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Flake in Ahwatukee: No vote for Trump yet By Paul Maryniak AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS MANAGING EDITOR
U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake told a group of Republicans at an Ahwatukee breakfast Tuesday that he won’t vote for Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Then, minutes later, the Republican senator from Arizona told the Ahwatukee Foothills News that he’s not yet prepared to vote for his party’s nominee either. “I want to vote for Donald Trump, but I just can’t now – until he changes some of his positions,” he said in a brief interview after his address at the Ahwatukee Republican Women’s breakfast. Those positions, Flake told the larger group, could haunt Republicans for a long time. Trump’s campaign statements, he added, “will have ramifications for our party for years to come if our candidate Desert Vista High head football Coach Dan Hinds, left, and Mountain Pointe High’s head football Coach does not run a different campaign Norris Vaughan have been having their teams working hard in their respective practice sessions as than he is doing now.” the 2016 season begins Friday. For a complete report on the prospects of the Thunder and the Pride, “I’m not happy with our see page 51. To learn about upcoming season coverage from AFN, see page 30. Republican nominee,” he told the group. “I think we can do better.” “Some of us in elected office need to push back,” he said, adding that Republicans had nearly a duty to let the public “know that not all SPECIAL REPORT By Paul Maryniak operating the golf course at the contractually Republicans hold his views.” Though he did not comment on AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS EDITOR required level equal to or exceeding other upscale the internal division Trump has A second Ahwatukee golf community has become public courses.” embroiled in a lawsuit over conditions of its course, But some homeowners are unhappy with caused in his party, some evidence generating a three-way fight involving its owner, the HOA lawsuit and have formed a nonprofit may have existed in the turnout: the homeowners association, and hundreds of organization called Save Club West. Leaders of Only about 40 people, mostly residents. that movement say the lawsuit offers no long-term women, attended the breakfast at The Club West HOA in July filed a lawsuit in state solution for the problem that all the parties agree the Four Points by Sheraton South Mountain Hotel. In his talk, Flake Superior Court against four companies connected exists at the community. with owner Wilson Gee, accusing them of “not >> See GOLF COMMUNITY on page 14 >> See FLAKE on page 4 (Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
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Cassi Bych of Ahwatukee studies data at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, during her stay at Space Camp.
Desert Vista High freshman casts sights upwards after Space Camp AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS STAFF
Space isn’t the final frontier for Cassandra “Cassi” Bych of Ahwatukee, but it’s a big part of her future plans right now. Cassi, 14, attended the Space Academy at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, recently, and the timing couldn’t be better as she starts a new phase of life as a freshman at Desert Vista High School. “This camp has really focused me on becoming an astronaut,” she said. “It really opened my eyes to that career path and has motivated me to do my best in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) subjects that I will be taking in high school.” The weeklong camp is designed to promote STEM while training students and adults with hands-on activities and missions based on teamwork, leadership and problem solving. Cassi was part of the Space Academy program, designed for trainees who have a particular interest in space exploration. She spent the week training with a team that flew a simulated space mission to the International Space Station, then participated in experiments and successfully completed a spacewalk. More than 750,000 trainees have graduated from Space Camp since its inception in 1982, including three astronauts. The daughter of Rob Bych and Debra Wickman, Cassi said she is most interested in math and science, and currently is eyeing the U.S. Air Force Academy, Vanderbilt University, and Georgetown University once she graduates from Desert Vista. She also plays competitive soccer for the Ahwatukee Foothills Soccer Club. She called her Space Camp trip “challenging but always fun.” “We studied the history of space exploration, the planets in our solar system, the constellations, the construction and launching of small rockets, the construction of reentry vehicles, and much more,” she said, adding several astronauts also spoke to her group about space shuttle and space station missions. She enjoyed the mission simulations the most. One involved executing a crew exchange on the space station and landing a shuttle simulator safely back on earth, said Cassi, who was a flight engineer for the mission. “The missions were conducted in a big room containing a mock-up of the ISS and space shuttle, and a control console simulating Houston Control,” she explained. “All of the participants wore headsets and communicated by intercom. Although the missions were simulations, it was very realistic. It was definitely the coolest thing I got to do there.” It wasn’t all fun and games. “The most challenging part about this camp was trying to take in all of the information that was presented,” Cassi >> See NEIGHBORS on page 5
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Page 3
FLAKE fondly recalled when he, his wife and two children enjoyed a lengthy stay there when it was the Grace Inn. Relatively new residents of Ahwatukee back then, Flake said, he had been reading the paper when his then-4-year-old son Brian asked if he could have part of it. The two had been at a father-son camp the day before. Flake said Brian snuck into the garage with a friend and set the paper on fire, using his newly acquired campfirebuilding skills. The resulting smoke damage forced the Flake family out of their home for a month, resulting in the long hotel stay.
(Special to AFN)
>> From page 1
U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake.
“I’m troubled by the rhetoric against TPP,” he said, calling it essential to global peace since China otherwise could inflict harm to America’s position in international markets.
with our Republican nominee. “ I’m not Ihappy think we can do better. —U.S Sen. Jeff”Flake Flake’s speech covered a wide range of topics as he updated the audience on issues ranging from congressional gridlock to immigration, global trade, and security. He chastised both major party presidential nominees for their opposition to the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement (TPP) that still needs Senate approval.
“We’ve got to swallow hard and enter into this trade agreement.” While he did not comment on Trump’s position on illegal immigration from Mexico, Flake assailed his comments on Monday, when he said he would “extremely vet” Muslim immigrants, partly on the basis of the country they came from. “The one thing we cannot have is a
Muslim ban,” Flake said. “Some of what he said Monday made sense, and some didn’t. Foreign policy is extremely complicate. To say we’re going to accept people from this country but not that country or who have this religion but not that religion – it’s not that simple. “Some of what he’s proposing I don’t think would work,” he added. “There are 3 million Muslims who are citizens in this country and 99.9 percent of them are patriotic Americans who want to help in the fight against terrorism.” Flake also addressed congressional deadlock and the overall breakdown in any working relationship between Democrats and Republicans, joking that “Congress’ popularity is now down to paid staff and relatives.” He said he believes the breakdown began with the disputed results of the court fight that followed the 2000 Presidential Election. “Democrats decided that President Bush was not legitimately president, so they refused to work on anything,” Flake said. “Then when Obama was elected, Republicans decided he was not legitimately the president because he didn’t have a legitimate birth certificate, so they wouldn’t work with Democrats.” Flake said he saw the same feelings developing among Trump and Clinton supporters. “I worry this cycle will continue with the
next election,” he said. He also blamed inter-party rancor on “Republicans overpromising,” social media and the 24-hour news cycle. But he warned that the failure of both parties to begin working together will soon affect Americans in deep ways, citing the growing federal deficit of $20 trillion. “I’m afraid that, one of these mornings, we’re going to wake up and find that the financial markets have decided we’re not a good bet anymore,” he said, asserting that reaction would cause a steep rise in interest rates that would clobber the U.S. economy.
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said. “It was intense. I learned so many new and interesting things that it was difficult to process it all. But all of this new learning inspired me to want to learn more.” She returned to earth in Ahwatukee with a valuable life lesson as well as an itch to explore the cosmos. “What camp made me realize is that a common goal, or interest, can really bring people together,” Cassi explained. “The same way my soccer team plays together to win is how we worked together at this camp to successfully complete the simulated missions.” As for her career, she said, “I learned how selective NASA’s astronaut training program is, and that to be competitive in the future, I will need to be very qualified.”
Youth pastor arrives at Bridgeway Community Joe Phipps, a long-time area resident who grew up in the Chandler-Tempe area, graduated from Corona del Sol High School, and spent four years with the Coast Guard, now calls Ahwatukee home. He is the youth pastor at Bridgeway Community Church, 2420 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee. After his enlistment ended, he attended Arizona Christian University and earned a
(Special to AFN)
>> From page 3
Youth pastor Joe Phipps.
degree in Christian ministries before attending Phoenix Seminary, where he received a master’s of divinity degree with an emphasis on counseling and family ministries. While pursuing his post-high school education, he intern in the high school ministry at Scottsdale Bible Church and worked for CRU, formerly the Campus Crusade for Christ, at Arizona State University. He’ll be working with middle and high school students at Bridgeway and hopes to “encourage parents to establish the home as the primary place where faith is lived out and nurtured,” a church release said. He will be meeting with middle school students at 4 p.m. on Sundays and high school students at 5:45 p.m. Each month he’ll be treating all students to a special event. Any student is welcome to attend. Reach him at joe@bridgewaycc.org, 480-706-4130, or www.bridgewaycc.org.
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NEWS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS STAFF
Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio took a couple of shots at the Black Lives Matter movement, saying that the protest group is “promoting a lie of racism” and costing city taxpayers. In a news release two weeks ago, DiCiccio said street protests July 8 and July 15 cost the city $247,996 in regular wages and overtime for officers to maintain order. “This extra $200K does not include the tens of thousands of dollars lost by local businesses who lost customers or had to close early due to the threats made by protesters,” the release said. “Equally as concerning, Phoenix police had to call in a SWAT team from Glendale to respond to a call because our officers were occupied
covering the protest,” it added. The movement sprung up two years ago in response to fatal shootings by police of black men, some unarmed. “This shows a complete disrespect for the taxpayer and our great Police Department,” DiCiccio said. “This disrespect can easily be added up. Add up the loss of taxpayer monies, the cost to local small-business owners, the waste of limited police resources, and the fact that the protesters refused to change the date of their protest as it occurred the day after we lost those brave police heroes in Dallas.” He also said, “I am a fierce proponent of free speech and people’s right to protest, but the way the protesters exercised their rights squandered critical resources away from the
serial-killer investigation and our community.” On Aug. 4, DiCiccio continued his criticism on his Facebook page with another blast, accusing the movement of “promoting a lie of racism with no facts.” He cited the Aug. 9, 2014 fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black youth in Ferguson, Missouri, stating “after riots and destruction of property it turned out to be a guy was shot after he attacked an officer.” “One fact is clear: Police murders are up since this movement began. This movement is pushing an agenda of hate of police based on lies,” he said on Facebook. DiCiccio said the costs of monitoring the protests came from the Phoenix Police Department.
(Special to AFN)
DiCiccio rips Black Lives Matter for cost to taxpayers, ‘lies’
Phoenix City Councilman Sal Diciccio.
2 Kyrene board members, 1 in Tempe Union not seeking re-election in November AHWATUKEE FOOT HILLS NEWS STAFF
One Tempe Union High School governing board member and two members of the Kyrene board are not seeking re-election, according to the final list of candidates on the Maricopa County school superintendent’s website. But both districts will see school board contests in the November election to fill seats of members whose four-year terms expire in December.
The deadline for filing for school board races was Aug. 10. Kyrene board members Ross Robb and Michelle Hirsch did not file for reelection, nor did Tempe Union board member Moses Sanchez. Sanchez is seeking a seat on the Maricopa County Community College governing board in the district that includes Ahwatukee and the East Valley. The only incumbent on the Kyrene board
who filed for reelection is John R. King. He and three other candidates will be seeking three seats up for election. The other Kyrene candidates are Michelle Fahy, Eshe N. Pickett and Michael R. Myrick. In Tempe Union, where three of the board’s five seats are up for election, incumbents Michelle Helm and board President Sandy Lowe are seeking another term. There are also four other candidates: Scott Ryan, Andres A. Barraza, Berdetta B. Hodge,
and Don C. Fletcher. None of the candidates in either district race have yet filed biographical profiles, which are required by Sept. 15. They will be published at https://mcesaaz.squarespace.com/currentgoverning-board-candidates All seats in both Kyrene and Tempe are fouryear terms. School board positions are unpaid. School board races do not have a primary election and instead go right to the General Election on Nov. 8.
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
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The dog that RESCUE is trying to place this week may not play tennis, but she sure likes tennis balls, a spokeswoman for the nonprofit group said. Chessie, a 6-year-old Lab mix, “adores them,” said Jenny Medlock. “Chessie loves to play fetch and would most likely do so for hours if your arm would hold out as long as she did,” Medlock said. “Chessie zips after the ball, retrieves it, brings it back sometimes playing keep away from you and then asks for the game to start again and again and again.” Calling her “a great gal with a big personality,” Medlock said Chessie “is one of the happiest, sweetest, and most affectionate dogs you’ll ever meet.” “Simply saying ‘Hi Chessie” sends her into a full body wag and rewards you with her big, infectious smile,” she added. “Chessie is friendly towards all, greeting everyone with enthusiasm. She is quite the kisser, showering her people with love.” Chessie enjoys being petted, brushed, having the back of her ears and neck scratched, and munching on treats. When it’s time to relax, Medlock said, “she is calm and laid-back, happy to settle nearby in a comfy dog bed.” The dog also is eager to please and has
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Ahwatukee residents urged to block Zika mosquitoes (Maricopa County Environmental Services/Special to the AFN)
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
Maricopa County’s Vector Control Division lab tests mosquitos caught in traps for viruses and targets areas for fogging accordingly.
By Mike Butler AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS WRITER
Maricopa County public health and environmental services officials, who are battling to stay a step ahead in the fight against the Zika virus, are urging Ahwatukee residents to rid their yards of standing water and report pockets of high mosquito activity. The Zika virus alarm level ratcheted up a notch last week after federal and Florida state health officials reported that a growing number of people in that state have become infected after being bitten by local mosquitoes carrying the virus. Most of the damage is confined to a north Miami neighborhood, for now. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an unprecedented warning to pregnant women—or women expecting to become pregnant — to avoid Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. Meanwhile, Yuma County reported its first travel-related case of Zika, the 18th documented case in Arizona. By comparison, South Florida (MiamiDade, Broward and Palm Beach counties) had documented more than 400 travelrelated Zika cases when the first locally transmitted case was reported July 29. But James Will, eastern region supervisor of the Vector Control Division in Maricopa County’s Environmental Services department, said it’s a question of when, not if, the East Valley will see its first local case. “We thought we’d get a localized case last year, but it didn’t happen,” Will said. Will said what keeps him up at night is the thought of all those visitors at the
Olympic games in Rio returning to Arizona and the United States. “We’re wondering if Zika will be the only thing that comes back,” he said. Zika is spread through Aedes aegypi mosquitoes, aggressive daytime biters that are abundant in Maricopa County. They’re especially bothersome in Gilbert and Chandler, which have become breeding “hot spots” according to Will. The Zika mosquito can also spread dengue and chikungunya virus. If a person has Zika in their blood and is bitten by a mosquito, the mosquito can pass it on by biting another person. Zika can be passed through unprotected sex if one of the partners has the virus. And, tragically, Zika virus can be transmitted during pregnancy and cause the birth defect microcephaly. Maricopa County is also home to an abundance of Culex mosquitoes, night biters that carry the West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis viruses. Whether Culex or Aedes aegypi, mosquitoes require stagnant water to lay their eggs and continue the life cycle. Larvae can hatch in just a few days into hundreds of thousands of bloodthirsty adults from pools of rainwater. Retention basins, which often double as greenbelts and informal parks, are frequent and familiar sights in East Valley neighborhoods and along major roadways. They are also prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. City crews monitor retention basins in parks and other public property, but the >> See ZIKA on page 9
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Foothills Reserve
Great greenbelt lot close to abundant Mountain Park Ranch amenities. 4 br, 3 ba with 2,739 sq. ft. Master suite with view balcony. 17" tile, carpet and wood laminate flooring in 2011. Energy efficient windows in 2007. Solar hot water system and Goettl A/C units in 2009. Exterior and interior paint in 2013.
Recent price reduction. 6 br plus den, 4.5 ba with 3,858 sq. ft. Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, breakfast bar and walk-in pantry. Stacked-stone wall with fireplace in family room. Spacious master suite with mountain views from balcony. Private sparkling pool with gated entry.
Listed for $269,500
Listed for $314,000
Green pools turn into breeding grounds for mosquitos that cause Zika and West Nile viruses. Residents are urged to report such pools to local city or county officials.
ZIKA>> From page 8 vast majority of them are owned by HOAs. Laws require private property owners to maintain retention basin drywells so that these low-lying areas drain in 36 hours. City and county officials also want to hear from neighbors about backyard swimming pools that have turned green, which are also nirvana for breeding mosquitoes. Neglected swimming pools were a big problem six to eight years ago during the housing recession. Will said the trouble with Aedes aegypi mosquitoes is that they don’t really need big retention basins and swimming pools to breed. They can reproduce in empty flower pots, small holes or depressions in the ground, and buckets left outside and forgotten when everyone in the East Valley headed indoors as the monsoon season began. “We’ve found them breeding in soda bottle caps–that’s all the water they need,” Will said. “That’s why we’re more worried about people’s yards.” That fear, and the knowledge that Zika mosquitoes have a flight range of only about 150 yards, prompted county environmental and health experts last week to ask the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to give them the authority to access private properties as soon as possible when there is a Zika threat. It can take a week or longer currently to obtain a warrant. When state and county public health employees confirm a travel-related case of Zika, they visit the individual and impress
upon him or her the importance of not getting bitten by mosquitos. Abatement teams trap, test and spray the person’s yard and nearby properties if possible. There is no vaccine to prevent Zika and no specific medicines to treat it. Prevention is the best protection. Residents are encouraged to eliminate sources of standing water, use DEET repellent and wear long sleeve shirts and long pants. Four out of five people infected with Zika don’t become ill. Those who do may experience mild fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis, muscle pain and headache. – Reach Mike Butler at 480-898-6530 or at mbutler@ahwatukee.com.
Listed for $359,990
Listed for $375,000
The Foothills
The Foothills
Beautiful remodeled hillside home. 4 br, 2.5 ba with 2,161 sq. ft. Eat-in kitchen features cherry cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Master suite with travertine shower and flooring. Upgraded 17" tile, birch Pergo flooring, Plantation shutters and shade screens. Resort-style backyard with lush landscaping, flagstone, built-in DCS grill, Kiva plus sparkling pool and spa with Kool deck.
Amazing mountain views from gorgeous remodel on corner lot. 4 br, 3 ba plus den with 2,914 sq. ft. Spacious eat-in kitchen features granite countertops, raised-panel cherry cabinetry with pullouts and breakfast bar. Flooring includes 18" tile and new carpet. Plantation shutters and 2" wood blinds throughout. Solar heated play pool with waterfall. 2012 A/C units.
Listed for $415,000
Listed for $425,000
Fighting mosquitoes Anyone who sees mosquitoes breeding, increased adult mosquito activity or a green pool in their neighborhood is encouraged to call the county mosquito hotline at 602-506-0700. Online complaint forms are available online at FightTheBiteMaricopa.org. The site also provides information on mosquito-related diseases, prevention, monitoring and fogging.
Club West
Mountain Park Ranch
Desirable Ritz floorplan by UDC. 4 br, 2.5 ba with 2,850 sq. ft. Large eat-in kitchen features granite countertops, island and stainless steel appliances. Just updated with new carpet, interior and exterior paint plus epoxy flooring in 3-car garage. North/South Exposure with mountain views. Private backyard with pool and spa
Abundant upgrades in this TW Lewis home including new carpet and plantation shutters. Spacious kitchen boasts slab granite counters, refinished cabinetry plus stacked-stone island. Master suite with gorgeous custom tile shower. Private oasis backyard features a pool, sport court , built-in BBQ and gazebo. 2013 exterior paint. 2015 roof and A/C. 2016 pool filter system.
Listed for $428,500
Listed for $518,500
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ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016
Page 9
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Foothills Club West LISTED FOR
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Rare Find ¼ acre lot! 3 bedrooms plus office with Murphy bed and 3 full bathrooms! Open kitchen-family room floor plan. Kitchen boasts granite slab counters, ORB hardware, upgraded stainless steel appliances, island and pantry. 2015 interior/ exterior paint, 5 ½” baseboards on lower level, trendy engineered wood flooring installed 2014 and new carpet installed 2016! Backyard is truly an oasis!— with sparkling pool upgraded with mini pebble tec surface and water feature; extensive travertine pavers, large plush grass area, enormous side yard with storage shed, and mature, beautifully maintained trees/landscape. Mountain views! Cul de sac location! 2014 sunscreens. 2013 water heater. Garage is equipped with cabinets, work bench and 240v outlet for electric car charging and power tools.
Montana Vista LISTED FOR
$564,900
Impeccably cared for 2,912 sf, 4 bedroom, 3 full bathroom home! Gated community! Kitchen boasts upgraded cherry wood cabinets with large island/breakfast bar and Corian counter tops. Open kitchen-family room floor plan. Split master floor plan. Pebble tec pool with water feature; kool decking resurfaced in 2016. Grass area in backyard and breath-taking mountain views! Extended and over-height 3 car garage. Epoxy garage floor. Freshly painted exterior including block wall and pool fence. Baseboards freshly painted in 2016.
Finesterra at Valencia LISTED FOR
$615,000
5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom 4,663 sf highly upgraded basement home. Finished basement is currently set up as a media room. Gated community. 1/3 acre lot! Elaborate, custom swim-up Gazebo! Pebble tec pool with grand water feature and slide. Built in BBQ, outdoor bar, and extensive hardscape with Cantera stone pavers.
Ahwatukee Retirement LISTED FOR
$195,000
Upgraded home on spectacular golf course lot! Incredible view of the golf course! 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,526 sf home. Kitchen boasts granite-look counter tops and trendy white kitchen cabinetry with upgraded hardware. Newer carpet and wood burning fireplace. No popcorn ceilings! Master bedroom has large closets and master bathroom has step-in shower. Situated in a quiet cul-de-sac.
The difference between ordinary and etxraordinary is that little extra!
Page 10
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
(Special to AFN)
Meticulously cared-for single level 2,550 sf home that backs to a plush greenbelt! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, split master floor plan. Open kitchen-family room concept. Kitchen boasts granite slab counters, Blanco extra deep sink, custom painted cabinetry with trendy hardware and island/breakfast bar. Gorgeous travertine flooring. Backyard has sparkling pebble tec pool, grass area, built in gas BBQ, citrus trees and covered patio. Extensive landscape lighting in front and back. Three car garage with built-in garage cabinets. Gas fireplace, central vac, soft water system, drinking water filtration, security system. Newer AC units.
This schematic of the proposed Park II development shows a bending Price Road splitting several buildings between Willis Road and Armstrong Place.
By Mike Butler TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Developer Douglas Allred said he can’t wait to get started on Park Place II, a massive expansion of Park Place I that will bring 928,000 square feet of new office space and a hotel/conference center to a 62acre campus near Price and Willis roads in Chandler. “We are ecstatic to get started on Park Place II,” he said. “Over the last several years, Price Road has transformed into one of the most vibrant business corridors in the entire Valley. Park Place II will help ensure the area’s success for years to come.” The Chandler City Council greenlighted Allred’s rezoning request July 28. The property had been zoned for agriculture. A proposed hotel/conference center and a pair of mid-rise office buildings anchor the portion of the campus on the west side of Price Road. An additional four office buildings and a parking structure are planned on the east side of Price road. Allred’s Park Place I, southeast of the San Tan Freeway and Price Road,
Please recycle me.
has six fully leased office buildings with 2,400 employees and hosts such notable companies as Infusionsoft and Healthways. Once completed, Park Place II’s total annual economic impact is estimated at $1.4 billion, according to a report from Scottsdale-based Elliott D. Pollack & Company. The City of Chandler will derive most of the benefit, but the East Valley as a whole will also share in the increased economic activity. The study said Park Place II will generate $19.4 million in annual tax revenue for the state, $6.4 million for Maricopa County and $2.5 million for Chandler. The Chandler Unified School District stands to gain $1.5 million in annual tax revenue from Park Place II. The new project will create more than 2,000 construction jobs and employ an estimated 9,691 when built. – Reach Mike Butler at 480-898-6581 or at mbutler@timespublications.com. – Check us out and like the East Valley Tribune on Facebook and follow EVTNow on Twitter.
By Paul Maryniak AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS EDITOR
The Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee on Monday will hold discussions on two hot-button issues affecting thousands of residents and motorists in the community— current construction and other plans for the South Mountain Freeway and the extension of Chandler Boulevard. Because general discussion of items not on the agenda is allowed during the meeting — 6 p.m. at Pecos Recreation Center, 17010 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee — it’s possible that there also will be some general discussion of True Life Companies’ plan to replace the course at Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club with an urbanagricultural development. However, at this point there is no formal plan for that project before the committee or city officials. But there’ll be plenty to discuss as city and Arizona Department of Transportation officials disclose the status of design and construction plans for the freeway and a revised design for the city-owned Chandler Boulevard Extension. Because the freeway design is only half complete, committee Chairman Chad Blostone said “now is the time for public input to affect the design.” A group of Ahwatukee residents, organized under the name Protect Arizona’s Resources and Children, and the Gila River Indian Community are suing ADOT in federal court in an effort to stop the freeway project. They are charging that ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration “acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner in approving the South Mountain Corridor Loop” by not complying with environmental and other regulations. U.S. District Judge Diane Humetewa, who
has not yet issued a ruling, raised questions during a May hearing about ADOT’s environmental study for the freeway path after PARC’s lawyers showed how it threatened three wells on Gila Tribe land. The state spent $750,000 trying to find replacements for the wells and found only one with potable water, so it now must go back and try to find new sources in the area, Blostone said. PARC has stated on its website that it will ask the court to stop any construction if ADOT contractors begin work on the freeway before Humetewa issues a ruling. Blostone said people at the planning committee meeting will be able to ask questions of city and state officials about the freeway design and possibly other issues related to the project. The planning committee has already gone on record in opposition of the freeway. The long-proposed 22-mile freeway would provide a bypass for I-10 traffic around Phoenix. State officials are eyeing a 2019 completion, although it is not clear how that timetable would be affected if either side appeals Humetewa’s decision. Whoever loses the case is expected to appeal the decision. The Chandler Boulevard Extension, a 1.2mile stretch between 27th and 19th avenues, would not only replace Pecos Road as an alternate route if it is closed during freeway construction, but would also become a permanent part of Ahwatukee’s street grid. About 30 feet wide and bordered by South Mountain Park to the north and state trust land to the south, the east-west extension would be a two-lane highway with bike paths on either side. It would be doubled in width to accommodate two more lanes if the trust land is ever sold and developed, city officials said.
