The Breeze - March 2019 by Times Media Group

March 2019 Jim Caruso gets lunch from Boeing volunteers Marisa Borer and Matt Williams at the Sunshine Acres Picnic. See more, page 12

Two students leave lasting mark Senate approves suicide on Red Mountain High School prevention training By Jason Stone

By Jim Walsh

Seniors Adrian Kwiatkowski, right, and Geethika Ameneni are two of the most decorated students to pass through its halls.

When a great athlete passes through a neighborhood high school, future students will always have a chance to relive the glory. Nearly every school has athletic trophies in a case, retired numbers on a wall and records in the history books. But when the greatest academic minds leave their marks on a school, it’s almost never easy to tell who they are. That means you just have to take the principal’s word that some of the best students to ever attend a school are currently enrolled. Red Mountain principal Jared Ryan thinks he has a pair of those students right now.

(Photo by Jason Stone)

Students...continued on page 6

Jennifer Stewart’s 14-year-old son committed suicide as a freshman at Red Mountain High School. (Photo courtesy YouTube)

With only a Gilbert and a Mesa senator voting against it, a teen suicide prevention bill was overwhelmingly passed by the State Senate last week. The bill, which moves to the House this week, requires that all school personnel dealing with students in grades six to 12 receive training every three years on how to recognize the early warning signs of teen suicide. Unbeknownst to the Senate, a Mesa mother underscored the need for that training a day earlier, February 26, as she told the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board about her 14-year-old son’s suicide

Suicide...continued on page 7

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The Las Sendas Quilt Club will showcase Moda Cake Mix quilts at its annual show on Sunday, March 24. “Moda Cake Mix is another way of creating a quilt, touted to be more accurate,” said Margaret Kemp with the Las Sendas Quilt Club. The show is from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 24, at the Trailhead Members Club, 7900 E. Eagle Crest, Mesa. The admission is $1 and all the proceeds go to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home in Mesa. In addition, many personal quilts will be on display and some will be available for purchase. Last year, the club welcomed seven new members and focused on improving quilting skills with tutorials and classes. The show will feature about 100 quilts created by the Las Sendas Quilt Club’s

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35 members. “Most of the ladies are retired,” Kemp said. “That’s just because we have most of the time to do this. It’s a very active club. We’re trying to offer more opportunities for learning new things, new techniques and we invite people to come and do demonstrations of these techniques in our quilt group. We have some ladies who have a lot of experience and are willing to share what they know with the younger gals.” The group meets once a month. There is also a sew day at Las Sendas, but, Kemp said, the woman mostly chat. One of the club’s objectives is to support local charities by donating quilts, pillowcases, pillows, tote bags, dog beds and stuffed animals to these charities: Sojourner Center (shelter for abused women and children), Helen’s Hope

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Students...continued from page 1 Seniors Adrian Kwiatkowski and Geethika Ameneni are wrapping up their final semester as perhaps the two most decorated students to attend the Northeast Mesa school. Both students are finalists for one of 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars awards, among the highest honors given to a high school student. “I was telling Geethika’s family, ‘Our campus is just a better place because they were here,’” Ryan said. “I don’t know any other way to put it. They caused other students to conduct themselves differently. They’ve changed the paths for other students.” At a recent assembly specifically called to honor Kwiatkowski and Ameneni’s successes, Ryan joked to the crowd that it had felt like the two of them had “been here for eight years.” It probably seems like that because they’ve already reached a lifetime of accomplishments. Since their freshmen year when they met at the Northeast Mesa campus, the two have been all over the school’s Twitter feed and daily announcements to blast their achievements. “Typically, students kind of ease their way in, and by junior and senior year

they have more success or accolades,” Ryan said. “These two since freshman year have been standouts among all the students on the campus. We always come across strong academic students with 3,600 kids. But these two have been really leaders in other ways.” The U.S. Presidential Scholars award is among the most prestigious in the country. The program has honored almost 7,500 students since President Lyndon Johnson established it in 1964 to recognize outstanding high school seniors. It honors fewer than two dozen students across the nation each year, and those winners are invited to a ceremony in the White House. The race for one of the prizes started in October when about 1,000 students applied. The first round of cuts pared the pack down to 80. Adrian and Geethika were each named a finalist for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education Program. They were two of five students in Arizona who made the cut of the final group of 20. But even more impressive, Adrian and Geethika are in rare company among

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all students who have ever attended a Mesa school. Until last year, when Red Mountain alum Megan Phillips was named a finalist for the award, no Mesa Public School District student had ever been picked as a finalist. Now, not only have the only three come in the last two years, they’re all from Red Mountain. “That’s just crazy,” Adrian said. Getting to this point has been a long time in the making for both students. Adrian’s intelligence has been evident from an early age. His father is from Canada and his mother is from Mexico, making him a first-generation American. He ﬂuently speaks Spanish and can conversationally speak French. “I actually think I see that in a lot of top students here,” said Adrian, who will graduate in May before he turns 18 in June. “Some of them are very, very bright, but they tend to be not as ambitious as Geethika and I.” Adrian’s ambition is evident with just a glance at his resume. It’s covered with honors, including taking first place in the Cellular and Molecular Biology category at last year’s Arizona Science and Engineering Fair. He was a 2018 National Merit Commended Scholar and a 2018 National Hispanic Scholar. He is also the president of the Arizona chapter of HOSA – Future Health Professionals and placed second in Biomedical Laboratory Science Competition at the Arizona HOSA Spring Leadership Conference. Since he found out in early December that he earned a full-ride Questbridge match scholarship to the University of Chicago – valued at $300,000 over four years – he’s already feeling like a college student by using his UChicago.edu email address. The school prohibits freshman from declaring majors, but he said he’s leaning toward molecular and cellular biology once the decision is made sophomore year. “For me it’s about how much I’ve contributed to the scientific world,” Adrian said about what motivates him. Geethika is following in the footstep of her physician parents, who are from India. Her first name means “sing” in Hindu. She learned to speak using Telugu, the native of language of her grandparents and one of the six designated

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classical languages of India. The family, which included a younger sister, emigrated to Arizona when Geethika was 2, but after a few years they moved to Ohio so her mother could work on her fellowship on infectious diseases. “She’s been probably one of my greatest role models because I feel like whenever you’re younger you admire your parents and you want to do what they are and do what they do,” Geethika said. “That’s what started me wanting to be a doctor because I would go to work with her sometimes. “But then as I got more involved in science and service in high school that’s what really made me want to pursue that as a profession.” Her high school achievements include participating in the KEYS Research Internship program at the University of Arizona. She also took first place in the Mesa district science fair, has been named an AP Scholar with Distinction, claimed first place in Clinical Specialty at the HOSA State Conference, earned a top 10 showing in Clinical Specialty at the HOSA International Conference and finished runner-up at the HOSA Bowl at HOSA State Conference. The recently turned 18-year-old is a finalist for the Flinn Scholarship, who had her final interview March 2. She wants to attend the UA’s medical school and major in biomedical engineering with a future on being a doctor. It would be along the kind of work she and Kwiatkowski are doing at their CTE internships at Arizona State University Biodesign Institute. Geethika’s study includes mapping individual barcode cells to find mutations. Adrian is working on a genetics model involving small roundworms and a technique called “DNA origami.” “The goal with a program such as biomedical research engineering is you gain experience outside the walls of the classroom,” Geethika said. They’re both on track for an Advanced STEM diploma that Red Mountain started five years ago. It’s the only school in the district to offer it. Ryan said the program attracts 700 students from all across the Valley through open enrollment. He estimates about 35 percent of the students come from outside of Mesa. March 2019

