Ak-Chin donates to Against Abuse - Ak

Maricopa, Arizona
March 2 - 15, 2012
Volume XXVI, Issue 5
Firefighter Recruit Class 11-3 Graduates
Story by Donald P. Garcia, Assistant Fire Chief & Photo by KD Morago
Against Abuse member, Tori Anderson reacts after
Councilwoman Delia Carlyle presents her with a replica check that the Ak-Chin Tribal Council donated for
Maricopa Against Abuse organization.
Ak-Chin donates to
Against Abuse
Story & Photo by R. Miguel
For the past seven years Tori Anderson, Against
Abuse board member, has worked tirelessly to raise
money and seek out donations in the hopes of someday
opening a Maricopa shelter for battered women and
children.
That someday became a reality last week when
Anderson approached Ak-Chin Tribal Council for a
donation to the annual Seeds of Change Gala event, one
of many that Anderson and Against Abuse organize for
the cause of raising funds.
During the meeting, Vice-Chairman William
Antone, who presided over the meeting, discussed
with Anderson, the importance of the needed shelter.
“This is a much needed facility for this area and
again like I’ve said before, in order for you to help us
we need to help you,” Antone continued. “We would
like to present you with this check to help you build this
shelter that both Maricopa and Ak-Chin individuals
can utilize.”
After a few more comments from Councilmembers
Delia Carlyle and Terry Enos, Councilwoman Carlyle
pulled up a huge replica check with $300,000 inscribed
on it.
Anderson, evidently in shock and disbelief, was
holding her hands to her face and fighting back tears.
The moment was too much and Anderson immediately
got up from her chair with tears streaming down her
face as she asked the council members to give them
hug them.
“You just don’t realize how many lives and families
that this facility will have an affect on,” said Anderson,
who recently celebrated her 50th birthday. “I guess we
will finally open the facility in two weeks and this is
the best fifty year old birthday present I’ve received.”
The Tribal Council’s concept of donating to
the organization was due to the community’s plans
of building such a shelter in Ak-Chin. Having an
established facility in the area will only help the
community, as Maricopa’s staff can advise, plan, and
share their knowledge when Ak-Chin begans their
shelter facility.
During the annual Seeds of Change Gala, which
followed a few days later, Chairman Manuel and
Councilman Enos presented Anderson with the official
check, that will enable Against Abuse to begin with the
construction phase of the building.
With proud family and friends looking on, 16
new firefighters from Ak-Chin, Glendale, Surprise
and Tolleson, received their silver badges on February
18, 2012, at a graduation ceremony held at Crosspoint
Christian Church in Glendale.
Fifteen weeks prior to this date, they began their
careers as Firefighter Recruits. “Firefighter Recruit”
is a classification for entry level fire service members.
All of the graduating firefighter recruits attended the
Fire Academy held at the Glendale Regional Public
Safety Training Center (GRPSTC).
They completed a rigorous program consisting
of instruction in firefighting methods; emergency
medical services; fire code enforcement and prevention
practices; salvage operations; public relations and
other associated topics; along with a rigorous physical
fitness program, all of which are necessary to prepare
them for appointment as a firefighter.
In the Fire Academy, firefighter recruit classes
are broken down into engine company assignments
consisting of four (4) to six (6) recruits and one (1)
Recruit Training Officer (RTO).
Each class also
has two mentors who participate with the recruits in
the daily physical fitness activities and who provide
one-on-one instruction to the recruits, as needed.
Firefighter James Boehm was the mentor for the AkChin recruits.
The very first day of Academy, the recruits came
into the classroom as individuals. They were brought
together as a group to talk about what a firefighter’s
job is, and what they would be doing during class
and during training. As the weeks of training went
on, mutual respect was earned, as well as given to
each other. The firefighter recruits learned that, as
firefighters, if one of your fellow firefighters has a
problem, you work together to help them get through
the problem.
The firefighter recruits learned that, in order for
them to be able to work together as a group during
the academy, they would have to compromise and put
aside their differences. This is a very important lesson
to learn as they begin their careers in the fire service,
because station life will involve the same type of
group camaraderie and compromise, and emergencies
will require them to work together as a team.
At the very beginning of their preparation for Fire
Academy, I told them “We can teach you the skills, but
we can’t give you the heart.” These young people just
proved to all of us that they have both the skills and the
heart to accomplish their goal to become a firefighter.
In fact, Clayton Antone was selected by the RTO’s to
receive the “Most Improved Recruit” award for their
class. (Way to go, Clayton!!)
We appreciate all of their families because without
the support from their parents, spouses and children;
the academy would have been even harder for the
recruits. I also offer my appreciation to the Ak-Chin
Fire Department staff - the recruits could not have
done this without your support, either.
We are very grateful to the Ak-Chin Indian
Community and the Council for their investment in
this endeavor. For the first time ever, the Ak-Chin
Fire Department graduated its first firefighter recruits.
Thank you for your support in offering an opportunity
for these young people to obtain a career that will
benefit them as well as the Community. Not only are
you shaping the future of the fire department, you are
also shaping the future of the Community.
Ak-Chin Fire personnel and graduates from left: Fire Marshal Cecil Peters, Assistant Fire Chief Donald Garcia,
James Boehm, Anthony Narcia Jr., Jace Dickerson, Danny Soliz, Jr., Lindsey Valles, Jacob Dickerson Jr., Clayton
Antone, Thomas Rodriguez, Darren Peters, Fire Chief Michael Long, and Emergency Management Division Chief
Glenn Boothe.
(More photos on page 9)
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 7
Wishes
Elder News
Community Gathering
Sports
Page 8
Page 11
Page 15
Page 16
Iwo Jima Landing
Department Updates
Harrah’s
Announcements
2
2
March 2 - 15, 2012
18 years ago, I was blessed with a
beautiful, healthy baby boy,
Davis Manuel Garcia.
You’ve grown into a handsome,
respectful, caring & helpful young man,
(you will always be my baby no matter
your age). Thanks for all the help with
brother...we both love you so much! I
am very proud of the choices you make,
past present & future...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVIS ☺
•Love Mom & Brother
Happy 18th Birthday Davis,
WOW, finally considered an adult now!
Like we always told you, no matter
what you decided in life, we will always
support you and we’ll always be here
if you ever need anything. Just know
that we LOVED watching you grow
up from playing with your “monster
trucks”, to playing video games and
watching you doing what you loved,
which was Football and Wild Horse
Racing. Now here you are, GROWNINTO
A HANDSOME YOUNG MAN. Again,
HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY and we will be
there to help celebrate your day. We
love you very, very much “Scrounge”
Loving you always and forever:
Dad, “Sha”, Davin, Doria,
David and Daria
Davin,
Another one of our March babies who
is ready to celebrate his 12th birthday.
Another year and you will be a “cool
Teenager”. We hope to make your day
a joyous day. And know that we are
very fortunate to have great and loving
children like you, your brothers and
sisters. We will always love you and
remember keep doing great in school.
Happy Birthday “Lemon” and be ready
to celebrate your day.
Always loving you: Mom, Dad, Davis,
Doria, David and Daria
To my son Maverick,
Happy 5th birthday! I want to wish you
all the love and happiness you deserve.
I am so thankful to have you in my
life. You have grown so fast. God has
blessed me with another beautiful son.
I hope you have a good time on your
birthday and I wish you nothing but
the best for you. You are always in my
thoughts and prayers. I love you, God
bless you today and always. So once
again Happy Birthday my baby boy!
Love your dad: Darris Vincent
Maverick,
Happy birthday bro! I want to wish you
a happy birthday and to let you know I
love you and quit being shy!
Love your bro; D’andre Vincent
Happy 5th Birthday to my helpful son
“Maverick Santiago”
5 years ago my water broke at the fire
station and you sent me contractions
like no other. Now 5 years later you’re
here telling me you want to watch
scary movies! You make me smile with
the things you say and do. So on your
special day, I want you to wish away
and I’ll do my best to make your wishes
come true. I already granted one of
your wishes, which was your menudo.
Have fun son and always know your dad
and I love you so much and we will be
there for you no matter what. You bring
the joy in our hearts!!! Enjoy your party
and the next day with all your brothers.
Love Mom, Jr,, Tyler, Dante & Baby King
Happy 2nd Birthday to my son
“Dante Peters”
You are one curious, crazy kid, who has
the most silent step. You always turn
my smile into laughter, especially when
you laugh at all the commercials! Have
fun at your party and know that I love
you and I will be there for you no matter
what. I know you’re gonna be chilling by
your cake cause there’s strawberries
in it just for you. Don’t be dogging
everyone either, when they grab a piece.
