Celebrating 38 years of service
Free of charge
Vol. 40, No. 23
Ahwatukee Foothills News
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016
Today: High 97, Low 65, Sunny Tomorrow: High 88, Low 68, Light Rain
twitter.com/AhwatukeeFN
MAIN STREET AHWATUKEE
www.Ahwatukee.com
facebook.com/AhwatukeeFN
COVER STORY
GOLF COURSES
Latest news from the chamber; p29
Ahwatukee could lose golf courses to home developments, councilman warns
COMMUNITY:
Regional Science Bowl
By Eric Smith
BASIS Ahwatukee takes first place; p6
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
>> See Debate on page 10
>> See Golf Course on page 10
Members of the Desert Vista Speech and Debate Team pose with their state trophies including their first place trophy from this year, on March 23. [David Jolkovski/AFN]
GETOUT:
Roll film
Phoenix Film Festival’s 16th year; p32
No argument: DV wins 12th debate title in 13 years By Eric Smith AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
SPORTS:
Dream chasers
Area pro baseball players; p36 Neighborhood p3 Calendar p5 Community p6 Opinion p17
they spend up to three hours on weekdays and as many as eight hours on weekends preparing to go before the judges. “During state (championship) week we had about five hours of practice every day and we practiced over spring break,” said team captain Mackenzie Saunders. “It’s a lot of time with coaches. It’s a lot of time coaching your peers, coaching your teammates.” But with the kind of sustained success the Thunder has experi-
The Lakes Golf Course in Ahwatukee has been causing residents headaches for quite some time, but now, the rest of the golf courses in Ahwatukee could be under threat. At an Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee meeting on March 28, the committee discovered Ahwatukee Country Club, The Foothills Golf Club, The Lakes Golf Course and the Club West Golf Club are all zoned as residential areas, meaning the golf courses could be converted into more homes. The problem stems from The Lakes Golf Course, which closed in May 2013, and was sold to The True Life Companies, which provides land to home builders. As some of the other golf courses have come up for sale, it could lead to development of homes on the land. “Once you open up the door to development of one golf course, you now set a precedent for the other ones,” said Phoenix Councilman Sal DiCiccio of Ahwatukee. The thing preventing the development of homes on that land, DiCic-
Business p24 GetOut p32 Sports/Rec p36 Classified p39
Desert Vista is known for its athletic prowess on all kinds of sports fields, but there is one location where they are the most dominant — the debate floor. The Thunder won its 12th speech and debate title in 13 years on March 21, taking home seven individual state titles as well as the team championship. “We really try to focus each year on itself and not really worry about how many wins we’ve had before,”
coach Victor Silva said. “We really want to try and focus on this year and this team and just being the best we can be.” But the title wasn’t just won on the competition floor, it was won well before then in taxing practice sessions. “We focus very, very much on practice,” Silva said. “We always talk about winning practice and the tournament is just an extension of how hard we work.” The team’s practices are grueling, not physically but mentally as
KEYSTONE
Toddler • Primary • Elementary • Adolescent Currently Enrolling for our Primary Programs
A Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning
www.keystonemontessori.com
MONTESSORI
1025 E. Liberty Ln .• Phoenix, AZ • 85048 • (480) 460-7312
ING
NG
D
RE
TU FEA
TI LIS
R
TU FEA
5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms with a Diving Pool on 1/3 of an Acre. 3231 Sq. Ft.
$544,900
US
club west
5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms with a private pool, 2744 Sq. Ft.
$355,000
O GS
IN
M CO
mountain park ranch Over 10,000 Sq. Ft. lot, pool, sport court, built in BBQ, gazebo, 5bed/3bath
$523,900
TED
CLUB WEST – GOLF COMMUNITY Updated RITZ Model Situated on 1/3 Arce Corner Lot. 2850 Sq.Ft. 4Bed/3Bath, office, Pool/Spa. Call for more details 480-703-4085
3 bedroom, 2.5 bath with a private pool, 2179 Sq. Ft.
UNDER $300,000
JUS
club West
FOOTHILLS MOUNTAIN RANCH
3Bd/3Ba + Den and Loft 2283 Sq. Ft. ½ mile toTelegraph Pass. Awesome views!
$300,000
Single Level 5Bd/3Ba2647 Sq. Ft. Pool, BBQ, Fire Pit, kitchen remodeled to perfection w/ high end custom cabinetry. $429,000
TED
IS TL
JUS
Club West - golf Community 5 Bd/ 4 Ba, 3856 Sq. Ft. Pool w/Spa, BBQ, Fire Pit and Custom Pergola
$524,500
TED
IS TL
IS TL
JUS
A
ON
EE! S T
NG
I RM
CH
club west
crystal canyon
M
ED
T LIS
TED
IS TL
JUS
Mountain Park Ranch Amazing FIVE bedroom Pulte home located in highly desirable Mountain Park Ranch! $412,000
Our yard signs inspire confidence. Our Team delivers results!
Mike and Mary Jo Santistevan 480.703.4085 MaryJos@cox.net www.TeamSantistevan.com ©2014 BRER Affiliates LLC. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates LLC. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity. Based on GLVAR/ARMLS and other statistics deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Page 2
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
ABOUT US
The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills. To find out where you can pick up a free copy, visit www.ahwatukee.com. Ahwatukee office: 10631 S. 51st St., Suite 1, Phoenix, AZ, 85044 Tempe office: 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219, Tempe, AZ, 85282 CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 480-898-7900 Circulation service: 480-898-6325 STAFF Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Sales Director: Scott Stowers, x5624, scott@timespublications.com Advertising Sales Representatives: Karen Mays, x7909, kmays@ahwatukee.com Laura Meehan, x7904, lmeehan@ahwatukee.com National Account Coordinator: Patty Dixie x5940, pdixie@ahwatukee.com Classified: Elaine Cota, x7926, ecota@ahwatukee.com Advertising Designer: Christy Byerly x5651 cbyerly@evtrib.com Editorial Director: Robbie Peterson, x5638, rpeterson@timespublications.com Executive Editor: Kelly Mixer, x7913, kmixer@ahwatukee.com Managing Editor: Ralph Zubiate, x6825, rzubiate@timespublications.com Multi Media Designer: Veronica Martinez, x5601, vmartinez@timespublications.com Erica Odello, x5616, erica@timespublications.com Reporters: Daniel Ochoa, x4903 dochoa@evtrib.com Eric Smith, x6549 esmith@evtrib.com Prep Sports Director: Jason P. Skoda, x7915, jskoda@ahwatukee.com Photographer: David Jolkovski, x7910, djolkovski@ahwatukee.com Circulation Manager: Brandi Rodriguez, x6325, brodriguez@ahwatukee.com Write a letter To submit a letter, please include a full name, daytime telephone number and a complete address. Our policy is not to run anonymous letters. Please keep the length to 300 words. Letters will be run on a space-available basis. Please send your contributions to kmixer@ ahwatukee.com Editorial content The Ahwatukee Foothills News expresses its opinion in the editorial. Opinions expressed in guest commentaries, perspectives, cartoons or letters to the editor are those of the author. Contact us Contact managing editor Kelly Mixer at kmixer@ahwatukee.com. Advertising content The content and claims of any advertisement are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The Ahwatukee Foothills News assumes no responsibility for the claims or content of any advertisement. © Strickbine Publishing, Inc.
IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Lester recipient of Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Faculty Award
The ASU Committee for Campus Inclusion has announced that Dr. Neal A. Lester of Ahwatukee is the 2016 recipient of the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Faculty Award. Lester is the founding director of the award-winning Project Humanities initiative and a foundation professor Dr. Neal A. Lester of English at Arizona State University. The committee, in its announcement, highlighted Lester’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion at Arizona State University. Rachel Kemmerle, committee co-chair, noted Lester’s hard work and persistence in making campus environments an enriching, positive one for all students, faculty, and staff. Lester and other nominees and award recipients will be honored at a breakfast event on April 13, from 9–10:30 a.m., at the Karsten Golf Course’s Thunderbird Patio in Tempe.
Brophy freshmen hosts Special Olympics Game Day On Feb. 5 the Brophy freshmen class hosted its eighth annual Special Olympics Game Day. Over 175 Special Olympic athletes enjoyed partnering with a Brophy freshman participating in relay races, board games, basketball, football and a dance party, all on the Brophy campus.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona celebrates community members with big event Currently, there are more than 300 children who are waiting to be matched with a mentor in the Phoenix-metro area. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona remains dedicated to closing the gap and providing beneficial mentorship programs to the children in the community. On Feb. 11, the organization hosted its annual “Big Event” and recognized its corporate partners and volunteers who are actively rising to the challenge and helping provide young people with mentors. One of the highlights of the year for BBBSAZ supporters, the annual event acknowledges participants and has been in existence for more than two decades. The 2016 ceremony took place at Rustler’s Rooster and featured more than 300 attendees. Five adult mentors, or “Bigs” as they’re referred to in the organization, were selected out of a thousand volunteers for their commitment to the agency and received Big of the Year awards. A mentor’s presence plays an instrumental role in a child’s life. According to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, children who have a mentor relationship are 52 percent less likely to skip school, 46 percent less likely to use illegal drugs and 27 percent less likely to consume alcohol. BBBSAZ serves more than 1,200 youth each year and strives to connect young people with role models who are willing to devote their time and simply be a friend. The 2016 award recipients are as follows: Volunteers Big of the Year Awards Community-based Big Brother of the Year Michael Merkel. Community-based Big Sister of the Year Dannielle Charles, Site-based Big Brother of the Year Jaime Esquivel, Site-based Big Sister of the Year Jill Maruca, Family Match of the Year The Campbell Family, Bill, Keri and their son, Brad, Community Volunteer Award: >> See Neighbors on page 20
HE ORACLE T K ... AS Q: What is the penalty if I refuse to perform a breathalyzer test during a DUI stop? A: You will receive an automatic one year suspension of your driver’s license. visit for more information: www.oraclelawgroup.com
We See Law Differently. New Name, Same Familiar Faces.
Beauchamp • Martinez • Monnette • Neese and more
Melanie Beauchamp
Martha Neese
Lisa Monnette
Michelle Evans
Grace Martinez
Kyler Colin
PRACTICING:
Personal Injury • Wills • Family Law Criminal Law • DUI • Medical Malpractice
480-704-0777 4425 E. Agave Rd., Suite 110 • Phoenix, AZ 85044 ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016
Page 3
si
r e d l b o -S cem 0 1 De e nc
Spring Sales Spectacular! Move-In Ready Ahwatukee Homes from low $300s Lot 27 - Move-In Ready
Lot 28 - Move-In Ready
SOLD 1,750 sq. ft. with Expanded Great Room 3-Beds + 2-½-Baths
1,750 sq. ft. with Expanded Great Room 2+Loft to 3-Beds + 2-½-Baths Free Refrigerator/Washer/Dryer/1-yr HOA dues* Free Front & Rear Yard Landscaping! Discounted Price - $327,990
Lot 26 - Move-In Ready
Lot 30 - September Completion
1,930 sq. ft. with 3-Beds + 2-½-Baths Free Refrigerator/Washer/Dryer/1-yr HOA dues* Free Front & Rear Yard Landscaping! Discounted Price - $342,990
1,750 sq. ft. with Expanded Great Room 3-Beds + 2-½-Baths Free Refrigerator/Washer/Dryer/1-yr HOA dues* Free Front & Rear Yard Landscaping!
Lot 47 -Summer Completion
Lot 50 - Summer Completion
SOLD
1,874 sq. ft. with 3-Beds + 2-½-Baths Free Refrigerator/Washer/Dryer/1-yr HOA dues* Free Front & Rear Yard Landscaping!
1,860 sq. ft. with 3-Beds + 2-½-Baths Oversized 2-Car Garage
Ray Rd Chandler Blvd
a c e Wa y etpl ark
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS
M
Rosewood Village
LAGE
From the $290s to high $300s 15841 S 12th Way, Phoenix 8504
12 th St
Desert Foothills Pkwy
Chandler Blvd
ROSEWOOD VIL-
Pecos Rd Open Daily 10AM to 6PM Except Fridays 12PM to
#1 for Customer Satisfaction in North America! 4-Time Winner!
Discounted price only available if home is sold by 5/31/16. Seller to provide free Landscaping/Refrigerator/Washer/Dryer/1-Year HOA dues at close of escrow. Buyer responsible for Master HOA dues. Information & pricing is subject to change without notice or obligation. Renderings are artist’s conception. Sales by Rosewood Sales Group, LLC. Rosewood Homes Construction, LLC ROC # 250901. PD 3.28.16
Page 4
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
CALENDAR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6
Kyrene school district art show
DETAILS>> The Kyrene School District will host an art show through Thursday, April 7 at the Kyrene district’s office, 8700 S. Kyrene Road, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additionally, The Art Show Celebration Night is Wednesday, April 6, from 4-7 p.m., and pizza and yogurt will be available for purchase in the atrium as well as a raffle to benefit arts and education in Kyrene.
THURSDAY, APRIL 7
Basics Of Backyard Chicken Farming
How would you like to have fresh eggs laid every day by your very own chickens? They’re also great weeders, bug-eaters and soil tillers. An expert from Valley Permaculture Alliance will show you how easy it is to keep egg-laying hens in your own backyard — even in urban Phoenix. DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m. Ironwood Public Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. No registration required.
SATURDAY, APRIL 9
Corpus Christi, St. Vincent de Paul Furniture-Clothing Drive Corpus Christi Catholic Church and St. Vincent de Paul will be hosting its annual Furniture–Clothing Drive. They will accept most household items. However, large-tube TVs are no longer being accepted. This is a great time to start your spring cleaning by donating
furniture, household items and clothes to the SVdP ministry. These items will be used to help those in need. DETAILS>> Saturday, April 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, April 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Corpus Christi’s north parking lot on 36th Street, 3550 E. Knox Road.
SUNDAY, APRIL 10
TinkerTime Grand Opening
Ironwood is opening a Maker Space. Celebrate National Library Week by exploring hands-on, creative ways to design, experiment, and invent while learning about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) through tinkering. DETAILS>> 1-4 p.m. every Sunday after April 10. Ironwood Public Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. No registration required. For children ages 6-11.
MONDAY, APRIL 11
Legislative District 18 democrats meeting
DETAILS>> Legislative District 18 will host its monthly meeting on Monday, April 11 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at The Watershed, 5250 S. Lakeshore Drive in Tempe. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from countywide candidates for various positions. For more information visit www.ld18demorcats.org or email ld18demsinfo@gmail.com.
hat prizes will be awarded and food will be provided. All funds from prizes will go to Child Children and Crises Nursery. The Foothills Women’s Club is a 501(c) nonprofit organization that meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month from September through May at The Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive. DETAILS>> On April 13 at 7 p.m. The Foothills Women’s Club will hold a Kentucky Derby Party.
SATURDAY, APRIL 16
Fan Fest
Get your geek on! Are you a fan of “Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” “Harry Potter,” “Hunger Games,” “Batman” or “Superman?” Join us for Ironwood Library’s Fan Fest. Pizza will be served at noon followed by a trivia faceoff. All fandoms are welcome to wear a costume and be entered into a drawing. There will also be crafts for children at this family-friendly event. DETAILS>> Noon-4 p.m. Ironwood Public Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. No registration required. All ages welcome.
Ahwatukee author book signing
Local Ahwatukee Author Shonna Slayton will be siging her book “Cinderlla’s Shoes,” the sequel to her debut book, “Cinderella’s Dress” on Saturday, April 16 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble at Chandler Fashion Center.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27
Everyone is encouraged to wear a Kentucky Derby-styled
South Mountain Precinct will be having its next Tukee Talks meeting. The topic of discussion will be Nextdoor. com.
foothills women’s club derby party
tukee talks meeting
Attorney
Kathleen Nielsen
DETAILS>> Wednesday, April 27, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Pecos Recreation Center, 17010 S. 48th St.
SATURDAY, APRIL 30
Phoenix PD Taking Back unwanted prescription meds
The Phoenix Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 11th opportunity in six years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. DETAILS>> April 30 from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Target, 4737 E. Ray Road and 2140 E. Basleine Road.
ONGOING
21st annual FOL Wine Tasting at Rawhide April 30
Tickets are available online at www.folaz.org for $50 or a Six Shooter package of six tickets for $240. They will be available for purchase starting in April at all three Ahwatukee Safeway locations, and an additional $10 (making them $60/person) at the door the day of the event. Silent auctions with hundreds of items for people to bid on, and all of the monies raised at the event goes toward lighting up the city of Ahwatukee with a million white lights during the holiday season. Volunteers wanted: visit www.folaz.org to sign up. >> See Calendar on page 10
Don’t Limit Your Challenges.
Family Law & Estate Planning Thank you, Ahwatukee, for 25 Years!
Divorce • Premarital Wills • Trusts • Probate
Push to Challenge Your Limits.
