The Breeze - January 2019 by Times Media Group

January 2019

More than 20 tons of snow provided fun times for Mesa families at CycloMesa WinterFest.

Red Mountain grad returns home with ‘Hello, Dolly!’

Mesa firefighter set to prove he’s a ‘Titan’ on new NBC show

By Laura Latzko

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Connor Wince says Hello, Dolly! aligns with his fun-loving attitude. (Photo courtesy Con-

The musical Hello, Dolly! continues to endear audiences more than 60 years after its original debut because of its farcical storyline, memorable music and relatable yet off beat characters. Led by Betty Buckley and aided by East Mesa native Connor Wince, the national tour of Hello, Dolly! is keeping the musical alive. It comes to ASU Gammage from Tuesday, January 8, to Sunday, January 13. Hello, Dolly! follows widowed socialite Dolly Gallagher Levi (Buckley), who is enlisted to play matchmaker for cantankerous “half-a-millionaire” Horace Vandergelder but ultimately has a more

nor Wince)

Dolly...continued on page 6

Steven Hoppe wants to inspire others by appearing on The Titan Games. (Photo

East Mesa resident Steven Hoppe survived a tumultuous child birth, a serious motorcycle crash and cancer. To inspire others, he is appearing on NBC’s The Titan Games, which debuts on Thursday, January 3. “Curveballs are thrown at you in life,” said Hoppe, a Mesa firefighter. “I’m a survivor. I have four kids—twin girls who were 10 months old at the time—and my wife was still going through the process of all that when I was diagnosed with cancer. “It made me stronger.” In The Titan Games, competitors push their bodies to the limit by battling oppo-

courtesy NBC)

Titan...continued on page 8

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COMMUNITY

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Ryan Alarie had to change his eating habits after donating a kidney. Wanting to help others who wish to eat healthy, he started Ra Seasonings in 2015. “I donated one of my kidneys to a family member so I kind of had to change my diet; what I eat and how I eat,” said Alarie of Tempe. While running his business, Alarie said he became interested in farmers markets and their health benefits. “Going up to the farmers markets with

IF YOU GO What: Red Mountain Farmers Market When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays Where: Mesa Community College, 2307 N. Power Road, Mesa Info: 480-334-7000, redmountainfarmersmarket.com

my company, I just felt I wanted to share that with East Mesa, which doesn’t have one,” Alarie said. The Red Mountain Farmers Market is open from October to May in the parking lot of Mesa Community College Red Mountain. The farmers market works with 40 to 50 vendors, including Tea and Lace Boutique, Juice Plus, Bite Me Healthy Bakery and Mom Corp Apparel. Food trucks have snacks available for purchase with participants like Chinoz Grill and Three Dogs Eatery. Also involved are artisans like Pako Lazo and Natural Creations Jewelry. Alarie works with vendors who are relatively new to the industry and can’t get into other markets. He only allows one vendor of each type. “Most farmers markets have two or three of the same types of vendors,” Ala-

Ryan Alarie founded Red Mountain Farmers Market after donating a kidney to a family member. (Photos by Octavio Serrano)

rie said, “We try to do one of each, so we don’t intrude on other vendors trying to make their living.” The farmers market partners with the Red Mountain Mesa Community College as they both strive to benefit students. Cheryl Hardt, the college’s administrative assistant to the vice provost, said the farmers market brings awareness to

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the campus. “It’s been here 17 years and we still get individuals who say, ‘We didn’t even know you were here,’” Hardt said. Proceeds from the market are set aside to create a scholarship fund for MCC Red Mountain students. “The goal is to have $10,000 per year and scholarships,” Hardt said. Charles Hilton, a vendor with the Red Mountain Farmers Market, said he likes the diversity of the market and its affordability. “I think it is going to be very popular for the people in the East Valley and Las Sendas,” Hilton said. Alarie wants to continue to bring unique vendors to the East Valley. “It’s dear to my heart to promote healthier lifestyles,” Alarie said.

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Dolly...continued from page 1 devious plot in mind to land herself a husband. She is also enlisted to help artist Ambrose Kemper, who is in love with Horace’s niece Ermengarde, and is joined in her hijinks by hotel clerks Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker. Created by Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart, Hello, Dolly! debuted on Broadway in 1964 and was revived in 2017, subsequently winning four Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical. The national tour also stars Lewis Stadlen, as Horace Vandergelder; Garett Hawe, as Ambrose Kemper; Morgan Kirner, as Ermengarde; Nic Rouleau, as Cornelius Hackl and Jess LeProtto, as Barnaby Tucker.

An ensemble member, Wince graduated from Red Mountain High School in Northeast Mesa and earned a journalism degree from ASU. While growing up in Arizona, the actor performed with the East Valley Children’s Theatre, Prather Entertainment Group and Hale Centre Theatre. Hello, Dolly! is the actor’s second national tour. He has also been in the ensemble cast for the national tour of The Little Mermaid. When he steps on the Gammage stage, it’ll be his Arizona stop with a national tour. He expects to see a lot of familiar faces. “My mom has invited just about everyone I know in Arizona. It’s really exciting to be able to go home and perform my show there,” Wince said.

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In Hello, Dolly!, ensemble members play a variety of roles including townspeople and waiters. (Photo by Julieta Cervantes)

Wince added the show’s positive message speaks to him. “The show is all about the joy in the world.” He says the production doesn’t rely on technical elements or special effects. Instead, it focuses on the quirky storyline and characters, as well as big production numbers. “It’s definitely very traditional Broadway style, with a lot of ballet in the show,” Wince said. “It’s really based in what musical theater was, and I think that’s something we’re all proud of.” He said the show’s humor still stands up. “I think it’s probably much more comedic than people would expect from it,” Wince said. “People are usually hysterically laughing by the end of it.” Hello, Dolly! has challenged the actor because it is such a dance-heavy show, especially for ensemble members. “There were dance moves I had to really practice during rehearsal to get them right,” he said. “I think that’s one of the prideful things about the show is we really worked hard to get it where it is.” In the production, the ensemble members play a variety of characters, including townspeople and waiters. Wince says when playing each character, he tries to have a specific focus. “When I’m playing a waiter, it’s really just about pride,” Wince explained. “We’re very astute and put together as opposed to when I’m a polka competition dancer. I’m usually a little bit more wacky.” The show leans toward ballet, but the dancers showcase their polka skills

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during the competition scene. In one of Wince’s favorite scenes, Dolly shows Cornelius and Barnaby how to dance. “It turns into a huge dance number with all of the ensemble. It really is just a moment that is all about the joy of dancing,” Wince added. Wince became involved in theater and started taking vocal lessons at a young age but didn’t start dance classes until age 17. Through middle school, he did gymnastics, training that has served him well as an actor. “I think that helped me in knowing my body, controlling it. In 90 percent of my shows I’ve done as an adult, I’ve tumbled,” Wince said. Growing up, he was the only performer in his family and would often put on shows for his family. “I have quite a few embarrassing home videos of me putting on some dance performances,” Wince said. On a more serious note, Wince performed in the Hale Centre Theatre’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, which led him on his path as a performer. “That was the first time that I realized my strengths as a dancer and began to realize how much I really enjoyed doing that. I’ve always loved being in the ensemble. I think it’s such an impactful and powerful job,” Wince says.

