COUGAR COUNTRY | Spring 2023 | A Talking Glass Media publication in support of CVUSD

5 EDITOR’S WELCOME LETTER

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CVUSD SPRING 2023 ACADEMIC CALENDAR

TOWN OF CHINO VALLEY

CHINO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FROM THE DESK OF JOHN SCHOLL

CVUSD HIGHLIGHTS

CHINO VALLEY COUGAR SPRING SPORTS

Cougar Country is published & distributed by Talking Glass Media, LLC. in collaboration with Chino Valley Unified School District, the Town of Chino Valley and the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce.

CHINO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

C.V.U.S.D. OFFICES

650 East Center Street | Chino Valley 928.636.2458 | ChinoValleySchools.com

JOHN SCHOLL, SUPERINTENDENT jscholl@chinovalleyschools.com

Events & classes in this guide are subject to change. To confirm or for more info, please visit our website at ChinoValleySchools.com and follow us on our social media pages listed above.

TALKING GLASS MEDIA, LLC

– a Fain Signature Group Company 2982 N. Park Ave. | Ste. F | Prescott Valley, AZ. 86314 928-257-4177 | Editor@SignalsAZ.com

To Advertise

Elicia Morigeau, Sales Director 928-642-3552

Assistant Editor/Digital Kristina Abbey

Art Direction Dina Ponder

Graphic Designer Wilson Van Ness

Graphic Designer Cecilia Villa

Director of Operations

Rebecca Horniman

Executive Editor Guy Roginson

Andy Warhol said, “Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” This edition’s cover celebrates Chino Valley’s youth and local talent. A beautiful painting by a Chino Valley student. To me, it represents the beautiful rural life our town provides while also reminding us of the promise of our youth. The only two things I can think of that come close to rivaling our lifestyle and people here are the sunrises and sunsets. Through this publication, we hope that more will see that beauty we all know and love here.

Talking Glass Media is excited to continue collaborating with the Town of Chino Valley, the Chino Valley School District, and the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce to bring you the latest events and developments happening in our community in this second edition of Cougar Country

This edition marks the first time the publication is being mailed to 5,000 homes throughout Chino Valley in addition to copies being distributed to locations throughout town, including schools and businesses. This distribution will continue to grow as we add new sponsors and advertisers. Therefore, a big thank you to our sponsors, advertisers and partners for helping us connect our community with our school district. Don’t forget, you can also view Cougar Country online at SignalsAZ.com. Go Cougars!

Publishing with purpose,

Guy Roginson Executive Editor Talking Glass Media, LLC. A Fain

Signature Group Company

COUNTRY COUNTRY COUNTRY COUNTRY

THIS NEW, QUARTERLY PRINT PUBLICATION IS DESIGNED, PRINTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY TALKING GLASS MEDIA IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CHINO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (CVUSD), THE TOWN OF CHINO VALLEY AND THE CHINO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Charlie Marriott Real Estate Agent

CVUSD SPRING 2023 ACADEMIC CALENDAR

OUR MISSION IS TO CONTINUALLY ASSESS THE EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL, HEALTH AND WELLNESS, AND SOCIAL NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND DESIGN LIBRARY, RECREATION, AQUATICS AND SENIOR PROGRAMS TO MEET THESE NEEDS; PROVIDE THESE SERVICES IN A PROFESSIONAL, COURTEOUS, AND ETHICAL MANNER; FOSTER VOLUNTEERISM; AND JOIN OTHER DEPARTMENTS TO CARRY FORTH THE TOWN’S MISSION.

TOWN OF CHINO VALLEY

THE TOWN OF CHINO VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS COMPRISED OF FOUR DIVISIONS: LIBRARY, AQUATICS, RECREATION AND SENIOR SERVICES.

EACH OF THESE DEPARTMENTS PROVIDE A WIDE ARRAY OF OFFERINGS AND SERVICES TO CHINO VALLEY AND THE SURROUNDING AREA RESIDENTS.