(Special to AFN)
Village Planning Committee to air plans for freeway, Chandler Boulevard extension
This Phoenix Streets Department map shows the proposed route of the Chandler Boulevard extension, which could be finished next summer.
During a planning committee meeting Jan. 25, Blostone raised questions about the design, noting the thoroughfare would be narrower at either end than the existing four-lane rights of way it connects to, according to minutes of the session. A city official “indicated that the roadway would be safe,” the minutes state. Committee member Michael Hinz also raised concerns about the absence of traffic control devices and said the anticipated traffic would be too great for the neighborhoods affected by the extension. At the time, the city had not performed a traffic study. But a city Street Transportation Department study about three months later concluded that traffic movement on the extension— even with Pecos Road closing — would rate a B. That’s the same rating the analysis gave to traffic flow currently on Pecos Road. Phoenix Streets Department spokeswoman Monica Hernandez said the construction start date on the Chandler Boulevard extension “will be determined upon the completion of the land
acquisition from the State Land Department and upon completion of the final design and contract documentation.” But she said the city is still eyeing a start date of late summer for the $11.5-million project with completion expected next summer. “The Chandler Boulevard alignment has been on the City’s Street Classification Map for several years,” Hernandez added. “Typically development would initiate construction of a new roadway but this project is funded by the Regional Area Roadway Fund, which is being used to advance the project to provide an additional transportation route for the existing Foothills Reserve and future Foothills West neighborhoods.” Also scheduled for a possible formal recommendation by the committee is a selfstorage warehouse proposed for a .277-acre plot of empty land on the corner of Desert Foothills Parkway and Marketplace Way. While the lot is zoned commercial, the developer needs a special use permit to run a storage facility.
Firefighters, police using condemned S. Mtn. Freeway buildings for practice exercises, emergency training By Paul Maryniak AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS EDITOR
Long empty of life since their acquisition by the state to make way for the South Mountain Freeway, three Ahwatukee houses have been among structures used by firefighters and police agencies for training and practice in the last 10 months. Phoenix firefighters last November used three Ahwatukee homes for roof ventilation exercises while Rural Metro Fire Department used some West Valley homes to practice a so-called “mayday scenario”
in which they try to escape a smoke-filled building. In addition, SWAT teams used a West Valley hotel acquired by Arizona Department of Transportation to practice hostage scenario techniques. ADOT has negotiated the acquisition of 191 properties, plus an additional five currently in escrow, along the 22-milelong freeway corridor since March 2015, department spokesman Dustin Krugel said. About two-thirds of the homes acquired for the project thus far have been located in the Ahwatukee area, he added. Besides
those 191 structures, ADOT also used eminent domain and court orders to acquire an additional 24 houses and other buildings, Krugel said. “ADOT’s property acquisition program includes working with property owners as early as possible and providing benefits to the extent allowed by the law to cover actual, reasonable moving costs and related expenses,” he said. “The acquisition process is a negotiation like any other home purchase, but ADOT is required by law to offer market value for any property.”
He said eminent domain is a last resort because “we prefer to come to an agreement with property owners on the purchase price.” There are approximately 100 parcels outside Ahwatukee that still must be acquired. Krugel said that thus far, ADOT has paid nearly $182 million for property acquisitions along the entire freeway corridor, and an additional $21.1 million in residential and commercial relocation expenses. >> See FREEWAY on page 13
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016
Page 11
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
(ADOT/Special to AFN)
Roof ventilation training by Phoenix firefighters took place last November on three Ahwatukee homes acquired by the Arizona Department of Transportation to make way for the South Mountain Freeway.
FREEWAY >> From page 11
were approached by several agencies. The exercises provide valuable training that they might not have had otherwise and, in turn, are a tremendous benefit those these agencies serve.” But the president of an Ahwatukee citizens group opposing the freeway said ADOT was “whitewashing” its “wanton destruction” of the homes, calling it a “premature demolition of Ahwatukee homes in the path of a phantom freeway that will never be built.” “While it is wise for our fire departments to take advantage of available training opportunities, there are far more costeffective ways to produce training structures,” said Pat Lawlis, president of Protect Arizona’s Resources and Children. PARC has asked a federal judge to close down the freeway plan. ADOT said in a release that it has collaborated since the 1990s with firstresponder agencies to use condemned houses for training. Prior to any training, structures are tested and abated for asbestos.
(ADOT/Special to AFN)
ADOT said in a release that it “has continued a tradition of working with first responders to provide real-world training opportunities using the controlled environment of vacant structures. Since last year, more than a dozen agencies have been able to train scores of personnel.” The Phoenix Fire Department sent 48 ladder companies as well as every recruit for rooftop-ventilation exercises in the West Valley. “For the recruits, it is the opportunity to practice this critical skill prior to an actual event at 3 a.m., in the dark, or whenever the call may originate,” Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Riley said. “The amount of training we were able to do was invaluable to our department.” The Rural/Metro Fire Department’s training exercise involved “crawling trainees who were unable to see through their air masks have a chain-link metal structure drop on them to simulate being trapped by a falling roof. This mayday drill forced them to communicate, work through the problem and breach a wall to get out,” ADOT said. “There is no question that the job these firefighters do is dangerous,” said Shawn Gilleland, a Rural/Metro Fire Department spokesman. “Partnering with ADOT, we are able to provide real-world training in a very controlled environment.” Using the structures for training before they are removed involves no expense for ADOT or the training agencies, except that the agencies need to get insurance, ADOT added. “As a public safety agency, ADOT works hand in hand with police officers, firefighters and other first responders every day,” said Brian Rockwell, ADOT assistant chief right of way agent. “Much like the general public, we appreciate their life-saving efforts and were more than glad to be able to assist when we
A firefighter trains on one of the West Valley homes acquired by the Arizona Department of Transportation to make way for the South Mountain Freeway.
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Conditions not in dispute Save Club West is not disputing the allegations of the HOA’s complaint, which accuses Gee’s companies of turning off the water and giving the once-lush fairways a “hay-like appearance.” The complaint says the companies have not maintained other foliage, closed the clubhouse temporarily until October, refused to keep the course open during the summer, and are “generally operating the golf course in a matter not even consistent with mid-level public courses via the watering schedule, its appearance and hours of operation.” It also contends that the community’s covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) require that the site be maintained “in a first-class manner and at a level equal to or exceeding the maintenance level of other upscale, high-end” public courses in Maricopa County. Two residents of the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club are fighting a similar action against True Life Companies, the owner of their community’s course. Recently a state Superior Court judge ruled that the owner is required to reopen and restore the course under their CC&Rs. (Not convinced this is legally accurate. The judge ruled that the current CC&Rs require this, no Page 14
Lawsuit’s effectiveness debated Retired engineer Jim Lindstrom and attorney Ellen Davis, two residents who are leading the Save Club West movement, say a lawsuit won’t solve anything in their community. They have raised $20,000 in two weeks and are negotiating with Gee to find a permanent “water sourcing” solution to prevent, they say, the value of about 2,530 homes from plummeting. It’s not just the value of the approximate 350 houses adjacent to the course that are in peril, they assert. “The homeowners are not part of the lawsuit,” Davis said. “Our interests are at issue, and we are trying to protect ourselves against what likely could be a protracted and expensive legal case that we don’t think will be effective in the long run.” Their greatest fear is that, if the HOA loses the suit, Club West course owners would simply continue to let the fairways and greens deteriorate. Already the lake’s
(Special to AFN)
They also accuse the HOA of heavyhanded tactics that are undermining their efforts to resolve the problems permanently, saying the suit was filed without a vote by homeowners and that the association board won’t talk with them about alternatives to legal action to save the course. But HOA board President Paul Moroz disputed those assertions. In an emailed response to questions sent him by the Ahwatukee Foothills News, Moroz noted that a “Golf Club Declaration” on file with the Maricopa County Recorder’s office “binds the golf club owner to operate and maintain the golf course up to a certain contractual standard.” “The association, as the declarant, has the right to enforce this Declaration,” he said. As for not seeking a vote before filing the suit, Moroz said the board, as in other nonprofit corporations, “makes the decisions on behalf of the corporate entity,” and that no regulations required a vote to enforce a contract. “In fact, many of the owners were demanding that the association (take) action regarding the golf course and its condition before the association filed the lawsuit,” Moroz said. “We chose to act, rather than make empty threats, so that the club owner would not run the course further into the ground.”
the the owner is required … fine line but important.) May need another comment from True Life on this for clarification. True Life says the import of the judge’s ruling is unclear and that the course will never be used for golf again. It has proposed an urban-agricultural development called Ahwatukee Farms on the 101-acre site that calls for a school, a community farm and up to several hundred houses. Asked to comment on the Club West problem, city Councilman Sal DiCiccio said: “The Club West situation proves this is not just a Lakes problem. The same exact thing that happened at the Lakes is now happening at Club West golf course. Things got so bad that the HOA had to bring a lawsuit against Mr. Gee. The individual homeowners are also raising funds to join the lawsuit and do everything they can to protect their homes, their investments and their community. “The situation at Club West and the Lakes is further proof that this is not an isolated situation. We need to work together as a community knowing full well that the Ahwatukee Country Club and Foothills golf courses are next. We must be prepared.”
This aerial photo, provided by Save Club West, shows current conditions of the community’s golf course. Leaders say recent monsoon rains helped revive parts of the golf course temporarily.
level has dropped, and is starting to stink, Davis and Lindstrom said. Moroz differed with Lindstrom and Davis on the need for a lawsuit. “Because many different aspects of the maintenance and operation of the golf course fell below the expected standard, and based on the club owners’ inaction in raising the condition of the course, the association had to act,” he said. Moreover, Moroz added, “Right now I would say the course and how it is being maintained and operated is already jeopardizing owners’ investments. Had the association done nothing, the course would look even worse than it does now.” The course’s current state differs drastically from what Davis bought into when she purchased a home at Club West in 1995, two years after it opened. Conditions also differ radically from what prompted Lindstrom and his wife to buy a home there six years ago. The fairways were lush and the clubhouse operated into the evening seven days a week, becoming a gathering place for residents who could find lunch or dinner without leaving their neighborhood, Davis
Club West resident Jim Lindstrom said the condition of the golf course behind his property is deceptive because some of the grass was briefly revived by recent monsoon rains.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
and Lindstrom said. “We were buying into a lifestyle,” Lindstrom said. “This is a quiet, friendly neighborhood and has what has been recognized as one of the premier golf courses in the nation.” Owners of homes adjacent to the course also paid lot premiums of as much as $50,000.
Investment jeopardized, owners say Now, Lindstrom and Davis fear that their investments are in jeopardy, as are the values of homes in the entire community. “Realtors tell us the value is already going down,” Lindstrom said. “The time that homes stay on the market has gotten longer. What residents here don’t realize is that this doesn’t just affect the homes adjacent to the golf course. If those homes sink in value, the entire community will get dragged down with them.” One resident, Cheryl Ploudre, remarked on a social media site: “This is so sad. We pass the golf course every day because we live by it. Weeds, dead trees. Makes the neighborhood look horrible.”
At the root of the problem is water
(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)
ZIKA>> From page 8
When Club West opened, it relied on nonpotable water from a water reclamation plant run by the City of Phoenix since the 1970s. But the city closed down the plant in the late 1990s, citing high operating costs and the inability of the facility to meet seasonal needs. The pipelines serving both Club West and nearby Foothills Golf Course were abandoned, and Club West arranged to get potable city water while the Foothills course turned to a well. For a while, Gee said, he could purchase city water at a reduced cost, but then in >> See GOLF COMMUNITY on page 17
3 Ahwatukee sites ‘will always be golf courses,’ owner says
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The owner of three of Ahwatukee’s four golf courses said they will never be converted into housing sites and disputed City Councilman Sal DiCiccio’s assertions they could “fall like dominos” and see as many as 2,000 new apartments at one of them alone. “I don’t know where he gets that,” Wilson Gee said in an interview with the Ahwatukee Foothills News. “It’s not true at all. Foothills, Ahwatukee County Club and Club West will always be golf courses.” Gee also denied that he would have to take back ownership of the course at Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club if True Life Companies fails in its bid to have homeowners approve changes to deed restrictions to make way for an urban-agriculture plan that could have as many as 300 new houses. True Life bought the course for $8.25 million from Gee in 2014. A group of Ahwatukee Lakes homeowners is fighting True Life’s plan, called Ahwatukee Farms, which calls for a private school, a fiveacre community farm, homes, a farmers’ market and a café along with the homes on the 101-acre course. Save the Lakes is urging homeowners not to sign any agreements allowing True Life to change the deed restrictions. The developer needs one more than 50 percent of the approximately 5,600 homeowners to sign the agreement. The group insists the course can be revived, and noted that a Superior Court judge has already ruled that the covenants, conditions and restrictions governing the use of the site requires it be kept as a golf course. True Life has said the site will never be a golf course again. Gee said he has been watching the fight between True Life and Save the Lakes and that he’s not surprised it has become a pitched battle. “Save the Lakes went overboard where there’s absolutely no compromise no matter what,” he said, recalling his own efforts to convert that golf course to another use. “I approached them (Lakes residents) five years ago and told them I’ve been losing money and asked what do you want to do with this,” Gee said. “After a few meetings they said, ‘We don’t want to meet with you anymore’ and that was that. The other courses were subsidizing it.” He praised Ahwatukee Farms as a “pretty good development.” “It gives more of a community feeling, which I never thought about,” he said. Gee disputed claims that any resurgence in the golf industry, while has been facing some rough economic times in recent years, would return Ahwatukee’s courses and most
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Wilson Gee, owner of three of Ahwatukee’s four golf courses, said the sites will not be used for any other kind of development.
of the others in the Phoenix metro area to their former popularity. “Unless you are a destination point like Pebble Beach, it won’t happen,” he said. He said Ahwatukee’s golf courses largely collapsed after the Canadian dollar, called the loonie, began spiraling in value around 2013. In the last three years, some economists have said, the loonie fell faster against the American dollar than at any other point in its 45-year history as a free-floating currency. Earlier this year the loonie was worth 69 cents against the American dollar. “The decline in the golf industry has been going on for six years,” Gee said. “When the loonie devalued, that affected Maricopa County golf courses especially hard because most of our visitors were from Canada,” he continued. “With the devalued Canadian dollar, fewer people were traveling.” Gee also said that high-dollar luxury courses in the metro area, like Troon, charge fees that are far higher than what he could charge during the winter in Ahwatukee. “There was just no way in the winter to make up for what we were losing,” he said. Gee is negotiating with a group of Club West homeowners on the possible sale of that golf course. As for Foothills and Ahwatukee Country Club, he says they are doing well financially. “We spent a lot of money improving Foothills,” he said. Asked for his reaction to Gee’s remarks, DiCiccio said, “The Lakes disaster all started when Mr. Gee had the water turned off and now we are facing the threat of triple density development.” Meanwhile, in other parts of the Valley, the Phoenician is considering turning nine of its 27 golf course holes into a housing site while the Raven dropped plans to develop nine of its 18 holes for homes. –Reach Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com
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$449,999 Wow! Come see this beautiful, fully remodeled home in Mountain Park Ranch! Over 3100 sq ft with 5 bd/3 full baths, pebble tech pool and 3 car garage sitting in Cul-DeSac with great mountain views. Upgraded kitchen cabinets, granite counters, SS appliances. 18" tile, plantation shutters & upgraded carpet. Huge living room & family room with fireplace. All bathrooms completely remodeled with new cabinets, granite and tile showers. Large master suite with deck overlooks mountains, large bath with spa like tub, tiled walk-in shower and huge closet. Check out the backyard sports court and pebble tech pool. 3 car garage with cabinets, water softener. Community pool, parks and tennis, amazing schools & great neighbors
$299,900 Fantastic two story home with impeccable landscape and refreshing blue pool! 4 bd/2.5 ba, 3 car garage, 2,308 sq. ft. Spacious floor plan. Stately fireplace in the family room has plenty of hearth side seating. Eat in kitchen features stainless steel appliances, custom cabinets, center island and tile counters. Huge master suite has plush carpeting, sitting area, walk in closet and relaxing spa like bath with garden tub, separate shower and dual sink vanity. Generous backyard has a covered patio, lush green grass and pool. Tons of community amenities just steps away. Close to great hiking trails. This home is an incredible find! See it today!
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ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 15
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
E
Us US in
(Special to AFN)
Jo
This promotional brochure picture shows the Club West Golf Course before the water was shut off.
GOLF COMMUNITY >> From page 14
2012 he was told he would have to pay the same rate as everyone else. So he reached an agreement in 2013 with City Council to gradually go up to the full rate over a five-year period. But the Water Department scrapped the deal – on grounds, Gee said, that it had never been involved in his negotiations with City Council. Gee said his water bill began skyrocketing to $700,000 a year. In June, Lindstrom and Davis said, Gee shut off water to the fairways and started a rotational watering of the greens and tee boxes on a reduced basis. Long-term solutions discussed Save Club West has already signed a letter of intent to purchase the golf course, currently selling for around $2 million. Lindstrom said the group has hired an expert in golf courses as part of the due diligence involved in the possible transaction to evaluate the site. So far, he and Davis said, the HOA has rebuffed any of their efforts to join them in finding an alternative solution to saving the course.
Moroz denied that claim. “The association is aware of the longerterm issues created by the current water source and is willing to work with anyone interested in solving those issues,” he said. “The Save Club West group is encouraged to take any and all efforts to join the litigation or work out other solutions to the condition of the golf course or solutions about water sourcing. “We want their help and welcome it,” he continued. “In fact, the association has tried to work collaboratively with the Save Club West group in the past. Any avenues they pursue to resolve the water issue are worth consideration, from securing a different water source, to obtaining cheaper water rates, to putting together a group to buy the course.” The HOA board has scheduled a meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at its clubhouse to discuss the lawsuit, but it would only accept written questions sent to the board in advance, Lindstrom said. Moroz said taking questions in advance “is something our community manager and our attorney explained is common during
town hall-type meetings.” He also said that process “assists with maintaining order and business decorum.” Gee said he applauds the residents for trying to reach an amicable solution. “Hopefully we can work something out with the homeowners,” Gee said. But Moroz accused Gee of treating Club West homeowners unfairly. “Mr. Gee knew when he was buying the golf course that water would be expensive. He should have been proactive to the issue,” Moroz said. “He should have been a good neighbor to the HOA and the other HOAs near courses he owns or owned. He should have been a good neighbor, not using ‘expense’ as an excuse to cause blight our neighborhoods.” “He assumed that risk and, as a business owner, it’s up to him to figure out,” Moroz added. Lindstrom cites various options for running the course more profitably. For example, he said that if it is restored, it could be used for special events that would bring in additional revenue. Other potential long-term solutions, he said, could involve forming a Club West Water District, finding a new source of reclaimed water, and reconfiguring about 30 percent of the existing turf to natural terrain. He said he has been trying to reach all Club West homeowners on his own, because the HOA won’t give him their contact information. So far, he said, about 400 owners have signed up with Save Club West. ”We are trying to get the word out to all the Club West homeowners that this is their future on the line,” Lindstrom said. “We have to find a solution because no one else is going to do it. They are mistaken if they think the problem will solve itself.”
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Club West homeowners sought Save Club West leader Jim Lindstrom is trying to find as many homeowners in that community as possible to help the group find a permanent solution to its water sourcing problems. They can contact Lindstrom at 480656-1108 or james.lindstrom@cox.net
OPEN HOUSE DATES August 18, 4 - 6 p.m. August 24, 9 - 11 a.m. ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 17
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
Wine by mail, neighborhood potlucks now OK in Arizona By Howard Fischer CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES
>> See POTLUCKSon page 20
(Special to AFN)
Like wine? Neighborhood potlucks? As of last this month, Ahwatukee residents should be able to get more of both. Current law has strict restrictions on the ability of Arizonans to get wine from out of state vinters that might otherwise not be available here. Now, Arizonans will be able to place orders by phone, mail or even online. Initially the limit will be up to six cases. That will increase to nine in 2018, and a dozen cases starting in 2019. There are some restrictions, including a requirement for the seller to obtain proper identification to ensure the recipient is at least 21. That includes whoever is doing the delivery must inspect a valid photo ID of the recipient. And getting free booze will also get easier: A separate measure eliminates the requirement that beer and wine stores be at least 5,000 square feet before providing samples. Potlucks are a different issue. In general, state health regulations cover situations where food is sold. The State Senate chamber is empty until the Legislature returns to session in January.
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POTLUCKS >> From page 19
There is an exception for a “noncommercial social event,’’ a definition that does include potlucks. But that exemption applies only when the event is at a workplace, making a gathering of folks at the local mobile home park illegal. Neighborhood potlucks now fall under the exemption. On a related front, another new law spells out that the health department no longer can regulate food grown in school gardens if it is prepared and used on site. Several measures dealing with education also gained legislative approval. One limits the ability of schools to use assessment tests that seek personal information. Another requires the state Board of Education to prepare a list of academic assessment tests that schools can use rather than the one now mandated. And lawmakers forbid local school boards and interscholastic organizations from prohibiting students from wearing religious or cultural accessories as long as they do not create health or safety issues. At the higher education level, one new law prohibits state colleges and universities
from limiting student protests to certain “free speech’’ zones. A similar measure spells out the right of students to free speech. That second one also makes it illegal to block someone from going to a government meeting or political rally. That followed efforts by protesters earlier this year to keep people from going to a Trump rally in Fountain Hills. Lawmakers also created a new exception to existing regulations that allow colleges and universities to ban weapons on campus. Now, individuals need not disarm themselves if they are on a public right-ofway going through the campus. They also approved two separate measures designed to keep local governments from enacting any of their own rules, something that, at least on paper, is already illegal. One requires people to report the loss or theft of a gun to police; the other allows police to request a breath sample from someone who has negligently discharged a firearm and appears intoxicated. The new state law provides some teeth, allowing a judge to assess a penalty of up to $50,000 from a knowing or willful violation of state preemption as well as removing public officials from office. And if that’s not enough to get the
attention of recalcitrant city officials, another new law allows any legislator to ask the attorney general to investigate whether a local ordinance or policy is contrary to state law. But the real key is that if the city does not come into compliance within 30 days, the state treasurer would be required to stop providing revenue sharing dollars, money that makes up a large share of each city’s operating budget. The breadth of that law actually goes beyond guns, covering any situation where the attorney general says a city has tread into forbidden territory. Animals will get some new protections. Lawmakers told local governments they cannot ban the sale of commercially bred dogs and cats despite testimony that even those raised at federally inspected facilities are not humanely treated. That killed ordinances already adopted in Phoenix, Tempe and Tucson. But they did agree to require pet stores to obtain their animals only from breeders approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Separately, the Legislature altered laws that govern service animals, specifically allowing businesses, especially restaurants, to tell an owner the animal has to go if it is out of control or not housebroken. Other laws that kicked in Saturday
include: •making it easier for auto insurance companies to drop policyholders whose business they no longer want; •setting up new rules for private operation of “drones’’ while restricting the ability of local governments to have their own laws; •requiring medical marijuana dispensaries to post signs warning pregnant women of the effects of the drug; •removing the $15 cap on what dealers can charge as a deposit on people who purchase new auto batteries but do not immediately have an old one to return; •giving cities some limited power to oversee “sober living homes’’’ •doubling the dollar-for-dollar state income tax credit that individuals can take for donations to certain charities; •easing conflict-of-interest rules for members of the Arizona Corporation Commission, a move designed to remove roadblocks to voting for Andy Tobin whose relatives work for regulated entities; •making it a felony to return someone else’s early ballot to polling places, a measure under challenge in federal court; •requiring permission of a landowner before putting a “drop box’’ for charitable contributions on private property; •making it illegal to drive a vehicle unless all stop and tail lights are working.
State addresses driverless car concerns in absence of specific laws By Howard Fischer CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES
Self-driving cars are already being tested on Arizona roads, but state lawmakers and the governor are concerned about rules that govern them. There apparently are no laws prohibiting manufacturers from marketing the vehicles today to consumers. And nothing keeps anyone from buying one and taking it out on the road. Nor are there specific rules about how they have to be operated and how much actual control -- if any -- a human must have. Amid the vacuum, a special panel set up by Gov. Doug Ducey met Monday to try to come up with some new rules of the road.