March 2019

What are Dental Implants? Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. Compared to dentures, bridges and crowns, dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth or chronic dental problems. Because they fit, feel and function like natural teeth, dental implants are quickly becoming the new standard in tooth replacement. What makes dental implants feel completely comfortable and secure? Dr Chase Davis uses a medical-grade titanium implant fixture that, over time, actually fuses to the living bone cells of the jaw. This union forms a strong and durable anchor for your new teeth, meaning there’s no slippage or other movement (which can sometimes happen with dentures). There are also no problems eating with dental implants, no need to repair them regularly and no more worrying about smiling freely and openly. Dental implants typically have three parts: 1) The implant: A screw that serves as a root for your new teeth. This is what permanently attaches to your jaw. 2) The abutment: A permanent, but removable by your doctor, connector that supports and holds a tooth or set of teeth. 3) The crown (or prosthetic tooth): This is the part of the tooth that you can see. It’s usually made of zirconium or porcelain for durability and good looks. You can use dental implants to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full upper and/or lower set of teeth. If you need to restore a full arch, you may be a perfect candidate for the allon-four treatment. Dr Chase Davis will place four implants and then attach a full arch of teeth, giving the procedure its name (all teeth, only four implants). Just as dental implants have emerged as the preferred choice for tooth replacement, Mesa Dental and Dr Chase Davis’s has adopted this preferred model for dental implant treatment. Our team of experts works together under one roof, with a fully equipped, onsite lab, to build beautiful smiles in a way that works for our patients. One team. One cost. One location. That’s the reason to choose Mesa Dental and Dr Chase Davis.

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in August 2017 shortly after he started his freshman year at Red Mountain High School. Jennifer Stewart told the board that she and her husband were concerned that their son Braxton had been a “kind, happy and gifted young man with a bright future” and that shortly after beginning his freshman year at Red Mountain High School “his grades began to drop, and he quit turning in his assignments several times.” “I eventually reached out to his teachers for help and advice,” she said. “The response I received from his teachers, ‘This is the typical response of a gifted 14-year-old boy during puberty and it’s nothing to worry about.’ A few weeks later he ended his life.” Christina Nguyen, of Project Connect 4 and a suicide prevention advocate, told board that there have been 38 teen suicides in the East Valley since July 2017. “We have lost who you would describe as the typical American teenager, who has everything going for them on the outside,’’ Nguyen said. “Our youth are in crisis.’’ Said student Sophia Hammon: “A lot of kids are struggling and don’t know where else to turn and unfortunately many choose alternate routes by harming themselves or taking it out on others.” Sen. Sean Bowie, who sponsored the prevention bill, was buoyed by its passage. “The more this happens, the more people are engaged on this issue,’’ said Bowie, whose district includes Ahwatukee and parts of Mesa, Tempe and Chandler. “We are halfway there. We still need to get it through the House.’’ Democrat Bowie and Chandler Republican Sen. J.D. Mesnard spoke in favor the bill. The only no votes were cast by Republicans Eddie Farnsworth of Gilbert and David Farnsworth of Mesa. Eddie Farnsworth said he supports the suicide prevention training but was opposed to an indemnity provision. Bowie said he is working with Farnsworth to address his concerns. Bowie said that most school districts in the East Valley are either meeting or exceeding the bill’s requirements. The bill is largely based upon the Tempe Union High School District as a template. Tempe Union, which has seen

at least three students take their lives in the past four years, trained more than 800 employees. While the bill creates a minimum standard for suicide prevention throughout the state, Bowie said he also hopes school districts will exceed those standards as develop more expertise on the issue. “You ask parents and teachers about it (the bill), and most common comment is, ‘It’s about time,’’’ Bowie said. Similar bipartisan support is expected in the House as Rep. Jeff Weninger, R-Chandler and Rep. Mitzi Epstein-DTempe, are among the co-sponsors. “Our young people are taking their lives, when they are just starting their lives,’’ Mesnard said. “I can’t think of anything more tragic than when a child does this.’’ A senior at Mesa’s Westwood High School told the Mesa school board last week, “At my school or just about any school you go to, you hear kids in the hallways saying like, I can’t wait to die, can’t wait to kill myself, things like that as jokes and it has gotten to the point where people can no longer tell if these kids are joking.” Parent Hillary Whalen, a Mountain View High School graduate and mother of five, called attention to the February 1 suicide by a teen at her alma mater. “We are in a public health crisis,” she said. “We need a comprehensive ongoing program that is best-practice and evidence-based that is the same at every school starting in fifth grade through high school. This cannot be reactive. It needs to be proactive.” Stewart lamented the absence of training when addressing the Mesa board. She said during her late son’s freshman orientation, “there was a lot of talk about schedules, dress codes, which I didn’t see in forced at all, and a multitude of forms to fill out in triplicate regarding home addresses and bus schedules, but not one mention of mental health, not one pamphlet or talk about suicide warning signs, the pressure of transitioning to high school and college prep or how to handle bullying.” “Two days after Braxton died, suicide helpline stickers went on the back of all the student ID badges. It’s a little too late if you ask me,” she added. “I don’t need a tutorial on researching my child’s grades if my child is dead.’’

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“How old am I? I have no idea,” said Phyllis Carlton Peters with a laugh. Peters recently celebrated her 101st birthday at Legacy Retirement Center in Northeast Mesa, with friends and family, including her daughter, Kimberly Price. Peters struggles to remember details of her life, but eventually finds the answer with Price’s help. Born in 1918 in South Dakota, Peters lived on a farm during her childhood. She milked cows and tended to the chickens. She even rode a horse to school. “I rode my horse to school and I would hang it up at Uncle Henry’s barn,” Peters Phyllis Peters enjoyed painting, cooking and drinking Perfect Manhattans after retirement. (Photo by Octavio Serrano) said. Peters went on to attend the State Peters maintained an active and Teacher College at Minot, in North healthy life as she grew older. Dakota, and was a math teacher for 32 “The secret for a long life?” she said years and moved to Arizona around when asked. “I have no idea, I cannot 1971. believe I am this old.” As for her personal life, Peters strugShe said she used to walk 2 miles a gles to remember her two late husbands. day and eventually cut it down to 1 mile “Well, I had two husbands. One was a day when she turned 92. To accomCurtis and the second was Howard,” pany her walks, she ate an orange every Peters said. morning. Peters is fond of her time with HowHaving lived a long life, Peters said ard, with whom she eloped at 52, and she is grateful for her friends and family. traveled the world to places including “I do not know what the secret is, Africa, Europe and Asia. Peters even de- whether it was the walking or not,” Peveloped a taste and talent for painting. ters said. “But I had nice friends who Howard passed away in 1995. would let me do the things that I wanted Peters enjoyed her time with her best to.” friend, Wallie Emmerson, who visited As Peters celebrated her birthday, she her in the retirement center to make was surrounded by friends and family. her Perfect Manhattans, Peters’ favor- She was excited to enjoy the desserts ite drink. Peters said Emmerson specifi- while listening songs from one of her cally enjoyed talking about politics. favorite artists, Frank Sinatra. “He would come and sit in the chair “How long do I want to live? I never and talk about the things that were hap- even wanted to live this long,” Peters pening,” Peters said. “He was only 87 said as everyone in the room burst with when he passed away.” laughter.