IF YOU GO What: Hello, Dolly! National Tour When: Various times Tuesday, January 8, to Sunday, January 13 Where: ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe Cost: Tickets start at $35 Info: 480-965-3434, asugammage.com

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Titan...continued from page 1 Mesa firefighter Steven Hoppe played football for ASU, but suffered a career-ending leg injury. (Photo courtesy NBC)

nents in head-to-head challenges, designed by Dwayne Johnson, otherwise known as The Rock. Winners advance to the ultimate challenge of Mount Olympus, the consummate athletic test of speed, strength, agility and endurance. In each episode, the male and female competitors who conquer Mount Olympus will become a titan. In the end, the titans return to battle each other. One woman and one man will be crowned titan champions. Hoppe, 38, found out about the competition from a Super Bowl commercial. “I went online and read about what he was looking to do,” he said. I applied and had to do a video application. I also fi lled out two to three pages of questions. It took about two weeks. They wanted pretty in-depth details on my life story.

“They definitely asked a lot of personal questions. They tried to make me think about things I’ve done in life, like key events and significant things.” His key events are significant. His mother suffered complications during childbirth at Tucson Medical Center, leaving Hoppe ill. “When I was born, I was not supposed to live past three days,” he said. “Because of it, I lost my high-pitch hearing and I had some learning disabilities as a kid. I was held back in the second grade.” After high school in San Jose, California, Hoppe returned to Arizona to play football for ASU but suffered a careerending, nonsports-related leg injury. He parlayed his football knowledge into a special teams coaching job with Dennis Green in the United Football League. In 2016, while in the emergency room after a motorcycle crash, doctors uncovered cancer. “My mom survived cancer twice. She was told she was going to die twice,” he added. “A lot of things have happened. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in life. There are a lot of people I can help with my story. That’s the whole purpose be-

hind what I’m doing. I enjoy competing and what The Rock stands for. He’s inspirational himself and he seems to be pretty genuine in what his aspirations are and what he’s trying to do.” Hoppe didn’t have a chance to interact with Johnson too often, as the show kept the athletes separated from the former WWE Superstar. “He did come into the tent once and gave a little speech about how excited he was that we were there,” Hoppe said. “We were all hand chosen and chosen for this event for specific reasons. I had a brief 15 to 20 seconds as I was walking off the stage. Overall, the interaction between the athletes and him was very minimal.” Hoppe couldn’t reveal how he fared in the tough competition, but he did say it was a “phenomenal experience.” “It was definitely something I’ve never been a part of,” he said. “It was exciting to see how the film industry worked, the back part of it. I enjoyed meeting people who have similar mindsets on the competition side of things. It was an unbelievable life experience. The attitudes were definitely contagious.”

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Mesa couple open Arizona’s only veteran-owned art gallery By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Mountain Bridge residents Susan Paige and her husband, Lt. Col. Barry Rosenblatt, are spreading their message that art boosts veterans’ morale by hosting exhibits at Paige Artists Studio/Gallery/ Gifts in Downtown Mesa’s OneOhOne collective. They said they believe it’s only veteranowned art gallery in the Valley. From 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, February 2, the couple/ contemporary artists will host an opening reception for their two-person art exhibit. Paige has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in art from Northern Illinois University and is a venue director for the Mesa Art League. Rosenblatt was in the military for 20 years and began painting four years ago, thanks to the Mesa Art League’s free veterans art program sponsored by The Arizona Art Alliance. “My husband and I are exhibiting all our work throughout the building,” Paige said. “It’ll be a pretty big show highlighting the things he does and the work I do.” Paige has an extensive past with the Arizona art scene. In the early 1980s, she owned the only avant-garde art gallery in Downtown Phoenix. She hosted emerging artists that Scottsdale galleries wouldn’t entertain because they weren’t well known. “I did performance art, too,” she added. “I was the first gallery to do performance art and mixed media. It was a lot of fun. I’ve been doing art and been involved in the art world here and in Dallas and Chicago. Then I got into the healing arts and was a massage therapist.” Rosenblatt was a dentist and engineer in the military. He learned art and the creative process helps with post-traumatic stress disorder. Paige said her husband doesn’t suffer from PTSD, but he saw those who did. For him, it relieves the boredom of retirement. “He took his first art class with the Tempe Artists Guild,” she said. “He goes to one in Apache Junction, too. He started painting and he’s really talented. He focuses on impressionist contemporary, as well as military satire and political statements. “I work with handmade papers, abstract art with an Asian flair, and im-

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Barry Rosenblatt and Susan Paige of Mountain Bridge in Northeast Mesa are hosting a joint art show at their gallery in Downtown Mesa. The artists’ reception is Saturday, February 2. (Photo by Kimberly Carrillo)

pressionist kinds of things. I urged him to pursue it.” Paige, 64, said her gallery’s location is perfect, as she believes Downtown Mesa will become the Valley’s cultural center. “It’s going in that direction, with The Nile and all the venues with entertainment,” Paige said. “There are so many open mic nights. Susan Woodruff, who created the Second Friday Night Out, owns our building. “Downtown Mesa has a great energy for creative people. I just wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to give my husband the opportunity to have goals and have something to do.” Besides being a veteran, Rosenblatt, 69, is a hemorrhagic stroke survivor of eight years. He offers free classes on how to thrive after a stroke. “He’s doing great,” she said. “He doesn’t act like he’s had a stroke. I feel we’re inspiring people. “Guests see we have a working studio. We’re painting. We also have a gift shop because I create jewelry and we have art images on products. Kids come in and I ask them if they’re artists. It’s fun. There are diverse people who hangout downtown and we love that.”

IF YOU GO What: Paige Artists Studio/Gallery/ Gifts Where: OneOhOne Art Gallery 101 W. Main Street, Mesa Info: 1-214-207-9277, susanpaigeomc@yahoo.com

January 2019

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski The Liberty Ford Tri-Motor 5-AT-B is making its Falcon Field debut in late January, thanks to the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 50. The aircraft will arrive at Falcon Field on Monday, January 21. Rides and visits will be available to the public 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, January 24, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, January 25, to Sunday, January 27. The rides are 15 minutes and cost between $50 and $70. A secure flight-reservation system and complete information are available through EAA’s Tri-Motor tour website at flytheford.org or by calling 1-877-952-5395. The visit is sponsored by EAA corporate in Wisconsin, the local EAA Chapter 228 and Warbird Squadron at Falcon Field. Admission is free, but there is a charge to ride in the aircraft. EAA Chapter 228 President Trent Heidtke said the event’s goal is twofold: to expose kids to aviation and to raise funds for the organization’s programs. “It is, in a lot of senses, exposing peo-

Liberty Aviation Museum’s 1928 Ford Tri-Motor 5-AT-B, serial No. 8, flew its first flight on December 1, 1928. (Photo courtesy EAA Media Relations)

ple to aviation, but at the root of it is fundraising,” he said. “The rides pay for the gas for the airplane and pay for additional programs for kids throughout the year. We have an aviation camp that goes on throughout the year. “However, if we don’t start training for the left seat of a commercial plane, that’s going to be a problem down the line.”

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Heidtke describes an experimental aircraft as one built by an individual or group for the sole purpose of flying it themselves. “The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has a very heavy hand in making sure the airplane is built or manufactured to a specific criterial before it’s signed off to take to the skies.”

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The 1928 Ford Tri-Motor, nicknamed the “Tin Goose,” underwent a 12-year restoration beginning in the 1970s. Philip Buckalew is an EAA Chapter 228 member and the Ford Tri-Motor marketing chairman. He said the aircraft tours in multiple cities each year and is serial No. 8. “We’ll have other planes on display,” Buckalew said. “We’ll round up similar vintage aircraft for static displays, and there are a couple others in another organization that we may be able to bring out. We’ll have similar vintage antique cars on static display, also.” The Falcon Warbirds promotes aviation through the event as well, said Santiago Montez, the organization’s vice president. “We’re interested in educating the general public and kids in aviation,” Montez said. “We try to encourage them to pursue an aviation career if there’s interest.”