The Town of Chino Valley’s Recreation and Aquatics divisions are committed to providing safe and welcoming recreation facilities, programs, and events that encourage a healthy lifestyle, citizen participation, and a strong sense of community. Our Aquatics Center has pledged to offer the best aquatics programming and venue in a safe and fun environment. At just over 5,500 square feet our Community Center offers meeting space and activities.

Our Aquatics division is gearing up to open at the end of May. Programs and offerings include:

• Lap Swimming

• Open Swimming

• Swimming Lessons

• Water Aerobics

• Water Slide

• Zero Depth Pool Entry

We are currently recruiting for lifeguards, cashiers, swim instructors, and managers for the 2023 season.

For more information about programming, classes, aquatic positions, or rental of the facilities, call (928) 6362646 ext. 1312.

Chino Valley Public Library strives to serve the informational needs of our community. We commit to creating a friendly environment that connects people with resources, programs, and technology to enrich their lives and expand their knowledge. As a member of the Yavapai Library network, we have over 54,000 titles to check-out in our library plus other items such as videos and new to the collection, WiFi hot spots. The library network has over 40 libraries to choose from for your reading needs. eBooks are quite popular through the network, there are 283,242 loanable books. We offer over 100 children’s programs a year. This spring, Community Services is pleased to announce numerous new crafts, classes, and events to be held at the library.

For more information or to register for a class, call us at the library (928) 636-2687

Chino Valley Senior Services division provides opportunities and participation for social interaction, education, recreation, nutrition, wellness, and referral information to enhance the quality of life for the adult population of Chino Valley. Besides daily congregate meals we are also the hub for the Meals on Wheels program in the Chino Valley area. Senior Services is excited to offer Living your best life talk series. Our March topic will be, “Am I an addict? Where does addiction begin”. Followed in April with, “Marijuana as medicine, is it right for me?” We’ll end our spring session with “Don’t forget about dementia”.

For more information regarding classes, events Meals on Wheels or our daily congregate meals, call (928) 6369114.

SPRING EVENTS

LUCK OF THE IRISH FAMILY BINGO

Do you have the luck of the Irish? Join us for an evening of fun, prizes, giveaways, and of course BINGO! Bring your families and neighbors for a great time.

Ages: All ages

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Senior Center 1021 Butterfield Rd

Date/Time: March 2 • 6:00 - 8:00pm

CHINO VALLEY EASTER EGG HUNT

The Chino Valley free community Easter Egg Hunt will be on Saturday, April 8, starting at 10 a.m. at the Chino Valley Community Center ball fields on Road 1 East. Join us for games, train rides, Easter Bunny appearances, face painting, prizes and more!

The hunt for ages from one to 12 years of age will be as follows:

10 a.m. for 1-2 years old • 10:30 a.m. for 3-4 years old

11 a.m. for 5-8 years old, • 11:15 a.m. special needs kids, 11:30 a.m. for 9-12 years old.

Ages: All ages

Location: Chino Valley Community Center Park 1527 N Road 1 East

Date/Time: April 8 • 10:00am - 1:00pm

DADDY & DAUGHTER DANCE

Come join the Community Services Department Under the Sea! Let your little girl get all dressed up and spend a special evening with her father or a special male figure in her life. A live band, decorations, treats, random drawings, gifts at the door, and a posed picture to capture the memory are all a part of this fun-filled evening.

Ages: All ages

Location: Chino Valley Senior Center 1021 Butterfield Rd

Date/Time: April 15 • 5:00 - 8:00pm

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU

Is the Force strong in you? Dress in your best Star Wars gear (kudos to whoever tries to pull off Jabba the Hut) and join us at Memory Park for a special screening of The Empire Strikes Back and find out!

Ages: All ages

Location: Memory Park

Palomino Rd and North Rd 1 W

Date/Time: May 4 • 6:00 - 10:00pm

MOTHER’S DAY CHILDREN’S ART CLASS

Join us at the Community Center for snacks, fun, and art taught by volunteers! Spaces are limited, please register by emailing the Recreation Department at recreation@ chinoaz.net. Ages 5+, children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Ages: 5+

Location: Chino Valley Community Center 1527 N Road 1 East

Date/Time: May 11 • 3:00 - 5:00pm

TO GET COUGAR COUNTRY ON YOUR PHONE!