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March 2019

Rattlers entering 2019 season looking for a repeat victory By Griffin Fabits The Arizona Rattlers have been a household name in indoor football since their inaugural season in 1992. They’ve reeled in 21 postseason appearances, 10 division championships, six conference championships and six league championships, the latest coming in their first season in the Indoor Football League in 2017. Yet, there’s still a sense of urgency to be better. In this industry, it’s a prerequisite that every coach preaches before the start of the season. And in 2019, head coach Kevin Guy’s intuition is that the Rattlers will enter training camp with the team’s most talented roster. The home opener is Sunday, March 3, against the Cedar Rapids River Kings at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix. A scary thought, considering the Rattlers have racked up double-digit wins in nine of 10 seasons since Guy, now 46, was named head coach in 2008. “We feel that this could be one of our

Guy said. Courtesy of running back Darrell Monroe and quarterback Jeff Ziemba, the Rattlers boasted the highest-scoring offense in the IFL, averaging 53.3 points per game. The Rattlers—who practice at Gene Autry Park, 4125 E. McKellips Road, Mesa—are comfortable in their new home in the IFL, but it took a quick spell to get the ball rolling. Transitioning to a new league was daunting, Guy said, because it’d take a few years to figure out the nuances Coach Kevin Guy stresses the need for great products of the IFL. Given the success on the field. (Photo courtesy Arizona Rattlers) Arizona routinely enjoyed in strongest rosters, on paper, going into the AFL, it wondered if the same could training camp. We’ll have to see what we be achieved upon entering its first IFL have, see what kind of hand we’re dealt campaign in 2017. once we get in there, but it’s championIt turned out to be quite the opening ship-or-bust with the Arizona Rattlers,” act—ultimately putting the doubts to rest

that the Rattlers’ success would struggle to translate to the IFL—courtesy of capturing the 2017 United Bowl with a 50-41 win over Sioux Falls. “Obviously because of the rules of the game and the nuances of the game (in the IFL), our philosophy had to change a little bit on the X’s and O’s side. We had to come up with a new playbook, so there was a lot of work that went into that that offseason. We continued to work and work through our issues at the beginning of the season. “We knew we were probably going to drop a few games early, but we felt good that we had a grasp on what kind of personnel we needed.” As anticipated, the Rattlers began the 2018 season by dropping their first two games and was .500 after the first eight contests. But then the Rattlers awoke: Rolling to the tune of 10 straight victories including the postseason.

Rattlers...continues on page 11

WELCOME BACK! to another great year of teaching and learning!

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The Mesa High Rabbettes The Mesa High Rabbettes were young women who performed at football games, parades and even the 1950 Rose Bowl Parade. When the group was founded in 1913, it was a coed unit called the “Peppettes.” In 1947, it became an allfemale group and was renamed the “Rabbettes” to reﬂect the Mesa High School mascot, the jackrabbit. The Rabbettes are known for their talent, as well as for their extravagant and fun costumes over the years. Originally, they wore purple and gold boleros and pep hats. After World War II they wore satin military-style outfits and held American ﬂags. They are perhaps most known for their last look, which was western themed with fringe jackets and cowboy hats and boots. Marjorie Entz coached the Rabbettes from 1935 until her retirement in 1971. She’s credited with the Rabbettes’ popularity, as she coordinated the com-

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Roughly 100 girls were chosen to be a Rabbette every year and were required to learn and perfect six rope tricks (Photos courtesy Mesa Historical Museum)

plex routines that included marching, baton twirling and rope spinning. She vigorously trained the Rabbettes, as they were expected to arrive at 6 a.m. for practice daily before school as well as during gym class. Unfortunately, when Entz retired in 1971 there was no one to fi ll her shoes and the Rabbettes disbanded. The Rabbettes remain an iconic group and a popular image for many Mesa residents.

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March 2019

“We had to change our whole roster,” he said, citing what changed when the Rattlers left the AFL. “The one thing we had going was the stability of ownership and the stability of our coaching staff. We were able to hold that together. We basically cleaned house and started over and we won the championship the first year in the league with 17 rookies with a 25-man roster.” The changing playbook is a reason for the Rattlers’ struggles. “You go from arena football where it’s 95 percent pass and the 5 percent run really happens in the red zone. What I love about the Indoor Football League is every week there’s a variety. In the arena league, everybody builds their team the same, looks the same, because of the way the rules are set up,” he said. “In the IFL, if you have a variety. You might play someone who is 70-30 pass versus run when you play them. Next week you might play someone who’s 5050 (pass and run), next week you play someone who’s 60-40. So, every week it’s like coaching outdoor football. You’re getting ready for a new offense.” But that challenge excited Guy. The stretch of dominance in the AFL, mainly when they won three consecutive Arena Bowls from 2012-14 started, started to bore him. “We were having so much success I was starting to get bored. I was looking for a new challenge. When we made the jump to the IFL, that was the jump I was looking for.” The Rattlers are entering their third season in the Indoor Football League after leaving the Arena Football League following the 2016 season. The IFL was created in 2008 as a joint league between the Intense Football League and United Indoor Football. As if playing one of the league’s top teams wasn’t enough, good luck doing it in front of their home crowd at Talking Stick Resort Arena. “It could be deafening. There are times where I’m on my headset and I cannot hear the coaches on the headsets—that’s how loud it gets in there. We’re kind of guilty of an organization of setting those expectations where our fans expect us to compete for a championship every year.” Eleven years ago, the Rattlers hired Guy to be the team’s next head coach. Arizona was in desperate need of a change after March 2019

turning in a 4-12 season in 2007. Enter the Birmingham, Alabama, native, who was coming off his tenure as the defensive coordinator of the AFL’s San Jose Saber Cats. The Rattlers organization had been discombobulated when he found it, but it didn’t take long for the winning culture to be reinstated. Guy took an 8-8 Arizona squad to the playoffs in his first year, and has done so in every season since. “I just felt like (the Rattlers) had won before, it could happen again,” Guy said, reflecting on the hiring process. “To win championships, it starts with ownership and you have to have good ownership, you have to have good coaches, good players, good staff. You can’t be weak in any area. I felt like they had won before, so I felt like we could get it back to where they were.” In the stretch of Guy’s 11 seasons at the helm of the Rattlers, he’s re-established Arizona as one of the most dominant teams indoor football has to offer. On top of claiming 2019 will boast the club’s best roster, Guy and the Rattlers are also looking to make up for a promising 2018 season that ended in heartbreak. They won nine of 10 in the thick of the regular season before a crushing 69-68 overtime loss to Sioux Falls in the semifinal round of the postseason. That taste of defeat lingered until the new season began on February 24 against the Green Bay Blizzard. “I think whether you win or lose, there are always learning experiences. For us as a coaching staff, we’ve seen it, done it, so we know what the message is. But for the players, sometime the players have to go through it.” Because of the Rattlers’ success, they believe any season that doesn’t end with a championship title is a failure. And the fans, Guy acknowledges, share those sentiments, as they should. “At the end of the day, I don’t know why you’d want to do this if you’re not wanting to compete for a championship,” he said. “We try to take advantage of every resource we have to try to put ourselves in that situation. Our season ticket holders are spending their hard-earned money to come see us for their entertainment and we take that serious. We want to make sure we put a great product on the field. “Our expectations are very high, and we expect to be in the mix at the very end.”

