El Mirage News

Arizona’s Opportunity City October 2010

www.cityofelmirage.org Vol. 1, No. 6 623-972-8116

Third Thursday celebrates Hispanic treasures, traditions and culture

Tesoros Hispanos: Tradicion
y Cultura (Hispanic Treasures:
Tradition & Culture) is the theme
for October’s Third Thursday
in El Mirage, a celebration of
Hispanic heritage with a night
of art, music, cuisine, dance and
performance from 5 to 9 p.m.
Thursday, October 21st. at the El
Mirage Civic & Cultural Plaza.
Tesoros Hispanos: Tradicion
y Cultura will feature pulsating
Latin entertainment, strolling
Mariachi groups, folkloric
dancers, a salsa competition,
tamale and margarita cantina,
and a wide array of art and
artisan booths
“The El Mirage community
has much to celebrate,” said
Mayor Michele Kern. “It has a
proud past, a vibrant present, and
an exciting future. The strength
of our community is rooted
in its Hispanic heritage, and
Tesoros Hispanos: Tradicion y
Cultura will honor that heritage.
I urge all El Mirage residents to
celebrate with us.”
Art lovers of all kinds are
invited to stroll among the festival
exhibitors and experience art in
the making. Artists will open their
studios and galleries to visitors
with special demonstrations and
performances.
El Mirage Art Gallery will
host an opening night artist
reception showcasing the
brilliantly colored artwork of
Veronica Verdugo-Comeli,
Rugen Gallicia, and Mary Ann
Rodriguez-Veatch.
Veronica Verdugo-Lomeli
uses acrylic paints to record
themes present in her life,
influ¬enced by experiences and
memories of her upbringing in
His¬panic culture. “I’m inspired
to paint in bold, vivid colors
bringing life to the story on the
canvas, “said Verdugo-Lomeli.
“Music, dance and storytelling,
as well as the artists interpreting
them, are treasures of Hispanic
culture and a great tradition to
pass on to the next generation.”
Ruben Galicia was born in
The vibrant artwork of artist Veronica Verdugo-Lomeli will be featured at Third Ruben Galicia’s canvas is ruled by his
Thursday in El Mirage. favorite colors: blue and red. More HISPANIC on Page 6

Civic & Cultural Center comes alive! Trouble in Paradise:

The inaugural Third
Thursday in El Mirage,
held on September 16 at
the Civic & Cultural Plaza,
was by all accounts a huge
Mayor Michele Kern, Councilmember Roy Delgado (right) and Economic Development Director
Scott Chesney (left) cut the ribbon to the new Creative Industries Incubator artist studios and
galleries.
success, bringing over 300
local residents and visitors
to the area and pulling
the community together
with the common goal of
showcasing El Mirage.
Visitors enjoyed lively
entertainment provided by
Fossil Fuel, an awesome
woodcutting demonstration
by artist Ted Tungent, two
fabulous art exhibitions,
and a painting party that
stirred the creative juices in
young and old alike!
Guests savored an
assortment of signature
dishes prepared by Toucan
Café Executive Chef Lou
Rodriguez, including his
famous fiery tomato basil
and tangy mango salsas,
succulent barbecued ribs,
sumptuous sliders and
spectacular margaritas.
The evening’s festivities
officially began when
Mayor Michele Kern
and Councilmember Roy
Delgado cut the ribbon
to the Creative Industries
Incubator, inviting guests
to visit the working studios
of Mississippi Mud Paintin’
Parties, Anthony Galto
Design, and Divine Art
Connections.
“It was awesome!”
declared Marianne
Archibald, Economic
Development Coordinator
and Arts Move El Mirage
Project Manager. “The
More PLAZA on Page 6
Site-specific art installation draws
attention to environmental issues using
a variety of artwork and sensibilities
For those who care about Planet Earth, the Paradise
Lost exhibit at the Studio Gallery is a must see. The site-
specific art installation by artist Anthony Galto will open
on October 21st at Third Thursday in El Mirage. The
thought-provoking exhibit imaginatively and creatively
conveys the artist’s concerns about the environment
and raises awareness about ecological challenges in
terms that everyone anywhere understands.
“As an artist, my goal is to contrast artworks
depicting the splendor and beauty that are diminishing
in our natural world with the grim reality of what has
been lost,” said Galto. “My hope is to bring awareness
to the viewer of the need for protection, preservation,
and the preciousness of what remains.”
The purpose of this exhibition is not to spark a
nostalgic sense of longing for what is irretrievable, but
to incite recognition of what is mostly unimaginable and
the action that can accompany this awareness.
“We must each in our own small way try to be
vigilant in the environmental effort, so that the losses
we are witnessing can be slowed or even halted before
paradise is lost,” said Galto.
Trouble in Paradise is on exhibit October 21st
through November 13th. Studio Gallery hours are
flexible. For information call Anthony Galto at 602-738-
8107 or visit www.anthonygalto.com
City of El Mirage PRESORTED
12145 NW Grand Ave. STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
El Mirage, AZ 85353
PAID
Glendale, AZ
PERMIT #244
Postal Customer
ECRWSS
 October 2010
El Mirage News

