Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sandra E. Dowling is now searching for a candidate to fill a vacancy on the Cave Creek Unified School District Governing Board created by the resignation of board member Marvin Christensen.
To qualify for consideration, applicants must have been a resident in the Cave Creek Unified School District for at least one year as well as be registered to vote in Arizona. Please note that according to state statute, no employee of a school district or their spouse may hold membership on a governing board of a school district by which they are employed.
Dr. Dowling encourages interested Cave Creek community members to apply by sending a letter of interest, resume, and letters of community support to the Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools Office at 4041 N. Central Ave, Suite 1100, Phoenix, Az 85012, or fax to Hope Olguín at (602) 506-3753. All documentation must be received by 5 pm, Monday, June 2nd, 2008.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Gila County Historical Society Hamburger Fry
The next Gila County Hisorical Museum hamburger fry is May 30th, at 5 pm. The $5 all-you-can-eat burger fry is at the Gila County Historical Museum at 1330 N. Broad Street, next to the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce in Globe.
Springerville Joins ADEQ's Small Communities Compliance Assistance Program
The Town of Springerville in Apache County has become the first small town in northeast Arizona to participate in ADEQ's statewide program to help communities comply with state & federal environmental regulations.
ADEQ unveiled its Small Communities Environmental Compliance Assistance project in 2007 for small towns & special water & wastewater districts to sustain compliance with state & federal environment allaws & reduce the number of violations & enforcement actions.
The project was funded by a $12,000 grant from the Environmental Council of States (ECOS) for the communities to develop Small Community Environmental Protection Plans (SCEPP) to improve compliance. Guidance materials, including a comprehensive manual, have been prepared to train small communities on environmental requirements & help with SCEPP development.
"We are very pleased that Springerville is a leader in this effort," Director Owens said. "We are committed to providing small communities with the assistance they need in light of their limited resources to comply with the various environmental laws. Our experience is that small communities want to do the right thing & just need a little help to do that. We hope that other small towns throughout Northern Arizona will follow Springerville's lead & take part in this program."
As part of the program, Springerville agrees to disclose known environmental violations within the town, request compliance assistance before enforcement actions begin, participate in compliance evaluation to identify violations & to promptly correct known violations. In so doing, the town will be eligible for up to a 100% penalty reduction if it has future environmental violations.
"This is really a win-win for everyone," Owens said. "The environment & public health is protected by getting environmental problems identified & addressed, & the communities benefit by getting the compliance assistance they need & avoiding potentially costly penalties. The result will be increased compliance, enhanced relationships with small communities & a cleaner environment for all Arizonans."
ADEQ unveiled its Small Communities Environmental Compliance Assistance project in 2007 for small towns & special water & wastewater districts to sustain compliance with state & federal environment allaws & reduce the number of violations & enforcement actions.
The project was funded by a $12,000 grant from the Environmental Council of States (ECOS) for the communities to develop Small Community Environmental Protection Plans (SCEPP) to improve compliance. Guidance materials, including a comprehensive manual, have been prepared to train small communities on environmental requirements & help with SCEPP development.
"We are very pleased that Springerville is a leader in this effort," Director Owens said. "We are committed to providing small communities with the assistance they need in light of their limited resources to comply with the various environmental laws. Our experience is that small communities want to do the right thing & just need a little help to do that. We hope that other small towns throughout Northern Arizona will follow Springerville's lead & take part in this program."
As part of the program, Springerville agrees to disclose known environmental violations within the town, request compliance assistance before enforcement actions begin, participate in compliance evaluation to identify violations & to promptly correct known violations. In so doing, the town will be eligible for up to a 100% penalty reduction if it has future environmental violations.
"This is really a win-win for everyone," Owens said. "The environment & public health is protected by getting environmental problems identified & addressed, & the communities benefit by getting the compliance assistance they need & avoiding potentially costly penalties. The result will be increased compliance, enhanced relationships with small communities & a cleaner environment for all Arizonans."
Longfellow Summer Program Needs Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to help run the after school summer camp for students at Longfellow Elementary School from June 2nd - 26th, Monday - Thursday, from Noon - 3 pm. 20 volunteers are needed daily! You can help for the entire month, one day a week or for an entire week. Volunteers will be assisting kids in their crafts, supervising game time, & getting materials ready for various exercises and activities. Minimum Age To Volunteer 15.
Download the application packet or fill out & online volunteer interest form & one can be mailed to you. Get Started Today!
Download the application packet or fill out & online volunteer interest form & one can be mailed to you. Get Started Today!
Some DVDs Out This Week
The Muppet Show - The Complete 3rd Season
Penn & Teller - Bullsh*t! - The Complete 5th Season
James Stewart - The Western Collection
The Bill Engvall Show: The Complete 1st Season
Tom Selleck Western Collection
Women's Prison Massacre Uncut!
Short Circuit
24: Season One (Special Edition)
Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.: The 4th Season
Hamburger Hill (20th Anniversary Edition)
WWE WrestleMania 24
Blue Collar Comedy: The Next Generation
NYPD Blue: Season 01
Bohachi Bushido: Code of the Forgotten Eight
Route 66 - Complete 1st Season
National Treasure 2 - Book of Secrets
JAG (Judge Advocate General) - The 6th Season
Best Of Lee Van Cleef
Charles in Charge: Season 3
Square Pegs - The Complete Series
Penn & Teller - Bullsh*t! - The Complete 5th Season
James Stewart - The Western Collection
The Bill Engvall Show: The Complete 1st Season
Tom Selleck Western Collection
Women's Prison Massacre Uncut!