John Halikowski, director of the Arizona Department of Transportation, said there are a series of these that need to be addressed. Some almost sound like the lead-in to a joke or a riddle: “If two driverless vehicles crash into each other, who’s at fault?’’ Halikowski asked. Halikowski told committee members there is good reason to promote driverless technology. He said virtually all of the nearly 35,000 fatal accidents in the country last year caused by driver error. But that raises other questions. “Do I need a driver’s license to operate an autonomous vehicle?’’ Halikowski mused. “Does there have to be an adult in the car if
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I want to send the kids off to school?’’ And then there are some interesting technology questions, like the possibility of the software that operates the vehicle being hacked. Among those waiting for answers is the state Department of Public Safety. Major William Beck said there are varying degrees of self-driving cars. Aside from current technology like cruise control and braking assistance, he said some vehicles will require someone behind the wheel to pay attention while others may not. That goes to the related question of who is actually controlling the vehicle. Sen. Bob Worsley, R-Mesa, who chairs the
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AROUND AHWATUKEE
Lutheran bishop to speak to congregation
Cheer clinic scheduled at Kyrene School
The Rev. Dr. Jamison J. Hardy, bishop/ district president of the English District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, will preaching at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Divine Service at Family Of Christ Lutheran Church, 3501 E. Chandler Blvd., in Ahwatukee. The Rev. David M. Burge, intentional interim pastor at Family of Christ, will serve as liturgist at the service. A 2000 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and senior pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in McMurray, Pennsylvania, Hardy became bishop and district president of the English District in 2015. His visit to Family Of Christ Lutheran is part of his effort to make appearances at all 163 congregations in the English District. A non-geographic district of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, the English District has congregations in 15 states and in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. A reception for Hardy will also be held after the service.
A football cheer clinic for students in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade will be held 1-4 p.m. Sept. 10 and Kyrene Altadena Middle School, 14620 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy., Ahwatukee. Desert Vista High school cheerleaders will teach cheers, chants, jumps and dances and are inviting the clinic participants to perform during halftime for the Sept. 16 home game of the Thunder varsity football team. My Fit Foods will provide a snack. Cost is $35 for preregistration and $40 for walk-ins and will cover instructions, a clinic T-shirt, pompoms, and admission for one adult to the Sept. 16 varsity game. Registration: www.dvcheer.com.
The precinct includes Ahwatukee. The session will include a discussion by a narcotics detective about medical marijuana and the impact of legalization. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided by Target.
calling 1-877-827-4376 or at www.bloodhero. com. United’s bloodmobile will be at the following Ahwatukee locations: 4750 E. Francisco Drive; 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Aug. 25, Telgian, 10230 S. 50th Place; or 11 a.m.3 p.m. Aug. 27, On the Border, 5005 E. Ray Road.
Foothills Montessori has open house
Line-dancing, body toning classes start soon
Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori is now enrolling new pupils and is running a series of open house sessions at 4 p.m. Wednesdays. The open house includes a short talk on Montessori education and a tour of the facility, 3221 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Information: 480-759-3810.
Carrie McNeish of Ahwatukee is offering beginning and intermediate/advanced line dancing classes in beginning the week of Sept. 12 at the Pecos Community Center. No partner or experience is necessary. The next 12-week session of evening classes are on Tuesdays, while daytime classes are Thursday mornings and early afternoon. McNeish also conducts “muscle mania” body toning classes starting the week of Sept. 12 at Pecos Community Center. Six week and drop-in options are available for all classes. Information/registration: phoenix.gov/ PARKS, 480-221-9090, cmcneish@cox.net, or www.dancemeetsfitness.net.
Ahwatukee blood donors win a new car Phoenix Police set ‘Tukee can Donors at one of the upcoming Talks’ on legal marijuana Ahwatukee blood drives sponsored by Officers from the South Mountain Precinct of the Phoenix Police will be on hand 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 24 at Pecos Recreation Center, 17010 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee, to meet local residents during another quarterly “Tukee Talks” session.
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Ahwatukee muralist throws art against the wall in schools, businesses By Coty Dolores Miranda
Page 22
“One thing I recognize that really makes me happy and gets me excited is when I connect people,” she said. “I love introducing people who do a really good job to others who will appreciate what fine work they do. This interview-format will be a venue to help me do that.” On her website Passion4Murals.com, Whitaker blogs about how she got started doing murals as a young teen when challenged by blank walls in her bedroom. A family of lions, a koala in a tree and a toucan were her choices, and she searched the family’s World Book Encyclopedia to get the images. “I never gave thought that these animals
would never be realistically seen in the same environment… I simply chose the animals I liked,” she wrote. That was the first step of what would become her career. The 30-foot-wide, 12-foot-high mural at the Chandler Coconut’s Fish Cafe is one of her more ambitious: she incorporated a 3-D effect with the aid of craftsmen. “This is really different than the other ones I’ve done at the other Coconut’s locations. When I saw an image of a sea turtle, I knew I had to do it, but I wanted to do it in 3-D,” she said. Working with Thad and Jordan Trubakoff of TruCollective of Tempe, Whitaker had
Whitaker's designs painted at Kyrene schools include “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
(C..Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)
Among the murals that Suzanne Whitaker has painted is this one in the library of Kyrene de la Mariposa. Whtaker, right, talks to Principal Spencer Falgatter.
(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)
Suzanne Whitaker surveyed her newest mural creation on the walls of the newlyopened Coconut’s Fish Cafe in Chandler, smiled and nodded her head. “I really like this,” said Whitaker, a longtime Ahwatukee resident. So do a lot of other people, said owner Kim Kuhljuergen, who has used Whitaker’s company, Passion for Murals, to create artwork at his two other Scottsdale restaurants of the same name. “We were kicking around some initial ideas about sea life and Maui, and Suzanne came up with the idea,” said Kuhljuergen, who began with the restaurant franchise after visiting the original in Maui. “Suzanne has the ability to deliver exactly what I’m looking for conceptually, and the most common feedback from our customers after seeing them is ‘wow!’ She’s obviously very skilled, and her work is fantastic.” Whitaker, who is also a book illustrator, has operated her mural business for 23 years, since graduating from the University of Cincinnati School of Art. Armed with a bachelor’s degree of fine arts in painting, she brought her business to Ahwatukee following a family transfer. Since then she’s been active throughout the Valley, working with designers on both residential and commercial projects. She’s also created artworks for nonprofits like Mesa’s Child Crisis Center, and many Kyrene District schools. One 12-foot-by-35-foot wall of cavorting butterflies at Kyrene de la Mariposa Elementary School’s Media Center she did in 2015 still gets raves. “I like being able to create murals for kids to enjoy,” said Whitaker, who has authored a book, “Creative Kids’ Murals You Can Paint.” Another project in the design stage will grace the walls at the Gilbert Hospice of the Valley. As philanthropic as she is, Whitaker, a mother of two, is also a businesswoman: working with companies like Coconut’s Fish Cafe keeps the balance sheet in the black. Her newest project is a YouTube interview show, “If These Walls Could Talk,” that has Whitaker interviewing area artists, craftsmen and interior designers.
(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)
AFN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
In the library of Kyrene de la Mariposa, Whitaker did a mural of butterflies taken from children’s literature.
the brothers cut wooden shapes for the coral pieces surrounding the sea turtle. She then used a plaster mix on top of the composite wood for a more organic look, and to camouflage hard edges. Using her detailed sketch as her guide, she put paintbrush to wall. “I painted a solid yellow base on the wall and then began to paint in some of the aqua tones over the coral,” explained Whitaker. “I continued to do some detail until the turtle finally emerged.” The oversize, green-tinted turtle’s right eye stares directly at the viewer as sun rays spill through the blue ocean waters from above. “This is really different than the ones I did at the other two Coconut Fish Cafe locations, though all have the Hawaiian theme,” she said. “It was challenging, and fun to do.” –Information: www.Passion4Murals.com or Suzanne@Passion4Murals.com.
By Paul Maryniak AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS EDITOR
Last week’s unexplained death of a former Chandler football star brought back a grim reminder to Sharon Bates of the 2000 death of her Mountain Pointe graduate son. But while her memories of her son Anthony will forever be a part of her, that reminder was more a call to action than anything else. “I’ll have to see if I can get heart screenings in Chandler,” she said. Bates runs the Anthony Bates Foundation, which provides low-cost heart screenings to anyone from age 10 up to find hidden cardiac ailments that normal physicals often overlook. She suspects that such a defect claimed the life of Chandler grad and University of Arizona senior Zach Hemmila, 22, who died in his sleep. He was the second local football player to die in less than a year: Perry High senior Michael Roach died in his sleep last December. Like those two young men, Anthony Bates, who died from undiagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), was in the prime age group for hidden cardiac ailments. He was 20 and annual physicals had found him in perfect health. But normal physicals don’t detect heart
ailments, including HCM, which is a thickening of the heart muscle. The death of her only child motivated her to establish a one-woman war on the hidden killer. She formed the foundation, which also equips schools with portable defibrillators that can save a life if a child goes into cardiac arrest. Back when Anthony was growing up in the Kyrene and Tempe Union school districts, there were not only no portable defibrillators around; there were no mobile heart screenings. Even today, heart screenings can cost upward of $3,000 when paired with a consultation with a cardiac specialist. The Bates Foundation now has three portable cardiac screening machines, ranging in price from $25,000 to $75,000 that it uses in organized events throughout Arizona and in other states. It asks for a tax-deductible $40 donation for a screening. The screenings have found hidden abnormalities in about 10 to 12 percent of the thousands of people the foundation has tested. More significantly, more than half of those hidden abnormalities were found in people ages 12 to 24, Bates said. A retired computer programmer, Bates has partnered with about 20 other
parent-driven organizations across the country that address heart ailments. They are trying to get the NCAA to administer heart screenings to all current athletes and those who were athletes in the last two decades. The NCAA has balked, saying that kind of effort would cost $69 billion. “What the NCAA doesn’t seem to understand is that this could save 10 million lives,” Bates said. The campaign dovetails with the Bates Foundation’s mission: “No parent should suffer the heartbreak of losing a child to an undiagnosed cardiac malady; we seek to eliminate preventable Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). The organization will fulfill its mission by continuing our efforts to establish a nationwide heart screening program for youth, free of charge or low cost, thus solving a significant public health issue through screenings, education, collaboration and facilitation.” The Anthony Bates Foundation is the only organization of its kind in the country with a copyrighted protocol and a method for collecting data that can be used by researchers of heart ailments. That database built will be used in the campaign to get the NCAA to agree to heart screenings. Its screenings have been literal life-savers in some cases. Recently, a young man screened
(Special to AFN)
Mountain Pointe grad’s death spurs mom to promote heart screenings
Mountain Pointe High grad Anthony Bates died when he was 20 from an undetected heart defect.
at one of the foundation’s events underwent surgery to repair a defect that the screening had found. Bates has found support for her work from a variety of sources, ranging from the Arizona Cardinals to Kansas State University, where Anthony had been playing football at the time of his death. But she said she would rather be screening more hearts than holding events to raise money. –The Anthony Bates Foundation will hold its next local heart screening 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive, Ahwatukee. Reservations: anthonybates.org or call 602-482-5606.
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Who:
All students in grades Pre-K through 8.
When:
Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 1:00 to 4:00pm (Doors open for registration at 12:00pm) Performance will be Friday, September 16, 2016 during half-time of the Varsity Football Game.
Where:
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Cost:
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Please visit www.dvcheer.com for a registration form and liability consent form. Payment will be collected on the day of the clinic by cash, check, or credit/debit. Make checks payable to “Desert Vista High School Cheer.” A healthy snack will be provided by My Fit Foods. ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 23
No experience necessary to try out for Ahwatukee’s own ‘Nutcracker’ By Coty Dolores Miranda Area children ages 3 through 20 years are encouraged to join the Saturday audition for Ahwatukee’s own production of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” even if they have no dance experience. Kimberly Lewis, owner of Dance Studio 111 and the director-producer of the annual community ballet, says there’s plenty of time to get experienced. “I don’t want anyone to feel left out; even with no experience they can be a part of this,” said Lewis. “I want everyone to come and audition. We have four months of Saturday rehearsals, so we can teach them to dance.” The Ahwatukee “Nutcracker,” renowned for its rich costuming and staging, has become a Valley tradition with a cast of area children and youth and a few adults — such as Nutcracker choreographer Meghan Arena, who is perennially cast as the character Claire’s mother. “We’re going into our 17th year, can you believe it?” said Lewis. This year a new part is also up for grabs; the Queen of Sweets will join Clara at the Royal Queen Dinner Party. “I like to change it up a little bit every year to keep it fresh,” said Lewis, a dancer herself.
Page 24
(Special to AFN)
AFN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
This is just part of last year's Dance Studio 111's Nutcracker cast.
In addition, because the Saturday matinee is always a sell-out with its Santa appearance, a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee is also being added at the Desert Vista High School Fine Arts Theatre. “There’s a little bit of magic that happens,” said Jill Hammond, assistant director of “The Nutcracker” since its inception. “I really see the girls and boys have a good time during the whole process, and there’s a bond that’s built.”
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
She reminded anyone heading to the audition that there are parts for boys in the two-act ballet, including the Russian tumblers, Mouse King, March boys, and non-dancing actors in the party scene. “We have one of our former Russian tumblers who’s now dancing for Disney,” Hammond said proudly. “And we have other dancers who have gone on to bigger things who come back to help us backstage or anywhere they can.”
Arena, “Nutcracker” choreographer since 2008, said there are many perks for youngsters who are a part of the annual production. “It gets them in the holiday spirit, even if it is 100 degrees outside, and it’s a good way to teach them about the arts,” the mother of two said. “And it’s a different kind of discipline than they get at school. It’s fun. And it’s so awesome for the older kids to mentor the younger ones!” The Nutcracker auditions are held at Dance Studio 111, 4910 Chandler Blvd., suite 111, Ahwatukee, with the following schedule: 9-10 a.m. Dancers age 3 - 8 (ballet shoes required). 10-11:30 a.m. Dancers ages 9 and older (ballet shoes required). noon–1:30 p.m. Dancers age 10 and older (pointe and ballet shoes required). 1:30 – 1:45 p.m. Boys ages 5–18 for nondancing roles. “We want those who audition to be committed to the production, and willing to accept any part,” said Lewis, adding that anyone who shows up without ballet slippers or pointe shoes as required can still try out, but they’ll have to do it in bare feet. Tickets go on sale Sept. 17 and may be purchased at Dance Studio 111, 4910 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 111, Ahwatukee; or 480706-6040 or afnutcracker@gmail.com.
Ahwatukee girl, 6, to unveil her recovered stolen library AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS STAFF
Six-year-old Anna Wolcott will unveil her repaired Little Free Library on Saturday at her Ahwatukee home, bringing full circle a summer-long saga that touched the hearts of people around the world. Anna first unveiled the library for which she had raised money, collected used books and decorated for four months on June 25. A week later, while she was on a summer vacation with her parents, the library and that table it was screwed onto was stolen from her front yard. On the very day she returned from that vacation July 29, a man known only as Mike from South Phoenix called her mother Heather Wolcott to tell her he had found it on an online site. There are 36,000 Little Free Libraries, built from kits made by Amish carpenters, in 70 countries around the world. They are meant to encourage reading and literacy, allowing people to borrow books without the need for a library card. Word of the theft reached around the world on social media, and people as far away as Australia called Anna’s mom offering money – and in one case a completed new library – for the little girl. Mike told Wolcott he saw the library online under the name of an anonymous person who was selling it
for $80. He thought his niece would like it and wound up buying it for $75. But then he found Wolcott’s name and number on a laminated tag inside the library, so he called her and told her, “I think I have something that belongs to you.” The library “was pretty dirty and dusty, had some chipped wood on the sides and top, and some chipped paint,” Wolcott said. “We pretty much revived it last weekend with new paint, but Anna wants to re-do her hummingbirds and hand paint them herself instead of using stencils. And she wants to add some ‘sparkle’ to it with some jewels we’ll glue on. Other than that, it is in good shape.” Wolcott and her husband bought a new kit before Mike had contacted her. Wolcott said the new library she bought for Anna just arrived last week. “I’m going to set it up on a table at her re-opening and put paper and pens next to it and ask people who attend to write down the name of a school or neighborhood where they would like to see that Little Free Library donated once Anna paints and finishes it,” she said. “So many people from our Ahwatukee community donated funds so we could purchase it quickly, so I would love for them to have a voice or give suggestions as to where and whom we should give it,” she added. “I don’t think it will be completed for a little while. We just
need to focus on re-opening her first one.” While the books in the stolen model were never recovered, Anna won’t be desperate for replacements: People have donated hundreds of books that her parents stash in their garage. Anna will be on hand to greet wellwishers at the library’s unveiling 9-10 a.m. Saturday at 907. E. Mountain Vista Dr.
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Little Anna Wolcott decorated her Little Free Library earlier this year, and has now touched it up after it was recovered from a thief.
Preschool • Elementary • Middle School ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 25
By Jason P. Skoda AFN Prep Sports Director The dinner table in America has become the catch-all in many homes. It’s where the mail gets placed, becomes a pseudo desk for homework and used to make out the bills. All too often, however, it goes unused for its intended purpose because crazy schedules, the convenience of eating out and so many other factors that keep families from sitting down and sharing a meal like the days of yesteryear. But the dinner table is just what it means for the Pola-Mao family of Ahwatukee. The family of two Mountain Pointe High football players makes sure the household, all seven of them, sit down together, share a meal and go over their day. With Isaiah, a senior, and Matthew, a sophomore, being key cogs on the Pride program, it means the plates don’t always hit the table until late in the evening. “The little ones are always hungry, but I tell them they have to wait until we are all together,” mom Carrie Pola-Mao said. “It’s our time together. Their dad (Tracey) loves to cook, and we tell them to sit at the table and we bring them their food and we get that time together whenever we can.” Even the two young men’s teammates often find themselves at the Pola dinner table and the boys bring the same emphasis on family to the Pride’s locker room. “We have been brought up to understand what family means and to be respectful,” Isaiah said. “It’s a part of our heritage (Polynesian) and it’s what we do. Meals are a huge part of our culture and how we spend our time together.”
Gather around A portion of the conversation during meal time centers around an idea by the boys’ younger sister, Gabriella: everyone goes around the table discussing their high and low points of the day. “It’s a great way to get things out in
Pola-Mao family includes From left: dad Tracey, #75 Matthew, mom Carrie, #9 Isaiah, and little brother Lucky.
the open,” Tracey said. “It’s a good way celebrate things and discuss other matter further if we need. It’s become a great little thing we do.” Isaiah and Matthew look to have plenty of good things to talk about this fall as the Pride begin the 2016 season Friday with a home game against Sandra Day O’Connor. “Getting a second year of playing together is great,” said Matthew, who had an impressive freshman year at the varsity level. “It’s something we will always have, and if we can be better than last year.” Isaiah, who is 6-foot-4, 190-pounds, is considered one of the top three prospects in Arizona for the 2017 season as a fourstar safety, while Matthew, 6-2, 290, is considered the top prospect in state for 2019 as a four-start defensive tackle. The scouts have taken notice of the brothers, who are related to potential retired NFL Hall of Famer and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu. “We are so proud what they can do on the field, but when we receive compliments
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about their attitude and the respect they show to others that’s all you can ask for,” said Tracey, who played at San Diego State and for three years with the Arizona Rattlers (1994-96). “That’s all you can really ask for as a parent.”
Family ties Tracey’s time in the Arena League brought him to Arizona, where there has long been a Polynesian population and influence on high school football rosters. The Pola-Maos have an unofficial reserved spot in the upper right-hand side of the Pride’s bleachers. “We could have 20, 40 even 60 people, depending who is in town at a game,” Carrie said. “We multiply. They’re crazy and really get into football. It’s in the blood.” The boys make it easy as Isaiah’s ability as a receiver and safety puts the ball in his hands a lot as he winds down one of the best careers in Pride history. Matthew is a man-child still finding out how good he could be this year and beyond.
(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)
Pride player’s family uses meals to stay grounded
“I was nervous being on varsity last year, and wasn’t sure I could do it,” Matthew said. “Then I go out there and did OK. I didn’t realize how strong I was and some of things I could do.” Carrie recalled that at birth, Isaiah was the biggest baby of them all and Matthew was just a little “loaf of bread.” “They are completely different,” Carrie said. “Matthew is the gentle giant, and Isaiah is aggressive and business-like. And now, of course, they are totally different size-wise. They are so good together, but they are different in so many ways.” At least until the shoulder pads get buckled and the Pride jersey slides over them, signifying game time. “Polynesians are known for being happy and nice until the helmet goes on,” Matthew said. “Then it’s a different story. We are ready to attack.” –Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@ ahwatukee.com. Follow him on Twitter @ JasonPSkoda. – Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and follow on Twitter @AhwatukeeFN.
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CALENDAR TUESDAY, AUG. 23
100+ Women Who Care gather The 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun will hold their third quarter meeting. Guests are welcome to attend and see how this local philanthropic group of women contribute their time and energy to benefit charities. DETAILS>>5:30-7:30 p.m., Four Points by Sheraton Phoenix South Mountain, 10831 S. 51st. St., Ahwatukee. Information: www.100WWCValleyOfTheSun.org.
SATURDAY, AUG. 27
Heart screenings slated The Anthony Bates Foundation will hold a heart screening for children and adults, age 10 and up. Tests include blood pressure check, electrocardiogram, and an ultrasound/echo read by cardiologists. Cost is a tax-deductible donation of $40. DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive, Ahwatukee. Reservations: www. anthonybates.org or call 602-482-5606.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 1
Grandparent support offered Grandparents who are you feeling overwhelmed, confused, and alone can join a group of fellow grandparents raising their grandchildren as they share, learn and grow together. Firsttime participants are asked to call ahead of attending. DETAILS>> 6-8 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2745 N. 32nd St., Mesa. 602-274-5022; duetaz.org
MONDAY, SEPT. 5
Parkinson’s caregivers to meet
Unpaid caregivers who are taking care of a loved one with Parkinson’s disease get an opportunity to ask questions and
learn creative and caring problem-solving techniques in a supportive environment at no cost. First timers are asked to call before attending. DETAILS>> 1:30-3:30 p.m., Red Mountain Multi-Generational Center, 7550 E. Adobe St., Mesa. 602-274-5022; duetaz.org
TUESDAYS
Toastmasters sharpen skills Improve your speaking skills and meet interesting people at Ahwatukee Toastmasters meetings DETAILS>>6:45-8 a.m at the Dignity Health Community Room, 4545 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee.
ONGOING
Local host families sought Families in Ahwatukee and the surrounding area can host foreign students through the Aspect Foundation. DETAILS>> Potential host families can choose their own student by viewing profiles on Aspect Foundation’s website at www.AspectFoundation.org. Information: Brynda Blowers at 480-444-6192.
MONDAYS
WEDNESDAYS
Grief support available Hospice of the Valley offers a free ongoing grief support group for adults and is open to any adult who has experienced a loss through death. No registration required. DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St. Call 602-636-5390 or visit HOV.org.
Chamber offers networking Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce networking and leads group open to chamber members and nonmembers. DETAILS>> Noon every Monday, Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 140, Ahwatukee. Call Shannon Kinsman at 480-753-7676.
Group aids MS sufferers This group addresses the informational, emotional and social support needs of the MS community. People with MS, care partners and spouses are welcome. The group mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure. DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-noon, third Monday of each month, Dignity Health Urgent Care Ahwatukee, conference room, 4545 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. Information: Lynn Grant at lgrant3567@ yahoo.com or 480-414-7172.
Parents can 'drop in' Parents are invited to join a drop-in group to ask questions, share ideas or just listen to what’s going on with today’s teenagers. DETAILS>> 5:30-7 p.m. second Wednesday of each month. Maricopa Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix. Free. RSVP by phone at 602-827-8200, ext. 348, or email rcarter@cals.arizona.edu.
Foothills Women to meet An informal, relaxed social organization of about 90 women living in the Ahwatukee Foothills/Club West area. A way to escape once a month to have fun and meet with other ladies in the area. Guest speaker or entertainment. DETAILS>> 7 p.m. on second Wednesday at Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive. Contact jstowe2@cox.net or visit www. FoothillsWomensClub.org.
Get a donut with Democrats Free and open to the public 7:30-9 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Biscuits Restaurant, 4623 E. Elliot Road. RSVP by emailing marie9@q.com or 480-592-0052.
LD 18 Dems change meeting site The Legislative District 18 Democrats have changed their monthly meeting to their new campaign office at 1867 E. Baseline Road, Tempe. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. social time, 7-8:30 p.m. meeting time on the second Monday of each month. Information: www.ld18democrats.org/meetings or ld18demsinfo@ gmail.com. Free and open to the public.
THURSDAYS
Learn about 3D-Networkx
This group focuses on creating powerful relationships with fellow members, resulting in meaningful referrals. Learn how to create connections and get the most out of networking events. DETAILS>> 8-9 a.m. Thursdays at the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 140. For information, call Shannon Kinsman at 480-753-7676.
Leads sessions available
Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce networking and leads group. Get involved and network. Open to chamber members and nonmembers. DETAILS>> 8 a.m. every Thursday, Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 140. Information: Shannon Kinsman at 480-753-7676.
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
Winter runoff season promised big, delivered small By Jeff Lane AFN GUEST WRITER
The 2016 winter runoff season, which overpromised and underdelivered for the second year in a row, proved again that the Salt River Project water-storage system can handle just about anything. El Nino 2016 started out with such promise, but then but faded into just another “first” in SRP’s 118 years of record-keeping annals. The final runoff total from January through May was 338,181 acre-feet, which was an unprecedented sixth consecutive year of below-median runoff into the Salt and Verde rivers. SRP’s initial forecasts called for about 1 million acre-feet of runoff to flow into the system over the winter and spring. After the poor winter, the reservoir system today stands at almost the exact position as it was one year ago. The total Salt and Verde system is currently at about 50 percent of capacity, nearly the same on this date in 2015. Theodore Roosevelt Lake, which holds about two-thirds of the water SRP stores for use by Valley shareholders, stands at about 40 percent full – also about the same as 12 months ago. The two reservoirs on the Verde River are at a combined 42 percent of capacity -down from 52 percent a year ago. “The good news is that we understand that we live in a desert, and we plan accordingly,” said Charlie Ester, SRP’s manager of Surface Water Resources.