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COMMUNITY

Historic experimental aircraft coming to Falcon Field

COMMUNITY

Usery Park programs cover the eclipse, dogs comm. spotlight

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Usery Mountain Regional Park is offering a host of programs this January, ranging from a movie in the park to a 3-mile, one-hour brisk-pace hike. The park is located at 3939 N. Usery Pass Road, Mesa. For more information, call 480-984-0032 or visit maricopacountyparks.net. The charge is $7 per vehicle. Here are January’s highlighted events.

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Movie Night in the Park with Spy in the Wild, 7 p.m. Saturday, January 5 In the nature center, come see the movie about lifelike robotic animals with built-in eye cameras that give viewers a close-up peek into the social lives of wild animals.

Lunar Eclipse Full Moon Hike, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, January 20 Three-Mile Thursday, 8 a.m. January 3 Join the group for this fun, 3-mile, one-hour brisk-pace hike through the scenic desert. Bring water and closedtoe shoes.

There’s a lunar eclipse this night, and the park is hosting a 2-mile desert hike to witness part of this eclipse. Afterward, guests will enjoy the toasty flames of a campfire and a free marshmallow roast. Bring a flashlight, water and closed-toe shoes.

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Rawhide Roundup: A celebration of the Old West The Rawhide Roundup in Mesa was meant to bring the community together by entertaining Arizonans and winter visitors, while raising money for local projects. Founded in March 1947, the Mesa Jayceessponsored Rawhide Roundup celebrated the Old West and constructed a replica frontier town in the Civic Center annually. There were many activities throughout the three-day event, such as dancing, gun fights, comedy shows, saloons, restaurants and a beardgrowing competition. Newspaper

Above: Residents donning Old West attire rode in the back of a wagon during the 1948 Rawhide Roundup. Below: Ladies of ASU’s Gamma Phi Beta perform during the 1948 Rawhide Follies. (Photos courtesy Mesa Historical Society)

articles show the event was popular in the 1960s and early 1960s. The proceeds were used for high school football banquets and high school band tours. In 1954, the Mesa Jaycees raised money for an auditorium and administration building for the previously longvacant Pioneer Park.

Scramblers Puzzle Wag ‘n’ Walk Dog Adoption Hike, 9 a.m. Saturday, January 5 Maricopa County’s Animal Care and Control and Parks and Recreation departments have united to bring this program to the facility. Patrons can “test drive” potential canine hiking companions to see how they behave on a leash and get along with other dogs. Owned, friendly, leashed dogs who are at least 6 months old and current on their vaccinations are welcome to join this 1-mile trek on the Merkle Trail. Page 12

All About Hummingbirds, noon Thursday, January 24 Learn about hummingbirds during a one-hour presentation by former biology teacher Jim Taylor and his wife, Judy. Guests can bring their lunch.

Mail to: PUZZLE EDITOR, 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282 OR type your answers into an email with “Scramblers puzzle” in the message line and send to: editor@NearbyNews.com

Cool Cactus Walk, 2 p.m. Saturday, January 26 Discover amazing facts about these plants when guests join the park ranger for a scenic stroll along the quarter-mile Desert Hawk Trail. Bring water and closed-toe shoes. Nearby News • For News Around Our Neighborhood

January 2019

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CycloMesa WinterFest The Mesa Transportation Department’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program made good on its promise of snow in the desert with CycloMesa WinterFest in Alta Mesa on December 15. The party in the park worked to increase helmet safety awareness for winter snow sports and biking. After kids played in 20 tons of snow, they were invited to ride a mechanical snowboard, learn proper helmet-fitting techniques, play in bounce houses and take a bike ride. hearsay

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1. More than 20 tons of snow provided fun times for Mesa families. 2. Ciara Fowler, 9, tries her best to stay on the mechanical snowboard. 3. Norberto Ballesteros tries to keep his balance on the mechanical snowboard. 4. Landyn Adams, 4, checks out the city of Mesa’s equipment. 5. Essie Bower, 9, paints over fake graffiti. 6. Logan Fara, 9, goes for a spin in the city of Mesa’s equipment. 7. Cameron Fowler, 5, balances on the snowboard. 8. Yaromir Abreu, 8, tries his hand at the mechanical snowboard. 9. The bounce houses were a big hit.

5 9

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FAMILY TIME

Familytime

Museum of Natural History going stronger than ever Story and Photos by Kimberly Hosey It’s been a while since my son and I visited the Arizona Museum of Natural History, and as we followed the dino footprints into the building at 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa, I hoped that the museum’s charms would hold up— since our last visit, and as a parent of a now-teen. I needn’t have worried. The museum has updated some of its exhibits, added more interactive displays, and continued to grow, all while keeping its charm (and our favorite displays). It charmed and engaged my kid—even if he’s not a little kid anymore—and it kept me fascinated, too. One of the most dramatic changes we noticed is there is a dinosaur breaking out of the museum. The life-size sculpture, unveiled this spring, appears to be breaking out of the upper levels of the museum. Visitors are encouraged to take selfies with her, with the tag #FreetheDinosaur. The predatory dinosaur is an Acrocanthosaurus, a local (discovered in western North America), and serves as an exciting first glimpse of what awaits inside, but also an accurate one: The

Acrocanthosaurus, a newer addition to the museum, appears to be breaking out of the museum. Visitors are invited to take selfies with the dinosaur.

museum balances striking and fun displays with information, education, and ties to the natural wonders of Arizona and the lands surrounding our state. Inside, we started by blasting off into space, or at least by perusing several displays centering on it. The Tucson Meteorite, on permanent display in the Origins Hall, has fascinated my son for years, since he barely tall enough to look through the hole in the cast of the immense iron meteorite that was discovered before 1850. Now he’s taller than me and towers above it, but he still

David Hosey admires a Tyrannosaurs Rex, on display in Dino Hall.

Page 14

stopped to examine the huge meteorite. He still doesn’t quite measure up to Quetzalcoatlus northropi, one of the largest flying animals, with a wing span of up to 10 meters and a skull that topped 2 meters, but he stood beneath it. Introduced in a special exhibit Rulers of the Prehistoric Skies, Quetzalcoatlus has been integrated into Dino Hall, where it’s joined by several of its pterosaur relatives and many dinosaur skeletons. (Any dinosaur-obsessed kid will tell you pterosaurs are flying reptiles, but not dinosaurs.) Of course no visit to the museum would be complete without spending some time at Dinosaur Mountain, a three-story display of animatronic dinosaurs, which features a cascading waterfall that periodically surges into a flash flood. The mountain features an interactive legend that invites guests to press a button beside each animal (arranged in evolutionary order, with the oldest animals on the lower levels of

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the mountain all the way up to a bighorn sheep at the top). Once pressed, a spotlight illuminates the creature, while the sign provides further information on the animal. (My son pointed out it shouldn’t say “spotlight a dinosaur” as some, like Pteranodon or the mammalian Glyptotherium, aren’t dinosaurs. I think we can forgive the move in the name of brevity, just like I’m sure they’d forgive his pedantry, as it comes with a big helping of enthusiasm.) Guests of all ages roamed the 80,000-square-foot museum, from older couples to large families to school groups. There’s plenty to interest just about anyone, and the museum’s attractions for the littlest guests have also been expanded. There are puzzles, games, “Please touch” exhibits, live demonstrations, a tree slide, and more throughout the museum. The Exploration Station is geared specifically for your youngest explorers. Featuring more puzzles, hands-on activities, and games, the section also sometimes hosts craft activities and parties. Kids can even hop on the back of a Therizinosaurus for a picture. The museum, like my teen, continues to grow and keep me interested. The skill with which the museum’s exhibits are arranged has only gotten better, and we loved it before. From Dino Hall to exhibits on Mesoamerican culture, from astronomy to Spanish conquistadors, from panning for gold to getting “locked up” in a jail cell from Arizona’s territorial days, the museum is designed for maximum impact, education, and engagement. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The museum is closed Sunday. Plan ahead by calling to check for any special events, demonstrations, availability of areas that need staff like the Exploration Station, and promotions. Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 3 to 12, $8 for students 13 and older with ID, and $10 for seniors 65 and older. Children 2 and younger are free.

