APRIL 25, 2011

2nd Annual Ride to Remember, Ride to Honor Motorcycle Ride

They gave their all, we will never forget; Honoring our fallen and injured warriors

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, April 30 for registration and pancake breakfast. Ride is open to all makes and models of motorcycles.

Register on site or mail this form to Sgt Penny Fendley: 971 Jason Lopez Circle, P.O. Box 867 Florence, AZ 85132; $25 per bike (includes ride pin, t-shirt, all-u-can-eat breakfast) All-u-can-eat lunch buffet $8 for first person and $10 for each additional, to be paid with your registration.

Ride starts at PCSO and heads north on Hwy 79 towards Florence Junction.  U.S. 60 to Hwy 177 thru Kearny, Hayden and stop at Winkleman Minit Market for fuel and snacks.  Leave Minit Market and head south on 77 thru Aravaipa Canyon, past Oracle and end for all-u-can-eat lunch at Lupe’s Mexican Food Restaurant.

dac logoBY DIANE A. VASZILY | APRIL 20, 2011

Nature is evil?

Is it really that scary out there?

Do you remember the last time you were afraid of going outside? What lurks behind the next tree that could attack me? Will the “big bad wolf” eat me?
Keep reading ...

APRIL 20, 2011

Phoenix Parks and Recreation offering full-day summer programs

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The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is offering fun, affordable full-day recreation programs at 12 locations this summer to help parents keep their kids active, engaged and safe over the break. Community centers also are offering a full schedule of general-interest classes and programs for people of all ages to get active, learn new skills and have fun.

Exact prices, dates, times and other details in the full-day recreation programs vary from center to center, however most are for kids ages 6 up to 12 and run from early June through July. Prices range from $280 to $350 for the seven-to-eight weeks. Some centers offer shorter duration program options at a reduced price. Many centers also are offering programs for teens.

Details are available online at phoenix.gov/parks in the Classes and Programs link. Registration for the summer session opens April 30 at 10:30 a.m. Participants can register online with any major credit card or register in-person at any department community center or administrative office. Additional information on the parks, programs and facilities of the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is available online or by calling 602-262-6862.

APRIL 20, 2011

State Library serves public with dizzying array of services

Oversight shifts to Secretary of State

PHOENIX – Libraries aren’t just a place for reading anymore.  They provide an essential link to our communities and the larger world beyond our neighborhoods.  Libraries today serve as multi-use community centers.  Many provide free after school and evening literacy programs; serve as a showcase for local artwork, and have computer instruction available for people of all ages.

During difficult economic times it’s even more important to take advantage of services our libraries offer communities for little, if any cost.  It’s with that in mind that we celebrate National Library Week during the second week of April.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country.  All types of libraries - school, public and academic participate in the festivities.

“Arizona’s library system is one of the best in the country,” said Secretary of State Ken Bennett.  “Every Arizonan should be proud of the work our local libraries do in our communities.  Arizona’s library programs are budget-friendly and cost-efficient which is especially important while our state is suffering through an economic downturn.

The state library serves the Arizona Legislature and Arizonans by fostering historical and cultural collaborative research, provides access to public information and ensures that Arizona's history is documented and preserved.

“The library’s goal to provide access to information to the public is consistent with our mission at the Secretary of State’s office,” continued Bennett.  “That’s why we urged the legislature to transfer oversight of the agency to our office.  One of the responsibilities of the Secretary of State’s office is preserve official documents and make them available to the public.  It just made sense to move the state library and archive under our purview.”

SB 1123, recently signed into law by Governor Brewer, transferred oversight from the purview of the state library from the Legislature to the Secretary of State.

“I’m not sure people understand the vast array of services that our library system makes available to the public,” said the Secretary.  “From archival services, museums and records management to the library for the visually and physically disabled, the library is Arizona’s connection to the past, present and future.”