12_20_12 SEV Ledger

Fair and Accurate News for the Southeast ValleyVolume 1, Number 9 December 20, 2012

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Polarfest, Parades & Santa Sightings ...

Folks are showing their holiday spirit

See photos, Page 3

SoutheaSt Valley leDger December 20, 2012

Southeast Valley LedgerJames Carnes….....................................PublisherMichael Carnes...........................General ManagerJennifer Carnes................................…Editor-In-ChiefMila Lira...................................Advertising DirectorZach Richter….................................Managing EditorChase Kamp............................................ReporterCourtney Trumbull…................................Offi ce Manager

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Published the first and third Thursday of the month at 22308 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 by Copper Area News Publishers. Mailing address is Southeast Valley Ledger, c/o Copper Area News Publishers, PO Box 579, Kearny, AZ 85137.

Telephone (480) 745-1055“There are numerous countries in the world where the politicians have seized absolute power and muzzled the press. There is no country in the world where the press has seized absolute power and muzzled the politicians”

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By Zach Richter During the 2012 general election, Queen Creek voters voted no on the Queen Creek Unifi ed School Districts request for a continuation of their 10 percent Maintenance and Operations (M&O) bud-get override that had been in effect since 2002. An override lasts for seven years. If not renewed, the amount decreases by one-third in the sixth year and two-thirds in the seventh year. In year eight, it expires. Even though continuation overrides are not new taxes, per state law, they must be renewed

through an election to con-tinue for another seven years. QCUSD will need to reduce the 2013 - 2014 M&O budget by approximately $835,000 and the District held a meet-ing Dec. 11, 2012 to discuss the community’s thoughts on the budget. On hand for the meeting were approximately 50 com-munity members and Superin-tendent Tom Lindsey, Govern-ing Board members Lori Rolland and Wendy Bags, Assistant Superintendent/Spe-cial Services Michelle Bailey, Director of Human Resources Ron Dickson, and Director of

QCUSD looks toward future without overrideCurriculum Linda Carr. Superintendent Lindsey started the evening by welcoming everyone and explaining the series of events that had lead to the meeting. “I’m happy to see the turnout, not so happy for the reason,” he said. He went on to note that parents, administrators, teach-ers and classifi ed employees are all being asked to provide input and that one of the main goals for the entire process was to make it as transparent and inclusive as possible. “We’re interested to know what the essentials are from a parent perspective,” he said. “It will help us fi gure out how things will work out to add up to $835,000.” Lindsey pointed out that QCUSD was one of only 11

districts in the state to have earned an ‘A’ ranking two years in a row. He went on to note that the override was necessary to, “do the things an ‘A’ school would like to do. I don’t think any place our size can match our elective options,” he enthused. Lindsey pointed out a laundry list of potentially money saving options being discussed from reducing staff numbers and benefi ts to switching to a four-day school week. He also discussed the need to increase revenue op-portunities though strategic marketing. When he was through discussing options, he made sure it was clear that nothing was close to being decided. “Whatever you think is being done is wrong,” he said blunt-

ly, “Decisions haven’t been made, we have to discuss all the possibilities.” While the process of cutting needed funds from a budget can be tricky, Lindsey ex-plained that QCUSD received an Auditor General perfor-mance audit to help them get started. The audit compares the district to similar districts. The report, available at AZAuditor.gov concludes that, “In fi scal year 2010, Queen Creek Unifi ed School District’s student achievement was similar to peer districts’ and much higher than state averages, and it operated effi ciently overall with most costs similar to or lower than peer districts’.” It went on to note that the District’s transportation costs were higher than peer districts’, which contributed to its subsidizing its program by $270,000. After listening to Lindsey’s explanations, the ap-proximately 50 community members in attendance came forward and affi xed colored

dots to sections of construc-tion paper labeled salaries, class size, academic offerings, extracurricular and district curriculum (extra costs as-sociated with things like the AIMS test). The more dots a section received, the less those in attendance wanted that portion of the budget affected. Overall salaries received the most dots with class size and academic offerings receiving the second most, and extra-curricular coming in before district curriculum. After noting the commu-nity’s input Lindsey noted that with the community’s help (and board approval) the over-ride could be restored next year but only if everyone gets involved. “There are only certain things we as administrators and teachers can do, the com-munity needs to organize,” he said. “My preference is to call a meeting on Dec. 10, 2013, to have a party instead, but it means we’ll all have to work together.