IF YOU GO What: Arizona Museum of Natural History Where: 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa Info: 480-644-2230, arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org

January 2019

By Sara Anderson Poston Junior High School’s Lindsay Barnes Clove teaches four orchestra classes at Poston Junior High, but she knew there were students who loved music but weren’t being served by the orchestra, band or choir programs. So, she decided to investigate the possibility of teaching a guitar class to reach some of those students. The school district responded favorably, providing the school with 30 guitars allowing students to enroll in the class for the 2018-2019 school year. Open to seventh and eighth graders, the class filled up immediately for Fall and Winter semesters. Seventh grader Rebecca Christensen, Twenty-eight Poston Junior High School students wrapped up their semester with a concert who already played piano and percus- featuring a range of music, from the classical masterpiece “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven to Bruno Mars’ “Count on Me.” (Photo courtesy Poston Junior High School) sion, always wanted to learn to play guitar. She signed up immediately. The Fall semester class finished the student soloists played pieces they Raeanna Reitzel, another seventh semester with a concert on December 6. chose. One of them, Jaren Pomales, grader in the class, played violin before, Twenty-eight student performers played performed his own free composition, but said she connected better with the seven songs, ranging from the classical while Mikyla Parham and James Delano guitar. Previous formal music training masterpiece “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven performed popular pieces they learned is not necessary to take the class. to Bruno Mars’ “Count on Me.” Three on their own. Loving Life-Groves half pg horiz • January 2019.pdf 12/12/2018 9:00:16 AM

The district develops the curriculum, which includes note reading on the staff, basic music theory, rhythms, strumming patterns, finger picking, tuning the instrument, reading chord diagrams and playing simple music in a variety of styles. Clove added an introduction to tablature or tabs because many rock, folk and country music guitar players read it. Beyond the specifics of the curriculum, Clove’s goal is to teach the students the skills to start playing and the tools to be able to continue on their own. She said she also believes the class, and music training in general, gives students “an opportunity to meet challenges and experience growth over a period of time.” She said in our culture of instant gratification, playing an instrument “gives young people a sense of what they can accomplish if they put in consistent effort. Many students grow in confidence as they discover they can do much more than they ever imagined.” Students interested in enrolling in beginning guitar at Poston in the 20192020 school year will find it listed as MU29 in the catalog.

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FAMILY TIME

Poston offering popular guitar classes

FAMILY TIME

Program teaches kids to relax while public speaking By Casey Blake, Mesa Arts Center Project Lit at the Mesa Arts Center is popular among teens. (Photo courtesy Mesa Arts Center)

Kids Tickets Kids Tickets Start $18! Start Kids Ticketsat Start$18! atat $18! Kids Tickets

Can you remember the first time you had to speak up? The first time you had to find your voice to express something important? With a fast-paced heartrate, sweaty palms and shaky legs? For many of us, that feeling never goes away. For whatever reason, opportunities to practice expressing ourselves as young people are few and far between, and often we become adults who still experience that nervous energy when we don’t understand something, when we must work through a problem or when we have to say how we really feel. Project Lit at Mesa Arts Center is providing middle and high school students with these opportunities – to practice writing, expressing, speaking, sharing and collaborating. The program is igniting literacy through the arts to promote and activate social and emotional learning with young and emerging adults. Since 2014, more than 35,000 middle and high school students have been reached through spoken word, hip-hop and drama programs. Through these

out-of-school time offerings, students gain confidence and practice skills that will serve them for a lifetime. “If you can break it down on a microphone, you can break it down in a board room,” said Tomas Stanton, teaching artist, poet and engagement manager. And through Project Lit, these students do just that. They practice articulating complex ideas, collaborate with others and learn about differences. All of these skills help prepare our students for their future lives and careers. To support this program, community members Bill Passey and Maria Silva, with support from the Elliott and Nesbitt families, issued a challenge. They have pledged to make a cumulative gift to the program of up to $35,000, if Mesa Arts Center can match that contribution. Interested in supporting this program and the students who are working hard to share their stories? Or in bringing this program to your school? Learn more at measartscenter.com/matchingchallenge.

Ages 2-12.Ages Limit ofLimit twoofof(2) tickets withpurchase purchase of a full-priced adult ticket. Ages 2-12. Limit twokids (2) kids of 2-12. two (2) tickets with purchase of aa full-priced full-pricedadult adultticket. ticket. Restrictions,exclusions exclusions and additional additional charges may apply. to Tickets market Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may Subject to availability. at market pricing. Restrictions, and charges mayapply. apply. Subject Subject to availability. availability. Tickets atatTickets marketpricing. pricing.

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Disney On Ice: Dare to Dream

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Celebrate what made your favorite Disney heroines rise above the rest: their ability to dream. With dazzling costumes, ice mastery and your favorite songs, the stories of Moana, Anna, Elsa, Rapunzel, Belle and Cinderella come to life. Mickey and pals narrate this full-scale production. When: Various times Thursday, January 17, to Sunday, January 20 Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix Cost: Tickets start at $15 Info: 602-379-7800, talkingstickresortarena.com financially speaking

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Downtown Mesa Festival of the Arts Bring the family to the festival that showcases the works of emerging artists. Photographs, woodworking and metal crafts pieces are showcased with more than 50 vendors, live music and food, too. When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays January 5 and January 19 Where: Downtown Mesa, 1 N. Macdonald Cost: Free Info: info@dtmesafest.com, dtmesafest.com

Leap into Science Kids ages 3 to 10 can enjoy the afternoon with a hands-on workshop from the Franklin Institute Science Museum. Explore science through activities and books and get ready to learn and have fun. When: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, January 26 Where: Mesa Public Library, 64 E. First Street Cost: Free Info: 480-644-3100, mesalibrary. org

Young Makers Night at HeatSync Labs Passionate kids turn their ideas into reality. This event is dedicated to discovery learning and creation. When: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, January 4 Where: HeatSync Labs, 108 W. Main Street, Mesa Cost: Free Info: 602-492-5227, heatsynclabs. org January 2019

This afternoon of hands-on art activities helps toddlers learn to recognize shapes and colors. This experience-based program encourages confidence, socialization and creativity. When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, January 28 Where: Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road, Mesa Cost: Free Info: 480-644-3100, mesalibrary. org

Vertuccio’s Christmas FarmLights Celebration

Night of the Three Kings / Noche De Reyes Magos

This first Vertuccio Farms Christmas Farm-Lights Celebration showcases more than 2 million lights stretched out over 10 acres. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and a stroll around the farm. There will be a skating rink, a 50-foot Christmas tree and other activities. When: Various times until Friday, January 11 Where: Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa Cost: $15-$20 Info: 480-882-1482, vertucciofarms.com

