Blog Posts

PVCC THP 151 2nd Annual Tall Tale Competition

5/6/2017

PVCC
THP 151
2nd Annual Tall Tale Competition

PVCC Spring Festival of Tales 2017.
THP 151: Theatre For Youth Spring 2017.
Theatre For Youth 2nd Annual Taller Tale Competition performance. The play was written by Class THP 151: Theatre For Youth Spring 2017. Director/Instructor Dr. Craig Kosnik, PhD.
Photo's by Dr. Craig Kosnik, PhD.

Cast Class THP 151: Theatre For Youth Spring 2017.

www.facebook.com/storybookplayhousepvcc

Video by UZA Synyster Syn Photography, Video and DJ.

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Sydoney PVCC Makeup Portfolio 2017

5/6/2017

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Sydoney PVCC Makeup Portfolio 2017

United Zombies of America r and UZA Synyster Syn Photography, Video and DJ Founder Sydoney A.A. Banks Makeup Portfolio PVCC Spring Semester 2017. Sydoney is also Head Makeup Artist of UZA Makeup/SFX. This video is Sydoney's Makeup Portfolio for College at Paradise Valley Community College in her Makeup Class THF 115 and it displays her different creations for
this class throughout this semester.

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Founder Sydoney Banks on apachejunctionindependent.com

4/16/2017

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UZA Founder Sydoney Banks was on apachejunctionindependent.com

Syd was interviewed why at Apache Junction Public Library 2017.
So cool to have UZA represented in Apache Junction! We love AJ!
The Library-Con was so much fun! UZA is looking forward to next year
and maybe even do more with them!

There is even rumors of a Zombie Pirates, and Mermaid event in the summer.

apachejunctionindependent.com

Have an idea for library programming like Library-Con?Apr 6th, 2017 · by R. Nicholas Evans, special to the Independent

Apache Junction Public Library held its annual Library-Con March 18 for comic book and super-hero fans and collectors gathering for cosplay. Arizona Ghostbusters, United Zombies of America and other booths, such as for Star Wars and Star Trek, were set-up for the enjoyment of kids and adults alike at the library, 1177 N. Idaho Road.

Anyone interested in planning and programming an event similar to Library-Con needs to contact Library Manager Tracie Curtis.
“E-mail me at [email protected] with an outline of the program, what you would like to do, what you would like to offer, including the time frame and the date. Also, the funding you have in mind. Then, we would start fleshing out the whole program by getting the rest of the staff involved,” she said.

Three patrons interviewed at the library already have ideas for a future event.

“I believe having an event to help support the homeless. The library could do a charity walk or run or some type of marathon to raise money for the homeless,” Lisa Zapta said.

“I would like to see local cooks from Apache Junction come out, where I could learn and try new recipes,” Susan Kampmueller said.

Stewart Penje said parents should be encouraged to bring their children and take advantage of all the educational amenities the Apache Junction Public Library has to offer.

“I am a great fan of the library. Instead of attracting children, I believe the library should have an event to attract parents to bring the children,” he said.

The Apache Junction Library-Con provided free activities to the community, such as face-painting and prizes for best costume for the categories of kids, teens and adults.

“Apache Junction Library-Con is a lot of fun and it’s open to all types of different ages. I’m here today with my zombies from United Zombies of America and we just love coming to this stuff because it makes a big difference, I believe, to the community. And it gives something for kids to do that’s free. So, it’s nice to do something like this,” Sydoney Banks of United Zombies of America said at the event.

“We are just happy to be out here supporting the Apache Junction Library-Con. This is, I believe, the third one, and it has grown tremendously. So I can’t wait to see how much bigger it gets each year,” Jeff Lewis of Arizona Ghostbusters said at the event.
“We’ve done multiple events through the library and we keep coming back because we love the atmosphere,” Skylar LeMans said.

Editor’s note: R. Nicholas Evans is a freelancer writer for the Apache Junction/Gold Canyon Independent newspaper.

AJ Public Library

What: Apache Junction Public Library.
Where: 1177 N. Idaho Road.
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Closed Sundays and all federal holidays.
Phone: 480-474-8555.
Website: www.ajpl.org.

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I Found My Life’s Passion At Halloween Express

2/12/2017

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I Found My Life’s Passion At Halloween Express

During the fall of 2009, I made a decision to go to the Halloween Express store to look at their Halloween decorations, and it led me to discover my life’s passion and purpose. As I entered the store, I noticed a sign that stated they were going to have a haunted house for Halloween and it was coming soon. While I looked around the store, I saw a sandwich board, and it stated that they had held auditions a few days earlier and were still looking for cast members to perform in the haunted house. I decided to give it an honest try, even though I was terrified of haunted houses, and to do my best to earn a part in the haunted house. It was fun and informative, and I got a part and then showed up for rehearsals to learn how to act and scare people as a character in a haunted house and everything else we had to learn to do the job properly. I worked hard every night we were open and I was the lead actor and head zombie in the graveyard and helped to teach others to act and scare and kept things safe for my actors and the customers that came through. From this experience, I found my passion for acting in haunted houses, and I learned to network with others, I learned to do makeup for haunts, I learned to teach others how to work in a haunt, I worked with the children that were there, I learned so very much and how much I loved doing anything I could with the haunted house. I even did television and press releases for the haunted house with the news and local channels in Phoenix. It was amazing and fun. It helped me through a very difficult time in my life and it gave me direction and purpose, and I still follow what I learned then today. I gained many new friends and some of them are like family to me even to this day. Finally, at the Cast Party, I received the Actress of the Season Award for all my hard work and my dedication to the haunted house and those that worked there and even for those that went through it and enjoyed it. I never thought that I would find something so valuable and dear to my life and one that would help me through the toughest period in my life. This wonderful haunted house did show me my life’s passion
and future dreams that I happened upon by chance one
day while going to the Halloween Express store.