COMMUNITY CENTER

4-H CLUB MEETING

4-H gives youth that extra edge for life success by offering numerous opportunities to develop leadership, responsibility, and citizenship.

Ages: 4-18

Location: Chino Valley Community Center 1527 N Road 1 East

Date/Time: 4th Mon. of the month • 5:30 - 8:30am

KARATE

Each class will consist in the basic training of kicking, punching, blocking, stances, along with Japanese etiquette and terminology. The techniques will become more advanced as the student advances, incorporating different combinations of the basics. Students will learn katas (choreographed techniques or form) designed specifically for each belt level. Age and rank appropriate sparring (fighting) will be taught, with proper equipment use, technique and rules. Visit PrescottMartialArtsCenter.com for more info.

Ages: 5+

Cost: See website for details

Location: Chino Valley Community Center 1527 N Road 1 East

Date/Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays

CHIVAL ART GROUP

For more info., call Mary Jean Hallam

928.925.4414 or visit ChinoAZ.net.

Location: Chino Valley Community Center 1527 N Road 1 East

Date/Time: Tuesdays • 1:00 - 4:00pm

YOGA

Learn the basics of yoga. Students will be introduced to yoga postures through step-by-step verbal description and demonstration. For more info., call Virginia Grothe 530.409.2702 or visit ChinoAZ.net.

Location: Chino Valley Community Center 1527 N Road 1 East

Date/Time: Mon. & Wed. • 8:30 - 9:30am

PING PONG

Join us for friendly games of ping pong (table tennis), the most popular racket sport in the world! Not only is it fun, but ping pong boasts many health benefits, such as improved hand-eye coordination, mental acuity, balance, and reflexes.

Location: Chino Valley Community Center 1527 N Road 1 East

Date/Time: Sun., Wed. & Fri. • 1:00 - 4:00pm

SENIOR CENTER

WEEKLY CALENDAR

WEEKDAY CONGREGATE MEALS

Served Monday through Friday 11:30am - 12:30pm

$6 for those 60 and under $4 suggested donation for those 60+

TUESDAY & THURSDAYS

Gentle Exercise • 9:30am

FRIDAYS Mahjong • 1:30pm

Painting • 1:30pm 1st and 3rd Friday of the month

Chino Valley Senior Center is located south of Memory Park. This beautiful facility provides daily lunches, activities, information, and referral services as well as an active Meals on Wheels program for the home bound.

CYNDI THOMAS

Community Services Director

Phone: 928-636-9114

MEALS ON WHEELS

Meals are prepared and packed at the Chino Valley Senior Center and delivered to clients by volunteer drivers. Recipients must qualify for this program.

Ages: 60+

Cost: $0 required • $4 suggested donation

Location: Chino Valley Area

Date/Time: Monday - Friday at lunch hour

LUCK OF THE IRISH FAMILY BINGO

Do you have the luck of the Irish? Join us for an evening of fun, prizes, giveaways, and of course BINGO! Bring your families, and neighbors for a great time.

Ages: All ages

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Senior Center 1021 Butterfield Rd

Date/Time: March 2 • 6:00 - 8:00pm

ST. PATRICK’S DAY LUNCH

Everyone is a little Irish today! Join us for a traditional meal consisting of corned beef, red potatoes, and cabbage

Ages: All ages

Cost: $6 under 60 years old $4 suggested donation 60+ years old

Location: Chino Valley Senior Center 1021 Butterfield Rd

Date/Time: March 17 • 11:00am

LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE TALK SERIES

This month’s topic: “Am I an addict? Where does addiction begin.” Robin Olson, a recognized addiction counselor will be guiding the evening through discussion about prescription drugs. Light refreshments will be served.

Ages: All ages

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Senior Center 1021 Butterfield Rd

Date/Time: March 30 • 6:00pm

LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE TALK SERIES

This month’s topic: “Don’t forget about Dementia”. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Assoc. of AZ. Find ways to cope with those that have dementia and learn what signs to look out for. Light refreshments will be served.

