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SAN TAN VALLEY TODAY PUBLICATIONS

VOLUME 36

INSIDE TODAYPUBLIC OPINION PAGE 7

SPORTS & ARTS PAGE 8

PINAL COUNTY TODAY PAGE B1

BIZ & REAL ESTATE PAGE B5

GOVERNMENT PAGE B8

DINING & ENT PAGE B10

HEALTHY LIVING PAGE B13

BIZ & SERVICE DIR PAGE B15

MEETINGS & EVENTS PAGE B16

EDUCATION PAGE B17

LIFESTYLE PAGE 11

KIDS & PETS PAGE 15

News, Info & Classifi eds Available Online at www.SanTanValleyToday.com

We want to hear from you!Post your comments online:


JANUARY 2012

Meet the candidatesPage B12

Local teacher

publishes book 1

On Dec. 21, 2011, an early-morning leak in a reclaimed wastewater plant in the Pecan Creek South neighborhood of San Tan Valley resulted in hundreds of thousands of gallons gathering into a retention basin located be-hind homes and along Ironwood Road.

The cause of the spill is cur-rently still under investigation by Johnson Utilities (the operator of the plant) the Pecan Creek South homeowner’s association and the

Reclamation plant fl oods Pecan Creek South retention basinBy Chase KampToday Publications

Arizona Department of Environ-mental Quality.

The water appeared to leak out of the south-facing brick wall of the plant, where a portion of the sloped, gravel-lined ground of the retention basin was collapsed. Offi cials are unsure if the ground

collapse caused the spill or if the spill eroded the retention slope.

Air quality tests performed on the afternoon of the spill by JU, Rural/Metro Fire and ADEQ deter-mined there was no raw sewage in the water and that the spill did not pose a health risk to residents.

“We have had an engineer in-spect the breached location and are currently awaiting the full report as well as the chemical test results prior to making any determination regarding the need for legal action,” said Pecan Creek South HOA Presi-dent Rhett Homan.

Homan said the HOA and JU will await the results of these tests before deciding how to proceed with repair costs. “Greg Brown of Johnson Utilities and his staff have been cooperative with our Associa-tion to ensure the right steps are taken to resolve any outstanding issues,” Homan added.

Homan said a JU offi cial ver-bally stated while on-site the day of the occurrence that JU will make repairs. “We have requested him to hold on any repairs until notifi ca-tion from the HOA,” Homan stated.

Offi cials from Johnson Utili-ties could not be reached for com-

Thousands of gallons of grey water leaked from this breach in Pecan Creek South on Dec. 21, 2011.

(continued on pg 15)

Proud member

Photos courtesy of Pecan Creek South HOA.

$485 of local

discounts inside

2 SAN TAN VALLEY TODAY PUBLICATIONS JANUARY 2012


Publisher:Ryan Sullivan

VP Sales & Marketing:Stacy Purper

Managing Editor:Zach Richter

To Advertise:Call 480-745-1055

Or Email: [email protected]

Submission of Articles and Press ReleasesPlease send to:[email protected] 270 E Hunt Hwy, Suite #16 – 256, San Tan Valley, AZ 85143.The deadline for article submission is the fi fth day of each month.

Publication date is the 15th of each month.

Today Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit any articles submitted for publication. Articles and press releases will be used as space allows and we will do our best to publish them. Please submit as a Word document. No articles published in any of our publications may be reprinted or used for any other editorial purpose without express written permission from the publisher.

Circulation: 33,000+ copies delivered to the doorsteps of residents andbusinesses in San Tan Valley, Florence, Queen Creek, and Anthem at Merrill Ranch.**The opinions expressed in the articles and submissions are not necessarily the opinion of Today Publications or its team.

We strive for accuracy in all information. However we are also human.

Please bring any errors in content to our attention. We thank you!

3SAN TAN VALLEY TODAY PUBLICATIONSJANUARY 2012




Looking back on the year that was:Remembering 2011By Zach RichterToday Publications

Now that it is fi nally out of the way, it is safe to say that 2011 was quite an interesting year for Pinal County. Several issues addressed this past year will certainly affect the area in the future, though just what those affects are remains to be seen.

The following are some of the top stories that Pinal County was talking about in 2011.San Tan Valley got its very own library

After months of back-and-forth San Tan Valley residents gath-ered together on March 5, 2011 to celebrate the grand opening of the Johnson Community library.

George Johnson of Johnson Utilities gathered with employees, volunteers and community mem-bers for the ribbon cutting and spoke about the impact the library will have on the area. "The strength of our country is the youth and the adults who've helped to build it," he said. "There was a vacuum in our community, so we decided to put this library together to give back."

The library has since gone on to inspire the community to acts of community service, such as the donation made by the American Legion in May. The Legion donated boxes of books as well as a large lithograph of an American fl ag, do-nated by auxiliary member Lynne Loss.

The Library also hosted a Red Cross blood drive on July 1, 2011. Altogether, the four-hour drive helped the Red Cross to take over forty donations from people in the community.The ACC changes its mind about Johnson Utilities…twice

Way back in Jan. of 2011, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) and Johnson Utilities (JU) agreed to the terms of a retroac-tive charge to customers in which they were required to refund three months of CAGRD fees putting to rest an issue that had started in 2010 when the ACC set lower rates for JU.

However, by Sept. 6, 2011, the ACC wasn’t so sure about its deci-sion and after months of hearings, delays and even public discussion the ACC allowed JU to increase its water and sewer services charges to maintain the company’s fi scal viability.

A primary part of the debate surrounded JU’s desire for the ACC to reinstate a wastewater plant, estimated at $18,244,755, into the rate base amount which the ACC eventually conceded.

Having voted ‘aye’, Com-missioner Paul Newman said he took note of the public comments made at the Florence open house. “They’re not happy with the water service and they won’t be happy with the rate increase,” he said. “I would ask you to try to give good service and be as good to your cus-tomers as you possibly can.”Sustainability Committee Pres-ents Findings to Supervisors

In 2010 a group of Pinal County citizens was appointed by the Pinal County Board of Super-visors to envision a “sustainable” future. At the December 7, 2011 Board meeting, the committee presented its fi ndings to the Super-visors.

The four areas given to the group included, Energy Conser-vation: new homes, commercial/offi ce/industrial, leed and other standards; Approval Process for Green Electricity Production; Water Conservation: New homes and commercial/offi ce/industrial and Heat Island mitigation through reduced parking lot sizes

Each area included a list of recommendations for the Supervi-sors to potentially adopt grouped by “immediate” and “next step

When the committee looked at immediate recommendations with regard to green electricity production, their focus turned to the county’s Comprehensive Plan. One recommendation is to allow green energy production applications to be submitted as a non-major Com-prehensive Plan amendment.

They also thought that the

development of a Pinal County Renewable Energy Overlay Zone would allow energy production throughout an entire areaSolar Power shines on Pinal County in a big way

2011 saw the completion of the Copper Crossing Solar Ranch power plant a joint project between Iberdola Renewables and SRP, Arizona’s largest solar plant, which came on line in Sept. The 144-acre plant contains approximately 66,000 high-effi ciency solar panels and is now producing 20 megawatts of solar energy, approximately 54 million kilowatt-hours annually, enough to power approximately 3,700 Salt River Project (SRP) cus-tomers’ homes.

The plant is part of Salt River Project (SRP) Community Solar, a pilot program that allows public schools and residential customers in the utility's service territory to pur-chase a portion of the output from the solar facility for a fi xed price over a fi xed term.

Currently 11 school districts, including the J.O. Combs and Flor-ence Unifi ed School Districts, will purchase a total of 7,840 kilowatts of solar energy from the plant for a fi xed price for 10 years. Else-where in, as part of SRP’s Solar for Schools Program, Four Peaks Elementary in Apache Junction re-ceived a 65-panel, 13.2 kWh solar systems.

Finally, in Dec. 2011, SRP an-nounced that it had partnered with

Colorado-based juwi solar Inc. to build a solar facility in the Town of Queen Creek. SRP will purchase all of the solar energy produced at the Queen Creek power plant (an estimated 19 megawatts per year), which is expected to be online by the end of 2012.Megamall announced in Casa Grande

In July 2011, the Central Arizona Regional Center (CAzRC) announced its plans for a regional retail center in Casa Grande that once completed will be the biggest international commerce and distri-bution center in the region, oc-cupying an area of over 2,165,300 square feet.

Part of the USCIS Regional Center plan to encourage foreign investment, Phoenix Mart will al-low international investors to obtain residency in the United States through the EB-5 Visa program.

Phoenix Mart is estimated to create at least 8,000 new employ-ment opportunities, both in the new facility and in ancillary markets. To highlight what the megamall will eventually have to offer the CAzRC teamed up with the Central Arizona College Small Business Devel-opment Center (SBDC) to offer business incubator space in the fi rst Phase of the Phoenix Mart Project.

According to SBDC Director Jim Rhodes “My plan is to develop the incubator space physically to as close a representation of what the

(continued on next pg)



space will look like when Phoenix Mart is completed,” Rhodes said. “In a very short period of time we want to put together an environment that will be indicative of what it will be like to shop there.”Superstition Vistas Comprehensive Plan amendments fi nally ap-proved

On Dec. 21, 2011the Pinal County Board of Supervisors approved the amendments to the 2009 Pinal County Comprehensive Plan proposed by the State Land Trust for Superstition Vistas ending months of fi ne tun-ing and moving along a project that began in 2003.

The Superstition Vistas spreads across a vast 275 square miles of unincorporated land in north central Pinal County and is currently owned by the State.

In June 2011, the Arizona State Land Department submitted a com-prehensive plan amendment to fi nalize the Superstition Vistas planning area. The proposed amendment had been tossed back and forth between the Board of Supervisors and the Planning and Zoning Commission since that time due to concerns regarding the density and water usage before fi nally being approved on Dec. 21.

While the amendment is in place, no developers are yet on board so the land will continue to sit unused for the foreseeable future.Florence Copper Project presses onward

On Oct. 21, 2011Curis Resources Ltd. announced its withdrawal of requests to amend the Town of Florence General Plan and rezone a por-tion of its property after both of its proposed amendments failed to gain a favorable recommendation.

Despite this setback, Curis continues to pursue the completion of state and federal permit amendments required to advance Florence Cop-per towards full development as approximately one-half of the recover-able oxide copper contained in the 429 million ton copper oxide resource hosted on Florence Copper lands lies beneath a 160-acre block of State Land.

Curis holds the rights to recover and process minerals under a min-eral lease from the State on this land parcel. The Company intends to complete its feasibility study and initiate operations utilizing in-situ cop-per recovery (ISCR) technologies within this State land parcel next year, beginning with a Phase 1 production test and ramping up to commercial production by 2014.Resolution Copper land swap bill moves slowly forward

The U.S House of Representatives approved the Resolution Copper land swap bill with bipartisan support, by a 235 to 186 vote on Wed., Oct. 26, representing a large stride in the long-delayed proposal.

Congressman Paul Gosar (AZ-1) introduced the bill, offi cially known as the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011, and has made it one of his primary issues, the bill was previously introduced during four previous congressional sessions.

Approval of the bill will allow a land swap near Superior, Ariz., between Resolution Copper and the Forest service land, making possible the opening of the third largest undeveloped copper resource in the world, according to a press release from Rep. Gosar.

Resolution Copper will receive 2,600 acres of land in the Oak Flat area in the Tonto National Forest in exchange for 5,500 acres of high priority conservation lands from eight various parcels around Arizona, in-cluding land in near the Lower San Pedro River and Apache Leap South areas of Pinal County.

Now that it has been passed in the House, the next step is for the bill to move on to the U. S. Senate. Once approved and signed by the presi-dent, Resolution Copper will fi rst begin an environmental review of the

land, and then move forward with construction of the underground mine.San Tan Regional Chamber gets off to a strong start

In Jan. 2011, former members of the San Tan Valley Chamber of Commerce, lead by Steve Johnson, that had split with the group, formed the San Tan Regional Chamber.

In Oct., the Regional Chamber was the host chamber for the 2011 Northeastern Pinal Business and Technology Expo as well as one of the driving forces behind the San Tan Valley holiday toy drive. Since its in-ception, the San Tan Regional Chamber has grown to 102 members.Pinal County assessors have trouble not drinking and driving

Pinal County Assessor Lewis Paul Larkin was pulled over on Feb. 7, 2011 after his vehicle was observed weaving after leaving the Kokopelli Moon Saloon. According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s offi ce, Larkin smelled heavily of an alcoholic beverage and had watery bloodshot eyes. He admitted to drinking three vodka/tonics.

Larkin submitted to fi eld sobriety tests and numerous clues of im-pairment observed which confi rmed he was impaired by alcohol. He blew a .099 BAC into a preliminary breath-testing device and was arrested for a DUI.

Presumably after not taking heed of her coworkers plight, Jacqueline Minto, the Chief Deputy Assessor for Pinal County was arrested after failing to stop at a traffi c light and rear-ending another vehicle.

According to PCSO, at the scene Minto showed obvious signs of alcohol impairment. She admitted to drinking “a glass of wine” at a bar just prior to the accident.

She submitted to fi eld sobriety tests, which show numerous clues of impairment. She below a .183 breath alcohol concentration into a por-table breath-testing device.

Minto was arrested for driving while impaired by alcohol. She later consented to a blood test and also an Intoxilyzer Test which showed a .173 BAC.

