Technorati Tags: mercury, Tempe Public Library

A bright spot in a tough national economy, Tempe has about a dozen businesses announcing and opening new locations within the city, many of these within the Mill Avenue District.

These include:
The Irish Pub
Five Guys
Jimmy Johns
Bright Horizons Daycare
Smashburger
Dave’s Electric Brew
Suckerpunch Sally’s Cafe
Spark Magazine
Sea Life
Regions
Total Wine & More
Vanity on Mill
Pancheros
Media is invited to join the City of Tempe, Downtown Tempe Community (DTC) and Tempe’s newest businesses on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. for introductions to some of the city’s newest offerings and the announcement of the Mill Avenue Retail Competition winners. Meet at Centerpoint on Mill, located at the southwest corner of Sixth Street and Mill Avenue in Tempe.

City of Tempe Mayor and Council, DTC representatives and local entrepreneurs will be present to talk about their new business ventures in the Mill Avenue District.

“We are excited about all of our new businesses that are adding to the great destination that is the Mill Avenue District, both those that won our contest and those who independently chose to make Tempe their business home,” said Nancy Hormann, DTC Executive Director.

Mill Avenue Retail Competition winners will receive a year of free rent with three-year lease, free website design and development by Synapses Studios and free one-year-membership from the Tempe Chamber of Commerce.

Twenty business plans ranging from retail shops to restaurants to music venues were received. These were judged by a committee comprised of DTC, local retailers, City of Tempe staff and development owner DMB.

“This is an impressive list even in a great economic cycle. It’s a strong indicator Tempe remains the best place to do business, and is a great dining and entertainment venue,”said Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman.

Both Entrepreneur and BusinessWeek magazines recently named Tempe one of the 10 best places in the country to start a new business.

Dave’s Electric Brewpub will bring a grill to share with other restaurants to cook samples of some of their best dishes. Spark Magazine has a new issue coming out. Check out one of the custom-built motorcycles by Suckerpunch Sally’s and hear about their new, first in the nation café, which will be open 24 hours several days a week, complete with a homemade doughnut buffet.

These are the first Arizona locations for mid-size companies such as Five Guys, Smashburger and Pancheros. Others are mom and pop operations taking a chance on their first store.

Technorati Tags: Arizona

Tempe received a Waste Reduction Initiative Through Education (WRITE) grant from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to construct the trailer, which is the first of its kind in Arizona.

E.R.I.C. will be transported to schools and events beginning in the fall to increase awareness of and participation in Tempe’s solid waste and recycling programs, and to promote environmental stewardship. The project’s mascot, which will be featured prominently on the unit, is a likeable desert tortoise named “ERIC,” who will help carry the environmental message.

At the event, the city will recognize ADEQ, contractor Quality Vans, and partners Nike and Freelite, for helping in the construction. Singh Organic Farms will provide food for the event, which will be prepared by Chef Wade Simpson of the Paradise Valley Country Club.

The traveling museum will feature eco-friendly materials, and post-consumer and reclaimed interior finishes. The floor surface will feature Training Ground with Nike Grind, a rubberized floor surface made of nearly 100 percent recycled material.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, E.R.I.C., recycling, Tempe, waste, waste reduction

Video and downloadable photos are accessible via the site, along with the city’s latest press releases and links to information from Tempe’s partner organizations like the Downtown Tempe Community and Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau. The newsroom also links to Tempe 11, the city’s cable channel. Tempe 11’s own Web page is under construction and will soon include an extensive video-on-demand feature.

The newsroom serves as a home for Tempe’s social media tools, including Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Community members are encouraged to sign up to follow Tempe using any of these tools, so they can access even more up-to-the minute information.

In addition, visitors to the newsroom can sign up for the city’s many e-mail news subscription options in the subject matter areas that most interest them. Tempe never sells or externally distributes its e-mail subscription lists.

The city welcomes feedback about the newsroom. To let us know your thoughts, please contact Communication and Media Relations Director Nikki Ripley at 480-350-8846 or via e-mail at nikki_ripley@tempe.gov.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, online hub, Social Media, Tempe

The library’s lower-level Computer Access Center will close June 22 until a new computer center opens next spring. During the renovation, a reduced number of library computers will be accessible to library card holders, who will be limited to 60 minutes per day. Guest passes will be limited to 20-minute sessions. The process has been set up to allow as many patrons as possible to use the computers during the renovation.