“That means we plan for dry winters even when the conventional wisdom would suggest otherwise, like last winter. “I would much rather be surprised with water in storage I wasn’t planning for than to have the reservoirs be lower than expected. The better news is that we are still in good shape after six consecutive years of below-median runoff and more than 20 years of drought in central Arizona.” Ester credited improved water conservation and significantly reduced water demand as the two primary reasons why SRP’s system remains strong despite another January-toMay runoff period that fell far short of the optimistic early predictions as well as the 30-year median runoff of 534,336 acre-feet. This year’s runoff total still finished above the 2015 runoff total of 327,840 acre-feet, which was about twice the runoff of the 2014 season of 148,038 acre-feet – the eighth-driest since SRP has been keeping water-gathering records. To help keep as much surface water as possible in the reservoirs – which have remained at about the same level for the last five years -- SRP relies upon pumping from underground wells to supplement its surface water supplies. “We are right in the middle of our peak water-demand time of the year, and our system is doing exactly what it is designed to do – store water during wet years for these kinds of dry periods,” he said. -Jeff Lane is a media relations representative for Salt River Project.
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AROUND OUR SCHOOLS
Horizon Honors Elementary Parents experienced “a day in the life” of a Horizon Honors Elementary School student at the annual curriculum night. Parents began in their child’s first period class and walked through their child’s day at school to learn about each subject area and gain insight into the student school experience. Parents are invited to apply for the 2016-2017 school improvement team. Student, parent, teacher, and administrative representatives will come together throughout the year to plan for the future, assess progress and address concerns that arise. The teams make recommendations to both the Horizon Honors leadership team and school board. A lottery is held each fall to determine the parent representatives. This year, the Elementary School Improvement Team will be working on promoting the school in the community.
Horizon Honors Secondary Students who qualified for the Spring 2016 honor rolls can be found at www. horizonclc.org/blog/secondary-schoolspring-2016-honor-rolls All students in grades 7-10 will be tested under Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) this month. This testing will allow teachers to see details in academic progress. Teachers will then be able to plan instruction to meet individual needs and help students reach their goals. MAP testing will occur three times during the school year which will, for the first time ever, give timely feedback to students and family Horizon Honors is seeking to expand a group of fun, energetic, knowledgeable, and reliable 7th - 11th grade students that serve as orientation guides to new students and families. The guides’ primary goal is to introduce prospective students and families to Horizon Honors. Applications are due Aug. 29 and require a parent signature.
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–News in this report comes from schools. News can be sent to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com.
EVIT students to help with area master-planned community By Shane Degrote AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS WRITER
Cadence at Gateway, a new community designed by real estate and developmental company Harvard Investments, is offering East Valley Institute of Technology students more than just a look at master planning. With the introduction of a special partnership, the students — some of whom are from Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista high schools in Ahwatukee — will get their hands dirty with the process of building a community from the ground up. “It is going to give our students a bird’seye view of what it takes to put together a community of houses, structures and everything,” EVIT Superintendent Sally Downey said. “This is going to be a unique experience for our construction and interior design kids.” The partnership will produce a 12-month program that begins Aug. 25. About 200 students who are enrolled in the constructions trades program or interior design program at EVIT will receive access to all of the planning that goes into a master-planned community. They’ll see how property is zoned and marked. And, they’ll get real-time experience with professionals. The student experience was why Arizonabased Harvard Investments reached out to
EVIT for this partnership. “When we learned about EVIT and what they are doing in the East Valley, we kind of just brainstormed one day and it just seemed like a great idea to share with the students there,” said Craig Krumwiede, president of Harvard Investments. “It seemed like it would be a lot more fun to do it real-time and share with the students what we see and what we do and why we love doing it.” The community, Cadence at Gateway, will be next to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, between Ray and Pecos Road. The first phase will provide about 600 residences, with an anticipated completion by May 2017. Additionally, Cadence at Gateway hopes to bring shopping, services and recreation to accompany the community, which includes parks, a community center, pools, fitness center and more. Krumwiede said he believes the community will be a big benefit for Mesa. EVIT students will have access to some of the best talent in the industry through interactive lectures. “We are all about our students and we are all about trying to develop options for them,” Downey said. “The more that we can expose are kids to and the more we can open their eyes, the more options they are going to have.”
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ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 29
Opinion
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Views expressed are those of the authors.
Are you ready for some football? I am. By Paul Maryniak AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
My name is Paul and I am a football addict. But that’s not why the Ahwatukee Foothills News welcomes the new high school football season today with front page pictures, a hefty preview of the season, and Friday night’s games involving the Pride and the Thunder. As the book “Friday Night Lights” so dramatically demonstrated in 1990, high school football is big – not just for the high schools but the community at large. And one of Ahwatukee’s many endearing attractions is the presence of two high schools within its boundaries, providing an up-close-and-personal rivalry that reaches its apex every fall with the Tukee Bowl, where Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe High School face off for their annual brawl for local bragging rights. This year that ritual is slated for Sept. 30 at Mountain Pointe. No, we’re not going to overlook the other fall sports in those schools. But, as documented in surveys across the country, football draws more eyeballs in Ahwatukee than any other sport. I’m sure that statement rankles some hoops and hockey fans, to say nothing of the many young athletes and their fans who will be competing this fall in the wake of inspiring Summer Olympics performances. Nevertheless, the reality can be seen at every home game in Ahwatukee, where bleachers are filled to capacity with local fans. I’ll leave the reasons for the phenomenon of high school football (or even college or pro) to the talking heads on ESPN. For the AFN, the Thunder and Pride contests are not just games; they’re community events, particularly when held at home. Our coverage of these games is multifaceted, under the direction of our sports director Jason Skoda, who is beginning his 22nd season as chronicler of the prep gridiron. That career includes 12 seasons in Arizona, Page 30
The Mountain Pointe High Pride and Desert Vista Thunder battle in the 2015 Ahwatukee Bowl. The 2016 season opens Friday..
seven of them for the Ahwatukee Foothills News. Jason and his crew will be covering every Thunder and Pride game. In addition, they’ll be covering many of the games involving high schools in Tempe, Chandler, Mesa and Gilbert because many readers in Ahwatukee like to know how the nearby teams are faring. Some of our readers even have attended those high schools. Our game coverage begins every Friday night of the season, when Jason is preparing and posting game stories at ahwatukee.com. On Wednesdays, we’ll be offering both review and preview, telling our readers about what happened to the DV and MP teams the previous Friday and sizing up the game that follows in two days. In addition, check out www. a h w a t u ke e . c o m /o p i n i o n / b l o g s / ahwatukee_sports and twitter.com/ jasonpskoda for updates throughout
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
the week – not just on football but on other sports as well. The home games give Ahwatukee residents a chance to support the players, their boosters and the coaching staff. You’ll find local businesses stationed at the games as well, like Phoenix Phreeze, a mobile shaved ice vendor operated by Ahwatukee residents Kurt and Lucy Nederbrook. It’s also important to underscore one major fact about our coverage: we have no dog in the hunt; we try to give both high schools equal treatment. Many times, however, this is difficult. “The hardest thing is trying to convince people I do not favor one school over the other,” Jason told me when I asked what his biggest challenge was. “It doesn’t come up as much as it did early on, and I hope that means there is a trust factor now. I essentially follow the better story 99 percent of the time. It might mean one school
(AFN file photo)
EDITOR
ends up getting more coverage than the other, but the only intent there is to bring the best stories possible to the community,” he continued. “That doesn’t mean there are not good human interest stories on teams that are struggling, but it helps if the team is having a good season.” Naturally, we welcome your comments about our coverage, letters to the editor about the teams (no name calling, please), and tips on the news in high school sports that may have slipped past our notice. Communicate with us and post comments https://www.facebook. com/search/top/?q=ahwatukee%20 foothills%20newspaper Good luck to both the Thunder and the Pride. And Football Anonymous: don’t bother calling me. This is an addiction I’m not interested in kicking. –Reach Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com
LETTERS
City has long neglected Pecos maintenance I read in the Ahwatukee Foothills news recently that the city claimed, in response to allegations of neglect along Pecos Road, that “We sweep there every 14 days,” adding that Pecos Road is under a consistent watch by the Streets Department for potholes and other problems. As a resident of a community at the very western end of Pecos Road since 2005, I can assure you that statement is not correct and has never been correct. Working from home, I travel Pecos Road many times every day. Pecos Road street sweeping has typically occurred once every six months. The last time I saw a sweeper doing its thing, it was traveling 30 plus miles per hour to the left of the bike lane. In fact, nothing ever happens regularly or at all unless taxpayers complain. Even then, any response is dubious and delayed at best. The following are blatant examples: ·Tolerance of unauthorized access to government owned right-of-way and East Bureau of Indian Affairs Road 32 created huge dust clouds over entire communities many times a day for
years. ·Street sweeping in my neighborhood rarely ever happens and is ineffective. ·Noisy manhole covers in neighborhoods bent by haulage trucks hauling homes to the dump have not been fixed. ·Remediation of trash and large item dumping along Pecos Road has never occurred regularly. ·Tree trimming on Pecos Road stopped years ago. ·Replacement of wind destroyed trees and automobile destroyed Saguaros on Pecos Road has never occurred. ·Removal of dumped tree clippings along the side of Pecos road is not happening. ·Potholes on West Pecos Road do exist and get worse every year. Either the City of Phoenix spokesperson is really ignorant as to what actually happens or she’s just a part of the PR machine. A tool of government that just does as she’s told and promotes that everything is working as it should, as long as civil servants do little to nothing but preserve and grow their money pipe and preserve their pensions. Apparently that’s the new American economy all around and it’s happening right here in our community.
I guess under ADOT control, the three roadside memorials along West Pecos Road will disappear before anything of any substance to address the above will occur or (U.S. Disrict Judge Diane) Humetewa renders her opinion. -Dietmar Hanke
Lakes resident in open letter: Update property (Editor’s note: The author of this letter asked that it be published as an open letter to a variety of people involved in the discussion of the Ahwatukee Farms plan for the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club, including all 5,200 homeowners in the community, City Councilman Sal DiCiccio, lawsuit plaintiffs Linda Swain and Eileen Breslin, True Life Companies representatives Quentin Thornton and David Sabow, and Agritopia lead designer Steve Barduson.) I am a proud property owner in the Ahwatukee community for the last 35 years. Our home is located just west of the proposed updating with Ahwatukee Farms, and happens to be in the jurisdiction of both Ahwatukee Board of Management (ABM) as well as Equestrian Management Association (EMA).
We have respectfully paid thousands of dollars of annual management fees over the years to both, and have been pleased to recently modernize our home with improvements over the last four years, knowing our home value will appreciate with those improvements. The following points I bring up are my insights of the proposed acreage updating as I view them. Mr. DicCicco, I fully agree that True Life Companies should act in a trustworthy manner and pay for past due taxes of $1.4 million. I disagree with you saying that this updating will open floodgates of high density developments. Please reflect on the 101 total acres being considered for updating. If, as True Life states, 30 acres are used for landscaping/ setbacks, 10 acres used for the new Montessori School, and five acres used for the Desert Garden Farms, that leaves 56 acres for homes. Multiplied by three homes per acre, that amounts to only 168 homes, not 300 plus. If a more gracious landscaping happened (increased by 25 percent), then the 101 acres less 40 for landscaping, 10 for the school, and five for the garden, that leaves 46 acres for homes, multiplied by 3 per acre >> See LETTERS on page 33
Golf isn’t dead: It’s alive and kicking By Don Rea AFN GUEST WRITER
I see Facebook posts about it, I hear about it, and the media loves to write about it: The game of golf apparently is dying, died a few years ago or is facing certain death. Golf is nearly a $70-billion industry that gives back close to $4 billion to charity. That is more than all of the other sports combined – the NFL, National Hockey League and Major League Baseball. Some other facts: ·24 million Americans play 455 million rounds annually at 15,200 facilities. ·76 percent of all golf facilities are public. ·90 percent of all golfers play on public golf courses. ·Approximately 143,000 charity events are held annually with 12 million participants. Are national rounds of golf and number of golfers down? Yes, since 2003 those numbers have decreased every year. Is golf on the rebound? Yes, rounds of golf
in 2015 were up over 8 million compared to 2014. Through the first four months of 2016, rounds are up another 4 percent. In addition, 37 million people have said they are interested in playing, an all-time high. The impact of baby boomers on the game of golf is well documented. With the youngest baby boomer now 51, this golfing generation is only mid-way through its golfing years. Many say the millennials are not interested or don’t have the time to play golf. However, 6.3 million golfers are between the ages of 18-34 and playing approximately 93 million rounds or 21% of the golf played. Youth golf (ages 6 to 17) grew 25 percent in the last five years. This is the largest jump in total volume compared to other youth sports, including soccer, basketball, football and baseball. About 105 million people tuned into watch golf in 2015. CBS’s ratings were up 20 percent and NBC’s were up 5 percent. Weekly minutes viewed were up 13 percent over 2014. Adaptive golf is growing. Of the 57 million Americans with some form of disability,
over 10 percent are now playing golf with 35 percent more interested in learning. How much water does a golf course use? “Compared to what?” is my first question. Does a golf course in Arizona use over a 100 million gallons a year? Yes, but in Arizona, a state that has over 330 golf courses, that is less than 3 percent of Arizona’s total water usage. In addition, half of that water is effluent water which is not available for human consumption. The agriculture industry in Arizona uses 70 percent of the state’s water supply. Golf courses throughout the United States continue to lead the industry in water stewardship by reducing water usage over 20 percent in the past eight years. Most golf courses determine watering times based on the evapotranspiration rate of the microenvironment of that golf course. The only water given to the grass is the water that evaporated over the last 24 hours. Yes, the perception is that golf courses abuse water, but in reality water is not only their most valuable asset, but their most
expensive need. Golf is good for the economy. The economic impact is undeniable. In Arizona, golf impacts the economy to the tune of $3.4 billion a year. However, the impact on a family is unquestionably golf’s most resonating affect. Whether it is fitness (a walking round of golf equals 10,000 steps and 2,000 calories) or the quality time together (golf can be played by all ages and gets you off of the digital grid for three to five hours), a life filled with golf is a healthy one mentally and physically. Today’s families want to spend time together. Long gone, or dead you might say, are the Saturdays dads spent away from the families hanging with their buddies at the men-only golf club. Golf is now about family, fitness and fun. Yes, golf is very much alive and kicking. –Don Rea, PGA, is the owner and operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club in Mesa.
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 31
OPINION
Dial outlines 3 biggest issues facing legislative district By Jeff Dial AFN GUEST WRITER
Education. As we move forward with the passage of Prop 123, we must continue to ensure that we are prioritizing high impact areas, like K-12 and higher education, while still protecting the hard work that has taken place in order to get our fiscal house in order. Our K-12 public schools need stability after the state was hit hard by the Great Recession. Our university system and community colleges need stability so students and families can plan for their financial future and not be priced out of obtaining a higher education. In order to do so we must take a comprehensive look forward about where our priorities are. Maintaining a structural balance and a healthy will ensure that we are
able to not only meet our statutory and constitutional obligations, but also consider investing and leveraging new high-impact areas within our education system. Economy. Arizona must focus on reducing harmful regulations and reforming our tax code. I’m proud to have been endorsed by the Arizona, Tempe, Chandler, and Greater Phoenix Chambers of Commerce. During my time at the legislature I’ve sponsored key pro-growth bills that help our state more forward. Last session, I co-sponsored successful legislation to have the state look for ways to consolidate our IT departments. As the chairman of State Debt and Budget Reform, I sought innovative solutions to pay down our state debt and work toward a structurally balanced budget. Public Safety. I’ve always been an
advocate for public safety and want to ensure that we continue to protect neighborhoods and keep communities safe. This last session, I sponsored legislation to ensure that the Arizona Department of Homeland Security continues on for another eight years. I also worked on an important reform for Public Safety Pensions that was supported by police and fire as well as conservative groups across the state. I’m committed to making sure our police officers have the resources and technology to stop crime.
About Jeff Dial Jeff Dial says he "is passionate about helping people live an excellent life." He serves as the current State Senator from Legislative District 18. His main priorities "include economic development and the improvement of education. " Additionally, He said he "works as a realtor helping people achieve their dreams by assisting them in buying, selling, and investing in residential real estate."
Editor’s note The only local contest in the Aug. 30 primary election involves two Republicans battling over the nomination for state senator in Legislative District 18, which includes Ahwatukee. It pits incumbent Sen. Jeff Dial against challenger Frank Schmuck. The Ahwatukee Foothills News asked both candidates to respond to three questions. Their responses to the second question appear today. Their responses to the first ran last Wednesday and can be read at ahwatukee.com. The final question and responses will be published Aug. 24 in the Ahwatukee Foothills News. Today’s question: What are the three biggest local issues in Legislative District 18 that you want to address and how would you address them?
Taxes, freeway and education are the most important issues, Schmuck says By Frank Schmuck AFN GUEST WRITER
Taxes, the Loop 202 freeway and education are three important issues for our district. It’s time for growth, and as the federal government keeps more of our hardearned dollars, the states tend to follow. I propose we let the people of Arizona keep their money. It is possible to write responsible legislation that eliminates our state income tax over several years. Seven other states do not have a state income tax. North Carolina is on a 10-year plan to eliminate theirs; we can beat them. By drawing down our state income tax by 1 percent per year and replacing it with a consumption fee of .25 percent per year on items except basic food and clothing, we protect those on fixed incomes, yet inspire people to be productive. The average resident could save $1,660 a year. Current income tax credits could be transitioned to the property tax, which I’ll work to protect against increases. Collecting consumption revenue from estimated millions of illegal immigrants who pay no taxes, and from 40 million tourists who visit Arizona every year just makes sense Page 32
as they too use our services. Once accomplished, we create a positive environment for both business and residents to compete and prosper, where all are treated fairly and equally. No more playing favorites and hurting those who are hard working, productive citizens. This creates a state that encourages work over welfare entitlements. Ahwatukee is concerned about the proposed 202-freeway expansion. While the development of it is still in litigation, it is imperative to hold the state and other interested parties accountable. I have spent my career in transportation and when the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration wanted to widen the U.S. 60 and build the Loop 101, I stepped up with a team to address the noise issue for residents. We proposed ways to reduce noise using rubberized asphalt and demonstrated its mitigating effects for adjacent neighborhoods. So whatever this outcome, I plan on supporting residents while ensuring the state and other parties fulfill their obligations to the highest standards possible. Education indirectly drives our local economies. Prop 123 was a step in the right direction, yet it lacked clear
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
restrictions to ensure funds go directly to the classroom and teachers. Our public schools in the district enjoy a great reputation, as do our many charter schools in the area. In order to serve the residents of our district, I plan on investigating how money is allocated to the schools, and the restrictions of the tax credit program, which gives parents the freedom to chose the best educational situation for their own children. Great teachers help create great students, but it is up to us to make sure that we put our money where our mouth is to attract and keep qualified and innovative teachers in our classes. People choose our district to live, work and raise their families. Let’s keep it that way.
About Frank Schumuck Name: Frank Schmuck Age: 50 Employment Background: U.S. Air Force 1988 – 1993; Southwest Airlines 1994 - Present Military Background: U.S. Air Force: C141B Aircraft Commander, Executive Officer; Persian Gulf War of 1991. One of three squadron Pilots awarded the Air Medal for efforts during Desert Storm. Education: U.S. Air Force Academy, B.S. in Engineering, graduated military honors; attended American Graduate School of International Management, (aka Thunderbird). Hometown: Tempe Community Involvement (past and current): ALS
Association Arizona Chapter, America United in Memory, American Legion, American Motorcycle Assn., Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Assn., Kiwanis International, Military Officers Association of America, Military Order of the World Wars, National Rifle Association, U.S. Congressional and Senatorial Military Service Academy Selection Board, Service Academy Alumni Association, Southwest Airlines Adopt-A-Pilot, Southwest Autism Resource and Research Center (SAARC), SSN-702 Society, St. Andrew the Apostle, Tempe Dollars for Scholars, Tempe Historical Museum Advisory Board, Tempe Sister Cities, Veterans Medical Leadership Council, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Voices Take Flight.
Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet. Please recycle me.
LETTERS >> From page 31
amounts to only 138 total. Mrs. Breslin, Swain, your concerns with the flood control issue seem unjustified. Please bring up Google Earth map to view this area and see the actual property of the acres in question. The first west lake is one of the current holding ponds for rain retention, but rain water continues to flow east under 44th Street, over 48th Street (south of Taco Bell and north of Lore Apartments), east over Wakial Loop, east under the (westbound) I-10 freeway to a 50 plus acre “Borrow Pit” by the Highland Canal. This pit can be viewed from the freeway just north of the Lexus, Audi, BMW dealerships in Chandler, and south of the new Drury Hotel as well as on the Google Earth map. This pit is a minimum of 40 feet deep, holds many thousands of acre feet more than the current five lakes hold until it seeping into the ground. The design of the update by the hydrology firm that True Life retained no doubt accounts for both the holding of water (with two lakes) as well as the channelization of the water to this “Borrow Pit.” Mr. Sabow, please consider revealing an actual plot plan (not just rendering) showing the number of homes to be built so viewing by the ABM owners can relax their possible concerns. This plot plan would be that which is submitted to the City of Phoenix for approval. Please have a town hall meeting at the time this would be revealed or other meetings prior, to address concerns of the ABM owners. Second, please consider not going through the efforts of having the 1992 CC&R’s changed, by leaving the golf course (in some form) as the judges’ recent ruling demanded, in conjunction with the Urban Ag theme for the updated property. This would eliminate the need for 2,601 owners signing a change for the CC&R’s, and accelerate the development. This acceleration would address the 5,200 ABM owners’ many concerns of the current blight, as well as hasten your return of future profits from your original True Life investments. Mr. DiCicco, please address if this proposed combined golf course and updated property into housing developments would necessitate a zoning change. Realize that my opinion is not based
on any monetary remuneration by any party, just the opinion of a current happy Ahwatukee resident wanting the disfigured, blighted property updated as quickly as possible. -Rick Kruse
Ahwatukee Lakes lawsuit plaintiffs praised Bravo to Eileen Breslin and Linda Swain (co-plaintiffs) in their successful litigation against True Life to ensure the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club’s existing CC&R’s must be honored. While I do not live in your zip code, I am closely following your legal battle as my HOA —- The Foothills — also has a golf course. Like Winston Church said many years ago: “Never, Never, Never Give Up.” So thank you for your perservence and determination —I t is making the difference for our village. -Jim Jochim
This election is more than presidential Whether you’re a fan of either candidate for president or not, this isn’t the election to skip. Many other candidates on the ballot deserve your consideration, even your scrutiny. Most policies that directly affect us come from those elected officials closest to us, our state representatives, state senators, even mayors and city councilmen and women. Arizona voters will choose a U.S. senator, nine U.S. house representatives and fill all 30 seats in the State Senate and all 60 seats in the State House. The results could flip the state government on its head. This is your opportunity to reward good lawmakers and replace others. But your choices won’t even make the November ballot unless you put them there in August. It’s equally important to be informed before you vote. The azvoterguide. com is a non-partisan resource with information on where candidates stand on taxes, minimum wage, guns, abortion, education, and other economic and social issues. With a little information, even Arizona voters who look past Clinton and Trump can engage in the political battle here at home, because good – and bad — policy comes from the State Capitol as much as it does from Capitol Hill. –Cathi Herrod, Esq. President, Center for Arizona Policy
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
Business
Business, technology and personal finance
AHWATUKEE CORNERSTONE COMPANY
Owner credits Mountainside Martial Arts’ success to staying in Ahwatukee
(Will Powers/Staff Photograher)
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS WRITER
Sensei Rick Savagian, far right, gives some instruction in forms to from left: Ian Goodson, David Kogut and Parker Frist at Mountainside Martial Arts Center in Ahwatukee.
arts competitor. But he kept teaching and watching both his business and Ahwatukee change over the years. “The community has grown immensely and diversely,” he said. “All of a sudden you would see a new road here, another one there. Everything started to develop.” Ahwatukee in many ways still has a small town feel, he says. “Even with all the growth that has occurred, I still run into people who know me. But now, sometimes, I have a hard time placing where I know them from,” Savagian said. “After 37-plus years in business, people will come up and start talking to me,” he said. “I have to admit it does get a little embarrassing when I am in a conversation for a while, and I Sensei Rick Savagian gives some instruction in forms to Drake Brown at Mountainside Martial Arts Center. have no clue how I know these individuals. That’s the biggest is watching his young students become change I have to cope with as a result of successful adults who understand hard growth.” work and competition; the hardest part He also has seen changes in martial is seeing them leave to pursue other arts as a result of growth in the art. interests. Because of the principles “I think we have seen the sport taught in karate, the majority of his black change; they have become very safety belt students have received partial or full conscious,” he said of his students. “We scholarships to college, he said. want to be proactive so our athletes “Our competition is more organized are not hurt. You have to go with the soccer and baseball than any other changing times of the sport, but the art martial arts school,” he said. does not have to change. Overall, Savagian said he has strived to “Over the years, the public perception make his school a place where kids and has changed, too,” he added. “The past adults can learn an art – and a sport that perception might have only been a means enhances that art. for self protection. The public now looks “The basics and fundamentals are that at martial arts as a life skill and a way for you can compromise on philosophy, but children to gain confidence and motor-skill never on your principles … If you want development – especially for children with to learn the art and the science that ADD and how it can help them with focus.” goes into the art and the culture and Savagian currently has about 125 you want to gain a deep, well-rounded students and 14 volunteer instructors. understanding of these traditional arts, He said the best part of the business that’s what this school is about.”