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COMMUNITY

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Sunshine Acres Picnic Sunshine Acres had the chance to shine in February, as it opened its campus to the public for a picnic and tours. The party also included a performance by the Sunshine Acres Children’s Choir and various bands. Bounce houses, a rock wall and livestock demonstrations rounded it out. Sunshine Acres preferred not to release the children’s full names. hearsay

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1. Linda Stadther visited the animals in the ranch area. 2. Hope the goat is excited to see all the guests. 3. Vinyl’s End Kris Bohn (left) and Scott Rudy (right) entertain at the event. 4. Brody S. tries his turn on one of the tricky inflatables. 5. Gavin O’Connor jumps to the end of the difficult inflatables. 6. Jack B. plays on of the inflatables. 7. Payton O’Connor plays one of the inflatables. 8. Charlie C. rides on one of the carnival rides. 9. Quinton V. takes care of “Hope” at the event.

5 4

Flancer’s hosts the ﬁrst Waggle 5K run for Warﬁghter Sports By Taylor O’Connor For the past 18 years, Flancer’s and its partners have hosted a pizza-eating contest to raise money for charities. This year, Flancer’s is taking a different route to fundraising, creating the Waggle 5K run on Saturday, April 13, at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert. “We decided it was time for a change,” said Jeff Flancer, the restaurant’s owner. “We wanted to do something fun. As good as the pizza-eating contest was, it became a little too routine for us.” The 19-year-old restaurant will give breakfast burritos to it participant. Each competitor is welcome to bring Page 12

their dog or goat to join the run to raise money to four local charities. This year, Flancer’s and its partners are donating to Warfighter Sports, Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, and Friends 4 Life Animal Rescue. Warfighter Sports provides tools and resources to injured veterans to help them continue playing sports, while Sunshine Acres provides housing for homeless children. Jewish Family and Children’s Services follow Jewish core values to provide care for needy families, and Friends 4 Life helps animals stay alive and get adopted.

“Over the years we’ve raised and given to charity $355,000 and are continuing our work with this run,” Flancer said. The event is all about fun and giving back to the community. For the $35 entry fee, runners receive a T-shirt, a breakfast burrito and a Waggle hands-free leash for their pets. Flancer designed the Waggle hands-free leash to make running with his dog easier. Although people do not have to run with their dog, every runner gets a leash by entering the run. Flancer does request leaving uncontrollable dogs at home. Overall, Flancer said, the run is, “A

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vessel to support charity and a celebration of the cumulation of funds we’ve given.”

IF YOU GO What: Waggle 5K Run When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13 Where: Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, 2757 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert Cost: $35 before Monday, March 25; $40 from Tuesday, March 26, to Friday, April 12 Info: raceroster.com/ events/2019/21880/the-ﬂancerswaggle-run

March 2019

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Page 13

FAMILY TIME

Familytime

Red Mountain UMC hosting barbecue and music festival By Judi Willis, APR The community is invited to a free barbecue and music festival from 11:45 to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24, at Red Mountain United Methodist Church, 2936 N. Power Road, Mesa. The church is on the west side of Power Road, just north of McDowell Road. The Sonoran Dogs will play in a big tent on the church campus. Formed in 2011, the musical group exploded onto the bluegrass scene, performing and headlining many festivals and concert venues in the southwestern United States, and touring as far away as Australia. With every show, The Sonoran Dogs play with expertise, often impro-

Musicians will entertain during the Red Mountain United Methodist Church barbecue and music festival. The event has become a popular one. (Photos courtesy Red Mountain United Methodist Church)

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Americana, Celtic and “newgrass.” The Sonoran Dogs are Peter McLaughlin, guitar/vocals; Mark Miracle, mandolin/vocals; Tyler James, banjo/vocals; and Brian Davies, upright bass/vocals. Meanwhile, in the fellowship hall where lunch is served, a talented trio, led by Margie Mays, will play live country music. Instruments include doubleneck nonpedal steel guitar, ribbon guitar and bass guitar. The free meal includes pulled barbecue chicken sandwiches, homemade coleslaw, barbecue beans,

potato chips and dessert, with hot dogs available for the kids. Outside, kids will have many activities to keep them busy. There will be a bounce house designated just for preschoolers, who can also enjoy the outdoor, fenced playground. Bounce houses will be available for older children in another area of the campus. Kids will also enjoy the face-painting station, a petting zoo and, if they didn’t fill up on barbecue, free cotton candy and popcorn.

IF YOU GO What: Red Mountain United Methodist Church Picnic When: 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24 Where: Red Mountain United Methodist Church, 2936 N. Power Road, Mesa Info: 480-981-3833, rmumc.com

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March 2019

Story and photos by Laurie Struna, Mesa Public Schools In Suzanne Collins’ Montessori classroom at Barbara Bush Elementary School, there is a quiet rhythm as engaged fourth- to sixth-graders work on self-directed lessons. Two students play a card game they created to learn state capitals. Across the room, another child studies geology by manipulating minerals, while others learn about atoms, Spanish, writing or reading. Based on the work of Dr. Maria Montessori, an early 20th Students interpret data using graphs. century Italian physician and educator, Montessori class- Peace Yo-Yo Ma. rooms are homelike environments, District Montessori educators are filled with materials designed to keep accredited by the state of Arizona and hands-on, self-motivated learners orga- Montessori Accreditation Council for nized in a highly structured educational Teacher Education. It took Collins two environment. years of coursework to complete her Collins began teaching in 1999, and Montessori certification. She continthree years ago made the switch to ued her studies by participating in a teaching the Montessori Method. nine-month practicum and year-long “Students have individual needs, in- case study. terests and strengths,” Collins said. “I “The training was intense and a lot felt that I could make a greater educa- of work, but it was so worth it,” Collins tional impact teaching Montessori. I am shared. always amazed at what children can accomplish when given the opportunity.” Creating a legacy This school year, the district’s MonAccording to Collins, Montessori fuels students’ passions and teaches skills tessori program celebrates 25 years of including self-discipline, problem solv- educational excellence. The program is ing, collaboration, leadership, creativity, a popular choice for parents throughout innovation and caring for other people Mesa. “Our Montessori teachers are creatand the environment. Montessori students are empowered ing learners who feel empowered about by self-directed learning, which inspires what they know,” said Dr. Dawn Foley, self-discovery of talents and strengths. director of teaching and learning. Free K-6 Montessori is available at A few former Montessori students who attribute their education to their profes- Bush, Johnson and Pomeroy elementary sional success include Amazon founder schools. Tuition-based Montessori preJeff Bezos, culinary icon Julia Child, and school is also available. Learn more at cellist and United Nations Messenger of mpsaz.org/montessori. March 2019

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Page 15

FAMILY TIME

Montessori still sparks students’ passion for learning

FAMILY TIME

Usery: ‘Beautiful slice of the Sonoran Desert’ By Megan Marples

On the outskirts of Mesa lies a rugged piece of land dotted with cacti and snaked with meandering trails. At first glance, it might just look like another mountainous stretch of the Sonoran Desert. But for Brennan Basler, it’s home. Basler, known more commonly as Ranger B, spends most of his days at Usery Mountain Regional Park educating the public about the park’s vast variety of plants and animals. “We’re a beautiful slice of the Sonoran Desert,” Basler said. Usery is one of 11 Maricopa Parks and stretches more than 3,600 acres. With 29 miles of trails and dozens of educational programs, it’s difficult to run out of activities to participate in. Kids can explore the Sonoran Desert through a variety of outdoor activities offered at the park. The archery range boasts more than 100 targets and hosts classes for experts and beginners who are just starting out. Picnicking is another familyfriendly activity and Usery has no shortage of scenic spots. Day-use areas are available on a first-come first-serve basis and have a table, drinking water, restrooms and a