“Tempe knows that our library patrons have been increasingly using these computers over the past few months for job searches and other tasks,” said Deputy Community Services Manager Teri Metros. “We want to provide our patrons with other options and hope they will stick with us during this period of renovation as we work toward our goal of providing an even better Tempe Public Library for our 1 million annual customers.”

In May, the library began preparations for a 15-month interior renovation project – the first-ever overhaul to the 20-year-old building. Construction will begin in mid-July. The library will remain open during the renovation, which is anticipated to conclude in June 2010. Highlights of the renovation will include an expanded Youth Library, a new Teen Center, improved Computer Commons, more seating and more computers throughout the facility.

In May 2006, Tempe voters authorized the sale of bonds for the $8 million renovation. Tempe’s Capital Improvement Program budget is separate from the city’s operating budget; bonds are repaid through secondary property taxes. For more information, visit www.tempe.gov/library and click on the renovation link.

Other computers available for public use include:

TEMPE
Escalante Community Center, 2150 E. Orange St. Facility has 16 computers. Visit www.tempe.gov/escalante/ or call 480-350-5800.

North Tempe Multi-Generational Center, 1555 N. Bridalwreath St. Facility has 14 computers. Visit www.tempe.gov/northtempe/resource_center.htm or call 480-858-6500.

Westside Community Center/ Cahill Senior Center, 715 W 5th St. Facility has seven computers. Visit www.tempe.gov/cahillseniorcenter/computerlab.htm or call 480-858-2420.

NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES
Mesa Community College/ Paul A. Elsner Library, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. Library has 300 computers. Visit www.mc.maricopa.edu/library/ or call 480-461-7194.

Chandler Public Library Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Library has 73 computers. Visit www.chandlerlibrary.org/ or call 480-782-2803.

Chandler Public Library Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road., Chandler. Library has 56 computers. Visit www.chandlerlibrary.org or call 480-782-2842.

City of Mesa Library Main Library, 64 E. First St., Mesa, has 62 computers. For more information, visit www.mesalibrary.org or call 480-644-2207.

City of Mesa Library Dobson Ranch Branch, 2425 S. Dobson Road, Mesa. Library has 14 computers. Visit www.mesalibrary.org or call 480-644-3441.

South Mountain Community College Library, 7050 S. 24th St., Phoenix. Library has 28 computers. Visit http://library.southmountaincc.edu or call 602-243-8187.

Scottsdale Public Library Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. Library has 68 computers. Visit http://library.scottsdaleaz.gov/location.cfm or call 480-312-7323.

Phoenix Public Library Ironwood Branch, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix. Library has 13 computers. Visit www.phxlib.org or call 602-534-1900.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, Library, Public Library, renovations, Tempe

The 58th annual CBS 5 July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival, produced by the Kiwanis Club of Tempe, will take place on Saturday, July 4, at Tempe Beach Park. Gates open at 4 p.m. All ages can celebrate the holiday with live local entertainment, a splash zone, kids activities and games, rock climbing walls and face painters. The 58th annual fireworks spectacular, presented by ProTix, begins at dusk. Net proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis Club of Tempe.

ATTRACTIONS

Pure Fitness Hot Summer Nights Stage: A variety of bands will take the stage beginning at 4 p.m. Performances will be shown on video screens provided by University of Phoenix.

Fantastic Family Fest: Free inflatable village for all ages with a variety of rides, rock climbing wall and more.
azcentral.com Splash Playground: Cool off with water fun and games for all ages.

Assorted Food Courts: Foods for every palate, including Macayo’s, brats, hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, ice cream, snow cones, smoothies, fry bread, Pepsi products, Budweiser beer gardens and more.

SKYE VIP Garden: Ticket to exclusive area includes a seat in a misted area, SKYE Restaurant dinner, two drink tickets and a great view of the fireworks show. Limited tickets available for $60 each, plus applicable service charge. $30 for children 5-12 years old. Children 5 and under are free, meal not included.

ProTix Fireworks Spectacular: A 40-minute fireworks show launched from the Mill Avenue bridge and choreographed to patriotic and classical music.

TICKETS – Children 12 and younger and current military with military ID card receive free admission. Tickets can now be purchased at the following locations:

City of Tempe offices: Advance general admission tickets are available for $5 until July 3. Please visit www.tempe4th.com for locations.
Fry’s and Fry’s Marketplace stores: Advance general admission tickets are available for $6 at all Valley Fry’s stores. Visit www.tempe4th.com for Fry’s store locations.

www.ProTixonline.com or 1-866-9ProTix: Advance general admission tickets are $6 each, plus applicable service charge. SKYE VIP Garden tickets are also available.

