Chef Dillon's Corner Recipes!Grilled
Stuffed Peaches
GO GREEN
Tips for Going Green
Reduce your Carbon
Imprint
1. Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
2. Replace bulbs with new low energy bulbs.
3. Reuse shopping bags
4. Carpool
5. Conserve water
6. Inflate tires
7. Recycle
8. About 90 percent of the energy used to wash clothes goes to heating the
water. Cool things off and save 349 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
Household Tips
Pour a
packet of lemonade Kool-Aid (the only flavor that works) into the detergent
cup and run the dishwasher while empty. The citric acid in the mix wipes out
stains! And it smells lemon fresh!
Eliminate ear mites. All it takes
is a few drops of Wesson Corn Oil in your cat's ear... massage it in, then
clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's
skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.
Easy eyeglass protection... to
prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of
Maybelline Crystal Clear Nail Polish to the threads of the screws before
tightening them.
Smart splinter remover: Just pour a
drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue
off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.
Before
you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious
chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints.
They'll clear up your stuffed nose.
Drinking
two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately-without
the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional pain relievers?
Rainy day cure for dog odor: Next
time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with
Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.
Kills fleas instantly... Dawn
Dishwashing Liquid does the trick. Add
a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well
to avoid skin irritations. Good-bye fleas.
Did you know that Colgate
Toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns?
Use leftover eggshells to shine your glassware. Simply drop
some crushed shells in vase, add warm water and a drop of dishwashing
liquid, and give it a good swirl
A simple spruce up for the microwave: place a bowl of water
mixed with lemon juice inside and run the machine on high
for one minute, wipe out to clean.
Here are the five most common early warning signs of a heart
attack:
-- Chest pain.
-- Pain or discomfort in the neck and jaw.
-- Pain or discomfort in the arm, shoulder or back.
-- Sudden feeling of profound fatigue.
-- Sudden shortness of breath. |
August
2008 Archives
|
Michael Fennelly
Piano
and
Megan Weston
Soprano
Two
extraordinary and versatile talents
Both have
appeared in Carnegie Hall and played to audiences throughout the
world.
Enjoy this
evening of lush romantic music
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
at
7 pm
Tickets:
Adults $15 -
Museum Members $13 - Teens $7 - Kids $5
Tickets can be
purchased at the Museum store
by phone
623-972-0635 with a credit card
or at the door
Michael Fennelly
Following his
sold-out recital debut in Carnegie's Weill Hall, pianist Michael
Fennelly has toured the world with an array of dynamic programs.
Last year, he released his debut solo recording, The Legend of
Faust, on One Soul Records and is currently preparing
the follow up CD, The Legend of Faust, Part Two,
with legendary producer Max Wilcox of RCA.
The native
Californian made his first concerto appearance at age ten, and
subsequently performed with many orchestras throughout California,
including the Orange County Philharmonic, Palo Alto Chamber
Orchestra, Santa Clara Symphony and the South Coast Symphony
Orchestra. While still in high school, he was flown to New York as a
last-minute replacement for a soloist with the New York Virtuosi
Orchestra, and later performed Brahms' First Piano Concerto in
Germany.
More recently, he
recorded new concerti with the Manhattan Symphony, and performed the
Bach concerti with the Barge Festival. His recitals have been
broadcast on WQXR (New York City), NDR Radio (Germany), and KSTA
(Palo Alto). On film, he appeared as the young Harry Truman (who
initially trained to become a concert pianist!) for PBS'
American Experience. Michael Fennelly is a
Distinguished Guest Artist for Olympia Cruises, a member of the
German ensemble Hudson Shad, and a performer for the Aristotle
Onassis Foundation, the Metropolitan Opera, and Allied Tours.
He was the United
States winner of the Horowitz Competition, and a prize-winner of the
Young Artist Peninsula Music Festival, the Young Keyboard Artist
Association, and the Artist International Competition. He has
performed in Moscow Conservatory's International Chopin Symposium,
New York's Schoenberg Music Festival, and Italy's Wilhelm Kempff
Beethoven Seminar, and in master classes under John O'Connor,
Richard Goode, and Abbey Simon.
Michael Fennelly
was taught from age five by his mother, a successful piano teacher,
and his father, an avid amateur musician; he continued his studies
with Trula Whelan and Earl Voorhies in California. He was a pupil of
Dr. Nelita True at the Eastman School of Music, where he was awarded
the prestigious Performer's Certificate, and was then accepted into
the studio of Byron Janis at the Manhattan School of Music, where
lie received the school's special prize for chamber music and
completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree with a dissertation on
Metric Structure.
In New York City,
Dr. Fennelly's current position as a staff pianist for The Juilliard
School has led to innumerable recitals with every instrument and
voice type. This year, he embarks upon two tours of the Midwest from
Minnesota to Montana, performs across Germany and Belgium, and
appears in recital in New York, Georgia, California, and Maine.
Megan
Weston
Megan
Weston received superlative
reviews for her portrayal of Lisa in La sonnambula
with the Orchestra of St. Luke's conducted by Will Crutchfield
at the Caramoor International Music Festival. This past season, Ms.
Weston triumphed as Norina in Don Pasquale with
Lyric Opera San Diego, and sang Barber's
Knoxville: Summer of 1915
and Copland's Poems of Emily Dickinson with the
San Diego Chamber Orchestra conducted by Jung-Ho Pak. She recently
debuted with the Cape Cod Symphony, and sang Messiah
solos with the Choir of Hendon St. Mary, London, England under
the baton of Richard Morrison. Her upcoming engagements include
Jenny Lind in the US premiere of Chopin and the Nightingale
with the Sembrich Festival in Lake George, NY, and concerts with
the Bar Harbor Festival, ME, Cape Cod Symphony, MA, Motyl Chamber
Ensemble, and New Music New York.
Hailed as
"excellent" (Opera News) and "magnificent" (KPBS), Megan Weston
first gained national attention in her San Diego Opera debut as the
underprivileged mill-girl, Lightfoot McClendon, in the world
premiere co-production of Carlisle Floyd's Cold Sassy Tree.
Her performances have included Amore in L'incoronazione di
Poppea and Despina in Cosi fan tutte
with Utah Opera, Olympia in Les contes d'Hoffmann
and Lapak in The Cunning Little Vixen with
Tulsa Opera, Carmina Burana with the San Diego
Symphony, Viennese operetta arias with New Haven Symphony Orchestra,
Mozart's Coronation Mass at Carnegie Hall, and
many leading roles with Lyric Opera San Diego, including Blondchen
in Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail, Lucy Lockit
in Britten's The Beggar's Opera, and Cunegonde
in Candide.
Megan Weston won
both the Lee Schaenen Foundation Awards and Joyce Dutka Arts
Foundation Competition in 2006, and has received top awards from the
Gerda Lissner Foundation Awards, Metropolitan Opera Western Regional
Auditions, and the Loren L. Zachary Competition among others. She
has collaborated with many important American composers include
Carlisle Floyd, Myron Fink, Henry Mollicone, and Richard Wargo, and
regularly gives lectures and readings of new works for the Juilliard
School.
