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Help Jerry’s Kids!

Robert — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:13:53 +0000

www.mdausa.org

Help Jerry’s Kids Today!

It’s Only 1 Cent!

Robert — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:38:01 +0000

One Cent Sales Tax

That is the overall hype! ” It’s only one cent” followed by “It’s for education” thus labeling you not only as a “Grinch “but a “penny pincher” to boot, if you vote against the proposed 1 cent sales tax increase.

This innocent little penny is really a 1% tax increase to everything you buy. It also represents an increase of 17.85% to your previous sales tax. The last sales tax increase of .6% (12% increase to the tax rate at that time) was in 2000. It was called Proposition 301, a tax increase for ‘Education’ not to expire until 2021. Now 10 years later they hope you forgot about it and say they need money for education again. Otherwise they would have to close all day Kindergarten, increase class sizes, reduce teacher pay, eliminate incentive pay for teachers and the list goes on! Wait a minute! Wasn”t there just a series of school bond override elections that threatened if not passed all of those things just stated would happen? Yes, there were, and most districts received that approval. One exception was The Deer Valley Unified School District, who tried to pull a fast one on the voters ( their current bond override was valid until 2012 @ 10% but they wanted to change that to 15% and extend it for the full 6 years) .

Does anyone remember the original 1/2 cent tax passed 1985 to build our freeways? It was to last for 20years only and we would have all of our freeways built (231 miles). In 1995 only 91 miles were built and the government said we don’t have enough money to finish but if you extend the tax 10 more years and approve a new 1/2 cent tax for 20 years we can complete it. In short promises were not kept and new schemes hatched to get taxes created or extended. Question?—-Does anybody recall any tax that actually retired without a new one to take its place?

The major problem about this proposed tax is that no sooner than Gov. Jan Brewer was sworn into office to replace Gov. Janet Napolitano she was spouting about this tax. It was just a number to her without any basis requiring its amount or target for its application. What we have now are trumped up justifications to fit the desire.

Perhaps, (and this is just a thought) why not enact legislation forbidding the appraisal of any property lower than its 2004 value. This simple act would stop the bleeding hole that we have and put our economy back on the road to recovery.

For your information about the previous tax increase Proposition 301 in the year 2000.

The following is what was promised:

ANALYSIS BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Proposition 301 provides for:

1. An increase of six-tenths of one per cent in the rate of state transaction privilege (sales) tax, and an increase of six-tenths of one per cent in the state use tax for twenty years. An increase of six-tenths of one per cent changes the state’s current rate from 5.0% to 5.6%. This equates to an increase of 12% to the state’s rate. If Proposition 301 passes, state general fund expenditures would be an additional $94.5 million in 2002, increasing annually thereafter. These additional expenditures would not be paid for from the increase in the sales tax. The uses of the new revenue are for the following purposes:

(a) To authorize and pay for issuance of up to $800 million of new school improvement revenue bonds to correct existing deficiencies in school buildings. At 6% interest total principal and debt service will be approximately $1.4 billion over the next 20 years.

(b) For universities to invest in technology and research-based initiatives.

(d) For community colleges that are owned, operated or chartered by an Indian tribe for workforce development and job training.

(e) For distribution to the state department of education for the phase-in of five additional school days and associated teacher salary increases resulting from an increased number of school days.

(f) For distribution to the state department of education for school safety and character education.

(g) For distribution to the state department of education for:

(1) Developing a system to measure school performance based on student achievement, including student performance on the AIMS test.

(2) Developing a statewide computerized database of information on individual students including student attendance and academic performance. Data items collected on individual students will be developed at the discretion of the Department of Education.

(h) For distribution to the failing schools tutoring fund.

(i) For reimbursement of the state general fund for the cost of income tax credits in mitigation of increased transaction privilege and use taxes for families with an annual income of less then $25,000 and individuals with an annual income of less than $12,500.

(j) For increases in teacher base level compensation, teacher compensation based on performance, and maintenance and operation purposes.

2. Automatic inflation adjustments in the state aid to education base level or other components of a school district’s revenue control limit.

3. The inclusion of school district excess utility costs within the revenue control limit, beginning in fiscal year 2009-2010.

4. A limitation on the school district qualifying tax rates and the county equalization assistance for education tax rate.

ARGUMENTS “FOR” PROPOSITION 301

Please join me in supporting Proposition 301, EDUCATION 2000. It is time to lift Arizona up and recommit to our children’s education. Make no mistake, Arizona has fallen behind. In 1980 Arizona ranked 34th in education funding; in 1990 we ranked 40th. In 2000, Arizona is at the bottom. This must change! A “YES” vote will ensure our schools can attract and retain quality teachers, as well as have smaller class sizes. This money will go directly to the classroom where it will help our kids; not one cent will be used for administration.

EDUCATION 2000 asks every Arizonan to make an investment in our schools, colleges and universities by dedicating an additional 0.6¢ sales tax for education — this equals 6 cents for every 10 dollars you spend on taxable items. I see it as an investment in Arizona’s children and our future.

