Inside Mesa

The 4th year for Hoops of Hope, events are happening all over the valley to raise funds for HIV/AIDS to build a medical lab in Africa - a country hit hard with this life-threatening condition.  Many children are left as orphans - all funds go to build the lab.

Go to www.hoopsofhope.org for more information in your area.  The event is from 7:45 am to 2:00 pm, Saturday, December 1.

One I know of is at the Word of Grace Chandler Gym at:  at 255 W. Warner Rd., Chandler, AZ 85224.  

Good news today in the presidential search for Mesa Community College.

Chancellor Rufus Glasper, MCCCD, will be leading a site visit team in early December, which includes the tri-chairs plus some members of the search team committee, to South Campus, Broward Community College in Florida and presidential candidate Provost Dr. Shouan Pan.

He was my vote when interviewing the five candidates, fitting the criteria needed for MCC to move ahead.

Yesterday’s Tribune gives us insight as to how Governor Napolitano presented the newly decorated tree in the lobby of the state Capitol tower.

The tree was lit during a ceremony to promote “Hope for the Holidays,” which supports a program for children of incarcerated parents, by providing gifts.

In naming the tree, the Governor took into consideration what it actually represents, saying “I think we’re celebrating a number of holidays,”  calling it the “Holiday Tree.”   Also, commenting that Christianity is the only religion that puts up a tree as a holiday symbol.

I like that idea, as I see celebrating the true meaning of Christmas as a year round, everyday attitude and action in doing those things that will help those around us.  Those less fortunate, who need a lending hand which can come through many different way and means:  starting with our neighbor, our community, city, and state.

After attending the presidential candidate interviews for Mesa Community College, I began to look through the bios offered.  Meeting all five personally was helpful too.

MCC has had much success and victories as well.  The article the Tribune offered on declining enrollment prompted me to think more about its next president.

Although one could find something positive about each candidate, Dr. Shouan Pan, Provost of Broward Community College-South Campus since 2003, in Florida clearly stands above the rest.

With a long history in executive administration enhanced by his Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration, Master of Education in College Student Personnel Administration, and Bachelor of Arts in English - plus the list of student related involvement is persuasive.

Success at MCC will depend on someone strong with a vast amount of excellence in their professional experience, community involvement, and proven record which Dr. Pan has.  His previous positions include: 

Executive Dean of Instruction and Student Services-Florida, Dean of Student Life-Pennsylvania, both community colleges, Recruitment and Retention Administrator and Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology at NAU, Director of Residence Life at Central AZ College, Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of International Education in China.

His community involvement spans from:

Board Member of a Chamber of Commerce, Commission Member of Holocaust Education FL Dept. of Education, Co-Chair Southern Regional Consortium of Learning Communities, Principal, Vice President, Chinese Cultural Assoc., Board of Directors National Finance Academy, Vice Chair United Way Resource Management Cabinet and Fund Allocation Committee & Volunteer.

With honors and awards:

Educator of the Year, Executive Leadership Institute, Chancellor’s Leadership Seminar, Kellogg Fellow, Honorary Member Golden Key International Honor Society, Research Excellence, Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

To hear Dr. Pan speak you understand his overall value of education, concern for jobs, social justice, and a diverse population.  All the attributes to lead MCC - in my opinion!

I know of a special evening just for singles to celebrate Christmas.  Why not try something new? 

If you want to have a great time without alcohol and good food prepared by the Windemere Resort and Convention Center in east Mesa, this is the party!  Lots of dancing by a DJ, door prizes, pictures, meet new friends, reacquaint yourself with those you know - you might even find someone special.

You’ll want to buy a ticket for the Christmas Gala now!  The event is Friday, December 7, 6:30 pm - 12:00 am, tickets are $37 each, and the deadline is this Sunday, December 2.  

There’s time to purchase a ticket at Word of Grace by calling 480-464-3961 through Thursday or this weekend at the counter in the Church foyer before or after services on Saturday evening at 6 pm or Sunday morning at 9 am or 11 am.  Another contact: Jackie at 480-396-7497 anytime.

It’s great fun and singles from all over the valley participate!

Your help is needed to assist in funeral expenses of a family in Mesa where the children of the family suffered the loss of both parents this past weekend. 

As a community, we have an opportunity to meet the need of a family - if you can contribute or come to the fund raiser, please do what you can.

The 5th grader at Adams Elementary School has drawn support from the school and his teacher, Gloria Chavez, to help raise funds to help meet this need.

A car wash is being held tomorrow - Thursday, November 15, from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM at Adams Elementary School, at Longmore and 8th Avenue, 738 S. Longmore, Mesa.

A Ruelas Memorial Fund has been set up at Desert Schools Federal Credit Union for anyone that wishes to donate directly.  (any DSFCU)

If you need more information or have questions, please contact Gloria Chavez at 480-232-9157.  

One of today’s leading EV Tribune articles was about gas prices. Approaching $3 a gallon is a bit much for me and I wonder about others on fixed or limited incomes.

Mesa’s senior population, teens, people commuting to work, school….make traveling by car less desirable. I know it does for me. What are we do to, stay home?

Valley Metro Bus Service, Light Rail extension down Main Street, carpooling - all look to be viable choices in the near future.

The index featuring price changes from last year, comparing the East Valley, Scottsdale, Arizona, and National statistics provide some positive feedback in that the East Valley remains the lowest cost per gallon.