Ahwatukee Foothills News - Feb. 1, 2017 by Times Media Group

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Residents call city freeway impact study too little, too late

Snowing her a good time

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

AHWATUKEE Kyrene rolls out middle school re-do

A FOOTHILLS NEWS

. 12

BUSINESS

(Larry Mangino/AFN staff photographer)

Two-year-old Erin Lindgren, held by a woman who identified herself as “Aunt Casey,” enjoys some of the 20 tons of snow that Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee brought in for its annual Winter Festival. For more photos of the snow fest, see page. 24.

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Kyrene middle school students to see major change in academics, study opportunities and support SPECIAL REPORT

BUDDING STAR

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

Akimel 7th grader opens Maricopa ﬁlm fest

. 46

yrene School Superintendent Jan Vesely is rolling out a plan to revamp the district’s middle schools. It is designed to improve students’ academic performance, make them more self-reliant and give them greater freedom

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to pursue studies in areas that interest them. It also involves a significant overhaul of the district’s athletic program to increase the options and opportunities for students. It will provide more intensive intervention for students struggling academically and will make grading and academic programs more consistent among all six middle schools. The plan was unveiled to the governing See

s a member of the Phoenix South Mountain Preservation Committee, Robin Salthouse has fretted for 15 years about a freeway ripping through Ahwatukee’s signature landmark. And as a resident near 40th Street between Chandler Boulevard and Ray Road in Ahwatukee, she has pressed the city for more than three years to study and prepare for the impact of traffic that the South Mountain Freeway’s construction is expected to divert from Pecos Road. But Salthouse and her neighbors are not encouraged by the city’s disclosure last week that it will finally undertake that study. “It’s absolutely coming too late,” she said. “When someone requested something years ago, I think the city is just reacting rather than strategically planning. It should have been part of the design negotiations.” City officials have scrambled to explain why they were doing the study just months before the expected traffic problems could begin. The AFN emailed questions to that effect on Jan. 24 to both Mayor Greg Stanton’s office and the Phoenix Street Transportation Department. On Monday—six days later— they were asking for more time to respond. Officials did confirm that a study costing $40,000 to $50,000 has been commissioned and will take 60 to 90 days to complete. That means it would be done around the same time—or after—half of Pecos Road will already be transformed into a makeshift 40 mph thoroughfare with no shoulders and

KYRENE on page 8

See

FREEWAY on page 14

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS UKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS TUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every AHWATUKEE NEWS Wednesday and distributed free FOOTHILLS of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills. UKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Ahwatukee violinist Sungho Kim, 17, will be playing at famed Carnegie Hall in New York City this weekend as part of a concert featuring some of the best high school musicians in the country.

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Ahwatukee teen violinist to play at famed Carnegie Hall AFN NEWS STAFF

ungho Kim of Ahwatukee doesn’t have to ask how to get to Carnegie Hall. The 17-year-old violinist is heading to the famed New York City concert hall this weekend to play first chair in the 2017 High School Honors Performance Series with the highest-rated high school performers in the country. “Acceptance to the elite group is a direct result of the talent, dedication, and achievements demonstrated in his application and audition recording,” said program director Morgan Smith. “We processed more than 18,000 nominations this year and have selected nearly 750 of the most talented student performers from around the world,” he said. “Working with these conductors and performing at Carnegie Hall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these musicians never forget.” Sungho has studied music for nine years and is a member of Phoenix Youth Symphony and ASA Chamber Orchestra. He was a member of Arizona All-State Symphony Orchestra seven years in a row, earned second place in the Arizona Musicfest Young Musicians Instrumental competition in Chamber Ensemble division in 2015 and was a concertmaster for Phoenix Youth Symphony in 2014. He won first place in the Arizona Music Educator Association Solo and Ensemble honor festival. He also has performed in the Idyllwild music festival concert at Royce Hall at the University of California/Los Angeles, and the ASU Gammage >> See

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Ducey cool to giving teachers more money BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

aying the most pressing need is keeping teachers in classrooms, the top teachers in Arizona want Gov. Doug Ducey to spend all of his new education dollars in a pay hike rather than spreading the cash around. But the governor is giving the idea a chilly reception. In a letter to the governor, Michelle Doherty, the 2017 Teacher of the Year, and Christine Marsh, her 2016 counterpart, said teachers statewide could be given a 4 percent across-theboard pay hike this coming school year. By contrast, Ducey is offering just a 0.4 percent hike—less than $200 a year— though he promises similar increases until that reaches 2 percent by 2020. The governor’s budget does identify $114 million in new education dollars. But just $13.6 million of that is earmarked for salaries. Other allocations go to full-day kindergarten in the poorest areas of the state, signing bonuses for new teachers who agree to work in areas of high

poverty, loan forgiveness for those who agree to teach math, science and special education, and bonuses for schools whose students, on average, score in the top 10 percent statewide in the AzMERIT test. About the only thing the plan would not disturb is the $17 million the governor has set aside for school construction and repairs. That would total $94 million. State Sen. Sean Bowie, an Ahwatukee Democrat, on Monday said in a statement that “while I like many parts” of Ducey’s education-spending plan, “my ideal is that we can do more on the higher education side, and that is the message that I am conveying to the Governor’s office.” The teachers point out there’s easily another $12.4 million available. That’s the increased amount that corporations will be able to divert next school year from what they owe the state in income taxes to instead going to scholarships to help students attend private and parochial schools. Companies already are claiming >> See

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of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession at home and internationally.” Wieneke was selected 50th anniversary concert with Daniel after a comprehensive vetting by Roumain. He has also performed with colleagues and judges. the Piano Guys at the Comerica Theater, A lawyer for more than 30 years, the Recycled Orchestra at the Wieneke has twice Musical Instrument Museum obtained one of the top“I am excited and thrilled of ten civil defense verdicts this amazing opportunity,” he in Arizona in the last said. “Being part of orchestra five years. Her successful allows me to work with other defense of a client musicians and I believe that before the U.S. Supreme communicating with these Court was recognized people by creating music will by “Arizona Attorney benefit me as a person.” Magazine” as among the A senior at Arizona School for top-50 Arizona cases in (Special to AFN) the Arts, Sungho said he took Ahwatukee attorney the last 100 years. to the violin as a kid because “I Kathleen L. Wieneke “I am humbled to loved the sound of the violin.” has been tapped as a be invited to join such “My mom wanted me to play fellow of the Internaa group of esteemed Academy of Trial the violin because she believed I tional individuals who are Lawyers. had potential since I was playing dedicated to promoting piano for three years prior to playing the the best interests of the legal profession violin,” he added. and maintaining the highest standards His sister Yu-Lee three years ago of advocacy,” she said. performed as a cellist in the honors orchestra concert at Carnegie Hall. Former Desert Vista High “She said this opportunity was very principal joins elite group special to her and I was interested in Tempe Union High School District being part of the program,” Sungho Assistant Superintendent Anna Battle, added. former Desert Vista High principal, Sungho has twin hopes for the has been recognized as a certified immediate future. athletic administrator by the National “I want to study in pre-med and Interscholastic Athletic Administrators hopefully be a physical therapist or any Association. job associating with sports injuries,” he “To earn this distinction, she has said. “However, I want to keep music demonstrated the highest level of for the rest of my life because I made knowledge and expertise in the field of amazing memories from playing the interscholastic athletic administration,” violin and piano.” the district said. Although he practices six or seven “I want to be my best at my craft and hours a week, Sungho also likes to play will continue to increase my leadership basketball because “it helps me relieve capacity for the communities I serve,” stress and I am always motivated to be Battle said. the best basketball player I can be.” Battle oversees Tempe Union’s athletic programs and serves on the Ahwatukee woman National Federation of State High named to academy School Associations Kathleen L. Wieneke of Board of Directors. She Ahwatukee, a founding partner has also served on the of the firm Struck, Wieneke executive board for the & Love, has been selected as Arizona Interscholastic a fellow of the International Association (AIA). Academy of Trial Lawyers. The 2011 Arizona It is a group of elite trial Principal of the Year, she lawyers representing plaintiffs’ has also been principal and defense counsel in civil of Tempe Union High litigation, as well as prosecutors School, a teacher and (Special to AFN) and criminal defense attorneys. Longtime Tempe Union a coach for a variety The academy’s purposes are High School District of district teams. She to “promote the rule of law, administrator has earned has taught numerous promote reforms in the law, recognition as one of the university courses on s top high school facilitate administration of nation’ education leadership and athletics officials. justice and elevate the standards authored two books. from page 3

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close to $62 million in such credits. That $12.4 million reflects current law increasing that figure automatically every year by 20 percent. Ducey told Capitol Media Services he’s “always open-minded and willing to listen to our great, dedicated teachers.’’ And he acknowledged the shortage of teachers and the role that money plays. But the governor said some available cash needs to go to other programs. “I also am concerned about our kids, especially our kids in low-income areas,’’ he said. “We’re trying to address both these issues in a thoughtful, positive way.’’ And Ducey suggested that the education community should be standing behind his plan, saying things could be worse—and may be if the legislature pares back his proposal. “I also hear a lot of discussion about people who think maybe we don’t have the money or we’re spending too much,’’ the governor said. “I want our teachers to wake up every day trying to move this budget forward.’’ Ducey also said that the question of higher teacher pay is not totally

dependent on what’s in his budget. He pointed out that voter approval last year of Proposition 123 will mean an additional $318 million in public schools this year, about $280 a student. “I also want to challenge our superintendents across the state,’’ the governor said. “They are more than welcome to take those dollars and put those into teachers’ raises.’’ What Ducey did not say, however, is the ballot measure does not exactly represent an increase in baseline funding but simply settled the lawsuit filed in 2010 by schools when lawmakers ignored a voter-approved mandate to increase basic state aid to schools every year at least as much as inflation. And the amount of the settlement— about $3.5 billion over the next decade—represents only a portion of how much schools said they were owed. Nor was the governor particularly interested in scaling back the increase in the amount of money corporations can give for private and parochial school scholarships instead of putting the money into the state general fund. “Parental choice is important in a state like ours,’’ Ducey said.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

from page 1

board last week after months of consultation with groups of parents, students and teachers. Vesely and other administrators will now roll out the three-year plan to employees, students and parents and begin its implementation in the coming school year. The rollout coincides with the release on Feb. 14 of a comprehensive districtwide audit by a consulting firm that examined “our policies, organizational relationships, administrative functions, budgeting and curriculum design,” Vesely said in a letter to parents last week. She said that rather than trying to find additional money for the middleschool redesign, “We will focus on decentralizing our operations at the district office and re-dedicate more resources towards schools and classrooms in support of student learning. “The reality is that we have a fixed budget on which to operate at a time when we need to identify ways to stabilize our enrollment, remain competitive with the many choices parents have to educate their children and to ensure

(Special to AFN)

Kyrene students posted their ideas for the middle-school redesign on poster boards so that they and administrators could track the suggestions.

our students keep pace with increased academic standards,” added Vesely, who became superintendent in July.

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Christie McDougall, director of the district instructional services, said the middle school overhaul will require the transfer of some teachers into new roles, such as providing additional help for students who are struggling academically. But because the district is still mapping out the implementation of the plan, it is not known if the reallocation of human resources will involve only transfers or include some replacements of nonteaching staffers. “The realignment affects many of our employee groups,” Vesely’s letter stated, adding that she has already explained to them “how we will make these critical staffing decisions.” Adding “there is a place for everyone within the organization,” she also said “there will be new opportunities that will be created at school sites to support student learning.” Part of the middle-school redesign was already unveiled last month when the board approved the introduction of the International Baccalaureate program at Kyrene Middle School and converting Kyrene Traditional Academy in Chandler into a campus that has classes from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade.

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Currently offered at more than 1,370 schools in the U.S., the IB program is world-renown for its high standards and emphasis on creative and critical thinking.

IB students are responsible for their own learning, choosing topics and devising projects while teachers act more as supervisors or mentors. The IB program is the most challenging of three new intensive “student agency” programs that will be offered to all students, depending on what middle school they attend. All three programs share some similarities and a common purpose, McDougall said: Help students develop their “executive skills” that help them identify what they need, and set goals and a way to achieve them. The programs also will help students develop leadership skills and their ability to work with others. The programs also aim to help students develop a “growth mindset” in which they learn how to identify what they need in life and know how to help themselves achieve it as they get older. Focusing on the development of a student’s “self-determination,” these programs help them to decide “how can I know what I need and help myself,” McDougall said. “It’s teaching students to be self-aware, to reflect, to set goals and be able to say, ‘through my hard work and planning, I’ll get there, not because I am smart,’” she said. Such critical thinking will likely be necessary for job survival when today’s See

KYRENE on page 9

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FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

KYRENE

from page 8

middle school students 10 years from hit their 20s, McDougall said. “It is not very likely we’ll have very many people in 10 years who will stay in one job,” she said. “They may not even stay in the same career. It will require lifetime learning for them to adapt.” Thus, the “student agency” programs give them the skills to assess their career at any given time and make and implement plans to make changes if necessary. The two other programs are the Leader In Me and Advancement Via Individual Determination, or AVID.

Academic choices increase

The new plan will dramatically impact the academic program at each middle school, making class offerings and grading more consistent across the board. Indeed, the class offerings will be so varied that students will be selecting them from a book that describes each, similar to what college students do now. The plan will give students more “selfdirected” learning opportunities and class choices, provide advanced science and social studies classes in all middle schools and make a somewhat greater effort to ensure that as many students as possible are getting their first choice for electives. McDougall said that a survey which drew nearly 500 responses from parents guided some of the middle school redesign. “One of the biggest responses involved consistency across buildings and more advanced course offerings. Those are the areas we want to heavily address,” she said. Thus, advanced social studies and science programs will be available in sixth to eighth grades at all schools, not just for gifted students. “We wanted to make sure all our schools offered those opportunities to those children who wanted them,” McDougall said. The advanced classes expose students to more self-directed learning activities. While all middle schools will be taught what state standards require, the advanced courses help build on that. Additionally, students will be able to engage inquiry. They might compete in science fairs more than a general class would. The plan also calls for more “responsive instruction and support” for struggling students.

Each middle school will be assigned a guidance counselor—a position that currently doesn’t exist. Unlike counselors in high school, who help students select and get into a college or university, the middle school counselors will identify students who are struggling with their subjects because of emotional or other problems, or a problem in their home. “They are social workers that really support behavioral and emotional health needs,” McDougall said. “Social and emotional supports are needed. These are not in place in any of our schools.” The additional academic support and intervention for struggling students is built around a simple proposition, she explained. “We want to make sure we have systems where students are responsible and accountable for their learning, but if you haven’t learned it yet, you still have opportunities to get up to speed,” McDougall said. While the state tests for proficiency and non-proficiency in a subject, she noted that “just because a student isn’t proficient doesn’t mean they are behind. Some children can get additional support from the teacher in classroom.” Additional support from teachers will also be built into class schedules, she said, and there will be opportunities where groups of students will have additional study together under a teacher’s guidance so they can learn from each other. Some students who have a particularly rough time in a particular subject may get an additional class period in their daily schedule that is devoted to helping them learn that subject. McDougall said that some teachers will be trained to provide the additional support. “It’s more of a reorganization, looking at reallocating resources so that existing personnel are used in different ways,” she said, adding: “Some training will be needed. Whichever teachers are identified as intervention specialists—some might want it and others might be identified— will be trained. She also said besides training, “We want to make sure teachers have materials for intervention.”

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Great single-level brick home. 3 br, 2.5 ba with hardwood flooring. Oversized 2-car garage with large work area and separate air conditioned work room. New fireproof roof.

Call for List Price

Great updated single level on large corner lot. 3 br, 2 ba with 1,182 sq. ft. Remodeled kitchen features mocha cabinetry, composite sink plus fixtures, butcher block island and custom lighting. 2011 bathroom updates. 18x13 bonus room that is not included in square footage.

The Foothills

Mountain Park Ranch

Stunning mountain views from hillside lot. 4 br, 2.5 ba with 2,801 sq. ft. Spacious open floor plan with downstairs office and Plantation shutters. New appliances including refrigerator, dishwasher, range/oven, washer, dryer and water heater. Private backyard on preserve with gated pool. Walking distance to shopping, hiking and park.

Impeccable T.W. Lewis home with 5 br, 3 ba and 3,076 sq. ft. Spacious eat-in kitchen features black granite countertops and black appliances. One bedroom and full bath down with master suite and three secondary bedrooms upstairs. Resort-style backyard replete with amazing built-in kitchen, fire pit with seating, salt water pool and above ground spa.

Listed for $415,000

D OL

Listed for $228,500

Listed for $419,500

Mountain Park Ranch

Club West

Hillside lot with privacy of mountain preserve. 5 br, 3 ba with 3,546 sq. ft. Spacious open kitchen with adjacent family and formal dining room. Downstairs master and secondary bedroom. Great backyard amenities including fenced pool and spa, built-in fire pit and grass area.

Recently updated on golf course lot. 5 br plus media room, 3 ba with 3,829 sq. ft. Open kitchen with granite countertops and custom island with gas cooktop. Inviting stone-accented wet bar and fireplace in family room. New carpet, interior and exterior paint. Resort-style backyard features Pebble Tec pool and spa with waterfall, built-in BBQ and lush landscaping.

Listed for $517,500

Listed for $520,000

Equestrian Estates

Amazing sunset and mountain views from updated single level. 4 br, 3 ba with 3,056 sq. ft. Spacious eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Zebrawood plank tile and wood flooring. Resort-style backyard with retractable door, multiple fire pits with seating, diving pool with waterfall, built-in BBQ with bar, in-ground trampoline and tropical landscaping.

Inviting single level with circular drive, courtyard and side entry garage. 4 br, 2.5 ba with 2,955 sq. ft. Kitchen features granite countertops, pullout cabinetry, wine cooler and bar sink. Private backyard with lush tropical landscaping and custom play pool with sheer descent and spa.

Listed for $649,000

Listed for $675,000

MORE INSIDE Students are key advisers to Kyrene superintendent. See p. 35.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

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Foothills Gateway Listed for

$265,000

1,846 sf, 3 bedrooms plus loft; 2.5 bathrooms. Open kitchen family room floor plan! Large family room with gas fireplace. Kitchen boasts refinished cabinetry with brushed nickel hardware, breakfast bar, eat-in kitchen nook, upgraded faucet, R/O and pantry. All appliances convey including the refrigerator and washer/dryer! Tile flooring in formal living/dining rooms, family room, kitchen and downstairs traffic areas. Split master floor plan. Large master suite with double sinks, walk-in shower and enormous walk-in closet. Pool size backyard. Extra patio area in back with brick pavers. North/south exposure. Walking distance to community park/playground.

Hearthstone LISTED FOR

$219,900

Beautifully updated single level, split master floor plan home! 1,089 sf, 3bedrooms/2bathrooms. Kitchen boasts custom painted gray-finish cabinetry with crown molding and trendy brush nickel hardware. Eat-in kitchen nook. Open kitchen-great room floor plan. Upgraded stainless steel appliances. Refrigerator conveys! Master suite has double sinks, skylight and his/hers closets. Upgraded light fixtures throughout. 2016 exterior and interior paint. Pool size backyard! Extra pad for a gazebo or hot tub in back yard. 2016 patio cover/structure. Low maintenance front and back yard landscaping.

Foothills LISTED FOR

$349,900

1,880 sf single level 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with 3 car garage and pebble tec pool! Kitchen boasts a large center island/breakfast bar, pantry, stainless steel appliances, and eat-in dining nook. Cozy wood burning ﬁreplace in family room with stone surrounds. 20" porcelain tile. 2016 interior paint. Designer paint colors throughout. 2016 air handler, 2015 water softener, 2015 water heater. Master bathroom has dual sinks, separate shower and Roman tub. Travertine surrounds at Roman tub. Resort-like backyard! Covered patio with two ceiling fans, sparkling pebble tec pool with jets, Baha bench, water feature and umbrella sleeves. Plush, tropical landscaping with multiple citrus trees including lemon, lime, grapefruit and orange. Back wall has stucco surface with stone accents at pilasters

Foothills Listed for

$335,000

2,169 sf, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home with three car garage and sparkling pool! Open kitchen-family room floor plan. Kitchen and bathrooms upgraded in 2016 with granite counters, upgraded sinks/faucets and new toilets. Large backyard with grass area and mature landscape. 2016 AC, 2015 variable speed pool pump! 2016 garage door and garage opener, 2016 sprinklers and drip lines, and 2015 water heater. Interior and exterior painted in 2016. Carpet in only two secondary bedrooms (new!) 20" porcelain tile in family room, formal living/dining rooms and laminate wood flooring on stair case, upper level traffic area, master suite and largest secondary bedroom.

Highland Estates LISTED FOR

$385,000

1,763 sf 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home in the Biltmore area! Remarkable remodel! Kitchen boasts new white shaker cabinets with trendy hardware, quartz counter tops, breakfast bar, eat-in kitchen area with upgraded crystal chandelier, pantry, and stainless steel Whirlpool appliances. New dual pane vinyl windows throughout. New Arcadia door in family room. New wood look tile ﬂooring throughout with carpet only in bedrooms. Bathrooms completely remodeled with new cabinets, quartz vanity tops, new toilets, sinks, faucets, mirrors and light ﬁxtures. New 4 ¼" baseboards throughout. New water heater, exterior/ interior paint, and exterior stucco. Large inside laundry room with new hook up. Newer roof and AC. 1 car garage, 1 car carport and 4 car slab parking.

The difference between ordinary and etxraordinary is that little extra!