She was booked into the Pinal County Adult Detention Center for driving while impaired by alcohol, driving with a blood alcohol con-centration over .08 or more, Extreme DUI (BAC over .15 or more) and Aggravated Assault. CAC had no confi dence in president

Central Arizona College President Dennis Jenkins spoke to the Pinal County Community College District Governing Board in front of a packed room on Oct. 18 to defend himself against several votes of “no confi dence” from CAC employees.

Concerns about the president’s leadership were submitted to the Board through letters before the Oct. 18 meeting from Support Staff Association (SSA), the Managerial and Technical Support Association (MTSA), and the Faculty Senate of CAC. Representatives of each group voiced further details to the Board at the meeting.

Reasons for the votes included Jenkins perceived failure to engage in effective and appropriate strategic planning, failed to allow for effective and appropriate shared governance and collaborative processes, failed to follow proper hiring procedure, failed to fi ll key positions in a timely manner, failed to address accreditation concerns and was not actually qualifi ed to hold the position of president.

The Pinal County Community College District Governing Board unanimously voted in support of Jenkins who promptly retired from his position on Nov. 1. Dr. Doris Helmich is currently serving as interim president of the college while a new president is found.

What did you think of 2011 overall? Let us know at Facebook.com/SanTanValleyNEWS or send us an email at [email protected].

Remembering 2011(continued from previous pg)



66 SANNNNNNNNNNN TATATATATTTAT NNNNNNNN VAVAVAAAAAAVVAVV LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL EYEYEYYYEYEE TOTOTOTOTOTOOTODADAADDD Y Y PUPUP BBLBLBLBLB ICICICICCCCATATAATATAATIOIONSNSNSNSSS JANUARY 2012Y

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PUBLIC OPINION

To the management of Today Publications

Thank you for your article on the candidates for sheriff. Objectiv-ity is refreshing for most readers.

Your writer, Kristin Smith, continues with articles and stories that are important and useful to the communities your publication(s) serve.

A fresh approach to news for a sometimes troubled county has

been needed. We have had enough of the negative publicity we get as area residents from the cries of de-spair from the (higher offi ce seek-ing) sheriff.

Pinal County is a great place...Norman Jones

Editor’s note: Public opinions may have been edited for length.

Chuck Gray withdraws from Congressional raceDear constituents,

In February of this year, when I announced my run for Congress, the congressional district lines were not drawn and I had no immediate challengers. As the campaign progressed, others entered the race but their physical residences were so far removed from my own that it was gener-ally thought that we would be running in different congressional districts.

The district lines are now drawn and have pitted three good men against each other. And while I was the fi rst to enter the race, I cannot permit the conservative vote in the East Valley to be split in a way that allows a less conservative voice to prevail. Our next Congressman will likely be our voice for many years to come.

It is therefore with the support of my wife, friends and family that I announce my withdrawal from the race for Congress in hopes that the conservative voice that I have represented all these years be united behind a single candidate.

I have, in the course of my race, thoroughly investigated the back-grounds and voting records of my challengers. I have known both of them for many years.

There is one candidate that I feel most closely refl ects my conserva-tive values and voting record. And while I have not discussed my deci-sion to withdraw, with either of my challengers or their campaigns, I do hope that my endorsement of Matt Salmon to represent the East Valley in Congress will be accepted in the spirit it is given.

Matt has a very conservative voting record and I know he will repre-sent the East Valley in the conservative manner we have come to expect. He has my full support.

I want to thank my supporters. They have worked hard and they have championed the founding principles of liberty at every turn. They are the best. I love them dearly. I encourage my supporters to embrace Matt Salmon as they have embraced me.

I must set aside my own desire to serve and put the future of this country fi rst. I hope my supporters will do the same. For the good of the nation, I seek to unite the conservative vote.Sincerely,Chuck Gray

Make an education resolution for the New Year

As 2011 draws to a close, many of us are making resolutions for next year – losing weight, wak-ing up earlier, or not getting hooked on this year’s hot reality show! In the coming year, our resolutions should help improve our commu-nity as a whole.

Recent surveys show that Ari-zona considers education to be our top priority as a state in 2012. Ex-pect More Arizona is asking every Arizonan to make a resolution for education to help our children and ensure the economic future of our communities.

How can you make education a resolution for 2012? Expect More Arizona, the partnership dedicated to making education a priority in our state, has outlined the following

steps to make a difference in Ari-zona education for the New Year.

Resolve to EXPECT MORE and create a high expectations culture in your home by planning for college and career as soon as possible

Resolve to DO MORE: Attend your local school board meeting; get involved with your commu-nity’s school, or parent-teacher organization and support local teachers and classrooms with a gift to Donor’s Choose

Resolve to LEARN MORE and follow how your state legisla-tors vote on education issues. Learn about Arizona’s top issues and opportunities affecting education in our state.Tessa Bajema

Reader submitted New Year’s resolutions

My New Year’s resolutions are plentiful. In 2011, I plan to retire and I have lots of ideas for all the new time I will have on my hands. Firstly, there some things that should not take up any more of my time.

As much as I might resist, some things have to go. The fi rst thing to go is "Wheel of Fortune" at 6:30. I know darn well that if I start watch-ing at 6:30 I won’t want to stop until 8:00, and by then I’m too tired to do much else of anything.

There are plenty of things I should do more often. There are lots of Dean Koontz novels I’ve yet to pick up. Eating sushi is not only a pleasure I recently discovered, but my chopstick skills are coming along nicely.

I resolve to go on more jogs around the neighborhood. Perhaps I’ll take my neighbor up on his offer for elk steaks off the grill. I have lots of plans, and a year is a long time.Donald ‘Bo’ Termbo

2010 was a great year and I hope 2011 is just as good. My main resolution is to get out of the house more and get the blood fl owing. Our family recently got two Labra-dors that love the sunshine, so they can come with me to the park. Also I want keep in touch with family back in Wisconsin!Joy Peters



SPORTS & ARTSQueen Creek artist Joseph Ward can often be

found in the workshop hidden behind his home turning blank sheets of copper into extravagantly detailed three-dimensional creations.

“It’s basically sheet metal sculpture,” says Ward, “Its one of the oldest forms of sculpture.”

Every shelf in the shop holds copper pieces of fountains, wall art and candle holders at differ-ent stages of progress. To the right, a ship lays at its side. On a shelf across from it, a pig waits to be assembled.

“I’ve been an artist ever since I can remember, since I could hold a crayon,” says Ward, who won Best of Show at the Sedona Arts Festival in Oct. 2011.

Every piece of his work takes time, and care-ful concentration. Laid out on a corkboard-topped table outside the workshop are small green leaves joined by intricate fl owers, and hummingbirds, all waiting for their fi nishing details before being mounted into what will soon be a fi nished scenic copper fountain.

The leaves turn shades of green with the help of non-toxic acid, speeding up the oxidation pro-cess that comes with time, while the petals of the fl owers are burned.

“I’ll take the torch and heat it till the rose is glowing red like a coal, that’s when it’s right about to melt,” explains Ward, “At that second I dunk it in water, which freezes that red color in there.”

He then seals it with a few coats of metal fi nish. “It locks the color in, so it’s a rose that will never die,” says Ward. He repeats the process, delicately changing each petal as the water sizzles.

Ward’s passion for art began with drawing comic books. He soon began painting, and gradually moved into clay sculptures and copper art. His background in painting helps him to play with different heats and reactions to create new colors ‘torch painting’ on his copper pieces.

The slightest differences in the size or angle of the fl ame can cause very different results, making each piece genuinely unique.

Local artist/element a perfect fi tBy Kristin SmithToday Publications

“Even if I’m making a design that I may have done before, because its hand made it always is very unique,” explains Ward.

While Ward works with customers to make unique custom pieces, his inspiration for his work comes mostly from nature. Humming birds are placed forever peeking into tops of fl owers on one desktop fountain he created.

A large outdoor piece features a fi erce looking shark, with smaller fi sh appearing at each level of the fountain.

Ward admits the ocean-inspired pieces are some of his favorites to create. The white shark tooth he wears round his neck, a Christmas present from his wife Denisa, hints at his love for the sea.

Currently Ward sells his art to three studios in Phoenix, and one in Colorado, though most of his sales are from art shows. He attends art shows at lease once a month.

Aside from the detailed work that goes into the creation of Ward’s copper fountain designs, the way the water falls down the copper sides adds another aspect to the design.

“With fountains, the main challenge is to get [the water] to look as pretty as it sounds,” says Ward, “There’s a technique behind that, and I em-

ploy that with each and every one of them.”Though it can be hard work, Ward says he never complains. “I get to

make art for a living to take care of my family,” he says proudly, who’s four children range from 12 years to one month old.

The next large art show Ward will be attending is the Tempe Arts Festival in the spring, where he plans on revealing all-new history in-spired pieces, such as a fountains of the Roman aqueducts, Mayan Pyra-mids, and Japanese Mythology inspired dragons.

“When I make a piece out of copper it’s basically a piece that some-body is going to have for many, many years to come,” adds Ward.

For more about Ward, or to see more of his art, visit TheCopper-Fountain.com.

Local artist Joseph Ward creates elabo-rate three-dimensional copper sculp-

tures at his workshop in Queen Creek.

www.PinalCountyToday.com

PINAL COUNTY TODAY PUBLICATIONS

VOLUME 20

INSIDE TODAY

News, Info & Classifi eds Available Online at www.PinalCountyToday.com

We want to hear from you!Post your comments online:


JANUARY 2012

What 2012 has in store for Pinal CountyBy Zach RichterToday Publications

The start of a new year brings with it a host of new opportunities and To-

day Publications spoke with Pinal County Communications Man-ager Heather Murphy about some of the things that the County has to look forward to in 2012.

Murphy was quick to point out that this year will be unique in Pinal County’s history, as it will mark the transition from three to fi ve supervisors. “Due to popula-tion growth citizens will have the opportunity to vote for two new supervisors,” she enthused. “We will be preparing all year to wel-come the new supervisors.”

The 2010 Census found that Pinal County’s population is at 375,770. By law, Pinal County must add two new supervisors once it passed the population threshold set in statute, as deter-mined by the offi cial US Census Bureau data.

The new offi cials will run for election in the Nov. and will take their oaths of offi ce in Janu-ary 2013. Rather than build new offi ces for the incoming supervi-sors, Murphy explained that the county decided to renovate the 1891 Courthouse in Florence instead.

“The project has been se-lected as a Centennial Project, one of a series designed to boost tourism and increase knowledge of the state,” Murphy explained.

“Beginning in the construction phase there will be videos that walk people through the history of the court house.”

Visit PinalCountyAZ.gov and click on the link to the 1891 Court-house Renovation Project for a detailed look at the project.

Murphy went on to note that 2012 will continue to see a positive trend in the access County residents have to medical care. “Pinal County has long been categorized as medi-cally underserved but recently that trend has been shifting,” she said, “There is the Florence Community Hospital, Anthem and Banner Iron-wood, which is planning an expan-sion, as well as two new health clinics.”

Murphy also pointed out that the County has made huge strides in the area of immunizations, ex-plaining that six years ago the per-

centage of children who had been properly immunized was around 40 percent compared to 80 percent now. “That’s nothing to sneeze at,” she said succinctly.

2012 should see the ground-breaking on Phoenix Mart, the largest international commerce and distribution center in the region, oc-cupying an area of over 2,165,300 square feet as well as potential progress on the Superior land ex-change, which would provide Reso-lution Copper with access to what is estimated to be one of the largest copper deposits in North America. According to Murphy these projects and others like them are indicative of the Board of Supervisors’ goals for economic development.

“The Board is keenly focused on bringing businesses to Pinal County, both new operations and

(continued on pg B5)

BIZ & REAL ESTATE PAGE B5

GOVERNMENT PAGE B8

DINING & ENT PAGE B10

HEALTHY LIVING PAGE B13

BIZ & SERVICE DIR PAGE B15

MEETINGS & EVENTS PAGE B16

EDUCATION PAGE B17

Superior animal shelter still needs your help Page B3

Queen Creek/ Rural Metro partner for service Page B9

Papa Murphys - an alternative to

deliveryPage B10

facebook.com/SanTanValleyNews

twitter.com/PinalToday

2012 will play host to a number of activities that will change Pinal County forever

B2 PINAL COUNTY TODAY PUBLICATIONS JANUARY 2012


Publisher:Ryan Sullivan

VP Sales & Marketing:Stacy Purper

Managing Editor:Zach Richter

To Advertise:Call 480-745-1055

Or Email: [email protected]

Submission of Articles and Press ReleasesPlease send to:[email protected] 270 E Hunt Hwy, Suite #16 – 256, San Tan Valley, AZ 85143.The deadline for article submission is the fi fth day of each month.

Publication date is the 15th of each month.

Today Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit any articles submitted for publication. Articles and press releases will be used as space allows and we will do our best to publish them. Please submit as a Word document. No articles published in any of our publications may be reprinted or used for any other editorial purpose without express written permission from the publisher.

Circulation: 33,000+ copies delivered to the doorsteps of residents andbusinesses in areas of Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Florence,Gold Canyon, Queen Valley, Anthem at Merrill Ranch*The opinions expres, sed in the articles and submissions are not necessar the opinion of Today Publications or its team.