In addition to teaching visitors about the saguaro, Ranger Brennan Basler likes to stress the importance of preserving the natural environment. (Photo courtesy Maricopa County Parks and Recreation)

barbecue grill. The park also offers a variety of educational programs each month. Basler runs almost all of the programs at the park, which are included with general park admission. They range from full moon hikes to animal flashlight walks and cater to all ages and abilities. One of Basler’s favorite programs to teach is “All About Rattlesnakes” because he enjoys debunking common myths. “They can strike from long distances… they hibernate in the wintertime,” Basler NNM

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said. “Those are all myths.” He’s been with Usery for 12 years and has led more than 80 programs in the last two years. Occasionally, he introduces a program or updates a current one. This year, he’s focusing on enhancing the park’s homeschool program. “My goal this year is to get the kids outdoors more,” Basler said. “They’re kind of ‘Adventures with Ranger B’-type tours where we go out and explore the desert animals and plants.” One of the most common plants kids can see at the park is the saguaro cactus. Their towering frames and whimsical arms give the desert its ambiance. He describes the plants as human-like, from their crooked poses to their porous skeleton. “They encounter hardships, they get stressed, they have a lifecycle,” Basler said. In addition to teaching visitors about the saguaro, he likes to stress the importance of preserving the natural environment. On his full moon hikes, he points to the edge of the park where the city lights begin and asks, “Where do you think all the lights would be if this wasn’t a park?” “Right here,” Basler said the hikers answer. Basler said people are surprised when they first visit Usery. He said they feel like they’re a hundred miles away from the city, but it’s only a couple miles away. “They feel it’s like a little jewel on the edge of civilization,” Basler said.

Top five programs in March

9 a.m. Friday, March 2 Wag ‘n’ Walk Dog Adoption Hike Visitors can walk dogs up for adoption through Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. Hikers can select dogs and take them to the trails to see how they interact with other dogs. Hikers who already own a dog can spend time with them in the park. Dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations and at least 6 months old to

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participate. Bring a water bottle and wear closed-toe shoes. 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 8 Animal Flashlight Walk Experience Usery at night with a leisurely hike through the park. Join Ranger B to try to spot the desert’s most elusive nocturnal creatures. The 1-mile hike lasts one hour. The trail can accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight along with closed-toe shoes and a water bottle. Leave pets at home. 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 13 Kid’s Desert Scavenger Hunt Kids can delve into the desert through an interactive scavenger hunt. They will learn social skills while searching for items in the park and solving riddles. The Merkle Trail is 1 mile and accommodates strollers and wheelchairs. Families interested in participating should meet at Area 6 and bring a water bottle and wear closed-toe shoes. 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24 Eat the Desert Join this exciting quarter-mile stroll along the Desert Hawk Trail. Join the park ranger as he shares useful information about edible desert plants. Bring water and closed-toe shoes. Meet at the Nature Center. 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 27 Little Desert Explorers Kids ages 3 through 6 years old can explore the desert in a safe and fun environment. They will discover desert plants and animals using all five senses. Ranger B will lead this activity along the 1-mile Merkle Trail. The trail accommodates strollers and wheelchairs. Children must be accompanied by a guardian. Families who are interested should meet at Area 6 and have closed-toe shoes and water.

IF YOU GO What: Usery Mountain Regional Park Where: 3939 N. Usery Pass Road, Mesa Cost: $7 per vehicle; program information is available online. Info: 602-506-2930, maricopacountyparks.net

March 2019

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FAMILY TIME

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Mask Alive! Festival of Masks

Celebration of Pets

Colorful masks, performers, puppets and food trucks will brighten the park for the afternoon. This diverse cultural celebration brings a world of culture to Pioneer Park with Chinese lion dancers, Mexican folklórico dancers and mariachis, African music and dancers, Japanese Taiko drummers and Brazilian Capoeira drummers. When: 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 24 Where: Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main Street, Mesa Cost: Free Info: culturalcoalition.com/events/ mask-alive/ financially speaking

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Magic Treehouse: Showtime with Shakespeare biz box

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This theater spin on the beloved series by Mary Pope Osborn will take viewers through the magical adventures of Jack and Annie when they meet famed playwright William Shakespeare. When: 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Thursday, March 21, to Friday, March 22 Where: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa Cost: $8 Info: mesaartscenter.com

Stargazing for everyone at Usery Park

Professional stargazer Tony La Conte will guide attendees through the constellations and planets with a slide presentation and viewings through telescopes. When: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 30 Where: Usery Mountain Regional Park, 3939 N. Usery Pass Road, Mesa Cost: $6 entry Info: maricopacountryparks.net

STOMP

The percussion group has been traveling since the early ’90s and uses a variety of odd tools to make beats. When: Various times Tuesday, March 5, to Sunday, March 10 Where: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa Cost: $26 to $66 Info: mesaartscenter.com

Saguaro Lake Paddle – Start of Season

Redline Rentals and Sales will kick off the season of recreational water activities on the lake’s main channel upstream. When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23 Where: Saguaro Lake – Butcher Jones Recreation Site, East Butcher Jones Beach Road, Mesa Cost: Free to attend, $30 to rent kayak or paddle boards Info: saguarolakemarina.com

March 2019

This event helps support the Arizona Humane Society and the Emergency Animal Medical Technician program, which was created to save the lives of sick, injured and abused homeless animals. When: 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday March 2 Where: The Eastmark Great Park, 10100 E. Ray Road, Mesa Cost: $10 per family Info: eastmark.com

Ride-in-Movies at the Park: “The Nut Job 2”

To promote walking or riding bicycles to the park, Mesa’s Transportation and Neighborhood Outreach is hosting the fifth “UConnectMesa Pop-up!” event at Mariposa Park. Families can enjoy the movie, and also meet city staff and community leaders to learn about Mesa resources. When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 2 Where: Mariposa Park, 2351 S. Hawes Road, Mesa Cost: Free Info: mesaaz.gov

Wild Old West Dinner & Show

Join the cast of the singing cowboy, Pioneer Pepper with the Sunset Pioneers and dazzling showgirls for a mix of comedy, music and dance. When: 6 p.m. Saturday, March 9, to Sunday, March 10 Where: Farnsworth Hall, 6159 E. University Drive, Mesa Cost: Dinner and show $28, Show only $20 Info: sunsetpioneers.com

Terry Fator – The Voice of Entertainment

The ventriloquist who won “America’s Got Talent” in 2009 is bringing his show from Vegas to Mesa for two funfilled performances. When: 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9 Where: Valle Del Oro RV Resort, 1452 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa Cost: $75 to $90 Info: cal-am.com/concerts/

Youth and Teen Improv Class

Teens and kids can explore their inner actors by learning how to express their creativity, build teamwork and practice the basics of improve. When: Tuesdays from March 19 to May 14; call for times Where: JesterZ Improv, 1061 N. Dobson Road, Suite 114, Mesa Cost: $250 Info: jesterzimprov-eb.ticketfly.com

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Page 17

FOOD & DRINK

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By Octavio Serrano diy

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New pizza restaurant is breaking limits comm. spotlight