Arizona teacher evaluations not tied to student development, study claims BY KENDRA PENNINGROTH Cronkite News

hirty states claim to consider student growth a “significant” factor in teacher evaluations, but a new study finds that evaluations in 28 of those states, including Arizona, “fail to live up to promises.” The report by the National Council on Teacher Quality found that some teachers in Arizona who barely made the grade in terms of student progress are being rated “effective” because of the way the state’s ratings are structured. “Unfortunately, the results have by and large remained the same as they were before a lot of these reforms were passed,” said Nithya Joseph, director of state policy at the council. “We looked at how student growth factored into a teacher’s overall teacher rating.” An aide to Arizona Superintendent Diane Douglas said her office could not comment until it had seen the report. But another educator in the state said that while it is possible “that some who are ineffective, are being labeled ‘effective,’” that case would be the exception and not the rule. “Most of them are effective,” said Mark Joraanstad, the director of Arizona School Administrators. He added that while at least one-third of teacher evaluations are supposed to be based on quantitative data on student academic progress—standardized test scores, for example—criteria can vary from district to district. In Arizona, individual schools, administrators and districts are responsible for determining how they will gauge educators’ performance. State officials adopted the Arizona Framework for Measuring Educator Effectiveness in 2011, which included “quantitative data on student academic progress” as a factor. The framework sets forth a 120-point scale: 60 points for teacher performance, 40 for student progress and 20 for surveys that are taken by students, teachers and peers, including a self-assessment. Arizona teachers can be considered ‘effective’ with a score of 85 or more, and “highly effective” at 108 points or above. Teachers are “developing” with a score of 60 and “ineffective” below that point. The study—“Running in Place: How

New Teacher Evaluations Fail to Live Up to Promises”—noted that teachers could get as low as a 5 in the “student academic progress section” and still get an ‘effective’ rating if they aced the other two categories. “When it comes to the actual guidance or rules for a state for how to get a teacher’s final evaluation rating, the student growth component can mean actually very little,” Joseph said. “Oftentimes, as is the case with Arizona, you can score quite low on the student growth component and still be rated ‘effective.’” Joraanstad said there can be too much reliance on the numbers, which cannot calculate the holistic value of a teacher in a classroom. But at a time of teacher shortages, he said, there is also value in the evaluations, which can be used to pinpoint strengths that teachers should build on, or find other, more appropriate placements for a teacher. He thinks educators are using the evaluation results to focus teacher training so they can improve the areas in which they struggle. “No principal or school wants ineffective teachers teaching their students,” Joraanstad said. Misty Arthur, the executive director of the Arizona Federation of Teachers, agreed with Joraanstad that the evaluations have their strengths and weaknesses. She said she does not think, for example, teachers should be rated effective if they get a single-digit score on student progress. But Arthur also said Arizona students are being “tested to death,” and that as a teacher of 17 years, she knows that her students did not care about their standardized test scores. She said she used to remind students that if they did not try their hardest, she may not be offered a teaching contract the following year. Arthur thinks that teacher evaluations are too arbitrary, and that the politicians and administrators who require them are “too far removed” to be the people who decide how teachers are evaluated. “Get actual educators, not their administrators, they will be honest,” Arthur said. “They (teachers) will be honest about what should and should not be evaluated.”

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Ahwatukee youths of color discover opportunities in science, technology BY COLLEEN SPARKS Afn Contributing Writer

hwatukee and East Valley children and teens eagerly sank their hands into cow eyeballs and pig hearts, and dug deep as they talked about their career goals at a science, technology, engineering and math event Saturday in Phoenix. The third annual Connect2STEM 2017 drew about 6,500 people to the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix campus. The goal was to get girls and boys from different ethnic, racial and economic backgrounds excited about careers involving STEM subjects. Meanwhile, on the UofA College of Medicine campus downtown, about 100 mostly high school students asked questions and shared their career aspirations in small groups in the companion Connect2Mentors event. Their mentors were professionals in many fields where STEM subjects are used, including public health, gastroenterology, dentistry, Alzheimer’s

(Colleen Sparks/Special to AFN)

Ahwatukee residents Dionne Edmond, left, 13, a Centennial Middle School student, and brother Anheir, 15, of Desert Vista High School, listen to a lecture at the Connect2Mentors event.

research, family medicine and aerospace engineering. UofA medical students in the Black Students in Medicine Club

organized the mentoring event and also talked to the middle and high school students. “I want to be an engineer,” said Anheir Edmond, a 15-year-old Desert Vista High School student. “I just really like building stuff. “Technology is fascinating,” he added. Edmond and his brother, Dionne Edmond, 13, a Centennial Middle School student, talked to mentor Jason Gillette, chief for the Office of Tobacco Prevention, Cessation and Secondhand Smoke in the Arizona Department of Health Services. Gillette told the Edmond brothers and other African-American boys to be open to new opportunities, even though the paths for minority youths sometimes may seem “short and narrow.” He said he faces “barriers every day.” “It’s about moving forward,” Gillette said. “Don’t give up.” Anheir said he welcomed words of wisdom from “someone who’s like you” and he’s going to follow Gillette’s advice to write down his goals. Dionne also liked Gillette’s talk. He’s interested in a career in music or sports but he believes math could help him. “We use math every day,” Dionne Edmond said, adding math skills could help him with the “beats in music” and “firing my shot in basketball.” Allison Otu, UofA director of outreach and communications, organized the

Connect2Mentors program after visiting Washington, D.C. While there, she learned about former President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative to help increase opportunities for boys and young men of color. “I learned in D.C. there are kids that have never met an African-American doctor before,” said Otu, who is half African-American. “It’s in our mission to grow the pipeline, to get people thinking about healthcare careers.” She also organized Connect2STEM, which has grown since drawing about 2,500 people its first year. She said hearing families praise the convention “gives us so much joy.” Obama prioritized boosting the number of students and teachers who are skilled in the STEM fields, according to the U.S. Department of Education website. Students need to have the skills and knowledge to solve difficult problems, but few American students try to gain expertise in STEM fields, the site said. Ahwatukee married couple Patrick and Laura Chischillie brought their 7-yearold son, Koyle, a first-grader at Kyrene de los Cerritos Elementary School, to Connect2STEM. Koyle liked the exhibit showing huge and small inflatable versions of the planets brought by the Arizona Challenger Space Center in Peoria. “He started school at ASU Preparatory See

OPPORTUNITY on page 13

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Here it is! Single level, 4 bedroom, split floor plan, pool and 3 car garage sitting on an North-South lot just steps away from park! Light and bright with separate living and family room. Large eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, built-in microwave. Tile floors, plantation shutters, neutral colors. Large master bedroom and bathroom with separate shower/tub and huge walk in closet. Nice covered patio facing North overlooking cute play pool. Over sized secondary bedrooms, inside laundry and cabinets in the garage and beautiful landscaping. Steps away Basha elementary. Don’t miss this home! If you show it, you will sell it!

(Brian Wiscombe/Special to AFN)

St. John Bosco School student Brennan Wiscombe, 9, of Ahwatukee, plays with fire by the Physics Bus at the Connect2STEM 2017 event Saturday on the University of Arizona College of Medicine– Phoenix campus.

OPPORTUNITY

from page 12

(Academy) across the road,” Laura Chischillie said. “He really liked the STEM projects they did.” Patrick Chischillie is a carpenter, who said Koyle also likes “building things.” Another Ahwatukee couple, Brian and Wanda Wiscombe, brought their children, Lauren, 7; Brennan, 9; and Madelyn, 21 months old. Lauren and Brennan Wiscombe, who attend St. John Bosco Catholic School in Ahwatukee, enjoyed shining a light into an interactive mannequin’s eyes and feeling its “pulse” at an exhibit. Lauren also said she liked feeling a cow’s heart. Brian Wiscombe said Brennan loves fixing things. “I like adventuring in science,” Brennan added. The exhibits also held the attention of older students. Megan Kernaghan, a 15-year-old freshman at Highland High School, of

Gilbert, and her friend, Savi Hayton, 15, of Mesa, a student at Skyline High School, picked up a cow heart. “I absolutely loved it,” Kernaghan said. “I want to become a surgeon.” “Experiencing everything, just seeing different parts of our anatomy, it’s really awesome,” she added. Hayton was surprised the cow heart was hard and cold, and said she “might want to be a medical lab scientist.” Children at the event also talked to Dr. Jennifer Preston, a general surgeon at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix, and got to play with a da Vinci Surgical Robot. It allows surgeons to get a 3-D look at the inside of a patient. Surgeons from a console use tiny, wristed instruments to perform minimally invasive surgery. Preston uses the robot for hernia repairs and gallbladder removals. “It’s important to show kids what kind of technology’s out there, to spark some passion, get them interested in these fields,” Preston said.

Your invitation has arrived! Pristine mountain views surround this beautiful DC Ranch townhome in a gated community! Wonderful open floor plan with 2 bedrooms + den is an interior lot end unit! Masterfully upgraded kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, granite counters & backsplash, custom cabinets and a raised breakfast bar where guests can easily chat with the chef! Grand staircase with handsome wood and wrought iron railing leads to the master suite with sitting area, walk in closet, relaxing spa like bath and an exit to the private balcony with spectacular views. Plenty of community amenities in this well maintained subdivision! 38 homes in the Villas share a heated community pool and the Desert Camp Community Center with lap pool, fitness center, tennis courts and play ground.

Wow! Don’t miss this 3311 square foot 4 bedroom plus game room and bonus room that can easily be 5th bedroom downstairs with 3.5 Bathrooms! Sitting in a cul-de-sac! New kitchen remodel 2012 with upgraded raised cabinets, granite counters and stainless steel appliances! Slate floors, upgraded custom paint. Large open kitchen area to family room has 20 foot ceilings, two way fireplace to huge game room. Large master upstairs with walk out deck to amazing mountain and city light views. More mountain preserve across the street from the home! Backyard oasis with built-in bbq, out door custom fireplace and spa. Wood blinds and sunscreens throughout. 2 15 Seer a/c units installed 12/14. This home is a 10! If you show it, you will sell it!

**CHECK OUT THE VIRTUAL TOUR** Outstanding Home in the Gated Community of Thunder Mountain Estates! Nestled on over an acre of land with private courtyard entry. Dramatic soaring beamed ceilings, soothing interior palette, two story stone fireplace, built-in entertainment wall, upgraded lighting, and beautiful tile floor. French doors to patio and plush carpet in all the right places. Stunning granite counters, breakfast bar, SS/black appliances, and plethora of wood cabinetry in gourmet kitchen. Private Den and amazing loft area with endless possibilities. Romantic fireplace in master retreat with patio access, walk-in closet, and spa-like en suite. Bonus Sauna Room! Enjoy the backyard sparkling pool with fountain, spa, majestic Saguaros, covered patio, and natural desert views.

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(Special to AFN)

Andrew Gasparro, an Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee member, was the first official to call attention to the absence of a median barrier separating east and west-bound lanes on the interim Pecos Road. He discussed it at last week’s committee meeting as panel colleague Brian Syme listened.

FREEWAY

from page 1

no barrier between its two westbound and two eastbound lanes. Questions about the impact of construction and the absence of barriers were raised at the Jan. 23 meeting of the Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee meeting. Since then, state Rep. Jill Norgaard, R-Ahwatukee, has asked the governor’s office and the Arizona Department of Transportation about the absence of a median barrier. “I am very concerned about no barriers on lanes of the interim Pecos Road,” she said. “Accommodations need to be made to ensure the safety of users during the build, where the landscape will be changing frequently.” Norgaard suggested that cost should not be a hindrance to a barrier, noting: “I recently learned that other ADOT statewide projects are moving ahead of schedule due to the reduced acquisition cost of the Pecos freeway in Ahwatukee. In other words, the state quoted a much higher cost to clear the land than was actually realized. I don’t want our community to get short-changed.” With a $1.77 billion price tag, the South Mountain Freeway is Arizona’s costliest highway project in history. ADOT spokesman Dustin Krugel said ADOT has saved $122 million for the

total cost of the project as a result of “innovative approaches the developer, Connect 202 Partners, proposed for construction and engineering, as well as reducing the amount of property that must be acquired for the freeway.” However, he noted that some acquisition is still continuing along the length of the 22-mile connector between West Phoenix and the Chandler Interchange on I-10. ADOT has spent $202 million on property acquisition since March 2015 and an additional $39 million on relocation expenses for homeowners and businesses, Krugel added. Asked what would happen to the money that has been saved, Krugel replied, “Any potential savings on the project will be redistributed to the Maricopa Association of Governments, the regional transportation planning agency, and can be used for future projects.” Through a spokeswoman, Tom Remes, Phoenix’s freeway coordination manager, and Street Transportation Director Ray Dovalina described the scope of the city’s traffic-impact study. “It will provide details on how traffic patterns will navigate through the area, which will determine traffic mitigation parameters by observing existing traffic conditions and future traffic conditions See

FREEWAY on page 16

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FREEWAY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

from page 14

with South Mountain Freeway and provide alternative solutions to mitigate traffic/traffic patterns,” they said. The study by Burgess & Niple Inc., an engineering and architectural firm, “will take a look at the arterial and collector streets between Pecos Road and Chandler Boulevard from 17th Avenue to the I-10,” they added, explaining: “The study will evaluate changes to traffic patterns that might impact residential neighborhoods. Additional focus will be placed on the intersections at 40th Street and Cottonwood Lane, 17th Avenue and Chandler Boulevard, and Liberty Lane at 24th Street and 32nd Street to understand the possible anticipated traffic patterns that may cause a change in traffic flow because of the change of Pecos Road to a State highway.” They also said the city “will evaluate all outcomes from the study and look to implement needed changes,” but gave no timetable. In response to planning committee members’ concerns about traffic jams

at the intersection of Ray Road and Chandler Boulevard, Remes and Dovalina replied: “The City of Phoenix does not anticipate major changes to traffic flow to Ray Road and Chandler Boulevard at this time. Staff from the Street Transportation Department will continue to look at traffic conditions to assess any changes in conditions.” City Councilman Sal DiCiccio told AFN that last week was the first time he had heard about a study.

“

The city has really dropped the ball.

”

the freeway’s path. “The city has really dropped the ball in monitoring the freeway design and working with ADOT to effect a freeway that is ‘livable’ for Ahwatukee residents,” said Pat Lawlis, president of Ahwatukeebased freeway opponent Protect Arizona’s Resources and Children. City officials had no comment on Lawlis’ statement. Meanwhile, Pecos Road traffic may well start heading north to other arterials from this week on, as ADOT begins building the interim Pecos Road stretch between 24th and 40th streets. It hopes to finish it by March. Construction of the other segment, from 17th Avenue to Desert Foothills Parkway, is at least 90 days away. Work also is starting this week on a bridge that will extend from 17th Avenue across the freeway—the first of

—Pat Lawlis

Salthouse said that several years ago, she met with DiCiccio and later with Mayor Greg Stanton’s staff to discuss her concerns about the freeway work’s impact on neighboring streets. “Sal never gave me a straight answer and I don’t think the mayor’s office did either,” she added. “They just sort of moved us along.” News about the street study provoked comment from other homeowners near

some 40 bridges that will be erected the length of the freeway. The four-lane interim road will be located on what are now Pecos’ eastbound lanes. ADOT last week said that lane closures will occur in three half- to 3/4-mile segments over the next nine weeks and that the entire road between 24th Street and Desert Foothills Parkway will be shut down for at least one weekend this month. All this work has Salthouse worried about the number of cars and trucks she will see spilling into her neighborhood. She mourns over the fact that crews next year will be “blasting through three mountain peaks of an iconic, cultural and recreational area.” “That’s never coming back,” she said. As for the traffic study, she added: “I’m afraid there are a whole lot of lastminute actions that will be taken that are going to cost us dearly in many ways.”

Share Your Thoughts Send your letters on local issues to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com

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resident Donald Trump’s moves on immigration last week sparked a salvo from Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio against one of his most common targets—Mayor Greg Stanton. Following Trump’s executive orders to ramp up immigration enforcement and begin construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, Stanton lashed out at the president for “a divisive attack on Latinos in Phoenix and around the country.” “The president’s executive orders will not make us safer, but instead will incite fear and chaos for Latinos and immigrants alike,” the mayor added. “We will fight the federal government’s attempt to turn the Phoenix Police Department into a mass deportation force, Stanton also charged that a wall “will only tear our economy down and damage relationships with Mexico that today support 100,000 Arizona jobs.” And he declared, “Phoenix will remain a welcoming and diverse city that strives every day to treat residents with dignity and respect, no matter who you are, who you love or where you come from.” But DiCiccio dared Stanton to ask City Council to declare Phoenix a sanctuary city, implying such a request would either be defeated or force council members to take an official position on illegal immigration. Phoenix is not among the more than 200 municipalities in the country that have been designated by local officials as sanctuary cities. Such cities have adopted a policy of protecting undocumented immigrants by not prosecuting them for violating federal immigration laws. Trump has vowed to take action against such cities, suggesting he may cut off all federal funding to them. “Mayor Stanton said absolutely nothing,” DiCiccio said in a release that he also posted on various Ahwatukee Facebook sites. “If the mayor feels so strongly about immigration issues, he should schedule a council vote on whether Phoenix should be a sanctuary city,” he said. “Instead, his comments accomplish nothing

(AFN File Photo)

Mayor Greg Stanton lashed out at President Trump’s immigration measures last week.

(AFN File Photo)

City Councilman Sal Diciccio dared the mayor to ask that Phoenix be declared a sanctuary city, suggesting other council members would join him in rejecting such a move.

and change nothing about Phoenix’s immigration position.” “As long as I am on the council, Phoenix is not and will never be a sanctuary city. Period,” DiCiccio said. “No one should be worried or excited by his comments. Without a vote, it is empty political posturing.” Although Trump also has suggested local police departments should be enlisted in his fight against illegal immigration, Stanton on previous occasions has suggested Phoenix Police would continue their policy of simply alerting federal authorities when an illegal immigrant is arrested for a crime and let them decide what to do about the suspects.

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FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Area startups look at aquaponics to create cleaner food BY JIMMY MAGAHERN AFN Contributing Writer

Aquaponics is an ancient farming discipline with roots extending back either to Aztec agricultural islands or Far Eastern polycultural farming systems, depending on who you talk to. East Valley eco-innovators are counting on aquaponics to become the next wave in the good-food movement. But can a rag-tag community of sustainability soldiers and survivalists sell greens grown with fish poo to the “Shark Tank”? George Brooks, an Arizona-born urban agriculture specialist, teaches an aquaponics course at Mesa Community College’s Center for Urban Agriculture and runs NxT Horizon Group, a consulting firm focusing on sustainable food systems. “Have you ever read ‘Crossing the Chasm’?” asked Brooks, referring to the 1991 marketing textbook by Geoffrey A. Moore that examined the gap See

AQUAPONICS on page 21

(Larry Mangino/AFN Staff Photographer)

Director of Sustainable Agriculture and Urban Horticulture Peter Conden works with George Brooks on aquaponics at Mesa Community College.

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AQUAPONICS

from page 20

between early adopters of innovative new products and the “pragmatists” who typically maintain a more wait-and-see stance. “Right now, aquaponics is at that chasm, before it makes the jump into the mainstream. We can see the potential on the other side, but in order to get there, there are a lot things that need to be worked out: national and state regulations, cost issues, marketing strategies. “Someone has to come up with just the right innovation that’s going to make everything work. We’re looking for our Henry Ford or our Steve Jobs right now.” Brooks, 61, an alumni of the University of Arizona’s College of Agriculture who holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation and Management, could be poised to become that figure himself. Next month, he plans to release a book, “The Three-Hour Farm,” to instruct any team of four do-it-yourselfers how to build their own backyard aquaponics farm in just three hours. But he’s counting more on one of his young students to become the Steve Jobs of aquaponics. “I would love to be that kind of innovator, who’ll be able to take aquaponics to the next level,” Brooks admits. “But it is going to be somebody who knows 21st century business... You’ve got to be able to go to a pitch session and woo those investors.” Problem is, the aquaponics community is a highly fragmented group, comprised of a variety of eco-conscious types that generally steer away from big business sharks: supporters of the local food movement, ecological sustainability soldiers, food justice warriors and even a fair share of post-2012 survivalists still storing up for Armageddon. Innovators range from Dennis and Danielle McClung, whose backyard “Garden Pool” stands as one of Mesa’s longest-running experiments in selfsufficiency, to Mark Rhine, a former electrical contractor who stumbled onto the science of aquaponics. Rhine’s Rhibafarms in Chandler now produce pounds of aquaponic lettuce, wheatgrass, veggies and fruit for an impressive roster of Valley restaurants, juice bars and farmer’s markets. The commercial for the AquaFarm, a three-gallon fish bowl topped with a lid for growing potted plants that its inventors call “a self-cleaning fish tank that grows food,” pretty much sums up

the way aquaponics works. “The fish feeds the plants, and the plants clean the water,” said the product’s young co-inventor, Nikhil Arora. “The fish, they poo and they pee,” says Velez, over an animation of a purple fish dropping pellets in the tank that get drawn up through a tube at the center and absorbed by the floating roots of the plants potted in the lid. “And all that waste, which normally just builds up in regular aquariums, actually gets pumped up to the grow bed and broken down by the plants into perfect organic fertilizer.” Fueled by a Kickstarter campaign that surpassed its $100,000 goal by almost an additional $200,000, the AquaFarm has become a hit for Arora and Velez’s Oakland-based start-up, Back to the Roots, which scored its first smash with a grow-your-own mushroom kit. As the science instructional specialist for the Roosevelt School District, Cassandra Kellaris helped develop a curriculum that includes frequent field trips to the Roosevelt Center of Sustainability, a retired school turned into a 13,000-square-foot greenhouse just west of the Tempe border. There, kindergarten through eighth grade students get to experience handson lessons in growing healthy greens using soil, hydroponics and aquaponics. But Kellaris says the favored gardening method among kids is aquaponics. “I think with aquaponics, it’s just adding the element of live animals to something that’s already very interesting, which is watching plants grow and experience creating food,” she said. Kellaris also partnered on a grant with Mesa Community College to get five cabinet-sized aquaponic systems into the district’s classrooms. “Both hydroponics and aquaponics are similar in that they don’t use soil,” she said. “The difference is, with hydroponics, you are putting the nutrients directly into the water, and they get filtered through the system that the roots have direct access to in the water. But in aquaponics, the nutrients come from the fish waste.” “There’s actually nitrogen in the waste in the form of ammonia that, with the help of bacteria, gets converted into a form of nitrogen that plants really like called nitrates,” she added, noting: “The fish waste actually becomes a really powerful nutrient for the plants, and the plants picking up those nutrients help filter the water so that clean water is then going back into the tank. All you have to do is feed the fish.”

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Tagalongs, Thin Mints and other cookies sprout up in Ahwatukee BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

hin Mints, Samoas and Tagalongs are sprouting up around Ahwatukee like wildflowers will soon be doing on South Mountain. The Girl Scout Cookie Sale started 10 days ago and will continue through March 5 as Daisy, Brownie and Scout members sell boxes of those three flavors plus five other varieties. They will be at gatherings of family members, friends and neighbors; in front of supermarkets and at various functions to raise money for a year’s worth of activities. This year, the world’s largest girl-led business marks a century since a troop started the annual sale in 1917 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Of the $790 million that Girl Scout cookie sales generated last year worldwide, Ahwatukee scouts contributed $353,000 from the sale of 87,000 boxes of cookies, according to local cookie manager Michele Maser. Maser and her team oversee all aspects of cookie sales in Ahwatukee, including training parents and troop leaders and working with the Cactus Pine Council, which covers central and northern Arizona. Although Thin Mints is the best-seller in Ahwatukee, Maser is excited about two new offerings that are being sold this year. Along with the traditional Savannah Smiles, Do-si-dos and Trefoils, this year marks the debut of Girl Scout S’mores, which Maser said “combines two iconic Girl Scout traditions…into one tasty treat.” Echoing a campfire treat, the S’mores sandwich chocolate and marshmallowtype filling between crunchy grahams. Also new, but in a limited edition, are gluten-free Toffee-tastics; like S’mores, they sell at $6 instead of $5 per box. Each troop gets 90 cents for every box it sells, while the rest is allocated by the council for girl and volunteer services, programs and camps, the cookie program costs and sale performance rewards for scouts.