We strive for accuracy in all information. However we are also human.

Please bring any errors in content to our attention. We thank you!

Free Classifi edsFree Business Directory


B3 PINAL COUNTY TODAY PUBLICATIONSJANUARY 2012


Superior Animal Shelter given temporary reprieveBy Bridgette CrosbyToday Publications

On Dec. 15, 2011, the Superior Town Council voted to rescind their agreement with Carol Dodge, operator of the Superior Animal Rescue, ultimately giving Dodge until the Dec. 31, 2011 to fi nd homes for ap-proximately 50 dogs.

While the vote seemed to seal the shelter’s fate, the efforts of a San Tan Valley woman may yet give the shelter a second chance.

The story starts in 2007 when for Rescue operator Carol Dodge wanted to stop the senseless killing of animals in Superior. To that end, Dodge started volunteering her time and her money to save the dogs and cats from being put to death by the county at the taxpayers’ ex-pense.

Her efforts allowed the Superior Animal Rescue to stay in business and even thrive; something the cash-strapped town would have otherwise been unable to do.

However, by the fall of 2011, Dodge was at the end of her rope and in need of help, having put over $50,000 of her own money to rescue, feed, shelter, immunize and spay and neuter unwanted dogs and cats over the past two years.

The issue came to a head on Dec. 15 when the Town Council voted to rescind their longstanding agreement with Dodge and gave her three days to fi nd homes for her remaining pets before they faced euthanasia. Luckily, the time frame was adjusted to give the shelter through the end of Dec., but even then, a few dogs were still running out of time.

The remaining animals were then given a second reprieve thanks largely to the efforts of Laura Petersen, a San Tan Valley resident who served as the adoption coordinator for the shelter under Dodge. After the Dec. 15 meeting, Petersen began working with Town Council member Chris Tomerlin to get the shelter back on its feet.

Petersen works with HANDS and PAWS across AMERICA and has been instrumental in getting unwanted dogs and cats into loving homes. Petersen has a network of adoption organizations that include PetSmart in Gilbert, that have worked well together over the last two years.

Petersen is asking the Town to reconsider their decision and hopes to maximize the shelter’s potential in the meantime “If we can bring a fresh perspective to the shelter and continue to work with the Town of Supe-rior, it will benefi t everyone,” Petersen enthused. “The shelter will be able to keep the unwanted animal population down and we will continue to fi nd homes for them in cities throughout the Valley.”

Currently the Town is also considering an intergovernmental con-tract with Pinal County in which the Town will partner with Pinal County Animal Control who will perform routine sweeps of the area for stray animals.

Petersen and the other Superior Animal Rescue volunteers currently have 30 days from Jan. 1, 2012 before the shelter again faces closure.

Petersen is in need of volunteers and donations in order to take over the shelter permanently. For more information about the Superior Animal Rescue, animals in need of homes, to volunteer or make a donation, email Petersen at [email protected] or call 480-584-1339.

Compassion Queen Creek preparing for event in STVBy Bridgette CrosbyToday Publications

Compassion is what drives Janelle Esquivel. A member of Epic Community Church in San Tan Valley, Esquivel saw the need for some-one to reach out and help those in the community and Compassion Queen Creek was born.

Back for its second year, Compassion Queen Creek is a one-day event that will be held on March 10, 2012 at Walker Butte Elementary School in San Tan Valley. Dental, medical and vision services will be pro-vided at no cost to community members who are in need on a fi rst come, fi rst serve basis from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Compassion Queen Creek is a partnership of churches and busi-nesses in the Queen Creek and San Tan Valley area. Churches assist with the set up, tear down and service part of the event while the businesses, mostly local doctors, dentists, podiatrists and optometrists provide their services free of charge.

There will also be one-day social services fair where attendees can learn about services in the community that they might not normally have access to. A clothing bank will be available as well as haircuts.

This is the second year that Esquivel has helped coordinate Compas-sion Queen Creek. Last year six doctors and six dentists donated services for 295 appointments such as well women’s health exams, healthy child checkups, podiatry, dentistry and vision exams. Over 300 people were given eye exams and 83 of those needed glasses.

In addition, 133 people received dental exams with 30 percent of those patients being children. Attendees in need were also given vouchers for $4 refi lls for diabetes, heart, anxiety and many other medications that they found cost prohibitive.

“This area has been hit hard by the recession. Many people have lost

their jobs and their homes, which also means they have no medical and dental insurance. They have to choose between their health and paying

(continued on pg B5)



Tips for avoiding vehicle break-insEach year, $1.255 billion in

personal items and accessories are stolen from vehicles in about 1.85 million thefts; and for every theft, experts estimate, there are several break-ins and attempted break-ins. With these common sense habits and preventative measures, you can

greatly reduce the chances your vehicle will become a target.

Lock your doors: While this piece of advice should be a no-brainer, up to a quarter of vehicle thefts are from unlocked cars, ac-cording to some law enforcement agencies. Even if you're running

into the store for a Coke, that's too long to leave your vehicle's con-tents open for the taking. Simply locking the doors will deter those who might just be waiting around for an easy target.

Keep it tidy: Almost any worthless personal item that's visible from the outside--even an empty shopping bag--could be seen as a valuable or a carrier of valuables. If you have a wagon or SUV that leaves your cargo area on display, consider getting a cover. Most of these vehicles can be fi tted with inexpensive retractable covers to help keep shopping bags or other belongings out of sight.

Conceal all the evidence: Don't leave any bait out for thieves; stow your electronics and acces-sories well out of sight--or better yet, bring it with you. The evidence alone might be enough to pique the interest of thieves, so hide that too, including power plugs, telltale iPod adapters or nav-system windshield suction-cup mounts and even put the cigarette lighter back in place.

Stash before (not after) you park: Get in the habit of putting shopping bags in the trunk right when you return to the vehicle, rather than after you park at the next place. Thieves sometimes linger in busy parking lots looking for valuables being moved out of sight. Don't display to them what you have.

Completely close windows and sunroofs: No, it's not just because thieves might reach in through the gap and open your locks with a coat hanger. Open win-dows will disable the pressure sen-sor in some car alarms, leaving the vehicle more vulnerable to break-in and potentially giving thieves more time before the alarm sounds.

Stick with your original audio system: Thefts of car audio components are on the decline, but having an aftermarket system still makes a car more attractive to thieves thinking of breaking in. There's no black market to speak of for factory stereos, and they've become much better sounding in recent years.

Park for visibility: park in a busy, well-lit area, and avoid concealment from larger vehicles, fences or foliage. Except for the most brazen thieves, the greater the chances are that someone might see a crime in progress, the lower the chances are that the potential thief will attempt it.

Get physical: A signifi cant portion of vehicles are broken into with the intent of stealing the vehicle itself, so combining several visible simple, inexpensive physical theft deterrents like steering wheel locks (The Club), steering column collars, or brake pedal locks may discourage the would-be thief from breaking in and trying.

www.FlorenceCopper.com



BUSINESS & REAL ESTATECuris Resources plans for the futureBy Chase KampToday Publications

The Florence Town Council discusses a FCP resolution.

By a vote of 6 to 1, the Florence Town Council passed a resolution on Dec. 19, 2011 that signals a blanket opposition to the Florence Cop-per Project and urges other state agencies to disapprove future applica-tions made by Curis Resources, Ltd. in pursuit of the project. A company spokesman said the FCP will proceed as usual on the 160-acre parcel of state land inside the project area.

The Council unanimously accepted the company’s withdrawal of its general plan amendment in Nov. to provide a light-industrial zoning over-lay for the 990-acre proposed project site. The approved resolution was a symbolic signal to other government entities that Florence is uncertain of the safety of the in-situ copper mine.

“There is no study saying there is absolutely no chance whatsoever of risk to the water,” Florence Mayor Vicki Kilvinger said at the conclu-sion of the vote.

Councilman Arnold Raasch voted against the resolution, despite his previous vote against the Curis general plan amendment. “I see a lot of good things, especially as an ex-businessperson, and I see the need to help growth,” he said.

Shane Ham, a Phoenix lawyer representing Curis Resources, not only disputed the water safety criticisms in the resolution text but also said the measure was an over-reach by the Council that violated the mutual trust between municipal governments and larger state and federal agencies.

“The process of environmental permitting is respectful of municipal governments by providing opportunities for public input,” Ham said, “but if the council votes on this, that respect will not fl ow back to those agen-cies that make permitting decisions.”

Though the company cannot proceed development on Town land, Curis Resources spokesman Rustyn Sherer said the company “continues to stand alongside the Arizona State Land Department in full support of moving this project forward” on 160 acres of state trust land.

Sherer said Curis plans to begin production test on the site and pro-ceed with the Phase 1 development program later this year if the com-pany receives major environmental permits from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“It is important to note that Phase 1 will be carefully monitored by some of the most experienced personnel in our industry, as well as state, federal and local agencies that will ensure the safety of the site and the copper extraction process,” Sherer said.

Phase 1 of the project constitutes a $25 million investment by Curis, which will require as many as 40 additional employees, Sherer said.

Curis CEO Michael McPhie said in Oct. 2011 that the company would reengage zoning talks with Florence in 2012 if the project is grant-ed environmental permitting. “Our hope is that we can have an open and meaningful dialogue with the Town after receipt of our amended environ-mental permits and work to address any concerns that Council and Town staff may have,” he said.

those that are expanding,” Murphy said. “The goal is to encourage eco-nomic development in terms of jobs that are not non-specifi c.”

Along those lines, Murphy also mentioned that residents in both Maricopa and San Tan Valley will be seeing the construction of Central Arizona College campuses. “Access to good education is one

thing that draws employers,” she said. “CAC is expanding its reach throughout Pinal County investing and reinvesting in the area.”

What are you most excited for in 2012? Let us know online at Facebook.com/SanTanVal-leyNEWS or send us an email at [email protected].

A look ahead to 2012 in P.C.(continued from pg B1)

the rent. Others are working but don’t make enough to cover health expenses. We are here to help them with that,” stated Esquivel.

Esquivel says the need this year is even greater than last year. The group receives at least four calls per week asking for assistance with medical needs. “More families are hurting. The recession is catch-ing up with them, they don’t have many choices and many are getting more desperate as they cannot fi nd other jobs or only jobs that pay minimum wage. It is really depress-ing, but that is why we work so hard on this event,” she said.

Esquivel went on to note that additional sponsors, doctor and dentists are sorely needed. T-shirts promoting the event are available at CompassionQueenCreek.org for $7; all sales go to the 2012 event.

Volunteers are also being sought to assist in several differ-ent areas for the event such as the daycare area, logistics, coordination and serving lunch. Sponsors’ infor-mation will be listed on the events website.

Compassion Queen Creek is a registered nonprofi t organization and all donations are tax deductible, for more information email [email protected].

Compassion Queen Creek(continued from pg B3)



The side effects of a crisisBy Jeff Cutler, AAMSSpecial to Today Publications

There are many times in the career of a fi nancial advisor where you feel you truly make a differ-ence. There are the good times such as being at someone’s retirement party knowing they can actually remain retired. Keep in mind, no advisor can take full credit for retirement success; the client had to dedicate themselves to savings in combination with the investment choices made.

Then there are other times when you are visiting a client in Hospice or even attending a fu-neral. Some of the newer funeral programs are focused on the cel-ebration of their lives over the re-morse of the loss. The only positive to an advisor may be in knowing the issues that would cause concern

for their family may be already ad-dressed.

I fully understand the scenario at the retirement party where you think, “Hey I need to talk to that person's advisor so I can retire like that.” However, why is it that I get the most “hey can I set up a meet-ing with you” when I am at some-one’s funeral? Why does this event cause someone to suddenly decide to get their affairs together? Is there some strange inspiration or motiva-tion that comes from this?

We have grown into a reactive society, addressing issues and prob-lems after they surface. My profes-sion strives to operate from a pro-active nature, addressing “what if” over “what now.” Since it is quite a challenge to get everyone into the pro-active mode, it seems that there must be a better motivation than to

watch a crisis unfold upon another family or even our own.

Should there, could there, be a point prior to any of these events when you would decide to start taking care of some of the fi nancial issues in your life? I remember knowing that I needed to get more life insurance for my family. I even had the application partially fi lled out on my desk when I got the call that my test results came back and I had cancer.

We were able to get past the illness and eventually get the life insurance my family needed, but many families are not as fortunate. Why does it often take some type of crisis to get people into action?

A simple fi rst step could be to consider issues related to a sudden illness or death. There is an Arizona approved document called “Five

Wishes” which is produced by Aging with Dignity. It covers fi ve specifi c areas of planning related to a severe illness or death. It is avail-able in many locations and on-line.

If you have not prepared any documents such as a will or power of attorney, this could be a good start. If you cannot fi nd one to complete on your own we keep an ample supply at our offi ce. You can pick one up or we can mail one out if you need.

Please consult with a profes-sional prior to making fi nancial decisions. Jeff Cutler is a Financial Advisor with Waddell & Reed, Inc., and can be reached at 480-813-3818 or [email protected]. Waddell & Reed, Inc. Mem-ber SIPC. “Five Wishes" and "Ag-ing with Dignity" are not affi liated with Waddell & Reed.

Mobile Auto Repair comes to Pinal County

Brandon Beaver’s J&R Repair truck holds over 18 years of accu-mulated tools.