Ages: All ages

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Senior Center 1021 Butterfield Rd

Date/Time: May 8 • 6:00pm

1021 BUTTERFIELD ROAD • CHINO VALLEY

POLICE DEPARTMENT

EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF THE GUARD & RESERVE

Patriot Award Recipient

Tricia Lewis | Town of Chino Valley

Police Chief

Chino Valley Police Chief Charles Wynn was presented with a Patriot Award on January 24 from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Chief Wynn and the Chino Valley Police Department were recognized as a Patriotic Employer “for contributing to National Security and Protecting Liberty and Freedom by Supporting Employee Participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.” The award was presented by three ESGR representatives Larry Gray, Larry T. Jacobs and Michael Leonard. Mr. Gary is ESGR’s Arizona Military Outreach Coordinator. Mr. Jacobs is the Arizona Area Chair.

WHO IS ESGR?

employer.

Officer Cupp applied and nominated Chief Wynn for this award because of the support Chief Wynn has demonstrated to him and his family. Chief Wynn went above and beyond supporting, not only taking care of employment and benefit details, but also working with his team to assure Officer Cupp’s wife and kids are taken care of and checked on while Officer Cupp is deployed.

ESGR also presented the Chino Valley Police Department with the Department of Defense official “Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve” for prominent display. The certificate is signed by Chief Wynn, the Secretary of Defense and the ESGR National Chair. His framed certificate states that the Town of Chino Valley Police Department “recognizes the Guard and Reserve are essential to the strength of our Nation and well-being of our communities.” And that CVPD joins with other employers in pledge their support in four vital areas including, “we will continually recognize and support our country’s Service members and their families in peace, in crisis, and in war.”

ESGR, a Department of Defense office, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment.

WHAT IS A PATRIOT AWARD?

The first in ESGR’s series of awards is the Patriot Award. An employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or the spouse of a Guard or Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors and bosses for support provided directly to the nominating service member and his or her family. The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.

In March, Officer Tod Cupp will be deployed for a year, leaving behind his family and

PUBLIC LIBRARY

DR. SEUSS STORYTIME

Celebrate Read Across America with Dr. Seuss Storytime! Fun books, song/games, craft and snacks. We offer a variety of other themed storytimes all school year long, continue joining us each week at these days and times!

Ages: 0-3yrs • 3-8yrs (see times below)

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: February 28 • March 3 0-3yrs at 10:00am • 3-8yrs at 10:30am

BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS CLASSES

We will cover the basics including types of computers, hardware vs. software, desktop features, how to use a mouse or touchpad, what is a browser, how to do a basic internet search, how to save a file to a USB stick, etc. Computer not required, please bring something to take notes and a USB stick will be needed for the second class (any size) may be purchased at the library. Call to register: 928-636-2687

Ages: Adults (youth students may also register)

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: Feb. 27 & March 6 • 1:00pm Feb. 28 & March 7 • 2:00pm

LEAP INTO SCIENCE FAMILYWORKSHOPS

Enjoy being a scientist while having fun at the library! Topics include Wind (3/14) and Balance (Date TBD).

Ages: Preschool - Elementary

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: March 14 • 10:00am - 12:00pm April date to be announced

FAMILY BOARD GAME EVENT

Come enjoy boardgames with your own family or make a friend! We have board games (and a door-prize to try to win!) or bring your own to share.

Ages: All ages

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: March 3 • 3:00 - 5:00pm

S.T.E.A.M. WORKSHOP

Does your child or teen enjoy exploring or building things? Art? Robotics? Coding? Come enjoy fun, open-ended toy kits and tech gadgets with us! We have Snap Circuits, Legos, K’nex, Dash robots and more. Held on the 2nd Friday of each month. Bring a friend or come make a friend! Recommended for Elementary – Middle School, but older ages welcome.

