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City slates Oct. 26 town hall on water meter complaints

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

. 12

he Phoenix Water Services Department and city Councilman Sal DiCiccio have set a town hall meeting on Ahwatukee customers’ complaints about bills showing unusual spikes in consumption. The meeting is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at Pecos Communty Center. Little hope so far as emerged for an explanation of the spikes, as evidenced last week when a top Water Services official visited with the homeowners association that trig-

gered a flood of complaints about mysterious one-month increases. “I don’t think we have an explanation,” Jim Swanson, deputy Water Services director, last week told Foothills Gateway HOA board members after he and a team of workers examined the meter that showed a July consumption of 1 million gallons – 20,000 times the normal monthly reading. A technician tested the meter and found it accurate, but Swanson had it replaced on the spot after HOA board members conceded they might as well have a new one. He had more unsettling news for irate con-

sumers. He said the department also has looked at a three-year history of water consumption in Ahwatukee in an effort to find any surges in water use and has found nothing unusual. “When we plot the last three years of data, all the consumption month after month is very, very consistent.” Swanson said. “Across Ahwatukee, there is no spike in July. Preliminarily, there is no spike we can see in the community. Month over month, year over year, the consumption is the same.”

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS AHWA-TOAD-EE

. 21

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

FOR WOMEN ONLY

. 36

NEW TO ZOO

(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Contributor)

. 47

Mountain Pointe High School senior Delano Salgado wasn’t just king at homecoming with queen Amari Collins. The Pride running back also was king on the gridiron as he helped his team to a victory in a nailbiter against Highland High School. For details on this game and Desert Vista Thunder’s win, please see page 50.

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WATER on page 17

School grades likely to be revised, state tells districts

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s it released letter grades for Arizona schools, the state Board of Education on Friday gave some written advice to school districts that boiled down to one reality: For now, they may not mean as much as parents and educators think. Stressing that the grades were “preliminary,” the board announced it had created a committee “to conduct independent analyses of data, based on public input, for potential revisions to the A-F Accountability Plan.” That “technical advisory committee” is staffed by people who were not part of the panel that devised the grading formula – which Kyrene School District officials had warned penalized high-performing schools and gave an unfair picture of student

performance overall. Moreover, the board immediately set 10 public hearings between Oct. 10 and Nov. 5 to “gather public input for potential revisions to final letter grades for school year 2016-2017 and in upcoming school years.” The formula also came under withering criticism from Jay P. Greene, distinguished professor and head of the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas, whose work has been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court four times in a decision related to school vouchers. Writing about his “growing sense of dread as I trudged through page after page of extreme complexity regarding the state’s plan to grade schools A-F,” Greene declared: “If Jurassic Park scientists See

GRADES on page 9

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS OCTOBER 11, 2017 | AHWATUKEE UKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS FOOTHILLS NEWS AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS TUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every AHWATUKEE NEWS Wednesday and distributed free ofFOOTHILLS charge to homes and BY PAUL MARYNIAK in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills. UKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS AFN Executive Editor

NEWS

Nancy Dudenhoefer leaves Kyrene spokeswoman role

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districts often rely on one person to be their voice. No matter what their title might be, their job involves many duties, such as dealing with the media, developing and executing internal communications, orchestrating public events and getting messages out to parents en masse. For a decade, Nancy Dudenhoefer has been that voice for Kyrene School District. Last week, the Ahwatukee resident announced she was leaving the district to become development director for public radio stations KJZZ and KBAQ. “While it’s an exciting opportunity for me, I’m sad to be leaving behind my colleagues at Kyrene,” Dudenhoefer said. “As Kyrene launched programs, established social media, and developed a sponsorship program, the media coverage of Kyrene has been invaluable to me and the district and, for that I’m very grateful. Working in a school district has afforded me a family-friendly work environment while my children attended Kyrene and Tempe Union schools.” In announcing her departure, Kyrene Superintendent Jan Vesely said: “Kyrene is losing a leader who exemplifies Kyrene spirit. I know many of you have personally experienced her expertise and enthusiasm, sharing a fond partnership with her over the past 10 years as her work has created success stories across Kyrene.” Vesely went on to note some of Dudenhoefer accomplishments: “invited enrollment through positive marketing of school and community education programs and events”; “established Kyrene’s social media presence”; implemented “key initiatives such as employee recruitment, program specific events, and parent information nights”; “coordinated and championed district-wide events” and maintained relationships with community organizations. Vesely said future communications duties will be executed by a team that includes Susie Ostmeyer, chief information and accountability officer, as well as Bonny Dolinsek, Lauren Clark and Sharon McGrath. Ombudsman Rosalie Hirano will cover governmental relations and Joelle Green will remain business development coordinator. Dudenhoefer exhibited mixed emotions in the wake of the announcement, proud of her work yet wistful as she recounted some of her on-the-job memories. “I’m proud to have spent the last 10 years of my career working in what I consider to be the highest-performing school district in

(Special to AFN)

Nancy Dudenhoefer spent a lot of time in classrooms with students during her 10 years as the communications director for Kyrene School District.

the state and one from which both of my children have gone on to become successful young adults,” she said. “I couldn’t be more thankful for having had the opportunity to serve the Kyrene community and tell the amazing stories from inside the walls of our wonderful public schools,” she added. “There’s a reason every real estate ad mentions Kyrene School District – our schools are an incredible asset to this community.” Asked for a couple of her memories, she recalled how singer and TV star Paula Abdul dropped in at Altadena Middle School in 2011 to visit an 11-year-old student, Kendal Glover, who was to appear as a solo finalist on Abdul’s show, “So You Think You Can Dance.” Public relations representatives for the show weren’t happy that Dudenhoefer had tipped off the media to Abdul’s visit. But – true to the concern she has always had for Kyrene students – Dudenhoefer had no regrets. “Your paper got the story and the community had fun following Kendal’s progress on the show. Now she’s a successful freshman volleyball player for the Georgia Bulldogs,” Dudenhoefer told AFN. Indeed, Dudenhoefer said one of the highlights of her decade with Kyrene has been following the success of its alumni. “Each year when Tempe Union releases its list of Flynn Scholars, a majority were educated at Kyrene schools,” she said. “We have alumni attend Purdue, Notre Dame, MIT and Stanford – just to name a few. Just last year, I witnessed Devon Kennard, who plays for the New York Giants, return to Akimel A-al Middle School and give an inspiring speech to eighth-graders about the impor-

tance of their high school careers.” She fondly recalled duties outside students. “It’s always been fun to represent Kyrene at Ahwatukee’s premier events like the Easter Parade and Festival of Lights,” she said. “I have to say even those who don’t have children would enjoy Kyrene student performances – the Arts in Kyrene are alive and well, something the community should be proud of. “ And she specifically cited the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce and its support for the district. “I’ve been a member since 2002, when I worked at the Ahwatukee Foothills News, and in 2008, I was honored as a Volunteer of the Year. In 2013, I was lucky enough to be named a finalist for the Palo Verde Award and attend the western-themed gala at Rawhide,” she added. Dudenhoefer also said the district staff and teachers have left an indelible impression and generated a lot of respect. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned is that while I enjoyed visiting classrooms and seeing the children learn, one hour is my limit,” she said. “Teachers are patient and humble people, admired individually but as a profession not respected as they should be. “And principals are incredibly dedicated people – responsible for up to 1,000 students and staff daily. Their job is 24/7, leaving little time for family and friends. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t say that to a person, Kyrene has the most hard-working staff devoted to maintaining the schools, transporting children and providing the most efficient and effective support to teaching and learning.”

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allots were slated to go out to Ahwatukee voters today, Oct. 11, on four ballot questions giving Ahwatukee’s two school districts some additional financial help. Kyrene School District has three ballot questions in the all-mail election while Tempe Union High School District has one. Voters don’t have to worry about requesting a ballot if they are not on the county’s permanent early voter list. All registered voters will receive both ballots, a spokeswoman for the Maricopa County Recorder’s office said. However, spokeswoman Karen Loschiavo said that only applies to this election and that voters who want to get on that permanent list for other elections must request it. The deadline to turn in the ballot is 7 p.m. Nov. 7, although people who don’t mail them by a week before that date are advised to drop off their ballot. County Recorder workers will be at Pecos Community Center starting Oct. 28 to take those ballots. Kyrene is seeking continuation of its 15 percent maintenance and operations and its 15 percent capital overrides and because both already are in place, neither will result in a property tax increase. The largest part of the maintenance and operations override pays 210 teachers’ salaries. The rest covers special programs such as music, art and physical education; instructional interventions and middle school “exploratories” such as classes in coding, foreign languages, culinary and performing arts and STEM. The capital override supports Kyrene’s technology program, maintaining the devices such as laptops, tablets, whiteboards; software licenses, school security systems, parent services such as ParentVue, crisis notification and online payment options; and school buses and

maintenance vehicles. The combined additional taxes for the two overrides amounts to $232 annually on a home valued at $238,270, the average value of a home in the district, which includes parts of Tempe, Chandler and Mesa as well as all three Ahwatukee ZIP codes. The bond question would allow Kyrene to borrow a maximum $116 million to make capital repairs on its buildings – many of which are 30 years old. Those repairs also would allow the district to expand its preschool program, which currently has a waiting list of about 150 children, the district says. The money also can be used to buy new school buses top replace those too old to be of much use anymore. Taxes would go up by about $23 a year on a home valued at $204,000 if Tempe Union’s override is approved. The annual tax bill on a home valued at $204,000 in the district is currently $47. Tempe Union not only wants to continue a current 10 percent maintenance and operations override but to also increase that to the maximum 15 percent. That additional 5 percent has been designated exclusively for the recruitment and retention of “highly effective teachers” and staff through raises that would be incrementally increased over five years, starting with 2 percent in the first year and 1 percent annually in each of the four following years. The existing 10 percent override in Tempe Union is used, among other things, to keep class sizes small, fund electives and student support services, support preventive maintenance programs and pay for athletic and other extracurricular programs. The governing boards for both districts decided to go with all-mail balloting to reduce election costs. An all-mail election will cost each district about $300,000 while a traditional election would be twice that cost.

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Patrons of the Circle K at 32nd Street and Chandler Bouelvard, Ahwatukee, mourned the death of clerk Katie Zeitino in a crash blamed on a drunk driver, who slammed into her car and also killed her husband and motherin-law.

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atie Zeitino would pray out loud for other people, even for people she didn’t know and with passion in her voice, during prayer sessions at Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee. A tragic collision in Tempe, which police blame on a suspected impaired driver, left many people praying for Zeitino instead – even if they only knew her as the pleasant clerk who served them at the Circle K at Chandler Boulevard and 32nd Street, Ahwatukee. Zeitino, 30, was one of three family members killed in the head-on collision at 7:45 p.m. Oct. 2 near Hardy Drive and Southern Avenue, said Officer Lily Duran, a Tempe police spokeswoman. Her husband, Miguel, 31, and mother-in-law, Magdalena Zeitino, 65, succumbed to their injuries at the scene and she died two days later. Duran said the chain-reaction collision involved four vehicles and occurred when a van, driven by the DUI suspect, crossed over into the two-way left turn lane and then into the westbound lane. She said police are not releasing at this time the name of driver, who was very seriously injured and remains under investigation. “She lived her faith. She was genuine,’’ said Lamb of God Pastor Scott Martz, who visited Zeitino in the intensive care unit before she passed away and will preside at her funeral. “She was not judgmental. She would smile. There was nothing fake about Katie.’’ Martz was amazed when he posted a GoFundMe page to raise money to pay for Katie’s funeral and garnered more than

$5,000 in about two days. Since then, donations have grown to $8,150, even though the goal for minimal arrangements was $5,500. A GoFundMe page also has been established for Miguel Zeitino. “She really had a heart for other people and she was very articulate in her prayers,’’ Martz said. “She went above and beyond loving her neighbor.’’ Many people who responded to the GoFundMe page appeared to know Zeitino from Circle K – one of three service industry jobs Zeitino worked. “She made a big impression on people at the store. People could see she was a real person. There was a quality about her. She had something special, genuine,” Martz said. Zeitino’s customers seem to know her best from her smile and her upbeat attitude. They were clearly moved by her untimely death. “Katie was a bright spot in my day,’’ Kym Peters wrote. “Always smiling and offering positive words of encouragement. I will miss my Circle K friend. God brought home a wonderful person.’’ Jerri Miller-Weed wrote, “You were always a delight to help me and everyone who came in knew you so well. Now, I feel honored to have met you.’’ Vicki Olsen, another customer, wrote, “Katie was such a sweet soul. Her kindness beamed through her smile. My stops at Circle K will never be the same.’’ Zeitino will be remembered in a funeral service on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m. at Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 599 E. Chandler Blvd. Miguel and Magdalena Zeitino will be remembered at a funeral Mass at 8 a.m. on Saturday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 5445 Calle San Angelo, Guadalupe.

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OCTOBER 11, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

GRADES

from page 1

spliced the DNA of a Franz Kafka nightmare with a Rube Goldberg machine, it would look something like this.” The board released the grades Friday, Oct. 6 – three days before it intended to – after it encountered criticism for escorting two reporters off its premises the day before when they showed up asking for the grades. The grades for schools in Ahwatukee ranged between “A” and “C.” Of the three Kyrene middle schools in Ahwatukee, Akimel A-al got a “C” while Altadena and Centennial received a “B.” Among Kyrene’s elementary schools in Ahwatukee, an “A” was awarded to Cerritos, Colina, Esperanza, Lagos, Monte Vista and Sierra; getting a “B” were Estrella, Lomas and Milenio. Of the two Tempe Union high schools in Ahwatukee, Mountain Pointe got a “B” and Desert Vista an “A.” Horizon Honors’ elementary and secondary schools got an “A.” Kyrene Superintendent Jan Vesely briefed the governing board on the grades at its regular meeting Oct. 3, reiterating how the complex formula used to create them had created a misleading impression of schools’ performance. She and other administrators had tried in vain last month to persuade the Board of Education to postpone the grades’ release pending a review of that formula. Yet, while at least six Board of Education members expressed reservations about the formula, its chairman – Tim Carter, superintendent of Yavapai County schools – said he was under pressure by the governor and the State Legislature to have a grading system released as soon as possible. And in a press release issued Sept. 27, state board members gave no indication that the grades were only preliminary, saying the grading system had received “national recognition” and “is being heralded by local leaders because it quickly highlights schools that could use addi-

tional support. The release also quoted Carter as saying, “Arizona’s new transparent A-F system has clear objectives and metrics that focus less on the results of one test, but place a greater emphasis on student growth.” That emphasis on growth is one of the problems with the formula, Vesely asserted, noting it “places a much higher value on growth than it does on proficiency.” “This makes it difficult for the public to draw conclusions about whether the school is performing to expectations that students meet grade level expectations,” she said, adding: “The current formula’s growth measure is that of Student Growth Percentiles. It is not a measurement of individual growth nor is it a measurement of a student’s progress in meeting grade level standards.” She also noted that the formula gives more weight to students deemed minimally or partially proficient than it does to those considered proficient or highly proficient. “The formula gives growth almost twice the weight of proficiency, thereby diluting the message of accountability for schools that are indeed meeting high levels of success,” Vesely said. “Leaders at many high-achieving schools – both district schools and charter schools – strongly believe that when proficiency is low, growth should be given more weight, but when proficiency is high, growth should be given less weight. That would be a truly fair solution that considers each of the many types of schools in our state.” Meanwhile, it may be months before parents and educators have any idea what grade any school in Arizona ultimately will get. Its memo to school districts said it would wait until December to “provide policy and technical guidance to the (technical advisory committee) for modeling needed to finalize” the grading formula and release final grades sometime after that.

Grading system hearings

he state Board of Education said it would hear public comment on its preliminary grading system at the following times at its offices, 1700 W. Washington St., Executive Tower Suite 300, Phoenix. However, because it issued no news release announcing the dates, people may want to call the board first at 602-542-5057 Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 12 and 13. 9 a.m.-noon on Oct. 16, 24, 27, 30 and 31. Noon-5 p.m. Nov. 6.

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Awesome South Mountain views from desirable single level split plan. 4 br, 3 ba with 2,945 sq. ft. Updated kitchen features granite countertops with stone backsplash, island, breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances and 42" maple cabinetry with pullouts. Resort-style backyard with covered patio, flagstone, Pebble Tec pool with waterfall, spa, fireplace, fire pit and lush tropical landscaping.

Beautiful hillside lot. 5 br plus loft, 3.5 ba with 3,887 sq. ft. Dramatic entrance with upgraded lighting. Spacious family room with fireplace that opens to a large kitchen with an island. Downstairs master suite features a sitting room and new tile in the bathroom. 2013 remodeled Pebble Tec pool and tile with privacy and view of gorgeous hillside preserve.

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Enjoy the serenity of waterfront living in Ahwatukee from this gorgeous home. 5 br, 3 ba with 3,650 sq. ft. Spacious eat-in kitchen features refinished white cabinetry with custom rubbed bronze hardware, island and Sub-Zero refrigerator. Upstairs master suite boasts French doors to view balcony, updated bathroom plus large walk-in closet. Resort-style backyard with pool, BBQ, lush landscaping, custom dock fence and boat that conveys.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

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Ahwatukee Custom Estates Listed for

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State Senate committee investigating anti-voucher lawmaker’s actions BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

he Senate Ethics Committee voted last week to investigate whether a Democrat lawmaker broke the law in how she gathered signatures to thwart expansion of the voucher program that lets parents use public dollars to send their children to private and parochial schools. In a party-line vote, the Republican-controlled panel concluded there is enough evidence in allegations against Sen. Catherine Miranda of Phoenix that she violated state election laws to warrant a further look. But they agreed to postpone further action against her – including the possibility of recommending she be expelled from the Senate – until the Attorney General’s Office looks into the issue. The vote came over the objections of Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Phoenix, who called the hearing a “dog and pony show,’’ with the GOP lawmakers having already made up their minds ahead of time. Sen. Steve Montenegro, R-Litchfield Park, acknowledged that he had motions to pursue the investigation already prepared before the meeting. Tom Ryan, Miranda’s attorney, said he sees something more sinister behind the investigation, which was triggered by a complaint by a supporter of universal vouchers. “This is payback,’’ he said after the hearing, saying Republicans and other supporters of universal vouchers want to punish Miranda for refusing to vote to expand the program. And Ryan said if the committee intends to have a hearing, he will present evidence that this is an organized political attack. “We’re going to be issuing subpoenas ourselves. We’re going to be hiring a private investigator,’’ he said. “And we’re going to get to the very bottom of what the hell’s going on here because I’m not

GOT NEWS?