Duskfire Professional Center [Elliot & S. Mill]
51 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 102 Tempe AZ 85284
480.730.6469 MEMBER
www.kathleennielsenlaw.com
Self-Defense Skills Influence Life Skills • Confidence • Tone of Voice • Posture • Self-Esteem
Call Today 480-759-4540 3173 E. Chandler Blvd. (SW Corner Chandler Blvd. & 32nd St.) Serving Ahwatukee since 1979
mountainsidemartialarts.com
RICK SAVAGIAN Head Instructor
Fifth Degree Black Belt in Traditional Wado-Ryu Karate USA World Cup Coach, 1999,2002,2009
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016
Page 5
Community
ahwatukee.com
Ahwatukee Foothills News online
News, ideas and opinions on what’s important to Ahwatukee
COMMUNITY
BASIS Ahwatukee’s middle school science team took first place in this year’s Regional Science Bowl competition. [Special to AFN]
BASIS Ahwatukee students win Regional Science Bowl competition By Daniel Ochoa AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Hard work and studying has paid off for BASIS Ahwatukee’s middle school science team, which took first place in this year’s Regional Science Bowl competition. It’s the first year BASIS Ahwatukee has won first place in the Regional Science Bowl competition. The school placed fourth in last year’s competition, which left a sour taste in the students’ mouth. They were also eliminated by rival BASIS Chandler. The taste of defeat assisted the students to be more prepared for this year’s competition. Preparation for the competition occurred Page 6
once a week for three months, in which team members reviewed science disciplines such as biology, chemistry, Earth and space science, physics and math. Aryan Soman, eighth-grader on the science team, said BASIS Ahwatukee has a strong emphasis on science, so it was easier to retain a lot of the knowledge needed to succeed in the competition. To make the study process fun and engaging, the team participated in dodge ball activities to test their reflexes on being the fastest ones to buzz in to answer a series of question. Ruben Favaro, science coach, said there was also an emphasis on the students teaching each other.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
“We had them teach each other on topics that they were really interested in,” he said. “It was really awesome to see them research their topics and come in with these really informed facts.” Their unique preparation paid off during the Regional Science Bowl, in which they went undefeated throughout the entire competition and beat BASIS Chandler 4-0. Dvyen Vo, chemistry teacher at BASIS Ahwatukee and science coach, said it’s really impressive that the students were able to take first place considering the school hasn’t been around longer than other schools that were in the competition. “We felt as if we were the underdogs going into the competition, and it’s nice to see
that their hard work paid off in the end,” she said. “It was a great moment for them to win first place, and for me as their teacher to see them answer their questions right.” The team will continue its studies as they prepare to compete in this year’s National Bowl, which will take place April 28 to May 2. Top 16 middle school teams in the national finals will receive $1,000 for their schools science department. • Contact writer: 480-898-4903 or dochoa@ evtrib.com. • Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.
NEWS BRIEFS
Phoenix launches recycling campaign to re-educate residents to recycle right
In 1991, the city of Phoenix introduced single-stream recycling to residents, making it convenient for residents to divert recyclable materials from the landfill. Twenty-five years later, and now offering recycling collection services to more than 390,000 households, Phoenix Public Works would like to re-educate and refresh residents’ minds on recycling right. Phoenix Public Works launches the “Top 10 in the Bin” campaign in partnership with Keep America Beautiful. The campaign lists the top 10 materials that should always be placed in the blue recycling bin: plastic bottles with caps on, beverage cans, mail, food boxes, paper, plastic jugs, food jars, beverage glass bottles, food cans and cardboard. The campaign message is clear, brief and easier to remember. “We are excited to launch this new recycling campaign and to work with the community to recycle more and recycle right. We’ve had a strong recycling program over the past 25 years but there’s more we can do,” said Ginger Spencer, assistant public works director, who oversees all the solid
waste collection and disposal operations. “Top 10 in the Bin is a national model that makes recycling clearer and easier for residents to recycle.” For this campaign, Phoenix Public Works produced the “Top 10 in the Bin” video, a public service announcement in English and Spanish that will be promoted through their social media channels and through PHX TV, cable channel 11. Additionally, tips and reminders about recycling will be included in the monthly newsletter included in customers’ city services bill; sponsored ads on Facebook; and various community presentations will help spread the word about the importance of recycling and recycling right. Aside from the top 10 materials recyclable materials, the campaign also emphasizes the top three items that should never be placed in the blue recycling bin: plastic bags and wraps, electronics, and clothing or textiles. These materials can be recycled, but not in Phoenix’s recycling program. Residents are asked to bring clean plastic bags and wraps to the nearest grocery store; electronics can be dropped off at one of the nine household hazardous waste and electronics collection event hosted by the city at different locations; and clothing and other textiles should be donated to resale shops. Recycling is important and one
“Your Ahwatukee Home Seller”
“Top 1% Ahwatukee Realtor” 25 Year Ahwatukee Resident
! ON O S NG I M CO
D TE S I TL S JU
Ahwatukee • CALL FOR PRICE Camelot Ridge 4 BR, 2.5 BA, 3111 sq.ft., Pool
Ahwatukee • $420,000 Foothills Club West 4 BR, 3,5 BA, 3,452 sq.ft., Pool
LD SO
>> News Briefs on page 9
Ahwatukee • $387,000
Ahwatukee • $314,900 Desert Foothills Estates 4 BR, 2 BA, 1,615 sq.ft., Pool
Camelot Ridge 5 BR, 3 BA, 2,671 sq.ft., Pool
Maricopa • $279,000
Gilbert • $279,000
Glennwilde 5 BR, 3 BA, 3,664 sq.ft., Pool
Cooley Station 4 BR, 2.5 BA, 2,539sq.ft.,
kw SONORAN LIVING ®
KELLERWILLIAMS REALTY
Each office independently owned and operated.
Better Business A+ Rating
Angie’s List
Preferred Vendor!
Call Kevin directly at
602-370-8106
www.Ahwatukee-Homes.com
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016
Page 7
Page 8
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
News Briefs >> From page 7
of the easiest ways to divert waste. Ensuring the recyclable materials are not contaminated by non-recyclable materials is equally important. To view the “Top 10 in the Bin” video, visit: http://phoenix.gov/publicworks/residential-recycling. Follow Phoenix Public Works on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more waste diversion tips.
New buses hit Phoenix streets The Phoenix Public Transit Department has ordered 120 new buses to serve the city’s local routes, the first order for new 40-foot buses since late 2013. The buses, built in California by the Gillig Corporation, use compressed natural gas (CNG) and have a fuel range of at least 400 miles, which means most of the new buses would not require daily refueling. The new buses replace existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) buses that average 12 years and 500,000 miles of service, some as old as 18 years with nearly 1 million miles. Another benefit of these new buses comes once the weather warms up. Each Gillig bus is equipped with an enhanced air conditioning system that includes two units that work
in tandem to cool both the front and back of the bus simultaneously. Each Gillig bus is $520,000 and is paid for with both federal and county (Prop. 400) funds. The result of this investment means less repair and maintenance, and the city has a more efficient fleet to service those that depend on daily bus service. Five to eight buses will arrive each week now through July, and as they do city staff will inspect each one to ensure all equipment is in working order, as well as install the farebox. Once a bus clears inspection, it is sent to one of Phoenix’s three bus yards and then put into service. This order of Gillig buses replaces about 25 percent of the city’s bus fleet. However, this is just the start; over the next 18 months, local and RAPID users can look forward to additional new 40-foot and 60-foot (articulated) buses.
Phoenix wants to hear from residents on proposed budget The city of Phoenix is in the process of preparing its 2016-17 budget. This year’s General Fund includes a surplus of more than $60 million that can be used to address critical needs including enhancing public safety, providing after-school programs, >> See News Briefs on page 20
Jeffery A. Kohler, D.D.S.
Ahwatukee’s #1 Team for Over 28 Years
480-706-7234
Mike Mendoza
www.MendozaTeam.com
Canyon Springs
The Foothills
Incredible Foothills Golf Club and panoramic mountain views from ½ acre lot on the course. 4 br plus loft, 3.5 ba with 3,865 sq. ft. Kitchen features upgraded cabinetry, Silestone countertops and black appliances. Abundant upgrades throughout including spacious master suite. Resort-style backyard with Pebble Tec diving pool with water feature, hot tub, gazebo and BBQ.
Golf course lot with privacy and amazing sunset and mountain views. 4 br, 3 ba with 3,093 sq.ft. Open family room floor plan with abundant upgrades throughout. Resort-style backyard features spacious pool with waterfall and spa, built-in bar and BBQ, plus two covered patios and upstairs balcony. Lush desert landscaping.
Mountain Park Ranch
The Foothills
Amazing preserve views from oversized hillside lot. 4 br plus den, 3 ba with 2,722 sq. ft. Gorgeous remodeled kitchen features granite countertops and custom alder cabinetry. New wood blinds and Plantation shutters. Tile and ash laminate flooring. Additional upgrades throughout. Private backyard with large diving pool and new Kool decking. Blandford integra block and 2x6 construction.
Incredible mountain views from desirable single level with split floor plan . 4 br, 2 ba with 2,377 sq. ft. Eat-in kitchen features breakfast bar, island and pantry. Fireplace in family room. 16” tile with granite inlays, wood blinds and Plantation shutters throughout. New carpet in bedrooms. Pebble Tec pool with custom Kool deck.
Listed for $615,000
Listed for $439,900
Listed for $469,900
Listed for $389,500
Aesthetic Family Dentistry
RECEDING GUMS? We provide the new Pinhole Surgical Technique™ as seen on “The Doctors” Call for a free consultation today!
COMPLIMENTARY COSMETIC CONSULTATION • Revolutionary Laser Technology • Invisalign • Porcelain Veneers and Crowns • Digital X-Rays and Imaging • Tooth Colored Fillings • PerioProtect for Gum Disease
Desert Bluffs
Arizona Greens
Great Mountain Park Ranch home new to the market. 4 br, 3 ba with 2,680 sq. ft. Large eat-in kitchen with island, pantry and extra cabinetry. Spacious upstairs master suite includes a separate den. Low maintenance backyard with a sparkling pool and spa plus mountain views.
Located near Club West Golf Course. 4 br plus loft, 2.5 ba with 2,179 sq.ft. Great room floor plan with spacious open kitchen with island. All new interior paint, carpet and tile in bathrooms. Private backyard with covered patio.
Listed for $380,000
Listed for $249,900
Toscana Lakeside
Tapestry Canyon
Superb townhome with beautiful lake views and open floor plan. 2 br, 2 ba with 1,481 sq.ft. Kitchen boasts granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Master suite with large walk-in closet. Spacious secondary bedroom plus den for home office. Community pool plus one-car garage.
Beautiful residential lot in highly sought after gated community of Tapestry Canyon. Stunning mountain and city light views. Lot encompasses a building envelope of over 37,000 sq.ft. to showcase your dream home.
Listed for $199,500
Listed for $219,500
15215 South 48th Street, Suite 190
480.893.2474 www.jakohlerdds.net
www.MendozaTeam.com Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016
Page 9
Debate
Golf Course
Calendar
>> From page 1
>> From page 1
enced in speech and debate there comes the outside pressure of needing to keep it going. And Saunders, who won an individual title herself in the Humorous Interpretation category, felt it. However, she used it as fuel to her fire to practice that much harder. “This year has been especially competitive because there’s been a lot of really good teams that could have taken home the DI championship this year and because of that we felt a lot of pressure,” she said. “We’ve accomplished this in the past, but just because we accomplished all those things in the past doesn’t guarantee us anything. “We worked exactly like we never won a state championship before. We worked like anyone could take it home because they definitely could have and it all paid off in the end.” But the preparation isn’t over yet. The next step is preparing for the National Speech and Debate Association National Championship Tournament June 1217. “Our two goals every year are to win state and to do well at nationals, so we’re really excited about that.” Silva said.
cio said, are deed restrictions governing the way the land is used, however, that could be changed if people sign away the restrictions. “Right now the only thing stopping (development) are those deed restrictions — that’s it,” DiCiccio said. “The deed restrictions keep it as open space golf course…Once you (develop The Lakes) then others will want to do Ahwatukee Country Club and the other one at risk is Club West. “What I want the public to see is that I’m just trying to bring a level of caution out there, be careful on this because once you sign your rights away, you sign them away,” he added. News of the way the land was zoned caught planning committee members off guard, said Scott Crouch, a member of the Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee. “It was almost an outrage,” he said. “It totally caught the committee by surprise... that such a thing could happen to the community and we now just have to make sure that we mobilize. It’s something that can just destroy the community.” Crouch said he was worried the development of thousands of homes on the golf course land could bring thousands of people to Ahwatukee and take away large expanses of open space. “I think it’s twofold,” Crouch said of the
• Contact writer at 480-898-6549 or follow him on Twitter @Eric_Smith_evt. • Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.
>> From page 5
HandsOn Greater Phoenix HandsOn Greater Phoenix is getting ready to kick off a new project in partnership with Save the Family Foundation, an organization that serves homeless families throughout Maricopa County. HandsOn volunteers will be throwing monthly baby shower celebrations for new or expectant mothers, and HandsOn has begun collecting donations for this new project. Donations of wrapped baby gifts, party decorations and homemade or store-bought snacks are needed. DETAILS>> Drop off at the HandsOn Greater Phoenix office, 5151 N. 19th Ave, Suite 200, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. For more information, call 602-9732212.
Sal DiCiccio
committee’s fears. “One is that yes we are losing golf courses but in conjunction, we’re losing the open space that a lot of people were attracted to in the village, and as a result of losing that space, now we’re going to have ‘X’ component of more housing and more traffic and more flooding and so now it’s become even more densely populated and the things that make the village very unique and special — busy open spaces that we enjoy today — we don’t want to see the golf courses go to developers of housing.”
Ahwatukee host families sought for international students
Families in Ahwatukee and the surrounding area can help with understanding the world beyond our borders by becoming involved in a global cultural exchange through the Aspect Foundation. DETAILS>> Potential host families can choose their own student by viewing student profiles on Aspect Foundation’s website at www.AspectFoundation.org. For more information contact Brynda Blowers at 480-444-6192.
• Contact writer at 480-898-6549 or follow him on Twitter @Eric_Smith_evt.
Alzheimer’s support group
• Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.
Voted Best Dentist
DETAILS>> 10-11:30 a.m. Ahwatukee Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the first Saturday of the month at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St.
6 Years in a Row
BellaVista DentalCare Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
• Smile Redesign • Invisalign • CEREC Same Day Crowns • KOR Whitening • Sedation Dentistry • Specialists on-site • Laser Treatment for Canker/Cold Sores, Gingivitis, and Periodontal Disease
Snoring Keeping You Awake?? Talk to us about a solution...
NEED A CLEANING?
79 New Patient $
Special*
15715 S. 46th St., Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85048
480.598.5900
BellaVistaDentalCare.com
NEW HOURS! Mon/Wed 8-5 • Tues/Thurs 9-6 Page 10
49
$
Children 14 & Under*
Includes: Exam, Cleaning & X-Rays
Not Using Your C-PAP? Ask us about your options!
Most Dental PPO Plans Accepted and Financing Options Available.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
Rashmi Bhatnagar, DMD Dallin Birch, DMD
Best Dentist
Camping for future success
PAM EAGAN RELIABLE • RESPECTED • REACHABLE SINCE 1985
By Tanya Nguyen
602-390-5740
AFN INTERN
The Leadership Society of Arizona (LSA) is offering a week-long summer program that aims to arm high school students with the confidence and knowledge they’ll need for a successful future. The Summer Education Program, which will have four five-day sessions starting in May, was constructed based on research led by the Performance Based Studies Research Group (PBSRG), who has developed techniques that have helped improve leadership and project management performance in multiple industries. The first four days of the program will be spent learning about confidence, accountability and applying to colleges and jobs. The techniques developed by the PBSRG are meant to simplify problems faced in and outside the classroom using natural laws and common sense. On the fifth day, students will be invited to Arizona State University for a closing ceremony and an opportunity to present to their parents. Member of the LSA and Summer Education Program team, Brandon Vermeer, took the college version of the course and said he was inspired to continue sharing the
www.PamEagan.com
The executive committee for the Leadership Society of Arizona. [Special to AFN]
knowledge that “changed his life.” “I always left class wanting more and it helped me become more confident in my academics, my strengths and myself as a person,” said Vermeer, who is a sophomore at ASU. “I want to be able to share this life-changing experience with my community. I want to give back to a neighborhood and school that set me up for where I am today.” In 2013, the LSA was formed by college students with the goal of teaching other students invaluable personal and professional skills. The LSA then partnered with the PBSRG and began a K-12 program. Through this week-long summer course, K-12 students reported to be happier and more confident, and the LSA reported a 27 percent
Realty Executives
SOLD Ahwatukee Custom Estates
Ahwatukee Custom Estates
5 plus BR’s, 4.5 baths w/option for another. 4,600 sq.ft. w/huge backyard on lush 1/2 acre. Master, guest & kids bedrooms down, back stairs to 1,200 sq.ft. teen suite or game room w/big closet and full bath. Wood flooring, lg updated kitchen, breakfast room, real laundry room, sport court, huge dive pool, kid’s play yard, 3 plus car garage. Move-in perfect.