Celebrate the Latino holiday Noche De Reyes Magos with live mariachi music and Mexican food. Celebrate the day when the Three Wise Men followed the star to Bethlehem and arrived bearing their treasured gifts of gold and myrrh for the Baby Jesus. Enjoy activities included with ZooLights admission. When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, January 6 Where: The Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix Cost: $10.95-$19.95 Info: 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo. org

Merry Main Street Venture through Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest or take a ride on the Polar Express. This downtown festival is full of holiday festivities for the family. On Friday, enjoy a free visit with Santa around the Christmas tree. When: Various times until Friday, January 4 Where: Downtown Mesa, North Center Street and West Main Street Cost: Free, $10 for one hour of skate time and skates Info: merrymainst@mesaaz.gov, merrymainst.com

15th Anniversary

Got Sushi? & Korean BBQ

Coding Around Kids ages 6 to 8 can learn the fundamentals of coding using logic games and exercises. They will build cognitive skills that will be a strong foundation for learning how to code—and they don’t have to be a computer whiz. When: 2 to 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, January 16 Where: Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road, Mesa Cost: Free Info: 480-644-3100, mesalibrary. org

Family Jammie Storytime Families can don their cozy pajamas and bring a cuddle buddy for a night of books, songs and rhymes. When: 6:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, January 7 Where: Mesa Public Library, 64 E. First Street, Mesa Cost: Free Info: 480-644-3100, mesalibrary. org

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FAMILY TIME

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Chef Adam Stein shows off JJ Madisons’ signature dish, the Broaster chicken.

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JJ Madisons focuses on scratch cooking in Mesa comm. spotlight

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JJ Madisons has a wall of televisions, attracting North Dakota State University and Midwestern football team fans. But owner David Moore stressed JJ Madisons is more than a sports bar. “One of the difficult things to communicate and market is we look like a sports bar because we have a lot of televisions, but we’re really a casual dining restaurant,” said Moore, whose restaurant is at Power Road and University Drive in Northeast Mesa. “This isn’t pub grub. We make almost everything from scratch. “We have mussels, pork schnitzel and cod fry on the menu. We try to communicate we’re serious. We really do cook.” JJ Madisons specializes in Broaster Chicken, a 60-plus-year-old company that uses a special blend of ingredients classifieds

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and a cooking method to make it juicy. “We’re very famous for Broaster Chicken,” he said. “It started in the Midwest. It’s basically chicken marinated for a day and then cooked in a pressure cooker fryer. French fries, when they’re cooked in oil, cook from the outside in. “With a pressure cooker, it cooks from the inside out. That’s why food in a pressure cooker stays so moist and you get a super moist, tender piece of chicken. It doesn’t retain the oil and it’s almost the same calorie count as rotisserie chicken.” The six-page menu also has the likes of shepherd’s pie, crispy frog legs, 20 angus burgers, bacon-wrapped bison meatloaf, osso bucco and breakfast. “I’m very inspired by the Food Network TV show Diners, Drive Ins and

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JJ Madisons 430 N. Power Road, Mesa 480-924-8778, jjmadisons.com 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday to Saturday

in the restaurant business for 18 years. He owned Famous Sam’s, the predecessor to JJ Madisons, before his current establishment. JJ Madisons is partially named after Burt Reynolds’ character in The Cannonball Run. “When Famous Sam’s went away, I changed to my own thing,” said Moore, who is considering bringing back a pig roast. “That’s when it became JJ Madisons eight years ago. “I think, with my business background, I know I can never stay the same,” Moore said. “I constantly look for new products and new ways of doing things. I have to keep up with consumer trends and demands. I’m always looking forward.”

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Dives,” said Moore, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife, Janet, a retired teacher. “I’ve seen every episode and borrowed a lot of ideas from them. They’re always traveling throughout the United States. “If you notice, the names of my dishes indicate the area they’re logically from. Like there’s a New Jersey calzone. The Hawkeye burger is from Iowa. We have so many Midwestern people here. We have pork schnitzel on the menu. If you’re not from Wisconsin, you may not have heard of it. We have a very diverse menu. We have so many regulars—people who eat here Monday to Friday—we need to have options. The loyal group of repeat customers is the nicest compliment you could ever get.” The kitchen is led by Adam Stein, formerly of Las Sendas and Steak and Stone, and Don Grant, a veteran of Detroit restaurants. “Chef Adam, we persuaded him to come here,” Moore said. “He’s very good. They divide the duties. Don is more creative and decides on the new dishes and sauces. Adam is more on the side of kitchen management, but he’s a very good cook, too.” Moore – the former Circle K chief operating officer, running 4,000 stores, 20,000 employees in 28 state – has been

Above: JJ’s signature roast beef has tender sliced roast beef with au jus. Right: Chicago meatball bowl and garlic bread.

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January 2019

FOOD & DRINK

what’s cooking? By Jan D’Atri

The Garden Churkey Burger

You’re looking for something yummy. You’re trying to eat lighter. You’re craving a burger. You’ve come to the right place. How about a Churkey Burger! It’s a delicious combination of ground turkey and chicken (no, it’s not redundant – really!) with moistness and flavor added to the mixture from pesto, onion and crushed red pepper. Then, once it’s grilled to perfection, top it with avocado, sliced tomato, onion, arugula and your favorite cheese. Your craving is about to be satisfied! So why use both ground turkey and ground chicken? You could certainly use just one or the other – they’re pretty much equal in calories, fat and protein. But while turkey has a nice flavor, it tends to be a bit dry. Chicken, it seems, has a little more moisture, and it acts more like ground beef when mixed together with other ingredients for pat-

Garden Churkey Burger Ingredients: - 1 lb. ground turkey - 1 lb. ground chicken - 4 heaping tablespoons pesto - 1 red onion - 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or more to taste - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon pepper - Oil for cooking burgers - 2 large tomatoes, sliced - 1 avocado, sliced thin - 2 cups arugula, spring mix or romaine leaves - Mayonnaise, optional - Slices of cheese, optional - Hamburger buns or rolls

January 2019

(Photo courtesy Jan D’Atri)

ties. Add the pesto for even more moisture, and the Churkey Burger becomes a hearty and satisfying alternative to the usual burger fare. Now here’s a tip for a delicious condiment for your Churkey Burger: If you have some leftover pesto, let it drain through a sieve to get most of the olive oil out. Place the pesto in a bowl, add a little mayonnaise and stir. It makes a wonderful slather on your bread and the perfect complement to the burger. Dive in and enjoy! Directions: Slice red onion into 1/4-inch rings. In a sauté pan with two tablespoons of olive oil, sauté onion rings until soft. Let the onions cool. Set aside half of the onion rings for burgers, and dice the remainder of the onion rings fine. In a bowl, combine turkey, chicken, pesto, cooled diced onions, red pepper, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Make burger patties (approximately eight). In a large skillet, heat remaining two tablespoons of olive oil. Cook patties until browned on both sides and patties are thoroughly done. To build the burger, slather a little mayonnaise on the bread if desired, then layer with a slice or two of cheese, churkey burger, avocado, tomatoes and sautéed onion rings. Top with arugula if desired.

