.org/ content/33/5/617.full.pdf Thirteen Foods That Fight Acid Reflux (2013). http://www.health.com/health/ gallery/0,,20440834,00.html. Tips for Overcoming GERD (2013). http://www.gibay.com/articles/houston-acid-reflux-3-tips-to -overcoming-gerd.html.

As in all chronic conditions, the objectives are to repair unhealed injuries, make sure infections and inflammatory states are corrected, and restore the biomarkers of cellular acidalkaline balance to pH 7.45, oxygen to 99-100%, A1C below 5.0, CRP below 1.0, Gelactin-3 below 17.1%, electrolytes in perfect balance, and cartilage, bone, and cardiovascular state is normalized. These markers tell us how close to “homeostasis” we have come with diet and lifestyle. More resources: First and foremost it is important to address underlying caus- http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/ http://www.bmj.com/lookup/eletters/336/7634/2#185858 es. It is not the purpose of this monograph to provide an exhaustive treatment on this topic. However, some of the more sa- http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=204783 lient piint that can be followed safely by everyone are as follows: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21318590 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17661965; http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2000/04/01/ omeprazole/ 1. No more microwaving, not even to warm up your food. See my monograph titled What’s Wrong with Microwaving or my http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=707082 http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=412428 DVD Lecture Series titled Overcoming Acid Reflux & Other Dihttp://www.medicine.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/booth/Pharmacy/PPIcdiff.html http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(09)00522-8/ gestive Disorders for more thorough treatments of this topic 2.Read the labels of the food you buy, especially avoiding Aspertame (prevalent in sugar-free gum and most diet sodas), Keratosis Obturans: Progression over 2-5 MSG, high fructose, bromulated vegetable oil, canola oil, and, as much as possible, avoid GMOs, caffeinated drinks, and foods years as seen in many GERD sufferers with gluten. • When cellular pH of the body falls below pH 7.1 (acidosis), 3. Start meals with fresh vegetables and fruits before eating external ear keratin can peel off at the rate of approx. 1mm any meat; eating meat sparingly. Drink no more than 1/2 glass per day. The example to the left is from a patient developing of anything during the meal—finishing the remainder at the end • Latent diabetes II case diabetes mellitus type 2 @ 6 months of the meal. Eat an apple a day to bring down bad cholesterol. 4. Chew your food to a paste, mixing saliva thoroughly be• At year 4-5, several keratoses have formed, trapping dead skin cells, bacteria, amoeba, fungus, yeasts, etc., debris, fore swallowing. This neutralizes acids and prepares the food for and cerumen. Often mistaken for impacted cerumen quick digestion. It also brings earlier satiation, so you will less inclined to overeat. • Upon removal of one of the keratoses, more are revealed, 5. Take (1) or (2) Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules at the start each with their separate layers of keratin wrapped around the organisms listed above of at least two meals per day for 30 days, overlapping with your acid reflux meds for about a week. Then, as you phase out your • Upon removal of the final keratosis, a normal tympanic reflux meds, you will find you will digest your food better and membrane is revealed overcoming the deficiencies caused by the reflux medications. • After removal: Track from where the keratosis started—usually 6.Eat no closer than 3 hours before retiring to bed. Never unresolved infection in jaw, sinuses, intestines and/or feet eat and lie down directly afterward. In fact, avoid eating for at least 3 hours at a stretch so that your body can regain its pH

THE THEMEDICAL MEDICAL EDITION EDITION

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KEEPING THE PEACE WHEN A NEW PET JOINS YOUR FAMILY by Staff Reports Even if your child is gentle with your dog and your dog is calm and loving with your child, it is important to supervise interaction at all times.

W

hether you are bringing a new pet into your family or bringing a new child home to an existing pet family, it is important to prepare for the changes. Your two-legged and fourlegged children need to feel safe and secure to avoid unnecessary jealousy and acting out. New additions to the family can feel threatening to a child or pet. Before one arrives, it is important to prepare the family for changes. By taking the time to follow a few simple steps to establish rules and boundaries, you can create a long-term successful, loving and safe relationship for everyone.

Bringing Home a New Pet Children under 10 are at the greatest risk of being bitten by a dog. Most dog bites to children are by a family or neighbor’s pet. It’s extremely important to teach young children how to safely interact with pets before they reach age five.