Short Circuit
24: Season One (Special Edition)
Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.: The 4th Season
Hamburger Hill (20th Anniversary Edition)
WWE WrestleMania 24
Blue Collar Comedy: The Next Generation
NYPD Blue: Season 01
Bohachi Bushido: Code of the Forgotten Eight
Route 66 - Complete 1st Season
National Treasure 2 - Book of Secrets
JAG (Judge Advocate General) - The 6th Season
Best Of Lee Van Cleef
Charles in Charge: Season 3
Square Pegs - The Complete Series
Some Country/Folk CDs Out This Week
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Greatest Hits (Extra tracks)
George Jones - George Jones: The Hits Then Till Now
Joe Walsh - But Seriously, Folks...
Doobie Brothers - Toulouse Street
Bobby Bare - Singin' in the Kitchen
Keith Anderson - C'mon
Bad Company - Desolation Angels
Robyn Ludwick - Too Much Desire
Julianne Hough - Julianne Hough
Abigail Washburn - Abigail Washburn
Cory Morrow - Vagrants and Kings
Damn Yankees - Damn Yankees
George Jones - George Jones: The Hits Then Till Now
Joe Walsh - But Seriously, Folks...
Doobie Brothers - Toulouse Street
Bobby Bare - Singin' in the Kitchen
Keith Anderson - C'mon
Bad Company - Desolation Angels
Robyn Ludwick - Too Much Desire
Julianne Hough - Julianne Hough
Abigail Washburn - Abigail Washburn
Cory Morrow - Vagrants and Kings
Damn Yankees - Damn Yankees
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Globe Library Needs One More Day
The Globe Public Library will be closed on May 19th, to finish putting the books, computers, & furniture back in place. The library will re-open on May 20th, at 10 am.
State Transportation Board Announces Latest Awarded Contracts
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will fund $20.4 million in projects to improve the state’s transportation system. At its meeting in Flagstaff on May 16th the Arizona State Transportation Board approved projects in Apache, Cochise, Maricopa, Navajo & Yavapai Counties.
Apache County
US 191 Repaving and Bridge Replacement - The project consists of repaving a 16.6 mile segment of US 191 beginning 12 miles north of St. Johns. Also included is the replacement of the bridge over Zuni Wash. Haydon Building Corporation will begin work in July on the $5.8 million project, which is scheduled for completion in early 2009.
Cochise County
Sierra Vista Intersection Improvement - The project is at the intersection of SR 92 & Buffalo Soldier Way & consists of roadway widening to provide additional turn lanes, replacement of the existing traffic signal system, median islands, storm drains & construction of a turnout for the future east leg of the intersection. Bison Contracting Company will begin work in July on the $1.9 million project, which is scheduled for completion in late fall.
Maricopa County
Red Mountain Freeway (SR 202L) Bridge Widening - The project consists of widening the eastbound Loop 202 bridges over Washington Street & Mill Avenue. FNF Construction will begin work in July on the $5.2 million project, which is scheduled for completion by March 2009.
Navajo County
US 60 Concrete Barrier - The project is at Hagen Hill, approx. 20 miles southwest of Show Low. It consists of removing the existing guardrail & replacing it with a concrete barrier. Show Low Construction will begin work in July on the $227,000 project, which is scheduled for completion in early fall.
Yavapai County
SR 69 Repaving - The project consists of repaving a 4.5-mile segment of SR 69 beginning 4 miles northwest of Cordes Junction. Asphalt Paving & Supply will begin work in July on the $3.1 million project, which is scheduled for completion in November.
SR 169 Agua Fria River Bridge - The project consists of removing the existing bridge over the Agua Fria River on SR 169 & replacing it with a new bridge. FNF Construction will begin work in July on the $4.2 million project, which is scheduled for completion in fall 2009.
Apache County
US 191 Repaving and Bridge Replacement - The project consists of repaving a 16.6 mile segment of US 191 beginning 12 miles north of St. Johns. Also included is the replacement of the bridge over Zuni Wash. Haydon Building Corporation will begin work in July on the $5.8 million project, which is scheduled for completion in early 2009.
Cochise County
Sierra Vista Intersection Improvement - The project is at the intersection of SR 92 & Buffalo Soldier Way & consists of roadway widening to provide additional turn lanes, replacement of the existing traffic signal system, median islands, storm drains & construction of a turnout for the future east leg of the intersection. Bison Contracting Company will begin work in July on the $1.9 million project, which is scheduled for completion in late fall.
Maricopa County
Red Mountain Freeway (SR 202L) Bridge Widening - The project consists of widening the eastbound Loop 202 bridges over Washington Street & Mill Avenue. FNF Construction will begin work in July on the $5.2 million project, which is scheduled for completion by March 2009.
Navajo County
US 60 Concrete Barrier - The project is at Hagen Hill, approx. 20 miles southwest of Show Low. It consists of removing the existing guardrail & replacing it with a concrete barrier. Show Low Construction will begin work in July on the $227,000 project, which is scheduled for completion in early fall.
Yavapai County
SR 69 Repaving - The project consists of repaving a 4.5-mile segment of SR 69 beginning 4 miles northwest of Cordes Junction. Asphalt Paving & Supply will begin work in July on the $3.1 million project, which is scheduled for completion in November.
SR 169 Agua Fria River Bridge - The project consists of removing the existing bridge over the Agua Fria River on SR 169 & replacing it with a new bridge. FNF Construction will begin work in July on the $4.2 million project, which is scheduled for completion in fall 2009.
National CASA Association Launches Support For “Forgotten Children” Display
Every day on average another 850 children quietly enter the nation’s foster care system under a veil of confidentiality, commonly due to suspected abuse or neglect. This dramatic event launches tomorrow, & a new study, aims to give voice to these “Forgotten Children” – while still preserving their privacy.
Since underaged foster children cannot appear for themselves, life-sized, cut-out photos will take their place in the shadows of the Washington Monument on the National Mall this week – at the pace of 850 per day. These surrogates will bear messages from foster children, all drawn from a study that captures the voices of 100 foster youth across the nation.
The event & study launch an ongoing project, “Forgotten Children: Foster Children Take a Stand,” led by The National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association & made possible by the generous support of Title Sponsors Freddie Mac Foundation & the Dr. Phil Foundation. Additional support has been provided by Casey Family Programs, Hewitt Associates & Foster Club.