By Zach Richter Southeast Valley Ledger Donations to the Pan de Vida Foundation fall under the umbrella of the Arizona State Working Poor Tax Credit for 2011 and qualify as a donation on federal tax returns , but only if they are postmarked by Dec. 31, 2011. Donations support at risk children and families in the East Valley. Started by Mary Gloria in 2003, the Pan de Vida Foun-dation provides services that promote self-suffi ciency, edu-cation and equality to those

in need in the San Tan Valley and Queen Creek areas. In her own words, “Pan de Vida was created in response to a need in the community,” and for nearly ten years, the foundation has strived to fi ll that need. Since its inception, Pan de Vida has expanded into numerous projects including food distribution, holiday assistance programs and even college scholarships for local girls who are active in the community. The Working Poor Tax

Donations to Pan de Vida qualify for AZ tax credits

Tax Credits, Page 15

December 20, 2012 SoutheaSt Valley leDger

Bouncy castle fun at the Polarfest. (Dee Myers photo) Pony rides at the Polarfest. (Dee Myers photo) AZ Sports Camps Breakfast with Santa Event

At the Queen Creek Car Show.

Everyone loves parades. In Queen Creek ...

and San Tan Valley.

The Southeast Valley celebrates the holidays

Queen Creek Olive Mill Sonoran Desert Art Fair


Rural/Metro Fire Department has been busy this holiday season. Like in years past, we have seen an increase in calls for service as the year end approaches. In addition to the fi re and emergency medical calls we routinely respond to, our crews are busy visiting HOA meetings, participating in a variety of community events and holiday functions. Hometown Heroes continues to keep San Tan Valley safe by conducting numerous “School Talks” and presentations on a wide range of important safety topics. In fact, there have been numerous incidents in the past year that have resulted in a positive outcome due to Hometown Heroes award winning educational campaigns. Next year Hometown Heroes is committed to expanding into churches and charter schools. Last week one of our own was honored by Banner Ironwood Medical Center at their “Spirit

of the Promise” awards event. Colin Williams, the Rural Metro Fire Department Public Information Offi cer, was recognized for his role in the formation of the San Tan Valley Safety Coalition and many of the ongoing community programs he helped create and manages. As the Rural/Metro Fire Chief for Central Arizona I am extremely proud of our professional fi refi ghters and the good work they do in the San Tan Valley every day. We look forward

to the New Year when we will announce some signifi cant enhancements to the services we provide in Pinal County. Have a safe and happy holiday.

Stay SafeFire Chief Dan Caudle

Rural/Metro Fire DepartmentCentral Arizona Fire Operations

A Message from Rural/MetroFire Chief Dan Caudle:

We’re driven by the Lives We Save and the People We Serve.

9-1-1 fi re and emergency services through Rural/Metro Fire Department are made available only through the voluntary participation of property owners with an annual subscription membership. Subscription revenue is used to provide and maintain the availability of full-time fi re department services to communities. The business of fi refi ghting is extremely expensive, risky and unpredictable. The level of service in any given service area is directly related to the level of subscription support. A Rural/Metro fi re subscription assures the delivery of fi re and emergency services to individuals, families and businesses within the community.Annual subscription service rates are based on the total enclosed square footage of all structures on a given property as recorded with the appropriate county assessor. This would include living areas, garages and outbuildings. Subscription service may be established by contacting Rural/Metro Customer Service at (800) 645-9413 or (480) 627-6200, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Service may also be established electronically by accessing our website at www.ruralmetrofi re.com. Options include annual, semi-annual and quarterly payments. A monthly option is also available with enrollment in Rural/Metro’s convenient AutoPay program which provides automatic payment deductions from a debit or credit card.

www.ruralmetro� re.com

• Check your homes smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, replace old

batteries today.• Over 30% of all Christmas tree fi res

are caused by electrical problems.• Keep open fl ames away from

Christmas Trees.

• Check your homes smoke and

“Spirit of the Promise” award was recently given to Colin Williams of the

Rural/Metro Fire Department.