4 bedroom plus game room, 4.5 baths with 4,100 sq.ft. Stunning perfection on huge lush lot. Huge south backyard, features “Mother of Pearl” tiled pool, super large outdoor living room area, park-like grounds. 4 car garage.
$879,900
$779,900
ED!
REDUC
Foothills Mtn Encased Cul-De-Sac
Fabulous Foothills
5 bedroom, 3,223 sq.ft., master bedroom downstairs with pool. Immaculate, updated & situated on a rare and desirable large “private” cul-de-sac, tucked high up into the foothills. Call Pam for details.
4 bedroom, awesome contemporary updates with stainless steel appliances, tile accents, stone flooring, soaring vaults, open & bright killer kitchen. Private backyard, imposing mountain views & pond with waterfall.
$469,900
D! EDUCE
$329,900
R
>> See Camping on page 12
Foothills Gated Custom
Lakewood
Gorgeous newer 5 bedroom in gated enclave. Mountain views surround this 3,868 sq.ft. home with pool in its large, lush backyard all nestled onto the picturesque association common area. Strikingly appointed and move in ready.
4 bedroom, 2.75 bath, lush private backyard, built-in firepit, updated kitchen, glass tile, updated bathrooms and community pool.
$674,900
$320,000
Foothills Reserve
Ahwatukee on Golf Course
5 bedroom, 3.5 bath floor plan w/5th bedroom as office, 3,079 sq.ft. of gorgeous! Jaw dropping with mountain views from “every” window, wood flooring, 6” baseboard & crown, wainscotting, HVAC units 2010 & 2011, creamy white kitchen cabinets, glass tile backsplash, guest BR & office down, atrium doors, custom alder wood built-ins, lg loft landing & more. South facing private garden backyard.
Updated two bedroom plus office with huge country kitchen, big laundry room with window, screened patio that overlooks golf course and mountains. Updated bathrooms, master bath with walkin tub, beautiful new sinks and gorgeous wood laminate.
$374,900
$194,900
ED!
REDUC
Mountain Park Ranch Over $80,000 in upgrades in this amazing 3 BR, 2.5 bath, 1,822 sq.ft. townhouse with 2 car garage. Diagonally across from the community pool. Slab granite, stunning custom cabinetry, 10” crown molding, travertine flooring, eat-in kitchen flooded w/natural light, custom fireplace, 2 walls of hi end garage cabinets. Private paved courtyard style backyard w/full length covered patio & SO MUCH MORE!
Sellers Loss at $229,900
Foothills Gated LAKE FRONT Augusta OMG Fabulous 4 BR, 3 full ba, 2,613 sq.ft. on prime golf course lot. Private South lush, tropical color paradise backyard, fabric awnings, paver patios, artificial grass, built-in BBQ, imposing mountains. Interior updates: crown moldings & wide baseboards, new kitchen, new baths... GORGEOUS!
$379,900
COMING SOON
Fabulous Foothills
5 bedroom on STUNNING HILLSIDE LOT with pool in large PRIVATE desert garden backyard with 3 car garage. VERY UPDATED!!
$450,000
Ahwatukee Custom 5 bedroom single level in cul-de-sac w/formal living room, dining room and 2 family rooms. UPDATED huge backyard, pool, 3 car garage and more. Call Pam for Details
$1,050,000
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016
Page 11
Camping
Bill Watson
Gets Results.
>> From page 11
Top 1% of Agents in Arizona.
THE Hardest Working Real Estate Professional.
I CAN SELL YOURS TOO! Highlands at Mtn Park Ranch
$325,000 Wow! Don’t miss this Mountain Park Ranch charmer! 4 bedroom, 2bath, single level with pool and 2.5 car garage sitting on a North-South interior corner culde-sac lot! Home remodeled in February of 2016 with new granite counters, refinished cabinets, plantation shutters, fixtures, fans, interior and exterior paint. Also don’t miss the cabinets and newer epoxy floor in the garage with separate exit to large backyard with fence pool. Newer carpet, fireplace, stainless steel appliances and much more. This home is in Kyrene School district and services Alta Dena Middle School and Desert Vista High School. Hiking and shopping just a few steps away.
Layton Lakes in Gilbert
$329,900 Wow! Why buy new? This home is better than new! Sitting in the middle of Layton Lakes this 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom with a loft is beautiful! Some upgrades include large eat-in kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, 18 inch upgraded tile, upgraded carpet and custom paint colors. Large master suite with big master bath, separate shower/tub and huge walk-in closet. Large secondary bedrooms with spacious loft for work or play. North-South exposure and steps from parks, tennis courts and splash pad.
Custom Home Lot in Gilbert
Brandon Vermeer, an Arizona State sophomore and member of the Leadership Society of Arizona and Summer Education Program team, gives a presentation. [Special to AFN]
decrease in student stress, as well as a 20 percent increase in student academic confidence from those students. In 2015, the LSA and PBSRG expanded into a year-long high school course and reported back a 54 percent decrease in student stress and 44 percent increase in confidence. The course received NCAA accreditation as a leadership philosophy course. The program addresses stress as something that can be more easily dealt with than students realize. The discussion-based classes aim to teach kids how to break down complex tasks and obstacles before they tackle them, which makes for better decision making and a reduction of risk and stress. The format of the course will also prepare stu-
$289,900
PENDING
kw
®
$189,900 17th floor, penthouse level, end unit, north facing, 2br, 1ba Fillmore model with the most excellent views of the sunsets, Camelback mountain, Squaw Peak and the Phoenix North mountains. The most desirable 2br at the landmark! The only unit that looks over the BMO Harris Bank building. Kitchen features dark cherry wood cabinetry, granite counter tops & stainless appliances. New carpet 1 year ago. There are two balconies for a total 270 square feet of spectacular outdoor living space. The Landmark Towers amenities include two secured underground parking spaces, 24hour concierge service, year-round heated pool, gym, resident center for entertaining large parties, media room, wi-fi in every unit, computer equipped library, 18th floor rooftop sky lounge, ac/heating are included in hoa!
SONORAN LIVING
FREE INSTALLATION on Variable Speed Pumps
A $250 Value! $50 manufacture rebate on (i2vsp) Expires 4/30/16.
Pool Resurfacing Experts Specializing in pool service, maintenance & repair
602-546-POOL (7665)
www.TheBillWatsonGroup.com
480.706.7211 • 602.469.0388 Professionalism • Integrity • Communication
Let us help you create the pool of your dreams!
*Model I2
KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY
Page 12
• Tanya Nguyen is a senior at the Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She is an intern this semester for the Ahwatukee Foothills News.
DESIGN CENTER
Wow! Just over an acre custom home lot in Gilbert. Cinder block wall on three sides, flood irrigation in the back, SRP and phone on the lot! Also paved road on a no thru street.
Penthouse Level in Landmark Towers
dents for discussion-based college courses that most college students will face throughout their education. “I think one of my favorite parts of the course is that it helps you see the big picture in life rather than focusing on minute instances,” Vermeer said. “For example, if one situation in life doesn’t go the way you expect it to, that doesn’t mean everything is ruined. By seeing the bigger picture, you realize that oftentimes mistakes or negative experiences are blessings in disguise.” The first session will be at McClintock High School starting May 23, the second and third at Mesa Mountain View High School starting June 20 and 27, and the fourth will be at Mountain Pointe High School starting July 18. While the first three sessions are open to all high school students, the last will be open to only Mountain Pointe students. The cost to register for the first three sessions is $275 and the last is $250. Parents of Mountain Pointe students can use tax credit donations to cover the cost of the program. Registration is open online at leadershipsocietyofarizona.com. Each session is limited to 50 students.
Each office is independently owned and operated.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
www.barefootpoolman.com
1241 E. Chandler Blvd., Ste. 124, Phoenix, AZ 85048
(SW corner of Desert Foothills Parkway & Chandler Blvd.)
Thank you for voting us an Ahwatukee’s “Best Of” Pool Service Company 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014!
Ahwatukee Owned & Operated Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001
The Mayor's International Gala gives attendees the chance to experience the cultures of Phoenix's sister sities. [Special to AFN]
Phoenix Sister Cities hosting gala to benefit programs By Eric Smith AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
The mission of Phoenix Sister Cities is to promote cooperation through exchange, sending people to places around the world to foster economic, social and technical growth. Hosting more than 52 events per year,
Phoenix Sister Cities continues to advance its mission, and its upcoming Mayor’s International Gala is its preeminent event. Coming up on Thursday, April 7, from 6-9 p.m., the third annual gala will help to benefit Phoenix Sister Cities programs, which in 2015 was given Sister Cities International’s
2015 Best Overall Program Award. “The gala was born out of our desire to grow and to do even more as a sister city.” said Judy Schumacher, chairman of the board for Phoenix Sister Cities. “Our focus is to get stronger and stronger ties with these international cities and what better
way than to bring all of the different cultures together for an event and that’s how the gala was born.” This year’s gala will be themed based on one of Phoenix’s sister cities: Catania, Italy. It will feature various Italian-themed musical entertainment acts combined with food that features an Italian flair. The city of Phoenix Global Citizen Award will be given to a person who exemplifies global citizenship. There will also be a raffle with a top prize of two round-trip tickets to any of Phoenix’s 10 sister cities along with $3,000 in cash, a second prize of $2,500 in cash and a third prize of a custom-designed piece of jewelry worth $1,500. “The most important thing is that it raises funds for Phoenix Sister Cities,” said Anne Thorne, chairman of the Mayor’s International Gala Committee. “The ambassador exchange program is probably the most visible thing that we do in sending kids — local high school kids — all across the world to experience cultural diversity and that can change kids’ lives.” • Contact writer at 480-898-6549 or follow him on Twitter @Eric_Smith_evt. • Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.
Toddler • Primary • Elementary • Adolescent
A Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning
We came to Keystone for the authentic Montessori education. We fell in love with Keystone Montessori when we realized it was more than just a school, it was a community. - Parent Testimonial
www.keystonemontessori.com 1025 E. Liberty Ln. • Phoenix, AZ • 85048 • (480) 460-7312 ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 13
Chandler Compadres president Mike Hansen, second from the right, at the 2014 Golf Classic. [Special to AFN]
Tee off for charity
Annual Golf Classic helps local children foundations By Kendra Penningroth AFN INTERN
Grab your buddies, your bag and your Bermuda shorts — it’s time to golf. On Friday, April 8 the Chandler Compadres will be hosting their annual charity Golf Classic. Companies are encouraged to buy foursomes or become hole sponsors to represent their business or brand.
The tournament will take place at the Whirlwind Golf Club, 5692 West North Loop Road in Chandler, where the courses are designed by Gary Panks, a decorated architect who was even inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport in 2009. “I’ve been a golfer my whole life…it’s an impressive event, to say the least,” said Kurt Jo-
Voted “1st Place” Best Dentist 9 Times
Thank You Ahwatukee!
BEST of 2015 Ahwatukee Foothills News
Foothills Family Dental P.C. Digital Xrays Implants Itero Digital Cosmetic Services Impressions Emergency Care Invisalign Certified Accepting New Patients 23 Years in the Same Location
hansen, chairman of this year’s Golf Classic. Michael Hansen, Chandler Compadres president, is expecting to sell out the entire course, hosting 288 golfers separated into 72 foursomes. He is also excited to see all the different sponsors that represent the holes, foursomes and event as a whole, including, but not limited to: San Tan Brewery and Isabelle’s Amor. “We really work hard to ‘round it out.’ Your sponsorship, your foursome, their value really goes a long way,” said Hansen. Every golfer at the Chandler Compadres Golf Classic will be given a custom tee gift, use of resort practice facilities, tees, a yardage guide and a divot tool. The participants will also be provided with a deli-style buffet lunch, complimentary beverages, catered dinner and awards banquet, entry in all oncourse contests, and a gift certificate to the club’s Merchandise Concept Shop. “This is my ninth year attending this golf tournament. Even when I wasn’t a Compadre, this was one of the most fun ones that I had ever played in,” said Hansen. The event itself is certainly enticing — as the Arizona heat starts rolling in, golf season will be coming to a close in the blink of an eye. The Golf Classic is an opportunity to spend some time with friends and family out in the sun, breaking a sweat. However, we must not forget the meaning behind the good time.
Desert st Home Cleaning PLACE Service, BEST of Inc. 2015 CARPET & Ahwatukee Foothills UPHOLSTERY News CLEANING SPECIALISTS
1
• OWNER OPERATED • 32 YEARS EXPERIENCE • TRUCK MOUNTED EQUIPMENT
• Kendra Penningroth is a freshman at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. She is interning this semester for the Ahwatukee Foothills News. • Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.
CARPET CLEANING SPECIAL 5 Rooms Only $80
Combined living area and/or area over 300 sq.ft. Considered separate rooms NO HIDDEN CHARGES
Cleaning includes Pre-Treating Most Furniture Moved Carpet Groomed
480.759.3361
Protector and deodorizer available
Find Any Hidden Charges and the Cleaning is FREE!
Who’s got your back and your back pocket? Dr. Anita Marra
480-460-0484
www.foothillsfamilydental.com
1238 E. Chandler Blvd. • Ste. #101, Phoenix, AZ 85048
Sam Winter Ins Agcy Inc Sam Winter, Agent 3636 E. Ray Road sam.winter.cffx@statefarm.com Bus: 480-704-2004
Located on the corner of Chandler Blvd & Desert Foothills Pkwy.
1103158.1
Page 14
The Chandler Compadres are a group of 40 active “Southeast Valley” businessmen that devote much of their free time to supporting local charities, particularly charities that benefit Chandler. The Compadres can be thanked for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley’s Compadre Branch in Chandler, as they played major roles in opening the branch and continue to help fund it today. The organization also supports the Chandler Education Foundation and ICAN, a foundation that gives underprivileged children an opportunity to explore extracurricular opportunities. The Compadres also support several other beneficiaries, primarily organizations that focus on the development and support of financially disadvantaged students, children and families. Each year the Chandler Compadres generate between $650,000 and $700,000 in revenue through a few different events, including the golf tournament, for their beneficiaries. The golf event alone is expected to produce approximately $325,000 for Chandler charities and children. For more details on donating or joining in the fun, contact Johansen at golf@chandlercompadres.org.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
Just ask our 40 million State Farm® customers. With State Farm behind you, you can look forward to what’s ahead. Like 97% customer satisfaction with claims - plus discounts up to 40% GET TO A BETTER STATE.™ CALL ME TODAY.
*Discounts may vary state to state. Based on a 2008 internal State Farm claims department national study. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL
E D U CAT I O N A L WO R K S H O P
Savvy Social Security Planning for Boomers: What Baby Boomers Need to Know to Maximize Retirement Income H O ST E D B Y Robert Harbeke, CFP ® | Wells Fargo Advisors
April 12th, 2016 at 7:00pm
10429 S. 51st Street | 2nd Floor Phoenix, AZ 85044 RSVP
(480)477-8494 | rharbeke@yahoo.com
• 5 factors to consider when deciding when you apply for benefits • When it makes sense to delay benefits - and when it does not • How to estimate your benefits • How to coordinate benefits with your spouse
Complimentary laminated guide to Social Security to all attendees!!
LEARN
• 5 factors to consider when deciding when you apply for benefits • When it makes sense to delay benefits - and when it does not • How to estimate your benefits • How to coordinate benefits with your spouse • How to minimize taxes on Social Security benefits • How to coordinate Social Security with your other sources of retirement income
Can a child with 20/20 vision still struggle with homework? Surprisingly, the answer is yes. Even with 20/20 vision, a child may lack the visual skills necessary for effective close work such as reading and computer use. If your bright child seems to be struggling call us to schedule a comprehensive learning-related eye exam.
• Glasses and Sunglasses • Contact Lenses • Vision Therapy • Corneal Refractive Therapy • Protective Eyewear
EYE PRIORITY, PC
Complete Vision Care for All Ages Since 1991
Dr. Kelly de Simone
Dr. Monica Sawitzke
480-893-2300 www.eyepriority.com 15725 S. 46th St., #112, Phoenix, 85048
GET MORE OF KARASTAN’S SOPHISTICATED STYLING NOW FOR LESS. Select styles of Karastan’s most popular carpets are on sale now through March 31. It’s the perfect time to add the Karastan touch to your home and live more beautifully. Sale ends April 30, 2016. See store for details.