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com

going to let Sen. Miranda be railroaded like this.’’ The complaint is based on posts on social media showing Miranda holding up a referendum petition to block the voucher expansion until voters get a chance to have their say in November 2018. The picture shows there already were several signatures on the sheet. What it also shows is that Miranda had not filled in a box on the petition signifying whether she was collecting them as a volunteer or paid circulator. What makes that significant is state election law requires that box be checked before any signatures are gathered. And violations are a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail. Ryan did not dispute that the box was not filled out. But he said anything his client did was unintentional, questioning why the Republicans are pursuing the matter – a matter that ultimately could allow the full Senate to vote to expel her. “This is using a thermonuclear bomb to wipe out a gnat,’’ he said. The complaint comes as the Secretary of State’s Office said foes of expanding the voucher program have gathered more than enough signatures to force a public vote. At issue is a change in existing law which now limits taxpayer-provided vouchers to students in special circumstances, like having disabilities or attending schools graded D or F. The new law, if it takes effect, would eliminate all preconditions, though a political compromise caps the number of vouchers at about 30,000 by 2023. In the meantime, voucher supporters are going are going to court in December in a bid to have many of the signatures declared invalid. And their legal complaint involves various alleged violations of election laws, including those like the one of which Miranda is accused.

OCTOBER 11, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

Even lizards can’t stop South Mountain Freeway, ADOT says AFN News Staff

ome lizards living around Pecos Road apparently won’t have to wait for a federal appeals court ruling on efforts to stop the South Mountain Freeway. The Arizona Department of Transportation hunted down chuckwallas and gave them new homes. Dozens of the reptiles, including orange-tailed males that ADOT called unique to the South Mountain Preserve, were relocated not far from their home but out of the freeway path. “With the work that we are doing in collaboration with our partners, we believe the chuckwalla population will continue to thrive in the area surrounding the South Mountain Freeway,” said ADOT biologist Kris Gade in a release. ADOT said biologists dressed in hiking gear “searched crannies along ridges in the southwest corner of the South Mountain Park/Preserve” and have so far relocated 120 chuckwallas, which can grow to more than 15 inches long. “While most animals flee when threatened, chuckwallas wedge themselves deep in cracks between rocks,” ADOT explained. A three-judge panel for the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco will hear arguments in the case on Oct. 19. In that case, the Ahwatukee-based Protect Arizona’s Resources and Children and the Gila River Indian Community are appealing a federal judge’s July 2016 ruling that allowed ADOT to begin Arizona’s most expensive highway project in history. The 22-mile, eight-lane freeway, which will cost $1.7 billion, will allow I-10 traffic to bypass downtown Phoenix by going through South Mountain and connecting the freeway interchanges in Chandler and West Phoenix.

(ADOT)

An ADOT biologist hunts down chuckwallas in the path of the South Mountain Freeway.

A biologist for the Arizona Department of Transportation measures one of the chuckwallas rescued from the South Mountain Freeway’s path.

PARC and Native Americans contend the lower-court judge erred by not ordering ADOT to perform more detailed environmental studies of the freeway’s health impact on Ahwatukee and reservation residents as well as thousands of children attending 17 schools near its path. “Relocating chuckwallas is just one example of ADOT’s environmental stewardship during construction of the South Mountain Freeway,” ADOT said in a release. It said biologists are also tracking movements of desert tortoises in the segment where the freeway will pass through the preserve,” and working with wildlife rehabilitators as needed to relocate burrowing owls and other wildlife that may be disturbed by construction.” Teams of four to eight biologists “made multiple passes, looking deep into crevices in the rocks with flashlights,” the agency said. “If a lizard was spotted, the biologists

would first attempt to grab it with their gloved hands before the chuckwalla could dive deeper into a crack. If the chuckwalla wiggled too deeply into a narrow crack, it sometimes required multiple biologists to move the rock with a pry bar while another made the capture.” Before their release, the chuckwallas were weighed and measured, and their feet were tagged with white paint, ADOT said, adding: “In addition, 15 chuckwallas were fitted with radio telemetry harnesses so biologists can track their movements. And all got a tiny transponder tag inserted beneath their skin to help biologists identify them during future surveys.” “The Arizona Game and Fish Department routinely works with ADOT to minimize wildlife impacts by highway construction projects,” said Daniel Leavitt, the Arizona Game and Fish Department herpetologist who led the department’s chuckwalla efforts.

“That is why it is key to learn what we can about chuckwallas that may impacted by this project and safely relocate them to a new area nearby. Data collected during this partnership will be used to assist in decisions to help conserve and protect chuckwallas and other wildlife near the Loop 202 extension in the future.”

Rate freeway work The Arizona Department of Transportation and developer Connect202Partners want to know what you think so far about how they’re doing in construction of the South Mountain Freeway. Respondents have until Sunday, Oct. 15, to fill out an online survey at https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/SMFQ2Survey.

Weekend bus ridership increases in Ahwatukee, city says AFN News Staff

reater frequency and expanded hours have increased weekend ridership on a primary bus route for Ahwatukee. Ridership on the Route 108 48th Street/Elliot Road increased 25 percent on the weekends between January and

August, the Phoenix Public Transit Department reported last week. “This is most likely attributed to the added frequency on the weekends, from every one hour to a trip every 30 minutes. The longer service days definitely help too,” said Lars Jacoby, an Ahwatukee resident and spokesman for the department.

Bus ridership overall in Phoenix was up 6.1 percent from January through August over last year as a result of improvements made possible by the voter-approved Phoenix Transportation 2050 (T2050) plan, the city said in a release. In October 2016, frequency improvements were added to all local routes in

Phoenix and service was expanded three hours every day, which allowed bus and Dial-a-Ride to match light rail hours Monday through Thursday. The single biggest monthly increase came in May, when ridership jumped 10.8 percent over May 2016, the city said. Phoenix had over four million transit riders in March.

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OCTOBER 11, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

State court slaps down gag order on ‘smart meters’ health study BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Sedona resident is going to get his chance to prove state utility regulators illegally withheld information about a study of the health effects of “smart’’ meters. In a ruling last week, the state Court of Appeals said Warren Woodward is entitled to have a judge determine whether the Arizona Corporation Commission acted improperly in refusing to disclose some details. Attorneys for the regulators claimed a variety of reasons for denying access to documents. including that some would disclose the “state of mind’’ of those writing it. Judge Diane Johnsen, writing for the unanimous three-judge panel, said Woodward may be legally entitled to share what he already knows of the information he was initially denied when a trial judge told him he had to keep to himself. That could undermine public confidence in the commission’s decision to allow utilities to effectively force the

radio-transmitting electric meters onto their customers. What Woodward found, according to court documents obtained by Capitol Media Services, was evidence that commission staffers may have had input into what was supposed to be an independent investigation by the Department of Health Services into whether the meters – and the radio emissions they make – can affect residents of the homes where they are installed. “Remarkably, the head of the ADHS responded that he knew ‘intuitively’ that ‘smart’ meters were safe. So much for objective science. The ADHS study went downhill from there.” Woodward said in an open letter to media organizations. Woodward said he has other evidence the health department study may have been skewed because of commission influence. “ACC had their fingerprints all over this study from beginning to end,’’ he said. Commission spokeswoman Holly Ward declined to discuss any specifics. She said her agency will await some direction from the Yavapai County

Superior Court judge who now gets to decide what more Woodward can make public and whether the commission acted illegally in keeping from him in the first place. Central to the legal fight are questions about meters that provide a utility with regular updates via radio signals of each customer’s usage. Most major electric companies use them as an alternative to having staffers go out and physically read the meter. In fact, the commission has said utilities can charge an additional monthly fee to those customers who have health concerns and want to opt out. In a 2014 report for the commission, the health department found there are studies that show radio frequencies might affect human physiology. “However, these studies cannot conclude that the cellular changes necessarily lead to disease,’’ the report says. Woodward then sought records on the study, including communications among commissioners, staffers and the health department. Some of what the commission provided him had multiple words, sentences and, in some cas-

es, even pages blacked out. When he filed suit, Jeffrey Paupore, an acting judge in Yavapai County, decided to review the undredacted version of the records. He also gave a copy to Woodward so he could make his arguments about why he was entitled to the information. Paupore eventually ruled that since Woodward got the information, the lawsuit was moot – though he barred Woodward from distributing what he had. Johnsen, in Tuesday’s ruling, said Paupore had no right to issue such a blanket restraining order. “A prior restraint is the most serious and least tolerable infringement on First Amendment rights,’’ she wrote. She said Paupore made no findings to support his order. Tuesday’s ruling now requires Paupore to consider both whether the commission improperly withheld public documents in the first place – a finding that could force the commission to pay all of Woodward’s out-of-pocket costs – as well as the validity of the gag order.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

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OCTOBER 11, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

WATER

from page 1

Dozens of homeowners in recent weeks have reported huge spikes in water consumption for one month, most typically July. They also insist they checked for leaks and found none. While Councilman Sal DiCiccio is setting up a town hall meeting with Water Services for possibly later this month, department spokeswoman Stephanie Bracken announced it is “pulling a random sample of customers in Ahwatukee.” “We will check their consumption for any unusual variances that might indicate a leak or other type of problem. We will also then go out and do a field check to make sure that the manual meter read matches the electronic read. Last, we will double-check the amount billed against the meter reads for this random sample,” she said, adding: “Using this technique, we should be able to spot any meter or billing-related problems if they exist. This process will not involve or inconvenience any customers. We will share the results at the community meeting.” The furor began after Susan Manolis, wife of Foothills Gateway board vice president Steve Manolis, reported the HOA’s meter problem. Soon complaints poured into Ahwatukee social media sites and AFN about similarly high readings for one month. Swanson had agreed to meet with several HOA board members and their landscaper at the meter location after they complained of the shabby treatment they received when they first went to City Hall to talk with someone in the department’s billing division. Swanson explained how the city’s 430,000 so-called “smart” meters work and how there are “really only two parts” that would be subject to breaking down. The city just this summer completed an eight-year project to replace all its analog meters with an Automated Meter Reading System at a cost of $28.8 million. The project aimed to improve meter reading accuracy and reduce payroll. “In 2004, the city employed approximately 65 full-time Meter Operations employees,” Bracken explained. “Today, after the conversion to Automated Meter Reading (AMR) the city employs nine, which represents a significant increase in efficiency. In addition, AMR readings ensure Water Services accomplishes a 99.9 percent meter-read accuracy, compared to a 97 percent average read accuracy when the city used manual reads.” Bracken also said the meters have only

a .03 percent failure rate. Swanson took the occasion of his meeting in Foothills Gateway to explain how the Badger meters record the volume of water used and how the Itron Encoder Receiver Transmitter relays that data to a Water Services employee who drives by the meter location once a month. “There are really only two parts that can break from a metering perspective,” Swanson said, pointing to the register that records the volume and a cup with a magnet on top that turns as water flows through the meter. As the magnet turns, it moves the dial on the register. “Meters don’t suddenly speed up,” he said. “Our meters can’t do that. When they fail, they usually fail in the customer’s favor.” He also focused heavily on how a break in an irrigation line or some other malfunction in the system can trigger a high bill. “When irrigation systems fail, a ton of water can be used,” he said. “In the home ,there are not many things that use a lot of water.” He added, however, that an open toilet flapper can trigger a high volume of water use without a homeowner not necessarily noticing it for a while. But Swanson conceded such breaks don’t explain a one-month spike in consumption. The only explanation he could offer: a particle of sand could get stuck in the valve through which water flows into the meter and eventually get dislodged, explaining why water consumption would soar and then fall back to normal. Both DiCiccio and Swanson are asking consumers with problems to contact the,. DiCiccio is asking consumers who have received a mysteriously high bill to go to payonline.phoenix.gov and download their last 24 months of usage and billing information and email it to his office at council.district.6@phoenix.gov. He has posted instructions on retrieving this information, but advised people to call his office at 602-262-7491 if they need help. Swanson said it does little good for consumers with a problem to just air their grievances on social media. “What we’re trying to tell people is that when they’re on social media, we can’t do much. If you have an issue, you need to call us,” he said. Customers can contact the department at cityservicesbill@phoenix.gov or 602262-6251. Steve Manolis was satisified that Swanson tried to find the problem. “Everything you’ve said is logical,” he told Swanson. “It’s logical to the point where what happened doesn’t make sense.”

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

Dog’s slasher a time bomb, police fear BY JIM WALSH AFN Staff Writer

highly skilled surgeon with the Arizona Humane Society’s Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital saved Panda, a pit bull mix, after Chandler police found her with a deep, nearly fatal slash to her throat. Now, authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying Panda’s attacker, a man who may be a time bomb, likely to have harmed people in the past and a threat to do so in the future. Alison Ferrante, an assistant Mesa city prosecutor, cites a strong body of studies showing the link between animal abuse and violent crime, including domestic violence and murder. Several notorious serial killers are known to have abused pets. Ferrante, Chandler police Sgt. Dan Mejia and Humane Society spokesman Bretta Nelson all say whomever attacked Panda to within an inch of her life is a dangerous person. They know this person needs to be identified and prosecuted. They are asking for the public’s help, with clues about the attacker’s identity very limited. “That’s really sadistic behavior, to do

that to a dog,” Ferrante said. “It’s a huge red flag.” Ferrante, who has experience handling animal abuse and domestic violence cases, said it is likely the person who slashed Panda has either harmed a human being already in a violent crime or eventually will do so if not apprehended. Ferrante said animal abuse manifests itself as part of the power and control motivations of domestic abusers because they know their victims have a close bond with pet dogs and cats. That close bond represents another powerful way to manipulate a victim. The domestic abuser might say, “If you don’t come back to me, I’m going to kill your pet,” Ferrante said. “It’s a means of control, to get that person to stay.” A series of studies build a strong link between animal abuse and violent crime, according to a fact sheet distributed at a press conference. Among the conclusions are that 71 percent of domestic violence victims reported that the abuser also targeted their pet, that 39 percent of battered women delay in leaving a violent home because of concern for a pet, and an estimated 1 million an-

imals are abused or killed each year as an element of domestic violence. In a 2014 study that outlined the links between animal abuse and violent crimes, Allie Phillips, director of the National Center for Prosecution of Animal Abuse, wrote: “In its simplest form, violence to animals is a predictor that the abuser may become violent to people, and vice versa. Abuse is abuse no matter what the form or whom the victim,” she wrote. “When someone harms an animal, the important question to ask is, ‘Who will be next?’ Crimes against people are tied to a myriad of crimes against animals.” Mejia said the person responsible for nearly killing Panda deserves punishment, but he knows that this person is also likely capable of even more serious crimes. “It does worry us. If someone did this to this dog, what are they capable of doing to someone else?” Mejia said. Mejia said Panda’s original owner gave her to another man at Espee Park in Chandler sometime between Sept. 8 and Sept. 11. Police are working to identify that person and to arrest him on charges related to animal abuse.

(Arizona Humane Society)

Panda is recovering from having her throat slashed. Police say her original owner gave her to another man at Espee Park in Chandler sometime between Sept. 8 and Sept. 11.

“Investigators have ruled out Panda’s injuries were caused by another animal and believe her throat was intentionally cut with a sharp object,” Mejia wrote. Mejia said the dog’s original owner told detectives that a skater at the park complimented him on the dog, and he imSee

PANDA on page 19

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mediately gave that person the dog. The suspected animal abuser is described only as a 5-foot-10-inch Hispanic male in his late 20s or early 30s, leaving police with the need to develop more leads. “Panda is extremely lucky to be alive,” said Bretta Nelson, an Arizona Humane Society spokeswoman. “We do see our fair share of gruesome cases.” Nelson said 9,000 animal patients are treated each year at the emergency trauma center. Some are intentionally abused, like Panda, while others are victims of acci-

dents, such as being hit by a car or getting stuck in a canal. Panda’s injury is among the worst encountered by animals whose lives have been saved, she said, with the cut only millimeters from her jugular vein. The deep cut already was infected and had be treated before surgery was performed by Dr. Melissa Thompson. After her hour-long surgery, Panda’s behavior showed no signs that she had been attacked. Rather than acting skittish or becoming withdrawn, Panda was wagging her tail and kissing her caregivers. Nelson said Panda was fitted with a turtleneck to cover her neck and her wound

so that she would not rip out her stitches. A conventional plastic collar, the kind that can make dogs look comical after surgery, would have irritated the stitches. Panda’s condition was stabilized medically and she is now recovering at one of the Humane Society’s “foster hero homes,’’ where volunteers care for animals recovering from surgery. Nelson said the Humane Society’s team of a dozen emergency animal medical technicians respond to about 12,000 calls a year, half of them involving suspected animal cruelty. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell if the injury is from an accident or intentional because of a lack of

witnesses. “This dog deserves so much. She’s so sweet,’’ Nelson said. “The prognosis is very, very good. We’re so lucky that this little Panda girl gets a second chance.” Anyone with information about the attack on Panda is asked to call Chandler police at 480-782-4130 or the Silent Witness Program at 480-948-6377. A $2,000 reward has been posted by Silent Witness and the Arizona Humane Society for information leading to the arrest or indictment of a suspect. – Reach Jim Walsh at 480-898-5639 or at jwalsh@timespublications.com.

After 100 years, LDS moving away from Boy Scouts BY JESSICA SURIANO AFN Contributor

tarting Jan. 1, 2018, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will stop chartering the Venturing and Varsity programs of Boy Scouts of America for young men in the church ages 14 to 18, and will create a new faith-focused program instead. The new program’s objectives outlined by a press release from the LDS church

in May are to teach the young boys and men to “magnify their priesthood duties and preparing to fulfill their divine roles.” The church’s decision is a significant one, considering the partnership between the BSA and LDS church is over a century old, and it comes about two years after the BSA’s executive board decision to admit openly gay leaders. In July 2015, an official statement released by the church stated it was “deeply troubled” by the decision.