By Kristin SmithToday Publications

Brandon Beaver repairs everything from tractors and trailers to au-tomobiles and heavy equipment and with 18 years of experience working on all types of vehicles, his J&R Repair Mobile Service is ready to spread across the valley.

At $65 an hour, Beaver is able to drive to customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “I am hourly rate, I stay well below the shops,” said Beaver, “The advantage of me coming to you is you don’t have to get a tow truck.”

Beaver began J&R Repair in San Tan Valley in June 2011. The Buf-falo, NY native came to Arizona with his family four years ago. Beaver says that while his four kids have enjoyed the change, he has found San Tan Valley to be a perfect place to begin his business.

“I was sick of working for other people,” admits Beaver, “I’ve been doing this a long time. I fi gured if I was ever going to [start my own busi-ness], try it now.”

Beaver added the weather in Arizona is easier to work in than that of his home.

J&R Repair works on air-conditioning, batteries, tires and more. Beaver travels in a large orange truck, decked out in compartments fi lled with tools including a jump-starter machine, and battery replacements.

Behind the cab of the truck sits a large welder adjacent to an air com-pressor about the same size.

“I have everything I need in that truck. Eighteen years of accumu-lated tools,” added Beaver.

The air-conditioning machine alone costs over $4,000, shares Bea-ver.

His interest in beginning J&R Repair grew from the need he saw in the San Tan Valley area.

“There’s nothing out here. It is a barren area with eighty-fi ve thou-sand people. There’s no place to get anything done,” said Beaver, “I’m the only one in the area doing this.”

Beaver advertises on Craigslist.com, though most of his business comes primarily through word of mouth.

“I do pretty much everything from A to Z,” said Beaver, though he admits he won’t do internal engine work. “That’s not something you do in someone’s driveway,” laughs Beaver.

He can come out, tell the customer what parts are needed to get and then from there make the fi x. “It's fair for them, and it works for me,” added Beaver.

The catchy name, J&R Repair, came from a company in Nebraska that helped Beaver get the business started.

More information about J&R Repair can be found on Facebook at J&R Repair 24/7 Mobile Service, or by reaching Beaver at [email protected].



2011 closed as the second highest year ever for sales in the Greater Valley Market. Only in the year 2005, the year of the great real estate boom were there more single-family home sales.

Twelve cities valley-wide in Nov. 2011 had a higher single-family median sales price than Nov. 2010. The demand for single-family homes drove up the overall median single-family sales price for the Greater Val-ley Market.

San Tan Valley ties for second place with an eight percent increase in median sales price from $93,000 to $100,000. Litchfi eld Park also had an eight percent increase with Paradise Valley coming in fi rst place with having the largest increase at 14 percent.

Queen Creek had a negative four percent with their median sales price falling from $139,995 in Nov. 2010 to $135,000 in Nov. 2011.

Owner occupants are fi nding it diffi cult to buy properties because of the competition for properties under $125,000. There are many cash buyers and investors purchasing which make it hard for a fi rst time buyer getting a 96.5 percent loan to be considered in the mix of multiple of-fers.

An offer with a loan contingency can possibly cause problems when the appraisal comes in. Therefore, some sellers are strictly looking for a cash buyer. The most recent comps could be pulling the value down lower than a seller is willing to go.

There are a few local fl ippers (investors that buy homes at auc-tions and remodel them) that are willing to hold out for a fair cash offer to avoid the appraisal issues. Some sellers will not even accept an FHA buyer due to the banks requirements of two appraisals and a special extra inspection required.

I recently closed an FHA loan on a fl ip property and my buyers had

to pay these extra fees but they closed on the home with $10,000.00 eq-uity, something we haven’t seen in a long time.

The fact is a home is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it. If a seller chooses to wait for a cash buyer at a higher price than recent comps are showing, that is their choice. Comparing homes for sale fi ve months ago with what is currently on the market in San Tan Valley and Queen Creek produces some surprising results.

Five months ago, San Tan Valley had a total of 333 Homes for Sale with 148 homes under $100,000. Today San Tan Valley has 299 homes for sale with only 59 homes priced under $100,000.

Five months ago, Queen Creek had a total of 212 homes for sale with 33 homes under $100,000. Currently Queen Creek has only 159 homes for sale with only nine homes under $100,000.

If you have any questions, call Sherry Butler with San Tan Valley Real Estate at 480-789-2209 or visit her at SanTanValleyRealEstate.com

By Sherry Butler San Tan Valley Real EstateSpecial to Today Publications

Demand for single-family homes on the rise



GOVERNMENT

Final voting district maps disappoint Pinal County leadershipBy Chase KampToday Publications

The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission succeeded in its goal of submitting tentative fi nal legislative and Congressional maps by Dec. 27, 2011, despite a tumultuous several months of debate and legal action against the Commission by Governor Jan Brewer.

As the dust fi nally clears, Pinal County government leaders are not particularly thrilled with the alignment of the County’s new districts in the state legislature.

Casa Grande Mayor Bob Jackson, who serves as the Chairman of the legislative committee in the Pinal County Governmental Alliance, said the new legislative lines dilute the County’s rural population. “There’s potential that Pinal County could not be represented,” he said.

District 3 Supervisor David Snider, who also serves in the Alliance, phrased it more bluntly: “I feel that Pinal County is the victim of a drive-by slice-and-dice.”

The new LD 8 encompasses San Tan Valley, Florence, Coolidge, Queen Valley, a swath of south-central Gila County and eastern Pinal cities as far fl ung as Superior and San Manuel. It also has a large share of Casa Grande, but areas on the east side of Interstate-10 and northwest of Pinal Avenue and Cottonwood Lane are in the new LD 11.

Jackson is especially displeased with the divide of his town into two legislative districts. “People on one side of the street are in one district, and the other side is in a completely different district,” he said. “It’s just not right.”

In addition to the slice of Casa Grande, LD 11 contains a small por-tion of Eloy, Maricopa and a large swath of southern Pinal County are

also in the new district. Apache Junction and Queen Creek remain tied to the East Valley concentration in Districts 25 and 16, respectively. Gold Canyon is also in District 16.

The new lines could be detrimental to state representation, Jackson said, saying the Governmental Alliance was hoping to have only two solid districts: one containing the majority of the County and another with rural areas possibly aligned with Tucson.

“If you look at why Arizona was granted an additional Congressional seat, it’s because Pinal County is the fastest growing county in the U.S.,” he said. “I feel like we didn’t fare as well as we expected.”

Jackson said the Alliance was about 75 percent happy with the Congressional maps, as the majority of Pinal County was kept whole and placed in District 1 with large portions of rural northern and eastern Ari-zona. However, Congressional District 4 lumps northern Pinal cities with most of Yavapai county and rural western Arizona.

Jackson predicts it could be hard for Pinal County’s rural desert concerns to be heard by representatives in charge of a mostly rural forest and mountain delegation. “Now we could have a second Representative from northern Arizona,” he said. “Who represents the lowlands in rural Arizona?”

The Pinal County Governmental Alliance created statewide sugges-tion maps outlining their goals for Pinal County’s alignment and submit-ted them to the IRC in the fall of 2011. “We did it because if we got out ahead of them, maybe they would work off of it,” he said. “That didn’t happen. There’s not much hope from stopping the train.”

The IRC maps are currently in the process of being reviewed by the federal Department of Justice to meet statutory requirements.

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu talks Congress, economyBy Chase KampToday Publications

Sheriff Paul Babeu shows off new PCSO badges to detention of-fi cers.

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Ba-beu announced his run for the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 4, 2012, hoping to win leadership of newly drawn Congressional District 4 in Nov.

On New Year’s Day 2012, the Sheriff sat down with Today Pub-lications to discuss his Congres-sional run and ideological stances. While the Sheriff did not offi cially announce his candidacy until four days later, he said at the time he was assured of the likelihood of his candidacy going forward.

Babeu has gotten plenty of face time on national cable net-works and local TV discussing drug cartel issues in Pinal County and those familiar with his law

enforcement work know that illegal immigration enforcement is a top priority of his offi ce. Its role in his candidacy will be no different.

“We have an unsecured border that allows the drug cartels to oper-ate freely in our country, and results in 400,000 illegal crossings into our state every year,” Babeu said in a statement announcing his candi-dacy. “It’s time for a new Sheriff in Washington.”

When asked if he had ever aspired to reach this kind of po-litical offi ce, Babeu said, “I never thought, when I moved out here ten years ago, that I would run for Sheriff.”

Babeu is a fi scal conservative. Like the Tea Party, he fears the national debt will cripple America’s standing as the strongest worldwide

economy, possibly losing to grow-ing countries like China and India.

“I think the country is threat-ened by the massive amounts of debt we have compiled, both by Republicans and Democrats,” he

said. “The only way to change that is to have people in government that are accustomed to making tough decisions.”

Babeu said he would reform (continued on next pg)



Rural/Metro and Queen Creek Partner for fi re serviceBy Kristin SmithToday Publications

Rural/Metro Fire Chief Dan Caudle spoke with Today Publications about the county islands in the Queen Creek area and their pos-

sible fi re district.

County islands in the Queen Creek area are now able to petition for a fi re district to contract with the town of Queen Creek for fi re services.

The intent of the potential fi re district is for Queen Creek Fire De-partment to take over the service of the unincorporated pockets of homes within the boundaries of Queen Creek that are currently served by Rural/Metro Fire Department, particularly the area of Chandler Heights.

According to Rural/Metro Fire Chief Dan Caudle, residents have a year to put together their signatures for the proposed district.

“Queen Creek Fire Department has been helping us serve [the is-lands], but this allows them to get revenue to support the service and take it over,” said Caudle, though he added Rural/Metro would continue to help serve eastern areas because of proximity.

Caudle hopes that the possible formation of this fi re district will ben-efi t both Queen Creek and Rural/Metro.

“It benefi ts us from the fact that we can concentrate on our customer base in Pinal County and we don’t have to run out into Maricopa to serve these pockets,” said Caudle. “It helps Queen Creek in the same way. They can focus on stuff that’s in their planning area.”

If the petition is successful, and a fi re district is created, Queen Creek will receive revenue to serve the affected areas.

Caudle admits it has become increasingly diffi cult to serve the county islands within incorporated boarders.

“It makes it kind of diffi cult for us to serve the areas because you have to drive through ten miles of a town, or across two city boundaries to get to where we have this pocket of people,” he added.

Fire Protection Manager Luther Moorhead added, “We may pass two or three municipal fi re stations to get to that pocket of people.”

According to Caudle, Rural/Metro had no problems with the possible district, as long as the petition process was set up carefully and similarly to other situations in the past, in Gilbert, Chandler and Tempe.

He explained that if one city agrees to service county islands within its boundaries, and another does not, it creates another problem for the fi re department to try to provide service while everyone is just taking bits

and pieces. “On the front end, just making sure the Town and us moved forward

in a cooperative way, in which we were successful in doing,” said Caudle, “The citizens, it’s still their decision. It doesn’t bind the citizens at all in to what direction they want to go.”

While the process of gathering signatures is going on, residents of the affected areas within Queen Creek’s boarders do still need to sub-scribe to the Rural/ Metro Fire Department.

“One of the nice things, at the end of it, we’ve got a very good work-able agreement that is going to benefi t everybody out there, the people that are in our service area and the people that are in their service area,” added Caudle.

Sheriff Babeu talks Congress(continued from previous pg)entitlements like Medicare and Social Security, and scale back the federal workforce.

Babeu said he sees the debt as a threat to national security. “It compromises our ability to have a superpower-strength military,” he said. “If we don’t fi x what’s going on now, this assault on free-market principles, we’re compromising the strength of our country.”

When asked if he consid-ers himself affi liated with the Tea Party, Babeu said he supports their ideals. “I’m a Republican and a Sheriff fi rst,” he said. “I’ve spoken in front of many Tea Parties and I’ve supported their demanding of action. I believe they remain a

strong infl uence in today’s politics.Babeu said the inability of

Congress to pass legislation in the midst of partisan bickering was “unacceptable.” However, he said he would not see his position as merely one of 435 members of Congress.

“If elected, people can be as-sured that I will be a part of shaping debate and demanding action,” he said.

Babeu said if he gets the Republican nod for the CD 4 seat, PCSO Chief Deputy Steve Henry will likely run for Sheriff of Pinal County. “He’s a mirror copy on all the issues and helped make the planning and implementation of all our reforms,” Babeu said.



DINING & ENTERTAINMENTPapa Murphy’s take-and-bake beats the delivery boxBy Chase KampToday Publications

There are more options than ever for diners seeking a piping hot pizza. The budget pizza places offer hot-and-ready options for a cheap price, but the old adage is especially true and you get what you pay for in skimpy toppings and limp dough.

Quality pizza joints vary in styles and the thin crusts and fancy toppings of high-end restaurants sometimes elevate the classic pizza template too far from the desired taste at a high cost.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza encom-passes both the home delivery and supermarket freezer styles. Custom-ers visit the store and select a style and size, watch as it is assembled and wrapped by hand, then take it home to bake in the oven. Papa Murphy’s Pizza, the high-quality pie you bake at home.

Papa Murphy’s take-and-bake pizza has clearly made its pres-ence known in the market. The chain currently has three locations in Pinal County (1485 E. Florence Blvd. in Casa Grande, 2114 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction and 20928 N. John Wayne Pkwy. in Maricopa) and a location to open at 23706 S. Power Rd. in Queen Creek in the coming months.