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Elise Stephens’ Italian ancestors are turning in their graves as she redefines how people eat pizza at her new restaurant In Pizza We Crust. “There are so many rules with fine dining, and with our fun pizza styles, we are not following anyone’s preconceived notion of pizza,” said Stephens, who has 18 years’ experience in the restaurant industry. In Pizza We Crust, which opened at Gilbert and McKellips roads in Northeast Mesa in January, has established itself as an “Americana” restaurant going beyond the traditional pizza limits. The New Jersey native and her partner, Andrew Martinez, opened the restaurant to fulfill the community’s catering needs and to fill a niche for fun pizzas. They use only fresh produce and classifieds

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ingredients. “We use all fresh greens, cut our vegetables ourselves, cook all of our meats. Nothing comes to us frozen,” Stephens said. Even beyond how it cooks its pizzas, it’s the recipes that sets the restaurant apart. “We established ourselves as Americana, so we get to make whatever we want,” she added. The menu includes “anything that is an American favorite.” In Pizza We Crust menu features the bacon cheeseburger pizza ($7.99-$15.99), which includes ground beef, mozzarella, bacon, red onions, pickles and tomato. Another popular choice is taco supreme pizza ($7.99-$15.99), served with regular toppings in addition to red on-

ions, jalapenos and sour cream. For something a little lighter, opt for the margherita with its red sauce, tomato, fresh basil and balsamic glaze ($7.99-$15.99). Pasta and pizza come together for the chicken alfredo pizza, featuring alfredo sauce, garlic herb butter, chicken, and cheese ($7.99$15.99). There’s a builtyour-own pizza option for a base price of $5.99 for a personal, and $12.99 for a large. Additional charges for topElise Stephens spent 18 years in the restaurant industry before deciding pings. to branch out and bring forth her own style. (Photos by Octavio Serrano) Stephens said the crusts are not fluff y or thin, but as proud of your product as you are.” just right. The formula for their pizzas Stephens said the Italian side of her didn’t come overnight. Stephens said it family looks at her pizza suspiciously. took hundreds of pizzas to perfect her “My mom is still slowly working her recipes. way through the menu.” “I think the fun part is that we are In Pizza We Crust small and unique,” Stephens said. 1927 N. Gilbert Road, Mesa “In the end, it comes down to training. 480-306-6129 You need to make your employees just

In Pizza We Crust takes slightly more time to prepare its pizzas but it uses all fresh products.

Page 18

Nearby News • For News Around Our Neighborhood

March 2019

By Jan D’Atri

Spring Training sausage and peppers

You never really know exactly when something becomes a ritual, but we know for certain that Cactus League in Arizona is one of our most cherished rites of spring. Since 1900, folks have been escaping the chill and heading out west to soak up our desert warmth, hear the crack of the bat and dive into a ballpark dog or maybe peanuts and Cracker Jack. We love Spring Training and everything that goes with it! So, this month, it’s a tribute to one of our all-time favorites on the field and off, the grilled Italian sausage sandwich with peppers and onions. Festival style, we call it – the darling of sporting events, carnivals and street fairs. I am often asked advice on how to cook sausage, and I’ve got to admit, that’s one thing I can do pretty well. Here’s why. In 1957, my family opened an Italian sausage factory in Lake Tahoe using a recipe developed by my father, who was a butcher by trade. As a little girl, I remember the tiny frying pan in the break room constantly in use, as dad grilled one link after each 75-pound batch of sausage to test for quality. The meat plant was cold, cold, cold, and that little frying pan – with its minimal output of heat – was my everpresent buddy! Then, in 1990, I decided to carry on the D’Atri sausage tradition by opening my own factories in Phoenix and Tempe, using the same tried and true 50-year-old family recipe. For several years, our product was featured at most of the Valley’s ballparks and at the 1996 Super Bowl in Tempe. Needless to say, I love to cook sausage on an outdoor grill or in a frying pan on the cook top. The problem is we often make grilling sausage a lot harder than it should be. We boil, burn and burst it in-

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stead of getting that perfect brownishblack coating of caramelized goodness. So let me share a few tips that have helped me to grill great Italian sausages! No. 1 Look for an Italian sausage with the classic course grind. You should see little bits of fat, which will render off and add flavor. No. 2 Don’t boil Italian sausage. You’re losing flavor that way. Instead, pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Place sausage links on a baking sheet. Cook for about 15 minutes until links turn a grayish color. Finish them on the grill, about 5 minutes. This ensures the links are cooked inside and caramelized on the outside. No. 3 To cook sausage in the frying pan, start with a small amount of water, about 1/4 cup per four links. On high heat, cook sausage until water has evaporated. (At this point, sausage will be light in color.) Gently puncture sausage in a few places to release juices. Reduce heat to medium high and cook sausage until caramelized. Turn occasionally for even cooking. You can also cook the sausage with a little bit of oil in the pan. No. 4 Slice sweet yellow onions pinwheel-style and strips of green or red peppers. (I do two-parts onion to onepart peppers.) In a frying pan or flat grill, cook in a small amount of olive oil or butter until soft and tender. Try these tips and you’ll hit it out of the park every time!

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By Taylor O’Connor mom section

Alvin Ailey theater celebrates 60 years of dance Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Clifton Brown knew he wanted to be a professional dancer since he was a 4-year-old in Goodyear. He trained at Take 5 Dance Academy in Avondale, but his real a-ha moment came at the Goodyear Library, where he discovered an Ailey VHS. “I had never seen concert dance before,” said Brown, who attended South Mountain High School as a freshman, and finished at New School for the Arts and Academics in Tempe. “I had been on the commercial side growing up. I always thought dancing professionally would be in music videos or on MTV.” But he connected to it. At 19, he moved to New York to continue with the BFA program Ailey has with Fordham University. After a year of school, Brown auditioned for the company, still not entirely sure if dance was the career for him. “Everyone has those forks-in-the-road moments in their life and for me, it was deciding between continuing school and studying something else, or dancing professionally,” Brown said. “Going to the audition and getting the job solidified which road to go down.” mom cents

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Now, Brown is performing the pieces he saw on that VHS tape with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, who hits the Mesa Arts Center’s stage Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30. This year marks the 60th a nniversa r y of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and the tour Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s performances have been called “inclusive,” as concepts of its dances welcome all types of people to will feature portray their own experiences. (Photos courtesy Mesa Arts Center) two pieces. The first is a love letter to Alvin by Ronald Up” by Talley Beatty, a high-energy perK. Brown and the other is a tribute to formance with music from disco groups company’s six decades. like Earth, Wind & Fire. Along with several other traditional “It’s jazz-dance influenced, upbeat Ailey pieces, guests can see “Juba,” the rhythms, and shows all of the layers of first full piece choreographed by Artistic the people who live in a city. There are Director Robert Battle. Brown said the lower-class people living in the streets piece is an abstract representation of the and representation of the rich upper class African-American folk dance from the and the interactions between them and Caribbean during times of slavery. shows the different walks of life.” Brown spoke highly of Jamar Roberts, The company will perform a wella fellow dancer who choreographed known Ailey piece “Revelations.” It is two pieces for the show, “Gêmeos” and “a cultural representation of African“Members Don’t Get Weary,” both de- American people that is timeless.” Brown buting in 2016. said this is a crowd-pleaser, and the audi“Gêmeos” demonstrates Roberts’ rela- ence’s energy builds along with the story. tionship with his He calls the performance “inclusive,” brother, an ath- as the concepts of the company’s dances lete. “Members welcome all types of people to portray Don’t Get Wea- their own experiences. ry” is influenced “Dance is for the people and we should by the blues, spe- always bring it back to them,” he said. cifically the hisIF YOU GO toric and presWhat: Alvin Ailey American Dance ent take on the Theater style, and shows When: 8 p.m. Friday, March 29 and the current soSaturday, March 30 cial landscape of Where: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main America. Street, Mesa Another piece Cost: $41-$65 Info: 480-641-6500, Brown highlightmesaartscenter.com ed was “Stack