You have to share with your
brothers too. Hope you tear it up!
Love Mom, Jr., Maverick,
Tyler & Baby King
Happy “18th” Birthday Davis aka
Scroogie & Mutley
WOW!! Can’t believe you are “18”!!!
You have grown up to be a good young
man. Things may have seemed rough
for you at times, but you always have
gotten thru them no matter what.
Davis, always remember you have us,
if you need anything. You have a place
in our home ALWAYS!! We heard thru
the grapevine you wanted to go to the
service. We will always support you in
whatever decision you decide to make!!
We Love You Scroongie!!!
Happy Birthday!!
Love, the Rascon Crew
Happy Birthday to my grandkids
Emma, Cayden, Dante and Devin
Love, Grandma
Congrats to
Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Michael Thomas
Thanks for having us be your witness
for your big day on 2-24-2012!
Luv you guys!
Mr. & Mrs. Antone
Newspaper
of the
Ak-Chin Indian Community
©2012
16600 N. Maricopa Highway
Maricopa, Arizona 85139
OFFICE HOURS
8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
MONDAY - FRIDAY
PHONE: 520•568•1375
FAX: 520•568•1376
E-MAIL: [email protected]
Ak-Chin O’odham Runner Staff
Editor: Raychel Peters
Photojournalists: Robert Miguel
& Kristina Morago
News Assistant: Deidra Carlyle
Graphic Artists: Waylon Antone
& Diana Rodriguez
Ak-Chin Community Council
Chairman: Louis Manuel, Jr.
Vice Chairman: William Antone
Council Members: Delia Carlyle
Terry Enos & Gabriel Lopez
Regular Contributors:
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The Ak-Chin O’odham Runner
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Maricopa, Arizona 85139
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1
Events for the Month:
2-3rd - Boys & Girls Jr. High Basketball Tournament at Gym
4th - Pre-school Taco Plate Sale 11am - 3pm at Delia Carlyle Residence
12th - 16th - Spring Break Intersession at Gym
13th - Planning and Zoning Hearing 6pm at Library Multi-purpose Room
15th - 17th - St. Patrick’s Day Boys & Girls HS Basketball Tournament at Gym
4
5
Mario Twohearts
Madeleine Van Sickle
11
6
Kerianna Justin
Dannika Lewis
Gabriel Lopez
Emma Narcia
Cayden Peters
Dante Peters
Sharalee Santiago
12
Angelisa Cuatt
Mildred Narcia
Devin Peters
Giulianna Sandoval
Breon Stephens
Robert Stephens Jr.
Kelly Antone
25
13
Carlton Carlyle Jr.
Sarah Carlyle
Daria Garcia
Jose Hernandez
27
Eric Chavez
Joel Vincent
Manuel Garcia
George Lewis Jr.
Norbert Peters Sr.
Nicole Vincent
Christian Alvarez
Brandon Antone
Melanie Antone
Marie Ortega
Mark Pablo
Deanna Rascon
Jessie Williams
31
Alissia Bandin
Marvin Shade
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30
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Dannon Peters
Monica Ruiz
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Isidro Miguel
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Rosalie Narcia
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March 2 - 15, 2012
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March 2 - 15, 2012
3
Whereabouts Unknown List Ak-Chin Elders visit San Carlos
The following is a list of Whereabouts Unknown individuals who have an
Individual Indian Money (IIM) account that requires a current address or address
update. To obtain a form to be completed or find out if other documents may be
required, please contact the Office of the Special Trustee, Pima Agency Field
Office at (520)562-3608. Individuals can also call the Trust Beneficiary Call
Center at the toll-free number 1-888-678-6836, or visit their local OST office.
The OST website is www.doi.gov/ost.
Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions.
Cecelia Henry
Fiduciary Trust Officer
Pima & Salt River Field Offices
US Dept of Interior – Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians
PO Box 8 – 104 N. Main St. Bldg 4 – Sacaton, AZ 85147
Office (520)562-3608 FAX (520)562-2027
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
Antone, Wilma Rose
Banda, Jose L.
Batopis, Jr., Lawrence
Cipriano, Christopher A.
Cypriano, Christopher
Enos, Clarence
Joaquin, Josephine Clare
Laborin, Alexis M.
Lewis, Maruerita
Lopez, George
Lopez, George
Lopez, Lanita F.
Lyons, Rommel F.
Lyons, Rommell F.
Lyons, Rommell F.
Machado, Cruz Gabino
Manuel, David P.
Manuel, Jr., Brian D.
Narcia, Samuel J.
Narcia, Tribuies
Narcia, Sr., Philbert A.
Orona, Guadalupe
Pablo, Sheila
Peters, Cecil David
Peters, Eugene Andrew
Peters, Manuel N.
Peters, Sr., David Fletcher
Romo, Leeanna K.
Thomas, Anthony
Thomas, Collette
Vincent, Miranda
White, Berdina B.
White, Gloria A.
White, Juan J.
White, Latasha Renee
White, Latasha Renee
Whitehurst – Manuel,
Ashlea C.
ELDER NEWS BRIEFS
Voting is open to all enrolled
Elder Members for the location of this
years Out-of-State Trip. Please drop
by the Elder Center by Friday, March
16, 2012 to cast your vote.
A reminder about the eggs donated
by Hickmans for the Elders each week
– Elders should pick up their eggs
each week on Tuesdays from 2-4pm
or on Wednesdays from 8 – 4 pm at
the Elder Center. Eggs not picked
up by Wednesday afternoon will be
distributed to homebound Elders in
the Community. If you are unable to
pickup your eggs you may contact the
Elder Center to complete a form to
designate someone else to pick them
up for you. Eggs will be delivered
to those Elders who receive home
delivered meals. Each Elder living in
the Community is eligible to receive
one dozen eggs each week. Those
Elders receiving dialysis treatments
are eligible to receive two dozen eggs
each week.
Sign-ups are open for March
activities including bowling, movies
and a special birthday lunch at
Southern Dunes. Contact the Elder
Center to sign up by March 9th.
A new monthly activity will be
starting for the Elders in March. The
First Tuesday of every month there
will be a special lunch time program
called “Doctor Time with the Elders.”
Various physicians from Gila River
Health Care will meet with the Elders
during lunch time to provide health
education and answer questions. The
first “Doctor Time with the Elders”
will be at the Elder Center on Tuesday,
March 6th, at 12 noon.
Ak-Chin
Elders share
a social dance
during their
visit to San
Carlos. The
group was
invited by the
San Carlos
Elder Group
Committee.
Ak-Chin Elder
ladies asking the
Beyonce question,
“Put a ring on
it?” Actually
they are getting
quick sit-down
exercises in after
a delicious lunch.
Story and photos
by Kris Morago
It was a day of gaming, dancing,
and enjoying delicious meals as 36 AkChin Elders traveled to the San Carlos
Apache Reservation to share a cultural
presentation at their Elder Monthly
meeting on Thursday, February 23rd.
The Ak-Chin elders enjoyed the
two hour scenic drive, which had them
traveling by the Superstition Mountains
and through the Tonto National Forest.
Leaving at 7am that day, they were
welcomed by San Carlos Apache elders
who were from four of the five tribal
districts.
Held at Apache Gold’s Conference
Center ballroom, the elders were seated
up front and listened to reports from
the San Carlos Tribal Council Seven
Mile Wash Representative Bernadette
Goode, a San Carlos Apache police
officer sharing information about the
new mandatory seat belt law on their
reservation, and a presentation from
the local Grandparent Foster Program.
What was interesting about the reports
was that each presenter, except for the
police officer, spoke in fluent Apache.
For the Ak-Chin elders, it was a unique
experience.
Ak-Chin elder Johnny Lopez did
the cultural presentation introduction
and led the social dance. Singers for
the social dance were Sally Antone,
Carole Lopez, and Carmen Narcia.
Participating in the social dance were
elders Jenny Holsen, Mollie Norris,
Evelyn Enos and George Lewis.
Also speaking on behalf of the AkChin group were Mildred Narcia, Cleo
Pablo and Carmen Narcia. Narcia asked
if anyone attended St. Johns Indian
School and was hoping to connect with
former classmates, to which she did find
several among the several hundred in
the crowd.
After lunch, the elders were revved
up with sitting exercises and bingo.
When the meeting concluded, elders did
their best to find the most generous slot
machines. Several elders won $200 and
$500 dollar jackpots.