United States Air Force Academy Band to Perform

How can you serve
your country? Musicians
from across the United
States have found a unique
way to serve and defend
our nation. The United
States Air Force Academy
Band, Peterson AFB, CO
is comprised of talented
musicians that have come
together to spread the good
news about the United
States Air Force and the Air
Force Academy, through
music. Their weapon of
choice is their instruments,
and they spend many
hours in their personal
battlefield, the practice
room. They are full time
musicians, performing in
communities such as ours,
bringing highly polished a rigorous schedule of to every performance. and excellence exemplified literally is something for 6:30 pm. Come on out to
music and patriotism in regional, national, and The United States Air in each show represent the everyone. In addition, Sun City on Wednesday
support of community deployment concert tours. Force Academy Band professionalism that makes this ensemble pays special Oct. 20th at 6pm, as the US
relations, educational The group also performs represents the finest in our Air Force the best in the tribute to our US veterans Air Force Academy Band
outreach, recruiting, and for radio and television musical programming and world. The show includes in each community and performs at the Sun Bowl.
troop morale. broadcasts, and invitational performance. significant interaction has developed a unique This concert will include
The United States Air performances at national The Air Force Academy with the audience and is educational outreach patriotic favorites, and a
Force Academy Band and international music Band is a professional non-stop entertainment program to touch the youth salute to Glenn Miller.
fulfills and surpasses conferences. A tradition ensemble with members from the beginning until of our community. Feel free to contact
the expectations of its of musical excellence holding degrees from the grand finale. The Two very special FREE Technical Sergeant Sarah
mandate on a national is maintained through the best universities and performance will not only performances will take Stewart at 719-556-9928
and international scale. rigorous auditions. Each conservatories in the world. entertain, but also deliver place in your community. or MSgt Noelle Little at
As one of two premier member of the band brings A performance by the band a patriotic message that Stellar Brass performs 719-556-9919 for further
bands in the Air Force, The a wealth of educational and is highly interactive and will linger in your hearts at Gateway Park in El information about these
Academy Band maintains professional experience the elements of teamwork and minds forever. There Mirage on Oct. 12th at concerts.
October 2010 3
El Mirage News

El Mirage launches online bill Grand Avenue Limited provides easy commute into Phoenix
payment for utility customers The extension of the half cent sales tax that ahead of schedule and the City encourages El
provided funding for Prop 400, the 20 year Mirage residents to take advantage of the ability to
El Mirage utility data are encrypted. transportation program for Maricopa County, has commute into Phoenix. This is a step for El Mirage
customers can now Personal information provided the City of El Mirage its first transit link. residents as the City embarks on its green journey
save paper and money and your e-mail address The Grand Avenue Limited has been expanded to reduce its carbon footprint.
by receiving their are secure and not
monthly utility bills via
e-mail for free. The
available to third parties.
Other payment options
GRAND AVENUE LIMITED BUS LINE
NEW “PARK & RIDE” STOP AT WAL-MART IN EL MIRAGE RUNS MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY:
City recently launched will not be affected by
a new state-of-the-art the online Xpress Bill Eastbound Westbound
online electronic billing Pay system. (Into downtown) (Outbound from downtown)
system, Xpress Bill Sign up is easy; just Thunderbird Rd 06:10 AM Central Station 06:10 PM
Pay, which will save on visit www.xpressbillpay. & 129th Ave 07:03 AM 04:15 PM 06:40 PM
mailing and paper bill com 04:55 AM 07:33 AM 05:05 PM Peoria Park & Ride
production costs while Utility customers will 05:30 AM 18th Ave & Jefferson St 05:35 PM 05:05 PM
06:23 AM 06:05 AM 06:05 PM 05:55 PM
providing customers a be required to provide 06:53 AM 06:40 AM Adams St & 18th Ave 06:25 PM
safe and convenient, no their billing account Peoria Park & Ride 07:40 AM 04:24 PM 06:55 PM
cost paperless solution, number and e-mail 05:20 AM 08:10 AM 05:14 PM Thunderbird Rd
to help manage their address. The simple sign 05:55 AM Central Station 05:44 PM & 129th Ave
utility account without up process includes final 06:48 AM 06:14 AM 06:14 PM 05:30 PM
07:18 AM 06:49 AM 59th Ave & Myrtle Ave 06:20 PM
any transaction fees. verification that the sign- 07:49 AM 06:50 PM
59th Ave & Myrtle Ave 04:50 PM
This new service up was successful; it’s 05:35 AM 08:19 AM 05:40 PM 07:20 PM
also includes a full easy…. and all from the
online bill presentation comfort of home.
that includes a billing Customers who had
Help for Homebuyers in El Mirage through Assistance Program
history, custom auto recurring payments (auto
payment options pay) set up previously The El Mirage requirements: mortgage debt, property eligibility requirements, you
Homebuyer’s Assistance 1.Not owned a home within taxes, and insurance at no are encouraged to attend
including credit card, must now re-register Program provides down 3 years. more than 30% of gross a homebuyer assistance
debit card and electronic with the new Xpress Bill payment assistance that 2.Must purchase to occupy household income. informational seminar held
funds transfers, and Pay system. enables a qualified home the home as the primary 6.Must contribute a minimum on the second Tuesday of
payment notifications. If you have any buyer in obtaining an residence. of $1,000 towards down each month at 6 p.m. in the
Wherever Internet questions about the new affordable first mortgage loan 3.The annual household payment and closing costs. El Mirage Senior Center,
access is available, service, call El Mirage through a private lender such income must not exceed 14010 N El Mirage Road, El
as banks, savings and loan, 80% of the area medium How Do I Apply? Mirage.
customers can log on Customer Service at or mortgage companies. income based on family Applications are available Upcoming seminars are
and access their utility 623-933-1228, Monday size at El Mirage City Hall, 12145 scheduled for Oct. 12, Nov.
account. All Xpress through Friday 7:30 a.m. Who Is Eligible? 4.Must have the financial NW Grand Ave. Applicants 9, and Dec. 14.
Bill Pay transactions to 5:30 p.m., or e-mail Person(s) applying for ability to obtain a mortgage will be taken on first-come- Seating is limited; call
are handled on secure questions to: utilities@ Homebuyer Assistance loan. first-served basis. If you 623-933-8318 to reserve a
servers and all sensitive cityofelmirage.org must meet the following 5.Must be able to afford the believe that you meet seat.
 October 2010
El Mirage News