(Melany Baum/Special to AFN)

Daisy Troop 3885 scouts—from left, Peyton Klocke, Virginia Baum, Harper Magdziarz and Charley Caballero—prepare for their next Girl Scout cookie sale outing.

In Ahwatukee, Maser said, “proceeds are used to purchase supplies to make Easter baskets for various non-profit organizations like Child Crisis Center, Kyrene Foundation, and Save the Family. “We also send cookies to the military troops overseas; this is called Operation Cookie Drop,” Maser added. “Some of our troops have other communityservice providers that we donate cookies to, such as police, firefighters and even

holiday parties for Arizona veterans.” Maser’s own troop, which sold 1,700 boxes last year, is saving its cookie sale money for a trip to Paris in 2021. A troop leader for seven years and a coleader the last four with Karen Meinerz, Maser leads nine seventh graders from Altadena Middle School. Scouting has been in her blood since she was a youngster living in Japan in the 1970s. “I became involved with Girl Scouts

(Special to AFN)

Three years ago, Troop 1395 Girl Scouts—from left, Simone Meinerz, Tatum Meinerz and Marissa Maser—held signs to attract customers to their cookie booth.

because there was not much to do on the military base,” said, adding one of her most memorable times was climbing Mount Fuji with 30 Japanese scouts. Putting the cookies out for sale involves far more preparation than setting up a card table in front of the local Safeway, said Maser and Melany Baum, an Ahwatukee leader of Daisy Troop 3885. For Daisy troops, whose members are in kindergarten and first grade, the focus is on introducing them to marketing, customer service, ethics, goal setting and money management. “They literally get all the fundamentals for starting your own business from knowing your competition to creating your own business plan,” Maser said. But the biggest lesson awaits the Daisy members: They get older and lose “the cute factor,” Baum and Maser said. “However, as they get older, they have a better understanding of what is needed to make their business successful,” Maser added. “This includes understanding the need for and development of a business plan, how to market their product, communication strategies that may include social media, and how to better partner with businesses to sell their product. The older girls also learn it is not about just them, but about the troop as a whole.” Baum is co-leader of Daisy Troop 3885, which includes her daughter Virginia and 13 other kindergartners from Monte Vista Elementary School in Ahwatukee. She thinks the cookie sale experience for younger girls offers valuable lessons in being honest and fair, polite and respectful. “Some people say the Daisies have it the easiest because they’re so young and they’re cute,” Baum said. “I think cookies sell themselves more often than not.” Still, Baum added, girls that young “sometimes find it hard to get assertive.” “We tell them to make sure they are polite,” she added. “It’s hard because it is See

COOKIES on page 34

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FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

100+ Women Who Care offers a chance for philanthropy BY KIM TARNOPOLSKI AFN Guest Writer

omen are especially hardwired for giving back; it’s in their DNA. Women are problem solvers; they are empathetic and altruistic. So the challenge becomes how to fit philanthropy into a woman’s busy schedule. Fortunately, there is a new trend in philanthropy and it’s called a “giving circle.” The word “giving” is used because women think of themselves as givers. “Circle” means that the participants pool their money so they can make larger gifts to selected nonprofits. The majority of the first giving circles were created by women for women members. In 2006, Karen Dunigan created a giving circle in Jackson, Michigan, called 100+ Women Who Care. A decade later, over 450 giving circles modeled after Karen’s group have spread across the world. One of those giving circles has been bringing women together in the Valley of the Sun for over two years. 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun has three sister groups who meet quarterly for one hour at a time. The Ahwatukee group is right here in our neighborhood. The chapter has donated almost $140,000 to local charities since its inception and is looking forward to a strong, impactful year of giving in 2017. Each quarter, we attract new women to our groups and our quarterly donation totals increase. Our Ahwatukee group is like two degrees of separation. Guests and new members are bound to know someone in the group given our tightknit community. The group is a gathering of likeminded, passionate women who want

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to connect to one another and to their communities. The ladies are leveraging their resources so their small gifts ($100 per quarter) add up to a significant donation to a local charity ($10,000 per quarter). It is not about just signing a check; it is about caring. The women in this group bring the charities and their plight to the attention of the members. These women care about the issues facing us today – poverty, hunger, homelessness, cancer, disease, seniors and children to name a few. The stories they tell the group are transformative. They evoke our imagination, connect us emotionally and move us to action. Ahwatukee resident Sandra Franks is a member and nominated Singleton Moms. The local nonprofit supports

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single parents who are battling cancer. It provides meals, household goods, cleaning services and a small monthly stipend that can be used to pay a monthly bill. “I love the practicality and how the organization thinks of everything, so the moms and dads can focus on healing and spending time with loved ones,” remarked Franks. In October, Franks’ story touched the the group and Singleton Moms was selected by 100+ Women Who Care to receive donations totaling $11,100. Sometimes, a member’s connection to a charity is rooted in a deep personal experience. Ahwatukee residents Daradee and Ross Murray suffered the life-altering loss of losing their son, Liam, to congenital heart disease. By chance, the Murrays met Dan and

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Margaret Majetich at an event several years ago. The Majetichs are the founders of the Nick and Kelly Children’s Heart Fund, named after their two sons who passed away from congenital heart disease. The two couples formed a lasting bond and have worked to raise funds and spread awareness of this birth defect that affects about 1 percent of births per year. The Fund seeks to minimize the financial and emotional burden on families and enable children with heart disease to enjoy an active, fulfilling life. Murray’s charity was drawn from the hat at the group’s August meeting and her touching personal story garnered the votes and donations of the members. Several children were able to attend the camp, free of charge, because of 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun’s donation of $10,400. The 100+ Women Who Care model has allowed us to cast a wide net into our community and do something for the common good. Women in Ahwatukee have really embraced this model of giving, and we’re looking forward to sharing our concept with many more ladies this year. Our goal is to create a legacy of giving that exceeds $500,000 in five years. If you are looking for a way to fit philanthropy into your 2017 schedule, attend the group’s first quarter meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Foothills Golf Club. The one hour meeting starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. with social hour and check-in beginning at 5:30 p.m. Information: 100wwcvalleyofthesun. org.

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Who needs Snow Bowl with Mt. View Lutheran winter fest?

Gwen Meyer, 2, of Ahwatukee, was ready for action Saturday at Mountain View Lutheran Church's Winter Festival.

What's the use of having snow if you can't make a snowman? Gracie Moskoff, 11, tries out her skills as mom Jennifer Moskoff looks on..

Scores of children turned out at Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee for its annual Winter Festival and 20 tons of snow on Saturday.

Justin Workman, 7, left, and his 4-year-old brother Shane get the feel of something they don't see often in this part of Arizona.

Bela Carter, 5, of Ahwatukee, runs into a traction problem as she slides down a mound of snow.

Tivona Moskoff, 7, of Ahwatukee, looks ready for a nap after making a snow angel.

Decked in her sunglasses, 4-year-old Samantha Meyer prepares to slide down a hill as her father gets ready to give her a little shove.

PHOTOS BY LARRY MANGINO/ AFN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

KEE WATU

(Special to AFN)

Longtime Ahwatukee residents Scott Graff and Sarah Tans got engaged at the base of South Mountain off one of the “secret entrances.”

Couple makes engagement an all-Ahwatukee affair S AFN NEWS STAFF

cott Graff has two loves—Sarah Tans and Ahwatukee. So it was only natural that he popped the question to her last month in high-style Ahwatukee fashion at the base of South Mountain. A Realtor for Keller Williams Realty and an Ahwatukee native since the 1980s, Graff, 48, met Tans, 44, a Honeywell human resources executive in a singles group at Cornerstone Church in Chandler three years ago. He made his proposal an “allAhwatukee” event. He secretly gathered a bunch of his Ahwatukee friends and her family from Michigan to rendezvous at one of the many trails he and Tans routinely hike. There, he laid out fresh scones from the Hillside Café and coffee and tea from Odelay Bakery— both in Ahwatukee—hired a local photographer and videographer to record the proposal, bought roses from Safeway Floral in Ahwatukee and found an Ahwatukee violinist to play in the background. Even the engagement ring was local: He bought it at Michaels Creative Jewelry. “The morning’s hikers, bikers and trail walkers watched from a distance as the actual proposal occurred,” Graff said.

Then, Tans family emerged from hiding for a picnic-brunch. “Incorporating our love for our community and all the elements that brought us joy throughout our relationship was a part of what made the proposal a true masterpiece, unique to us and capturing the true joy of Ahwatukee,” said Graff. Graff picked South Mountain because it is “one of the things we’ve both enjoyed about spending time together is the vibrant area that we live.” “We often go on trail hikes/walks and rides at the base of this majestic area,” he explained, adding that his emphasis on Ahwatukee elements reflected a desire “to create a meaningful experience.” Tans added to the meaning of the experience by saying, “Yes.” It is the first time either of them has been engaged. To make the Ahwatukee run-up to marriage complete, however, Graff and Tans now face a problem: finding somewhere in the community large enough to accommodate as many as 150 guests for the wedding. “Oddly enough, there’s not a lot of options for a wedding in Ahwatukee unless we find a home with a large lot to purchase, which we are in the market and looking for,” Graff said. They hope to tie the knot in April or May—if “we lock down a venue.”

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Volunteer gives out books as parents stock up at food bank BY RALPH ZUBIATE AFN Managing Editor

ne charity in Chandler is providing food for the body and for the brain, too. While Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank doles out hundreds of food boxes a month, a small corner of the shop offers something special for the children: books. It’s the project of Suellen Eyre, who wants to make sure children have chances to read, whatever their circumstances. “As a former reading teacher, you never get it out of your system,” she said. Families that don’t have enough money for food surely don’t have enough for books for their kids, Eyre said. That’s why she started filling totes with books and making them available to families. “It’s thrilling to me that when parents come in, their kids don’t have to be coaxed to get books,” Eyre said. “They walk right over, and as their parents are getting food, they’re going through the books. “Just seeing the smiles on their faces is a blessing.”

(Larry Mangino/AFN Staff Photographer)

Suellen Eyre was looking for something to do after retiring to care for her sick husband Gary. She decided to set up a book bank at Matthew's Crossing Food Bank in Chandler.

Matthew’s Crossing welcomed Eyre with open arms when she proposed the book bank. “It’s such a great idea,” said Jennifer Lowry, business manager of the food

bank, which is at 1368 N. Arizona Ave. #115. Eyre hands out about 125 books a week—more than 10,000 since starting up in the summer of 2015.

She fills the totes once a week. They’re separated into four categories: preschool to kindergarten, first to third grade, fourth to sixth and seventh to ninth. There are Disney books, history books, noisemaking books and fun fantasy books. “We just know how important it is to read early,” said Eyre, who used to teach in Phoenix and her native Louisiana. “I would tell the kids I taught, read to your kids the day they come home from the hospital.” Eyre gets books from Changing Hands Bookstore, thrift stores such as Savers, Girl Scout troops and church donations. A school nearby held a book drive to help replenish the supply. She gathers the books into her garage and she and her husband Gary clean them up. They make sure that there are no missing pages and that the books don’t have too many markings. Although it wasn’t her intention, books for grown-ups have been donated, so parents will have something to read, too. For the most part, old romance See

BOOKS on page 27

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paperbacks and dog-eared novels find their way to the book bank. “Parents are so appreciative and grateful for the books,” Eyre said. “They’re surprised that they can keep the books.” There are some limits—one book per child, whether they’re present or not, and one extra book for the family. But Eyre isn’t a stickler for that rule, especially when she’s confronted with a special case. “One woman came over to the sixthgrade bin to look for a book for her son,” Eyre said. “She saw two books and gasped. One was about Abraham Lincoln and the other about the American Revolution. “She said, ‘I’m studying these in my citizenship class.’ I told her to take them both, and to get another for her son.” While Eyre provides the books, Lowry and Matthew’s Crossing provide the food. The shop gave out 75,000 food boxes last year, according to Lowry. “Food boxes” is a bit of a misnomer. Those who ask get a milk crate full of food, with pasta, canned foods, meat and milk if they ask. They also get cereal, which Lowry says is a big need.

“We go through cereal,” she said. “People think of peanut butter, tuna, mac and cheese, ramen. But people don’t think of cereal.” The food bank gives to whomever asks, no judgment, no questions. “The people we help are between jobs or they have a sudden medical bill and have to decide between prescriptions and food,” Lowry said. “We also get grandparents who suddenly have to care for the grandkids on a fixed income. They all need help. “We are that bridge.” Veterans and single working moms— the working poor—make up a large portion of their clientele, she said. Those who need it can get food once a month. They don’t always want to ask for that help. “I get people who are crying, ashamed to come for food,” Lowry said. “They want to volunteer to earn the food. I have to tell them that it’s OK, that’s what we do.” And giving out books is what Eyre does. That’s a blessing to Lowry. “I can’t believe you’ve given out 10,000 books!” Lowry said to Eyre. She replied, “I can’t believe we’ve cleaned 10,000 books!” – Contact Ralph Zubiate at 480-898-6825 or rzubiate@timespublications.com.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Brownie troop’s coat drive earns kudos from Kyrene board AFN NEWS STAFF

tiny Brownie troop got a big round of applause last week from the Kyrene School District governing board for helping needy people stay warm. Troop 3879 collected 77 coats and jackets in about a month and donated them to the Kyrene Resource Center, which helps need children and families in the district. The troop has only four members— Kayley Baumann of Cerritos and Charlotte Mitchell of Clina, both in Ahwatukee, and Sophia Garcia and Josie Arce, both of Norte-Dual Language Academy in Tempe. “The girls asked their family members and friends for coat donations, sent emails to teachers and one girl asked some of her neighbors,” said troop mom Heidi Garcia. ”While we were at the resource center, the children and the parents helped to unpack boxes of food that had been donated,” she added. “We did not donate the food, we only helped to unpack it.”

(Special to AFN)

Brownies, from left, Sophia Garcia, Kayley Baumann, Josie Arce and Charlotte Mitchell display the coats they collected for people who need the Kyrene Resource Center.

The four girls came up with the idea of the coat collection as part of earning a badge, she said. The school board also noted that the troop used some of its money from

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in the old unit did not want to continue with Girl Scouts. “We started with a couple other girls whose schedules got too busy,” Baumann added.

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FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

AROUND AHWATUKEE

St. Benedict Church prepares for big rummage sale in March

The parish of St. Benedict is accepting donations until March 10 for its annual rummage sale in the courtyard of St. John Bosco Catholic School on S. 48th Street south of Chandler Boulevard in Ahwatukee on March 11 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Called the largest rummage sale in Ahwatukee by organizers, it will feature hundreds of quality donated items, including clothing, furniture, electronics and tableware. Donations of all sizes can be dropped off at 16223 S. 48th St., near St. John Bosco. For furniture and other large donations, contact Gayle Siewert at 480-773-5300 to arrange for pick-up. Info: stbenedict.org/RummageSale. Founded in 1985, the Parish of St. Benedict serves over 1,300 families, couples, singles, youth and seniors. Information: stbenedict.org or facebook.com/ParishofStBenedictinAZ.

Female intergenerational bunco game slated for Saturday

Three local women are holding one of their periodic bunco games for girls and women ages 10 years an up 6:15-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Mountain Park Community Church, 24th Street and Pecos Road, Ahwatukee. Abby Gerdis and Wendy and Katy Cornacchio ask participants to bring a white elephant gift to the game, which they say can be learned in a matter of minutes. The event is not sponsored by the church. They also are encouraging participants to bring a beverage or a snack to share. Information: text 612-709-9671.

Katsiris said the group will hold its annual meeting 8:15-9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at the Kyrene Family Resource Center on the campus of Kyrene de los Niños Elementary, 1330 E. Dava Drive, Tempe. Information: kyrenefoundation.org.

Ahwatukee YMCA offers fitness for cancer victims on the mend

Livestrong is a free small group fitness program at the Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA for adult cancer survivors aimed at easing them back into fitness and improve their quality of life. Each 12-week session meets for 75 minutes twice a week and a free YMCA membership for the duration of the program. Class size is limited to six people. Information: Debbie Mitchell at 602-212-6081.

Swim center offers lifeguard Red Cross training program

The Ahwatukee Community Swim and Tennis Center, 4700 E. Warner Road, is offering an American Red Cross lifeguard training course 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 4-5. Cost is $170. Participants must be 15 years old by the last class day, be able to swim 300 yards continuously in a prescribed manner, tread water for two minutes and surface-dive to a depth of 7 to 10 feet while performing an exercise that will be given them. To register: 480-893-3431.

Senior athletes need to register for state games now

Award-winning Scottsdale author Kristin Cetone will celebrate “World Read Aloud Day” 10-11 a.m. Feb. 16 at Inspire Kids Montessori, 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Her children’s book, “Buckaroo Buckeye – A Little Nut with Big Dreams,” is the winner of the 2016 OneBookAz and 2013 Mom’s Choice Silver awards. The book for ages 4-8 takes children on a magical journey through the eyes of a little buckeye nut that teaches them to “dream, believe and achieve” no matter their size and how to ignore bullies. The free reading is open to the public.

Athletes 50 years and older are encouraged to sign up now for the Arizona Senior Games, which kick off the weekend of Feb. 18. Events include: Alpine skiing at Snow Bowl, basketball at Arizona State University Recreation Center, bocce ball at Sun City Grand, handball and racquetball at ASU, and track and field at Seton Catholic High School These are the first of the 30 different events to be held around the valley in the upcoming weeks. To register: seniorgames.org and click on 2017 Games, then Registration. Click on Sport Information sheets to find the registration deadline for your sport and the details of your sport. Registration is only online. Assistance/ questions: 602-274-7742.

Kyrene Foundation board sets annual meeting for Friday

Be An Artist Studio schedules 2 Disney events for children

Author to read from her book at Inspire Kids Montessori

Kyrene

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Be...An Artist Studio, 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee, has booked “Moana” on

Friday, Feb. 3, as part of an event where kids can learn the hula and paint an Hawaiian sunset and has scheduled “Sleeping Beauty” on Feb. 10 to help kids paint pink sparkle hearts before dancing and singing. Both events are 5-7 p.m.; each costs $35 per child. Kids older than 6 can be dropped off while parents can stay with their child no matter what their age. Both events include pizza and bottled water. The studio also is holding a murder mystery dinner catered by Buca di Beppo Restaurant at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. Tickets are $58. To reserve for any of these three events: 480-247-6689 or beanartistaz.com/ registration-form.

Summit School of Ahwatukee hosting open house, tours

Summit School of Ahwatukee, 4515 E. Muriwood, will hold an open house 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7. Parents also can attend a presentation on either middle school or kindergarten 5-6 p.m. and tour the grounds 6-7 p.m. A nationally accredited private school, Summit offers kindergarten, elementary and midd-school programs featuring small classes and hands-on learning. Information: summitschoolaz.com or 480-403-9500.

God’s Garden seeks help, vendors for Transportation Day

God’s Garden Preschool at Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee, will hold its popular Transportation Day 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 25. Thousands of kids and their parents descend on the school’s parking lot, where more than 40 vehicles, ranging from go-karts to firetrucks, are on display for them to explore. Over the years, it has grown to include activities for kids of all ages, including live entertainment, inflatable bouncers and carnival games, raffle baskets, and boutique and food vendors. There is no price for admission, but a portion of all the funds collected support the school’s students and education program. More than 4,000 people attended last year. Information: Michelle Rhodes at 480-4600081, directorgodsgarden@horizonchurch. com or godsgarden.com.

Do you have Community News? Updates? Write pmaryniak@ ahwatukee.com or call 480-898-5647.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

calendar section at phxlib.org.

Black history to be focus

Celebrate Black History Month with members of the Mountain Pointe High School Black Student Union as they present a discussion on Black History topics. DETAILS>> 2-3:30 p.m., Ironwood Public Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Free, open to all ages. No registration required.

TUESDAY, FEB. 7

Author bios to be discussed

“Crafting the Perfect Author Bio and Media Kit” is a writing workshop on crafting an engaging author bio and media kit that funnel readers to your work. DETAILS>> 6-7:45 p.m., Ironwood Public Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Free. No registration required.

FRIDAY, FEB. 10

Ortiz holds coffee chat

Joseph Ortiz, a Edward Jones financial advisor in Ahwatukee, will host a coffee club for people who want to talk about personal finance issues. DETAILS>> 8:30 a.m., Trattoria D’Amico, 4902 E. Warner Road, Ahwatukee.

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

‘Tooth-rific Family Storytime’ set Fun stories and songs help kids learn what to expect when books and brushing become part of the bedtime routine. Followed by a raffle, crafts, and free kids’ dental screenings provided by Dignity Health. DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Free. Space is limited and tickets are available at 10 a.m.

Writing group to meet

The writing critique group meets the third Tuesday of every month. Writers of all genres and experience levels are invited to bring five pages of double-spaced writing to read out loud for feedback. Bring copies. DETAILS>> 6-7:45 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. No registration required. haley.dziuk@phoenix.gov.

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

Transportation Day scheduled

God’s Garden Preschool at Horizon Presbyterian Church will hold its annual Transportation Day, featuring more than 40 vehicles of all descriptions, from garbage and fire trucks to go-karts. Live entertainment, carnival games and other activities for young and old. DETAILS>> 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 1401 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee. Information/vendor registration: Michelle Rhodes at 480-460-0081, directorgodsgarden@ horizonchurch.com or godsgarden.com.

‘Seuss-tastical’ fes slated

Come enjoy Dr. Seuss-themed early literacy and STEAM activities for the whole family at the Seuss-tasical Family Festival.. DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Ironwood Public Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. All ages; no registration required. Free.

ONGOING

Congregation plans Israel trip

Congregation NefeshSoul is planning a tour of Israel June 10-20, 2017. Explore historical sites along with the beauty and rich culture of Israel. DETAILS>> Rabbi Susan Schanerman at rabbi@ nefeshsoul.org.

