[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This November, the Ak-Chin Indian Community shows its appreciation for all of our country’s veterans through events and special offers. Join us to help recognize and thank those who served our country! The 19th Annual Ak-Chin Veterans Recognition Day Celebration offered a festive yet meaningful event on Saturday, November 3, at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle. A 5K run and 1-mile fun run/walk kicked things off, and the first 150 registrants received commemorative T-shirts. Top finishers from the 5K run also received awards. After running or walking the course, participants could stick around for breakfast, speakers, and entertainment. This event was open to all. On the days leading up to Veterans Day, veterans can also enjoy a free movie, courtesy of the Ak-Chin Indian Community Council. This special is hosted at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle, Friday-Monday, November 9-12. The free show times, especially for veterans, happen each morning at 9:30. Please bring your military ID, DD-214, or a driver’s license showing your veteran status to the UltraStar Cinemas box office. The offer is valid for any current film playing at UltraStar Cinemas, including Star Class, but not 3D or D-BOX. All U.S. military veterans can take advantage of this offer, which does not cover online movie-ticket purchases. Come to the box office and enjoy a free movie thanks to the Ak-Chin Indian Community Council! This Sunday, November 11, veterans can also enjoy a complimentary meal at the 347 Grill. Show your military ID to receive a free lasagna dinner with a side salad and garlic bread. The offer is good while supplies last. Come on out and enjoy a great feast with appreciation and thanks from the 347 Grill and the Ak-Chin Indian Community! If you are a veteran, if you know a veteran, or if you want to thank our veterans, join the Ak-Chin Indian Community in recognizing those who served our country![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.
