Marana Residents- Please Vote for Jon Post for Town Council

Marana is sending out their early ballots, and I urge you to cast your vote for Jon Post in the upcoming election. I've known the Post family for 3+ years. Jon truly loves Marana and is citizens. He is pro-family and pro-Marana. Today Mayor Ed Honea called me today and urged me to get the word out about Jon and the need for him to remain on the city council. Some exciting things are coming to Marana, and Jon has had a big hand in making things happen. They just received permission to start the interchange at Continental Ranch. Jon fought hard for that one. I'm relieved that I'll be able to just get off the freeway to go to Safeway verses drive around the mountain to get there! The mayor knows that Jon Post will do what is best for the town of Marana and so do I! The mayor is also supporting Carol McGorray for re-election as well. Jon Post

Post is owner of Post Farms. Post Farms is a company that employs 20, farms 4,000 acres and operates a retail outlet. He serves on the board of directors for Trico Electric Co-op, the Cortaro Water Users Association and Cortaro Marana Irrigation District. He also served as chairman of the Town’s Planning and Zoning Commission and was president of the Marana Junior Rodeo Association.

Jon Post Council Member

Help!!

How much do you pay a babysitter? I have been so lucky to have gone 3 1/2 years without having to pay a babysitter and I have no idea what an appropriate fee is.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day--Saturday, April 18, 2009

YMCA locations across the country are hosting free Healthy Kids Day events tomorrow (Saturday, April 18, 2009).

Details from their website:

"Put play in your day and enjoy some fun and relaxing active family time by visiting your local Y on April 18 for YMCA Healthy Kids® Day. The nation’s largest health day for children and families, YMCA Healthy Kids Day offers fun, engaging and creative activities for children and families and promotes year-long wellness and healthier living. YMCA Healthy Kids Day events are free and open to all.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day will be celebrated across the country at more than 1,750 YMCAs. [Click here to see if a YMCA in your area is hosting an event. Please be aware, not all YMCAs hold their events on April 18]. Last year, more than 700,000 people participated in YMCA Healthy Kids Day events nationwide, enjoying games, classes, demonstrations, arts and crafts, educational resources, healthy treats, giveaways and more. "

Thanks, Katie!

Call your local YMCA for more details and times!

Northwest YMCA Pima County Community Ctr

7770 N Shannon Rd
Tucson, AZ 85741
Telephone: 520-229-9001

Lohse Family Branch YMCA

60 W Alameda St
Tucson, AZ 85701
Telephone: 520-623-5200

YMCA of Southern Arizona

60 W Alameda St
Tucson, AZ 85702
Telephone: 520-623-5511

Lighthouse/City Branch YMCA

2900 N Columbus Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85712
Telephone: 520-795-9725

Ott Branch YMCA

401 S Prudence Rd
Tucson, AZ 85710
Telephone: 520-885-2317

Walmart savings

I was at Walmart on Cortaro today and got some great deals on games. They have several aisles of clearance (they are remodeling and maybe that's why there is so much on sale). I was able to get Candyland Castle game for $7 (other stores it's $20) and Scene It-Seinfeld for $7 ($30 at other stores). They had others games and lots of toys on sale for $1, 3, 5, 7 and 10. It's definitely worth checking out if you're like me and stock pile cheap toys and games for holidays and special treats.

Freebies for Moms with young toddlers

I just posted the following deals on Savvy Savings Tucson. I thought that Marana Moms might be interested in these great deals as well.

As a mother of a 2 year old, I was excited about both of these deals shared by To save a penny!

Free Preschool Sampler Pack

Go here to get your free sample pack (of their monthly curriculum) from 1-2-3 Preschool Projects!

Free Pull-ups Potty Training DVD

Go here to get your free Pull-Ups Potty Training DVD.

Here's another Freebie that I found:

Free 2-year subscription to Parents magazine

Go here to sign up for a free 2-year subscription to Parents magazine.

Thanks, Little Miss Know It All!

The Knack Free Family Event at Michaels

Thanks, Karen for the following information!

"Michaels is having another free family ”The Knack” event from 10 am-1pm this Saturday, April 18. Kids will create their own bunny or spring chick for some sunny spring fun. One page I read said that this was for all ages and another said that it was for ages 5-12. Honestly, this looks like a very easy craft, so it may be for the younger ones too.

You can stop by The Knack website for free printables. There are over 200 to choose from. There are also loads of project ideas. Click on the spring project idea list and you’ll have plenty of ideas to keep your kids entertained and crafty. This might come in handy during the Easter breaks from school. The projects ideas helpfully tell the age range, messy level, and craft time.

Have fun!

image from michaels"

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Today I met with the Police Chief and the Marana Police Citizens Advisory Commission with hopes that I could get onto the commission as an alternate. I gave them my top 10 list. I was nervous to see the other 2 applicants, but neither of them showed up for the meeting.

I opted to sit in as they discussed me. Every member of the commission was in favor of adding me to their team! Yeah! The head of the commission commented how they had been able to already see me in action for good with the unattended child in vehicle ordinance. Councilman Clanagan was there as well and basically endorsed me as someone who would bring the perspective of a generation that is hard to reach.

So, what happens next? Next month, the town council will have the opportunity to vote on my appointment as an alternate to the commission. I'll keep you all posted!

Let me know if you have any concerns about our community that you would like to see addressed by the police citizens advisory commission. They just announced another alternate position is available with the resignation of one commission member. You can apply on the Marana town website if you are interested.

free nursing cover (+ $7.95 shipping)

Udder Covers has a great deal where you can get one of their nursing covers for FREE by using the code "onefree"--just pay $7.95 for shipping. These retail for $32! Hurry, because they're running out!

Thanks Lizzy's Language!