Hometown Heroes

The Ledger wants to talk to you! We have several freelancer opportunities open. You get flexible hours, extra cash & your name in print! Several types of coverage available!

Send a copy of your resume and two writing samples to

[email protected]

Do you like to write?

By Zach RichterSoutheast Valley Ledger On Dec. 13, 2012, LifeNet air medical transport gave Santa’s reindeer a break by flying in dozens of Christmas stockings and presents to the Town of Florence Fire Department. Together with

Florence Hospital at Anthem and Project Bridge, LifeNet brought in holiday cheer for 45 families currently receiving aid through the Project Bridge Family Assistance Program. Project Bridge provides aid for families with the

goal of ensuring academic opportunity continues, unimpeded, for all children, despite external difficulties. Project Bridge is a nonprofit organization serving Florence and San Tan Valley. While this isn’t Project Bridge’s first holiday drive,

Community comes together to help Project Bridge for the holidays

Together LifeNet and Florence Hospital at Anthem gathered presents and stockings for 30 Project Bridge families. Photo/Dana Hawaman Florence Unified School District

Executive Director Tonya Thompson told the Southeast Valley Ledger that while she didn’t have the exact figures available, this year they were

able to help significantly more families this year than last. “There is a lot more stuff this year,” she said with a laugh. “We couldn’t have

done it without the hospital and LifeNet.” According to Florence Hospital at Anthem’s Project Bridge, Page 15


May the coming yearbring only good news to

your doorstep.

We’re proud to serve thisfine community and we

thank you sincerely foryour readership and

endless support.

With glad tidings to you and your kin this holiday season

from our entire staff.

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By Chase KampSoutheast Valley Ledger Two seasons ago, Combs varsity boys’ basketball was high and dry. A young school with no senior class that was outmatched against brutal Div. II opponents, the Coyotes

clocked in a dismal 1-22 record. However, armed with seniors and placed in Div. III last season, Combs pulled off the biggest turnaround in the state that year with the Coyotes go-ing 16-14. Now the 2012-13

Combs team is aiming high, beating local Div. II rival Poston Butte on Nov. 28 at the Bronco home court and holding a 10-3 record on the season. Combs head coach Kirk

Combs basketball makes massive turnaround

The 2012-13 Combs Coyote varsity boys basketball team

Combs, Page 10


T O W N O F

QUEEN CREEKA R I Z O N A

Dec. 20, 2012

Visit: www.queencreek.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook

Queen Creek Town Hall 22350 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Phone: 480-358-3000 • Fax: 480-358-3189Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Friday - Sunday Closed

Town of Queen Creek hires Development Services Director After an extensive selection process, Chris Anaradian was recently selected to fi ll the posi-tion of Development Services Director for the Town of Queen Creek, AZ. Anaradian will assist the Town Manager in pro-viding leadership in planning, organizing and directing the activities of the Development Services Department, which includes the planning, build-ing safety, parks maintenance, public works, engineering,

solid waste, streets, and traffi c divisions. Regarding Anaradian’s selec-tion, Town Manager John Kross said, “Chris brings with him a depth of expertise, relevant organizational and specifi c regional experience to be successful. Prior to his most recent time in private practice, Chris worked for the City of Tempe, where he served as the Development Services Director and Community Development

Director for the last several years. I am pleased that he is joining our team here in Queen Creek.” “I am very excited in joining the professional team at the Town of Queen Creek,” said Anardian. “I could not imag-ine a more perfect time to get involved in helping to deliver a bright future and improved quality of life for the commu-nity. I look forward in returning to work that I view as person-

ally fulfi lling, always challeng-ing, and ever changing.” Anaradian received a Bach-elor’s Degree of Civil Engi-neering from University of Colorado after attending the US Air Force Academy. For more information about job openings at the Town, visit QueenCreek.org. To keep updated on Town news and events, follow us on Facebook.com/QueenCreek or Twitter.com/TOQC_Offi cial.

