Faces of Diversity: "Take the 'Dis' Out of Disability"

Oct. 5, 2012 Did you know that most people will experience a disability in their lifetime? “Take the ‘Dis’ out of Disability” is the topic of the free Faces of Diversity Brown Bag series from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at the Phoenix City Council Chambers, 200 W. Jefferson St. Come and meet presenters from Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL), one of more than 400 centers for independent living in the United States, who will give you insight about living well with a disability. Karin Kellas, ABIL volunteer and peer mentor, works with people with disabilities on transportation, community inclusion and life skills. Kellas, a Hopi/Cherokee Native American, is a spinal cord injury survivor and a bilateral amputee. Gary Juniel, ABIL volunteer, advocates for people with disabilities, assisting them in researching and accessing community resources. Juniel has Multiple Sclerosis. David Cary, ABIL advocacy specialist, helps people navigate the transportation, health and human service systems, and educates people with disabilities about their rights and responsibilities as self-advocates. The panel will be facilitated by Amina Donna Kruck, vice president/director of advocacy programs at ABIL. Kruck has a passion for empowering people with disabilities and works to remove barriers to full community participation. The free event is co-sponsored by the Phoenix Human Relations Commission and the city’s Equal Opportunity Department. The Faces of Diversity series features dynamic people telling their stories about diversity. Bring your lunch and enjoy a cultural experience. No reservation is needed. For more information, call 602-495-0358 or 602-534-1557/TTY or visit phoenix.gov/eod/whatsnew. Follow us on Twitter @phxequalopprty. Media Contact: Alejandro Montiel 602-534-3443 http://phoenix.gov/news/100512octbb.html

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Phoenix Biomedical Campus Building Exemplifies Interdisciplinary Teaching, Research

Oct. 5, 2012 Phoenix Biomedical Campus Building Exemplifies Interdisciplinary Teaching, Research The physical manifestation of a new, interdisciplinary approach to health sciences education and research has risen in downtown Phoenix. The eagerly awaited 268,000-square-foot Health Sciences Education Building (HSEB) is the newest structure on the 28-acre Phoenix Biomedical Campus. In an unprecedented collaboration, the six-story, $135 million building was created so the state could expand its medical education facilities. The University of Arizona (UA) College of Medicine – Phoenix has expanded its class size and Northern Arizona University (NAU) has increased its health-related offerings in the building. The architecturally expressive, sustainable educational facility recently welcomed students, faculty and researchers from the UA colleges of medicine, pharmacy and public health, as well as NAU’s College of Health and Human Services. “Not only is the Health Sciences Education Building an impressive architectural icon for the city and state, but it is a fundamentally essential building block to creating a better future for the health of Arizonans,” said Arizona Board of Regents Chair Rick Myers. More than 300 students are training in this one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary facility that can support up to 1,200 students. The building’s layout facilitates a trend in medical education to teach interprofessional curricula to groups of students, mirroring the reality of the health-care industry in which physicians, nurses, assistants and others work side-by-side. The Phoenix Biomedical Campus also plays host to the UA College of Pharmacy and the UA Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. In addition, NAU has expanded its physical therapy program from Flagstaff to Phoenix and has started a new physician’s assistant program in the building. “This building is a defining example of cooperation, collaboration and integration for education, health-care and research and development,” Regent Myers said. “The building is a united effort of the city of Phoenix, the Arizona Board of Regents, the UA, NAU, two architects and two general contractors.” The building, which includes lecture halls, classrooms, learning studios, a simulation center, anatomy labs and offices, is wrapped by 250,000 pounds of recycled copper fabricated by Kovach Inc. of Chandler, Ariz. Designed by Los Angeles-based CO Architects and the Phoenix office of Ayers Saint Gross, and constructed by the DPR Construction • Sundt Construction, Inc., Joint Venture, the project was delivered on time and on budget, during one of the most difficult economic times in our country. “HSEB represents collaboration, both in education and architecture,” says Paul Zajfen, FAIA, RIBA, design principal of CO Architects. “The building merges elements of health programs formerly taught separately, and the design/construction process itself is exemplary of the highest level of teamwork.” As a “healthy” building itself, HSEB is targeting LEED®- NC Silver certification, due, in part, to the locally sourced recycled copper cladding, east-west orientation that cuts heat gain, abundant natural light, overhangs and sunshades, and vertical fins that control sun penetration on the north. The architecture is a dramatic response to the structure’s function and to the local climate — inspired by desert earth forms and built from regional materials. “This building signifies the next phase in the development of the campus and its expanding presence in the downtown core,” notes Jack Black, AIA, LEED AP, principal at Ayers Saint Gross’ Phoenix office. Project Directors Peter Berg, LEED AP and Kent Bosworth, DBIA, LEED AP, whole-heartedly agree, “The DPR • Sundt, Joint Venture is extremely proud to be constructing the landmark HSEB for the downtown Phoenix Biomedical Campus, and to be part of an institution that will serve the State of Arizona for many generations to come.” Project Team Owner: City of Phoenix Client: Arizona Board of Regents Users: University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University Design and Executive Architect: CO Architects Associate Architect and Master Planner: Ayers Saint Gross Preconstruction/Construction Manager at Risk Contractor: DPR Construction • Sundt Construction, Inc., a Joint Venture Landscape Architect: JJR Lighting Designer: Kaplan Gehring McCarroll Lighting Structural Engineer: John A. Martin & Associates MEP Engineer: Affiliated Engineers Civil Engineer: Dibble Engineering Climate Engineer: Transsolar Energietechnik Geotechnical Engineer: Professional Service Industries Fire Protection/Code Consultant: Rolf Jensen & Associates Loading/Vertical Transportation Consultant: Lerch Bates Audiovisual Technology: The Sextant Group Cost Estimator: Davis Langdon Media Contacts: Sina Matthes City of Phoenix Al Bravo (University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix) 602-534-6648 602-827-2022 http://phoenix.gov/news/100512healthsciences.html