(Will Powers/Staff Photograher)
When he visited Ahwatukee, Savagian said he liked what he saw. “When I first came here, it was A twist of fate ultimately led to the establishment of Mountainside Martial like a bedroom community,” he said. Arts Center, now one of Ahwatukee’s “Everybody knew everybody.” He got to know his new neighbors oldest businesses. especially quickly after he took the It all began in July 1979, when Rick Savagian had just finished a master’s community center job. “Being ingrained in the community program at the University of WisconsinLa Crosse. He came to Phoenix for a because of running the recreational job. When he arrived, he discovered it programs and being involved in the c o m m u n i t y, had been filled – by everybody soon someone else. Mountainside Martial Arts knew who I was,” Two months later, What: Classes in self-defense, martial arts, Savagian said. he went to the karate and Wadu-Ryo. Directing specific airport to pick up a When: Classes are offered Monday through programs, such friend. While waiting, Saturday. as the swim team, he passed the time Where: 3173 E. Chandler Blvd. was immensely reading a brochure Information: 480-759-4540 or important to the and saw an ad for a www.mmacaz.net. growth of the recreation center. “It was a fluke. It was at a little kiosk recreational complex. “We kept breeding success and that’s in the airport,” said Rick Savagian, now Mountainside’s owner and head when people jump on board,” he said. “We instructor. “I thought ‘Hey, maybe had the tools that we needed to make sure they need someone to help with some we were successful.” Then, later the same year, he left activities.’” Savagian followed up and was hired the center and created a program that by Presley Development Company to quickly developed a following. He named run the community center and build a it the Ahwatukee Karate Program. Later, comprehensive recreational program for he changed the name to Mountainside the Ahwatukee Foothills development. He Martial Arts in 1991, shortly after he had a background in physical education, moved to his current location in the exercise physiology and kinesiology, plus a Mountainside Plaza. A severe back injury kept him from love for track, golf and karate. At the time he had a five-year goal for himself to make realizing his Olympic dreams. Savagian had previously been an intense martial the 1984 U.S. Team for the World Cup.
By Shane DeGrote
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 35
Newcomer brings sweet success of cookie business to Ahwatukee By Coty Dolores Miranda Julia Perugini is new to Ahwatukee, having moved here a year ago from the New York City borough of the Bronx. But it was while working as a nanny in Manhattan that she discovered her future, which fused her love of art design that she honed in her native Brazil with her love of baking. She originally went to New York to study English and further her training with a Rio-based international engineering corporation. It wasn’t long after meeting her husband-to-be that she decided to stay in the U.S., ending her paid education and corporate career. “So I began working as a nanny in Manhattan and that gave me time to do fun things with the kids. So I started baking,” she said. “After a while, people were asking me to bake cookies for a party or special occasion. Soon I realized I was making more money working weekends making cookies for people. From there I said ‘I’m going to sell these things.’” But it wasn’t the fact that Perugini was baking delicious vanilla, chocolate or orange-flavored sugar cookies that rocketed her in the business world: it was what is on the cookies that have made her product much in demand. The variety of “Cookies by Julia” designs are infinite. She has made multicolored nail-polishbottle cookies, guitar shapes, MetroCard designs, champagne bottles and “filled” flutes, back-to-school cookies, christening and birthday cookies, and specialty business logo cookies. Many involve cookie cutters of her own creation. “I always loved to design, but I didn’t have a lot of time because when you work for a big corporation, you live for them,” she said. “Suddenly, I was able to use my art designs on my cookies.” Before long, Julia’s Cookies NYC was shipping throughout the United States. It didn’t hurt that New York City event planners discovered her cookies as props to carry out special event themes. Everything was going well when her husband Charles Perugini accepted a new job in Phoenix a little over a year ago. She followed, bringing her burgeoning cookie business with her. “Coming here was very difficult because I was making good money, but we’re happy here,” she said. “It was a good decision.” Six months ago, the couple celebrated Page 36
All photos special to AFN
AFN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Julia Perugini's cookie designs span a wide gamut. These are only a fraction of her past designs.
the birth of their first child, daughter Sophia. This event, along with the move, cut back a bit on her production, but she still found time to provide her special cookies for an Ahwatukee Little League team and her Realtor, Stacie Lee of Ahwatukee/Tempe Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. “She made me sugar cookies designed as red apples; the presentation was adorable and the cookies were not only a work of art, they tasted amazing,” Lee said. “I’m definitely going to order more as I often provide my clients with closing gifts after I help them purchase a home and I’m sure she’d have fabulous ideas on including her cookies in a gift basket— possibly in the shape of house keys or a cute home,” added Lee. “She can do just about anything.” As a new mother, Perugini often finds odd hours are good for creativity. “I usually try and make cookies in the middle of the night, and when I’m not doing work, I may get up to design something I have in my head,” she said. “I think about cookies all the time.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
Really, I have so many ideas, I don’t have time to make them all!” She said she bakes her cookies at home as allowed by Arizona’s Home Baked and Confectionary Goods Act. In New York City, she rented a commercial restaurant kitchen by the hour. “Most of my sales are in other states— New York, Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, Tennessee. I’m hoping to do more here,” she said. Her decorated cookie creations sell for approximately $3 each, though specials may go for a little less. She said she gets frustrated when she hears grumbling about her prices. “People pay as much as $3.50 for a coffee that doesn’t take any talent to make, but when you ask $2.50 or $3 for a handmade cookie that takes a long time to make, then bake, cool-down, dry, decorate, then dry again, they think it’s too much money,” she said. “They don’t realize it takes at least 12 hours to finish a cookie.” – Information: www.facebook.com/ juliaspartydesign or on Instagram @ Juliascookiesnyc or email her at CookiesbyJulia@gmail.com.
Strip malls, shopping centers find their feet as market picks up By Mike Butler Although some East Valley strip malls and neighborhood shopping centers continue to struggle with vacancies, the commercial real estate market is picking up steam, said Michael A. Pollack of Pollack Investments. “We are in a red-hot market right now,” he said, adding that he can see a day on a not-so distant horizon when East Valley commercial space will be fully leased and have waiting lists. With scores of shopping centers in the Valley, Pollack has his share of minor vacancies, but many are 100 percent leased. It’s a payoff for the hard work and careful navigation that was needed to make it through the choppy waters of 2008-2011. “If you were in commercial real estate, you were not in a recession; you were in a depression,” Pollack said. “I hope we never see that again.” When Pollack lost five grocery store anchors during those hard times, he retrofitted and instead welcomed in Goodwill retail stores. Other successful shopping center owners with big-box and smaller vacancies have been following that playbook by courting everything from private charter schools to public library branches. Often, church groups and health-care providers find a fit in a neighborhood shopping center. Pollack said a center that struggles to replace an anchor tenant creates a downward spiral because rents have to be reduced to keep remaining tenants happy. Vacancies and below-market rents cause troubles for owners who have loans against their properties, said Sean Barrie of Trepp, the New York City firm that analyzes and provides data to the commercial real estate market. Nationally, according to Trepp, the commercial mortgage-backed securities
(Mike Butler/AFN Staff)
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS WRITER
The owners of Dana Park Village Square at Baseline Road and Val Vista Drive want to tweak their already highly successful, 66-acre luxury shopping center to include a four-story, 260- to 320-unit residential tower and a 40,000-square-foot movie theater.
delinquency rate has been going up for the past four months. But a delinquency rate of 4.6 percent is still a big improvement over the 9 percent delinquency rate that was reached July 2011. Pollack said the Valley commercial market is shaking out some of the last amateurs that jumped into commercial real estate during the boom years of 2005-2007 to chase rates of return. Before the crash, he added, there was also too much new retail space being built, often on speculation. Pollack figures he has bought and renovated 11 million to 13 million square feet of commercial space since moving here from San Jose, California, 25 years ago. He hunts for functional but aesthetically and financially distressed
Talk to your neighbors, then talk to me. Sam Winter Ins Agcy Inc Sam Winter, Agent 3636 E. Ray Road sam.winter.cffx@statefarm.com Bus: 480-704-2004
shopping plazas that can be bought and renovated for the right price. The key is to avoid centers that have become physically obsolete, he said. An obsolete center has too many buildings and not enough parking. Another kind of obsolete neighborhood shopping center you probably drive by every day is one in which the backs of the stores face the street. That’s inconvenient and annoying for both shoppers and retailers, who want high visibility. Pollock’s own 31,000-square-foot corporate headquarters on West Baseline Road in Mesa is a good example of repurposing. As a former Reliable Furniture Store, the building didn’t work for retail anymore because the city put a median on Baseline,
preventing left-hand turns. Mesa city officials are considering a proposal from Chicanos Por La Causa Inc. for a mixed-use project on the vacant northwestern corner of Main Street and Country Club Drive. The Hispanic community development corporation is planning a five-story building that would include 200 residential units with retail and commercial spaces and parking. The owners of Dana Park Village Square at Baseline Road and Val Vista Drive want to tweak their already highly successful, 66-acre luxury shopping center to include a four-story, 260to 320-unit residential tower and a 40,000-square-foot movie theater. – Reach Mike Butler at 480-898-6581 or at mbutler@timespublications.com.
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ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 37
Wise investing is a marathon, not a sprint By Joseph Ortiz AFN GUEST WRITER
In the 2016 Summer Olympics, one of the most compelling events is the marathon, a 26.2mile endurance contest with roots dating to ancient Greece. It may be that we’ve kept our interest in the marathon because it can teach us much about life – and it certainly has lessons for investors. If you were to compare investing to an Olympic sport, it would be much closer
to a marathon than a sprint. Here’s why: Long-term perspective. Sprinters are unquestionably great athletes, and they work hard to get better. Yet their events are over with quickly. But marathoners know they have a long way to go before their race is done, so they have to visualize the end point. And successful investors, too, know that investing is a long-term endeavor, and that they must picture their end results – such as a comfortable retirement – to keep themselves motivated. Steady pacing. Sprinters go all out, every second and every stride. But
marathoners have to pace themselves; too many spurts of speed could tire them out and doom their performance. As an investor, you, too, should strive for steady, consistent progress. Rather than attempting to rush success and achieve big gains by chasing after supposedly “hot” stocks – which may already have cooled off by the time you hear about them – try to follow a long-term strategy that emphasizes diversification among many different investments. Keep in mind, though, that while diversification can reduce the impact of market downturns that primarily affect
one type of asset, it can’t guarantee success or prevent all losses. Ability to overcome obstacles. When sprinters stumble or fall, they are finished for the race; there’s simply not enough time to recover, so they typically just stop. But over 26 miles, a marathoner can fall and – providing he or she is not injured – get up again, compete and possibly even win. When you’re investing for the long term, you have time to overcome “mishaps” in the form of market volatility. So instead >> See INVESTING on page 39
Local dentists fear news about flossing could lead to gum disease resurgence By Dr. Rashmi Bhatnagar AFN GUEST WRITER
Last week, Ahwatukee dental offices were bombarded with shocking national headline news. Prominent national television, radio, and online news sites announced that the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture in 2015 issued guidelines negating the need for flossing as a part of recommended oral hygiene.
For centuries, dentists and hygienist have been stressing the need to floss as a requirement in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. The Associated Press reviewed the research over the past 10 years, evaluating the result of toothbrush only versus the use of toothbrush and dental floss. It found the evidence of flossing’s benefits weak and unreliable. Ahwatukee’s specialist in gum disease, Dr. Randy Fitzgerald, of AZPerio of Ahwatukee, sees on average 120 Ahwatukee residents per week specifically for treatment of gum disease.
“With the short-term studies, the data does show that flossing decreases gingival inflammation,” says Fitzgerald. “But to have more accurate and strong data, research would require expensive studies, long duration, large data pool, and accuracy in the flossing technique. The researchers would basically have to bring the patients in daily to floss for them to obtain accurate data over the course of many years.” The American Dental Association released an announcement in response to the national headline stating: “The bottom line for dentists and
patients is that a lack of strong evidence doesn’t equate to a lack of effectiveness. As doctors of oral health, dentists are in the best position to advise their patients on oral hygiene practices because they know their patients’ oral health status and health history.” “In our practice, we can tell the difference in gingival health in the patients that report they are consistently flossing verses the ones that do not by their recorded decrease in gingival inflammation,” the >> See GUM DISEASE on page 39
Toddler • Primary • Elementary • Adolescent We have been parents at Keystone Montessori for over nine years and this is the only school that both of our kids attended. We believe Keystone has provided our children with the perfect blend of social, emotional and intellectual development. The Keystone staff and teachers have done a remarkable job in fostering the intellectual curiosity coupled with emotional maturity in our kids that we believe have prepared them for their next steps of high school and then college. - Parent Testimonial
Opening additional toddler classroom in September!
A Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning
www.keystonemontessori.com • (480) 460-7312 1025 E. Liberty Ln. , Phoenix, AZ 85048 (Across the street from the YMCA) Page 38
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
• (480) 460-7312
INVESTING >> From page 38
of dropping out of the “race” and heading to the investment sidelines, stay invested in all types of markets. As you near retirement, and you have less time to recover from market downturns, you may need to adjust your portfolio to lower your risk level – but even then, you don’t need to call it quits as an investor. Proper fueling. Sprinters have to watch what they eat. But world-class marathoners have to be ultra-diligent about their diets, especially in the period immediately preceding a race. Because
GUM DISEASE >> From page 38
ADA added. “If retained food or debris is not removed, patients are going to have an increased risk of bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth, and an increase in bleeding when brushing.” Since the national news, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reaffirmed the importance of flossing in an Aug. 4 statement to the ADA stating. “Flossing is an important oral hygiene practice,” it said. “Tooth decay and gum disease can develop when plaque is
they must maximize the oxygen their bodies can use while running, they need a high percentage of their calories to come from carbohydrates, so they “carbo-load” when needed. When you invest, you also need to periodically “refuel” your portfolio so it has the energy and stamina needed to keep you moving forward toward your goals. And that means you must add dollars to those areas of your portfolio that need beefing up. Regular reviews with a financial professional can reveal where these gaps exist. Ahwatukee Foothills Edward Jones Financial Advisor Joseph B. Ortiz, AAMS, CRPS, can be reached at 480-753-7664 or joseph.ortiz@ edwardjones.com.
allowed to build up on teeth and along the gum line. Professional cleaning, tooth brushing, and cleaning between teeth (flossing and the use of other tools such as interdental brushes) have been shown to disrupt and remove plaque.” On reaction to the flossing story, he stated, “My main concern is that if our patients read this information and feel flossing is not needed, they may not follow the regimen we have recommended for them. Then, their gum disease may rebound.” Dr. Rashmi (Rush) Bhatnagar, DMD, MPH, is a local dentist. Reach her at 480-598-5900 or www.BellaVistaDentalCare.com.
Union scraps proposition on hospital executive pay cap By Howard Fischer Capitol Media Services
Arizonans will not get to decide in November whether to cap the pay of hospital executives. A spokesman for a California-based union which had collected more than 281,000 signatures said late Monday that its efforts would be better spent ensuring that Donald Trump does not get into the White House. “We have decided not to pursue the executive compensation initiative in this election cycle so we can put all of our energy and resources into the presidential race,’’ Steve Trossman said in a prepared statement. But Trossman left the door open to a future initiative bid. The move came as Maricopa County Superior Court Judge David Gerlach was to hear arguments Tuesday over whether the branch of the Service Employees International Union had enough valid signatures to put the issue on the ballot. Led by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry on behalf of hospitals, challengers were hoping to convince Gerlach that many of the people who circulated the petitions were not
legally qualified to do so. That includes the failure of out-of-state or paid circulators to register with the Secretary of State’s office and provide an Arizona address. Attorney Jim Barton, who was representing the union, said he believes there were enough valid signatures. But Barton said the scales are tipped in favor of those challenging petitions. That’s because the failure of a circulator who has been subpoenaed to show up in court automatically throws out all of the signatures that person gathered. Barton said that provides an incentive for challengers to issue a lot of subpoenas under the premise some people simply won’t appear. The measure would have limited the total compensation for any hospital executive, manager or administrator to no more than what the president of the United States is paid. That is currently $450,000 a year. Chamber president Glenn Hammer said his organization is “extremely pleased’’ that the hospital pay initiative will not go to voters. But Trossman, speaking for SEIUUnited Healthcare Workers West, pointed out that the initiative specifically excluded those involved in direct health care.
2016
Business
At Last, an Exclusive Boutique Motorcoach Resort in Phoenix!
EXPO
hosted by Women in Business
Thursday, August 18th 9:00am to 1:00pm at Four Points by Sheraton
10831 S. 51st Street, Phoenix, AZ 85048
Breakfast 9:00am SORRY! NO TRAILERS
$25 members | $35 general admission
Keynote Speaker
Opening Sept. 1 st! For More Info Go On-Line or Call:
Michele Reagan Arizona Secretary of State
Expo 10am-1pm : FREE Admission Breakout Sessions: $10 each Market Like You Mean It Dena Patton Harness the Power of Mobile Lynn Ruby For more information, visit: www.ahwatukeechamber.com ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 39
Main Street Ahwatukee Brought to you by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
UPCOMING EVENTS For more information on these and other upcoming events, visit www.ahwatukeechamber.com. Ahwatukee After 5 Evening Mixer AmTrust Bank. 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 33, Ahwatukee. Today 5:30-7 p.m. $5 members, $15 general Admission.
SHOP MAIN STREET
Shop Local Here are a few of the many businesses in Ahwatukee ready to serve you. To find more businesses: http://ahwatukeechamber.com/m/listing/home
RPM Mortgage
960 W. Elliott Road, Suite 212, Tempe 602-689-6467 www.yourmortgagemaven.com To help you find the right type of home loan to meet your specific needs, RPM Mortgage offers multiple mortgage programs. This variety of residential mortgage lending solutions puts you in control of your future and enables our knowledgeable, trusted staff to help create a personalized mortgage.
Senior Care Authority 3100 W. Ray Road, Suite 201, Chandler. 480-759-5995 www.seniorcareauthority. com/phoenixmetro With over 45-years of combined service in social work, healthcare and financial services industries, Senior Care Authority’s unique background enables it to personally guide you through the options for senior living and care – matching your needs and budget to the best fit.
Earnhardt Ford 7300 W. Orchid Lane, Chandler. 480-893-0000 www.EarnhardtFord.com Servicing and selling Ford trucks, cars, SUVs and vans in the East Valley for over 60 years, this Chandler Ford dealership carries a full lineup of new and Arizona-used and certified pre-owned vehicles. Page 40
Members of the Ahwatukee Chamber were given a tour of the State Capitol by local legislators
Ahwatukee Chamber members and guests build their network during the Ahwatukee After 5 Evening Mixer at Spooner Physical Therapy. Dr. Angela Christopher of AZ Spine Disc and Sport, left, receives the “Buck for Luck” from Devida Lewis of iAloha Radio, the event’s sponsor, as the chamber celebrated the clinic's expansion.
Small business owners have many options for retirement plans By Bruce Peterson AFN GUEST WRITER
If you own a small business, there are many retirement plan alternatives available to help you and your eligible employees save for retirement. To make an informed decision on which plan is right for your business, review the differences carefully before you choose. Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account (SEP IRA). This plan is flexible, easy to set up, and has low administrative costs. An employer signs a plan adoption agreement, and IRAs are set up for each eligible employee. When choosing this plan, keep in mind that it does not allow employees to save through payroll deductions, and contributions are immediately 100 percent vested. The maximum an employer can contribute each year is 25 percent of an employee’s eligible compensation, up to a maximum of $265,000 for 2016. However, the contribution for any individual cannot exceed $53,000 in 2016. Employer contributions are typically discretionary and may vary from year to year. With this plan, the same formula must be used to calculate the contribution amount for all eligible employees, including any owners. Eligible employees include those who are age 21 and older and those employed (both part time and full time) for three of the last five years. Savings Incentive March Plan for Employees (SIMPLE). If you want a plan that encourages employees to save for retirement, a SIMPLE IRA might be appropriate for you. In order to select this plan, you must have 100 or fewer eligible employees who earned $5,000 or more in compensation
in the preceding year and have no other employer-sponsored retirement plans to which contributions were made or accrued during that calendar year. There are no annual IRS fillings or complex paperwork, and employer contributions are tax deductible for your business. The plan encourages employees to save for retirement through payroll deductions; contributions are immediately 100 percent vested. The maximum salary deferral limit to a SIMPLE IRA plan cannot exceed $12,500 for 2016. If an employee is age 50 or older before December 31, then an additional catch-up contribution of $3,000 is permitted. Each year the employer must decide to do either a matching contribution (the lesser of the employee’s salary deferral or 3 percent of the employee’s compensation) or nonmatching contribution of 2 percent of an employee’s compensation (limited to $265,000 for 2016). All participants in the plan must be notified of the employer’s decision. Defined benefit pension plan. This type of plan helps build savings quickly. It generally produces a much larger tax-deductible contribution for your business than a defined contribution plan; however, annual employer contributions are mandatory since each participant is promised a monthly benefit at retirement age. Since this plan is more complex to administer, the services of an enrolled actuary are required. All plan assets must be held in a pooled account, and your employees cannot direct their investments. Certain factors affect an employer’s contribution for a plan, such as current value of the plan assets, the ages of employees, date of hire, and compensation. A participating employee with a large
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
projected benefit and only a few years until normal retirement age generates a large contribution because there is little time to accumulate the necessary value to produce the stated benefit at retirement. The maximum annual benefit at retirement is the lesser of 100 percent of the employee’s compensation or $210,000 per year in 2016 (indexed for inflation). 401(k) plans. This plan may be right for your company if you want to motivate your employees to save towards retirement and give them a way to share in the firm’s profitability. 401(k) plans are best suited for companies seeking flexible contribution methods. When choosing this plan type, keep in mind that the employee and employer have the ability to make contributions. The maximum salary deferral limit for a 401(k) plan is $18,000 for 2016. If an employee is age 50 or older before Dec. 31, then an additional catch-up contribution of $6,000 is permitted. The maximum amount the employer can contribute is 25 percent of the eligible employee’s total compensation (capped at $265,000 for 2016). Individual allocations for each employee cannot exceed the lesser of 100% of compensation or $53,000 in 2016. The allocation of employer profit-sharing contributions can be skewed to favor older employees, if using age-weighted and new comparability features. . Once you have reviewed your business’ goals and objectives, you should check with your financial advisor to evaluate the best retirement plan option for your financial situation.
Back to Business Expo Four Points by Sheraton Ahwatukee. 10831 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee. Thursday Breakfast, 9-10 a.m. | Expo 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Breakfast $25 members | $35 general admission. Expo: Free. Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) Information Night First American Title Conference Room. 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Get to Know Your Chamber Breakfast Mountain Park Senior Living 4475 E. Knox Road, Ahwatukee. 8-9 a.m. Aug. 25. Free Toastmasters First American Title Conference Room 4435 E. Chandler Blvd. #100, Ahwatukee. 8-9 a.m. Fridays. Visit for free.
Welcome and Thank You
Please join us in welcoming our newest Chamber members and thanking our renewing members for their continued support: New Chamber members Performance School of Real Estate Midland Real Estate Alliance On Q Financial Phoenix Family Birth, LLC Siebbach Team Realty One Group The True Life Companies Wynn’s Handyman Mark Taylor Tax and Accounting A+ Fitness & Wellness
The Chamber thanks these members for their continued support: Pro Financial Insurance Agency Century Link Caliber Home Loans, Inc. Ahwatukee Recreation Center Hegarty-Haynes Insurance Amazing Dental Care Impact Marketing Dignity Health Urgent Care - Ahwatukee PARC Conflict Engagement Services, LLC A-Peeling Faces Skincare & Message
AF 10 X 11 AD _Layout 1 8/11/16 12:35 PM Page 1
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
In
the past week, we have been overwhelmed with the amount of positive feedback we’ve heard for Ahwatukee Farms and the vision for the Ahwatukee Foothills. We are looking forward to continuing to hear from the community and tell the truth about the vision.
The full implementation of the CC&R amendment results ONLY in a land use change to Ahwatukee Farms; This will NOT raise your HOA fees; Amending the CC&R’s is only the first step of the process; once we receive consent from the community, we will present this vision to the City of Phoenix where the community will take part in the discussion of Ahwatukee Farms and its future.
Thank you again for the support, we look forward to seeing you in the neighborhood soon!
“
Jim Hunt, ABM Resident
“
This is a very impressive vision that will turn this property from an eyesore into a cornerstone of the Ahwatukee Foothills. The trails, open space and lakes will protect the integrity of the property intact and protect the surrounding neighborhoods. Our community should rally around Ahwatukee Farms and support this plan.....
“
Ahwatukee Farms is exactly the plan our community needs to move forward and revitalize our neighborhood. I love the emphasis on our agricultural roots in the Ahwatukee Foothills and the addition of the Desert Garden Montessori School will be a great way to bring life into the area. We need to step up and support Ahwatukee Farms!...
Toby Ehrler, ABM Resident
“
I couldn’t believe how thought out Ahwatukee Farms was when I visited their website and had every question of mine addressed. From upgrading the current drainage system to creating a healthy environment, I really believe this is a great idea for Ahwatukee Foothills and I am happy to sign the consent form amending our CC&R’s.