EDUCATION 2000 will build on our strong record of reforms, such as school choice, rigorous academic standards and meaningful student testing mechanisms. EDUCATION 2000 demands accountability in exchange for these additional resources. The proposition will ensure that dollars are tracked down to the school level so you can see exactly how money is allocated. We will audit every school on a regular schedule, and we will identify failing schools so that you, the parents and taxpayers, will know if your neighborhood school is making the grade.

EDUCATION 2000 also enriches our higher education system. It gives our community colleges the resources to expand workforce development programs, and it targets funds for university “New Economy” research that will help Arizona become a hi-tech oasis, not a minimum wage desert.

Invest in our children and in our future. VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 301.

Jane Dee Hull, Governor, Phoenix

Proposition 301 makes a critically important investment in education and includes specific financial and academic accountability measures to improve Arizona’s K-12 system. I strongly urge you to vote Yes.

Over the past decade, Arizona has made fundamental education reforms. Ten years ago, we did not have open enrollment, financial equity, academic standards, annual testing, or school choice. We could not measure the academic progress of students or track the money we spent on education. With these reforms now in place, it is time to put the resources behind them.

Arizona lags behind most states when it comes to investing in education. There can be no denying that a certain amount of money is necessary to properly educate children. With your approval, we will add nearly $350 per pupil to our K-12 system, raising per pupil expenditures to over $5,000. This money is required to go directly to classrooms.

The plan contains strong financial and academic accountability measures. For the first time, parents will know exactly how much money is generated and spent at their local school. Monies will be accounted for at the student level, ensuring that taxpayers and policymakers know precisely how many students are actually in classrooms and how many students are moving in and out of the K-12 system. This plan guarantees that Arizona will have the most up-to-date academic achievement analysis. Parents and grandparents will know with certainty which schools are performing well, which ones are not, and whether all students are making progress every school year.

If we truly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, and if we truly believe that a quality education is essential to a child’s success in life, we owe it to our children to vote Yes on Proposition 301.

Lisa Graham Keegan, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, Peoria

The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance supports Proposition 301. The Alliance comprises more than 4,200 businesses in the communities of Ahwatukee Foothills, Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe as well as the East Valley Partnership.

Members of the Alliance believe that a strong education system is the cornerstone of a sound regional economy. The combination of increased accountability and additional financial resources found in Proposition 301 provide a good starting point to improve our state’s public education system. The Alliance supports this measure because it meets four criteria important to our members:

Dollars are directed to the students in the classrooms.
Teachers’ salary increases shall have a performance evaluation component.
A system for tracking new dollars is established.
Funding is directed to the university system for research and technology.

Developing a qualified workforce for the future is critical to our continued economic growth and vitality. This measure is a positive step toward ensuring a skilled and educated workforce for years to come.

The Alliance urges a YES vote on Proposition 301.

Tony Hyland, Chairman, East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance, Gilbert	Craig Ahlstrom, Chairman-Elect, East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance, Mesa
Paid for by East Valley Chambers of Commerce

I am writing in support of Proposition 301, Education 2000. After spending 26 years in the business of education at both the state and local district levels, it is the most significant bill regarding per student funding and accountability measures in the last 20 years.

There has been much newsprint regarding the amount of school funding that reaches the classrooms of this State. The inference is that whatever is not spent in the classroom is spent on “administration.” That percentage was quoted as high as 43% of the total. Our Arizona accounting system uses function codes to budget and track expenditures. The types of expenditures included in this 43% are some administration as well as direct services to students such as busing services, nurse services, librarians, counselors, psychologists, social workers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and any of their clerical staff. Another large cost not coded to the classroom is that of utilities. This can amount to over 6% of some district budgets that clearly can be related to the classroom. One cannot instruct without lights, heat and air conditioning.

Voters in our State should be comforted with the fact that all the funds from this ballot proposition will be dedicated to the classroom in the K-12 portion. Therefore, support of this measure will surely increase the percentage of funds to the classroom from the amount previously discussed.

In conclusion, this is an opportunity that will cost only six cents on each ten dollar purchase that is subject to sales tax, to make a much needed impact on education for all the children of Arizona. I urge your positive vote on this important issue.

Jim DiCello, CPA, Scottsdale

Governor Hull has worked with the Legislature to develop a plan to improve public schools in Arizona. Governor Hull’s plan addresses the classroom needs of Arizona’s students and teachers. Under this plan the new money is required to go into the classroom. In addition, the plan increases the number of days that students attend school from 175 to 180 days. The plan leads to more money in the classroom and increased instructional days for students. Additional resources for the preparation of new teachers and the retraining of existing teachers in rural areas are included. Increased funding is also made available for both community colleges and universities. The Governor’s courage and leadership and the support of legislators have placed this critical proposal on the ballot. We now have the opportunity to vote “YES” for improved educational opportunities for all of Arizona’s students from kindergarten through the university level.