Ages: Elementary - Middle School

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: March 10 • April 14 3:00 - 5:00pm

SPRING BREAK EVENTS

CVUSD is out of school the week of March 12-18….watch for fun family event(s) at the Library! Check www.chinoaz. net/216/childrens-library for updates, or contact 928636-9115 or RLaurence@chinoaz.net for more info.

Ages: All ages

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: Multiple events the week of Mar. 12 - 18

EASTER EGG ART EVENT

Come decorate fake white eggs with a variety of arts and crafts materials!

Ages: All ages

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: March 31 • 2:00 - 4:00pm

EASTER EGG HUNT STORYTIME

Celebrate Easter with a fun Egg Hunt in Memory Park! Fun books, song/games, craft and snack. We offer a variety of other themed storytimes all school year long, continue joining us each week at these days and times!

Ages: 0-3yrs • 3-8yrs (see times below)

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: April 4 • April 7 0-3yrs at 10:00am • 3-8yrs at 10:30am

WEEKLY CHESS GROUP

All ages and skill levels come join this casual group to enjoy learning and playing chess. Held year-round, except on National Holidays.

Ages: All ages • Elementary - Senior Citizen

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: Mondays • 3:00 - 6:00pm drop in/out

PET PARTNERS - READ TO A THERAPY DOG

Come read to and pet a friendly therapy dog! Pet Partners gentle canines and handlers lend a listening ear as children gain confidence reading aloud and being around easy going animals. All ages are welcome.

Ages: Ideal for reading age children

Cost: FREE

Location: Chino Valley Public Library 1020 W Palomino Rd

Date/Time: 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month 3:00 - 4:00pm

2023 IS BRINGING MANY EXCITING CHANGES FOR THE CHINO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE!

Member Awards

2023 brings exciting changes to the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce! Some of the changes in the works for the coming year include, adding new member benefits, programs, and events, as well as a new and improved Chamber website at ChinoValley.org (coming soon).

This year we are proud to have added a member awards ceremony. This is our way to recognize our local businesses and all that they have done for our community.

In order to qualify for each of the awards, businesses will need to be a member of the Chino Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. We will be recognizing businesses in three major categories: The Business Excellence Award, Community Service Award and Hall of Fame.

The Business Excellence Award is for any business that demonstrated business success, community involvement, dedication to employees and commitment to customer service.

The Community Service Award is for a business that has been active in the Chino Valley community, an inspiration to the community and has improved our community.

The Hall of Fame Award will be presented to a business that has shown a significant long-term contribution to the business and civic communities, impacted Chino Valley in a positive manner and has given back to the community.

All three awards will help the Chamber to thank and acknowledge those business and members who have had a positive impact on Chino Valley and the future of our community. These awards have been long overdue and we are excited to be able to properly recognize our nominees and award recipients!

Applications for the Chino Calley Chamber Awards are currently available on the website or can be picked up in person. Submissions are due by March 3rd. You can nominate yourself or any business you feel meets the criteria listed above.

The entire community is invited to come out and support our local business owners at this event. The awards ceremony will take place March 31st at Prescott Centennial Center from 5:30pm- 8:00pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING EVENTS, VISIT CHINOVALLEY.ORG, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST.

CHINO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES

Lorette Brashear | President/CEO, Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Sept. 30 - OCT. 1 | findlay toyota center

Get outdoors with a curated exhibitor list, subject matter experts & exciting off-road experiences.

POKER RUN HOW-TO CLINICS ROCK CRAWL

TO LEARN MORE, VISIT

PRESCOTTVALLEYOUTDOORS.COM

Welcome to our spring edition of Cougar Country. There is a lot going on in Chino Valley Schools in the spring time. We are wrapping up our winter sports, including wrestling and boys’ and girls’ basketball. We are busy with the start of spring sports which include track and field, baseball, softball, and golf. You can find all of our athletic schedules at cvhs.chinovalleyschools.com.

Spring is also the start of hiring season as we begin recruiting new staff for the upcoming school year. District administrators are attending teacher job fairs in an attempt to bring the best and brightest teachers to Chino Valley Schools. We are hoping to add additional staff to better serve our students in addition to hiring new principals at Chino Valley High School and Heritage Middle School. Heidi Wolf, current CVHS principal, and Julie Bryce, current Heritage Middle School principal are retiring as school administrators.