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Page 19

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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has been enjoyable and educational for Baseline, Schuster said. “We’ve watched our friends’ groups spring up,” he said. “It’s really cool seeing people meet each other, become friends and then come to our shows together instead of coming alone.” Baseline’s musicians have learned from other bands on the scene. “Each band does something really, really well,” Schuster said. “And so we’ve picked up a lot of tips and tricks just being friends with other bands and playing shows with them. “We barely knew anything when we started. Being friends with other bands allowed us to learn how to do all of the behind-the-scenes things that don’t immediately come to mind. For example, printing merch, creating show fliers, touring smart and networking.” Schuster says Baseline is constantly evolving. It was founded as Plead the Fifth, but they didn’t care for the moniker. Seeing the Baseline Road sign from a Taco Bell at Val Vista Drive piqued the men’s interest. Since then, Baseline’s musicians have become adept at writing together. Like couples who finish their spouses’ sentences, the men can guess what each other is going to write about, in terms of format and song structure. Baseline’s name has worked for them. They are rapidly building their repertoire with tours and thousands of streams on Spotify. Schuster is excited to hear from fans out of town. Although hometown gigs are important, he puts the priority on gigs elsewhere. “The mystery of the tour is what I really like,” Schuster said. “I never know where I’m going to be by the end of the day.”

IF YOU GO What: Fake a Home w/Baseline, Andy’s Room and Overstay When: 8 p.m. Friday, January 4 Where: The Rebel Lounge, 2303 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix Cost: $12-$14 Info: therebellounge.com

January 2019

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January 2019 events calendar

East Valley Friends and Neighbors Enjoy coffee and other refreshments while socializing with others from the East Valley. From there, partake in activities and social groups such as luncheons and book reviews. General meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month. When: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 2 Where: Grace United Methodist Church, 2024 E. University, Mesa Cost: $25 per year Info: 480-828-5146, evfanaz.org meet your neighbor

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Fall Out to Lunch Concert Series Bring your blankets and comfortable folding chairs to these relaxing afternoons of free concerts. Food and beverages will be available for purchase or you are welcome to pack your own goodies. When: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Recurring on Thursdays Where: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa Cost: Free Info: 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com

Improv Comedy Show This fast-paced comedy show is similar to “Whose Line is it Anyway.” As part of this interactive show, audiences are encouraged to shout suggestions, choose games and decide which team of comedians is the funniest. When: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Recurring Fridays and Saturdays Where: National Comedy Theatre, 214 W. Main Street, Mesa Cost: $12-$14 Info: 602-374-5638, nctphoenix. com

Malt Shop Oldies Dinner Show Enjoy dinner and The Rhythm Cats performing rock ‘n’ roll from the ’50s and ’60s. When: 5:30 p.m. Friday, January 4, Friday, January 11, Wednesday, January 16, Saturday, January 19, Tuesday, January 22, Thursday, January 24, Sunday, January 27, Wednesday, January 30 Where: Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $39 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com January 2019

Variety Show Spectacular Tickets include buffet dinner and music from rock ‘n’ roll to Broadway and comedy. When: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, January 6, Saturday, January 12, Thursday, January 17, Wednesday, January 23, Saturday, January 26, Wednesday, January 30 Where: Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $39 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Country Dinner Show Calling all country fans! This classic country show spans over six decades of country hits. Artists include: Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, George Strait and Brooks & Dunn. When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, January 10, Tuesday, January 15, and Friday, January 25, Friday, January 25 Where: The Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $39 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Mesa Encore Theatre presents a humorous view inside adult family dynamics with Chekhov characters and themes. The comedy revolves around three middle-aged, single siblings, their housekeeper, and a handsome hunk named Spike who likes to run around in his underwear. When: 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. January 11 to January 27 Where: Mesa Arts Center’s Farnsworth Studio, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa Cost: $25-$28 Info: 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com

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’70s Rock ‘n’ Roll Dinner Show The grand buffet is followed by a Rhythm Cats performance of Billboard chart hits from 1965 to 1979. When: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, January 13, Saturday, January 26, Tuesday, January 29 Where: The Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $39 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Vegas Jubilee Enjoy dinner and relive the classic glitz and glamour of old-school Las Vegas with Patrick Mahoney and the Rhythm Cats. When: 5:30 p.m. Friday, January 18 Where: The Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $39 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Spark! After Dark Every third Saturday of the month come enjoy live music, art and yummy food. There will be an LED dance floor, tasty adult drinks and light-based carnival games by Phoenix Light Lab. When: 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, January 19 Where: Downtown Mesa, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa Cost: Free Info: 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com

Legends of Country Music Dinner Show Dinner is followed by hits and back stories from country legends like Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Conway Twitty and Patsy Cline. When: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, January 20 Where: The Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $39 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Kelly’s Kawasaki will be hosting its annual Supercross Bash with personal appearances by Monster Energy riders Eli Tomac and Joey Savatgy along with Monster Pro Circuit Riders and Kelly’s John Denver Tribute Kawasaki Rider Deven Raper. Show Dinner When: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 11 “Cowboy” Brad Fitch specializes in Where: Kelly’s Kawasaki, 817 S. the music of John Denver. Country Club Drive, Mesa When: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, January Cost: Free 13 Info: 480-969-9610, Where: The Silver Star Theater, kellyskawasaki.com 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa On the web at www.NearbyNews.com

Cost: $39 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Vintage Record Show Uncle Aldo’s Attic hosts a vintage record show at his former location. When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, January 19 Where: Uncle Aldo’s Attic, 6016 E. McKellips Road, Mesa Cost: Free Info: 480-218-1415, unclealdosattic. com

National Geographic Live: A Wild Life Bertie Gregory captures what it means to coexist peacefully alongside creatures of the natural world. Interactions range from wolves on Vancouver’s western beaches and filming leopards in the streets of Mumbai. When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 23 Where: Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa Cost: $27-$41 Info: 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com

The Fab Four Experience renditions of classic Beatles songs like “Hey Jude” and “Here Comes the Sun.” The Fab Four delivers uncanny, note-for-note performances with an incredible stage show and costume changes. When: 8 p.m. Friday, January 25 Where: Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa Cost: $29.50-$59.50 Info: 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com

Lovin’ Life Expo Arizona’s longest-running expos for the after-50 market, these events draw vendors and attendees from around the state. Exhibitor categories include tour and travel, retirement living, health care, financial matters, leisure and education. When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 30 Where: Mesa Convention Center’s Building C, 263 N. Center Street, Mesa Cost: Free admission Info: lovinlife.com

Page 21

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

events calendar

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Things Have Changed Joan Osborne puts her own spin on Bob Dylan songs at new show By Laura Latzko In the mid ’90s, Joan Osborne showcased her vocal talents with the hit song “One of Us.” The artist continues to make music but focuses on that of Bob Dylan these days. She will perform a Bob Dylan-focused show at the Mesa Arts Center on Tuesday, February 5, to promote her album The Songs of Bob Dylan. During the tour, Osborne will sing the songs as part of a trio, but fans may hear her hits during the encore. Osborne’s recording love of Dylan goes back to her 1995 album, Relish, for which she covered the bard’s “Man in The Long Black Coat.” However, she doesn’t remember the first Dylan song she ever heard. She thinks it was at the height of his popularity. “We didn’t personally own any of Dylan’s records at our home, but it wasn’t like you could escape it if you

were listening to the radio,” she says. “I’m sure I heard some of the songs he had on the radio when I was a little child. I was raised Catholic, so maybe some of the nuns did ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ in guitar Mass. It’s really impossible to say because he’s such a part of American musical culture, American political culture and just American life.” She chose Dylan partially because of his extensive repertoire. “He has this incredibly deep catalog of songs,” she says. “There are literally hundreds of great songs. You can take any of his songs, and another artist would have been satisfied to just write that in their entire career, and he had hundreds of these songs.” For Songs of Bob Dylan, she chose songs from throughout his career. Her approach was slightly different, NNM