“
“
As we continue to hear from you and your neighbors, we want to answer a few questions we’ve heard from residents:
Carol Lepere Smith, ABM Resident
www.AhwatukeeFarms.com • (602) 726-5311 • Info@AhwatukeeFarms.com • PO Box 50129, Phoenix, AZ 85076
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 41
Faith
Churches, events and spirituality
SPIRITUAL SIDE
Noah’s Ark facsimile raises questions that go beyond fact By Steve Hammer AFN GUEST WRITER
Recently the small town of Williamstown, Kentucky, located about 40 miles south of Cincinnati, was in the national news for an unusual reason: the grand opening of Ken Ham’s “Ark Encounter,” a 510-foot boat that claims to be the largest timber structure in the world. Ham is the Australian-born president of Answers in Genesis, an organization dedicated to promoting what it considers to be the biblical understanding of the creation of the world around 6,000 years ago. There has been some controversy about the “life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark.” Significant tax incentives were provided by the state of Kentucky and the local government as a way of creating jobs. Those working at the attraction
were required to sign declarations of faith, raising questions about separation of church and state. A colleague of mine asked on Facebook whether the more that $100 million it took to build the attraction could not have been put to better use. Someone replied to him, “What’s the harm?” A part of me agrees with the question. If you want to spend $40 per person to see a big wooden, land-locked boat, you can do that. In fact, there are discounts for seniors or for also buying tickets to Ham’s Creation Museum, located nearby. Some in the science community argue that the harm lies in presenting myth as fact, especially to elementary school children who come on field trips. One of the things you will see at the Ark Encounter is human beings coexisting with dinosaurs even though the dinosaurs went extinct 65 million years ago and human beings as we know
them have only been around for a couple of hundred thousand years. As for the earth being only 6,000 years old, a trip to the Grand Canyon will show you the layers of geological record that point to a much longer period of time. While the debate between scientists and so-called young earth apologists will no doubt continue, I have a different, noncarbon-dated bone to pick with the Ark Encounter and the biblical interpretation in represents. Whatever happened to faith that reaches beyond fact? Why is it that so many people need to see their sacred stories as factual record? Is there something even deeper and more meaningful to the story than a history lesson? There are a lot of reasons why I ask the questions. For one, according to the Bible, Noah was 600 years old when he built the ark without all the cranes and trucks and
construction workers in Kentucky. He lived another 350 years after the flood. For another, there are flood stories in diverse cultures around the world. The one in the Hebrew Bible has its roots in Sumerian and Babylonian culture. On this side of the globe, flood stories abound. This may seem obvious to some, but sacred story is story. It is not science, it is not journalism, it is not history. Like the foundational stories told in your family and mine, our sacred stories tell of our relationship to that which is greater than our imaginations, that transcend the temporal world and help us derive meaning and purpose. And as the old saying goes, a good story teller never lets the facts get in the way of the truth. Steve Hammer is pastor of Esperanza Lutheran Church in the Ahwatukee Foothills and can be contacted at www.myesperanza.org
CALENDAR
SATURDAY AUG. 20
SUNDAYS
Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School is holding a “Minute to Win It” game and ice cream social. Players are given 60 seconds to complete each simple game, such as blowing up a balloon and knocking cups off the table; tossing toilet paper rolls into a hoop; knocking soda cans down with rubber bands; and building a pyramid with 36 plastic cups. Simple games will also be provided for preschoolers. DETAILS>> 4-5:30 p.m. at the school, 3257 E. University Dr., Mesa. Information: 480-830-1724, pilgrimmesa.com, office@pilgrimmesa.com.
Valor Christian Church in Gilbert offers “great praise and worship and great messages for today’s living,” according to Pastor Thor Strandholt. “Our mission is evangelize, healing and discipleship through the word of God.” DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays. 3015 E. Warner Road. Information: valorcc.com.
GAMES AND ICE CREAM ON TAP
SUNDAY AUG. 21
CHABAD CENTER MARKS 3 YEARS
The Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life and the Chandler Jewish Preschool will celebrate their third anniversary with a barbecue. Parents and children can learn about programs and meet the staff. It will feature balloons, inflatables, caricaturist and other activities. DETAILS>> 5-6:30 p.m., 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler. Free admission and food will be on sale. RSVP required: 480-855-4333 or chabadcenter.com.
WEDNESDAY SEPT. 7 CHILDREN’S CLUBS TO START
The AWANA Children’s Clubs for children 3 years old through the 6th grade will start Sept. 7 and continue weekly on Wednesday at Bridgeway Community Church in Ahwatukee. Activities include learning about God, memorizing Bible verses and games. DETAILS>> 6-7:30 p.m., 2420 Liberty Lane. Register: www.bridgewaycc.org.
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VALOR CHRISTIAN OUTLINES MISSION
HORIZON SEEKS YOUNG PEOPLE
High school and middle school students meet to worship and do life together. DETAILS>> 5 p.m. at Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. 480-460-1480 or email joel@ horizonchurch.com.
BEREAVED CAN SHARE GRIEF
A support group designed to assist people through the grieving process. One-time book fee $15. DETAILS>>2-4 p.m. at Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Room G3, Tempe. 480-491-2210.
UNITY OFFERS INSPIRATION
Inspirational messages and music are offered, along with classes and special events. DETAILS>> 10 a.m. at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103. 480-792-1800 or unityoftempe.com.
KIDS CAN LEARN JEWISH LIFE
Children can learn and experience Jewish life. Chabad Hebrew School focuses on Jewish heritage, culture and holidays. DETAILS>> 9:30 a.m. to noon, for children ages 5-13 at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler. 480-855-4333, info@ chabadcenter.com, or chabadcenter.com.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
RABBINIC LIT COURSE OFFERED
Ongoing morning study of two classics of rabbinic literature by medieval philosopher Moses Maimonides (the “Rambam”). At 10 a.m., Prof. Norbert Samuelson, Grossman chair of Jewish Philosophy at ASU and TBS member, teaches “Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexed: What Jews Ought to Believe.” At 11:15 a.m., TBS member Isaac Levy teaches “Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah: How Jews Ought to Behave.” Readings in both Hebrew and English. DETAILS>> Community Room of the administration building at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480-897-3636.
UNITY OFFERS A PATH
Unity of Mesa says its Sunday service offers “a positive path for spiritual living” through “transformational lessons, empowering music and various spiritual practices with an open-minded and welcoming community.” DETAILS>> 9 a.m. Spiritual discussion group and meditation practices group. 10:15 a.m. service. 2700 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. Child care available at 9 a.m. Nursery for infants through kindergarten at 10:15 a.m. 480-892-2700, unityofmesa.org, joanne@ unityofmesa.org
MONDAYS
JOIN CHRIST-CENTERED YOGA
This Flow 1-2 class (intermediate) is free and open to the community. DETAILS>>>6-7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Greg Battle at 480-7596200 or gbattle@moutainpark.org.
CLASS TARGETS THE GRIEVING
Classes for those grieving over death or divorce. DETAILS>>6:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. 480-963-4127.
STRUGGLING FIND SUPPORT
Support group for those struggling with how to deal with a loss in life. DETAILS>> 7 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room C201, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org.
TUESDAYS
DIVORCED CAN FIND COMFORT
People suffering through a divorce or separation can find understanding and caring support to face these challenges. DETAILS>> 6:30-8 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E Pecos Road, Room 117, Ahwatukee, 480-759-6200 or mountainpark.org
FINDING HEALING FOR PAIN
HOPE, an acronym for “Help Overcome Painful Experiences,” offers support for men and women who seek God’s grace and healing. DETAILS>> 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. mountainpark.org.
SENIORS ENJOY ‘TERRIFIC TUESDAYS’
The program is free and includes bagels and coffee and a different speaker or theme each week. Registration not needed. DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m. to noon, Barness Family East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. evjcc.org or 480-897-0588.
HOLY TRINITY HAS GRIEFSHARE
DETAILS>>> 2 and 6:30 p.m., 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. 480-963-4127.
READ BIBLE FOR PLEASURE
Bring a Bible, or Bibles are available at these free sessions. >> See FAITH CALENDAR on page 43
FAITH CALENDAR
Jewish Life, 3855 W. Ray Road, Suite 6, Chandler. Shternie Deitsch, 480-753-5366 or chabadcenter.com.
>> From page 42
THURSDAYS
DETAILS>> 7 to 8 p.m., Chandler Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1188 W. Galveston St. Lori, 480-917-3593.
WEDNESDAYS
CELEBRATE RECOVERY MEETS
Celebrate Recovery says it “brings your relationship with the Lord closer to your heart as it heals your hurts, habits and hang-ups.” Participants can discuss issues ranging from feeling left out to addictions. “Nothing is too small or too large.” DETAILS>> 5:30 p.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. mvlutheran.org/ celebraterecovery or email cr@alphamvlc.com.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY OFFERED
Living Word Ahwatukee women’s Bible study and fellowship that offers “a short, low-key time of praise and worship in music and message.” It’s also an opportunity to meet other Christian women in Ahwatukee. DETAILS>> 10 to 11:30 a.m., Living Word Ahwatukee, 14647 W. 50th St., Suite 165, Ahwatukee. Free child care.
TAKE A COFFEE BREAK
Corpus Christi offers a coffee break with scripture study, prayer and fellowship. DETAILS>> 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E. Knox Road, Ahwatukee. Loraine 480893-1160 or CoffeebreakMin@aol.com.
GET A ‘SPIRITUAL SHOWER’
A release calls this “a 15-minute energetic tune up each week” and says the Twin Hearts Meditation “is like taking a spiritual shower: when your aura is clean, you experience a higher level of awareness. You see through things more clearly and good luck increases.” DETAILS>> 7-9 p.m. at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. 480-792-1800 or unityoftempe.com.
DIVORCED CAN FIND COMFORT
People suffering through a separation or divorce can find understanding and caring support to face these challenges and move forward. DETAILS>> 6:30-8:15 p.m. Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Room G5, Tempe. Onetime book fee of $15. 480-491-2210. DivorceCare 4 Kids (DC4K) will also be offered in Room G7.
CHABAD HAS TORAH FOR TEENS
The Teens and Torah program offered by Chabad of the East Valley is for teens ages 13 to 17, and combines education and social interaction with videos followed by discussion, trips, games, community service projects and thought-provoking discussions. DETAILS>> 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Chabad Center for
MAN CHURCH IN CHANDLER
“Man Church offers coffee, donuts and straight talk for men in a language they understand in just 15 minutes. No women, no singing, no organ and no long sermons,” a release states. DETAILS>> Doors open 6 a.m., message at 6:30 a.m. 1595 S. Alma School Road, Chandler. Bob, 480-7268000 or cschandler.com/manchurch.
KIDS CAN FIND SUPPORT
Support group for children ages 6 to 12 coping with a separation or divorce in the family. One-time $10 fee includes snacks and workbook. DETAILS>> 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room C202, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org. ULPAN INSTRUCTION AVAILABLE Class is based on Israel’s successful Ulpan instruction. Taught by Ilan Berko, born in Israel, schooled in the U.S. DETAILS>> 7 p.m. Chabad of the East Valley, 3875 W. Ray Road, Suite 6, Chandler. chabadcenter.com or 480-855-4333. LEARN ABOUT MIRACLES Experience a spiritual transformation with Michelle Lee, who will teach like-minded people and spark lively discussions as participants explore daily applications of miracles. DETAILS>> 7 p.m. at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103. 480-792-1800 or unityoftempe.com.
FRIDAYS
NEFESHSOUL HOLDS SERVICES
YOU CAN NOSH BEFORE SERVICE
TEMPLE EMANUEL LISTS SERVICES
DINNER FOLLOWS SERVICE
SATURDAYS
“Nosh” and then enjoy the Shir Shabbat service led by the Shabba-Tones, the Shabbat musical group. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. first Friday of the month, Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. 480-8381414 or emanueloftempe.org. The service is followed by a congregational dinner (by reservation only). Optional Israeli dancing after dinner. DETAILS>> 6 p.m. on third Friday of the month, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. 480-838-1414 or emanueloftempe.org.
YOUNG FAMILIES HOLD SHABBAT
DETAILS>>Regular services at 6 p.m. except on the third Friday of each month, when a 6 p.m. Young Family Shabbat Service is held for children and adults of all ages. Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. Shabbat Morning and Torah Service weekly at 9 a.m. 480-897-3636 or tbsev.org. or info@tbsev.org.
SERVICE INCLUDES KIDS
Designed for children up to 5 years old and their parents or other adult. Following the service is an Oneg Shabbat, a time for a snack and to meet other families with young children. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. second Fridays, Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road. 480-838-1414 or emanueloftempe.org.
EITZ CHAIM INVITES NEWCOMERS
Congregation Eitz Chaim is traditional and egalitarian. Newcomers welcome. DETAILS>> 7 p.m., services at 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. eitzchaimphoenix.org.
Traditional service followed by an Oneg Shabbat. DETAILS>> 7:30 p.m. second and fourth Fridays, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. 480-838-1414 or emanueloftempe.org.
STUDY THE PRAYER BOOK
These special study sessions at the beginning of Shabbat morning services teach the structure of Shabbat services and how to follow in the Siddur (prayer book). Taught by Rabbi Leitner. Introduction to Judaism, Introductory Hebrew Reading for Adults, and Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Preparation are cumulative, so no new students can be accepted mid-year. DETAILS>> 9-9:30 a.m. fourth Saturday each month, Pre-register for fall by contacting Amy Shevitz at vped@tbsev.org.
WEEKLY SERVICES SCHEDULED
International, nondenominational church offers weekly Sabbath services. Congregational meeting in the morning and Bible study in the afternoon. DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m.-noon; 1:30-2:45 p.m. at True Jesus Church, 2640 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480899-1488 or tjcphoenix@tjc.org.
JEWISH KIDS PROGRAM AVAILABLE
Shabbat Yeladim is a free Shabbat program for Jewish children ages 3-7 sponsored by Ahwatukee’s NefeshSoul Jewish Community. Shabbat Yeladim is on the second Saturday of the month. Songs, stories and art project each month. DETAILS>> 10-11 a.m. on the Valley Unitarian Universalist Campus, 6400 W. Del Rio, Chandler. Contact Rabbi Susan Schanerman at rabbi@ nefeshsoul.org or nefeshsoul.org. Submit your releases to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com
Congregation NefeshSoul holds Shabbat services the second Friday of every month on the campus of the Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation. DETAILS>> 6:15 p.m., 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler. Information: nefeshsoul.org.
TODDLERS CAN MARK SHABBAT
Celebrate Shabbat with a service, music, and a craft project designed for children up to 5 years old and their parents or other adult. DETAILS>> 9:30 a.m., Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road. 480-838-1414 or emanueloftempe.org.
TOTS TAUGHT TORAH
Hosted by Chabad of the East Valley for children ages 2 to 5. Features hands-on activities about the Shabbat, songs, stories and crafts. Children will make and braid their own challah. DETAILS>> 10:15 to 11 a.m., members’ homes. 480-785-5831.
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 43
Get Out
Make the most of your off time >> Find us online at GetOutAZ.com >> Follow us on Twitter @getoutaz >>Like us at facebook.com/getoutaz
CALENDAR
From rockers to a fair lady, the weekend offers a variety of attractions By Justin Ferris
Details>> 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix. Cost: Free for teachers. http://www.dbg.org/fieldtrips
GETOUT/AFN STAFF WRITER
‘My Fair Lady’ to appear
Scottsdale Musical Theater brings to life the classic comedy musical that tells the tale of a overconfident professor who tries to turn a Cockney flower girl into an English lady. There are only five performances, so get tickets while you can.
Rockers make the scene
Guitar masters play free
Join The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as it presents the amazing rock legend lineup of Heart, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and Cheap Trick. We’re just going to leave it at that. If you’re not already excited from just reading those names together, we can’t help you.
Coldplay gets hot
Join one of the best-selling music groups of all time as Coldplay sings hits from their 20-year history, and tracks from their latest album, “A Head Full of Dreams.” Joining Coldplay are Alessia Cara and Bishop Briggs.
Hear the guitar like never before as three masters — Chris Jácome, Bob Fahey and Stan Sorenson — showcase three unique styles — Flamenco, Blues and Jazz, respectively. Even better, you pay nothing for the experience.
Details>> 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N 83rd Ave., Phoenix. Tickets: $25.25 to $125.50. 602-254-7200 http://ak-chinpavilion.com/ Details>> 7:30 p.m., Friday. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Cost: Free. http://www.chandlercenter.org/ Details>> Times vary, Thursday through Sunday. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. Tickets: $38-$42. https://tca.ticketforce. com/
Get your body scanned
Foray into the futuristic world of 3D scanning and printing courtesy of ASU’s PRISM Lab. See the equipment up close and ask questions. Up to 25 people on a first-come, first-serve basis can sign to get their body scanned and then turned into a printed figurine. As part of the “hello Friday” happy hour, this event is for 21 and older only. Details>> 5:30 p.m., Friday. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. Cost: Free. Page 44
Garden offers teacher freebie
A few times a week, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts evening Flashlight Tours so visitors can experience the wonder of the Sonoran Desert at night. For the Flashlight Tour on Saturday, teachers and one guest can enjoy the experience for free.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
The Farm offers tastings
Once a year, the restaurant Quiessence at The Farm features a three-course chef’s seasonal tasting menu. To make it even more exclusive, only 12 reservations are available each day. To get a reservation, call 602-276-0601 and mention “Taste of Quiessence”.
Details>> 6:30 p.m., Tuesday to Sept. 22. Quiessence at The Farm, 6106 S. 32 St. Phoenix. Tickets: $65-$89. 602-2760601 http://www.qatthefarm.com/
Details>> 7 p.m., Tuesday. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale. Tickets: $23-$173. http://www.gilariverarena.com/
MOVIES Movies opening Friday
“Ben-Hur” (PG-13) - A remake of one of the best-known movies of all time, this version tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston) as he seeks revenge after being falsely accused of treason. Also, there’s a chariot race. “Kubo and the Two Strings” (PG) An animated movie that follows a boy named Kubo on a mystical journey to defeat a vengeful spirit. It includes the vocal talents of Charlize Theron, Ralph Fiennes, George Takei. War Dogs (R) - Two con men, David Packouz (Miles Teller) and Efraim Diveroli (Jonah Hill), somehow end up with a $300-million government contract to arm the Afghan Military. Based on a true story. Get more ideas for fun things to do in the Ahwatukee - and beyond - at Phoenix.org.
Tilt Studio brings video game fun back to Arizona Mills By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski When Gameworks left Arizona Mills, it left a void in the outlet mall and in the available entertainment for youngsters. Scheduled to open at 10 a.m. Monday, Tilt Studio is fulfilling that need by providing gaming fun for all ages, according to Nancy Roggio, vice president of marketing for the facility. “We have about 150 different games at all different types of skill levels,” Roggio said. “There’s something for everyone. “On our second level, we have a whole retro area that has 20 pinball machines and some of the old favorites like PacMan, Ms. Pac-Man, Millipede. We also have a bunch of new games—some of which are brand new in the industry. So we’ll be showing off new games that the competition hasn’t seen yet.” Other games include Monster Drop Extreme, Ghostbusters, Angry Birds, Transformers DLX with an 80-inch screen, Top World four-player air hockey and Outrun Deluxe race car simulators. The Arizona Mills location is the ninth Tilt Studio facility in the United States. The mall was chosen because of Tilt Studio’s relationship with the management, Simon Properties. Roggio said the company is “growing very rapidly.” “They already have a 10th location planned that may open before the end of the year,” she said. “That’s in Beaumont, Texas. There’s another location that has been chosen for the beginning of next year in Ontario, California.” The 40,000-square-foot Tilt Studio in Tempe is the first one, however, to have two floors. “We’re a little bit different in that we appeal to all ages,” she said. “Our competition has a really narrow niche. Chuck E. Cheese is for really young kids. Dave and Buster’s is for older kids. We cover everybody.” Tilt Studio will also house a restaurant,
(Special to AFN)
GETOUT/TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Racing games are always popular, and Tilt Studio has them lined up. The new gaming center will open Monday.
BYO Craft Kitchen and Bar on the second level. It’s the first location to offer this. “We’re going to have burgers and footlong hot dogs, quesadillas and chicken tenders,” she said. “What we’re doing is build-your-own. We have a toppings bar. So you get your burger and we’ll have 15 toppings to put on the burger. There won’t be French fries, but we’ll have tater tots and sweet potato fries.”
There is the Taproom at Tilt Studio Bar as well on the second level. It will offer an array of popular beers, bottled or on tap, wine by the glass or bottle, specialty alcohol cocktail and nonalcoholic mocktails and frozen drinks. There is no admission charge, but there is a price for the games. “They can walk around, look at what they want to do and figure out how much they’d like to spend.”
Patrons then purchase a game card, which is similar to a credit card, in any amount. The card is swiped at all of the games. The points will never expire and kids and adults can pull the card out on another visit.” – Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480898-5612 or christina@timespublications.com. – Check us out and like GetOutAZ on Facebook and follow GetOutAZ on Twitter.
3233 E CHANDLER BLVD, STE #2, PHOENIX VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.MUSICMAKERWORKSHOPS.COM
BEST MUSIC SCHOOL ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 45
Sweet escape
Riddle Room offers unusual entertainment for puzzle fans By Madison Rutherford GETOUT/AFN STAFF WRITER
Stark white walls, upscale furniture and friendly staff make walking into the lobby of the Riddle Escape Room seem more like a jaunt into the doctor’s office than an immersion into an eerie escape experience. However, being locked into one of three highly realistic themed rooms in the Scottsdale entertainment venue presents a different world that requires a delicate balance of teamwork, quick thinking and curiosity to escape. Sixty minutes are on the clock as the lights dim and teams are forced to use a series of props and clues to work together to open locks, solve puzzles and riddles, and move on to the next part of the game. When a team enters a room, owners and engineers Tolga Yalcinkaya and Koray Canturk observe through security cameras and give the thrill seekers sporadic clues through walkie-talkies that are attached to the walls. They may be helpful, but it takes three
Page 46
to nine players to quickly solve the “With the rooms we saw, we knew what riddle. If a team cannot get out within was missing and we tried to observe how 60 minutes, Yalcinkaya and Canturk we could make it better, how we could relieve it. make it successful,” Canturk said. Canturk added that the mix of different Yalcinkaya and Canturk, with the help types of puzzles and clues is paramount of a small team of interior designers and in keeping people engaged. a music producer, took their time making “The flow is really each themed room important,” he said. realistic, exciting and “It’s not just opening confusing. The Heist, IF YOU GO locks; sometimes it’s FBI Interview and Dr. What: Riddle Escape Room. electronics, sometimes Riddler’s Lab are open. it’s manual locks and Where: 2334 N. Scottsdale Road, The Prison Break room different kinds of puzzles is under construction. Suite A120, Scottsdale. and riddles inside, so Social media is a big you don’t get bored just part of their business. Information: 480-659-7033, opening the locks.” A short teaser video riddleescaperoom.com. The Riddle Escape posted to their Facebook Admission: $28. Room was years in page has nearly 18,000 the making. Yalcinkaya views. Their Yelp page and Canturk traveled has yet to see anything to escape rooms in California, Arizona less than a five-star review. and Nevada and noticed that many of “We really care about our customers’ them were missing a key component feedback,” Canturk said. — a suspenseful soundtrack. This led The duo said they have seen people 8 them to hire a producer to mix music to 90 years old try to escape the rooms. exclusively for each room. “There’s something for everyone,” said
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
Canturk. “Each room requires different skillsets. You wont see the same trick in two rooms.” When asked what customers can expect from the Prison Break room, set to debut in two months, Yalcinkaya said that they strived for the most trueto-life experience possible. This room will split each group in half and lock them in separate prison cells so they have to escape individually to continue the game. Canturk compares their profession to that of a chef because his favorite part of the job is seeing an expression of delight on people’s faces because of something he created. “Right now we’re just doing our best to reach out to customers,” he said. “Once they come in, we have no problems because we’re really confident about our rooms and designs and creations. They always want to come back for the other ones.” – Check us out and like GetOutAZ on Facebook and follow GetOutAZ on Twitter.
State Fair announces concert lineup By Christina FuocoKarasinski GETOUT/TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Latin pop star Luis Coronel, 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, $20 “American Idol” winner/country star Scotty McCreery, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, $15
LL RI
• AHWAT
UK EE
ER N & TAV G
Country stars Big and Rich, 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, $20 An aerial photo shows last year’s fair at night. TBA, Sunday, Oct. Baby Bash, Amanda Perez, Brown 9, and Wednesday, Boy, MOBFAM and Kap-G, 7 p.m. Oct. 12 Friday, Oct. 14, $15 Hip-hop recording star B.o.B., Rapper Iggy Azalea, 7 p.m. 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, $15 Saturday, Oct. 15, $25 Fiesta Friday with MC Magic,
(Photo courtesy of azstatefair.com)
A pop star who rarely plays concerts, an “American Idol” winner and two ’90s alt-rock bands are among those scheduled to play the Arizona State Fair this October. Tickets go on sale Sept. 10 for premium seating. General admission seating is free with paid fair admission. Visit azstatefair. com/concerts for more information. Here is the list as of press time:
TBA, Thursday, Oct. 20 Pop star Charlie Puth, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, $20 Alt-rockers The Flaming Lips, 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, $20 Pop-rap duo Jack and Jack, 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, $15 Hard rockers Slayer, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, $20 Alt-rockers Garbage, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, $20 Pop stars Gavin DeGraw and Andy Grammer, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m. Old School Jam with SOS Band, One Way, Evelyn Champagne King, Grandmasters Furious Five featuring Melle Mel and Scorpio, and Rob Base, 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, $15.