Changes in leadership are coming

to the El Mirage Police Department
Assistant Chief Bill
Louis, who has been
second in command since
November 2007, will work
his last shift on October 8,
2010. Chief Louis has been
instrumental in restructuring
the Police Department and
helping create what the
New Times Newspaper
called the “Best Re-invented
Police Department” in
2009. During his tenure
as Assistant Police Chief,
Louis has tackled many
projects including the
hiring of approximately 30
personnel, the restructure
of the investigations
division which included
reviewing and responding
to several hundred
criminal investigations,
and the planning of the El
Assistant Chief Bill Louis Incoming Chief Steve Campbell
Mirage Police Department
Community Picnic, which soon be forgotten. after nearly 29 years of
has been held the last three Assistant Chief Louis service. During that time,
years. In additional, Louis will be replaced by Steve he also served as the Interim
was responsible for daily Campbell, who was Police Chief in Apache
operations including media most recently the Deputy Junction for 14 months.
relations, personnel matters, Director for the Department While Assistant Chief
and the department’s of Public Safety. Campbell Louis will be missed, we
budget. Chief Louis will retired from the Phoenix look forward to welcoming
be greatly missed but leaves Police Department as a Chief Campbell to the City
behind a legacy that will not Commander in March 2008 of El Mirage.

General Plan Open House

The Plan of El Mirage, the City’s long-
range road map to promote and guide
development, was adopted by unanimous
vote of the City Council July 8, 2010. It
will be sent to City voters for ratification
on Tuesday, November 2, 2010.
To learn more about the General Plan
so that you will be informed at the polls,
the City will host an Open House at
El Mirage Senior Center on Thursday,
September 30th, and Tuesday, October
26th, at 6PM. City staff will be on hand to
answer questions and to explain what the
new plan means for the future of the City
of El Mirage.
Residents can view the General Plan any
time at www.cityofelmirage.org To help
answer your questions call 623-876-2935.

El Mirage Senior Center: Bringing people together

The El Mirage Senior Center believes
that growing old is mandatory; growing
up is optional! The Center offers a
variety of programs and activities to
suit everyone’s interest. To participate,
eligible seniors must reside in the City
of El Mirage and be 55 years of age or
older. Take advantage of the resources
that El Mirage Senior Center offers - get
involved, and become part of the fun!

Senior Center October activity schedule

October 8
Presentation by the University of Arizona
on “Grandparents Raising Grand Children”
October 13
Catholic Outreach Center will be presenting
a workshop on the services available to El
Mirage senior residents.
City of El Mirage Limits. The seniors will
bring their salsa prepared for a panel of
judges to select the best of show. There
will also be a special presentation on how
to make salsa.
October 25th
Pumpkin Carving Celebration

October 20 October 28th

Senior Salsa Fest — a Salsa competition
and cooking presentation. New members
are welcome to bring their salsa or just
come to enjoy the event, but they must be
55 years young or older and live within the
Fall Celebration and Costume Contest
For Senior Center Trips, event and
presentation times, or just more information
please call Danielle at 623-876-4232.
October 2010 5
El Mirage News

Top Recycling Tips for El Mirage residents

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
It almost might seem like
“reduce, reuse, recycle” should
go without saying. But in fact,
most of us have only really
heard the last third of the
phrase, and they’re ranked in
order of importance. Reducing
the amount that we consume,
and shifting our consumption
to well-designed products
and services, is the first step.
Finding constructive uses for
“waste” materials is next. And
tossing it in the blue bin is
last. (The garbage can is not
on the list, for good reason.)
Through a balance of these
three principals you can easily
see your landfill-destined
waste dwindle fast. A good
example of recycling is setting
your empty water bottles in the
bin on the curb. But by using
a water filter and reusable
container you can reduce or
completely eliminate your need
for disposable plastic bottles.
Know what you can and
can’t recycle
City of El Mirage bins
accept all forms of plastic,
glass, cardboard and paper
products.
Buy recycled
The essence of recycling
is the cyclical movement of
materials through the system,
eliminating waste and the need
to extract more virgin materials.
Supporting recycling means
feeding this loop by not only
recycling, but also supporting
recycled products. We can
now find high recycled content
in everything from printer paper
to office chairs.
Encourage an artist
If you know someone
interested in making art from
recycled materials, offer to don’t have a garden yourself,
provide supplies. Many school find neighbors or a community
children need items like paper garden that can make use
towel tubes for art projects. of your soil. Composting
Older artists use everything food scraps will mean your
from rubber bands to oven regular kitchen wastebasket
doors. If you know someone fills up more slowly and also
who teaches art classes, won’t smell. Hotter, more
suggest that an emphasis be active compost heaps can
put on making art from trash. also consume tougher stuff
While you’re at it, remind them like newspaper and paper
to use recycled paper and napkins.
biodegradable, earth-friendly
glues, paints, and pencils Recycle your robots
Electronics recycling is
whenever possible.
Begin composting your More TIPS on Page 11
waste
Composting is one of the
simplest and most effective
recycling methods. Both your
garden cuttings and your green
kitchen waste can go into an
outdoor or indoor composter
(with or without entertaining
a population of worms). If you

