SanTanValley.com

Last Sunday night, the 7th Annual San Tan Christmas Jam began with a Prayer Vigil for the victims of the Newtown school shootings.

Pastor Mark Krenz of ONE Community Church lead the crowd of over 600 San Tan Valley area residents in a time of reflection, remembrance, comfort and hope.  27 candles were lit one at a time as each of the victims names was read.

A moving singing of Silent Night followed and concluded with a prayer by Pastor Krenz.

San Tan Valley Community Prayer Vigil for the Victims and Survivors of the Newtown School Shootings to be held during the first 15 minutes of the 7th Annual San Tan Christmas Jam, this Sunday, 6:00-6:15p, San Tan Heights Community Park (2500 W San Tan Heights Blvd).

Pastor Mark Krenz and ONE Community Church, the organizers of the 7th Annual San Tan Christmas Jam, are dedicating the first 15 minutes of the concert to remember and pray for the parents and family members of the children and adults killed on Friday in Newton, CT. We will also pray for the surviving children and adults.

During the December 12th Governing Board meeting, the Governing Board approved the acceptance of Superintendent Dr Cecilia Johnson’s resignation.

Having been placed on FMLA at her own request due to health reasons last month, Johnson has now chosen to resign.

The District is appreciative of her efforts and contributions, and wishes her well in future endeavors.

Chick-fil-A will be hosting a very important Spirit Night Fundraiser to help two young children in our community who have undergone significant loss over the last few years.

While toddlers, their father passed away in a car accident on Hunt Highway. The children’s grandmother became their legal guardian, supporting them financially over the last few years until she became unemployed. Grandma fell ill about a month ago and passed away two weeks after being admitted into the hospital.  The Grandfather has secured custody of the children, now ages 7 and 10, but must find a way to raise them on a social security income. In addition, due to unemployment, Grandma had no insurance to cover the health care expenses or burial fees. Our purpose for this event is to assist in the burial expenses and potentially cover any additional expenses that may occur during the burial and grieving process.

People who would like to purchase holi­day gifts for local children in need can ob­tain a name from a Pan de Vida Foundation Adopt a Christmas Child trees. They can be found at the following locations: In Queen Creek, EggsTC, 20856 E. Oco­tillo Road; Walmart, 21055 E. Rittenhouse Road; Olive Garden, 21422 S. Ellsworth Loop; Queen Creek Cafe, 22002 S. Ellsworth Road; and BMO Harris Bank, 21479 S. Ells­worth Road.

In San Tan Valley: Sweetie Peaz Frozen Yogurt, Inc., 85 W. Combs Road, Suite 111.

Level 2 Sex Offender

Michael Dwayne Tillery

Convicted in 1995 of attempted sexual conduct with a minor after he had sexual intercourse with a 13 year old child

3930 E Rock Drive - San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

Level 3 Sex Offender Alert

Robert Leroy Dewey II

Convicted in 1990 of attempted sexual conduct with a minor, convicted again in 2003 of sexual conduct with a minor.  Both victims were females known to the offender.

2710 W Angel Way - San Tan Valley, AZ 85142

Today, Dec 10th, started off as any ordinary day for Amber Murphy. She had to get her 6 year old daughter ready for school, help her 3 year old son get ready and prepare to go visit her husband, Dustin Murphy.  Dustin was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer 3 years ago and is currently at Lund Hospice.

The only other thing Amber had to prepare for was an interview.   She had been contacted by Gradient Gives Back Foundation and they let her know that she was one of the finalists for an award. The Gradient Gives Back Foundation was formed to make immediate and real differences in the lives of families who have fallen on hard times and the Murphy's are one of those families.

The first round of the 2013 National Geographic Bee takes place at Combs Traditional Academy, 37327 N. Gantzel Rd. in San Tan Valley, Friday, December 14, 2012 at 9:00AM.

For the 25th year, the National Geographic Society is holding the National Geographic Bee for students in the fourth through eighth grades in thousands of schools across the United States and in the five U.S. territories, as well as in Department of Defense Dependents Schools around the world. The 2013 Bee is sponsored by Google.

Come celebrate with us and bring your friends to the two year anniversary of the Milan Fine Art Gallery, Saturday, December 8th from 11am-2pm.  We have planned an incredible event and are looking forward to meeting you.  You'll be able to eat,  drink and buy unique gifts.

The event is free to attend and we'll be serving Greek Barbecue!  Not only will you be able to see amazing artwork, but we'll have live music as well throughout the event.

The gallery is located 24915 S 220th St Queen Creek AZ 85142, about one Mile from the Queen Creek Olive Mill.