Tiny Bling

My sister is selling these little bracelets. $8 each. Sizes range from 6-24 months. She can do other custom colors and sizes. If anyone is interested let me know. Renee

Apple Cake

Raytheon sends out a health newsletter to all the employees every once in a while. They published this recipe and I tried it out today. It is good enough that I thought I'd share. It makes it nice that it is relatively healthy and a sweet treat--my two most favorite qualities in food!

"Fresh apple cake"

Dry ingredients:
1 cup white flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 cup oatmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon allspice

Wet ingredients:
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup canola oil
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar

Last but not least:
5 cups apples (half tart and half sweet) peeled and diced
1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

Grease and flour a tube or Bundt pan. Mix dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Mix wet ingredients in a large bowl. Add dry mixture to wet mixture and blend. Add apples and nuts. Pour into pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes. Cool about 10 minutes before removing from pan. If desired, drizzle a powdered sugar and milk mixture over the cake once it's cooled.

Easter Treats

So how seriously cute is this? -and how easy too... the instructions are below.
I found this here

1 box cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)
1 can frosting (16 oz.)
Wax paper
Yellow candy melts (1 lb. pkg.) or white and color yellow
Lollipop sticks



After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.
Mix thoroughly with 1 can frosting. (I use the back of a large spoon, but it may be easier to use fingers to mix together. But, be warned, it will get messy. Also, you may not need the entire can of frosting, so start out by using almost the entire can and add more if you need to.)
Roll mixture into quarter size balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50)
Melt chocolate in the microwave per directions on package. (30 sec intervals, stirring in between.)
Dip the tip of your lollipop stick in a little of the melted candy coating and insert into the cake balls. (Insert a little less than halfway.)
Place them in the freezer for a little while to firm up.
Once firm, carefully insert the cake ball into the candy coating by holding the lollipop stick and rotating until covered. Once covered remove and softly tap and rotate until the excess chocolate falls off. Don't tap too hard or the cake ball will fall off, too.
Place in a styrofoam block to dry.
add face with frosting or with edible ink pen

Mommy Mixer

Some volunteers are trying to start a monthly mom group/playgroup in Gladden Farms. The next meeting will be this Wednesday, April 8, at 10 AM. We are planning on meeting at the picnic tables in front of the HOA office. Come even if you don't live in Gladden Farms, we'd love to have you! Hope to see you there!

Monkey Business

Here is an email I received from a friend about a new place that opened close to us! Maybe we should get a group together and try it out with the kiddos? Are you interested???

Cherise, didn't know if you knew this place finally opened, it is near the intersection of Silverbell and Coachline, so super close to us. This is what I just sent out to some people I know here, didn't know if you want to mention it on your blog.

We went to Monkey Business today and it was fun! I wouldn't have known except my mom gave me an article that was in the paper but they actually have a real cook there. And they are specializing more in the food, which is the opposite of Peter Piper or Chuck E Cheese. The menu had a lot of choices and they are adding more soon. We had chicken Parmesan and it was not bad. The pizza and burgers looked really good so we will try that another time. I just feel like spreading the word because after reading that article they owners went through SO much to get that place open. So check it out!

Robin

General Conference Packet

I love these General Conference Packets! Kayden loves them and loves to listen to conference as a result! There are a couple different conference activities/ideas on http://www.sugardoodle.net/

Here is a link to the packet I like.

http://www.sugardoodle.net/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4295&Itemid=484

$1 Movies at Century 12

I just found the best website, Tucson On The Cheap , who posted the following deal!!

"Oooooh, we LOOOOOOVE $1 days at Century Gateway 12. What! You didn’t know that each and every Tuesday, the good folks at Century 12 offer movies for $1. Which movies? All that are showing. What a deal.

You can find a list of current movies right here.

Where: Century 12 Theater, 770 N. Kolb, Tucson 85710 (520) 886-1000.

When: Every Tuesday (always a good idea to check to make sure this is still available. This post was written in late March, 2009.)

How much: $1."

Thanks, Hortense!

Wheat Grinders

I have the opportunity to purchase Nutrimill wheat grinders at a bulk price. I am not making ANY money on them it is directly from a distributor to us. The retail price on these grinders keeps going up and will have another price increase in April. The first time I spoke to the distributor over a month ago they were retailing at $219.99. There has been an increase since then. I've been able to set a price of $260.00. This includes shipping and tax. We need to have an order of at least 30 by April 18th to make it happen. If you are interested please call or e-mail me. I will need the money up front but won't collect unless we get close to the 30 mark. This is a great deal so tell family and friends about it. My phone # is: 682-2200 and my e-mail is skshellenberger@hotmail.com

Kim

Petting Zoo at Foothills Mall!

A girl from another ward let me know about this, thought I would share!

This is what she sent me:

I drove by the Foothills mall today and set up behind (near food court entrance) is a petting zoo. They are only there until Sunday. They have a zebra, a couple camels (one you can ride $5 and $5 for picture on him), hairy pig-thing (warthog?), rabbits, sheep I think and other animals. It's a $1 admission and if you want to feed the animals, it's $1 for a small cup, $5 for family cup. Open 10am-6:30/7pm (when it gets dark) everyday until Sunday.

Sounds like a fun and DIFFERENT experience! Let us know what you think if you go.

Activitites for this week!

Come and join us for these activities this week!

Wednesday, March 25 @ 9:30 AM-Playgroup at Pump It Up. Cost is $6 for first child, siblings $5 and under 2 free.

Friday, March 27th @10:00am – Playgroup at Gladden Farms Park.

Great Haircuts

If anyone is looking for someone to cut their son or husband's hair, call Liz Connelly. She doesn't cut womens hair (I'm not sure about little girls). She charges $7 and will even come to your home. She has cut all the boys hair in my household and does an excellent job. She is also very patient with the squirmy little ones.