For those that haven’t taken the plunge, be assured that Papa Murphy’s is a convenient, cost-friendly and surprisingly healthy choice among a myriad pizza op-tions.

The interior of the stores is very utilitarian since they obviously need not waste room on tables and ovens. Customers can choose from their 18 different specialty styles (everything from meat lovers to

elaborate veggie) or build their own.

In addition to various salads, stores also offer other take-and-bake options like dessert pizza, cookie dough and cheesy bread, essentially offering an entire res-taurant’s worth of make-it-yourself options

The price is quite a bit less than delivery (especially without the tip) but a bump above the gro-cery store. The signature pies vary in price from $10 to $12 for a large, or an upgrade to family size for $2 more.

Once back at the home, the baking instructions are simple and straightforward enough to ease the mind of even the worst cook: preheat the oven, pop it in, bake 12 to 18 minutes. The instructions also advise how to get softer or crispy crust to taste.

The selection of toppings and styles is impressive. Meats include

classic pepperoni, chicken with bacon, herb chicken, ground beef and Canadian bacon. Diners can go Mediterranean, Chicago-style or stuffed crust.

The gourmet vegetarian pie is a particular winner, piled high with spinach, zucchini and artichoke hearts, all on top of a creamy, tangy white garlic sauce.

Papa Murphy’s pizza build-ers like to throw the toppings on a hearty bed of cheese, which tastes fantastic on the meatier selections but might add some unwanted calo-ries for the veggie lovers.

The restaurant only offers two serving sizes but, like all qual-ity pizza, leftover Papa Murphy’s tastes great even after being in the fridge overnight. Cheaper and tastier than delivery, with a more homemade feel than the frozen box, Papa Murphy’s Pizza is a tough act to beat in the pizza market.



GCAC presents twelfth annual Gold Canyon Arts Festival

In Gold Canyon the fourth Sat. of Jan means only one thing, the Gold Canyon Arts Festival.

Gold Canyon, AZ -- The twelfth annual Canyon Arts Festival returns Jan. 28, 2012, and it promises to inspire with a mammoth array of works from local artists and creative individuals of all types.

The festival, hosted by the Gold Canyon Arts Council is free to the public and will take place at the Gold Canyon United Methodist Church at 6640 S. King’s Ranch Road in Gold Canyon.

The Festival, hosted by the Gold Canyon Arts Council, is a non-prof-it event that is free to the community as a gift from the Gold Canyon Arts Council to promote both visual and performing arts in the community.

Over 100 artists will participate including 40 artists premiering at the 2012 festival . The event will also feature a wide variety of musical acts on the grounds as well as food booths hosted by local community groups.

Artists will be showing a variety of art, including paintings in oil, watercolor, acrylic, also jewelry, fi ne art photography, creative wood creations, fused glass, gourd art, 3-D sculpture and metalwork, plus many unique pieces from creative artisans.

Each year, on the fourth Sat. in Jan., the council sponsors the Canyon Arts Festival celebrating the artists and the cultures that defi ne and grace the area. The festival promotes both the visual and performing arts while facilitating fund raising for other community organizations.

The Gold Canyon Arts Council sponsors and promotes perform-ing, visual, and other related arts activities in the greater Gold Canyon area through a series of culturally diverse public performances, festivals, educational residency programs, artistic awards and the encouragement of the arts in area schools.

GCAC’s venue is ADA compliant and all are encouraged to view this celebration of the arts

Formed in 1998, the Gold Canyon Arts Council presents a fi ne arts concert series, Canyon Sounds, from Nov. to March. Designed to af-fordably meet the needs of the far east end of the Valley of the Sun, the programs vary from traditional classical chamber music to ethnic and folk performances with indigenous instruments. Past seasons featured blues, jazz and theater as well.

The twelfth annual Canyon Arts Festival will open its doors at 9:00 a.m. Artists looking to volunteer or join the Council and those seeking more information can contact the GCAC at 480-983-2171 or via email at [email protected].



GOVERNMENTSneak peak at candidates for Sheriff By Kristin SmithToday Publications

While the current Sheriff of Pinal County, Paul Babeu, is look-ing toward congress, the position of Sheriff for the 2012 election has re-ceived many interested candidates.

Today Publications contacted the candidates to get a closer look at their interests and motivations.

Ty MorganTy Morgan has served as a

certifi ed police offi cer in Arizona since 1983. During his service, he has become involved in many positions, including a certifi ed K-9 trainer, and phlebotomist.

“I can’t say that I’ve seen it all, but I’ve seen a lot,” said Morgan.

After the 2007 Florence Cor-rectional Center prison break, Morgan was responsible for the capture of escaped murderer Kollin Folsum.

Outside of police service, Morgan has taught self-defense classes for several years and was Vice Mayor to the town of Florence for six years.

If elected Sheriff, Morgan intends on taking a proactive ap-proach, focusing on active patrol-ling in the community, realignment of the budget, and getting resource offi cers back into schools.

“Let’s do proactive polic-ing, lets reduce crime, let’s stop it before it starts,” said Morgan. More information on Morgan’s campaign can be found at MorganforSheriff.net.

Jack McClarenJack McClaren is an Ari-

zona native, and has lived in Pinal County for 36 years. He is a board member with the Apache Junction Boys and Girls Club, as well as an Arizona Farm Bureau member.

“It’s been my dream to run for Pinal County Sheriff since 1993, when I became a Deputy Sheriff,” wrote McClaren. During his service in the Sheriff’s offi ce, McClaren

Ty Morgan.

Pinal County Sheriff’s Offi ce Chief Deputy Steve Henry

Constable Jack McClaren.

was promoted to Bureau Com-mander.

“I have 18 progressive years in Law Enforcement,” added McClar-en, “I currently serve Pinal County citizens as their Elected Constable in JP7 and as a Reserve Motorcycle Police Offi cer with the Florence Police Department.”

It is his hope that as Sheriff he will focus on budget control, and strong community policing.

McClaren is an Army Veteran, as well as a father of three adult children and grandfather of fi ve grandchildren. A campaign website is not available at this time.

Steve Henry Steve Henry has lived in Pinal

County for 14 years, in the same house he built in 1998. He is very involved in youth sports throughout the valley, coaching basketball, soc-cer and football.

“Having been the Chief Depu-ty for three years now I am deeply invested in the continued success of the offi ce,” wrote Henry to To-day Publications, “The offi ce has modernized and become so much more professional in the last few years that it is not the offi ce it used to be.”

According to Henry, he be-lieves fi rmly in continuing to im-prove the offi ce through leadership, accountability and results.

Henry has served as a law enforcement professional for 19 years. Before this time, he served in the military, beginning as an enlisted member and fi nishing as an offi cer. Beyond this experience, Henry says he can bring more to the position, with the ability to see the big picture and work with vari-ous stakeholders in Pinal County.

“The ability to develop rela-tionships has been a hallmark of my tenure with the Sheriff’s Offi ce,” wrote Henry. More about Henry’s campaign can be found at SheriffSteve.com.



HEALTHY LIVINGLook Good… Feel Better, offered at Banner BaywoodBy Kristin SmithToday Publications

Women undergoing cancer treatment learn to battle appearance related side effects while sharing stories and tips through partici-pating in the public service program Look Good… Feel Better.

When Brenda Shilling was diagnosed with lung cancer in March 2011, the cancer had already metastasized to the bone. She has received a surgery, 15 treatments of radiation and is currently undergoing chemo-therapy.

“When you go through all the treatment and stuff you feel yucky, you don’t even feel like making yourself presentable anymore,” said Shil-ling.

In Oct. 2011, Shilling attended a class that changed her life. Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program offered at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa that focuses on beauty tech-niques and tips to fi ght appearance related side effects of treatment.

Women undergoing cancer treatment from all over, including Banner Ironwood Medical Center in San Tan Valley are referred to the classes.

Shilling admits she was reluctant about attending at fi rst. After at-tending the class with a friend, she was amazed.

“It was fantastic. Both of us came out of there a new person,” said Shilling, who says her class had about 10 women in it, “We all told a little story about ourselves, and our cancer and what we are going through. Everybody is in the same boat, and we’re all together you know?”

Each woman that attends the class receives a bag full of makeup and skin care products free, including face wash, foundation, eyeliner, lip-stick, and more, donated by various makeup companies.

A trained cosmetologist guides the women step by step on cleansing and caring for their skin with lotions, as well as applying their makeup. The instructor also shares many tips on how to care for the skin changes they may experience while going through treatment.

“Once I came out of there I said ‘man, I’m going to start wearing makeup’,” shared Shilling, “I have been ever since, and what a difference it has made for me.”

The women also learn invaluable information about how to wear

Hike your way to a New Year's Resolution Pinal County, AZ--Two weeks

in to the New Year is about the time New Year's Resolutions begin drop-ping like fl ies. The holy grail of said resolutions is to "get in shape," an idea that has eternally proved itself to be easier said than done.

So this year, instead of letting that fresh new gym membership whither from lack of use, why not try something different and start hiking. It sounds simple, but hiking is an activity that the whole family can enjoy and benefi t from to boot

Hiking helps build the cardio-vascular system and contributes to losing those extra pounds by burn-ing between 300 and 500 calories

wigs, and where to buy them. The instructor talks about the differences from human hair to synthetic hair, how to best choose a color and how to care for wigs at home.

“They talk about everything,” added Shilling, who had recently returned to her full time position as an employee at Banner Baywood. “I can’t tell you the uplifting it does for a person who thinks their world has been turned upside down.”

For more information about Look Good…Feel Better, log onto LookGoodFeelBetter.com. The Free classes are held at Banner Baywood every third Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the Copper Room inside Women’s Services.

“If you know anybody with cancer please have them come to this thing, because it is fantastic,” said Shilling, “It’s just a fantastic way for a woman to feel like a woman again.”

per hour. Regular hiking expedi-tions supplemented by a healthy balanced diet make can make the weight loss process signifi cantly easier.

Even a mild hike provides a solid workout. Along with the cardiovascular benefi ts it has been shown to decrease cholesterol lev-els, increase bone density, relieve back pain and even combat the symptoms of aging.

Pinal County residents have easy access to a wide variety of trails no more than 30 minutes for their doorstep. These include trails in both the Lost Dutchman State Park and the San Tan Mountain

Regional Park.Named after the fabled lost

gold mine, Lost Dutchman State Park features several trails that lead from the park into the Superstition wilderness and surrounding Tonto National Forest. Novice hikers can start with a stroll along the Native Plant Trail and work their way up challenging Siphon Draw Trail.

Meanwhile, consisting of over 10,000 acres, the San Tan Mountain Regional Park is a fi ne example of the lower Sonoran Desert. The park provides a wide range of hiking opportunities for those of all fi tness levels.

The park offers over eight

miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding rang-ing in length from 1.1 miles to over 5 miles and ranging in diffi culty from easy to strenuous.

The cost of admission is around $8 per vehicle for both parks with varying prices for pedes-trians, cyclists and equestrians. The Arizona State Parks Annual Pass is also available for $75 per year per family.

For more information, con-tact the Lost Dutchman State Park at 480-982-4485 or the San Tan Mountain Regional Park at 480-655-5554.



Space going fast for the 2012 Lost Dutchman MarathonBy Zach RichterToday Publications

In 2011, approximately 3,000 people participated in the multiple races that comprise the Lost Dutchman Marathon.

The eleventh annual Lost Dutchman Arizona Marathon will take place Sun. Feb. 19. 2012 and discounts are available for those who register prior to Feb. 1. Lo-cated at the base of Superstition Mountain near the rumored site of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine, this event is a favorite of serious marathoners and casual run-ners alike.

Running from Gold Canyon to Apache Junction, the Lost Dutch-man follows a scenic, rolling, point-to-point, USATF certifi ed course that can be used as a quali-fi er for the Boston Marathon.

Those not up for a full mara-thon but still looking for some exer-cise are in luck, the Lost Dutchman offers a race for everyone including a Half Marathon, 10K, 8k Desert Trail Run and a Two Mile Fun Run/Walk. Early registration is encour-aged as all of the events save the Fun Run/Walk have a capped num-ber of participants.

At its heart, the Marathon is a public charity run by an all-volun-teer board of directors and offi cers with proceeds directed to local youth organizations focused on the economically disadvantaged.

All proceeds from the running and walking events will benefi t lo-cal student scholarships and youth organizations. To date, the Lost Dutchman races have contributed more than $146,000 to Apache Junction Parks and Recreation, stu-

dent scholarships, the local Boys & Girls Clubs and to the Pay to Play youth sports program.

The full 26.2-mile marathon runs from Gold Canyon to Apache Junction, while the shorter races originate from and return to Pros-pector Park in Apache Junction. Last year the fi ve Lost Dutchman running and walking events attract-ed approximately 3,000 participants from across the country and around the world.

The organization of the annual events takes the coordinated efforts of more than 700 local volunteers. Participation numbers for the races are limited in order to maintain a very high level of quality.

In addition to the race events, the Lost Dutchman includes an Expo to take place Feb. 18 at the Apache Junction Multigenerational Center. The Expo will feature new and returning vendors and give runners the opportunity to meet one another and interact with the spon-sors of the event.