The invitation to San Carlos was
from the coordinators of the monthly
elder group. Their goal is to bring one
visiting tribe to share a bit of their
culture with the Apache elders. The AkChin elders were the first group invited
to participate.
4
4
March 2 - 15, 2012
February Community Gathering
featured Joe Enos
Story & Photo by R. Miguel
The
February
Community
Gathering featured Joe Enos, a retired
Traditional Counselor for the Gila
River Community, who shared stories
and traditions of the Native American
communities of Gila River, Ak-Chin,
and the Tohono O’odham Nation.
Despite his retirement status, Joe
has come across numerous requests
from friends and family to continue
to perform duties such as blessings,
spiritual
healings,
workshops,
presentations and counseling. “People
still call on me to do stuff and I just
can’t say no,” Enos said. “I’ve done a
lot of work in Sells, San Xavier, Tucson,
and other communities throughout the
Southwest. Right now I’m involved
with the Diocese of Tucson and have
worked with the Phoenix Diocese, so I
guess you can still say I’m pretty busy
and not retired at this time.”
Joe says that much of his
presentations and workshops are
identical, although admits that he
focuses on a few things that are of
importance to him and the people he
presents to at that particular time.
Joe pulled his crowd in when he
stated, “I work with children who don’t
believe in anything”, and continued
to say that these children don’t care,
because to them, there’s nothing to
believe in, which Joe told everyone
is “very scary”. He then wrote down
the word “believe” on a board, and let
everyone know that he would be asking
questions on what they believed in.
Joe professed his devotion as a
Catholic and shared his belief in the
“O’odham Himdak” (Indian Way of
Life). He is also a strong believer in
trusting doctors to care for you when
you’re in need of medical attention.
Working with “evil” was also a
topic Joe shared with the group in
attendance. “This is real serious stuff
and when working with evil I really
have to take care of myself,” he said.
“Going to church and believing in your
faith and trusting Jesus helps me to stay
strong and gives me the strength to
work against evil.”
Joe has worked with children for
a number of years with Catechism
classes and other religious sacraments
to help them as they reach first Holy
Communion. He feels these important
holy sacraments will help subside evil
occurrences among the young children.
Following his village’s true
meaning, Joe’s focus turned back to the
importance of teaching young children
religion and the importance of knowing
God. “I work with kids in juvenile
detention systems who see their parents
scamming, lying, stealing, drinking,
and fighting, and you know what, that’s
all they know,” he said. “It’s really hard
because I can’t take my teaching and
put it in them, they are already set in
their ways and many it’s hard for them
to change.”
Enos went on to describe encounters
he’s had with children who were
suffering through mental issues that
wished they could believe in something
that would make their personal pain go
away, many of which felt neglect from
their loved ones.
In a trip to the University of Notre
Dame about a year ago, Joe talked
about the Virgin Mary apparitions in
Medjugorje, Yugoslavia. Because
he believed and wanted to hear what
Mary said to people, he made the trek
to Notre Dame for the conference. Joe
talked about how a “visionary” stated
that what Mary, the mother of Jesus
wanted her (visionary) to relay was for
everyone one to “pray, pray, and pray”
because the road (of life) is getting very
Joe Enos of the Tohono O’odham Nation speaks of the heart and the presence of
good and evil during a presentation at the Ak-Chin Service Center.
bad.
The final subject of his presentation
was of the “little people”, who are a
part of the O’odham Tradition. Joe’s
first knowledge of the little people
was about ten years ago when an
elder grandmother called him and
asked him “to come over and bless her
grandchildren because the little green
man was bothering them.” “After that
blessing the flood gates just opened up
and all these little people just walked
in exposing themselves to O’odham
people,” Enos said.
“Just about everyone has a little
people story and they’re real, it’s a
part of our tradition.” According to
legend, the little people are spirits who
stayed in hand made baskets made by
O’odham people. At least once or twice
a month the little people are let out of
the baskets to go out and play and once
they are out of the basket they are of
extraterrestrial form. They exposed
themselves to humans when basket
owners forget to remind them that they
needed to return.
The little people vary in colors
from red, black and green and need to
be fed when they make their appearance
known. Although, he’s never seen
one personally, Joe’s heard good and
bad stories from eyewitnesses and a
majority of them say that “they are
mischievous.” Joe adds, “They’ve been
known to get into your house and turn
on the television, and water and they
like children. They want to kidnap your
children, not to hurt them but to play
with them. They just really like to be
with children.”
Joe shared other stories of the little
people before going into prayers and
ending his presentation.
Next Community Meeting
Monday, March 26, 2012
6 pm - 8 pm at
Ak-Chin Service Center
THE AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
HAS ONE (1) VACANCY FOR THE
AK-CHIN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT TRUST BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OPEN TO EMPLOYEES OF THE COMMUNITY ONLY
All interested individuals who wish to be considered for appointment for the one
(1) vacancy to the Board of Trustees, must sent a letter of interest to the Tribal
Administration Office.
1. The Employee Benefit Trust is responsible for determining and maintaining a
desirable Schedule of Benefits for the employees of Ak-Chin Indian Community
and Farms and qualified members of their families.
2. There are five Employee Benefit Program Trustees. Trustee must be a Community
Employee but need not be an enrollee of the Health and Benefit Program.
3. Must be able to attend regular monthly meetings that are held on the last
Thursday of each month and be available on an as-needed basis.
Requirements:
Community employees must submit documentation from their
supervisors allowing them to serve on the Ak-Chin Employee
Benefit Trust Board of Trustees. Documentation from supervisors
must accompany letter of Interest.
Please send all letters of interest Attn:
Ak-Chin Community Tribal Council
ATTN: Victoria A. Smith
42507 W. Peters & Nall Road
Maricopa, AZ 85138
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
5
5
March 2 - 15, 2012
DWMS only AZ school to win grant
Desert Wind
Middle
School
teacher
Michael
Russoniello
(at right,
standing)with
students who
participated
in the video
which is up
for additional
grant aw ard.
(Maricopa, Ariz.) – After writing and
producing a video on Maricopa’s airquality problems that was submitted
to Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow
contest, 35 seventh and eighth grade
students from Desert Wind Middle
School (DWMS) won $70,000 in the
national competition and were the only
school in Arizona chosen as one of the
top 12 finalists. Now, voting is open for
the Community Choice winner, which
could garner DWMS an additional
$40,000.
“With Solve for Tomorrow being a
national competition it was great to
even be a chosen applicant, and to make
it as a top-12 finalist with $70,000 to
spend on hardware and software for the
students is just amazing,” said Michael
Russoniello, the science teacher at
DWMS who originally submitted the
grant request.
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow
judging panel will be selecting four
grand prize winners from the 12 finalists
to win an additional $30,000 and the fifth
grand prize winner — the Community
If you provide care for children 0 – 5 years of age
in your home for at least 5 hours a week
this project is designed with you in mind.
Choice Winner — is chosen via online
votes that will reward the winning team
an additional $40,000.
“With another chance to raise more
funds for supplies and technology in the
classroom, and a chance for a few of the
students to go to Washington, D.C., for
an awards ceremony, we are hoping we
can count on votes from across the state
to support us,” said Russoniello.
Voting is open to the public, with one
vote per day, and closes at 11:59 p.m.
EST on Monday, March 12, 2012.
To vote for the DWMS video which
tackles air-quality issues, visit: https://
pages.samsung.com/us/sft/video/index.
jsp#top or go to www.maricopausd.org/
DWMS.
For more information on Desert Wind
Middle School visit www.maricopausd.
org/DWMS or call (520) 568-7110.
For more information on the Maricopa
Unified School District please visit their
website at www.maricopausd.org or
call (520) 568-5100.
The project is set up to help you purchase developmentally age
appropriate materials for the children in your care.
United Way of Pinal County
Friends, Family, and Neighbor Caregivers Outreach
Assistance Project
Information and Orientation Meeting
Monday, March 5, 2012 6:30pm
Ak-Chin Child Development Center
48251 W. Farrell Road
Maricopa, AZ 85139
If you are interested in attending or if you know someone
who could benefit from this project, please contact
Kim Hampton – 520-252-0574
or Yvette Marshall – 520-252-0382.
Brought to you by First Things First (FTF), Arizona Early Childhood Development
& Health Board provided by tobacco taxes and approved by Arizona voters.