Sam Polito, Tucson

I have worked for over 20 years on issues related to the funding of Arizona’s public schools. The citizens of Arizona are now at a crossroads and are being presented with the opportunity to bring about significant improvements to our schools. Due to the vision and efforts of Governor Hull and the support of the Arizona Legislature, the vehicle to improve funding and performance of public schools is now available. However, voters need to vote “YES” to move forward. A “YES” vote means an increased sales tax of $0.06 on every $10. A “YES” vote also means that financial resources and accountability measures will be available to improve elementary, secondary, community college and university programs for all students. We need to support our students and teachers. We need to make Governor Hull’s vision a reality. We need to vote “YES” on Education 2000.

Chuck Essigs, Mesa

As a former member of the Flagstaff Unified School District governing board I urge you to join me in supporting Proposition 301, EDUCATION 2000, to direct more funding into our classrooms. As mayor of the City of Flagstaff, educating our children and providing a diverse, skilled and qualified workforce for our businesses are vital to our community. Proposition 301 is a small investment on the part of each individual which will provide a large return for the future of our children.

It is important to continue to attract quality teachers to really improve the education environment. Proposition 301 assists this effort by increasing base pay for teachers and encouraging maximum use of each teacher’s potential through performance pay incentives.

It is the responsibility of school systems to ensure that each student achieves his or her learning potential. This proposition will fund the resources necessary to accomplish positive academic results.

	Joseph C. Donaldson, Mayor, City of Flagstaff
Paid for by Christine Anderson

I ask all Arizonans to support Proposition 301, EDUCATION 2000.

The time has come for strong leadership to provide the highest quality education for our children.

We must lift Arizona from the bottom of the educational funding list. There is no other option at this point in time.

Robert E. Walkup, Mayor of Tucson, Tucson

A “YES” vote on Proposition 301 heightens the potential for citizens throughout Arizona to access higher education at a community college and to increase their earnings .

A “YES” vote on Proposition 301 also better positions community colleges to assist Arizona’s business and industry in meeting their specialized training needs and workforce demands.

Our state’s community colleges are Arizona’s workforce development engine. Arizona’s 10 community college districts offer semi-professional and advanced technical preparation in more than 250 career areas, including agribusiness, high-tech, healthcare, and the environment. This diversified portfolio of instructional programs:

Offers our citizens accessible courses and programs for job enhancement and/or job advancement–in both rural and urban areas.
Plays a strategic and pivotal role in Arizona’s ability to deliver a qualified workforce for our state’s expanding business and economic development plans.

Statistics show that a community college graduate will earn almost a quarter of a million dollars ($242,000) morethan an individual with only a high school diploma over the course of a career. And students who receive an associate’sdegree or a program certificate from a community college, as compared to those with only a high school diploma, increase their wages between 62.8% to 65.4%.

In 1999, Arizona’s community colleges educated 320,697 students , with many enrolled in occupational programs. Courses are offered at a variety of times and places in local communities, as well as online, to provide both geographical and affordable access to quality higher education.

With strong links to their communities and industry bases, all 10 of Arizona’s community college districts continually re-engineer their programs and delivery systems to meet the dynamic demands of workforce development and the new economy. A “YES” vote on Proposition 301 will allow them to do even more–for individual students as well as for the state’s economy.

Carol Hughes, Executive Director, Arizona Community College Association, Phoenix

The Greater Tucson Economic Council is pleased to endorse Governor Jane Dee

Hull’s proposal to improve education in Arizona. Proposition 301,

Education 2000, addresses the shortcomings of our state’s education system

and, if passed, will strengthen Arizona’s competitive advantage for leadership in the “New Economy”.

Education is the basic foundation for economic development.

Robert L. Gonzales, President and CEO, Tucson	Lawrence J. Aldrich, Chairman of the Board, Tucson
Paid for by Greater Tucson Economic Council

The Arizona Association of Industries (AAI) encourages a “yes” vote for Education 2000. AAI is composed of more than 400 manufacturers and their suppliers across the state. It represents more than a quarter of a million employees of companies and related industries that manufacture, mine, move, assemble, distribute, and warehouse products in Arizona.

Our membership supports Education 2000 because we believe that a strong education system is critical to the success of the private-sector economy of Arizona.

Arizona’s education system directly impacts the economic prosperity of our state and communities. Arizona’s manufacturers understand that failing to produce students who are prepared to handle the fundamental and complex requirements demanded by many of our member companies means hiring decisions will favor another state’s graduates.

We believe funding is a key element of reform, but must be coupled with the assurance that appropriated dollars are targeted directly to the classroom. Proposition 301 assures that the monies will be targeted to the classroom and teachers will be rewarded based upon performance.

We support Education 2000 for the following reasons:

New monies will be directed to the classroom to provide increases in teachers’ salaries and more class time for student instruction and learning.
Salary increases for educators will be based on performance.
The ability for schools to spend outside of their budget limits will be reduced creating more fair and equitable funding between districts.
Funding for the Universities and Community colleges will be increased for targeted investments to assure the Arizona students have access to a continuum of quality education.