Reviews
In concert with
Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra
"But the jewel in
the crown was Megan Weston, whose vivid presence and radiant,
seemingly effortlessly produced coloratura voice lent wings to the
artfully designed and skillfully executed production... Glamorously
gowned in bright red satin, the attractive young soprano was as
charming to behold as to listen to and is my choice for the best
ever Christmas pops soloist."
Anna Crebo, Cape
Cod Times - December,
2007
As Lisa in La
sonnambula - Caramoor International Music Festival
"... a delightful
surprise, making the scorned innkeeper Lisa a touching, tenderly
comic figure, and displaying a gorgeous, light lyric soprano."
Eric Myers, Opera - January, 2006
"(Sumi Jo) was
joined by a strong cast.. .Megan Weston was persuasive as the
innkeeper, Lisa."
Jeremy Eichler, The New York Times - July, 2005
"Megan Weston
displayed remarkable virtuosity and charm as Lisa." - Martin
Bernheimer, Financial Times - July, 2005
As Norina in
Don Pasquale - Lyric Opera San Diego
"...it is her
acrobatic coloratura and impeccable technique stealing the show; her
piercing sound and wicked characterization bring her triumphantly
through each aspect of her role."
Grace Leslie, San Diego
Union- Tribune -
November, 2006
As Olympia in
Les contes d'Hoffmann - Tulsa Opera
".. .handled the
coloratura fireworks of "Les oiseaux dans la charmille" with
thrilling ease, giving a performance that was the perfect mix of
vocal control, physicality and humor. It came close to stopping the
show Saturday evening."
James Watts, Tulsa World
- April, 2004
West Valley Art Museum 17420 North Avenue of the Arts - Surprise, AZ
85374
Call 623-972-0635 or visit
www.wvam.org
|
|
The 2008 Relay For Life of Anthem is off to a great
start! More than 100 people and 15 teams are
currently registered!
The next information session/Team Captain meeting
is tomorrow,
August 18th
at 6:00 p.m. at the Anthem Community Center.
Come learn more about Relay, get fundraising ideas,
turn in offline donations and/or pick up a Team
Captain kit. Sponsorship and luminaria forms
are available online on the Forms page as well.
Dont miss your opportunity to become a part of this
amazing event! If you havent already
registered as a team captain, team member or
survivor, visit the event webpage for the
Relay For Life of Anthem
and register today!
Once you are registered, you can customize your own
personal event page and begin collecting donations
online! If you have any questions about the
website, please contact Robin Chowaniec at robin@chowaniec.com.
Relay For Life, the American Cancer Societys
signature event, raises awareness and funds to save
lives, help those touched by cancer, and empower
people to fight back against the disease. With
the money raised at Relay, your American Cancer
Society is working towards an important goal, a
future without cancer.
Thank you for helping
us fight cancer right here in the North Valley!
Mike Chartrand and Jasson Pilcher
2008 Event Co-Chairs Relay For Life of Anthem
http://events.cancer.org/RFLAnthemAZ
|
|
3rd
Annual Dog Days of August
Contest to Benefit Animal Charities Statewide Cave Creeks
newly-formed non-profit is a sponsor of this month-long event.
100 percent of entry fees will be donated to each
applicants charity of choice!
In
its third year, Linda Budges Dog Days of August charity
contest is once again raising much needed funds for animal
charities, but this time the newly-formed non-profit is reaching
out to residents statewide and the contest includes more
categories and prizes.
Story
Continues |
LANDMARK WESTERN
MOVIE AND DISCUSSION AT THE ARIZONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM AT
PAPAGO PARK
Every Tree Has RootsAnd Shoots
The Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park presents The
Magnificent Seven along with discussion by noted film experts at
12:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, at the Museum, 1300 North
College Avenue, Tempe, Arizona. In this program, called Every Tree
Has RootsAnd Shoots, visitors can watch the movie and then hear
how it fits in cinematic historythe movies that influenced it, and
how it changed movie-making in Hollywood. The program is free with
museum admission.
In this landmark film, seven men, each an expert in his own way,
protect a Mexican farming village from a small army of bandits.
Stars include Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, and Eli
Wallach. The film is full of action, where showdowns and shootouts
combine with introspection and tragic heroism. After The Magnificent
Seven, with its ensemble cast, Westerns changed forever, and it
became an inspiration for many other films.
After viewing the film and having some light refreshments, the
public can join a panel of film experts to discuss the movie. There
will be short clips from movies that were inspiration for and
inspired by The Magnificent Seven. Clips from films such as Akira
Kurosawas Seven Samurai, Robert Aldrichs The Dirty Dozen, and
others, will be springboards for lively discussion among the panel
and with the audience.
The panel moderator is Fred Linch. Mr. Linch has lectured on films
and organized film festivals throughout Arizona and as far away as
Bangkok and Vladivostok. He is a lecturer on cinema with Arizona
State Universitys Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and co-creator
of The Film Forecast. Fred will draw on film clips and his deep
knowledge of movies to keep the audience engaged.
Fred is joined by The Arizona Republic writer Richard Nilsen, as
well as film critic Francie Noyes. Richard Nilsen has been an art
and film critic with the Republic for many years. His interests span
the whole spectrum of the Phoenix cultural scene. Francie Noyes has
been a movie writer and film aficionado for more than twenty years.
She was the film critic for City Life magazine, and at the
Scottsdale Progress. Francie is a discussion leader for the
Foothills Film Society and is a facilitator at the Scottsdale
International Film Festival.
The Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park is the
principal museum in the Phoenix metropolitan area covering the
changes that have made Arizona what it is today. Concentrating on
Arizona in the 20th and 21st centuries, the museum is filled with
storiesstories about World War II and its effects in Arizona,
stories about the rise of desert cities, and stories about Arizona
popular culture. The museum makes stories come alive through
hands-on and multimedia displays, childrens activities, and a
variety of educational programs.
The Museum is located in Papago Park at 1300 North College Avenue,
just north of Curry Road between Mill Avenue and Scottsdale Road,
north of the Loop 202. At the intersection of Curry and College, you
will see a ball field and our large parking lot. The museum is open
Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday
from noon to 4:00 p.m.. Admission is $5.00 for adults; $4.00 for
seniors and students; children under 12 are free. Parking is free.
For further information, please contact the Museum at 480-929-0292.
|
|
WELLS FARGOS
SCOTT ASHER JOINS
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT, TEMPE CHAMBER BOARDS
Scott Asher, district manager for Wells Fargo Regional Banking in
Tempe, has joined the board of Junior Achievement and the Tempe
Chamber of Commerce. Asher also will serve as treasurer of the Tempe
Chamber.
Asher manages 11
Wells Fargo Community Banking stores in Tempe, Mesa and Southeast
Phoenix, with $778 million in deposits and 210-plus team members.
In Arizona, Wells
Fargo has 14,000 team members and 260 stores. Wells Fargo &
Company is a diversified financial services company with $595
billion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments,
mortgage and consumer finance through almost 6,000 stores and the
internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally.