3/10 Marana Election

Today we have the opportunity to vote for members of our town council! You have until 7 p.m. to hit the polls. If you are registered, you only need a valid drivers license with your current address on it!

Read Candidate article for more info on those running!

Is Couponing Really Worth It?

Sometimes I ask myself if the time and effort I spend trying to save money is really worth it. Today I think it was.

Let me share with you what I was able to get this morning paying only $ 6.03 out of my personal pocket! You read it right SIX dollars and THREE Cents! Ready for the list of what I got. Plus I returned home with $22 in Register Rewards from Walgreens and $4 more Extra Care Dollars to spend at CVS on my next visit.

Here were my stops!

I bought 2 Herbal Essence Hydralicious Sham or Cond $2.88
Get $1.00 ECB
Use $3.00/2 Herbal Essence 2/8/PG
=.38¢ each after coupon and ECB

I picked up 1 Crest Pro Health Toothpaste (4.2oz) at $2.99
Get $2.00 ECB
Limit one
Use $1.00 Crest ProHealth 2/8/P&G
=$.01 overage

I used the coupons and a $4 in CVS Extra Care Bucks that I received on a previous visit. My total came to $1.13 and that included the tax! Plus she handed me $2 ECB for the toothpaste and $2 ECBs for the Shampoo and Conditioner. So I have an additional $4 off my next purchase!

Today is the last day for Safeway's $5 off a purchase of 5 Cereal Sale. That brought the Life cereal to .99 and the Quaker Oatmeal Squares to 1.49 and that was without coupons.

Gratefully I had coupons! Safeway double coupons up to $1 off everyday. Thanks, Safeway!

Quaker Life Cereal, andy boxes $1 off 2 boxes and Quaker Oatmeal Squares Cereal, any 16 oz or larger .50 off 1 box (both expire 3-31-09) and both can be found in Red Plum2 that came in my 1/4 Sunday paper.

I separated my orders into 2 transactions. I bought 2 Life and 3 Oatmeal Squares per order. My total after coupons for 10 boxes of cereal was $4.90!



And then, we hit Walgreens! I love Walgreens! I really love Walgreens! They basically pay me to shop there. I'm not joking! With their great rebates and amazing deals plus with great coupons, I save so much money at this store! Plus they just announced they are bringing one to my neighborhood soon! I think they love me back!!

Last month I received $51 in rebates placed on my giftcard! When you monthly tell them to place your rebates on your gift card, they even give you more money back! I love it!

So, today here is what I was able to get from Walgreens with nothing paid out of my pocket!!!

I brought home 4 boxes of Kotex 18 ct tampons, 3 jumbo packs of Huggies diapers, 1 jumbo pack Huggies Pull-ups (we're getting close to potty training), 2 Glade Sented Oil Lasting Impressions air fresheners (regular price each is @ $10), 2 Glade Sense and Spray Motion-Activated Air Fresheners (regular price each is @ $10), 2 containers of Lysol Wipes, and 1 4 oz (large size) Right Guard Xtreme Gel Deodorant.

Using my rebate money on my gift card and some amazing coupons, I used $50.31 from my giftcard ($7.37 was tax). Plus, they handed me $22 back in Register Rewards to use in their store before 3/24th! Click here to see all the Walgreens deals using coupons this week.

I couldn't use the $5 off diaper coupons.com coupons because they only go up to size 2 for that type of diaper. But I ran my coupons over to a neighbor who just had a baby. She's going to be able to purchase 3 packs of the newborn diapers for $15 and Walgreens is going to hand her a $10 off her next purchase coupon that she can use on her next visit.

Is Couponing Really Worth It? Today I decided that sometimes it truly pays to be coupon savvy!

To visit Savvy Savings Tucson, click here!

Frustration With The Arizona Republic

Most of you know that I have subscribed to the AZ Republic (Phoenix) to receive multiple Sunday papers. In the past, they have more coupons in their paper than the AZ Daily Star (Tucson)which I also receive. Two Sundays ago, my Red Plum and Proctor and Gamble coupons were missing from my Sunday AZ Republic newspapers. I though someone had just made a mistake. But this Sunday, the same thing happened.

I was preparing to shoot a news story today with KOLD13 on using coupons to save money and was going to mention the multiple papers in the story. But before I could do so, I needed to know what was happening to our coupons. So, I spent the morning on the phone trying to find out if this was permanent thing.

This is what I learned. The management person from the AZ Republic told me there was nothing that they could do and that Red Plum is the one who decided that it would no longer be included in papers sent down to our Tucson area. So, I contacted the people over Red Plum to find out what was happening.

Katie sent me the following email:

"Stephanie,

Thank you for your call earlier. We have shifted to a blend of coverage in the Phoenix area of both mail and newspaper distribution. In regard to your question about the Arizona Daily Republic, I talked with the team here and we are still delivering the RedPlum coupon booklet through that paper. We update our market list twice a year, based on our clients’ directional marketing needs. We continuously evaluate our coverage and performance of the program in any given market. Below is a list of newspapers around your area that carry our RedPlum coupon booklet. You may also want to visit www.redplum.com to view additional deals and offers and print online coupons.

Thank you,

Katie



Newspapers:

Phoenix Arizona Republic

Phoenix Gannett Sunday Select

Phoenix Community Newspapers

Mesa/ Sun City Tribune/Sun

Prescott Courier

Flagstaff Arizona Daily Sun

Tucson Star

Tucson/Green Valley NW Explorer/NE

Yuma Sun



Katie Brown
Corporate Communications
Valassis
19975 Victor Parkway
Livonia, MI 48152
Tel 734.591.3000
Fax 734.591.4503
brownk@valassis.com
www.valassis.com

RedPlum is the ultimate source of value — online, in your mailbox, on your doorstep, with your newspaper, and in your store."

