Page 36 September 2 0 1 6 3641 N. 56th Street, Phoenix • 480-945-9537 • www.popphoenix.org Northeast corner of 56th St. and Indian School THE UGANDAN KIDS CHOIR September 25, 2016 – Featuring TWO performances! 9:00 a.m. (during worship), 30-minutes 6:00 p.m., full 60-minute performance The children in the Ugandan Kids Choir are known for their musical talents and their joyful performances. The Choir is a ministry of Childcare Worldwide, which has been devoted to empowering children in the developing world since 1981. Childcare Worldwide serves children in nine developing countries by taking care of their physical, spiritual, and educational needs. By coming to this event, you will enjoy traditional African song and dance, as well as help support children in need all around the world. Be sure to bring your family and friends to this free event! By Mallory Gleich Even as a small child, Sandra Luehrsen knew she wanted to become an artist. She would spend hours a day making mobiles to put in the front window of her home in Blue Island, a suburb of Chicago. Her passion for art grew stronger when a neighbor showed Sandra pictures of her drawings. “She was 4 years older than me. My goal was to draw better than her. So, I worked hard and loved every minute of it,” Luehrsen said. And her hard work paid off. Sandra is now part of the Advisory Council at the Shemer Art Center, and has received many awards, shows her works at the Center, and also has her own art business. Luehrsen graduated from Northern Illinois University and decided to move to Arizona for graduate school in 1976. Her brother traveled with her. “My brother and I drove my $750 rusted out Datsun station wagon packed with all of my worldly possessions. We overheated somewhere south of Flagstaf f but got here nonetheless,” Luehrsen said. During her time at NIU, Luehrsen signed up for a ceramics class, thinking it to be clay sculpture. She was confused when she walked in seeing pink pots and wheels used for creating ceramic pots. “I realized I had signed up for the wrong class, but the drop lines were long and the professor was cute and nice, so I stayed,” she said. Once she had moved to Arizona, Luehrsen started graduate school at Arizona State University. She then earned her master’s degree in art and ceramics. Her most current works of art are inspired by life or life forms. When Luehrsen moved to Arizona, she found that the beauty of the flora and fauna of the desert overtook her. For the past few years, she has created sculptures called Trees of Life . “ Trees of Life have been made by many cultures throughout the ages. They symbolize birth, growth and regeneration. To me, they are spiritual,” Sandra said. Luehrsen’s sculptures include plant forms, but also go a step further to include stars, plants and geometric forms. Sandra says that from start to finish, a large sculpture can take up to 20 hours to make. She says that her inspiration comes from sketching ideas while looking at visual things, such as books, journals, or, on a bigger scale, the world. “The process is enjoyable, but it is work. I love pulling the completely finished sculpture out of the kiln,” Luehrsen said. In 1998, Luehrsen left her job to start her own art business. She sent in one of her clay pieces to the Shemer Art Center and won the first place award for it. Soon after, she sold the art piece, which encouraged her to continue with her business. The next year, she participated in Sunday at Shemer and sold one of her pieces. She has also held workshops at the center, which gives her an opportunity to teach her craft to others. Recently, Luehrsen was added to the Shemer Artists Advisory Council. Comprised of around 10 professional artists, the group meets monthly to advise on exhibits, fairs, teaching opportunities and other events. The goal is to spread the word about artistic prospects. “The Shemer gives local artists many opportunities to show their work and more. Not all of the local venues focus on local artists so it’s nice to have one that’s reputable to rely on,” Luehrsen said. Luehrsen has come a long way in her artistic abilities. From making holiday mobiles to hang in the windows of her home, to creating Trees of Life , she says that art consumes a lot of her time. “But I do it happily.” Local artist joins Shemer Artist and sculptor Sandra Luehrsen.

Page 37 September 2016 FINALOPPORTUNITIESIN WINDSOR Now is the time to make your dreams a reality and enjoy the lifestyle you’ve always wanted in Windsor! Final opportunities remain to own a new, energy-efficient Central Living by David Weekley home in this highly sought-aer location near Arcadia. CALL  TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Prices, plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, and availability of homes or communities are subject to change without notice or obligation. Illustrations are artist’s depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. Copyright © 2016 David Weekley Homes - All Rights Reserved. 290837 Phoenix, AZ (PHXA78929) Five thoughtfully-designed floor plans, ranging in size from 2,100 – 3,400 square feet Maintain physical wellness with biking and running at nearby Arizona Canal Trail Enjoy day-long excursions at the Phoenix Zoo, or delight in an array of dining options at area resorts Gather with friends at weekend sporting events or cultural venues MOVEIN READY HOMES AVAIBLE E. Thomas Rd. E. Thomas Rd. 51 202 WINDSOR E. Camelback R d. E . C a melb a c k R d. E. McDowell Rd. E. McDowell Rd. N. 44 th St. N. 48 th St. N. 52 nd St. DESERT BOTANICAL GARDENS CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN By Jean Hodgson When we identify September holidays, we probably think of Labor Day, but the first Sunday following Labor Day is National Grandparents Day. We have a persistent woman named Marian McQuade to thank for this addition to our autumn calendar, this year falling on September 11. She began her campaign to set aside a special day to recognize grandparents in 1970, but it wasn’t until 1978 that the United States Congress passed legislation making this holiday official. President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation. According to grandparents-day.com, September was chosen for the holiday, to signify the “autumn years” of life. It has a threefold purpose: to honor grandparents; to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children; and to help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer. In keeping with this third purpose, children from two families ranging in age from 5 to 16 were asked what they have learned from their grandparents. The first four siblings not only have local grandparents as part of their lives, but their great-grandmother lives here as well. Emmalyn, age 14, said, “I enjoy talking with my grandparents about my faith, about books I’m reading and about school. They are really great listeners. We always look forward to times when we can either stay at their house or they come to spend time with us.” Her younger sister Addison, age 12, shared, “My grandma and grandpa helped me when I was really sad about my friend moving. They had me over for a sleepover, talked with me about when they were my age, took me shopping for books and watched movies with me. They helped me through a really sad time.” Ten-year-old Caleb’s response was, “My grandpa is really good at sketching and drawing and grandma does fun arts and crafts projects with us. They like to hear me play the piano.” Ian, age 5, added, “I play games with them sometimes. Grandma and grandpa let me have sugar. And I love them.” Another family with three boys agreed that they have had a variety of travel experiences at a young age thanks to sharing that interest with their grandparents. They also said they know “Oma” loves them because of the great food she cooks for them. Nikolas, age 7, added that all his grandparents “taught me about God.” Grandparents who model a positive attitude about everyday things and look for the good side are important, according to 12-year-old Lukas. He said his grandfather had a stroke, but he tries to stay active and “he keeps doing what he can.” He added that he likes it how welcoming his grandparents are when he comes into their home to visit. Jakob, age 16, specifically remembers his grandfather who passed away three years ago as “a man of actions, not words.” He said, “Opa taught us about relationships by the way he treated Oma and others. He would stop the car to give something to a homeless person, and one of his major activities was prison ministry. I would also describe him as a persistent problem solver, and I remember him encouraging me to be open to trying new things.” These children all confirmed the purpose of National Grandparents Day. The focus is not on material aspects of the relationships between generations, but on the heritage of love and respect. National Grandparents Day — connecting generations Arcadia resident Christa Pauly and her grandchildren. RETIREMENT NOW WHAT?