Currently registration for all fi ve events is available with discounted prices before Feb. 1. Marathon registration is currently $90, half marathon registration is $80, 10K registration is $40, 8K registration is $35 and the Fun Run/Walk registration is $17.

Race day registration is closed for all events save the Fun Run/Walk with a registration fee of $20. The Lost Dutchman Marathon and race events use ChronoTrack chip timing to ensure accurate times.

Race packets will be available starting Thurs. Feb. 16, and contin-ue through Sat. Feb. 18, race pack-ets will not be mailed and marathon packets will not be distributed on race day. Packets will be available

for pickup in Apache Junction on Feb. 18 at the Health and Fitness Expo.

For more information, or to register, visit LostDutchmanMarathon.org.



BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

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Here for all your hair care needs.

serenityhairdesign.net480-888-0443

Contractors

DH&B Residential & Commercial

Electrical Contractor

Family owned & operated480-544-5052

Bjelde ConstructionDesign/Remodel/

General Contractors

480-544-5052

Flooring/Flooring Svcs.

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480-981-6910

Saguaro Carpet Care

Making fashion affordable by selling name brand, quality fl oor coverings directly to you

at a savings of 30 to 60%.480-226-4114Mark Stover

Pristine Foor Care& Repair

Serving Pinal and Maricopa County480-334-6482Ryan Whitaker

Real Estate

Roofing

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Salons

Ultra-Brite Home Services

Professional window cleaning

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Waste Services

WindowCleaning

Garbage Kings

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WestUSA RealtyScottee Eisenhart

SE @SERealtor.com602-490-0641

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Contractors

TS Salvage

Cash for cars(running or not!)480-710-6968

Wedding Svcs.

San Tan Weddings

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Complete wedding packages from $700

HELP WANTEDLocal Retail Shop looking for bright, motivated help. PT/FT. Must be at least 21 and have clean driving record. Must have a good attitude and work well in a fast paced team environment. Must take direction well, be able to work with customers and coworkers with a smile and be avail-able to work holidays and weekends. For more information call Bridgette Crosby at 480-235-8388 or email [email protected].



MEETINGS & EVENTSWEEKLY EVENTSTuesdaysSan Tan Toastmasters: 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the SRP Service Center at 3735 E. Combs Rd. santantm.comHand and Foot: 8:00 a.m. Denny's on Hunt Hwy. breakfast with cards to follow call Margaret 480-310-8706WednesdaysBingo at Caliente Casa de Sol: card sales begin at 6:00 p.m. 3502 N. Pinal ParkwayCelebrate Recovery: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. step study group call Ron and Lisa Davis 602-391-3292Rummy Club: 8:00 a.m. breakfast with games to follow call Margaret 480-310-8706ThursdaysSuper Market: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. indoor farmers market hayrides and petting zoo Superstition Farm west of San Tan Freeway north on El-liot www.SuperstitionFarm.comFridaysFlorence Gardens Mobile Home Association Bingo: 7:00 p.m. 3815 Florence Blvd 520-868-5136.Celebrate Recovery: 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. San Tan Christian Center 7377 W. Hunt Hwy. SaturdaysCrafts, Food, Vendors: corner of Ironwood and Ocotillo next to M&I bankOpen Merchants Market at Ocotillo Trails: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 40975 N. Ironwood Dr.Freedom Fest: Artisan, Crafters & Farmers Market: 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. 39731 N Kennedy Dr.Rhino Cafe Open Mic: 1:00 p.m. 22721 S. Ellsworth Rd. #107Gilbert Farmers Market: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. San Tan Valley Co-Ed Golf League: 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Golf Club at Johnson RanchSundaysOpen Merchants Market at Ocotillo Trails: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 40975 N. Ironwood Dr.UPCOMING EVENTS1/17/12 Florence Chamber of Commerce: 12:00 p.m. Call 520-868-9433 for location1/17/12 Coolidge Youth Coalition: 4:00 p.m. City Council Chambers1/18/12 Pinal County Democratic Meeting: 7:00 p.m. 350 N. Main, Florence [email protected]/19/12 Popcorn Movie Day – Cars 2 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Feel free to bring your chairs, blankets, drinks and snacks; we will have the popcorn and movie covered. San Tan Mountain Regional Park visit Maricopa.gov/Parks/SanTan for info1/20/12 Harmony for Lunch Brunch: 12:00 p.m. Dema's Italian Bistro 18256 E. Williams Field Rd. 480-921-22371/21/12 Democratic Women of San Tan Valley: 9:30 a.m. location var-ies call 480-370-2615 for info1/21/12 Epic Food Mission: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Distributions from Walker Butte Elementary Bring proof of residency and photo ID 480-882-95301/21/12 Desert Bloopers: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. join us for a short

hike of short stories as we pick up some helpful advice from the Desert Bloopers of others. San Tan Mountain Regional Park visit Maricopa.gov/Parks/SanTan for info1/21/12 Godspell the musical by The Poston Butte Players: 5:00 p.m. at Infusion Community Church. Event is a dinner theater for ages 13 and up only. Must purchase tickets in advance. Visit infusioncc.org for more details.1/22/12 Exploring San Tan Level 5: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. On this hike we will be exploring the San Tan and Hedgehog Trails (roughly 5.4-miles). San Tan Mountain Regional Park visit Maricopa.gov/Parks/SanTan for info1/24/12 San Tan Lions Club: 7:00 p.m. Copper Basin Fire Station 480-882-27101/25/12 WOAMTEC Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. $15 May attend twice before membership is required Cantina Laredo 2150 E Williams Field Rd. Gilbert1/26/12 Eco Tour: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The hike will be approximate-ly 2.2- miles, round trip, at a relatively mild or slow pace San Tan Moun-tain Regional Park visit Maricopa.gov/Parks/SanTan for info 1/27/12 Find the Ranger: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. somewhere on the San Tan Trail Ranger Adam will be exploring the desert. Test your skills and see if you can track him down. San Tan Mountain Regional Park visit Maricopa.gov/Parks/SanTan for info 1/28/12 Intro to Archery: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Are you the next Robin Hood? To reserve your spot, call 480.655.5554 1/28/12 YMCA Rummage Sale: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Copper Basin YMCA1/28/12 Archery 202 – Skills Development: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Take your archery skills to the next level to reserve a spot, call 480.655.5554 ext-201 San Tan Mountain Regional Park1/28/12 Rhino Cafe Art and Craft Festival: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 22721 S. Ellsworth Rd. Queen Creek rhinocafe.net2/3/12 Harmony for Lunch Brunch: 12:00 p.m. Dema's Italian Bistro 18256 E. Williams Field Rd. 480-921-22372/4/12 Epic Food Mission: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Distributions from Walker Butte Elementary Bring proof of residency and photo ID 480-882-95302/8//12 WOAMTEC Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. $15 May attend twice before membership is required Cantina Laredo 2150 E Williams Field Rd. Gilbert2/8/12 S.A.N.D. Meeting: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Trilogy at Encanterra 36460 N Encanterra Dr2/8/12 San Tan Archeology Society: 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Historic Rittenhouse [email protected]/13/12 American Legion Post 97/Women's Auxiliary: 6:00 p.m. pot-luck followed by guest speaker Christ the Victor Lutheran Community Church2/13/12 Sizzling Senior Breakfast Club: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 480-888-80172/14/12 San Tan Lions Club: 7:00 p.m. Copper Basin Fire Station 480-882-27102/14/12 San Tan Triad: 2:00 p.m. Copper Basin YMCA



EDUCATIONPeralta Trail Elementary teachers earn grantBy Zach RichterToday Publications

Peralta teachers Gina Fraher and Julia Goucher received a $10,000 grant from the Technology in Education Association.

While instructors typically frown upon students staring out the window during class, two teachers at Peralta Trail Elementary School in the Apache Junction Unifi ed School District have parlayed the distraction into a lucrative opportunity for their classroom.

Third grade teacher Gina Fraher and fourth grade teacher Julia Goucher recently embarked on a winter-long collaborative class project observing and researching native birds seen outside their classroom win-dows as part of Project Feeder Watch.

Using classroom computers and the Internet, the birds are identifi ed and researched to determine traits in their behavior. The unique aspect of the project is that after generating data about the birds, information is then shared with Cornell University for use in a larger study about the birds and their natural habitats.

Fraher and Goucher used the project to apply for a grant through the Arizona Technology in Education Association (AzTEA) and were award-ed a $10,000 grant to assist with their research.

Devoted to increasing student achievement through technology, AzTEA is a professional, non-profi t organization that annually awards $95,000, allocated by CenturyLink, to Arizona PreK -12 teachers who demonstrate a project-based innovative use of technology with students.

Project Feeder Watch’ was named one of 11 grant recipients and one of only three winners to receive the maximum $10,000 award.

Third grade teacher Gina Fraher spoke with Today Publications about why she decided to pursue Project Feeder Watch and what she and Goucher will do with the windfall.

“It was last April and I was looking for a project that incorporated math and science that would also use technology and all that stuff,” Fra-her recalled. “I found Project Feeder Watch online which uses both data analysis and graphing.”

From their Fraher explained that she talked to Goucher who jumped at the chance to get involved. From there the two found the AzTEA grant and decided to take a chance and apply.

“It was defi nitely a surprise we didn’t expect the $10,000,” Fraher confessed. “When we were applying we weren’t sure about asking for [$9,100] we didn’t want to sound greedy.”

Using the funds the teachers purchased iPads, a MacBook Pro, a bird camera, binoculars and the students have already done their preliminary research and noting 14 different species of birds since they began watch-ing in the fi rst part of Nov.

Starting in Jan. the teachers will designate certain days and certain areas for the students to watch the bird feeders for 20 minutes at a time. In April, they will send their information along with that of other organi-zations around the country to Cornell for review.

Fraher has already noticed a positive change in her students as a result of the program and plans on continuing to be part of Project Feeder for years to come.

Do it every year just have to sign up send you a bird watching calen-dar get a booklet on species “One of the unexpected things that has come out of this is that the kids have really become aware of their surround-ings,” Fraher said. “They used to just walk now they look around and

watch the trees and I have parents writing me emails saying they saw this bird or that.”

B18 SAN TAN VALLEY TODAY PUBLICATIONS JANUARY 2012


Seven FUSD schools honored by Project TomorrowFlorence, AZ--Project Tomor-

row, the national education non-profi t group, recently announced the selection of seven schools from the Florence Unifi ed School District (FUSD) as Speak Up 200 schools. Speak Up 200 schools are a collection of top K-12 schools in the country that encourage and involve authentic student, parent and teacher ideas and views in the education planning and decision-making.

More than 379,000 K-12 stu-dents, teachers, administrators and parents, representing 6,541 public, private and charter schools from all around the country participated in the Speak Up 2010 surveys which were open for participation in fall 2010.

Winners from FUSD included Anthem K-8, Circle Cross Ranch K-8, Copper Basin K-8, Florence

CAC breaks ground on new Maricopa campusBy Chase KampToday Publications

K-8, Magma Ranch K-8, Poston Butte High School and Walker Butte K-8.

In making the announcement, Julie Evans, CEO of Project To-morrow, explained that her group is very encouraged to know that the recipients of the award are using the ideas of students as well as par-ents and teachers as input into their decision-making.

“By empowering student voices, the 2011 Speak Up 200 schools provide the education com-munity with powerful examples of the value of including stakehold-ers in these important discussions around education transformation and school improvement,” Evans enthused.

Project Tomorrow is the nation’s leading education non-profi t organization dedicated to the empowerment of student voices in

education. With 15 years experience in

the K-12 education sector, Project Tomorrow regularly provides con-sulting and research support about key trends in K-12 science, math and technology education to school districts, government agencies, business and higher education.

The Speak Up National Re-search project annually polls K-12 students, parents and educators about the role of technology for learning in and out of school and represents the largest collection of authentic, unfi ltered stakeholder voice on digital learning.

Since 2003, over 2.2 million K-12 students, parents, teachers, librarians, principals, technology leaders and district administrators have shared their views and ideas through Speak Up. Education, busi-ness and policy leaders report use

the data regularly to inform federal, state and local education programs.

FUSD will be using the data from the online Speak Up surveys to develop long-range strategic plans, make budgeting decisions and determine professional devel-opment needs.

In addition, the FUSD schools will be featured on the Project To-morrow website and receive special recognition from Project Tomorrow including a unique Speak Up 200 logo that can be used to denote the award on FUSD websites .

Project Tomorrow has tapped into the expertise of this year’s Speak Up 200 schools to develop new questions for Speak Up 2011, which is currently open for student, educator and parent input at Tomor-row.org/SpeakUp.

For information on Speak Up 2011 or FUSD, visit FUSDAZ.org.

Central Arizona College broke ceremonial ground on the future site of its Maricopa campus on Dec. 16, 2011, and with it comes anticipation of economic development and improved education in the region.

The project, designed by SmithGroup JJR and constructed by Core Construction, will be CAC’s eleventh location in Pinal County. The fi rst phase of the project, opening in Jan. 2013, will have four buildings cover-ing over 72,000 gross square feet, accommodating 2500 students. The campus will consist of 14 classrooms, a student services center, labora-tories, student common space, and a library accessible to the Maricopa community at large.

The 25-year master plan for the fully completed project will feature 720,000 total square feet of educational space.