Day-of at Gate: Adult tickets are $8 each, or two for $15. Tickets will be sold at the gate until park reaches capacity. Pre-sale tickets will be honored all night.

TRANSPORTATION
Bus
Ride the bus for free in Tempe on July 4. Most Tempe bus routes will operate every 15 minutes to the Mill Avenue District until 8 p.m., with return service extended until 2 a.m. Many downtown Tempe bus and Orbit routes will drop off and pick up at the Tempe Transportation Center on the northeast corner of Fifth Street and Forest Avenue.

Due to street restrictions, several downtown Tempe routes will be detoured to connect with light rail and will not serve their normal stops. If you choose to take the bus and transfer to light rail, you will be required to pay a fare. Parking is available at the following park-and-ride locations:

Tempe Marketplace – Orbit Earth to downtown; Route 81 (McClintock) to Apache and McClintock light rail station
Tempe Sports Complex – Route 62 (Hardy) to downtown
Tempe Library Complex – Orbit Jupiter to downtown
Arizona Mills Mall – Route 56 (Priest) to Priest and Washington light rail station; Route 92 (Guadalupe/48th Street) to downtown
METRO Light Rail

Park at one of the designated METRO light rail park-and-ride locations and ride the train for $1.75 per trip, per person. You may want to purchase an all-day pass for $3.50 at the start of your trip to avoid having to use busy fare vending machines in the downtown area at the end of the event. (Reduced all day passes are available for $1.75 for youth, people age 65 and older and people with disabilities.) METRO light rail will operate under extended hours, running every 15 minutes until 2 a.m. Park-and-ride locations include:

Apache Boulevard and Price Road
Apache Boulevard and McClintock Drive
Apache Boulevard and Dorsey Lane
PARKING – Because of high attendance, plan to arrive early and leave late for the best parking. Event patrons are encouraged to consider these parking suggestions:

ADA parking is available at the US Airways Garage.
Patrons traveling from the west should park at the lot located at Rio Salado Parkway and Hardy Drive.
Patrons traveling from the east should park at the ASU lots near Rural Road and Rio Salado Parkway or the SunCor building on Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue.

There are several thousand parking spaces in the Mill Avenue District. Visit www.tempe.gov/parking for locations.

Avoid parking on the north bank. The Mill Avenue bridges will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Patrons who park on the north bank of the lake will NOT be able to walk across the Mill Avenue bridges to attend the event.

For street closures and traffic updates, visit www.tempe.gov/streetclosures.
Expect some delays after the event. Your patience is appreciated.

Visit www.tempe4th.com for more information.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, fireworks, Independence Day, Tempe, Tempe Town Lake

Tempe, Arizona – The City of Tempe recognized the contributions of its most involved residents by presenting the Neighbor of the Year awards during the 2009 Neighborhood Workshop and Awards on April 18.

Residents attended workshops at the free, half-day event after Mayor Hugh Hallman and the City Council presented awards to those who have distinguished themselves through service to the community. Keynote speaker Donovan Rypkema also gave a presentation on “Saving Our Heritage Buildings: Why Historic Preservation Helps Strengthen a Community,” sponsored by the Tempe Historic Preservation Foundation.

Mark Lymer – During his time as Chair of the Board in the Mitchell Park West neighborhood, he has organized neighborhood events, including the first “Art on the Fence in Mitchell Park” exhibition, worked actively with residents, local businesses and the city staff to address potential issues such as code violations, mosquito breeding areas, messy alleys and overgrown landscaping. He is currently developing his fourth Neighborhood Grant application idea; a Community Garden in Mitchell Park. Lymer has secured other neighborhood grants for trees and benches in Mitchell Park in the past.

Bob and Dee Haver and Gary and Pam Schrack – The Havers and the Schracks have led the Superstition Neighborhood Association for many years, encouraging positive involvement from all neighbors in addressing a variety of neighborhood concerns, including neighborhood crime, park enhancement and alley clean-up. They took the lead in making dramatic improvements to Joyce Park by obtaining neighborhood grants to add an accessible walkway, install a climbing wall and improve other playground amenities.

Chuck Malpede Neighbor of the Year – One Tempe resident was selected to receive the Chuck Malpede Neighbor of the Year Award. The award is named for Chuck Malpede, a high school history teacher and resident of the Maple Ash Neighborhood who helped the city establish the Neighborhood Services program in 1987.