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depending on the song’s arrangement and meaning, as well her vocal style. “We wanted to give listeners a new way into these songs, a way to discover something different, some angle on the song that hadn’t been exploited before,” Osborne says. Osborne considers Dylan’s songs highly expressive. “Dylan himself is not known as a soulful singer, and yet the words are so full of soul, so full of meaning, particularly the love songs. All of it is very passionate,” she says. “I guess I’m known as a bluesy kind of singer or a soulful sort of singer, so it gave me a lot to work with.” Osborne wanted to add to the songs while maintaining the qualities that made them special. Joan Osborne, best known for the song “One of Us,” performs a Bob Dylan cover set during her show at Mesa Arts Center on “Highway 61 Revis- Tuesday, February 5. (Photo by Jeff Fasano) ited,” for example, was altered to have more of a Middle written and because we’re living in a Eastern sound. time where people are very engaged in “We ended up giving it this compul- politics, that tends to really set people sive rhythm, which for me gave a lot of off,” she says. “We get a big response energy to the song,” Osborne says. “It from that.” takes off in a breakneck way. I’m spitThe shows emphasize the music, with ting the lyrics out. It gives them a lot of beautiful spare arrangements. ferocity. I feel like that’s an interesting “I think it really puts the focus on the reading of the song that audiences tend songs and the singing,” she says. “You to respond to.” don’t have a whole lot of bells and whisOsborne says fans are also touched by tles and other things to fill up space, songs such as “You’re Gonna Make Me so it’s really about the power of these Lonesome When You Go” and “Buckets songs and the human voice.” of Rain.” “For me, so many of the songs are IF YOU GO drenched in this kind of tenderness. I What: Joan Osborne Sings the think that people are a little surprised Songs of Bob Dylan by that,” Osborne says. When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 5 Songs like “Masters of War” speak Where: Mesa Arts Center’s Piper to listeners because of today’s political Repertory Theater, 1 E. Main Street, climate. Mesa Cost: $35-$45 “Because it’s one of the most powerInfo: 480.644.6500, fully political songs that Dylan has ever

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LOCAL BUSINESS

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Pyramid Technologies steps up to the challenge on the town

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Participating in the Arizona Walking Challenge at Pyramid Technologies were from left, Jessica Balcer, Cory Todd, Andrew Collins, Tomasz Konofalski Jr., Kerrie Nollette, Adam Eberling and Heidi Luttig. (Photo by Kimberly Carrillo)

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When employees of Mesa-based Pyramid Technologies heard of the inaugural Arizona Walking Challenge facilitated by Terryberry, they thought it would be a fun and interesting competition to join. Terryberry, an employee recognition company, designed the Arizona Walking Challenge to spur greater attention to wellness in the workplace. Participating organizations ranged from banks and construction companies to insurance agencies and nonprofits such as Make-aWish America and the city of Sierra Vista. Thirty-four companies from across the state participated in the challenge. Pyramid Technologies, a manufacturer of bill validators and thermal printers for payment applications, was awarded the Top Company Stepper award with an average of 73,803 steps per person, per week. Eight of Pyramid’s 30 employees participated in the challenge. “We heard about the challenge through another participant and it seemed like a fun, interesting competition to be involved in,” said Adam Eberling, Pyramid Technologies controller. “There’s obviously health benefits and it was the friendly spirit of competition amongst co-workers.” The business-to-business competition was a six-week challenge held October 1 through November 11. The 34 companies stepped up with nearly 500 million steps with participants walking an average of 41,491 steps each week.

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As an incentive, Pyramid offered its top stepper a gift card halfway through the challenge and then another at the end of the competition. Terryberry sent out email updates and published results weekly so participants could see where they stood in the challenge. Pyramid’s employees walked during lunch, after work and to pick kids up from school, said Kerrie Nollette, Pyramid’s director of engineering. Nollette’s team even had one-on-one meetings while walking to get their steps in. An avid fit bit user, Nollette said she also saw her friends outside of work encourage her and help step up to the challenge. Each Pyramid employee was challenged to do at least 10,000 steps per day. “We had a couple of employees who were great overachievers,” Nollette joked. One employee, Andrew Collins, averaged 109,000 steps each week. The most surprising thing that came out of the challenge? “It was probably Andy’s competitiveness,” Eberling said. “The number of steps he was able to do. I didn’t think he had that in him.” Pyramid employees are already looking forward to taking part in the challenge again next year and have been brainstorming ideas to increase involvement and participation in their company. “We all really enjoyed it,” Eberling said. “It’s a good sense of community and a good sense of camaraderie around the office.” January 2019

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of eight-track cartridges, cassette tapes, Star Wars action figures, vintage videogames and vinyl accessories. Inside his showcase, he has a VHS of Let It Be, and bumper stickers from the Detroit radio station WRIF. Scarpone buys music as well. “Everyone loves it here,” he said. “I just need more people to find out about it.” Scarpone was born in Arizona but relocated to California to study film at UCLA. He spent 30 years in the film industry, working as a production supervisor at Universal Studios and a post-

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production supervisor for Disney. His credits include Murder, She Wrote; Providence; the Tinker Bell series and Planes. “I was in a division of Disney that closed down and I, and many others, were laid off,” he said. “I wanted to make movies here. You don’t have to be in California. The first thing I did was start a Kickstarter campaign that didn’t fare well. I was looking for money sources and that’s when I opened the store.” The bins of vinyl are filled with his doubles as well as those owned by collectors who rent space. “A lot of stuff does Cassettes by bands like INXS and Aerosmith are along one wall of Uncle Aldo’s Attic. walk in, so that’s nice,” said Scarpone, who is planning record laboration between John Lydon, Afrika shows, too. “I can keep getting new stuff Bambaataa and producer/bassist Bill to refresh my collection. Laswell. “The base of the store is mine, just A Nintendo NES sits just inside the from my collections, doubles and tri- door, along with an Atari system and ples. In California, there were swap Frogger. Contra—a video game series meets every weekend. I spent 40 years produced by Konami comprised pribuying records.” marily of shoot-‘em-up games—is pickPatrons who come in the shop, which ing up. is named after Scarpone’s late Uncle “I can’t keep Atari in the store,” he addAldo, are invited to try out music on ed. “You wouldn’t believe, though, how his turntables. many young kids love games like Duck “I want them to be happy and satisfied Hunt. They like it and it only works on with their purchase,” he said. a CRT television. You can’t use them on He’s willing to offer advice about re- a flat screen. I’m really surprised people cords and could talk endlessly about vi- are into that.” nyl. Scarpone said 45s are “super popuHe is having a vintage record show at 9 lar,” but 78s have the best fidelity as the a.m. Saturday, January 19, at his former faster a record goes, the better it sounds. location, 6024 E. McKellips Road, Mesa. “When they start slowing it down Those who are interested in selling can to make money and add songs, it gets call him at 480-218-1415. worse and worse,” he said. “They even Scarpone chalked his store up to one have 16-speed, which is spoken word. thing. “I just can’t throw stuff away,” They don’t care about fidelity.” Scarpone said with a laugh. “That’s my Scarpone can attest for the popular- problem.” ity of the movie Bohemian Rhapsody, as Queen music is selling out the door. Uncle Aldo’s Attic Music from the 1980s sells well, as he 6016 E. McKellips Road, Mesa cassettes by acts like INXS and Aeros480-218-1415 mith are novelties to kids. He has rare unclealdosattic.com material like “World Destruction,” a col-

