News From Vice Mayor Bill Gates

Dear Friends,

I want to take a moment and express my sincere thanks to my colleagues for electing me as Vice Mayor. I look forward to serving as Vice Mayor during 2013 and hope to learn more about our city, the individual needs of our neighborhoods, and the ways we can all continue to work together to make Phoenix the best it can be.

Save the Date for March Coffee Chat

Not too long after my February Coffee Chat I hope to see you all again for my March meeting with special guest Congressman David Schweikert. Congressman Schweikert will be sharing the latest news from Washington, DC and answering questions from the audience. The Congressman has a very busy schedule so we are very fortunate to have the him spend his morning with us. Please join me for this special event and bring a co-worker or neighbor with you too.

Date: Friday, March 1

Time: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.

Location: Paradise Valley Mall food court, 4568 E. Cactus Road

Yoga in the Park

Thanks to a partnership with the City of Phoenix Parks Department and Yoga Rocks, Hance Park will become an outdoor yoga studio this spring. Hance Park, located at 67 West Culver Street, will host two-hour outdoor yoga sessions from 2 – 4 p.m. that include live music, free instruction, vendors and a special program for kids 3 and up called Camp Yoga Rocks. There is a $10 fee per child for the yoga camp. Yoga Rocks is a non-profit organization and even though the events are free, a small donation is suggested to help continue their success. This event will occur on the following Sundays: February 14 & 24, March 3, 10 & 17. For more information call 602-430-1736.

City Parking Meters Will Accept Credit/Debit Cards

I'm very pleased to share that the City is converting 545 coin operated parking meters to accept credit cards in addition to coins. This is great news because it means you will no longer have to dig for quarters or risk getting a ticket because you are short on change. The new meters are being installed downtown, at Phoenix College and in the uptown area. Once phase 1 is completed, 680 out of the city's total 2,400 parking meters will be converted. Parking meter rates remain the same at $1.50 per hour. The hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nights and weekends are free.

Social Media Marketing Class

Need help learning how to take advantage of one of the most powerful marketing tools for your business? The North Mountain Business Alliance (NMBA) is hosting Fasturtle, one of the top local social media companies, at their facility later this month. Come learn what social media marketing is, why it's important for your business, and how other businesses are using these low-cost tools to gain visibility, develop relationships and drive sales.

Date: Tuesday, February 26

Time: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: 1951 West North Lane

Cost: $20

Anyone is welcome to attend this event. To rsvp call Patty at 602-997-6164.

New Classes at Phoenix Libraries

Did you know the city offers classes on music therapy for special needs families? Daniela Clapp offers a class that facilitates rhythm, music and movement to individuals with special needs and their families. We also just developed a new Fit Phoenix Program that encourages healthy living. As part of this program family meal time classes will be offered that help give adults and kids the skills and the knowledge they need to cook a healthy meal and make the right food choices. Check out these great family friendly events that are free. To find out about upcoming classes visit www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org.

GUHSD Receives National Honor

The College Board recently recognized Glendale Union High School District for being the National Advanced Placement District of the Year, among medium-sized school districts. During the past two years, 400 more GUHSD students have signed on to take AP courses. In total, 1,500 students are taking AP courses within GUHSD. Among those 1,500 students, 51% scored a 3 or higher on the AP exams during 2012. Each GUHSD school principal received a plaque to commemorate the achievement and the Superintendent, Eugene Dudo, was presented with a $10,000 check. Congratulations to GUHSD and keep up the good work!

Arizona Afterschool Program Directory

Afterschool and out-of-school time programs have been proven to support academic achievement, positively impact social and emotional growth, and keep kids in school and away from negative influences such as drugs, alcohol, and crime. Yet, until now too many kids miss the opportunity to participate in these life-altering programs. All that is changing thanks to the Arizona Afterschool Directory. With the Arizona Afterschool Directory, all Arizona families can quickly and easily find a program that meets their child’s unique needs. The Directory, a project of the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence and the Valley of the Sun United Way, is the state’s only comprehensive, bilingual resource for afterschool and summer programs. Accessible and user-friendly, its powerful search and mapping capabilities are an invaluable resource for parents and families to locate convenient programs that are a good match for their children. To learn more visit http://azafterschool.org/az-afterschool-program-directory.aspx.