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“The Church has always welcomed all boys to its Scouting units regardless of sexual orientation,” the statement said. “However, the admission of openly gay leaders is inconsistent with the doctrines of the Church and what have traditionally been the values of the Boy Scouts of America.” However, Brent Stapley, the Mesa district commissioner for the Varsity BSA program, said the decision to discontinue chartering Varsity and Venturing pro-

grams had “nothing to do with that.” Instead, he said the church recognized that the majority of the programs were not effectively implemented in their communities and therefore were unable to meet the educational needs of the youths in the target age group. Stapley said adult leaders for the two programs are supposed to meet in what is called a “huddle” to discuss whether

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the programs are meeting the youths’ needs, and if they aren’t, what should be changed. While the Mesa district was one of the few that was able to effectively implement the programs with consistent adult leadership meetings, he said, the majority of other districts did not. Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops for younger boys and girls will still be chartered through the LDS church, and the release states that youths ages 14 to 18 are still encouraged and able to pursue the highest possible ranking, Eagle Scout or Queen Scout. According to the most recent annual report available from 2016, BSA serves 822,999 boys ages 11 to 17 in Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts, 136,629 boys and girls ages 14 to 20 in Venturing and Sea Scout programs and 119,268 boys and girls ages 10 to 20 in career-based programs. Last year, the scouting and explorer programs recorded more than 15.4 million hours of community service. Two of the most popular activities programs provided by the Venturing and Varsity programs might still be offered in the future for youths. The “Mountain Man Rendezvous” and “Operation On-Target,” Stapley said, bring hun-

dreds of youths together, both LDS or otherwise, and are considered enormous growth and learning opportunities. Even kids from Utah and California have traveled to participate in them. The Mountain Man Rendezvous allows boys to participate in activities such as mapping, shooting practice and archery during a three-day camping trip, according to Stapley. Operation On-Target is an activity where kids practice signaling with mirrors after climbing to a mountaintop. They also can learn radio communication, wilderness survival and GPS navigation. Stapley said keeping these programs available is still “in the planning stages.” Tanner D’Elia, a junior public health student at the University of Arizona, has attained the Eagle Scout ranking, which he said is awarded only after a scout completes a personal service project in addition to other service hours, earns merit badges and attends a certain number of camping trips. When he is home in Phoenix, he attends camping trips in the scouting programs as an adult leader. D’Elia said he thinks the Varsity and Venturing programs offer older boys a great opportunity to “hone down their camping skills,” although he has only attended one outing with these programs. “I think it’s a great program for boys

all over the country regardless of religion or faith because I have a variety of religious faiths and beliefs that I don’t think ever once did they come up in conflict in Boy Scouts,” he said. “We were there to be out camping, learning new skills and enjoying the outdoors rather than being a religious experience.” Round Table Commissioner for the Mesa BSA Varsity program Wayne Lines said he was “really disappointed” about the Church’s decision to discontinue the chartering of Venturing and Varsity programs of LDS youth. “Outside of the Mesa district, other districts in the church struggle, and struggled all these years with learning how to involve their adult leaders and involve the boys in these activities,” Lines said. “I don’t know why they don’t follow our lead and learn from us, but they don’t and haven’t, and consequently because they’ve been struggling, they’ve decided that they’re going to try a different direction and drop scouting the BSA enrollment for the 14- to 18-year-old boys.” In January, BSA announced the organization also would allow transgender children to participate in its programs. In response to whether the church’s decision was made partly because of the amended policies on openly gay and transgender leaders and scouts, the re-

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The “Mountain Man Rendezvous” allows Scouts to participate in activities such as mapping, shooting and archery during a three-day camping trip.

lease said, “The BSA has always allowed the church to operate its programs in ways that are consistent with our standards and beliefs, and they have been very supportive. This change is to address the needs of young men ages 14 to 18. The church is always evaluating what is best for our youth and families, and will continue to do so.” Ahwatukee!

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Toads present a challenge to Ahwatukee dog owners BY KELLY ATHENA AFN Contributor

ou never know what you’ll find at your doorstep when you live on the edge of the wild Sonoran Desert – like toads that are toxic to dogs. Don Calo of Club West found a Sonoran Desert toad when he returned home from walking his dog one evening. He knew they were toxic to dogs so he kept his pet far from the amphibian. Aimee Godding just moved to Club West and found two Sonoran Desert toads in her pool. You can discourage toads from entering your pool by putting some salt into a spray bottle of white vinegar. Then spray it all around the cool deck surrounding the edges of your pool. It will burn the toad’s feet when they touch it and they’ll turn away from your pool. Increasing the chlorination by 25 percent also deters the toads. You could also use a solar pool cover to act as a barrier to the toad, which do not like warm water. Keep your pool light turned off at night, as it attracts toads and the insects they like to eat. If your dog or cat does catch a toad, get it out of the pet’s mouth immediate-

for vitals and can give a sedative to the pet to keep its heart rate under control. Most of the toad-affected dogs come from edges of the city, including Ahwatukee and Chandler. Cheri Fromm of the Quail Sanctuary of Ahwatukee Foothills has had a fat Desert Sonoran Toad living in her yard for five (Kelly Athena/AFN Contributor) years. Cheri Fromm of the Quail Sanctuary of Ahwatukee holds a toad that has lived The toad in her backyard for five years and that weighs 28 ounces and measures seven emerges in June inches long. after a monsoon ly. The closest 24-hour emergency veteri- rain and can be found on a boulder catchnarian center is 1st Pet Emergency Vet in ing insects. Or it goes “puddle-soaking” Chandler. on her back patio when she sprays the paMattie Taylor of 1st Pet Emergency Vet tio with her hose. said she saw about 15 dogs come in this The toad flattens out like a pancake year from toad encounters. There is no in the shallow water, absorbing water anti-venom available, but the vet checks through its skin. She weighed in the toad

at 28 ounces, almost two pounds. Its length is seven inches. Each summer after a particularly heavy monsoon storm, the toad disappears for a week, presumably to mate and lay eggs. The toad must especially favor Fromm’s moist yard because it rattles the gate when it turns sideways and squeezes a leg, then a head, then its body through the one-inch opening. In October, the toad buries itself under a mock orange bush and doesn’t emerge until June. Cheri has no pool or dogs so her yard is a perfect sanctuary location for toads. She has offered to take any toads or toad eggs from people’s pools or yards if they are trying to get rid of them. Many Ahwatukee swimming pools were accidental hosts to the Sonoran Desert toad this summer during the monsoon rains. Long, gelatinous tubes filled with black eggs appeared in some pools. The mating season runs from May through September, coinciding with the monsoons. The pool chemicals prevent the toads from releasing toxins into the water so they are not harmful and are actually benSee

TOADS on page 22

BASIS Ahwatukee thespians ready for 25-act show AFN News Staff

ow do you celebrate the induction of your classmates into the International Thespian Society? BASIS Ahwatukee students will put the answer on stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, when 41 students present 25 acts on stage at the school theater, 10210 S. 50th Place, Ahwatukee. “We have six group numbers, five duet scenes and songs and 13 solos,” said drama teacher Helen O’Connell, adding: “The students in our Musical Theater class and International Thespian Society

chose songs and scenes that were exciting and inspiring to them.” The students chose a solo, duet, monologue or scene to perform, creating a showcase for them and their talent. “I have one group singing ‘Luck Be a Lady’ from the musical ‘Guys and Dolls’ and another group is doing ‘I Feel Pretty’ from ‘West Side Story’ and another group is doing a scene from Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet.’” The students began rehearsals about seven weeks ago and “are dedicated to See

THESPIANS on page 23

(Special to AFN)

BASIS Ahwatukee thespians are preparing to present 25 different acts in “The ITS Show,” which they will present Oct. 20.

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TOADS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

from page 21

eficial in getting rid of unwanted flying and crawling insects. They will drown in the pool unless the owner places a branch or palm frond leading from the top step of the pool onto dry ground, creating a toad bridge. Or you can remove them with a pool net and put them in a bucket before contacting the Quail Sanctuary to get them to a safe place. Mona and Henry Sivinski have lived in Ahwatukee for 20 years. They both work in management at nearby Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino. They take their two dogs on a walk every evening, 365 days a year, rain or shine. One evening last month, their high-spirited rescue dog, Marshall, sensed a toad beneath a bush in the common area of their neighborhood. He grabbed it and immediately began frothing at the mouth. Mona wiped out Marshall’s mouth, tongue, and roof of the mouth with her shirt and hurried home. Then she wiped out his mouth with a wet cloth. She googled what to do, and found that the dog needs to have his mouth washed out with a hose or sprayer from back to front so he doesn’t swallow the

(Kelly Athena/AFN Contributor)

Mona and Henry Sivinski, 20-year residents of Ahwatukee, had to take emergency measures when their larger dog, Marshall, came in contact with a toxic toad.

toxins. So, she sprayed Marshall’s mouth out from the side of his face so he wouldn’t swallow anything. The mixed-breed dog was shaking all over, his eyes wild. In a half-hour, Marshall was back to normal with no ill effects. He was more fortunate than some dogs who did not live to bark about it. The toad is docile, shy, and passive. It will not attack people or animals other than the insects it eats.

But if a dog is curious and likes to explore, it may find a toad, especially in a wet area hidden under greenery. With 50 times a human’s sense of scent, keener vision and sharper hearing, dogs are excellent at sensing activity in their environment. Later, the area under the oleander bush was found to have a leaky emitter that made a wet area that attracted the toad. Time to contact the homeowners’ association.

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Robinson Dog Training of Mesa is the only local pet trainer that teaches dogs to avoid the Sonoran Desert toad. He uses a shock collar to stimulate the dog within one-half second of seeing the toad. Trainer Louis Robinson, a former bomb dog handler, founded his pet service in 2007 after serving in the Air Force. He teaches dogs to avoid rattlesnakes and he can add toad training for the “toadal” training experience. The Desert Sonoran toad is the largest toad indigenous to the U.S. It originates in southeastern California, the southern half of Arizona, and Sonora, Mexico. People have been known to collect the toad’s venom, dry it and smoke it for a euphoric high, though that is an illegal activity. Raccoons know to pull a toad from a pond by the toad’s leg and then turn it belly up to eat it so they don’t touch its upper green skin, white warts or glands, which all contain the venom. If you’re stepping outside in the evening, it’s a good habit to stomp your feet loudly before and after you exit to avoid an encounter with wildlife – javelinas, raccoons, coyotes, snakes, bobcats, or the Sonoran Desert toad, just a few of the animals with which we share this beautiful sliver of the world. More information at CactusKelly.com.

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Altadena Middle School students leading the drive to help people in Sudan are, from left, Juliana Ruter, Lexi Schreiner, Callie Shoemaker, Mikaela Salazar and Leila Fulton.

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Altadena students hold walking fundraiser to help the Sudanese

ltadena Middle School seventh‑graders walked around the school track to raise money for poverty-stricken Sudan. Their fundraiser was prompted by their reading of “A Long Walk to Water,” about a lost boy from South Sudan who became successful and returned to help build wells in villages to supply then with clean drinking water. In the story, a little girl must walk half the morning to fetch water to drink then walk home with it in the heat and

barefoot. “Our seventh-graders are attempting to emulate what is like to be like the character while raising money for villages in South Sudan,” said English teacher Christine Badgley The girls carried two gallons of water and walked as many laps as sponsors donated money for. They met their goal of $1,000 and appeared likely to raise more. Badgely’s advisory class took the lead role in organizing the fundraiser. Information: waterforsouthsudan.org/

THESPIANS

focusing on the acting.” “We have a dedicated technical theater crew who programs all the lights and sound for the performance.” She said. “These students work together to ensure the best quality performance for our audience.” BASIS Ahwatukee chartered its first International Thespian Society troupe last year. High school students who have dedicated at least 100 hours to performance are eligible for induction into the troupe. Middle school students who have dedicated 50 hours or more are eligible for induction into the junior troupe. Next week’s production includes 23 high schoolers, and 12 junior members as well as six junior alumni participating in the show. “The International Thespian Society was founded in 1929 as an honorary organization for high school and middle school theater students in some 4,200 schools around the world. Tickets are $5 at the door.

from page 21

producing a high-quality show.” “In addition to our class rehearsals – the musical theater class meets every day for 50 minutes – students have been practicing during their lunch hour, and after school,” she said. The most challenging is the show’s final number, “Revolting Children,” from the musical “Matilda.” “The choreography for this number is intense, and was created and taught by one of our eighth-grade students, Kate Christian,” O'Connell said, adding the whole cast's love for theater is intense. “Most students chose to do multiple numbers, for example a solo, duet, and the full group number. There were definitely a few conversations about how much time these numbers would take, but the students all rose to the occasion.” O’Connell said that the production required so much study that “we try to keep sets and costumes minimal, while

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Abandoned dog, cat hope to find homes in Ahwatukee AFN News Staff

homeless dog and cat are looking for Ahwatukee masters to take care of them. Jenny Bernot of Arizona Rescue said Nadia, a 6-year-old basenji/whippet mix, and an orange cat named Dru will make fun pets for the right families. “Nadia is a friendly gal that loves attention from her people and enjoys cuddling,” Bernot said. Stating Nadia loves to play, Bernot said the dog “will make a beeline for the toy box, removing all of the contents” and will keep a toy in her mouth until someone will play fetch with her. “Nadia adores a challenging tug-ofwar match,” she said, adding that she gets along well with other dogs and even cats and that she “loves to sunbathe, bird watch and eat treats. “She likes to push couch pillows on the floor into a pile that she can roll around in and when she wants to go to sleep, she’s been known to put herself to bed in her kennel,” she said. As for Dru, Bernot said, “He is shy at first, but once comfortable, he loves attention and becomes a total lap cat with the loudest purr motor you’ve ever heard.” “He also enjoys having his beautiful coat brushed,” she said, noting that the year-old feline “enjoys playing with wand toys and chasing just about any type of ball or stuffed toy that you toss across the room for him.” “Dru is a good eater, probably due to his time as a stray when he wasn’t sure where he would find his next meal,” Bernot said, calling Dru “very comfortable with the notion of sharing your lap with another kitty” and “an absolute joy.” Prospective owners interested in either animal can apply for ownership at azrescue.org.

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Businesses can still sign up for Ahwatukee cornhole contest AFN News Staff

hwatukee business still have a chance to sign up for the debut of what organizers hope will be an annual cornhole competition. The Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center and the Ahwatukee Board of Management are hosting the popular beanbag-tossing competition 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 at Ahwatukee Park, 4700 E. Warner Road. About two dozen businesses went the extra mile for the charity benefit by shelling out $400 for personalized cornhole boards that they will be able to take with them and use for employee games. But businesses can still sign up two-member teams for $100 and test their arms for trophies while benefitting the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee Christmas drive for foster children and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy run by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber Foundation. The event is free for spectators, who can expect to find hot dogs, nachos and an assortment of beverages for sale. The Ahwatukee Business Cornhole Challenge replaces the Tukee Fest Rock-

in’ in the Park that ABM and the center had put on for nine years. “After nine years, we are putting Tukee Fest Rockin’ in the Park to rest,” Lisa Robinson, the center’s special events coordinator, said several months ago when she announced the new contest. Robinson said “expenses for this event just kept growing year after year,” so she and fellow organizers opted for a different, less expensive community event. The idea for cornhole came from the annual springtime Wags and Bags benefit, held at Ahwatukee Park, that raises money for a dog shelter. Robinson hopes to get 60 business teams out on the field Saturday. For a $100 registration fee, the team has a chance to win a free four-hour use of ABM’s new event center as well as a trophy. Trophies will be awarded to second and third-place winners as well. Businesses can contact Robinson at lrobinson@ahwatukeehoa.com or call 480-893-3431 ext 5 to sign up. “We love having events at our park, close to home and open for everyone in the community to enjoy, with friends, families, new friends,” Robinson said. “I am hoping for a fun afternoon with friendly competition.”

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In-school program helps children to cope with, understand cancer BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

hen the parents of a 5-yearold girl currently in treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia readied their daughter for kindergarten at Bright Beginnings School in Chandler, they were understandably concerned how she would be perceived and received by her peers. The family’s trepidation troubled their second-grade daughter, Paige, and they wondered how she, too, would handle questions about her sibling’s cancer. Enter H.O.P.E. – an interactive school program developed by the Children’s Cancer Network, a nonprofit based in Chandler and founded in 2005 by Jeff and Patti Luttrell whose son, now 29, was diagnosed in 1993 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). He was 5 when he was initially diagnosed. Growing up, he overcame other bouts of various cancers until age 25. More than two decades after the first diagnosis, Patti Luttrell’s voice breaks when she speaks of the experience, one that enables her empathy and concern for cancer patients, their siblings and their parents all the more authentic. “As you can imagine, when you first hear those words, ‘Your child has cancer,’ your whole world turns upside down,” she said. Helping schoolchildren better understand what cancer is, and is not, is the goal of the H.O.P.E. (Honoring Our

I wanted to present something to help ease the transition back for everyone,” said the mother, adding: “I was concerned about how Gwen’s peers would perceive her and treat her. I didn’t want her to be bullied or anxious about coming back with little or no hair or having other side effects from ongoing chemo. I didn’t want the other kids to be afraid to play with her.” She said she also wanted the students to realize the importance of personal hygiene “and (Special to AFN) keeping germs at The Children's Cancer Network has developed an interactive program for schools to help children understand what their bay.” cancer-stricken classmates are going through. “So, I worked Peers Everyday) program. teractive program, which includes two with the school, and they agreed to “Cancer is a scary word, and when specially created videos, was presented have the H.O.P.E. presentation,” she you throw in childhood cancer, its at both kindergarten and second-grade said. even scarier,” said Sharon Wozny, pro- classrooms this year at Bright BeginThe two videos and PowerPoint sesgram specialist at Children’s Cancer nings because the parents of the leuke- sions delivered between the showings Network who oversees the in-school mia patient heard about it from their help educate children and remind them programs that since June 2016 have interaction with Children’s Cancer their cancer patient peers are just kids reached more than 3,100 schoolchil- Network. like themselves – only going through dren statewide. “With Gwen returning to school afSee HOPE on page 28 The 55-minute age-appropriate in- ter a year off due to intense treatment,

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Las Vegas slaughter prompts 3 blood drives in Ahwatukee

Following an overwhelming response this week from blood donors across the nation to support victims of the Las Vegas shooting, the immediate blood needs have been met in Las Vegas. But since blood has a shelf life of just 42 days, United Blood Services is urging donors to make and keep blood donation appointments in the coming weeks to ensure that patients have an ample supply of lifesaving transfusions going into and through the winter holiday season. To make a donation appointment at one of the following Ahwatukee sites, go to BloodHero.com or call 1-877-827-4376). Donation sites and times are: Saturday, Oct. 14, 1-5 p.m., On the Border, 5005 E. Ray Road; Sunday, Oct. 22, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. and Wednesday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., LendSmart Mortgage, 10429 S. 51st St.

Public gathering place sought for Tukee Talks' next session

Organizers of Tukee Talks, the quarterly meeting

between police from South Mountain Precinct and Ahwatukee residents are looking for a free gather place for their next session in January. They need a place that can accommodate at least 100 people for the free public gathering. Contact: ahwatukeephxcrimewatch@gmail.com.