Call (480)775-0160 Now to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Estimates & FREE Design Consultations
6909 W. Ray Rd., Ste. 5 (SE Corner of Priest & Ray)
www.flooringamericaofchandler.com Mon-Fri: 8-6, Sat: 10-4, Sun: 11-4 AHWATUKEE RESIDENT FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1997 ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 15
Local women plan fashion show, luncheon to help clothe children By Sarah Auffret AFN COLUMNIST
A group of volunteers from Ahwatukee and the East Valley are part of a group that has been working for months to plan a fashion show, luncheon and boutique, knowing that more than 7,000 school children are counting on them to receive new clothing next fall. Assistance League of East Valley provides new clothing, shoes and hygiene kits for children each year through fundraising events, donations and proceeds from their thrift shop at 1950 N. Arizona Ave. in Chandler. Their 24th annual fashion show and luncheon will be at noon on April 16 at the Arizona Grand Resort, 8000 Arizona Grand Pkwy., with a vendor boutique opening at 9 a.m. Boutique items will include custom designed jewelry, apparel, handbags, home décor, linens and glassware. Beverly Connors of Ahwatukee is chairperson for the event, called “The 20’s and all that Jazz,” which will feature fashions from Dillard’s. A silent auction will include several gift baskets, a hand-stitched quilt, Diamondbacks and Cardinals tickets, Gammage tickets, a resort stay and trips. Tickets for the event are $75 and are available at the website: www.assistanceleagueeastvalley.org.
“The women in our organization want to make a difference,” said Connors, who moved to Ahwatukee from Florida two years ago and joined Assistance League because she was looking for a way to get involved in the community. “I see it in the hours they devote, in the times they talk about an experience with a child. They are relentless in their enthusiasm.” Elementary school children from Tempe, Mesa, Kyrene, Chandler and Gilbert school districts receive clothing from the organization after being recommended by family resource officers at their schools. The children are thrilled to receive a shopping trip to Target, or a set of two uniforms if they attend a uniform school. The group also provided 4,350 assault survivor kits last year to local police and fire departments containing clothing and personal care items for victims of trauma, and teddy bears for child victims. They also host monthly birthday parties at an adult care center and at a school for homeless children, provide supplemental materials to teachers, sponsor spelling bees and award 10 college scholarships. “I enjoy offering my creative skills, and I love working in the thrift shop,” said Sheila Stimmel of Ahwatukee, who has been a
Beverly Connors, left, and Sheila Stimmel show a gift basket that will be part of a silent auction at an Assistance League of East Valley fashion show and luncheon. [Special to AFN]
member of the group for 11 years. “I like knowing that everything I do contributes to improving the lives of those in need, mostly children, in our community. And, of course a bonus is that I have more friends than I would ever have had without Assistance League.” The Assistance League thrift shop, located at the southwest corner of Arizona Avenue and Warner Road in Chandler, is an upscale outlet that carries boutique and everyday apparel, books, housewares, crafts, small appliances, fabric, toys and children’s
clothing. Assistance League of East Valley is part of a national non-profit Assistance League that carries out community-based philanthropic projects. They welcome new members as well as donations of any kind. The group also is seeking businesses or individuals as sponsors for the fashion show, which is their major fundraiser. • Sarah Auffret is a Tempe freelance writer and volunteer member of the Assistance League of East Valley. Reach her at sauffret@asu.edu.
SERVICE
• Factory Trained Technicians Using State of the Art Equipment
Brakes Tires Batteries Shocks Suspension Fluids Oil Change A/C Belts and Hoses Diagnostics Alignment Shuttle Service Nationwide Warranty
Free Air Check Anytime 3810 E. Ray Road (East of Fry’s)
1995
$
Standard Oil Change
OR $5 OFF Premium Oil Change Must present coupon to get this offer. Most vehicles. No other discounts apply. Up to 5 quarts of oil. Disposal and shop supplies additional. Redeem at Purcell Tire & Service Center locations. Not all services available at all locations. Offer ends 4/30/16.
1000 off each Flush/Fluid Exchange up to $4000 Off $
• Cooling System fluid exchange • Power Steering Fluid exchange • Transmission fluid exchange • Brake fluid exchange
Must present coupon to get offer. Most vehicles. No other discounts apply. Additional charge for shop supplies. Redeem only at your local Purcell Tire and Service Center location. Offer ends 4/30/16.
3995
$
Spring Car Care Package
• Lube, oil change & new filter (up to 5 quarts of a major brand oil) • Top off all fluids under the hood • Complete tire rotation • Check tread depth • Adjust air pressure to manufacturer’s specifications • Battery & charging system test • Complete vehicle inspection
Must present coupon to get this offer. Most vehicles. No other discounts apply. Up to 5 quarts of oil. Canister filter, diesel, synthetic blend and full synthetic oil extra. Fluid/ filter disposal and shop supplies additional. Redeem at Purcell Tire & Service Center locations. Not all services available at all locations. Offer ends 4/30/16.
(480) 706-8600 purcelltire.com
Mon-Fri 7:00 - 6:00, Sat 7:00-5:00, Sun CLOSED
Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 18 Years
Page 16
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
• Family Owned & Serving The East Valley Since 1973 • Shuttle Service, Pick Up & Delivery Available at no extra cost
• Jaguar & Range Rover Experts • Honor Most Extended Warranties
• All Service Guaranteed/ Parts & Labor * All required factory maintenance Services
480.968.5000 | www.sccarcenter.com
&COLLECTOR CAR CENTER
SPORTS
Servicing Your Car Is Not Our Job, It’s Our Passion
The
Neighbor Ladies
In-Home Care for Seniors
Personal Care | Errands | Transportation Meal Preparation | Laundry & Tidy Upkeep
We are Ahwatukee residents caring for our neighbors.
Owner | Valerie Sanders
Office (480) 577-6933 | Email theneighborladies@gmail.com w w w.Th e N eighborL adi e s .com
Opinion
LETTERS AHWATUKEE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT ahwatukee.com
Ahwatukee Foothills News online
Views expressed are those of the authors or artists.
GUEST COMMENTARY
Golf is the only option? GUEST COMMENTARY
At a recent Town Hall meeting he called, As we approach the third year of the Lakes Councilman Sal DiCiccio made it clear that Golf Course closing I believe it is time to in- the city of Phoenix is divesting itself of golf. volve more resident opinions than that of a What once was funded by its own revenues select few. The reason is simple, the future a few years ago was shifted to the General state of golf. Fund to support its losses. RecentThe golf industry has experienced ly, the city took $15 million from the a rapid decline over the last 10 years. Park Preservation Fund to buy down Many courses across the U.S. have golf debt. The reason is simple; supclosed, substantially more than those ply vs. demand and a change in dethat have opened or rebuilt. Those mographics. In the ’70s–’90s almost in favor of golf will tell you that if the all large developments included a golf purchase price was right some invescourse as an amenity. Previous gentor would buy it. This would require Robert Blakesley erations played golf. As they age and the owner to sell it at a substantially can no longer play the newer generreduced price and the new owner to invest ation does not play golf as before. Ahwatua substantial sum to rebuild. kee had five golf courses on our side of the The city of Phoenix recently gave the mountain for about 80,000 residents. AnMaryvale course to Grand Canyon Univer- other point worth discussing is our water sity. Grand Canyon invested $10 million in future. The fight amongst the states for Cennew sprinklers, clubhouse, dirt work and tral Arizona Project (CAP) water is heatturf. The size is similar to the Lakes course. ing up. Golf courses are major water users The city will receive 10 percent only after for a few players. Golf’s future will be influGrand Canyon recoups its $10 million invest- enced further by the impact of water use. ment. The Lakes course would not have any I think the time has come to look at alterinvestment protection. natives for not only the Lakes, for others
as well. Until supply equals demand, others will more than likely close. Councilman DiCiccio has stated that the Save the Lakes group will have the “say” in what eventually would be built on the property, but so will the rest of those who call Ahwatukee home, and everyone does not feel the same. To date, Save the Lakes opinion has been golf only. Councilman DiCiccio has appointed two Save the Lakes members to the Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee. He recently wrote an article that this committee should not have a conflict of interest. Councilman DiCiccio should open his discussion to all residents he represents. It’s time to open the discussion to all members of the community. It’s also time to support the Country Club with golf play and dining rather than boycott. Let’s make an effort to save this one, no matter who the owner is. • Robert Blakesley is the general manager at Ahwatukee Board of Management (ABM). He is a 26-year employee of ABM.
Unsolicited agenda push from wealthy developers I received an unsolicited email from a group to which I do not belong or know, the Ahwatukee Moving Forward people. I am dismayed that someone gave them my email address since I do not care to be associated with them and I do not think they truly want Ahwatukee to move forward in the way most of the residents want. I believe it is a shill organization to push the agenda of wealthy developers who are NOT from our community and who do not have the best interest of Ahwatukee (and ABM) homeowners. They only want to take away our few open spaces and overcrowd our already too busy streets and schools to put more money into the outside developers’ pockets. If it isn’t for financial gain for themselves, why on earth are they pouring thousands of dollars into slick ads and signs to re-elect incumbents to the ABM Board who have had total control with little transparency or input from homeowners for about 20 years? This is NOT an effort to put down any of the fine events put on by the ABM for many years. I love the Easter Parade, the food truck nights, the car shows, the chili cookoff and carnival, and all of the swim and tennis events and the provision of a place for our children to play ball or just enjoy the playground. Mike Petty and Gerry Homewood do NOT wish to end these community events, nor do they ever intend to ask ABM or homeowners to fund the “Lakes” lawsuit or to ask for special assessments to buy the golf course. What many do not know is that in the past year Ben Holt, Jeff Hall, Bill Israel and Pete Meier have been voted down by the incumbent candidates and officers on every single issue they have questioned or proposed at ABM Board meetings. They are never consulted or allowed to vote on changes to meeting hours or nights or procedures because evidently the bylaws say that a majority has to approve changes so only the five who are known to vote as the officers want are notified. Sonnee Steveson
ABM needs a fresh start With all the intensive signs, emails and campaigning to re-elect the incumbents to the Ahwatukee Board of Management Board, leads me to wonder if all the incumbent member are needed. May it be to hide any inappropriate activities that could be happening? Let’s elect all new nominees, to dig in and be sure that we the members are getting what is due to us and our money is used properly. Also about the lawsuits that are going on: a small lady touches a retired politician and he is afraid that she might hurt him? When >> See Letters on page 18
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 17
Letters >> From page 17
I talk to people, I might touch them. So, what is the next thing to happen? Will they bring their guns to the meetings and start shooting at people? This is the most ridiculous way of running a business that I have ever seen in my whole entire life. The members have the right, to voice their opinion at the meetings. Let’s elect new candidates for a fresh start. Mavis Johnson-Harrington
A response to Dan Smith
properties. Why should the golf course owners not be expected to do the same? Your opinion piece hinges on being fictional. To me, that is a poor and unethical way to get your incumbents re-elected. I would hope we could have a fair and unbiased election. Needless to say, my vote goes to the new candidates. We need some new faces on the ABM Board of Directors. Leonard Harrington
EDUCATION
Are the best, brightest leaving Arizona?
Your opinion piece in the Ahwatukee Foothills News on March 23 was interesting, but full of untruthful statements. No way did Ben Holt, or others, suggest that the Ahwatukee Board of Management (ABM) should purchase and operate The Lakes Golf Course. Several homeowners near The Lakes had hoped to find a way to purchase the property, but the asking price for the property was unreasonable and out of reach for the homeowners. Wilson Gee, The True Life Companies, or whoever owns the golf course, should maintain the property. That is the gist of the lawsuit that two homeowners have brought against the owners. Homeowners living in the ABM area are expected to maintain their
“I get no respect.” That was the tagline of comedian, Rodney Dangerfield. Sadly, Arizona teachers are in the same boat. It’s high time we turn that around and give teachers more respect and more pay. At a recent public forum, an A+ student at Arizona State University with a résumé of awards stood up and stated that he wants to be a teacher in Arizona. The crowd cheered! However, he is faced with an average starting salary of only $31,000 per year for teachers in Arizona. And college tuition is crazy high. I hear story after story of teachers who leave Arizona and immediately get a $10,000 pay raise. This ASU student asked, “Why should I stay in Arizona after I graduate?” Rep. Justin Olson, chair of the Appropria-
Non-Surgical Treatment of Varicose & Spider Veins
Love Your Legs...
FREE SCREENING AVAILABLE
Again!
Stunning Results!
• Non-surgical laser procedure • Minimal recovery time • Done in the office by a physician • Over 12,000 patients treated!
www.optimaveincare.com Dr. Paul Sos, MD • Dr. John Opie, MD • Dr. Kenneth Seifert, MD Covered by Most Insurance, Medicare & ACCCHS
CHANDLER • PHOENIX • SCOTTSDALE 485 S. Dobson Rd., Suite 103 | Chandler 85224
(888) 985-1765 Page 18
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
tions Committee, head of the Arizona Budget, had no answer. Arizona has a lot to offer and we need to ensure we aren’t losing our best and brightest. Schools with outdated textbooks, unaffordable college tuition, and the lowest teachers’ wages in the country will not produce, attract or keep teachers or other careers in Arizona. The current lawmakers have shown they are unwilling to support public schools. We need to vote in a new voice for education. We need to change legislators who champion the things that we value: high-quality public education to make the pipeline to jobs with high pay and a ladder for advancement. Parents want to keep our best and brightest here and students want to work here. Let’s make Arizona THE place for great jobs, with an excellent public education system as a critical factor to make it happen. Mitzi Epstein
PLANNED PARENTHOOD
Prevent unplanned pregnancies that end in abortion Planned Parenthood services prevent over 1 million unplanned pregnancies each year, approximately 400,000-plus which would
otherwise end in abortion. Planned Parenthood equips families with essential health care and planning services throughout the United States. For over 98 years services that focus on contraception, education, and the prevention of unplanned, unwanted pregnancies have been provided. For many, especially those in rural areas or living in poverty, this is the only source for cancer screenings and routine gynecological care. Yet, radicals who want to strip women of the right to decide when and how to have families use Planned Parenthood as a convenient scapegoat. They clamor for an end to any federal funding, in spite of the fact that funding is an insignificant percent of total outlays at less than 1 percent. They accuse the organization of being an abortion mill, although less than 3 percent of Planned Parenthood visits involve abortion. And abortion services do not receive one penny of federal funding. It is time for all of us to move beyond the abhorrence of a personal choice we hope we never have to make and to adopt a position of compassion for those who do. It is time to say “enough” to those who would dismantle nearly a century of work by an organization whose sole mission is to improve the quality of life for American families. If we need to make any change to the amount the government spends on Planned Parenthood, it is to increase funding, not end it! Stephanie Koppenhafer
Citrus, Fruit, & More!
MASSIVE RESORT STYLE PALMS
ALL VARIETIES TREES, PALMS AND MORE!
Truckloads of New Trees, Shrubs & Much More Just In From Our Farms
MON - SAT 7:00 - 6:00 Sundays 9 - 5
3775 W. Chandler Blvd.
AHWATUKEE / CHANDLER / TEMPE
crane fee, if required is additional
202
Arizona Ave. & Germann Germann Rd.
480-648-0580 Just West of 101 Chandler Blvd.
McClintock
480-648-0913
101
2653 E. McKellips Rd.
MESA / GILBERT / AJ
480-648-0506
202
Just West of Lindsay
Lindsay Rd.
1875 S. Arizona Ave.
CHANDLER / QUEEN CREEK
PLANTED & GUARANTEED $
799
ROC 140536
Gilbert Rd.
MASSIVE!!! Specimen & Near Mature Trees TREES & PALMS
Large Hedge Material
OPEN EVERY DAY
Arizona Ave.
COMPLETE LANDSCAPES FREE ESTIMATES 602-633-9425
McKellips Rd.
99 DELIVERS ANY ORDER TO MOST AREAS IN MARICOPA CO. SOME AREAS EXCLUDED
$
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 19
SOMEONE TO LOVE
Playful Johnny is sweet, social Four-year-old Johnny is a sweet, happy, social guy who will greet you by winding around your ankles and asking how your day is going. Johnny love’s attention and loves petting; in fact, sometimes he’ll stand on his hind legs to make it easier for you to
noisy toys — he’ll run at full speed, galloping across the room in hot pursuit of crinkle balls and balls that make a sound when they are rolling. Although Johnny likes all wand toys, he is a huge fan of feather wands with bells attached to them. He also likes at-
Neighbors >> From page 3
>> From page 9
Barry Starr Award (Outstanding Event Volunteer) Frank Thomas, Staff Award, Outstanding Employee Awards Linda Searfoss Award (Outstanding Employee) Bobbi Nez, Corporate Partner Awards Big Heart Award Large Company, Desert Schools Federal Credit Union, Big Heart Award Small Company Fiesta Bowl Charities, Think Big Partner Awards Education/Career Development Microsoft Store, Risk Avoidance YMCA, Healthy Living Lime Lite Dance, Community Involvement Chick-fil-A, Cultural Experiences Audrey Johnson Theatre Foundation. To learn more about BBBSAZ or the organization’s mentorship programs, visit www. bbbsaz.org.
supporting veterans, and restoring services in arts, library and environmental programs. The proposed budget also calls for investing in the city’s most valuable resource — its employees — by restoring some compensation reductions. One critical issue facing the city in 201617 involves Phoenix’s ability to pay its debt service on an ongoing basis. The City Manager’s Trial Budget offers five options for how to accomplish this. Residents are invited to attend community hearings to discuss the proposed budget and provide input and ideas and ask questions of council members and city staff. Now through Tuesday, April 19, the city will conduct 15 budget hearings at various times and locations throughout the city in English and Spanish. Accommodations can also be made for the hard of hearing. These meetings provide a forum for public discussion, and are one of the reasons why the city’s budget so closely matches the community’s highest priorities each year. After the community’s review, the city manager will present a revised proposed budget to the City Council on May 3 with a council decision on May 17. The approved budget will take effect July 1.