Foothills hosts cardiac screening The Anthony Bates Foundation is offering cardiac screenings for people 10 years old and up. The screenings can help prevent sudden cardiac death. The cost of the tests is a fraction of a clinic and is taxdeductible. Reservations are required. DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive, Ahwatukee. $65 for students, $85 for adults. Reservations: anthonybates.org, appts@ anthonybates.org, or 602-482-5606.

SUNDAYS

‘TinkerTime’ open for kids

A makerspace for children to design, experiment, and invent as they explore hands-on STEAM activities through self-guided tinkering. DETAILS>> 1-4 p.m. every Sunday, Ironwood Library 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Ages 6-11. Free; No registration required.

SATURDAY, FEB. 18

Learn nail string art

TUESDAY, FEB. 21

Come make a gorgeous wall ornament using string and nails. All supplies will be provided, though if you have your own preferred tools, you’re welcome to bring them. DETAILS>> 2-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee Free, adults only. Register in the

MONDAYS

Chamber offers networking

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networking and leads group is open to chamber members. DETAILS>> Noon, Native Grill and Wings, 5030 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Devida Lewis, 480-753-7676.

Group aids MS sufferers

This group addresses the informational, emotional and social support needs of the MS community. People with MS, care partners and spouses are welcome. The group mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges people affected by MS. DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-noon, third Monday of each month, Dignity Health Urgent Care Ahwatukee, conference room, 4545 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. Information: Lynn Grant at lgrant3567@yahoo.com or 480-414-7172.

TUESDAYS

Toastmasters sharpen skills

Improve your speaking skills and meet interesting people at Ahwatukee Toastmasters meetings DETAILS>> 6:45-8 a.m at the Dignity Health Community Room, 4545 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee.

Power Partners available

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce networking and leads group is open to chamber members. DETAILS>>8-9 a.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 10831 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee. Dorothy Abril, 480-753-7676.

WEDNESDAYS

Watercolor classes available

Watercolor classes that teach both bold and beautiful as well as soft and subtle approaches to the art are available twice a week for beginners and intermediate students who are at least 15 years old. Step-by-step instruction and personal help are provided. DETAILS>> 2:30-5 Wednesdays and 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays at Hobby Lobby, 46th Street and Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Cost: $25 per class, $80 for four classes. Registration required: jlokits@yahoo.com or 480-471-8505.

Montessori holds open house

Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori holds an open house weekly. It includes a short talk about Montessori education, followed by a tour of its campus. DETAILS>> 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 3221 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Information: 480-759-3810

Grief support is free

Hospice of the Valley offers a free ongoing grief support group for adults and is open to any adult who has experienced a loss through death. No registration required. DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St. 602-636-5390.

Foothills Women meet An informal, relaxed social organization of about 90 women living in the Ahwatukee Foothills/Club West area. A way to escape once a month to have fun and meet with other ladies in the area. Guest speaker or entertainment featured. DETAILS>> 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive. Contact jstowe2@cox.net or FoothillsWomensClub.org.

Parents can ‘drop in’

Parents are invited to join a drop-in group to ask questions, share ideas or just listen to what’s going on with today’s teenagers. DETAILS>> 5:30-7 p.m. second Wednesday of each month. Maricopa Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix. Free. RSVP at 602-827-8200, ext. 348, or rcarter@cals.arizona.edu.

Get with Democrats

DETAILS>> Free and open to the public 7:30-9 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Biscuits Restaurant, 4623 E. Elliot Road. RSVP: marie9@q.com or 480-592-0052.

LD 18 Dems meet in Tempe

The Legislative District 18 Democrats have changed their monthly meeting to their new campaign office at 1867 E. Baseline Road, Tempe. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. social time, 7-8:30 p.m. meeting time on the second Monday of each month. Information: ld18demsinfo@gmail.com. Free and open to the public.

Special networking offered

Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce has a networking and leads group is open to chamber members. DETAILS>> 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Radisson Hotel, 7475 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Devida Lewis, 480-753-7676.

THURSDAYS

Kiwanis Club meets

The Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee meets every Thursday and welcomes newcomers. Speakers lined up over the next few weeks include: Feb. 9, Caroline Lautt-Owens, Arizona Supreme Court, Dependent Children Services; Feb. 16, Brad Jarret, personal trainer; and Feb. 23, Jim Wilkerson, Habitat For Humanity. The club also is making plans for its annual Easter Parade and Spring Fling and always needs volunteers. DETAILS>>7:30 a.m. Biscuits Restaurant, 4623 E. Elliot Road, Ahwatukee. Information: mike.maloney2003@ gmail.com.

COMMUNITY

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Ahwatukee 411 administrators seek residents’ participation

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he administrators for the Ahwatukee 411 Facebook page are reaching out to local residents and people who work in the community, encouraging them to join. “The main goal is to build new friendships with our neighbors and support our local businesses while fostering a stronger sense of community,” said spokesman Johnny Byrd. The Ahwathukee 411 group was created in December 2014 by 14-year Ahwatukee resident Diana Lopez, who also is joined by Patrick Kirwan and Amy Marie Jamieson. They help administer members’ posts and organize special events. “The Ahwatukee 411 Facebook group allows the community to come together to interact and share opinions and recommendations on various topics and local places,” Byrd said. “It is a group where one can enjoy having discussions of many different subjects that can pertain to either Ahwatukee, Arizona, or even current events in our country with a few exceptions.” Byrd said the group wants the site “used for fun and entertaining discussions,” but added that local businesses often announce specials and job opportunities. The site also tries to encourage residents to support local businesses, as it did after Zzeeks Pizza was robbed two weeks ago. “We wanted to show Zzeeks owners Jody and Mark Pectol and their crew how much we loved them and how important they are to Ahwatukee. They are always giving back and it’s our turn to do the same. We will always be here for them or any other business that needs help,” Lopez said. Residents also have used the site to find a contractor, a pest extermination company, a pool cleaner, vehicle repair options, house cleaning company, yard maintenance options, painters, donation locations, help wanted or jobs offered and even dinner ideas, Byrd said.

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Do you know an Ahwatukee high school student doing amazing things? Tell the world about it. Write pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com or call 480-898-5647.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

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FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Rescued Lab, Dachshund mix The Royal Couple both looking for new masters AFN NEWS STAFF

wo dogs are under this week’s spotlight on rescued animals in search of new homes. Shauna Michael of the Arizona Animal Welfare League said Bae, a 4-year-old Labrador Retriever mix, “prefers the leisurely pleasures life has to offer and is always ready to snuggle up on the couch for movie night or lounge around for belly rubs.”

Zadie “is a bundle of cuteness with her tri-colored coat, floppy ears, and big brown eyes that seem to look right into your soul.” The outgoing, 2-year-old Dachshund mix “is a snuggler who loves attention. She enjoys being held, being pet, receiving belly rubs, and cuddling in your lap” and will “happily settle beside you in bed and sleep the whole night through,” Bernot said. The dog, who likes to play fetch,

“Bae does enjoy a good game of fetch, and loves evening strolls to help her keep at a healthy weight,” Michael added, noting that Crowne Plaza Phoenix Airport has paid for Bae’s adoption fee. Information: 602-273-6852 ext.116. Jenny Bernot of Arizona Rescue said

from page 22

a competition but they all are supposed to be sisters at the same time.” Girls compete for badges and, at lower rungs of the scouting chain, little prizes like stuffed animals. Salesmanship has changed somewhat since Baum was a Girl Scout. She recalls that in those days, scouts could go door to door selling cookies. But that practice has been all but abandoned because of safety concerns

“is curious and inquisitive about everything. She is always eager to visit the dog park, where she literally runs circle around most dogs there. Our gal loves to romp and wrestle with other dogs, particularly ones around her size,” according to Bernot. Zadie enjoys walks, “has excellent leash manners” and “rides in a car like a pro, happily climbing on your lap and falling asleep as you drive to your next destination,” she added. Bernot recommends Zadie go to a home that can provide plenty of walks, fetch and park time. Information: azrescue.org. about girls ringing strangers’ doorbells. “I enjoyed cookie selling,” said Baum, who once sold the most boxes in her troop. She said that the end of door-todoor sales did lead to one reduction in workload: “Back then you’d go door to door and take orders, then you’d get your cookies and go and deliver them. Now, it’s easier: people just buy them on the spot. I think we had it harder.” Send story tips to pmaryniak@ ahwatukee.com.

(Matt Butler/Special to AFN)

Horizon Honors seniors Zane Greenawalt, of Ahwatukee, and Krista Santacruz, of Chandler, were named King and Queen of the Ahwatukee school's homecoming festivities over the weekend. The dance at the Four Points Sheraton was themed "A Winter Wonderland."

Ahwatukee restaurant makes dessert after Girl Scout cookie AFN NEWS STAFF

A relatively new restaurant in Ahwatukee is among nearly two dozen in the Valley that is part of the Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge. Fresko, a Greek restaurant at 5033 E. Elliot Road, is among those that have agreed to “reimagine” the flavor of one of the Girl Scout cookies by creating a dessert that will be on the menu through February. A portion of the sales of each order of that dessert will benefit the CactusPine Council of the Girl Scouts, which includes Ahwatukee and Valley troops. Fresko used Girl Scout Savannah Smiles cookies—known for their lemon zest—to make a Melopita, a Greek honey cake. The dessert is $4.50. “I think girls need all the positivity and the ‘you-can-do-anything’ message that they can get,” said Janna Harris, Fresko pastry chef. “The Girl Scouts

organization seems to cultivate that exact environment. I’m excited to have the opportunity to participate this year.” The Cactus-Pine Council also hopes the desserts will inspire patrons to buy some cookies, which are on sale through March 5. The council serves 22,000 girls, grades K-12, across central and northern Arizona, in partnership with more than 10,000 adult volunteers. Kody Harris, the former executive chef of the Thirsty Lion Gastropub and Grille, opened Fresko in November. Harris, who owns a restaurant consulting business in Phoenix, has a “fast casual” concept for Fresko. She has “the secrets of fresh, homemade Greek cuisine in her blood,” a spokeswoman said. Her father was Greek and a chef and she’s been in the restaurant business ever since she was 8 years old and worked in the kitchen of her family’s restaurant in Portland, Oregon.

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FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Opinion

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Kyrene superintendent welcomes advice from many—including students BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

ith only seven months on the job as Kyrene School District’s superintendent, Jan Vesely isn’t shy about seeking counsel from others. But beyond fellow administrators, school board members, business owners, legislators and other community leaders, she doesn’t overlook advice from the one group that’s perhaps the most important of all—the students themselves. That’s why she convenes a monthly meeting with a group of kids who come from each school in the district. The Ahwatukee elementary school contingent includes Ella Dickson of Cerritos, Tatyana Enriques of Colina, Mercy Berry of Espernaza, Brooklyn Crow of Estrella, Wrenwyck Ijioye of Lagos, Ella Jack of Lomas, Dominic LoBracco of Milenio, Noelle Wagner of Monte Vista and Ryder Hess of Sierra. The Ahwatukee middle schools’ contingent includes Natalie Sanchez and Lionel Williams of Akimel A-al; Natalie Sterling, Landen Powell and Shanti Oza of Altadena; and Bryce Kelly, Taylor Levy and Sierra Wagner of Centennial. The meetings are instructional for students and superintendent alike. As reported in today’s edition of AFN, the student council contributed significantly to Vesely’s bold moves to revamp Kyrene’s middle schools as she

and the board fight to make the district talked about brainstorming with his more competitive with other districts classmates. “My peers implied that there and also with charter schools. should be engineering and architect She brainstormed with them on things classes,” he said. they thought were needed in grades 6 I blanched. When I was in fifth grade, through 8, and some of those suggestions I was thinking we needed longer recesses. were incorporated into the plan that Dominic LoBracco of Milenio Vesely is rolling out now to parents. suggested a good elective would be Vesely requires gardening. “We each student to file thought that a report on every gardening could monthly meeting. be a good choice She is well served and that maybe the by a group of fruits and vegetables bright, thoughtful could go to the youngsters. cafeteria, culinary Among the class and charity,” he things Ahwatukee explained. members had I had the privilege to say about the of addressing these middle-school students a few brainstorming weeks ago as part session: of a program that “One of the primarily focused on things my group college readiness. brainstormed that What surprised we want to change me was how much about our middle thought they had schools is offering already given to (Special to AFN) free seating,” said their post-secondary school Superintendent Jan Vesely Ella Dickson, Kyrene education, even congratulates Darcy DiCosmo for marking her referring to the 10th year as principal of Kyrene de los Cerritos though many of common practice Leadership Academy in Ahwatukee. them aren’t even of assigned seating. close to entering “We thought this high school. I seem because it gives you the opportunity to to recall being nearly traumatized in meet and talk to new people.” eighth grade when I learned there was Lagos fifth grader Wrenwyck Ijiwoye something called college.

They fielded questions from a representative of Arizona State University with insight and knowledge that far belied their ages. And they demonstrated an admirable independence when the ASU rep asked them how many were planning to attend ASU: only a few raised their hands, later ticking off Harvard, USC and other notable institutions of higher learning. I talked to them for a few minutes about writing with a purpose. Had it not been time to hop on a bus and return to their respective schools, I might have still been answering their questions—a pleasant surprise for someone who rarely, if ever, heard a question from my students in 10 years of teaching an adjunct journalism class at Tempe University in Philadelphia. For me, Vesely’s monthly confab with the students showed the misguided and misleading notion advanced in some circles that carp about “putting more money in the classroom.” Leadership, the art of dialogue and self-examination don’t just develop in a classroom, and the environment Vesely’s student council meetings create is a testament to that. Her directive to the students at the end of the session I attended was to write about where they see themselves when they are 25 years old. As someone who at their age couldn’t even get my head around the idea of being 25, I can’t wait to see those reports.

Longtime Ahwatukee resident fears freeway’s impact BY BETH LAUFFER GAGNON AFN Guest Writer

have lived in my home (that backs up to Pecos Road at 32nd Street) for 20 years. Much of that time was spent not being able to do anything (i.e., improvements, painting, etc.) to my house due to the pointless nature of doing so, as my house would eventually

be torn down if/when the proposed freeway went through. I also spent many of those years wondering what I, as a single mom, would do when the state finally decided to purchase my house and I would be forced to uproot my daughter, change schools and find somewhere else to live. There were several “false alarms” over the years (including 2007) when I was

put on notice that the State of Arizona was going to buy my house and assist me with relocation. However, after several design changes to reduce the cost of the freeway (at the expense of quality of life, value of homes, health and safety of homeowners and the community)— and, evidently, a business owner with a lot of clout— the interchange at 32nd Street and

Pecos Road has been eliminated from the plans. It would have resulted in the destruction of my home. In addition, there is no longer any intent to lower/depress the freeway to aid in noise abatement. Instead, there will be a raised, overpass hovering over my backyard! This change in design not only affects See

FREEWAY on page 36

OPINION

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from page 35

myself and adjacent homeowners from a privacy, esthetic, noise, and home-value standpoint, but it also creates a critical traffic-flow issue. There are at least four schools that are accessed via 32nd Street and Pecos. They include Desert Vista High School and Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School, which both receive students from other areas besides the Lakewood subdivision, including students bused in from the reservation. With the closure of 32nd Street, parents/students needing to access these schools, as well as patrons of the storage unit for which this overpass is being made to accommodate, will be forced to utilize Chandler Boulevard and neighborhood arterial streets such as Lakewood Parkway and Liberty Lane. These streets are not designed as major thoroughfares or to accommodate this increased traffic flow. The closure of 32nd Street access to Pecos Road will also create a very dangerous situation in regards to an emergency response or evacuation route for the schools (and homes in the immediate vicinity) as the closest outlets

to Pecos Road will be at 24th Street and 40th Street. The area of the proposed freeway is a natural air shed. With the proposed truck traffic, the amount of pollution and toxins that will collect and remain in the Ahwatukee area will far surpass any “brown cloud” or hazardous levels of pollution that have ever been known in downtown Phoenix. There are way too many environmental, health and safety issues associated with this proposed freeway that have not been considered and adequately addressed, and there are no provisions in place for the abatement of these issues. ADOT is quick to throw up the argument that “voters approved the freeway” and “the freeway has been in the plans for over 30 years.” But what they fail to mention is that 30 years ago, the land where homes, schools and churches now line the path of what may soon be a freeway was zoned “commercial,” not residential, and it was vacant, farm land. Thirty years ago, the location of the South Mountain freeway may have made sense, and that is what voters approved. The freeway makes NO sense at all now and will benefit only those commercial freight companies that serve to profit from it.

I am a disabled Army veteran and former federal government employee, who was forced to retire due to medical issues, two years ago. Should the freeway go through as planned, as I fear it will (barring success in the pending appeal in the 9th District Court), I will be unable to sell my house, but I will also be unable to live in it due to the noise, pollution, the traffic driving up over my home and the fact that the greater majority of the vehicles using the freeway will be trucks—a fact supported by ADOT’s own reports and the Office of Highway Policy Information. The design and alignment of the freeway proposed over 30 years ago is not conducive with the existing development that was rezoned and permitted to grow along the proposed route. If zoning can be changed, then the alignment of the freeway can be changed. There is nothing to be gained—other than pollution, destruction, and crime— and much to be lost, including homes, water, lives, health, safety, history/heritage and sacred areas. There are so many flaws in so many areas of this project,the cost alone begs the question: how on earth did this ever get past the state budget folks? Based

on what logic or rationale is it even remotely fiscally sound to build the most expensive piece of freeway in the entire State of Arizona at a cost of $1.9 billion taxpayers’ dollars to shave “one minute” from the daily commute travel time? I hope that unbiased eyes will be examining this project closely and reviewing ADOTs very own reports, which show the lack of justification and need for the freeway, as well as the destruction and losses that it will create. Of course, missing from those reports are the environmental effects and traffic flow issues that will result in the Ahwatukee community, because ADOT did not even bother to consider them.

Share Your Thoughts: Send your letters on local issues to: pmaryniak @ahwatukee.com

18th Annual Day of Champions Award Breakfast Friday, February 17th • 8am-10am Four Points by Sheraton Ahwatukee 10831 S. 51st St., Phoenix, AZ 85044

Keynote Speaker will be Jeff DeWit, Treasurer of the State of Arizona Each year the chamber awards businesses and individuals for their outstanding leadership, service, excellence in business and contribution to the community. Premier Sponsor:

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For more information please contact info@ahwatukeechamber.com or visit www.ahwatukeechamber.com

OPINION

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Phoenix residents can play a role in eliminating the scourge of graffiti BY GREG STANTON AFN Guest Writer

he City of Phoenix is committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe, clean, and beautiful for the wellbeing and enjoyment of all our residents and visitors. To support this vision for our community, we are working together to make sure all Phoenix neighborhoods are graffiti free. Graffiti is vandalism—a crime that decreases property values, increases blight, and can contribute to the decline of our neighborhoods. That’s why tackling this issue head-on is a priority and a joint effort between neighbors and the City. Phoenix Police, our Neighborhood

Services Department, and valuable community partners work together year-round to promote a “GraffitiFree Phoenix”—and there’s a standing invitation to residents looking to do their part. Our Graffiti Busters team removes graffiti from properties with permission from the owners, but anyone can call to report an incident. Each time graffiti is removed from a property, city staff offers freecolor-matched paint to the owner to encourage them to reduce future cases of vandalism on their own. This speeds up the removal process and keeps our neighborhoods looking clean. For the third year, I proclaimed February “Graffiti Free Phoenix Awareness Month,” to ask all residents to help keep our neighborhoods free of blight by reporting—or cleaning—

graffiti. In the few weeks, you’ll see simple reminders—on downtown billboards and city vehicles—of ways to help us wipe out graffiti. Throughout the month, Neighborhood Services will provide free paint and supplies to any group organizing a community clean up to help us wipe out graffiti in Phoenix. And throughout the year, we offer workshops to teach residents and business owners how to use paint sprayers or pressure washers to remove graffiti – and these workshop videos are also available online. Since 2015, the city has removed more than 90,000 instances of graffiti. That’s more than 16,000 gallons of paint. And though we still have work to do, our efforts to draw attention to this community issue are already working:

The number graffiti complaints and required removals between the first and second year of our effort have been cut in half. Keeping our city graffiti free starts with reporting. And it’s easy. You can report graffiti in your community in three ways: call 602-534-4444; email blight@phoenix.gov and include the address if you know it; or click “Report It” on phoenix.gov and complete the online blight reporting form. To help spread the word and let the community know about your neighborhood clean-up efforts, use the hashtags #GraffitiFreePHX and #iLovePHX on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Together, we can make Phoenix graffiti free. -Greg Stanton is the mayor of Phoenix and

represented Ahwatukee when he was on City Council.

LETTERS

Obamacare’s termination leaves uncertainty for many

Trump, in his first act as president of our country, signed an executive order that begins the process of taking away from those who already live with less. He ordered that all departments of the federal government do everything lawfully possible to reduce any “fiscal burden” on government resulting from the application of the Affordable Care Act. That means only one thing: money. We know that health care costs money, lots of money. The Medicare program alone requires 16 percent of the entire federal budget. Because it costs so much a huge segment of our citizens cannot afford health insurance in a free market system. Costs are totally out of control, nearly doubling in the last decade and significantly outpacing middle-class wage increases. One would hope that a new president would focus instead on the “fiscal burden” of health care on the individual, not the government. This is just the beginning of a process that will further divide our country between those who have and those who don’t. The basic principles of our democracy and its purpose are being challenged. Those who are currently insured under the ACA for the year 2017 will be entitled to compliance with their insurance contract for the year 2017. That means that health insurance companies will

have to provide the services that they promised when the contract was signed, which includes preventive and other services required by the ACA. The only thing that Congress and Trump can do to reduce the “fiscal burden” is to eliminate or reduce the government subsidies that helped middle and low income families obtain health insurance. When millions of American citizens, including 180,000 Arizonans, signed up for ACA health care policies, they were under the impression that they would have health care insurance based upon the terms of the ACA at least until the insurance contracts they signed expired. Now what? It would be a much different situation if the Trump people had some plan for the millions of citizens who have relied on the system that was in place when Trump took office. There is no Republican plan to transition these Americans to other coverage. There is no Republican plan of any sort, other than let the free market rein as before. Under that non-plan millions of Americans will again be without health care and when those people end up in the hospital all of the rest with insurance will again be paying their bill. One would hope that a government of the people would at least make an attempt to fix the health care problem which affects so many Americans. Instead, the Trump administration will only be thinking of the bottom line.