Michael Piraino, chief executive officer of National CASA hopes the event will raise awareness regarding the nation’s 513,000 foster youth in need of support. Last year, CASA’s advocates represented 225,000 children, but that’s only half the youth in the system.
”As the event grows throughout the week, the visual of the thousands of children will help raise awareness to the struggles of foster children across the country,” Piraino said. “One foster youth that we spoke with said that moving from foster home to foster home they often feel homeless. CASA volunteers play an important role to find safe & permanent placements for these forgotten children.”
Each day of this week long event will focus on providing solutions to a specific issue that is critical to foster youth. The themes for each day will be:
• Monday: CASA Volunteers for Children. This day will kick off the Forgotten Children event with an appearance of CASA supporter & star of CBS “Cold Case” Danny Pino.
• Tuesday: Faces of Foster Care. 88% of the DC area foster children are African-American. This day will focus on the overrepresentation of children of color within America’s foster care system.
• Wednesday: Youth Banding Together. This day celebrates the efforts of young people on behalf of children in foster care with presentations to a youth audience. Youths throughout the greater DC area will be encouraged to attend.
• Thursday: The Voice of Older Youth. This day will focus on the needs of youths aging out of foster care, & how we can assure a successful transition to adulthood. National CASA will present the results of a new national study with older foster youths.
• Friday: Program Close. This will be the final day of the event with all 4,250 stand-ups in place. This will provide the strongest photo opportunity of this dramatic display.
With a network of more than 950 programs nationwide, CASA recruits, trains & supervises volunteer adult advocates who help get foster children into safe, permanent homes. The organization’s 50,000 volunteers aim to counter some daunting statistics: On average, foster children spend more than 2 years in the child welfare system, & can be moved as often as 15 times, wreaking havoc on their education, friendships & sense of belonging.
CASA volunteers help to alleviate the constant upheaval faced by foster children. Research shows that children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend a long time in long-term foster care, defined as 3 years or longer. When a CASA volunteer is involved, a child is less likely to move from home to home, & they are 95% less likely to re-enter the foster care system.
The “Forgotten Children: Foster Children Take a Stand” campaign will continue throughout the next year, helping to raise awareness on a local level for CASA programs across the nation.
In Arizona, CASA is operated locally in all 15 counties & is administered statewide by the Arizona CASA Program. CASA volunteers attend a 2-day training to prepare them for their work with foster children. For more information about CASA programs in Arizona, visit: azcasa.org or call (602) 452-3683.
Since underaged foster children cannot appear for themselves, life-sized, cut-out photos will take their place in the shadows of the Washington Monument on the National Mall this week – at the pace of 850 per day. These surrogates will bear messages from foster children, all drawn from a study that captures the voices of 100 foster youth across the nation.
The event & study launch an ongoing project, “Forgotten Children: Foster Children Take a Stand,” led by The National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association & made possible by the generous support of Title Sponsors Freddie Mac Foundation & the Dr. Phil Foundation. Additional support has been provided by Casey Family Programs, Hewitt Associates & Foster Club.
Michael Piraino, chief executive officer of National CASA hopes the event will raise awareness regarding the nation’s 513,000 foster youth in need of support. Last year, CASA’s advocates represented 225,000 children, but that’s only half the youth in the system.
”As the event grows throughout the week, the visual of the thousands of children will help raise awareness to the struggles of foster children across the country,” Piraino said. “One foster youth that we spoke with said that moving from foster home to foster home they often feel homeless. CASA volunteers play an important role to find safe & permanent placements for these forgotten children.”
Each day of this week long event will focus on providing solutions to a specific issue that is critical to foster youth. The themes for each day will be:
• Monday: CASA Volunteers for Children. This day will kick off the Forgotten Children event with an appearance of CASA supporter & star of CBS “Cold Case” Danny Pino.
• Tuesday: Faces of Foster Care. 88% of the DC area foster children are African-American. This day will focus on the overrepresentation of children of color within America’s foster care system.
• Wednesday: Youth Banding Together. This day celebrates the efforts of young people on behalf of children in foster care with presentations to a youth audience. Youths throughout the greater DC area will be encouraged to attend.
• Thursday: The Voice of Older Youth. This day will focus on the needs of youths aging out of foster care, & how we can assure a successful transition to adulthood. National CASA will present the results of a new national study with older foster youths.
• Friday: Program Close. This will be the final day of the event with all 4,250 stand-ups in place. This will provide the strongest photo opportunity of this dramatic display.
With a network of more than 950 programs nationwide, CASA recruits, trains & supervises volunteer adult advocates who help get foster children into safe, permanent homes. The organization’s 50,000 volunteers aim to counter some daunting statistics: On average, foster children spend more than 2 years in the child welfare system, & can be moved as often as 15 times, wreaking havoc on their education, friendships & sense of belonging.
CASA volunteers help to alleviate the constant upheaval faced by foster children. Research shows that children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend a long time in long-term foster care, defined as 3 years or longer. When a CASA volunteer is involved, a child is less likely to move from home to home, & they are 95% less likely to re-enter the foster care system.
The “Forgotten Children: Foster Children Take a Stand” campaign will continue throughout the next year, helping to raise awareness on a local level for CASA programs across the nation.
In Arizona, CASA is operated locally in all 15 counties & is administered statewide by the Arizona CASA Program. CASA volunteers attend a 2-day training to prepare them for their work with foster children. For more information about CASA programs in Arizona, visit: azcasa.org or call (602) 452-3683.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Karaoke And Dancing In The Cabaret
Tonight and tomorrow night, Karaoke Jeff and Sandy will be in the Cabaret at the Apache Gold Casino and Resort. Not only can you spend an evening dancing with your sweetheart. But, all of you karaoke enthusiasts will be able to record your own songs. The fun starts each night at 9 pm.