Fire hydrant flushing will begin on Monday, Oct. 25, 2010 and continue through January,
2011.

El Mirage Begins Fire Hydrant Flushing

Starting in October, residents of El
Mirage will begin to see crews working on
and flushing its 1,000-plus fire hydrants
as part of a preventative maintenance
program aimed at maintaining water
system integrity and delivering the highest
quality drinking water to its citizens.
The El Mirage Public Works
Department flushes its fire hydrants
each year to remove any accumulated
mineral deposits that may have formed in
its water system lines. The sudden rush
of flowing water loosens debris within
the water lines and discharges them out
of the hydrants. Flushing will begin on
Monday, October 25, 2010 throughout the
central and southern areas of the City and
continue through January, 2011. All work
will take place Monday through Friday
between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
This maintenance exercise may
result in the discoloration of water to
residences. The water is safe to drink but
it could stain fabrics if clothes are being
washed at the time flushing is taking
place. Residents are reminded to check
for signs of water discoloration during the
above operational hours to avoid possible
discoloration of clothes. If discoloration
is noticed, open a faucet (cold water tap
preferably) until the water clears up.
If you have any questions or concerns
regarding this hydrant maintenance
program, please contact City of El Mirage
Public Works Department at (623) 935-
6405.
 October 2010
HISPANIC TREASURES: Third Thursday, From Page 1
Mexico City and has been
living in Phoenix since 1987.
He started painting in 1998
and doesn’t plan to stop.
“When I took the brushes
for the first time, I knew that
painting was going to be a
big part of my life, because
expressing myself on canvas
makes me feel more alive,”
Faceless paintings, by Mary Ann Rodriguez-Veatch, seem to speak
to you with passion.
CULTURAL PLAZA: Comes alive, From Page 1
minute the ribbon was cut,
visitors started streaming
into the studios.”
The fun-filled night
ended on a high note with
all of the artists reporting
brisk sales…proof that the
creative economy is alive
and well in El Mirage.
At the core of the
creative economy is a
growing recognition
that culture can not only
enhance life and revitalize
communities, but also
foster new industries and
employment. “The goal
of Arts Move El Mirage
is to bring enterprises and
individuals together to
foster creative collaboration
a n d g r o w t h e C i t y ’s
economy, generating tax
revenues, job opportunities
and economic prosperity,”
said Archibald.
Tricia Riley, owner of
Mississippi Mud Paintin’
Parties located in the
new Creative Industries
Incubator, reported that sales
were steady throughout
the evening. “I booked
several birthday parties and
a Red Hat Society luncheon
event,” said Riley, who
paused for a brief moment
inside her bustling studio
filled wall-to-wall with
delighted painters. “My
said Galicia. “The canvas
and the colors are my tools,
and my palette is ruled by
my favorite colors: blue, red,
green and yellow.”
Mary Ann Rodriguez-
Veatch is a self-taught artist.
“My passion for art was
inspired at a very young
age,” said Rodriguez-Veatch.
Mississippi Mud Paintin’ Parties hosted a steady stream of young painters at Third Thursday.
business has expanded so
quickly, I am now open six
days a week.”
Kristi Vater, owner of
Divine Art Connections,
said that woodturner
Ted Tungent was wildly
popular with both adults
and children throughout the
entire evening. “He sold
several pieces of his work,”
said Vater, who represents
Tungent.
Vater said the evening was
personally, professionally
and financially rewarding.
“I loved the ribbon cutting
El Mirage News
“In the past few years, my
inspiration has come from
Mexican culture. My love
of close-knit families, large
families, family festivities,
the way of life of the Mexican
culture, and my experiences
while growing-up within my
own family have had a huge
impact on my art. Many of
my paintings are faceless,
but they seem to talk to you
with a great deal of passion. I
hope you experience the same
feelings that inspire me.”
Te s o r o s H i s p a n o s :
Tradicion y Cultura is on Got salsa? Enter the salsa competition and win the opportunity to market your salsa na-
display at El Mirage Art tionwide. Visit www.artsmoveelmirage.com
Gallery on Saturdays, 10AM
to 4PM, October 21st through
November 13th.
“It is a great privilege to
celebrate Tesoros Hispanos:
Tradicion y Cultura at Third
Thursday,” said Council
Member Roy Delgado.
“El Mirage’s diversity of
cultures is what makes our
City so unique, and the
Hispanic community has long
contributed to the fabric of
our City, state and nation.”
What: Third Thursday in
El Mirage
When: Oct. 21,
5 to 9 p.m.
Where: El Mirage Civic &
Cultural Center
Visit: www.artsmove
elmirage.com Artists, artisans and gourmet food vendors are invited to participate in the Third Thursday
Marketplace. Visit www.artsmoveelmirage.com
Woodturner Tom Tungent was a crowd pleaser!
very pleased with Third A second Creative
ceremony, and meeting the about their artwork. “It’s Thursday,” said Schultz, Industries Incubator
Mayor and City Council been an excellent evening,” who along with Pastor, sold is scheduled to open in
members who attended, said Galto. “I sold a artwork at the event. “It was December on Alto Street.
along with several City sketch and am discussing wonderful to see the Civic The new incubator will
employees. It’s nice to a painting commission with & Cultural Plaza come house six to eight artists and
see them come out and a client.” alive with activity. Now creative enterprises. Plans
show their support for Artist- in-Residence let’s keep the momentum are also underway for an
us. Very encouraging. I Thomas Schultz also gave going!” Arts Walk and Community
so appreciate the warm the event high marks. “That is exactly what Gardens.
welcome the City is giving Schultz is curator of the City intends to do,” “The Civic & Cultural
me as a business owner.” monthly art exhibitions at said Archibald. A weekly Center is positioned to
Artist Anthony Galto El Mirage Art Gallery. The farmers market will soon become the downtown
said that many of the current exhibit, Through join the monthly Third gathering space where
visitors expressed how a Plastic Lens, features Thursday art festival, along families and friends can
friendly the artists were and the work of toy camera with weeknight art classes, mix, mingle and enjoy
how wonderful it was to photographer Steven workshops and special the work of local artists,
speak directly with an artist Pastor. “We were both events. More PLAZA on Page 7
October 2010 7
El Mirage News