When that’s your only focus the interests of the American people won’t be a significant consideration. What will be their next projects? Social Security? Medicare? Surely a lot of money can be saved by cutting those programs. Americans better get used to the word “defund” as it will now be a permanent part of the Trump team’s vocabulary. This word won’t apply to the wealthy though, they’ve already got all the funds they need. -Curtis A. Shelton

Parents can use resolutions to expand their kids’ learning

Not long ago, millions of Americans set goals for themselves on things they would like to do or improve this year. For parents and caregivers of toddlers and preschoolers, it is still possible for this New Year’s tradition to offer a wonderful opportunity to expand children’s learning. Adults can share resolutions they have made in the past and talk about how setting goals helps us grow and learn. They can also talk with their children about setting realistic and achievable goals for themselves. First Things First offers some ways to approach the conversation of setting goals for the new year. Remember that it must be a back-and-forth dialogue between a caregiver and a child. Also, the child must arrive at their resolution on their own. For toddlers and preschoolers,

some simple resolutions might include: • Reading together for 30 minutes every day. • Brushing teeth every day, or learning to do it on their own. • Trying one new fruit or vegetable each month. • Less TV or computer use to make time for family games or physical activity. • Learning to tie their shoes or get dressed on their own. • Getting to bed by a certain time every day. In these discussions, help your child decide how they will monitor their progress and what good rewards for progress might be. For example, a new book, stickers on a calendar, a visit to a museum or local event might be rewards. As the year progresses, use successes or challenges as opportunities to talk about setting higher goals or adjusting old goals to be more realistic. Focus always on the positive, such as progress made or obstacles that have been overcome. At each step along the way, parents will see their children achieving their goals, but the process itself will strengthen parent-child relationships, build vocabulary and contribute to skills— such as motivation, self-esteem and focus—that will serve our children now, once they enter school and throughout their lives. -Marie Raymond, chair of the First Things First East Maricopa Regional Council.

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Tukee Sisters’ expo geared toward families, charity and community BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

he Tukee Sisters in Business is growing and taking its show on the road again. The network of women-owned business in Ahwatukee has slated its second free expo 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Four Points Sheraton South Mountain, 10831 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee. The location is a sign of how rapidly the now-200-member organization has grown since its last expo in November. Instead of a storefront with 40 vendors, Tukee Sisters will feature 80 businesses. “The Tukee Sisters has almost tripled in new members since we first started in June,” said founder Heidi Winquist. “I think the reason is because everyone supports one another, and we have a marvelous group of women. Some members think of the group as a big sorority for grown adult women business owners.” “Our last expo went great; it was steady and busy all day,” she added. “We had about 700 in attendance, so I would say that’s a great turnout for our first expo. Our first expo also fell on fall break, and a lot of people were out of town that day. We are expecting a lot more in attendance at this event.” She said the group chose the Sheraton

“because it’s more central.” “We also wanted to offer more local businesses to participate in this event, so we needed a bigger space to be able to accommodate for that. "The Four Points is also providing us with the necessary resources, so we can do the fashion show, and other activities we are having at the event.” The vendors range from crafters to direct sales to home-based enterprises and others. They will include clothing, accessories, beauty and skin care, home-aid coffees and teas, real estate, fitness, home decor, pet care and a spa, dry cleaners, travel agencies and the Maine Lobster Lady food truck. The expo not only will feature family entertainment, but a chance to do some good for the less fortunate. That’s in line with Winquist’s goal “to help bring the community together, as well as help bring awareness to local businesses here in Tukee.” “By bringing awareness to local businesses here in Ahwatukee, the businesses can make new contacts to grow,” she said. “It breaks my heart when I see businesses in Ahwatukee struggling to stay open, and eventually having to close their doors. I would hate to see this happen to anymore Ahwatukee businesses.”

A fashion show will be held “to promote kindness,” Winquist said. "Happily Ever after Entertainment will be bringing Disney princesses and super heroes to the event,” she added. “The characters will be greeting guests, taking photos and will also be doing face painting as well. Local kids and teens will be modeling during our fashion show. Center Pointe Dance will be coming out to perform at this event as well.” Winquist said Taco Santo also will be on hand. A special raffle will be held for people who bring donations for Scholl’s Helping Hands for the Homeless and O’Hana Animal Rescue will bring three dogs ready for adoption. The dogs “will also be participating in the fashion show in hopes of getting them adopted and placed into loving (Special to AFN) homes,” Winquist said, adding: “We are also hoping to get Model Amy Aranyosi and other models will be showing off three the community involved as dogs well so we can rally together, and be ‘Tukee Strong’ with all Information: tukeesistersinbusiness@ the recent crimes that have happened in gmail.com, 602-516-8077, or facebook. Ahwatukee lately.” com/TukeeSistersInBusinessFanPage.

Ahwatukee home designer earns fourth consecutive service award

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

laudia Dabdoub didn’t want to get into people’s lives, just surround them with beauty. And that’s why the Ahwatukee interior designer opted to study design while she was a student at the University of Arizona. “I didn’t want to be a doctor or lawyer or something like that because I didn’t want to deal with people’s lives,” she explained “Instead, I wanted to make their lives better by making something beautiful.” Her advice and planning on remodels

and new homes have earned her a Dabdoub has won the award. reputation beyond Arizona’s borders. Houzz vice president Liza Hausman And the way she treats noted that Dabdoub’s clients has earned her award reflected the worldwide recognition. “recognition by Last week, the website our community of houzz.com, which claims homeowners and design 40-million users a month enthusiasts for helping for its home decorating to turn their home ideas, awarded Dabdoub’s improvement dreams into business, D’Amore Interior reality.” Design Studio, its Best Of Dabdoub said the Houzz for customer service, recognition is helpful for (Special to AFN) one of only three awards it Interior designer Claudia her home-based business. hands out annually. “A lot of people who Dabdoub of Ahwatukee has It was the fourth won praise for her customer are remodeling go to this consecutive time that service. site,” she explained.

An Ahwatukee resident for the last 13 of her 28 years in design and decorating, Dabdoub has worked with residential and commercial clients across the state as well as in Mexico and California, providing floor-to-ceiling consultations on both new and existing homes and buildings. Much of her work has involved turning outdated kitchens and bathrooms into contemporary works of near art. She initially had set out on a different course when she started her post-secondary education: she started studying architecture. See

DESIGNER on page 39

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DESIGNER

from page 38

But after two years she realized that she just didn’t want to make shells of buildings. “I didn’t want to build buildings, and I decided I wanted to get into cabinetry, lighting. I realized it would be easier to market myself that way,” she said. “I have been living my dream in helping people enhance their living spaces.” Dabdoub’s customer-friendly focus starts at the moment she’s hired. “I tell them I get paid up front because if I charged by the hour, it would be much more expensive,” she said. “I tell them, ‘I won’t leave until the job is done. My interest is to help you.’” Sometimes she seems to be asked the impossible, but still finds a way to make the client happy. Not long ago a client who had been delighted with her redesign of a kitchen had an unusual request: She wanted her bathroom redesigned around a hanging light she liked. Because she maintains relationships with key manufacturers and suppliers, Dabdoub takes the worry of ordering accessories like cabinetry or flooring off clients’ shoulders.

It also enables her to travel outside Ahwatukee for jobs because “I can have the products delivered anywhere.” Dabdoub will even recommended floor coverings and furniture to accompany her room designs, though she prefers the client handle that part of the ordering. Dabdoub only within the last year has started to remodel her own home. Now that her son and daughter are out of high school, she feels she can start work When her children were younger, her house was kind of the home away from home for their friends, she said, and the (Special to AFN) last thing a pricey remodel Ahwatukee interior designer Claudia Daboub loves transforming drab kitchens into works of art. needs are children’s and they had always dreamed of. teens’ careless arms and married a long time and know what “Most of my customers are couples,” each other is thinking,” she said. “So, legs marring the work. That’s not a worry for most of her she said, stressing she rarely encounters they know what they want and agree on clients, who tend to be empty-nesters disagreements between them over what it.” who downsize and want the kitchen, the new look should be. Information:480-751-9938, “They are people who have been damoreidsinc.com. bathroom or other rooms to look the

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Arizona Grand gym owners turn to God to help clients get fit

and create a community in wellness?’“ A college football player at Central Connecticut State, Jack said after graduating with psychology and communication degrees he was unsure where to proceed in life. One evening, while still living and working in Connecticut, Jack said he heard a voice directing him to go to New York City the next day. This “God-Directive” was repeated three times, disturbing his sleep. So, he went. He had open invitation to visit friends at NFL Properties in the city, and headed there. As he caught an elevator (Dianne Ross/AFN Contributor) as it was closing, he met Ahwatukee resident Michael Lyon, right, scores a ringer with the Activlab UP (game, 'Donut Hole' as David Jack gives a a woman who said she thumbs up. Jack said the activity works strength, power, accuracy and strategy. was just starting a health goals are,” Jack said. “Working with four pillars of health and fitness: mental, and fitness company and would he be interested in talking. He people who want to achieve a goal and physical, social/emotional and spiritual,” never met with the NFL employees, but doing my best to treat them the way said Jack. God treats me. My goal is to show Jarrett, 24, and originally from Buffalo, returned to the lobby to wait for her. There followed years with Ultimate people what my faith is, not make them New York, offered a story he said helped him identify what the Activlab mission Energy until its demise in 2004, but by believe what I believe.” With 30 current clients and three is all about. then Jack’s vision for health and fitness “Let’s say there’s physical fitness class as well as his own life had changed trainers, Activlab is expanding its base after being mentored by two Christian with a new program that includes and a woman of Hindu faith came “guaranteed results” in three of five in who’d been really frustrated with consultants. His new-found faith affected all areas quantitative fitness categories within 90 her fitness level. Months later, after of his life, including his physical training days. The only stipulation is the client participating in our classes, she goes to works with the trainers three times a a birthday party and her friends take career. notice and say, ‘Wow, you’ve lost weight He would found a company that week. “It really boils down to us. As and you look really healthy!’ and she emphasized clients and their needs and coaches, we believe our job is to transfer the deeper potential of fitness. “It’s all about listening to what their knowledge. And look for success in the See GYM on page 41

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Guest Writer

hen Nancy Grothaus and her husband Randy decided to shed some pounds and become more physically fit, the Ahwatukee couple opted to join a new fitness experience offered at Activlab in the Arizona Grand Resort. Founded by nationally-known fitness pro David Jack, the gym opened nearly three years ago. Yet Jack and general manager/personal trainer Brad Jarrett maintained a low profile. Until this year. In fact, Jack never aspired to open a gym. His goal was to gather a community of people who knew fitness was more than prepping the body to look better on the beach or poolside. “It’s all been word of mouth, and pretty tight at that,” said Jack. “We wanted a slow start and take some time to explore our mission of creating community through fitness, and using it to activate best with each other,” explained Jack. For Grothaus, the effects were noticeable, as were the differences between Activlab and other gyms they’d tried. “My time training with Brad has been the best experience I’ve ever had with fitness,” she said. “We’ve become part of a community we love, and I’ve lost 13 pounds and three inches around my waist. From the members to the coaches, everyone here cares for me and is involved with my journey.” That testimonial is music to Jack and Jarrett. “From the beginning of my career I knew there was more good in this thing we call fitness and wellness” said Jack, 44. “Early on I questioned ‘how do we get fitness and wellness to truly help people,

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GYM

from page 40

says, ‘I’ve been to Activlab and they come back with ‘aren’t they Christians?’ And she says, ‘I think so but they never treated me like I wasn’t.’ That’s what we’re about.” “I just want to be who God wants me to be; that’s the best way for me to proclaim my faith,” added Jack. “We lay our faith under and in our work as trainers. And that’s what we want most for others; to be who only they can be, and do what only they can do in the world.” “We want to see fitness used to serve other people,” added Jarrett. Chandler resident Michelle Gdowski, an Activlab member since last September, said the gym's hours brought her there, but that she stayed for many other reasons. “I usually work until 5 p.m. or sometimes later, and then some gyms closed early on weekends. It was difficult to find what I was looking for with more options. After talking with Brad on the phone, and then trying it out, I haven’t regretted my decision to join. “The members who’ve been there longer than me welcomed me with open arms,” she added. “I don’t feel like a member, but part of a family. They are inspiring, motivating, supportive, care, encouraging me and much more. An awesome and sincere group of people.” “I feel honored to be part of this class, new friends and family. I am 41, but the age group seems to be around 2550, maybe older. There are definitely members older than me that kick my butt,” Gdowski said. Jack, a consultant for brands like Reebok and publications like "Men’s Health" and "Women’s Health" magazines, said he and Jarrett pray before and after each class. Class members can join in. Prayer is held in another room; but they’re never coerced to do so. “We believe in magnifying the good in people; we just happen to do it through fitness,” said Jack who also founded Activprayer which has been featured in "Business Insider Magazine," "Entreprenuer" and others. Information: Brad@activprayer.org.

ahwatukee.com

Ahwatukee Foothills News online

Flu vaccines can help save lives in more ways than one BY JEFF BETTNER AFN Guest Writer

any of us have committed to staying healthy and physically fit, so one thing we don’t want to is the flu virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza viruses have begun to surge in recent weeks with a handful of states experiencing regional activity. The CDC’s Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report shows Arizona has localized activity to date; however, influenza outbreaks are expected to increase in the coming weeks. Additionally, the Walgreens Flu Index, which is compiled using retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across Walgreens locations nationwide, shows that flu activity in Nevada is elevated. The flu shot is the best protection you can get against influenza virus. To help avoid the transmission to yourself and others, the CDC recommends that everyone over the age of six months gets the shot, especially children under 4, adults over 50 and pregnant women. According to pharmacists, it takes about two weeks after vaccination for protection to set in, so now is the time to get the shot. It is important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist and choose the right vaccination for you and your loved ones. The following types of flu shots are recommendations for this season: Trivalent (3-strain): Protects

from the three most common flu strains. Recommended for anyone 6 months and older. Quadrivalent (4-strain): Protects against three of the most common flu strains plus one additional strain. Recommended for anyone 6 months and older. High-Dose: This is designed to deliver a stronger immune response. Recommended for anyone 65 years (Special to AFN) If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, there’s no better time to do it. and older. Preser vativepreventable diseases in underserved free: Does not contain any traces of thimerosal/ communities around the world. If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, mercury. Recommended for pregnant there’s no better time to do it. With walkwomen and those allergic to mercury. in appointments available at pharmacies At Walgreens, getting a flu shot could throughout metro Phoenix, getting mean saving someone’s life—and not one is easily accessible and convenient. just your own. The Walgreens Get a Shot, Better yet, flu shots are covered under Give a Shot campaign has provided more most insurance plans. than 15 million life-saving vaccines over I am proud to work for a pharmacy the past three years. that cares for people in my community For every flu shot administered at and abroad. I have the ability to do my Walgreens pharmacy, Walgreens donates part every day to improve immunization a polio or measles vaccine to a child in rates here in Arizona and the world. need in a developing country. By working with the UN Foundation’s Shot@Life campaign, Walgreens is increasing the -Jeff Bettner is a Walgreens pharmacist in number of people vaccinated against Ahwatukee.

Equestrian Center holding a party on Saturday AFN NEWS STAFF

he tenants at what may be Ahwatukee’s oldest strip mall are having a party. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, businesses at the Equestrian Center, 12020 S. Warner Elliot Loop, have something for everyone, including music. “We’re almost full here and we just want people to know we’re here and have a lot of great tenants,” said Ryan Probst, owner of Odelay Bagel Co. Probst recalled that when he opened his bakery in 2015, “there was maybe 40 percent occupancy.” Now, outside

of a couple vacant storefronts, Equestrian Center is full and open for business, he said. “We’re really trying to make something happen,” he added. “I feel like most people don’t know what’s happening in our mall, and all the owners and staff are very excited to prove to our town that we care. The weather’s great and I am bringing a band.” The band, JazzaTukee, will play at Odelay “We love our city and want to provide them with the best possible goods and services. Especially bagels,” Probst said. Farmers Insurance/Martie Swann

Agency and Safelite AutoGlass are teaming on free windshield repair. Domino’s Pizza will be offering large single-topping pies for $5 while Express Shoe Repair will be shining shoes for $5. The Phoenix Dance Cooperative is raffling a month’s worth of free dance lessons while other raffle prizes and giveaways will include gift cards, hair products, duffle bags, water bottles and gaming gift bags. Other participating tenants include Vincent’s Hair Studio, Edward Jones, Phoenix Dance Cooperative, Arkadia Gaming and Phoenix Family Medical Clinic.

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

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BY JOSEPH ORTIZ AFN Guest Writer

re you a “doit-yourselfer”? If you can take care of home repairs, lawn work and other types of maintenance by yourself, you’ll save money and probably gain satisfaction. But you will almost certainly need some help in other areas of your life – one of which may be investing. In fact, you could benefit from the services of a professional financial advisor at several points in your life: Starting over. When you land your first “career-type” job, you will have some financial decisions to make: Should I participate in my employer’s 401(k) or other retirement plan? (Hint: Yes!) If so, how much should I contribute? How can I juggle saving for retirement with paying off student loans? These are the types of questions you can answer with the help of a financial advisor. Saving for important goals. Whether you’re saving for a down payment on your first home, or for your children’s college education, or for your own comfortable retirement, you’ll face many choices. A financial advisor—someone with experience in helping people work toward these goals—can assist you in making the choices most appropriate for your individual situation. Experiencing a “milestone.” Like everyone, you’ll go through many major life events. Some will be joyful, such as marriage and the arrival of children, while others may be unpleasant or sad, such as divorce or the death of a loved one. But virtually all these events carry with them some type of financial component—establishing new investment accounts, purchasing

sufficient insurance, naming and changing of beneficiaries, and so on. A financial advisor who truly understands you and your needs can help you make appropriate moves for all your milestones. Nearing retirement. As you near retirement, you’ll have several issues to consider: About how much income will you need each year? When should you start taking Social Security? How much can you afford to withdraw annually from your IRA and 401(k)? A financial advisor has the tools, training and experience to explore alternatives and suggest suitable moves for you. In retirement. Even after you retire, you’ve got plenty to think about, in terms of financial moves. For one thing, you need to ensure that your investment portfolio provides you with both sufficient income for your desired lifestyle and adequate growth potential to help you stay ahead of inflation. What’s the correct balance of investments for your needs? Are there investments that can provide you with rising income without exposing you to undue risk? Once you’re retired, you just won’t get a lot of “do-overs,” so getting the right help is important. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you may not get it right each and every time. But you won’t pay much of a price (except, perhaps in embarrassment) if that chair you built collapses under a stack of newspapers. However, you also know when it’s time to call in a professional—and that’s who you need when it comes to building your financial future. -Ahwatukee Foothills Edward Jones Financial Advisor Joseph B. Ortiz, AAMS, CRPS, can be reached at 480-753-7664 or joseph.ortiz@ edwardjones.com.

BUSINESS

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Main Street Ahwatukee

Brought to you by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

NEW/RETURNING MEMBERS

SHOP LOCAL

Elements Massage

elementsmassage.com/ chandler-west, 480-763-8300. 7131 W. Ray Road, Chandler.

Elements Massage invites you to experience the highest rated massage in the industry. We are so committed to being number one in customer satisfaction that we promise to meet or exceed your expectations, or the next massage is on us. We are so committed to improving your health and wellness that we placed this guarantee on every massage session we provide. We strive to deliver what you expect and what you deserve, and we strive to deliver it each and every time

D’Amore IDS

damoreidsinc.com, 480-751-9938. Ahwatukee.

Creating distinguished interior spaces for new construction and remodels for the last 28 years in Arizona. D’Amore will provide you with all the product specifications, drawings, time/schedule, purchase products, and overlook the project design till completion.

Janet Euzarraga, DDS PC drefamilydental.com, 480-494-2435. 4206 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee.

No insurance? No problem! Did you know we offer our patients an affordable Dental Savings Plan with no yearly maximums, no deductibles, and no claim forms? Call Dr. E today to find out more. .

Sports Clips

haircutmenahwatukee.com, 480-961-2131. 4645 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee.

Sport Clips Haircuts of Ahwatukee is like no other place you’ve ever gotten your hair cut. Sports everywhere. TVs everywhere playing sports. And guy-smart stylists who know how to give you the cut you want, and the cut you need. You don’t ever need an appointment. Just stop by if you are near Ahwatukee. And you’ll walk out feeling like an MVP. Guaranteed.

City Wide Plumbing citywideplumbingaz.com, 480-966-8795. 401 W. Orion St., Tempe.

As an experienced plumbing company, we offer a complete variety of plumbing services for our customers. We are a one stop plumber for all of our customers’ plumbing repair and installation needs and our plumbers have the knowledge and experience needed to handle any project.

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Yellow Cab

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Andersen Accounting and Tax

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AZ Pool Expert

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Biltmore Loan & Jewelry

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Engineering for Kids

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First American Title

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Haddock Financial Group

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MidFirst Bank

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Mountainside Martial Arts

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New Paths to Healthcare, LLC

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Pineapple Health

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Water Treatment Technologies

(Special to AFN)

ABOVE: Holly Mitchell gets ready to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Weeks & Mitchell Construction Company's new showroom on Ray Road at 48th Street, Ahwatukee. To her right is husband Kevin Mitchell and to her left are Dean Weeks and chamber president Lindy Cash Lutz.

Day of Champions acknowledges those who have given so much BY LINDY LUTZ CASH AFN GUEST WRITER

hile most thoughts are turning to the future, there is one very important reason that the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce also takes a look back to the previous year. Each year, we take a step back from all that is new to thank and congratulate the many businesses and individuals who have made the past year so successful. These individuals and businesses of all sizes have contributed a great deal to our great Ahwatukee community in so many ways, from the products and services they offer, to the jobs they create in our community, to the charity work they do for others. And, of course, their significant impact to the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce by all that they do. On Friday, Feb. 17, we will proudly take time out to acknowledge these contributions. The Ahwatukee Chamber will host our 18th Annual Chamber Day of Champions 8-10 a.m. at the Four Points by Sheraton, Ahwatukee, at 51st Street and Elliott Road. It is a celebratory event to share various important messages by community leaders, such as Phoenix Councilman Sal DiCiccio, myself and our keynote speaker. This year, we welcome Jeff DeWit, treasurer of the State of Arizona, as our keynote speaker and look forward to his powerful message.