The second semester of the school year always seems to go by so quickly as we race to the finish of the school year. Spring break takes place this year March 13 – 16. We then move into testing season in April

and then finish in May with all of the end of year activities. The last day of school is May 23rd with the concluding event of the school year taking place the next day. CVHS graduation will be at the Findlay Toyota Event Center on Wednesday, May 24th where we anticipate celebrating approximately 160 young men and women moving on to do great things in the community.

We always encourage students, families, and community members to keep in touch with Chino Valley Schools. You can access our website at www.ChinoValleySchools.com where you can find a host of information including enrollment applications, school calendars, lunch menus, and bus routes. This is only a small part of what you can find. You can follow us on Facebook at @CVSchoolsAZ. To volunteer in our schools, you can visit the school office of your choice and speak with the principal to get a volunteer packet. You can watch our governing board meetings live on Facebook or on demand on YouTube at @CVSchools AZ. And lastly, please feel free to email me at superintendent@ChinoValleySchools.com with any questions you may have. I may not have the answer but I likely know where to get it.

Enjoy this edition of Cougar Country.

Sincerely,

John Scholl, Superintendent

CHINO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

ADVANCES IN STATE COMPETITION Artist

Chino Valley High School senior Isis Vides won “Best High School” divisional entry for the 2022-23 Arizona Arts Education Association YAM-Youth Arts Month Flag Design Competition. The theme this year was “Your Art, Your Voice.”

Her artwork will be shown at the 2023 NAEA (National Arts Education Association) Convention in San Antonio Texas, and the ADE (Arizona Dept. of Education) Event this March in Phoenix. She will also receive art gifts.

“We are very proud of Isis as her artwork went up against other high school artists from all over Arizona,” says CVHS Art teacher Helen Hyatt.

“Isis’ work ethic is incredible as an Art Portfolio student”.

Hyatt added Vides’ post-Cougar plans are to further her artistic journey at Yavapai College and then transfer to a university.

For more information, contact Helen Hyatt at HHyatt@ChinoValleySchools.com.

Chino Valley Unified School District

ABOVE BEYOND &

Police officers, even in small towns like Chino Valley, face a wide variety of issues and assignments. From the gang task force, narcotics, and undercover work, to violent crimes, Officer Jeff Pizzi of the Chino Valley Police Department has seen them all.

CVUSD SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER JEFF PIZZI

What is his favorite assignment?

“Being assigned to the school district as the School Resource Officer (SRO) is probably the most rewarding role I’ve had,” said Pizzi. “Here, I’m more than just a badge. I try and be a mentor to the kids, show them that I’m a person who has had some struggles, made some mistakes and now I am here to not only protect them while on campus but help them know that police officers are more than just enforcement, we’re here to provide safety and some consistency to their school days.”

Pizzi does just that, going above and beyond to allow students to see his personality and be a friendly face they can trust.

During special events throughout the year, from holiday season to Read-Across-America Events to the Annual Heritage Middle School 8th Grade vs. CVPD Dodge Ball Game, Pizzi can be seen in a wide variety of costumes, from Santa Claus to Buddy the Elf, the Easter Bunny, and Dr. Seuss’s Cat In The Hat.

“This gives me the opportunity to bridge the gap, let the students see me in a different, more approachable light,” says Pizzi.

The start of the annual HMS 8th grade vs CVPD dodge ball game, which will enter its third year this spring, was

started as Pizzi observed the changes in attitude and emotion with students during and following the COVID-19 lockdown.

“I saw a lot of anxiety with kids when they started coming back, changes in how they interacted with each other and their teachers,” said Pizzi. “I started hanging out with some of the students during P.E. and dodge ball was one of the more popular activities they played. It sort of morphed into a competition between me and the students then we decided to make it into a full blown competition, the 8th grade vs. the PD. It’s turned into one of the highlights of the year for all of us.”