The 2009 Chuck Malpede Neighbor of the Year is Linda Knutson. Nominated by the Mitchell Park East neighborhood, Knutson has been essential in organizing many neighborhood projects and events. Highlights include the Annual Alley Clean-up Day, block parties, the neighborhood watch, neighborhood public art projects and grants, traffic calming measures and the Childsplay’s integration into the neighborhood during 2007-2008. Knutson has also worked closely and effectively with City of Tempe staff to seek solutions to neighborhood issues and conflicts including the flood irrigation service. As a result, the neighborhood has a very strong relationship with local beat police officers, the traffic calming team, the irrigation crew, firefighters, and the Mayor – all of whom are invited and often drop by our neighborhood events and celebrations.

Complete nomination forms for each award recipient are available upon request. Call Neighborhood Services at 480-350-8883. Visit the Neighborhood Services Web page anytime at www.tempe.gov/neighborhoods

Source:  City of Tempe

Technorati Tags: Arizona, Chuck Malpede, Neighbor of the Year, Tempe

Tempe, Arizona – The Tempe All Stars Middle School Leadership Club invites boys and girls ages 10 to 14 to participate in a free four-week program that encourages positive decisions.

All Stars is a nationally recognized program that is proven to reduce violence and risky behaviors among middle school students. Participants will learn to make positive choices through field trips, games, activities, art projects and more. After finishing the four-week program, students will be presented with a commitment ring at a celebration to honor their completion.

All Stars meetings will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from June 1 through June 24 from 1-2:30 p.m., at the Westside Multi-Generational Center, 715 W. Fifth St., and from 3:30- 5 p.m. at the Escalante Multi-Generational Center, 2150 E. Orange St.

The All Stars program is funded by Magellan Health Services, through an agreement with the Arizona Department of Health Services, Division of Behavioral Health Services.

The program is free, but advance registration is required. Parents can attend an open-house meeting on May 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the Westside Multi-Generational Center, 715 W. Fifth St.

For more information, call Tricia Gilman at 480-858-2463 or via e-mail at tricia_gilman@tempe.gov

http://tempearizona.wordpress.com/2009/05/26/tempe-program-helps-kids-make-positive-choices/

Let’s Talk Tempe highlights Papago Park planning process

Tempe, Arizona – On Tuesday, May 19, Mayor Hugh Hallman and the Tempe City Council invite residents to attend the monthly taping of “Let’s Talk Tempe.”

Sharon Doyle, Rio Salado Papago Park Ad Hoc Committee chair, and Jeff Kratzke, lead Papago Park Regional Master Plan consultant, will be the Mayor’s guests. They will discuss the future of Papago Park and will encourage residents to give their input in the planning process in order to enhance the park’s resources.

Papago Park is a 1200- acre regional jewel situated in north Tempe and in Phoenix. A formal master planning process is ongoing to determine the best uses and improvements to make the park an even more vital community asset. For more information on the master plan, visit www.discoverpapagopark.com.

Residents are encouraged to attend the taping and participate in the discussion on Tuesday, May 19, from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at the Pyle Adult Recreation Center, 655 E. Southern Ave. Let’s Talk Tempe is a monthly issues talk show taped each month before a live audience and replayed on Tempe 11.

Residents interested in receiving an invitation by mail for future Let’s Talk Tempe tapings can contact Mike Crusa at mike_crusa@tempe.gov or 480-350-8905.

Source: City of Tempe

Technorati Tags: Arizona

Tempe, Arizona – The City of Tempe urges attendees of tomorrow’s Arizona State University graduation festivities to plan ahead to weather the heat and enjoy the commencement ceremony.

Tempe Fire Department employees will be on hand tomorrow to provide emergency aid and “cooling stations” for those attendees who need relief. And, as part of the effort to keep attendees cool, the City of Tempe is donating 1,000 bottles of its “Tempe Tap” water to ASU.

ASU will pick up the cases of donated water at 3 p.m. today at the city’s Kyrene Water Reclamation Plant, 311 W. Guadalupe Road. Fire Department spokesman Mike Reichling also will be available to discuss heat-related precautions for tomorrow’s event. At the facility, news crews can proceed to the east security gates and press “# 3” to be buzzed into the complex. Proceed past the gate to the west end of a gray building on the site.

Reichling will provide advice like wearing light colors, hydrating well in advance of the event, and wearing hats and sunscreen. Water bottles must be discarded when arriving at the security check points at Sun Devil Stadium. Complimentary water stations will be located inside and outside the facility. Concessions also will be available.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, ASU, Graduation, Tempe