LaSocal named to UofA dean’s list pet him. He is more than happy to let you pick him up and is even happier to settle into your lap. In addition to petting, Johnny loves to be brushed. He seems to love anything that involves spending quality time with his people. He likes all toys, but if Johnny were on a desert island he would bring along toys that make noise. He loves playing with
Page 20
tacking little stuffed cat toys, toy mice and laser lights. Johnny gets along great with other kitties. This affectionate, easygoing and entertaining guy will make a lovable, loyal and amusing companion. If interested in learning more about Johnny, fill out an application for him today at www.azrescue.org.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
News Briefs
Alena LaSocal of Ahwatukee was named to the Univeristy of Arizona dean’s list for 2016. She just completed her first semester at UofA, double majoring in international business and German. LaSocal was invited to join and is now a member of the Zipperman Scholars Program. • Contact Kelly Mixer, 480-898-7913 or kmixer@ahwatukee.com. • Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.
• Compiled by staff reports. • Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.
Shadow dancing added to Mesa Arts Center By Shelley Ridenour AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Public art needs to be accessible to the public. It’s really that simple, two officials at the Mesa Arts Center said. That’s the reasoning behind two new public art projects at the downtown Mesa facility.
A new permanent interactive musical exhibit was unveiled Saturday and an official opening for a recently completed mural is scheduled for next month. Mesa Musical Shadows, on the north end of the campus, is activated by shadows cast as people walk across sensors in the plaza. Each sensor responds to changes in light and triggers different sounds from speakers embedded into the plaza. The sensors can be activated by one person or a group. It’s possible, arts center Director of Public Relations Casey Blake said, for people so inclined to create complex musical compositions using the area. Four musical scores were created for the project, and they change as the day progresses, Mesa Arts Center Executive Director Cindy Ornstein said. There’s a morning
A person lies on the new public art installation at the Mesa Arts Center. Mesa Musical Shadows is an interactive piece with tiles that are activated by shadows cast as people touch the tiles. [Photo submitted by Mesa Arts Center]
score, an upbeat midday piece, an evening score and a mysterious evening piece. The different scores are intended to reflect the mood of the time of day and the changing length of shadows at different times of day. Because the Mesa Arts Center was built largely with money from a quality-of-life tax approved by Mesa voters, Blake said the center’s mission continues to focus on making art accessible to people. “The arts center is an iconic image in downtown Mesa,” she said. It’s becoming a place for spur-of-the-moment, casual get-togethers by people, in addition to hosting specific programs almost nightly. The new installation helps the Mesa Arts Center continue its work to become a creative place, Ornstein said. People can play around on Mesa Musical Shadows any time, even if they’re not going to the center for another reason.
“It’s another way this environment becomes activated by the users,” she said. The shadows effort is much like the spun chairs on campus that look like art but are intended to have people sit in them and spin around, she said. The design of Mesa Musical Shadows suggests a video game, Ornstein said, “so people want to get closer to it. They get drawn in and go play there. It is clearly a new and distinct addition to the campus.” “We hope the Mesa Musical Shadows will add a bit of joy along visitors’ paths, increase the sense of place of the site and ultimately encourage ad-hoc connections and cooperation between people,” Daily tous les jours co-founder Mouna Andraos said. Daily tous les jours created Mesa Musical Shadows. Personnel from the firm conducted three public workshops a couple of years ago in Mesa to solicit input about a public art in-
stallation at the center. That input reminded arts center officials how important outdoor public art is to people, Ornstein said. As downtown Mesa grows and becomes busier, Ornstein said, it becomes more important to provide people with 24/7 interaction with art. “Musical Shadows does that permanently,” she said. It also fits well with other recent art improvements in downtown Mesa, she said, citing the pocket parks along Main Street that all feature various types of public art, much of it interactive. The second new public art piece is a new mural painted on the elevator shaft. It was created by Miles MacGregor, who goes by El Mac. A celebration is planned on May 13 for the mural and the opening of MacGregor’s exhibition at the arts center. His art show is named El Mac: Aerosol Exalted. MacGregor spent about 100 hours working on the mural during March, Blake said. Mesa artist Mando Rascon also contributed to the mural project. • Contact writer: 480-898-6533 or sridenour@evtrib. com. • Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.
The Fitch Group invites you to join us for our
Concerts Desert Foothills Park at 5:00-7:30pm
in the
Park
Free to the Public!
Hosted by The Fitch Group and the City of Phoenix Sponsored by First American Title Company Foothills Pet Resort Dakota Electric Arizona Mortgage Specialists Cozy Clicks Comprehensive Property Inspections Allstate Insurance, Bill Hazlett New American Funding
April 10th & 17th Fantastic FOOD TRUCKS!
Randy Fitch, Realtor
www.theconcertsinthepark.com 602.570.6732
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 21
Chandler legislator cites ’50s NAACP case in defense of campaign finance overhaul By Howard Fischer CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES
The state House gave final approval last week to a major overhaul of campaign finance laws, including allowing individuals to spend unlimited amounts of money to help raise cash for candidates they like and never have to disclose that to the public. On a 31-27 vote largely along party lines, lawmakers agreed to scrap the $100 cap on what people can spend in tickets, food and liquor for fundraisers for candidates. SB 1516 also eliminates existing law that requires groups spending money to influence elections to register first with the state. It also would allow candidates with large campaign war chests to transfer money to others. And the measure, which now goes to the governor even allows groups to spend unlimited amounts, including corporate dollars, to try to change state law while leaving voters in the dark about who is behind the campaign. “I think transparency is a good principle,” said Rep. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, the prime proponent of the legislation. “But it is not the overarching principle.” He cited a 1950s case where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the state of Alabama could not
force the NAACP to disclose its members in order to do business in the state because it could lead to harassment of those members. Mesnard said donors to “dark money” groups are entitled to the same protection, suggesting the government would go after those whose views it does not like. “We have a right to speech, which our money is speech,” Mesnard said. “We have a right to privacy in those associations.” But Rep. Ken Clark, D-Phoenix, noted that Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, in
the 2010 Citizens United ruling opening the door to corporate donations, said nothing in that decision precludes states from forcing groups seeking to influence elections to disclose their donors. “Requiring people to stand up in public for their political acts fosters civic courage, without which democracy is doomed,” Scalia wrote. “For my part, I do not look forward to a society which, thanks to the Supreme Court, campaigns anonymously and even exercises the direct democracy of initiative and referendum hidden from public scrutiny and protected from the accountability of criticism.” Clark, who led the opposition, focused much of his concern on what he called the “kingmaker” provision allowing inter-candidate transfers. Clark said that permits the person with the money — especially a party leader or other elected official — to exercise undue influence over other legislators. Those transfers were made illegal as part of a 1986 voter-approved rewrite of campaign finance laws. And Rep. Debbie McCune Davis, D-Phoenix, who was in the Legislature before the change, said she saw how that worked. She said rank-and-file Republican lawmak-
ers were called into the office of Burton Barr, who was the House majority leaders and who also had one of the largest campaign finance treasuries in the state. Davis said those lawmakers said they were told that funding for their reelection campaign was linked to voting for a particular piece of legislation that GOP leadership wanted. Mesnard said he didn’t see the big deal. He said the recipients of the money would still have to disclose who gave them the cash. But Davis pointed out that campaign finance reports would contain only the name of the other politician who provided the cash. What it would not show, she said, is where that politician got his or her cash. • Follow Howard Fischer on Twitter @azcapmedia.
Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet. Please recycle me.
Investments out of balance? Ask for our report. Joseph B. Ortiz, AAMS , CRPS ®
®
Financial Advisor
4902 E Warner Rd Suite 1 Phoenix, Arizona 85044
480.753.7664 Member SIPC
www.edwardjones.com
A
by Lucy
Massage to
Remember
Voted a Best Place to Get a Massage SIX Years in a Row!
Massage in Your Home
Swedish • Deep Tissue • Therapeutic • Foot Reflexology
3 Massages $130 for
Lucy Jones, LMT Call for an appointment
480.227.3838
amassagetoremember.net
Licensed in 2007
Page 22
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
Now available days and evenings
Young Living Independent Distributor member #1513568
Signing off
Mountain Pointe’s Buck leaving dugout for leadership role By Jason P. Skoda AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Brandon Buck is in his 11th year as the Mountain Pointe baseball coach and over that time some signs have been missed while he stood in the third base coach’s box. Most of the signs have hit home but nothing like what Buck went through because of a chance meeting that ultimately led to his decision to resign at the end of this season. “It’s just unbelievable how it came together,” Buck said. “There are some things you just can’t ignore.” It started in November when Buck’s mother-in-law, Karen Jacobsen, a Mountain Pointe Hall of Famer, went to a Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field. There she met Fred Johnson, the founder and CEO of Initiative One, a company that helps groups and individuals foster a results-driven culture in order to be successful. Buck and Johnson met up soon thereafter and that’s when it became clear something bigger was in play than just a meeting. It turned out Johnson’s brother was from Buck’s hometown of Bedford, Indiana, and Johnson’s brother knew Buck’s dad. His sister-in-law used to groom Buck’s family dog, and Johnson’s dad was the pastor in the same church where Buck’s dad played the piano. “We had crazy connections, and we took
it as a sign that we are supposed to be going down this path,” Buck said of joining the Boise, Idaho-based company. “We had been tinkering with going to Boise and my kids (three under the age of 8) are at that age if we were going to move it had to be sooner or later.” Buck, 38, accepted the position at Initiative One where he will head up the athletic portion of the company in order to help professional athletes transition out of the game. After accepting the position at Initiative One, Buck told the players before the season started. “It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” Buck said of leaving Mountain Pointe. “I wanted them to hear it from me. Once you tell someone no matter how much you want to keep it quiet people begin to find out. They know every class I have ever had here is special but this one is unique in that it will be the last one I ever had.” The Pride players were told at a preseason meal at Native New Yorker before the season began. “We were shocked,” senior pitcher Brock Bell said. “We’re trying to play together to the best of our abilities to make sure he ends on a high note. He deserves that.” Mountain Pointe is off to an 8-5 start, including five straight wins heading into Tues-
Mountain Pointe coach Brandon Buck told the players before the season he was resigning and the team is doing its best "to send him out on a high note." [David Jolkovski/AFN]
day’s game vs. Boulder Creek, heading into April and has shown signs of being a team capable of becoming the fifth team under Buck to reach the state semifinals. There is still a month left in the regular season and Buck, who led the Pride to the 2011 state title, said he hasn’t let the finality of his 15 years at Mountain Pointe settle in yet. “In a way he reminds me of a more toneddown (football) coach (Norris) Vaughan,” junior Jaydon Brooks said. “Coach Buck teaches baseball in a unique way. It’s something that made me tear up when he broke the news. He has been a great coach. I’ll remember his approach and passion to the game.” One of the reasons Buck landed the new position is because of his leadership abili-
ties that have been on display since coming to Arizona from Indiana. “I think the biggest effect Brandon has had on not only the baseball program, but Mountain Pointe as a whole, is demonstrating leadership,” Mountain Pointe principal Bruce Kipper said. “He doesn’t just talk about it. He lives it. The players that have come through the program are immersed year-round not only in developing baseball skills but developing leadership and life skills.” • Contact writer at 480-898-7915 or follow him on Twitter @JasonPSkoda. • Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and @AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.
Stop in for Sunday Breakfast: 8am - noon
FREE
$5 OFF
Your Choice of Spinach & Artichoke Dip or Mezze Platter. Min Purchaase of $30 or more.
$30 or More
Ahwatukee Location Only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp 4/30/16.
Ahwatukee Location Only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp 4/30/16.
APPETIZER
purchase of
1/2 Sandwich & Soup for $795 every day 11am - 4pm AHWATUKEE
4723 EAST RAY ROAD 480-705-0505
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 23
Watch out for free product offers By Joe Ducey
months. All of these operate the same way: I always say if you get a free prodyour account gets hit, you return the uct offer, get ready to pay. product but are told it’s too late or you violated some fine print agreement. You can’t stay in business when We did get through to the right peoyou’re giving stuff away. Like these free trial period offers, Joe Ducey ple on that one. And the money was usually involving anti-aging creams or refunded. diet supplements, any ad that claims takBut these things are tough to solve on your ing “years off your face” or pounds off your own, without the threat of making it public. Just remember, if you have to give your body “with just one small pill daily,” is suspect. But these advertisers know that may credit card information to anyone, it can be not be enough. So, they hit you with the word used for anything. “free” as often as possible. You get to try the Avoid these offers. The last thing you product for just the cost of shipping. want from your wrinkle cream order, is And that’s how they get you. They want more wrinkles. your credit card number to charge the “minimal shipping charges.” • Joe Ducey is helping people like you everyday on ABC15 News at 6 p.m. If you’ve got a consumer But that’s not how many of them use it. you can’t solve, “Let Joe Know.” Contact Judy wrote me: “I sent for a sample of issue him at joe@abc15.com or 855-323-1515. wrinkle cream for $4.98. A week later they withdrew $98.41 from my account.” She returned the product by priority mail, and they still have her money. The same thing has happened to countless others I’ve heard from. They signed one woman up for $270 worth of creams. She couldn’t get it stopped for ABC15.COM
Page 24
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
Lastminute tax tips for 2015
TAX SAVER
AFN COLUMNIST
A
LL RI
• AHWATU
K EE
ER N & TAV G
lthough Dec. 31 has come and gone it is not too late to take advantage of deductions that could help reduce your taxes. One potential deduction is contributing to a qualified retirement plan. You may be surprised to learn that you are still able to receive a tax deduction for 2015 for contributions made in 2016. An IRA is the most common option, but potentially there are other more powerful options. If you contribute to a 401(k) plan through your employer you will not be able to make any additional contributions through this plan for 2015. For many taxpayers there are other retirement accounts that individuals can contribute up until the tax deadline of April 18. These options include the following: Traditional and Roth IRAs, Simplified
Employee Pension (SEP), Simple IRA’s and Solo 401(k)s. Roth IRAs allow an individual to make after-tax contributions to a retirement plan. Contributions to a Roth IRA will not result in any current tax benefit, but the individual will be able to receive tax free distributions in the future. The traditional IRA is the most likely way that an individual can reduce their taxes post Dec. 31. Individuals are able to contribute $5,500 to either a Traditional or a Roth IRA. Individuals who are older than 50 are able to make an additional $1,000 contribution. SEP, Simple IRAs and solo 401(K)s are options for self-employed or small business owners. These plans are a great way for individuals to shelter a large amount of income from taxes. The contribution limits for these options are much higher, allowing for a much larger tax deduction. The limits for 2015 for a SEP and a solo 401(k) is $53,000 and $12,500 for a Simple plan. Individuals are able to make SEP contributions up until the deadline of the tax return, even if the return is extended.
Am I eligible for the deduction?
Like many question involving taxes the answer is it depends. Individual eligibility depends on a number of factors including adjustable gross income, marital status, and whether or not you are able to participate
BEST Place to Watch a Game Happy Hour , Restaurant, Wings, Voted Mom & Pop! ee’s And One of the Best for Customer Service!
Ahwatuk Favorite
appetizers • wings • burgers • full menu
Catch
PC MADE EZ in a retirement plan through your employer. If you (and your spouse) do not have the option to contribute to a retirement plan through your employer, you can deduct the amount of traditional IRA contributions without any income limitations. If you can participate in an employer plan than there are income limitations that apply. If you are single the income limitation is $61,000. If your Adjusted Gross Income is below this amount you can contribute up to the full amount of $5,500. The deduction be- Mark Taylor gins to be limited once a single individual reaches an AGI above $61,000 and is fully eliminated out at $71,000. If you are married and were not able to participate in an employer plan but your spouse was able to, your ability to take a full deduction begins to be reduced if your combined AGI is above $184,000 and is eliminated at an AGI of $194,000. Finally, if you are married and both you and your spouse are able to participate in an employer plan the income limitations are lower. For this situation, the IRA deduction begins to be reduced at an AGI of $98,000 and is fully phased out as $118,000.
What kind of benefit could I receive?