By Sydoney A.A. Banks

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We Can’t Live Without Technology

2/12/2017

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We Can’t Live Without Technology

Most Americans today, in the 21st century, cannot live without technology. It is hard not to use technology. Technology is used every day. You may not even be aware of it. We use it when we are on google docs, the internet, cell phones, and computers at school or work. Technology is also found in our cars. If you have a CD player or radio, a GPS, or even a DVD player and screen, then you have technology, as well as the car locks and other mechanical functions. You use technology when you go shopping too. When you enter a store, the doors may open and close by themselves and that is technology. When you check out at the store the items you are purchasing, the scanner, and how you pay for your purchase uses technology. Now in most businesses, we now use chip card readers when we check out. In conclusion, we use technology all the time, and you may not even be aware of it. Americans cannot live without technology. It is a necessity of everyday life. Next time you go out count up all the times you use technology. I bet you will find it to be a lot.

By Sydoney A.A. Banks

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New Mexico Ghost Town and more.

2/12/2017

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Organ, N.M.

This is one of the coolest and creepiest places I have ever been to, Organ, New Mexico, east of Las Cruces, New Mexico. There is a small town on Highway 70 with some abandoned and weathered old buildings, that seem to be out in the middle of no where.
Organ once was a happening place back in the old west,
when there was mining in the Organ Mountains.
This creepy, little, leftover town is located between Las Cruces, New Mexico, on the west and Alamogordo, New Mexico on the distant east way past the Organ Mountains.
I went inside, alone, to see what was there and to take photographs and video of the old, worn, empty buildings.
The entire time I was there, I heard noises, some were birds and cars driving by, but I also heard other noises and I even felt a presence there. I happened to come across some graffiti that was also pretty scary and it added to the whole odd and eerie feeling of the place. The ground at some points, did not feel stable, so I walked carefully and slowly. The buildings were in ruins and there was trash thrown about, as if people were spending the night there for shelter or maybe they would go there to hang out. One of the rooms I came across had a sleeping bag, a backpack and some food in it and I knew that meant someone was living in there. During this point of my adventure, feeling kind of scared and really creeped out, I wondered where the person was that owned that stuff. So I continued on looking and taking some more photos, and when I was done, I got the heck out of there. The feelings I had and the fear I felt were unreal to me. I am glad I was able to go there and take pictures of the eerie, spooky, creepy, little town of Organ, New Mexico, it is one heck of a ghoulish place I would say.

By Sydoney A.A. Banks

To see Photos Click Me.

http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/nm/organ.html

ORGAN

NAME: Organ
COUNTY: Dona Ana
ROADS: 2WD
GRID #(see map): 8
CLIMATE: Mild winter, warm summer
BEST TIME TO VISIT:Spring, winter, fallCOMMENTS: Semi-ghost
REMAINS:Many original buildingsOrgan is one of the few towns that has had two lives. The mining camp of Organ became a town in February of 1885 although there had been mining activity since the late 1840s. The town's greatest population was around eighteen hundred at the turn of the century. At that time, Organ had seven saloons, a Catholic church, a two-teacher schoolhouse, two smelters, two general stores and a tunnel jail that was originally a powder magazine. New Organ is a modern day community on U.S. 70 with many of its residents presently employed at the White Sands Missile Base. The few remaining landmarks of Old Organ have been engulfed by the present town. Courtesy Henry Chenoweth.

http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/nm/organ.html

Other links to Organ
http://cityofdust.blogspot.com/2013/04/pat-garrett-really-shouldve-stayed.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organ,_New_Mexico
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/448304.New_Mexico_s_Best_Ghost_Towns

Ghost Town Organ, New Mexico 2017. Slumbering Mountain Cemetery Organ, Dona Ana County, New Mexico. Stahmann Farms La Mesa, NM. Photos are property of United Zombies of America LLC and UZA Synyster Syn Photography Video and DJ. 2017 www.united-zombies-of-america.com www.facebook.com/UZA13 www.facebook.com/UZASynysterSynPhotographyandVideo

Here is some of the photos of Organ NM.
To view more Click Me!

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UZA first members meeting

1/11/2017

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UZA is holding their very first and all important
Members of UZA meeting in February 2017!
We will be holding a monthly meeting for UZA Members.
One of the amazing benefits of being an
UZA Member is our all new monthly meeting!

The meetings will include our Upcoming Events, Brainstorming on UZA for New Adventures and Ideas for Growth, Upcoming News Items, Tools on how to Promote Yourself through UZA, Awards for UZA Members and Others Involved with UZA Activities, how to Earn Volunteer Hours and how to Use Them in Important Ways for Yourself, and for FREE Education and Life Long Learning from UZA Founders, other UZA Members and even from Worthwhile Outside Professionals. We are really very excited about our Educational Program because Members and Various Professionals can come and Teach What They Know and Do as well as Who They Are and Why What They Know and Do Is Important For All of Us. We Help Others and Teach Others How to Better Ourselves as Individuals and even as a Constantly Improving Team. Get to Network and Become Friends with one another. UZA is a Team that Cares for All of Our Loyal, Hardworking, Devoted, Caring Members because They are Very Important to UZA and Each and Everyone has Something Unique and Special to Bring to the Team. So Enjoy becoming a Member of UZA and Sharing Yourself and Your Talents with UZA through Future Growth through Learning!