Chris Anaradian

During this time of the year, certain fi reworks became legal to purchase and use within the state of Arizona. Fireworks will be sold in stores throughout the Town of Queen Creek, but the Town has an ordinance that restricts the use of fi reworks to July 3-5, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 within the Town limits. It is important to know

that consumer fi reworks are allowed only on private property and a person(s) who use, discharge or ignite permissible consumer fi reworks are responsible and liable for expenses because of any emergency response that is required by such use, discharge or ignition per the Town Code. According to the National

Queen Creek cautions residents about the use of fi reworksFire Protection Association, in 2010 fi reworks caused an estimated 15, 500 reported fi res, in eight reported deaths, 8,600 people being treated for fi reworks related injuries, and $36 million in direct property damage. The Queen Creek Fire Department wants everyone to have a safe and happy New Year’s holiday, and recommends the following fi reworks safety tips.Be preparedUse legal fi reworks, available at licensed outlets.Store fi reworks out of children’s reach.Only discharge fi reworks on your property.Always keep water handy.

Be safeOnly adults should light fi reworks.Fireworks should only be used outdoors.Do not throw fi reworks or hold them in your hand.Protect your eyes.Light one fi rework at a time, and move away quickly.Never relight a “dud.”Be responsibleSoak used fi reworks in water.Be considerate, and clean up used fi reworks.Keep matches and lighters away from children. Please remember during your times of celebrations that fi reworks are dangerous. Attend a fi reworks display that is put on by a professional.

The Town is offering two opportunities for Town resi-dents to RECYCLE their live Christmas trees. A Christmas Tree Recycling Drop-off will be available from 8 a.m.-noon on Jan. 5 & 12 at the Recycling Center located on Crewse Lane, just south of Town Hall. All trees must be free of

decorations and tinsel. Trees collected during this event will be taken to a green waste recycling facility. Residents may also use their regular curbside scheduled bulk collection to dispose of the trees. Trees collected through curb-side bulk col-lection will be taken to the landfi ll.

Trees left for curb-side bulk collection must be cut into 4’ lengths and bundled. The bulk collection must be scheduled no later than the Monday prior to the desig-nated Wednesday bulk col-lection day. Bulk pickup can be scheduled at QueenCreek.org, or by calling 480-358-3450, option 7.

Christmas Tree Recycling

Photo/ Erin Stevenson O’Connor


Combs Kidz Winter Camp

All Elementary Students Welcome!

Visit www.jocombs.org - “Community Education” tab “Camp Programs” link

Community Education Office 480-987-5310

We look forward to a fun-filled Camp on December 26th– December 28th &

January 2nd—4th From 6:30 am—6:00 pm

Camp will take place at Harmon Elementary,

39315 N. Cortona Drive.

Arts & crafts, indoor & outdoor games, technology, movies, a field trip & a sleigh full of fun!

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By Chase KampSoutheast Valley Ledger The annual Loop of Lights holiday display is returning to San Tan Valley for its sixth year, looking to brighten the festive season and give some Christmas assistance to those who need it most. A lengthy stretch of the Pecan Creek South Waverly subdivision will have ornate light displays, free popcorn and some special surprises for attendees beginning on Dec. 1. The event has been organized by Pecan Creek South homeowners’ association president Rhett Homan and his wife, Jessica. When the subdivision was fi rst developed in Dec. 2007, the two decided to ask the 95 homeowners if they would be interested in decking out their houses for a community-wide Christmas display. “Sure enough, we had quite the participation in that fi rst year,” Homan said. “Now every year it keeps increasing.”

One of many gorgeous displays on the Loop of Lights from 2011, courtesy Robert Tolar

Loop of Lights Christmas display returns for sixth year

Combined with the growing number of home displays are decorated fi re trucks and even a horse drawn sleigh. The J.O. Combs High School marching band performed at last year’s Loop of Lights. Homan said when he was young; his father instilled a holiday tradition of driving the family around to different neighborhoods to see the various Christmas lights and displays. He said Loop of Lights aims to bring the community together and enhance those annual traditions. “Growing up, I always thought it would be cool to do something like that,” he said. In addition to providing a heart-warming holiday event, Homan said the event also aims to raise money to bring some Christmas relief to struggling families. Loop of Lights collects voluntary donations and

contributes them to the Johnjay and Rich Christmas Wish program, which grants wishes and offers assistance to families in extreme need. Johnjay and Rich are morning radio disc jockeys for Phoenix’s 104.7 KISS FM who purchase helpful gifts for local families during the month of December. Last year, the event raised $1,856 for the Christmas Wish program. “It’s been a charity to donate to,” Homan said, “helping make wishes come true.” Loop Of Lights is located within the Waverly Subdivision of the Pecan Creek South community located at Gantzel and Combs. The display will run from Dec. 1 to 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information visit LoopOfLights.com or search for Loop of Lights on Facebook.