Nearby News • For News Around Our Neighborhood

March 2019

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March 2019 events calendar

North Dakota Picnic in Arizona

This picnic is a gathering of current and former North Dakotans who now live either permanently or temporarily in Arizona. There will be a live band, vendor booths and food trucks. When: 10 a.m. Sunday, March 3 Where: Red Mountain Park, 7745 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $5 Info: 701-222-8349, ndcf.net/learn/ nd-picnic.html meet your neighbor

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Malt Shop Oldies - Part I

Enjoy listening to classic songs from artists like Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys and Chuck Berry. When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, Thursday, March 7, Sunday, March 17, and Wednesday, March 27 Where: Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $38 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Legends of Country Music

Enjoy the hits from big name country legends like Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, and Willie Nelson. When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, Thursday, March 7, Sunday, March 17, Wednesday, March 27 Where: Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $38 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Variety Show Spectacular

A show that will bring you music from rock ‘n’ roll to country, will host a versatile group of musicians. When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, Friday, March 15, Friday, March 22. Where: Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $38 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

East Valley Friends and Neighbors

A nonreligious and nonpartisan group, East Valley Friends and Neighbors welcomes those who wish to get better acquainted with others and to participate in social and charitable activities. When: 9:30 to 11 a.m., repeats first Wednesday each month What: Grace United Methodist Church, 2024 E. University (at Gilbert Road), Mesa Cost: Free Info: 480-848-5146, evfanaz.org, evfanaz@gmail.com

Malt Shop Oldies - Part II

Rhythm Cats perform hits from the ’50s and ’60s.

When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9, Thursday, March 14, Tuesday, March 19, Saturday, March 23 Where: Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $38 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

‘70s Rock ‘n’ Roll

Bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones take centerstage during this British invasion of rock ‘n’ roll hits from 1965 to 1979. When: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 10, Saturday, March 16, and Friday, March 29. Where: Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $38 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Mark Lucas & the Wild Bunch

Enjoy Mark Lucas & the Wild Bunch in this musical show with a hint of comedy. When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, and Sunday, March 31. Where: Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $38 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Mimosas and Palomas Art Brunch

Creative Catalyst hosts its Mimosas and Palomas brunch. Options include Curbside Crêpes food truck, live local musicians, and a silent auction from local artists. When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16 Where: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa Cost: Free Info: 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter. com

Vegas Jubilee

Experience the classic glitz and glamour of old-school Las Vegas with classic songs from great artists like Sinatra and Elvis When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 Where: Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $38 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Symphony of the Southwest

The Symphony of the Southwest performs Carl Orff’s monumental work, “Carmina Burana.”

Super Show Finale

Join the all-star cast and sing along to the hit tunes from the entire season. When: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24, Thursday, March 28, and Saturday, March 30 Where: Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $38 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

Falcon Field Open House

The open house will focus on the future of flight with new and unique aircraft and prototypes, such as unmanned aerial vehicles/drones, heli-taxis and personal flight vehicles. When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 30 Where: Falcon Field, 4800 E. Falcon Field Drive, Mesa Cost: Free admission Info: 480-644-2450 or falconfieldairport.com/home-ffa

Steep Canyon Rangers

The Grammy Award-winning sextet performs at the Piper Repertory Theater. When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 Where: Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theater, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa Cost: $38 Info: 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter. com

Cash and King

Steven Kent delivers a performance in his celebration of the legends, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 15 Where: Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theater, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa Cost: $48-$68 Info: 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter. com

Country Show

Six decades of the genre’s hits by bands like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash are showcased during these concerts. When: 11:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, and Thursday, March 21 Where: Silver Star Theater, 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa Cost: $38 Info: 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

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When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23 Where: Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa Cost: $20 Info: 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter. com

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Impala Bob’s celebrates Chevys, vintage cars

2019

Cameo Foundation’s 30th Annual Ms. Senior Arizona/America Pageant

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

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Impala Bob’s once again hosts its Chevy-heavy car show. (Special to Nearby News)

Impala Bob’s will pair Falcon Field’s Open House with its car show again, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at Falcon Field Airport Park. “It’s a great family event,” said Bob Antebi, owner. “There will be a couple hundred classic cars of all types. The show is open to all classic vehicles and motorcycles as well.” Located near Falcon Field, Impala Bob’s specializes in classic Chevys, and supplying restoration parts to people who restore those cars. “If you have a Ford, we’re not going to chase you away,” he said with a laugh. Antebi’s love of cars goes way back. While growing up in Connecticut, Antebi got into cars as a hobby. Eventually, working on old cars turned into a business.

For the Impala Bob’s Car Show, spectators are admitted free, while there’s a $30 entry fee for participants. The money goes to the Aviation Explorers Post 352, a group of young adults ages 14 to 20, who are working on their private pilots license. “We’ve been on Falcon Field for more than 20 years doing car parts,” he said. “I’ve always been a pilot, too. I’ve owned a plane and have an aviation-related business, Bob’s Pilot Shop.”

IF YOU GO What: Impala Bob’s Car Show When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 30 Where: Falcon Field Airport, 4800 E. Falcon Drive, Mesa Info: impalas.com

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Nearby News • For News Around Our Neighborhood

March 2019

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LOCAL BUSINESS

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A-Authentic Garage Doors builds solid reputation on the town

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A garage door is one of those things that tends to reveal its true necessity only when it’s not working properly. Whether broken, damaged by a wayward emergency break—or the illusion that the garage is already open, as has happened to this writer—or squeaks so loudly you put mousetraps in the garage corners, you’re in a jam. And with garage problems, there is an urgency to repair it. You can’t leave the house because your car and other garage contents are either stuck inside or exposed to the outside elements or passersby with sticky fingers. So, what’s a reliable Valley solution? Enter A-Authentic Garage Doors. As it said on its website, “If you had to lift a 300-pound door six or more times a day, you’d get tired – very tired. The same is true of your garage door springs because they do the heavy lifting for you.” Owner Darrell Peruch is known for setting the industry standards when it comes to the garage door business, a hard-earned reputation marked by impressive one-hour response times, 24-hour emergency repairs, and being a one-stop shop for just about any type of garage need. The family-owned company has been serving Arizona residents for almost 20 years, and during that time Peruch has comm. spotlight