We believe that Education 2000 is the right approach to the problems in our educational system and our members believe that passage of Education 2000 will begin to produce results for the students and communities in Arizona.

We urge your support of Proposition 301.

Judith Allen, President/CEO, Arizona Association of Industries, Phoenix	Chuck White, Chairman, Board of Directors, Arizona Association of Industries, Phoenix
Paid for by Arizona Association of Industries

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TO RECEIVE BOOST WITH SALES TAX INCREASE

We in Maricopa County have a real opportunity in Proposition 301 to have a very positive impact on the county’s economy! Proposition 301 will provide expanded workforce development and training opportunities for employers and employees, businesses and taxpayers.

What will Proposition 301 provide for workforce development and job training in Maricopa County?Proposition 301 will provide a dedicated funding source of more than $5 million/year annually to The Maricopa Community Colleges for specific workforce development and job training activities. The Maricopa Community Colleges are the largest provider of education and training in the state, and one of the most innovative community college districts in the nation. They respond to the demands of business and to the needs of students. They are the engine that helps drive the improved and expanded workforce in the county.

How will The Maricopa Community Colleges spend the additional funds? The district by law must spend its share of sales tax revenues specifically on workforce development/job training programs: in partnerships with businesses and educational institutions, for new/improved equipment/technology for students, and for additional student support services, including assessment, advisement, and counseling.

What accountability is required of The Maricopa Community Colleges?The elected governing board of The Maricopa Community Colleges must 1) submit an annual workforce development plan to the state department of commerce and community college board, 2) approve expenditures according to the plan, and 3) provide annual reports to the governor and legislature.

Support Proposition 301! 1) Dedicated additional funds, 2) for specific workforce development and job training programs, 3) withmandated accountability! With your vote The Maricopa Community Colleges will continue its vital role in developing and maintaining a strong, skilled workforce in Maricopa County. And that’s good for economic development!

Jack W. Lunsford, Director of Government Relations and External Affairs, The Maricopa Community Colleges, Phoenix

For more than a decade, education funding in Arizona has slipped dangerously. We’re 50th in the nation in per pupil funding, due to inadequate resources provided by the legislature. Despite heroic efforts by teachers and other public school employees, this has caused our children to have to attend schools with some of the highest class sizes in the nation, and in school facilities badly in need of repair. Our dropout rate is one of the highest in the nation. Sixty percent of Arizona high school graduates don’t meet university requirements. This failure to invest in our children’s schools earned Arizona an “F” from Education Week’s “Quality Counts” report. Getting a bad grade on a national report is one thing. Limiting the lives and ruining the futures of our children is another.

Proposition 301 provides the opportunity for the public to correct the many inadequacies in public education, and provide for the future of our children and Arizona. An increase in sales tax of a little more than half a penny–six tenths of a cent–will go a long way to providing a better education for our children. Proposition 301 addresses the inadequacies in a substantive manner, and targets the funds to the classroom, where the impact will be felt most immediately.

On behalf of the 30,000 teachers and school employees who are our members, and work with Arizona students daily, I urge you to vote in favor of Proposition 301.

Penny Kotterman, President, Arizona Education Association, Phoenix	Charles Lentz, Executive Director, Arizona Education Association, Phoenix
Paid for by Arizona Education Association

Valley Business Council Supports Proposition 301

The Valley Business Council firmly believes that a quality educational system is the foundation for maintaining a high quality of life and a progressive economy and, therefore, offers its unanimous support for Proposition 301, the education improvement initiative. The Valley Business Council is a partnership among representatives from twenty-two Chambers of Commerce and other key business groups in Maricopa County.

While the Council recognizes that education issues are complex, its members believe strongly that if Arizona’s schools and universities are to keep pace with the increasingly sophisticated skills required in the marketplace, then the business community must support comprehensive improvement, including increases in funding for education.

Arizona’s businesses seek an educated workforce, armed with the skills to contribute to the economic vitality of a growing state. The Valley Business Council believes that new resources to reduce class size and to increase salaries for teachers are an integral step toward systemic improvement and accountability and congratulates the Governor and the Legislature for developing an aggressive starting point on behalf of Arizona’s children.

Bill Post, Chairman, Valley Business Council, Mesa	Valerie Manning, Secretary, Valley Business Council, Phoenix
Paid for by Valley Business Council

Greater Phoenix Chamber Supports Proposition 301

The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, representing more that 4,000 individual business members throughout metropolitan Phoenix, believes that a quality educational system provides the foundation for a strong economy and therefore, strongly supports Proposition 301.

One of the biggest complaints from businesses these days is the lack of a skilled workforce. Ironically, many businesses pay twice for education. First through millions of dollars in business property and income taxes that pay for our schools and second through training done in the workplace because many employees lack necessary skills.