In addition, we will recognize key contributors to the Chamber of Commerce, from programming committees to special event committees to our Ambassadors. We also honor our dedicated board of directors, who volunteer in this leadership capacity to serve the chamber and our community. For the 18th year, awards will also be given, following an extensive nomination and selection process by chamber members. This year, the following awards will be given: Volunteer of the Year, Educational Mentor of the Year, NonProfit of the Year, Small Business of the Year and Business of the Year. Nominations are made with specified criteria to be accepted. Then the nominees provide detailed information to assist with the nomination process. An awards selection committee convenes to review the nominee profiles and make the final selection of the award recipients for the 2016 year. As an organization primarily driven by volunteer members and their companies, it is a gratifying process to see the nominations come in for so many deserving companies and individuals. Last year, the award winners named in early 2016 for their contributions in 2015 were: Christie Ellis, Volunteer of the Year; Kristine RademacherGorovitz from Desert Vista High School, Educational Mentor of the Year; the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee, Non-Profit of the Year; Ahwatukee Board of Management, Small Business of the Year; and Harrah’s Ak-Chin, Business of the Year. As we look toward our award winners

for their 2016 accomplishments, we checked in with two of last year’s recipients to reflect on what their award has meant to them. Christie Ellis, Volunteer of the Year, said, “Ahwatukee has been home for me since 2000 and I am so grateful I was able to find a way to show this community how much I appreciate them. By volunteering in Ahwatukee, I am able to give back a little of what this community has given me.” Another award winner, the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee, shared its thoughts through Andi Pettyjohn. “We were so proud to be recognized as Non-Profit of the Year by the chamber,” Pettyjohn said. “We would not be successful in our charitable projects without having the support of the Ahwatukee community behind everything we do. We Kiwanians love our community!” As we look forward to our Chamber Day of Champions celebration, we invite the community to join us and feel the “spark” that the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce is all about. We promise that you will be moved by the roomful of business people and residents of our community. These are committed Ahwatukians who love our life in this amazing culde-sac, loving life as part of the greater Phoenix community and also loving life in our oasis on the other side of the mountain. Tickets can be purchased at ahwatukee-chamber.com. -Lindy Lutz Cash is president/CEO of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce.

EVENTS For more info on these and other upcoming events, visit ahwatukeechamber.com.

Wake-Up Ahwatukee Morning Mixer Elements Massage 7131 W. Ray Road, Chandler. 8-9 a.m. Feb. 14. $5 members, $15 general admission.

Power Partners Leads Group Native New Yorker 5030 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Noon-1 p.m. Mondays. Free.

Power Partners Networking Group Chamber of Commerce, 10831 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee. 8-9 a.m. Tuesdays. Free

Power Partners Networking

Radisson Hotel 7475 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Free

Toastmasters

First American Title Conference Room 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. 8-9 a.m. Fridays. Visit for free.

FAITH

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Faith

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

SPIRITUAL SIDE

‘The only benchmark for real life is the great commandment’ BY REV. SUSAN E. WILMOT AFN Guest Writer

enchmarks and best practices are terms frequently used in business. Benchmarks are used to determine the performance gap between an industry leader and other companies. Best practices are exactly what they sound like. In any given industry or service, there are leading companies that have developed the most efficient, most effective and probably the most profitable ways of doing their particular business well. Best practices are often copied, but don’t always translate to similar great results in a different context. Scripturally, the great commandment is the benchmark of faith. We’re always called to love God first and foremost, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. All Scriptures are useful, but the Book of Proverbs offers a treasure trove of best practices for living our faith. Proverbs are brief figures of speech, often

with a poetic structure and parallelisms that emphasize the point being made. Proverbs assert a general truth that can have diverse application in our lives. But context matters, so they’re not inflexible rules without exceptions. The following small selection from Proverbs gives us a taste of best practices. These are ways we can live in the integrity of our faith. “The fear of others lays a snare, but one who trusts in the Lord is secure” (Proverbs 29:25). “Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of anger will fail. Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor… Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate; for the Lord pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them” (Proverbs 22:8-9, 22-23). Just in these verses, we have wisdom’s gift for three vital areas of our lives: relationships, justice, and generosity. Each facet is interwoven, just as we’re all connected by faith as members of Christ’s body, or interdependent in our common humanity. Since relationship,

generosity and justice are characteristics of God, they also characteristics of living as God’s children. God’s desire for relationship with us is changeless. In turn, our own relationships broaden our vision and enrich our lives. God’s generosity and provision for all our needs is unending. It’s a well-known fact that living generously helps us to grow spiritually and emotionally. God’s justice will not fail. And yet, we are the hands and feet that will continue to make God’s justice a reality in the world. Even when we see relationships being trashed, or generosity twisted in self-serving or manipulative ways or all the times that justice is denied, in faith we still continue to be living witnesses to God’s goodness and mercy, love and justice in the example of our lives. When it comes to justice, God always stands with the poor, marginalized and oppressed, or those in need, and we’re accountable for the responsible use of our resources. We can’t disconnect our generosity from our relationships or from God’s justice.

We exercise our generosity in relationship and as good stewards with the imperative of ending poverty, and challenging injustice. In reality, that’s doing whatever we can to support justice and equality for all. We don’t give up just because those in power are determined to hang on to what they’ve got. We stay the course. We resist without violence, and encourage others to join us. We use our God-given voice and our vote to make the necessary changes a reality. No one says faithful discipleship is easy. One of the issues we face is breaking down barriers to get beyond ourselves so we actually put God first and put our faith into action serving others. We know the way, because Jesus showed us. The question is what we are we willing to sacrifice in obedience to God’s call? Moving beyond our comfort zones and overcoming our inertia takes prayer, courage and effort. Recognizing what is holding us back can help to put it all into perspective. Is fear the problem? Or See

WILMOT on page 45

FAITH CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1 HASSIDIC POP ART

Join us at the Chabad of the East Valley for an evening of art and leisure with Pop art Rabbi Yitzchok Moully. Create your own silkscreen paining. Each participant will go home with a unique piece of art. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. Cost: $25 a person. Advance paid reservation $20 a person. RSVP and information: 480-855-4333 or email info@chabadcenter.com.

THURSDAY, FEB. 2 WEBINAR TALK

A talk titled “Spiritual Discovery: How Can You Better The World?” will be offered by the First Church of Christ Scientist, Tempe. At a time when many people are thinking about how to make change in the world for the better, genuine spirituality has a valuable and unique contribution to make. DETAILS>>Noon-1 p.m. online. Preregister at christiansciencetempe.com/community-events. Information: Linda Peairs at lindadpeairs@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, FEB. 3 POSIPALOOZA! CONCERT

Posi (pah-zee) music comes in literally every style from folk to rap. It’s a new genre that is message-based and meant to empower, unite and transform your life. This concert will feature Posi artists Freebo, Harold Payne and Richard Mekdeci. DETAILS>> 7 p.m., 2700 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. Tickets are $20, at unityofmesa.org or at empowerma.com/ PosiPaloozaTicket.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4 DIANE MARKINS TO SPEAK

Inspirational speaker and writer Diane Markins of Ahwatukee is the special guest speaker at a Women’s Fellowship Breakfast at Mountain Park Community Church. It is open to the public. DETAILS>> 9-11 a.m., 2408 E. Pecos Road. Free. Information: Zack Schifferer at 480-759 - 6200 or zschifferer@ mountainpark.org

SUNDAYS

VALOR CHRISTIAN OUTLINES MISSION

Valor Christian Center in Gilbert offers “great praise and worship and great messages for today’s living,” according to Pastor Thor Strandholt, associate pastor. “Our mission is evangelize, healing and discipleship through the word of God.” DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays. 3015 E. Warner Road. Information: valorcc.com.

HORIZON SEEKS YOUNG PEOPLE

High school and middle school students meet to worship and do life together. DETAILS>> 5 p.m. at Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. 480-460-1480 or email joel@horizonchurch.com.

KIDS CAN LEARN JEWISH LIFE

Children can learn and experience Jewish life. Chabad Hebrew School focuses on Jewish heritage, culture and holidays. DETAILS>> 9:30 a.m. to noon, for children ages 5-13 at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. 480-855-4333, info@chabadcenter.com, or chabadcenter.com.

RABBINIC LIT COURSE OFFERED

Ongoing morning study of two classics of rabbinic literature by medieval philosopher Moses Maimonides (the “Rambam”). At 10 a.m., Prof. Norbert Samuelson, Grossman chair of Jewish Philosophy at ASU and TBS member, teaches “Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexed: What Jews Ought to Believe.” At 11:15 a.m., TBS member Isaac Levy teaches “Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah: How Jews Ought to Behave.” Readings in both Hebrew and English. DETAILS>>> Community Room of the administration building at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480-897-3636.

UNITY OFFERS A PATH

Unity of Mesa says its Sunday service offers “a positive path for spiritual living” through “transformational lessons, empowering music and various spiritual practices with an open-minded and welcoming community.” DETAILS>> 9 and 10:45 a.m. 2700 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. Nursery available for infants through kindergarten at service times. Youth ministry classes are open in the Education Annex at 10:45 a.m. Information: 480-8922700, unityofmesa.org, lori@unityofmesa.org.

ALL ARE WELCOME

All on a peaceful spiritual path are welcome and honored in this inclusive, loving, thriving Unity Community. Join us for Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center’s Sunday Celebration Service DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m. Toddlers and children meet during our service. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Information: info@interfaithcommunity.org.

MONDAYS

JOIN CHRIST-CENTERED YOGA

This Flow 1-2 class (intermediate) is free and open to the

See

CALENDAR on page 45

FAITH

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

WILMOT

from page 44

are we struggling so much with our own self-esteem that we compulsively belittle others to make ourselves feel better? Do we need more information? Or do we simply need to connect with others in new ways? In times of uncertainty, distress, or grief, never forget that everyone is equal in God’s sight. Every word we utter matters, because it betrays the true condition of our hearts. We are without excuse for our prejudice, and our complicity in perpetuating injustice and inequality. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection reveal God’s desire for reconciliation in our relationships. The Lord shows us how to live abundantly and generously. We have full access to the power of God’s life-giving love. The only benchmark for real life is the great commandment. All the best practices we need for living with integrity are modeled by Jesus. It’s time to move to a new level of faith in action. - The Rev. Susan E. Wilmot is Vicar at St. James the Apostle Episcopal Church & Preschool, 975 E. Warner Road, Tempe. Susan can be reached at rector@stjamestempe.org, 480-345-2686, or stjamestempe.org.

CALENDAR

from page 44

community. DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Greg Battle at 480-759-6200 or gbattle@moutainpark.org.

Why does Jesus matter? How can I begin a better life? Can I have a personal relationship with God?

Classes for those grieving over death or divorce. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. 480-963-4127.

STRUGGLING FIND SUPPORT

WEDNESDAYS

Support group for those struggling with how to deal with a loss in life. DETAILS>> 7 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room C201, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org.

TUESDAYS

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Celebrate Recovery is a Biblical program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Through teaching, worship, and sharing in small groups, you will find genuine people devoted to help discover the power of Christ through the recovery process. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., Central Christian Church, 933 N. Lindsay Road, Mesa. Information: Eric at 480-924-4946.

GRIEFSHARE

Mountain Park Community Church is offering an ongoing GriefShare programs to help people deal with the pain of losing a loved one. DETAILS>> 6:30-8 p.m., 2408 E. Pecos Road, Ahwatukee. To register: mountainpark.org and click on Launch. Information: Alex at 480-759-6200

FINDING HEALING FOR PAIN

Discovering Christ Join us for this exciting new 6 session series where we gather to share a delicious dinner, listen to a dynamic teaching, and explore answers to some of the most important questions worth asking about God and finding ultimate purpose in life.

Tuesday Evenings January 17th – February 28th 6:00-8:30 PM Parish Center, Corpus Christi Church, 3550 E. Knox in Ahwatukee

Tired of just fishing for answers?

SENIORS ENJOY ‘TERRIFIC TUESDAYS’

The program is free and includes bagels and coffee and a different speaker or theme each week. Registration not needed. DETAILS>> 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Barness Family East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. evjcc.org or 480-897-0588.

CLASS TARGETS THE GRIEVING

HOPE, an acronym for “Help Overcome Painful Experiences,”

What gives ultimate meaning and purpose to life?

offers support for men and women who seek God’s grace and healing. DETAILS>> 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. mountainpark.org.

Dinner and program offered at no cost. Pre-registration is required. Register at www.corpuschristiphx.org

CELEBRATE RECOVERY MEETS

Celebrate Recovery says it “brings your relationship with the Lord closer to your heart as it heals your hurts, habits and hang-ups.” Participants can discuss issues ranging from feeling left out to addictions. “Nothing is too small or too large.” DETAILS>> 6:20 p.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. mvlutheran.org/ celebraterecovery or email cr@alphamvlc.com.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY OFFERED

Living Word Ahwatukee women’s Bible study and fellowship that offers “a short, low-key time of praise and worship in music and message.” It’s also an opportunity to meet other Christian women in Ahwatukee. DETAILS>>10-11:30 a.m., Living Word Ahwatukee, 14647 W. 50th St., Suite 165, Ahwatukee. Free child care.

GET A ‘SPIRITUAL SHOWER’

A release calls this “a 15-minute energetic tune up each week” and says the Twin Hearts Meditation “is like taking a spiritual shower: when your aura is clean, you experience a higher level of awareness. You see through things more clearly and good luck increases.” DETAILS>> 7-9 p.m. at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. 480-792-1800 or unityoftempe.com.

‘A COURSE IN MIRACLES’

Longtime “A Course in Miracles” student and teacher Rev. Julianne Lewis leads this interactive time of discussion and sharing. This group is appropriate for ACIM beginners as well as experienced ACIM students—and everyone in between. DETAILS>> 1-2:15 p.m. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. $10 love donation. Information: revj4u@gmail.com.

THURSDAYS

BETH MOORE BIBLE STUDY

St. Peter Lutheran Church will be presenting Beth Moore’s study “Jesus the One and Only” for 11 weeks. DETAILS>> 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. 1844 East Dana Avenue, Mesa. The workbook that accompanies the study can be purchased at Lifeway Christian Store.

SLEEPING BAGS FOR THE HOMELESS

Ugly Quilts has made more than 15,500 sleeping bags for the area homeless, and continues to do so at First United Methodist Church every Thursday. Quilters stitch donated fabric, comforters, sheets and blankets into sleeping bags. Those are then distributed to the Salvation Army, churches and veterans’ organizations. DETAILS>> 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 15 E. 1st Ave., Mesa. Information: 480-969-5577.

KIDS CAN FIND SUPPORT

Support group for children ages 6 to 12 coping with a separation or divorce in the family. One-time $10 fee includes snacks and workbook. DETAILS>> 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room C202, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org. Submit your releases to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

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Akimel seventh grader has her eyes on the silver screen BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

s Izzy Watts turns 13 today, the Akimel A-Al Middle School seventh grader is way too young to be thinking of having a star on Hollywood Boulevard But she’s working hard to get there. Izzy has the lead role in a short film, a dark comedy titled “Belly Flop,” that opens the first Copa Short Films Fest at UltraStar Multi-Tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle in Maricopa during Presidents Weekend. “Belly Flop,” one of 56 films of all genres slated to be shown, is about an 8-yearold girl who sees a scandal magazine with a headline that says eating fried chicken can lead to pregnancy. Because she likes chicken, the girl believes she’s with child. The Copa Shorts Film Fest will be the third festival where “Belly Flop” has been featured It also made the LA Shorts Film Fest and the London International Filmmaker Fest, where Izzy was up for a best actress nomination in and the film was nominated for best screenplay.

(Special to AFN)

Izzy Watts wants to make her mark on the silver screen

Izzy also worked with Chuck Lorre and Ana Farris on the movie “Mom,” and Mindy Kaling and Chris Messina on the TV show “The Mindy Project.” She also had a role in an indie horror film,

“Bleed,” which played at the Tribeca Film Festival last year. But Izzy hasn’t seen either “Mom” or “Bleed” because they’re rated R, her mother, Melanie Watts, said.

Not surprisingly, mom and dad are among Izzy’s biggest fans—and supporters. At least two weeks a month, they drive to LA so Izzy can audition for parts in movies, TV shows and commercials. “Izzy did sign with two different agencies locally, but it is a rather small market for Izzy here in Phoenix,” Melanie Watts explained. “Her look isn’t necessarily reflective of this local market. So, LA had more opportunities for her both commercially and theatrically.” Those biweekly trips have involved more than just mom and dad, too. ”We also have a great group of friends who help us out with carpools for my son’s school/club teams,” Melanie Watts said. “And Izzy’s teachers have been great, too, about working with her as needed.” Izzy cites her mom for inspiring her to seek her fame in Hollywood. “When I was younger, I watched so many TV shows that my parents told me I had to go outside more,” she said. “I liked memorizing lines I thought were funny and See

IZZY on page 47

Move over Whoopi: East Valley company stages ‘Sister Act’ musical By Get Out Staff

tarring Whoopi Goldberg as a lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier in an unconventional witness protection program, Maggie Smith as the stern but caring Mother Superior, a cast of colorful nuns and a soundtrack of dynamite oldies, 1992’s “Sister Act” could be considered a classic—or, at least, highly entertaining.

IF YOU GO

Where: Mesa Arts Center, 1 East Main St., Mesa. When: Today-Sunday, Feb. 1-5. Cost: $17. More info: 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com.

Fourteen years later, “Sister Act” reappeared as a musical, dropping the familiar movie songs in favor of original disco-infused numbers from lyricist Glenn Slater (“The Little Mermaid” musical) and composer Alan Menken (“The Little Mermaid,” “Newsies”). Reviews were generally positive, and from 2011 to 2012, it even ran on Broadway. Now, the musical version comes to the Mesa Arts Center for its first-ever Valley performance by a local company, thanks to Gilbert’s Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy, Limelight Performing Arts and a cast of 30 teenagers. “Our actors rehearsed throughout their winter vacations and all this month singing and dancing to bring this uplifting story

(Special to AFN)

”Sister Act” stars, from left, Gillian Elliot, Ryann Neubauer, Phoebe Koyabe and Lina Cappellano.

to the stage,” said Emma England, owner and Artistic Director of Studio 3. She cochoreographed and co-directed the show with Marie South of Limelight Youth Theatre. For the actors, the show creates personal connections, despite the fact that they’re nearly 10 years younger than the original movie.

Phoebe Koyabe of Chandler says of her role as Deloris Van Cartier, “I like playing a character with a lot of stamina, who has a deeper character than meets the eye.” Likewise, Gillian Elliot of Gilbert enjoys the part of Mother Superior because she gets to be “stern and British the entire time.” This also happens to be one of her favorite shows.

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

IZZY

from page 46

then I would recite them.” “Then I used to like to just dance around the house and my mom said I ought to try out for the movies,” she added. “I watch a lot of movies.” That doesn’t mean her school work suffers. A member of Akimel’s junior varsity soccer team, she recently was invited into the National Junior Honor Society. Izzy would prefer to perform in comedies—Adam Sandberg, Melissa McCarthy and Jennifer Lawrence are among her favorite actors—though she added, “I’ll try anything. I just like acting.” Though she said remembering her lines “can be difficult at times,” she said, “My biggest challenge is when I have to cry” on the director’s command. The Copa Short Film Fest will offer special showcases for juried student and Native American film blocks. Comedies, dramas, sci-fi, documentaries, animation, and foreign films are part of the event Feb. 17-19. Seven two-hour film blocks, including question-and-answer sessions, a table read screenplay, and a Best of the Fest compilation are included. Many of the finalists are comedies, which

received some of the highest ratings from the Arizona State University Film School reviewers and local judges. Award-winning film composer Brent M. Davids will offer tips for filmmakers on “Film Scoring for Film Makers” in a complimentary workshop Feb. 18 at Elements Event Center. VIP Passes, available now on CopaShortsFilmFest.org, are the only way to be admitted to the VIP-Only Party on Feb. 17 at Elements Event Center. Guests will be able to mingle with the filmmakers, screenwriters, press and dignitaries. Internationally award-winning Native American/ Celtic musician Arvel Bird is the featured performer. VIP passes also provide access to all of the film blocks, the table reads, special access to the Star Class lounge and both opening and closing parties. Meanwhile, Izzy is looking forward to 8th grade, when she can take an advanced theater elective. And she’s not discouraged that her repeated trips to Los Angeles lately have come up dry, partly because there’s not a big demand for teenaged actors and actresses. “As long as I am happy, I don’t care,” she said. “I mean, after all, that’s what it’s all about.”

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Twistin’ Time is Here

Chubby Checker boasts his show is ‘the best’ BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI AFN Contributing Writer

ock ‘n’ roll legend Chubby Checker is sure that his show is the best that any music fan will see. “I don’t care who you see—whether it’s someone who makes $1 million a night or $20 a night—my show is the best show you’re ever going to see,” Checker says. Calling from Pennsylvania, “The Twist” singer is so sure that he doesn’t need to explain his reasoning. “Because it’s the best show you’re ever going to see,” he says. “Other people get their music played and perform in front of thousands of people. I have the best show that’s on stage, and it’s been that way for a very long time.” Concert goers can see for themselves when Checker performs at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino’s Ovations Live Showroom on Friday, Feb. 3. Playing in front of his fans is “the greatest feeling” for him. “This has been going on since I’ve been in the 11th grade when I had the song ‘The Class,’” Checker says. “That was before ‘The Twist.’ My first song was No. 34 on the

IF YOU GO

Where: Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler When: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3. Cost: $29-$70. More info: 800-946-4452 or wingilariver.com. charts, so I was spoiled immediately.” When his two subsequent songs failed to live up to their expectations, Checker begged his mom to talk to God. “I told her I was a has-been already,” says Checker, the father of former Phoenix Mercury player Mistie Bass. “She always had a hookup with God. She said he had a vision that I was going to make a song that was going to cover the whole Earth. It wasn’t going to be my song, but I would be famous.” A record company then called and asked him to cover Hank Ballard’s “The Twist.” “By the time I was graduating, the song was being played on the radio and the whole world was going to change because of it,” Checker said

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

The weekend offers peach blossoms, folk music and art BY JUSTIN FERRIS GETOUT EDITOR

popular as the decades passed. Now, singer, songwriter, composer, pianist and author Neil Sedaka will bring that vast musical history to the Valley stage, backed by the Phoenix Symphony. DETAILS>> 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3. Mesa Arts Center, 1 East Main St., Mesa. Tickets: $64-$96. 480-644-6500. mesaartscenter. com.

Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 4-5. Promenade at Fulton Ranch, 4975 S. Alma School Road, Chandler. Cost: Free. shopper.artattackaz. com.

‘Julius Caesar’ on stage

The Acting Company presents Shakespeare’s tragic tale of the famous Roman emperor, his rise to political power and his eventual betrayal by his closest friends. DETAILS>> 2 or 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4. Mesa Arts Center, 1 East Main St., Mesa. Tickets: $25. 480-644-6500. mesaartscenter. com.