Let’s assume that you are married your combined (federal and state) tax rate is 30 percent. If you are eligible and choose to make a $5,500 contribution to a Traditional IRA, you will receive a tax benefit of $1,650. If you and your spouse are eligible, your tax benefit would jump to $3,300. If you are both over 50 the benefit would reach $3,900 if maximum contributions are made. You receive a tax benefit for doing the right thing, for saving for your future. If you are eligible and able to make a taxable deductible contribution to a retirement plan you should do it. It make sense from both a financial and tax standpoint. • Mark Taylor, MBA, CPA, is a licensed CPA with nearly 20 years of tax experience in both public accounting and as a revenue agent with the IRS. Reach him at 480-330-0701 or ahwatukeecpa@ gmail.com.
all the HL &
MLB N t CK's! a s e m Ga
T
AFN COLUMNIST
here are certain commercials that, to me, are like nails on a chalkboard. CenturyLink trots out one every so often where a lady asks if it would be easy to move a television if she had CenturyLink and then this creepy guy comes along and unplugs an HDMI cord and says, “Sure!” Creep-city for me! So why does CenturyLink keep running this ad with Creepy Carl? It works, plain and simple. Marketing people are not in the habit of wasting money on ads that do not generate sales. These days we have spy- Mike Smothers ware to contend with along with viruses and adware but the biggest threat we face today is ransomware. Ransomware is software that finds its way to your computer and, in many cases, encrypts your files until you pay a ransom with bitcoins. If you are unfamiliar with bitcoins, suffice to say they are nearly untraceable Internet currency, so pirates can get paid with little chance of getting caught. Every now and then, ransomware makes a comeback and it seems recently has been one of those times. We received a couple of calls from frantic clients who were victims of this intrusion into their private life. Why? Because ransomware work. Once infected, your files are generally encrypted and there is little you can do to get your files back. There are a few programs that will unencrypt your files if you are lucky enough to be infected with a specific ransomware, but you need to be pro-active in backing up your files before this happens. Using a portable hard drive is great if you are disciplined enough to perform the back >> See Ransomware on page 26
1,200
Implant $
Coupon must be presented to receive discount. Offers may not be combined. Expires 6/30/16.
All You Can Eat Fish Fry Fridays • Kids & Large Parties Welcome
HAPPY HOUR is 7 Days a Week!
Ransomware is biggest threat to date
$5.00 OFF
Any Order of $25 or More
Valid Mon-Thurs. Excluding alcohol.
With this coupon. Dine in only. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Exp. 4/30/16.
Sun 11am-1am • Mon-Thurs 11am-1am • Fri 11am-2am • Sat 11am-2am
www.ckgrill.com • 4142 E. Chandler Blvd • (480) 706-5564
X-Rays and Exam
19
$
Coupon must be presented to receive discount. Offers may not be combined. Expires 6/30/16.
480.704.0701
700
Crowns $
Coupon must be presented to receive discount. Offers may not be combined. Expires 6/30/16.
15425 40th Pl., Phoenix 85044 40th St. & Chandler Blvd.
www.ironwooddentalcenter.com
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 25
Ransomwear >> From page 25
up every week or so, but most of us do not do this so when the unthinkable becomes reality, we are left with an old backup. Cloud backups are good and I tested one the other day that worked well. You also need to use a reputable security suite or anti-malware protection and keep your updates and patches updated and patched. Malwarebytes has recently started using a new business model whereby your free version of the program now is nearly useless and is totally useless against Internet intrusions like ransomware because it does not have the real-time Internet component that alerts you to unsavory websites. Once your free trial is up, you are nagged to death until you pay them their $24.95 per year for the registered version. I feel it is still the best $24.95 you can spend on your computer. Cox offers a name-brand security suite but both of the ransomware victims recently were using the free Cox security suite, so use at your own risk. There are some other free anti-virus programs out there that slow your computer to a crawl and really do not protect your computer very well so I do not suggest those. The question is do you want to be penny-wise and dollar foolish? This brings me to the Windows 10 subject. If you have Windows 7 or Windows 8, you have probably noticed updates lately
Elizabeth Estes
for Windows 10 or perhaps your computer has even been upgraded to Windows 10 without your consent. Thank you Microsoft! If you are not using GWX Control Panel to prevent this, you are now or soon will be the proud owner of a Windows 10 computer. Is this good thing or a bad one? Windows 10 is MUCH more user friendly than when it was initially released. There are fewer driver issues (notice I said fewer and not issue free) and it is quite configurable so you can have more control over who has a pipe-
line to your data, so it is not that bad, really. There are ways to make the start menu look exactly like Windows XP or Windows 7 and there are some pretty cool features in Windows 10 that you may or may not use. You can Google all these topics and if you are an adventuresome individual, you may want to try these. My issue is not whether or not Windows 10 is a good operating system. My issue is with Microsoft cramming it down our throats. So what can we do about it? If you had a Win-
dows 7 or 8 computer and were upgraded to Windows 10 within the last 30 days, you can reset your computer back to Windows 7 or 8 by going to Start, Settings and Update and Security and select Recovery. You should see a “Go back to Windows 7 (or 8.1)” option. Click this and you will be recovered back to your previous operating system. At this point you will need to protect your system against upgrading it again to Windows 10 so do a Google search for GWX Control Panel and you can prevent this upgrade. You may also recover your system to factory specs to include Windows 7 or 8 if you have the recovery software and back up your files beforehand. One last point on the Windows 10 upgrade; in the past few weeks we have seen a couple of computers that started to upgrade to Windows 10 and did not complete, whether by the owner shutting down the computer or however the interruption was done, but these computers had disastrous results. If you find your computer doing this upgrade, let it finish and then take the actions I mentioned above or learn Windows 10. Those are your choices such as they are. Me? I like Creepy Carl better than Creepy Microsoft. • Mike Smothers is president of Smothers Computer Repair Services based in Ahwatukee Foothills. Send questions to mike@ smotherscomputers.com or call 480-753-7667.
PRACTICING SINCE 1998
ESTATE PLANNING FAMILY LAW REAL ESTATE Absolute Best
BUSINESS FORMATIONS
Frank Daly Ahwatukee
Call for a Free Consultation
480.656.3733 | www.esteslawfirmaz.com 4505 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 260 | Phoenix 85048 | Located in Ahwatukee Page 26
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
Complimentary Hair Cut $50 Value
First Time Clients Only
It’s time for a fresh, new look. Let an experienced stylist create the look that’s right for you!
480-633-8700 • www.FrancisJohn.com 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85048
Business
Business, technology and personal finance
Michael Tejada, 26, helps students Adam Tejada and Benjamin Muñoz, respectively, in a coding class offered by Michael Tejada’s new company, Coder.new, that teaches computer science to high school students. [Ethan Fitchner/AFN Intern]
Educators find East Valley right place to teach computer coding By Daniel Ochoa AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Michael Tejada and Stephan Holly have found a way to give back to their community. This summer, they will teach middle and high school students the fundamentals of computer coding. Tejada and Holly have had a long-time friendship that stems back to their days at Kyrene Centennial Middle School in Ah-
watukee. They also attended Brophy College Preparatory together. The pair went their separate ways for college but continued to stay good friends. Tejada, 26, attended Stanford University where he earned a bachelor of science in science, technology and society and a bachelor of arts comparative studies in race and ethnicity.
He went on to teach middle school science in New York, during which time he found an interest in teaching computer coding. While doing that as an after-school program, Tejada realized how vital it was for students to learn computer coding at a young age. “I had very little knowledge at the time about computer coding, but I knew that it was important to teach it to my students,” he said. “I took it upon myself to learn computer coding to start the after-school computer programming club.” He pitched the idea of designing a program to teach students computer coding to Holly, who was finishing up his master’s in public health at USC. Holly said he and Tejada always shared an interest in tutoring and teaching. “When we were both in Arizona we had limited opportunity to computer programming, and we really didn’t know what it was,” he said. “Once we were really exposed to it, we figured out that we loved it and wanted to teach it to younger students.” They decided to bring the program to Ahwatukee. “Our goal with Coder.new is to bring all the skills that we learned throughout the past several years and bring them back to the schools that we grew up in,” Tejada said. “It’s a way to provide a course for middle school and high school students to learn computer coding, which is something that doesn’t quite exist yet.” The East Valley was a perfect location for
tt Ask Ma
• Contact writer: 480-898-4903 or dochoa@ evtrib.com. • Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.
PLUMBING Q: A:
Matt Tobias General Manager
Coder.new because they were familiar with the area and administrators at their old schools, Tejada said. “Thinking back to my experiences at Centennial and Brophy, I had no understanding or knowledge as to what computer coding was and what doors it could open,” he said. “I’ve learned now how important and valuable it is because it gives students the ability to approach certain problems in different ways and collaborate with one another.” To jump start the program, Tejada and Holly will offer computer coding this summer to middle school and high school students throughout the Valley. The program will be offered in June at Desert Garden Montessori, 5130 E. Warner Road. In addition, Tejada and Holly plan to expand Coder.new to the Tempe Union High School District in years to come. “Phoenix is always going to be in our hearts because it’s where we grew up and where all our family is at, so to give back to that community is really important to us,” Holly said. For additional information about the program, visit www.coderdotnew.com.
Hi Matt, I only get about 10 minutes in the shower before the hot water goes cold. Then it takes forever before we get hot water in the house again. Is my water heater going bad? Not necessarily. Quite often this means that the lower element in your water heater has failed. We can test your elements and the thermostats and usually replace them, which will get your unit back in working order. However, if your water heater is 8+ years old, your money may be better spent by investing in a new one.
Call us today with your question!
$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!
A+ RATED
We Repair or Install
AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured
*No other offers apply.
704.5422
(480)
ROC # 272721
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 27
Arizona voters could set minimum wage come November By Howard Fischer CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES
Arizona voters could get a chance this November to set the minimum wage for workers at $12 an hour by 2020. Or $9.50. Or perhaps just whatever $8.05 an hour now plus inflation by that point equals. A group began gathering signatures this past week to put that $12-an-hour option on the ballot. That’s less than the deal approved by California lawmakers to take that state’s minimum wage to $15. But Tomas Robles, executive director of Living United for Change in Arizona, said he believes this is a fair compromise, something that will help workers but not break businesses. That’s not the assessment of Steve Chucri. He’s the executive director of the Arizona Restaurant and Hospitality Association. Chucri’s group never wanted the original 2006 measure which created a state minimum wage higher than what federal law requires. Voters thought otherwise, approving the initiative by a margin of close to 2-1. That law set the base state minimum wage at $6.75 an hour at a time when the federal government required employers to pay just $5.15. But the real teeth in the measure has been the requirement for annual automatic inflationary increases, versus the requirement for Congress to act for changes in federal
Page 28
law. The result is a state minimum of $8.05 an hour, versus $7.25. The initiative, if approved, would provide an immediate boost to $10 an hour in January, eventually reaching $12 by 2020. By contrast, if the current law remains in place, inflation might put the minimum wage only in the $9 range. Robles said LUCHA spoke with not only workers who want a $15 minimum like the one being adopted in California but also small businesses to gauge their ability to handle an increase. “We saw that $12 was a happy medium,” he said. Plus, like the current law, the measure would mandate future inflationary increases. The initiative also has something not in current law: A requirement for paid sick leave of 40 hours a year for employees of companies with 15 or more workers. For smaller firms, the paid time off is 24 hours. Campaign consultant Bill Scheel figures there are about 779,000 Arizonans now earning below $12 an hour, or about a quarter of the state workforce. He also estimates that about 934,000 Arizonans are in jobs where there is no paid sick leave. Backers need 150,642 valid signatures by July 7 to qualify for the ballot. Chucri’s organization has all but conceded that there is public sentiment for a higher minimum wage. But his organization has an alternate proposal, one crafted to better
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
suit its members. It would hike the minimum to $9.50 an hour by 2020 — or about 50 cents an hour more than what inflation is likely to make the minimum wage under the existing law. More to the point, it also would repeal a provision in the 2006 voter-approved law that specifically allows local governments to require employers in their jurisdiction to pay more. That would short-circuit discussions already taking place in several communities to enact “living wage” ordinances or mandate things like paid time off. “From a business standpoint, to have this patchwork of wages, city by city, is really the death knell for business,” he said. Chucri said he tried to cut a deal with labor organizations to find a wage they could support but eliminate the local option. “We couldn’t get high enough for them,” he said. So, in the end, Chucri took his proposal to lawmakers who are moving to put his $9.50 alternative on the November ballot, eliminating the need to get signatures. The measure has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee but still needs action by the full Senate and House. Chucri said that $2.50 an hour difference between the two proposals may not sound like much expense for a business. But over a normal year, that’s $5,200. Multiply that times 40 employees at a typical restaurant and the annual price tag exceed $200,000.
The issue of paid time off also created heartburn for the industry. He said restaurants certainly don’t want people coming to work if they’re sick, spreading their germs. But he worries that the language is too broad. For example, it includes not only physical illness but also mental illness or heath condition. It also covers preventative medical care, care for family members as well as time off for victims of domestic violence to get services and medical or psychological attention. “If someone needs time off, then great,” Chucri said. “But our concern is when you’ve got a packed house on a Friday night and three servers decide to go and do something and use a sick day, that’s tough, that’s very tough.” The possibility of dueling measures on the November ballot creates an interesting legal scenario. If both are approved, the general rule is that any conflicts are resolved with the one that gets more votes takes precedence. But the law also says that if there is no conflict between measures, then those provisions can also take effect even if it came in second. In this case, that would mean that the sick leave proposals would become law even if the restaurant industry-backed measure got more votes, as long as both were approved. Chucri said, though, it could end up just as likely that voters would be confused and reject both of them, leaving the 2006 law in place. • Follow Howard Fischer on Twitter @azcapmedia.
Main Street Ahwatukee Brought to you by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce
UPCOMING EVENTS
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
For more information on these and other upcoming events, visit www.ahwatukeechamber.com. Exempt, Non-Exempt and Your Business: 2016’s FLSA Changes and What to Do About Them Mountain Park Senior Living 4475 E. Knox Road Thursday, April 7, 8–9 a.m. Sponsored by SRP.
SHOP MAIN STREET
Shop Main Street Ahwatukee Realty ExecutivesTom Lynch 3930 E. Ray Road, Suite 100 480-818-7892 thomasklynchjr@gmail.com www.realtyexecutives.com/ Agents/Tom-LynchJr With over 14 years Realtor experience in the Southeast Valley, Tom Lynch loves helping people and has special expertise in VA benefits financing.
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa Bill Hunter 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler 602-225-0100 bill.Hunter@sheraton.com www.wildhorsepassresort.com There is something for every member of the family at this luxury resort designed to be an authentic representation of the Gila River Native American community’s heritage.
The Kaleidoscope Group Nakisha Simmons 416 W. Ontario St., Suite C-2, Chicago, IL 60654 312-274-9000 info@kgdiversity.com www.kgdiversity.com A consulting firm with a national presence, Kaleidoscope assists organizations with successfully managing culture change and creating inclusion.
President and CEO of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce Anne Gill gives an orientation on what the chamber provides for business owners and the community. Gail Gust from Uncharted Marketing sharing insight on determining the difference between strategy vs. tactics, marketing vs. marketing strategy and why vs. what people buy from you. [Photos by chamber staff]
Ambassador of the month
Colina Elementary celebrates the grand opening of its DISCOVERoom, which allows kids to explore opportunities in science.
Getting ready to print Community Resource Guide & Directory The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce has been offering a community resource guide as a service to the public for more than 17 years. As the official annual publication of the chamber, the Community Resource Guide and Directory is designed to reflect the needs of the local business community. Included in the directory are practical articles on Ahwatukee filling readers in on the lifestyle, business atmosphere and charm that makes our community unique. Many popular informational sections that the community has come to rely on will be includAnne Gill ed such as our history, education, community map, tourism and event information, community facts and important numbers. In addition, the directory includes a complete listing of current chamber membership, both in alphabetical order and categorically by type of business. For the fourth year in a row, the Chamber’s Directory will be marketed, designed and produced through an agreement with the Ahwatukee Foothills News (AFN), a longstanding chamber member. In addition to keeping the advertising dollars local, the chamber and AFN
Chamber Masters Charity Golf Tournament Foothills Golf Club 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive April 8, 6 a.m. registration and warm up, 7 a.m. shot-gun start, noon luncheon. Individual: $115 | general admission: $425 Sponsored by Brewer’s and Trane.
staffs are teaming up this year to refresh the directory content and the creative team at the AFN will design the product and provide the printing. The chamber team will be working local businesses to explain the benefits and advertising options of the program. “The Ahwatukee Foothills News is proud to partner with the chamber to help create this year’s directory,” said Scott Stowers, sales director for the AFN. “Your business will want to be a part of this as the value available is one of the best you can find in the community. We are looking forward to helping each of your businesses to grow and thrive in 2016/17 and beyond!” Since the chamber of commerce is the most trusted source for local and regional information, it has become one of the most valuable local advertising venues to be found in communities all across the country. Advertising in the Ahwatukee Chamber’s publication has even more advantages. According to a national study recently conducted by The Shapiro Group, “consumers are 63 percent more likely to buy goods and services in the future from a company that they believe is a member of the local chamber,” and “the likelihood that a consumer will make a
purchase soars by 80 percent” when a company is a member of a Chamber of Commerce. This full-color, glossy publication will come in handy for numerous purposes all year, promote the chamber, its membership, and doing business in the Ahwatukee area. The directory is a great tool for people that are relocating to Ahwatukee and for many it is their first glimpse at local businesses. The directory is provided to every member of the chamber, and is distributed at the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber, at local hotels and resorts, area shopping centers and to new residents. In addition, an electronic version of the directory will also be placed on the chamber’s website. All chamber members are asked to please make sure their chamber contact information is current. Please visit www.ahwatukeechamber.com to find your directory listing. Please review the information and email info@ ahwatukeechamber.com with any corrections. The deadline to place advertising is May 13, and is scheduled for release in June. Please contact Devida Lewis at 480-753-7676 for more information or to secure a spot.