8th Grade Family Night at MHS
Being thirtteen orr fo
four
urte
teen
en iiss to
toug
u h, bbut to taake ttha
ug
hatt
ha
leap froom eight grade to hig
igh scho
hool
ol?? Fi
Five
ve A
Akk-Ch
Chin
in
parent
ntss wiith chi
chi
hild
ldre
ld
renn in
re
in m
middle school decided to
heelp makee the transition easie
ierr an
andd smoother by
part
pa
rtiicip
ipat
atiing in 8th Grade Family Nightt at M
Mar
aricopa
High
Hi
gh Sch
ch
hoo
o l,, which introduced them to cllas
asse
ses,
s
spor
sp
orts
ts oopp
pppor
ortu
tuni
tu
n ti
ni
ties
es,, an
andd cllubb aact
ctiv
ivit
itiies
ie thatt awaait
them
m when th
they
ey beg
gin iinn th
thee fa
fall
ll.
“The nighht
“The
ht w
was to show
ow
wca
case Maricop
oppa Hi
High
Hig
gh Sch
choo
oool
to aall
ll thee uupc
pcom
min
ng 9t
9thh grade studdents
en
nts fro
rom al
a l th
he
midd
mi
ddlle sch
choo
ools
lss iinn th
thee area,” acccordi
ding
ngg to Te
Tere
resa
sa
Vali
Va
list
sto, Akk-Ch
Ch
hin Hig
ighh Sc
Scho
hool Cou
ouuns
n el
elor
orr.
Link Cre
reew assi
assist
stin
ing in the tours
rs,”” Mar
Marrla
l Ant
nton
onee sa
on
said
id..
“T
The
heyy (L
Lin
nk Crrew
ew) were very enth
thuus
th
usiasst
stic for
stic
o the
new
ne
w fr
fres
esshm
men com
comin
ng up and
and wer
weree very sup
uppo
port
rtiv
ivee
in wantiing to help them adjust to th
t e new
new schooll.””
Informaatio
ionn pr
pres
essen
enta
tations were giv
iveen in the
Perf
Pe
rfor
rf
orm
or
mi g A
ming
Art
rtss Ce
rt
Cent
n er which explain
nt
ned
ed courses and
prog
pr
ogra
og
rams
ra
ms, in
incl
c ud
cl
udin
ingg ho
hono
nors
no
rs and adv
dvan
anceed pl
plac
acem
emen
entt,
t,
and provvideed
ed ttim
ime fo
forr a qu
q es
esti
tion
o and ans
nswe
w r se
we
sess
ssio
ion.
n
F r th
Fo
t e fu
f tu
urree MHS aath
thle
hlete
tes,
s, coa
oach
ches
es were
ere av
er
vai
aila
labl
blee
in thhe gym
y to share theiir at
ym
athl
hlet
etic
ic ppro
rogr
gram
am
ms.
Story
ryy bbyy Kr
Kris
iss M
Morago
Curren
e t hi
h gh sschoo
o l st
oo
s uden
nts ggre
reetted
ed fam
millie
i s, and
everyy tenn mi
ev
minu
nuutes,
s,, ttou
ours
rs w
wer
eree gi
give
venn arrouund ccam
ampus.
Even thhe MHS
Even
MHS
S Ram mas
asco
cott go
gott in
invo
volv
olv
ved
ed and gave
high
hi
gh fives to th
hosse staandi
and ng in th
he cafe
fete
fe
teeriia li
linne
ne ffor
or
comp
co
mplime
ment
me
ntar
nt
aryy hootdoggs an
ar
and hamb
burge
urrgeers
rs.
Upper left: Ak-Chin families are given a tour of
the school campus. Upper right: MHS mascot
greets future students in the cafeteria. Lower right:
Marla Antone and her son Marciano Joaquin
enjoy dinner before the tour. Background photo:
MHS vision statement greets students during 8th
Grade Family Night.
“Itt was very infor
o mattive
or
tive andd I aals
lsoo ap
ppr
prec
eciiate
iatedd th
thee
Photos by Deidra Carlyle.
6
6
March 2 - 15, 2012
The Ak-Chin Fire Department is
always looking for ways to be more
efficient and to deliver better customer
service. We are blessed to have a workforce
that agrees with this philosophy and who
get involved on many different levels to
accomplish this goal. The members of the
Ak-Chin Fire Department have committed
themselves to training, education and, just
as importantly, to custom service.
One way to improve customer service
is to work on communication, which is
why I thought I’d spend a little time in this
article talking about what a typical day is
like in the life of an Ak-Chin Firefighter.
First, a lot of people don’t realize that
firefighters work from 48 to 72 hours or
more per week, depending on their shift
schedule. During their 48-hour tour (two
back-to-back 24-hour shifts), firefighters
are continuously on call, ready to respond
to any emergency whether they are at
the station or executing their mandatory
physical fitness training, or even shopping
for groceries for their meals. They must
be ready to respond to a fire or medical
emergency call at all times.
Another thing you may not know
is that firefighters must pay for their
own meals, whether it’s shopping at the
grocery store or eating out. We encourage
our firefighters to get out into the
Community. It provides the firefighters
with a great opportunity to interact with
the Community members and citizens in
the surrounding area, and to get to know
them on a first name basis. As Ak-Chin
firefighters make their way through a
typical day on their shifts, they encounter
many people. During these encounters,
they are always available to respond to
questions from Community members and
visitors.
Did you know that our fire trucks are
staffed with a crew of four firefighters
and the ambulances with a crew of two?
Next time you encounter a crew, notice
the radios they carry with them. Those
radios are their lifeline to any 9-1-1 call
that is dispatched to them. The trucks
and ambulances are also equipped with
radio communications that allow for the
deployment of resources seamlessly and
without any disruption to service.
All of this equipment helps
firefighters do what they do best respond
to an emergency. Emergency scenes are
chaotic, with many tasks that need to
be done all at once. Whenever someone
stops breathing or has a heart attack, no
fewer than four firefighters respond to
attend to the immediate needs of that
one patient. More patients mean more
firefighters are needed to take care of
them. Fires in buildings are similar many
tasks need to be done at once to efficiently
and safely control the fire, and to protect
the surrounding areas.
We are lucky that our firefighters can
do more than just respond to EMS calls
and fight fires. Many of our personnel
are certified as hazardous materials
technicians and/or technical rescue
technicians. So, when it comes to cleaning
a fuel spill on the highway, or rescuing a
hiker from a mountain trail or in the canal,
our crews are there.
If you see your Ak-Chin Fire
Department, firefighters out in public,
talk to them and ask them questions. Ask
them about their typical day - the daily
chores and physical training that must
be done around the fire station, or ask
for information about how to keep your
family safe. They will be happy to talk
with you and be as helpful as they can
possibly be.
We never forget that you, our
customers, are our highest priority.
Always at your service,
Donald P. Garcia,
Assistant Fire Chief
Recent Ak-Chin Fire Recruit graduates, Anthony Narcia, Jr. (left) and Danny Soliz,
Jr. (right) share their training experience with potential Ak-Chin Fire Cadets.
Cadet (Explorer) Program
Story R. Miguel & Photo by Glenn Boothe
Ak-Chin Fire Department personnel
and recent fire cadet graduates were on
hand to answer questions and share their
experience with 10 prospective youth
(4 community members) who attended
the Ak-Chin Fire Department sponsored
Cadet Program, which targeted potential
candidates between the ages of 14 to 21.
The program is an adopted
nomenclature for the Learning for Life
program chartered through the Boys
Scouts of America. Boys Scouts of
America is strictly an administrative
outlet for the Learning for Life Program.
Learning for Life is a youth program
aimed to incorporate “Shadow Learning”
experiences for a particular job trade.
Learning for Life is not limited to
just the fire service, but a vast field of
trades ranging from Fire and Police,
Electrical companies, even restaurants.
Any entity or organization is welcome to
charter this program in an effort to gain
interest of the Community youth.
Ak-Chin Royalty Get-together
When:
9a.m. – Noon, Saturday March 3, 2012
Where:
Service Center
Who:
Anyone in the Ak-Chin Indian Community who would like to
hear what Miss Ak-Chin and her Attendants have been doing
since their coronation in December and also to get interest of
any girls who are thinking of running for Miss Ak-Chin this
year or in the future
Guest Speakers:
Miss Ak-Chin 2011-2012 Alyssa Garcia
1st Attendant Cecily Peters
2nd Attendant Ariana Narcia
Pageant ommittee
C
Come out and show your support to
the Ak-Chin Royalty
Lunch will be served
“The program allows for real
time experience so that a youth may
observe a field of trade and decide
whether or not, he or she is interested in
that field,” said Glenn Boothe, Ak-Chin
Fire Department Emergency Division
Chief. “The greatest benefit of course,
is the ability to provide direction for
the participant. Within the Ak-Chin Fire
Department Cadet program, the Cadets
will undergo basic firefighting training
concepts. They will be introduced to the
physical training, minimum standard
evolutions, leadership training, and most
importantly, team concepts.”