CULTURAL PLAZA: Comes alive, From Page 1

Family Fall Fest features ghoulish fun for everyone

Kristi Vater, owner of Divine Art Connects, welcomes a guest to her studio on the plaza.
shop for unique items at
the studios and galleries,
enjoy lively entertainment,
or simply sit and enjoy a
coffee,” said Archibald.
El Mirage Art Gallery
Saturday, 10AM – 4PM
By appointment:
623-876-4221
Thomas Shultz
Photography Studio
By appointment:
623-236-6405
Thomas@ThomasSchultzPhot
ography.com
Mississippi Mud Paintin’
Mon., Tue., Thurs.
10AM – 1PM and 5PM –8PM
“It’s just a matter of time
before El Mirage is known
as Arizona’s most creative
city.”
For information on
Friday and Saturday
10AM –4PM and 6PM – 9PM
Closed Wednesday & Sunday
Information: 623-329-3542
Anthony Galto Design
By appointment:
480-381-1212
A_Galto@yahoo.com
Divine Art Connections
Mon., Tue., Wed. 2PM – 5PM
Thursday 2PM – 9PM
Friday 2PM – 6PM
Saturday 10AM – 3PM
the Creative Industries
Incubator or Arts Move
El Mirage call 623-
876-2962 or visit www.
artsmoveelmirage.com
Closed Sunday
Information: 602- 790-8133
divineartconnections@live.
com
El Mirage Civic & Cultural
Plaza is located at 14010 N. El
Mirage Road in El Mirage.
Information: www.
artsmoveelmirage.com
Note: Studios and Galleries
are open on the Third
Thursday of each month from
5PM to 9PM
Games, contests, food,
entertainment and lots of
candy await festival goers at
the City of El Mirage Family
Fall Fest.
This event, presented by
the City of El Mirage and the
Dysart Elementary School
PTO, features all kinds
of ghoulish fun including
inflatables, carnival style
games, a costume contest,
pumpkin carving contest
and more.
Through the course of the
Date: Oct. 30
Time: 3 to 7 p.m.
Place: Gateway Park
10100 N. El Mirage Rd.
Events: Carnival Games &
Activities- 3 to 7 p.m.
Costume contest-5 p.m.
Young Country-5:30 p.m.
evening come meet and greet blanket or lawn chair and your
with your El Mirage Police finished jack-o-lantern for the
Department. Officers will be carved pumpkin contest and
on hand to share safety tips enjoy this wonderful family
and information as it pertains event while experiencing a
to trick or treating, along blast.
with getting to know you Free goodie bags to the
while introducing G.A.I.N. first 500 children in costume.
(Getting Arizona Involved in All proceeds for this festival
Neighborhoods). will go to benefit the Dysart
The evening will include a Elementary School PTO.
special treat for entertainment. For more information
The Young Country Band will call the City of El Mirage
be performing at 5:30 p.m., Community & Recreation
so come in costume, bring a Services at 623-876-2951
Jack-a-lantern competition-
Entries in by 5 p.m.
Winners announced at 7 p.m.
Admission is free
(Nominal fee for unlimited carnival
games and inflatables benefitting DES
PTO)
 October 2010
El Mirage News