ADOT Ready To Fully Open State Route 87
As work crews finalize repairs following a March landslide, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) expects to reopen all four lanes of traffic on State Route 87 north of the Saguaro Lake turnoff on Tuesday, May 20th.
In order to reopen all travel lanes of SR 87 (Duthie-Martin Highway) affected by the March 21st landslide, ADOT must close the highway from 8 pm Monday, May 19th to 6 am on Tuesday, May 20th, to remove barricades & sweep the roadway.
Motorists can use US 60 & State Route 188 through Globe or I-17 & State Route 260 through Camp Verde to travel between the Phoenix & Payson areas during the overnight closure.
To protect the safety of the traveling public, ADOT closed the highway on March 21st, following a landslide that occurred between Sunflower & Rye near Slate Creek. The landslide caused sections of the highway’s southbound lanes to buckle & shift, creating unsafe driving conditions. SR 87 was reopened on March 27th, with one lane in each direction, while construction crews continued making repairs.
Crews, working off the shoulder of the highway, will continue to perform erosion control measures along that section of SR 87 for the next several months. The U.S. Forest Service has partnered with ADOT to ensure proper drainage & erosion control throughout this project.
ADOT appreciates the patience of drivers during this repair & construction project. Please call 5-1-1 or view az511.gov for updates on any highway closure.
In order to reopen all travel lanes of SR 87 (Duthie-Martin Highway) affected by the March 21st landslide, ADOT must close the highway from 8 pm Monday, May 19th to 6 am on Tuesday, May 20th, to remove barricades & sweep the roadway.
Motorists can use US 60 & State Route 188 through Globe or I-17 & State Route 260 through Camp Verde to travel between the Phoenix & Payson areas during the overnight closure.
To protect the safety of the traveling public, ADOT closed the highway on March 21st, following a landslide that occurred between Sunflower & Rye near Slate Creek. The landslide caused sections of the highway’s southbound lanes to buckle & shift, creating unsafe driving conditions. SR 87 was reopened on March 27th, with one lane in each direction, while construction crews continued making repairs.
Crews, working off the shoulder of the highway, will continue to perform erosion control measures along that section of SR 87 for the next several months. The U.S. Forest Service has partnered with ADOT to ensure proper drainage & erosion control throughout this project.
ADOT appreciates the patience of drivers during this repair & construction project. Please call 5-1-1 or view az511.gov for updates on any highway closure.
Pinal County Confirms Reported Case Of Measles In San Manuel Area Infant
The Pinal County Public Health Services District is issuing an advisory for measles after the disease was diagnosed in a child under the age of one in the San Manuel area. Public Health officials are actively investigating the case.
Health officials believe this case is connected to the outbreak of measles under investigation in Pima County. Pima County has identified 21 people infected with the measles virus.
Measles is a highly contagious disease whose symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, & red eyes. It is spread through the air in droplets & by contact with the secretions from the nose & throats of infected persons. The incubation period from being exposed to an infected person to getting symptoms is about 10 days. Complications may include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia & encephalitis. About one to two children in every thousand infected with measles die from the disease. Pregnant women infected with measles have a higher risk of miscarriage, low weight babies, & premature delivery.
“Vaccination is the best way to avoid getting measles. Anyone who has not previously had measles or been appropriately vaccinated is at risk of contracting measles,” said Tom Schryer, Director of Pinal County Public Health, “It is important to make sure that your family is vaccinated. Because measles can be more severe in infants & very young children, we are recommending an accelerated vaccine schedule for children in Pinal County.”
Pinal County Health officials recommend that all children between the ages of 6 through 11 months receive a dose of measles vaccine. Two additional doses are needed after the first birthday. Parents should make sure that their children have received at least two doses of measles vaccine after their first birthday. Children in Pinal County who have received one dose of measles vaccine at age one or older should receive their second dose as soon as possible, but with a minimum of 28 days between vaccinations.
For those without insurance, measles vaccination for children 18 years old & under is available free of charge at any county Public Health clinic.
Adults should also make sure they are immune to measles if they have contact with infants less than a year old. The same recommendation is being made if adults are with people who are taking medications that suppress their immune system or have a disease that affects their immune systems.
If you, or a family member, have symptoms of measles, such as fever & a rash, please call your health care provider. Because measles is highly contagious, it is important to notify your health care provider or facility BEFORE arriving so that they can prepare to care for your family member.
For more information about measles please call the Pinal County Citizen Contact Center at (520) 509-3555 or toll free at 1-888-431-1311. You may also call the 24-hour Pinal County Information Hotline at 1-866-763-7252. Information about measles is also available on the measles section of the Arizona Department of Health Services website & at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health officials believe this case is connected to the outbreak of measles under investigation in Pima County. Pima County has identified 21 people infected with the measles virus.
Measles is a highly contagious disease whose symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, & red eyes. It is spread through the air in droplets & by contact with the secretions from the nose & throats of infected persons. The incubation period from being exposed to an infected person to getting symptoms is about 10 days. Complications may include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia & encephalitis. About one to two children in every thousand infected with measles die from the disease. Pregnant women infected with measles have a higher risk of miscarriage, low weight babies, & premature delivery.
“Vaccination is the best way to avoid getting measles. Anyone who has not previously had measles or been appropriately vaccinated is at risk of contracting measles,” said Tom Schryer, Director of Pinal County Public Health, “It is important to make sure that your family is vaccinated. Because measles can be more severe in infants & very young children, we are recommending an accelerated vaccine schedule for children in Pinal County.”
Pinal County Health officials recommend that all children between the ages of 6 through 11 months receive a dose of measles vaccine. Two additional doses are needed after the first birthday. Parents should make sure that their children have received at least two doses of measles vaccine after their first birthday. Children in Pinal County who have received one dose of measles vaccine at age one or older should receive their second dose as soon as possible, but with a minimum of 28 days between vaccinations.
For those without insurance, measles vaccination for children 18 years old & under is available free of charge at any county Public Health clinic.