Peach blossoms celebrated

Stroll through more than 80 acres of blooming fruit trees. You can also ride a train, take a guided hay ride with farm owner Mark Schnepf, pick your own fruits and vegetables, and more. DETAILS>> 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 2-26. Schnepf Farms, 24610 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. Tickets: $3 admission, $5 guided hayrides.

Motorcycles hit Main Street

This family-friendly event sees 3,000 motorcycles descend on downtown Mesa for an evening of live music, food, a beer garden and more fun. DETAILS>> 6-10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3. North Macdonald Road, Mesa, between West Main Street and West Pepper Place. Free. downtownmesa.com/ motorcyclesonmain.

Calling all Canadians

Chinese New Year marked

Eastern Art Academy presents a Chinese New Year show that offers traditional Chinese song and dance, instruments and martial arts demonstrations. It also mixes in some popular western songs. DETAILS>> 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Tickets: $10, $15, $25. 480-782-2680. chandlercenter.org.

Missing your home in the north or just want a day of family fun? Head to the annual Canadian Picnic for live music from the Jack Jackson band, classic cars, food trucks, a snow slide, snow golf, a hockey shootout, a moose toss, curling and plenty more excitement. DETAILS>> 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 4. South Mountain Park, 10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix. Cost: Free. canadianpicnic. com.

Neil Sedaka to perform

Folk music abounds

For the eighth year running, three Arizona folk music acts join to present a night of great entertainment in One Great Night of Folk Musi. This year the lineup will be Linda Bilque, Three-Legged Dog, and JC and Laney. DETAILS>> 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 5. Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert. Tickets: $25. 480-279-7194. higleycenter.ticketforce.com.

‘Matilda’ plays Gammage

Based on the Roald Dahl children’s novel of the same name, the Tony Award-winning musical “Matilda” tells the story of a 5-year-old girl with a vivid imagination and how she deals with family, friends and school. DETAILS>> Feb. 7-12. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe. Tickets: $40-$175. 480-965-3434. asugammage.com.

He started as a teen pop sensation in the ’50s and only grew more

Art attacks

Art Attack AZ gives people a chance to browse a range of items from local artists and artisans, including photos, jewelry, ceramics, yard art, beauty products, food and more. Much of it is in a Southwestern style, and you can even talk to a vendor about custom work. DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,

Disney Concert presented

Hear your favorite Disney music live in this multimedia concert presentation. Projected above the orchestra you will see scenes from “Frozen,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid” as the orchestra plays. DETAILS>> Feb. 24-26. Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix. Tickets: $33-$109. 602-495-1999. tickets. phoenixsymphony.org.

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FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

King Crossword ACROSS

1 Stomach muscles 4 Graceful sprite 8 Wise one 12 Promise 13 Surrounded by 14 From the beginning 15 Mound stat 16 Make more acceptable 18 Picture puzzle 20 Thee 21 Sharp turns 24 Horse’s call 28 Drool 32 Unrivaled 33 Hearty brew 34 Beethoven’s “Fuer --” 36 Pitch 37 Campus mil. org. 39 Part 41 Man of morals? 43 Mediocre 44 Workweek end (Abbr.) 46 Poisonous 50 Asphyxiate 55 Cattle call? 56 Capri or Wight 57 Always 58 Puncturing tool 59 Bygone comedian Martha 60 College VIP 61 Blue

45 On the rocks 47 Grand opening day? 48 Midwest state 49 45-Down, perhaps 50 Knightly address

51 Mex. neighbor 52 Aviate 53 “Hail!” 54 Alternative to 38-Down

Sudoku

DOWN

1 State with certainty 2 Use a drill 3 Use a mop 4 Lethargic 5 Ostrich’s cousin 6 Cage component 7 Without doing anything 8 Justice Alito 9 Literary collection 10 Obtain 11 Ram’s mate 17 Charged bit 19 Submachine gun 22 Guys’ dates 23 Pigs’ digs 25 Tittle 26 Summertime pest 27 Present 28 Poet Teasdale 29 Lotion additive 30 “-- Make a Deal” 31 Hockey legend Phil, to fans 35 Oriental 38 Morning stimulant 40 Kanga’s kid 42 Expert PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 48

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

East Valley cigar club sends its sweet aroma round the nation, world BY RALPH ZUBIATE AFN Managing Editor

hree men sat in the lounge of the Cigar Warehouse in Mesa, watching TV and relaxing as they enjoyed their cigars amid a thick, luxurious smoke. They weren’t following the inauguration of Donald Trump, which was on three screens. They were studying golf on a fourth screen, offering opinions on drives and putts. Not that they had a problem with the new president. “Cigar-rights guys love this man,” said Granison Shines, pointing to Trump on the screen. They feel he’ll make sure regulations that the Food and Drug Administration are seeking to slap on Cuban cigars will not go through. “We’ll see with that one.” Shines is ready for the influx of cigars once the embargo on Cuban goods is lifted completely. “There are a lot of people who will be seeking Cuban puros,” among the most sought-after cigars, he said.

“This has definitely been the talk of the town.” Shines runs the Blue Flame Cigar Society, which he founded in the East Valley in 2012 with a friend, Koroun Butler. It’s named for the blue flame created by the small torch that aficionados use to light their cigars. Since then, the society has set up shop in San Jose, Silicon Valley, Tucson, Chicago, Orlando, Washington state and Dallas. “It’s going to be the biggest cigar club in the nation,” he said. He’s about to take the group to an international audience via his website, blueflamecigarsociety.com. It will offer videos on cigars and fine liquor, podcasts and access to cigar-supply partners who ship to members. For now, even though his group has members and branches nationwide, Shines talks about the smaller, tight community of cigar smokers in the East Valley. “Everyone knows each other. Everyone is a friend,” he said, pausing to greet another pal who walked into the shop. “People come in, relax and get away.” Cigar shops and clubs offer fans the chance to escape for a while. “A true cigar smoker won’t light up unless they have at least an hour to smoke. A good cigar takes about an hour to two hours to smoke,” he said. It’s not an easy hobby to take part in with the dry desert climate. Cigars need moisture. The Cigar Warehouse store had a humidifier working extra hard to keep the right dampness in the air. “It does take a bit more distilled water in a humidifier here,” Shines said. “Cigars need a dark, cool environment.” Shines, a former sales and marketing manager, was drawn to cigars when he was growing up. “I was always intrigued when I was

(Larry Mangino/AFN Staff Photographer)

Granison Shines, founder and CEO of “Blueflame Cigar Society,” has become an expert on cigars.

younger by my uncle and godbrothers smoking cigars,” he said. But that rich fragrance isn’t just about lighting up. “It’s an aroma that becomes nostalgic for me,” he said. “When I was growing up in Palo Alto, there was a store I would walk by with my mom, and it sold tobacco. I always loved walking by that store as a kid.” Part of the experience of the Blue Flame society is the accompanying spirits. “It’s about taking different flavors— scotch or bourbon, for example—and pairing them with cigars,” Shines said. “You want a smooth pairing, not strong.” The group hosts at least three events around the Valley each month. It also sponsors a Cigar University, which teaches the curious all about cigar smoking. If the group feels a bit elite, that’s because it’s not an inexpensive hobby. Some of the cigars Shines pointed out at the warehouse

ran into hundreds of dollars per box. “My ex-wife hated cigars,” Shines said, laughing. “That was part of the problem.” Now, Shines’ girlfriend, Yasmin Murray, joins in his hobby. “She smokes them, and we run the club together. She’s awesome.” In his day job, Shines is the chief marketing officer for a marketing firm. “But this is my fun business,” he said. The Blue Flame Cigar Society started out mainly with men, but Shines says more women have been joining the group. “It’s about 50 percent women now,” he said. Now, the group features connoisseurs of all ages, all races and all experiences. But there’s one thing that they all agree on, Shines said. “Most people who smoke cigars cannot stand cigarettes,” he said. “I can’t stand cigarette smoke!”

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from page 49

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Sports

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Thunder, Pride football players prepare to sign letters of intent BY JASON P. SKODA AFN Prep Sports Director

ational signing day has become a spectacle that celebrates high school football players who officially sign letters of intent to play for a college program. A handful of Ahwatukee players are part of the 6.5 percent of high school players across the nation who make it to a Division I through Division III college and are expected to sign their letters today. Mountain Pointe safety Isaiah PolaMao, who announced his choice of Southern California over Arizona State and Washington universities on Friday, is one of three Mountain Pointe players with known destinations.

Pride offensive lineman Eddie Rivas is headed to Northern Arizona University and linebacker Rashie Hodge picked up a late offer from South Dakota St. Many players end up sticking with the school that shows early interest and continues to make contact and build a relationship. It’s why Rivas ended up selecting NAU. “The recruiting process really is a crazy thing, but through it all NAU was there always showing love,” Rivas said. “That really meant a lot to me. They gave me every reason to want to be a Lumberjack, from what they represent to having the respect from the players to want to play for them. And to me that’s everything. Much like MP they have coaches that you want to play for.”

Other Pride players, including wide receiver Jaydon Brooks, are expected to make a decision this week, with as many as 10 players picking a local junior college. Desert Vista High has at least four players moving on to the next level. Quarterback Nick Thomas is headed to Air Force, running back Lelon Dillard to Southern Utah, defensive end Myles Wilson to the University of San Diego, and defensive lineman Daniel Woodis to Adam State University. Kicker Riley Erickson is still undecided. Wilson went with the program that first made him an offer. See

SIGNINGS on page 52

(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN file photo)

Desert Vista quarterback Nick Thomas considers playing for the Air Force Academy a patriotic honor.

Palo-Mao opts for USC over Arizona State and Washington

ountain Pointe High School football star Isaiah Pola-Mao is becoming a Trojan. Sitting in the Hall of Fame atrium at Mountain Pointe, a place Pola-Mao will one day be honored, the Pride senior said he will continue his football career at the University of Southern California, passing over Arizona State and Washington universities. “I definitely knew in my heart after my official visit,” Pola-Mao said. “I prayed on it, and that God would lead my path so it would be easy. In my heart, I knew USC was the best fit.

“Without football where would I would go to school? It would be USC. It was definitely an easy choice,” he added. Word is Washington had the early edge and Arizona State coach Todd Graham made a strong push at the end, but Pola-Mao found too many reasons to pick USC. “It’s the USC connections, the Trojan Life, the Trojan family and the school on top of that is enough on its own,” he said. He had a great season for the Pride, earning first-team All-American honors for MaxPreps after totaling 100 tackles, 18 pass deflections and 10 interceptions

I’VE MISSED MY OPPORTUNITY

See

SOCCER on page 55

(Jason Skoda/AFN Staff)

Isaiah Pola-Mao’s family joined him as he announced last week he is heading to USC.

• 600+ online classes • $86/credit* • Classes start Mondays

EnrollatRio.com or 480-384-9937 *For Maricopa County residents. Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attend this program is available at www.riosalado.edu/geprograms. The Maricopa Community Colleges are EEO/AA Institutions.

IA_AD_TribVarsExtra-CollegeLater_0916

BY JASON P. SKODA AFN Prep Sports Director

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Proud moms celebrate Pride sons

(Delanna Sesma/Special to AFN)

The mothers of 10 Mountain Pointe High School varsity football players showed up last Friday during an assembly to pay tribute to their sons with a nearly three-minute song. Mom Jennifer Lynch organized the surprise and had the moms put their son’s team number on the back of their maroon shirts. They also had practiced a dance routine twice a week for the last couple months. Moms who participated were, from left: Andrea Brewer, Niena Allen, Anitra Stephens, Diana Cota, IKishia Williams-Smallwood, Trish Clark, Jennifer Lynch, Melissa Hancock, Stephanie Wynn and Kristin Grove. Lynch said the crowd went wild during their routine and cheered the moms.

COLLEGE

from page 51

to give him a school record 21 in his three-year career after transferring from Marcos de Niza High. He was on his way to a huge offensive season as a wide receiver before the Pride lost starting quarterback Noah Grover for several games to a broken leg. He finished with 28 catches for 646 yards and nine touchdowns, but had just seven catches and one touchdown over the final six games. Pola-Mao, who is 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, had three pick sixes and racked up 232 yards on his 10 interceptions. He played some of the 6A Conference championship game with a torn labrum and a separated shoulder that kept him from playing in the two national all-star games for which he was selected after the season. “That was hard to have my senior year, my career, end that way,” he said. “I wanted to be out there with my guys at 100 percent, but I couldn’t. I was mad

and disappointed, but looking back (the loss) doesn’t change the things we accomplished as team.” One of the reasons the four-star PolaMoa was considered such a prize recruit is because most believe he is actually a nine-star recruit. His younger brother, Matthew, is considered one of the nation’s best in the 2019 class and the 6-foot, 300-pound defensive lineman could very well follow Isaiah in his own college choice. “It’s definitely a possibility,” Matthew said. “Playing with him in high school was a dream come true and I’d love to play with him again. Two more years together in college would be even better. We’ve had our little brother talks, and I look up to him, so to see all this come together is amazing.” Pride coach Norris Vaughan, who was in Florida for a USA Football/ NFL coaches conference at the NFL Pro Bowl, said Pola-Mao showed early signs of being a being a special player for Mountain Pointe. “He was good from Day One and got

better every year,” Vaughan said. “He has been tremendous. He was the best defensive player in Arizona and nobody can impact the game as much as he did.” Leading up to this season, Pola-Mao was known mostly as a ball-hawk and decent coverage guy. He became more of a physical force, making big hits that were picked up by national websites and supported the run more like a linebacker than a safety. “He was so good at recognizing the play, he was making big hits within a yard of the line of scrimmage,” Vaughan said. “We changed our scheme because of Isaiah to allow us to do that. He’s the first one we’ve had that had that kind of ability.” His father, Tracey, sported an SC shirt and kept saying the “Fight On” slogan associated with the Trojans at the press conference. “I’ve seen it happen to other kids, but to see my baby up there, it changes things,” he said. “We are so blessed. He’s been putting this on display at every level. And then when we were in the

SIGNINGS

from page 51

“I really just feel like it’s a great opportunity to further my education to the fullest,” he said. “It’s the so-called Ivy League of the West Coast. Also just staying close to my family is what helped my decision,” Wilson said “I had opportunities to play at South Dakota School of Mines, Lake Forest College, and even walk on at NAU, but my recruitment from USD stayed strong and Coach (Christian) Taylor kept an open line of communication,” he added. Thomas, who had a break-out year after splitting time at quarterback as a junior, said the opportunity from Air Force is different than any other program. “It’s an honor, honestly, to serve our country and get an opportunity to play football at the same time,” he said, adding: “I am excited for it, and the way the Air Force puts it. This isn’t setting me up for just the next four years, but the next 60 as this education and service will set me up for a better life in the future.” – Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@ahwatukee.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonPSkoda.

Coliseum I just had a feeling he would be doing it there as well. I was just in a daze, looking off in the distance, seeing him making plays in this legendary stadium and uniform.” Pola-Mao, whose uncle Troy Polamalu played at USC, was surrounded by his large and loving family, much like game days, along with his Mountain Pointe teammates, coaches, administration, parents of other players, fellow students and his Pop Warner coaches. He wouldn’t have it any other way. Pola-Mao also liked the fact that USC isn’t that far away. And the fact his parents are from California doesn’t hurt, either. “I really love all of them and it is a special moment,” he said. “It means a lot to have everyone here. It’s close enough, a 45-minute flight, plus the football and academics are great. It is just the right place for me.” Contact writer: (480) 898-7915 or jskoda@ ahwatukee.com. Follow him Twitter @ JasonPSkoda

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER & FALL

SPORTS 7050 S. 24th Street | Phoenix, AZ 85042 602.872.7603 | southmountaincc.edu

REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER & FALL

HOME GAME SCHEDULE

Located: At the SMCC Fields

BASEBALL

March 6th

OPEN REGISTRATION

March 20

FEB 3 | 3 pm

vs. Phoenix College

FEB 14 | 3 pm

vs. Okanagan College

FEB 15 | 3 pm

vs. Okanagan College

FEB 18 | 12 pm

vs. Yavapai College (DH)

FEB 22 | 3 pm

vs. Central Arizona College

FEB 25 | 12 pm

vs. Eastern Arizona College (DH)

FEB 28 | 12 pm

vs. Arizona Western College (DH)

Mar 7 | 3 pm

vs. Benedictine-Mesa University JV

Mar 11 | 12 pm

vs. Phoenix College

Mar 12 | 12 pm Mar 14 | 3 pm Mar 15 | 3 pm

vs. Seminole State College vs. Western Nebraska Community College vs. Western Nebraska Community College

Mar 17 | 12 pm

vs. Northeastern Junior College (DH)

Mar 18 | 12 pm

vs. Seminole State College

Mar 22 | 3 pm

vs. Paradise Valley Community College

Mar 25 | 12 pm

vs. Pima Community College (DH)

Mar 29 | 3 pm

vs. Scottsdale Community College

Apr 1 | 12 pm

vs. Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Apr 5 | 3 pm

vs. Gateway Community College

Apr 8 | 12 pm

vs. Glendale Community College

Apr 12 | 3 pm

vs. Mesa Community College

Apr 21 | 3 pm

vs. Central Arizona College

Apr 25 | 12 pm

vs. Cochise College (DH)

SOFTBALL

PRIORITY REGISTRATION

Feb 7 | 1 pm

vs. Chandler-Gilbert Community College (DH)

Feb 11 | 12 pm

vs. Glendale Community College (DH)

Feb 18 | 12 pm

vs. Phoenix Community College (DH)

Feb 21 | 1 pm

vs. Gateway Community College (DH)

Mar 7 | 1 pm

vs. Eastern Arizona College (DH)

Mar 9 | 1 pm

vs. Howard College (DH)

Mar 14 | 1 pm

vs. Pima Community College (DH)

Mar 16 | 12 pm

vs. Williston State College

Mar 16 | 2 pm

vs. Seward County Community College

Mar 18 | 12 pm

vs. Yavapai College (DH)

Mar 20 | 1 pm

vs. Dakota County Technical College (DH)

Mar 21 | 1 pm

vs. Scottsdale Community College (DH)

Apr 1 | 12 pm

vs. Mesa Community College (DH)

Apr 11 | 1 pm

vs. Paradise Valley Community College (DH)

Apr 12 | 1 pm

vs. Arizona Christian University (DH)

Apr 15 | 12 pm

vs. Arizona Western College (DH)

Apr 25 | 1 pm

vs. Central Arizona College (DH)

EVENING WITH THE

S TA R S Featuring the Sherry Roberson Band. Sherry is recognized as one of the best jazz and blues vocalists in Phoenix. Smooth, classy, sultry and mellow are all ways that fellow musicians and local media have tried to describe what about Roberson’s voice they ﬁnd so enchanting.

F R I D AY, M A R C H 3 | 7 : 0 0 P M PERFORMING ARTS CENTER TICKETS: $25

mcccdf.org/colleges/smcc/starsmusicevent17/ Sponsorship packages available

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Three Ahwatukee high school soccer teams make postseason BY JASON P. SKODA AFN Prep Sports Director

here’s no way the Desert Vista High School boys soccer team can pull off another deep run into the postseason after a difficult record season, right? The Thunder, as a 16 seed, beat topseeded Brophy last year in the first round on the way to making the semifinals. It just so happens Desert Vista (7-9-3) earned the 16th seed again this year after beating No. 10 Rincon. The Thunder traveled to Brophy on Tuesday (check out ahwatukee.com for results). The odds of that happening two years in a row are probably higher than possibility of a couple having twins. “Here we go again,” said Thunder coach Mark Wilson, who is now the father of twins as of Jan. 24. “We looking at it just like last season. We know we can do it because we’ve done it before.” Desert Vista is one of three Ahwatukee high school soccer teams to make the postseason. The Thunder girls attempt to defend their title as the fifth seed, while the Horizon Honors boys qualified for

have a quarterfinal match today if it wins its firstround match against No. 13 American Leadership on Jan. 31. The Desert Vista girls finished the regular season at 18-3-1 and are one of the top contenders. The Thunder open the postseason today, hosting No. 12 Rincon (11-6-2). A win likely pits them against No. 4 Desert Mountain with No. 1 Hamilton, a team the Thunder split the season series with and the probable roadblock in the (Andy Morales/Special to AFN) semifinals. Desert Vista had one Mountain Pointe High School’s Ali Turk, right, came up hiccup down the stretch short of the postseason after falling in the game against with a loss 1-0 to No. 8 Rincon High School. Highland. That pushed it out of a top-four seed, the 3A tournament. Saturday’s second-round The Eagles boys squad, led by Ryan meaning Holguin and his 23 goals and 14 assists, matchup would be on the road should earned the fourth seed with an impressive the Thunder face Desert Mountain, regular season at 10-1-1. The team would which probably remembers the 1-0 loss

PRACTICING SINCE 1998

Elizabeth Estes

ESTATE PLANNING FAMILY LAW REAL ESTATE BUSINESS FORMATIONS PROBATE TRUST ADMINISTRATION

Call for a Free Consultation

480.656.3733 | www.esteslawfirmaz.com 4505 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 260 | Phoenix 85048 | Located in Ahwatukee

to Desert Vista in the semifinals last year. The Mountain Pointe’s squads had a chance to join the party, but were unable to get the through the 6A Conference play-in portion of the season last week. The boys were the 20th seed and lost 2-1 to No. 13 Central, while the Pride girls, who also earned the 20th seed, traveled to Tucson and lost 2-1 via penalty kicks to No. 13 Rincon. The Pride boys finished 8-7-2 and were competitive all year long after struggling to win a match the previous two years. Bryan Sabato returned to the program this year after two-year sabbatical and restored order to the program. “Mountain Pointe always had a tradition of being competitive and successful,” Sabato said, earlier this season. “Anytime you put a lot of time and effort into something and personal feelings into it, it is difficult to handle watching it kind of fall apart.” The Mountain Pointe girls finished 7-11-2, including a 0-5 record in Central Region play, in Jazmyn Ledford’s third season. See

SOCCER on page 55

Graham resigns Mountain Pointe High coaching post BY JASON P. SKODA AFN Prep Sports Director

ountain Pointe High School boys head coach Hosea Graham has resigned, effective at the end of the season, Principal Bruce Kipper confirmed. “Players and parents and all levels have been made aware,” Kipper said via email on Thursday. “We will be posting the position as soon as possible and plan to have it filled as soon after the season as possible. That way the new coach can get to work for the spring and summer seasons.” Graham is finishing up his fourth season with the Pride, who sit at 11-10 overall and 2-4 in 6A Central Region action heading into Friday’s game at Highland, but have struggled since a 7-1 start to the year. The Pride showed progress last year, going 17-11, after going a combined 20-

(AFN file photo)

Mountain Pointe High School boys basketball coach Hosea Graham’s resignation came as a surprise, school officials said.