Pizzi, the CVPD, and the Chino Valley Police Foundation have partnered with Hurts Donuts of Tempe, AZ for the dodge ball game. Hurts provides free donuts for the event and the CVPD and CVPF sell donuts provided by Hurts to raise funds for many projects throughout the year.

More information on all CVUSD activities and programs is available at www.ChinoValleySchools.com.

Information on the Chino Valley Police Dept. is available at www.ChinoAZ.net.

ENTERS ITS

UNIFIED 10th Year

As the Chino Valley Unified School District’s Unified Sports Program enters its 10th year, Coach Jenda Ballard is both thankful for the accomplishments her program has achieved and excited for the future of the program.

“I can’t believe it’s been 10 years already!” Ballard exclaimed. “We’ve seen so many great things with this program, from international travel, some of our partners moving from students to pursuing careers in Special Education, and some of our athletes moving on to college. This has really been a joy to experience.”

The Unified Sports Program, a division of the international Special Olympics connects Special Olympic athletes with

“Partners” who then mentor and participate in events with the athletes, not only on campus but also in multi-school and even multi-country competitions.

The CVUSD Unified Sports Program has traveled to Canada in 2019, as well as events all around the U.S.A., including their most recent trip this past summer to Orlando, FL. to participate in the Special Olympics “Shine As One USA Games Orlando 2022” competition.

SPORTS

“It’s great to see our athletes do things they have never done before,” said Ballard. “Some have never been out of the country; others have never been on an airplane or gotten a passport, or even been on an escalator. I never would have thought an escalator ride would have been a first for somebody, but it was. I mean, we don’t have those around Chino Valley!”

David Gehman, a member of the Class of 2018 at Chino Valley High School, spent three years as a Unified Sports Partner in high school while working with a special needs camp through his church. He is now seeing his goal of pursuing a career in the field come true and is currently a paraprofessional in the Special Education Department at CVHS.

“I see our students really come out of their shells when they participate in the program,” said Gehman. “Developing better communication skills, social skills, spending time with a wider group of classmates, all of this really benefits both the athletes and the partners.”

Gehman says the program benefits partners as much or more than the athletes.

“Learning how each student deals with their own challenges, overcoming huge odds emotionally, socially, and physically is so encouraging to everyone involved,” said Gehman.

Anyone interested in the Unified Sports events, sponsorship opportunities, or students interested in becoming Partners, please contact Jenda Ballard at www. ChinoValleySchools.com.

For more info. on Special Olympics visit www.SpecialOlympics.org.

Information on Unified Sports programs nationwide is available at www.SpecialOlympics.org/what-we-do/sports/ unified-sports

3/30 | HOME vs. Wickenburg • Section

3/31 | AWAY @ Blue Ridge • Section

4/1 | AWAY @ Scottsdale Christian • Section

4/4 | AWAY @ Page • Non-Section

4/6 | HOME vs. Odyssey Buckye • Non-Section

4/8 | HOME vs. Fountain Hills • Section

4/11 | AWAY @ Camp Verde • Section

4/14 | HOME vs. Camp Verde • Section

4/17 | HOME vs. Northwest Christian • Section

4/20 | AWAY @ Northwest Christian • Section 4/24 | HOME vs. Sccottsdale Christian • Section

• HOME | • AWAY

2023 COUGAR TRACK & FIELD

4/11 | AWAY @ Prescott Golf Club Dewey • TBA

4/13 | AWAY @ Poston Butte Golf Club • Florence HS

4/21-22 | HOME High Desert Invitational @ Antelope Hills Golf Course

4/26 | HOME @ Antelope Hills South Course • Camp Verde HS

4/27 | AWAY @ Elephant Rocks • Williams HS

5/2 | AWAY Williams Invitational @ Elephant Rocks

5/5-6 | AWAY Metro Invitational @ Sun City West 5/8-9 | AWAY DIII State Championship @ Tucson National Golf Resort

Celebrating 60 Years of Building Community

We understand that careful planning and community building require strong partnerships for thoughtful and meaningful growth that support opportunities for living a good life.

Fain Signature Group has been here for generations, and will work with the community for generations to come.

You have our word on it.