Lisa Sampson All Star Home Rentals 4425 E. Agave Road, Suite 106 602-769-8829 lsampsonrealty@ Lisa gmail.com Sampson www. lisasampson.realtor.com Facebook All Star Rentals – Lisa Sampson Twitter @lsampsonrealty Linkedin Lisa Sampson
1. What type of business services or products do you provide? All Star Home Rentals provides rental and relocation services to landlords and tenants. 2. What are some exciting things happening in your business? As real estate changes each year, so does All Star Home Rentals. We will be adding a few more Realtors this year to cover more area in order to help relocate new residents to the Phoenix area. 3. What is your background and how did you come to be in this business? I became a Realtor in 1990 doing rentals in the Tempe area with Arizona State University. I moved to Chandler to relocate all new Intel people in the mid-’90s and ended up living and working in Ahwatukee since 2000. 4. What are your special interests? • Anne Gill is president and chief I enjoy the outdoors and sports. I executive officer of the Ahwatukee spend time at the YMCA, play softball Foothills Chamber of Commerce. and ice hockey. I also like to do Reach her at 480-753-7676 or anne@ ahwatukeechamber.com. triathlons and running events. ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 29
Faith
Churches, events and spirituality
SPIRITUAL SIDE
I present ‘The Thursday Creed’ AFN COLUMNIST
I have what you might call a complicated relationship to the historic creeds of the church. What I like about the creeds is that they transcend time, connecting me with Christians all the way back to the early fourth century. What I do not like is that they also tie me to bits of orthodoxy that at best I think are superfluous and at worst, pure nonsense. Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America identify three creeds as “true declarations of the faith.” The best known, are the Nicene Creed and Apostle’s Creed. Less known and less used is the Athanasian Creed from the late fifth or early sixth century. It is no longer in the ELCA hymnal. Earlier this year, our bible study group took a look at the historic creeds of the church. There are hun-
dreds of them, and one of the things important that the product, the result we concluded is that creeds tend to of the study was quite remarkable. be grounded in the time, culture and Since we meet on Thursday mornlanguage of their composition. For ex- ings, here is “The Thursday Creed” ample, a creed from the Massai presented as three paragraphs: people of East Africa describes • We believe that there is a God Jesus as being “on safari.” who created everything. God After some study and remade Earth a place of goodness flection, the group began deand beauty and sent Jesus into veloping a creed reflective of the world when people needed their own time, culture and more than priests and prophets Steve language. The process was reto show them the way. We put ally engaging. It was particu- Hammer our trust in Jesus Christ, Son larly interesting to see the way of God the Creator, giver of the some resonated to a word that anoth- Holy Spirit. er took in a completely different way. • We recognize the universal church, The best part of the challenge I think joining with our brothers and sisters was each person grappling with the throughout history in praising God. language and we ended the creed by We recognize we are a community admitting that language is unable to here and now, in this place and in this fully describe a “True declaration of time. As a community we are one, rethe faith.” While I am always one to specting God’s creatures and welcombelieve that the process is far more ing all. Yet we are individuals, each
one of us a child of God bestowed with unique talents. We pray to act accordingly, using our gifts to the glory of God, having the courage to celebrate others and walk a holy path. • We trust in the God who speaks to our hearts and minds, and offers us healing and wholeness, blessings and guidance, comfort and hope. We hold to our Truth and God loves us. We return this love by praying to embrace God’s commandments to love one another, care for the poor, tend to the Earth and its creatures, practice forgiveness and mercy. We trust in a Diving Presence within us, around us, and walking beside us. We believe that God is transcendent and everlasting and cannot be contained by words. • Steve Hammer is the pastor at Esperanza Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee Foothills.
RELIGION CALENDAR
Saturday, April 9
TEMPLE EMANUEL OF TEMPE PLANS ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
Join Temple Emanuel of Tempe, a Reform congregation at its annual fundraiser. The evening will include dinner, music, dancing and a silent auction. The proceeds of this fundraiser will go to support our extensive community programming. DETAILS>> 6-9 p.m. Temple Emanuel of Tempe, 5801 S. Rural Road. The event is open to the community. Admission is $36 per person. Babysitting will be provided for a charge. For those interested in attending, visit www.emanueloftempe.org or call 480-838-1414 to purchase tickets and sign up in advance for babysitting.
CORPUS CHRISTI, ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FURNITURE-CLOTHING DRIVE
Corpus Christi Catholic Church and St. Vincent de Paul will be hosting its annual Furniture–Clothing Drive. They will accept most household items. However, large-tube TVs are no longer being accepted. This is a great time to start your spring cleaning by donating furniture, household items and clothes to the SVdP ministry. These items will be used to help those in need. DETAILS>> Saturday, April 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, April 10, 9 a.m.-3p.m. Corpus Christi’s north parking lot on 36th Street, 3550 E. Knox Road.
Sunday, April 10
HUNDREDS OF JEWISH CHILDREN BAKE TRADITIONAL MATZAH
For the first time Chabad of the East Valley will be partnering with the East Valley Jewish Community Center, to give to you the new remodeled and redesigned Chabad Model Matzah Bakery, Jews of all
Page 30
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
ages get the unique opportunity to participate in an ancient tradition: making hand-made Matzah the oldfashioned way—by hand, the way their ancestors did. Matzah is a form of bread dating back several thousand years. It is made by baking fresh dough immediately after kneading, before it can rise. Thus, Matzah is flat and dense, like a cracker—not light and airy like conventional bread. DETAILS>> The first Model Matzah Bakery will take place at 11:40 a.m. at the Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive in Chandler. Open for the general public. The second Model Matzah Bakery will take place Monday, April 18 at 4 p.m. at the East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road in Chandler. Open for the general public. Free. RSVP at 480-855-4333 or email info@ chabadcenter.com.
Ongoing
CHAI JUDAICA AND GIFTS
Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life announced that Chai Judaica and Gifts is open. It’s the place to find the gifts for special occasions — everything from Mezuzot to books, religious items, jewelry and everything in between. DETAILS>> Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. Gift shop hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday by appointment only and Sundays 9:3010 a.m. and noon-12:30 p.m. For more information, visit info@chabadcenter.com or call 480-855-4333.
CAMP GAN ISRAEL IS BACK
Every week, Gan Israel day trips feature excursions to children’s favorite locations. Camp Gan Israel is proud of its swimming program where activities are >> See Religion Calendar on page 31
Religion Calendar >> From page 30
supervised by certified Red Cross lifeguards. In addition, an array of sports and crafts are offered, supervised by our experienced instructors, promoting individual progress, sportsmanship and creative expression. DETAILS>> Camp Gan Israel will be in session once again this summer. Boys and girls, ages 5-12, enjoy a full day at Gan Israel from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., from June 14-July 22. Offering Mini Gan Izzy program for children ages 12 months-4 years from June 14-Aug. 5. Extended care hours are available upon request. For more information on extended care, email info@ chabadcenter.com or visit www.CGIEastValley.com.
HEBREW SCHOOL REGISTRATION OPEN
Registration for Chabad Hebrew School is open for the 2015-16 year. Hebrew School takes place at the Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life. Classes take place Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m.-noon, and are offered for children ages 5-13. DETAILS>> To schedule an appointment to visit Chabad Hebrew School to tour the facility, call 480-855-4333 or email info@chabadcenter.com. For further information, log on to www.chabadcenter.com.
AHWATUKEE JEWISH CONGREGATION NEFESHSOUL FRIDAY NIGHT SHABBAT SERVICES
The second Friday of each month. DETAILS>> 6:15 on the campus of Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6400 W. Del Rio St. in Chandler. www.nefeshsoul.org.
AHWATUKEE CONGREGATION NEFESHSOUL SATURDAY MORNING DISCUSSION GROUP
DETAILS>> Every Saturday at 8:45 a.m. on the campus of Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6400 W. Del Rio St. in Chandler. www.nefeshsoul.org.
RELIGION CALENDAR INFANT ROOM OPENS AT SYNDI SCHECK YAD B’YAD PRESCHOOL
Registration is open for the new infant room at Syndi Scheck Yad B’Yad Preschool. The full-time infant room for children ages 6 weeks to 12 months. DETAILS>> Temple Emanuel of Tempe, 5801 S. Rural Road. For more information, call Rachel Wallach, 480838-1414, or email Rachel at rachel@emanueloftempe.org.
HEBREW SCHOOL
An opportunity for children to learn and experience Jewish life in a fun, warm and exciting environment. Chabad Hebrew School will be opening its doors to the Jewish community of the East Valley, regardless of background or affiliation, to teach children about Jewish heritage, culture and holidays. DETAILS>> Classes are on Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and are offered for children ages 5-13 at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive in Chandler. For more information, call 480-8554333, email info@chabadcenter.com, or visit to www. chabadcenter.com.
CHANDLER JEWISH PRESCHOOL OFFERS REGGIO-INSPIRED EARLY CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE
Registration is open for the 2015-2016 school year. As preschool programs across the country are experiencing cuts in funding, Chandler Jewish Preschool is gaining popularity among parents in the East Valley. The ReggioInspired program is dedicated to offering little ones a safe, nurturing environment, where they can develop socially, physically, emotionally, and intellectually, in a Jewish setting. CJP is committed to a small teacherstudent ratio. The competitive tuition rates make it an appealing option in today’s economy. The school will be open to preschoolers ranging in age from 12 months to 5 years. The program is flexible, enabling part-time and half-day options. They are also DES certified and have before- and after-care hours available.
Foothills Church in Ahwatukee is a local body of believers in Jesus who strive to love God and to love others.
Sunday worship at 9:00am & 10:45am NW Corner of 21st St. & Chandler Blvd.
DETAILS>> For more information and to schedule a personal tour, contact Shternie at info@chabadcenter. com or call 480-855-4333.
Sundays
SUNDAYS WITH THE RAMBAM
Ongoing Sunday morning study of two classics of rabbinic literature by the great 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.” This is followed at 11:15 a.m. by TBS member Isaac Levy teaching “Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah: How Jews Ought to Behave.” No previous experience necessary; readings in both Hebrew and English. DETAILS>> Beginning Jan. 10, in the Community Room of the Administration Building. Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480897-3636.
HORIZON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH YOUTH GROUPS
High school and middle school students meet to worship and do life together. DETAILS>> Sundays at 5 p.m. at Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. Call 480-460-1480 or contact Joel Siken at joel@horizonchurch.com.
GRIEF SHARE IN TEMPE
A support group designed to assist people through the grieving process. Onetime book fee $15. DETAILS>> Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Room G3, Tempe, on Sundays from 2-4 p.m. Call 480-491-2210 for further information.
SUNDAYS IN THE KITCHEN
Every Sunday night, Phoenix minister/Performance artist Paisley Yankolovich attacks The Kitchen with intimate, unplugged and spoken word presentations.
DETAILS>> The Kitchen, 3206 W. Lamar Road. Phoenix. Admission: Free.
SUNDAY SERVICE AT UNITY OF CHANDLER
Inspirational messages and music to lift your spirit. A welcoming community committed to living from the heart. Many classes and events offered. Kids Sunday school offered 10 to 11 a.m. DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays at Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Drive, Suite 4. For current speakers and events, visit www.unitychandler.org.
COMMUNITY CHORUS WELCOMES SINGERS
As the Ahwatukee Community Chorus nears the completion of its first season, it continues to welcome singers of all levels. The group rehearses weekly on Sunday evenings. Although it is not affiliated with any religious organization, the chorus rehearses at Horizon Presbyterian Church (not affiliated). DETAILS>> Sundays 6 to 8 p.m., Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. There is an annual $100 membership fee that covers all costs. For more information, visit www.ahwatukeecommunitychorus. org or call 480-442-7324.
CHABAD HEBREW SCHOOL
Hebrew school where your children don’t want to miss a day. Learn to how to read and write Hebrew, fun handson lessons incorporating song, art, dance and drama. DETAILS>> Sundays 10 a.m. to noon. Chabad, 2110 E. Lincoln Drive. For information and registration, call 602944-2753 or email youth@chabadaz.com.
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PHOENIX TV MASS
Mass is broadcast live from Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral on KAZT-TV (AZ-TV7, Cable 13) followed by local Catholic talk show “Catholics Matter,” hosted by the Rev. Rob Clements. DETAILS>> 9 a.m. Sunday mornings, www.diocesephoenix.org.
visit… fe church to a s a r fo g kin if you’re loo
s at y a d n u S n o s Join u 30am 9:00am &m1ou0nta: inpark.org visit us online
@
foothillsbaptist.org
Serving AhwAtukee, MountAin PArk rAnch, LAkewood, the FoothiLLS And Surrounding AreAS
A welcoming community proclaiming the love of God and fostering a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through Scripture, Sacraments and Service.
Daily Mass | Mon-Sat • 8:15am Tuesday Mass | 6:00pm Saturday Mass | 4:00pm Sunday Mass 7:00, 8:30, 10:30am, 5:00pm
Fr. Chad King, Pastor
3550 E. Knox Rd. Phoenix AZ 85044
480.893.8770
www.corpuschristiphx.org
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 31
GetOut
Make the most of your off time >> Find us online at GetOutAZ.com >> Follow us on Twitter @getoutaz >>Like us at facebook.com/getoutaz
[ FILM FESTIVAL ]
“Colin Hay: Waiting for My Real Life” will be part of the Phoenix Film Festival. [Phoenix Film Festival]
Roll Film
Phoenix Film Festival showcases stellar films for 16th year By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
A
GETOUT
s the 16th annual Phoenix Film Festival approaches, event director Jason Carney concedes that his job can get a little stressful. “Once January hits, it’s nonstop crazy until the festival comes,” Carney said. “I’m good for a couple of meltdowns. My wife, she usually talks me down and then it’s not so bad.” The crunch time is just about over, as the Phoenix Film Festival hits the Harkins Scottsdale 101 14 from Thursday, April 7, through Thursday, April 14. The Phoenix Film Festival annually screens more than 150 films, hosts parties and provides filmmaking seminars to capacity audiences. Carney says he expects more than 23,000 attendees over the eight days. “I think we have a really strong linePage 32
up this year,” he said. “We have really solid films through and through.” To help film lovers navigate through the schedule, Carney offered a list of films to which he’s looking forward. “Morris from America,” starring Markees Christmas and Craig Robinson, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7. “Craig Robinson is in a more serious role,” Carney said. “It’s a feel-good movie that won awards at Sundance. It’s about this kid who’s engrained in the hip-hop culture and DJing, then his family moves him to Germany. It’s a sweet film.” “The Man Who Knew Infinity,” starring Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons, 7 to 8:55 p.m. Friday, April 8. The movie tells the story of Srinivasa Ramanujan, a mathematical genius. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about that film.” “Sing Street,” featuring Ferdia
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
Walsh-Peelo, Lucy Boynton, Aidan Gillen and Maria Doyle Kennedy, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, April 10. “It comes from Tom Carney, who directed ‘Once.’ It’s about an Irish kid in Dublin who sees a girl he likes and decides to get a rock band together. He doesn’t have any musical experience, but he does it to get the girl. It looks super charming.” “Colin Hay: Waiting for My Real Life,” 6:25 to 7:50 p.m. Sunday, April 10, and 2:50 to 4:20 p.m. Wednesday, April 13. “It’s about the Men at Work singer, and it shows his life in general. It’s a great story about how he rose to fame. When the bottom dropped out and there was a lawsuit, he plays a lot of clubs and small theaters. He’s an amazing storyteller and so charming, this documentary’s great.” “Five Nights in Maine,” starring David
Oyelowo, Dianne Wiest and Rosie Perez, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday, April 14. “It has a really strong cast. It’s about a guy whose wife passes away and his mother-in-law invites him to Maine. It’s a very dramatic film. That’s our closing night movie.” “We have more films than we ever played before,” Carney said. “It’s a busy week, that’s for sure. Once you come to the festival, you get hooked.” Phoenix Film Festival, Harkins Scottsdale 101 14, 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, phoenixfilmfestival.com, various times Thursday, April 7, through Thursday, April 14, $13-$300. • Contact writer: 480-898-5612 or christina@ timespublications.com. • Check us out and like GetOutAZ on Facebook and Twitter.