“Today, we’re not just turning dirt, we’re planting seeds of growth,” said Gladys Christensen, president of the CAC Governing Board. “Today, we realize a dream to extend education opportunities to all parts on Pinal County.”

Architect Mark David Kranz from the design team at Smith Group said the project was an ambitious one for his company. “Rarely do we get to create a campus from scratch,” he said. The campus design will promote a reduced carbon footprint and lower energy costs by utilizing daylight harvesting and sustainable building materials, he explained.

Kranz said his team believed the Maricopa CAC branch will be the desert campus of the future. “There will be more shade than any other campus in the southwest,” he said with a smile. Present in the audience were LD 23 Representative Frank Pratt, Maricopa Vice-mayor Edward Farrel, City Manager Brenda Fischer, and Councilmembers Julia Gusse and Alan Marchione.

Maricopa Mayor Anthony Smith said he anticipated that generations

of Maricopans will attend the campus and be rewarded with a high-quali-ty education. “In turn, our community will be rewarded with a harvest of highly-qualifi ed people that will bring vitality and growth to our region,” he said.

Leslie Carlise Burnett, education committee Chairwoman for the Ak-Chin Indian community, conveyed the excitement of her community at the approaching arrival of the campus. Burnett herself is a graduate of CAC, and she said her mother went to CAC when the Signal Peak cam-pus was fi rst built.

The positive impact of the campus for the Ak-Chin community could not be understated, she said. Despite the advantages offered by the Ak-Chin education department, such as GED tutoring and counseling, the community has a long way to go, she said. “Hopefully with this campus, we won’t have to worry so much about the commute,” she said.

CAC and City of Maricopa leadership turns dirt on the site for the new campus

B19SAN TAN VALLEY TODAY PUBLICATIONSJANUARY 2012


Refl ecting on the fall semesterBy Brenda Mayberry, Combs High School Principal

We began our school year with a new focus. We adopted fi ve school rules. Come prepared. Own you work and behavior. Manage time and task. Be respectful. Strive for success. These rules apply to the hallway, cafeteria, library/labs, ex-tra-curricular activities, restrooms, arrival/dismissals, courtyard/fi elds and the classroom.

With adoption of these rules, we have seen remarkable changes in the culture of the school. We have also been vigilant in the enforcement of the dress code and public displays of affection. With these changes, Combs has become a place of respect and dignity. With this respect and dignity, we expect to see an improvement in school achievement as the two are closely connected.

As the fi rst semester comes to a close we have much to celebrate. In just fi ve short months we have celebrated our senior class with Se-nior Walk, Selection of the Senior, Up and Coming King and Queen and the senior athletes, cheerlead-ers, and band members.

Combs introduced its fi rst ever

Combs High School has had quite the busy semester.

Badminton Team, the Band went to State in its fi rst year of competition, and we have begun preparation for our fi rst Graduation with distribu-tion of materials. The yearbook is in fi nal stages and in its last weeks of sales.

The semester has brought the faculty and staff together in two competitions—the fi rst being a hard fought basketball game where the students discovered Mr. Fish can still dunk. The faculty won pretty soundly.

The second competition in-volved a volleyball game where the students demonstrated they were very skilled—but in the end the fac-ulty won by one.

Student Council has hosted two amazing assemblies for the stu-dent body. We celebrated Grandpar-ents by inviting them to spend time with us on campus and to attend our home football game.

This semester brought our fi rst play of the year, Promedy, Okto-berfest, band and choir concerts as well as the fi rst dance concert where all were attended well. They were great successes.

NHS hosted our fi rst blood drive collecting 40 pints of blood,

and Combs was the feature school on Channel 3 Varsity Zone morning show.

The Creative Writing Class’ poetry was featured at the Scotts-dale Museum of Modern Art and the Creative Writing club and class produced the fi rst Literary Maga-zine.

Finally, 75 students par-ticipated in a Community Day of Service, servicing eight sites in the community on a Saturday. The Combs Courier has been published and distributed, the drama students were recipients of the “spirit stick” at the drama convention and every

athletic team has celebrated victo-ries this semester.

We close with the Glee Club entertaining the Senior Citizen Cen-ter in Queen Creek. What a semes-ter! We are not fi nished yet. We are just getting started. Semester 2 is just beginning and there is much more to come.

The Combs student body has accomplished much this semester. As they fi nish their exams and take a couple of weeks to relax and get prepared for semester two we invite the community to join us for a busy second semester.

Anthem K-8 awarded First Book GrantBy Zach RichterToday Publications

Thanks to the efforts of librarian Patty Freeman, with help from the First Book grant, Anthem K-8 students each had a number of books to en-joy over the holiday break. Freeman applied for a grant through the First Book organization and received over $40,000 worth of books for both the students and the school.

Freeman spoke with Today Publications about school’s windfall and the effect it will have on students. “The First Book organization tries to get books out to students who may not have books at home,” she said.

According to their website, First Book has distributed more than 80 million books to schools and community organizations serving children from low-income families in thousands of communities.

First Book currently reaches more than 25,000 registered organiza-tions and schools that serve children in need from birth to age 18 with new book grants and through an online marketplace that offers below retail prices for qualifying organizations.

Freeman explained that with budget cutbacks, the school’s new book budget was distressingly thin so she signed up with First Book. “You have to be a Title 1 school or have a percentage of free lunch students to be eligible,” she recalled.”

Being eligible for a grant was only the fi rst step of the process and

after signing up with the organization Freeman had to be on the lookout for a distribution location that was within driving distance or the shipping costs would negate the savings.

“Whenever there was a distribution site we could choose to apply but there weren’t any nearby,” Freeman said, “This year there was a distribu-tion site in Casa Grande.”

With a distribution site in the County, Freeman drove to Casa Grande where she received boxes and boxes of books, 2,940 in all. “You choose from what’s available by age group,” she explained, “You get each title by the box, each box has 48 books.”

According to Freeman, First Book negotiates with publishers to ob-tain a variety of books, which are then available in bulk for the qualifying schools. “There were 21 titles total,” she said, “Each student received two or three books, there weren’t as many for students in second grade and below.”

In addition to personal copies for the students, there was a copy of each title for the school’s library that according to Freeman helps ease the pain of a tightened budget. “We didn’t have a big budget for new books,” she lamented, “This helped us out a great deal.”

For more information on the First Book organization visit FirstBook.org.

9 PINAL COUNTY TODAY PUBLICATIONSJANUARY 2012


SPORTS & ARTSYouth basketball league forming nowBy Zach RichterToday Publications

The registration fees have been waived for the fi rst 100 young ath-letes to sign up for the upcoming A-Z Sports Camps youth basket-

ball league.

The J.O. Combs Unifi ed School District has partnered with A-Z Sports Camps to bring a variety of new basketball programs to the San Tan Valley area. In addition to a training program and an adult men’s league, they are currently accepting registration for a youth league and the fi rst 100 players to sign up will have their registration fee waived.

A-Z Sports Camps was founded by former NFL player Jerome Daniels and community outreach specialist Kristin Foard in 2010 with the mission statement of touching hearts and changing lives by impacting the community.

To that end, the company provides a variety of sports opportunities and community service events throughout the year including the San Tan Valley Fall Festival and the recent Breakfast with Santa & NFL Players event.

According to A-Z Sports Camps co-founder, Kristin Foard the orga-nization’s main goal for their upcoming youth basketball league is to be as inclusive as possible. “The normal registration is $80,” Foard ex-plained, “But if we can see that the waived registration is the best plan for parents we will continue to waive the registration beyond the fi rst 100.”

With the registration fees waived, parents will just be responsible for a $25 reversible jersey plus a small admission fee to games that, accord-ing to Foard, will cover league expenses.

“We truly hope this will help the families in our community be able to have a great basketball league in the area that is affordable for the whole family to join,” Foard enthused.

The league is open to boys and girls in kindergarten through twelfth grade, practices will be held once a week at Combs schools starting at the end of Jan. The regular season will consist of eight games held each Sat. starting in Feb. with tournament play following.

League registration is available now for participants as well as vol-unteer coaches. A coaching clinic will be provided prior to the start of the season.

“The thing is that we want to expose kids to sports at a young age so that if they fi nd a sport they really like, then we have more time and opportunity to develop them into a highly skilled athlete,” Foard noted, “Thus helping them increase their chances of obtaining a college scholar-ship as much as possible.”

To further help athletes hone their skills A-Z Sports Camps also offers training programs in basketball and football for student athletes as well as specialized programs for those looking for an intense training regime.

“Our training provides the player with knowledge of the game, the mental capability to perform, and skill training,” Foard explained proud-ly, “All necessary on the court to be equipped to excel at each level they desire to progress.”

A-Z Sports Camps offers an eight-week group training (seven stu-dents per coach) session for $15 per session with a portion of the funds going to the Combs District’s community enrichment programs. One-on-one training sessions are available at a variety of times and locations and range from $20 to $35 per session.

For more information on A-Z Sports Camps, or their upcoming youth basketball league, visit AZSportsCamps.com.

10 PINAL COUNTY TODAY PUBLICATIONS JANUARY 2012


San Tan Valley High School Sports CalendarLooking for a centralized source for STV High School Varsity sports? Head to the (Home) page of SanTanValleyToday.com

and click on the Sports tab. Check it out for a list of the area's youth leagues. Here's what's coming up soon.Boys SoccerPoston Butte High School1/18 Away McClintock1/20 Away San Tan Foothills 1/26 Home Desert RidgeCombs High School1/17 Home Canyon State1/18 Home Williams Field 1/24 Away Queen Creek1/26 Home Queen CreekApache Junction High School1/17 Away Higley1/19 Home Globe1/24 Away Desert RidgeGirls SoccerPoston Butte High School1/ 20 Away San Tan Foothills 1/ 26 Away Desert RidgeCombs High School 1/19 Home Campo Verde1/24 Home Queen Creek1/26 Away Queen CreekApache Junction High School1/17 Home Higley1/19 Away GlobeBoys BasketballPoston Butte High School1/ 17 Away Campo Verde1/ 20 Away Saguaro1/ 24 Away San Tan Foothills 1/ 27 Home San Tan Foothills1/ 31 Home Combs2/1 Away Queen Creek2/3 Home Williams Field

Combs High School1/17 Away Coolidge1/18 Away Canyon State1/20 Home San Tan Foothills1/24 Away Tempe1/26 Home Apache Junction1/27 Home Gilbert Christian1/31 Away Poston Butte2/2 Home Queen Creek2/3 Away Apache JunctionSan Tan Foothills High School1/17 Away Higley1/19 Away Tempe Prep1/20 Away Combs 1/24 Home Poston Butte1/26 Home Canyon State 1/27 Away Poston Butte1/31 Away Queen Creek2/3 Away FlorenceFlorence High School1/17 Home Superior 1/20 Home Fountain Hills 1/26 Home Casa Grande 1/31 Away Coolidge 2/2 Home San Carlos 2/3 Home San Tan Foothills Apache Junction High School1/17 Home Coronado1/20 Home Queen Creek1/26 Away Combs1/27 Away Canyon State1/31 Away Tempe2/3 Home CombsGirls Basketball

Poston Butte High School1/ 17 Home Campo Verde1/ 20 Home Saguaro1/ 24 Home San Tan Foothills1/ 27 Away San Tan Foothills1/ 31 Away Combs2/ 1 Home Queen Creek2/ 2 Home Vista Grande2/ 3 Away Williams Field Combs High School1/17 Home Coolidge1/19 Away Superior1/20 Away San Tan Foothills1/24 Home Tempe1/26 Away Apache Junction1/27 Home Gilbert Christian1/31 Home Poston Butte2/2 Away Queen Creek2/3 Home Apache JunctionSan Tan Foothills High School1/19 Away Campo Verde1/20 Home Combs1/24 Away Poston Butte1/26 Away Miami High1/27 Home Poston Butte1/30 Away Florence 1/31 Home Queen Creek 2/3 Home Florence Florence High School1/17 Home Supeior 1/20 Home Fountain Hills 1/26 Away Casa Grande 1/31 Away Coolidge 2/2 Home San Carlos

2/3 Away San Tan Foothills Apache Junction High School1/17 Away Coronado1/19 Home Arcadia1/20 Away Queen Creek1/24 Away Williams Field1/26 Home Combs1/28 Away Queen Creek1/31 Home Campo Verde2/3 Away CombsWrestlingPoston Butte High School 1/18 Home McClintock1/ 19 Home McClintock1/ 25 Away Seton1/ 25 Away CombsCombs High School1/ 18 Away Safford1/20 Away Payson1/21 Away Payson1/ 25 Away SetonSan Tan Foothills High School1/18 Away Poston Butte1/25 Away HigleyFlorence High School1/18 Away Safford1/20 Away Payson1/25 Home Santa Cruz Apache Junction High School1/18 Away Fountain Hills1/25 Home Campo Verde

Combs boys basketball team gains momentum in third seasonBy Chase KampToday Publications

For Combs varsity boys bas-ketball coach Kirk Fauske, develop-ing the young school’s program is starting to pay dividends. “It’s been an upward battle for the last three years,” he said, “But we’re starting to get things going right now.”`

The Combs boys have a 9-9 record, already signifi cantly im-proved from their dismal 1-26 sea-son last year. One helpful change, Fauske said, is last year’s restruc-turing of Arizona high school sports divisions, placing Combs on a much more even fi eld.