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the only bank in the U.S., and one of only
two banks worldwide, to have the highest possible credit rating from
both Moody's Investors Service, Aaa, and Standard & Poor's Ratings
Services, AAA. |
WELLS FARGO FOOD DRIVE
PROMOTES HUNGER AWARENESS
Wells Fargo Stagecoach to Appear at Tempe Food Drive Site
Wells Fargo is collecting food from July 1
to 15 to benefit local food banks. To promote the collection
drive, the Wells Fargo stagecoach will make an
appearance at the companys Tempe Auto Finance Center. Radio
MIX 96.9 will broadcast live from the celebration.Stagecoach
appearance Wednesday, July 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Radio
station KMXP MIX 96.9 live broadcast 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wells Fargo
Auto Finance Center, 711 W. Broadway, Tempe Wells
Fargo team members will be on hand to accept donations.
BACKGROUND: Daily headlines tell the
tale: The poor economy, the price of gas, the price of food
everyone is being stretched to the limit, and food banks are no
different. The most vulnerable in our community are at the
greatest risk when times are toughest. Demand for services is at
record levels and donations continue to trail behind the demand.
Food shelves need to be re-stocked just to meet daily requests.
From July 1 to 15, Wells Fargo is teaming up with local community
food banks across Arizona to help re-fill those shelves. Food
collection bins have been placed in the 260-plus Wells Fargo
Community Banking stores throughout the state.
Facts about hunger
in Arizona One in 7 Arizona adults, 1 in
12 seniors and 1 in 5 children live in poverty. Of those receiving
emergency food in Arizona, 41% are children and seniors; 13% of the
families had children under age five; 15% of the families reported
their children skipped meals because there was not enough money for
food.
In the Valley and
nearby cities, Wells Fargo store teams will collect food for:
|
AZDance
Group Auditions - Children & Older Dancers (2008-2009 Season)
AZDance Group the
professional contemporary touring dance company under the direction
of Kenda Newbury, will hold their last set of auditions for this
coming season. We welcome trained dancers for the 2008-2009
Junior/Trainee Company (apprentices) and the Childrens
Christmas Company. Full audition and company details on the
website.
Saturday, July 12th for Apprentice (Junior/Trainee members)
and Pre-professional dancers are called to show their stuff from
2:45-4:15 PM with 2:15 pm as the registration time. Please
arrive on time. Audition location is the Anthem Community Center
Dance Room, 41130 N. Freedom Way, Anthem, AZ 85086,
Second Floor. Professional dancers are welcome to attend this
audition. Full information www.azdance.org,
do not call the community center !
Saturday, August 30th, are for both the Childrens and
the Junior/Trainee groups. Children begin at 11:00 registration,
11:30-12:30 audition (age 5 and up), the Junior/Trainee dancers age
12 and up are invited to register 1:00, audition 1:30-3:15 pm. The
August 30th audition is currently being held at Desert Foothills
Dance studio at 6450 E. Cave Creek Road, Suite 202, but please
confirm on website prior. Please call only the
company, AZDance Group, and NOT the studios for audition or company
information. For complete audition requirements, restrictions and
information visit www.azdance.org.
(Professional and Pre-professionals dancers are welcome at either
the apprentice auditions).
A resume, photo, proper dance attire (and hair) and audition fee
(exact cash/check) of $15.00 is required of all those that audition.
Also each individual should turn in a CD with their biography in
word format and a high-quality color jpg headshot of themselves (no
less than 300 dpi jpg) in case they are selected for this years
season of performers. Parent(s)/guardian(s) must be available to
fill out and sign appropriate forms prior in order for child to
audition. Being able to pick-up combinations quickly is a
requirement of all dancers.
AZDance Group was nominated for the Be More Awards (Channel
Eight) and listed as one of the top art organizations in the
Ranking Arizona 2008 The Best of Arizona Business magazine.
They recently received support from the City of Phoenix Office of
Arts and Culture for their 2008-2009 performing season.
The mission of the AZDance Group is to service the community by
creating and producing professional dance performances of the
highest quality, to nurture its artists and audiences and
to contribute to the arts education of that community.
|
AZ Diamondbacks
Mascots Coming to the Desert Foothills Library
CAVE CREEK - July 7 will find
not just one, but two popular mascots appearing at the Desert
Foothills Library to entertain young readers in the "Read Your Way
to the Ballpark" summer reading program. Sponsored by the AZ
Republic and Arizona Diamondbacks, " The Bobby and Baxter Show" will
feature Baxter the Bobcat and famed organist Bobby Freeman
performing together. The idea for Baxter came in 2000 from Brantley
Bell, the oldest son of Diamondbacks second baseman Jay Bell. He
suggested the name Bobcat because at the time the team played in the
Bank One Ballpark (BOB). Baxter makes public appearances at all the
ball games, hospitals, schools, libraries and other locations
throughout the Valley. Bobby Freeman has been the official organist
for the team since they started in 1998, and is one of the few
remaining live performers at ballparks in the country. His
presentations at libraries across Maricopa county, as he reads
stories, plays his organ and speaks to children, stress positive
thinking and not giving up. The educational and interactive program
for all ages will begin at 1:00 p.m. and fans should arrive early to
get a seat.In addition
to the "Read Your Way to the Ballpark" programs, other July events
at DFL include Kid's Summer Movies on July
9 and 23 at 1:30 p.m.
featuring "E.T." and "Arthur
and the Invisables." On July 14
Sandy the Sandwich Clown will perform at 10:45 a.m. and on
July 16 author Mary Ann Herzog and
her Black Labrador Retriever, Buddy, will have a book signing and
dog meeting at 10:00 a.m. for her book, "The Buddy Tails." Check for
details at
www.desertfoothillslibrary.org
or call (480) 488-2286.
|
Stage Coach Village Merchants join forces to present
author Maria Grazia Swan:
Love Boomer Style
Saturday, June 21st "Boomer Babes - True Tales of Love and
Lust in the Later Years"
Pages Bookstore and Brix Wine Spot have joined forces to present
Maria Grazia Swan, author of "Boomer Babes - Love and Lust in
the Later Years", Saturday, June 21st at 4pm.
Swan will discuss the true-life stories of the men and women of
the Baby Boomer generation, as featured in her new book from
Leisure Publishing.
Attendees will receive admittance to the speaking engagement and
a signed book at Pages, immediately followed by complimentary
wine and food at Brix Wine Spot.
Tickets are $24.95, RSVP by calling 480/575-7220.
Pages New and Rare and Brix Wine Spot are
located at the Stage Coach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Road,
Cave Creek.
For more information contact Pages,
480/575-7220 or write
info@PagesNewAndRare.com.
MARIA GRAZIA SWAN, Scottsdale resident and
author of "Boomer Babes - True Tales of Love and Lust in the
Later Years" is the winner of a Women's National Book
Association award.
Pages is a member of Booksense Independent
Bookstores, the American Booksellers Association and the
Mountain & Plains Independent Booksellers Association.
|
SCOTTSDALE ARTISTS SCHOOL
WEEKEND WORKSHOPS at PHOENIX ART MUSEUM
Scottsdale Artists School is continuing its series of weekend
workshops at Phoenix Art Museum this summer.