Top Causes of Dog Bites •

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Disturbing a pet when it is sleeping - older pets, especially, snap when startled from a sound sleep. Hurting the dog by pulling ears or tail, poking eyes or jumping on it - an animal in pain will strike at the source of the pain to make it stop. Chasing a pet into a corner or confined space - a cornered animal feels threatened and reacts defensively to get away. Trying to take a toy away, whether it’s the dog’s or child’s

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– dogs engage in resource guarding to protect someone from taking their property away. Little children do this too! Reaching into the animal’s food dish or taking away food – this is another example of resource guarding and protecting what’s theirs from being stolen. Sudden movements or highpitched sounds – small children amplify prey-drive, especially to breeds with a genetically high prey drive. Face to face contact – small dogs especially do not like it when you blow or yell in their faces.

How to Introduce a New Pet to your Home •

• • • •

Set rules and boundaries for your children. Address any violations or broken rules with the child rather than the pet. All child/pet interactions should be supervised. Limit the number of interactions until you are sure of how the dog reacts. Provide your new pet with a child-free area for sleeping and eating. Crate train your new pet and teach your children that the crate is the dog’s safe zone and to stay away.

How to Introduce a New Baby to your Pet • • •

• •

Never leave baby and dog together unsupervised. Reassure your pet when the baby cries. Install a baby gate to keep your pet out of the baby’s room. Just like your pet needs a safe area to call its own, so does your child. Start at the very beginning to establish this rule. Allow the dog to sniff the baby and get used to the scents associated with the new baby. Make sure your pet doesn’t feel neglected and lacking in attention and affection. New babies are very demanding and require a lot of time that the dog is accustomed to getting. Include walks and tossing the ball around as much as possible so pets feel part of the family.

Supervision is the Key for Success Even if your child is gentle with your dog and your dog is calm and loving with your child, it is important to supervise interaction at all times. It only takes seconds for a child to be injured by a pet that has been accidentally startled or hurt. Children and pets look to you for guidance, so always set a good example for both. THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


Special Medical Section

Come to the land of Ah-h-h-h-h-hs! by Dennis Beye, L.M.T

M

assage therapy can assist your body in its natural healing processes, offer deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and mobility to stiff joints. That is a big statement. The different modalities under the massage therapy scope of practice (deep tissue, Swedish, etc.) offer these things for most people. It is important for you to get a therapist that can do these things for you, not “just put lotion on me.” You deserve the best. You deserve to be as pain-free as possible, without the side effects of drugs. You deserve to be relaxed, with clarity of mind, and the energy to live

life your way. Massage therapy should be as much a part of your routine as eating right, sleeping well, working out, and having fun. Dennis Beye L.M.T., at Treasured Hands Massage Therapy is celebrating more than 20 years as a massage therapist and has won the Casa Grande’s Best Massage Therapist award (Market Surveys of America) every year since 2008. In the peaceful country setting of his home, you will receive a quality massage, tailored to your needs and at a price that won’t stress you out either! Come to the land of Ahh-h-h-h-hs! Be amazed at how good you can feel!

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2016 Medical, Health & Wellness Directory Everyone likes a list of resources available in one easy-to-find location. This is the 2016 Medical, Health & Wellness Directory. The providers on this list are our advertisers – businesses whose continued support makes this publication possible. We can’t say enough how much we appreciate them. And in spite of their busy schedules, many of them contribute valuable and engaging articles that continue to make this magazine a sought after local publication. So from the bottom of our hearts – THANK YOU for everything you do.

Medical / Dental Agave Dentistry 2028 N. Trekell Rd., #107 Casa Grande 520.876.9955 www.AgaveDentistry.com

Cottonwood Medical Center 560 N. Camino Mercado, STE 7, Casa Grande 520.836.5538 www.cottonwoodmedical.com

In Touch Ctr for Healing Arts 121 W. Florence Blvd., STE J, Casa Grande 520.836.2902 www.mytime.com

Stewart Chiropractic 1415 N. Trekell Rd., STE 101, Casa Grande 520.509.6160 casagrandeazchiropractor.com

Banner Casa Grande Medical Center 1800 E. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande 520.381.6744 www.BannerHealth.com/CasaGrande

Desert Sky Dental 1550 E. Florence Blvd., STE 104, Casa Grande 520.423.0022 www.desertskydentalaz.com

Jenkins Chiropractic 1891 N. Trekell Rd., Casa Grande 520.836.2969 www.CasaGrandeChiropractor.com