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Councilman Gates Coffee Chat to Feature Tour of New "The Rock at 32nd Street"

Oct. 5, 2012 Councilman Bill Gates ‘Residents are invited to join Councilman Bill Gates for his Coffee Chat event at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, at The Rock at 32nd Street, 13625 N. 32nd St. This month’s chat features Tom Papas, executive director of The Rock at 32nd Street, who will lead attendees on a tour of the new facility. Also on the agenda, representatives from APS and the city of Phoenix Water Department. The Rock at 32nd Street is a new community center that includes a teen center, established by local rocker Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Foundation. The center offers a community gathering place and free lessons in music and dance for area teens. For more information, call the District 3 office at 602-262-7441 or email council.district.3@phoenix.gov. Media Contact: Michael Hammett Angelina Manone 602-495-5405 http://phoenix.gov/news/100512d3chat.html

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Health and Wellness Fair at Deer Valley Senior Center Oct. 9

Older adults and their families are invited to a free Health and Wellness Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, at Deer Valley Senior Center, 2001 W. Wahalla Lane. More than 25 exhibitors will offer health and wellness information including free workshops on “Healthy Eating On A Budget,” “Medicare 101,” “Taking Medications Safely,” and “The 10 Signs: Detecting Alzheimer’s Early.” Older adults will have the opportunity to sample classes such as “Movin’ to the Music” and “Swing Dance” (no partner needed). Also, a line-dance class and other types of dancing will be offered. Community and center members can get their flu shot from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from the CVS on-site clinic. Proof of insurance or payment will be required. There also will be a classic car show and the opportunity to win prizes while learning Wii Bowling. For more information, call 602-262-6899. Follow us on twitter @phxhumanservice. Media Contact: Alejandro Montiel 602-534-344 http://phoenix.gov/news/100412healthfair.html

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Spectrum Warriors descend upon Phoenix