The Whole Purpose of UZA is to make a Difference and to Help Change the Lives of Others by One Single Step at a Time.

There are New Things Coming to UZA and Now is an Amazing Time to Become and be an UZA Member!

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LibraryCON at Apache Junction Public Library

1/11/2017

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Join in the fun at this popular FREE event. Cosplay, activities, photo ops, characters, prizes, panels and more!

Saturday, March 18 at 10 AM - 4 PM

Apache Junction Public Library 1177 N Idaho Rd, Apache Junction, Arizona 85119

Facebook Event www.facebook.com/events/1804993523101660

www.facebook.com/LibraryCONAJ

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2017 Tempe Public Library Comicon

12/18/2016

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SAVE THE DATE!!
January 28, 2017!
FREE EVENT!

RSVP Now on Facebook
www.facebook.com/events

The Tempe Public Library 3rd Annual Comicon, Saturday, January 28, 2017 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. FREE EVENT!

For more information visit www.tempe.gov/comicon

Saturday, January 28, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Tempe Public Library Comicon is returning in 2017 with a new outdoor event space! The Library Comicon is an annual event featuring costume contests, artists & authors, shopping, and activities for children and adults alike. Fans of Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Wholocks, Trekkies, and more are invited to gather at the Tempe Public Library in costume for a celebration of pop culture.

UZA
See UZA Ray Digger and join him in the costume parade.
We will have music, photos and fun at our booth.

for update and more on Tempe
Comicon Click Me.

PANELS & PRESENTATIONS

Lively discussion and presentations in the Friends of the Library Connections Café

DC vs. MARVEL
11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
The age old debate continues! Discussion led by Operation Supply Drop, a 501(c)(3) veteran service organization that helps combat active duty depression through deployment of video game care packages and much, much more.

International Understanding through Godzilla
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Join the Dai Kaiju Crew as they talk giant monsters! This panel was also presented at Phoenix Comicon 2016. Discussion led by Ray Torres III, author of the Monster War series.

Antimatter, Matters!
1:15 - 2:10 p.m.
Lively interactive presentation for fans of sci-fi and fantasy. For high school age+. Discussion led by local author Creighton Thompson.

COSTUME CONTESTS & MORE

Costume Parades

The Arizona chapter of United Zombies of America will be leading two costume parades around the Library Campus. Meet at their booth space, and finish up at the Phoenix Comicon costume contest entrance and sign-up area.

10:30 a.m. - Kids Costume Walk

2:30 p.m. - Teen/Adults Costume Walk

Costume Contests

Phoenix Comicon will be hosting free, live costume contests! Winners will receive free Phoenix Comicon 2017 passes! Arrive early - entry is first come, first serve.

The Arizona chapter of United Zombies of America will be leading two costume parades around the Library Campus. Meet at their booth space, and finish up at the Phoenix Comicon costume contest entrance and sign-up area.

11:00 a.m. - Kids Costume Contest

3:00 p.m. - Teen/Adults Costume Contest

2017 EXHIBITORS
▸ AUTHOR'S CORNER▸ CAITLIN KAISER
▸ CANDLE COMICS▸ CHEESE, LOVE & HAPPINESS▸ COLETTE BLACK▸ COLLECTORS MARKETPLACE▸ CRUCIDEL PRODUCTIONS
▸ DANIELLE PAJAK ILLUSTRATIONS
▸ DARK EMPIRE COSPLAY
▸ DE MARCO’S ITALIAN ICE AND CREAMS
▸ DUNE SEA GARRISON - VADER'S 501ST
▸ GARETH VON KALLENBACH▸ HALF LIGHT PUBLISHING
*▸ JEFF PINA▸ JOANNA MARIE ART▸ JUSTICE LEAGUE COSPLAY▸ KORE 6 MEDIA▸ KYLYN MCCARTY▸ MONSTER WAR SERIES
▸ OPERATION SUPPLY DROP
▸ PAZ CANTINA▸ PHOENIX COMICON▸ RANDY LINDSAY
▸ ROCK STAR HOT DOGS▸ ROYAL MANTICORAN NAVY
▸ SERENDIPITY BUTTONS
▸ SHAW APPROVED COMICS AND COLLECTIBLES
▸ SINCERELY SAM
▸ SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE ANACHRONISM
▸ SOUTHWEST COSTUMERS GUILD
▸ THERMOCOSPLAY
▸ UNITED ZOMBIES OF AMERICA UZA LLC
▸ VODLINES
▸ T.M. WILLIAMS

WHY COMICS?

Some of you may be asking yourself, "Why would librarians be encouraging people to read comics? Don't they only like seriousbooks?" The truth is librarians love reading of all kinds!Comics and graphic novels can encourage literacy and boost reading skills in many ways.

Images provide the context necessary to help build vocabulary for ESL & reluctant readers
The slow pace of analyzing images and pausing in between panels encourages time to reflect and build reading comprehension
Colorful graphics and exciting story lines can captivate attention span & interest
Reinforces Common Core standards by reinforcing visual and verbal literacy
There are now graphic novels & comics that are creative, enjoyable pieces of literature for all ages

for update and more on Tempe
Comicon Click Me.

www.facebook.com/events/124804107920675

Advertising by United Zombies of America UZA LLC.
www.united-zombies-of-america.com
www.facebook.com/UZA13

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The Winner of 2016 Best Haunted & Halloween Attraction in Arizona by UZA & UZA Synyster Syn!