According to Boothe, a Cadet post
is comprised of the Adult Leadership
Committee and the participating youths.
Each adult leader, no matter what their
capacity must undergo a series of adult
leadership training including youth
protection, outdoor leadership training,
Two Deep Supervision, etc. Further
training is mandated if the Cadet Post
chooses to participate in certain activities
such as swimming, hiking, etc. The goal
of the Cadet Post is to prepare the Cadets
for academy life; which is typically 15
weeks long and is prefaced by an 8
week pre-academy. Emergency Medical
training adds another 12 weeks and
EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator
Course) afterwards.
The standard fire department
probationary period is one year long.
“As our most recent academy graduates
can attest to, it is physically demanding
and requires a significant amount of
commitment over long arduous hours.
But through these hardships, a sense
of professional pride and dedication is
born,” Boothe said.
The Cadets will also have to
undergo certain leadership training
as well as taking on leadership roles
within the Cadet post. The operational
and organizational structure of the post
is as close to how the fire department
operates so that the transition from Cadet
to Recruit to Firefighter is as seamless
as possible. “2012 marks the third year
Ak-Chin Fire Department has chartered
this program, and we look forward to
expanding the program even further than
the previous two years,” added Boothe.
During the presentation, fire recruit
graduate, Anthony Narcia, Jr. shared
his experience of perseverance in the
academy and emphasized the importance
of team work. Following the presentation,
potential recruits were divided into three
and assigned to the recent graduates who
acted as guides to demonstrate the fire
apparatus and equipment.
7
7
March 2 - 15, 2012
From left: Ashia Laidler-Nelson, Jaleesa Rodriguez, Jessie Estrada, Danae Ruiz,
Tyra Williams, Danel Peters, CJ Begay, Alyssa Estrada, and Coach Jesse Estrada.
Ak-Chin teams nab 3rd and 4th place
Story by R. Miguel
Both Ak-Chin girls and boy’s
basketball teams put in great runs to
respectfully finish third and fourth in
the Salt River Recreation Department 8th
Grade and Under Basketball Tournament
last week. The Ak-Chin girls who were
led by All-Tournament recipients; Danel
Peters, Tyra Williams, and Danae Ruiz
Those Guys (silver) and Phoenix Braves battle underneath the basket during the
finals of the Breaking the Ice tournament in Ak-Chin.
Those Guys sink Phoenix Braves
for Breaking the Ice basketball title
finished the tournament with a 4-2
record.
The Ak-Chin boys who worked
their way through the loser’s bracket to Story & Photos by R. Miguel
place fourth were led by All-Tournament
Although “Those Guys” captured
selections; Johnny Johnson and Isaiah the title, a slam dunk was the talk of the
Pedro. They finished the tournament tournament and if you are a basketball
with a 2-2 record
fan, the Ak-Chin gymnasium was the
place to be two weeks ago as games
either went down to the wire or there
were exciting dunks thrown down.
“Those Guys”, who are slowly
building a dynasty via Ak-Chin
sponsored basketball tournaments,
for the fourth straight time took the
championship trophy home as the ballers
from Scottsdale captured the Ak-Chin
Recreation Department’s “Breaking the
Ice” open men’s basketball tournament.
But that one particular dunk that
caught the attention of Ak-Chin Parks
and Recreation Director, Sonny Hoffman
was a sight to see. “I’ve officiated and
Ak-Chin preschoolers get a kick out of watching a giraffe eat hay at the zoo.
seen a number of dunks up close, but
man this one was up there,” Hoffman
said. “I would have to say that it was
probably the best one I’ve seen.”
Story & Photo by R. Miguel
The dunk that had Hoffman and
3 year olds and daycare children Zoe who looked eagerly for insects with
from Ak-Chin Child Development were their long sticky tongues. Zebra’s Farasi, every person in the gymnasium buzzing
treated to an entertaining trip as they made Konan, and Tuari spent most of their involved the Braves Will Franks, who
the trek down I-8 with a destination to time snacking on grass, bark, and leaves, leaped a couple of feet from the rim
while Yebonga the Southern White and slammed down a vicious tomahawk
Tucson and visit to the Reid Park Zoo.
Over thirty attendees, that also Rhino, lazily took a break and watched dunk, while a member of the Strangers
attempted to challenge him. The dunk
included parent chaperones, were excited spectators go by.
One of the more interesting animals was comparable to some of the dunks
at the opportunity to witness elephants,
jaguars, bears, lions, tigers, and other in the zoo was DJ the Mandill spotted
monkey who according to zoo officials
exotic animals as they entered the zoo.
As soon as the group entered the had diabetes. The zookeeper who
park, they were allowed to split up and attended to children at DJ’s grounds
make their way through the zoo. As talked about how DJ would take insulin
the children approached an animal, the shots from zookeepers when it was time
sounds and words of “ooh and aah” and to take his medication, which they were
very proud of.
“look at that” were shouted.
Many of the animals seemed to notice
Just over thirty animals and exotic
the children, as they seemed to put on birds were available for children to view
some sort of display from the elephants at the zoo.
Following a lunch of; corn dogs,
eating and playfully making noises to the
monkeys swinging from tree to tree.
chips, cookies, and punch, courtesy of
Other animals that were interesting the zoo, parents and children took one
to watch included; African Spotted last trek around the park before their
Necked Otters Makena and Pacino who departure back home. Before exiting the
playfully swam in their pond of water; park, many visited the Discover the Wild
Champions
giant Anteaters Sophia, Xander, and gift shop in the zoo for souvenirs.
Preschoolers visit Reid Park Zoo
that former Phoenix Sun and current
New York Knicks forward Amare
Stoudemire would execute on opponents,
a posterized dunk, as they call it.
Once again, “Those Guys” displayed
a consistent balance of fast breaks,
outside shooting, and an inside game to
finish with a 5-0 mark and the title. The
Braves finished strong after suffering a
third round defeat placing second, while
Team After Party, which featured a
couple of players from the newly formed
Tohono O’odham Community College
in Sells, Arizona, nabbed third place.
Other teams participating included;
The Tropics, Untouchables, Lost Reds,
Beeliners, Murderer’s Row, Komatke
Kings, Warriors, J.R.’s, Young Movie
Stars, Indigenous, Madison Park, and
G.B. Squad.
Those Guys, were led by tournament
Most Valuable Player Adam and AllTournament selections, Jesse and Tom.
The Braves squad who were led by three
point specialist and high flying dunker
Darron Dorsey and Will Franks, who
also nabbed All-Tournament honors, in
the finals. Rounding out the All-Tourney
team included; Johannes from the
Untouchable, Jake from Komatke, and
Kels and Kasey Begay of the Strangers.
- Those Guys
8
8
March 2 - 15, 2012
67th Anniversary of the Iwo Jima
Landing and Flag Raising
Photos by KD Morago
1
2
1. Maricopa High JROTC and
Maricopa Veterans march down
main street.
Ak-Chin Royalty from left: Alyssa Garcia - Miss Ak-Chin, Cecily Peters - 1st
Attendant, and Ariana Narcia - 2nd Attendant wave to the crowd.
2. Jonathan Dean sits in a Apache
helicopter.
Ak-Chin Royalty in Cowboy and
Indian Days Parade
Story & Photo by R. Miguel
3
4
The annual Cowboy and Indian
3. The Hashan Kehk dancers
from District 2 perform during Days, hosted by the city of Casa Grande,
sponsored a parade that featured over
the parade.
fifty entrants during a beautiful Saturday
4. Ak-Chin Royalty, Little Mr. morning down Florence Boulevard
& Miss Ak-Chin, and Ak-Chin February 18.
A good crowd set up down the street
Veterans participate in parade
sidewalks to get a glimpse of entrants that
activities.
included; tribal royalty, Native American
dancers, a chicken scratch band, and
Cowboy and Indian Days sponsors.
Representatives from a U.S. Marine
Color Guard group led the parade, and
were followed by a Veterans group.