June 21-22, 2008
Introduction to Sculpture-Bas Relief
Jerry Cox
$170 for Museum Members
$200 for non-members
Enter the wonderful world of clay sculpture! In this beginning level
class, students will learn how to create a simple bas relief
sculpture. A bas relief sculpture is one in which the subject
(figure, landscape or still life) projects slightly from the
background. There are special techniques for creating a
three-dimensional sculpture on a two dimensional surface, and the
instructor will show you how to do it. The class will also tour
Phoenix Art Museum and look at several bas reliefs in its
collection.
July 19-20, 2008
Beginning Drawing
Larry Charles
$150 for Museum Members
$180 for non-members
Learn how to transfer what you see onto paper! Even if youve never
tried to draw before, this class will help you have success from the
very beginning. Students will get a chance to explore various
drawing techniques and different methods for getting a realistic
image. There will be instructor demonstrations and hands on
practice.
August 30-31, 2008
Introduction to Oil Painting
Carrie Curran
$170 for Museum Members
$200 for non-members
Learn the basics of working with oil paints! Youll get to
experiment with mixing colors, painting on a canvas board, and
creating a simple still life painting. Students will learn the
process of creating an oil painting, from composition and blocking
in shapes, to using colors, values, and brushwork to make an image
have excitement and depth. If you have always wanted to try oil
painting, this fun introduction is a great way to get started!
In
each workshop, instructors will select several museum masterpieces
as reference and inspiration for specific workshop topics. After
viewing and learning about the artworks, students will return to the
studio for hands on experience with the same principles and
techniques employed by the masters. No experience is required for
any workshop. Materials for each workshop are included with tuition,
but all students should bring a sketchpad and pencil. Sessions meet
from 10am-4pm each day unless otherwise noted. To register for any
of these workshops,
call
Scottsdale Artists School at 480-990-1422 or go online to
ScottsdaleArtSchool.org . Classes are listed under Semester 2008
Local Offsites.
Scottsdale Artists School is a nonprofit school of traditional fine
art founded
in 1983.
One of the worlds premier art institutions, the school holds more
than 200 adult classes and workshops each year along with Youth
Academy workshops in the spring, summer, fall and winter. Learn more
at ScottsdaleArtSchool.org , now featuring on-line
enrollment.
Scottsdale Artists School is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. |
The Bob
Bondurant School of High Performance Driving announced the
Bondurant Corvette Performance Experience.
Saturday, December 6, 2008,
Corvette owners with guest are welcome to participate in an all day
driving experience at the Bondurant Schools 60 acre training
facility and 1.6 mile road course.
WHAT: Bondurant Corvette Performance Experience
WHO: Corvette owners and guest
WHEREThe Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving,
20,000 S Maricopa Rd. Chandler, AZ, 85226, at Firebird Raceway, Gate
3.
WHEN: December 6, 2008
HOW: Register online at:
www.bondurant.com/corvetteday08
DIRECTIONS: Exit 162 Wild Horse Pass and I-10
PRICING: $195 per Corvette (Corvettes only)
ONLINE INFO:
www.bondurant.com
The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving,
located in Phoenix, Arizona on the Gila River Indian Community, is
the world-renowned leader in driver training. The Bondurant
School proudly features General Motors products such as the Cadillac
CTS-V, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Corvette C6 coupe, Pontiac Solstice
and open-wheel single-seaters. The core curriculum is the
Bondurant Method based on teaching maximum car control and driver
safety. Courses offered are Grand Prix Road Racing, Advanced
Teen Driving, High Performance Driving, Executive
Protection/Anti-Kidnapping and custom corporate programs. For
more information log on to
www.bondurant.com
or call 1-800-842-7223. |
Sunshine Acres Childrens Home
to Participate in O.F.F. To School Field
Day Shopping Spree July 29th
Approximately 75 children from Sunshine Acres Childrens
Home will get the chance to shop til they drop for school
supplies on July 29, 2008 at The Wal-Mart Super Center, located at
4505 East McKellips Road in Mesa, compliments of The Ortiz Family
Foundation.
The Ortiz
Family Foundation, founded by Major League Baseball Player and
former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher, Russ Ortiz, and his family,
will host the
O.F.F. to School Field Day to encourage excitement for the new
2008-2009 school year. All of the children currently living at
Sunshine Acres will receive $150 each from the Foundation to help
make certain they get the necessary back to school supplies and
clothing. Additionally, Wal-Mart Super Center will donate $2,000,
increasing each childs spending amount to $175, and provide
breakfast for all event participants.
"Sunshine
Acres is all about service. They provide a loving home for children
separated from their parents, says Russ Ortiz. The Ortiz Family
Foundation is proud to support Sunshine Acres. Our hope is that
others will join in to acknowledge their service to children who
need to know love," Ortiz continues.
Pictures
from last years event are available upon request courtesy of Fresh
Look Images Photography. The Ortiz Family Foundation encourages the
community to help support next years O.F.F to School Field Day
through monetary donations. For every sponsorship contribution of
$150, a student in need will be provided the opportunity to
participate in the day of back to school shopping. For more
information about how to contribute to the 2009-2010 O.F.F. to
School Field Day, please visit
www.ortizfamilyfoundation.com.
About
Sunshine Acres Childrens Home:
Sunshine Acres Childrens Home is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization dedicated to provide a loving, wholesome, Christian
home for children who are separated from their parents, and to help
them in establishing long-term relationships with stable
parental figures. They serve boys and girls of all ages with minimum
placements of one year continuing as long as needed and appropriate
- even through college.
About
The Ortiz Family Foundation:
The Ortiz Family Foundation is a
501(c)(3) non-profit
organization that is dedicated to supporting places and people that
do amazing work on a daily basis to help the community. The
foundation is based on the Christian principles of faith and family
first. It is the goal of the foundation to spotlight non-profits in
the community by raising awareness among the public about the
philanthropic needs in the places they live, work and play. It is
their hope that by bringing notice to worthy non-profits more people
will volunteer their time, donate needed items and get involved in
any way possible. |
Military Family
Relief Fund Provides New Hope to Arizona Families
Outreach Program Relies on Support from Arizona Caring Friends and
Neighbors
Arizonans seeking to support
our troops can now do more than display a bumper sticker! The
Arizona Military Family Relief Fund offers a way to mobilize support
for local families of service members during times of crisis. The
organization coordinates the distribution of funds to support
families right here in Arizona.
"Everybody always asks what
they can do to help, and now the opportunity is right here for
them," said Diane D'Angelo, Community Outreach Coordinator for the
Arizona Department of Veterans' Services. "It only takes a few
minutes to participate but everyone has the power to make a world of
difference for Arizona's heroes and their families."
The Arizona Military Family
Relief Fund can provide up to $10,000 to families whose loved one
has been injured or killed while fighting the Global War on Terror.
All funds come from Arizona tax credits or direct contributions from
citizens seeking to give back to those who have answered the call of
duty.
Contributions can be made
through either the organization's website or direct mail program.
Military Family Relief Fund
recipients use the support in a variety of ways.
From mothers facing financial
calamity after their loved one has been killed, to parents
purchasing overseas plane tickets to be by their injured son or
daughter's side in the hospital - the fund will be there when people
need it most.
|
News from The Snowmass Wellness
Experience August 16-17
The Snowmass Wellness Experience (Aug. 15-17), which was written up
last year in the New York Times, celebrates the art of well-being
and healthy living. Encompassing all the elements of a balanced
lifestyle, this weekend celebration addresses nutrition, fitness,
and healthy living topics with best-selling authors and speakers,
enriching workshops, cooking demonstrations, al fresco yoga and
fitness classes, nature walks and more.