11/8/2016

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The Winner of 2016 Best Haunted & Halloween Attraction in Arizona by UZA & UZA Synyster Syn is.....................Zombie WarZ!
Congratulations Zombie WarZ!

zombiewarzaz.com
www.facebook.com/zombiewarzaz

zombiewarzaz.com

There were so many votes and they just seemed to love you, Zombie WarZ. The voters said it was scary, fun, exciting, entertaining, unique, and an interactive horror attraction. Nothing like anything you have ever experienced, feels like real life, so much fun, just crazy how good it is. Scarier then most haunts in Arizona. Feels like a real life video game, fun bonding for me and my boys, I loved it so much I went about 14 times. I came back more than once and had to bring friends to experience this, made me want to join the army, it is so scary I am still having nightmares, and it is well worth the money. You guys did a great job and it shows! Congratulatons Zombie WarZ, hard work, passion, and dedication does pay off. You also win the
best prize of all "bragging rights"
that you are a winner and also #1!

zombiewarzaz.com
www.facebook.com/zombiewarzaz

zombiewarzaz.com

www.facebook.com/zombiewarzaz

We also want to announce who came in 2nd and 3rd:
2nd was Scarizona Scaregrounds
3rd was Sanctum of Horror
Good Job all of you had a lot of votes!

Thank you to all who voted and Thank you to all Haunted Attractions --- maybe next year you will win!

Last Years Winners of UZA & UZA Synyster Syn 2015 Best Haunted & Halloween
Attraction In Arizona

jackandjillshauntedhill.com
www.facebook.com/jacknjillshauntedhill

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All New FREE Makeup Help and just in time for Halloween!

10/18/2016

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ALL NEW FREE SERVICE!

Have a makeup/SFX question?
You can now ask a UZA Makeup/SFX Artist for Free.

This all New and Free Service is very helpful for anyone doing makeup or wanting
to learn more about makeup or even if they just have any interest in makeup.
We can help you achieve your desired look for this Halloween.
We can also help you in picking out types of makeup you might
need and what will works best for you.

Please Ask Away!

Have a Happy Halloween!

Click me to Ask a UZA Makeup/SFX
Artist for FREE!

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Southeast Regional Library LibraryCon FREE EVENT 10/15/2016

9/25/2016

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We hope to see you at LibraryCon 2016! UZA Makeup/SFX will be doing a making class and just in time for Halloween! Make sure to check out out booth and have some fun with us, Team UZA!

Learn how to make you Halloween Costume the best with some amazing makeup with the UZA Makeup/SFX Class.
We are super excited!

Event Type: All Ages
Age Group(s): Family - All Ages
Date: 10/15/2016
Start Time: 12:00 PM
End Time: 4:00 PM
775 N Greenfield Rd
Southeast Regional Library
Gilbert, AZ USA 85234

Description:
Save the date! Join us to celebrate all of the stuff that you love including: comics, graphic novels, anime/manga, cosplay, cartoons, artists, horror movies, Sci-Fi/Fantasy books & movies, and games of all types. Costumes encouraged! Show off your amazing style in the costume contest. Learn something new in one of our panel sessions. There will also be photo booths, crafts, tabletop and video games, prizes, and giveaways! Get updates on the Southeast Regional Library Facebook page or on Twitter #LibraryCon2016.
Library: Southeast Regional Branch location
Location: Assembly Room
Contact: Robin Salthouse
Contact Number: 602-652-3203

www.facebook.com/librarycon

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It’s My Name

9/12/2016

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Sydoney Banks

September 12, 2016

It’s My Name

I am Sydoney Aurora Ann Banks. Sydoney is Sydney with an “o” in the middle. I was not named after Sedona, Arizona even though they sound similar. I am named after my deceased brother’s favorite nurse, while he was alive and living in the NICU at The Children’s Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico back in 1989-1990. The nurse’s name is Sidoni but she went by Sid. My parents did not know her full name until my brother died. They were told that Sidoni would be coming in. When my mom asked them who Sidoni was, they replied “Sid”! My mom loved the name so she chose it for me because Sid was special and important to my brother and still is to my family today.

My mom wanted to change the spelling because she wanted my name to be special, beautiful, and unique. Sidonie is from the French and from the Latin. In French, it is from the City of Sidon. In Latin, Sidonie refers to the Ancient Phoenician City, now, which is, called the city of Saida in Lebanon. There are not many Sydoneys around, and maybe far fewer with their names spelled like mine.

My middle name is from a combination of my two grandmother’s names. I am a namesake for two outstanding and wonderful women. My middle name is Aurora Ann, because they go well together, and were my grandmothers very beautiful names. I am the only granddaughter named for either grandmother. My mom believed it to be an honor to name me after them and carry on their personal legacies.

The meaning for my middle name Aurora – comes from the Latin, and means “Goddess of the Dawn” or in Spanish it refers to “Roman Goddess of the Mornings”. Ann is from the Hebrew and English languages and means “gracious and merciful”. I am not named after any Disney Princesses, or any other princesses for that matter.

My surname, or last name, is Banks and unfortunately, it has nothing to do with money or the vaults of the banks that hold the money. Banks is English and Scottish and it means the edge of the river – a river bank; or one living on the slope of a hillside. My surname, Banks, is not as exciting and unique as the first three names that my parents gave to me. My last name is from my dad’s family.

PVCC HW paper by Sydoney A.A. Banks.
This paper is property of United Zombies of America LLC and Sydoney A.A. Banks 2016.