County and city officials which included;
Mayor Anthony Smith from the city
of Maricopa, District 3 Pinal County
Supervisor David Snider, Casa Grande
Justice of the Peace Roger Valdez, Pinal
County Recorder candidate Barbara
Kelly, and Pinal County Sheriff candidate
Steve Henry followed down Florence
Boulevard.
The Casa Grande Historical Society
featured a couple of old fire trucks while
Cowboy and Indian Days sponsor Henry
Brown had over thirty vehicles from their
lot participate in respective entries.
Royalty entrants included Miss AkChin Alyssa Garcia and her court; Cecily
Peters -1st Attendant and Arianna Narcia
-2nd Attendant. Also participating was
Miss Tohono O’odham Nation Wynona
Peters, who is the daughter of Ak-Chin
member David Peters, Sr. Cowboy and
Indian Days rodeo royalty rounded out
the royalty category.
Papago Warrior chicken scratch band
from the Cocklebur Village in Tohono
O’odham played live music on their
float much to the delight of the crowd on
hand.
9
9
March 2 - 15, 2012
Fire Recruit Class 11-3 Graduation Ceremony
LEFT: The “Hooligans”
Class 11-3 atop Chase
Tower in downtown
Phoenix after climbing
40+ stories during
a training exercise.
(submitted by Asst.
Chief Donald Garcia,
seated center).
Photos by Kris Morago
AZ Centennial at Saddleback
ABOVE: Ak-Chin
Fire Chief Michael
Long gives the Oath
to Thomas Rodriguez,
Danny Soliz, and
Lindsey Valles.
RIGHT: Benny Romo
pins the new graduate
badge to his grandson
Jace Dickerson.
LEFT:
William
Narcia poses
with his
family after
graduating
from the
Glendale
Training
academy.
Clayton Antone receives his badge
from Fire Chief Michael Long.
M
A
R
C
H
Darren Peters with his grandmother
Evelina Lopez.
TOP: The Ak-Chin
Language
Program
was invited to sing
and dance during
Saddleback Elementary
School
celebration
honoring
Arizona’s
birthday. The butterfly
and social dance was
performed.
From left to right: (Front) Bradley
Miguel, Kateri Lopez, Sharon Carlyle,
Mylauni Antone, Angel Antone, Jilayne
Miguel, Alison Miguel, and Carlton
Carlyle, Jr. (Back) Genevieve Miguel,
Velacita Lopez, and Sally Antone.
Students throughout the school created
colorful state flags and maps, and had
a theater and activity area for
kids. A large birthday card
2
0
1
2
for everyone to sign was on the wall
and cake was served in the cafeteria.
ABOVE: Youth book author T.S. Fields
(second from left) takes a moment with
students and her book “Danger in the
Desert” during her book signing, which
benefits the upcoming Relay for Life
event.
Photos by Kris Morago
10
10
March 2 - 15, 2012
The Empowered Patient:
A Way to Improve Quality and Access to Health Care!
Patients find more and more that their health
care is being compromised and not meeting
their expectations. These expectations cover
areas such as patient safety issues, how
services will be covered, and lack of time and
communication with their doctors. These days,
wise patients are empowered patients, learning
everything they can about the health care
system, the obstacles to good care, and the steps
they can take to get the best care possible.
The world of medicine has transitioned to
a system that takes control away from both
patients and their doctors, giving rise to a new
paradigm that requires patients to take more
responsibility for their medical care than in the
past.
Patient empowerment has a handful of
definitions. Most of these focus on the concept
of the patient taking an active role in his/her
own disease management, and supporting that
participation by learning all he/she can about
his/her disease or condition and treatment
options.



Until the past few years, the thought that a
patient would or could participate so fully was
unheard of. Today, many patients realize that
this level of participation is vital to maintaining
health in the face of medical problems or
challenges.
As an empowered patient, you’ll need to:

Take responsibility. Realizing that you
know your body better than anyone
else, you will refer to all the resources
at your disposal -- from people to the
printed word -- and you will use that
knowledge to help make decisions about
your treatment that are your decisions
to make.

Set goals. Understanding that the human
body does not always react the way we
expect it to; therefore, it’s best to set a
treatment goal and work toward that
goal. In some cases, a patient can have a
goal to heal. Another may simply want
patients who come after you find better
medical outcomes. Advocacy covers
many areas, from government and notfor profit organizations, to individual
navigators that help patients transition
through the steps of their diagnosis and
care.
to manage a disease or condition, or
another may need to learn to cope with
a new medical problem.


Collaborate with others. You’ll be an
active participant in your own health
care team, including providers, support
personnel, and even other patients,
knowing that the collaboration helps you
in the decision-making aspects of your
diagnosis and treatment processes.
Gather evidence. Including resources
that range from observation, to
recording symptoms and family
histories, to participating in medical
tests, to discussions with providers
and other patients, to using the Internet
and libraries for researching relevant
diseases, conditions and treatments.
Be a smart health care patient/
consumer. Sometimes the challenges
a patient faces are related more to
customer service and costs of service
(how they are being covered) than
they are to the health aspects of care.
Understanding health insurance choices
or learning when to walk away from
a specific medical provider when
necessary, are examples of these kinds
of choices.

Adhere to decisions. Since you will
have collaborated with knowledgeable
members of your health care team
to arrive at decisions, you will feel
confident following along with the
decisions you’ve made together.
With more than 30 years of history, patient
empowerment is approaching its tipping
point. More and more, patients are realizing
they can improve their medical outcomes by
taking responsibility for their own health care
decisions in partnership with their providers,
and participating fully in the process.
Gila River Health Care is committed to
providing high-quality medical care, and we
have made major strides to garner the resources
to help us achieve this. However, as a health
care system, we can have all the technology
and equipment to take care of you, but without
you and your input, we have nothing. With
changing times in health care, we are now
focused on empowering our patients to be
more involved in their health care decisions
and building a partnership with their medical
Stay safe in the health care provider to ensure that the care you receive is
environment. We often read about the best medical care possible in a manner that
major medical errors, but millions of you feel comfortable with.
“smaller” mistakes take place every
day. Administration of the wrong drugs, Without you and your family taking greater
acquiring infections in hospitals, even responsibility for your own health care and
surgeries gone bad -- these are all your participation, we will not succeed. We
examples of the safety problems an need you to become more involved with your
empowered patient should be aware of. care to strengthen and build a partnership with
our medical team. We are continuing to work
toward delivering high-quality medical care to
Understand and support the tenets of
all of our patients.
patient advocacy. In the bigger picture,
you can take advantage of those who
have learned about your medical
problems before you, and you can help
11
11
March 2 - 15, 2012
12 STEP
RECOVERY MEETINGS
MONDAY:
Alcoholics Anonymous
5:30PM
Ak-Chin Social Services
48227 W Farrell Rd
Transportation provided
Narcotics Anonymous
7:00PM
Maricopa Lutheran
16540 N Porter Rd
TUESDAY:
Alcoholics Anonymous
5:00PM
Closed: Native Only
Ak-Chin Social Services
48227 W Farrell Rd
Transportation provided
Alcoholics Anonymous
6:30PM
Maricopa Lutheran
16540 N Porter Rd
Transportation provided
WEDNESDAY:
Alcoholics Anonymous
7:00PM
Ak-Chin Housing
48277 W Farrell Rd.
Transportation provided
THURSDAY:
Narcotics Anonymous
7:00PM
Ak-Chin Social Services
48227 W Farrell Rd
Transportation provided
FRIDAY:
Alcoholics Anonymous
12:00PM
Our Lady of Grace
45295 W Honeycutt Ave
Transportation provided
Alcoholics Anonymous
7:00PM
Maricopa Lutheran
16540 N Porter Rd
Celebrate Recovery
7:00PM
First Baptist Church
18705 N John Wayne Pkwy
Al-Anon
7:00PM
Our Lady of Grace
45295 W Honeycutt Ave
SATURDAY:
Narcotics Anonymous
7:00PM
Our Lady of Grace
45295 W Honeycutt Ave
SUNDAY:
Narcotics Anonymous
7:00PM
Our Lady of Grace
45295 W Honeycutt Ave
AA Information:
520-426-9318
NA Information:
520-426-0121
Transportation:
520-836-1093
Current openings
in the Community:
*Child Care Teacher’s Aide
*Early Childhood Program
Assistant Coordinator
*Fire Captain
*Sr. Cook - Vekol (UOF)
*Deli Clerk - Vekol (UOF)
*Cashier/Stocker - Vekol
part-time (UOF)
Check with Human
Resources for the latest job
announcements.