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Association of Old Crows (AOC) wrapped up its 49th Annual AOC International Symposium and Convention. Themed “Arming the Spectrum Warrior,” the event took place September 23-26, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, AZ. Among the attendees were military personnel from each branch of the US Armed Forces, DOD, and numerous industry partners. Nearly every rank and manner of uniformed personnel were in attendance. Attendees and exhibitors from 27 nations traveled around the globe to take part in this essential forum. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111228/DC28031LOGO) The symposium addressed the future capabilities Spectrum Warriors need to do their jobs effectively. AOC President-Elect, Lt Gen Robert Elder Jr., USAF (Ret) said, “Our biggest challenge is to get people to understand that if we don’t take steps to make sure we protect the [Electromagnetic] spectrum that we will not have it, and if we don’t control the spectrum we will not be able to conduct operations in any domain.” Attendees heard from LTG David D. Halverson, USA, Maj Gen Gregory A. Biscone, USAF, Dir, Global Operations, U.S. Strategic Command, and RADM Scott E. Sanders, Reserve Deputy Director, JCW J7, Joint Staff. They were also enlightened by “outside-the-box” speakers, Dr. Eric Haseltine, Former Director of Research, National Security Agency and Mr. Jeff Jonas, Fellow and Chief Scientist, IBM Analytics Group. “The convention was a first class, flawlessly executed opportunity for all of the services and representatives of industry and academia to work together towards our common goal of ensuring that the joint force commander maintains his ability to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum,” stated session speaker COL Charles “Jim” Ekvall, USA. Among the topics discussed, a prominent theme was the mentoring of emerging leadership in spectrum warfare – the younger crows. First-time attendee Kate Haley said, “I learned so much and am really motivated to become a more active member of the Crows and hopefully work to bring in some youngsters.” More than 90 exhibiting companies displayed the latest technologies in Electronic Warfare. Northrop Grumman served as the convention host sponsor. AOC is a non-profit international Electronic Warfare/Information Operations (EW/IO) association which promotes electromagnetic spectrum operations and related activities across military, civilian and commercial applications. It is the mission of the AOC to advance strategy, policy and programs for EW/IO, and electromagnetic spectrum operations. SOURCE Association of Old Crows PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1phR8) http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spectrum-warriors-descend-upon-phoenix-172877171.html

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October Is Window Covering Safety Month – Protect Your Children and Pets

Blinds Chalet offers free window covering upgrade retrofit kits and free cordless upgrades on new blinds. PHOENIX, Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — October is Window Covering Safety Month. Blinds Chalet is partnering with the Window Covering Safety Council in an effort to educate parents and pet owners about the importance of cordless window coverings. In this effort Blinds Chalet is providing a free cordless upgrade option on certain blinds and shades for the month of October. If a parent or pet owner already owns blinds that came with cords, Blinds Chalet will offer free cordless upgrade kits to those families. “Blinds Chalet has always made a concerted effort to improve child safety regardless of the time of year, our free cordless upgrade kits are offered year round. Window Safety Month gives us the opportunity to join with others in our industry to promote window covering safety,” said Blinds Chalet CEO Jayson Ellingson. The window covering retrofit kits can be used to retrofit roman, vertical, and other types of horizontal blinds. You are able to order as many kits as you need to convert your existing blinds to cordless blinds. You can learn more and order your kits by visiting www.blindschalet.com/free_blinds_safety_retrofit.aspx. For those looking to purchase new blinds, Blinds Chalet is offering free cordless upgrades on select quality products. These new blinds and shades are easy to lift by simply using one hand. Cordless shades offer an elegant look and come with this life-saving feature. You can learn more about these Blinds Chalet products by visiting www.blindschalet.com/blinds.aspx?upgrade=1007 About Blinds Chalet Blinds Chalet is an online window treatment company. Their headquarters is located in Mesa, Arizona. Blinds Chalet was featured as one of INC Magazines 5000 fastest-growing companies for 2012. Blinds Chalet provides its customers with high-quality window treatments at discounted prices; they also offer installation services in the Phoenix metro area. For more information contact Blinds Chalet at 1-888-633-7840 or visit www.blindschalet.com Editor’s Note: Photos, Videos and Interviews Available PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1oSs2)

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/october-is-window-covering-safety-month—protect-your-children-and-pets-172177451.html

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