Annual hay ride, haunted house set at ABM swim-tennis center

The Ahwatukee Community Swim and Tennis Center’s 16th annual Haunted House and Hayride will be 6-9 p.m. Oct. 27–29 at 4700 E. Warner Road. A special time slot, 6–7:30 p.m., is designated as a “less scary” time for younger children. Concessions will be available. Admission is $9 for adults and $6 for kids 8 years and younger. Proceeds benefit the center’s youth programs and park improvements. Information: 480-893-3431.

Alzheimer’s benefit to be held at Foothills Montessori next week

A community sale to benefit the Alzheimer’s Asso-

ciation will be held 8:30-11:30 a.m. Oct. 21 at Foothills Montessori, 3221 E. Chandler Blvd. Items are being sought for donation and drop-off can be arranged by contacting Krystle at 480-7593810 or afm@ahwatukeefoothillsmontessori.com The school also is hosting its annual Fall Festival 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. This free family event features games, crafts, a snow slide and other activities. The school is accepting nonperishable food donations for St. Mary’s Food Bank at the festival. There will be a raffle for prizes that include gift certificates to local restaurants.

Tempe church invites Ahwatukee residents to Evening of Music

St. James Episcopal Church, 975 E. Warner Road, Tempe, is inviting Ahwatukee residents to its Evening of Music, featuring selections from England, Germany, Ireland, Hawaii and Mexico. The evening includes wine, cheese, fruit and assorted beverages, plus a silent auction and a dessert auction. A $10 donation to benefit St. James includes two beverages. Additional beverages are $3 each.

Tickets are available at the door or by calling 480345-2686.

Drive safety course for seniors focus on technology and safety

A Smart Driver Safety course providing seniors an opportunity to refresh their driving skills while learning about changes to road designs, intersections, and automobile technology will be held 9 a.m.- p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, and Dec. 1 at Generations Ahwatukee, 15815 S. 50th St. Attendees can get a certificate for discounted auto insurance. The cost is $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members. To register: Jane Simmers at 480710-7265 or janesimmers@gmail.com.

Simply A Cappella Women’s Chorus seeks new members

Simply A Capella Women’s Chorus is seeking women who like to sing harmony, carry a tune without See

AROUND on page 29

COMMUNITY

HOPE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

from page 27

some trying times that sometimes require particular cautions. Gwen’s mother, who requested thier surname not be used, commented that the first, cartoon-like video was especially relevant to the children and “didn’t focus on the negatives.” “H.O.P.E. was presented to the Kindergarten and second-grade classes. I attended both sessions, and while they were similar, each was tailored specifically for the appropriate age level,” she said. “I was really pleased with the program, and have heard back from parents that they appreciated it, too,” she added. “They learned you can’t catch cancer, and that the returning child is still themselves, even if they look a little different, tire easily or have shorter hair.” There are two videos used by H.O.P.E. for all ages: the animated one, and another profiling three pediatric cancer survivors, ages 8, 12 and 18 years, who candidly speak about their experiences transitioning back to school.

(Special for AFN)

Sharon Wozny is program specialist at Children’s Cancer Network.

“The first video is a quick draw teaching the facts of cancer in a way that is fun and easy to understand,” said said Wozny, who retired in 2013 after 30 years experience at Mesa Public School’s Taft Elementary. The children in the second video express why they find cancer “the worst,” including being too tired to play or hang out with friends, how a simple

cold – something others take in stride – can put them back in the hospital. It also teaches how children endure the teasing or stares when their hair is gone or their faces are puffed up by medication. “Their mantra is ‘I’m still me! Don’t forget about me! I still want to do what I used to!’” said Wozny. “I find all these children to be amazing. They’re warriors. They battle every day.” Following her retirement, Wozny began volunteering with Children’s Cancer Network and the American Cancer society until she was hired part-time as a CCN program specialist. The skills developed in her three decades of teaching now infuse her work as she presents the in-school programs. “The H.O.P.E program has three components – education, compassion and action,” said Wozny, who was one of the creators of the H.O.P.E. program, which received a grant from Fiesta Bowl Charities. “This program is there to help cancer survivors and their siblings as they transition back to school. It teaches facts, and helps dispel myths,” Wozny said, adding:

“Some children may worry its contagious. Others may have questions of their classmates like, ‘Why is your face so fat?’ after treatments, or ‘Is your cancer gone?’ or ‘Will your hair grow back?’. These are what we address in our classroom and school assembly talks and in our videos. Underlying it all are messages of empathy, kindness and compassion.” After working with CCN for three years, Wozny penned a book that helps siblings manage the range of emotions they may experience during the cancer experience. “Jamie’s Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling” follows 13-year-old Jamie after the diagnosis of cancer in her 10-year-old sister. It also addresses the confusion, worry and jealousy of the time parents spend with a stricken sibling. Information on the book, and the author, can be found at SiblingCancerBook.com. For more information on the H.O.P.E. program, or to schedule a school visit, contact Wozny at 480398-1564 or 480-703-6204. She can also be reached at Sharon.Wozny@ childrenscancernetwork.org.

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AROUND

from page 27

vibrato, perform some choreography and attend rehearsals. Simply A Cappella songs include a variety of show tunes, novelty numbers, holiday and patriotic. Since 1992 it has been performing for audiences in RV parks, retirement communities, churches and various venues. Rehearsals are on 7-10 p.m. Thursdays at the First United Methodist Church choir room, 15 E. lst Avenue, Mesa. Information: 480 807-0031.

Sunday concerts resume at Desert Foothills Park

Free concerts open to the public will be held the next three Sundays at 5 p.m. at Desert Foothills Park, South Desert Foothills Parkway at East Chandler Boulevard, Ahwatukee. Food trucks will be on the scene. The groups that will appear are: Outside the Line (Oct. 15), The Retro Connection (Oct. 22) and About Last Night (Oct. 29). Information: concertsinthepark. com.

Home-sales businesses helping families with dinners

Realtors and others connected with the homesales industry in Ahwatukee are sponsoring a shreda-thon to raise enough food for Thanksgiving meals for 300 families through the Kyrene Resource Center. The shred-a-thon will be 9-11 a.m. Oct. 21 at Kyrene Monte Vista Elementary, 15221 S. Ray Road, Ahwatukee, and sponsors are requesting at least one food item per box or bag of papers to be shredded. Requested items are cans of green beans, cranberry sauce, mushroom soup, yams or sweet potatoes and gravy; bags of marshmallows; and boxes of cornbread mix, mashed potatoes, stuffing, biscuits or dessert.

Ahwatukee Nutcracker tickets have gone on sale

Tickets are now on sale for the 18th annual Ahwatukee Nutcracker, which will be presented at 2 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17 and at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 at Desert Vista High School’s theater auditorium. Both afternoon performances feature a visit from Santa and a chance to get autographs from the cast and have photos taken with members. This is the only Nutcracker in the country performed solely by dancers ages 3-19. Tickets are on sale at Dance Studio 111, 4910 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee, at 480-706-6040 or by

emailing afnutcracker@gmail.com. Information: afnutcracker.com.

Festival of Lights group seeks sponsors, volunteers

The Festival of Lights Committee is seeking volunteers and sponsors for its 22nd annual Kick-Off Party, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving in Ahwatukee. The party helps pay for the million white lights that decorate Chandler Boulevard from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Volunteers can show up for meetings at 6:30 p.m. at Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee. Meeting dates are Oct. 24 and Nov. 7. The group also is seeking a wide array of sponsors at all price levels. Information: folaz.org and request a sponsorship packet.

Blood drive set for Ahwatukee tot with rare blood disorder

A blood drive will be held 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 4 for 22-month-old Adelyn Troutman of Ahwatukee, who suffers from a rare disorder that prevents her bone marrow from producing red blood cells. Donors can sign up now for the drive at Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee. So far Addy has undergone 22 blood transfusions and must continue them until she can find a match for a bone marrow transfusion. Donors can make an appointment for the blood drive by contacting Kami Troutman at 480-246-6332 or troutman.kami@gmail.com. They can also go to bloodhero.com, using the sponsor code “Adelyn.”

Y OPAS book sale organizers looking for donations

The Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA Outreach Program for Ahwatukee Seniors (Y OPAS) is in need of book donations for its 10th annual fundraising book sale Nov. 4 at the YMCA, 1030 E. Liberty Lane. Books can be dropped off at the YMCA or the following Ahwatukee locations: Pecos Senior Center, 48th Street and Pecos Road; Odelay Bagel Company, Equestrian Trail and Warner/Elliot Loop; Cups N’ Crepes, 42nd Street and Chandler Boulevard; Ahwatukee Board of Management Swim/Tennis Center, 48th Street and Warner Road; Mountain View Lutheran Church at 48th Street and Cheyenne Drive; Webster Chiropractic, 16515 S. 40th St. Ste 103; and Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane. Books may be dropped off beginning Monday, Sept 4. Information: Jill at 602-212-6088.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

CALENDAR

Magic show

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 Seed swap

Bring seeds to swap, or take free seeds from the Ahwatukee Community Garden’s seed bank. Master gardeners from the Ahwatukee Community Garden will be available to answer all your gardening questions! DETAILS>> 12:30-1:30pm, Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Free, no registration required.

Teen council meeting

The Ironwood Library Teen Council plans teen events at the library. Join us to earn community service hours, make friends, have fun. DETAILS>> 2-3 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 12-18. Free. No registration required.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17

Fused-glass jewelry making

Jewelry artist Beth Maggio will teach participants to design and create their own pendant during the class session. After Beth takes the pendants home for kiln firing, participants can pick up their pieces in the library the following week. Supported by the Friends of Phoenix Public Library Ironwood Chapter. DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Adults only. Free. Registration is required via the calendar at phxlib. org.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18

Be astounded by mind reading and other feats of magic as renowned magician Richard Steele takes the stage. DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 5-12. Free. Tickets are available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 Trunk or Treat set

Ahwatukee Friends is sponsoring a Trunk or Treat night, giving kids a chance to go from car to car and find goodies in their trunks. DETAILS>> 6-8 p.m., Ahwatukee Events Center, 4700 E. Warner Road. Information or to be a vendor: ahwatukeefriends@gmail.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun will hold their final quarterly meeting of the year. 100+ Women Who Care is a local philanthropic group of women who meet quarterly, contribute locally and connect personally to benefit well deserving charities. Guests are welcome. DETAILS>> 5:30-7:30 p.m. Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive, Ahwatukee. Information: 100WWCValleyOfTheSun.org.

overcome or manage your fears. Those fears can range from test-taking to spiders and everything in between. DETAILS>> 4-5:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 12-18. Free. No registration required.

Level Up!

Join police from the South Mountain Precinct, which covers Ahwatukee, for casual conversation. There is no agenda and people can ask questions and express concerns related to public safety,. DETAILS>> 10-11 a.m., Fry’s, Lakeside Plaza, 3949 E, Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Free and open to the public.

Examine what makes games work and fun to play, and then design and make your own board or card game! Attendees must agree to the requirements of this ASU research partnership to participate. Details are in the calendar at phxlib.org. DETAILS>> 4-6 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 8-12. Free. No registration required.

25th Anniversary Family Festival Science of fear for kids This final celebration with activities for everyone includes: a farm animal petting zoo, pumpkin volcanos, dry ice “boo bubbles,” folded book art, football and hoop tosses, reading to a therapy dog, trying your luck at winning free Friends of the Library used books. Bring your Ironwood Library anniversary punch card to get and decorate a library book bag. DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-1 p.m, Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. For all ages, Free, no registration required.

Explore the biology of fear, types of fear, the value of fear and strategies to overcome or manage your fears safely. There also will be “Fear Boxes” and a ghost story! DETAILS>> 5-6 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 5-12. Free. No registration required.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24

Teens can explore the biology and types of fear as well as manipulation using fear and strategies to

Women Who Care meeting

THURSDAY OCTOBER 26

Science of fear for teens

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Coffee with a cop

SUNDAYS

Learn gardening from pros

Learn desert gardening by getting your hands dirty with the Ahwatukee Community Gardening Project. Share in the knowledge, the produce, and the smiles. All ages welcome Bring sun protection and water. Tools optional. DETAILS>> 7-9 a.m. in the northwest corner of the park at 4700 E. Warner Road, Ahwatukee. Information : acgarden.org or 480-759-5338.

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Kids can learn the foundations of coding and computer commands before they can write or See

CALENDAR on page 31

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OCTOBER 11, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

CALENDAR

from page 30

spell. Fun activities, apps and games will teach the fundamentals of simple logic, sequencing and coding language. #stem DETAILS>> Sundays 2-3 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 4-7. Free. No registration required.

Coder Dojo

What do video games, robots and self-driving cars have in common? Code! You can become a coding master by learning Code.org, Kodable, Scratch, Tynker, HTML and more. Beginners welcome. #stem DETAILS>> Sundays 3-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Ages 8-17. Free. No registration required.

MONDAYS

Sign language for crawlers

Accompanied by a favorite adult, little ones enjoy songs, music, rhymes, books, interactive stories, simple sign language words, activities to promote movement and playtime. #pplstorytime #babytimewithsign DETAILS>> Mondays 10:30-11 a.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages birth to crawling. Free. Tickets are limited and available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.

Chamber offers networking

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

LD 18 Dems meet monthly

Legislative District 18 Democrats gather monthly, usually the second Monday, to share news, opportunities, food and laughter. Meetings include guest speakers, legislative updates, how-to sessions and Q&A. Volunteer or just enjoy an evening with likeminded folks. DETAILS>> For times and places: ld18democrats.org/ calendar.

Writing critique group

The third Tuesday of every month bring five doublespaced pages of writing to get feedback from your fellow writers. DETAILS>> 6-7:45 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. No registration required.

Chair yoga featured

Inner Vision Yoga Studio offers chair yoga to help seniors and people recovering from injuries to stay fit. DETAILS>> 1:30-2:30 p.m., 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. $5 per class. Information:

Toastmasters sharpen skills

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

Power Partners available

The Ahwatukee Chamber offers Power Partners every Tuesday except the second Tuesday of the month, when attendees are encouraged to attend the Wake Up Ahwatukee Morning Mixer. Unlike our Monday Power Group, this group will be non-category specific, meaning you can have more than one member in each business category. DETAILS>> 7:45-8:45 a.m. Early Baker, 15645 S. 40th St., Ahwatukee. Free Information:. Gina Jenkins, 480990-5444.

WEDNESDAYS

Tour Foothills Montessori

Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori offers a free tour

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

TinkerTime

Grief support is free

Sit, Stay, Read!

Foothills Women meet

Explore hands-on creative ways to design, experiment, and invent while learning about science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) through tinkering DETAILS>> 4-6 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 5-12. Free. No registration required. Young readers and listeners can sign up for reading time with a registered therapy animal and human team. Read to Truffles every Wednesday. DETAILS>> 3-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 5-10. Free. No registration required.

Watercolor classes available

Watercolor classes that teach both bold and beautiful as well as soft and subtle approaches to the art are available twice a week for beginners and intermediate students who are at least 15 years old. Step-by-step instruction and personal help are provided. DETAILS>> 2:30-5 Wednesdays and 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays at Hobby Lobby, 46th Street and Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Cost: $25 per class, $80 for four classes. Registration required: jlokits@yahoo.com or 480-4718505.

Montessori holds open house

Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori holds an open house

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TUESDAYS

Coloring for grown-ups

Adult coloring promotes mindfulness, reduces stress, and improves cognitive motor skills. We’ll provide the markers, crayons, colored pencils, and coloring sheets; you just bring yourself and your friends! DETAILS>> 1:30-3 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. No registration required.

Yoga explored

Discover ways to increase flexibility and muscle strength through yoga. Experience relaxation in a fun and welcoming environment. New to yoga? Beginners very welcome! DETAILS>> 10:30-11:30 a.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Adults only. Free. No registration required.

Hospice of the Valley offers a free ongoing grief support group for adults and is open to any adult who has experienced a loss through death. No registration required. DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St. 602-6365390 or HOV.org. An informal, relaxed social organization of about 90 women living in the Ahwatukee Foothills/Club West area. A way to escape once a month to have fun and meet with other ladies in the area. Guest speaker or entertainment featured. DETAILS>> 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive. Contact Shelley Miller, president, at 602-527-6789 or essentiallyshelley@gmail.com

Parents can ‘drop in’

Parents are invited to join a drop-in group to ask questions, share ideas or just listen to what’s going on with today’s teenagers. DETAILS>> 5:30-7 p.m. second Wednesday of each month. Maricopa Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix. Free. RSVP at 602-8278200, ext. 348, or rcarter@cals.arizona.edu. — Email calendar items to pmaryniak@ahwatukees. com informal chat.

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Volunteer Eric will help with homework. DETAILS>> 4-5:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 5-18. Free. No registration required.

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OPINION

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

Opinion

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Getting hungry? Look in Ahwatukee for your next dining experience BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

small but happy trend that continues this week in Ahwatukee should bring smiles not only to Chamber of Commerce leaders and anyone else concerned about the community’s economic health, but also to anyone who enjoys dining out. The opening today, Oct. 11, of Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, on Ray Road at 49th Street is at least the sixth new restaurant to open this year. Add a few more to that list if you go back a year ago today. It was shortly before Fresko Mediterranean Kitchen opened at 5033 E. Elliot Road in November that locals were bemoaning and fearing the collapse of Ahwatukee’s dining ecosystem after two restaurants around Chandler Boulevard and Desert Foothills Parkway had closed a few months earlier. Around the same time Fresko’s opened, Shannon Rush bought My Wine Cellar at 5030 E. Warner Road – a place where

she first started visiting as an after-work hangout, then became general manager. She wasted little time freshening up the menu and the wine list – and adding weekend brunch and Ahwatukee’s first high tea service. In recent months, we’ve seen the opening of Early Baker at 4035 E. Chandler Blvd. and Modern Market at 4901 E. Ray Road, while Frank & Lupe’s moved into a former Argentinian rodizio in the strip mall on the south side of Chandler Boulevard near 48th Street. Teddy Bernal, whose Frank & Lupe’s is only the second Valley descendant of the original restaurant his parents opened in New Mexico more than 40 years ago – and still run – told me that opening a restaurant in Ahwatukee made sense. He said the eatery magnet that downtown Gilbert has become is too competitive an area and that Ahwatukee was a more appealing location because it offered factors that any restaurant owner likes – a lot of office workers that augur well for a thriving happy hour and stable middle-class residential neighborhoods. Places like Modern Market and Snooze

may belong to chains – but they are modern chains started by young entrepreneurs who are focused on healthy and imaginative menu options. Buddyz A Chicago Pizzeria just opened in Ahwatukee with its Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, adding yet another dimension to a kind of pizzeria subculture in Ahwatukee that includes Nello’s, Zzeeks and a host of others. There are, of course, the stalwarts that have become virtual gustatory landmarks in Ahwatukee – Caffe Boa is marking 22 years and Grill and Native Grill and Wings 20 years in the community. Bleacher’s just marked 10 years. Some newcomers are aiming for local sweet teeth, such as Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery and Andy’s Custard. And there are the “restaurants” that have no storefronts – not just food trucks that Tukee Eats rounds up once a month on the Horizon Honors campus but also home-based operations such as Lemme Eat Gluten Free and Tukee’s Tamales. The community even has somewhat under-the-radar gems like Ezekial’s soul food, which landed a highly coveted spot

early this year on the PBS hit show for Valley foodies, “Check, Please!” The list is too numerous to mention them all. And that’s a good thing for Ahwatukee. First, this array of options offers residents a convenient alternative to crossing I-10 in search a unique or delicious dining experience. Second, these restaurants and homebased businesses offer an eclectic accent to Ahwatukee’s local business scene and individual strip malls. Yes, Ahwatukee may not be able to support as broad an array of restaurants as, say Scottsdale. But it sure seems like it’s getting there. But just remember one thing: Restaurants are among the most fragile of businesses when it comes to economics. And just like flowers need water, they need customers to thrive. So the next time you decide you want to eat out – or even find some good takeout – don’t look across the freeway. Look right in your backyard. Bon appetit.