While the Chamber recognizes that education issues are complex, our individual business member members believe strongly that if Arizona’s schools and universities are to keep pace with the new economy, then the business community must support comprehensive improvement, including increases in funding for education and more accountability.

Arizona’s businesses seek an educated workforce, armed with the skills to contribute to the economic vitality of Arizona. The Chamber believes that new resources to reduce class size and to increase salaries for teachers are an integral step toward improvement and accountability and congratulates the Governor and the Legislature for developing an aggressive starting point on behalf of Arizona’s children.

Mary Pahissa Upchurch, Chairman, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Mesa	Valerie Manning, President & CEO, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Phoenix
Paid for by Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

The State Board of Directors for Community Colleges of Arizona early and consistently endorsed the Governor’s Education 2000 initiative, which has led to Proposition 301. We strongly urge that the citizens of Arizona approve this critically important measure. Education at all levels in Arizona must be supported at a higher level than in the recent past if the state is to meet the challenges posed by new economic realities. This is our one best opportunity to meet this need.

Donald E. Puyear, Executive Director, State Board of Directors for Community Colleges, Phoenix

Please vote “YES” on Proposition 301, Education 2000, for it is essential that we fund our children’s education at an appropriate level. In 1980 we were 34th in education funding and by 1990 we have dropped to the 40th rank and now Arizona ranks at the bottom.

We have made great strides in educational reforms – open enrollment, academic standards and school choice. Every child should have the opportunity for an education which is vital for success in life, therefore, it is now critical for us to finance our K-12 schools, colleges and universities.

Proposition 301 contains strong financial and accountability measures. Parents will know exactly how much is generated and spent on their children. In other words, it is crucial for us to adequately finance education by voting “YES” on Proposition 301The text can bee seen on the following link.

http://www.azsos.gov/election/2000/info/PubPamphlet/english/prop301.htm

Vote no on this tax increase.

News Release: Race for Hope for All Cancers

Robert — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 06:05:49 +0000

Azmn

Second Annual ‘Race for Hope for All Cancers’ to Raise Funds for Free Cancer Education Programs

Glendale AZ, March 22, 2010 – The Second Annual Race for Hope for All Cancers is set to run on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at the Westgate Civic Center in Glendale AZ. A fundraising effort of the Arizona Myeloma Network (AZMN), the goal of the race is to provide hope, courage and support for anyone whose life has been touched by cancer, while raising money for the organization’s free public cancer education programs throughout Arizona.

The event consists of a 5K Run/Walk starting at 8:00 a.m. and a one-mile Run/Walk starting at 8:05 a.m., with in-person registration beginning at 7:00 a.m. on race day at the Westgate City Center, 6520 91st Avenue in Glendale, in front of the Jobing.com Arena. The entry fee is $25 for the 5K and $20 for the one-mile, with a $5 discount for early registration by April 8 at www.ArizonaRunningEventsCo.com. Registration fees are tax deductible and all participants will receive an event t-shirt, post-race refreshments and entertainment, and a free raffle ticket for a variety of exciting prizes donated by local businesses and volunteers.

“We hope everyone will become a sponsor or just make up a team to run or walk,” said Barbara Kavanagh, Founder and President of the Arizona Myeloma Network. “It will be a fun event and every dollar donated goes to our cancer education programs.” Kavanagh started AzMN in 2004 to help myeloma patients like her husband deal with the devastating bone marrow cancer that strikes approximately 1600 new patients per month in the U.S.

“The race for hope is truly about all forms of cancer and we have invited other groups and organizations to participate,” notes Kavanagh. Among the cancer groups involved are: PANCAN, a pancreatic cancer organization, the Southwest Prostate Cancer Foundation and others.

Both individual and team entries are encouraged and there will be awards for the top finishers in each event and category. There are many additional ways to support the cause, including financial contributions, donating raffle prizes, and sponsoring event components such as the refreshments, t-shirts, or the runners themselves. Organizers are also seeking volunteers to assist with the event, and fans to cheer the participants along the route.

The Arizona Myeloma Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to the improved treatment and quality of life for multiple myeloma patients and families. Myeloma is a type of blood cancer which primarily strikes adults. As part of its mission, AZMN provides public education and awareness programs throughout Arizona at no charge to participants, with special consideration to underserved communities. The organization is currently delivering a major cancer education program on the Navajo Reservation and is partnering with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to provide a breast cancer education training program for women to reach out to others on the reservation.

Sponsors and supporters of the 2010 Race for Hope for All Cancers include a number of community businesses such as the Black Bear Diners, SmashBurger, Midwestern University, and Caramba’s.

“Nearly everyone has been affected by cancer in some manner and one of the goals of the Race for Hope is to build a sense of community in the metro area and throughout the state among stakeholders. We are so grateful to all of our sponsors for their generous support of AZMN’s lifesaving mission.”

