April 7 - 20, 2012 www.SanTanSun.com Win iPad at ICAN Fun Run, 5K Coping with memory loss


An iPad donated by Christy Thompson of the Thompson Law Firm in Chandler is the grand prize for those participating in the 5th annual ICAN SanTan Sun Family Fun Run & 5K fundraiser starting at 7:15 a.m. Sat., April 14 at Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park.


Drawing tickets to raise money for ICAN,


a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides programs for at-risk youths in Chandler, are currently available online and will be sold the day of the event.


SEE ICAN run, PAGE 8


BY MIRIAM VAN SCOTT Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., and other progressive memory disorders overwhelmingly affect senior citizens and take a terrible toll not only on those who suffer the conditions, but on their loved ones as well. In the SanTan Sun area, numerous resources are available for those dealing with the issue, ranging from in-home health aids to full-time residential facilities staffed by experts in the field. “Adult children need to become educated about dementia and Alzheimer’s and have a conversation with their aging parents sooner rather than later,” advises Diana Escobedo, executive director of memory care community Copper Creek Inn in Chandler. “Open the lines of communication and talk about their wishes should they develop a memory disorder, and know what to expect both for them and for the family as the illness progresses. Don’t wait until the problem arises to look into information on this issue.” In Escobedo’s experience, too often people wait until after there’s been a jarring or tragic incident with a loved one to seriously evaluate the situation. At that point, family members can be overcome by feelings of frustration, fear and guilt in addition to having to grapple with a life- altering medical condition. They don’t know how to deal with loved ones who can be a danger to themselves and others and are not even sure how to approach the topic.


Copper Creek Inn Executive Director Diana Escobedo. STSN photo by Debbie Jennings


SEE Memory, PAGE 8


ON YOUR MARK: Runners and walkers enjoy a sunny day at the 2011 ICAN SanTan Sun Family Fun Run. The 5th annual event will be held at Tumbleweed Park on Sat., April 14. STSN photo


Holocaust museum: remember past to better future


BY K. M. LANG Holocaust Remembrance Day is April 18.


For those who were there, forgetting has never been an option. For the rest of us, the Holocaust, which devoured an estimated 11 million lives, is a lesson to remember. The East Valley Jewish


Community Center (EVJCC) is currently working with the City of Chandler on a Holocaust and tolerance museum that will enable coming generations of Arizonans to better understand a devastating chapter in human history with the goal of avoiding similar tragedies. “I think any community that


learns about and learns from what has happened in the past will automatically be better,” explains EVJCC Executive Director Steve Tepper. “This museum will be a treasure for our community, and


TURNING POINT: When the national Anne Frank exhibit brought tens of thousands of visitors to Chandler’s East Valley Jewish Community Center, the idea for a permanent Holocaust and tolerance museum was born. Submitted photo


BATTER UP! ASU mascot Sparky, who is a Chandler National Little League (CNLL) alumni, throws out the first pitch to catcher C. Kircher on opening day for the CNLL baseball season. A near capacity crowd of parents and spectators attended ceremonies at Snedigar Park that included team introductions, a traditional aircraft fly-over and more. Additional opening day photos on Page 14. For more info and game schedules, visit www.chandlernational.com. Photo by Gordon Murray


F E AT U R E D S TO R I E S Air Products expands facilities . . . . . . . . . COMMUNITY . . . Page 6 ‘Orchard’ is pick of Apple lovers. . . . . . . . BUSINESS . . . . . .Page 21 BHS boys v’ball aims high . . . . . . . . . . . . . YOUTH . . . . . . Page 30 Shop readies for prom, wedding time . . NEIGHBORS . . . Page 50 Enjoy tasty ‘rescued’ produce . . . . . . . . . . SPIRITUALITY . . Page 59


SanTan Family Fun – Center Section More


Community . . . . . . . . 4-18 Business . . . . . . . . . . 21-27 Youth. . . . . . . . . . . . .30-38 Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Neighbors. . . . . . . . 50-58 Spirituality . . . . . . . .59-63 AZ Arts . . . . . . . . . . .65-73 Directory . . . . . . . . .75-76 Classifieds. . . . . . . . 77-78 Where to eat . . . . . 79-82


will be something that everyone can learn and benefit from. It’s not that we need it more than anyone else, but we do need it, and we don’t have a resource like that currently in Arizona.”


SEE Holocaust, PAGE 10


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