So now what? My journey as a caregiver opened my eyes BY GREGG POWELL AFN Guest Writer

aving to tell your mother that her husband of 53 years is going to die from prostate/bone cancer is one of the most difficult conversations you will ever have. You consult experts, build a plan and pray for the best. A few months after my dad’s passing in 2004, my mother was diagnosed with multi-infarct dementia. And just like you said to yourself now, I said to myself then, “What the heck in multi-infarct dementia?” Then I said, “So now what?” Like most males, my first thought was what is it and how do we “fix it?” Keep in mind the internet was relatively new then. Your family and friends have their own stories, but in my case, they didn’t know

what it was or where to go for help. My dad passed away within six months of his diagnosis. This was my first time having to navigate the “slow goodbye.” My wife and I were busy and focused on our young family and careers. There was no master plan to care for my mom living 2,200 miles away in Florida. Because she was very functional with a good support system, I did what most of us do – I put it on the back burner. But reality came knocking on my door in the form of a phone call from the Orlando police, explaining that my mother had just been involved in a one-car accident and was shaken but OK, but she seemed like she was on drugs. As it turned out she was on drugs: 17 medications and who knows what combination she had taken that particular day. Our lives just took a hard-right turn. During this period, I felt like I had to

learn the ropes by myself. Where should she live? What does it cost? Will her money last? What is IL or AL memory care? Along the way there were many folks who provided guidance – some good and some not as much. I also met others who were advocating for their parent with the same frustrations and eye-opening experiences I was facing. After Mom passed, I felt there had to be a better way to navigate this process. We opened Grace at Home Senior care in 2009 and founded the Senior Advocacy Group of Ahwatukee (SAGA) a year later. I met with people and area businesses. I found that many provided a great resource for their own piece of the senior life experience but were somewhat disconnected from the others serving the same community. SAGA was organized for charitable purposes to provide resources, education and

advocacy for the senior population of Ahwatukee and its surrounding areas. Our members and volunteers are comprised or wonderful people representing their business or church, and also citizens working together to provide a safe place for seniors and caregivers to be educated and connected to local resources. We hope that anyone caring for a loved one, and older adults seeking services, will join us for the SAGA Senior & Family Conference on Oct. 28. This will be one of the few opportunities for a valuable educational experience and the chance to ask questions and get answers. The free conference is 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Pecos Community Center, 48th Street just south of Frye Road. -Greg Powell owns Grace at Home Senior Care and is the founder of the Senior Advocacy Group of Ahwatukee. Information: 480-2708276 or admin@sagaseniors.org.

OCTOBER 11, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Bowie urges ‘yes’ on Tempe Union, Kyrene overrides BY SEN. SEAN BOWIE AFN Guest Writer

s a graduate of Kyrene and Tempe Union schools, I hold a special place in my heart for the school districts that helped me get to where I am today. As your state senator, my No. 1 priority is protecting our local schools and strengthening them for future generations. Both districts have critical bond and override elections this November, and I hope you will join me in voting yes on each. This election is mail-in only, meaning

every registered voter will receive a ballot mailed to them at home this week. Ballots can be returned by mail or dropped off at a local voting center on Election Day, Nov. 7. Kyrene has three questions on the ballot, and each is critical to keeping it strong. The two overrides direct resources into the classroom, and support teacher salaries, smaller class sizes, and maintenance of instructional technology. The third question reauthorizes a bond that supports capital investment in our schools, supporting repairs and maintenance to older buildings and classrooms. The three Kyrene questions are an extension, meaning this is not a tax increase. A simple continuation allows the

district to keep investing in the technology and classroom support that makes Kyrene one of Arizona’s best elementary and middle school districts. Tempe Union is seeking an extension of its existing override, which funds classroom support and building maintenance, along with a modest increase going exclusively to higher teacher salaries. I was disappointed with our Legislature this year for not doing enough for our teachers. Passage of the Tempe Union override will dedicate a consistent funding source exclusively for teacher pay, helping to keep some of our best teachers in the classroom. All four of the ballot questions above are supported by the business commu-

OPINION

nity and the chambers of commerce in Ahwatukee, Tempe and Chandler. Passing all four will strengthen our property values, our communities, and our schools for years to come. My family moved to our community over 20 years ago because of Kyrene and Tempe Union – many families make the same decision every year. In order to keep our schools strong, we have to come together as a community and support one of the best resources we have – our teachers, educators, and schools. I hope you will join in voting YES on the Kyrene and Tempe Union bonds and overrides by mail before Nov. 7. Ahwatukee resident and state Sen. Sean Bowie represents Legislative District 18.

LETTERS

Yes for override will ensure quality in Kyrene's classrooms

The Kyrene School District has a long history of providing quality educational experiences for its children and young people. The support of the community in supporting overrides has been a critical factor in ensuring Kyrene’s excellence. I was superintendent of Kyrene from 1972 to 1987. I recall our first override in the spring of 1972 and each third year thereafter. The support of the Kyrene community was all-important in providing quality instruction and facilities that were safe and healthy; facilities that were designed to enhance the learning experiences of “Kyrene’s Kids.” Please continue this support by voting “yes” for all three override issues on your all-mail ballot before Nov. 7. – Ben Furlong

directly impact our district students. The current 10 percent includes support for core classes of science, math and english; elective programs including fine arts and technical education; preventative maintenance of school facilities; extracurriculars. An additional 5 percent will exclusively be used for teacher pay. High-quality public education is key to the economic health of our community and supports the attraction of new business, increased property values and an available and educated work force. Tempe Union High School District provides high quality education now and your yes vote will make it possible to continue that level of excellence. Please support our public schools by joining me in voting YES to support the Tempe Union High School District maintenance and operation budget override. -Zita M. Johnson

Tempe Union’s override will improve district teacher pay

Republicans care little about education in Arizona

As a longtime community member and a Tempe Union High School District Governing Board member from 2002–12, I am writing in support of a “yes” vote to approve the TUHSD maintenance and operation budget override. This override is essential in maintaining funding for programs that

During the recent Legislature forum sponsored by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, Rep. Norgaard exemplified how little Republicans care about education in this state. A strong public education system is the foundation for our economy and our culture and the mechanism by which people can achieve the American Dream.

Instead of focusing on strengthening the educational avenues that are available to all students, Republicans have pushed to funneling public money into private and charter schools that don’t serve every student and have little oversight on how those funds are spent. Rep. Norgaard also seems to have a limited understanding of the cost of attending college in this state. The cost of in state tuition is over $10,000 a year. Pell grants are only available to families making under $50,000 a year. The state Constitution says that public universities should be as nearly free as possible. For the average family, $10,000 a year on tuition is nearly impossible. By contrast, Rep. Mitzi Epstein has been a consistent champion for our schools and Sen. Sean Bowie is visiting every school in his district. They have shown a commitment to providing the best possible education to every student. Education is an investment in our future. Republicans need to stop selling Arizonans short. -Tamara Durot

Thomas Payne’s remarks still hold true todayin America

These are the times that try men’s souls The above words were first written in 1776 by Thomas Paine author of “Common Sense” and “The American Crisis.” They apply today as they did then.

In Paine’s words, “Panics...have their uses. Their peculiar advantage is that they are the touchstones of sincerity and hypocrisy and bring things and men to light which might otherwise have lain forever undiscovered.” Read that sentence very carefully. Think about it. Those words are true today as we watch the panicky political establishment and the Democratic Party contort themselves into something they are not, i.e., a conservative class which they have never been. That would be like changing a walrus into a gazelle. To paraphrase another of Paine’s thoughts: As citizens, “we ought not ground our hopes on the reasonableness of the thing we ask, as on the reasonableness of the person of whom we ask it: who would expect discretion from a fool, candor from a tyrant, or justice from a villain?” It’s past time to man the battlements to defend our republican democracy from fools, tyrants and villains. We know who they are, so let’s move ’em out. It’s time for all citizens to protect the fundamentals of our Founding Fathers. If we don’t, our nation is lost forever, thanks to an apathetic public school system which fails to teach the founding fundamentals to our future citizens. And that’s by design, not be accident. It’s called killing the goose that lays the golden egg. Pax tecum. -Don Kennedy

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

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

Business

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Group helping Ahwatukee women-owned businesses is retooled, reborn BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

s a chiropractor in Ahwatukee since 2005, Angela J. Christopher has demonstrated a talent and passion for business and community as much as she has for tissue and bones. Three years ago, her business, AZ Spine Disc and Sport, bloomed from a 2,000-square-foot, nine-employee office into a multi-specialty health center with 40 employees in a 14,000-square-foot building at 4530 E. Ray Road. Simultaneously she has collected water for Project Humanities, a homeless outreach program run by Arizona State professor Neal Lester of Ahwatukee; has been active in the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, earning her first nomination for a “Women in Business Award” last year; and has worked with interns and students as a mentor and adjunct professor. Now, she’s turning her business acumen to help a different community – women who own businesses in Ahwatukee. With a core group of 15 women – and a kick-off party slated 5-7 p.m. Saturday,

(Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Photographer)

Leading Ahwatukee Women in Business are, from left, Norma Rogers, Angela Christopher and Vivien Enders.

Oct. 14, at AZ Spine Disc and Sport for any others who want to learn more – Christopher has launched an all-woman networking group, Ahwatukee Women in Business. “We know that women have unique

challenges, and we want to be effective as a networking and marketing group without the extreme rigidity of some of the larger network group chains,” said Christopher, who is president of the group. Though members will have to pay $180

in annual dues, Christopher said that money will be put into marketing them. While the group’s leaders didn’t want the dues to be so high as to be a burden, she added, “We wanted to have an amount that would allow us to have enough funds to use to help our members make more money by investing it into marketing ourselves in multiple ways. “All funds will go back to our members,” Christopher stressed. “There is no parent franchise organization or founding member who will make profits from our dues.” But Christopher has other plans for members as well. “We also plan to put a lot of focus into personal relationships between our members,” she said. “There is no better way to effectively market each other than to fully understand what the ideal client is for the other women in the group and to get to know and trust them, so that it’s easy to recommend their businesses to our own inner circles.” Along with that, the group will provide “an ongoing educational piece to help our See

WOMEN on page 40

Burlington donates $10K to Milenio Elementary School teachers AFN News Staff

urlington Stores celebrated its arrival in Ahwatukee with something special for Kyrene del Milenio Elementary School – $10,000. The discount clothing chain, which just opened for business at Ray Road and 46th Street, surprised Milenio’s staff last week through its partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org. The money will be divided equally among Milenio classroom teachers to purchase supplies for their classrooms. “Nearly two-thirds of all classroom materials are purchased by teachers from their own funds,” Kyrene School District said in a release, noting the website “provides teachers with an online marketplace of nearly 30 school specialty and office supply vendors, where they

can purchase the materials and tools they need to better engage with their students.” Milenio Principal Jaimie Weinberger called an assembly to make the announcement of the gift and Burlington representatives presented the teachers with a large facsimile of the gift. “On behalf of the Milenio family, we would like to thank Burlington and AdoptAClassroom.org for adopting our entire school,” the school said in a release. “Our teachers look forward to using the funds to enhance learning in our school and in their classrooms. We are thankful for the support we received. Thank you Burlington and AdoptAClassroom.org for your support of our school. We are overwhelmed by your generosity of this $10,000 check to help further our student’s education.”

(Lauren Clark/Kyrene Schools)

Kyrene del Milenio recipient teachers gathered around Ahwatukee Burlington store manager Kevin Gray and Burlington district manager Kathy McDonald, who hold a facsimile of the $10,000 check the company gave the school.

OCTOBER 11, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

TechShop lures inventors from Ahwatukee, East Valley BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA Tribune Contributor

echShop, located in the ASU Chandler Innovation Center, celebrates its fourth anniversary next month, and even though it has 17,000 square feet stocked with millions of dollars’ worth of advanced machines and specialized tools, it is little-known to the people who can make use of it. TechShop is a membership chain with 10 locations nationwide, and Chandler’s facility at 249 E. Chicago St. is the only one in Arizona. Ahwatukee resident Scott Savage, a reliability engineer at Medtronic in Tempe, said he joined through work in order to “learn rapid prototyping tools like the 3D printer, laser cutters, CNC mill and metal shop.” “I’ve worked to build several projects out of cardboard or 3D printed plastic to understand basic sizes and shapes before submitting for more expensive designs with hand tooling,” said Savage. “I’ve also gotten my two daughters, Sabine and Teagan, involved in TechShop,” he added. “They’re limited on tool access due to age, but we create a lot of STEM projects using the laser cutter and 3D printers. They also have a lot of fun with the screen printer making custom t-shirts, and the laser cutter creating custom water bottle patterns.” Sabine, an Altadena Middle School seventh-grader, and Teagan, a fourth-grader at Kyrene Monte Vista, have also printed their own fidget spinners. Their mother, Narry, is a medical student but made time to take a chocolate-mold class at TechShop. “I’d encourage other families to get their kids involved and explore designing, making and crafting toys or whatever they can dream up,” said Savage. “TechShop has many free software packages that are simple to use for designing and making projects,” he added. “We have a lot of fun working on projects that sometimes work and sometimes don’t.” Members such as luthier Kevin Butler and metal artist Marjorie Risk, both of Mesa, are among the members who use TechShop equipment to help grow their small businesses. They wax enthusiastic about its usefulness. “I’d already started my business building high-end custom bass guitars before joining but was only able to work at it on weekends and after hours at the wood shop where I was employed,” said Butler.

(Special to AFN)

Ahwatukee resident Scott Savage and his daughters, Sabine, left, and Teaganm show off some of the things he made at the TechShop.

Butler said had it not been for TechShop, growing his business – RockHewer Custom Guitars – wouldn’t have been possible. “It so happened that shortly after I joined TechShop, that wood shop went out of business. I either had to fully embrace the entrepreneurial spirit or find another day job. I chose the former,” he said, adding: “For me, to set up shop independently, pay rent and utilities and buy or lease a fraction of the machinery I use here wouldn’t have been possible without going into debt. At TechShop, I pay a very reasonable yearly membership fee. The custom guitars I create take a long time as it is, so my overhead needs to be low.” Annual membership starts at $95 a month for students and active military, and $150 monthly for others, with a discount for full-year membership payment. There’s also an add-on family membership for $50 more monthly. TechShop owners describe their business as a “community-based workshop and prototyping studio on a mission to democratize access to the tools of innovation.” As lofty as that may sound, it holds true for many who make use of its machinery and tools regularly. “We’ve literally had thousands of students in the last four years,” said Jon Barbara, national director of operations and a Mesa resident. “We’ve invigorated and brought in a lot of entrepreneurs and helped start small businesses. We also engage with the general public, some who don’t even know they’re entrepreneurs.”

Located in the city’s former public works yard, TechShop is an alliance between Chandler and ASU’s Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The cavernous facility, with indoor and outdoor work areas, contains cutting-edge tools, equipment and specialized computers with a wide assortment of design software. “Ultimately our goal is to keep education alive and give entrepreneurs a place to grow,” said Barbara. “In a lot of cases, members are given free rein to do what they like.” Marjie Risk, a working artist before joining TechShop several years ago, said she faced the dilemma many artists face – making a living out of an art that requires work space, specialized tools and other costly but necessary business expenses. “Without TechShop, I most likely wouldn’t have had the same opportunity to be successful as an artist, and it probably would have taken much longer,” said Risk who named her business Same Moon Creations in tribute to her grandmother. “These resources have kept me going and provided the basis for growing my business over the last couple years,” said Risk, who uses TechShop’s welders. “It often takes some time to develop a following and being able to produce enough inventory for art festivals and galleries,” she added. “TechShop provides the workplace and equipment so I’m able to focus my limited resources on materials and promotion. The members also provide a great support network for the weekend hobbyist, manufacturer and the serious artist alike.”