There is still time for businesses, churches, neighbors and friends to join in and walk, run, or donate to the Race for Hope for All Cancers. For additional information please contact AZMN’s Founder and President Barbara Kavanagh, MSW, at (623) 388-6837, azmyelomanetwork@cox.net, or visit the AZMN website at http://www.azmyelomanetwork.org.

# # #

About Arizona Myeloma Network:

AzMN was founded in June 2004 by Barbara B. Kavanagh with the mission of promoting awareness, education, and advocacy for the improved treatment for and quality of life of multiple myeloma patients, their families, and caregivers. AzMN membership is comprised of patients, families, health care providers, medical researchers, volunteers, and others concerned about myeloma. AzMN is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that conducts outreach events and free educational programs, with special consideration for the underserved African-American, Asian-Pacific, Hispanic American and Native American populations.

Our Vision

- To continue to build a network of support and resources for myeloma patients, their
      families and caregivers
- To increase knowledge about cancer research through community cancer awareness
      programs and seminars
- To encourage stronger cancer patient advocacy through training and education
- To provide culturally appropriate cancer information and outreach to the underserved
- To develop a collaboration of cancer patients, science, business and the community
      to support cancer research, and improve cancer treatment for all

About Barbara Baroff Kavanagh:

Arizona Myeloma Network’s founder and president, Barbara Baroff Kavanagh, started AzMN as a grassroots cancer advocacy and community organization located in Glendale with the purpose of supporting cancer patients like her own husband, so they won’t be fighting their disease alone. Since then, Kavanagh has founded the Tissue Donation Awareness Program (TDAP) ™ and the Ft. Defiance Cancer Awareness Program for the Navajo Nation. She is currently in the process of developing a unique Cancer Caregivers’ Education Program. Kavanagh has been awarded both the Health Care Heroes Award for Education from Phoenix Business Journal and Volunteer of the Year from the Arizona Rural Health Care Association. In 2009, she was honored with the prestigious Hon Kachina Award – Arizona’s most prestigious honor for volunteerism.

Upcoming Arizona Myeloma Network Events:

- Fourth Annual Living with Myeloma Conference, Saturday, March 27, 2010 at the
      Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center. Registration available online at
      www.azmyelomanetwork.org
- 2nd Race for Hope for all Cancers, Sunday, April 18th, Westgate City Center.
      Registration at www.arizonarunningeventsco.com.
- 3rd Annual AzMN/Ft. Defiance Cancer Awareness and Advocacy Conference,
      Saturday, June 5th, Navajo Museum, Window Rock, AZ. Register at
      www.azmyelomanetwork.org.

Contact Person: Barbara Kavanagh, Founder and President
Company Name: Arizona Myeloma Network
Telephone Number: (623) 388-6837
Fax Number: (623) 243-6580
Email Address: azmyelomanetwork@cox.net
Web site address: www.azmyelomanetwork.org

Press Release by:

LimelightWriting.com

Robert — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 18:54:51 +0000

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The History of Valentine’s Day

Saint Valentine

The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to the ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia. Held on February 15, Lupercalia honored the gods of Lupercus and Faunus, as well as the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.
In addition to a bountiful feast, Lupercalia festivities are purported to have included the pairing of young women and men. Men would draw women's names from a box, and each couple would be paired until next year's celebration. Many of these pairings resulted in marriages.
While this pairing of couples set the tone for today's holiday, it wasn't called "Valentine's Day" until a priest named Valentine came along. Valentine, a romantic at heart, disobeyed Emperor Claudius II's decree that soldiers remain bachelors. Claudius handed down this decree believing that soldiers would be distracted and uable to concentrate on fighting if they were married or engaged. Valentine defied the Emperor and secretly performed marriage ceremonies. As a result of his defiance, Valentine was put to death on February 14th.
After Valentine's death, he was named a saint. As Christianity spread through Rome, the priests moved Lupercalia from February 15th to February 14th and renamed it St. Valentine's Day to honor Saint Valentine.

Veterans Day 11/11/09

Robert — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:51:27 +0000

Today is Veterans Day.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Today we turn our hearts not only to those who have fallen in battle, but to all living and dead Veterans. These brave men and women who stepped forward to serve their country and fellow man. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free.

Our older Veterans would remember this day as Armistice Day. At the end of World War 1 “The war to end all wars” , an “unknown soldier” was buried in highest place of honor in both England and France ( (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These ceremonies took place on November 11th, celebrating the ending of World War I hostilities at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). This day became known internationally as “Armistice Day”.

In 1921 the United States followed suit by laying to rest the remains of a World War I American soldier — his name “known but to God” — on a Virginia hillside overlooking the city of Washington DC and the Potomac River. This site became known as the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” and today is called the “Tomb of the Unknowns.” Located in Arlington National Cemetery, the tomb symbolizes dignity and reverence for the American veteran. In 1926 “Armistice Day” was officially recognised by an act of congress, but it took another 12 years and another act to set Armistice Day as a National Holiday.

Armistice Day would have remained except World War II came to be. More than 400,000 American service members laid down their life in that hellacious war!