Sun Life Family Health Center 865 N. Arizola Rd., Casa Grande 520.381.0394 www.sunlifefamilyhealth.org

Casa Grande Chiropractic 201 N. Florence St., Casa Grande 520.836.6700 www.chiropractorcasagrande.com

Dick & Mitchell D.D.S. 721 N. Olive Ave., Casa Grande 520.836.7111 www.dickandmitchelldds.com

Premier Orthodontics 1968 N. Peart Rd., STE 24, Casa Grande 520.421.0880 www.yourazbraces.com

Sunshine Child & Adolescent Care 1515 E. Florence Blvd., STE 103, Casa Grande 520.423.8282 www.sunshinecasagrande.com

Casa Grande Family Dentistry 1355 E. Florence Blvd., STE 107, Casa Grande 520.836.0100 www.casagrandefamilydentistry.com

DM Family Dentistry 1968 N. Peart Rd., STE 22 BLDG. F, Casa Grande 520.426.0404 www.dmfamilydentistry.com

Sircle Pain Clinic 820 W. Cottonwood Ln., STE 6, Casa Grande 520.509.6380 www.sirclepainclinic.com

Yang & Horsley Dentistry 325 E. Cottonwood Ln., Casa Grande 520.836.9685 www.casagrandedental.com

Herbalicious 423 N. Florence St., Casa Grande 520.414.0041 www.herbaliciousaz.net

Skin Diva Spa 414 N. Marshall St., STE B, Casa Grande Skin: 623.512.5967 Massage: 480.544.1043 www.SkinDivaAesthetics.com

Health / Wellness Bay of Islands® Massage & Spa 317 E. Cottonwood Ln., Casa Grande 520.836.7000 www.bayofislandsspa.com Casa Grande Alliance 901 E. Cottonwood Ln., Casa Grande 520.836.5022 www.casagrandealliance.org

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My Golden Era 520.421.9302 www.mygoldenera.com

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Treasured Hands Massage Therapy 11127 N. Trekell Rd., Casa Grande 520.421.2772 treasuredhandsmassagetherapy.com

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THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


Medical, Health & Wellness Expo 2016 hosted by

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GET AWAY.. IF ONLY FOR A DAY! If a summer vacation isn’t on the agenda this year, don’t give up! You can still explore, rejuvenate and relax with a variety of day trip options. Right here in our own backyard are some of the world’s most breathtaking national parks, finest arts and culture and family-fun recreational activities. From wildlife viewing to leisurely strolls through art galleries and from the adventures of kayaking to the

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wonders of museums, The Grand Canyon State offers something for everyone. Some areas of our state even come with cooler temperatures and a chance to beat the heat – if only for a day! So, what are you waiting for? Check out our “Top 10 day trips departing from the Golden Corridor,” brought to you by ROX Travel, and find the adventure that awaits you!

THE MEDICAL EDITION


Traveling • Dining • Entertainment

TOP 10 DAY TRIPS DEPARTING FROM THE GOLDEN CORRIDOR by Jerry Chinn

NORTHERN ARIZONA

CENTRAL ARIZONA

• • •

Hike surrounded by beauty and rent kayaks for some adventure at Watson Lake in Prescott View our state’s wondrous wildlife at Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams Enjoy a scenic train ride at the Verde Canyon Railway in Clarkdale Learn about experimental architecture and an ecology community at Arcosanti near Mayer Delight in a family recreational outing at Slide Rock State Park near Sedona

THE MEDICAL EDITION

Take in arts and culture at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Old Town galleries in Scottsdale Rejuvenate through the beauty of botanical and butterfly gardens at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix

SOUTHERN ARIZONA

• •

To book your vacation with ROX Travel, visit roxtravel.com or call 520-836-8517 or toll free 1-800-690-7660

Explore aviation and space exhibits at Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson Hit the trails and take a ski lift ride at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley near Tucson Soak in history during a tour of historic downtown Tucson and San Xavier Mission