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By Zach RichterSoutheast Valley Ledger Queen Creek High School’s (QCHS) clubs and student organizations pitched in and did their part to help those in need this holiday season. The school partnered with several charitable causes including gathering food baskets for St. Vincent de Paul and gathering toys for a Stuff the Bus event benefiting local nonprofit Signs of Sunshine. The Southeast Valley Ledger spoke with QCHS Student Council Advisor Monica Islas who explained her students are organizing the food drive and participating in the Stuff the Bus event. “What we did [for the food drive] is student council orga-nized all the clubs on campus and each group contributed something different,” Islas said. “A private donor pays

for 30 turkeys, hams and po-tatoes every year and the kids fill in the nonperishables.” Islas went on to note that families in severe need are chosen from the Queen Creek area and the goal was to provide families with a holiday meal as well as a few additional meals. “We are so pleased with the campus-wide participation from each club,” she said. According to Islas, QCHS Student Council, the Key Club, HOSA, Pokemon Masters, the National Honor Society and DECA all worked together on a Stuff the Bus toy drive benefiting a local 501(c)(3). “Stuff the Bus will benefit Signs of Sunshine a local nonprofit that’s actually organized by the parent of a student,” Islas said. “This is

QCHS working hard to make the holidays happy

QCHS, Page 10


Church DirectorySt. Michael the Archangel Church25394 N. Poseidon Rd., Florence • 520-723-6570

Rev. Fr. Dale A. Branson, Pastorwww.stmichaels77.org • [email protected] Masses (held at Copper Basin K-8 School)

Saturday 4 p.m., Sunday 8 & 10:30 a.m.CCD Classes Sunday 9:15 a.m.

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Fauske said the 70-65 win against Poston Butte was huge. “There’s a big buzz going around school that the basketball program is putting Combs on the map,” Fauske said. The coach attributed the efforts of senior leaders like Leroy Valentine, a three-year starter with Combs who is currently applying for football scholarships, as one major element of the turnaround. “It felt great, because we spent three years trying to beat them,” Valentine said about the Poston Butte win. “We listened to our coach and played good defense.” The addition of some talented transfer students and a newfound optimism are also turning the Coyotes into

contenders, Fauske explained. “The boys are having fun playing my style, playing defense and getting down the floor,” he said. “This year, we really buy into what our coach is say-ing,” Valentine added. Fauske himself tweaked his approach to practices and game philosophy, attending several coaching seminars during the offseason. “As a coach, just like a student or a player, you’re always learn-ing,” he said. Senior point guard David Lara recognizes the changes. “He made me grow up, way more than from last year,” Lara said. The Coyotes are averaging 63.5 points a game so far this year, up more than 10 points from last season. “It’s exciting because all the hard work we put in is paying off now,” Valentine said. “If we keeping listening to coach and playing as a team, we should be good.” At the start of the season, the Coyotes’ main goal was to beat a high-ranked Div. II rival like Poston Butte or Queen Creek just once, Fauske said, which meant the post-season could not be far behind. “We did that, and now why not more?” he said. “Get-ting to the playoffs is more feasible than ever. Now we want to do something in the playoffs.”

CombsContinued from Page 6

By Chase KampSoutheast Valley Ledger The varsity Florence Gopher boys and girls basketball squads are both making strides to reach the playoffs this year, armed with some talented players and big goals. Dutch Perryman, head coach of the boys’ team, is riding high on an undefeated start of 12-0. The Gopher boys won the Copper Cities tournament in Globe on Dec. 8-9 for the second year in a row defeated Fountain Hills and Casa Grande for the first time in school history. “They really laid it to us last year, but it showed us that we’ve got what we need to go further than last year,” Perry-man said. Among those, leading the charge is senior center Jeremy Verhagen, who plans to attend Grand Canyon University next year. Verhagen has had four games with more than 10 blocks, leading to several triple-doubles on the season. “Triple-doubles usually