For those who aren’t sure where their entrepreneurial or even hobby interests lie, there are low-cost and free classes, including the Safety and Basic Use (SBU) seminar required before using some machines. Up to 45 active instructors also are available to help facilitate an introduction to the many choices available. Walk into the facility on a tour, as the public is invited to do anytime, and what’s immediately apparent is the vast selection of machines and tools available. There are 3D printers, laser cutters, industrial sewing machines, injection molding machines, Edward’s hydraulic iron working machines, an indoor automotive work bay, plastics working equipment, woodworking equipment including a 4 x 8 computer numerically controlled ShopBot router and CNC vinyl cutters. The list goes on. Members can reserve the machines ahead of time online. As Risk mentioned, professionals and hobbyists of all ages can be seen discussing individual projects, or engaging in project classes such as the “How to Build Your Own Bluetooth Speaker” and “Building a Director’s Chair.” Both classes are open to anyone over 16. The menu of classes available covers all interests. Learn blacksmithing basics or leather working, Coptic bookbinding or CorelDRAW, sandblasting and powder coating or 3D printing and finishing techniques. And TechShop serves youths ages 8 through 17 through after school, Saturday Studios and seasonal camp programs. Youth programs are part of TechShop’s STEAM initiative: science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics with art expanding on the usual STEM education offerings. “We started running summer camps and fall camps and after-school programs about five years ago. I feel we’re touching what the future looks like getting kids exposed that might not otherwise have this exposure,” said Barbara. “We’re seeing a lot of traction with that here in Chandler, and they like the experiences enough they bring the family back with them,” he added. “To me it’s a renaissance.” A three-day Winter Mini-Camp, for ages 8 and up, includes access to TechShop’s 60W laser butters and 3D printers. After training, the students are given eight hours of “open build time” to comSee

TECHSHOP on page 40

BUSINESS

OCTOBER 11, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Snooze Ahwatukee opens after benefitting three charities AFN News Staff

new breakfast-lunch spot opens in Ahwatukee today, Oct. 11, after its soft launch over the weekend benefitted children with heart ailments, Ahwatukee families and individuals of all ages and teachers. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, was to open its signature rollaway window walls at 4901 E. Ray Road., after a three-day invitation-only run Saturday through Monday. After enjoying a free breakfast, guests were handed an envelope to make a donation to whatever nonprofit that day had been selected by Snooze. The three beneficiaries were LoveIAM, the Ahwatukee Fotthills ZFamily YMCA and Treasures 4 Teachers. Founded in 2009 to honor the memory of an infant who passed away from congenital heart disease, LoveIAM raises fund, among other things, to send children suffering from heart diseases to a specially designed summer camp in Northern Arizona. Treasures 4 Teachers collects and distributes donated school supplies so that

(Special to AFN)

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, opens official today, Oct. 11, on Ray Road and 49th Street in Ahwatukee after a "soft opening" over the weekend that benefitted three charities.

teachers aren’t springing for them out of their own pocket. Additionally, Snooze hired 55 local people for a wide variety of jobs.

Snooze is a national chain based in Denver offering a wide variety of signature dishes, a full-service bar and a shaded outdoor patio where guests can play games

like cornhole. The Ahwatukee location is its fifth in the Valley. “We are excited to bring Snooze to the Ahwatukee area, and especially to the hundreds of curious local residents who have stopped by during construction to tell us how eager they are to have great new option for breakfast and brunch here,” said Snooze CEO Dave Birzon, adding: “As a longtime Valley resident, I know this is an engaged and dynamic community for us to get involved in, and we are really proud to be working with three wonderful charities based here in the greater Ahwatukee area.” Besides twists on classic breakfast fare – including a bacon-flavored drink – Snooze also says it recycles or composts 90 percent of its waste. Seating 148 guests indoors and an additional 48 outside on the dining patio, Snooze Ahwatukee also is decorated with “retro-futuristic” décor that it describes as “‘The Jetsons’ meets ‘Happy Days.’” It includes “tilt-a-wheel” circular booths, a patio shaded by a large umbrella. Information: snoozeeatery.com.

Foothills Health Center sold to Cleveland management firm AFN News Staff

Woodside Health, a medical office building acquisition and management firm based in Cleveland, has purchased Foothills Health Center in Ahwatukee. The 53,310-square-foot, two-building medical office, located on an 8.35acre lot at 4510 and 4530 E. Ray Road, was sold by United Insurance Company of America. The Foothills Health Center pur-

chase is the second medical office building purchase for Woodside Health in the Phoenix market and “offers an ideal mix of medical tenants that thrive in Ahwatukee and cater to its residents. It is also supported by an abundance of quality retail development as well as a substantial general office market,” the company said in a release. “Foothills Health Center is an ideal institutional grade medical office asset,

Learn about the Market Coffee & breakfast are on us! You're invited to join us at the next meeting of our monthly coffee club When: Friday, October 13th, 2017, 8:30-9:30a.m. Where: Sheraton Four Points 10831 S 51st St, Phoenix, AZ 85044 RSVP: 480-753-7664 by October 11th, seating is limited.

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at 88-percent occupancy with a high caliber of medical service tenants,” said Ted Barr, Woodside Health principal, adding: “This asset complements our portfolio well and will benefit from our handson approach to asset ownership. We will enjoy getting to know our tenants to assist them as physicians and healthcare providers navigating the many changes in healthcare and striving to better serve the community.”

Foothills Health Center is Woodside Health’s 23rd acquisition overall. It also has properties in Glendale as well as five other states. Woodside Health boasts of “proactively enhancing the exterior and interior spaces of their buildings” and says its principals “have decades of experience investing in and managing real estate.” The transaction was handled by Newmark Knight Frank, a commercial real estate advisory firm.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 49

BUSINESS

WOMEN

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

from page 36

women tackle all of the challenges that come with growing a successful business.” The education component is an extension of Christopher’s involvement in teaching men and women who have an eye on healthcare-related careers. “We are involved with several schools and take on interns in many fields,” she said. “We are also very involved with Carrington College and take interns for billing, medical assisting and physical therapy techs. Although our initial job is to teach these students in their internships, it has been a blessing for us as we have nine current employees whom we hired out of internships.” One of those employees has been with her business for seven years and has worked his way into a management position. Christopher and the core group of Ahwatukee Women in Business are picking

GOT NEWS?

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@ timespublications.com

up the pieces of another effort to organize women-owned businesses in Ahwatukee that collapsed earlier this year. “We realized we truly had a wonderful group of women from different business and marketing backgrounds who, with the right structure, could be great assets to each other,” she said. “I decided to take on the project with the help of several other women.” And she and other leaders also are putting more structure into the group. Among the requirements is that the business not only be owned by a woman. It must be in Ahwatukee as well. They have established categories of businesses as well and will accept three women in each category. “We plan to qualify each candidate on an individual basis prior to accepting them for membership, ensuring they have a business that is in good standings with all regulatory boards and that she will be a like-minded candidate,” Christopher said. The group will meet twice a month – once for lunch at AZ Spine Disc and Sport and once in the evening at Diamond Cut Pet Spa, another longtime Ahwatukee business. “If we outgrow those spaces, we will relocate,” she said. “We will have 24 reg-

ular meetings per year and each member is required to attend a minimum of eight meetings per year. We also plan to hold special events for education and the occasional expo for the Ahwatukee community.” Although her network has the same name as a subgroup at the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, Christopher said the two groups are different. “I didn’t realize that the Chamber has a subgroup by the same name. We had already formed our new LLC before that was brought to my attention, so we decided to roll with it. Hopefully it doesn’t cause confusion,” she said, adding: “I don’t feel that we are in any way competing with the Chamber. We hope to be a presence in the chamber both as Ahwatukee Women in Business and representing our own individual businesses. “We have lots of great plans to help each other to grow and become even bigger presences in the Ahwatukee community.” The kick-off party will have an open bar free catered food as well as “lots of great door prizes,” Christopher said. The party is designed to get women to network and socialize, as well as learn more about the group and apply for membership. Information: AhwatukeeWomenInBusiness@gmail.com

TECHSHOP

from page 38

plete their project. Events coordinator Amanda Tucker, a Mesa resident who’s been with TechShop since it opened, said November and December feature several low-cost ($20, $30) classes and a $10 nonmember class (free to members), “Merry Making: Ornament Build Night,” on Dec. 2. TechShop’s website offers month-at-aglance class listings. Information: TechShop.ws or 480-3270820. TechShop hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to midnight Monday and Tuesday through Saturday. Online virtual tours are also available. On Saturday, Nov. 18, TechShop invites the public to its anniversary party open house. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. TechShop hosts tours of the facility, will give free participation in various machine demonstrations with “take-away items,” conduct a free Mentor Series with representatives from Tandy Leather, and offer a chance to meet with patent attorney Michelle L. Gross. Some of the 1,050 active members’ creations will also be displayed. Some will available for purchase.

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BUSINESS

OCTOBER 11, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Main Street Ahwatukee

Brought to you by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce

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

Oct. 11 Round Robin Networking Jason’s Deli, 7230 W. Ray Road, Chandler

SHOP LOCAL

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m

Arizona Golf Instructor

Oct. 12 Women in Business Roundtable Luncheon

42356 Chisholm Drive, Maricopa. | 602-828-4653 azgolfinstructor.com

Teaching you how to play better golf today and tomorrow. Schedule your appointment and improve your golf game.

Speaker Series, Foothills Golf Club , 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive, Ahwatukee (Special to AFN)

Lynn Hennessey's State Farm team developed a Blues Brothers and "See Red" theme for the After-Five Mixer

Arriba Mexican Grill

Oct. 17 Educare Montessori Ribbon Cutting

4649 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. | 480-753-4453 arribamexicangrill.com

1244 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee

Specializing in New Mexican Cuisine, Arriba Mexican Grill has been serving the Valley with spice since 1995. All of the dishes are prepared daily from scratch, using only the best quality of ingredients. Whether you prefer your entree mild, hot or spicy, or just a little bit on the lighter side, Arriba has something for everyone.

Noon-1 p.m.

Oct. 18 Evening mixer Von Hanson’s Meats and Spirits 2390 N. Alma School Road, Chandler 5:30-7 p.m., $5 members, $15 general admission

Oct. 19 Interstate Automotive Ribbon Cutting

Dignity Health Urgent Care - Ahwatukee 4545 E. Chandler Blvd. 480-728-4000 | dignityhealth.org

Since 1994, Dignity Health Urgent Care has been caring for our neighbors in Ahwatukee. We know life never takes a day off and neither do we. We are here every day of the year, including holidays, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Vision Community Management LLC Darin Fisher 16625 S. Desert Foothills Drive, Ahwatukee | 480-759-4945 wearevision.com

A full-service community management company offering development consulting, financial reporting, director and member training and financial recovery programs

Post Net Ahwatukee 4605 E. Chandler Blvd., #110, Ahwtaukee | 480-753-4160 postnet.com/az156

‘Tis the season to be early. Show your customers and clients how much you appreciate their business this past year by thanking them with a beautiful holiday card. Over 700 custom holiday cards to choose from. Free shipping through 31 Use promo code jP030. PostnetAZ156.holidaycardwebsite.com

Agnes Oblas ANP-C, New Paths to Healthcare LLC Marie Burns, Waddell and Reed Karen Kruse, Book Smart Solutions 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., $20 members, $30 general admission.

9109 S. Hardy Dr., Tempe, AZ 85284 (Special to AFN)

Noon-1 p.m.

Chamber President/CEO Lindy Lutz Cash, right, welcomes Brady and Tracy Smith of Amada Senior Care.

Ahwatukee business women honored for talent, impact BY DR. NICOLE GERARD AFN Guest Writer

omenowned businesses generate $1.6 trillion in revenue each year, and the amount of women heading into entrepreneurship continues to rise. Not only do they have a significant impact on the country as a whole, but on individual communities as well. That impact is seen economically as well as on many other levels. These women aim to make a difference in their community by offering their time for volunteer work, providing jobs, addressing social issues and providing an example of leadership to other women as well as future business owners. The Women in Business Committee of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce will hold

our 13th Annual Palo Verde Awards Dinner to honor these amazing women for their talent and contributions to their businesses and community. The dinner will be on 5:30-8:30 Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Four Points by Sheraton. The “Lights, Camera, Inspire!” themed event will begin with a cocktail hour, when guests can mingle and purchase raffle tickets in hopes to win fabulous gift baskets from local businesses. Following that, there will be a plated dinner and awards show along with live music. Three women will be honored - one from each of three categories. The Social Enterprise Award will be given to the woman who has shown to deliver positive changes on a social or environmental level in support of her core mission. The Corporate Award will go to the woman who has shown leadership as an employee in the public or private sector and has helped her

company achieve positive financial results. Our final award will go to the Business Woman of the Year who exemplifies success and positive influence in her business and community. These women, along with all the finalists, will be honored in front of their peers for their talent and amazing work that they do. Not only are we recognizing these influential business owners, but the Ahwatukee Chamber Community Foundation will also award a number of $1,000 scholarships. Women will be selected from of all ages of eligibility, post-high school, who are furthering their education. In support of the organization’s slogan, “Building Community, Building Ahwatukee,” these women will be encouraged in their goals for continuing education, which helps strengthen our community. Raffle ticket purchased at the

event will go toward the Foundation Scholarship Fund, which is sponsored by the Women in Business group. All in all, we want to pay tribute to the amazing women who work hard to support themselves, their families and friends in the community. As such, our goal with the event this year is to get more of the community involved. The purpose of the Chamber of Commerce is not just to support and promote businesses, but to bring people together, build lasting relationships and help Ahwatukee thrive. So please join us for what will be a fantastic and fun event and show your support for local women business women. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available via the Chamber website, ahwatukeechamber.com , via e-mail at info@ ahwatukeechamber.com or 480753-7676.

FAITH

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

Faith

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

SPIRITUAL SIDE

Religious school provides a foundation in a turbulent world BY RABBI DEAN SHAPIRO AFN Guest Writer

t’s been a long, hot summer full of strife and hostility. We’ve torn each other down, run each other over and shouted at each other. Even the rain’s been angry. Right in the middle of it all, with blood still boiling in Charlottesville and rain still falling in Houston, India, Bangladesh and Nepal, our kids returned to Sunday School. As she dropped her son off, a mother confided in me how upset she was by all the news. “And that’s why I bring my kids to Temple Emanuel.” How right she is. Our children are inheritors of a world that’s going off the rails. They need a foundation in ethics, community and intellect. That’s what religious school provides. Religious school is a substantial commitment. There’s lots of schlepping.

But I’ve found that everything worthwhile, everything of real value requires commitment. All around us, mainstream culture shouts, “Faster! Louder! Easier!” But in real life, the things that matter take time. There are no shortcuts to making a meaningful life. Religious school matters because our kids need to know who they are – not to listen to anyone else’s narratives about them, but to hold their own identity with pride. If they don’t know who they are, someone else will tell them. We want our kids to be part of the network of people we call community – friends and peers, teachers and rabbis, adults who support them. We want them to know that they are cared for, and to care about others. Life is better when it’s lived in community, and we want that for all our kids. We want them to know our history, and where they fit into it. We want them to know our stories, and that our stories

belong to them just as they belong to our stories. Stories are containers of deep wisdom. A person without a story is a hollow person indeed. We want our kids to be critical thinkers – to ask good questions, to analyze, to make up their own minds. As one 12-year-old told me recently: “At Temple Emanuel, you don’t teach me WHAT to think. You teach me HOW to think.” Goodness, do we need more people who know how to think! What’s more, we want them to be mensches. For that, they need to know what’s expected of them, the right ways to treat others and themselves. Telling our kids to behave is not enough. They need to marinate in our Progressive Jewish values. We need to live them alongside each other. These values include: • Klal Yisrael: that they will feel an affinity with other Jewish people. • Btzelem Elohim: that they will know

that all people are created in God’s image, and possess inherent dignity. • Tzedek: that they will pursue justice. • Shomer Adamah: that they will project the natural world. • Emet: that they will seek truth, and do so with intellectual rigor. • Chesed: that they will treat others and themselves with lovingkindness. • Ruchaniyut: that they will have access to their own inner lives – prayer, spirituality, imagination. • Tikvah and Tikkun Olam: that they will hope for, and then get to work building, a better world. • Shalom: that they will create peace. We are involved in a massive project for the good of our people, humanity and planet earth. And that project begins with each child, precious, unique and beloved. Rabbi Dean Shapiro is the spiritual leader of Temple Emanuel of Tempe. Contact him at rshapiro@emanueloftempe.org and visit his “Rabbi Dean Shapiro” page on Facebook.

FAITH CALENDAR

SUNDAYS BIBLE EXPLORED

This biblical scripture study embraces a spirit-filled, intellectually honest, and understandable exploration of God’s Word. Lessons will combine Christian and Jewish theology along with Bible history, archaeology and linguistics for a rich learning experience. DETAILS>> 9:15 a.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. 480-893-2579, mvlutheran.org.

HORIZON SEEKS YOUNG PEOPLE

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

KIDS CAN LEARN JEWISH LIFE

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

SUNDAY CELEBRATION SERVICE

Inspirational messages and music to lift your spirit. A welcoming community committed to living from

the heart. Many classes and events offered. We welcome you! DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. Information: 480-7921800, unityoftempe.com.

FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH

The Foundations of Faith Bible study embraces a spirit-filled, intellectually honest, and refreshingly understandable exploration of God’s Word. Lessons will combine Christian and Jewish theology along with bible history, archaeology and linguistics for a rich learning experience. DETAILS>> 9:15 a.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. 480-893-2579. mvlutheran.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 480-759-6200 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.

TUESDAYS GRIEFSHARE

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

FINDING HEALING FOR PAIN

HOPE, an acronym for “Help Overcome Painful Experiences,” offers support for men and women who seek God’s grace and healing. DETAILS>> 6:30-8 p.m. Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. mountainpark.org.

SENIORS ENJOY TUESDAYS

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

WEDNESDAYS AWANA CLUBS MEET

AWANA Children’s Clubs build lasting faith foundations for children, with games, Bible stories, learning God’s Word.

DETAILS>> The clubs meet at Bridgeway Community Church, 2420 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee, starting Sept. 6. 6-7:30 p.m. for kids 3 years old through sixth grade. Register at bridgewaycc.org or 480-706-4130.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Celebrate Recovery is a Biblical 12-step program that helps you find hope and healing from all of life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups. Whether it’s addiction, loss, anger or stress, you can find the freedom you’re looking for today. DETAILS>> 6:20 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee.. 480-893-2579. mvlutheran.org.

DIVORCE CARE

Don’t go through one of life’s most difficult times alone. DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group that will walk alongside you and provide support through divorce or separation. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. 480-893-2579. mvlutheran.org.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY OFFERED

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

OCTOBER 11, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Family of Christ Lutheran Church & Early Learning Center 3501 Chandler Blvd, Phoenix 85048

is hosting a special event, a one-time showing of the new Martin Luther: The Idea that Changed the World

Monday, November 6, 2017, 7:30 pm

AMC Ahwatukee 24 | Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center | 4915 E Ray Rd

Purchase tickets online at: www.luthermovie.link/AZ. Deadline for ticket purchases is October 30th.