So, now I am even more confused, if it is being included in that paper why am I not receiving it?

So to make a long story short, I have canceled my subscription to the AZ Republic. The whole reason that I subscribed was for the coupons. I am not going to pay what the people in Phoenix pay just to get 1/2 the coupons. I was paying @ $30 per month for 6 Sunday papers with the AZ Republic. It's not worth that much. If they fix this problem, I'll probably start subscribing again in the future.

The Arizona Daily Star right now offers a weekend special- Saturday and Sunday Delivery for just $5 per month! $60 per year.

If anyone else would like to contact Katie to complain, please feel free to do so.

The KOLD13 news feature story will air on the 10 p.m. news on March 30th. We have a second part to film after spring break.

FREE Family Home Evening Pack

I was checking some of my favorite blogs and found this posting at Bargain Moms! Yeah!

"If you've been wanting some more great things for your Family Home Evening collection, here's a great opportunity!

'So I stumbled across this FREE offer from LIVING scriptures and I couldn't believe it!!! They just started giving the Hinckley Family Fun Gift Pack away as of yesterday!

Just enter your information you'll receive:

Journey to the Promise Land Animated Book of Mormon DVD
The Trek West "Docudrama" DVD
A 48-Page Family Home Evening Activity Book
8 Animated Book of Mormon character magnets.

All FREE and no shipping cost!!!'

CLICK HERE!"

Thanks again for the info, Bargain Moms!

Marana Town Council

Hey Ladies,
I am sure some of you are tired of hearing about it, but I have to put in one more time about the ordinance that they are passing for the Town of Marana. Tonight the Council will vote to amend what they originally wanted to pass about leaving kids unattended in the car. It starts at 7pm at the Municipal Complex. If you want to speak you have to be there BEFORE 7 and sign up for a speaker card at the front desk. I have not decided if I am going to say anything or not yet, but I will be there before 7 and if anyone wants a ride please let me know! If you want to know what the agenda is or what they are talking about you can find it on the town website, or I can send you a copy if you want.

ALSO, by attended several of these meetings, (not just for this ordinance issue) and I have gotten to know some of the Council members a little better. Sometimes they talk a lot, sometimes they don't talk at all so it can be hard to know what they think. BUT the Explorer put out a good article about the candidates running for Election or Re-Election NEXT TUESDAY MARCH 10th.
Don't forget to GO VOTE! They make VERY important decisions on our behalf.

Candidate article

I think it gives a good over view of their experience and I know who I am voting for for sure...I will keep that opinion to myself, UNLESS you want to call me and talk about it. ;) They are all very willing to talk to anyone and answer your questions, of course. Also, at the end, the article explains how the election is held and depending on how many votes they get, they may have to get more votes come May.

Bulk Spice Order

I am doing a bulk spice order. I will need to have your order and money collected by March 22nd. The spices will be ready for pick up about 2 weeks after that(if not sooner). I will have order forms at church, starting this Sunday. If you would like one emailed to you then shoot me an email and I would be happy to send one to you. autumnprince@hotmail.com

Food Storage classes.

My Mom just had an enrichment class on food storage and said they talked about a lady named Wendy Dewitt. Her blog is www.everythingunderthesunblog.blogspot.com
She is from the Phoenix/Mesa area, and for a while she was traveling all over to teach classes at no cost. She has a system that is very easy, to get started and follow. I am starting it and it just seems logical. And she has some very good ideas/knowledge. She has videos on youtube as well. I haven't sat through all of them, but I believe there is 7-9 of them. Anyway, I just emailed her with a question and she said that there is a 3 class series on BYU Living Essentials (Is this the same as BYU TV?). And the first class is tomorrow(Monday) night at 7pm. The 2nd class is March 30th and the 3rd hasn't been scheduled yet.
But she has some very good informationa and thought you may emjoy tuning in.

Homemade Fudge!!!!

One of my best friends has started to sell her amazing homemade fudge. The recipe has been in her family for a long time! She will even decorate the package for a special event at no extra charge. Check out her blog here

2/21 ToysRUs Thomas Play Date

For all you moms who have boys who love Thomas the Train, this is the event for you!

Car Seat Check and Fun activities

They are having a car seat safety inspection on Saturday Feb. 14, @ Safeway parking lot (Silverbell, & Twin Peaks) from 11:00am til 3:00pm

They are having jumping castles and other things for the kids and parents.

ENJOY!

Nursery Musical Instruments

We are looking for toilet paper rolls, pringles cans, beans, rice, wooden blocks, sand paper, and pvc pipe end caps (1inch). If you have any of these items and would be willing to donate them, we would greatly appreciate it! The Activity Day girls are making them for their activity next week.
Thank you Thank you!!!!

Lunch Bunch 2-11-09

Due to the chilly and rainy weather, lunch bunch scheduled for tomorrow (2-11-09) will be at the church. Hope to see you all there.

Our Meeting With The Mayor

Today, Kati and I had our meeting with the mayor. I was happy to see that they really had listened to us and had worked at rewording the ordinance in accordance to suggestions we had made. They added the word "unattended" to the Unattended Child In Motor Vehicle Ordinance. They had somehow managed to leave out that word in the original. They also removed the words "in the motor vehicle" for the portion that stated "without supervision by another person in the motor vehicle who is at least 14". So, now you can still be " supervising" if you are within sight or sound of the vehicle. Yeah, we no longer have to stand in fear of dropping the books in the return slot or returning the cart to the cart return!