Please pick up applications at
the Human Resources Office or
e-mail your resume to
[email protected].
Complete your application
in full and be sure to
sign your name. Submit
applications before the closing
date as late applications
will not be accepted.
If you are claiming Indian
Preference, proof of tribal
enrollment MUST be submitted
at the time of application.
Your time is limited, so don’t waste it
living someone else’s life. Don’t be
trapped by dogma—which is living
with the results of other people’s
thinking. Don’t let the noise of
other’s opinions drown out your own
inner voice. And most important,
have the courage to follow your heart
and intuition. They somehow already
know what you truly want to become.
Everything else is secondary.
—Steve Jobs
A boss creates fear, a leader
confidence. A boss fixes blame,
a leader corrects mistakes.
A boss knows all, a leader asks
questions. A boss makes work
drudgery, a leader makes
it interesting.
—Russell H. Ewing
Stephen Dailey
Utility Technician
EPD
Renee Boehm
FireFighter Recruit
Fire & Safety
12
March 2 - 15, 2012
It’s All About Family!
YOU & your family are invited to join the new Ak-Chin Strengthening
Families Program (for parents/guardians & youth age 10-14)
2 All Day Saturday Sessions
9:00 am – 5:00 pm – March 31st
and April 7th
@ Service Center
Come out and enjoy a day to
celebrate family!!!
Learn about communication
and parenting with
Food, Fun & Incentives!
Childcare and Transportation
provided
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT
Joy James @ 480-278-6220 or Hilary Cummings @ 480-326-7999
This project supported by Governor’s Office for Children,
Youth and Families & the Arizona Parent’s Commission
New Life Ak-Chin Family Church
would like to invite you to a Women’s Fellowship
When:
Where:
Time:
March 10th
Ak-Chin Indian Community
Center
11am
Psalm 29:3
The voice of the Lord is upon the
waters; The God of glory thunders,
The Lord is over many waters.
Guest speakers
Cheri Sampson
An anointed Native American pastor
from Salt River
Food will be provided
For more information contact: Rosa Johnston (520) 251-3169
St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Mission
Ak-Chin Indian Community
16657 N. Church Rd. Maricopa, AZ 85139
Sunday Mass 12 PM
March 4, 2012, Second Sunday of Lent with Father Charles Casale
March 11, 2012, Third Sunday of Lent with Father Charles Casale
March 18, 2012, Fourth Sunday of Lent with Father Charles Casale
March 25, 2012, Fifth Sunday of Lent with Father Charles Casale
Stations of the Cross 6 pm, every Friday (3/2 - 3/30)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Catholic Council of Elders Meeting
Saturday, March 3 at 10 am
Saint Lucy Roman Catholic Mission
Gila Bend, AZ 85337
Catholic Women’s Conference
Saturday, March 24 at 7 am – 7 pm
St. Bernadette Roman Catholic Parish
16245 N. 60th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Catholic Council of Elders Meeting
Saturday, March 31 at 10 am
St. Mary’s Basilica
231 North 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Annual Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha
Feast Day
Saturday, April 21 at 10 am
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted
St. Peter Indian Mission
Bapchule, AZ 85221
Canonization of Blessed Kateri
Tekakwitha
Sunday, October 21
Rome, Italy
12
13
MARCH 2012 SNIDER NEWSLETTER
There was so much going on in
western Pinal County in February that
hardly anyone was bored – and if they
were, it was their own fault! There were
two parades, new police chief installation
ceremonies
(“Congratulations
and
welcome to Maricopa Police Chief Steve
Stahl!), health clinic ribbon-cuttings,
a Hog Fest, and nearly two weeks of
Cowboy Days and Indian rodeo-ing … just
to mention a few events on the calendar.
And this month’s events calendar is pretty
full as well – more on that in a moment.
Some of you may have missed the
announcement, but we’ve added another
online search tool to our County website
(http://pinalcountyaz.gov) – an interactive
zoning map. At the home page, click on
All Departments, then click on Planning &
Development, and in the left-hand column
of choices, click on Notice of Hearing.
Users will see various pins on the county
map: they are color-coded to indicate the
type of zoning being requested or the
level of the hearing for the case. Kudos
goes to our Planning and IT staff for the
innovation.
On a health care note, both the
Maricopa and San Tan Valley Public
Health Clinics are now open bringing
permanent public health services closer
to significant populations. The Maricopa
Clinic also houses the Pinal County
Vital Records Office, which moved there
from Florence. Among the services
available at both clinics are Childhood
Immunizations (no charge for children 18
and younger), flu shots, etc. For a full list
of services, hours of operation, and/or an
appointment, call 1.866.960.0633 or go to
the County website.
By the way, a tip of my hat to
the PetSmart Charities: this fabulous
organization recently sent a $15,000
grant to our Animal Care & Control
Department to help with February’s two
big hoarding cases that involved 158
cats, dogs, and birds. The welcome grant
was used to cover medical expenses for
the rescued animals as well as critical
supplies. Although a cat and a dog had
13
March 2 - 15, 2012
to be euthanized, the rest were treated and
are on their way back to health thanks to
the heroic efforts of the PCACC staff and
lots of incredible volunteers who rose to
the occasion.
Central Arizona College and the
University of Arizona have inked an
historic articulation agreement. This may
not mean much to many readers but it’s
huge for CAC students looking to move
into upper division classes as they move
toward an undergraduate degree. The
agreement means CAC coursework will
be 100% transferable (and accepted by)
the UofA – a significant benchmark in
the two institutions’ relationship and a
financial boon to CAC students (and their
parents) continuing their education past
the AA degree.
This is the fifth year that the United
Way of Pinal County has sponsored free
income tax assistance for struggling
households. In addition to providing
trained personnel to help with basic
income tax filings, Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance (VITA) workers are prepared
to help residents whose incomes are
modest and determine if they’re eligible
for an Earned Income Tax Credit. VITA
sites operate in the Eloy and Maricopa
Public Libraries, as well as the Seeds
of Hope Neighborhood Center and the
Sun Life Family Health Center in Casa
Grande. For information on the program
or its sites, call 520.836.0736 or go to
http://unitedwayofpc.org/vita.
The Second Annual Pinal County
Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament will
take place on March 3rd on the Arizona
City Golf Course. Proceeds from the
tourney will go to the construction of a
long-overdue memorial honoring our Pinal
County veterans who’ve given their lives
for our country. For more information,
contact Steve Ketsdever (520.858.5678)
or Palmer Miller (520.431.3399).
More things for you to do:
 The annual Cesar Chavez Dinner will
take place on March 9th at 5:30 p.m.
in The Property Conference Center in
Casa Grande. This worthwhile cause
raised over $30,000 in scholarships
for Pinal County students last year
and your participation is always
welcome. For more information, call
Ralph Varela at 520.466.7765.
 The Pinal County Fair is set to get
underway on March 15th for its
annual five day run of family fun,
entertainment, 4-H events, and more.
For example, the Junior 4-H Livestock
Auction is on Saturday (the 17th)
and the money raised by the sale of
these 4-H students’ animals goes into
their college funds. For information
on events and concerts, go to http://
www.pinalcountyfairgrounds.com.
 That same weekend the Gila River
Indian Community will hold its 50th
Mul-Chu-Tha celebratory event from
March 16th - 18th in Sacaton. This
is a great way to get to know your
Gila River neighbors – and see some
fabulous dances, arts and crafts, and
eat some yummy food. http://mulchu-tha.com or 520.560.6087 for
information.
 On March 24th, the 37th Annual PinalGila Senior Craft & Wellness Fair
takes place on CAC’s Signal Peak
Campus, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The event is truly an arts and crafts
show (with wellness information as
well) on steroids – and it’s not just for
the senior citizen! Call Kathy Winch
at 520.836.2758 for information.
 Don’t forget the 8th Annual Maricopa
Salsa Festival on March 31st. It
gets underway at 4 p.m. and ends at
9 p.m. There’s live entertainment,
homemade salsas and guacamoles
vie for prizes (and everybody gets a
taste!), much more. Last year saw
some 10,000 people attend the event
in Maricopa’s Pacana Park so get
there early. Call 520.568.9573 or
http://www.maricopachamber.org for
more information.
Finally, Gentle Reader – this column
(which I write for the Casa Grande
Dispatch/Tri-Valley Dispatch on a
monthly basis) will be suspending
publication until after the November
elections at the request of the publisher.