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Transitioning To College with a Disability

9/10/2016

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Transitioning To College with a Disability.

College can be a challenging undertaking. Unfortunately, some students believe their disability is an insurmountable obstacle that will lessen their odds of achieving success at the college or university level. Some even feel their disability will detract from the overall collegiate experience. The Disability Services Office at NC State University has produced an informational DVD to put common misconceptions like those to rest. The five minute closed captioned video features two students with learning disabilities It explains how accommodations can be different in college compared to what students have in high school. It describes how one discloses a disability at the college level including the importance of knowing what the disability is, how it impacts the student, and what accommodations have worked well in the past. Additionally it stresses the importance of long term planning, online searching, and on campus visits. Preparing students with disabilities for postsecondary education is a significant endeavor. We produced this video to aid you with that process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb7jBbp-EXE

Don't let anything hold you back including your learning disability!
You are smart and you can do it! GO FOR IT!

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Helping you with tools for school

9/10/2016

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Having trouble in school and need help?
Here is some tools that may help you out.

These tools will help anyone with College and school.
If you have a learning disability these tools are very helpful.
( If you have a disability, see if your school has disability services.
Some school can help provide
you with some of these tools and it also can depends on your disability.)

smart-pens

Smart For SchoolFocus on learning in class rather than just taking notes. With an Echo smartpen, you can write less and listen more – knowing your smartpen will capture everything.

Echo smartpens let you record words, diagrams, scribbles, symbols and audio - syncing everything you hear to what you wrote. Just tap on your notes and your smartpen will play back your professor's explanation - word for word. Transfer your notes to your computer so you can search, organize and share.

With the Echo smartpen, you’ll never miss a word again.

http://store.livescribe.com/

Dragon® Naturally Speaking

Speed through your to-do list today—simply by speaking. Create documents 3x faster than you can type, send email, or search and surf the web. Even capture notes on-the-go for later transcription.

Dragon Email friends, search the web, dictate homework assignments and more. From everyday tasks to personal projects, Dragon helps you get things done in a fun, easier way using just your voice. Get the world’s best-selling and most accurate speech recognition software for the PC, used by millions of people.

http://shop.nuance.com

Kurzweil

Where Learning Becomes Personal — and Meaningful Progress PossibleBring all pieces of the literacy process together with easy, proven educational technology that allows each individual to engage in learning in the ways that work best for them.

Every learner deserves the opportunity to unlock their potential. Discover how k1000 and k3000 help.

https://www.kurzweiledu.com/default.html

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Help Sydoney With Collage!

8/22/2016

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Hi! I am Sydoney Banks and I am a dreamer, a young, but BIG dreamer.

I am trying to raise money for my college expenses that I need and that will help me to become a successful student while I am in school. I have a learning disability called dyslexia (dys·lex·i·a – is known as a general term for disorders that involve difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, numbers, and other symbols, but that do not affect general intelligence.) I am very smart but I do have trouble processing written language and mathematical problems so learning traditionally is more difficult, I can do it even though it is harder and takes longer.

Once I get a concept down, I usually do not have trouble getting the basics down and I continue to build up from there. Great instructors can also help with the learning and retention of subjects. I hope to have the best instructors and I will do my best to be a great student. I aim high and try my hardest to always achieve my best. I just started classes today and I am having a difficult time with funding for my supplies, books, and the necessary tools I will need to begin and to use as I continue (for the next three plus years) as I obtain my associates degree with a double major
before I am able to continue on with my bachelor’s degree.

I have a very hard time with reading, writing, spelling, mathematics and with this funding; I want to get the tools to help me with my learning disability, like Dragon software and a smart pen. I also need to get books and supplies. I need the funds as soon as I can get them because the reading assignments and homework start immediately. It is even harder for me,
because of my learning disability.

This help would mean so much to me and would help me start learning and growing; so I can make my dream of working for myself and being an entrepreneur and making a real difference in the world - one step at a time. I want to get educated so I can share my knowledge with others to make them the best they can be. My business dream is my whole purpose in life. I want to live my dream with just a little help and it will go a long way and mean so much to me and those I help with what I learn and do.

I am so thankful and blessed for all and any help I get whenever I do get help from others. It is so kind of any of you that can and will be willing to assist me with achieving this dream of mine. Once again thank you so, so very much from the bottom of my heart.

Your Friend,

Sydoney Banks

Help spread the word!

Click to set custom HTML

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All New Monster to UZA and He Is Simply Out Of This World!

8/14/2016

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We want to welcome UZA Ed The Alien and the NASA Scientist that he operates to UZA!

He came a long distance from far, far away to join all of us here with the UZA Family.
We are very excited to have Ed join us!
Welcome to the family Ed The Alien!

Ed is just a little guy who loves to have fun and hang out with UZA. He loves space and watching TV to study the human race. Ed made a contraption to attach himself to a NASA Scientist to get around easily and to operate and to assist him while he visits us on Earth.

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Free Photo shoot contest winner Danielle Esplanade 2016!

8/9/2016

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UZA Free Photo Shoot Winner Danielle Esplanade Photo Shoot!
Models Danielle Esplanade and Ray Banks.
Makeup by UZA Makeup Artists Sydoney and Ray Banks.

Photography by UZA Synyster Syn Photography Video and DJ.
The Photos are property of United Zombies of America LLC and
UZA Synyster Syn Photography Video and DJ. 2016

To See all the Photo's Click Me

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Free Photo shoot contest winner Grecia Sifuentes 2016!