The art of buying art: What to buy,

what to sell, and will it make me rich one day?
Buying art can seem to
be an overwhelming task
for most of us. There are
tens of thousands of artists
promoting their work and
it can be difficult to know
whether a piece you buy
today will pay for your
retirement tomorrow, or
be worth less than the
canvas it was painted on.
There are, however, a few
things to consider when
buying art to make it less
likely that you will feel
disappointed with your
purchase.
If you’re always been
intimidated by the process
of selecting and purchasing
art, join artist representative
Kristi Vater in a one-hour
lecture entitled “The Art of
Buying Art” that will ease
your anxiety and provide
you with the tools to be
an informed art collector.
The lecture will be held on
Thursday, October 14th,
and repeated, Oct.28, from
7 to 8 p.m. in the Creative
Industries Lounge at El
Mirage Civic & Cultural
Plaza.
Participants will gain
valuable information on
practical matters such
as how to evaluate and
enjoy artistic works,
how to display artworks,
and how to determine if
a piece of art is fairly
priced. Vater specializes
in helping private clients
select art for homes and
businesses with a jargon-
free explanation of the
latest information on the
art market, art galleries and
art fairs, and educational
resources that will give
participants important
advantages when making
a purchase.
To register contact
Divine Art Connections
at 602-790-8133 or
divineartconnections@
live.com

El Mirage art district hosts

‘What’s Up Downtown?’
Something is always up in Downtown El Mirage, and to keep
the communication flowing, the City of El Mirage hosts What’s
Up Downtown? — an opportunity for residents, business owners,
employees, artisans, real estate agents, developers and others to
learn more about the exciting initiatives happening in and planned
for Downtown El Mirage.
On the first Friday of each month, a presentation will be provided
on Arts Move El Mirage and its key initiatives. Following the
presentation is a question and answer session. Informational
handouts are provided. Area tours are available upon request.
Join us Nov. 5, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at El Mirage City Hall, 12145
NW Grand Avenue, El Mirage. For reservations and information
visit www.artsmoveelmirage.com
October 2010 9
El Mirage News

Building Codes- How do they help you?

The regulation of
building construction has
been around for over 4,000
years! George Washington
and Thomas Jefferson set out
early in America’s history to
encourage the development
of building regulations that
would provide standards
that ensure health and
safety. Today, most of the
United States is covered
by modern building codes
which provide these
standards in all areas- fire,
structural, health, security
and energy conservation.
Through time, we have
become increasingly aware
of their ability to avoid
catastrophic consequences
such as in earthquakes and
hurricanes. Just consider
the damage done by the
earthquake in Haiti where
no building codes exist!
For codes to be effective
an understanding and
cooperative relationship
must exist between building
officials and the groups
they serve- homeowners,
developers, business owners
and those in the construction
industry. Through the permit
and inspection process, the
City of El Mirage can protect
the public by reducing the
potential problems with
unsafe construction. Permit
fees are adopted by the
Council and help defray the
cost of the administrative
services provided by the
City.
Did you know?
• Insurance companies
may not pay for damage
to structures that were
not built with permits
and inspections. In fact, if
any portion of the home
has been altered without
permits, it may invalidate
the coverage of the rest of
the house.
• When you sell a home
that has been modified
without permits and
inspections, you may be
required to tear down the
addition, leave it unoccupied
or make costly repairs.
All of the City of El
Mirage building employees
are certified by the
International Code Council
in their areas of expertise
and are ready to assist you
in your next project. Contact
Building Safety regarding
any related questions or
concerns.