come for assists, but he’s getting it done with blocks,” Perryman said. “He’s a huge part of our defensive strategy around the basket.” Senior guard Gavin Wood has been a knockdown shooter from anywhere on the court, the coach said, having hit the game-winning three-pointer against Combs at the Copper Cities tournament. “That was a game where we needed him to take over offensively and he did it,” Perryman said. “He’s really worked on his penetration game and getting to the basket.” Returning starter Joey Holbrook is another backcourt banger who Perryman said helps in many ways other than points and rebounds. “He put on a ton of muscle; he’s a contributor all over the floor.” Though going undefeated was not a specific goal, Per-ryman said the Gophers are trying to win by taking it one game at a time. “This is a year we have the potential to go all

Florence Gopher basketball on the rise, armed with big goalsthe way,” he said. “We have the players and talent, just need to keep focused. “ The team has hopes to with the Div. III state champion-ship, which means keeping their composure for the rest of

the season. “We’ve had some games we’ve struggled on, so it reminds us that every game counts,” he said. Overall, it’s going the way we’re hoping for and we’re keeping our eye

on the prize.” For the girls’ team, head coach Randall Hoggard is hoping to return to the play-offs for the second time in his three years at the helm. The Gopher girls did well in playoffs two seasons ago but missed the post-season by two power points in the rankings by the end of last season. “This year, we should be in it,” Hoggard said. “So far, we’re struggling a little bit, but hopefully the shots will start coming around.” Seniors Ryon Terry, Deanna

Miller and BreAnn Hamilton spearhead the team. “They’re bringing everyone together and showing them how the system works,” Hoggard ex-plained. “They’re getting key rebounds, getting the ball and putting it back up or kicking it to the outlet.” Over Christmas break, the Gopher girls’ team will com-pete in a tournament at Phoe-nix Christian, which the coach hopes will bring a needed turnaround in momentum. “We hope to be running on all cylinders by then,” he said.

the first year for it, we offered to put it together and DECA has really been helping out.” The Southeast Valley Ledger spoke with Signs of Sunshine Director Peg Nielsen who explained the idea for the toy drive came from her daughter. “We met and have been helping out a little family that has three children and one of the children has cancer,” Nielsen recalled. “One day my daughter said we should take them some toys and that sounded like a really good idea.” Signs of Sunshine helps those who are ill or seri-ously injured by providing help with things like co-pay costs, arranging transporta-

tion, home modification and more and Nielsen feels the toy drive fits right in amongst their list of services. “ All toys will be donated to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and to other families that are suffering after a serious ill-ness or injury,” she said. “We are hoping to help spread a little sunshine this holiday season to those in need.” As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, monetary dona-tions to Signs of Sunshine are also eligible for a tax credit. Single individuals can donate $200 and married couples can donate $400. Donations must be made by Dec. 31, 2012 to qualify for the 2012 tax credit. For more information on Signs of Sunshine, visit Sign-sofSunshine.org.

QCHSContinued from Page 9


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480-789-2209www.SanTanValleyRealEstate.com

Sherry ButlerAvailable Valleywide

• Free Foreclosure List• Free Short Sale Info• Free Home Valuation“Recently Sherry Butler ranked in the top 2% for production in the Arizona Regional

Multiple Listing Service which has over 32000 active Real Estate Agents!”

By Sherry ButlerSpecial to Southeast Valley Ledger I was out showing many homes this week and I am fi nding that there are several price reductions coming across the board along with longer market time. Many new listings are being priced on the high side, putting buyers off. Market pricing is still very strong although the supply is getting higher. Normally in Dec. supply slows down but it is actually increasing this Dec. We had a much lower percentage of closed transac-tions in Nov. resulting from Bank owned/Reo/foreclosed homes closed at only 12 percent. Short sales are homes where the sellers are negotiating with their bank to “forgive” a portion of the debt in order to avoid foreclo-sure was 24 percent. The market continues to shift with 64 percent of sales classifi ed as “non-dis-tressed” sales. This is the highest number of regular sales in a 36 month report-ing period. This shows that we