8/2/2016

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UZA Free Photo Shoot Winner Grecia Sifuentes Photo Shoot!
Models Grecia Sifuentes and Cody Booth
Makeup by UZA Makeup Artist Sydoney Banks.

Photography by UZA Synyster Syn Photography Video and DJ.
The Photos are property of United Zombies of America LLC and
UZA Synyster Syn Photography Video and DJ. 2016

To See all the Photo's Click Me

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7/31/2016 Contest Winner of the Free Photo Shoot with UZA and UZA Synyster Syn!

7/31/2016

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CONGRATULATIONS
Jackie Tinsley

you are our winner of the
Win a Free Photo Shoot with UZA and
UZA Synyster Syn! First off, Congratulations!
We want to set up a time for you and
find out what you would like to do for your photo shoot?
We are so excited for you and look forward to working with you soon! Please keep sharing the contest with others,
we will be doing more and having more winners.
You will be getting an email to set up the date and time for your Personal Photo Shoot with UZA and UZA Synyster Syn!

Thank you so much for entering and once again Congratulations!

Your friends Team UZA and UZA Synyster Syn.
Founder Sydoney Banks.

FREE PHOTO SHOOT CONTEST WILL BE CLOSING AND IT
WILL REOPEN AGAIN IN THE FUTURE.
If you have already entered you can still win - we are just closing it now for new entries and we will reopen it up again sometime in the future. If you have entered, no worries, we will still be selecting winners until September and maybe even longer. If you have completed a UZA review and sent it in you will be entered as per instructions. Keep an EYE on our site to SEE when we reopen the contest. It has been FUN meeting all of you and CAPTURING your LIKENESS. Thanks for the MEMORIES!

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FREE PHOTO SHOOT CONTEST WILL BE CLOSING AND IT WILL REOPEN AGAIN IN THE FUTURE.

7/31/2016

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FREE PHOTO SHOOT CONTEST WILL BE CLOSING AND IT WILL REOPEN AGAIN IN THE FUTURE.
If you have already entered you can still win - we are just closing it now for new entries and we will reopen it up again sometime in the future. If you have entered, no worries, we will still be selecting winners until September and maybe even longer. If you have completed a UZA review and sent it in you will be entered as per instructions. Keep an EYE on our site to SEE when we reopen the contest. It has been FUN meeting all of you and CAPTURING your LIKENESS. Thanks for the MEMORIES!

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Out of This World Adventure at IDEA Museum in Mesa AZ

7/24/2016

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UZA Founders Ray and Sydoney Banks went on an adventure to a galaxy far, far, away. They went to an event called Sci-Fi Family Day at a galaxy named Mesa, Arizona on a planet called IDEA Museum. They had a blast at IDEA Museum. IDEA Museum inspired Ray and Sydoney along with countless others to experience their world differently through art, technology, science, creativity, and imagination. They made masks, built robots and raced them, took photos with a green screen wall, doodled and made artwork, even had tea with the Mad Hatter, and so much more. They even met up with some friends of theirs the Arizona Ghostbusters and had a great, fun time with them. We believe that everyone should come and try out this wonderful planet in the Mesa, Arizona galaxy. Come and enjoy the day by having your own adventures at planet IDEA Museum like we did. It really is a blast for the whole family and all ages. We hope you have your IDEA Museum adventure soon!!

Ray and Sydoney are safely back at home now and they will never forget their exciting encounter that they had on that mysterious “out-of-this-world” day.

*Hint* They might have even brought a little something or someone back with them!

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Haunted House Tips, Warnings and more.

7/20/2016

How to Avoid Ticking Off the Actors in a Haunted House
Haunted houses are a fun part of Halloween. Here are some tips from a haunted house actor about the etiquette and
common sense of going through a haunted house.
http://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Ticking-Off-the-Actors-in-a-Haunted-House

Don't bother trying to act tough, we know you're scared. And pretending you aren't scared or trying to act smart just wastes your money, not ours.

Be sure you really want to go through the house- there's nothing worse than a customer who keeps their eyes and ears covered, or runs.

Make sure you won't react poorly to the environment.
Fog machines and strobe lights are often used. Keep this and any medical conditions that could be aggravated by this in mind.

Do not come if you are drunk or under the influence of drugs. You won't have fun, your friends won't have fun, the actors won't have fun, and you could be a danger to yourself or others.

If there are rules,
listen to them.

Even if it is not explicitly mentioned, do NOT touch the actors. This is liable to get you thrown out, and possibly arrested.

Unless they are unprofessional, actors are unlikely to break character, regardless of how many devastatingly witty one-liners you come up with. You might think it's hilarious to ask for an actor's phone number, or to comment on how hot they are. Trust me, it's not.

Do not hang out in an actor's scene and refuse to move until the actor is forced to break character to get you out. This is not funny. This ruins the experience for the people behind you and forces the actor to break rules.

Stating that you aren't frightened indicates to the actors that you are. If you see an actor peeking out from behind a curtain, it is probably because they WANTED to be seen. Saying "ha, I can see you!" doesn't prove that you're clever.

Pushing aside curtains in search of actors waiting to scare you ruins the scare. Do not do this.

It's not your job to scare people, it's the actor's.
Let them do their jobs.

Do not try to scare the actors. This will almost certainly not work, and you'll look like a prat.

Do not touch props. Do not play with props. Do not move props. Do not attempt to steal props.

If you find yourself too afraid to continue, request to be taken out. Do not ask to be taken out unless you genuinely want to leave the house. A false chicken out will only irritate actors who have to break character to escort you out.