Adults should also make sure they are immune to measles if they have contact with infants less than a year old. The same recommendation is being made if adults are with people who are taking medications that suppress their immune system or have a disease that affects their immune systems.
If you, or a family member, have symptoms of measles, such as fever & a rash, please call your health care provider. Because measles is highly contagious, it is important to notify your health care provider or facility BEFORE arriving so that they can prepare to care for your family member.
For more information about measles please call the Pinal County Citizen Contact Center at (520) 509-3555 or toll free at 1-888-431-1311. You may also call the 24-hour Pinal County Information Hotline at 1-866-763-7252. Information about measles is also available on the measles section of the Arizona Department of Health Services website & at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Relay For Life Reminder
This evening, lace up your athletic shoes, bring your family and friends to support the fight against cancer during the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Copper Valley, today & tomorrow, at Harbison Field in Globe. The opening ceremony is at 6 pm tonight with a lot of activities planned for the whole family. The breakfast will be at 5 am tomorrow, & the closing ceremony is at 6 am. For further information you may call, (928) 402-8511.
Globe-Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce Camaraderie
The Globe-Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce Camaraderie is June 6th & you can get your ticket(s) now. Chamber members, you don't want to miss your chance at the $6,000 Grand Prize. Remember, the chamber's annual Camaraderie fundraiser will be held at the Elks. Tickets are $125 each. For more details & how to purchase your ticket(s), please call 425-4495.
Arizona Court of Appeals Says NO To Vouchers
A coalition of parent, education & civic organizations is lauding yesterday's decision by the Arizona Court of Appeals, which ruled that tax-payer funded vouchers that subsidize private school tuition are unconstitutional.
The decision resulted from a lawsuit filed by the coalition on Feb. 20th, 2007, in response to 2 statutes enacted by the Arizona Legislature in spring 2006. The statutes authorized the state to give public tax-dollars to religious & other private schools through tuition vouchers.
Lawyers for the coalition argued that the programs violate the state’s Constitution by appropriating funds for religious instruction & directing aid in advance of religion. The 2 provisions, found in Arizona’s Constitution, are distinct from & more expansive than the U.S. Constitution’s religion clauses of the First Amendment.
Public education advocates in Arizona & throughout the nation have long criticized private school vouchers as a threat to the basic right of every child to an excellent public education.
“Vouchers are not sound education policy,” said Panfilo H. Contreras, Executive Director of the Arizona School Boards Association. “They divert funds from an already strapped system & channel them to private organizations that, unlike public schools, are not required to be accountable for how the money is spent or the level of achievement that results. Vouchers also create inequities for students, particularly those who live in rural areas, where few private schools exist.”
In addition, vouchers lack support of the voting public. Since 2000, voters in 3 states (California, Michigan & Utah) have overwhelmingly rejected vouchers as an unnecessary choice for parents & students in their states.
John Wright, President of the Arizona Education Association, said, “Just like voters in other states who have declined vouchers, Arizonans understand that public schools are our pathway to great public schools that serve every child equally & that vouchers only divert funding & attention away from public schools.”
Coalition partners in this legal challenge are the Arizona School Boards Association, the Arizona Education Association, the Arizona School Administrators, the Arizona Association of School Business Officials, American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, Arizona Federation of Teachers, Arizona Parent-Teacher Association & the Arizona Rural Schools Association.
The decision resulted from a lawsuit filed by the coalition on Feb. 20th, 2007, in response to 2 statutes enacted by the Arizona Legislature in spring 2006. The statutes authorized the state to give public tax-dollars to religious & other private schools through tuition vouchers.
Lawyers for the coalition argued that the programs violate the state’s Constitution by appropriating funds for religious instruction & directing aid in advance of religion. The 2 provisions, found in Arizona’s Constitution, are distinct from & more expansive than the U.S. Constitution’s religion clauses of the First Amendment.
Public education advocates in Arizona & throughout the nation have long criticized private school vouchers as a threat to the basic right of every child to an excellent public education.
“Vouchers are not sound education policy,” said Panfilo H. Contreras, Executive Director of the Arizona School Boards Association. “They divert funds from an already strapped system & channel them to private organizations that, unlike public schools, are not required to be accountable for how the money is spent or the level of achievement that results. Vouchers also create inequities for students, particularly those who live in rural areas, where few private schools exist.”
In addition, vouchers lack support of the voting public. Since 2000, voters in 3 states (California, Michigan & Utah) have overwhelmingly rejected vouchers as an unnecessary choice for parents & students in their states.
John Wright, President of the Arizona Education Association, said, “Just like voters in other states who have declined vouchers, Arizonans understand that public schools are our pathway to great public schools that serve every child equally & that vouchers only divert funding & attention away from public schools.”
Coalition partners in this legal challenge are the Arizona School Boards Association, the Arizona Education Association, the Arizona School Administrators, the Arizona Association of School Business Officials, American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, Arizona Federation of Teachers, Arizona Parent-Teacher Association & the Arizona Rural Schools Association.
West Mesa Residents Are Next In The Building Strong Neighborhoods Program
The City of Mesa’s 6th & final Building Strong Neighborhoods Initiative of the 07/08 fiscal year will be held in the neighborhood bound by University Drive, 8th Street, Longmore & Standage. The program will begin with an orientation or “kickoff” meeting on May 20th, at 6:30 pm at Whittier Elementary School, 733 N. Longmore, in the cafeteria. Mesa Vice Mayor Claudia Walters & District 1 Councilmember-Elect Dave Richins are scheduled to be in attendance.
During the orientation meeting, residents will hear results of a door-to-door survey City staff members have been conducting. Residents will use the survey results to prioritize issues that will be addressed by a variety of City services over a 4-week period. The meeting will also include an open house for citizens to learn more about existing City services & programs, including Code Compliance, Neighborhood Services, Police, Fire, Solid Waste & Transportation.