GET OUT

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Ahwatukee heavy metal band singer wakes the ‘Ded’ BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GETOUT Editor

hwatukee resident Joe Cotela grew up in a room plastered with Korn posters. Singer Jonathan Davis stared at Cotela from his bedroom walls. Now, as the singer of the white-contactlens-wearing metal band Ded, Cotela has had the opportunity to tour with his heroes, as well as Stone Sour. “They’re one of the biggest reasons I ever got into a band growing up,” he said. “Jonathan was the one who put us on that tour. To have his blessing and to have your idols validate what you’re doing is the coolest compliment you could ever receive.” Ded is promoting its debut album “Mis•an•thrope,” which includes the first single, “Anti-Everything,” the video for which was produced by Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit. “He’s legit,” said guitarist David Ludlow, of Chandler. “I was watching behind-thescenes videos that he had done. He was moving gear for us and cabinets. I said I would move it, but he said, ‘You don’t have to move anything. You’re the artist.’ It was cool to see how easy going he was.” The Tempe-based band worked with heavy hitters for this release. John Feldmann of Goldfinger produced the record, while Chris Lord-Alge and Zakk Servini mixed it. “My first concert ever was Goldfinger and 311,” Cotela said. “To have that happen was serendipity. He really pushed us outside of our box. It was almost uncomfortable. He’s so intense. He drinks a lot of coffee.” Ludlow said working with such wellregarded producers and mixers was a learning experience. It taught him not to

(Special to AFN)

Members of the heavy metal band Ded put a little emphasis on their name by wearing white contact lenses. The Tempe band has just released a debut album.

overthink the moment. He admitted he’s a perfectionist. “Some musicians and artists hurry,” he said. “I’m more of a sculptor. I chip away at it, step back, and chip away again. John wasn’t like that at all.” Ded – which also includes bassist Kyle Koelsch and drummer Matt Reinhard – is playing a hometown show, 98KUPD’s Big Red Night of the Dead, with Mastodon, In This Moment, Of Mice and Men and Avatar, on Friday, Oct. 20, at Fear Farm in Phoenix. Born and raised in Arizona, Cotela said living here was inspirational. The Valley music veteran grew up listening to Jimmy Eat World, The Format, Authority Zero and the Gin Blossoms. Many consider Ded to be an overnight success. Cotela doesn’t see it that way.

“We were super on the downlow for a while,” said Cotela, whose band is nominated for Best New Artist at October’s Loudwire Awards. “We opened for bands at the Nile and Pub Rock and different places like that. “As time went on, we started getting calls from managers and record labels— notable ones, too. Everybody really likes us. Eventually, our music fell into the hands of John Feldmann. He got us with Benji and Joel Madden (of Good Charlotte), who managed us for a bit.” For now, Ded’s musicians are doing it for themselves. “I’ve been in a couple different bands,” Cotela said. “We wrote our album 100 percent to please ourselves. Sometimes you can get a little mixed up and start

(Special to AFN)

Joe Cotela of Ahwatukee is the lead singer for the heavy metal band Ded, which has a concert coming up Oct. 20.

writing to make other people happy. That’s an extension of vetting people who like you. “I don’t want to do that. I think I did that for a minute in my last bands and it wasn’t very fulfilling. This is a good time.”

IF YOU GO What: Mastodon, In This Moment, Of Mice and Men, Avatar and Ded. Where: Fear Farm, 2209 N. 99th Ave., Phoenix, 98kupd.com When: 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20 Tickets: $45 and $125 Information: $10

Schnepf Farms welcomes fall with Pumpkin and Chili Festival BY JALEN FONG GETOUT Staff Writer

amily trips are always hard to plan around this time of year. The kids are back at school, work schedule is always hectic and family time always seems tough to come by.

One destination that is always a hit this time of year is Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek with its annual Pumpkin and Chili Festival. “People love to come out here to create memories,” said Carrie Schnepf, co-owner of Schnepf Family Farms. “I love when families plan their vacations around this time. We

see kids that have come here, grow up and now volunteer at the festival.” Schnepf Farms has been a Queen Creek fixture since 1941. “We remain a legacy for (our) community, (for) people to come see a real working farm,” said Mark Schnepf. The farm’s main crop is peaches, which it

harvests between April and May. Schnepf Farms is also among the largest producers of peaches in Arizona. The Pumpkin and Chili Festival, which started in 1995, is a great way for families to spend quality time on the farm. See

SCHNEPF on page 47

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OCTOBER 11, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Four Peaks Oktoberfest returns to Tempe Town Lake

BY CONNOR DZIAWURA GETOUT Contributor

(Four Peaks Oktoberfest)

Four Peaks Oktoberfest gives patrons an opportunity to sport traditional German attire such as lederhosen and dirndls at Tempe Town Lake’s annual event.

(Four Peaks Oktoberfest)

Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell participates in a keg-tapping event at the annual Four Peaks Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake.

much of this food honors the German roots of Oktoberfest, traditional carnival treats such as corn dogs, turkey legs, funnel cakes and roasted corn, as well as Island Noodles will be available. “Although we want to focus on our German heritage and food items, anyone, including those with gluten-free diets, can find a plethora of choices,” Jones said. But it wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without music. Four stages – the Four Peaks Lakefront Stage, the Four Peaks East Lawn, the new Central Park Stage and the Spaten Polka Stage – will feature artists like the Wes Williams Band, Tridon, Fayuca, The Black Moods, The Bouncing Czechs, Fairy Bones, Mogollon and Banana Gun. “We’re so happy to provide four stages of entertainment, which allows us to do different programming,” she said. “At any one time, any person – cross-generational – should be able to find some music of their liking.” With classic rock, fledgling artists and polka divided among three of the four stages, the fourth – Central Park Stage – will feature karaoke on Friday night and a Battle of the Bands contest on Saturday. While entry to the seasonal festival is free, sponsor Brown’s

Amusements will bring adult and children’s carnival attractions. All-day passes to those activities are $33, which also includes a beverage and brat or other menu items. Children can enjoy Kinderfest throughout

the weekend. Also on the docket are the Spaten 4v4 Soccer Tournament on Friday and Saturday, and Arizona Adopt a Greyhound’s Dachshund races on Sunday. Still, Oktoberfest is festive. “Every year we seem to evoke more and more characters that are in the German See

OKTOBERFEST on page 47

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eer, brats, Bavaria. Throw in some good music, quality family time and all-ages fun, and that’s what Oktoberfest is about. Tempe Sister Cities and Four Peaks are reuniting to bring the Four Peaks Oktoberfest to Tempe Town Lake from Friday, Oct. 13, to Sunday, Oct. 15. The three-day Bavarian-style festival features beer gardens, traditional German foods, carnival activities and four stages of music. The 45th festival, which is in its fifth year with the Four Peaks title sponsorship, kicks off with a happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday that provides $1 off every beverage in the beer and wine service areas as well as $1 off main menu items at bratwurst tents. “We have been blessed with bringing forth the open beer garden format,” said Bobbi Jones, the event’s co-chairwoman. “Because we have a multigenerational audience and over the years we’ve proven to be a very family-friendly atmosphere, we are no longer restricted to fencing off beer gardens. The festival will also hold beer and Barefoot Wine tasting events throughout the weekend, with a Peach Ale Brunch scheduled at the Four Peaks Beer Garden Stage’s East Lawn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. On the menu are Four Peaks Peach Ale, Barefoot Wine Brut Cuvée Dry Champagne, Barefoot Wine Peach & Berry Bubbly, among other alcoholic beverages and the newly introduced Brat Burrito. “You can enjoy your beer throughout the park, whether you’re in the Kinderfest watching your grandkids or your kids enjoy some of the arts and crafts or you’re over in front of one of the stages,” Jones said. “You’ll be able to walk leisurely through the park and enjoy all aspects with or without alcoholic beverages; it’s your choice.” But how can you have a beer without a brat to go with it? Well, the festival has guests covered with five bratwurst service tents, which will sell Johnsonville Sheboygan brats, Regensburg brat plates and chicken apple sausage brats. Maybe brats aren’t your thing. In that case, the festival will also have hot dogs, sauerkraut, potato salad and hot pretzels. Although

Randy Fitch, Realtor

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

Scottsdale Taco festival is spicing up fall event scene GETOUT Contributor

orget Taco Tuesday; it’s time to get ready for a Taco weekend. Now in its eighth year, the Arizona Taco Festival – hosted across 10 acres at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 14-15 – is set to delight taste buds and break records. “Last year, we served more than 30,000 guests with very few lines for tacos – and we expect even more taco lovers this year,” said David Tyda, festival co-founder. “After all, we have to protect our title as the largest taco festival in the country.” A general admission ticket, $12 to $15, provides access to 50 restaurants and food trucks, each dishing out $2 tacos and many also offering homemade salsas, guacamoles and a la carte desserts up for tasting as well. Eventgoers can indulge in Four Peaks beer, custom margaritas and Mezcal cocktails. Even “The Most Interesting Man in the

World” will be in attendance, representing his new drink of choice, Astral Tequila. Bands will provide the soundtrack, while guest also enjoy a Chihuahua beauty pageant, eating contests, traditional Lucha Libra wrestling matches and 50 National Taco Association judges, each conducting double blind taco tastings to determine who will win portions of a $10,000 cash prize purse. The 2016 Grand Champion, International Truck of Tacos, will be there both days to defend its title. The 2015 champions, Diego Pops and Creations by SERGIO, will also compete again against an impressive list of competitors including: Casa Añejo, Chico Malo, CRUjiente, Dos Gringos, Gadzooks, La Hacienda, La Sala, Loco Patron, Modern Margarita, Old Town Gringos, Salty Senorita, SOL, T. Cook’s, Tarbell’s, Tacos Tequila Whiskey, Two Brothers Tap House, Willie’s Taco Joint, Tapacubo and Yardhouse. “Guests will also be able to enjoy

(Special to AFN

More than 100 varieties of tequila will be available along with tacos on Saturday.

entertainment in virtually every corner of the event, including the now-legendary Tequila Expo on Saturday and Margarita Expo on Sunday,” Tyda said. More than 100 types of tequila will available during this Saturday-only tent, where guest can purchase 10 tastes for $20. Arizona’s top mixologists will take part in Sunday’s Margarita Expo, now in its second year. Like with the Tequila Expo, guests will be able to purchase 10 tastings for just $20. “Visitors to this tent will vote on their See

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TACO on page 47

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SCHNEPF

from page 44

“Everything takes place right here on our 40-acre farm. The farm is open for everyone to walk on through and see what we do,” he said. Ten acres of the farm are devoted to the corn maze. Each year, a prominent local celebrity, usually a professional athlete, is selected as the centerpiece for the attraction. Past honorees include Larry Fitzgerald, Charles Barkley, Luis Gonzales, Joey Lagano and Muhammad Ali. This year’s selection is recently retired Arizona Coyotes star Shane Doan. “We loved it,” Schnepf said of the unveiling. “We loved having his family here and having Fitz and Gonzo coming out to surprise him.” The festival features farm-fresh foods ready to serve hungry festival goers. “All the food here is good here,” she said. “Of course, we have chili, corn, cornbread, ribs, hot dogs and a lot of pumpkins.” One hit menu item is pumpkin chili. “Every year, we’ll have a group of people saying, ‘I want some pumpkin chili, I want some pumpkin chili’ and I would have to tell them every year, ‘We don’t have it. We have pumpkins and we have chili,’” she said. “Finally, after one year I just told my husband, ‘We gotta start making the darn thing.’

OKTOBERFEST

from page 45

traditional dress,” Jones said. “All our international guests that come from all over the world are in their particular traditional dress, especially our sister city, Regensburg. We encourage it, we really like it when people start wearing their German fit. … I have three dirndls myself I pull out of the closet every year.” But while this event brings the heart and soul of Germany to Tempe Town Lake, the

TACO

from page 46

favorite margaritas throughout the day, with one mixologist winning the most coveted of prizes – a year membership for prime steak delivery,” Tyda said. For an elevated festival experience, VIP tickets are available for $100 each day and includes the main event fun plus five adult beverages, one water or soda, and 10 tacos. Guests also have access to a VIP tent with shaded seating and private bathrooms. Kids 12 and younger are admitted free so they can enjoy several attractions, like bungee trampoline, mechanical bull, hamster balls, orbitron, slides and bounce

“It probably took me like 10 times before I had a recipe that I felt complemented both the chili and the pumpkin very well.” The pumpkin chili became an instant hit and has been the go-to meal for festival goers ever since. “It’s been four years, and people are still wanting that pumpkin chili,” she said. Other than great food, the festival is home to many fun attractions for any ages. Just in the past year alone, Schnepf said, all attractions for kids have been revamped, starting off with the carousel. “We wanted the carousel to go back to its original look; that classic 1940-’50s image,” she said. “We are repainting the entire carousel, as well as modifying some of the other rides for the younger ones.”

IF YOU GO

Who: Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Festival Where: 24810 E. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek When: Thursday through Sunday until Oct. 29. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Cost: $20 at the gate for adults. Military and children 2 and under are Free. Discounts available at Fry’s. Info: 480-987-3100

festival is debuting a new concept this year: Superhero Sunday. Inspired by Comic Cons and events at other festivals, Four Peaks Oktoberfest wants to inject more family-friendly ideas into the popular festival. “We expect a lot of great superhero costumes as well as some variations of Comic Cons and we’re just going to make a big parade out of it and have a really good time on Sunday,” Jones said. “We’re hoping that everybody comes down for Superhero Sunday and enjoys the park. It’s so much fun.”

Phoenix Zoo adds dinosaurs to its collection – well, sort of BY TYNIN FRIES

Cronkite News

hree-year-old Anthony Contrades runs toward his dad as he watches a life-size Tyrannosaurus rex lean down and roar. Visitors of all ages pointed and gawked as they walked through the Phoenix Zoo’s newest exhibit, Dinosaurs in the Desert. The interactive experience features 23 dinosaurs, 17 of which are animatronic, spread out along the Desert Life Trail. Zoo members had the exclusive chance Tuesday to tour the exhibit, which opens to the public Friday. Guests can see many different types of dinosaurs including the brachiosaurus, stegosaurus and Tyrannosaurus rex. Anthony’s favorite is a T. rex because “he’s the biggest.” Some of the dinosaurs are even named after fictional characters visitors might recognize like Cera, the triceratops. “The kids just love the dinos,” said Mike Foley, manager of trail experiences. “One of our dinos, Cera, is based on the character from ‘(The) Land Before Time.’” Although the movie was released nearly 30 years ago, “people are still crazy about dinosaurs.”

The animatronic dinosaurs come from The Dinosaur Company, which works with zoos and aquariums across the country to bring these exhibits to life. Phoenix Zoo officials said their exhibit is unique because it’s the only one set in a desert. “This is the first time it’s being done in the desert, so we have actually chosen to paint our dinosaurs accordingly,” said Kerri Baumann, digital communication strategist with the zoo. “A number of our dinosaurs are painted like the Chiricahua leopard frog, jaguars and chuckwallas that are native to Arizona or species that we are helping to conserve.” The exhibit aims to not only teach visitors about dinosaurs in an interactive way, but it hopes to highlight the Phoenix Zoo’s conservation efforts. “We are hoping that everyone just comes out and enjoys learning about dinosaurs and hopefully learns a little bit about conservation in the process,” Baumann said. Dinosaurs in the Desert will run through April. The exhibit is an additional $5 for general admission and $4 for zoo members. Visitors can see the dinosaurs anytime the zoo is open and the exhibit will feature holiday changes around Halloween and Christmas.

(Photo by Tynin Fries/Cronkite News)

Anthony Contrades, 3, looks up at the Tyrannosaurus rex. He says the T. rex is his favorite dinosaur because “he’s the biggest.”

houses. Kids also have access to lemonade stands, ice cream vendors and shaved ice carts. Some activities are an additional cost. (Photo by Tynin Fries/Cronkite News)

IF YOU GO

What: Arizona Taco Festival When: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. Where: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, and Sunday, Oct. 15 Tickets: $12-$100 Info: aztacofestival.com

Mike Foley, manager of trail experiences at the Phoenix Zoo, holds Cera, an animatronic triceratops, at the Dinosaurs in the Desert exhibit.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

Scotty McCreery jump-starting his career with new single

BY ALAN SCULLEY

GETOUT Contributor

cotty McCreery admits that when he jumped from winning season 10 of “American Idol” into his country music career in 2011, he had a lot to learn about the business and what type of artist he wanted to be. With his debut album due only a few months after he finished “Idol,” McCreery had to rely on outside writers for songs on his debut album, “Clear as Day,” and get right to recording. The rush to release paid off commercially. “Clear as Day” went platinum by selling more than 1 million copies and it spawned hit singles in “I Love You This Big” and “The Trouble with Girls.” But it didn’t necessarily make much of a statement about McCreery as an artist. “You know, with the first album, it sold crazy well and it was exciting to see, but I really had no clue what I was doing,” McCreery said. “I don’t think, we put that thing together after the show (‘American Idol’) and it was what it was. The second album (2013’s ‘See You Tonight’) was definitely a better

(Queen Creek Performing Arts Center)

“American Idol” veteran Scotty McCreery recently signed a new record deal. He plays the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 12.

look at who I am as an artist at the time.” These days, it’s safe to say McCreery has a much better grasp on the kind of music he wants to make and more knowledge about how the country music industry, country record companies and country radio work, especially the pitfalls an artist can encounter in the business. It’s been four years since he released “See You Tonight.” He recently released

STUDENT SUPPORT

the single “Five More Minutes,” the first song released without a record label to chart on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase Top 50. In August, he inked a deal with Triple Tigers Records/Sony Music Entertainment. The new contract comes after McCreery was dropped by his label, Mercury Records, extricated himself from his contract with “American Idol” and signed with new management – three events that will give any artist a good deal of perspective on the workings of the country music industry. The turning point for McCreery came as he finished a third album for Mercury Records. Although he didn’t want to discuss too many specifics of what happened with Mercury and said he still isn’t sure why he was dropped, McCreery indicated there was a difference of opinion about what song should be the first single off of the third album. McCreery wanted to lead with “Five More Minutes.” The label favored “Southern Belle,” which was released. “The first single off of that record was definitely a pivot from where I traditionally like to be at with my music,” McCreery

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said, “I’ve been very consistent with saying ‘Five More Minutes’ was my favorite song off of the record, which tells you what I was probably fighting for.” “Southern Belle” stiffed at radio and the next thing McCreery knew, he was dropped from Mercury and his essentially finished third album went into limbo. McCreery, who wrote “Five More Minutes” about his relationship with his grandfather in 2015 shortly after he died, performed the song in 2016 at the Grand Ole Opry. It soon became an internet sensation. “We weren’t expecting that to go onto YouTube,” McCreery said.

IF YOU GO What: Scotty McCreery When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 Where: Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 22149 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek Tickets: $35-$75 Information: 480-987-7469, qcpac.com

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Don’t knock Spam until you’ve tried this burger and slaw BY JAN D’ATRI AFN Contributor

ant to change the subject from politics, how hot the weather is and the flu season? How about Spam? It seems as though everyone has an opinion about it. I’m convinced there are three groups of people

when it comes to Spam – those who love it, those who’ve never tried it and those who really like it but won’t admit it. Well, this recipe is for all three. It’s a Spam burger topped with a delicious sweet and sour slaw that’ll have you singing “Spam! Glorious Spam!” I’m not kidding you – it’s that tasty! Be prepared to be super surprised by this Spamtactular Sandwich!