Asking an actor to not scare you will often not work. In fact, it will only encourage them to scare you more. If you are truly frightened, chicken out.

Do not force your companions to stay if they are frightened.

Try to have some fun when you walk through. Having no fun ruins the experience for everyone.

Running in a haunted house can be dangerous and destructive. Try to avoid it.

Do not walk slowly or dawdle. Try to keep an average walking pace. This will ensure that you won't clump up into big groups with the people behind you, which leads to less scares for everyone.

Come in smaller groups (2-4 is usually good). This makes you more manageable and easier to keep track of in the house.

The longer you wait at the end of a hallway or in a doorway being frightened or debating about who goes first, the more time the actors have to prepare to scare you.

When you leave the house don't warn waiting customers about what it might hold. That's kind of like telling people the end of a movie that they're waiting in line to see.

Don't take photos or video tape when you walk through. This really destroys it for others. Posting on Facebook, Instagram, or anywhere else really destroys it for those that want to enjoy, and hurts those that took the time to create this art form. It also causes the actors to have no vision for a few minutes...making our job rather difficult.

If you do happen to know one of the actors personally, don't yell out their name or ask/mention any personal information or upcoming plans to meet. Again, this ruins the experience for anyone else in front or behind you. It also ruins the scare actor's experience. Many hours of rehearsal have been put into your one walk through. Plus it could be of concern to give out actor's names.

Leaving the group you are with to hide and try to scare them is not only rude to the performers, it can hold its own dangers. There are electrical cords and other items that are intentionally set out of the way to not be a hazard to guests. By straying off the path, you may be putting yourself in harm's way or get lost.

If you see an actor setting up a scare for someone in your group, don't try to 'help.' You're probably not as clever as you believe and your friend probably isn't as stupid as you think. Telling them, 'look over there' and pointing at the stalking actor is tantamount to saying, 'hey, there's a monster over there getting ready to scare you.'

Tips

When planning to attend a Haunted House think about your attire. Close toed shoes are a better option (sneakers, etc). With all the jumping by yourself or your group, toes often get stepped on. There may also be items you can stub your toes on.

If you do go through more than once, don't be obnoxious about how much you now know about the house. Try to enjoy it as you would a new house.

If an actor tells you something, such as "Wait", "Move faster", "Wrong way" etc.
, listen to them.

Be aware of when a house closes. If it closes at, say, midnight, do not show up at midnight. The actors will be preparing to leave, and the house will probably already be shut down.

A haunted house is usually only as scary as the surprises that it holds. Going through more than once can ruin the experience for you and the actors, unless you are respectful on your subsequent ventures and are there to appreciate the things you might have missed the first time through.

Remember, most actors, this is their JOB. As you are leaving their room, or the whole park for that matter, tell the ticket booth who did a good job. It makes the "monsters" feel appreciated and will continue to do better.

Making fun of actors or attempting to break their character is neither witty nor amusing.

Don't try to be a tough guy. Don't be insulting to and/or hit the actor because they scared you. You paid money for them to do that. If you can't handle it, stay home.

Don't tell actors "stop scaring my kid(s)". If you think your kids can't handle it don't go in. If your kids can't handle it chicken out. You ruin everyone in the groups good time as well as the actors good clean fun when you get angry for forcing your child into something they can't handle.

Most houses will allow you to request a "low" scare or a "high" scare if you feel the need. Please do not request a low scare unless you've got small children with you, and do not request a high scare if you can not handle it.

Warnings

As stated above, do not touch the actors. Do not hit the actors. Do not kick, push, bite, slap, lick, scratch or otherwise assault actors. The same goes for mannequins, which could be an actor pretending to be fake.

Don't bring flashlights. Bringing flashlights ruin the whole effect that most houses often try to create. It spoils the thrill for not only you, but your entire group.

Do not run. You could destroy the house or hurt yourself and others.

If you are prone to striking out when frightened, do not go through a haunted house. The actors do not want to be punched in the face for doing their jobs any more than you do. If you meant to do it or not doesn't matter. If you can't control yourself, then stay home. Some "hitters" find that keeping their hands in their pockets can keep them from reflexively lashing out. You might see if that works, but do so before you go.

Unless you yourself are on fire, no smoking in the house.

www.hauntworld.com

Casa Grande Dispatch Newspaper with UZA

7/13/2016

Casa Grande Dispatch Newspaper
Click Names below to see full article

Zombies and more at library

Zombies on the prowl

The madness of our 2nd Annual Comic-Con just keeps getting BIGGER and better! Mark your calendar's for Saturday, July 16th NOW because you just can't miss this kinda of awesomeness!
Saturday, July 16 at 1 PM - 4 PM

Vista Grande Public Library
1556 N Arizola Rd, Casa Grande, Arizona 85122

UZA will be doing a makeup and SFX class at 3:15pm called “Bruises, Blisters, and Gore!” This is a great beginner class for those interested in makeup for any kind of character or event. We even had someone from a group that does emergency drill events come to get more information on how to do makeup on accident participants.

UZA will have a booth with our information and some other UZA favorites as well. We will have UZA’s Ray Digger The Grave Digger wandering the comic con for free photos with any interested attendees. Sydoney will have her cameras ready to take the free photos/videos and she will put them on Facebook after the comic con is over and after Syd edits them, so this may take her a day or two. Be sure to get a flyer from Sydoney telling where you can retrieve your photo from and where
you can share your own photos with us.