29 the previous two seasons. The roster has a good core of younger players that Graham said he and his staff were attempting to mold with hard work and discipline. “Our objective was to try and use a springboard to what our next steps were, See

COACH on page 55

SPORTS

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

SOCCER

COACH

from page 54

Senior Ali Turk was the team’s top player with 14 goals and nine assists while sophomore Raquel Hagar finished with eight goals and four assists. The Pride’s roster was hit hard by seasonending injuries and by the end of the year the team started three freshmen and four sophomores. “We had a very tenacious group that continued to fight,” Ledford said. “I am very proud of what we were able to overcome this year and that were still competitive until the final whistle.” The remaining teams are hoping that final whistle comes during championship weekend on Feb. 11. “We’ll see how it goes,” said Wilson, who missed a few matches after the birth of Addison and Jace. “We’ve seen the top teams, and we did well against the top teams. When we played (Brophy to a 1-0 loss) we should have won. It was a heartbreaker. This should be very close as well and if we win that one anything is possible.” (AFN file photo)

Desert Vista High School’s Paige Maling heads the ball during a December game against Hamilton High.

from page 54

and gauge our progress,” Graham, who did not respond to a text on Wednesday. , said earlier this season. “We know now we have to pick it up and practice harder. “We have to be more focused in practice and challenge each other. My staff and I have to work the kids harder. We’ve been a little delicate with them and now it is time to really challenge them.” Three of the four leading scorers— sophomore Malik Salahuddin, sophomore Khlid Price, and junior Amarion Cash— theoretically will be back next season. The Mountain Pointe administration had not expected to begin a coaching search. “Both Mike (Griffith, athletic director) and I were surprised to receive the letter,” Kipper said, “but thank Coach Graham for his hard work and dedication to Mountain Pointe High School and the student-athletes he has coached.” - Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@ahwatukee.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonPSkoda.

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

<O 2016 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times.

The Porsche Macan. Lease for $499 Per Month.

Includes Porsche Scheduled Maintenance.

A luxury dealership encompassing Sales, Service, Parts & Accessories in the heart of the East Valley. Offering complimentary Porsche service loaners and door-to-door Sales & Service vehicle delivery. Showcasing the finest selection of New, Certified and Pre-Owned Porsche models. Conveniently located North of the Santan 202 Freeway on Gilbert Road.

Please visit us online at PorscheChandler.com Porsche Chandler

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2017 Porsche Macan, Stock #7M058. 39 month lease, .00235 money factor, residual 60%, 10,000 miles/year and $6,999 due at signing. Includes 2 year / 20,000 miles Porsche Service Maintenance Plan. Plus, Arizona tax, title, license, $995 acquisition, $350 disposition, and $399 doc fees. On approved credit thru Porsche Financial Services. Offers end 1/31/17.

CLASSIFIEDS

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Classifieds

Awatukee Foothills News

1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #249 • Tempe, AZ 85282 480.898.6465 class@timespublications.com

Deadlines

Classifieds: Monday 11am for Wednesday Life Events: Friday 10am for Wednesday

The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | Ahwatukee.com

Employ

Employment General

ment

PT - EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Looking for an experienced legal secretary for 3/4 time position with a boutique law firm in the East Valley. Mastery of Word (including ability to generate a Table of Authorities and manipulate page numbering) is a must. Ability to manage a two-lawyer calendar, and handle monthly client billing is also needed. General litigation experience would be a benefit, as would a background in adoption and juvenile law. Candidate must be detail orie nted and computer literate. We need a responsible and personable individual who is a selfstarter, reliable, with a positive attitude and a proven track record of being a true team player. We are a casual, but professional office. No "office politics" allowed. Good work ethic expected. Staff relationship guided by the honor-system. Please forward interest, salary requirements, and resume to tcs@shankerlaw.net COMPENSATION DOE / Negotiable

KYRENE is now hiring School BUS DRIVERS FT 30 hrs/wk. Benefits offered. Paid training and CDL testing onsite. Flexible work schedule with split shifts. Starting Salary $14.49 - $18.00 For additional info go to www.kyrene.org/hr Drivers: LOCAL DryVan and Flatbed Openings! Excellent Hourly Pay, Great Benefits! Class-A or B CDL w/hazmat Apply: www.goelc.com Estenson Logistics 1-855-221-4904 EARN EXTRA INCOME! $100 to $200 per week. The Arizona Republic wants to contract you to deliver newspaper on the weekends in the East Valley and Apache Junction. For additional details, contact Bob Griner at 602-444-4069 or rgriner@republicmedia. com. EARN EXTRA INCOME! The Arizona Republic wants to contract you to deliver the newspaper in the early morning hours. Work just 2-3 hours a day and earn an extra $700$1,200 per month. Routes available now in your area. Call 1-855-704-2104 or visit deliveryopportunities. gannett.com

Systems Admin (Bachelor's & 4 yrs exp; Major: CS, CA, CIS, Engg, Math, or equiv; other suitable quals acceptable) - Mesa, AZ. Job entails working with and requires exp including: Cloudera hadoop, Kerberos, MapReduce, HBase, JAVA, SQL Server, Shell/PERL, Jenkins, Eclipse, KMS, KeyTrustee, Keyhsm, HIVE, PIG, Spark, Maven, IBM Rational Tools, Tomcat, JBoss, Perfmon, HTTPWatch, and Unix/Linux. Relocation and travel to unanticipated locations within USA possible. In lieu of a 4 yr US deg, employer will accept one additional yr of relevant exp for each yr of academic studies deficient from a relevant Bachelor's deg at an accredited US college or university or its foreign equiv (AACRAO EDGE evaluation). Send resumes to MAP-IT Solutions, Inc., Attn: Appachu Ballachanda, 625 W Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210.

Merch

Announce

ments andise Lessons/ Tutoring

Lost & Found Lost Cat Gray tabby in the area of 24th Street and Liberty. Hefty guy named Clark. Missing since Jan 26. Please call or text 480-570-3280 or 480-570-3290

Service Directory

Pets/Services

PIANO LESSONS - Ahw. teacher w/ yrs of exp. Has few openings for new students. All ages beg-adv. Very reasonable rates. Avail M-Sat. (480)496-9154

A FRIEND OF MINE

Air Conditioning/Heating

Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Meetings & Events

DESERT ROCK

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS SENIOR ASSOCIATION (AFSA)

CONCRETE & MASONRY

NEW INSTALLS / REPAIRS FOUNDATION, DRIVEWAY PATIO, WALKWAY BBQ, FIREPLACE BLOCK, STUCCO SPRINKLER GRADING, REMOVAL WATERFALLS POOLS COOL DECKS

CALL JOHN 480-797-2985 FREE ESTIMATE

Real Estate

16 YEARS EXP, REF

For Rent

INSURED

Pets/Services Voted one of the “Best of Ahwatukee” 9 Years Running!

Pet and Home Services

• Reasonable Rates • Special Pricing on Extended Service Licensed/Bonded/Insured Ahwatukee Resident

Call Eleanor Today!

480.287.4897

www.WhileYouAreAwayServices.com

ADD COLOR TO YOUR AD! Ask Us. Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Attention: Seniors 55+ --- become a member of AFSA. Mark your calendars for the first Thursdayof every month and enjoy meeting new friends, have a delicious lunch, and be entertained. This all takes place at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel located at 51st St. and Elliot Rd. in Phoenix. Doors open at 11am and lunch is at Noon. Cost is $15. For further information and details, please call Sue McCann at (480) 469-9388.

Not A Licensed Contractor

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS & GAMANON for meeting information 602-266-97846

Roommates Need to hire some help?

Concrete & Masonry

**********************

Your in-home pet sitting and plant care service. For all your pet needs, domestic and exotics. Flat fee-no hidden costs. Serving Ahwatukee since 2003. Member of PSI. Bond/Ins'd. 602-617-0993 Please visit us at afriend ofminepetsitting.com

Looking For A Room To Rent During Winter Months in Ahw. Non-smoker. Please Call Wanda at 480-250-3085

Appliance Repair

Carpet Cleaning

Appliance Repair Now

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It! • Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

We Also Buy Used Appliances, Working or Not

480-659-1400

Family owned and proudly serving Ahwatukee for over 20 years. Powerful Truck Mounted Soft Hot Water Extractions. Carpets, Tile & Grout, Upholstery, Pet Stain/Odor Treatment Residential/Commercial www.extractioncleaning.com 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

Licensed & Insured

480.460.5030

Business/Professional Services

Cleaning Services

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Contractors

Concrete & Masonry

Electrical Services

Garage/Doors

Handyman

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

Gary is Back Household Repairs

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

Gary 480-268-0380 ROC#183872, 227944

Not a licensed contractor

Handyman Bob White's

OLD FASHIONED

Contractors

RENOVATION SOLUTIONS HOME IMPROVEMENT & RENOVATIONS

QUALITY Home Repair

Drywall

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

MIKE’S

DRYWALL, PAINTING & REMODELING SERVICE SPECIALIZING IN… • Water Damage • Drywall Repair • Popcorn & Wallpaper Removal

• Int/Ext Painting • Patio & Carport Ceiling Resurfacing • Stucco Repairs

Since1980 Licensed & Bonded ROC 130069

- Ahw Resident Since 1987 -

• Panel Changes and Repairs • Installation of Ceiling Fans • Switches/Outlets • Home Remodel

General Contractor

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

30 Years of Experience

drywall, plumbing, small painting, varnish doors, grout cleaning,ceiling fans, roof turbines. 30 years experience

602-826-0424

R.HANDYMAN Rebuild: Under sink floors, drawers & shelving. All sm repairs, welding. Clean carpet traffic areas & stains. Fix: toilets, faucets, gates, doors. ROC095639 BOND/INS'D

Call Bob 480-893-9482

References!

Not a licensed contractor

Flooring

www.mikesdrywallservice.com

HOME

R E N O VAT I O N

• Additions • Alterations • Kitchen and bath remodeling specialists Ahwatukee resident

480.848.9890 ROC#245469

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online!! Classifieds 480-898-6465 Garage/Doors Electrical Services

Residential Electrician

Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354 ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured

FOOTHILLS GARAGE DOOR

Same Day Service Repair/Install All Major Brands

Call for Our Monthly Special Discount

• FREE ESTIMATES •

480-893-8091 Ahwatukee Resident • Dependable & Honest

ROC#126694

Bonded/Insured

GARAGE DOORS Place YOUR Business HERE! in the Service Directory

Call for our 3 Month Special! Starting at $120/month Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Unbeatable Customer Service & Lowest Prices Guaranteed!

10%

Discount for Seniors & Veterans

FREE

Opener & Door Lubrication with Repair

SERVICE FEE WILL BE WAIVED WITH REPAIR

480-626-4497 www.lifetimegaragedoorsaz.com

CLASSIFIEDS

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Handyman

2 Guys

Plumbing & Handyman Plumbing, Electrical, Remodel & Additions, Drywall, Painting, Concrete, Tile & Flooring

Home Improvement

CHAMPION BUILT CONTRACTING INC.

Where Quality Comes First! Total Design/Build Kitchens | Baths Replacement Windows Additions | Patios Total Interior Remodels

All Work Guaranteed! 30 Years Experience • INSURED Not a Licensed Contractor

Call Andy

602-332-6694 FREE

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

Jaden Sydney Associates.com Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services Repairs • Drywall • Painting Trash Removal • HOA Compliance

AND so much more!

Ahwatukee Resident

480.335.4180 Not a licensed contractor.

Gift Certificates Available

Painting • Flooring • Electrical • Plumbing Drywall • Carpentry • Decks • Tile • More!

ESTIMATES!

Aff

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

“No Job Too Small Man!”

Home Improvement

Landscape Maintenance

REMODEL CONTRACTOR

SPRINKLER

Juan Hernandez

Plans / Additions, Patios New Doors, Windows Lowest Price in Town! R. Child Lic#216115, Class BO3 Bonded-Insured-Ref's

Drip/Install/Repair Not a licensed contrator

24 years exp. Call Now (480) 720-3840

YOUR CLASSIFIED SOURCE

480-215-3373

Landscape Maintenance

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

25 +YEARS

IN BUSINESS

Residential/Commercial National Assoc. of the Remodeling Industry Member Lic | Bonded | Insured | References ROC# 113643, 113642

1999 ordable, Quality Work Since

(480)497-5222

ChampionBuiltContracting.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

ROC#243600

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

ACTION CONTRACTING INC. Specializing in Remodeling & Repairng

WE DO IT ALL! SINCE 1978

• Drywall & Stucco Repairs • Windows • Doors • Cabinets • Block Fences • Wrought Iron gates • Remodeling • Additions • Plumbing • Patios • Painting • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Tenant Improvements

EAST VALLEY

480-833-7353

WEST VALLEY

602-377-3860 LIC/BONDED/INSURED Res/Comm’l ROC#218802

aaaActionContractingInc.com

10% off for Any NEW Customer! Exp 2/28/17

Drip Systems Installed, Valves/Timer Repairs

WINTERIZE YOUR DRIP SYSTEM! Take steps now to prevent winter damage!

Home Improvement

I ONLY use commercial parts that will last a long time. TWO year warranty (instead of normal 1 year) I will check your system, drips, valves, etc. and advise you how to keep your plants healthy and system working all winter.

FREE ESTIMATES! CALL 24 HOURS 20 Yrs Exp. I Do All My Own Work! Call Mark

Landscape Maintenance

480.295.2279 Not a licensed contractor.

• Pavers and Travertine • Retaining Walls • Synthetic Turf and SOD • Plants and Trees • Ramadas and Patio Covers

• BBQs and Fire Pits • Lighting (low voltage) • Irrgation Systems and Repairs • One-Time Clean-up • Maintenance

480-539-2597 cyclandscaping.com ROC: CR21-232290

CLASSIFIEDS

Landscape Maintenance

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Landscape Maintenance

Landscape Maintenance Juan Hernandez

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

AFFORDABLE Landscape Maintenance

CLEAN-UP & TREE SERVICE

24 Years exp (480) 720-3840

Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems

Call Lance White

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

• Tree Trimming & Removal • Gravel Spread • General Yard Work • Weed Removal • Sprinkler Drip & Timer Repair • Insured • Free Estimates • All Work Guaranteed

Arizona Specialty Landscape

New & Re-Do Design and Installation

Affordable | Paver Specialists Drip & Sprinkler Repair BBQ’s & Outdoor Fireplaces Lighting

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week! ROC# 186443 • BONDED

$60/Month! • One Month Free Service • Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection. • Call or Text for a Free Quote

LEE'S SPRINKLER REPAIR 30 years experience Timers - Valves Heads Leaks FREE ESTIMATES Ahwatukee Resident Call 480-282-7222 Not a licensed contractor

Not a licensed contractor

Ahw. Res. 30 yrs Exp Free Estimates. Call Pat (480) 343-0562

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online!! Classifieds 480-898-6465

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, Exterior House Painting. Stucco Patching. Gate/Front Door Refinishing. Quality work/Materials Free Estimate Ignacio 480-961-5093 602-571-9015 ROC #189850 Bond/Ins'd

AMERICAN LEGION AHWATUKEE Post #64 We Meet Every 3rd Wed at 3pm at the Ahwatukee Retirement Center At 5001 E Cheyenne Dr, Phoenix, Az. 85044. Contact ED MANGAN Cmdr 602-501-0128

Painting

Meetings/Events Aegis Hospice Grief/Loss Support Group We meet 6 pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Legacy Funeral Home: 1722 N. Banning St. Mesa, Refreshments provided. Contact: Rick Wesley 480-219-4790 rick@ aegishospice.com

Landscape Maintenance

480.844.9765 Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control

Not a licensed contractor

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

Foothills Touch Landscapes LLC Lawn care/Maint. Starting as Low as $25. Install/Design

Meetings/Events

Painting

Specials Lawn Mowing Starts At $20 Full Service Starts At $70 15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew

SONORAN LAWN

480-745-5230 We Only Service Ahwatukee, So We Are Always Close By To Meet Unexpected Needs

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Ahwatukee.com

RPL Decorators

• Painting • Wallpapering & Removal • Color Consultations • Finish Painting • Handyman Services 4th Generation Painter 30 Years Skilled Experience Always Neat & Dependable Expert Workmanship Guaranteed References Available

Mobile 602-369-5017 Bob480-917-3617 ROC #115384/Bonded

ROC 304267 • Licenced & Bonded

CLASSIFIEDS

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Painting

Plumbing

Meetings/Events Smart Recovery Meeting Wed’s 7:00 8:30 p.m. 6400 W. Del Rio Chandler Montessori School next to Unitarian Church room 5. All issues drugs, alcohol, gambling, online addictions, & medications. 480-532-2460

Interior/Exterior Painting RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL • Free Estimates • Light Repairs, Drywall • Senior discounts References Available

In-Ahwatukee Toastmasters Club meets from 6:45-8am every Tuesday at Dignity Health Urgent Care Ahwatukee - Community Room (1st floor), 4545 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85048. Guests welcome anytime! http://4873.toast mastersclubs.org/

Not a licensed contractor

Call Jason:

East Valley PAINTERS Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

r Eve yone h as someo ne to b uy

for…

480.898.6465

class@timespublications.com

10% OFF

NONDENOMINATIONAL, GREAT PRAISE AND WORSHIP, GREAT MESSAGES FOR TODAYS LIVING! OUR MISSION IS “EVANGELISM, HEALING, DISCIPLESHIP, THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD!

Pool Service / Repair

Meetings/Events Crops of Luv

"My dream is that one day we will be able to give every "wish" child a scrapbook to remind them that dreams do come true."

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning!

Jody, co-founder, Ahwatukee based nonprofit

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

Come Join us: Help make embellishments, organize or assist with events, scrapbook, donate your time, money or space.

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

www.barefootpoolman.com See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

Come be apart of something Awesome! Cropsofluv.com

480.634.7763

cropsofluv@cox.net

Plumbing

VISIT US AT ValorCC.com.

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates• 3 Year Warranty

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated

Now Accepting all majior credit cards

Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

Plumbing & Rooter Service

The Valley’s Premier Painters Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for a Decade. Family Owned & Operated

$64* Drain Cleaning

-Interior & Exterior Painting

*Some conditions apply. Call for details.

-Stucco/Drywall Repairs & Texture Matching

PLUMBING

-Minor Carpentry -4 Year Warranty! -Competitive Pricing ACP is 100%Veteran Owned & Supports Our Vets with 10% off for all Military Personnel

See What We’re Up To!

We Repair or Install

www.AcpPaintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

$39 Off* Any Service *Call for Details. For a Limited Time.

100% Guarantee on Our Work

From Water Heaters to Toilets, Slab Leaks to Clogs!

24/7 Emergency Service FAST 60 Minute Service Available

Estimates Available

480.405.3020 Bonded | Insured | Lic’d ROC 257806

CLASSIFIEDS Pool Service / Repair

AE &Sons Pool Plaster Company

All Complete Pool Renovations Pebble • White Plaster Tile • Deck • Pump & Filters

FREE Estimates • BEST Prices 602-252-2125 Ofc. • 602-505-8066 Cell Se Habla Espanõl

Lic’d, Bonded • ROC #235771 • ROC #235770

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Roofing

Roofing ROOFING CONTRACTOR with 32 years exp Specializing in all types repairs, re-roofs, coating & walking decks. Quality service & response our first priority. All work guaranteed. ROC# 100401-L42 ROC# 132572-C42

Roofing

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

Call Carl 480-895-3425 or 602-432-9183

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Sun/Shade Screens "Mobile Screening" Your Re-Screening Specialist.

Family Owned/ Operated

Bug Screens - Sun Screens

Patio Doors New Screens Available We Come To You! (480) 980-3321

Quality Leak Repairs & Re-Roofs

Honest Free Estimates References

Window Cleaning

Ahw Resident • Owner Operated Maintenance & Repair Professional and Superior Service We maintain, repair and service all types of pools, equipment, filters, cleaning systems, fresh water and salt water systems

Call me, Howard:

480.231.9651

AZPoolExpert.com BBB Member Not a licensed contractor.

John's Window Cleaning 1-story $125 / 2-story $145 -inside and out up to 30 panes (add'l panes $2) Screens cleaned $2.50 per pane. Power Washing and Re-Screening available Same day Service (480) 201-6471

DENNIS PORTER

480-460-7602 or 602-710-2263 RANDY HALFHILL

602-910-1485

Roofing

ARE YOUR HOME AND FAMILY PROTECTED? Tile Roof Specialist

JuanPavers Hernandez • Concrete Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

P O O L R E PA I R

Pebble cracking, Plaster peeling, Rebar showing, Pool Light out?

I CAN HELP!

23 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

Phoenix’s Premier Tile and Foam Roofer. Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING

10% OFF Valley Wide Service

With This Ad

Free Estimates • Credit Cards OK Check out some of our jobs and reviews!

480-446-7663 (ROOF)

www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC #244850 | INSURED | BONDED

Lic#ROC 152111 Bonded

Tree Services

U.S. ARBOR Tree Service

• Tree Trimming • Tree Removal • Stump Grind • Queen Palm & Citrus Treatment • Deep Root Fertilization

www.usarbor.com FREE ESTIMATES

480.812.0731 Lic #990148 • Insured

FEBRUARY 1, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 1, 2017

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Your Hometown Air Conditioning Specialist r te -up in e W un T

UP TO

3,650

REBATES

0% APR

OR FOR 48 OR 60 MO.*

WINTER TUNE-UP

LIMITED TIME OFFER!

FREE 10-Year Parts and Labor

Limited Warranty*

*On Selected Systems ($1,295 Value - No Charge)

REG. $99.

Up to $800 in Utility Rebates*

WITH THE PURCHASE OF A NEW A/C SYSTEM INSTALLATION

Includes a 16-Point Inspection plus a condenser coil rinse if accessible ($5.00 Fuel and Trip Fee Applies) RESIDENTIAL ONLY

480-893-8335

www.BrewersAC.com

A+ Rating

SINCE 1982

ROC #C39-080322-00

Up to a $2,850 Brewerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dealer Rebate, up to $800 Utility Rebate. The Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms for 60 MONTHS apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 10/01/2016 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 2/28/2017.

FREE

Service Call Second Opinion (WITH REPAIR)