Ingredients:

1 can Spam (Cut into 6 slices lengthwise) 8 ounces bacon 1 cup diced yellow onion 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar 1/3 cup sugar Salt and pepper, to taste 4 cups thinly sliced white (green) and red cabbage 3 large eggs, beaten 1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs 1/4 cup vegetable oil Sweet and spicy mustard Lettuce leaves Hamburger or brioche bun 2-3 tablespoons of butter

Directions

Cook bacon until crisp and rough chop. Sauté onion in skillet with 2 tablespoons of bacon grease. Cook over medium-low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle onion with 1 tablespoon of flour. Cook and stir 2 minutes. Add vinegar and sugar; stirring until sugar dissolves. Season as desired with salt and pepper. Add cabbages and stir until they slightly wilt, about 1 minute. Add reserved bacon. Remove from heat and set aside. Slice Spam into 6 lengthwise pieces. Place flour, eggs and panko crumbs into three separate bowls. Dip each Spam slice into flour, then egg and then into the panko crumbs. Over medium-high heat, sauté the Spam slices in 1/4 cup of vegetable oil until golden brown on both sides. Remove Spam, slice bread in half and toast the bread in the hot skillet with a little butter. Spread mustard on both pieces of bread. Add lettuce leaf, Spam slice and spoon warm cabbage slaw over top. Cover with second piece of bread. Serve immediately.

Watch my how-to video: jandatri.com/recipes/one-minute-kitchen.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

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Desert Vista High returns to winning ways on gridiron BY RYAN CLARKE AFN Contributor

ith a sour taste in its mouth after a Tukee Bowl loss to Mountain Pointe, Desert Vista High School’s football team needed a win to get back on track. On Friday it did just that as the defense propelled the Thunder to a 28-22 win over Gilbert High. Desert Vista sacked Tigers quarterback Jack Plummer eight times, stymieing the star signal caller for most of the night and holding him to one touchdown through the air. The defensive performance more than made up for a mediocre offensive outing for the Thunder. “Coming off an emotional game last week, we might have been a little bit flat starting out,” Desert Vista head coach Dan Hinds said. “They played hard and did what it took to win this football game in the second half.” Toward the end of a sluggish first quarter for both teams, Gilbert struck first

(Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Photographer)

Desert Vista High’s defense swarms over the Tigers’ Domonick Amendolara.

on a touchdown grab by Dawson Tanner. The Tigers took a 7-0 lead into the second quarter and appeared to be in a rhythm. But Desert Vista would tie the game late in the second quarter on a 14-yard

run up the gut by Tyson Grubbs. The ground game was working all night, with Grubbs at the center of it all. He needed to step up, too, with Keishaud White and other Thunder skill players sidelined due to injury.

“We just had some guys that really stepped up,” Hinds said. “I’m just really impressed with what they did in the circumstances.” Moments after Grubbs’ touchdown, Gilbert’s Connor McKernan took the kickoff 91 yards to the house, reclaiming the lead for the Tigers and firing up their sideline in the process. A failed two-point conversion attempt made it 13-7 Gilbert at the half. Grubbs would have his answer on the first play of the third quarter, returning the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. The extra point gave Desert Vista its first lead of the game, one the Thunder would not relinquish despite Gilbert’s best efforts. Jordan Huddleston – who played running back, quarterback and tight end – was an integral part of Desert Vista’s success on Friday. He filled at least part of the void left by the injured players, and his 61-yard rumbling run in the third quarter put the Thunder on top 21-13. See

VISTAon page 51

Pride eke out victory in homecoming game nailbiter BY JACOB ROSENFARB AFN Contributor

With the building’s namesake in attendance, Karl Keifer Stadium was brimming with anticipation and excitement Friday evening. That excitement quickly turned to despair, as a trio of first quarter turnovers put Mountain Pointe High School in a hole that most teams would not be able to overcome. But most teams don’t have a player like Delano Salgado. The senior running back was the most effective of the three backs Mountain Pointe utilized, as he scored the Pride’s first touchdown of the game on a 37-yard carry. He carried the Pride to victory as it defeated Highland High 14-13 to improve to 6-1. “He’s really important,” said starting

quarterback Nick Wallerstedt. “We like to go to him when we’re down because he can pick us up. He can make a big play anytime.” The first half of the contest was dominated by Highland, as it forced three first-quarter turnovers and jumped out to a quick 13-0 lead. It stifled the vaunted Mountain Pointe running attack and moved methodically down the field. Highland likely would’ve escaped this game with a victory if not for its kicking, as the team missed two field goals under 30 yards, one in the game’s final five minutes. Nevertheless, Mountain Pointe snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for this year’s homecoming game. Fittingly, the Pride’s biggest player also happened to be the homecoming king. “It’s so important to win on homecoming,” Salgado said as he sported a dashing

sash and crown. “We haven’t lost on this field in I don’t know how long, so tonight was great.” Credit is also due to the Mountain Pointe defense. After allowing a touchdown pass late in the first quarter, the Pride defense tightened up and epitomized the old football adage of bending but not breaking. The Highland of(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Contributor) fense would con- The Pride’s Jakim McKinney shakes off a tackle for extra yardage. sistently move way down the field, but when it reached the land was looking for touchdowns, and red zone, the defense tightened up. Pride See POINTE on page 51 defenders forced field goals when High-

OCTOBER 11, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

POINTE

“If it weren’t for Jordan, I’d lose a lot of sleep at night,” Hinds said. “He can back up at quarterback, he can back up at running back, he can back up on the edge — I bet if we put him in at guard he could play that too.” The Thunder and Tigers traded touchdowns late in the third quarter, with Desert Vista entering the final frame up by (Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Photographer) nine. A Gilbert field goal Thunder quarterback Derek Kline winds up for a pass ahead of a with two minutes left pash rush. made it 28-22 before a pivotal possession for the Tigers defense. the Thunder are a pair of road games at Thanks to mistakes by Desert Vista, Highland and Desert Ridge before capGilbert was able to get the ball back with ping off the season at home against Cojust under two minutes to go, and Plum- rona del Sol. mer went to work. Hinds said he hopes his team can get The Purdue commit got his team as healthy for this final stretch of games and far as midfield before two monumental maintain its level of play. sacks sealed the much-needed win for the “If the defense continues to play like Thunder. that and we get the offense where we Desert Vista moves to 5-2 with the win know it can be, then we’re going to be the while Gilbert drops to 3-4. Next up for football team we want to be,” Hinds said.

that ultimately is what decided the game. It was not the strongest start for Wallerstedt, who appeared rattled after an interception on one of his first throws of the evening. He proceeded to fumble snaps on two separate drives later in the first quarter as Mountain Pointe failed to mount any plays of semblance. Many coaches would’ve made a quarterback change or lost faith in their starter, but head coach Norris Vaughn did neither. “I didn’t think it was his fault,” said Vaughn, referring to the (Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Contributor) two first-quarter fumbles. “I just told him to keep playing and do Mountain Pointe High quarterback Nick Wallerstedt tries to stay inbounds as he eludes a tackle.. what we do.” Wallerstedt did recover from his rough ed to emerge from this slugfest victorious. “I told the team we’re not losing this start, as he remained poised in the pocket and managed the game well for the Pride. game,” said a stoic Wallerstedt. “We He also was incredibly effective running stepped on the gas and we got angry. We the ball, as he picked up multiple first needed to win this game.” While it wasn’t pretty, Mountain Pointe downs with his legs. Overall, Wallerstedt provided the inten- escaped with a win and cemented its place sity and leadership Mountain Pride need- atop the 6A central division standings.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

Pride face tough test as Thunder confront a struggling opponent BY GREG MACAFEE AFN Sports Editor

hen it came down to it, Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe high schools’ varsity football teams didn’t put together their best performances, but both escaped with late victories Friday. And with three games remaining in the season, both teams will finish out their seasons with regional opponents as they vie for the top spot in the 6A Central region.

Mountain Pointe vs Desert Ridge

The Pride will have another tough challenge ahead as it takes on No. 4-ranked Desert Ridge High, which earned its fourth row in a win on Friday with a 3414 win over Corona del Sol. This 6A top-10 matchup could be a high-scoring affair as both teams can put the ball in the end zone on the ground or through the air. The Jaguars have scored a total of 303 points in seven games this season, including 63 and 68-point outbursts against Desert Mountain and Gilbert, respectively, before the matchup with Corona del Sol. This season, the Jaguars have been led

ning backs to a minimum all season long. That effort starts with Mountain Pointe defensive lineman Shomari Hayes up front. The senior has racked up 6.5 sacks and 46 tackles on the season. But, he also has opened opportunities for his teammates to contribute in the defensive front as well. Senior Tyre Johnson has been stellar off the edge, with a team high 48 tackles. Junior Kenneth Lofton is tied with Hayes with 6.5 sacks. These three will (Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Photographer) The Thunder’s Matt Lewis kicks off during his team’s contest last have a big role in stopping week with Gilbert High. the Desert Ridge running game, but look for senior linebacker Jacob Olsen to by a group of running backs that have play a big role as well. been the highlight of a young offense. As it has all season, the Mountain Tyrese Allen has been the lead back, Pointe secondary could cause problems as breaking off multiple 100-yard games, well if the front seven can stymie a strong including a 132-yard, three-touchdown Desert Ridge running game. The players performance against Desert Mountain. have been forces all season long and are But this week, the Jaguars will run into a one of the top strengths of the squad led strong defensive front that has held run- by head coach Norris Vaughan.

The offensive game plan hasn’t changed for the Pride: Feed the ball to the running backs and throw it when necessary. Quarterback Nick Wallerstedt has been the key to this offense. He’s been effective in managing games and when he has needed to, he has used his legs, which are probably his most effective asset. But, the 6-foot-3 quarterback can still sling the pigskin, averaging 103 yards a game this season. The Mountain Pointe offense will run into a Jaguars defense led by junior safety Koa Tuipala and senior linebacker Desha Bennet. Both have 30-plus tackles on the season, and through five games, Bennet has sacked opposing quarterbacks six times. The Jaguars defense has only allowed 168 points this season and many of those points came in two separate matchups – including 52 against one of the highest scoring offenses in Hamilton High. Three weeks later, Gilbert put up 47 points against the Jaguars behind a 311-yard passing performance. The two teams face off on Thursday at Mountain Pointe High School at 7 p.m. See

COMING UP on page 56

SPORTS

OCTOBER 11, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Perry leads top stories so far this prep football season BY GREG MACAFEE Tribune Sports Editor

o far, the Arizona high school football season has provided several interesting storylines. While two East Valley teams fell to out-of-state competition on the national level, others have started to make a name for themselves on the local scene, proving that they belong in the same conversation as the top teams in the state. Here is a breakdown of some of the top teams in the East Valley.

6A No. 1 Perry Pumas

The Perry Pumas sit atop the 6A rankings for the second week in a row with victories over Desert Vista, Millennium, Westwood, O’Connor, Corona del Sol and Highland. They met their toughest opponent yet on Friday as they took on No. 6 Chandler. The Pumas are led by a high-powered offense that had scored 354 points heading into their matchup with the Wolves. Senior quarterback Brock Purdy has thrown for 1,698 yards and 24 touchdowns while throwing only six interceptions. The Perry defense has been just as strong, if not stronger. They had allowed only 116 points heading into Friday night and had racked up 19 total sacks and six interceptions. But the Pumas had the third lowest average opponent rating of teams in the top 10 of 6A, according to the AZPreps365 power rankings. They come in behind only No. 5 Highland and No. 10 Horizon. As the Pumas begin their Premier region play, their toughest competition lies ahead.

No. 2 Hamilton Huskies

Led by interim head coach Dick Baniszewski, the Huskies have proved their ability to block out the noise from the abuse case that has shined a bright light on the football program since January. Hamilton started with a 1-1 record, losing to still-undefeated Queen Creek in week 2, but it since has taken off. They have scored 30-plus points in four of the past five games and have allowed more than 30 points only twice. Their offense has been a strength, led by a backfield with two Atlantic Coast Conference commits. Quarterback Tyler Shough, a University of North Carolina commit, has thrown for 1,802 yards, 17 touchdowns and only two interceptions

through seven games. He’s also spread the ball around, finding four different receivers for 300-plus yards and seven different receivers for a touchdown. His backfield mate, running back Jawhar Jordan Jr., a Syracuse commit, has run for 945 yards and 16 touchdowns. Ultimately, the pair has benefitted from a strong offensive line that has allowed only two sacks. That line is highlighted by 6-foot-6, 320-pound, Arizona State commit Hunter Mayginnes.

No. 4 Desert Ridge

The Jaguars could be a team to watc when the state tournament rolls around in November. They boast a roster filled with young talent, and their only loss came against Hamilton in a 52-28 shootout. Jeremy Hathcock has brought the best out of a team that lost its leading passer, receiver and two of their top defensive lineman from a year ago. Tyrese Allen, who rushed for 1,305 yards last season, is one key returner to this year’s squad and has rolled over his 2016 successes into this year, rushing for 408 yards and eight touchdowns. The Jaguars still have three big Central region matchups left against Mountain Pointe, Desert Vista and Highland.

Others to note:

The Chandler Wolves and the Red Mountain Mountain Lions remain just out of the top five teams in 6A. After a tough and injury-riddled start, they could bounce back when fully healthy. No. 6 Chandler started off with a week two matchup against national No. 2 IMG Academy. In that game, they lost starting quarterback Jacob Conover to a shoulder injury. Then, several players fell to injury in a 35-28 overtime victory over Pinnacle. They lost to Mountain Pointe as well, 24-21, but have since been on the mend, winning three straight games ahead of their Oct. 6 matchup against Perry. Once the Wolves return to full health, look for them to take their rightful place atop 6A. After losing two straight to start off 2017, the No. 8 Mountain Lions have won their last four games led by a strong defense that has only allowed 64 points, tallied 17 sacks and picked off 8 passes during that win streak. They close out with matchups against Mountain View on Oct. 6, Mesa, No. 11 Skyline and Westwood.

(Greg Macafee/AFN Staff

Devin Larsen, a junior, has thrown for over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns for the 5A Queen Creek Bulldogs.

5A No. 2 Queen Creek Bulldogs

The Bulldogs are the second-best team in class 5A, with crucial wins over Hamilton, Ironwood Ridge and Deer Valley. They have been led by a mature quarterback in junior Devin Larsen, who has thrown for over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns. Junior Dylan Borja also has risen as the top back for the Bulldogs, running for 793 yards and nine touchdowns through seven games. Defensively, the Bulldogs have been led the linebacker tandem of Jon Matuzak and Dante Coleman, who have racked up 64 and 58 tackles, respectively. As a team, the Bulldogs have racked up 15 sacks and have only allowed 100 points heading into their matchup with Campo Verde. While the Bulldogs take their undefeated record on the road, one key opponent waiting for them is No. 1 Centennial, who knocked off Florida’s St. Thomas Aquinas. The Bulldogs close out with matchups against Vista Grande and Williams Field. Other East Valley teams to watch in the final four weeks in 5A are No. 12 Campo Verde and No. 14 Williams Field. Both are on the edge as only 16 teams make the state tournament, but both have three games remaining, including matchups with Queen Creek. Williams Field is the reigning 5A state champion and have won two straight after losing to No. 16 Verrado and No. 13. Chaparral. Campo Verde has had a slightly different journey. Heading into their matchup with Queen Creek, they have only one blemish on their record, a last-minute loss to Williams Field.

4A No. 8 Seton Catholic Prep

The Sentinels entered the week of Oct. 6 games with 5-1 record, their only loss coming against No. 9 Cactus Shadows. Junior Nick Wade has led the way for SCP, rushing for 597 yards and nine touchdowns while catching five passes for 164 yards and three touchdowns. The next three weeks could make or break the Sentinels as they face off with two other teams in the top 16.

No. 10 Higley

No. 10 Higley was a favorite heading into 2017 and other than a loss to defending four-time state champion No. 2 Saguaro they have lived up to the hype. 2016 Gatorade Player of the Year Draycen Hall leads the team with 574 rushing yards, 191 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns. Defensively, Cade Matthews has been a leader for the Knights with 63 total tackles and four sacks. They have only allowed 71 points. The Knights have two tough matchups left on their schedule left: No. 1 Cactus on Oct. 13, and No. 8 Seton Catholic on Oct. 27.

No. 11 Marcos de Niza

The Padres were 3-3 heading into their Oct. 6 game against No. 9 Cactus Shadows and all three of their losses in 2017 have come against teams in the top five of 5A. The Padres have won with low scores, scoring below 20 points in two of their wins, but they blew up for 51 points against Casa Grande. Defensively, junior Mario Gastelum leads the way with 47 tackles and two interceptions, followed by senior Joe Chavez with 38 tackles. *All stats and records were compiled as of Oct. 5.

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 11, 2017

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ormer professional athletes often try to find a way to give back to the communities that gave them so much during their playing days. Some do it by holding camps, some do it by mentoring young players and some do it by providing opportuni(Greg Macafee/AFN Staff) ties for players that Mark McMillian, left, works with Justin Barnes, a longtime Camp 29 they may not oth- attendee. Barnes is going to try out for the Arizona Rattlers. erwise get. Former NFL player Mark McMillian youth level all the way up to the profesdoes all three. For the past 10 years, Mc- sional level to hone their skills. He also Millian and a staff full of former NFL is a part of the Blue-Grey All-American and college players run Camp 29, a football camp that allows athletes from the See NFL on page 55

13th Annual Palo Verde Awards Dinner

LIGHTS, CAMERA,

Cocktail Hour Musical Entertainment Plated Dinner and Desserts Raffle to benefit the Women in Business Scholarship Fund Awards Program

INSPIRE! Hosted by the Ahwatukee Chamber and the Women in Business Group, this exciting annual red carpet event celebrates and honors the Business Woman of the Year, Social Enterprise Award and Corporate Award. In addition, Scholarships will be awarded to local women who are pursuing education beyond high school (no age restrictions).

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON November 2, 2017 • 5:30 – 8:00 PM (5:30 – 6:30 Cocktails and 6:30 – 8:00 Dinner and Program) 10831 S. 51st St. Phoenix, AZ 85044 Tickets and sponsorships available at www.ahwatukeechamber.com or 480-753-7676 $90 per person or $695 for a table of 8