“They put us in 4A-I last year

and expected us to play the schools like Saguaro and McClintock, and we got drilled,” he said. “It’s hard to stay positive when you’re getting blown out by 30 or 40 points.”

Combs has about 1000 stu-dents and is now in the new Di-vision 3 with schools of similar enrollment. With its very fi rst senior class on the court, the varsity team’s performances are now show-ing some drastic improvement.

The Combs Coyotes fi nished runner-up at a Dec. tournament hosted by Skyline High in Mesa, losing by only one point. They had another runner-up performance at a tournament in Globe, losing a lead (continued on pg 14)

to Florence with 2:20 left in the championship game.

These performances have giv-en Combs High their fi rst awards for team sports in the school’s short history. The sophomores Fauske trained three years ago are now his fi rst crop of seniors. “I told them: ‘As of right now, you have ten more games in your high school career, you have to choose how you want to fi nish up,’” he said.

The Coyotes have managed to overcome their lack of experience and size by playing a quick attack game. “Every game we play, we’re the smallest team on the fl oor,” Fauske said. “We have to impose

our will on other teams with the tempo and rebounds.”

Senior point guard and leading scorer Zach Angelo transferred to Poston Butte for his junior year but returned to graduate at Combs. “He makes the team go,” Fauske said. “He’s a quiet kid. He shows his leadership on the fl oor.”

Angelo said the team’s goal is clear moving forward in his fi nal season at Combs. “We’re all about getting to the playoffs for the fi rst time,” he said.

Junior Zach Craven, nick-named “The Big Fella” because of his 220 pounds and 6-foot-2 stature,



LIFESTYLELocal preschool teacher publishes fi rst bookBy Zach RichterToday Publications

San Tan Valley resident Wanda Messimer with a copy of her fi rst book “Tiny Teacup and Pot Belly Pig.”

On Dec. 27, 2011, San Tan Valley resident Wanda Messimer re-ceived copies of her fi rst book “Tiny Teacup and Pot Belly Pig” in the mail, fulfi lling a longstanding dream she had held since coming up with the idea for the book over a decade ago.

“Tiny Teacup and Pot Belly Pig,” is a children’s story that follows the adventures of a mischievous mouse, Tiny Teacup, and her best friend Pot Belly Pig. Throughout the story Tiny Teacup runs into trouble and with Pot Belly Pig’s help learns what it means to be a true friend.

Messimer, who has over 30 years of experience working as a pre-school teacher and caregiver, spoke with Today Publications about the inspiration for her book and what sets it apart from the other children’s books on the shelves.

“I fi rst had the idea for a story that was all about a little mouse,” Messimer remembers, “Then on a trip to Texas to visit family they had a pot belly pig for a pet and I thought what a cute idea to add to my story.”

Thanks to her extensive experience with preschool aged children, Messimer was able to include elements that would help ensure that they will stay interested in her story. “Children love stories with heroes and animals,” she said. “Pot Belly Pig is the hero; this book will put a smile on any child’s face.”

In addition to her time working with children, Messimer is a gradu-ate of the Writer’s Digest school, earning a diploma in novel workshop. She lives in San Tan Valley with her husband Bruce and her Poodle BJ

While the book was written to be entertaining for children, Messimer is confi dent that Tiny Teacup’s adventures teach valuable lessons as well. It’s all about friendship,” she explained. “Children learn about friendship and sharing around this age so this would fi t right in as a teaching tool for preschool or kindergarten.”

With her fi rst book on sale now, Messimer happily recalls fi nding her publisher, Publish America, amidst the sea of companies only looking to take her money. “I was going to self publish but I didn’t want to put out

the money, I came across Publish America and sent in my manuscript,” she said. “A week later I received an acceptance letter and then a contract and all that stuff.”

“It has been so exciting,” Messimer enthused, “I love my story I re-ally get into it.”

Currently Messimer is working at a preschool part time while fi nish-ing her second book, “Tiny Teacup and Pot Belly Pig go to Africa.” “In the sequel Tiny Teacup and Pot Belly Pig go in search of the Great Lion,” she said. “You know they’re going to get into trouble.”

“Tiny Teacup and Pot Belly Pig” is available online at PublishAmer-ica.com or by calling 301-695-1707.

LETI Foundation comes to Queen CreekBy Zach RichterToday Publications

When Teresa Palma moved to Deer Valley in 2005, she was disap-pointed by the support group options available in the area for children with Down syndrome. As the mother of a seven-year-old girl with the condition, Palma knew the importance of such groups and set out to form one of her own.

Now, nearly seven years later, the LETI Foundation is going strong, providing support and activities for families with children who have signifi cant learning disabilities or complex educational and medical needs free of charge, and Palma is bringing the foundation to Queen Creek.

Today Publications spoke with Palma about the impetus for the change and what local families with children who have special needs can expect once the Foundation gets up and running in the area.

“My family has moved to Queen Creek,” Palma explained, “I’m still

The LETI Foundation provides support and activities for families with children who have signifi cant learning disabilities or complex

educational and medical needs.(continued on pg 14)



Nothing succeeds like the guts to fail By Kally Reynolds, CPCC, PCCSpecial to Today Publications

The 2012 Rose Bowl was the most watched game in the event’s 98-year history.

Recently my husband and I watched the Oregon Ducks play the Wisconsin Badgers in the highest scoring, and most watched game in the Rose Bowl’s 98-year history. From one quarter to the next, we kept our eyes glued on the game, cheering and critiquing the action, as if those players on the fi eld were down there expressly for us.

And I’m not even much of a football fan.

Now, obviously, we weren’t the only ones with hearts throb-bing, urging our team on to victory. So was everyone else watching the

game – from the millions of TV viewers to the more than 90,000 fans in the Rose Bowl Stadium.

After all of our hoopla, one thing struck me: Both these teams played to win, and it was nip and tuck all the way. Just as we thought one team was “out,” they were back “in it” – and the same with the other side.

While the Ducks ended up beating the Badgers 45 to 38, I came away with the strong im-pression that both teams played as winners. So, after the game, I went to the computer to look up some quotes on success. Instead, I found myself looking up quotes on fail-ure, which inspired me even more.

Here are fi ve of my favorites, with a question or two for you to ponder as we move into 2012:

(1) “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb --- What are you creating in 2012?

(2) “I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” Bill Cosby, comedian, educator and writer --- Who are you trying to please? Where is it getting you?

(3) “Disappointment often focuses on the failure of our own agenda rather than on God’s long-term purposes for us, which may use stress and struggle as tools for strengthening our spiritual mus-cles.” Luci Shaw, poet and retreat facilitator --- How is God strength-ening your spiritual muscles?

(4) “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life.

Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Steve Jobs, inven-tor, business leader and co-founder of Apple Inc. --- What helps you make the big choices in life?

(5) “I can accept failure; every-one fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” Michael Jordan, famous basketball player--- What stops you from trying your best?

Why does the “Big Game” capture the imagination of so many millions of people, year after year? Maybe it’s because we’re all start-ers in our own “Rose Bowls” of life. That’s my take. What’s yours?

Why do you think the “Big Game” captures the imaginations of so many people? Let Kally know at [email protected] or online at Facebook.com/SanTan-ValleyNEWS.



How to plan a wedding on a small budget By Nancy Martineau, SanTanWeddings.comSpecial to Today Publications

In these hard economic times, brides are still marrying the loves of their lives.

A wedding is a ceremony of commitment and love but that doesn’t mean it has to be a fi nancial burden to the new family. There are many tricks to having a beautiful wedding on a tight budget.

If you are going to do it yourself, it needn't be complicated. Go with a chair rental com-pany, build a simple arbor and fi nd a beautiful park with a pavilion.

You can reserve most public parks for a small fee. They have restrooms and parking. Look for electrical outlets and borrow or rent a nice Karaoke machine.

Does a relative have a beautiful back-yard? Ask them to host your wedding. Focus on simple homemade decorations. An internet search will show you many distinct decorations that you can customize to suit your ceremony.

Have relatives help with the food by bring-ing a dish to share. Borrow folding tables from neighbors and friends and set up boxes covered with fabric for the potluck wedding buffet.

The dollar store is your friend! Plan your colors around table linens you may already have or hem fabric bought at a remnant store like S.A.S. in Tempe.

Weddings are a celebration, not a spend fest. Make it simple, make it

beautiful and make it your own. After giving each of my daughters nice

weddings for less than $1000 I saw that it could be done especially if decorations and chairs were borrowed or shared.

I want my brides to feel free to bring extra decorations that express their distinct style. This is their day and I will work with them to make it everything that they imagined without busting the bank.

SanTanWeddings.com is a new, small wedding company here in San Tan Valley that believes that you can have a beautiful wedding on a small budget. The company offers three wedding packages starting at $100.

The complete park/backyard wedding for 50 people is only $700. $700 includes the offi -ciate, arbor, chairs, fl owers, photos, music, gift table, cake table, 60 cupcakes, lemonade and water service, bouquets, veil and more.

SanTanWeddings has complete color pack-ages that are ready to go so ceremonies can be

held on short notice subject to date availability. I would love to help you with low-cost wedding ideas whether or not you use the services offered by San Tan Weddings.

Visit SanTanWeddings.com for ideas and feel free to call for ideas about local no-cost or low cost venues. Call 480-209-8836 for more in-formation.



going to keep my nonprofi t but what I want to do is start a support group in Queen Creek.” Palma went on to note that while she is from the area she has been out of touch for a while and is currently exploring local sup-port and therapy options including hippotherapy.

Likewise, the Queen Creek chapter of the LETI Foundation is cur-rently in the planning stages and according to Palma, the initial response has been positive. “We’re looking at what’s available in the area,” Palma said, “We’ve begun networking and put out a call to families in the area.”

The LETI Foundation currently provides support in numerous ways, teaching families how to navigate the system of resources, services and educational rights for the enhancement of a successful life for the loved one with a disability. They provide workshops, training and support groups as well as monthly social gatherings for the entire family, some-thing that Palma is anxious to bring to the Queen Creek area.

The Foundation is a 501(c)3, specializing in help for multicultural families but available to everyone without a membership fee. “We’ve

Combs basketball gains momentum

LETI Foundation comes to Queen Creek(continued from pg 11) done what we can to remove the barrier of fi nances,” Palma said, “We

just want everyone to feel included.“We hear sometimes that the special needs child needs extra atten-

tion, which causes the other children to sometimes feel left out,” Palma said. “The family gatherings give everyone a chance to feel included; children, and moms and dads too, get to interact with others who are in their same situation.”

Each gathering involves an activity, such as visiting the Phoenix Zoo, and Palma is anxious to explore the activities available in the Queen Creek area. “We could visit the San Tan Mountains or some of the local farms,” she enthused.

“We’re not a fast paced group but we are growing,” Palma contin-ued, “Our goal fi rst and foremost is to reach out to interested members of the community and we’ll go from there.”

The Queen Creek Chapter of the LETI Foundation is currently look-ing for families in the area interested in participating, for more informa-tion visit LETIFoundation.com or contact Palma at 480-567-6148.

(continued from pg 10)

does most of Combs’ workload in the post. According to MaxPreps.com, Craven has taken 24 charges and pulled down 81 rebounds on the season.

Craven is often matched up with players several inches taller than him, which he said no longer fazes him. “My brother is taller than me, it doesn’t matter,” he said, “I’m in a different mindset.”

Ten games remain in the Combs season, including matchups against division foes, and Fauske said the Coyotes have earned some

self-confi dence in this turnaround season. “The good thing is that we’ve tasted some success,” Fauske said. “Every team that we play now knows they have to work.”

Fauske coached girls’ basket-ball and assisted with the coaching for boys at Mountain Pointe High School in Tempe from 1999 to 2005. Now that he’s taken the reins on his own program, boys’ basket-ball at Combs is starting to reach the top of the hill. “It’s going in the direction I want it to go,” Fauske said.



ADOPT A PETPinal County Animal Control pet of the week

My name is Hazel; I am a female, gray and white Domestic Shorthair. The shelter staff thinks I am about nine months old. I am looking for a forever home. For more information about this animal, call Pinal County Animal Care and Control at 520-509-3555 ask for

information about animal ID number A125125.

ment on the terms of the agreement with the Pecan Creek South HOA. Daniel Hodges of Johnson Utilities spoke to Today Publications on

the day of the incident, speculating on the cause of the leak. “We may have had a sinkhole that undermined the berm between us and the Pecan Creek South HOA,” Hodges said.

Other details of the spill are awaiting confi rmation from the inves-tigations. Initial estimates conveyed by a Pinal County Sheriff’s Offi cer on the scene stated that around 800,000 gallons of reclaimed wastewater leaked into the basin. However, the reclamation plant capacity is estimat-ed at 500,000 gallons, the offi cer said.

“The water was in two holding pods right by the south wall,” said Rural/Metro Fire Battalion and Hazmat Chief Peter Zick. “They take that water and pump it to the golf courses.”

“If it’s a danger, it will put out hydrogen sulfi de gas, and we didn’t fi nd any of that,” he said.

The water that leaked into the basin was murky, had an unpleas-ant smell and had a light-tan colored fi lm that rested on the surface. The water processed in reclaimed waste plants is often used for landscaping irrigation or to recharge underground aquifers.

(continued from pg 1)Pecan Creek South retention basin

16 SAN TAN VALLEY TODAY PUBLICATIONS MAY 2010


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