August 6 - 19, 2011
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Area housing begins to stabilize
Tutoring eases academic angst
by K. M. Lang
Whether the subject is fractions or freshman algebra, the alphabet or AP English, an ever-increasing number of SanTan Sun area parents are turning to professional tutors to help their children succeed in the classroom. Tutoring can greatly assist a struggling student, says Bill Davies, owner of the Valley’s only Tutor Doctor franchise, but there are a few things parents should know before laying their money down in the hopes of a better report card.
STSN photo CONSTRUCTION RESUMES: New housing builds are being seen in the SanTan Sun area, including this Cachet home in Paseo Lindo. by Miriam Van Scott
Market conditions for local real estate remain somewhat volatile, but recent activity indicates the worst may be over in the SanTan Sun area. Many housing specialists believe prices are beginning to stabilize throughout the East Valley, signaling an end to double-digit declines in area home values. “Experts are giving mixed predictions, and speculation is by nature unreliable, but I think we’ve reached – for the most part – the bottom,” says Bill
Ryan, a designated broker with RE/MAX Infi nity in Southern Chandler. “We may see small drops in the months ahead, but no more huge declines. We’re not cured, but we’re in remission.”
Dr. Jay Butler, an authority on Phoenix real estate who recently retired from ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business, agrees the days of plummeting home prices are behind us, but cautions broader economic conditions are still in play.
See Housing Page 6 Humble hero among us by Alison Stanton
Spend just a few minutes speaking with Frederick E. Ferguson of Chandler, and several things become immediately clear: he is a straightforward and straight-talking gentleman, passionate and even outspoken about many topics including politics. He cares deeply about his country, veterans, family and friends.
Submitted photo
HUMBLE HERO: Frederick E. Ferguson wearing his Medal of Honor for bravery after rescuing a wounded crew.
What may not be as readily apparent is that Ferguson is also a hero. He is one of about 85 living recipients of the Medal of Honor, which, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s website, is “the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United
See Hero Page 10 Jackson joins ICAN
Connie’s Jewelry turns 10
Connie’s Jewelry turns 10
Business Page 13 Business Page 13
“Raices” traces roots AZ Arts Page 21
Cyprus Grill
“Raices” traces roots AZ Arts Page 21
Cyprus Grill Neighbors Page 34
Neighbors Page 34
Jackson joins ICAN Community Page 5
Community Page 5
Family Trees Calendar of
Family Trees
Calendar of events
recess Just4Kids
Just4Kids SSa
anTan Family Fun Cen er
Center spreadread
events Redefining
Redefining recess
INSIDE
Business . . . . . . . . .13-19 AZ Arts . . . . . . . . .21-32 Things to do . . . . . . . . . 33 Opinion . . . . . . . . . 34-35 Neighbors . . . . . . . .45-54 Youth . . . . . . . . . . 55-65 Spirituality . . . . . . . 67-69 Directory . . . . . . . .70-72 Classifieds . . . . . . . .73-74 Where to eat . . . . . . 75-79
STSN photos
HEAT RELIEF: Betty Alatorre de Hong of Paletas Betty in downtown Chandler has the cure for heat stress: a cool “paleta,” or Mexican popsicle. de Hong makes them by hand, cutting up fresh fruit, mixing in her own blend of spices, filling the molds and freezing them. Some of the flavors offered include fresas con crema, or classic strawberries and cream; Durazno, peach infused with fresh mint leaves; and andarándano, or fresh blueberry lemonade. de Hong brings her childhood memories of paletas from her native Central Mexico to 96 W. Boston St., behind DC Steak House. Open 7 days a week. Info:
www.PaletasBetty.com.
“Parents should look for a company that offers reliable, experienced tutors who are passionate about making a difference in a student’s life,” explains Davies, whose business serves Southern Chandler, as well as the Phoenix metropolitan area. “The tutoring company should be a part of the Better Business Bureau and the National Tutoring Association.” While Tutor Doctor offers in-home sessions “designed to help students from ages 4 to 94,” and assists clients with everything from kindergarten entrance exams to college-level math and science courses, Davies admits parents often seek a tutoring service in response to an educational setback.
See Tutoring Page 8
FAMILY FUN
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