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been tailoring his business to be as transparent and customer service-oriented as possible. “I got into the business in 1999 after a friend bought a garage door company in Tucson. At the time I owned three pizza and wing restaurants, called Peruchio’s Pizza and Wings,” Peruch A-Authentic Garage Doors serves the entire Valley, and Tucson. (Photos special to Nearby News) said. “After helping him, I decided this was my next adventure! After all, he adds, a garage door repair backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval) and Amarr Garage Doors, We opened A-Authentic Garage Door is often an unexpected expense. “I think people would be surprised a world-wide leader in garage door deService Co. in September of 2000.” Now serving the entire Valley (and that even though we are one of the sign. A-Authentic also offers LiftMasstill Tucson), for Peruch, it’s all about largest companies in the Valley, we are ter garage door openers, and accessories respecting a customer’s time, home and very responsive and treat each customer ranging from keyless entry to security wallet. When it comes to emergencies, with the highest level of respect,” Pe- panels to remote controls. With all the available options and A-Authentic is known to respond to a ruch said. Which is probably how A-Aucall within the hour, and if you need to thentic has been named an Angie’s List prompt response times, it’s no wonder schedule an appointment, there’s no “ar- Super Service winner, and has an A+ that A-Authentic recently expanded rival between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 rating with the Better Business Bureau. into a new 15,000-square-foot building When it comes to the services, equip- in a Valley area that gives easy access p.m.” Everything is scheduled within a one-hour window. A-Authentic wants ment and products, A-Authentic is to the freeways to provide even faster you to understand what the problem is a one-stop shop. Bent tracks, broken service to customers. “With the expansion, we will be enterand what can be done: Is it just a repair? springs and hinges, malfunctioning reDo you need replacements? Is there an ceivers and transmitters, off-track doors, ing into commercial service and possieasier way to fi x it on your own that sensor malfunctions, worn weather bly gates,” Peruch said. “But what I love will save you money? Peruch and his sealant, broken or frayed cables, noisy most about this industry is that every technicians take the time to explain all garage doors, bent panels—A-Authentic day we have customers in need, and we the possible service and repair options. will come fi x it for you. Looking for a can get their door working the same day new garage door? Whether and they can go back to their lives.” it’s for added security or to A-Authentic Garage Doors increase the value of your 419 W. Lone Cactus Drive, Phoenix home, they have great op602-321-4384, tions like Clopay (the only arizonagaragedoors.com residential garage door

A wide range of garage doors are available through A-Authentic.

March 2019

On the web at www.NearbyNews.com

Page 23

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LOCAL BUSINESS

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business briefcase By Connor Dziawura mom cents

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Greetings, readers! We’re back to Business Briefcase here at the paper, and I intend to make it another good one. As some of you have come to expect, and some of you may just be learning, Business Briefcase is a new outlet at Nearby News Mesa for us to discuss all the great new happenings in the East Valley city’s business community, whether it be new or closed businesses, construction and other development, or informative, networkingcentric events. During our past two months together, I’ve covered everything from new restaurant openings like In-N-Out and Jersey Mike’s to dental-related practices like My Dental Dentistry & Education and Longbow Dental Care, among others. This time, there’s a new pet store, a restaurant and an esthetics practice, among others. So, let’s make this another good one – a three-peat, if you will. Here’s the news! First, Premier Feed & Pet is open. It is located at 55 S. Country Club Drive, at the southeast corner of Country Club diy

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Drive and Main Street. Family owned and operated, with owners who have decades of experience in the pet business, Premier Feed & Pet offers the variety of products consumers have come to associate with retail pet stores – whether the customer has dogs, cats, birds, horses, livestock or poultry. Beyond being able to stop by, the shop will deliver to customers (for a fee, of course). Additionally, the new Mesa business has partnered with TLC Veterinary Services & Supplies, which will offer lowcost pet vaccinations and a wellness clinic from 3:30 to 5 p.m. the fourth Saturday of every month. The next one is March 23. For more information, visit premierfeedandpet.com or facebook.com/premierfeedandpet. On to food that humans can eat, Goody’s Café is new in town. Located at 1862 W. Baseline Road, or the northeast corner of Baseline and Dobson roads, the restaurant’s menu is a diverse affair. From breakfast to lunch to dinner, Goody’s menu offers so much – from American

classics like burgers to Mediterranean favorites like gyros, comfort food like steak, and a bit of seafood, with tilapia. Beyond that, there’s an entire Mexican food section of the menu for guests to get their favorite burritos, tacos, tortas and more. To be honest, however, with a menu so big there’s no way I could cover it all. For more information, pay a visit to goodysmesa. com. You can also find it on Facebook and Instagram @goodysmesa. Keeping in the food realm, Nékter Juice Bar at 2832 N. Power Road, near the northwest corner of Power and McDowell roads, changed from corporate ownership to a franchise location by the end of 2018, and recently underwent renovations. This includes, according to a company spokesperson, a restroom remodel and décor changes. From smoothies to açaí bowls and beyond, there’s much to try at Nékter. For more information, visit locations. nekterjuicebar.com/ll/us/az/mesa/2832n-power-road. Changing focus, “True Skin Health Is

A Science,” according to Skin Revision Technologies. Well, that science is now in practice at 3654 N. Power Road, Suite 133 – Studios 4 and 5, at the northeast corner of Thomas and Power roads. A new practice in the beauty industry, Skin Revision Technologies comes from Place of Radiant Beauty founder Cherie Callahan, who was previously based out of Pleasanton, California, where she operated that practice for more than 12 years, according to Skin Revision Technologies’ website. The new Mesa office places an emphasis on educating patients and creating personalized treatment plans, all while utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. For specifics, including on services and treatments, visit skinrevisiontechnologies.com. That’s all the briefs for this week. Thanks for reading!

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

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March 2019

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Las Sendas Animal Hospital and Grooming is part of a conglomerate, but it offers personal attention to each pet who comes through the door. The staff steps out from behind the desk to greet pets when they come through the door, and gently help ill animals onto the scale. It’s more of a family environment, than a stiff, clinical vibe. The 3-year-old clinic is helmed by Dr. Amanda Liesse, a Chicago native who studied at Iowa State University and University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. “I love all aspects of veterinary medicine, but I take a special interest in the area of canine rehabilitation,” she said about physical therapy and alternative modalities. “Canine rehabilitation treatment is designed to optimize movement and improve the quality of life for the dog,” she said. “I also greatly enjoy communicating with clients and helping to build the human-animal bond.” Las Sendas Animal Hospital and Grooming is part of AZPetVet, a family of 21 animal hospitals. The Northeast

Las Sendas Animal Hospital and Grooming 6747 E. McDowell Road, Suite 101, Mesa 480-351-6188, lassendasah.com March 2019

Clockwise from top left: Las Sendas Animal Hospital’s lobby is peppered with handpainted tiles with the faces of dogs and cats; Veterinarian Dr. Amanda Liesse is a Chicago native; Certified veterinary technician Rebbecca Rogers, left, and hospital manger Richelle Pina. (Photos by Kimberly Carrillo)

Mesa facility a general wellness clinic that offers soft-tissue surgery, dental cleanings, digital X-rays, and treatment for ill pets. “We understand not every pet who comes here is well,” said Rebbecca Rogers, a certified veterinary technician. “We’re an all-around clinic. “We do have a traveling surgeon within the clinics who does orthopedic surgeries. That’s a big draw to our clinics.” Another benefit of Las Sendas Animal Hospital and Grooming is its interest-free payment plan, which does not require a credit check. The plan requires a $15 set-up fee that is rolled into the payment plan, and a 25-percent down payment. “It’s nice for people who don’t have any other options,” Rogers said. “People who can’t go to a specialist and have to have orthopedic surgery done can come here on a payment plan and take care of their pet better. “We have everything right here at our fingertips, which helps. Clients aren’t going from here to here to here.” The clinics offer free vaccinations for life, with a $95 setup fee. Wellness exams, $55 for cats and dogs, must be paid for as well each year. “We just want to help keep our patients healthy,” Rogers said.

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