We didn't get it reduced to an infraction but they did add a clause that for a 1st violation, the person could have the opportunity to complete a diversion program, a 24 hour parenting class. After successful completion, the 1st class misdemeanor would be dismissed. They also removed the mandatory fine of $1,000. The judge could fine the person anywhere from $0-2,500 depending on the severity. The fine would have to cover the cost of the class which would range from $250-$450, so you technically could still be hit with a $500 fine.

With the rewording, I do not stand in fear of breaking this ordinance. With the rewording, children will be protected from being left unattended in a vehicle which was the original goal and the innocent, law abiding parents will be protected as well!

I'm grateful that I live in a community where the Mayor and Town Council truly listen to their citizens. The mayor even gave us his cell phone # and told us we could contact him at any time with any other concerns we might have concerning our town. We have an amazing mayor who truly loves the people and the town that he serves.

This has also gotten me interested in serving on a citizen advisory committee for the town. I'm looking in to the committee for the police. I really think there needs to be a voice of concern for parents of young children. I feel that had there been a parent on the committee, the wording of the ordinance would have been changed before it ever got passed.

I also think I will try to keep my shopping to Marana. Tucson passed an identical ordinance to the original one that Marana passed. For all those moms in Tucson, be careful when you go to return the shopping cart! I hope that Tucson follows the example of Marana and changes their poorly written ordinance as well!

Garden

We are about to start our garden for the spring/summer. I was wondering if anyone else is going to do the same & if so what you are going to plant so that we have opportunities to trade different types of produce.
I was going to do bell peppers, tomatoes and maybe cantaloupe with a few herbs.

Free prenatal vitamins

You might have seen this in the Bashas add this week...

Bashas is offering free prenatal vitamins to expecting moms. You just need to bring a prescription for prenatals from your doctor and show it to someone at the pharmacy.

Key Points of the Marana Unattended Child Ordinance

My husband, Ivan Ashcraft, wrote up the following after seeing the bias opinion poll on 104.1's website and listening to Jon Justice's Morning Show today. I quote from his email to Jon Justice.

"Jon,

I just want to make sure that you address the key points in Marana's new unattended child ordinance.

• Age limits
• in Marana it is illegal to leave child under 10
• California law specifies under 6
• Marana: supervising person must be
• over 14, and
  
• in the car
• California: supervising person must be
• 12 or over
• in the supervision area
• Level of the crime
• Marana: First class Misdemeanor
• California: Infraction
• Fine
• Marana: $1000 dollars
• California: $100 dollars
• Tucson: $1000 dollars or a 24 hour class

The council member suggested that it is either a $1000 fine or have a catastrophe. I think she meant have a catastrophe and $1000 fine. For example the lady that had her car stolen with her baby from her driveway, upon recovery of the vehicle and her baby would have been slapped with a mandatory $1000 fine and a First Class Misdemeanor (permanent on record). What a way to make a terrible situation worse. Based on you previous opinion, you trust the officer would do what you think would be right. In actuality he would do what he wants regulated only by what is written in the law. He would never call John Justice and get his opinion. Therefore it is imperative that the law be written to avoid poor interpretation. If a person thought the officer was in the wrong, it would cost the person and the public thousands of dollars to address the issue in court.

This law is not a tool to educate and increase the public safety. It is a tool for punishing uneducated citizens.

Your opinion poll on the 104.1 homepage is a loaded question making it completely biased having no value. An effective poll would include the following questions:

If a city ordinance was passed to protect children from being left in a car:

• What should be the age limit for a child left in the car?
• What is the appropriate age limit for the person supervising?
• What should be the level of the offense?
• citation
• first class misdemeanor (permanent on record and may impact future employment possibilities)
  
• What should be the level of the fine?
• Should the judge be at liberty to reduce the fine for an minor offense?
  
• Should there be an option for the first offense to be wiped from the record and the fine waved by taking a class (for which the subject would pay)?

One more note. Wouldn't a law concerning general neglect of a child address this subject? Do we not already have such laws in place? If we don't, we have a lot more to worry about than issuing misdemeanors to a parent for leaving a 9 year old in a air-conditioned car while standing outside of the car to talk with a neighbor. (Again you say that's ridiculous, and again I say that is what the law, as written, specifies as an offense and you are not the officer making the decision.)

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Ivan Ashcraft"

Meeting With The Mayor

Kati and I have a scheduled meeting with Mayor Honea on Monday. We are in favor of an ordinance similar to California's Kaitlyn's Law. Click here to view Kaitlyn's law. If our town's ordinance had wording similar to this law, I would not personally worry about being in violation of this ordinance.

A violation is an infraction and not a 1st class misdemeanor and carries a punishable fine of one hundred dollars and not $1,000. It also has better age limits and uses the word supervision verses the wording "another person in the motor vehicle who is at least 14 years of age . If you are outside the vehicle, you are supervising! Returning the shopping card, the library books, pulling out a stroller before removing a child from the vehicle, etc. would not be in violation of this.

Their law also states "When the vehicle's engine is running or the vehicle's keys are in the ignition, or both." That is much better wording than "the key to the motor vehicle is located
in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle."
We also love that California uses 70% of the proceeds from fines to develop and implement community education programs on the issue of leaving children unattended in a vehicle.

We are in 100% agreement that following part of Marana's ordinance should remain as stated:

Section 11-8-2 Protection of children by town

A. Any peace officer is authorized to use whatever force is reasonable and necessary

to remove any child from a motor vehicle whenever it appears that the

child’s life or health is endangered by extreme temperatures, lack of ventilation

or any other condition existing within the motor vehicle.

{00012044.DOC / 3} - 2 - JF 2/3/09

B. No peace officer shall be liable for damages to property caused by the use of

reasonable force to remove a child from a motor vehicle as described in this

section.

