Making Waves program provides free swim lessons for youth in need

Making Waves program provides free swim lessons for youth in need

The Mesa Parks and Recreation Making Waves program provides free lessons in
swimming and water safety to Mesa youth in need. On-site registration for
this year's summer season will begin on May 28.

Funded through donations from businesses and individuals within the
community, Making Waves has provided thousands of low-income Mesa families
and children with basic swim lesson instruction, as well as participation
in competitive swimming programs since its inception in 1999.

"Children who know how to swim are less likely to become victims of a
drowning incident," said Aquatics Coordinator Linda Thompson. "Saving
lives is ultimately what Making Waves is all about."

Program registration for Making Waves will be held on-site at three Mesa
public pools: Carson Pool, 525 N. Westwood; Mesa Jr. High Pool, 828 E.
Broadway; and Powell Pool, 855 W. 8th Ave. Registration will be conducted
at all three sites on May 28, June 11 and July 9.

Proof of income or federal cash assistance and Mesa residency is required
for registration and verification of need.

More than 800 swim lesson and competitive scholarships were awarded in
2004, valued at nearly $14,000. Program sponsors included Southwest
Ambulance, the Mesa HoHoKam Foundation, the Sertoma Club of Mesa, Pebble
Technology, Inc., Bill Flowers Photography and the East Valley Sertoma
Club.

For more information or to become a sponsor, call (480) 644-4950.

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Judicial Advisory Board reappoints Judges Victor Ortiz and Karl Eppich

After conducting public hearings and personal interviews, the City of Mesa
Judicial Advisory Board unanimously approved a recommendation to reappoint
Judges Victor Ortiz and Karl Eppich to the Mesa City Court for an
additional four-year term.

Judge Victor Ortiz was initially appointed to the Mesa City Court in June
1997. The Board was impressed with his ability to synthesize and simplify
information in his application of the law. They also were appreciative of
his dedication, caring attitude and show of respect to his profession and
to those who appear in his court.

Judge Karl Eppich was initially appointed to the Mesa City Court in October
2000. He is described as a skillful man of integrity, with a high level of
personal and professional ethics, exuding and building confidence in
others. The Board feels Judge Eppich has a strong knowledge of the law and
treats people fairly.

Their new term will begin July 1, 2005, and end on June 30, 2009.