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The LIVING Interview (continued) continued from page 46... CRAIG MCFARLAND: That is where our “stuff” - mainly quality of life issues drops off rapidly: recreation center, performing arts center, public transportation, biking/hiking trails (hiking trails are getting better), historic downtown (work in progress and getting better) and private sector entertainment and recreation options. Just as most of our most promising young people leave the area for education and careers in, shall we say, more robust areas, we ourselves tend to recreate up in Phoenix more than we do here in our own area. So a bunch of us have gotten together to analyze why these disparities with our neighboring communities exist and to come up with solutions. Our group is called Make it Better - Casa Grande and although we have been meeting casually for a year or two now, we are just now ready to enter the public arena with our thoughts (check out our website mib-cg.org for more information). [Full Disclosure: Interviewer Rock Earle is a founding Member of Make it Better - Casa Grande] We initially identified areas that we felt needed improvement and support. We established five areas to promote, propose, educate, and advocate and be accountable to Make it Better. We want to promote quality of life projects; propose and support opportunities to improve our community; educate and engage all citizens on the consequences of no-growth policies; advocate and provide public forums to champion worthy initiatives that

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“I can and will provide leadership, encourage people, promote progress and work to increase our quality of life in Casa Grande.” might otherwise be at risk or denied by any city, county or state entity; be involved (accountable) and proactive in the local political climate to remain positive and pro-progress by engaging in debate and the decision-making process. I have been involved in Casa Grande now for over 11 years. I’ve been on local boards, worked in and around Pinal County and I’ve worked with and on almost every major Casa Grande event that has happened over the past 11 years. Additionally, based on circumstances, like Bob Jackson being termed out, the upcoming City Council election and discussions with friends and family, it seemed to me that maybe a new face was needed. So the way I decided to help make Casa Grande better is to run for mayor! One of the first things I did after deciding to run for mayor was to conduct my own survey. I don’t believe anyone has done a survey since the last bond election in 2006. As it turns out, the public concerns and wants are still very much the same as they were in 2006. The top concerns in order of importance are 1) jobs and economy, 2) schools and education, 3) crime and public safety, 4) roads and city infrastructure. Additionally, they still want a community recreation center built, 72.4 percent of the respondents said “yes” to the question, “Do you support building a Community Recreation Center?” Even the Phoenix Mart was supported by 63 percent of the respondents. So based on the survey I developed my list of priorities (many listed earlier in this article), we have a good grasp of what the needs and wants of our community are and plans for how to achieve them.

GC LIVING: Seems to us that the few small steps you have taken so far are indicative of your whole approach to solving problems. CRAIG MCFARLAND: Yes, I think so. Through my business, charity and life experiences, I have learned to listen, analyze, discuss, encourage and build trust and teamwork. I believe I have the leadership skills to help run any organization. I can and will provide leadership, encourage people, promote progress and work to increase our quality of life in Casa Grande. The main part of making Casa Grande better, though, entails more than just providing quality of life features for our citizens – somebody has to pay for it all! And that magic is all about growth, growth in business and growth in the employment base. I will collaborate with and encourage businesses to build new, expand and remain in Casa Grande. I will continue to support Casa Grande’s infrastructure and economic development and represent Casa Grande in the greater Arizona community as the face of our community. Ultimately, my goal is to leave Casa Grande better than I found it! 

THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


Horse Property

11727 North Henness Road, Casa Grande $470,000 3 BR 2 BA DEN/OFFICE | 2,153 SF | 2.37 ACRE HORSE PROPERTY • 2.37 acre horse property in the beautiful Casa Grande foothills adjacent to State Land! • Incredible mountain views and city lights! • This custom home has an open concept perfect for entertaining! • 3 roomy bedrooms and an office/den which could easily convert to a 4th bedroom. • A grassy backyard is a haven with a sparkling pool with three waterfalls and a Ramada for outdoor dining. • A 28’ x 28’ detached garage/workshop has an air conditioning unit, fresh drywall, and interior wall and floor paint. • The south portion of the property is fenced with an RV gate and is roomy enough for your barn, stalls and corrals! • Easy access to I-10.

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 ©2016 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.


Monterey, CA

Arizona

Oregon Coast

South Carolina Napa, CA

Niagara Falls, NY

442 W. Kortsen Rd., Ste. 101 Casa Grande, AZ 85122 520-836-8517 www.ROXTravel.com

Utah

Albuquerque, NM


Montana

Washington

a n o iz r A e p a c s E an d Ex plore t h e US San Francisco, CA

San Diego, CA

Hawaii

Idaho Florida

Wyoming


Locally Owned & Operated With Over 30 Years Experience!    