I have shown or forwarded several mothers and grandmother's Kaitlyn's law. All agree that an ordinance worded similar to Kaitlyn's law would be preferable. If you have any suggestion, comments, or concerns that you would like us to bring up with the mayor, please call Stephanie at 407-6364.

This is what Marana passed:

Section 11-8-1 Prohibited conduct

“It is unlawful to leave a child who is under ten years of age in a motor vehicle

without supervision by another person in the motor vehicle who is at least 14

years of age if either of the following applies:

A. The conditions tend to present a risk to the child’s health, safety or welfare; or

B. The motor vehicle engine is running or the key to the motor vehicle is located

in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

Section 11-8-2 Protection of children by town

A. Any peace officer is authorized to use whatever force is reasonable and necessary

to remove any child from a motor vehicle whenever it appears that the

child’s life or health is endangered by extreme temperatures, lack of ventilation

or any other condition existing within the motor vehicle.

{00012044.DOC / 3} - 2 - JF 2/3/09

B. No peace officer shall be liable for damages to property caused by the use of

reasonable force to remove a child from a motor vehicle as described in this

section.

Section 11-8-3 Violation; penalty

A. A violation of this chapter is a class 1 misdemeanor.

B. A person convicted of violating this chapter shall be fined not less than

$1,000. The magistrate may not grant probation in lieu of or otherwise suspend

the imposition of the minimum fine prescribed by this paragraph

News Coverage

Kati Carbonneau and the ordinance passed in Marana were the top story on the 6 p.m. KVOA evening news cast. Click here to watch the news segment.

Stephanie Ashcraft will be on KGUN9's 10 p.m. and KOLD13's 10 p.m. evening news cast.

We would personally like to thank these news stations for helping us vocalize our concerns with the wording of this ordinance. We would also like to publicly thank Mayor Ed Honea. He called to today to apologize for the mix-up with Kati's speaker card. He also would like to meet with Kati and I along with other parents to talk about ammending the wording to this ordinance. Yeah! If you would like to be part of this meeting next week, please call Stephanie at 407-6364.

Marana Plays The Anti-Family Advocate

I've had a night to think and sleep on this. I'm pretty upset by the wording of this ordinance that passed last night. Marana prides itself for being an "attractive community dedicated to maintaining a friendly environment where people can work, shop, live and play". I have been a long time supporter of the town of Marana, its' mayor, and most of its' council. This is a breaking straw. The things that drew us to Marana were its' family friendly activities, communities, and schools.

I consider myself a law abiding citizen. I drive the speed limit. I pay my taxes. I try to contribute to my neighborhood and community. As worded, I personally could have been in violation of this ordinance 8 times yesterday.

First violation, I shuffled my kids to get in the car to go to school. I had to run back into the house to encourage the last child who hadn't made it out the door. The other 3 kids (all under the age of 10) were buckled in their seats. But I left them in a car without a person 14 years or older.

Second, I drove down the street to get pick up a neighbor's child to take to school. The kids were "freezing", so I left the car running in her driveway to get the heat going as I ran to the door to get the child. I was out of the car for a maximum of 2 minutes with the car in sight. Yet as written, I technically would have been in violation of this ordinance.

After driving home, I parked in my driveway, opened my garage door, jumped out of the car to grab the stroller to load my 2 year old for my morning walk. I was within sight of the vehicle at all times, but technically I would be breaking the law. Knowing my 2 year old who DARTS and DASHES, I knew she was safer being buckled in her seat while I grabbed the stroller. Technically, this would have been my 3rd violation.

Our church was having a clothing exchange/ clothing drive. I buckled my 2 year old in the car and loaded the 2 large bags from my garage into the van. I didn't have a 14 year old in the car at the time. This technically would have been violation #4!

I volunteered to take a friend's clothes to the church for her, so she wouldn't have to load all 5 young children that she had at her home that day into her car to do this herself. I pulled up to her home, opened the back of my van and loaded the bags she had placed in her driveway, and knocked on the door to let her know that I had gotten it loaded. The windows of my car were open and I did have the keys in my hand and not in the car, but there still was not a 14 year old in the car, so technically this would have been another violation.

I get to the church and park close to the door. I decide that Emma is safer buckled into her car seat watching a cartoon while I unload the car than running wild in the parking lot. So, I unload all the bags by making trips back and forth from the van just dropping the bags inside the churches glass doors. She is in my sight at all times. And even though my car is not running, I am on my 6th violation because I left the keys in the passenger compartment. As soon as the last bag was unloaded, I unbuckled Emma and took her inside with me to transport all the bags where they were needed.

As I was going to leave, I buckled Emma in the car. Someone we knew drove into the parking lot. Her door was open and she was in my sight the entire time. We visited for a few minutes in the parking lot. This would have been my 7th violation because there was not a 14 year old in the car at the same time. I personally feel she was safer buckled in her seat than running around the parking lot or into the street where she could have been hit by a moving vehicle. Guess what? Starting March 5th, we will be required to have all of our children under age 14 technically outside the car vehicle if we are talking to other parents in the school parking lot. Remember it's a 1st class misdemeanor and carries a MANDATORY minimum $1000 fine!
Marana, the friendly community, becomes the instant cold community because none of us can afford to do this anymore.

I drive into my blink and you miss it driveway. I grab my mail from the mail box, and then proceed to remove Emma from the car. Had I unloaded her first, she would have dashed into the road while I grabbed the mail. I know her. I am her mother. My two year old has this fixation with dashing into the road or parking lot. I can not put her down without it endangering her safety. But according to the Town Council of Marana, this would have been my 8th violation. I'm just grateful that I didn't have library books that needed dropped off in the drop box by the library door. That could have been a 9th violation!

I need to write a note on my defense that had it been hot outside I would have taken her inside the house or church first. Any decent mother would have done that, but because there is no temperature clause or distance clause I still would be violating this ordinance.