The 2008 event concentrates on personal and local sustainability
and how to produce vibrant foods that nurture body, mind, spirit,
and community. All classes, workshops, and events will revolve
around this theme.
Nationally renowned organic farmer Eliot Coleman and horticulturist
Barbara Damrosch of the Four Season Farm (
www.fourseasonfarm.com ) - Learn how to
develop a healthy and sustainable lifestyle and increase your
awareness as a consumer of organic products.
Swami Beyondananda of Wake Up Laughing Productions (political satire
and healing laughter from this political guru and uncommontator)
will perform a comedy show paired with an organic food tasting on
Friday night. (
http://www.wakeuplaughing.com/ )
Mariana Bozesan of Diet for a New Life is the first integral
approach to weight loss, emotional health, and consciousness
leadership based not on dieting but rather on how the foods we eat
can affect our well being. Her book is endorsed by John Robbins,
Deepak Chopra, John Gray and many others. (
http://www.sageera.com ) She's also doing an
Interactive Workshop with chef Ricki Mckenna to create favorite
healthy foods for people and families "on the go."
Jerome Osentowski, founder and director of the Central Rocky
Mountain Permaculture Institute in Basalt, CO. He is co-founder of
EcoSystems Design, a consulting and design service company
specializing in environmentally friendly agriculture, edible
landscaping, and building. (
www.ecosystems-design.com )
Organic cooking demonstrations, organic farming and consumer
education:
-
An organic spirits tasting with Peak Spirits (
www.peakspirits.com ), a distillery that
makes premium spirits from the finest organic orchard fruit in
the world, grown regionally in the North Fork Gunnison Valley of
western Colorado. This is the first distillery in the U.S.
focused on making premium products from locally grown/sourced
organic produce.
-
An organic farmers market featuring Ute City Farms, Peach Valley
CSA, Chef Dava Parr, and others.
-
A festival shopping expo with healthy living and organic
products.
-
Organic Cooking Demonstrations: A Top Chef-style cook-off with
Chef Dava, Ricki McKenna, and Lisa & Lynn Ruoff of Eco-Goddess
Edibles
Unique events and workshops:
-
Yoga and Chocolate and Yoga and Wine classes with David
Romanelli - Turn your sense of vice into transformative virtue.
Learn how to perfectly pair your favorite indulgences with your
spiritual practices and enhance your spiritual experience.
-
Yoga Workshops by the Shakti Foundation and renowned instructors
Simon Park and Megan Disabatino - the Shakti Foundation will
donate $2.50 from every yoga activities pass sold to local
non-profits (TBA). Renowned yoga instructors take yoga to new
heights with on-mountain, open-air workshops.
-
Come early on Thursday for a free outdoor concert by Robben
Ford, named one of the "100 greatest guitarists of the 20th
century" by Musician magazine
Other featured events:
-
Spa Pavilion: Complementary to event participants, the Aspen
Club & Spa will be presenting an outdoor spa experience on Fanny
Hill that includes therapists specializing in mini table/chair
massage, facials, manicures/pedicures and an outdoor spa area
showcasing product.
-
Guided Nature Hikes and Walks with the Aspen Center for
Environmental Studies
-
Morning Meditation sessions on-mountain
Pilates classes presented by the Aspen Club & Spa staff
Lodging Packages:
-
Just for the Girls: August 14-18, 2008 For the ultimate
girlfriends' mountain getaway, Snowmass Village, Colorado,
offers adventure, relaxation, and pure rejuvenation August
14-18, 2008. Timberline Condominium rates start as low as
$52/person (double occupancy) for a deluxe studio within walking
distance to all activities and includes free airport transfer
and on-site yoga classes. Stay at the Timberline and
additionally receive $15 off your weekend pass to the 5th annual
Snowmass Wellness Experience (August 16-17). Finish off the
vacation by signing up with the award-winning Snowmass Club for
a special rate of two spa services for $185. To book, visit
www.snowmassvillage.com
-
Massage in the Mountains Package Relax and rejuvenate in the
mountains with this special Snowmass package. Stay at the
Silvertree Hotel and choose a spa treatment ranging from a
standard massage to a Jet Lag massage to reflexology or an
85-minute couple's massage. Rates start at $326/person based on
a 2 night stay and a spa service per person per day. Package is
per person based on double occupancy, not including tax. To
book, visit
www.snowmassvillage.com
For the full festival schedule, ticket locations, prices, and
lodging specials, visit
www.snowmassvillage.com |
APS Power Line Placement Opposed by Peoria
The Peoria City Council
unanimously adopted a resolution opposing APS' preferred route for
new transmission lines, which would run through the northern part of
the 7,100-acre Vistancia community. The city suggests APS move the
planned overhead high-voltage lines three miles north of Carefree
Highway along Arizona 74, a two-lane roadway that would eventually
become a divided four-lane highway.
APS designated Arizona 74 as
an alternative route through Peoria, however it's on Federal land
which would require an environmental impact study at much greater
expense.
Peoria and Buckeye have
both made it clear they are ready to take the matter to court.
|
Brix Wine Spot Ribbon Cutting. Mayor Francia doing the honors
Business to Business Brix Wine
Spot Opens in Stagecoach Village
What makes Carefree and Cave Creek so appealing to visitors? - Their
shops and restaurants are original and unique. Brix have have
created a WOW factor. When you walk in the door you can't but help
say WOW. It's worth visiting and telling your friends about your
experience.
Merchants
Look at Collaborative Marketing in Summer
Recently the Chamber, (Department of Commerce and Department of
Tourism), presented a seminar to interested merchants from Carefree
and Cave Creek. The topic was "how best to attract the summer
visitors" that visit the Valley. A model used in Prescott was used
to explain the benefits of the plan.
Two initiatives have resulted.
Interested merchants will be looking at collaborative events,
marketing and advertising, for this summer. Merchant meetings will
be held with the Department of Commerce facilitating to initiate the
program. Bill Bolin, Director of Rural Development ADOC addresses
the Merchants.
(Publishers Note:
Panorama Hills Monthly will work with any merchant/merchants on
collaborative advertising both in our print and our on-line
publications. Panorama Hills Monthly offers merchants the
opportunity to reach visitors and residents from Carefree to
Surprise, including the cities of Youngtown, Tramanto, Sun City, Sun
City West, Peoria, N. Scottsdale, Glendale, Desert Hills and Anthem.
Panorama Hills Monthly will do anything and everything that
we can to help the merchants of Cave Creek and Carefree bring in
business. But we need YOUR help to do this!) |
REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY FOR THE DESERT
BOTANICAL GARDEN'S DESERT LANDSCAPER SCHOOL
Desert Landscaper School Open House Takes Place in August
The Desert Botanical is currently accepting registrations for the
Desert Landscaper School. Classes begin the week of
September 8, 2008. The Desert
Landscaper School is a 30-week program offered in three sessions.