“This next Building Strong Neighborhoods area is quietly tucked into west Mesa. It is a quiet, friendly neighborhood with many long standing residents & has a history that dates back 40 plus years,” Mesa Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator Cynthia Garza said. “The neighborhood is seeing many positive changes with Mesa Riverview just around the corner & light rail coming to Main Street. Our goal is to build a strong partnership with the neighborhood that will improve & strengthen their community.”
The Building Strong Neighborhoods Initiative is designed to preserve & strengthen Mesa neighborhoods & to increase awareness of City programs, services & resources. Five similar initiatives have been held throughout the City since September. As with the current fiscal year, Neighborhood Services will conduct one Building Strong Neighborhoods Initiative in each City Council District during the 08/09 fiscal year.
For more information, contact Mesa Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator Cynthia Garza at (480) 644-5889.
During the orientation meeting, residents will hear results of a door-to-door survey City staff members have been conducting. Residents will use the survey results to prioritize issues that will be addressed by a variety of City services over a 4-week period. The meeting will also include an open house for citizens to learn more about existing City services & programs, including Code Compliance, Neighborhood Services, Police, Fire, Solid Waste & Transportation.
“This next Building Strong Neighborhoods area is quietly tucked into west Mesa. It is a quiet, friendly neighborhood with many long standing residents & has a history that dates back 40 plus years,” Mesa Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator Cynthia Garza said. “The neighborhood is seeing many positive changes with Mesa Riverview just around the corner & light rail coming to Main Street. Our goal is to build a strong partnership with the neighborhood that will improve & strengthen their community.”
The Building Strong Neighborhoods Initiative is designed to preserve & strengthen Mesa neighborhoods & to increase awareness of City programs, services & resources. Five similar initiatives have been held throughout the City since September. As with the current fiscal year, Neighborhood Services will conduct one Building Strong Neighborhoods Initiative in each City Council District during the 08/09 fiscal year.
For more information, contact Mesa Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator Cynthia Garza at (480) 644-5889.
Catalina Mountain Elks Lodge Lobster Feast
The Catalina Mountain Elks Lodge #2815 will hold this Special Lobster Feast on Saturday, June 28th. They'll have Fresh Whole Maine Lobster, including Corn on the Cob, Cole Slaw, & Dessert. The cost is $25 per person & must be paid by pre-paid reservation only. Your reservations must be received no later than May 30th. This event is open to all Elks and their guests!
You can pay at the Lodge or mail your check for the number in your party to:
House Committee
P.O. Box 68845
Tucson, Az 85737
You can pay at the Lodge or mail your check for the number in your party to:
House Committee
P.O. Box 68845
Tucson, Az 85737
Help Prevent MRSA
The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA), Arizona Chapter of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) with the support of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is launching a campaign to prevent the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Arizona. The initiative-Preventing MRSA: It’s In Our Hands-will be introduced to Arizona hospital patient safety & infection control leaders on May 15th, & rolled out to consumers by individual hospitals throughout the next 18 months.
"The best way to curb the spread of MRSA is to prevent it,” said Maureen Dicker chair, AzHHA’s Patient Safety Steering Committee and Patient Safety officer, Veterans Integrated Service Network 18. “That’s why Arizona's hospital community, the state’s largest locally based insurer & the leading organization of infection control professionals are collaborating on a statewide project designed to educate consumers & remind hospital caregivers as well as other employees about how to prevent MRSA.”
Hospitals will receive MRSA education materials focusing on proven prevention strategies for patients & their families as well as hospital employees. Hospitals will have access to communications materials, including pamphlets, a fact sheet & other informational tools to distribute through their facilities & within their communities. Materials are being produced in English & Spanish.
Preventing MRSA: It’s In Our Hands, will focus consumers on simple MRSA prevention methods, including:
* washing hands often with either soap & warm water or with an alcohol-based waterless hand sanitizer.
* keeping cuts & scrapes clean & covered with a bandage until healed.
* avoiding the of sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, bar soaps & razors.
* cleaning & disinfecting objects as well as commonly touched surfaces (keyboards, light switches & door knobs).
* washing clothes, linens & towels in warm water & laundry detergent.
* using a hot drier, rather than air-drying, also helps kill bacteria.
* taking antibiotics as instructed.
* obtaining antibiotics from the proper source.
"Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is proud to support this project & work with AzHHA as well as APIC to help alleviate MRSA infections at the site of care,” said Gary Drue Smethers, M.D., senior vice president, Health Services & chief medical officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “By helping to share best practices, we can make a positive impact on this important public health issue.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) data, MRSA is on the rise. In 1974, MRSA infections accounted for 2% of total staph infections; in 1995 that number rose to 22% & by 2004 it had jumped to 63%. In June 2007, APIC published a study indicating 46 out of every 1,000 patients in the study were infected or colonized with MRSA. Of the 46, 35 of these patients, or 3 out of every 4, walked into the healthcare facilities with MRSA, having acquired it either in the community or during a previous stay in a healthcare facility.
"Many people think that MRSA is only contracted in healthcare facilities,” said Barb Averyt, AzHHA’s Patient Safety program director. “What makes the MRSA bacteria particularly difficult to manage is that is not contained to one kind of facility. This is why it is vitally important for our community to be aware of MRSA & how to prevent it, which sometimes can be as easy as washing your hands with soap & warm water.”
Every Arizona hospital has an active infection control program with doctors & nurses who specialize in preventing infections. APIC’s mission is to improve the health & safety of patients by reducing risks of infection & other adverse outcomes. APIC has more than 11,000 members nationally that have primary responsibility for infection prevention, control & hospital epidemiology in healthcare settings around the globe, & include nurses, epidemiologists, physicians, microbiologists, clinical pathologists, laboratory technologists & public health practitioners.