This new ordinance makes my physically sick. I may not be the best mother on the planet, but my children's safety is always of up most concern to me. If this ordinance is not repealed, I worry about parents who will become more negligent with their children as a result. It would be tempting to just leave all 4 of my children at home by themselves to drive the 2 miles to drop off the library books than to chance the $1000 MANDATORY FINE and the 1st CLASS Misdemeanor that accompanies having the kids in the car. Maybe I'll just have my special needs 5 year old return all the books. For those of you who know my 5 year old, this could be scary!

My other concern is that a child will be killed or ran over in a parking lot at a school or business because moms who are trying to abide by all the laws and ordinances of this great land are required by law now to put their children's lives in jeopardy. I pray that a life is not lost before we can resend this new ordinance.

Please email the media and members of the Marana Town Council with your personal views on this new ordinance. They may not listen to the one, but if they get 100 emails on this issue, they will have to stop and take notice.

Here are all the addresses to copy and paste into your email. These are all the email addresses for each member of the council including the mayor and for every news agency in Tucson.

ehonea@marana.com, HERB@KAIFARMS.COM, rclanagan@marana.com, pcomerford@marana.com, cmcgorray@marana.com, jpost@marana.com, rziegler@marana.com, justice@1041thetruth.com, "Jenny Anchondo" , "Ronquillo, Karla" , news@tucsoncitizen.com, newstips@kvoa.com, news@fox11az.com, lmarble@explorernews.com, emeltzer@azstarnet.com, kgun9news@kgun9.com

Kati Carbonneau's Words To The Marana Town Council

Kati did an amazing job addressing the Marana Town Council this evening. Unfortunately they chose to not readdress this awfully written ordinance and let it pass anyway.

"Thank you for the opportunity to express my opinion about the proposed ordinance.

I do not believe that it is right to spell out every step that one person is allowed or not allowed to take, however there are some guidelines that we should follow, and do. Everyday I make decisions concerning the welfare of my children, and many times I disagree with how other people take care of their children. It is not however up to me to tell them what to do. If a child is in danger or their health is at risk I understand that it may be necessary to involve an officer of the law. At that point it would be to their disgression of how to handle the circumstance.

If we look at the ordinance, beginning with Section one:

Let's say that it is 115 degrees outside so I start the car to cool it down. I put my children in their seats and then walk around the car to get in. I have left a child without someone 14 yrs old in the car and the car is running. There is no question that at that moment I have broken the law how it is written. It is black and white, the motor vehicle engine is running and my children are alone.

The officer HAS to write me a ticket and give me the class 1 misdemeanor. Anyone would agree that the punishment does not fit the crime in this situation.

Even if I am just returning my empty grocery cart to a stall, running back inside my house for my purse or phone, talking to a neighbor outside of my car, or returning a movie to the drop off slot...if my car is running I am at fault, and again the punishment does not fit the crime.

Section A does not say how far away I can be, it does not say I have to be in line of sight, nor does it say how long is too long to be away.

With 3 children under 4 and another on the way, I know I cannot take my children into my home all at the same time. Someone has to be last to get out, and they usually fall asleep on the way home from going into town, there are too many situations that could happen where I could be fined according to this law, and yet I do not feel I am putting my children in any danger.

I've already mention parts of section 3 when talking about fines, but as I said before I feel the penalties are too steep. I do not feel it is right to have a MANDATORY MINIMUM and if there needs to be a fine, then it should match the degree of danger of the situation. Should I be scared to call for help when my children accidently get locked in the car while I am standing at the door (with the car running or not!)? Will I be fined for trying to get help?

I know I am not the only one who feels this way. There are a few other's in the audience that I have spoken with, that have the same concerns that I do.

Whatever we decide to change or pass, I would hope that the council would not pass this ordinance as it stands and not burden parents with strict penalties from laws that open themselves to loose interpretations."

This is what Marana passed:

Section 11-8-1 Prohibited conduct

“It is unlawful to leave a child who is under ten years of age in a motor vehicle

without supervision by another person in the motor vehicle who is at least 14

years of age if either of the following applies:

A. The conditions tend to present a risk to the child’s health, safety or welfare; or

B. The motor vehicle engine is running or the key to the motor vehicle is located

in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

Section 11-8-2 Protection of children by town

A. Any peace officer is authorized to use whatever force is reasonable and necessary

to remove any child from a motor vehicle whenever it appears that the

child’s life or health is endangered by extreme temperatures, lack of ventilation

or any other condition existing within the motor vehicle.

{00012044.DOC / 3} - 2 - JF 2/3/09

B. No peace officer shall be liable for damages to property caused by the use of

reasonable force to remove a child from a motor vehicle as described in this

section.

Section 11-8-3 Violation; penalty

A. A violation of this chapter is a class 1 misdemeanor.

B. A person convicted of violating this chapter shall be fined not less than

$1,000. The magistrate may not grant probation in lieu of or otherwise suspend

the imposition of the minimum fine prescribed by this paragraph

I had the following underlined section in what I was going to say, but cut it out because I knew I only had three minutes...

I would hope it would never happen, but technically, if I am pumping gas at the gas station (my car is turned off) and my children are in the car, for all I know, an officer could decide it was too hot that day for them and I could be fined, because no one older than 14 is in the car.

Like I said before, I don't think they should tell me every step to take or not to take, but I also think the law in this case is too broad for such a steep penalty.

In reading the Cover sheet for this ordinance it seemed as if someone felt that because there is a law about animals being left in a car, than there should be one about the safety of children too. I think we have enough laws that can be interpreted to cover the safety of children, regardless of where they are at that we really don't need another one spelling out the car as the specific danger.