The program is offered in both English and Spanish. Professionals
and non-professionals alike will learn best horticulture practices
from Garden curators, expert horticulture staff and guest
instructors. The course fee is $1,265. A training manual
and associated materials are included in the registration fee.
Prospective students are invited to attend the annual Desert
Landscaper School Open House on
Thursday, August 14, 2008, from 4 9 p.m. The open house
will take place in Archer House at Desert Botanical Garden. This is
a great way to learn more about Desert Botanical Gardens Desert
Landscaper School.
Registration is underway now. To register online visit
www.dbg.org
or contact Rebecca Senior, Desert Landscaper School Coordinator, at
480-481-8161.
The Desert Botanical Gardens Desert Landscaper School was developed
in response to the communitys requests for desert landscape
instruction. The DLS program utilizes the Gardens resources to
train students in desert conservation, life forms, basic botany,
soils, fertilizers, plant pests and diseases, pesticide safety,
landscape design, installation and maintenance of desert landscape.
To date, the school has certified over 900 students.
The Desert Botanical Garden, located at 1201 North Galvin Parkway in
Phoenixs Papago Park, is open daily (except Dec. 25 and July 4)
from 8:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. Admission rates: $10 for adults, $9 for
seniors, $4 for children (3-12 years-of-age); members and children 2
and younger are admitted free. |
Arizona
Kidney Foundation Primed to Launch Know Your GFR Campaign
The
Arizona Kidney Foundation is launching a series of 30- second TV
spots designed to make Arizonans take charge of their kidney health
and avoid the severe life impact of advanced kidney disease. The
PSAs are specifically targeted towards people with diabetes,
hypertension, obesity and cardio disease, because those individuals
are also higher at risk for chronic kidney disease.
According to Doctor Savas Petrides, a noted Phoenix
Nephrologist, GFR or Glomerular Filtration Rate is one
of the best indicators of kidney condition and it measures the
propensity of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). GFR offers everyone a
way to check their kidneys with a simple blood test, adds Dr.
Petrides.
The challenge is that what you (or your
doctor) dont know can kill you. 1 in 9 American adults (26 million)
have Chronic Kidney Disease and of those, 90% dont know they have
it.
I cant think of a better way to commemorate our
45th anniversary here in Arizona than to inspire high
risk groups to speak with their doctors about kidney disease, notes
Jeffrey D. Neff, CEO of the Arizona Kidney Foundation. The
Know Your GFR campaigns goal is to raise awareness to the
fact that early detection is now available, and critical. By knowing
your GFR, you can make a change in time to make a significant
difference, allowing for a much higher quality of life.
Neff sees the TV spots as an
extension of his organizations efforts to educate and help people.
Our goal with these powerful TV spots is to turn GFR into a
household term, adds Neff. Our research shows that television is
the best media available to affect consumer behavior and attitudes
and it is hoped that through our efforts, people at risk will be
encouraged to ask their doctors about their kidney health.
Arizona Kidney Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to
helping kidney disease sufferers across the state overcome the
medical, financial, and logistical challenges of chronic kidney
disease. In 2008, the organization commemorates its 45th
anniversary of assisting Arizona patients and their families. For
more information, call (602) 840-1644 or visit
www.azkidney.org.
|
SCOTTSDALE
CULTURAL COUNCIL ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY ARTS
GRANT FUNDING
The Scottsdale Cultural Council is pleased to announce $59,000
in grants to 12 organizations through its community arts grants
program. The program received 26 applications for a total of
$222,141 in requests.
Scottsdale Cultural Council trustee Carol Fehring Irvin chaired
the panel and commented, "We were very pleased with the
diversity of applications and the quality of work that is being
produced by Scottsdale organizations as well as Valley-wide
organizations that present programs in Scottsdale. Adults and
youth who are residents and visitors will have great
opportunities to participate in stellar programs in the coming
year. My only disappointment is that there were not adequate
funds to support all the worthy projects that were submitted."
Story
Continues |
|
The
2008 Relay For Life of Anthem is off to a great start!
More than 80 people and 15 teams are currently
registered for the event.
Relay
For Life, the American Cancer Societys signature event,
raises awareness and funds to save lives, help those
touched by cancer, and empower people to fight back
against the disease. With the money raised at
Relay, your American Cancer Society is working towards
an important goal, a future without cancer.
Dont
miss your opportunity to become a part of this amazing
event! If you havent already registered as a team
captain, team member or survivor, visit the event
webpage for the
Relay For Life of Anthem and register today!
Once you are registered, you can customize your own
personal event page and begin collecting donations
online! If you have any questions about the
website, please contact Robin Chowaniec at
robin@chowaniec.com
.
The next information session/Team Captain meeting is
July 14th
at 6:00 p.m. at the Anthem Community Center.
Come learn more about Relay, get fundraising ideas, turn
in offline donations and/or pick up a Team Captain kit.
Dont forget sponsorship and luminaria forms are
available online on the Forms page.
Thank you for helping us fight cancer right here in the
North Valley!
Sincerely,
Mike Chartrand and Jasson Pilcher
2008
Event Co-Chairs Relay For Life of Anthem
http://events.cancer.org/RFLAnthemAZ
|
|
HELP- The Foothills Food Bank Needs
Help!
The Foothills Food Bank is in critical need of food and monetary
donations. We are seeing more people. People that we have never seen
before, coming in for the first time. It takes approximately 30
pounds of food to feed one individual. If that person went to the
store to purchase the food we give them it would cost approximately
$64.00.
The food bank gives a three-day supply of food to a client on an
emergency basis. We also give financial assistance, but due to a
lack of funds we have had to cut off financial assistance until
further notice. Please do what you can, I will be happy to talk to
you. Thanks,Pam DiPietro Executive Director Foothills Food
Bank 480-488-1145 (work) 602-284-3483 (cell)
|
SAVE ON
YOUR KARTCHNER CAVERNS TRIP AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE FOR SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL PRICES
Kartchner Caverns State Park cave tours will be discounted down to
$12 for adults and $5 for children for August and September of 2008
as part of the summer internet promotion. "This was a popular
promotion last summer for residents so it's important that we can
offer it again," said Assistant Director Jay Ream. "These are
traditionally slower times of the year for the park and with gas
prices soaring this is a great opportunity for families to plan
summer vacations in that part of the state," he said.
"If you
go online, you can book your tickets for dates starting August 1
through mid September. Weekends are usually busy, so if you
need to travel then you should go to the Internet and book right
away. Walk-up tickets and the phone-in reservations will still
be offered at a seasonal discount, so those tickets will be $8.95
for children and $16.95 for adults. There is no park use fee
if you have cave tickets for the day, so you can combine a hike into
the Whetstones, but camping is not discounted for this promotion."
"You can
make a weekend of your trip to Cochise County and camp and travel
around the County to discover many fascinating spots such as Fort
Bowie, Fort Huachuca, the Bisbee Mine, the Amerind Museum, Tombstone
Allen Street activities and the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic
Park. If you are trying to get out of the heat of the large cities,
you actually gain elevation to about 4500 feet from the Phoenix and
Tucson valley areas. The air is cooler there and the cave
temperature is about 70 degrees," said Ream.