The Arizona State Fair opens Oct. 7, and runs through Oct. 30. It is open Wednesdays through Sundays.
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ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 47
Scott Stapp is touched by fans’ support during his recovery By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
“We wanted to try to create as many ways as possible to connect up close Scott Stapp has had a harrowing and personal,” he said. “They’ve been so battle with the downward spiral since good to me over the last nearly 20 years. Creed collapsed in 2004. Two years ago I want them to have the chance to hang — just before he was to make two Valley out and get to know me, and me to know appearances — Stapp suffered a men- them—and tie it in with the show expetal breakdown brought on by drug and rience as much as we can.” For his show, Stapp is trying to bring an alcohol use, as well as bipolar disorder. He even claimed that his family were “arena rock show” to smaller, intimate settings. He stepped members of ISIS. up the production But Stapp is getting IF YOU GO quality and is bringhis life together, and What: Scott Stapp ing selections from his he’s flattered that his When: 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21 entire catalog to the fans have his back. Where: Marquee Theatre, concert—including “I’m human and 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe Creed tracks. they’re human, too,” Cost: $25 “For me, Creed is said Stapp, sounding Information: 480-829-0607, part of the story,” said content. “When I meet luckymanonline.com Stapp, who turned the fans personally, 43 on Aug. 8. “It’s the I find out we’ve been through the same experiences—mine’s story of my life. I love to play those songs and the fans want to hear them.” just public and theirs isn’t. Stapp is keeping busy not only with “I think the music has connected with folks on a deeper level, and I think both his recovery, but side projects as well. He volunteers for ChildFund USA and of those have synergy.” He’s hoping to connect with fans on adopted a village of children in the his “Proof of Life” tour, which hits the Philippines. He made it his mission to Marquee Theatre in Tempe on Aug. 21. provide necessities to the kids, while He has various meet-and-greet opportu- raising awareness of the organization. Later this year, he will release an nities for fans so he can feel connected.
Scott Stapp has been lead vocalist and lyricist for Creed and Art of Anarchy.
album with Art of Anarchy, a band formerly fronted by the late Scott Weiland. The rock act also boasts former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Disturbed bassist John Moyer, and twin
(Special to AFN)
GETOUT/TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
brothers Jon and Vince Votta. A single is set to be released soon, with an album to follow in the fall. – Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480898-5612 or christina@timespublications.com.
(Special to AFN)
Dee Jay Silver releases first single after supporting other country acts
Dee Jay Silver will be playing in Scottsdale Sunday.
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski GETOUT/TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Dee Jay Silver has spent a good chunk of the month in the Valley, spinning for Jason Aldean at a private show and during their gig at Ak-Chin Pavilion last Friday. The turntablist, who has played the world around, wouldn’t have it any other way. The DJ/remixer/producer is the first and only DJ to be signed to a major Nashville record label, RCA Nashville/ Sony Music. In mid-July, he released his first original single, “Just Got Paid.” The ode to the weekend features vocals from indie singer-songwriter Austin Webb, who co-wrote the song with Silver in their adopted hometown of Nashville. Page 48
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
“We wanted to write the perfect summertime, goodtime song,” said Silver. “I write every day. Sometimes you have a hit, sometimes you don’t. The song just kind of worked itself out. I remember when Austin called me about the song, I was standing in the line at bank.” Silver said he’s considering making a full-length album, but doesn’t see it as practical. “It’ll be a process,” he said. “I take it one single at a time. Albums don’t make sense unless you’re Jason Aldean. There is a lot of pressure on artists to sell albums.” He said he’s planning on releasing another single soon, but so far “Just >> See SILVER on page 49
CROSSWORD
SILVER >> From page 48
Got Paid” was the fourth most added song to radio stations nationwide behind Miranda Lambert, Aldean and Luke Bryan. Silver said he learns from each artist he performs or writes with. “Every one of them has a different style,” he said. “If you don’t learn, there’s something wrong with you. There’s no wrong way to do things. Just do it the way you think you should. “Not everybody’s going to like it, but people who don’t like it aren’t your fans. You try to make your fan base happy and convert new people.” Silver has a busy year. He’s playing El Hefe in Scottsdale on Aug. 21, and is plotting a return in the fall. He said he has “a ton” of international dates in the Caribbean. He is also expecting an addition to his family, though he won’t say if the baby is a girl or boy. “Basically, at my shows, I let the crowd dictate it,” he said “I just want people to drink and have a good time.” – Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480898-5612 or christina@timespublications.com.
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MP football faces big expectations head on By Jason P. Skoda AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS WRITER
The mounting expectations at Mountain Pointe High School haven’t fazed anyone in its football program. Instead of letting that pressure stifle their growth, each Pride squad just keeps adding to it by maintaining a high standard. This year the stadium has a ring of honor of sorts: past players are pictured in banners circling the entrance of Karl Kiefer Stadium. Those banners both symbolize the
team’s past success and inspires the current group of players who are strapping on the maroon and gold. “I want to be up there some day,” senior cornerback Antwaun Woodberry said. “Those guys did things that gave us the things we have. If they didn’t do what they did, we wouldn’t be expected to keep it going.” Mountain Pointe, which has the best record (48-6) among big-school programs over the last four years, is entering >> See PRIDE on page 52
Mountain Pointe football players stretch before their scrimmage game with Boulder Creek last week.
(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)
Pride-ful
Brothers
Assistant Coach Brent Miller shows drills to his Desert Vista players as Head Coach Dan Hinds observes in the background.
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By Jason P. Skoda AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS WRITER
When a football locker room becomes the ultimate hangout for a team, it seemingly develops a heartbeat of its own. The players feel safe because of the vibe created within those walls, where they spend a good portion of time six times a week. No matter what happens outside of those walls – a bad practice, good game, off the field issues – it can be discussed,
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dismissed and/or defused. Desert Vista has such a place, and it has helped developed a bond initiated by the senior class to cope with anything and everything that might arise in 2016. “We have a brotherhood,” senior running back Lelon Dillard said outside of the Thunder’s locker room. “It starts in there and you are going to hear a lot about brotherhood this year,” he added. “As seniors we wanted this to be a year where we are all there for each >> See BROTHERS on page 53
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(Cheryl Haselhorst/Staff Photographer)
United Thunder ready to take next step as new season dawns
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 51
>> From page 51
(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)
the year ranked No. 23 nationally by MaxPreps and is considered one of the favorites in the 6A Conference title chase. One of the top and stable coaching staffs, led by Norris Vaughan, has some of the best talent around annually to work with and it has led to one state title (2013), one state runner-up finish (2012) and four other state semifinal appearances since 2009. The 2016 squad expects to add to the program’s legacy. “When you put on the Mountain Pointe jersey, you are expected to perform,” senior wide receiver Jaydon Brooks said. “Maybe it’s a lot for young guys at first, but you begin to understand what it means pretty quick. There’s a lot of stuff around here with all the banners and records.” The players believe they have a chance to reach similar pinnacles as those before them, but there are still 10 games, including a tough California trip (Aug. 27 versus Upland at Norco High), and a new Central region schedule to navigate over the next two and half months. “We know how good we can be,” senior wide receiver/safety Isaiah Pola-Mao said. “We know what it is going to take. We’ve made it to the semis but that’s not the goal. This team wants to be and can be great.” The offense has a combination of established players (Brooks, PaloMao, linemen Mason Honne and Eddie
Rivas) and ready-to-prove-they-belong players (quarterback Noah Grover, running backs Gary Bragg and Anthony Stephens, lineman Justice Hudson). Grover is one of the team’s top students and makes good decisions. Words is he is one of the most accurate passers the Pride has had in recent years. “I’m ready to take over,” said Grover, who was 9 of 15 for 105 yards with two touchdowns in three games last year. “I’ve been in the system for a couple of years and there is a lot of talent around me so I just have to get the ball out and in their hands.” The running back situation will be one of the storylines to watch as Bragg, who is coming off a huge junior varsity year, figures to get the first look; Stephens is suspended the first two games for an unspecified disciplinary reason. Others, like Rashie Hodge and Woodberry, will get an opportunity to carry the ball for a program that has average 3,300 yards per year since 2009. The defense has more established players returning than the offense does, although there might be less depth after the first unit. “We can be really good on defense,” Vaughan said. “Some of those guys might be the best in the state at their position. We are bigger up front compared to other years but we don’t have as speed on the line. If they stay on assignment it could be one of best defenses we’ve had.” The front line and defensive backfield are both units that rank among the best in the state. Khalif Ravenell, Shomari Hayes, Matthew Pola-Mao and Daniel Pena
Pride linebacker Rashie Hodge tries to evade a tackle during Mountain Pointe’s scrimmage game.
Page 52
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)
PRIDE
Running back Gary Bragg gets tackled after gaining yardage during the Mountain Pointe scrimmage game with Boulder Creek.
are big, strong and hungry on the defensive front and they give the defense the flexibility of playing three- or four-man front. The defensive backfield has Woodberry and Cesar Chavez High School transfer Donte Lindsey at the corner spots with Kenny Churchwell and Isaiah Pola-Mao at safety. The linebacker corps is led by Hodge, but the others are getting their first real taste of varsity action in Xavier Cota, Michael Washington and Jacob Olsen. “No one knows the linebackers other than Hodge, but they are good,” Woodberry said. “With the big guys (on the line) they’ll be open to make tackles all over the field.” It adds up to a campaign that should fall right in line with what Mountain Pointe has been able to do in transforming the program since bottoming out at 2-8 in 2008. “We want to win our region, but that’s not our goal,” Brooks said. “At Mountain Pointe we watch the older guys play for state titles and when we get to varsity we expect to do it, too.” – Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@ahwatukee.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonPSkoda. – Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and follow on Twitter @ AhwatukeeFN.
Mountain Pointe schedule Coach: Norris Vaughan (76-15 at MP in eight years, and 248-110-2 overall*) * = time as interim coach (about four wins) not recorded because of incomplete information Last year: 12-1, lost in state semifinals Last 10 years: 88-33 Aug. 19 Sandra Day O’Connor Aug. 27 vs. Upland (Calif.), (Brothers in Arms Tournament) Sept. 2 Bye Sept. 9 vs. Chandler Sept. 16 vs. Mountain View Sept. 23 at Pinnacle Sept. 30 vs. Desert Vista Oct. 7 at Highland Oct. 14 at Desert Ridge Oct. 21 vs. Corona Oct. 28 at Gilbert
other. We’ve had a lot of things happen; family dying and other things, and we are going to stick together through it all.” Fourteen-year-old Chase White, who played freshman football last year, died from unknown causes in March, and senior linebacker Chad Porter had an older brother killed in a car accident in June. Those types of incidents may not affect a play on a Friday night, but it can creep into the mindset of those close to it. So the Thunder wanted to be there for their brothers and make sure everyone has a healthy mindset no matter what comes their way. “We all love each other,” senior two-way lineman Myles Wilson said. “We make sure everyone knows it. No one walks out of here feeling like they don’t belong.” The question entering the 2016 season is where does it leave the Thunder on the field: Do they belong among the 6A Conference top 5? Top 10? If Desert Vista continues to progress from last year, when the Thunder returned to respectability and the postseason, the team could very well creep into the upper echelon. “We like where we are headed and excited about the season,” Thunder coach Dan Hinds said. “We have some pieces in place. We like our schedule and if we can continue to progress we can do some good things.” The Thunder are coming off a 7-5 campaign after going 7-13 the previous
During its practices last week, Desert Vista High School football players got ready for the real thing this Friday.
(Cheryl Hasehorst/AFN Staff Photographer)
>> From page 51
two years, the first time Desert Vista had ever had back-to-back losing seasons. The losing streak came on the heel of winning 32 games over a three-year span, including the second state title in school history in 2011. This year’s team hopes to restore the Thunder’s winning ways behind a talented set of skill players on a revamped offense scheme, an aggressive defense and “brotherhood.” The offense starts with the trio of senior quarterback Nick Thomas, junior athlete Keishaud White and Dillard. Dillard should break the 1,000-yard barrier. White, who is listed at three positions, might go over 2,000 allpurpose yards. Thomas moves into fulltime starter behind center. If the offensive line, anchored by Nick Lopez and Wilson, holds its own with three new starters, the Thunder should be tough to contain most weeks. The playbook is expected to have more of a spread scheme to make the most of the matchup advantages Desert Vista believes it will have on the edges and in the seams. “Loving it,” Desert Vista coach Dan Hinds said of the offense. “Coach (Brent) Miller has done a great job with directing the offense, and Nick Thomas has done a nice job in the offense. We have some talent coming back so we need to take advantage.” The defense has four main cogs from last year who are expected to be leaders and playmakers. Junior James Stagg and Wilson are defensive ends who hope to meet at the quarterback, while Porter ranked among
(Cheryl Hasehorst/AFN Staff Photographer)
BROTHERS
Thunder wide receiver Keishaud White breaks free of a tackle during practice.
the state leaders in tackles in a year and junior safety Garret Chavez brings some bravado to the back of the defense. Throw in a couple of new faces – Valley Christian transfer Alijah Gammage at cornerback and Alabama move-in Caleb Humphrey at safety — and the defense should be more sound than last year’s squad, which allowed 27.1 points a game. “We are a bigger and better,” Stagg said. “The coaches are putting us in a position to be successful. We can be a lot better.” The one spot where Desert Vista definitely needs to get better than the last three years is finishing games. There have been several cases since the start of the 2013 season when Desert Vista either led or were tied in the fourth quarter only to be the squad in the quiet team huddle at the end of the game. One thing that can get a team through and over the top in those scenarios is a level of trust that starts in the locker room. And it becomes a heartbeat. “This team believes in each other,” Thomas said. “There was some of it last year, but this year it feels different. We are going to step on the field as brothers and that’s a bond we will always take with us.”
Desert Vista 2016 schedule Coach: Dan Hinds (15th year, 104-68 overall record all at DV) Last year: 7-5, lost in second round of playoffs Last 10 years: 72-46 Aug. 19 at Perry Aug. 26 Bye Sept. 2 vs. Basha Sept. 9 at Skyline Sept. 16 vs. Brophy Prep Sept. 23 vs. Dobson Sept. 30 at Mountain Pointe Oct. 7 at Gilbert Oct. 14 vs. Highland Oct. 21 vs. Desert Ridge
– Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@ahwatukee.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonPSkoda.
Oct. 28 at Corona del Sol
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 53
Plenty of changes on the way with new 2016 football season AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS WRITER
The element of football that separates it from all of the other sports is the fact that there isn’t all that much to go around. The physicality of the sport forces it to be played only once a week, and the games are almost exclusively one day a week over 10 weeks. Until there was a need for more. Week Zero was created in recent years for showcase games like the Sollenberger Classic, but now there are 16 games involving area teams on Friday before Week 1 even arrives. Each week the anticipation builds until the stadium lights come on to signify it is game night. It’s time to flip that switch. The 2016 season is here.
What’s new?
The classification system has been revamped after last year, when three factors and appeals led a 17-team big school classification. But the general sense that most football programs, especially the Phoenix Union schools, were in the right place was scrapped. In its place is a system that essentially took each tier of 45 to form six conferences and reverted back to the old region system.
Return of region play
The names are familiar — East Valley, Metro, Central, Desert Sky — but the significance has lessened. A regional title sounds good to a lot of programs, especially those that aren’t in the state title hunt and could get a regional banner in the gym. It’s a nice link to the past, but so much emphasis is placed on power points and getting into the postseason that making the top 16 is more vital than winning a region.
“It’s good to have regions back, but really we are going look at those power points first,” Desert Vista coach Dan Hinds said. “I’ll be more concerned where we are in the power rankings than the region standings.”
Taking over
There were close to 10 coaching changes since last season, with Paul Moro taking over Marcos de Niza, Chad DeGrenier setting up shop at Mesquite and Josh Brittain replacing his father, Tommy (now at St. Mary’s), at Tempe Prep. The one that just might be the most significant is Mike Fell coming in from Ohio with hopes of restoring Basha quarterback Ryan Kelley hopes to stay healthy and push the Bears into the top tier of programs in the 6A Mountain View. Conference. The football program Some of the names to remember The teams once was the pride of the Last year was only the second time in school and the envy of just about every are Basha quarterback Ryan Kelley, Highland tight end Tyler Johnson, 20 seasons the East Valley didn’t have a other school in the state. Fell feels that the pieces are in place, Desert Ridge defensive end Jalen football state champion. That won’t happen again. the administration is behind him, the Harris, Tempe defensive end MyHere is our East Valley Top 10 facilities can get the job done and the King Johnson, Queen Creek offensive lineman Mike Young and Williams Field regardless of division: players are committed. 1. Mountain Pointe The key just might be the schedule. kicker Brandon Ruiz. The area player with the biggest impact 2. Chandler There are some tough games—Mountain 3. Hamilton Pointe, Brophy—but the regional games after a great offseason might be Mountain Pointe’s Isaiah Pola-Mao, a 6-foot-4, 4. Desert Ridge are all winnable. 5. Basha It just might lead to a top 10 seed and 190-pound wide receiver and safety. He was among the few in the nation 6. Desert Vista maybe even a home playoff game. 7. Skyline “We are on the chase,” Fell said in June. invited to Beaverton, Oregon, for The Opening, a top prospect showcase put on 8. Williams Field by Nike. 9. Red Mountain The talent The senior made quite the impression 10. Highland Seven first-team selections return along with another host of players with a few pick-sixes and matched well – Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or with the top players in the nation. jskoda@ahwatukee.com. looking to do their part. (AFN Staff Photo)
By Jason P. Skoda
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Ahwatukee clinic to offer golf-improvement training course The passion for golf that Keith Pritchette shares with his wife Elena has inspired them to offer a special training program at their Ahwatukee clinic. Rehab Plus of Ahwatukee, 4730 E. Warner Road, will offer an introduction to that program, the Titleist Performance Institute’s golf training course, noon-3 p.m. Aug. 27. The session is open to the public and costs $25 for early registrants and $30 the day of the clinic. Pritchette said he and his wife are “constantly trying to improve our game” and that goal made him realize that the road to being a better golfer “is not onedimensional.” “We realized that in order to become a better golfer one needs to have proper biomechanical movement -- range of motion and flexibility -- sufficient strength for endurance and power, as well as exceptional technique. If any one of these pieces of the puzzle is missing, your game will suffer and maximum improvement will be limited.” He said TPI has studied thousands of golfers since it began in 2003 and has used “an incredible amount of data on players of all shapes, sizes, ages, and fitness levels” to determine the proper
(Special to AFN)
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS STAFF
Keith Pritchette teaches Ashley Reinert some moves at Rehab Plus in Ahwatukee.
way to swing a club as well as “how physical limitations in a player’s body can adversely affect the golf swing and potentially lead to injury.” The program involves certified trainers and physical therapists as well as PGAcertified instructors to provide a “holistic approach” to improving one’s golf game, Pritchette said. How long a program an individual
might need depends on a number of factors, which explains why Pritchette has developed individualized approaches of varying lengths of time. “Changing one’s biomechanics, increasing their strength, flexibility, and power, as well as improving golf technique does not happen overnight,” he said. “It takes commitment and time.” “The evaluation performed by our TPI-
certified physical therapy team helps identify any physical limitations related to mobility and strength,” he added. “From this, they create a treatment program to help address any areas that may be injured or at risk of injury to improve program outcomes.” The Aug. 27 session is designed to show golfers what the TPI program can do for them. He said his TPI-certified staff consists of two medical professionals, two PGA instructors and one strength and conditioning coach and that while he hopes to grow his staff in the coming year, space for the program itself is limited.
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What: introduction to the Titleist Performance Institute’s golf training program. Where: Rehab Plus of Ahwatukee, 4730 E. Warner Road. When: noon-3 p.m. Aug. 27 Cost: $25 for early registration, $30 day of. Reservations/information: 480-785-5415, http://www.ahwatukeerehab.com
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Mt. Pointe’s Will Claye wins silver, his girlfriend’s hand in Rio
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Mountain Pointe grad Will Claye won silver in the triple jump for his second consecutive Olympics appearance.
the silver medal slipped around her neck when her boyfriend pulled out a ring and asked her to marry him. Last week, after a rugby match, the girlfriend of Brazilian player Isadora Cerullo went down to the field and asked Cerullo to marry her. Claye, a University of Florida alumnus, also proudly draped the American flag over his shoulders after his London win.
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Mountain Pointe High School graduate Will Claye captured a silver medal in the triple jump for the United States for backto-back Summer Olympics victories. Claye, who graduated Mountain Pointe in December 2008, finished with silver in Rio with a personal record of 17.76, repeating his silver medal victory in the London Olympic games four years ago. He also won a bronze in the long jump at London, becoming the first man since 1936 to win medals in both horizontal jumps. After Claye won the silver, he proposed to American sprinter Queen Harrison. The American runner-up in triple jump celebrated his medal by jumping into the stands at the Olympic stadium, getting down on one knee and proposing to Harrison. She said yes. Engagements are all the rage these Olympics. Only two days earlier, China’s He Zi had
(Special to AFN)
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DV grad gets college volleyball scholarship
D e r i c H a n co c k , a g rad u at e o f D e s e r t Vista High School, was awarded a volleyball scholarship to play for Missouri Valley College, a private university near Kansas City. He also played middle blocker in high school for four years and in his senior year was selected for the 2016 All-Arizona team as one of two middle blockers. He was also named to the Division I first team in the La Jolla California tournament, the Brophy all-tournament
team and the Tempe All-City All Sports Team.
Mountain Pointe’s Hall of Fame grows by four
Mountain Pointe will have four new inductees into the school’s Hall of Fame including current Olympian Will Claye. The other entrants are wrestler and track athlete Clifford Sparks, Hollywood writer and comedian T.J. Chambers and student Gabe Trujillo. The sixth annual event will be held Sept. Thursday, Sept. 8 before the Pride’s game against Chandler.
ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU
Classifieds
Awatukee Foothills News
1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #249 • Tempe, AZ 85282 480.898.6465 class@timespublications.com
Deadlines
Classifieds: Monday 11am for Wednesday Life Events: Friday 10am for Wednesday
The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | Ahwatukee.com Click on Marketplace
Employment General
Employ ment Employment General
Merch andise Pets/Services
KYRENE is now hiring School BUS DRIVERS FT 30 hrs/wk. Benefits offered. Paid training and CDL testing onsite. Flexible work schedule with split shifts. Starting Salary $14.49 - $18.00 For additional info go to www.kyrene.org/hr
Drivers: LOCAL Home Daily Flatbed Openings! Excellent Hourly Pay, Great Benefits! 1yr CDL-A Exp. Apply: www.goelc.com Estenson Logistics 855-221-4904 ADMIN, P/T Answer phones for Ahw. State Farm office from 11am-3pm during weekdays. Send resume to jeff@jeffjirele.net
Auto motive
PHOTOG TEAM Positions. School /Sports photog exp a +. PT/Seasonal. Early Risers, Exp w/children. Training provided. Must love kids! 480-239-0656
Meetings/Events In-Ahwatukee Toastmasters Club meets from 6:458am every Tuesday at Dignity Health Urgent Care Ahwatukee - Community Room (1st floor), 4545 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85048. Guests welcome anytime! http://4873.toast mastersclubs.org/
Auto - All Makes 1994 Lincoln Town Car Only 99k Original miles. Garage kept. New Tires, Like New. $3750 OBO. Ahw. location Call 480-460-8173
Meetings/Events GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS & GAMANON for meeting information 602-266-97846
Pets/Services Voted one of the “Best of Ahwatukee” 9 Years Running!
Pet and Home Services
• Reasonable Rates • Special Pricing on Extended Service Licensed/Bonded/Insured Ahwatukee Resident
Call Eleanor Today!
480.287.4897
www.WhileYouAreAwayServices.com
Homes For Sale
A FRIEND OF MINE
Your in-home pet sitting and plant care service. For all your pet needs, domestic and exotics. Flat fee-no hidden costs. Serving Ahwatukee since 2003. Member of PSI. Bond/Ins'd. 602-617-0993 Please visit us at afriend ofminepetsitting.com
Meetings/Events Aegis Hospice Grief/Loss Support Group We meet 6 pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Legacy Funeral Home: 1722 N. Banning St. Mesa, Refreshments provided. Contact: Rick Wesley 480-219-4790 rick@ aegishospice.com The Ahwatukee Republican Women's Club (ARW) General meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month (unless otherwise noted) at the Four Points by Sheraton South Mountain, 10831 S 51st St Phoenix, 85044. Social Networking begins at 6:30 PM and the meeting (program) begins at 7:00 PM. Additional info contact: ARWomen@aol.com. Visit our website at www.ahwatukee republican women.com
Classifieds 480-898-6465 AHWATUKEE AL-ANON family group invites you to meetings every Mon 7:15 PM at Corpus Christi Church on 3550 E Knox. Wed 8:00 PM at Community Center, 4700 Warner Rd., Fri "Women's only" 9:00 AM at Mountian View Luthern Church 11022 S 48th St., Sat "Men's stag" 12PM at Mountian View Luthern Church 11022 S 48th St. Rita 480-496-4535
Pete Meier Associate Broker, CRS, GRI
602-690-3361 Since 1973
Need More Houses to Sell!! Call Pete! Call us for a FREE Consultation
$229,000 “KACHNA” 2br/2ba/2gar 1716 sf. Lg AZ Rm, Formal Living/Dining, large family room w/fireplace. Mtn views in front. Low maintenance desertscape.
