9 West Valley View, Avondale, Arizona, Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Dump the Pump campaign starts Thursday
by Sara Clawson staff writer
bicycle helmet, lace up your sneakers or dig out that bus pass. Officials across the state and locally are encouraging people to “Dump the Pump” on Thursday by finding an alternative method of transit. This is the second year Valley Metro has participated in the nationwide campaign initiated by the American Public Transportation Association, said Susan Tierney, a spokeswoman for Valley Metro. This is the seventh year for the Dump the Pump initiative, which has been celebrated in cities such as Dallas, Denver and Chicago over the years. Arizona jumped on board last year and the transit authorities in Flagstaff, metro Phoenix, Sierra Vista, Tucson and Yuma are having specific events to encourage drivers to avoid the pump, Tierney said. Avondale is also encouraging its residents to avoid fuel consumption on Thursday. Officials have asked participants to take a picture of themselves biking, busing, walking or even ride-sharing to work. Post the picture on the city’s Facebook page or Twitter account and you will be entered to win a $20 gift card. Avoiding gas pumps for a single day might not send a strong message to the oil industry, but the idea is to encourage residents to find a healthy, cost-effective way to travel, Tierney said. Dump the Pump started as a way to encourage Americans to use public transit instead of paying high gas prices but the initiative has turned into an opportunity to create awareness, she said. “The momentum has been building across the country and in Arizona for the past several years,” she said. “I think it shows, as an agency, we’re trying to be a good steward of our
Ditch the car keys and pick up a
View photo by Michael Clawson
CAPT. CHRIS BESWICK of the Avondale Fire Department prepares to leave an Avondale fire station on his way to his Litchfield Park home June 15. Beswick will be participating in the Dump The Pump day Thursday, when people across the Valley are urged to avoid driving their cars in favor of other types of transportation.
environment. It shows we want to be part of something that’s really important for our community as well as the nation, who is not relying so much on fuel consumption and is looking at alternatives for commuting and traveling.”
the Avondale Fire Department, began bicycling from his Litchfield Park home to his office at Fire Station 172 at McDowell Road and 107th Avenue in November 2011. His commute is seven miles and about 20 to 25 minutes one way, Beswick said. He decided to make the switch for two reasons: health and finances. “I started working in the office when I
Chris Beswick, a fire captain with
day bus pass costs $3.50, said Dump the Pump is essentially about saving. “We spend a lot on transportation. The idea is to understand that if we’re in a two-person household and we reduced or downsized to one car, that would be an average savings of $10,000 a year,” she said. “Maintaining a car, filling it up with
Tierney, who points out that an all-
gas — that’s a pretty significant cost.” Find out where bus passes are sold and where the routes are by visiting
www.valleymetro.org.
Sara Clawson can be reached by email at
sclawson@westvalleyview.com.
Learn more about Dump the Pump at
www.apta.com.
took over the training division. I needed an extra way to stay in shape,” he said. “There’s definitely a health benefit. Some weeks I haven’t been able to ride and I feel it very quickly, when I haven’t been on my bike. I like to eat and instead of having to watch my diet, I can eat whatever I want.” There’s also a savings to his wallet.
His family owns three cars and he drives a gas-guzzling sport utility vehicle, he said.
View photo by Michael Clawson
BESWICK RIDES PAST Westview High School in Avondale on his way to his Litchfield Park home June 15.
leave in my garage now. Our gas bill was nearly $300 a month and now we’re spending about half,” he said. Gas prices are averaging more than $3.50 a gallon. Sources estimate the average American driver spends about $2,000 a year on fuel.
“I have a big old SUV that I get to
Stand Up For Fall Prevention Join Sun Health’s Community
o I
would like to take this opportunity in thanking my many patients for their trust that they have put into me for the many years of service as their primary care physician.
Although I am retired, the offi ce at 425 N. Central Avenue, Avondale, Arizona, will remain open and will continue to serve the community under the corporate name of: Howard G. Norman, D.O., Ltd., but I no longer will be associated with the practice.
Once again “THANK YOU”
Sincerely, Howard G. Norman, D.O.
to all.
I will miss all my patients but will hold dear to me all the memories.
Education program and Lisa Schultz, PTA, La Loma Care Center, for helpful tips on how to prevent slips and falls. Learn how to make simple environmental changes around your home as well as participate in an interactive exercise session designed to increase stability and base of support.
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