Park
visitors can tour the 23,000-square-foot Discovery Center and all
the geology exhibits, sign up for the interpretive programs, and see
the filmed documentary of the explorers explaining the importance of
stewardship of natural resources. It is always best to guarantee
your cave tours and book online for Kartchner Caverns so go to
www.azstateparks.com for tickets. You can also call
(520)586-2283 to reserve your tickets.
Camping
is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and the picnic and
group areas are available throughout the year. Group tours are
always welcome for schools, businesses and families. Special
accommodations can be made for commercial tour operators including
the use of the outdoor amphitheater, ramada area, band stand, and
lunches can be served through the "Bat Cafe."
For
information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside
of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free 800-285-3703) or visit the
website at
www.azstateparks.com.
|
Chihuly Art Exhibition Coming to Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is pleased to announce the
upcoming exhibition by renowned artist, Dale Chihuly. The
exhibit will feature new and unique works of glass
sculpture located along the Gardens trails. The exhibition
will open Saturday, November 22, 2008
and remain until May 31, 2009. "The Desert
Botanical Garden is thrilled to host the beautiful work of
Dale Chihuly in our magnificent desert environment," said
Garden executive director, Kenneth J. Schutz. "I am excited
to see his work, with its colors and textures, placed amid
the amazing palate of our desert plants. This is Chihulys
first exhibition of his works in a desert environment, and
is certain to be enjoyed by all residents and visitors to
the Valley of the Sun." Dale Chihuly is known for
his innovative glass sculptures and his work is immediately
recognizable for its grand scale and use of vibrant
colors. Chihulys spectacular creations are found in more
than 200 museums worldwide including the Metropolitan Museum
of Art, Londons Victoria and Albert Museum and the
Smithsonian American Art Museum. Garden exhibitions of his
work have been mounted at the New York Botanical
Garden, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Atlanta Botanical
Garden and the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. Sponsors for
the Chihuly exhibition include Target. Additional sponsors
are expected to be named shortly. .General Chihuly
Exhibition Details To make the visitor experience as
enjoyable as possible, Desert Botanical Garden is introducing
timed ticketing. Timed ticketing is designed to control the
flow of guests, ensure adequate parking and improve your
viewing experience. Dates: November 22, 2008 May 31, 2009
Hours: 8 a.m. 8 p.m. with three timed ticket sessions 8
a.m. noon / noon 4 p.m. / 4p.m. 8 p.m. Tickets: Members
Members will enjoy unlimited Garden admission based on
their level of membership. Members will need to reserve
tickets online at www.dbg.org
or by phone at 480 481 8188, beginning Monday, September
15, 2008. Members will be able to purchase additional
tickets for their guests at the cost of $12 each. Non
members Non members will be able to purchase tickets for Chihuly
beginning Wednesday, October 15, 2008. Adults $15, Seniors
$13.50, Students (12 1 8 with and college with
ID) $7.50, Children (3 ]12) $ 5, Children under 3 admitted
free. Tickets may be purchased online at www.dbg.org
or by phone at 480 481 8188. Advanced reservation or
purchase recommended for both members and non
]members. Limited walk up tickets may be available. For
reduced group rates call: 480 481 ]8104.
A "Phoenix Point of Pride", the Desert Botanical Garden
is one of only a few botanical gardens accredited by the
American Association of Museums. It is a privately
funded, non profit organization and depends on revenues from
admissions and gift shop sales, as well as contributions
from individuals and businesses to fund its programs of
environmental education, plant conservation and research. |
Grand Opening of the Newest
Trader Joes in the Northeast Valley
by Janice Greene
The newest addition was added to Trader Joes family on
Wednesday, June 18th, at 8:00 AM. The ribbon cutting ceremony
welcomed Trader Joes at Tatum and Shea Blvd., in Paradise
Valley. Along with the West Coast Regional Mgr., Mark
Torrezmarc, the Captain (Store Mgr.), Joe Gallego and the
Phoenix Suns Gorilla, the store had quite a crowd on this warm
summer morning. Trader Joes signature bags were given out free
along with taste testing at the Captains Table and throughout
the store by crew members (staff).
I found Trader Joes to be well laid out, easily navigated,
with large aisles (see fully stocked wine aisle), and the
wonderfully themed artwork murals of Camelback Mountain and the
Paradise Valley area on the colorful yellow walls. Each labeled
product featured, are hand crafted from Trader Joes local
artists. Each crewmember, wears brightly colored Hawaiian
shirts and greet you with smiles and are happy to serve you.
What a great way to start your shopping experience. You wont be
disappointed on your gastronomical trip to this store. Check it
out. They are located at 4726 E. Shea Blvd., Paradise Valley,
or visit a store near you at
www.traderjoes.com .
Story
Continues |
Mahaffey exhibit at Museum of Northern AZ
Renowned Grand Canyon Painter Merrill Mahaffey Is Honored at
the Museum of Northern Arizona with a 50-Year Retrospective Show
and Gala Weekend Opening Weekend to include Gala Dinner and
Brunch at the Museum of Northern Arizona
A Gala Weekend is scheduled for June 21st and 22nd
in
conjunction with the opening of the new exhibit Merrill
Mahaffey: Interior Landscapes of the West, A Fifty-Year
Retrospective. Meet the artist and dine alongside the Rio de
Flag at two featured events at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
MNAs 2nd Annual Summer Fundraising Gala Dinner, Live Auction,
and Exhibit is Saturday
June 21. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased for $250 per person and underwriting
opportunities are available. Seating is limited and reservations
are required. Some of the Mahaffey paintings on exhibit will be
for sale.
An Artist Reception and Brunch for Museum Members on
Sunday, June 22 at 10 a.m.
includes a silent auction and exhibit sales. Tickets are $45 per
person and can be purchased in advance along with memberships.
Underwriting opportunities are available.
Story
Continues |
|
Senate
Adopts Kyl-Thune Measure
Authorizes Native American
Public Safety,
Water
Projects
The U.S. Senate today adopted a
measure authored by U.S.
Senators Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and
John Thune (R-S.D.) that
authorizes $2 billion to support
Native American public safety
and water projects. The measure
was adopted as an amendment to a
larger foreign aid bill, known
as the PEPFAR reauthorization
bill.
Story
Continues |
|
The Real Story on Arizona-American
Water's Fire Flow Improvement Project
Provided by the Sun City Taxpayers Association
What is Arizona-American Water Trying to Do?
-
Arizona-American Water (AZ-AM) is a water utility and therefore
regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). The Sun
City Water District serves all the residents of Sun City and
Youngtown. It also provides water service to some residents of
Peoria, Surprise and other unincorporated areas of Maricopa
County.
-
AZ-AM has an application pending at the ACC to approve a 29.53
percent rate increase for sun City Water District customers
(29.01 percent increase in residential rates) and pre-approval
of Fire Flow Improvements and a surcharge mechanism for
immediate cost recovery for those improvements. AZ-AM has
estimated the cost of the project at $5.1 million (up from a
$3.1 million estimate in 2005).
-
Evidence has already been presented at hearings that justifies
an overall increase in water rates for all customers in the Sun
City Water District.