Take a look at what Casa Grande library staff members did out of their excitement and made for Saturday's Comic Con for the UZA makeup tutorial. Some staff members created this AWESOME display to advertise our makeup tutorial at the Comic Con. You Wonderful folks did an outstanding job! You are Amazing and we can't wait to meet all of you and see all the colorful and costumed attendees!!

Zombies and more at library

Posted: Tuesday, July 12, 2016 9:11 am

By MELISSA ST. AUDE Staff Writer

CASA GRANDE

Casa Grande Comic Con runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. It’s free and open to all ages.

The event is a chance for children and adults to don a superhero cape and mask and visit the library, said Youth Services Librarian and event organizer David Brown.

It’s expected to attract plenty of Deadpools, Batmans, Harry Potters and other characters.

Last year, more than 400 people attended the event and this year, with expanded offerings, organizers expect a greater turnout.

“This year’s event is going to be bigger and better,” Brown said.

Among the events this year are:

n Drawing demonstrations by comic book artists;

n Makeup tutorials by United Zombies of America;

n Interaction with Tucson’s Copper Queen Roller Derby Team;

n Information and giveaways by Casa Grande Paranormal Investigators;

n Professional cosplay costume workshops hosted by ThermoCosplay;

n Martial arts demonstrations; and

n Costume contests and raffles.

The event aims to celebrate all fictional characters from popular stories, not just comic book or graphic novel heroes.

“Libraries across America are becoming hubs for comic-con type gatherings for people interested in characters from graphic novels, comics, film, television and popular culture,” Brown said.

Some library patrons are fiction fans and travel to San Diego for large comic conventions or to Phoenix or Tucson for mid-sized events, but Brown said many don’t have the means to attend out-of-town gatherings.

“We wanted to provide them with a similar experience,” he said.

Casa Grande Comic Con is the library’s end-of-the-summer finale and signals the conclusion of its summer reading program, in which children earn prizes for reading for a specified amount of time every day.

Costumes are optional.

Vista Grande Library is at 1556 N. Arizola Road.

Zombies on the prowl

Posted: Tuesday, July 12, 2016 8:29 am

By MELISSA ST. AUDE Staff Writer

CASA GRANDE

Zombies will be on the prowl Saturday in Casa Grande.

Complete with blood and bruises, the living dead will take their place among the superheroes, ghost hunters, roller queens and popular comic book and sci-fi characters roaming about the Vista Grande Library Saturday as the second annual Casa Grande Comic Con gets underway.

United Zombies of America, a Phoenix-based professional entertainment group, plans to offer a “Bruises, Blisters and Gore” workshop during the event, teaching others how, with a bit of makeup, they too can transform into any type of eerie and spine-chilling — or cute and lovable — character.

For Sydoney Banks, founder of United Zombies of America, being a zombie isn’t all about blood and gore.

“We are not just a monster horror group,” she said. “We do many things and they may often involve monster-type characters and horror. We really do so many things — photography, makeup, videos, classes, panels, workshops, improvisation, security, volunteering, social media, advertising and more.”

The family-friendly group’s motto is “The family that scares together stays together.”

They’ll host a makeup class Saturday at 3:15 p.m. at the Vista Grande Library.

“This is a great beginner class for those interested in makeup for any character or event,” Banks said.

United Zombies of America will have a booth at Casa Grande Comic Con offering information about the group. UZA’s Ray Digger “The Grave Digger” will wander throughout the event, offering free photos with participants.

The group, which was founded in 2012, is no stranger to comic conventions. They’ve taken part in the Tempe, Apache Junction and Yuma Library comic con events as well as the Amazing Arizona Con, Mad Monster and various thespian festivals throughout the year.

This year is their first participating in Casa Grande’s Comic Con.

“UZA loves doing various types of cons, especially library cons, because we love giving back to the community,” she said. “We support anti-bullying and paying-it-forward.”

She said people love zombies for many reasons, including the realism and the feeling that “it is more apt to happen futuristically to humans.”

“Of all the monsters there are, zombies might be the most realistic because they tend to occur from diseases, viruses, toxic spills, mutations, science experiments, attempting to reanimate the dead and more,” she said.

With recent books, comics, movies, games, video games, cartoons, toys, clothing and television shows that portray zombies, the monsters are enjoying a surge in popularity.

And while some enjoy being frightened by the characters, others enjoy doing the scaring.

Banks fell in love with zombies after performing at the “Haunting Haunted House” in 2009 and 2010 with her family and friends, Jess Acridge, Casey Corbin, Kristen Cline and others. UZA was started by the group soon after to help Banks explore her dreams, help others with theirs and to provide entertainment and fun, she said.

Many of its members are performers who appreciate the lore, makeup and creepiness of the living dead and some have received theatrical training from various organizations such as Disney, Universal Studios and professional haunted house experiences.

The group performs at events throughout the year.

UZA specializes in makeup and special effects and has its own live interactive game, “Zombie Attack,” which travels throughout the state.

But as a child, Banks was never intrigued by monsters or horror and didn’t tend to watch horror movies.

“I did love Halloween, the costumes and decorations even more than the candy,” she said.

Banks was 15 when she was assigned as the lead zombie in her first haunted house acting roll. In that role, she learned about monsters, horror, haunted houses and other characters.

That year, she won the season’s top actress award for the haunted house and since then has participated in other professional haunted houses each year, including “Rob Zombies Great American Nightmare” in 2014.

Someday, she’d like to open her own haunted attraction that would be open throughout the entire year.

The group is family friendly and has members of all ages. For more information or to join, visit www.united-zombies-of-america.com or visit the booth at Casa Grande Comic Con.