are moving towards a balanced market..Higher prices are bringing out more sellers that are no longer under water and investors that want to make some profi ts. This has a little higher urgency if the investors have to pay higher taxes on those profi ts in 2013 than in 2012.If Congress cannot agree on this fi scal cliff, this could affect our market once again. This will cause a recession and hit our housing recovery very hard. I personally cannot believe that they are even considering such measures right now with our housing markets showing positive evidence of recovery throughout many states. In fact, Economists are predicting that Arizona could make full economic recovery in 3 years. If the Bush-era tax cut on capital gains is allowed to expire al-lowing the rate to increase to 20 percent from 15 percent on Jan. 1, 2013, it will take a signifi cant bite out of profi ts for sellers giving them less to spend to buy a new

home. Even if we avoid the fi scal cliff, there are other factors weighing on home prices. In order to raise more tax revenue, Congress is considering putting a cap on the mortgage interest tax deduction which is a key tax break encour-aging homeownership. With Congress being so involved in the fi scal cliff there is a good chance that the Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Act of 2007 could ex-pire soon. If the act were to lapse, struggling homeowners may have to start paying income taxes on their portion of the mortgage that is forgiven in a foreclosure, short sale, or principal reduction. If you are a buyer still thinking about buying a home, there are many positive reasons to move forward now. Interest rates are still at an all time low but expected to slowly creep up just a tad bit in the next few months. If you have any further ques-tions, please call Sherry Butler with San Tan Valley Real Estate at 480-789-2209 or visit her at SanTanValleyRealEstate.com.

Price reductions popping up all around the Valley


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The San Tan Valley Chamber of Commerce held their annual holiday party on Dec. 13, 2012. Mementos were given out as a reminder of the time businesses have spent as part of the Chamber. (Courtney Trumbull photo)

Credit provides a dollar for dollar tax credit on donations made to qualifying non-profit organizations. The maximum credit for contributions made to organizations that help the working poor is $200 per person. To be eligible for this credit, taxpayers must claim itemized deductions on their Arizona return for the same year the credit is claimed. In addition, Pan de Vida qualifies as a nonprofit organization for a donation deduction on a federal income tax return. Federal returns generally allow for the full amount of the donation to be deducted.

Making a contribution of property, such as clothing or other goods, is deductible, but requires some record keeping. The amount taxpay-ers are allowed in charitable income tax deductions is the fair market value of the item at the time of donation. The fair market value is the price someone would be willing to pay for the item. Gloria explained that the next project Pan de Vida is planning to tackle is providing youth in the area with an op-portunity for physical activity. “Starting in Jan. we would like to try and do something for the at risk youth where we would try and get them away from electronics once a month, get them out hiking or playing sports, something physical,” she said. “It would

be nice to give them some-thing they could learn to do, a skill they could be proud of.” The southeast valley is full of these types of opportu-nities, Gloria pointed out and the organizations she’s reached out to so far have been anxious to get on board as well. “I’ve had a really good response so far I spoke with Lucy [Mackuse Operations Director] with the YMCA and I told her what we wanted to do and she said ‘yeah, we’ll open the doors and they can have a fun day,’” Gloria enthused. Donations can be made to the Pan de Vida Foundation at P.O. Box 745 Queen Creek, AZ 85142, by calling Gloria at 480-688-6326 or online at PandeVidaAZ.org.

Tax CreditsContinued from Page 2

Executive Assistant to the CEO Andrea Oliver, began working with Project Bridge before it had even opened its doors. “The hospital sponsored a [Project Bridge] family before

we opened last year,” she said. “We were discussing sponsoring a family and putting up the angel tree when Kathy [Plencer, LifeNet] came down the same day to ask about the stockings.” Sponsoring a family includes giving each family member a new outfit, a new pair of

shoes, a new pair of pajamas and a wish gift/toy. A grocery gift card was also a part of the package. The hospital also collected clothing and presents from the community and their employees. Oliver was very pleased with the response to the holiday drive and said talks were

already underway for next year’s event. “It seems like this time of year is the time when people are in need the most and even the simplest of items can make a huge difference,” she said. “As a community, we

need to band together to help make that difference.” For their part, LifeNet always enjoys helping out where they can for the holidays says Kathy Plencer. “As a base we do something every year,” she enthused.

“There are so many crews and everyone gets really excited and anxious to get involved.” For more information on Project Bridge contact Tonya Thompson at 520-868-7318 or [email protected] for more information.

Years of support ...

Project BridgeContinued from Page 5


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