-
AZ-AM's present rate design is based on minimum monthly charges
that increase by pipe diameter to the meter. AZ-AM's application
would keep this rate design and increase monthly usage charges
and commodity charges across all customer classes. While all
residential customer classes would be impacted by the
combination of an overall rate increase and any incremental
surcharges, the biggest impact would be felt by residents in
condominiums.
-
AZ-AM is currently in financial difficulty. By its own
admission, AZ-AM is the least performing of American Water's
subsidiaries. The Sun City Water District has some of the lowest
water rates in the State of Arizona because it does not have a
water treatment plant and has the ability to pump, treat and
deliver water to its customers without any additional costs.
Also, the Sun City Water District is virtually built out and has
little to no potential for growth in its water operations which
linnets the company's ability to increase its profits.
What is the Fire Flow Improvement project?
-
Under a previous ACC docket, Youngtown made the ACC aware of
problems in its water system that affected fire flow. The ACC
called for a Task Force. AZ-AM complied and a Task Force was
convened to investigate the problem. The results of the task
force were submitted to the ACC along with a cost proposal in
2005.
-
The recommendations of the Task Force included replacing pipe in
Sun City, Youngtown and parts of Peoria and adding a number of
fire hydrants.
-
The ACC is charged with the responsibility to set utility rates.
As an operator of a water utility, AZ-AM must meet the ACC
requirements that potable water be delivered at 20 psi.
-
The ACC has no authority over fire flow and does not require
water utilities to meet a requirement for 1500 gallons per
minute fire flow. No other comparable Arizona-regulated water
utility has ever oversized its system beyond ACC standards.
-
AZ-AM wants pre-approval from the ACC for the Fire Flow
Improvement project so that it would be paid for up front by the
ratepayers utilizing a surcharge mechanism. The proposed
surcharge mechanism is not a generally accepted method of cost
recovery at the ACC. AZ-AM is asking for a special treatment of
cost recovery for Fire Flow Improvements.
-
AZ-AM admits that the proposed Fire Flow improvements are
discretionary improvements and in pre-filed testimony has stated
that it will not go forward without pre-approval of the project
and the surcharge mechanism by the ACC. The Residential Utility
Consumers' Office (RUCO) believes fire flow modifications are
discretionary and is not in favor of AZ-AM obtaining approval
for a surcharge to fund the cost of over sizing its system.
-
The Recreation Centers of Sun City, the Sun City Taxpayers
Association, the Sun City Homeowners Association and the Sun
City Condominium Owners Association also do not favor approval
for a surcharge mechanism to pay for the Fire Flow improvements.
How Does Youngtown fit in?
-
The need for adequate fire flow and fire hydrants has been a
problem for Youngtown for the last 50 years. Youngtown did not
undertake the improvements when it owned and operated its own
water system neither did AZ-AM nor its predecessor Citizens'
Utilities move forward with any improvements when it acquired
the Youngtown system in the 1990s.
-
The City of Youngtown is in favor of the fire flow project
and surcharge since they have a serious public safety problem.
-
Sun City will end up paying 87 percent of the cost while
Youngtown only 9.2 percent of the cost. Sun City residents
should not have to pay for Youngtown's problems.
-
If approved and the Fire Flow improvements are completed, all
Sun City Water District customers will pay an increased rate for
water use in perpetuity because the system has been improved.
Call to action If you are upset by this attempt by AZ-AM Water
and Youngtown to pass off expensing its problems onto Sun City
residents, here are the members of ACC to inform. They need to know
what you really think. At this time they have been told that 51
percent of Sun City agrees with this funding for the Fire Flow
situation. We need to let them know that is not the case.
Who can I contact? Write, call or e-mail our Corporation
Commissioners today and tell them what you think.Write to the
Commissioners at: Commissioners Wing, 1200 W. Washington, Second
Floor, Phoenix, Arizona.Call or e-mail our Commissioners at:
Chairman Mike Gleason: (602) 542-3682, Gleason-web@azcc.gov,
Commissioner Kristin K. Mayes: (602) 542-4143, Mayes-web@azcc.gov,
Commissioner William Mundell: (602) 542-3935, Mundell-web@azcc.gov,
Commissioner Scott Hatch-Miller: (602) 542-3625, Hatch-web@azcc.gov,
Commissioner Gary Pierce: (602) 542-3933, Pierce-web@azcc.gov.
This information was provided by the Sun City Taxpayers
Association, located at 12630 N. 103rd Ave., suite 144, Sun City,
Arizona 85351, 623-933-7530 Fax: 623-933-0394
www.suncitytaxpayers.org . |
BRiDGES
Preschool campus in Gilbert ( www.bridgespreschool.com)
which will officially open for Fall classes on Monday, August 4th.
On Saturday, July 26th, BRiDGES
will host a public open house from 9 a.m. to2 p.m. at the new
Gilbert campus, located on the Northwest corner of Gilbert and Ray
roads. The new school will feature a variety of programs geared for
children ranging from 6 weeks to 6 years. Each class is kept to
small student to teacher ratios maintaining a productive and
positive learning environment for each student.
All of the BRiDGES Preschool
campuses maintain highly-regarded early education programs that
exceed many programs provided by standard preschool facilities. The
level of professional care and dedication allows children to learn
more productively because the environment is conducive to children's
development. Their "hands-on, hands-in" environment and
fully-degreed teachers provide a quality of education that is
unparalleled in the East Valley.
From the unique aspects and
creative structuring of the adventure playground to the owner's
background in public speaking and as a SUCEEDS Registered Trainer,
this school gives parents the opportunity to experience a better
alternative available for their children. Some of the organizations
she has presented her "Play Clothes Only" presentation on indoor and
outdoor environments for young children include Child Care Resource
and Referral, The Association for Supportive Childcare, and the
Celebrate the Young Child Conference. |
PUBLIC WELCOME TO ATTEND!
A Motivational Sales Training Workshop will be held on
7/29/2008 at 7:00 AM for
Carefree Corridor Business Group.
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Geoglyphs in
Desert Hills
By LeeAnn Sharpe
Pete Norris is a man on a mission. His mission is to document
and save ancient geoglyphs in the desert along Carefree Highway
that are in the path of future development.
Geoglyphs are drawings made by ancient peoples on the ground,
in this case using various size and types of rocks to form a
pattern and tell a story.
Norris is an expert at crytanalysis, or the art of breaking
codes. He believes that the geoglyphs he found in north Phoenix
depict a known astronomical event some 4,000 years ago. The
pattern and number of rocks clearly describe, to the trained
eye, where the event happened and for how long. It tells of a
meteor event, the number of meteor showers and the direction
they crossed the ancient skies. The event is known to
astronomers and has been recorded elsewhere in history on
pottery and wall art and is documented to have occurred in
3,200B.C. "The sequences and the counts line up with this meteor
event," he said.
The only question is whether these geoglyphs are as ancient as
the event itself or a retelling of the story by more recent
inhabitants of the area.
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Continues with Pictures
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Letter from the President at
MS Corner
Hello
to one and all, for this letter is not only for the readers of
MS Corner, but also for our entire group.
As I was reading through a
monthly publication of some sort, I came upon some weight loss
ideas for those of us who have put on too much weight over the
summer, or simply because were just too weak to say no to
eating unhealthy foods.
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