When reading on in section two of the ordinance I would agree that any peace officer should not feel they cannot save someone's life without being sued for damages to a vehicle. I would not oppose an ordinance covering that topic alone.

Go here...http://www.tucsonaz.gov/agdocs/20080923/sept23-08-523.pdf

to see a general idea of what the city of Tucson passed just this last September. It seems almost word for word what we passed, but notice you can take 24hrs of classes to educate you on the topic and then you don't have a fine.

An Awful Ordinance Passed in Marana Tonight

I was saddened tonight as I stood in the chamber of the town of Marana and watched our town council pass a new ordinance that prohibits leaving a child, 10 years old or younger, in a vehicle without another person, 14 or over, being in the car with them. It also covers a child left with keys in the vehicle or one with the engine running. As this ordinance is written it applies from parking lots to driveways. Tucson passed a similar ordinance in September with an added clause stating that if it's your first offense, you can take a class without being charged the fine.

Say you drop off a movie in a drop box. Or you drop the library books in the drop box outside the library door and you leave the kids in the car. Say you buckle in your kids and then return your shopping cart to the closest cart return. Say you turn on the air conditioner to cool down the car, buckle in all your kids and walk around your car without a 14 year old inside. This offense, starting March 5th, is now a 1st class misdemeanor. Offenders will face a MANDATORY minimum fine of $1,000!

A dear friend and neighbor, Kati Carbonneau, got there early enough to get a speaker card on the issue. They passed it without even giving her a chance to speak on the matter. She and I had to flag the mayor to bring to his attention that they had skipped her. They finally let her speak, but would not reopen the issue for further discussion by the council. To read Kati's words to the town council, click here!

So, dear friends, you who are parents of children under the age of 10, we are all now HANDICAPPED. We physically are forced to break this ordinance the way it is written every time we step out of the vehicle. If this is the case, the city of Tucson and town of Marana need to resend these ordinances as written or provide the physical amenities that every parent would need to comply to this law. This would include drive-up drop boxes at every major goverment and commercial establishment. Every school would need to have drop off and pickup area so parents would not be required to leave the vehicle. After all, they passed these ordinances. Now, they need to provide ways that every parent can physically abide by these ordinances.

We are starting a petition of register voters in Marana to resend the ordinance as it is written currently. If you are interested in signing this petition, please leave a comment with email address or call me at 407-6364.

Dentist

Does anyone have a good dentist that they would recommend?

Thanks. Renee

Washing Machine

Our washing machine finally is frizzing out after about 10 years. I was just sending a short note out to see if anyone knows of someone who has one for ..as close to free, as possible. Thanks so much. seadving@aol.com 682-3994 Renee

POTTY WATCH

I know there are several people who are attempting potty training right now. Me being one of them. My sister called me and told me about this watch that her friend has been using on her little boy. I have not personally tried it yet, but have heard good reviews and am planning on ordering one. You have your child wear the watch and set the timer for 30, 45, or 60 minutes and when it goes off your child needs to sit on the potty til he goes. I'm not sure where to find them around town, but have found them online for about $10.

Pita Bread, a fun change?

For step by step pictures...go here www.safelygatheredin.blogspot.com/2009/01/food-storag-friday-whole-wheat-pita.html

I think it looks like a fun change from plain bread. Not so sure about the 500 degree oven, but I'll let you know....
Someone put a comment on the post that to easily get honey off a spoon you should spray it with Pam first. Sounds like a good tip!
Then she also links you to their chicken salad recipe...looks good too!

Enjoy!
Kati

Whole Wheat Pita Bread
Epicurious.com

2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
1 teaspoon honey
1 1/4 cups warm water
2 cups flour, plus additional for kneading
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup oil
1 teaspoon salt
Cornmeal for sprinkling baking sheets

Combine yeast, honey and 1/2 cup warm water in a large mixing bowl. Stir together then set aside for five minutes. In a separate bowl, mix white flour and wheat flour together with a whisk, set aside. After the five minutes, make sure the yeast mixture is foamy. Add 1/2 cup of the flour mixture to the yeast mixture. Combine. Cover with saran wrap and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.

After yeast mixture has doubled, add oil, salt, remaining 3/4 cup warm water, and the rest of the flour mixture. Stir well into a dough. Dump dough onto a floured surface and knead dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little bit of flour when it is needed. Shape into a ball and put in an oiled bowl. Cover with saran wrap and let rise for one hour.

When dough has doubled, punch down and separate into eight pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, flatten with hand, then roll out with rolling pin to make a circle with a 6-7 inch diameter. Place dough round on a cookie sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Roll out all the sections. Cover cookie sheets with clean cloths and let rest for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 500 degree F. Place an oven rack on the lower part of the oven and remove the other rack. Lay the pitas, four at a time, directly on the oven rack. Cook for 2 minutes or until just puffed and golden, turn over and cook an additional minute. Let rest on a cooling rack for two minutes then wrap in foil to keep warm until serving.

Free Baking Classes in Tucson!

Robin Bringhurst sent me the following information.

"King Arthur Flour, one of my FAVORITE companies since I am from New England, is doing free baking classes here in Tucson!!! I will miss it 'cause of my daughter's baptism. Darn it. Oh well, here is the link:
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/baking/national-baking-classes.html#Arizona

If it doesn't work go to kingarthurflour.com and find the national baking classes. This is a great company, they give you really useful tips and their products are great. Their ground whole wheat and white whole wheat are really finely ground, the best I've found."

Thanks, Robin!

Sat., January 31

Tucson, AZ

Radisson Suites Hotel Tucson Airport
7051 South Tucson Blvd
Tucson AZ 85756
(520) 225-0800

11 am to 1 pm:
Sweet & Savory
Yeast Breads

3 pm to 5 pm:
Festive Cookies & Pies