"Resistant staph infections are a significant problem in Arizona & throughout the nation,” said Mary Ann Yahl, president of APIC Chapter 88 & manager of Infection Prevention & Control at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa. “It is important for our community inside & outside the hospitals’ walls to know that it is possible to prevent the spread of MRSA. Everyone needs to be aware that the solution is really in our hands.”
Arizona's hospitals also have embraced The Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s (IHI) 100,000 Lives Campaign & 5 Million Lives Campaign. These campaigns include a total of 12 patient safety strategies, 5 of which focus on reducing infections, including one that combats MRSA in the hospital setting. According to the IHI, 85% of Arizona's hospitals are participating in the 5 Million Lives Campaign, which recommends the following measures to prevent healthcare-associated MRSA.
* Improve hand hygiene among healthcare workers.
* Make fastidious environmental cleaning & disinfection a priority.
* Consider performing active surveillance cultures.
* Identify colonized patients & implement contact precautions.
* Implement & perform all interventions specified in the central line & ventilator bundles (a collection of best practice interventions that help protect patients from infection & other complications).
Beyond the 5 Million Lives recommendations, hospitals also typically employ additional measures to prevent the spread of infections such as MRSA. These include:
* carefully cleaning equipment.
* having hospital staff members wear gowns & gloves while in the room of a patient diagnosed with MRSA or another infectious disease.
* using antibiotic-coated catheters.
"The best way to curb the spread of MRSA is to prevent it,” said Maureen Dicker chair, AzHHA’s Patient Safety Steering Committee and Patient Safety officer, Veterans Integrated Service Network 18. “That’s why Arizona's hospital community, the state’s largest locally based insurer & the leading organization of infection control professionals are collaborating on a statewide project designed to educate consumers & remind hospital caregivers as well as other employees about how to prevent MRSA.”
Hospitals will receive MRSA education materials focusing on proven prevention strategies for patients & their families as well as hospital employees. Hospitals will have access to communications materials, including pamphlets, a fact sheet & other informational tools to distribute through their facilities & within their communities. Materials are being produced in English & Spanish.
Preventing MRSA: It’s In Our Hands, will focus consumers on simple MRSA prevention methods, including:
* washing hands often with either soap & warm water or with an alcohol-based waterless hand sanitizer.
* keeping cuts & scrapes clean & covered with a bandage until healed.
* avoiding the of sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, bar soaps & razors.
* cleaning & disinfecting objects as well as commonly touched surfaces (keyboards, light switches & door knobs).
* washing clothes, linens & towels in warm water & laundry detergent.
* using a hot drier, rather than air-drying, also helps kill bacteria.
* taking antibiotics as instructed.
* obtaining antibiotics from the proper source.
"Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is proud to support this project & work with AzHHA as well as APIC to help alleviate MRSA infections at the site of care,” said Gary Drue Smethers, M.D., senior vice president, Health Services & chief medical officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “By helping to share best practices, we can make a positive impact on this important public health issue.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) data, MRSA is on the rise. In 1974, MRSA infections accounted for 2% of total staph infections; in 1995 that number rose to 22% & by 2004 it had jumped to 63%. In June 2007, APIC published a study indicating 46 out of every 1,000 patients in the study were infected or colonized with MRSA. Of the 46, 35 of these patients, or 3 out of every 4, walked into the healthcare facilities with MRSA, having acquired it either in the community or during a previous stay in a healthcare facility.
"Many people think that MRSA is only contracted in healthcare facilities,” said Barb Averyt, AzHHA’s Patient Safety program director. “What makes the MRSA bacteria particularly difficult to manage is that is not contained to one kind of facility. This is why it is vitally important for our community to be aware of MRSA & how to prevent it, which sometimes can be as easy as washing your hands with soap & warm water.”
Every Arizona hospital has an active infection control program with doctors & nurses who specialize in preventing infections. APIC’s mission is to improve the health & safety of patients by reducing risks of infection & other adverse outcomes. APIC has more than 11,000 members nationally that have primary responsibility for infection prevention, control & hospital epidemiology in healthcare settings around the globe, & include nurses, epidemiologists, physicians, microbiologists, clinical pathologists, laboratory technologists & public health practitioners.
"Resistant staph infections are a significant problem in Arizona & throughout the nation,” said Mary Ann Yahl, president of APIC Chapter 88 & manager of Infection Prevention & Control at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa. “It is important for our community inside & outside the hospitals’ walls to know that it is possible to prevent the spread of MRSA. Everyone needs to be aware that the solution is really in our hands.”
Arizona's hospitals also have embraced The Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s (IHI) 100,000 Lives Campaign & 5 Million Lives Campaign. These campaigns include a total of 12 patient safety strategies, 5 of which focus on reducing infections, including one that combats MRSA in the hospital setting. According to the IHI, 85% of Arizona's hospitals are participating in the 5 Million Lives Campaign, which recommends the following measures to prevent healthcare-associated MRSA.
* Improve hand hygiene among healthcare workers.
* Make fastidious environmental cleaning & disinfection a priority.
* Consider performing active surveillance cultures.
* Identify colonized patients & implement contact precautions.
* Implement & perform all interventions specified in the central line & ventilator bundles (a collection of best practice interventions that help protect patients from infection & other complications).
Beyond the 5 Million Lives recommendations, hospitals also typically employ additional measures to prevent the spread of infections such as MRSA. These include:
* carefully cleaning equipment.
* having hospital staff members wear gowns & gloves while in the room of a patient diagnosed with MRSA or another infectious disease.
* using antibiotic-coated catheters.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Mesa Museum Wins Best Permanent Exhibit Award
It is a source of pride in Mesa & is now getting Valley wide recognition. Dinosaur Mountain at the Arizona Museum of Natural History has been named Best Permanent Museum Exhibit in the 2008 Readers’ Poll conducted by azcentral.com.
The Web site praises the museum, 53 N. Macdonald in Mesa, & its Dinosaur Mountain as “one of the great places to visit in the state, a 3-story tall mountain covered in giant dinosaurs, with a live waterfall that cascades down its face every 23 minutes.” The survey also compliments Dinosaur Hall for the variety of fossils & skulls on display as well as the museum’s Walk Through Time from 4.5 billion to 65 million years ago.