Public Works Department News

Recharge Basins
The City of El Mirage
Public Works Department
is continually recharging
the ground water supply
with reclaimed, treated,
and disinfected water at
the water reclamation
facility. Recharging this
groundwater saves City
water customers over
$400,000 a year in aquifer
replenishment fees. These
savings continue and grow
every year. The savings
at the facility are made
possible by discharging plant
effluent to our permitted
constructed recharge basins
(three percolation ponds)
built in June of 2008 at the
facility. The ponds total
approximately 10 acres in
size and can fill to six feet
in depth as we rotate use
from one pond to the next
in a continuous cycle.
The water seeps into
the natural underground
aquifer where it is naturally
filtered to restore pumped
groundwater. This is
called artificial recharge of
groundwater. The artificial
recharge is needed to
maintain a lasting water
supply avoiding excessive
withdrawal of groundwater
which prevents subsidence
of the ground surface and
the formation of earth
fissures. The City has a
state mandated obligation
to replenish groundwater
that is withdrawn by the
City wells every year.
Sewer Collections
System
Wastewater Collections
Foreman Ruben Sanchez
manages the City’s sewer
collections system including
sewer pipeline cleaning
and maintenance. The
system has approximately
seventy-eight miles of City
maintained sewer mains
with about 1,500 manholes
located every three to four
hundred feet. In addition to
the sewer mains, there are
miles of smaller privately
maintained service lateral
pipes that connect each
home to the sewer mains.
Over the past year and
a half Ruben has lead
the City’s effort to clean,
document, and repair the
entire sewer main collection
system. Household waste
and cooking oil grease are
the main culprits whenever
there is a buildup or blockage
in the sewer which prevent
flow to the treatment plant.
Residents can help by not
pouring grease and oil
down the drain. In addition
to the typical grease and
oil blockages, other items
have been discovered and
removed from the system
including; cinder blocks,
bricks, lumber, rope,
sandbags, wire, clothing
and even a bowling ball.
Cleaning and maintain the
sewer system is a never
ending job as the system is
used every day by everyone
connected to the sewer
system.
In addition to cleaning
and maintenance, an
additional duty includes
spraying for sewer roaches.
Roaches are attracted to
the sewer due to the winter
warmth, water, and organic
material. The City’s 1,500
manholes are treated for
roaches with a latex roach
insecticide coating every
two years. When sewer
roaches travel across the
coating, they come in
contact with the chemical.
Each treatment is effective
for up to three years. By
treating every two years,
More NEWS on Page 10
10
NEWS: Public Works, From Page 9
the City maintains an aggressive
schedule to eliminate the problem.
If you find roaches in your house
though, don’t automatically assume
they’ve crawled in through the
pipes. The sewer roach is simply an
American cockroach that may take
up residence indefinitely outside in
rotting organic material. Beware
of compost heaps and palm trees
with dead fronds. It’s common
for roaches to squeeze under
doorways or to drop down through
windows or vents to escape heat
or forage for food; sometimes it
only seems like they’ve come from
the sewers. Collections Foreman
Ruben Sanchez says “People
immediately think they’ve come
up the sink, toilet, or shower, but
usually it’s from a window or
a crack in the foundation. They
just fall into the sink or other area
looking for water and can’t get
out.”
Electrical Savings
The Public Works Department
is always looking for ways to
become more efficient, reduce
costs, and create savings for the
community. One demonstration
of this philosophy in action is the
Public Works Water Division and
Wastewater Division identifying
and implementing a new electrical
rate plan with the Electric District
No. 7 (ED7) which cut the cost
per kilowatt hour of electricity
by about one third versus the
previous standard APS rate. The
ED7 service is typically reserved
for farming irrigation operations
and only available to certain areas
identified within the district. Public
Works staff were successful in
negotiating the inclusion of the City
water and wastewater operations
into the district and rate plan.
In the last twelve months, the
new electrical rate plan has saved
the City’s wastewater operations
alone approximately $130,000 in
electrical costs. Public Works staff
continues to seek out more efficient
and effective ways to operate. The
continued lowering of commodity
costs and usage including electricity
continues as staff works to identify
more cost efficient equipment
and operational procedures in the
delivery of daily services.
El Mirage News
Campaign helps residents to install smoke alarms and sprinklers
More than 3,000 people
die in home fires each year
in the United States; most of
whom are in homes without
a working smoke alarm. To
prevent these deaths, the U.S.
Fire Administration (USFA),
a division of the Federal
Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) is sponsoring
a nationwide Install. Inspect.
Protect. Campaign designed
to raise awareness about how
working, properly installed
smoke alarms can lower a
person’s chances of dying
in a fire. El Mirage Fire
Department is supporting
this critical effort to reduce
injuries and the loss of life.
The U.S. Fire
Administration’s Install.
Inspect. Protect. campaign
is aimed at encouraging
Americans to practice fire
safety by installing and
maintaining smoke alarms
and residential fire sprinklers,
which can help save the lives
of residents and fire fighters,
practicing fire escape plans,
and performing a home
safety walk-through to
remove fire hazards from
the home. The campaign is
promoting fire safety through
a free Campaign Toolkit
disc; educational materials;
print, radio and television
PSAs; children’s materials,
community organization-
sponsored events and a
consumer-friendly campaign
Web site.
“The El Mirage Fire
Department is proud to be
a partner with the USFA in
this very relevant campaign.
Far too many people have
died in fires as a result of not
having working smoke alarms
or sprinklers. One person
killed in a home fire is just
too many,” said Fire Chief
Howard Munding. “Together,
we can educate our community
and help save lives.”
“If a fire breaks out in your
home while you’re asleep,
how will you know? Having
a working smoke alarm is like
having a fire safety official
October 2010
on duty in your home, 24 hours
a day.” said Deputy U.S. Fire
Administrator Glenn A. Gaines.
“Working smoke alarms will
alert you to the fire and we
know conclusively, a residential
sprinkler system can help put the
fire out.” Gaines adds, “Smoke
alarms and sprinklers are able
to provide residents the time it
takes to get everyone out of the
house, before firefighters have to
come in.”
When both smoke alarms
and fire sprinklers are present
in a home, the risk of dying in
a fire is reduced by 82 percent,
when compared to a residence
without either. According to
the National Fire Protection
Association, between 2003-
2006, almost two-thirds of home
fire deaths resulted from fires in
homes with no smoke alarms or
no working smoke alarms.
The USFA offers a few
helpful tips on smoke alarms
and sprinklers:
 Place properly installed and
More ALARMS on Page11
October 2010 11
El Mirage News

