Opinion
www.SanTanSun.com
February 1 – 14, 2014
39
Community Commentary
3rd ‘Spectacular’ unveils the mystery of science BY VICE MAYOR RICK HEUMANN
Chandler’s annual Science Spectacular returns for a third year Feb. 20 through Feb. 22. This three-day collaborative event brings Vice Mayor Rick awareness Heumann. Submitted to the world photo of science and includes participation from several small businesses, high-tech companies, schools, and nonprofit agencies. I’m excited to announce Intel as the sponsor for this year’s festival and would like to extend my appreciation for its generous contribution. The celebration introduces science with a fun and innovative approach using many hands-on activities to engage people of all ages. The event begins on Thu., Feb. 20, with a “Tech Crawl” where Chandler’s Innovations Incubator, Intel and Infusionsoft will open their doors from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Participants will have an opportunity to take a sneak peek inside these high-tech companies which are normally closed to the general public. This is a great chance for visitors to interact with staff and ask questions to better understand the skills and training necessary for various jobs while learning more about their fascinating scientific work and career fields. On Fri., Feb. 21, join us for a Night of Art and Science from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Chandler. As part of the monthly Art Walk it will incorporate
the science behind all types of art and also includes exhibits, handson activities, and crafts for the kids. Residents will get a glimpse into the scientific art of candle making, oil painting, glass blowing and more. The festival culminates with Chandler’s Science Saturday. This year it’s being held in conjunction with the 11th annual Chandler Classic Car Show in downtown Chandler, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are excited to bring these free family friendly events together and believe there will be something for everyone. In addition to the great vehicles on display, the U.S. Army will have a helicopter flight simulator and there will be approximately 30 vendor booths, interactive demonstrations and activities with representatives from the Chandler Police Department, educational institutions, and local businesses. Outstanding science projects from Chandler students will also be on display. This year, we are excited to welcome students from Bogotá, Colombia, who are flying in to participate in the event. Maps, schedules and detailed program descriptions for the Chandler Science Spectacular can be found online at chandleraz.gov/science. It’s very rewarding for me to see the enthusiasm and excitement from kids and parents alike. When we provide opportunities for our youth to experience science activities firsthand it opens up doors for their future. Each year we work to make this event bigger and better, and with all of the community support I believe we will succeed. So bring your family and friends out to experience another great Chandler event!
Cherish Arizona’s state parks, natural wonders BY BRYAN MARTYN
In the last half of 2013, I embarked upon a journey throughout Arizona to the majority of our state parks. The journey was called “The Director’s Campout Series.” The idea was to Bryan Martyn. get out to the Submitted photo parks. I wanted to see and experience the treasures of our state parks’ system, to camp and hike and explore, to talk and listen, to interact with our customers, volunteers, camp hosts and rangers. I wanted to use the facilities, the bathrooms, the showers, the ramadas, the fire pits, the lakes, the streams and the trails. I wanted to experience the parks as our customers experience the parks. I discovered far more than I thought I would. Arizona is an amazing state. Living all over the world for more than 20 years in the military, I have seen some incredibly beautiful places. From Europe, to Asia, to the Middle East and across America, I’ve truly ventured far and wide. There is no place on the planet that boasts the diverse beauty of Arizona. More than re-discovering Arizona’s natural beauty, I discovered an amazing passion among those who come to Arizona. People really love this state. They come from all over the world to vacation, hike, explore, live and work. They appreciate all that Arizona has to
offer and return again and again. Last year’s federal government shutdown took place during my Campout Series. It was amazing to see first-hand the reaction of our state’s guests and the impact upon federal park employees and local businesses. (Arizona State Parks remained open as we are a state entity and not federal.) Make no mistake, outdoor recreation and tourism drives the economies of rural Arizona. People from all over the world want to spend their time and money in Arizona’s outdoors. As Arizonans, we need to ensure we protect and promote our outdoor treasures. We must make every effort to preserve our deserts, forests, lakes, rivers, streams and trails. President Theodore Roosevelt said it best, “Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children.” In this new year, I’d like to encourage all Arizonans to make the time to explore outdoor Arizona. We are blessed with natural, historic and cultural treasures like none in the world. Step away from your computer, smart pad and TV. Nobody ever remembers their best day of computer games. Everyone remembers their best days spent outdoors. See you in the parks! Bryan Martyn has been the executive director of Arizona State Parks since May 2012. He is responsible for the oversight of the agency’s $23 million budget.
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