Cars RV’s Trucks Motorcycles

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

(520) 836-2500

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GOLDEN CORRID OR LI V ING SUMMER 20 16

1201 N. VIP Blvd. Casa Grande, AZ 85122

www.StarTowingAZ.com

THE MEDICAL EDITION


Coldwell Banker® brand platforms drove 600,000 leads to affiliated companies, offices and agents — an increase of 40% with the highest conversion rates in the industry.* Mobile dominated in 2015 with more than half of all traffic

coming from a mobile or tablet device. In addition to the brand’s domestic coverage, the platform grew its diverse, international audience with approximately three million visitors coming from 235 countries outside of the U.S.

The CBx listing experience Coldwell Banker Real Estate launched the exclusive CBx Listing Experience application, which revolutionized the “kitchen table” listing conversation by merging the best of Big Data with an agent’s unique knowledge and understanding of the market. CBx allows sales associates to create a hyper-targeted marketing plan based on Coldwell Banker’s proprietary algorithms.

• CBx is used by over 25% of productive agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Real Estate • Over 30,000 listing presentation enhancements have been created with CBx since launch • The app has a 4+ rating in iTunes, Google Play and the Microsoft Store

Coldwell Banker Zap® Coldwell Banker Real Estate began a massive rollout of the Coldwell Banker Zap® platform to franchisees and their affiliated agents. This powerful digital marketing system allows consumers to find up-to-the-minute property listings and easily connect and communicate with agents from mobile devices, tablets and

desktop computers. The sites include community and school data, and comparative real estate pricing, and allow for each agent to communicate more effectively with email alerts, open house notifications, property status changes, sales estimates and other timely responses.

Wanted - one seasoned Realtor If you are an experienced agent who has earned the right to work and succeed without having your hand held through every transaction, Coldwell Banker ROX Realty is the next and final step for you. We will treat you with the respect you deserve and provide the environment you have earned, including a

private office, two conference rooms, and the best tools available, including CBX and our exclusive new ZAP web environment with personalized agent websites and integral CRM. Call me - let’s talk!

520.423.8250 | ROXsells.com

1919 N Trekell Rd, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 ©2016 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.


Hire a property manager RENT with Coldwell Banker ROX Realty and have piece of mind We offer • Marketing

• Rent Collections

• Emergency Calls

• Tenant Screening

• Evictions

• Lease Execution

• Accounting

• Coordinating Maintenance

• Rent Payments

• Regular Inspections

& Much More

Costs

Free rental evaluation

• $150 one time set up fee

Thinking of renting your home?

• 10% Monthly management fee only on collected rents.

Contact Coldwell Banker ROX Realty today for a FREE consultation

• No hidden fees!

520.423.8250 | ROXsells.com

1919 N Trekell Rd, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 ©2016 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.

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GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGSUMMER SUMMER202016 16

THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


SAVORY SUMMER A RECIPE TO LIVEN UP YOUR SUMMER BARBECUE

Grilled Spareribs with Cherry Cola Glaze Tender spareribs coated in a delightful glaze of cherry cola, jam, Dijon mustard and horseradish will make a beautiful and unique main dish for your summer barbecue.

Prep time •

15 mins

Cook time •

1.

2.

3. 4.

2 hours 10 mins

Total time •

Instructions

2 hours 25 mins

5. 6.

Place cola in a Dutch oven or large saucepan and boil over medium-high heat until reduced to 1½ cups, about 45 minutes. Add next 6 ingredients and stir well. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until reduced to 2½ cups, stirring occasionally. This will take about 35 minutes. Remove from heat. Place oven racks in top and bottom thirds of oven and heat oven to 325 degrees. Season ribs with salt and pepper. Wrap each rack tightly in foil. Divide ribs between 2 baking sheets and place in oven for 2 hours. Let ribs cool slightly. Heat grill to medium heat. Cut racks of ribs into individual ribs. Toss with 1 cup of glaze. Grill ribs, basting with extra glaze, for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve with extra glaze.

Spareribs baked in the oven until tender and then finished on the grill with a sweet and spicy cherry cola glaze.

7.

Serves

Notes

6

Ingredients • • • • • • • •

(12-ounce) cans cherry cola (flat) 4 2 cups cherry jam or preserves 2/3 cup Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons tabasco sauce 7 to 7½ pounds well-trimmed pork spare ribs

THE THEMEDICAL MEDICAL EDITION EDITION

8.