The price of freedom is still being paid today!

In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day, and called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace.

Veterans Day is always observed on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The Veterans Day National Ceremony is always held on Veterans Day itself, even if the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday.

Remember today at the 11th hour to turn your reflections to our Veterans.

Military Appreciation Day

Robert — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:51:13 +0000

AMRS

: Shuaro Central

: MLS

Maricopa Live Steamers Club

Sahuaro Central and

Arizona Model Railroading

Society

Proudly announces

Military Appreciation Day

Saturday November 7, 2009

10 AM – 5 PM

We invite all military personnel and their families

to our railroad park for free train rides, snacks & drinks.

The Railroad Museum,

Model Railroading Building &

Outdoor Garden Scale will be available for family’s access.

Maricopa Live Steamers is located

on 43rd avenue 1 1/2 blocks south of Pinnacle Peak Rd. Phoenix Arizona

http://maricopalivesteamers.com

For the safety of individuals, riders must be able to walk to the trains, no expecting mothers and no persons over 300lb can ride the trains.

For more information about us or the railroad park visit our websites.

Phoenix-Area Racecar Driver Donates Time to Charity Golf Event

Robert — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:23:44 +0000

Phoenix-Area Racecar Driver Donates Time to Charity Golf Event

Phoenix-Area Racecar Driver Donates Time to Charity Golf Event
Mooresville, NC (Nov. 6, 2009)- 2007 ASA Speed Truck Champion and NASCAR hopeful Victor Pfluger will take time away from the racetrack this weekend to attend a charity golf tournament benefiting the Arizona Myeloma Network.

Pfluger is bringing his No. 80 Super Late Model racecar to the McCormick Ranch Golf Course on Saturday, November 7, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., for the 5th Annual Arizona Myeloma Network Charity Golf Tournament.

The 18-year-old racing standout will meet with tournament participants on the greens at the Black Bear Diner hole to sign autographs and take photos in support of the charity event.

The Arizona Myeloma Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, strives to promote awareness, education and advocacy for improved treatment and quality of life for multiple myeloma patients. The disease, which strikes 20,000 new patients annually, is treatable, but there is no cure.

“It’s a privilege to lend my time to support an organization like the Arizona Myeloma Network in its battle against this debilitating form of cancer,” said Pfluger. “I know the golf tournament will be a fun event and it is also an opportunity for me to meet with fans and supporters of my racing career.”

Pfluger, an Arizona native, has been winning titles and setting records since he first got behind the wheel of a racecar at age 10. His long list of accomplishments includes being the youngest driver in the history of the ASA Speed Truck Challenge to win a feature race and finish the season in the top 5 in points. At age 16, Pfluger won the championship in that series, another youngest-ever accomplishment.

“It’s been a great ride to this point, but I am actively seeking new partners to help take my career to the next level,” Pfluger said. “Motorsports is an amazing marketing tool for any business wanting to create an immediate and long-lasting buzz. There’s nothing like seeing your car in Victory Lane with your logo or message on the hood.”

The 5th Annual Arizona Myeloma Network Charity Golf Tournament is sponsored by the United Association of Pipefitters and Plumbers with well-known celebrity Ray Romano serving as Honorary Chairman. The festive event also includes a continental breakfast, barbecue lunch, awards ceremony and silent auction.

For more information on the Arizona Myeloma Network, visit www.AZMyeloma.org.

What you need to know:

Who: Arizona Racecar Driver Victor Pfluger supporting the Arizona Myeloma Network

What: Driver appearance at the 5th Annual Arizona Myeloma Network Charity Golf Tournament

When: Saturday, November 7, 2009, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where: McCormick Ranch Golf Club, 7505 McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Why: Meet-and-greet and autograph session in support of the Arizona Myeloma Network.

About Victor Pfluger

Morristown, Arizona native Victor Pfluger is a young racing talent pushing to make it big in the NASCAR scene. The 18-year-old driver got his racing start behind the wheel of a go kart at age 10 and began winning races and championships soon after. In 2007, Pfluger became the youngest driver to win the ASA Speed Truck Championship at 16 years of age. He also set records as the youngest driver to win a feature race in the series at 14 and one year later was the youngest to finish in the top five in points.
His racing talent has earned him a ranking of fifth on NASCAR talent scout David Smith’s scouting report in the 2009 Local Track category. Pfluger is currently searching for his next opportunity to progress his racing career. For more about Victor Pfluger, visit www.victorpfluger.com.

: Supports Arizona Myeloma Network

Back in Action, Pfluger Battles at Tucson

Robert — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:26:17 +0000

Back in Action, Pfluger Battles at Tucson

Mooresville, NC (Oct. 19, 2009)- Following a brief stint away from the racetrack, Victor Pfluger climbed back into his racecar at Tucson Raceway Park last Saturday night for the 75-lap Super Late Model event. Pfluger, hailing from Morristown, Arizona, was anxious to get back to racing on a track where he’s had much success in the past, including a win last season over NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion Ron Hornaday.