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January 2019

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business briefcase By Connor Dziawura pasta vixen

Hello, readers, and happy New Year! It is my pleasure to introduce to you Business Briefcase. But what is Business Briefcase? Well, the column essentially offers a roundup of business news. From business openings to closings, relocations, renovations, special services, chamber of commerce-produced events, we have it all here at Business Briefcase and Nearby News Mesa. So let’s start of 2019 on the right foot, shall we? As we ease into the New Year and our resolutions to boot, I’ll start off a bit lightly with several new openings that occurred near the end of last year. Here’s the news! First, the long-awaited In-N-Out at Longbow Marketplace is open. The shopping center, which also includes spots like Sprouts Farmers Market, MOD Pizza and a Verizon Wireless store, is at the southwest corner of Recker Road and the Loop 202. Wow, my craving of a double-double is growphoto page

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ing with each word I type. Hopefully the addition of a new Northeast Mesa location to the popular West Coast burger chain’s repertoire will ease up on some of those pesky drive-thru lines, though that’s not to say they’re unwarranted. At this point the popular West Coast burger chain needs no introduction – there are other Mesa locations at 1342 S. Alma School Road, 1650 S. Stapley Drive and 1859 S. Signal Butte Road – so I’ll leave you with the new one’s address. If you’re in the area, feel free to stop by the In-N-Out at 3156 N. Recker Road for a burger, animal fries, Neapolitan shake or whatever your heart desires. For more information, visit in-n-out.com. Keeping on the subject of food, Jersey Mike’s Subs is opening new locations faster than you can blink. The popular sandwich franchise opened one at 1003 N. Dobson Road, Suite 102, at the end of November. Another location opened just weeks earlier at 1155 S. Power Road, Suite 107. A third new one is at 1139

S. Dobson Road, Unit 102, near the northeast corner of Dobson Road and Southern Avenue. In fact, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the South Dobson Road location. There’s so much to get from Jersey Mike’s, as readers are likely already familiar, from hot subs to cold ones, or even signature wraps and items for the kiddos. As far as when you can stop by, well, these locations are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information or to find others in the city, visit jerseymikes.com. Speaking of the chamber of commerce, looking into it led me to another interesting spot worth your attention. So for this month, I’ll leave you with this. My Dental Dentistry and Education, which is located at 6059 E. University Drive, is open. This ribbon-cutting event is from 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, February 19, though the ribbon will be cut at 3:15 p.m. My Dental Dentistry and

Education is a full-service dental assisting school, but it also doubles as a dentistry office that provides students with access to real patients. For more information on the practice and school – which has another location at 1959 S. Val Vista Drive, Suite 118 – visit mydentalschool.com or facebook.com/ mydentalassisting. Chamber events such as these are free to attend for members and nonmembers alike, with no reservation required. For more information on the chamber of commerce and its events, visit mesachamber.org or contact its director of membership sales, Susan Tychman, at stychman@mesachamber.org. That’s all the briefs for this month. Thanks for reading.

Have an item for Business Briefcase? Email Connor Dziawura at cdziawura@timespublications.com

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Regular size only. Cannot be combined with any other discounts. Exp. 1/31/19

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Mesa business aids the quest for college financial aid By Deb Samson In navigating the labyrinth of college tuition-aid programs, most parents need to do a little homework themselves, according to a former Arizona high school assistant principal turned college-planning expert. Shawn Coats opened her Class 101 Mesa/Gilbert college planning franchise, at 2929 N. Power Road, Suite 101 in Mesa, in 2017, and advises students in one-on-one customized planning sessions. She has been astounded by the number of parents and their children who seem to be in the dark when it comes to finding assistance options or completing the federal aid packages. “Often, federal financial aid forms are filled out incorrectly or families think their students are ineligible because of their income level,” Coats said. “Free Application for Federal Student Aid program (FAFSA) data shows that as

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many as 90 percent of applicants fi ll out these forms incorrectly, and it’s no surprise because the forms can be more difficult to complete than filing tax forms.” FAFSA season is underway and there are movements in Arizona to get more prospective college students to complete the forms, according to Herminia Rincon of Arizona State University. Students who complete a FAFSA are more likely to enroll and attend college, she said, yet Arizona ranks 48th in the nation for FAFSA completion. In an analysis conducted last year, the class of 2017 left $2.3 billion in financial aid on the table as a result of not completing the FAFSA. “The college admissions process has changed significantly over the last 25 years,” Coats said. “All too often, parents don’t realize what they don’t know about the college tuition assistance pro-

cess until it is too late, which can end up costing them a lot more money.” To ensure that students are maximizing their opportunity to go to college, Arizona State University has joined community partners for the Arizona FAF$A Challenge – an initiative to increase the FAFSA completion rate to 50 percent. FAFSA is a free application that students can complete to apply for federal student aid – including federal grants, work-study and loans – and providing students with opportunities to finance their education. It can also be used to determine if a student qualifies for institutional aid and/or scholarships. Coats stresses that successful college planning is best started during high school freshman year. College and career planners can assist students in navigating their high school years to ensure that critical components that garner increased opportunities, scholarships and college acceptance are realized. FAFSA is just the tip of the iceberg for finding potential funds, Coats said, noting that there are a host of scholarships available from other sources if only parents knew where to find them. Many of these scholarships don’t have enough applicants each year to give away all of money that has been allotted. Typically, students and their parents believe that scholarships are only for academic or athletic excellence, but not always. Many scholarships are available based on students’ skills and interests. Students must think about their strengths and things they love, then search for scholarships that are targeted for them. Coats also offers career assessments to help students identify their interests and potential majors, and then guides them in identifying potential scholarships that may be available to them. Students have the best chance of securing scholarships and funding at the local and state levels. There are special scholarship programs offered by trade associations, religious groups and private foundations in many fields. Coats sees several common mistakes that parents and students often make

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when filling out FAFSA and other financial-aid documents: Entering the wrong social security number; neglecting to sign the electronic FAFSA form; listing assets that are not relevant to a FAFSA application, like equity in a home and retirement accounts; misunderstanding FAFSA eligibility. Many parents believe that they make too much money to qualify for help. This often is not the case. “The typical high school counselor is too overwhelmed to give adequate one-on-one time to students, typically spending less than one hour with them,” Coats said. In Arizona, the student-to-counselor ratio is the highest in the nation, 903 students to every 1 counselor. Additionally, school counselors’ availability is limited by this colossal ratio. While Coats’ Class 101 espouses strong partnerships with school counselors and encourages students to visit with their counselors, students and families can benefit from access to experienced college planning experts 24/7 to accommodate busy lives. Class 101 Mesa/Gilbert offers one-onone counseling to students after school, in the evenings and on Saturdays and Sundays. Class 101 students typically apply to six to eight schools and, on average, receive more than $200,000 in scholarships and aid, much more than the average student, who receives about $20,000. Last year, Class 101 Mesa/ Gilbert’s graduating senior students received scholarship offers from $24,000 to $542,762. As a parent and former school administrator, Coats has seen firsthand the overwhelming need for organized college preparation services. “I have lived it, and I believe in empowering students and their parents by providing them with the right knowledge about all of the ins and out of the process,” she said. Coats can be reached at 480-428-0101 or scoats@class101.com. Get more information on her program at www. Class101.com/MesaGilbert. Information on FAFSA: fafsa.ed.gov

January 2019

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