SOLD $239,000 Outstanding Mountain Views! 3br 2.5ba 2cg patio home in Ahwatukee 55+ community newly transformed. Downstairs Master. Covered Patio & so much more!
Meetings/Events
Meetings/Events
Cleaning Services
AHWATUKEE TEA PARTY Speaker for Thursday, August 18th Carl Goldberg, Ph. D. Retired college professor.
Smart Recovery Meeting Wed’s 7:00 -8:30 p.m. 6400 W. Del Rio Chandler Montessori School next to Unitarian Church room 5. All issues drugs, alcohol, gambling, online addictions, & medications. 480-5322460
I FIND THE DIRT MOST PEOPLE MISS!!
Currently specializes in speaking on the topic of Islam. Appears frequently on various radio talk shows in addition to traveling the state talking about Islam.
Meetings are held at the Quality Inn, Desert Meeting Rm 5121 La Puenta Ave. 51st St/ Elliot-Ahw. 3rd Thursday of each month. Doors open at 6:30p, meeting starts at 7pm. Public is invited! EMAIL: info@tukeeteaparty.com
25 years experience. Serving the East Valley. Unbelievable rates. Call Sheril at 480-399-2299
Carpet Cleaning
Family owned and proudly serving Ahwatukee for over 20 years.
Service Directory
Powerful Truck Mounted Soft Hot Water Extractions. Carpets, Tile & Grout, Upholstery, Pet Stain/Odor Treatment Residential/Commercial www.extractioncleaning.com 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!
480.460.5030
Appliance Repairs
Appliance Repair Now
Cleaning Services
If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It!
SOLD
Very popular floor plan in Ahw. adult area. 2br 2 ba 2cg on Champ golf course. 1700sf w/ fireplace. $237,500
SOLD $425,000 Large 4br/3 ba/3 gar ‘’Pulte’’ some updates. Formal living, dining and a separate family room with fireplace. Near everything.
• Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed
We Also Buy Used Appliances, Working or Not
480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured
Business/Professional Services
&
Deep Cleaning Specialists
$30 OFF
1st Deep Cleaning *After 5 hours of service
High Quality Immaculate Services at an Affordable Price! Monday through Saturday | Licensed Professionals
FREE ESTIMATES
480-258-3390
www.lucysimmaculateservices.com
SOLD
LARGE 5BR/3BA/2GAR on cul-de-sac lot with pebble tec pool. Totally customized with vaults, granite $379,900
petemeier.com
Call for a FREE Home Value Analysis ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 57
Contractors
Contractors
RENOVATION SOLUTIONS HOME IMPROVEMENT & RENOVATIONS
ROC# 290545
BONDED & INSURED
General Contractor 30 Years of Experience
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Drywall
Signature Since 1985
R E N O VAT I O N
• Energy Efficient Window and Door Replacement • Custom Homes • Kitchen and Bath Remodel • Room Additions • Patio Covers and Extensions • Gazebos
• Additions • Alterations • Kitchen and bath remodeling specialists Ahwatukee resident
480.848.9890 ROC#245469
Ahwatukee Resident
Drywall repairs, patch work, remodeling, water damage, Patio Ceiling, Popcorn removal, framing
Call us today
Jack Rezac 602-332-3920 (patchmanjack)
4747 E Elliot Rd #29-218 Phoenix Arizona 85044
Minuteman Home Services
ELECTRICAL Expires 8/31/16
ANYTHING ELECTRICAL: • Troubleshooting experts • Panel upgrade, breaker replacement • Outlets, Lighting & Ceiling fans
480-688-6849
Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured
Electrical Services
10% OFF any total work performed
Contact Geno Carr for a free estimate
ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932
Call 480-898-6564
Free Service Call with Repairs
“Experience You Can Count On”
- Ahw Resident Since 1987 -
minutemanhomeservices.com ROC 242804, 257474, 290005 APS/SRP Certified Contractor BBB A+ • Licensed, bonded, and fully insured for your protection.
602-279-0942
Residential Electrician
Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354 ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured
C. READ & SON ELECTRIC, INC. For ALL of Your Electrical Needs
Troubleshooting Remodeling Security Lights Recessed Cans • Fans Phone Jacks • Spas Indoor/Outdoor Lighting Cable TV Dedicated Circuits Ahwatukee Resident ROC#158440 Bond/Ins
MIKE’S
DRYWALL, PAINTING & REMODELING SERVICE • Water Damage • Drywall Repair • Popcorn & Wallpaper Removal
• Int/Ext Painting • Patio & Carport Ceiling Resurfacing • Stucco Repairs
Since1980 Licensed & Bonded ROC 130069
Residential & Commercial LOWEST PRICES GUARANTEED Remodeling Drywall, Repairs, Garages, Patios, Additions, Entertainment Centers, Popcorn Removal, Water Damage
FREE ESTIMATES AND SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! bbbdrywall@hotmail.com or BBBDrywall.com
www.mikesdrywallservice.com
480.223.2816
ROC#254546 • Licensed • Bonded • Insured
Meetings/Events? Get Free notices in the Classifieds! Submit to ecota@timespublications.com Page 58
2005, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015!
www.ReadElectricAz.com
480-940-6400
Drywall
Drywall
SPECIALIZING IN…
• Panel Changes and Repairs • Installation of Ceiling Fans • Switches/Outlets • Home Remodel
MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online!
Same Day Service Guaranteed 24/7
Owners have over 20 years of experience in Ahwatukee and over 1,000 satisfied customers.
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY
Drywall LLC
Az ROC #235041 • Lic/Bonded/Insured
HOME
Electrical Services
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
Flooring
NEW TILE IS A LOT LESS THAN YOU THINK 35 Yrs Experience - Quality Professional Installation FREE ESTIMATES Lifetime Guarantee Professional, Fast, Reliable & Friendly Service Licensed Bonded Insured ROC # 301084
480-405-7808
Garage/Doors
Meetings/Events
GARAGE DOOR SERVICE
Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors (AFFAN) is a women's organization, dedicated to cultivating friendships, and goodwill. AFFAN promotes social, charitable and educational events all year long. AFFAN holds monthly luncheon meetings with varied speakers. We offer over 40 monthly activities including Book Clubs, Canasta, Bunco, Euchre, and Bridge. Other monthly activities are Dining Out, Stitch and Chat, Explore Arizona, and Garden Club. Significant others/ spouses can attend some events. For more info contact Teresa Akrish Phone: 480-518-5788, teresaakrish@gmail.com Check our website at affanwomensclub.com
East Valley/ Ahwatukee
Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610
Not a licensed contractor
Meetings/Events AHWATUKEE TEA PARTY
General Meeting Notice Quality Inn Hotel Desert Meeting Rm 5121 E. LaPuenta Ave 51st St./Elliot-Ahwatukee Meetings are held on the 3rd Thurdsday of each month. Doors open at 6:30p, meeting starts at 7pm. Public is invited! EMAIL: info@tukee teaparty.com
AHWATUKEE/CHANDLER Bosom Buddies. We meet the 2nd Saturday of the month, 10:00 AM-12:00 noon in the Conference Room at Dignity Health Urgent CareAhwatukee 4545 E. Chandler Blvd Phoenix, AZ Please contact Deb Sidman: 602.460.9893 or Devon Pollard: 602.318.8462 See more at: http://www.bosombuddies-az.org/ At Bosom Buddies of AZ we support women of all ages and in all stages of breast cancer.
AMERICAN LEGION AHWATUKEE Post #64 We Meet Every 3rd Wed at 3pm at the Ahwatukee Retirement Center At 5001 E Cheyenne Dr, Phoenix, Az. 85044. Contact ED MANGAN Cmdr 602-501-0128
Gary is Back Household Repairs
drywall, plumbing, small painting, varnish doors, grout cleaning,ceiling fans, roof turbines. 30 years experience
Gary 480-268-0380
Meetings/Events
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a weight loss organization that is over 60 years old. We meet at Ahwatukee Rec Center on Cheyenne between S. 48th St. and S. 51st St. on Wed. eve's from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information: Terri at 480-893-6742.
GROWING TOGETHER:
Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Painting • Flooring • Electrical • Plumbing Drywall • Carpentry • Decks • Tile • More!
ce 1999 Affordable, Quality Work Sin
Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor
GARAGE DOORS Unbeatable Customer Service & Lowest Prices Guaranteed!
10%
Discount for Seniors & Veterans
FREE
Opener & Door Lubrication with Repair
SERVICE FEE WILL BE WAIVED WITH REPAIR
480-626-4497 www.lifetimegaragedoorsaz.com
Widowed-to-Widowed Grief Support Group every Monday at 6pm, Pyle Adult Recreation Center, Tempe (SW corner of Rural & Southern). Call Kay at 480.861.8031 for more information.
Meetings/Events
GROWING TOGETHER:
Crops of Luv We make Scrapbooks for critically-ill children who have had their "WISH" trip come true! Scrapbook with us, make embellishments for us, donate your time, or your commercial space, donate funds to ship albums, etc! Does your teen need community service hours? We could use their help! Copsofluv.com for more info! 480.634.7763 Ahwatukee based non-profit.
That's the motto of The Ahwatukee Community Garden Project. Get your hands dirty while learning about desert gardening. Join us every Sunday morning starting at 8 A.M. in the Garden at 4700 E Warner Rd. north of the Farmers' Market. acgarden.org
Alcoholics Anonymous
Big Book Step Study Mtg Every Tuesday 7:00pm. Closed meeting. Child care provided. Mtn View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St., Phoenix, 85044
Handyman
RSG HANDYMAN All Phases of Repair & Remodel by a Licensed Contractor at Handyman Prices
• Plumbing • Painting • Carpentry • Doors • Electrical • Tile • Windows • Doggie Doors
“One Call Does It All” Call Dave at 602-999-3672 LOCAL AHWATUKEE RESIDENT ROC#245469 Licensed/Bonded/Fully Insured We Accept ALL Major Credit Cards
Plumbing & Handyman Plumbing, Electrical, Remodel & Additions, Drywall, Painting, Concrete, Tile & Flooring
All Work Guaranteed! 30 Years Experience • INSURED Not a Licensed Contractor
Home Improvement REMODEL CONTRACTOR
Plans / Additions, Patios New Doors, Windows Lowest Price in Town! R. Child Lic#216115, Class BO3 Bonded-Insured-Ref's
480-215-3373 WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO SERVE YOUR CLASSIFIED NEEDS
480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
Home Improvement
ALL PHASE HOME IMPROVEMENT
Carpentry • Roofing • Remodels Decks• Drywall • Painting Plumbing • Electrical Flooring • Doors
413-344-7170 602-526-7557 Not a licensed contractor
ACTION CONTRACTING INC. Specializing in Remodeling & Repairng
WE DO IT ALL! SINCE 1978
• Drywall & Stucco Repairs • Windows • Doors • Cabinets • Block Fences • Wrought Iron gates • Remodeling • Additions • Plumbing • Patios • Painting • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Tenant Improvements
EAST VALLEY
480-833-7353 Home Improvement
WEST VALLEY
602-377-3860 LIC/BONDED/INSURED Res/Comm’l ROC#218802
aaaActionContractingInc.com
2 Guys
• FREE ESTIMATES •
Bonded/Insured
“No Job Too Small Man!”
GARDEN CLUB, DESERT POINTE Garden Club Meets the 1st Monday of every month at 9:30am @ Ahwatukee Recreation Center NEW MEMBERS WELCOME 5001 E. Cheyenne Sept - May Only Call Pat Faust 480-588-6613
Meetings/Events
Call Bruce at 602.670.7038
Call for Our Monthly Special Discount
Ahwatukee Resident • Dependable & Honest
That's the motto of The Ahwatukee Community Garden Project. Get your hands dirty while learning about desert gardening. Join us every Sunday morning starting at 8 A.M. in the Garden at 4700 E Warner Rd. north of the Farmers' Market. acgarden.org
Handyman
Same Day Service Repair/Install All Major Brands
ROC#126694
Call Bob 480-893-9482
Meetings/Events
FOOTHILLS GARAGE DOOR
480-893-8091
ROC 095639 BOND/INSURED
Classifieds 480-898-6465
2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014
Garage/Doors
R.HANDYMAN Rebuild: Under sink floors, drawers & closet shelving. All sm repairs, welding, trim trees, hedges. Fix: toilets, faucets, gates, doors. Paint Interior/Exterior
ROC#183872, 227944
Legislative District 18 Democrats Monthly meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from 7-8:30 p For location and details, visit www.ld18 democrats.org/meetings. The public is welcome.
Meetings/Events
Handyman
CHAMPION BUILT CONTRACTING INC.
Where Quality Comes First! Total Design/Build Kitchens | Baths Replacement Windows Additions | Patios Total Interior Remodels
Call Andy
602-332-6694
Jaden Sydney Associates.com
FREE
ESTIMATES!
25 +YEARS
IN BUSINESS
Residential/Commercial Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services Repairs • Drywall • Painting Trash Removal • HOA Compliance
AND so much more!
Ahwatukee Resident
480.335.4180 Not a licensed contractor.
Gift Certificates Available
National Assoc. of the Remodeling Industry Member Lic | Bonded | Insured | References ROC# 113643, 113642
(480)497-5222
ChampionBuiltContracting.com ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 59
Landscape Maintenance Juan Hernandez
SPRINKLER
Drip/Install/Repair
Not a licensed contrator
23 years exp. Call Now (480) 720-3840
Landscape Maintenance
Landscape Maintenance Juan Hernandez
LEE'S SPRINKLER REPAIR 30 years experience Timers Valves Heads Leaks FREE ESTIMATES Ahwatukee Resident Call 480-282-7222
Tree Trimming & Clean UPs 23 Years exp (480) 720-3840
Classifieds 480-898-6465
Arizona Specialty Landscape
Foothills Touch Landscapes LLC Lawn care/Maint. Starting as Low as $25. Install/Design Ahw. Res. 30 yrs Exp Free Estimates. Call Pat (480) 343-0562
New & Re-Do Design and Installation
Affordable | Paver Specialists Drip & Sprinkler Repair BBQ’s & Outdoor Fireplaces Lighting ROC# 186443 • BONDED
480.844.9765
~Landscape Lighting ~ Fountain Repair ~ Misting Systems Most Repairs Under $100
We Do Installs! Warranty On All Work
Call Dennis or Lisa
602-329-3396
Angie’s List Super Service Award Winner!!!
Not A Licensed Contractor
Serving the Ahwatukee area for over 22 years
Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new
Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): The advertising requirements of the statute does not prevent anyone from placing an ad in the yellow pages, on business cards, or on flyers.
Contractors who advertise and do not disclose their unlicensed status are not eligible for the handyman's exception.
Custom Built-ins, BBQs, Firepits, Fireplaces, Water Features, Re-Designing Pools, Masonry, Lighting, Tile, Flagstone, Culture Stone & Travertine, Synthetic Turf, Sprinkler/Drip, Irrigation Systems, Clean ups & Hauling
Reference: http://www.azroc.gov/invest/licensed_by _law.html
Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com
As a consumer, being aware of the law is for your protection. You can check a businesses ROC status at: http://www.azroc.gov/
Bonded/Licensed • ROC #225923
• Pavers and Travertine • Retaining Walls • Synthetic Turf and SOD • Plants and Trees • Ramadas and Patio Covers
Most service advertisers have an ROC# or "Not a licensed contractor" in their ad, this is in accordance to the AZ state law.
Again, this requirement is intended to make sure that the consumer is made aware of the unlicensed status of the individual or company.
The Possibilities are Endless
480-730-1074
NOTICE TO READERS:
What it does require under A.R.S. §32-1121A14(c) http://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/01165.htm, is that the advertising party, if not properly licensed as a contractor, disclose that fact on any form of advertising to the public by including the words "not a licensed contractor" in the advertisement.
Free Estimates 7 Days a Week!
SPRINKLER & DRIP REPAIR
Landscape Maintenance
ROC 304267 • Licenced & Bonded
• BBQs and Fire Pits • Lighting (low voltage) • Irrgation Systems and Repairs • One-Time Clean-up • Maintenance
CASH OUT!
480-539-2597 cyclandscaping.com ROC: CR21-232290
Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician
Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems
Call Lance White
480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com
ROC# 256752
Page 60
Lawn Mowing Starts At $20 Full Service Starts At $70
Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control
$60/Month!
15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew
• One Month Free Service
SONORAN LAWN
• Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection.
480-745-5230 We Only Service Ahwatukee, So We Are Always Close By To Meet Unexpected Needs
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
• Call or Text for a Free Quote
kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191
480-586-8445
CLEAN-UP & TREE SERVICE • Tree Trimming & Removal • Gravel Spread • General Yard Work • Weed Removal • Sprinkler Drip & Timer Repair • Insured • Free Estimates • All Work Guaranteed
Not a licensed contractor
Specials
Painting
Painting
HOME IMPROVEMENT Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs
We Are State Licensed and Reliable!
Free Estimates • Senior Discounts
480-338-4011
RPL Decorators
• Painting • Wallpapering & Removal • Color Consultations • Finish Painting • Handyman Services 4th Generation Painter 30 Years Skilled Experience Always Neat & Dependable Expert Workmanship Guaranteed References Available
Mobile 602-369-5017 Bob480-917-3617 ROC #115384/Bonded
East Valley PAINTERS
ROC#243600
PAINTING FOR PENNIES Compare And Save! Complete Interior and Exterior House Painting
VALLEY WIDE FREE ESTIMATES! Lifetime Guarantee
Licensed Bonded Insured | ROC # 301084
480-405-7808
Meetings/Events
Meetings/Events
Meetings/Events
Are you affected by someone who is dealing with an addiction? If so, know that you are not alone and that the PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones) group can help. The group is available to provide education and support to anyone 18 years or older who is dealing with a friend or family member with an addiction. The meeting are at held on the second and fourth Monday nights at 7pm at Mountain Park Community Church at Pecos Rd and 24th St. in room 117. The meetings are free of charge, completely confidential and could change your life! Please join us and get the tools you need to help yourself and your addicted loved one. For more info go to www.pal-group.org.
Democrats and Donuts This monthly gathering is held the third Wednesday of each month from 8 - 9:30 a.m. at Denny's, 7400 West Chandler Boulevard, Chandler. Sponsored by the Legislative District 18 Democrats, speakers cover current issues of interest. Meetings are free and open to the public, breakfast may be purchased. For more information, visit www.ld18democrats.org /meetings or email mariec9@q.com
Dining For Women (DFW) diningforwomen.org inspires, educates and engages people to invest in programs that make a meaningful difference for women and girls living in extreme poverty. DFW helps women find dignity and strength, develop skills and opportunities, value and support their children's education. We have a local chapter in Ahwatukee which meets the 3rd Thursday every month from 6:30 p.m.-8:30p.m. If you'd like to know more on how you can transform lives and reduce poverty contact Mary Hake at marysullivanhake @gmail.com
Classifieds 480-898-6465
Time for a New Roommate? Check out the Classifieds, or place an ad today!
480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
Meetings/Events
Anna’s Little Free Library Grand Re-Opening Sat. Aug. 20th, 9-10am 907 E. Mountain Vista Dr. Phx, 85048 Anna’s LFL was taken out of her yard on 7/2, but thankfully found and brought home on 7/29! Come CELEBRATE its return and all of the GOOD that has come out of this experience for Anna! There will be refreshments, bookmarks, and of course, FREE BOOKS!!! For more info, updates, and to see what is new, please “Like” www.facebook.com/ annaslittlefreelibrary/
homeimprovementclub.com
Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting
10% OFF
We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates• 3 Year Warranty
480-688-4770
www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated
Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131
The Valley’s Premier Painters Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for a Decade. Family Owned & Operated -Interior & Exterior Painting -Stucco/Drywall Repairs & Texture Matching -Minor Carpentry
You never know what you’ll find inside
-4 Year Warranty! -Competitive Pricing ACP is 100%Veteran Owned & Supports Our Vets with 10% off for all Military Personnel
See What We’re Up To!
www.AcpPaintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242
FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!
(480)785-6323
480.898.6465
class@timespublications.com
WE’RE ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU
480.898.6465
CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 61
Plumbing
Plumbing
Service v Repair v Replacement
Owned and Operated by Rod Lampert
Plumbing
Pool Service / Repair
Looking for more Garage Sales? Check out our online Marketplace at eastvalleytribune. com & ahwatukee.com
Ahwatukee Resident Serving Ahwatukee for over 25 years Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC 189848
(480) 279-4155
Minuteman Home Services
PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!!!
PLUMBING
Same Day Service Guaranteed 24/7
Free Service Call with Repairs
10% OFF any total work performed ANYTHING PLUMBING
Expires 8/31/16 minutemanhomeservices.com ROC 242804, 257474, 290005
• Water heaters • Leaks • Garbage disposal • Bathrooms
Plumbing & Rooter Service
APS/SRP Certified Contractor BBB A+ • Licensed, bonded, and fully insured for your protection.
Beat Any Price By 10% FREE R/O FILTERS!
Water Heaters Installed - $469 Unclog Drains - $49.95 FREE ESTIMATES • MANY REFERRALS ANYTHING PLUMBING • SAME DAY SERVICE
Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709
480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com
602-279-0942
Ahw Resident • Owner Operated Maintenance & Repair Professional and Superior Service We maintain, repair and service all types of pools, equipment, filters, cleaning systems, fresh water and salt water systems
Call me, Howard:
480.231.9651
$64* Drain Cleaning *Some conditions apply. Call for details.
$39 Off* Any Service *Call for Details. For a Limited Time.
100% Guarantee on Our Work
From Water Heaters to Toilets, Slab Leaks to Clogs!
AZPoolExpert.com BBB Member Not a licensed contractor.
24/7 Emergency Service FAST 60 Minute Service Available
Estimates Available
PLUMBING
ROC # 272721
AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured
704.5422
(480)
Meetings/Events?
Oooh, MORE ads online! Check Our ICES VOnline P O O L S E RClassifieds Too!
Page 62
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com
480-898-6564
JuanPavers Hernandez • Concrete Water Features • Sprinkler Repair
P O O L R E PA I R
Pebble cracking, Plaster peeling, Rebar showing, Pool Light out?
I CAN HELP!
23 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable
Get Free notices in the Classifieds! Submit to ecota@timespublications.com
MISSED THE DEADLINE? Call us to place your ad online!
$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!
A+ RATED
We Repair or Install
480.405.3020 Bonded | Insured | Lic’d ROC 257806
Call Juan at
www.Ahwatukee.com
480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.
Pool Service / Repair
Pool Service / Repair THE POOL GIRLS Free Estimates!
$25 OFF
Call Today! Patti Cranson
Filter Cleaning!
(480) 390-1212
Meetings/Events
Roofing
Open your Heart and Home, Host an International Student!
WE’RE ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU
Monthly Service & Repairs Available
John's
ROOFING CONTRACTOR with 32 years exp Specializing in all types repairs, re-roofs, coating & walking decks. Quality service & response our first priority. All work guaranteed. ROC# 100401-L42 ROC# 132572-C42
Please contact Pascale Dunton 602-980-4388 west@iseusa.org west.iseusa.org 480.898.6465
CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5
Window Cleaning
Roofing
Member of ABM
VALLEYWIDE
1-story $125; 2-story $145 Up to 30 Panes Power Washing Sun Screens/ Re-Screening Same Day Service
480-201-6471 YOUR CLASSIFIED SOURCE
Call Carl 480-895-3425 or 602-432-9183
www.barefootpoolman.com
Window Cleaning
Roofing
See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook
480.898.6465
Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001
CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
The Most Detailed Roofer in the State
SPEND A LITTLE…
MAKE A LOT!
TK
phillipsroofing@msn.com
Roofing
®
WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO SERVE YOUR CLASSIFIED NEEDS
480.898.6465
Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC
CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
Roofing
Roofs Done Right... The FIRST Time! 15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems
timklineroofing.com Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience
480-706-1453
Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099
ARE YOUR HOME AND FAMILY PROTECTED?
FREE Estimate and written proposal
480-357-2463
R.O.C. #156979 K-42 Licensed / Bonded
Family Owned/ Operated
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1984
Tile Roof Specialist
Phoenix’s Premier Tile and Foam Roofer. Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING
10% OFF Valley Wide Service
With This Ad
New Roofs | Re-Roofs | Repairs | Tile | Foam | Shingles | Patios
Free Estimates • Credit Cards OK Check out some of our jobs and reviews!
480-446-7663 (ROOF)
www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC #244850 | INSURED | BONDED
Quality Leak Repairs & Re-Roofs
ROOFING
New Construction, Complete Re-Roof, Repairs, Tile, Asphalt Shingle, Foam and more!
WWW.PAYNESONS.COM Contact us for a FREE evaluation
480.988.9250 SEE OUR REVIEWS ON:
TRI CERTIFIED INSTALLER LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED ROC: 194202
ROC: 138549B
Honest Free Estimates References DENNIS PORTER
480-460-7602 or 602-710-2263 RANDY HALFHILL
602-910-1485
Lic#ROC 152111 Bonded
Tree Services
Tree Services
U.S. ARBOR Tree Service
• Tree Trimming • Tree Removal • Stump Grind • Queen Palm & Citrus Treatment • Deep Root Fertilization
www.usarbor.com FREE ESTIMATES
480.812.0731 Lic #990148 • Insured
ahwatukee.com | Ahwatukee Foothills News | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 Page 63
$3,450
Up to $800 in Utility Rebates*
*Up to a $2,650 Brewer’s Dealer Rebate, up to $800 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, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms for 60 months 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 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. If you use the card for cash advances, 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 12/31/2016.
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | Ahwatukee Foothills News | ahwatukee.com