The No. 80 machine unloaded off of the trailer really fast, and after a few laps of getting adapted to the track again, Pfluger was hitting his marks and turning quick laps as if he’d never taken time away. Unfortunately, the team found a major brake issue during practice that would end up giving the driver trouble for most of the evening. The brakes were still an issue in qualifying, resulting in a 13th place starting spot for the 18-year-old behind the wheel.

Victor and his team knew they needed to make some changes to the car prior to the main event to improve the handling and keep up with the competitive field, which included Daytona 500 winner Geoff Bodine. Completely changing the setup and throwing everything at the car but the kitchen sink, Pfluger strapped himself into the driver’s seat not really knowing what he had, but hoping for the best.

The changes helped his racecar significantly, and Victor was able to hang with the leaders for the first half of the race. By lap 35, he had found a fast groove and was making his charge to the front, finding himself just outside the top five in sixth. Unfortunately, the caution flag flew shortly after Victor started making his moves on lap 40. While making laps around the track under the yellow, the driver believes he picked up some trash and inevitably cut down his right rear tire.

Choosing not to make the free fall to the back of the pack by pitting under green when he discovered the issue, Pfluger stayed on the track and held onto a car that had lost significant air pressure as well as its handling. For the next 35 circuits, the young driver was able to keep his late model on track and lose only two spots, completing the night in eighth place.

“I didn’t get the finish I was exactly hoping for, but overall it was a good weekend,” Pfluger reflected after the event. “It’s just fun to be back at the track again. You miss everything about it- the long hours, working your tail off, getting dirty and greasy- just everything. But it’s all worth it.”

About Victor PflugerMorristown, Arizona native Victor Pfluger is a young racing talent pushing to make it big in the NASCAR scene. The 18-year-old driver got his racing start behind the wheel of a go kart at age 10 and began winning races and championships soon after. In 2007, Pfluger became the youngest driver to win the ASA Speed Truck Championship at 16 years of age. He also set records as the youngest driver to win a feature race in the series at 14 and one year later was the youngest to finish in the top five in points.

His racing talent has earned him a ranking of fifth on NASCAR talent scout David Smith’s scouting report in the 2009 Local Track category. Pfluger is currently searching for his next opportunity to progress his racing career. For more about Victor Pfluger, visit www.victorpfluger.com.

About Activ8 Communications
Activ8 Communications, based in Mooresville, North Carolina, specializes in public relations, marketing strategies, brand development and sponsor activation. With focus on NASCAR public relations and relationship building, Activ8 creates unique identities and connections for the drivers and clients under its umbrella. For more information on Activ8, visit www.goactiv8.com.

activ8 communications

Kirby Johnson
Media Relations Manager
704.664.5900
kirby@goactiv8.com

quick links

visit activ8 online

Pet Stroll

Robert — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:00:25 +0000

Pet Stroll

The Arizona Humane Society has an event coming up… Pet-a-Palooza featuring a stadium stroll. The event will be held on November 7^th at the Peoria Sports Complex. The dog walk begins at 9am and then dog lovers can spend the rest of the day listening to live music watching dog agility and dog activities! It will be SO much fun and we encourage everyone to come out and support The Arizona Humane Society.

Click Here for More Info

Junior

Robert — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:43:07 +0000

Junior

Junior

Junior is a sweet and charming pooch with a lot of love to give and in return for adopting him; he will repay his new human companion with plenty of sloppy kisses and an endless amount of love. Junior is a handsome American Pit bull terrier mix with adorable brown and white patches and a charismatic personality.

Junior is extremely well-behaved and this ambitious one-year-old is housetrained, crate trained, leash trained, and he knows “sit,” “down,” “come” and “stay.” (Talk about talented!) One of the greatest things about Junior is that he will perform ANY trick for a simple ice cube, which happens to be his favorite frosty treat.

Junior is accustomed to going for a morning walk and playing with his human companions in the grassy yard every evening. He is a big fan of playing ball and retrieving a Frisbee. In his spare time, he likes to sprawl out in the middle of the hallway and soak up attention from everyone that passes by.

Junior doesn’t mind living with friendly felines, but a family meet-and-greet with your children and your current canine is required to ensure a perfect match.

He is available NOW at the Arizona Humane Society’s Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion, 1521 West Dobbins Road in Phoenix. His adoption fee is just $110. This adoption fee includes his neuter surgery, vaccines, a colorful collar and leash, an AHS I.D. tag and a follow-up examination. For more information about Junior please call (602) 997-7586 ext. 1045 and ask for animal ID number A236160 or log on to www.azhumane.org.

The Arizona Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization funded by donations. AHS adoption Centers are located at 1521 West Dobbins Road in Phoenix and at 9226 North 13th Avenue in Phoenix. Additional adoption centers are located at several PetSmart locations throughout the valley. For complete location information and hours, please visit www.azhumane.org.