‘Under the Influence’
— a labor of love for Maynard By Violetta “Vy” Armour GETOUT FREELANCE BOOK CRITIC
If you saw the 2014 movie “Labor Day,” starring Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin, you might be somewhat familiar with the work of Joyce Maynard, who wrote the novel on which the film was based. In her ninth and most recent novel, “Under the Influence,” Maynard once again has a single mom, Helen, with a young son, Ollie, as her main characters. From the beginning, the novel has a tone of disaster waiting to happen. One occurred when she drove her 7-year-old son to the emergency room when he developed a raging fever late at night. So late, that Ollie was asleep and Helen had already turned to her nightly companion of wine, never thinking she would be behind the wheel of a car. Helen is portrayed as a doting and loving mother. Ollie is the most important thing in her life, so when she receives a DUI for weaving on the highway, she loses custody of her son to her ex-husband. We sympathize with her profound and unbelievable loss. In a single moment,
one tragic mistake changes her life forever. And our heart aches for Ollie. He is now in a home with a father who has little time for him and a stepmother who, although not abusive, shows little interest in him, especially with a new baby arriving. Helen has weekend visiting privileges but will lose those if there is any evidence of one drop of alcohol passing her lips. Fearing total loss of Ollie, Helen remains cold stone sober. Once an aspiring art photographer, she now makes ends meet by taking school portraits and working for a caterer. But sadly, in spite of the weekend visits, Ollie is drifting away from her, absorbed in the costly gadgets his father buys him. Enter the Havillands. While working a catering event at an art opening, Helen meets Ava and Swift Havilland, wealthy, connected philanthropists who have their own charity devoted to rescuing dogs. Helen has no idea that when she strikes up a conversation with Ava about a work of art, that she will soon become Ava’s protégé.
She is invited to their home to take photos but as time passes, Ava lends her clothes, buys her gifts, takes her to lavish restaurants and involves her thoroughly in the elegant social life she shares with her investor husband. As one reviewer so aptly said, Helen is so vulnerable and thrilled with the attention Ava pours on her, she is “like the nerdy teen who has been asked out by the high school quarterback.” As Helen gets caught up in the Havillands’ life, she abandons the one friend who has stood by her though her trials. She also questions her relationship with a soft-spoken accountant, Elliott, who she met on Match.com. Elliott offers love and loyalty, but doesn’t meet with the Havilland’s approval — too boring, they say. Elliott is not impressed by the Havillands, but it is a different story for Ollie. Once Ollie is introduced to them, he is as awestruck as his mother, as weekends at their lavish home is the equivalent of a trip at Disney World. And he becomes enthralled with Swift, who gives
him hearty doses of masculine attention he has not been getting from his father. At one point, he asks his mother, “Is he some kind of superhero or something?” And then the Havillands hold out the most seductive gift possible to Helen: their influence to help her regain custody of her son. However, tragedy strikes again, this time at an outing with Ollie and the Havillands. Helen pays the ultimate price of their friendship. She must at >> See Maynard on page 34
please join us for our 2nd annual REHAB PLUS “youth”
COMBINE EVENT [ Sunday, April 17 2016 • 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm]
EVENT PRIZES REFRESHEMENTS GIFT BAGS FOR ALL ATTENDEES Girls & Boys Ages 10-18 (10-12, 13-15, 16-18) Cost $20 per Athlete $15 for Pre-Registration and Multiple Athlete Registration
EVENT STATIONS
40 Yard Dash Pro-Agility Vertical Jump Broad Jump 1 Minute Max Push-Ups 1 Minute Max Sit-Ups
PRIZES
Movie Tickets Gift Cards
WHERE
Rehab Plus Ahwatukee 4730 E. Warner Rd. #5, Phoenix, AZ 85044
www.RehabPlusAhwatukee.com • 480.785.5415 • 4730 E. Warner Rd., Suite 5 • Next To ACE Hardware • Ahwatukee ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 33
Maynard
>> From page 33
that point choose between the truth and the friends who she thought gave her everything she once wanted — mainly to belong to a family. During an interview, Maynard said the theme of the novel is about obsessions and friendships — and the loss of friendships. She says that when she talks to readers about this, inevitably someone will relate their own story of a friendship lost. “Sometimes that loss is worse even than the end of a love affair,” Maynard said. And speaking of love affairs, on an interesting side note, Maynard was once the girlfriend of J.D. Salinger. The book, “If You Really Want to Hear About It,” the first comprehensive collection of writings about Salinger and his work, includes a never-before-published retrospective by Maynard whose 1997 memoir documents her year-long affair with Salinger when she was 16 years old. • Violetta Armour is the former bookstore owner of Pages in Ahwatukee. She recently published her debut novel, “I’ll Always Be With You.” (Available on Amazon.com). Follow her blog at http://serendipity-reflections.blogspot.com/or contact her at vyarmour@gmail.com. • Check us out and like GetOutAZ on Facebook and Twitter.
Page 34
CALENDAR
Musical comedy ‘42nd Street’ comes to ASU Gammage
Don’t miss this classic comedy musical on the ASU Gammage stage through April 10. Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie, “42nd Street,” young dancer Peggy Sawyer leaves her hometown to audition for Broadway musical, “Pretty Lady,” in New York. When the star gets hurt, Peggy is thrust into the spotlight. Join her on her journey to pursue her dream and see if she has what it takes to make it big. DETAILS>> Times vary. April 5 through April 10. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave. Tempe. Prices vary. 480-965-3434 or asugammage.com.
‘Twelfth Night’ at Mesa Arts Center
“The Twelfth Night,” presented by the Southwest Shakespeare Company, is a dark and delightful comedy that includes misfits, clowns and more. With a revival of one of Shakespeare’s plays comes one of the most quirky and unique comedies. It suffers through the struggles of love, celebration and pride with a comedic twist. Details>> Times vary. Through April 9. Mesa Arts Center, Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse. One E. Main St., Mesa. $12.50-$44. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
SUDUKO
CROSSWORD
of
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
$50 per person Advance $60 per person At the Door Six Shooter Package - 6 Tickets for $240
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
rs s & Bee e in W 0 • Over 5 s ampling • Food S ith ction w u A t n e • Sil ms g 100+ Ite Dancin & ic s u • Live Mripwire Band with T pirits r” with s a B y a P •“ rley” on a Ha s o t o h P •“ ancing • Line D
Wine & Beer
21st Annual
Fes ival LIGHTS Ahwatukee Foothills
Tasting Festival
Saturday, April 30 6:30 to 10:30PM Hosted by
5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler
Event Sponsors
Tickets Available at all Ahwatukee Safeways and FOLAZ.org ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 35
Sports Rec High schools, youth, outdoors, recreation
TRACK
than head to the University of Arizona. His mother, Jennie Curletta, wonders sometimes whether that was the right move. “You start questioning things, especially when they are struggling,” she said. “I wanted him to go to college first and be a normal kid, but he decided to go to the Dodgers. All of sudden he is thrust into a man’s work at age 18, and they have to handle themselves. “I have to admit there were times where I was like: ‘Why did I let my son do this?’”
Making the climb
Kevin Cron and Jake Barrett after their win in the Diamondbacks game against the Rangers at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 19. [David Jolkovski/AFN]
Dream chasers
On Opening Day, area pro players await call to ‘The Show’ By Jason P. Skoda AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS C.J. Cron is known as a patient hitter. In his major league career, the former Mountain Pointe High School star has seen 3.81 pitches per plate appearance, which is about the major league average. His length of stay in the minor leagues, however, required less patience compared to most professional ballplayers. Cron was selected quickly in the first round of the 2011 Major League Base-
Page 36
ball draft. He became a Los Angeles Angel in May 2014 when he had three hits in his debut — a dream realized, a dream still alive. He was back in “The Show” again this year when the Angels opened their season on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs. For every Cron, though, there are thousands of hopeful baseball players in their teens and early 20s who never will play in the major leagues. Joey Curletta, a Dodgers’ prospect and Mountain Pointe graduate, doesn’t
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
want to become one of them. He remained behind when the team broke Arizona camp this spring, adding his name to the list of an estimated 4,500 minor leaguers playing today. Major League Baseball employs 750 during the opening week as the season got underway on Sunday. The odds are stacked against the dreamers. It’s going on four years since Curletta, 22, was drafted in the sixth round by the Dodgers. He opted to go pro at 18 rather
In spite of the odds, the pull of the game is irresistible for many young men. Some defect from their countries, sailing on homemade rafts across dangerous waters just for the opportunity to play in America. In the states, kids give up college scholarships on the chance they will make it to the Bigs. This year in Arizona and Florida, more than 20 former East Valley products put everything they had into trying to become major leaguers. Jake Barrett, Jaycob Brugman, Cole Tucker, Cody Bellinger and others. They were high school stars, the best. But things happen. Today, the 4,500 minor leaguers remain at the spring facilities waiting to be assigned to a level when they will be taking buses and eating fast food, rather than flying in luxury and dining on filet mignon as one of the fortunate 750.
The reasons vary
Tucker missed games in his initial season because of a hand injury, and offseason shoulder surgery had him rehabbing while Pittsburgh Pirates minor league prospects played spring games in the Florida Grapefruit League this year. “The rehab team and the front office and player development people have all stressed that the injury doesn’t change anything,” said Tucker, a first-round pick in 2014 out of Mountain Pointe. “It’s just a bump in the road and once I’m healthy again, we’ll get back to normal.
“They stressed that I’m 19 and that there’s no rush with me. They still see me as a big league shortstop, and this doesn’t affect that.” But even those who go injury-free learn that it is more than a game once they sign a contract. Scouts, coaches, managers, general managers, analytics experts and others in the front office keep prospects under a microscope until they make it — or are prospects no longer. “You can’t avoid the business aspect, and the higher you get the more you see it,” said Brugman, a Desert Vista grad and Oakland A’s minor league outfielder. “You just have to remember that the organization’s goal is to win. You can’t control their decisions. Although the one thing that always stays the same is, if you are playing well, you will get rewarded.”
One break
Sometimes it just takes a hot streak at the plate or going deep into a game pitching a shutout to catch the eye of a minor league manager or front office personnel to kick-start a career in the majors. Cody Bellinger was good enough in the eyes of scouts to be taken in the fourth round out of Hamilton High by the Dodgers in 2013. He showed some promise his first two years. In 2015, he had a franchise-high 30 home runs and 103 RBIs in 126 games for High A Rancho Cucamongo. Today, the 20-year-old is listed as the sixth-best first baseman prospect in all of baseball and earned an invitation to spring where he spent time playing in Cactus League games rather than the backfields of minor league parks. Barrett, too, had a hot spring — two earned run in 12 1/3 innings with 17 strikeouts — for the Diamondbacks and was battling for the final bullpen spot as the team weighed going with 12 or 13 pitchers to open the season against Colorado on Monday. He found out on Saturday that he made the Opening Day roster. He broke through at age 24 year. He was one of the surprises of the D-Backs camp considering he started last year in Triple-A and was demoted to Double-A in June. It wasn’t exactly the best career move, but a strong month of March changed all of that. “I’ve put myself in a good position,” said Barrett, who played at Desert Ridge and Arizona State, before finding out the news. “It’s all out of my hands. As long as I keep working hard I know I belong here. It’s just a matter of when it hopefully happens. “Should that day happen, it would be awesome,” he said. “I think about it every now and then, but I don’t want to look too much into (the future) and get my hopes up. It’s great up here, and I won’t let a single day go by without trying to get there for good.”
Getting there, staying there
Cron remembers well how he felt the day he received word that he had made it. “It was surreal,” he said. “It’s something I always thought would come, and then it was reality. The first game was a blur, and then you settle in and do everything the same way you always have to play the game.” But there is a reason Triple-A cities are not far from the major-league affiliates. “It wasn’t like I got the call up and I felt like I was here for good,” said Cron, who was sent to the minors for 23 games last season. “Staying here is harder.” Joe Mather, another East Valley high school graduate from Mountain Pointe, knows that feeling. He was drafted in the third round in 2001, played more than 900 games in the minors and didn’t make his MLB debut until 2008. He also spent times in the majors in 2010-12 with a career-high of 103 games in his final year. Mather, who became a coach in the D-Backs organization in 2015, never played in the majors again after the Phillies released him during spring training in 2013. At some point every ballplayer goes through it. If they are lucky, they leave on their own terms. Most, however, are called into an office and are told they are being let go. “The whole process of ‘what is next’ is devastating,” said Mountain Pointe coach Brandon Buck, who is taking a position in Boise in June that directly helps athletes transition from the game with help from counselors and peers. “They look at baseball as who they are and not what they did. When that identity goes away they struggle. “When they are playing they are being told what to do or where to go. When that schedule is done, they can have difficulties with decision making and problem solving. Their whole life dream of playing professional baseball is over, and it is very hard to deal with for a lot of people.” Still, thousands of minor leaguers are waiting for that break. “I don’t think people realize how much time there is to think about things,” said Curletta, who will either be in High Single-A for second year or Double-A. “Whether it is going 0-for-4 or whatever else, you can’t allow yourself to think about anything other than getting better. That’s what you are paid to do. Everything else will take care of itself.” Jennie Curletta is receiving an education on her son’s journey as well. “You learn as much about life and mature along with your kids,” she said. “It’s an amazing process. As a professional athlete’s parent you don’t realize how much growing you have to do.” • Contact writer at 480-898-7915 or follow him on Twitter @JasonPSkoda. • Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and @ AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.
MEDICAL MASSAGE THERE IS A DIFFERENCE “I can’t believe what a difference one treatment made!” Shoulder pain, impingement and limited range of motion are successfully treated with medical massage. Our specialists address the problems that create imbalance of the four rotator cuff muscles and related tendons. Clients report noticeable difference after the first treatment. PCM is Arizona’s clinic that implements a bio-science medical massage.
$25 OFF COUPON
ONE HOUR MEDICAL MASSAGE Limit: One coupon per new customer. Coupon may not be combined with other discounts. Expires 4/15/16.
1840 E. Warner Rd., Suite 101 Tempe McClintock Fountains NE Corner of McClintock & Warner
Call to schedule your appointment:
(480) 759-4900 Visit: massagepcm.com ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 37
Answers to puzzles and sudoku
Brian Wohlsein Soccer Instructor
Individual, Group or Team Training Sessions • Better Ball Handling • Improved Flexibility & Range of Motion • Improved Decision Making Abilities
480.784.7485
soccertrainingphx.com Ahwatukee Resident
TOP RATED ORTHODONTIST IN AHWATUKEE Dr. Danyluk provides outstanding orthodontic care for the entire family in a clean, relaxing atmosphere, conveniently located in Ahwatukee! Call 480-759-3333 for your complimentary consultation! TEAMORTHODONTICS.COM
YOUR SMILE ... YOUR WAY! Page 38
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
Life Events Classifieds
The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | EastValleyTribune.com Click on Marketplace
Awatukee Foothills News / East Valley Tribune
1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #249 • Tempe, AZ 85282 • 480.898.6465 • classifieds@timespublications.com
Deadlines
Classifieds: Monday 11am for Wednesday • Life Events: Friday 10am for Wednesday
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 39
Page 40
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 41
Page 42
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 Page 43
SPRING TUNE-UP
59
$
AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING S I N C E 19 8 2
ROC #C39-080322-00
REG. $99. Includes a 16-Point Inspection plus a condenser coil rinse if accessible
480-893-8335
($5.00 Fuel and Trip Fee Applies)
www.BrewersAC.com
FREE
Service Call Second Opinion
EARLY Sale OR No Interest until January 2021 BIRD Up to $4,550 in Rebates Buy a qualifying system and choose:
RESIDENTIAL ONLY
*
with Equal Payments
(WITH REPAIR)
A+ Rating
Includes $500 Tax Credit for Qualifying Customers Expires 5/31/16
* Up to a $2,650 Brewer’s Dealer Rebate, up to $400 Utility Rebate, up to $500 Federal Tax Credit & up to $1,000 Trane Trade In Allowance. The Home Projects® Visa® credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, and Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit at participating merchants.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 28.9%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. If you use the card for cash advance, the cash advance fee is 5.00% of the amount of the cash advance but not less than $10.00. This information is accurate as of 01/06/2016 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 6/15/2016. **See your independentTrane Dealer for complete program eligibility, dates and restrictions. Special financing offers OR trade-in allowances from $100 up to $1,000 valid on qualifying systems only. Offers vary by equipment. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States.Void where prohibited. Copyright ©Trane 2016.
Page 44
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com