According to azcentral.com, the 2008 Readers’ Poll collected hundreds of thousands of votes in more than 100 categories representing the Valley’s best in arts, entertainment, dining, shopping, nightlife & sports.
“We are delighted that AZ Central has named Arizona Museum of Natural History’s Dinosaur Mountain Best Permanent Exhibition in the 2008 Arts & Entertainment area,” Arizona Museum of Natural History Director Tom Wilson said. “We hope that readers will visit the museum to see for themselves what the buzz is about, or perhaps more accurately how the dinosaurs roar.”
The Arizona Museum of Natural History is devoted to inspiring wonder, understanding & appreciation of the natural & cultural history of the Southwest. The museum is currently presenting the blockbuster exhibition Feathered Dinosaurs & the Origin of Flight. Other exhibitions include Hohokam! Ancient Monuments of the Salt River Valley, gold panning, territorial jails, Arizona & the Movies, mammoths & mastodons & much more!
The Web site praises the museum, 53 N. Macdonald in Mesa, & its Dinosaur Mountain as “one of the great places to visit in the state, a 3-story tall mountain covered in giant dinosaurs, with a live waterfall that cascades down its face every 23 minutes.” The survey also compliments Dinosaur Hall for the variety of fossils & skulls on display as well as the museum’s Walk Through Time from 4.5 billion to 65 million years ago.
According to azcentral.com, the 2008 Readers’ Poll collected hundreds of thousands of votes in more than 100 categories representing the Valley’s best in arts, entertainment, dining, shopping, nightlife & sports.
“We are delighted that AZ Central has named Arizona Museum of Natural History’s Dinosaur Mountain Best Permanent Exhibition in the 2008 Arts & Entertainment area,” Arizona Museum of Natural History Director Tom Wilson said. “We hope that readers will visit the museum to see for themselves what the buzz is about, or perhaps more accurately how the dinosaurs roar.”
The Arizona Museum of Natural History is devoted to inspiring wonder, understanding & appreciation of the natural & cultural history of the Southwest. The museum is currently presenting the blockbuster exhibition Feathered Dinosaurs & the Origin of Flight. Other exhibitions include Hohokam! Ancient Monuments of the Salt River Valley, gold panning, territorial jails, Arizona & the Movies, mammoths & mastodons & much more!
New Programs for Mature Workers Unveiled
Governor Janet Napolitano unveiled 2 new programs for older Arizonans who are looking to continue in or return to the workplace, during an address today at the Governor’s Conference on Aging.
"The face of aging is changing, & we have to make sure older Arizonans have the supports they need to live with dignity & independence,” Governor Napolitano said. “Part of independence is having work & volunteer opportunities outside of the home. Arizona leads the nation in terms of the opportunities available to mature workers, & I’m excited about 2 new programs that will do even more for Arizona seniors.”
The Governor announced the creation of the AZ Mature Worker Job Bank and Resource Web site, online at azmatureworkers.com. Developed by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging, this resource will provide a venue for the mature workers searching the job market & for the employers looking to hire them. Employers will also be able to post jobs on the site for free. The site was developed in partnership with Jobing.com, at no expense to Arizona taxpayers.
The Governor also unveiled a new program – Mature Worker-Friendly Employer Certification – which will provide special recognition to employers who commit to creating a workplace environment that values mature workers. The certification is also designed to assist employers in addressing projected labor force shortages.
These 2 programs add to the Governor’s previous initiatives that have improved care & quality-of-life for Arizona's seniors. In 2007, the Governor’s Office on Aging opened, quality ratings & surveys for every Arizona nursing home & assisted living facility were made available online at AZCareCheck.com, & the state’s Adult Protective Services program began investigating 100% of allegations of abuse. The Governor has also introduced the CoppeRx Card to provide Arizonans with discounts on prescription drugs, & has worked to move Arizona toward electronic prescription systems that lower health care costs & reduce potentially dangerous mistakes.
The Governor’s Conference on Aging is a biennial conference being held through Friday, May 16th, at the Phoenix Marriott Mesa & the Mesa Convention Center. This year’s theme is “Myth Busters: Breaking the Myths of Aging."
"The face of aging is changing, & we have to make sure older Arizonans have the supports they need to live with dignity & independence,” Governor Napolitano said. “Part of independence is having work & volunteer opportunities outside of the home. Arizona leads the nation in terms of the opportunities available to mature workers, & I’m excited about 2 new programs that will do even more for Arizona seniors.”
The Governor announced the creation of the AZ Mature Worker Job Bank and Resource Web site, online at azmatureworkers.com. Developed by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging, this resource will provide a venue for the mature workers searching the job market & for the employers looking to hire them. Employers will also be able to post jobs on the site for free. The site was developed in partnership with Jobing.com, at no expense to Arizona taxpayers.
The Governor also unveiled a new program – Mature Worker-Friendly Employer Certification – which will provide special recognition to employers who commit to creating a workplace environment that values mature workers. The certification is also designed to assist employers in addressing projected labor force shortages.
These 2 programs add to the Governor’s previous initiatives that have improved care & quality-of-life for Arizona's seniors. In 2007, the Governor’s Office on Aging opened, quality ratings & surveys for every Arizona nursing home & assisted living facility were made available online at AZCareCheck.com, & the state’s Adult Protective Services program began investigating 100% of allegations of abuse. The Governor has also introduced the CoppeRx Card to provide Arizonans with discounts on prescription drugs, & has worked to move Arizona toward electronic prescription systems that lower health care costs & reduce potentially dangerous mistakes.
The Governor’s Conference on Aging is a biennial conference being held through Friday, May 16th, at the Phoenix Marriott Mesa & the Mesa Convention Center. This year’s theme is “Myth Busters: Breaking the Myths of Aging."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)