Arcadia News — award winning neighborhood news since 1993
September 2013
September 2013, page 11

Page 10 September 2013 So, while it may be an occasional inconvenience, or worse, jury service is one of the most necessary civic duties and important constitutional rights we possess. Next time you are summoned for jury duty, ignore the impulse to suddenly get sick, flatten your own tire, or take your sick grandmother to the hospital. In all seriousness, when summoned for jury duty, remember it is a right, not a chore. Remember how important you as a citizen are to the legal system. And lastly, remember how much weight it can occasionally take off the shoulders of your local justice of the peace. Steven Sarkis is the justice of peace for Arcadia Biltmore Justice Court. By Steven Sarkis Recently I was summoned for jury duty in the Maricopa County Superior Court. Now I know what most people are thinking when they open their jury duty requests in the mail: Ugh, not again. But to be honest, I would actually really like to sit on a jury. However, having an active judge sit on a jury invites various problems and as expected, I was not picked. Yet the whole process once again reminded me just how important this civic duty is, not just to my court but to the entire judicial system. Most citizens likely underestimate just how important they are to the legal system. Without the ability to summon a jury of one’s peer, which is a constitutional right, the justice system likely would grind to a halt as each and every case would need to be decided by individual judges. While judges do their best to make the fairest decision in every case, jury duty relies upon a different, sometimes more effective way to decide cases. Jury duty relies upon the collective wisdom, experience and fact-finding abilities of a group of everyday people. A powerful tool. Citizens are powerful tools in legal system, decisions At Brookdale ® Place Paradise Valley, we’ll help you solve your retirement puzzle! From the subtle to the sublime, we provide the services and amenities that promote a lifestyle of happiness, fun and fulfillment. Optimum Life ® helps residents live at their peak level in six key areas or dimensions of wellness: purposeful, spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual and physical. And with Innovative Senior Care SM , residents have access to convenient on-site therapy services. Nearly all the pieces are in place. The only one missing … is you! • All Day Restaurant Dining • Free WiFi • Walking Paths • Scheduled Transportation • Outings and Day Trips • Social Events • Salon • Weekly Happy Hours • Tai Chi and Yoga • Zumba • Heated Pool • Koi Pond Come for a visit and stay for lunch! Your story continues here... Independent Living Personalized Assisted Living 13240 North Tatum Boulevard Phoenix, Arizona 85032 1-888-396-6692 www.brookdaleliving.com ®Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office. 00783-ROP01-0812 SC WILLS ~ TRUSTS ~ ESTATE PLANNING ~ PROBATE PRE-MARITAL AND DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS S D. R Attorney at Law T C L F, P.A. Why Have a Health Care Power of Attorney? A health care power of attorney allows a person to nominate a sole agent who has the power to communicate with health care providers. Without a health care agent, the law allows a great number of people to make emergency medical decisions on your behalf. With a health care agent, there is one person, or an alternate, who can make all medical and mental health decisions. Arizona statutes direct that cremation or burial preferences be listed in the health care power of attorney. Your agent can make sure you have the cremation or burial you wish. A health care power of attorney can help prevent an emotionally charged situation from becoming even more stressful for your family and loved ones. Contact Sharon D. Ravenscroft, Esq. (623) 815-7451 1850 N. Central Ave. Suite 2400 Phoenix, Arizona 85004 13250 N. Del Webb Blvd. Suite B Sun City, AZ 85351 T F O M, V  E-M: sharonravenscroft.com • sravenscroft@cavanaghlaw.com HOT AS A PEPPER? BE COOL AS A CUCUMBER! Family Owned & Operated Licensed, Bonded & Insured Service & Install on all Makes & Models Free Estimates on New Equipment RESIDENTAL & COMRAL REBATES & CREDITS AVAILABLE! ITAL  NEW ENVINENTALY FIEY /C SE! ROC Licenses: 80131, 80132, 80133 R E F R I G E R AT I O N  A I R C O N D I T I O N I N G  R E S I D E N T I A L  C O M M E R C I A L 3231 East Washington 602-957-3745 www.AccuTempAZ.com Bill Murley, President ACCUTEMP IS AN APS/SRP QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR /C • HETIG • LOW EMP • I MIN & MOR!

Bellamak Realty’s 12th Annual COOL SUMMER FUN COLORING CONTEST! 2013 COLORING CONTEST RUNNERS UP: Kendra Curry, Brooke Tessmer, Elyse LaVallee, Alex Tupay, Emma Cann, Kelsi Gittens, Tanner McGeough, Hugh Dunlap, Mike Esparza, Lili McGeough, Ava Silvernail, Lawson LaVallee, Yuliana Harger. Winner Charlotte Bishov, Age 9, with Realtors Shawn, Traci and Judge Bellamak. HUNDREDS of MILLIONS SOLD Bellamak.com Congratulations to Charlotte Bishov of Arcadia! As the winner, Charlotte received $300!! WINNER! Judge Bellamak 602.799.1103 Shawn Bellamak 602.723.0400 Traci Bellamak 602.799.1186 Cathi Bellamak 480.220.9839