Tips: Recycling, From Page 5

becoming more common.
There are a number of non-
profit organizations that will
take computer parts and turn
them into working computers
for others. The Arizona
Students Recycling Used
Technology program serves
as a partnership between local
schools and businesses by
refurbishing computers and
giving students an opportunity
to learn new skills. Companies
and the public can drop off
computers, hard drives,
monitors, printers and other
computer equipment at StRUT
collection centers. For more
information visit http://www.
azstrut.org
Anticipate recycling
In addition to buying
recycled goods, keep a keen
eye out for recyclable goods.
Whenever you purchase
something packaged, think
about how you can reuse
the packaging, return it to a
shipping store for reuse, or
try to otherwise recycle it. If
you get something likely to
run down or wear out over
time, such as an electronic
component, give preference
to the model that can be easily
upgraded or cannibalized for
parts so that you don’t have
to junk the whole thing if one
part breaks. Products that
are impossibly fused together
are often called “monstrous
hybrids” and are, while often
cheaper up front, frequently
unfixable and unrecyclable.
If you don’t love something,
let it go
Lots of charities welcome
your donations. Give away
clothes that don’t fit, the boxes
you used in your last house
move, or scented soaps
that don’t appeal to your
sensibilities. Make it a rule
in your house that nothing
useable goes in the trash until
you’ve given the community a
fair shot at it.
Become a waste analyst
To better understand the
kind of materials that enter
and leave your home, office,
or school, consider conducting
a personal waste audit. Set a
span of time like a week or
a month, and separate your
waste categories. Weigh the
different kinds of material flows
that go out the door (landfill
waste, organic compost,
aluminum, recyclable plastic,
reusable material, etc.). Design
a “material recovery” program
that minimizes the amount
going to the landfill. This is a
great exercise to do with kids,
but can be very convincing
to corporate higher-ups,
too, especially since most
companies pay to have their
trash hauled away and can
get money for recycled paper,
containers, toner cartridges,
corrugated cardboard, and
such.

SMOKE ALARMS: Campaign, From Page 10

maintained smoke alarms
both inside and outside of
sleeping areas and on every
level of your home.
 Interconnected smoke
alarms are best, because if
one sounds, they all sound.
 Get smoke alarms
that can sound fast. The
U.S. Fire Administration
recommends that every
residence and place where
people sleep be equipped
with both ionization and
photoelectric smoke alarms
or dual sensor smoke
alarms, which contain both
ionization and photoelectric
smoke sensors.
 Inspect and test smoke
alarms monthly and change
alkaline batteries at least
once every year, or as
instructed. You can use a
date you already know, like
your birthday or when you
change your clocks as a
reminder.
 If possible, install
residential fire sprinklers in
your home.
 Avoid painting or
covering the fire sprinkler,
because that will affect the
sensitivity to heat.
The El Mirage Fire
Department is supporting
the USFA’s Install. Inspect.
Protect Campaign by
distributing free smoke
detectors to residents that
do not have one.
For more information
on Install. Inspect. Protect.,
please visit www.usfa.dhs.
gov/smokealarms. To learn
more about the El Mirage
Fire Department’s local
activities, please feel free
to contact them at 623-583-
7968.
12 October 2010
El Mirage News

Getting a Kick Out of Soccer: Popularity of the World’s Game Continues to Grow
Though the game seen everywhere, whether areas (Surprise, Avondale,
of soccer flourishes it’s in schools, colleges, Goodyear and Buckeye)
throughout most of the in a local soccer club or at the new state of the
world, it has been ignored national and international art Gateway Park with 3
by many in the United tournaments. soccer field.
States. However, two The City of El Mirage The Academy was
weeks of dramatic finishes is proud to be the home founded as an affiliation
in the World Cup had of the Benfica Soccer of SL Benfica, an eclectic
Americans all gaga over Academy at Gateway multi-sports club based
soccer. Now, this game Park. The Academy was in Lisbon, Portugal, best
has its fans everywhere. started in 2007 and made known for its fútbol
People not only love a partnership with the City (soccer) team. Benfica
to play soccer, but also of EL Mirage in the end was founded in 1904 by a
watching the soccer of 2008. Today BSA runs group of twenty-four men.
match has become one a youth soccer academy Today, it is one of the most
of the major excitements with 9 competitive teams popular Soccer Clubs in the
among sports’ lovers. with children from EL world. Benfica also enjoys
The soccer craze can be Mirage and surrounding the biggest fan base among
Portuguese clubs, having
more than 14 million
supporters worldwide.
In November of 2006, Technical and tactical training programs open University doors for soccer
scholarships that enable kids to get a full education.
Benfica was recognized
by the Guinness Book We staff Benfica Soccer builds upon the prior year, dealing with the particular
of World Records as the Academy with the best assuring that all of the needs of that group.
worlds largest athletic club and most passionate soccer essential building blocks BSA will hold a series
in terms of registered, coaches and partner with are in place. “Our coaches of clinics/camps during
paying supporters. other soccer organizations will be able to go about the Holidays and School
“Benfica Academy’s that can help us reach their work knowing that Breaks and one European
mission is to provide and achieve our vision” the preparatory work has Soccer Tour every year,
high level coaching to said Rui Filipe, Benefica already been done,” said and BSA also will be
nurture and develop local General Manger. Filipe. hosting their second youth
talent through a technical Rui Filipe, a former Consistent with this, the soccer tournament March
and tactical training pro-player and coach in coaches don’t move year 25-27, 2011 called Stars N
program and be able to Portugal, has developed to year with a team but Stripes International Youth
open University doors for the curriculum of training will stick with a division Soccer Tournament.
Benfica Academy’s mission is to provide high level the kids to play soccer for the Academy, so that age group and become For more information
coaching to nurture and develop local talent. and get a full education. each year of training increasingly experts in visit www.azbenfica.com.