If possible, use flat soda or pour it into a bowl and let it sit on the counter for 4 hours. But it is ok to skip this step. Recipe adapted from Epicurious (published in Bon Appetit)

SUMMER 20 2016 1620GOLDEN CORRID OROR LI VLI ING 97 SUMMER SUMMER 16GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRID OR LI VVING ING

97


Page Article Library Creative Writing Contest

The Most Amazing Vacation!

by Julian Olson

O

ne day, I was sitting at my desk at home when the mail lady came. I said, “I’ll get it!” Then I found a $91,000 credit card addressed to me! I ran to the house yelling, “Mommy, mommy!” (You can guess what happened next). The next thing I knew we were on our way to LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Disneyland, Arches National Park, Yellowstone National Park, White Sands National Park, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. They were all so much fun! “I hope this happens again because it was so much fun! The very next day there was another card, but this one was addressed to my sister…

The Best Vacation!

by Abigail Finch

O

ne morning at breakfast mommy and daddy were packing. “Why are you packing?” I asked. They said it was a surprise. After breakfast, I got in the car. After driving three days, we stopped and stayed at an apartment and we stayed all summer until December. At first it was cool and then it got cold.

Have your child stop by the Vista Grande Library in Casa Grande to enter the Golden Corridor LIVING essay contest! 98

GOLDEN GOLDENCORRID CORRID OR ORLILI VV ING INGSUMMER SUMMER202016 16

THE THE MEDICAL MEDICALEDITION EDITION


Puzzles

Word Search

Sudoku

Crossword Puzzle

THE THEMEDICAL MEDICAL EDITION EDITION

SUMMER 20 16 GOLDEN CORRID OROR LI VLI ING 99 SUMMER SUMMER 2016 20 16GOLDEN GOLDEN CORRID CORRID OR LI VVING ING

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PATHWAY TO PURCHASE A NEW DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM F o r A r i z o n a ’s H a r d e s t H i t C o m m u n i t i e s

We are pleased to announce a NEW down payment assistance program; Pathway to Purchase, being offered in ADDITION to the current HOME Plus DPA program.

About Home Plus:

Assistance depends on the �nancing type and credit score. Home inspection is NOT required. Manufactured homes are not eligible. HOMEBUYER ELIGIBILITY: 45% maximum debt-toincome ratio. Income may not exceed $89,008. Homebuyer must complete a homebuyer course (can be an online course). Special incentives for military personnel (+1% to grant program)* An additional 1% grant (total of 5%) is available to �uali�ed Military Personnel. ��uali�ed United States Military Personnel� include �uali�ed �eterans, active duty United States military, active United States Reservists, and active members of the National Guard. A ��uali�ed �eteran� is a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable (as provided in 38 U.S.C. Section 101.)"

This new $20,000 Down Payment Assistance Program was just released 3/2/2016. Some of the Pathway to Purchase program highlights: 1. The DPA assistance is 10% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $20,000. 2. The Program is limited to the following 17 Cities: Arizona City, Avondale, Buckeye, Casa Grande, Coolidge, Douglas, El Mirage, Fort Mohave, Goodyear, Huachuca City, Laveen, Maricopa, Red Rock, Sierra Vista, Snow�ake, Tucson, Yuma. 3. The Pathway to Purchase program is a �ve-year, no interest, no payment forgivable second mortgage lien. 4. Program funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Hardest-Hit Fund with a $48 million allocation through the AZ Home Foreclosure Prevention Funding Corp. 5. The available �rst mortgage is the Fannie Mae HFA Preferred at a max 95% LTV. 6. Many of the current HOME Plus DPA program guidelines will be the same. H�A Sample 95% LT� conventional scenario: 30 year �xed rate mortgage. Purchase price $150,000, loan amount $142,500 with 5% down payment ($7,500) and 10% ($15,000) Closing Cost Assistance, $ 964.96/month (PITI), 30-year �xed 4.125% interest rate,. credit score of 720, 4.741% APR. MI will be higher with a credit score under 720. All mortgage products are subject to credit and property approval. Rates, program terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all amounts. Additional conditions, quali�cations, and restrictions appl This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. Please contact Academy Mortgage for may apply. more information.

MAC316-1437310

Daw n Sv oboda Branch Manager | N M L S # 1 7 7 2 3 5 (520) 421-1171 ▲ Cell: (480) 221-9826 442 W Kortsen Road, 104, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 dawn.svoboda@AcademyMortgage.com www.AcademyMortgage.com/dawnsvoboda AZ 0913936 C o r p N M L S # 3 1 1 3 | Corp State Lic AZ #BK-0904081


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