[I will continue to produce the column
and if you’d like, you can find it posted
on the Pinal County website http://
pinalcountyaz.gov.
David Snider, Supervisor
Pinal County District 3
Pinal Diaper Drive Kicks Off Saturday
W H A T
: The kickoff
event
for the Pinal
Diaper Drive
that
runs
from March 3 to April 14. Community
partners will have information tables and
provide free hearing, vision and dental
screenings for kids 5 and younger.
There will be a diaper construction
contest and a collection bin for diaper
donations. During the drive, collection
bins will be located throughout the county.
Local organizations that serve families
will distribute diapers after April 14.
WHERE: The Promenade Mall, in front
of Harkins 1005 N. Promenade Parkway
Casa Grande, AZ 85294
WHEN: Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m. to
1 p.m.
WHO: Christina Jenkins, chair,
Pinal R egional P artnership C ouncil,
Aimee Kempton-Sarosi, Regional
Director, First Things First in Pinal
County, Rachel Peterson, Board Chair,
Southern Arizona Diaper Bank
Community partners and agencies
providing services to families with
children 5 and younger
WHY: About 18% of families with
children under 5 in the Pinal region live
in poverty. To keep a baby healthy, it
takes 90 diapers and wipes for one child
– that’s $2,080 per year.
RSVP: [email protected]
14
14
March 2 - 15, 2012
Arizona American Indian Pathways Into Health Conference April 4-5
Fort McDowell, AZ – Mark your
calendar! Registration is now open
for the first Statewide Arizona
American Indian Pathways into
Health Conference, Building a Firm
Foundation for the Future of American
Indian Health Care, and is scheduled
for April 4-5, 2012 at the Radisson
Fort McDowell Resort, Fort McDowell
Yavapai Nation, Arizona.
The Conference is planned by a Planning
Committee comprised of representatives
from the Advisory Council on Indian
Health Care, Arizona Department of
Health Services (ADHS), University of
Arizona Area Health Education Center
(AzAHEC) Program, Gila River Indian
Community, San Carlos Apache Tribe,
White Mountain Apache Tribe, Hope
Tribe, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona,
Inc., Indian Health Service, First Things
First, and other University of
Arizona Offices. The focus of the
conference is to address the health
disparities of the disproportionate
percentage of American Indians
in the health professions and to
expose to a greater degree the
AzAHEC Program to the Arizona
Native American community
leadership.
“Our goal is to bring together tribal
leaders, tribal, state and federal health
and education directors and program
administrators, students, and interested
community members to discuss how
we can assist our American Indian
youth in preparing for careers as health
professionals with an emphasis on the
youngest age possible,” stated Michael
Allison (Dine’), Native American
Liaison, ADHS and Conference
Planning Committee Chair. “We need
to be pro-active and ‘grow our own
professionals’ in order to increase the
number of healthcare professionals
required.”
Scheduled sessions will include:
Presentation on the San Carlos Apache
Tribe 5th Grade Pathways into Health
Pilot Initiative, Roles and
responsibilities
of tribal and community agencies in
developing health professionals, Roles
and responsibilities of the AzAHEC
and post-secondary institutions in
developing tribal health professionals,
Student panel, and Transitioning from
education to employment. A cultural
presentation and entertainment will
be provided by a San Carlos Apache
Dance Group during a Day One evening
Networking Reception on April 4th.
Conference registration is free of charge.
Funding for the conference is provided
by the AzAHEC Program. Conference
registration is available online at: http://
azpathwaysconference.eventbrite.com.
The deadline to make hotel reservations
at the discounted rate of $126/night is
March 5, 2012.
Vital Records will be Available at Two New Clinics
FLORENCE, AZ – Pinal County
Public Health has relocated
its Vital Records office to the
new Public Health Clinic in
Maricopa, AZ. The clinic is
located at 41600 West SmithEnke Road, Building 15.
Certified copies of birth
and death certificates are now
available in Maricopa from
Tuesday through Friday between
8:00 AM. and 6:00 PM. As of
February 7, 2012, the location
in Florence is closed.
Vital Records will also be
available at the San Tan Valley
location.
It is expected to
open March 12, 2012. Hours
of operation will be Monday
through Thursday from 8:00
AM to 6:00 PM. The clinic is
located at 36375 North Gantzel
Road.
Pinal
County
Vital
Records accepts cash, check or
money order. Certified copies are
$20 each. Amendments/corrections/
establishment of paternity is a $30 fee,
which includes one certified copy of the
amended certificate.
Birth and death certificates are also
available by mail. The address for this
service is P.O. Box 2945, Florence, AZ
85132.
Arizona is a closed records state,
meaning that you have to meet certain
criteria to obtain birth and death
certificates.
To learn more about
ordering vital records, call 1-800231-8499 or view general information
at http://goo.gl/rSRsu.
Information
specific to birth certificates is posted at
http://goo.gl/h6tDd. For information
about death certificates, go to http://
goo.gl/RgF6V. (Please note that these
are official county website links that
were shortened for ease of use.)
Birth certificates are available for
anyone born in the State of Arizona
after 1950. Death certificates are
available for anyone who passed away
in the State of Arizona after January
27, 2008. If you need a birth or death
certificate prior to these dates, you will
need to contact the State Vital Records
office in Phoenix.
To schedule an appointment or learn
more about Public Health programs in
your community, please call 1-866960-0633.
15
March 2 - 15, 2012
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16
March 2 - 15, 2012
21st Annual Him-Dak Celebration
Saturday, April 14, 2012 Events start at 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Arts & Craft Vendors Needed
Vendor Spaces $30.00
We are currently looking for Arts &
Crafts Vendors for the Him-Dak Eco
Museum’s 21st Annual Celebration.
Event will take place on April 14,
2012 from 8:00 am-2:00pm.
If you are interested in having a
booth, please contact Sylvia Gutierrez @ 520-568-1361 or by email
[email protected]
Booth Limits: 10 arts & crafts vendors.
fee paid by money order ONLY.
Vendor Liability must be signed and
completed accompanied by money
order when turned in. Forms can be
picked up at the Museum, faxed or
emailed to you.
Electricity is not available and generators are not permitted.
Deadline for registration is April 9, 2012
@ 5:00 p.m.
O'odham leading the way to a
brighter tomorrow...
1912-2012
100 years since the establishment
of the Reservation
Annual Him-Dak T-shirt Contest
Contest open to all Ak-Chin Indian
Community Members
Official forms are available @
the Museum office
Deadline: All entries must be
received to Museum office by
March 9 , 2012 by 5:00 p.m.
Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place
For additional information call the
museum @ (520) 568-1360
Food Vendors
Ak-Chin Eco Museum is accepting
vendor applications for their 21st
Annual Celebration to be held April
14, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Application fee is $30.00. For additional information contact Julene
Narcia @ 520-568-1350 or
[email protected].
Fun Run/Walk
Saturday April 14, 2012
Registration starts @ 7:30 a.m.
Fun Run/Walk will start at the old fire
station and end at the museum
T-shirts are limited to first come only
and for participants only
No shirts handed out after the Fun
Run/walk
Please Remember: No skateboards,
Bikes, Skate-shoes, or dogs.
For more information on vendors or about the event, call the Museum office @ 520-568-1350.
2012 Ak-Chin Men’s 4-on-4 Basketball League.
Entry Fee: $100 (No Personal Checks)
Deadline: March 16th @ 5pm
$50 Due at Sign-Up
League will start March 25th
Games will be played on Sundays
2012 Women’s 3-on-3 Basketball League
Entry Fee: $100 (No Personal Checks)
Deadline: March 16th @ 5pm
League will start March 25th
Games will be played on Sundays
For more information, please contact the Recreation Center @ 520-568-1740.
Registrations can be picked up at
Recreation Office.
Practice Starts on
Monday, March 5, 2012
5PM @ the Gym.
AK-CHIN’S 2011
Boys & Girls Division - Ages 13-18yrs.
March 15th - 18th.
Boy’s Division: 15-18yrs.
Girl’s Division: 15-18yrs.
For registration or more information contact the
Ak-Chin Recreation Department @ 520-568-1740/9527
Entry Fee
$135.00 (Non-Refundable)
Cash or Money Order,
NO PERSONAL CHECKS.
Deadline March 9th (5pm)
(A $100.00 non-refundable deposit required)
Awards 1st-3rd place,
Trophy & T-Shirts
Individual Awards:
MVP & All Touneys
(Birth Certificate &
School I.D Required)
To enter a Team or for more information call 520-568-1740