Madison Elementary’s volunteer tutoring program is for community members who are interested in sharing the love of reading with a child. By becoming a literacy tutor, you will support a student once a week for an hour in the skills of reading and writing.
    The next volunteer tutor training will be held at Madison Heights Elementary from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26 through Wednesday, Jan. 28.
    This tutoring program serves children in Madison School District’s four elementary schools (Heights, Camelview, Rose Lane and Simis) and targets children needing additional academic support in literacy. The program is sponsored by Madison School District and OASIS. OASIS is a nonprofit organization that partners with school districts to support adult community members and students needing literacy support.  Tutors will receive training by a reading specialist from Madison School District along with a tutor handbook, bag and supplies.
    If you are interested in this rewarding tutoring program, contact Maggie Kraft at Madison Heights Elementary 602-664-7839 or e-mail her at mkraft@msd38.org.

By Greg Stanton
Phoenix City Councilman, District 6

As one of the largest cities in the country, Phoenix needs do its part to fight global warming. Environmental issues affect every level of government now more than ever, Our city is working to preserve environmental quality and our communities for generations to come.
    The Phoenix City Council Sustainability Subcommittee recently took the first steps to change the way Phoenix executes its city operations. The subcommittee passed a climate action plan that has an aggressive, yet achievable, goal to cut its greenhouse-gas emissions (generated by the city) by 5 percent below the 2005 levels by the year 2015. The goal was approved by the entire Council in mid-December, which demonstrates Phoenix’s commitment to sustainability and protection of our natural resources.
 

Two unique and rare examples of automotive styling—a record-breaking, Hemi-powered 1954 Dodge Firearrow III Sport Concept by Ghia and a one-of-a-kind 1950 Saturn “Bob Hope Special”—are set to star at RM’s Automobiles of Arizona event, Jan. 16 at the Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 E. Missouri Ave.
    These two unique motorcars will join more than 120 vintage automobiles at auction. A preview will be held Jan. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by the auction on Jan. 16 at 11 a.m.
    Admission to the auction is by catalog only, which admits both the catalog holder and a guest. The full-color collectable catalog is available for $100 (plus shipping), by calling 800-211-4371 or visiting www.rmauctions.com.

By Hillary Frank, DVM, ABVP (Avian)

    “At our regular visit to the animal hospital, I was told my cat was about five pounds overweight. Other than tipping the scales, no other problems were found. What can I do to improve my pet’s health?”
    Does any of this sound familiar?  While some pets are obviously pudgy, many people are surprised to learn from the veterinarian that their pet is overweight. Experts estimate that about one in three dogs and cats in America is overweight. This diagnosis is based on a weight gain compared to previous checkups and assessments during the physical examination.
    A full evaluation by your veterinarian is most important, as some diseases can contribute to weight gain.  However, most overweight pets simply eat too much and do not exercise enough.  As with people, overweight pets can be plagued by problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis.