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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS Wednesday, October 26, 2016
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ADOT agreement could provide water security for Ahwatukee golf courses
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS COVER STORY
BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN EXECUTIVE EDITOR
A TUKEE TREAT
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he Arizona Department of Transportation and three homeowners associations have reached an agreement that could provide added security for the future of Ahwatukee’s three remaining golf courses: An infrastructure for cheap water. The agreement eliminates the problem
that the South Mountain Freeway had posed to wells feeding The Foothills and Lakewood golf course communities. And it lays out a partial plan to replace Club West Golf Course’s expensive potable city water with well water. Now, the biggest hurdle is locating a source for Club West’s water. The agreement was brokered by state Representatives Jill Norgaard and Bob Robson, Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio, and State Senate hopeful Frank Schmuck. They persuaded ADOT to
listen to proposals from Chad Blostone, Ahwatukee Village Foothills Planning Committee Chairman, for resolving the water problem and other issues the proposed freeway would create for nearby communities. Many of those other issues remain unresolved. Members of the Club West and Foothills HOA boards were joined Friday by DiCiccio and Norgaard at a press conference outlining the deal. An ADOT spokesman declined
INTERIM AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS LEADER P
Businesswoman named temporary Chamber chief.
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COMMUNITY
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Both Pride, Thunder win again.
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WATER on page 16
Ironwood Library marks 25 years of serving Ahwatukee readers BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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hwatukee’s first cultural institution is having a birthday. Twenty-five years ago today, the long-awaited Ironwood Public Library opened its doors to a crowd of excited Ahwatukee residents. On the morning of Oct. 26, 1991, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by head branch-manager Lupita Barron-Rios, the first of Ironwood’s seven chiefs, and thenMayor Paul Johnson. Less than a decade after Ahwatukee was annexed to Phoenix and became the most southern of the city’s 15 urban villages, the 35-square-mile community had its own library branch. It replaced the Maricopa County Bookmobile that had been serving local residents and became the Phoenix Public See
LIBRARY on page 14
Music, Maestro!
(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)
The 24-student Desert Vista High School Chamber Orchestra was treated to a visit from Phoenix Symphony Music Director Tito Munoz, who directed their early-morning class last Thursday. Playing under Munoz’s direction are, from left, violinists Jeremy Chao, Alexis Kim and Sean Hsu. students called Munoz’s visit “awesome.” And he called their playing just as impressive. See pages 22 and 38.
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2016 | 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 FOOTHILLS of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills. UKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
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(Special to AFN)
Ahwatukee astronomer Gordon Rosner demonstrates the Earth’s size in comparison to the sun.
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BY RACHEL EROH AFN STAFF WRITER
A
t first glance, the objects on Gordon Rosner’s table look like the miscellaneous treasures found under a 10-year-old boy’s bed; a rubber bouncy ball, Easter eggs, magnets, a dead scorpion, a squishy baseball and the skeleton of a gecko. Although the 63-year-old Rosner has a child-like wonder, the objects on his table are used to better understand science, the universe and life. Rosner, an Ahwatukee resident for 26 years, is an astronomer and founder of Star Tales, which provides education about the universe through lectures, presentations and telescope viewings. His company has a partnership with the South Mountain Environmental Education Center. He uses the parthnership to share his passion for the wonders of the sky with others. “Normally environmental education is looking >> See
NEIGHBORS on page 6
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
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OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Agencies work to make childsupport system ‘friendlier’ BY MICHELLE CHANCE CRONKITE NEWS
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oncustodial parents find navigating the child-support system in Arizona intimidating, unfriendly and inefficient, but state and county agencies say they have made changes in the last few years give them a friendlier system to pilot. The Department of Economic Security, which oversees the Division of Child Support Services and has about 174,000 support cases, has tried to take a more “holistic” approach with parents. This year, the child support division partnered with Maricopa County Superior Court and held two court events that quashed child support warrants in exchange for one month’s child-support payment. “We want to encourage obligors to make their child support payments. The goal is to get money to the children that need it,” Family Court Presiding Judge
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Paul McMurdie said. Father Matters, a nonprofit organization that partners with DES, helps Valley parents interested in paying back child support arrears through oneon-one meetings with state agents. In addition to the support meetings, the agency also offers parenting classes, family law legal services and job training. During the meetings, caseworkers discuss the details and explain the complexities of the process. Sherri Hurst, a DES administrator, said parents used to hesitate when contacting the department to take care of their child support issues because they were afraid of the agency. “We were seen as just an enforcement agency that was going to throw them in jail,” Hurst said. “We’re not that. We are a service agency now.” State officials point to a $16 million decrease in unpaid child support in >> See
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
from page 3
down and around but SMEEC took a different approach. They said ‘let’s look up,’” Rosner said. “That’s where I come in.” People can join Rosner in action 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday at the education center, 10409 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, for a program titled “Mars: Let’s Go There.” Telescope viewing of the starts will follow, weather permitting. Admission is $10 per person and registration is required at acncscouthmountain.org. Rosner’s other programs are listed there and his company’s other offerings are at arizonastartales.com. To Rosner, knowledge is more valuable than money and he strives to share his knowledge with others every day. His only goal is that people walk away with a “spark.” “That spark is discovery and exploration,” Rosner said. “I want them to leave and start googling the sky.” Gordon’s background as a college math professor and an instructor for the U.S. Army’s Arctic Survival and Mountaineering Program, Red Cross water safety classes and sport-parachuting courses, created a continuing dedication to public education. That, mixed with his professional engineering career, fostered his desire to share his life-long love of astronomy to inspire others to explore this fascinating and expanding aspect of science. Gordon currently gives presentations on astronomy and space rocket design to schools and colleges. He is a member of the East Valley Astronomy Club and the national chapter of the Astronomical League, vice manager of the Gilbert Rotary Astronomical Observatory and is currently a mission-
assurance engineer for a company that manufactures space-launch vehicles. Since Rosner is often giving educational presentations about the universe, he has to be ready for all of the questions. “I’ve got to be on my game, so it pushes me personally to learn more,” Rosner said. Ever since Rosner was 13 years old and looked through a friend’s telescope at the rings of Saturn, he has been intrigued by the universe and wants to ignite that interest in others. While at the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory, a teenage girl came in with her grandfather to look through the telescope. Rosner asked her if she wanted to operate the roof and the computer. “She was so excited and her grandfather was just beaming,” Rosner said. She came back the following weekend and Rosner had her operate the entire observatory. If someone came in and wanted to see a particular object, she would type in the coordinates, Rosner said. “That is what drives me. Now, hopefully, she might go into astronomy or a science because of that,” Rosner said. Rosner’s also has a passion for motorcycles. “I would call myself a social dichotomy because of my love for Harley Davidson motorcycles,” Rosner said. A father of three, he helped to teach his kids the importance of fully understanding a topic. “He got us to ask ‘why?’” said Thomas, his oldest son. Thomas recalled how, as a child, he and his father would often stay up till 1 a.m. talking about outer space. Even though Thomas doesn’t live under the same roof anymore, he often calls his dad when he has questions and they’ll stay up and talk about the universe, just like when he was younger. “He’s only a phone call away and he always has an answer,” Thomas said.
(Special to AFN)
Gordon Rosner uses a special laser light to point out constellations during a private backyard party in Ahwatukee.
Thomas said his father encouraged his kids to put 100 percent into everything they did, and supported him in all his endeavors, from Boy Scouts to football to motocross, Thomas said. Henry DeJonge, an astronomy professor at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, invites Rosner to his class every semester. Rosner’s enthusiasm and sense of humor keeps the students engaged, DeJonge said. “His passion for astronomy is contagious,” DeJonge said. DeJonge teaches a night class, so generally his students want to leave as soon as class is over. However, when Rosner gives presentations, students
Bobbi Musel
often stay late and ask questions, DeJonge said. Rosner created Star Tales a year ago and the partnership with SMEEC followed shortly after. While there is much room to expand his business, he prefers to keep it smaller. This way, he said, he can maintain the one-on-one teaching experiences he enjoys. “When I look up at the sky and I see stars and planets, they’re beautiful and gorgeous,” Rosner said. “When I look at people, they’re the most complicated objects in the universe. They’re thinking and they’re exploring. They’re not insignificant, they’re the most significant.”
After eight years of dedicated service..... Bobbi Musel is retiring; she’s put in her time, she leaves us now with warmer plans in mind. Just “R & R” and taking life slow, at home in the garden, or perhaps Mexico!
The friendship she has graciously extended to our clients and our branch will be missed. I wish her all the happiness she certainly deserves.
Joseph Ortiz
Happy Retirement!
NEWS
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
7
“Your Ahwatukee Home Seller”
“Top 1% Ahwatukee Realtor” 25 Year Ahwatukee Resident
(Melissa Hartley/Special to AFN)
First graders, from left, Madison McCarthy, Molly Barden and June Newsum at Horizon Honors Elementary School in Ahwatukee learned with their classmates about the rain forest after teacher Elizabeth Tavasci transformed the first and second grade classrooms into a forest-like habitat last week. Students spent the day tromping over a forest floor, making vines and snakes and experiencing “rain” from spray bottles, spokeswoman Melissa Hartley said.
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from page 5
Arizona since fiscal 2013, which they attribute to a combination of reasons. They include a reduced caseload, partnerships with courts and work with community partners like Father Matters.
Arizona parents also owe less than in previous years. That doesn’t necessarily mean the state hasn’t remained tough on the issue. “We still have aggressive enforcement remedies in place for those that are able to pay but are unwilling to pay,” Hurst said.
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
of Chandler
Local businesswoman named interim Ahwatukee Chamber CEO BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN EXECUTIVE EDITOR
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he Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce board of directors has named a longtime local businesswoman the organization’s interim president/CEO while it looks for a permanent replacement for departed leader Anne Gill. Lindy Lutz Cash, a 13-year Ahwatukee resident who with her husband Kevin founded Foothills Ace Hardware in 2007, will oversee the chamber— and auditioning for a permanent appointment. Cash said that she had put in for the job to replace Gill, who resigned to accept the same job at the larger Tempe Chamber of Commerce, and that the board approached her afterward with the interim offer. Board chair Martha Neese said the board selected Cash for the temporary position because “she knows a lot about the operation and is very knowledgeable Lindy Lutz Cash about networking and the Ahwatukee business community.” “She seemed like a very good choice,” Neese said. “She’s done a lot of mentoring and tutoring of businesses and was on the chamber board.” Neese said the board hopes to make a decision on a permanent leader by the end of the year. In an interview, Cash said she considers the job multifaceted and “important to the business community and community-at-large.” She said the president/CEO must “be closely in touch with the business community and their needs, along with many other facets of the community, including schools, government, economic development and trends. “It is important to be resourceful in seeking ways to support the community,
develop programming and create opportunities for interaction, both in the business community and in the community-at-large. Outreach and interaction with other communities, especially neighboring communities in the East Valley and the City of Phoenix, is also essential,” she added. Cash, who started her job Monday, said her first priority would be “to lead and manage initiatives currently underway and/or on the priority list and help prepare the chamber for 2017” while she also will look for “new opportunities to introduce and recommend to the board.” She said she put in for permanent appointment to the position because “I love the Ahwatukee community and want to contribute my leadership skills and experience to help the business community continue to grow and prosper, along with the community-atlarge.” “The Ahwatukee Chamber has been a wonderful place for me to meet other business people and (Special to AFN) collaborate with one another regarding our respective businesses and also how we can work together for the good of the overall community,” she said. “We have a close knit, supportive business community in Ahwatukee and the chamber provides many opportunities for interaction, education and resources. Cash has had extensive involvement in the chamber, including vice chair of the board. She also has been a member of the Women in Business Committee helped with the annual July 4 Red, White and Boom! celebration and was a finalist in two years for the Palo Verde Business Woman of the Year Award. She spent part of her career in corporations and then decided to go into business with her husband. “We both have an entrepreneurial spirit and wanted to create a business of See
CHAMBER on page 9
NEWS
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
CHAMBER
from page 8
our own and where we could also give back to the community,” she said. As for her networking and mentoring skills, Cash said she’s mentored business people in both one-on-one and group settings. “I’m an educator at heart, so I enjoy helping people learn and be the best they can be at what they are doing,” she said. She brings that same enjoyment of meeting people to her networking activities, saying, “I also like to connect
people to one another as I learn about them and see how collaboration with various others could be mutually beneficial.” Though her chamber position will keep her busy, Cash said she’s prepared. “Work/life balance is a challenge for most people and it will be important to manage my time to get the job done effectively and also keep time for other activities,” she said. “I’ve always juggled work with various community activities and volunteer roles, so planning and keeping an organized calendar helps a great deal.’
State: Construction jobs not likely to come back BY HOWARD FISCHER CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICE
R
emember all those construction jobs? Well, they’re not coming back any time in the foreseeable future. That’s the conclusion of Doug Walls, research analyst for the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity. Walls said the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for September was 5.5 percent. That finally brings it back to where it was in April before the rate spiked. Arizona did add 2,700 construction jobs last month and 10,400 since the same time last year. But that still leaves overall construction employment at 139,200. Prior to the recession there were 244,300 people working in the industry, close to one out of every 11 Arizonans employed. Walls suggested that was an artificial—and unsustainable—level of employment. “Before the recession construction employment increased dramatically very quickly,’’ he said. That was during the housing bubble, with home builders in Arizona putting up houses as fast as they could under the premise that there would always be buyers. For a long time, that was true, with banks and other lenders willing to provide mortgages to those with questionable credit under the premise that the ever-increasing value of the homes made them a good risk. When the bottom dropped out,
hundreds of thousands of Arizonans found themselves “upside-down,’’ owing more on their homes than they were worth. Many homeowners simply walked away, leaving the state with a glut of vacant properties. The industry hit rock bottom soon after, with employment plummeting by September 2006 to fewer than 110,000. Walls said employment is predicted to continue to tick up for the coming decade. “But it will still be below the recession peaks that construction was at,’’ he said. Construction is not the only weak part of the state’s economy. Manufacturing employment last month was 158,000, down about 600 from the same period a year earlier. And that’s just 10,000 above the bottom the industry hit in September 2010. By comparison, just prior to the recession it peaked at 188,200. And even that does not reflect how strong manufacturing used to be, having topped 212,000 in 1998. Walls said there’s no indication it will get back to where it was—ever. “Manufacturing is one of those industries that has been seeing small declines for multiple years,’’ he said. Overall, private sector employment last month increased by just 3,800 workers. But the jobless rate declined at least in part because of 28,900 new government workers, mainly employees of state and local colleges and schools returning after the summer recess.
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Mountain Park Ranch
Mountain Park Ranch
Impeccable T.W. Lewis home with 5 br, 3 ba and 3,076 sq. ft. Spacious eat-in kitchen features black granite countertops and black appliances. One bedroom and full bath down with master suite and three secondary bedrooms upstairs. Resort-style backyard replete with amazing built-in kitchen, fire pit with seating, salt water pool and above ground spa.
Hillside lot with privacy of mountain preserve. 5 br, 3 ba with 3,546 sq. ft. Spacious open kitchen with adjacent family and formal dining room. Downstairs master and secondary bedroom. Great backyard amenities including fenced pool and spa, built-in fire pit and grass area.
Listed for $424,900
Listed for $419,500
Listed for $517,500
Club West
Equestrian Estates
Recently updated on golf course lot. 5 br plus media room, 3 ba with 3,829 sq. ft. Open kitchen with granite countertops and custom island with gas cooktop. Inviting stone-accented wet bar and fireplace in family room. New carpet, interior and exterior paint. Resort-style backyard features Pebble Tec pool and spa with waterfall, built-in BBQ and lush landscaping.
Amazing sunset and mountain views from updated single level. 4 br, 3 ba with 3,056 sq. ft. Spacious eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Zebrawood plank tile and wood flooring. Resort-style backyard with retractable door, multiple fire pits with seating, diving pool with waterfall, built-in BBQ with bar, in-ground trampoline and tropical landscaping.
Listed for $549,500
Listed for $649,000
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
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Foothills Gateway LISTED FOR
$269,900
Beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom 1,416 sf home! Sparkling pebble tec pool (2015 pool pump and vacuum) and extended covered patio in back yard. Corner lot with north/ south exposure. Great room floor plan. Granite counters in kitchen and bathrooms. Kitchen has stainless steel appliances, island and pantry. Split master bedroom floor plan. Master suite has walk-in closet and double sinks. Private, gated front courtyard. Community park with playground and large grass area immediately across the street.
Camelot Ridge LISTED FOR
$449,900
Highly upgraded 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,850 sf home with one bedroom downstairs. New roof! Mountain views! Kitchen upgraded with pecan colored cabinetry and copper-finish hardware, granite slab counters, stainless steel appliances, island, pantry and eat-in kitchen nook. Fireplace in family room. Master suite has his & hers vanities with granite counter tops, refinished cabinets, separate shower/Roman tub and his/hers closets. Enormous backyard has sparkling pool and artificial turf. New exterior paint. Sun screens. New garage door opener. New skylight.
Tyson Manor LISTED FOR
$385,000
3 bedroom plus office, 2.5 bathroom, 2876 sf, single level custom home! Wood flooring and 15 ft. vaulted ceiling with wood beams. Gourmet kitchen has center island and Sub-Zero refrigerator. Split master floor plan. Children’s wing with Jack and Jill bathroom. Multiple walk-in closets. Skylights in kitchen and master bathroom. Saltwater diving pool. 2014 roof with 50 year warranty!
Ahwatukee Retirement LISTED FOR
PRICE REDUCED!
$189,500
Upgraded home on spectacular golf course lot! Incredible view of the golf course! 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,526 sf home. Kitchen boasts granite-look counter tops and trendy white kitchen cabinetry with upgraded hardware. Newer carpet and wood burning fireplace. No popcorn ceilings! Master bedroom has large closets and master bathroom has step-in shower. Situated in a quiet cul-de-sac.
Finesterra at Valencia LISTED FOR
PRICE REDUCED!
$599,900
5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom 4,663 sf highly upgraded basement home. Finished basement is currently set up as a media room. Gated community. 1/3 acre lot! Elaborate, custom swim-up Gazebo! Pebble tec pool with grand water feature and slide. Built in BBQ, outdoor bar, and extensive hardscape with Cantera stone pavers.
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Bowie calls for land swap or park for Ahwatukee Lakes golf course AFN NEWS STAFF
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emocratic State Senate candidate Sean Bowie has suggested a city purchase or a land swap should be considered for the beleaguered Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club. “The Lakes golf course should not become a development property for more homes, and the home owners in the community have a right to be upset,” Bowie, an Ahwatukee resident, said in response to a questionnaire the Ahwatukee Foothills News sent to all six candidates in Legislative Sean Bowie District 18. The district covers all of Ahwatukee and parts of Tempe, mesa and Chandler. The AFN asked: “Do you see any need or opportunity for state involvement in the turmoil surrounding the future of Ahwatukee’s four golf communities? If you see a way, what would it specifically be?” Linda Macias, a Tempe resident and Green Party candidate for one of the district’s two House seats, did not respond to the questionnaire. “This is an important issue for Ahwatukee, and as an Ahwatukee resident, one I take personally,” Bowie said. “I would work with the city of Phoenix and recommend one of two solutions: either the city purchases the golf course and turns the area into a public park, or we look at undertaking a land swap with the owner of the golf course with land elsewhere in the city of Phoenix. “The goal of both of these solutions is to maintain the open space nature of the golf course. If a golf course is not economically feasible, we should work towards a solution that is,” he added. Bowie’s Republican opponent, Frank Schmuck, said, “Ultimately the future of Ahwatukee’s four golf communities rests in the hands of the people and the city of Phoenix. “As a state senator, there is limited direct influence that can affect its outcome,” added Schmuck, a Tempe resident.
“However, facilitating cooperation between parties involved can be beneficial to the people of Ahwatukee and the city of Phoenix.” Incumbent Rep. Jill Norgaard, who also lives in Ahwatukee, said, “The golf course issues are more related to the city and the residents. I am available to our City Council representatives if they need me to weigh in at the state level and have been in communication with the HOA members.” Her fellow incumbent Republic Bob Robson, of Chandler, echoed that statement. (Special to AFN) “I’d like to applaud Councilman Sal DiCiccio for his work on the issue,” Robson said. “The issues concerning the golf communities rest solely with the municipal government and are not state issues. While land use issues are municipal issues, I’m happy to facilitate meetings or discussion with all interested parties.” Meanwhile, Democrat Mitzi Epstein, a Tempe resident, said, “Local control is very important to keeping our neighborhoods strong and our voices heard in our community. The concerns of homeowners—our neighbors—must be heard and attended. “Residents were promised green spaces when they bought their homes. Neighbors have told me about their concerns about the potential for con artists or frauds to misrepresent their proposed plans for the area. They have concerns about the management of runoff water. Our laws in Arizona should protect homeowners from fraud and misrepresentations. “Our laws should not always favor the biggest corporations with the most expensive lawyers,” she added. “Our laws should honor the agreements that residents had when they bought their homes. Those agreements included open spaces and I will work with residents and officials to make solutions that might include parks, or greenbelts, or other options for managing water runoff, and providing open spaces.”
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OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Arizona leaders build support for return of all-day kindergarten BY HOWARD FISHER CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES
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coalition of business, education and political leaders hopes to build support to reinstate statefunded full-day kindergarten, a move that would pressure Gov. Doug Ducey to include it in his budget. But the governor, while saying he supports the concept, is unwilling at this point to say he’ll actually make a spending priority of what could cost more than $200 million a year. “Early literacy is critical to improving third grade reading proficiency, and there is proof all-day K is a determiner of early literacy,’’ gubernatorial press aide Daniel Scarpinato said Monday. And the money? Scarpinato said K-12 education “remains a top priority of the governor.’’ But he said none of that means Ducey will actually commit to finding the dollars or including it in the budget he presents to lawmakers in less than three months, calling full-day kindergarten “an area worthy of investment.’’
Ca
rpe t
On Monday, Phil Francis, the former CEO of PetSmart, told members of the state Board of Education parents should have the option of sending their 5-year-olds to a full day of kindergarten. With the state paying for only half-day programs, that choice exists only in some school districts which are either willing to fund full-day programs through tax dollars or charge parents a fee. Kyrene School District makes fullday kindergarten available for free, continuing a governing board decision first made in 2011. The Republican-controlled legislature in 2005 got Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano to sign a 10 percent cut in state income taxes in exchange for her demand for full-day funding. But five years later, with the state looking for money, lawmakers rescinded the funding. That 10 percent tax cut, however, remains. Francis said he thinks the time may be right to revisit the issue. And he said the key is a broad-based coalition, one that includes prominent Republicans. One who already has signed on in
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dissipates by second grade. She said if there’s money to be spent on early childhood education better priorities include things like vision and hearing screening to ensure that children can learn. Smith said he has heard from parents who paid schools for full-day kindergarten only to find out from their children that the second-half of the day was filled with games. Smith said the second half of the day should be reserved for “reiteration, a reinforcement of what they learned the first half.’’ That question of whether full-day kindergarten leads to kids who can read better by the third grade is more than academic. Board of Education President Reginald Ballantyne noted that current law requires third graders to read at grade level to advance. He said more children who can read due to a stronger start in kindergarten means fewer instances of the board “having the sad task of holding youngsters back from fourth grade.’’
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support of the concept is Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa. Smith said, though, what he envisions will be far different than what his colleagues approved more than a decade ago, one with an actual academic emphasis. But that still leaves the question of coming up with the cash. Smith said that will depend on the governor. “If this is a project that he wants to pursue, I believe there’s actual momentum in the legislature to pursue it,’’ Smith said. Aside from Francis and Smith, the board also heard support from Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. He suggested that having youngsters get a stronger start on education could have ripple effects, even leading to lower crime rates. The push for all-day K also is being bolstered by the education community, including Arizona State University President Michael Crow. Lisa Fink, president of Choice Academies, a group of charter schools, said research shows that any advantage children gain from full-day kindergarten
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OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
MEDICAL MASSAGE Get Your Mobility Back (Special to AFN)
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Library’s 11th branch. In the ensuing 25 years, the 16,300-square-foot library at 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. has maintained its popularity while remaining abreast of the times and becoming one of the system’s five busiest branches. Last year, more than 250,000 residents patronized it. On Saturday, Ironwood’s history and future will be celebrated, starting with a 9:30 a.m. performance by the Desert Vista High School String Quartet. That will be followed by an oral history of the library and then cake and refreshments provided by Ironwood’s active chapter of the Friends of Phoenix Public Library. Among the invited guest speakers is Emma Collins, a former Ironwood Teen Council member who is now a circulation attendant at the Phoenix Public Library’s Mesquite Library Branch. “I first tried to get involved at the library when I was 11 years old, when my older sister started volunteering at Ironwood. I was told you had to be 12, and I was so disappointed,” said Collins, now 22. “As soon as I turned 12, I started volunteering and joined the Library Teen Council, which was responsible for putting on teen programming at Ironwood,” Collins recalled.
“I wanted to volunteer because I loved going to the library and just hanging out and going to programming with my friends. Volunteering seemed like a good excuse to spend more time at the library,” she said. Following her 2012 graduation from Desert Vista High, Collins headed to Northern Arizona University, where she earned dual degrees in political science and environmental studies. “I stayed with Ironwood throughout college because I enjoyed being able to be a part of my community even when I was going to school in a different city,” Collins said. “I started working at Mesquite after graduation because working at the library is a great job to have while trying to figure out where I want to go in the future,” she added. Her mother, Kristine Collins, is Ironwood’s library assistant, and her uncle, John Dallas Collins, is a library page at Phoenix’s Century Branch. “I would love to be working at Ironwood, but we aren’t allowed to work with relatives,” said Emma Collins, who plans to pursue her master’s degree at Arizona State University. Collins will be joined at Saturday’s birthday party by City Librarian Rita Hamilton; current Ironwood Branch Manager Lisa Tharp, who has served in that capacity for three years; Mayor See
LIBRARY on page 15
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OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
15
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Wonderful home located in lake subdivision Pecos Ranch! Walking paths, fishing lakes, community pool and tennis courts! This 3 bedroom, two bathroom, single level home has upgraded tile, newer carpet, updated fixtures and appliances. Large kitchen opens to family room includes flat top stove, built-in microwave and refrigerator stays with home. Separate large living/dining room combo. Large master bedroom and bath with separate shower/ tub and walk-in closet. Secondary bedrooms are large. Inside laundry with washer and dryer included. Location is amazing. Close to 202, 101 and Chandler Mall. Don’t miss this home. Won’t last long at this price.
Diamond Ridge
$575,000 WOW! Don’t miss this almost 4000 square foot masterpiece in Gated Diamond Ridge sitting on interior corner lot! This complete re-model has all the right upgrades with the perfect floor plan! 5 beds plus office/3.5 baths/2.5 car garage/heated and cooled pebble tech pool&spa, built-in BBQ and outdoor fireplace! Over $200,000 remodel includes kitchen expansion with custom cabinets, granite counters,double oven, all bathrooms with replaced toilets, custom cabinets and granite counters. Huge Laundry room with custom cabinets.New wood floors and carpet 6 months ago, plantation shutters, classy closets. Newer Trane A/C, custom wall unit in family room!Pool has water cooling A?C!.Sec Sys doesn’t convey.Gated Comm. Steps from MPR comm pool. Seller will convert to 3.5 car garage upon buyer request.
(Special to AFN)
Emma Collins was one of Ironwood Library’s early Teen Council members and eventually became a Phoenix Public Library employee at its Mesquite Branch.
LIBRARY
from page 14
Greg Stanton; and Ahwatukee author Anissa Stringer. While a great deal has changed at Ironwood in the past 25 years, the building itself has not been expanded. But it has been remodeled to better serve teens and young children. “With technology innovations and investments in eResources, library customers are able to access our eLibrary 24/7 through phoenixpubliclibrary. org,” said Phoenix Public Library spokeswoman Geraldine Hills. Technology has accounted for many other changes as well. Ironwood’s cassette and VCR tapes were weeded out and given to the Friends of Phoenix Public Library, who sold them to help fund various library programs. “Our Collection Development Department is continually updating our collections with new technology
and formats such as electronic books, music and audio books,” said Hills. “We have more than 1 million items available for checkout, so you can reduce the amount of stuff at your house and simplify your life,” she added. “Today, customers have so many more choices. They can check out an item, attend a program, download eBooks, stream movies, music or TV shows, read magazines and newspapers, do research or take an online class,” she continued. And all this, she noted, is available with a free library card. Events marking Ironwood’s 25th anniversary will be going on throughout the year. For more information, see PhoenixPublicLibrary.org or check event information posted inside Ironwood Library. Current hours at Ironwood are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. It remains closed on Fridays.
Camelot Canyon Foothills
$449,900 Stunning area! Amazing move in ready Camelot Canyon Foothills home is ready for you! Pristine interior with high ceilings, designer paint and tile flooring! Living room has bay windows and plantation shutters. Eat in kitchen opens to the family room with black appliances, honey oak cabinets, island and ample counter space. Family room offers a tiled fireplace and built in media center with plenty of shelving! Huge master downstairs w/ walk in closet. Staircase leads to the huge loft and other bedrooms. Backyard oasis has a refreshing blue pool & spa, green grass, built in BBQ, beehive fireplace , covered patio and privacy wall. Nestled on dead end street with mountain views! Amazing Schools & neighbors.
Estates at Montego Bay
$355,000 Gorgeous Ahwatukee Waterfront home! Welcoming gated courtyard, boasting 2 stories, 3 br/ 2.75 ba, 1 bed/ Wow! What a Lakewood beauty! This 3222 square foot, 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath with pebble tech pool and 3 car garage sitting on a large interior corner lot with North-South exposure is the best value in Lakewood! New paint and Carpet installed June 2016! Nice eat-in kitchen with granite counter tops and a two way fireplace to family room. Master bedroom is downstairs and all upstairs bedrooms are oversized. Tile floors, plantation shutter and much more. Enjoy the beautiful lakes, parks and green belts in Lakewood. Excellent Kyrene schools and Desert Vista High School. Don’t miss it! It won’t last long!
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
well will not only be spared but could also be modernized. He also held out the Foothills well as one potential source of water for Club West. He said if studies determine the water table is sufficient, ADOT has agreed to replace the well’s 6-inch feeder with a 10-inch line that would more than double the well’s daily output. ADOT also has agreed to install two sleeves beneath the freeway, one of which could be used for a pipe leading to 24th Street, where it could be hooked up with a currently unused effluent pipe leading to Club West.
Water source a major uncertainty
(Special to AFN)
A lake at Lakewood, located by a pool, will continue to be fed by a well spared by a redesign of the South Mountain Freeway.
WATER
from page 1
comment, saying it was premature to discuss it until all the details were finalized. Those complex engineering details may take at least a couple months to work out, particularly because some hinge on finding a source of well water for Club West. DiCiccio and Norgaard praised ADOT for its cooperation, calling the agreement a major step toward eliminating the water-related uncertainties surrounding the golf courses’ futures. “It is literally a home run for Lakewood and Foothills, and about a 90-percent home run for Club West,” DiCiccio said. “The bottom line is that the infrastructure problem is resolved for Club West...Now it will come down to finding the water.” Added Norgaard: “This is a huge step. With these communities working together as a common team, we were able to reach a good agreement. ADOT has been very helpful.” But DiCiccio added that all three communities needed to remain vigilant against other unspecified threats to the survival of their open space. “We don’t
want what happened to Ahwatukee Lakes to happen to them,” he said. And Foothills HOA Board President Bill Couch and Vice President Ron Biondi said their community remained opposed to the freeway and would remain as plaintiffs in the lawsuit to stop it.
Golf decline, freeway added uncertainty
The three courses’ long-term future has been a major concern ever since former Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course owner Wilson Gee closed that site in 2013, saying the decline of golf nationally had made it unprofitable. Gee owns the other three golf courses. The freeway threatened the wells used by Lakewood and The Foothills, although ADOT long ago acknowledged it was required by law to try to find new water sources if it needed those wells. Gee sold the Lakes course to True Life Companies, which is currently trying to convince Lakes homeowners to agree to changes in deed restrictions that would allow for the development of an “agrihood” on the 101-acre site, including homes, a private school, café and community farm. Two Lakes residents are suing to force the golf course’s restoration. Club West’s problems emerged this
summer after Gee cut back its irrigation in June, saying he could not afford the $700,000 he was paying Phoenix annually for the potable water that is used at the course. Gee has said that the Foothills and Lakewood courses have been profitable, partly because they use well water. Club West’s HOA board is suing Gee over the cutback, claiming the reduction in water has reduced huge portions of the course to little more than hay during the summer. Meanwhile, an independent group of about 675 homeowners has been studying other ways to save the course, including buying it from Gee and operating it. ADOT is redesigning the freeway to go around the wells that feed Lakewood and The Foothills. It spent more than $750,000 to drill in three different locations for a new water source for the Foothills, but came up dry, Blostone and DiCiccio said. In its environmental study for the freeway, ADOT noted that the well produces 730,000 gallons of water daily and “is an integral part” of The Foothills’ five-lake system, which it said “provides physical and aesthetic amenities” and storm water retention for drainage. Couch said the Foothills’ 50-year-old
The trickiest part of solving Club West’s water problem is finding a source—which Blostone, DiCiccio and Norgaard are confident can be found along the southern side of the freeway. Lakewood’s well is another possibility. Lakewood did not have a representative at the Friday meeting. A third possibility could be the abandoned Goldman well, which is for sale, Gee said. Or the solution could be a yet-unknown source. Gee said well water would cut Club West’s irrigation costs from $700,000 to about $150,000 a year. That would pay the cost of pumping the water. ADOT has agreed to allow its top expert on wells near the freeway path to work with Blostone and others in identifying possible wells. “All the water that has been found for that area is south of the freeway,” Blostone said. “I believe water is there. Finding the water is going to be tricky.” He said Arizona did not sufficiently mark the location of wells, making many difficult to find, especially because some are likely covered by vegetation. Any agreement to use either of the two HOA wells would depend on negotiations between Club West and The Foothills and/or Lakewood association boards. Even if engineering studies determine there is sufficient water, Blostone said, an agreement likely would have to contain an opt-out clause if Lakewood or Foothills discovered in the future that its water table was being depleted. The fact that a water source must still be identified does not diminish the value of ADOT’s agreement, Blostone added. “They’re not going to take on the responsibility of drilling for water,” he said, “but they are agreeing to pay for things they don’t have to pay for. It goes beyond mitigating some of the impact of the freeway.”
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
NEWS
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Arizona schools suffered nation’s largest funding cuts from 2008-14, study finds BY CLAIRE CAULFIELD CRONKITE NEWS
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hen Arizona physics teacher Mike Vargas needed motion sensors so his freshman students could engage in a special experiment, he didn’t look to his school board for funding. Vargas instead turned to Donors Choose, a crowdfunding network for public school teachers to get books, classroom supplies or materials for special projects. “It’s kind of crazy that we even have to resort to crowdfunding or applying for endless grants to get basic supplies and materials,” said Vargas, the 2014 Arizona science teacher of the year. “It didn’t used to be like this at all.” But that situation is not uncommon in Arizona schools, which were subject to a larger percent-change cut in education funding from 2008-2014 than any other state, according to a report released last week by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. State funding per pupil in Arizona is down 36.6 percent since the start of the
Great Recession, reductions that have been compounded by additional cuts to the income tax rate in subsequent years. The center report said Arizona is one of just five states with both deep reductions in general school funding and an income tax cut, which has hindered a recovery in school budgets even though the recession officially ended in June 2009. “Arizona is a good example of a state that was hit particularly hard by the great recession,” said Mike Leachman, director of state fiscal research at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. “But now Arizona has exacerbated the problem by responding to the recession in a very unbalanced way.” Leachman said the state removed two streams of revenue for school districts. “Nearly half of total education spending in the U.S. comes from state funds, and cuts at the state level means districts have to scale back or raise more local money,” he said. “But when income tax is cut. that means the local funding is decreased as well,” he added. But state Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, defended the choices
made by the Legislature. “We did what had to be done,” said Kavanagh, who was a member of the House of Representatives during the recession. He said lawmakers did not neglect schools but actively worked to “give individual schools the most flexibility, because … I believe the districts themselves know the best choices for their students.” The cuts to the state income tax, he said, were another step to speed up the long recovery from the recession. “When you let individuals and businesses keep their money, it will be used to increase businesses – that means ... it’ll spur more economic growth,” Kavanagh said. Faced with tighter budgets, the Arizona Department of Education has focused on creativity, pooling resources and “maximizing the value of every dollar,” spokesman Charles Tack said. “I think it’s easy to look back and say one course of action was bad, but we were facing a pretty unprecedented situation and there were cuts that had to be made,” Tack said.
“I think we could all agree that we don’t like cutting education … but districts did come together and the department found ways to invest in smart and new ways,” he said. But the authors of the CBPP study concluded that decreases in education spending have long-term negative impacts on state economies. “America has lost 221,000 teaching and school administrator jobs since 2008,” Leachman said, adding: “These cuts are setting the economy back by laying off educators, decreasing salaries … and also hurting the private sector by limiting district contracts and forcing schools to cut back on buying.” Tack acknowledged that Arizona has some of the lowest teacher salaries in the country, but said “teachers are some of the most resourceful people you’ll ever meet.” Vargas knows first-hand how inventive teachers have to be if they want to go “above and beyond the call of duty.” After teaching abroad from 2000 to 2012, the Arizona native came home to find “the resources schools can give are drastically, drastically different.”
NEWS
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
DiCiccio rips Arpaio, questions how conservatives can vote for him BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN EXECUTIVE EDITOR
T
wo weeks ago, Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio started his reelection campaign with an email to supporters asking for donations. Last weekend, he posted a public swipe against one of his party’s icons, stating he can’t bring himself to vote for Sheriff Joe Arpaio and believes no fiscal conservative should vote for him either. Whether his public criticism of Arpaio will impact that election is yet to be seen, but DiCiccio made no apology this week for his blistering Facebook post, which said: “You have a sheriff costing taxpayers $150 million in lawsuits. How can any conservative support or vote for a person who is costing taxpayers this much money? $150 million could easily build a new jail and put every single person who is a criminal behind bars in the city of Phoenix. To give you another perspective, $150 million can hire 1,500 new police officers for our community.” DiCiccio, whose district includes Ahwatukee, said in an interview that he was not encouraging support for Arpaio’s opponent, Democrat Paul Penzone, partly because he risked being sanction by the Republican Party if he did. “But I can tell you that nobody in my family is voting for Joe, and that’s really, really hard because I like him personally and I like many of his policies,” DiCiccio told AFN. What initially sparked DiCiccio’s Facebook post was Arpaio’s contribution to the campaign of Phoenix 3rd District Councilwoman Debra Stark, who was appointed in June to fill a vacancy created by Bill Gates’ resignation and who is on the Nov. 8 ballot to fill the rest of his term. Stark, Mayor Greg Stanton and three other council members a few weeks ago voted against DiCiccio’s effort to force Valley Metro to return about $62,000 because the transit agency board had paid $180,000 in retirement benefits to its disgraced former CEO, Steve Banta. Banta resigned last year after disclosures that he had rung up more than $315,000 in improper expenses. The state Attorney General is investigating Banta’s spending. “I provided examples of how lowerlevel employees were sent to prison and had their monies taken away for this
sort of behavior,” DiCiccio said after the vote. Valley Metro executives said their lawyer advised that the money belonged to Banta and that they risked losing a suit he had filed for more than $1 million if they didn’t pay him. In return, Banta agreed to drop the suit. But DiCiccio felt Valley Metro should have fought Banta’s claim. “This council voted instead to give a golden parachute to Banta,” he said. “Valley Metro and now the city of Phoenix are condoning and rewarding his bad behavior. Low-level employees go to prison, those at the top get rewarded with more taxpayer money.” In his Facebook post over the weekend, DiCiccio slammed Stark, saying her vote in favor of the Valley Metro payment “is kind of a big deal and it should be a big deal for the voters.” DiCiccio said Arpaio’s contribution in effect endorsed Stark. But even without that donation, he said, Arpaio’s string of court actions has been bothering him. “I’m not really looking at creating another issue with my own party, but this thing has been bothering me for some time now,” he told AFN, calling the $150 million that Arpaio has cost taxpayers “outrageous.” “This is very painful for me, but the money he has cost taxpayers is just too much,” he said. “I cannot be a fiscal conservative and not challenge people in my own party who aren’t.” Arpaio’s campaign chairman Chad Willems posted an angry response to DiCiccio’s comments, calling him “a wierdo” and writing, “Supporting Penzone should do wonders for your political career.” Two weeks ago, DiCiccio effectively began his own campaign for reelection next August with an email blast to supporters asking for donations. “This has been a crazy election year and one that none of us will ever forget,” he wrote. “The good news is that we are nearing the end of this cycle and the bad news is that the special interest groups are pouring on the attack to the core essence of our community. “I am writing today to ask for your help to beat back the groups that are devoted to taking away your rights and protecting their insider access,” he added.
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NEWS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
offense and fined $300; more than one ounce could bring a felony charge. It would still be illegal for anyone to possess or use marijuana on school grounds or public spaces. The law does not authorize persons to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by marijuana, nor does it prevent the imposition of civil or criminal penalties. The criteria for determining impairment could change, Humble noted. “Over time, I think it would be good to establish a THC blood standard like they have with alcohol,” he said. Workplaces can still enforce rules that restrict the consumption of marijuana by employees.
Retail basics
(Will Powers/AFN Staff Photographer)
Prescription marijuana samples sit on a shelf in a Giving Tree shop in Mesa.
Pros and cons of Prop. 205 Clearing smoke around marijuana initiative BY MIKE BUTLER AFN STAFF WRITER
I
f you’re on the fence about voting yes or no on Proposition 205—the Nov. 8 ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in Arizona— you’re not getting a lot of useful information through one-minute TV ads. You’re probably not inclined to slog through the initiative’s 20 pages of legal jargon, either. Fortunately, Will Humble has done that. He developed the regulations for the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act as former director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. At a recent Mini-Medical School lecture at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Humble broke down Prop. 205 into just the facts in everyday language. If it passes, the Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act would interface with the existing medical marijuana program, so it helps to review that program. After medical marijuana was narrowly approved by Arizona voters in 2010,
the first dispensary opened December 2012. To date, the DHS has licensed about 90 dispensaries. The department is expected to issue certificates for approximately 30 more dispensaries this year, bringing the total to about 120. If Prop. 205 passes, dispensaries get first crack at becoming retail marijuana stores. The DHS has issued nearly 100,000 qualified patient cards. To qualify for medical marijuana, patients have to see a doctor yearly for a diagnosis of an approved medical condition, such as chronic pain or PTSD, then apply online for a card, which costs $150 per year. Humble said medical marijuana patients can continue that routine if Prop. 205 passes and avoid paying the 15 percent surcharge on retail marijuana. But, he added, “I think you’ll see a lot of people give up the cards just because of the hassle factor.”
Possession basics
If approved by voters, the new law allows anyone 21 or older to buy up to one ounce of marijuana or up to five
grams of concentrated marijuana at a time, beginning March 2, 2018. That would also be the maximum amount a person could possess. Medical marijuana patients could continue to buy up to 2.5 ounces every two weeks. Anyone 21 or older would be able to grow up to six of their own plants, although landlords are allowed to prohibit growing plants on their property. The new law decriminalizes current possession law, which states that possession of any amount of marijuana, even one joint, is a felony. But, in practice, persons who are charged with small amounts are usually offered probation after completing a treatment program. Possession of more than 2.5 ounces of marijuana by anyone 21 or older who isn’t a dispensary agent or a medical marijuana caregiver would be a felony. Anyone 21 or older who isn’t a medical cardholder and possesses more than one ounce but less than 2.5 ounces could be charged with a petty offense and fined up to $300. Anyone under 21 possessing less than an ounce could be charged with a petty
If 205 passes, retail licenses would be limited to 10 percent of the number of Series 9 liquor licenses, putting the number of allowed marijuana retailers in Arizona at 147. That number would be capped until 2020. Medical dispensaries that are currently operating would be able to reorganize and apply for retail licenses. They could operate as combined medical/retail establishments. Until Dec. 1, 2017, only reorganized dispensaries can apply for a license. Other applicants could then jump in for remaining retail licenses up to the 147 limit. Reorganized dispensaries also automatically qualify for the unlimited cultivation tier. New marijuana retailers would be required to start at the lowvolume production tier. They can progress to mid-volume and unlimited by showing that they are selling 85 percent or more of what they grow. Adam Kinsey, campaign manager of Yes on 205/Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, said the initiative was structured this way to take advantage of an established, successful medical marijuana network. If the initiative that legalized marijuana in Colorado two years ago had a flaw, he said, it allowed for too many retailers. “We don’t want a pot shop on every corner.” Marijuana retailers are required to collect a 15 percent tax on sales. Established medical marijuana dispensaries in the East Valley include Harvest of Tempe, which recently opened a second dispensary in Scottsdale Airpark, and the Giving Tree, with facilities in Mesa and Phoenix.
Regulatory basics
If approved, 205 would create the See
MARIJUANA on page 21
NEWS
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
MARIJUANA
from page 20
new Arizona Department of Marijuana Licenses and Control and a sevenmember Marijuana Commission within the agency. The commission would have three members involved in marijuana businesses and four members with no financial interest in any marijuana establishment. The department would take over the existing medical marijuana program in September 2017. The agency must also adopt the administrative code for the program by that date. “That sounds like a lot of time,” Humble said. “It’s really pretty compressed.” Consider that the agency has to develop, and eventually enforce, rules and laws related to the production, manufacture, transportation, sale, storage, distribution and testing of recreational marijuana. Humble was given 120 days to adopt rules for the medical marijuana program. The new department would initially be funded by the more than $12 million currently sitting in the Arizona Medical Marijuana Fund. No state general funds would be used. Once revenue starts flowing in from the 15 percent tax,
the department would use that to pay operating costs and direct excess money to the Marijuana Fund. The Marijuana Fund would be distributed: 40 percent to school districts and charter schools for K-12 education; 40 percent to school districts and charter schools for full-day kindergarten; 20 percent to the Department of Health Services for education about the harms of substance abuse. The Tax Foundation estimates that recreational marijuana sales would put $113 million per year into the Marijuana Fund’s coffers. The Arizona Legislature’s Joint Legislative Budget Committee projects a more conservative $53.4 million. A group of 23 state representatives and 15 state senators summarized the opposition viewpoint to Prop. 205 in a recent letter to the East Valley Tribune at tiny.cc/marijuanaletter. Opponents’ main fears are that legalization of recreational marijuana will lead to increased teen use and a rash of marijuana-related traffic accidents and fatalities. They also object to the new layer of state bureaucracy that Prop. 205 would create. – Reach Mike Butler at 480-898-5630 or at mbutler@ timespublications.com.
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NEWS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Tempe Union candidates discuss effectiveness, accomplishments, strengths AFN NEWS STAFF
T
he six candidates for Tempe Union School District’s governing board were asked two questions by the Ahwatukee Foothills News. The first was: What makes an effective school board member? For incumbents, the second question was: What are your two accomplishments as a board member are you most proud of? For challengers, the second question was: What strengths do you bring to the school board? Here are their answers. Their answers to the entire AFN questionnaire can be read at ahwatukee.com.
Andres Barazza
Effectiveness: “Active participation. School board members must dedicate themselves to the goals of the district and the State. This requires more than the attendance of board meetings. To be effective, a school board member should be available to faculty and students and advocate on their behalf. Clear goals must be outlined and conveyed. We must work together more efficiently than ever before.” Strengths: “My understanding of microeconomics and how it can be applied to school administration to ensure fiscal responsibility. Ensuring that we allocate funds appropriately and make services more productive, we can save money, give back more personal time to faculty members and innovate our curriculum.”
Michelle Helm
Effectiveness: “An effective school board member listens to students, parents and staff and works with other board members to achieve excellence in teaching and learning. Being effective means you remember you are one on a five-member board, and decisions only move forward through a majority vote.” Accomplishments: “During my tenure we have had all our comprehensive schools rated as A schools, while keeping our dropout rate low, and our graduation rate high. TUHSD accomplishments are not mine. We work as a five-member board and excellent staff to achieve the best education for our students.”
Berdetta Hodge:
Effectiveness: “An effective school board member is one that is deeply rooted in the community. Our schools serve as the foundational building blocks for our future and an effective school board member always places the interest of the students first. Being an active listener and pro-active thinker and problem solver are all vital qualities for an effective school board member. An effective school board member knows its roles and responsibilities and is always willing to work with their communities to improve student achievement and success.” Strengths: “Relationship building, creative and innovative thinking,
parental insight, diversity, strong community ties. I will be tolerant and avoid all prejudices.”
Don Fletcher
Effectiveness: “A board is most effective when it has diverse views and different opinions being researched and expressed. There must always be mutual respect. We can disagree, but we must do so without being disagreeable. I look forward to researching important matters, gaining input from the community and then assisting the discussion and implementation of the values of our greater community.” Strengths: “Diversity of thought with a business and legal background. I also respect the taxpayers who are paying for our schools. I want to work hard so that the students succeed, and that the taxpayers believe their dollars in the form of taxes are well spent.”
Sandy Lowe
Effectiveness: “Several things that make a school board member effective are: (1) listening attentively; (2) considering budget impact, stakeholder input, and the impact a decision might have on educators as well as all students; (3) spending time in our community and in our schools, which provides an opportunity for stakeholders to share their thoughts on education issues.” Accomplishments: “Two recent
accomplishments which resulted from governing board approval are: (1) a technology upgrade which enhances student learning, provides teachers with additional support in the classroom, and allows parents to be involved with their children’s education by providing access to grades and assignments as well as timely communication; (2) the approval of a formal process of textbook adoption, which ensures all students are using the best textbooks available and provides cost savings to our District with bulk purchases, along with the ability to share books among schools as needed.
Scott Ryan
Effectiveness: “An effective board member should be entrepreneurial, have a background that is needed on the board which in my case is my experience in business and service. School boards are non-partisan for a reason and board members should work to ensure that their decisions are best for students, teachers, parents, and the community.” Strengths: “My strengths are my diverse business and service leadership background, my ability to communicate, and my responsible decision making process. I am not a divisive or partisan person and I have a record of getting things done in the business community. I have built successful businesses in the past and I know what the requirements of a 21st century workforce will need to be successful.”
Kyrene board candidates field questions on effectiveness and strengths AFN NEWS STAFF
T
he four candidates for Kyrene School District’s governing board were asked two questions by the Ahwatukee Foothills News. The first was: What makes an effective school board member? For incumbent John King, the second question was: What are your two accomplishments as a board member are you most proud of? For the other three, the second question was: What strengths do you bring to the school board?
Here are their answers. Their answers to all questions on the AFN questionnaire can be read at ahwatukee.com.
Michelle Fahy:
Effectiveness: “An effective school board member will: actively listen and work to understand the perspectives of all stakeholders; respect, value and encourage the involvement and contribution of Kyrene staff, parents, students and community; take the job of
oversight and fiscal management seriously; act strategically, in line with the interests of the entire the community, in a cohesive, objective manner with fiscal responsibility; be knowledgeable and actively involved in proposed changes in the state Legislature. Strengths: “I am passionate about public education and I will continually strive for excellence, ask the tough questions, insist on effectiveness and demand thorough and transparent answers. I will bring teaching experience in Kyrene classrooms to complex decision-making. … I am an experienced
educator who understands our district, our community, our children, and their needs. I will work hard for every student, parent, teacher and resident.”
John King:
Effectiveness: “It is really important that you not come into this position with a ‘pet peeve’ or a predetermined agenda because it will dilute your ability to deal with a broad number of things that See
KYRENE on page 23
NEWS
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
KYRENE
the board deals with on a regular basis…. Students first. That’s why we are here. And that lends itself to focusing on the teachers as well to make sure they have the ability in the classroom to create the best possible educational experience for our students.” Accomplishments: “In my professional life, I helped many companies improve their strategic focus and their ability to accurately measure progress with state initiatives. I brought this concept to the district and it was welcomed and applied as a first step. I believe I have been a positive contributor to the board’s work and have been able to bring my work experiences to our conversations….I have been a team player since I was elected four years ago and have always demonstrated my respect for the other board members.”
dollars, with nearly 18,000 students and over 2,000 employees. It is imperative to have governing board members that understand the complexities of working with a budget of this magnitude while delivering the best education to our students.” Strengths: “I believe that as a parent with students currently in the district, I have a unique insight to the challenges facing education. My diverse business background and commitment to financial accountability will provide an experienced professional. I have fresh ideas and I understand the challenges administered in Special Ed Services because I have had personal experience and understand areas where Kyrene can improve. All parents have a choice were to send their students for their education and my family chose Kyrene and I want all families to seek Kyrene as the best option for their child’s education.”
Michael Myrick:
Eshe Pickett
from page 22
Effectiveness: “I believe an effective school board member is a collaborative leader and engaged stakeholder. The Kyrene district has a budget of over $100 million
Effectiveness: “An effective school board member must first understand the scope of their role and be willing to learn. This means reading and
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understanding all statutes and policies regarding board governance. They must be able to work well with other board members in a constructive fashion. In addition, an effective board member engages all key stakeholders— teachers, administrators, parents and the community. …An effective board member should dedicate time to be prepared, be able to make difficult decisions and represent the district with integrity. They must focus on the “big picture” and hold the district accountable to its mission. Above all, an effective board member is a student advocate. Strengths: “With over 15 years of community and board service, I understand the time commitment
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required to be a dedicated board member. In preparation, I have read the governing policies, strategic blueprints, past board decisions, articles, legislation and studies on education policy and trends for Kyrene. …My large network of community partners would bring new opportunity to engage with Kyrene on initiatives. Given the rise of the “knowledge economy” and its focus on computer literacy, my software development and technology background would provide a unique voice on the board. I bring business and fiscal experience, having managed a $2.3-million license budget where I was required to identify efficiencies and streamline operations to ensure maximum utilization.”
NEWS
24
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
LD 18 candidates discuss their top three priorities if elected AFN NEWS STAFF
T
he Ahwatukee Foothills News asked the six candidates in Legislative District 18, which covers Ahwatukee, their top three priorities if they are elected to the State Legislature. Green Party candidate Linda Macias did not respond. Those who did respond were the State Senate candidates, Democrat Sean Bowie and Republican Frank Schmuck, and the State House candidates, incumbent Republicans Bob Robson and Jill Norgaard, and Democrat Mitzi Epstein. Here are their answers. The full questionnaire is on ahwatukee.com.
Sean Bowie
“My top priority will be to restore education funding for our local public schools. Second, I want to audit our state budget to ensure that our tax dollars are being
spent wisely and judiciously. Third, I want to work with local, federal, and state officials to develop long term infrastructure plans for our water, energy, and transportation sectors. In short, my priority is to look forward to build a strong Arizona for generations to come.”
Frank Schmuck
“Taxes, education and the Loop 202 freeway are three important issues for our district. It’s time for growth, and as the federal government keeps more of our hard-earned dollars, the states tend to follow. I propose we let the people of Arizona keep their money. It is possible to write responsible legislation that eliminates our Arizona State Income Tax over several years… The average resident could save $1,650 a year. Current income tax credits could be transitioned to the property tax, which I’ll work to protect against increases. Collecting consumption revenue from
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millions who visit our Arizona each year and pay no taxes, just makes sense as they too use our services. “Once accomplished, we create a positive environment for both business and residents to compete and prosper, where all are treated fairly and equally. No more playing favorites and hurting those who are hard-working, productive citizens.”
Mitzi Epstein
“My top three priorities in the next legislative session will be restoring education funding, growing Arizona’s highwage jobs, and stopping dark money from corrupting our elections and our laws. Both of my opponents are heavily financed by lobbyists and special interest groups. That is alarming. I will work for less money in politics.”
literacy program with dyslexia and completing the pilot program we started at the pre-school level. The handbook will be complete by the end of the year. 2) This Jill Norgaard will be coupled with a full day kindergarten effort. 3) Expand my HB 2476 School Finance bill to increase the dollar amount that schools can use from revenue from rentals/sales of small items on maintenance and overhead. This bill was in collaboration with our school CFO and constituents. As such, I believe we need more participation and education of our constituents on government.”
Bob Robson
“Education, economy, public safety.”
Jill Norgaard
“1) Continuing development of the early
Legislative candidates on their accomplishments AFN NEWS STAFF
T
he Legislative District 18 candidates also were asked to list the accomplishments they are proudest of in the Legislature or, if they are challengers, in their community. Their answers were edited for space. Frank Schmuck: “Whether it was successfully fighting for treatment and benefits for veterans diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, or successfully fighting for people in neighborhoods affected by freeway implementation and expansion or successfully implementing scholarship organizations...all of these efforts involved people who needed and deserved help.” Bob Robson: “The first and foremost would be fighting for additional education funding. During my recent term, I’ve voted on matters such as restoring Career and Technical Education (JTEDs) funding and ensuring that our universities received additional appropriations. Last session, I also fought to make sure that K-12 received additional funding and that
school districts in LD18 didn’t get hurt…. “Second, I am proud to have been a part of the effort to bring companies like Google, Apple, and others into the state. “My third accomplishment was helping to implement a program where firefighters make house calls for veterans. Jill Norgaard: “The legislation I created with the bill that reduced the red tape for schools relative to access of school plant funds. ... “Small business bill (HB2455) that gives them an ‘opportunity to correct’ in lieu of an initial fine. It protects them from government intrusion and protects independent contractors. “Initiating a statewide dyslexia campaign to address early literacy issues, and hosting the dyslexia summit this summer.” MItzi Epstein: “My proudest accomplishment for my community is my advocacy for our public schools. ...I have been a co-founder of multiple organizations that actively support public education throughout the state by helping with local school bonds and overrides and advocating at the Capitol…”
NEWS
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
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Plan aims to cut polling place wait time to 30-minute maximum BY ADAM DEROSE CRONKITE NEWS
V
oting rights advocates are praising the final approval of a plan aimed at cutting lines and reducing wait times to no more than 30 minutes at polling places across Maricopa County, beginning with the Nov. 8 election. The comprehensive Wait Time Reduction Plan settles a lawsuit against election officials that followed problems in the March presidential preference primary that left some waiting for hours to cast a ballot. “It’s an enormous win for the entire county, all the registered voters of the county, especially people who prefer to exercise their vote on Election Day,” said Brendan Downes, associate counsel for the Voting Rights Project of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. The committee filed suit on behalf of county voters. The plan was posted earlier this month on Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell’s website, but was not officially signed off on by all the parties until last
week. A Purcell spokeswoman said the office had no additional comment on the contents of the plan after Thursday’s settlement. The plan is set to be included in poll workers’ manuals for next month’s elections and shared with number of Arizona voting rights groups and the public. It will remain in effect for all primary and general elections through 2020. It calls for voter turnout projections for each polling place across the county, and outlines how to deal with turnout if it exceeds anticipated numbers. It also designates roles for officials, poll workers and troubleshooters to make sure wait times do not exceed 30 minutes and what to do if that occurs. “After what happened in March you probably had a lot of people who were thinking, ‘I can’t show up at the polls maybe ever again, because I just don’t have confidence in my government that they’re going to do this the way it needs to be done,’” Downes said. After cutting polling places from 403 in 2008 to 211 in 2012, the county
UPGRADE
TO A
(Special to AFN)
A new plan aims to cut waiting times at polls this Election Day so that lines like the ones that stranded voters in this year’s Presidential Primary election aren’t repeated.
decided to open only 60 polling places for the presidential preference election in March, when there were still 14 Republicans and six Democrats vying for their party’s presidential nomination. The reduction violated the constitutional rights of voters who had to wait hours, in some cases, to cast a
ballot, the suit said. Polls then were set to close at 7 p.m., but a number of locations remained open until 10 p.m. as voters filed in to cast their ballots. Five polling places were open past midnight. Other voters were unable to vote all together, the group claimed.
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Community
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
@AhwatukeeFN |
@AhwatukeeFN
www.ahwatukee.com
Phoenix Symphony Music Director Tito Munoz turns his attention to the Desert Vista High School Chamber Orchestra's first-violin section.
(Cheryl Haselhorst/Staff Photographer)
Maestro preps Desert Vista High orchestra for major performance BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN EXECUTIVE EDITOR
T
he 24-student Desert Vista High School Chamber Orchestra got an early Halloween treat last
week when Phoenix Symphony Music Director Tito Munoz directed one of its class rehearsals. Munoz wanted to come after he heard that the orchestra is one of only six high school string orchestras invited to play in
December at the prestigious 70th annual Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchåestra Conference in Chicago. The event will attract some 17,000 attendees, including band and orchestra directors from all 50 states and at least 40 nations.
Munoz was especially excited that one of the selections the orchestra will perform is a modern reworking of composer Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” See
SYMPHONY on page 27
COMMUNITY
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
SYMPHONY
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from page 26
which Munoz premiered in his native New York City several years ago. As Darlene Wedington-Clark, the school’s director of orchestras and guitar ensembles, initially directed the ensemble through the early part of Max Richter’s “Winter,” Munoz stood on the sidelines, his eyes closed as he intently listened to the music. “Beautiful. Awesome,” he said as he took over from Wedington-Clark and addressed some of the violinists, telling them to keep one hand on the upper half of the instrument’s neck. He interrupted their playing several times, urging them to go “faster, faster,” be “really, really picking at the strings,” “dig at the strings” or “be more aggressive” to put more energy into their playing. “This is rock music,” he joked as he kept reminding them to pluck and pinch the strings to bring the piece alive. “Make sure you have some of that rock feel.” Munoz congratulated them at the end of the piece for following his instructions, moving to a slower number as he told them, “I’m being really picky about all these little things” so that they would achieve a performance as close to perfection as possible. In his third season as the Phoenix Symphony’s music director, Munoz has been winning widespread recognition as a gifted and versatile conductor. He was music director of the Opéra National de Lorraine and the Orchestre Symphonique et Lyrique de Nancy in France, and has been assistant conductor of both the Cleveland and Cincinnati symphony orchestras. Munoz has a fondness for high school musicians, and said he likes to visit with school ensembles as often as he can. The New York City native graduated from the New York City High School for the Performing Arts, which was made famous by the 1980 movie “Fame.” Munoz and Wedington-Clark agreed that the orchestra helps students develop more than just talent.
(Cheryl Haselhorst/Staff Photographer)
Junior Jessica Westerham practices with the Desert Vista High School Chamber Orchestra.
(Cheryl Haselhorst/Staff Photographer)
Senior Ryan Grieser plays his viola during Desert Vista High School's chamber orchestra rehearsal with Tito Munoz.
(Cheryl Haselhorst/Staff Photographer)
Darlene Wedington-Clark warms up the Desert Vista High School Chamber Orchestra for Phoenix Symphony Music Director Tito Munoz.
“Kids who are in music are always better off for it,” Munoz said. “There’s a connection with the music that’s not like anything else. Whether or not you go to play professionally, you still take with you empathy, leadership, a connection with the arts as a connection with human emotion." Munoz also stressed the sacrifice that the students were making for art. “They’re in it not because their parents want them to be in it,” he said. “They’re taking a lot of heat for it. It’s not the most popular thing to do. “Coming to this room is solace to them. This is something nobody else has. This is special. They’re thinking, ‘We have this connection together than
nobody else has.’” Added Wedington-Clark: “It’s something about the music, the fine arts. They feel a connection, the same passion. (Cheryl Haselhorst/Staff Photographer) They know that how we feel Junior Jamie Agnew follows the music while practicing with about the music is how we feel the Desert Vista High School Chamber Orchestra during Tito Munoz's visit last week.. about them.” The 7:15 a.m. class is considered a “zero-hour class” because a minimum four hours a week, the the students have no other room for it in students end up playing a lot more in private lessons and in off-campus their packed daily schedules. “My students are in every club and symphonies and other ensembles. Wedington-Clark said she wants the activity they can join. They take all AP group “extremely focused” when they (Advanced Placement) classes, have dual perform. enrollment with Rio Salado College,” “I want them to play so that after their Wedington-Clark said. last note, no one applauds. People just And while she requires they practice hold their breath and don’t know what to do,” she said. Munoz thought the group on its way to achieving that level. Here are the students in the Desert Vista High School Chamber Orchestra. As for the students, they were thrilled and grateful that he took the time to visit First Violin: Bobae Johnson (concertmaster), Megan Grieser, Jocelyn Chen, Caroline Cowley, Christopher Kim, and with them. Jessica Westerham. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportuSecond violin: Tyler Ruan (principal), Alexis Kim, James Wen, Kaede Aoki, Neha Parvathala, and Jeremy Chao. nity,” said principal viola player Ryan Viola: Ryan Grieser (principal), Sean Hsu, Iris Cheng, Jaeyoung Kim, Ivory Stephenson, and Megan Chen. Griesler. Cello: Sang bo Yoon (principal), Seth Grieser, Ryan Tong, Jonathan Pak, and Courtney Lasserre. Added concertmaster BoBae Johnson: Double Bass: Jamie Agnew (principal). “This was awesome.”
Meet the performers
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COMMUNITY
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Ahwatukee pastor finds mom who abandoned him at birth BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN EXECUTIVE EDITOR
T
he Rev. Paul Lavino’s job description includes a belief in miracles. But this month, he lived a miracle when he met the woman who had given him up at birth 61 years ago. Lavino, pastor of New Life Church in Ahwatukee, always knew he had been adopted by the couple who raised him in Chicago. His parents didn’t know much about the circumstances of his birth, because the adoption center that handled the arrangements didn’t share that information. All he knew was that one birth parent was Scandinavian and the other Spanish. The miracle began unfolding four years ago, shortly after his adoptive father had passed away. He had flown to Chicago to help his mother, who suffers from dementia, arrange her finances when he started sifting through a safety deposit box filled with important papers. “I had the adoption certificate in their safety deposit box and that was the first time that I knew the name of my birth mother. It was Edythe Bauer and it said she was from Twin Falls, Idaho,” Lavino recalled. “I was so excited because I had never seen that certificate. It was like someone gave me a million dollars.” She was 27 at the time she gave birth to “Little Baby Bauer.” The discovery set him on an off-again, on-again quest for four years as he tried to unearth his buried past through Google searches. The journey was fraught with joyous discoveries that soured into dead ends. Shortly after the deposit-box discovery, Lavino looked up Edythe Bauer in an online yearbook, and found a reference to an Edythe Neilsen Bauer. So now it looked as if she had been married in high school, though he was not altogether sure that was his mom. “I’d show her picture from the yearbook to my friends and they said she looked like me,” he said. For two years, he suspended his search. There was no lead he could pursue. Then, he picked up his Google quest and discovered a divorce record for Wayne and Edythe Bauer from 1954 issued by the county where Twin Falls is located. Once again, his hopes rose, only to end in disappointment. “I was not certain at all,” Lavino said. “That’s all I could find for months and
(Special to AFN)
Ahwatukee Pastor Paul Lavino, right, of New Life Church tracked down his ailing birth mom, Edythe Widmer, whom he has never met. Joining him were his half brother Rick Widmer and half sister Kathy Mitchell, when he visited her in Twin Falls, Idaho.
months and months.” Then, last April, he started Googling Wayne Bauer and discovered what Lavino calls a “testimony” Bauer had written for some unknown reason. “From the beginning of my marriage to Edythe, it was never very good,” it read in part. “We had been married seven years and I wanted a family but she didn’t want children.” It also said she asked for a divorce and he agreed in March 1954—10 months before Lavino was born. Lavino then discovered an online obituary for Wayne Bauer. It indicated he had been married three times—first to Edythe, then a woman who died and then to a woman who is the organist in Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. The obituary indicated Wayne Bauer got his wish for a family: He sired 12 children. So Lavino called Bauer’s eldest daughter, and that woman’s daughter answered the phone. Lavino explained why he was calling, explaining he was trying to track down his birth mother because “every time I go to the doctor and they ask me my medical history, I have to tell them I don’t know.” The woman said she would have her
mother call him, and when she did, more pieces of the puzzle fell into place. He learned that his birth mother had an affair with a married man in Chicago after her divorce and she got pregnant. She had never told anyone until a year and a half ago. Then, the woman gave Lavino his birth mother’s phone number. “So I called her on a Saturday morning,” Lavino said. “I asked her if Jan. 23, 1955, meant anything to her. She didn’t remember. She didn’t remember Wayne Bauer. Then I told her everything I knew and she said, ‘Oh my God. Do you want to meet me?’” Lavino hopped a plane to Twin Falls, crying most of the way. His 88-year-old mother was in the hospital, recovering from an infection, and he met two of her children, his halfbrother and half-sister. “I don’t know if it was the morphine or what, but she remembered everything,” Lavino said. “She just said those were very hard times and she said, ‘Thank you for finding me.’” Although she couldn’t recall much about what happened six decades ago, Lavino said she confessed, “’I wish I’d never had to give you away. I’ve regretted
it many, many times, and I love you.’” Lavino is both relieved and amazed by his discovery. “I’ve struggled with rejection. I think that was my greatest fear, but I didn’t feel rejected by her,” Lavino said. “There was always a little piece of a puzzle that was missing out of my life. Now, I’ve found that puzzle. She’s that piece of the puzzle.” Lavino said he is staying in touch with his birth mom and his half-siblings. “I want to be a blessing to them. They want me in their life and I want to be in their life,” he said. But he added, “I am more than ever so appreciative of my adoptive parents. I had a wonderful life, all the opportunities anyone could ever want.” And, as he told his congregation at the Oct. 16 Sunday service about his long road to a piece of his past, Lavino said he has been left in awe. “God’s hand is truly in every single detail of our lives,” he said. “He brought this hurting woman from Twin Falls to Chicago and I get placed into a Christian evangelical adoption agency. A lot of times, we don’t know the why or the how, but God always knows the why and the how for everything, and he works it all out.”
COMMUNITY
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
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AROUND AHWATUKEE
Man arrested in Ahwatukee hostage situation at home
Joshua Adkins, 35, was arrested Sunday afternoon at his home in the 2700 block of E. Dry Creek Road, Ahwatukee, after keeping police at bay for several hours while holding his wife hostage. Police responded to the home around 4:30 p.m. after receiving a report that Adkins allegedly choked his wife and refused to let her leave the house, Phoenix Police spokesman Sgt. Jonathan Howard said. During the altercation, a teenage boy escaped from a second-floor window. Police negotiated for several hours with the suspect before he surrendered. He was booked for aggravated assault and unlawful imprisonment and his wife was treated for minor injuries, Howard said.
Art show open to all at Esperanza Lutheran garden
Women from Esperanza Lutheran who oversee the Garden of Eatin’ on the church grounds, 2601 E. Thunderhill Place, Ahwatukee, are holding a free art show 4-6 p.m. Saturday. Organizers are hoping both amateurs and professionals will take advantage of the show
to display some of the work they’re proud of. They are accepting photos, paintings, crayon drawings, textiles, folk art, poems, recycled art, sculptures and even books, and ask that the works be dropped off no later than Saturday morning at the garden. Visitors will have a chance to buy art, as long as the artists don’t mind parting with it. Additionally, two professional artists from Ahwatukee—high school art teacher Samar Waterworth and Rich Sisther—will be on hand with works for sale. Information: 480-745-4382 or ahwatukeequeenbee@gmail.com.
Freeway-related traffic restrictions set on Pecos Road
The Arizona Department of Transportation has announced the following traffic restrictions this week on Pecos Road as preconstruction work continues for the South Mountain Freeway: Today, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.: Pecos Road narrowed to one lane in both directions between 40th and 24th streets; Liberty Lane median closed between Desert Foothills Parkway and 20th Way. Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Pecos Road narrowed to one lane in both directions between 40th and 24th streets; Liberty Lane
median closed between Desert Foothills Parkway and 20th Way; northbound 32nd Street lane restrictions at Pecos Road. Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Pecos Road narrowed to one lane in both directions between 32nd Street and Desert Foothills Parkway; Liberty Lane median closed between Desert Foothills Parkway and 20th Way.
Final line-dancing classes set for rest of the year
The last sessions of the year for Carrie McNeish’s line-dancing and muscle mania classes at Pecos Community Center in Ahwatukee will begin this week. McNeish is offering beginner, intermediate and advanced classes and no partner is necessary. The six-week sessions are at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays for beginners and 6:30 p.m. for intermediate and advanced students, while daytime classes are on Thursdays at 11:15 a.m. for beginners and 12:15 p.m. for intermediate an advanced. People can drop in or register at phoenix.gov/parks. The six-week Muscle Mania classes, which offer small group personal training, are on Mondays and Wednesdays with the same drop-in or online registration options.
Information: 480-221-9090, cmcneish@ cox.net, ordancemeetsfitness.net.
Kyrene District plans school choice fair for its facilities
Kyrene School District is planning its effort to give parents and children the option of determining which of its 19 elementary schools they might like to attend. The schools, for children ages 3 years old through fifth grade, are located in Ahwatukee, Tempe and Chandler. The Experience Kyrene expo will start at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Ben Furlong Center, 8700 South Kyrene Road, Tempe. The expo also will include an overview of early-education and kindergarten options, what to expect in elementary school and how to prepare for middle school.
Inspire Kids Montessori to hold trick or treat day
Inspire Kids Montessori students, ages 6 weeks through 6 years, will be trick or treating at neighboring stores throughout the Trader Joe’s/Safeway Shopping Plaza, East Chandler See
AROUND on page 34
Toddler • Primary • Elementary • Adolescent
A Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning
We came to Keystone for the authentic Montessori education. We fell in love with Keystone Montessori when we realized it was more than just a school, it was a community. - Parent Testimonial
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• (480) 460-7312
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COMMUNITY
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
People can help get new air conditioner for Ahwatukee family of Air Force sergeant
Forrest Anderson believes they deserve to come home to a cool, comfortable Ahwatukee residents have an opportu- environment at the end of the day,” the nity to help a local member of the U.S. company said in a release. Air Force win a new air conditioning unit Harms, 41, a native of Iowa who for his home on Veterans Day. moved to Ahwatukee about two years Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist ago, is stationed at Hollomon Air Force Master Sgt. Aaron Harms is one of three Base in New Mexico, where he is the finalists for the unit and free installa- weapons section chief for the 29th Aircraft tion from Forrest Anderson Plumbing, Maintenance Unit and also manages the Heating and Air Conditioning Inc., a base’s drug demand reduction program. family-owned business in Phoenix that is His last overseas assignment was holding a contest to honor past and cur- in Iceland, where he worked in the rent military personnel. armament back shop for fighter jets. Until Nov. 4, people can vote for He said he joined the Air Force “to see Harms at facebook.com/Forrest the world and get out of Iowa.” AndersonPlumbingAndAirCondition“Eighteen years of those winters was ing/? =frefts. If he gets more votes than enough,” he said. “Of course, at my first the two other finalists, both in the West duty station in England, that was the Valley, the comfirst winter they pany will suractually had prise Harms, his snow in over wife and two a decade, so, children with a Iowa weather special visit on followed me Nov. 11. there, I suppose. “If we can “I really just make life a little wanted to see the easier for a local world, get the military hero GI Bill to get my and their family degree, and then by replacing call it good,” their old air he continued. c o n d i t i o n e r, “But at my 10or installing a year mark, my (Special to AFN) brand new one Air Force Master Sgt. Aaron Harms of Ahwatukee supervisor said, is a free of charge, finalist for a free air-conditioning unit for his family. ‘You’ve gone that makes this far, go the us incredibly next 10 and call happy,” said Audrey Monell, president it good…So I did, reenlisted in Italy, of Forrest Anderson. “We are so excited extended again in Iceland, and then at about this giveaway, and we’re looking least a couple more reenlistments and forward to learning about the nominees extensions and here I am, 23 years in through these essays as well.” the USAF, and I wouldn’t change it for Joining Forrest Anderson in making a second.” the gift possible are Sigler Wholesale He was sent to the Middle East in Distributors, which is providing a Carri- 1993 at the tail end of Operation er 14 Seer Heating and Cooling system; Desert Storm/Desert Shield, and after Empire Metal Products, which has do- six months reassigned to the American nated the sheet metal; and Smiley Crane base in Incirlik, Turkey, where he was Service, which will help with the instal- replacing an F-15 unit that shot down lation. two U.S. Army helicopters over Kuwait. Harms has served in the Air Force for “That was a somber turnover,” he over 22 years, and has been stationed recalled. “As soon as our boots hit the in various overseas U.S bases, including tarmac, you could feel the frustration and tours in Kuwait and Turkey. pain from that event.” His name was selected from among a Later he was sent to Kuwait in support number of nominating essays solicited by of the no-fly zones. “Because there Forrest Anderson a month ago. were over 2,300 Iraqi tanks still active “Many of our neighbors have risked their lives fighting for our freedom, and See SOLDIER on page 35 AFN NEWS STAFF
This is what memory care is all about. It’s not to say that dementia isn’t an emotional and challenging disease. It’s just that when you see the human instead of the disease you don’t see sadness. You see life. You see history. You see achievements. You see family. You see love. And that’s how we see it at Hawthorn Court. We can help you with the challenges you’re facing. Please join us for a personal tour. Call 480.359.2898 to schedule.
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COMMUNITY
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
31
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
THURSDAY, OCT. 27 Medicare discussion slated
Ahwatukee consultant Greg J. Geryak is holding a session titled “Understanding Medicare.” The free seminar will examine Medicare’s four parts, including applicants’ rights, options and entitlements; how to enroll; and what is covered and not covered. DETAILS>> 3-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Questions/RSVP: 480-797-5615.
SATURDAY, OCT. 29 Halloween dinner offered
Caffé Boa will hold its annual Halloween dinner, including a three-course meal with wine pairings. The wines will include Ghost Pines Cabernet and 19 Crimes Red Blend. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., 5063 E. Elliot Road, Ahwatukee. $58.95 per person. Caffeboa.com or 480-893-3331.
TUESDAY. NOV. 1 ‘Wimpy Kid’ celebrated
Come celebrate the release of the new book, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid—Double Down.” The celebration will include games, prizes, and a trivia contest based on the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. Three kids will win a copy of the new book. DETAILS>> 4:30-5:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 6-11. Free. No registration required.
THURSDAY, NOV. 3 Plan for Social Security
What are the requirements to receive benefits? What filing options do I have? How are benefits calculated? SSA Public Affairs Specialist Jack Burns will answer these questions and more at this free class.
DETAILS>> 6-7:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Register in the calendar section at phxlib.org. Presenter recommends creating a free account at ssa.gov/myaccount before attending.
SATURDAY, NOV. 5 Kids can learn coding
“Coding 4 Kids” offers children ages 6-11 a chance to explore basic hands-on computer game coding utilizing web-based sites while creating their own version of a video game with the help of step-by-step instructions from a professional video game coder. Bring a laptop if you have one. DETAILS>> 2-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. No registration required, but come early as space is limited.
SATURDAY, NOV. 11 Thanksgiving Oreo Feast
Parents, get your teens out of the house. How many different flavors of Oreos are out there? Which one is your favorite? Find out at our Thanksgiving Feast teen-style. We’ll try out as many Oreos as we can find while watching a movie. This event is free and open to teens ages 12-17. DETAILS>> 2-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. No registration required.
TUESDAY. NOV. 15 Get your writing critiqued
Bring five pages of writing to get feedback on from your fellow writers. Bringing extra copies to share is encouraged. DETAILS>> 6-7:45 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Email haley.dziuk@phoenix.gov for more info.
SATURDAY, DEC. 17
Road, Ahwatukee. Devida Lewis, 480-753-7676.
Ahwatukee dance instructor Kimberly Lewis will present her 17th annual “Nutcracker” with Santa making a guest appearance after both afternoon shows. DETAILS>> Tickets are on sale for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 2 p.m. Dec. 18. All performances at Mountain Pointe High School’s Fine Arts Theatre. Tickets can be obtained at Dance Studio 111, 4910 Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee, at 480-706-6040, or by emailing afnutcracker@gmail.com. Tickets are $18 to $40 for assigned seating. Information: afnutcracker.com.
and social support needs of the MS community. People with MS, care partners and spouses are welcome. The group mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges people affected by MS. DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-noon, third Monday of each month, Dignity Health Urgent Care Ahwatukee, conference room, 4545 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. Information: Lynn Grant at lgrant3567@yahoo.com or 480-414-7172.
aids MS sufferers ‘Nutcracker’ to be showcased Group This group addresses the informational, emotional
ONGOING
TUESDAYS
sharpen skills Congregation plans Israel trip Toastmasters Improve your speaking skills and meet interesting Congregation NefeshSoul is planning a tour of Israel June 10-20, 2017. Explore historical sites along with the beauty and rich culture of Israel. DETAILS>> Rabbi Susan Schanerman at rabbi@ nefeshsoul.org.
people at Ahwatukee Toastmasters meetings DETAILS>> >6:45-8 a.m at the Dignity Health Community Room, 4545 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee.
MONDAYS
The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce networking and leads group is open to chamber members. DETAILS>> 8-9 a.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 10831 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee. Devida Lewis, 480-753-7676.
Open play for kids offered
Open Playday is held through Dec. 19 by the Kyrene Early Education Resource Center to help children explore and make sense of the world around them. DETAILS>> 9-11 a.m. Kyrene de las Lomas, 11820 S. Warner-Elliot Loop, Ahwatukee. Register: kyrene.org/ earlyed.
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
Power Partners available
WEDNESDAYS Montessori holds open house
Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori is holds an open house weekly. It includes a short talk about Montessori education, followed by a tour of its campus. DETAILS>> 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 3221 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Information: 480-759-3810
See
CALENDARon page 35
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32
COMMUNITY
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Ahwatukee fitness gym’s ‘dog-a-thon’ to find homes for rescued animals AFN NEWS STAFF
K
(Special to AFN)
Andrew Hangartner and wife Kimberly Elliott Hangartner and their four dogs are hoping to find opwners for 10 to 15 rescued dogs at their gym, Alpha Elite Fitness, in Ahwatukee, on Sunday.
Tempe Preparatory Academy Open House for incoming 6th-8th grade students and parents who are interested in attending Tempe Prep
Dog overcomes hard life, now needs new owner
Thursday, November 17 at 6:30 pm
AFN NEWS STAFF
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imberly Elliott Hangartner and her husband Andrew are dogs’ best friends. They have three of their own, are fostering a fourth and now they’re turning their Ahwatukee gym into a shelter for a day to try and get as many as 15 dogs adopted. Starting at 9 a.m. Sunday, they’re holding a dog-a-thon they call “Push-ups and Paws,” offering a month of unlimited personal training and nutritional coaching to everyone who adopts a dog at their studio, Alpha Elite Fitness, 15410 S. Mountain Pkwy., Ahwatukee. The studio boasts of its tough-love toward people who want to lose weight or get strong or both under the mantra that “we must always test ourselves, push ourselves beyond our limits, and step outside our comfort zone.” Kimberly states on her website, “I am a female that trains like a male; I’m loud, I’m aggressive, and I don’t watch my language. I care so much about my Elite Family, but I’m not afraid to give it you straight. Cut the excuses; they get in your way and I’ll confront you on it. It comes from a place of love, though. I’ve been there and I want to help you get past it.” But her dogs—Larry, the black Labrador Retriever; a terrier poodle named Benjamin, and a Yorkie mix named Kevin—are “my babies.” All three
were rescued from shelters. That’s why she and her husband maintain a “dog-friendly gym.” “My husband and I are big dog-lovers,” she said. “Clients can bring dogs into gym as long as they’re friendly. Our fitness community is filled with dog lovers.” Her dogs hang out at the gym, which they’ve had for six years. “Clients like to go and pet them after a workout,” she said, calling her dogs “ambassadors of good health.” The Hangartners are picking dogs she calls “highly adoptable” because they don’t intend to leave their studio until every one finds a home. She hopes that prospective owners also see the health benefits of a dog. “The dogs get us out of the house,” she said. “We encourage clients to exercise with their dogs. If you have a dog, you have to take him or her for a walk and you’re less likely to hang out at a bar all night.” The dogs up for adoption will be neutered, groomed, current on all shots and micro-chipped. They’re coming from two rescue operations—Surrendered Souls Rescue, a Tempe-based in-home shelter; and the Take Me Home Rescue Arizona chapter. In addition, Pet Planet, a neighboring business, will be handing out coupons for discounts on dog food and accessories. Information: 480-334-4505 or getelite@alphaeliteaz.com.
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hen Lincoln’s owners turned him into animal control, "he was in terrible condition,” according to Arizona Rescue. But after the 8-yearold Schnauzer mix underwent extensive medical treatment as well as grooming, Lincoln “is ready to put his past behind him and start his happily ever after,” said rescue spokeswoman Jenny Medlock. “Lincoln adores people,” she said. “He follows his foster parents around the house, observing their activities, snoozing on a nearby dog bed or taking advantage of an empty lap.
Lincoln loves to sit on laps where he enjoys being cuddled, petted, and kissed. He also gets along well with other dogs and kids.” Calling Lincoln a “mellow fellow,” Medlock said he is trained, rides well in the car, “has excellent leash manners” and gets along with other dogs and kids. “Ideally, folks that work from home, have staggered schedules or are retired would be perfect for Lincoln," Medlock said. “Despite the hardships he faced over the years, he maintained his sunny disposition and still loves people with a passion.” Information/applications: azrescue.org.
COMMUNITY
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
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Ahwatukee
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34
E L E
CT
PHOENIX COUNCILMAN SAL DICICCIO & TEMPE MAYOR MARK MITCHELL PROUDLY SUPPORT
MICHAEL MYRICK SUPPORTER OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
FOR THE KYRENE SCHOOL BOARD • • • •
Parent of 3 children currently enrolled in the district Current President of a Board of Directors 37 Years as an East Valley Resident Graduate of Northern Arizona University
Goals as Board Member • Transparency • Fiscal Accountability • Student Achievement
AROUND
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
from page 29
Boulevard and Desert Foothills Parkway, 9-10 a.m. Friday for the school’s fifth annual Halloween Walk. School founder Diana Darmawaskita said, “The children love this event and so do the store owners and employees. The parents of our students usually join us so it’s a great event for families and shoppers get to enjoy seeing the kids in their costumes.” Participating are Safeway, Dollar Tree, Plaza Hardware Store, Loose Leaf, Chic Nails, Fluffy Tails, Pomegranate Café, Edward Jones, AmTrust Bank, Trader Joe’s and Pet Planet. Darmawaskita said she started the Halloween Walk in 2011 as part of a series of family events, including an annual piemaking event at Thanksgiving and its Winter Performance each December. The school, located in the Plaza at 4025 E. Chandler Blvd, Suite 11, offers individualized programs that introduce reading, writing, math, nature study, art, music and movement and social skills based on the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator. Parents can observe classroom activities at an open house on 9-11 a.m. Nov. 4. Information: 480-659-9402, info@inspirekidsmontessori.com or inspirekidsmontessori.com.
Female intergenerational bunco scheduled Nov. 5
Organizers of the female intergeneration bunco, open to females ages 10 and up, will add a charitable activity to their fun 6-8:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at Mountain Park Community Church in Ahwatukee. They will stuff shoeboxes with small gifts for impoverished children around the world as part of Operation Christmas Child. Attendees are asked to bring a small nonperishable and nonviolent toy or other item. Details about the drive are at samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/ operation-christmas-child The bunco game, which is not a churchsponsored event, is easy to learn, organizers said. Information: text 612-709-9671.
Festival of Lights ramps up, needs businesses’ help
Plans are ramping up for Ahwatukee’s annual Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party Nov. 26 for the Christmas lights spectacular along Chandler Boulevard and organizers are hoping local businesses will lend a hand. The kick-off committee needs local businesses to sponsor a ride or ticket booths and provide some other help. The committee
also is looking for local dance groups and other performers for the Candy Lane Pavilion. Businesses and performers should contact admin@folaz.org.
Baby, kids’ clothing consignment sale set
The Lucky Duck Consignment, sponsored by Lifetime Eye Care of Ahwatukee, will hold its buying-selling event Thursday through Saturday at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. New parents, grandparents, foster and military families must pre-register at luckyduckconsignment.com. Items include clothing sized newborn to 14, baby toys, bedding and books, maternity clothes, play equipment and a variety of other goods. Admission is free. Volunteers can shop first and have their fees waived. Times/dates are: Thursday: pre-sale for volunteers, consignors and new parents; 8 a.m.-9 p.m. public sale Friday, public sale 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.
Parents can learn about ‘digital stress’ at DV session
The Desert Vista High School Site Council is sponsoring a program titled "Turning Digital Stress into Digital Success" 6:30-8 p.m. today at the high school cafeteria, 16440 S. 32nd St., Ahwatukee. The session will outline how girls and boys use technology and social media and what apps, games, and devices are out there for their use and what trending apps are all about. Parents how to best support their students when online harassment and intimidation occur. And a panel of experts from local and state law enforcement, mental health experts, pediatricians, educators and administrators will be on hand to answer questions.
Community college hosting Phoenix Women’s Forum
The 2016 City of Phoenix Women's Forum will be held at South Mountain Community College 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. today. The forum offers women a chance to network, learn and “celebrate the success of other women in our community,” according to a release. It’s also an opportunity to learn from non-profit and business leadership and city representatives about the challenges and opportunities facing women in terms of health, safety, employment/economics and civic engagement. The event is free and open to the public and lunch will be provided. Register at phoenixwomensforum2016.eventbrite.com. Information: 602-262-6690.
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS at 1867 E. Baseline Road, Tempe. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. social time, 7-8:30 p.m. meeting from page 31 time on the second Monday of each month. Information: ld18demsinfo@gmail.com. Free and open to the public.
CALENDAR
Grief support is free
Hospice of the Valley offers a free ongoing grief support group for adults and is open to any adult who has experienced a loss through death. No registration required. DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St. 602-636-5390 or HOV.org.
Foothills Women meet
An informal, relaxed social organization of about 90 women living in the Ahwatukee Foothills/Club West area. A way to escape once a month to have fun and meet with other ladies in the area. Guest speaker or entertainment featured. DETAILS>>7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive. Contact jstowe2@cox.net or FoothillsWomensClub.org.
Parents can ‘drop in’
Parents are invited to join a drop-in group to ask questions, share ideas or just listen to what’s going on with today’s teenagers. DETAILS>> 5:30-7 p.m. second Wednesday of each month. Maricopa Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix. Free. RSVP at 602-827-8200, ext. 348, or rcarter@cals.arizona.edu.
Get a donut with Democrats DETAILS>> Free and open to the public 7:30-9 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Biscuits Restaurant, 4623 E. Elliot Road. RSVP: marie9@q.com or 480-592-0052.
LD 18 Dems change meeting site The Legislative District 18 Democrats have changed their monthly meeting to their new campaign office
Special networking offered
Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce has a networking and leads group is open to chamber members. DETAILS>>11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Radisson Hotel, 7475 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Devida Lewis, 480-7537676.
THURSDAYS
Learn about 3D-Networkx
This group focuses on creating powerful relationships with fellow members, resulting in meaningful referrals. Learn how to create connections and get the most out of networking events. DETAILS>>8-9 a.m., Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 140. Information: Shannon Kinsman, 480-753-7676.
Chamber sponsors networking
Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce networking and leads group offers business owners as chance to get involved and network. Open to chamber members and nonmembers. DETAILS>>8 a.m. Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 140. Shannon Kinsman, 480-753-7676.
Mothers of Preschoolers gather Free child care for ages 0 to 5. DETAILS>> 9 a.m. second and fourth Thursday, Foothills Baptist Church, 15450 S. 21st St. Call Kim at 480-759-2118, ext. 218.
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COMMUNITY
FRIDAYS Toastmasters teach skills
This chamber-exclusive Chapter of the International Toastmasters club boasts professional development skills. Become the speaker and leader you want to be with Ahwatukee Chamber Toastmasters Club. DETAILS>> 8-9 a.m., First American Title Conference Room, 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., #100, Ahwatukee. Devida Lewis, 480-753-7676.
SATURDAYS
Alzheimer’s group meets
Caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients can find support monthly. DETAILS>> 10-11:30 a.m. Ahwatukee Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the first Saturday of the month at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. Bosom Buddies slates meetings
Cancer support group meets The Ahwatukee/Chandler breast cancer support group meets monthly. DETAILS>>> 10 a.m. to noon, second Saturday of the month. Morrison Boardroom next to Chandler Regional Medical Center, 1875 W. Frye Road, Chandler. Contact Patti Lynch at 480-893-8900 or tomklynch@ msn.com or Cele Ludig at 480-330-4301.
— Email calendar items to pmaryniak@ahwatukees.com
— Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and AhwatukeeFN on Twitter. Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.
SOLDIER
35
from page 29
and sitting just on the other side of the Kuwait/Iraq border, literally within miles of us, the Air Force was keeping tank killers nearby on alert in case something started up again.” Though at times he was close to danger—he was within a few feet of areas laden with booby traps uncovered by American units—Harms said he has enjoyed the Air Force, from which he plans to retire and “be back in Tukee after June 1.” “My career as a whole has been memorable, without really any dull moments,” he said. “In the weapons career field, there is always a little excitement.”
WANT MORE? There’s always more ways to Get Out on our website:
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36
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Monsoon’s end means termites head above ground BY SHELLEY RIDENOUR AFN STAFF WRITER
T
ermites are always lurking about 30 feet below the ground in the East Valley and the rest of the Southwest. But the end of the monsoon season means many of the tiny bugs head closer to the surface in search of water and food. Officials at two Mesa pest control
enough groundwater to avoid searching for above-ground water. They can sense water conditions and temperatures above ground, however, and when they realize there’s more surface water than normal and the temperature has dropped, they migrate upward, Steve Hiniker said. Hiniker has been a termite inspector for 27 years. He’s based in Mesa with Arizona Exterminating Co. Rosie Romero, host of the “Rosie on the House” home improvement radio
There are two kinds of houses in “ Arizona—those that have termites and those that are going to get termites. ”
Steve Hiniker Termite inspector
companies and an Arizona home improvement expert say this is the busiest time of year for their inspectors and workers. Like all living creatures, termites need water to survive. Normally, they can get
program, said because the monsoon “introduces a lot of water into the desert,” it brings termites up. Once they’re above ground, they search for food—cellulose, wood and paper. Homeowners who plant shrubs inches
Experts say a termite colony can contain anywhere from 50,000 to 300,000 insects.
away from their houses face the greatest risk of termites finding their house as a giant lunch buffet. There’s extra water put there to keep the plants alive, and the wood in a house is right there, Romero said, providing a significant food source.
(Special to AFN)
Romero said, if he could, he’d change building regulations in Arizona to prevent anyone from planting within three feet of a building. If plants are See
TERMITES on page 37
TERMITES
from page 36
farther away from structures, Romero said, the termites will instead eat plants or other things in the yard. They won’t bother wandering close enough to the house to chew on wood. People should check around their houses for evidence of termites, said Ryan Michel, the owner of Defense Pest Control in Mesa. The most obvious sign of termites are the mud tunnels, technically named termite shelter tubes, they build to access food and water. The tunnels are about the diameter of a pencil, Hiniker said, and look like mud. They’re built out of mud and feces. Most tunnels are only a few inches long, but Hiniker said he’s seen tunnels as long as 20 feet. Termites build the tunnels so they can stay close to the ground as they move between their food sources and their colony. If you find the tubes, call an exterminator, Romero said. He reminds people that the typical products used by exterminators to kill other bugs don’t kill termites. So, regular spraying doesn’t eliminate the potential for termites. In fact, Romero and Hiniker said,
Many exterminators offer free home inspections if people suspect they have termites.
“there are two kinds of houses in Arizona—those that have termites and those that are going to get termites.” Romero says people shouldn’t waste their time or money trying to kill termites on their own. Call a professional, he said. Exterminators use products that get on the termites’ bodies. They carry it
(Special to AFN)
back to the colony, to the queen. Like colonies of ants and bees “if you kill the queen, you kill the colony,” he said. Romero said he’s heard from some people that they don’t want to use a product that’s injected into the ground. But, he says, the chemical used to kill termites is the same product that’s used
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in flea collars for dogs and cats, and “is one-tenth as strong” as the chemical in the collar. Bait canisters that contain the same chemical can be placed around a house to try to control termites, Romero said. But, those are only effective if the termites crawl into them. It could take months for the bugs to find the bait, as opposed to near-instant exposure when the chemical is injected into the ground. Many exterminators offer free home inspections if people suspect they have termites. Hiniker recommends annual inspections for any house older than five years. It’s estimated that between one and 20 colonies of termites live below each acre of ground in Arizona, Romero and Hiniker said. A colony can contain anywhere from 50,000 to 300,000 termites. There’s probably never more than one colony below any house at any given time, Romero said. And, he points out that a colony “won’t chew your house up in one year, or five years or even 10 years, but they can cause serious damage.”
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Opinion
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Student talent is music to the ears of Desert Vista High teacher BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN EXECUTIVE EDITOR
B
y her own admission, Darlene Wedington-Clark cries a lot—or comes close to tears quite a bit. And if you ever get a chance to hear the music she evokes from her students at Desert Vista High School, your eyes might start watering too Last Thursday morning, I watched and listened to her direct a rehearsal of the school’s 24-student Chamber Orchestra, sharing conductor honors with Phoenix Symphony Maestro Tito Munoz and making music that you don’t expect to hear in a windowless classroom with concrete block walls and lockers. She had earlier told Jill Hanks, Tempe Union High School District’s executive director of community relations, that when she heard Munoz wanted to come and direct a session, “I almost started crying.” She told me she started crying when a former student wrote her that even though she was pulling a double major in college, she had to keep playing. Wedington-Clark has taught music at every educational level in her 38year career, from first grade through community college to universities. Now she devotes all her time to Desert Vista High, where she has taught the past 11 years and is the director of orchestras and guitar ensembles as well as the Fine Arts Department chairperson. As she, Munoz and I chatted after the rehearsal, Wedington-Clark radiated a contagious enthusiasm for her students and music, twinning the two with an almost startling sense of devotion and emotion. Knowing she was talking to a journalist, she could have easily—and justifiably— wrung her hands over how society in general and the Arizona Legislature in particular has cut funding for schools to the point where the arts have been put on the endangered species list. Or talked about how little respect teachers
(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)
Darlene Wedington-Clark warms up the Desert Vista High School Chamber Orchestra for Phoenix Symphony Music Director Tito Munoz.
get these days with paychecks that don’t awards and have been invited to play at a come close to what so many of them put number of regional and national festivals into their work. and conferences. And she has been a But money guest conductor never came up for numerous in our half hour gatherings together. She of student could barely musicians. contain herself But she never talking about her mentioned a students—how word about any hard they work, of that; she was how much some all about her have achieved so students, past relatively early and current. in life, and how She beamed excited she is for when talking them. about how senior Her personal Bobae Johnson, achievements the Desert (Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer) are enormous, Bobae Johnson, concertmaster for Desert Vista High Vista Chamber and not just School's Chamber Orchestra, is "my right hand and my O r c h e s t r a because she left hand," said director Darlene Wedington-Clark concertmaster, holds two played for the bachelor’s degrees, a master’s and a Moscow Ballet when it performed in doctorate in areas related to music and Phoenix last year. music education. She raved about Ryan Grieser, a Her Desert Vista orchestras—she budding genius on the viola, who has directs three—have won countless already played twice at famed Carnegie
Hall in New York City. And she spoke with pride about the Desert Vista Chamber Orchestra, which will be one of only six school string ensembles in the United States to play in December at the 70th annual Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago. School ensembles from around the world get there by invitation only, after judges listen to recordings sent in by scores of groups aching to be selected. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a school to perform there,” she said. “I went in the ‘90s, and I remember just thinking it would be amazing to have my students up there,” she recalled. “I never said anything, and then last year, I just decided to send a recording.” Wedington-Clark was almost giddy talking about how composers of some of the works the chamber orchestra will play likely will be in the audience. “It makes me a little nervous, but it’s exciting for us to have this opportunity,” she said. Besides, she noted, “I’ve watched some of these students just blossom. It’s amazing. The caliber of the students I have in that room is amazing.” Yet, despite that praise, she doesn’t stop reminding her students to study. As they prepared for a festival in Tucson, scheduled for last Friday, she said she told them, “’You’ll have four judges giving their feedback, so listen to them.’ We always want to take that kind of advice and keep building on it.” Wedington-Clark talked with the same enthusiasm about her past students, one of whom is an assistant principal at Desert Vista High. “A lot of my former students are still playing. Some are studying medicine, and they’re still playing. They’re at Harvard and playing. I have two guys in MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) who have parents who at first said they would only let them play for one year.” Not long ago, she arranged to have See
EDITOR'S COLUMN on page 42
OPINION
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Editor’s note:
This is the second of two columns that the Ahwatukee Foothills News asked from candidates for State Senate and State House in Legislative District 18. The question they were asked to address: Why are you the best choice to represent LD 18 residents in the state Legislature. While both Senate candidates and all four House candidates were invited to submit columns, Linda Macias, a Green Party candidate for the House, did not respond. The candidates’ first column can be found at ahwatukee.com
Schmuck: I am a statesman who will fight for you BY FRANK SCHMUCK AFN GUEST WRITER
T
he future of Arizona depends on people. People are the most important part of our community and state. Business thrives because of people. Education makes us all better prepared because of people. I embrace our founding fathers’ principles of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Liberty is another word for freedom and with the freedom to earn comes the freedom to learn. Education and our economy are a symbiotic relationship. We cannot have one without the other and expect our state to thrive. Teachers/professors honestly want to educate students and see them find good work. No business would pay to train someone only to have him/her work for the competitor. Yet Arizona, ranked 45th for least unemployment, is investing in higher education and many instate graduates then go to other states to work because they cannot find good paying jobs here. After subsidizing a four-year degree, only 56 percent of our graduates stay here to work. We can fix that.
By transitioning gradually from our state income tax to a consumption fee, we will get revenues from our 44 million visitors, taxes from our 2½ million resident filers will decrease, and total revenues will go up. Exempting basic food, clothing and gasoline we protect those on fixed incomes. Transitioning School Tuition Organization tax credits to our property tax system we preserve school choice. Arizona is ranked 48th in K-12 education spending per student. New York is ranked number one, with a much higher standard of living then Arizona and approaching three times more expensive when comparing economic factors like per diem rates or federal Cost of Living Allowances (COLA). However, if Arizona institutes more transparency in government spending, like New York (www.seethroughNY. net), we will publicly reveal state government spending on all salaries/ wages including education. We then might begin to improve our spending per student as the public sees exactly where the money is going. I will work to do that. Arizona spends more of its budget on education than 2/3 of the others states. By replacing the 4½ percent income tax with a 1 percent consumption fee, we broaden our base of contributors.
The expected additional revenue would continue the effect of Proposition 301 extending it past 2021. This is expected to add more to the general fund when our population increases. More jobs are created as businesses have more capital to reinvest, and graduates are able to find more work in Arizona rather than somewhere else. Free markets and less regulation produce more growth, more jobs and higher standards of living. We can do this. It’s a win-win for education, business and our people I will fight for you! Not the special interest and not any out-of-touch establishment. A politician thinks of the next election, but a statesman thinks of the next generation. I am a statesman. We are the people, “Government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth,” said Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg where my family, Henry Schmuck, fought. Check out www.TeamSCHMUCK. com. I humbly ask for your vote on or before Nov. 8h to bring integrity, service and real leadership to the Arizona Senate in our beloved Legislative District 18. God bless you and God bless Arizona and America.
L
ike many of you, I am frustrated with our state legislature. I entered this race because I could not stand by while our elected leaders focused on the wrong priorities and cared only about what’s best for their political party, not our community.
There is a better way, and that starts with electing new leadership to the state capitol. Our community is deeply committed to providing a world class education for our children and it values leaders who will work in a bipartisan fashion to represent our interests at the state legislature. I am the best candidate for this position because I represent those values and those priorities better than my opponent does. I care about our local schools because
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Bowie: I best represent what matters to this BY SEAN BOWIE AFN GUEST WRITER
39
they are the schools I attended. I care about higher education because it’s where I go to work every day fighting to make college more affordable. I care about our community because it is where I grew up and where I plan to raise a family. It is my home. I am running to be your next state senator to provide new leadership at the State Capitol. I will work with both sides See
BOWIE on page 40
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OPINION
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
from page 39
of the aisle and advocate for what’s best for our community—not my political party or special interests. I believe government works best when we listen to each other and work with each other. I will approach issues at the capitol with a collaborative mind, focused on finding solutions. That starts with restoring education funding. Our K-12 schools rank 48th in the country in per pupil investment. Our teacher turnover rate is the highest in the country. Businesses are looking at our lack of commitment to education and deciding not to invest in our state. Since 2009, our state Legislature has cut more from higher education than any state in the country. Tuition has tripled, and families are struggling to send their children to college. We deserve better. As your next state senator, nothing is more important to me than strengthening our schools, and I will make restoring education funding my Number One priority at the capitol. There are targeted investments in education and job training that we can make right now—investment that should go to where it is needed, in the
classroom, not more administration. We can do this without raising taxes, by using a portion of our state’s rainy day fund and budget surpluses from recent years. Investing in our schools will lead to a stronger economy, a stronger community, and better jobs for our district. In contrast, my opponent wants to eliminate our state income tax, which represents 40 percent of the funding in our state budget. This would increase our already high sales tax rate, leading to higher costs for goods and services. It would also devastate public education in our state, and result in larger class sizes and fewer teachers. With the failure of our Legislature to invest in our schools over the past decade, this is a risk we cannot afford to take. I am the best candidate in this race because I best represent what matters to our community – a strong education system and the belief that government works best when all voices have a seat at the table. I would be honored to be your next state senator, and hope to have your vote on or before Nov. 8. -Sean Bowie is the Democratic candidate for state senator from LD 18.
Norgaard: I’ve shown I get things done BY JILL NORGAARD AFN GUEST WRITER
D
uring my first term, I have demonstrated the ability to get things done and how to work with both parties in the area of passing productive legislation. The following includes some of my successes. House Bill 2476 reduced some of the red tape for schools related to school plant funds that can now be used for maintenance and operations, such as teacher’s salary. This bill passed with bipartisan support and I hope to be able to increase that financial flexibility in the coming session. I sponsored the restoration of the JTED (Joint Technical Education District) funding that prepares students to enter the workforce with the academic and vocational skills needed to compete successfully in the job market. As a freshman leader, I planned training seminars for all caucus members on many of the agencies in the state (DCS, DES, JTED, Courts) to familiarize them with their budgets and priorities in their
respective departments. My effectiveness was rewarded by the “Best Female Political Rising Star” award in 2016, in a statewide survey. After seeing that many of our teachers had not been down to the Capitol for several years, or not at all, I started the “Take Your Teacher to the Capitol Day.” The event gave educators an opportunity to go onto the floor, learn the legislative process and understand how they can be involved. I have also hosted other groups. Chambers of Commerce, business groups and high school students have come down to see the legislative process first hand. While on the floor, they are invited to debate a current issue. I have enjoyed being a guest teacher at both district and charter schools speaking on the legislative process, the importance of good interviewing skills and how to prepare/practice for job interviews. Efforts I have launched to close the early literacy achievement gap include a stateside dyslexia awareness campaign. I worked with First Things First to host a booth at the recent two-day early literacy summit. Later in the summit, I See
NORGAARD on page 42
Hosted by the Women in Business Committee, this annual ceremony celebrates and honors the Business Woman of the Year, Social Enterprise Award and Corporate Award. In addition, scholarships are given to women furthering their education from funds raised throughout the year. This exciting annual event features a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner, and an awards ceremony. Four Points by Sheraton November 10, 2016 • 5:30pm 10831 S. 51st St. • Phoenix, AZ 85044
Cocktail Reception Silent Auction Dinner Scholarship Awards Social Enterprise Award
Tickets and sponsorships available at www.ahwatukeechamber.com or 480-753-7676
Corporate Award Palo Verde Award for Business Woman of the Year
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
OPINION
41
42
OPINION
NORGAARD
from page 40
was on a panel which highlighted policy plans to decode/identify dyslexia and to provide teacher resources for student and curriculum related items. While speaking with our school superintendents, one problem they expressed was a shortage of kindergarten teachers due to the early education certification that is required. They were unable to assign a different level teacher to the kindergarten classroom. I successfully worked with the State Board to word (HB2008), which was the catalyst needed for change. The end result was to allow schools more flexibility in staffing. One commerce bill included sponsoring legislation to protect small business from fines and giving them the “right to correct” before an assessment. I am also working to stop the abuse of extorting ADA rules on small businesses with drive by allegation of noncompliance and threatening lawsuits. My focus on business prosperity was recognized by the 2015 AZ Free Market Champion award. It has been my passion to bring common sense legislation to our state. I hope to earn your trust and your vote so I can continue building on these plans and continuing my initiatives. -Jill Norgaard is one of the two incumbent Republican state representatives for LD 18.
EDITOR'S COLUMN from page 38
one student orchestra play at a senior assembly, and she was elated by the aftermath. No longer were the other students sneering at the fact that their classmates played violins and violas instead of guitars and drums. Instead, they greeted the orchestra members in the hallways with a mixture of awe and respect, telling them they had no idea how good they are. But she didn’t tell that story to make her look good. She wanted to underscore the power of the music and the talent of her students. She also credited their parents. “I’m very blessed I have parents in this community that believe in our program,” she said. And Ahwatukee is blessed to have Wedington-Clark in the community as well.
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Robson: I have a record of fighting for the community BY BOB ROBSON AFN GUEST WRITER
I
am the best choice because I have a proven track record of always fighting for the issues important to
our community. I have the experience, and the proven results to show for it. During my time at the legislature, I’ve defended and strengthened public education while supporting accountability and transparency in government. My top three priorities have been and will continue to be education, economy, and public safety. A strong education system leads to a strong economy. We need to ensure that great teachers receive great pay and great schools are rewarded for their achievements. I am a big supporter of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculum. This is the type of
knowledge that our children will need throughout their educational life so it makes sense to teach it now. I support the Classrooms First Council initiative which aims to put more dollars directly into the classroom. We must continue to invest in our K-12 and higher education system, that is why I support the re-authorization of Proposition 301 (sales tax for education). In terms of the state’s economy, we need to reduce regulations on small business and continue to support job creation policies. I worked on some exciting bills during my last term at the legislature that promote the sharing economy and protect taxpayers. I’m enthusiastic about the future of our state. In the last several years, more and more companies have chosen Arizona. This is because of our businessfriendly environment. I will not support discriminatory legislation that draws a negative national spotlight on Arizona; this does not benefit our state. We must continue to focus on keeping
communities safe and supporting law enforcement. I have worked with the Department of Child Safety to mandate that it put the best interest of each child as the priority. Obviously, there is much work still to be done but with more checks and balances, I hope that all children in Arizona are protected. Last session, I fought to ensure better compensation for DPS officers. It is important that we utilize new technologies to protect all Arizonans. These three efforts: education, economy, and public safety have been my focus at the legislature. My proven results and experience make me the best choice to represent Legislative District 18. Looking towards the future, we need to continue to invest in and improve our education system, support small business, and ensure public safety is supported. -Bob Robson is an incumbent Republican state representative for LD 18.
Epstein: You won’t have to rally to get my attention BY MITZI EPSTEIN AFN GUEST WRITER
A
little positive collaboration goes a long way. All our solutions will be stronger if we include
more voices. As a computer systems analyst, I’ve worked for multinational corporations, and I’ve run my own small business, Custom Language Training. I moved from computer languages to spoken languages because communicating gets things done. I am the best person to represent the people of our community because I hear you. I have a proven track record of bringing people together, and strengthening public education, for over 25 years. As a founder of the AZ Parents for Public Education (APPLE Coalition), former member of the Kyrene School District governing board, and former Vice President of the Arizona State PTA, I have collaborated to help parents to be the best champions for their children’s education that they can be. By building broad coalitions of business leaders, parents, teachers, and
retirees, we have passed legislation, and empowered more voices to be heard. Too many of us feel like the representatives at the Capitol are not listening. We had to rally with hundreds of parents to cry out for more funding for schools, and still the cuts continue. They seem to listen to lobbyists, not ordinary Arizonans. You won’t have to rally with hundreds of others to get my attention. Good schools are essential for our children to have a fair shot at the opportunities we had growing up. But now our schools are hurting. Our classrooms are crowded; we’ve cut art, PE, and technical courses, and we are losing good teachers for better pay in other states. This is a direct result of the governor and my opponents prioritizing tax cuts for large corporations instead of our schools. You want to know, “What specifically will you do?” I will fight to restore education funding, We don’t need to increase taxes to fund our schools; we just need to move our priorities toward our people. Protecting your rights is also very important to me. I will sponsor legislation to keep your employer out of
your personal life. My opponents have supported legislation allowing an employer to fire an employee because of whom they love or how they plan their family. None of that is your boss’ business (ARS 20-826). My opponents’ voting records show tey put out-of-state billionaires ahead of working families, by voting to allow unlimited amounts of money in our elections without transparency (SB1516). This is unacceptable. No one likes nasty television ads from anonymous sources. I will sponsor legislation to stop dark money and reduce the influence of money in our elections. There is obviously a stark contrast between my opponents and me. Unlike them, for every vote I take I will ask, “How does this impact ordinary Arizonans?” My roots as a long time education advocate, AYSO soccer coach and in business give me the tools to know what works, and to hear you. Please vote for Mitzi Epstein for the Arizona House of Representatives by Nov. 8. See ME4AZ. com for details. -Mitzi Epstein is the Democratic candidate for state representative in LD 18.
OPINION
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Make Halloween more inclusive for children
BY MARY CANNON AFN GUEST WRITER
theme or festive colors.
H
Here are some ideas for Halloween themed treats: • Glow sticks.
ave you ever been discouraged by the amount of candy on Halloween because your child has allergies, is a picky eater, or you simply don’t want your child to eat that much sugar? What if there was a way to eliminate candy consumption without losing out on all the fun at Halloween? The Teal Pumpkin Project is here to help you. This project was started to raise awareness about children with allergies and other children who are in need of special diets for medical reasons. You can participate by painting a pumpkin teal and placing it on your front porch or by printing a free sign for your door. Then, provide a safe experience for children with allergies by offering exclusively non-food items. If you prefer, you can provide the option of a food or non-food item to each child who trick-or-treats—just make sure to keep them in separate containers to avoid allergen contamination. Available at dollar stores, party supply stores, or online shops, nearly all of these items can be found in a Halloween
the fact that all children feel included on Halloween. It’s also a great way to teach all children about helping others and being inclusive. Besides, it’s a healthier way to still have fun and the treats will last a lot longer than candy. You can also create a social event by hosting a Teal Pumpkin painting party with your friends to prepare for Halloween. For more information and free printable signs: tealpumpkin.org. -Mary Cannon is a program manager with the Arizona Partnership for Children program called Parents As Teachers. AzPAC is a partnership between Catholic Charities Community Services and Devereux. Information: catholiccharities.org.
• Temporary tattoos. • Rings, bracelets, necklaces. • Small figurines such as spiders,
lizards, or dinosaurs. Bubbles. Pencils, pens, erasers. Stickers. Whistles, kazoos, noisemakers. Stamps or stencils. Cookie cutters. Vampire teeth, rubber skeletons. Mini notepads. Benefits to participating include that
• • • • • • • •
LETTERS
Time for Sheriff Joe to hit the road, reader says
Maricopa County voters: I implore you to not vote for Joe Arpaio. He’s been sheriff since 1993 and in that time, has cost the taxpayers almost $50 million in lawsuit settlements and legal fees and never accepted responsibility or changed his ways. The Board of Supervisors wouldn’t settle for millions if Arpaio didn’t do anything wrong. He’s squandered resources on things like investigating Obama’s birth certificate, armored cars and trips for his chief deputies but let hundreds of sex crimes go un-investigated, failed to serve dozens of warrants and sent poorly trained officers out to some of the most vulnerable areas in the county. As a felony sex crimes prosecutor, I saw many shoddy investigations done by MCSO, and I had to assume it was because Arpaio doesn’t want to do the work it takes to actually stop crime, he just wants the limelight. He’s basically made “Toughest Sheriff in America” a brand and believes there’s no such thing See
LETTERS on page 44
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OPINION
LETTERS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
from page 43
as bad publicity. His hubris knows no bounds. He arrested the editors of a newspaper in the middle of the night on trumped up charges because they don’t like him, and launched abusive and unfounded investigations against many wellrespected judges and members of the Board of Supervisors. Several of them wisely sued him and won, resulting in the taxpayers having to pay out upwards of $5 million. He’s been investigated multiple times by U.S. Department of Justice and right now is facing charges for criminal contempt of court. This stems from his blatant refusal to follow a federal judge’s order to stop detaining people simply because of immigration status if they haven’t committed a state crime. His misplaced focus on immigration (which is a federal matter, but gets him great press) and inattention to the true crimes facing Maricopa County make him an embarrassment and a danger to Arizona. This is not who we want for our top lawman in Maricopa County. I met his opponent, Paul Penzone,
when he ran for sheriff in 2012 and was impressed by his calm demeanor, true law enforcement experience and his commitment to community policing. It’s more than time for Joe to go. Vote Penzone. -Monica Gellman
to restore education funding. That’s why I’m voting for Mitzi Epstein and Sean Bowie for State House and State Senate in Legislative District 18. I hope other like-minded people in Ahwatukee also join me in supporting them. -Nick Collins
House. Both candidates are running to restore public education funding, work with businesses to create good paying jobs and yes, bring common sense back to the State Capitol. Please educate yourselves and vote in November. -Doug Arnold
He's tired of the way state legislators handle budget
Bring common sense back to Arizona State Capitol
Students have ‘skin in the game’ despite struggles
I’m tired of the way our state legislators operate. Every year it’s been the same thing: they make big cuts to our public schools and universities because there’s not enough revenue. At the same time, they cut business taxes, which are already very low. That business tax cut reduces the state revenue for the next year. And when next year comes around, guess what? They make cuts to public education and universities again. It’s a never-ending cycle that’s been happening for too long. And it shows with our state hovering at the bottom of the list with respect to education. I blame the one-party Republican rule for this. In the state Legislature, they routinely craft the budget and other legislation behind closed doors, so that Democrats and independents have no say. I think it’s time to give others a voice. My number one priority for Arizona is
The Tea Party has given us the likes of Sarah Palin and Donald Trump on the national scene and now they have taken over the local Legislative District 18 Republican Party. The Tea Party backed their candidate Jill Norgaard for the State House during the last election cycle and now Republican Senator Jeff Dial has been “Tea Partied out” in the primary by Frank Schmuck, who calls himself a “hard-core conservative.” The majority of district 18 constituents are more moderate and forward thinking than these two “hard-core conservative” candidates. The majority of Republican legislators say they are for K-12 public education but choose not to fund it and instead give money to private prisons and unneeded tax cuts to businesses. This has been going on for a long time with their one-party rule. What makes us think they would change after the last 10 years? In order for the Democrats to have a seat at the table in the Arizona Legislature, voters need to elect two more Democrats to the State senate. Three more will give them a majority. Two very qualified Democrats are running this time around in Legislative District 18. Sean Bowie (seanbowieforaz. com) is running for the State Senate and Mitzi Epstein (me4az.com) for the State
Dear Mr. Schmuck, As a former Jersey girl, I know a schmuck when I see one and a schmuck will always tell people less fortunate than him that they just need to do better. What, I think, you don’t understand is that students just can’t seem to make it on a good salary when they are having to pay back thousands of dollars in loans. I’m a student and not only do we have a Legislature that cuts funding from our universities, but also the Republican Party uses the “skin in the game” argument to justify it. Raising tuition costs has sentenced us, the Millennials, to crushing debt. Yet, we still put ourselves through the financial heartbreak because of how much “skin in the game” we have. On top of this, some students just have to drop out and abandon their educational goals because they don’t have enough “skin” to put in to the game. So, Mr. Schmuck, don’t you dare tell us that we don’t have “skin in the game” because we do. Don’t you dare tell us that we just need to do better because we are. Instead of telling us what we should do, why don’t you do better and listen to us? That’s the only way you might just understand our situation. -Julianna Hellot
Share Your Thoughts: Send your letters on local issues to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com
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OPINION
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Want to protect children? Legalize and lock down marijuana BY TOM PATTERSON AFN GUEST WRITER
The most common talking point raised against Proposition 205, the “Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act,” is the need to prevent increased marijuana use among young people. Legalization opponents are correct about one thing. There is abundant evidence that marijuana can have serious adverse effects in the still- developing adolescent brain. But they ignore the gaping logic hole in their argument that Prop. 205 would promote teen use of marijuana. Think about it. Adolescents seeking marijuana have as much or more access than adults. The majority report no problem buying marijuana. Unfortunately, they must purchase from black-market drug dealers who are unlicensed, don’t test their products for purity or quality and have an incentive to introduce their young customers to cocaine, heroin and other dangerous drugs. If Prop. 205 passes, marijuana would be sold through licensed, regulated dealers similar to alcohol retailers. Marijuana products would require testing and clear labeling. Selling to minors would be strictly prohibited. If we’re serious about reducing youth marijuana use—and we should be— our present system is obviously not the answer. We need two things: a strong law and the will to enforce it. We have neither. In the Netherlands, they have both. The Dutch do not hesitate to shut down shops that sell to minors, so it’s no wonder that there is less underage use of marijuana there than in “law and order” Arizona. Legalization opponents seem to think the experience of Colorado, which approved marijuana legalization in 2012, backs up their charges of the plagues which will beset our state if we take a similar route. Like Arizonans today, Coloradans were told workplaces would become more hazardous, that tourism would suffer along with the state’s reputation. Moreover, driving would become more dangerous with more marijuana users on the road. Education would suffer with increased exposure of youth to the now legal substance. Our major daily carried an account of young children reportedly
being “rushed” to ERs from overdosing on all the marijuana products lying around.
The verifiable f a c t s tell a far different story. For example, the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center reports that like illegal marijuana, children sometimes ingest legal marijuana left out by adults. In 2014, the Center took 45 calls regarding accidental exposure in children eight or under. That same year, 2,057 calls were for children’s exposure to personalcare products, 1,422 were exposed to household cleaning products and 703 to vitamins. Parents need to keep harmful stuff away from small children. Period. Meanwhile, employers have continued to control workplace drug policies (as they would under Prop. 205) and no new marijuana related job problems have been reported. The costs of workplace injuries actually decreased and compensation claims have been stable. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation reports a slight decrease in overall crime in 2014, although that may not be directly linked to marijuana legalization. Marijuana-related DUI arrests actually declined in 2015. The predicted economic devastation never hit. In fact, Colorado had the fastest growing economy in the nation in 2014, number three in 2015. Colorado tourism has broken new records every year since legalization, Colorado saw nation-leading home price increases in 2014 and in 2016, U.S. News & World Report named Denver the number one best place to live in the U.S., Colorado Springs number five. And the teens? Marijuana use among minors is below the national average and stable. High school graduation rates are up. As Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, the Colorado House speaker and an admitted legalization skeptic, summarized it, “the sky didn’t fall. Everything seems to be
working pretty well.” Back in Arizona, we spend $85 million every year arresting and incarcerating 15,000 marijuana law violators. This prohibition hasn’t worked, never has, never will. Our efforts produce not reduced drug usage, but thousands of ruined lives for using a substance harmless to others. Millions of
45
dollars go to support violent, criminal drug cartels, dollars that are much needed in Arizona. Objectively, marijuana is safer and causes less problems than alcohol. There’s no reason government should be making this personal decision for its citizens if we really are the Land of the Free. – East Valley resident Tom Patterson is a retired physician and former state senator. He can be reached at pattersontomc@cox.net.
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Business
@AhwatukeeFN |
@AhwatukeeFN
www.ahwatukee.com
Ahwatukee Chamber to honor three businesswomen for performance, service AFN NEWS STAFF
T
he Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce will be honoring three women next month for their achievements in business and the community. One of nine women will be selected for the chamber’s annual Palo Verde Award Businesswoman of the Year. Meanwhile, three women have been nominated for the chamber’s new Social Enterprise Award and four for the Corporate Award. The three winners will be announced at the 12th annual Palo Verde Award Dinner, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Four Points by Sheraton Ahwatukee. Tickets are available at ahwatukeechamber.com The Social Enterprise Award will recognize the local owner or employee of an organization “that delivers positive social/environmental changes to our community as their core mission,” the chamber said. The Corporate Award will be presented to a Phoenix area employee in the public or private sector “who has exemplified outstanding leadership in our business community.” The Businesswoman of the Year Award is presented to a Phoenix area business owner “who exemplifies outstanding leadership in our business community” and “achieved positive financial results, provided sound management, and demonstrated a commitment to the Ahwatukee community.”
Businesswoman of the Year
Here’s a closer look at the nominees for businesswoman of the year, and what the Chamber said about them: HEATHER BENINATO
in
the
Owner of InMotion Health & Wellness, is a licensed massage therapist who “brings to the Ahwatukee community over 15 years of experience healthcare industry,” and
“is dedicated to bringing the latest technology and therapy methods to her patients. “Her approach to healing has grown her business exponentially in just a few short years while also supporting numerous charities.” “Heather’s dedication to her clients and her community has created a successful and meaningful business that contributes to the health and wellbeing of not only her patients, but the community as well.” BETTY TEILLE
The Edward Jones Investments representative “has served the Ahwatukee Foothills Community since 1986 in the banking industry and joined Edward Jones in July 2004, opening her own office in November of that year.” A Chamber member since 1995, she has served as its treasurer and co-founder of the Women in Business Committee. A Chamber Ambassador, she was awarded the Edward D Jones Achievement Award 2015 and “loves giving back to our community.” JANINE MOELLER
Moeller and her husband Aaron opened their first PostNet franchise in Ahwatukee in December 2014. “She has worked determinedly over the years to build their PostNet location from the ground up. Occupying a space that previously stood vacant for five years, they have grown their business and brought new commerce into Ahwatukee while adding numerous local organizations as well as some national businesses to their client base.” She is involved with committees in the Chamber as well as Festival of Lights.
DR. ANGELA CHRISTOPHER
A practicing chiropractic physician and physiotherapist at AZ Spine and Disc in Ahwatukee since 2005, Christopher is “always expending her knowledge and education” and is certified in active release technique, manipulation under anesthesia, Kinesio Tape, and advanced active release biomechanics.”She “proficient in biomechanics analysis and active exercise training. She recently became certified in FAKTR technique and performs myofascial release techniques both hands-on and with tools.” AGNES OBLAS
Her New Paths to Healthcare in 15 years “has grown dramatically” and now has 500 patients. She “renders the kind of personalized, truly patientcentered care that most patients look for in a primary care provider. “Always accommodating, Agnes ensures returning patients same-day appointments, returns all calls personally, and is “on-call” and available by phone, text, or e-mail 24/7. In short, patients quickly learn they can trust and rely on Agnes for their healthcare needs.” DARRYL JACOBSON-BARNES
“With a degree in biology and after pursuing a career in research,” became an insurance agent and eventually started All-Star Insurance Agency. “With a passion for politics and legislation, she has involved herself in some level of legislative creation or grassroots lobbying all throughout her career…Additionally, she has served on HOA advisory groups to help create and draft legislation to protect homeowners
from rogue boards and rogue community managers.” KENDRA PIERATT
The operating owner of CK’s Tavern and Grill since 2004, her restaurant has won numerous awards, including the chamber’s 2014 Ahwatukee Business
of the Year. “On any given day you can find Kendra busily running food, greeting patrons, or cleaning tables; in the evenings, she is completing the accounting and financial aspects of the business.” She also is involved in the Crisis Nursery of Phoenix and American Diabetes Association, and “has hosted numerous charity golf tournaments and fundraisers for the local schools and Susan G. Komen Foundation.” JANET SCHWAB
As owner of Elements Massage Chandler West, she has “an entrepreneurial spirit” and has “worked to make calculated moves while keeping an understanding that there are never any guarantees of success.” “Elements Massage Chandler West has become a successful business enterprise. In 2015, over 8,000 clients received the benefits of massage therapy, of which over 2,000 were new clients to the Elements Massage brand.” SARAH NEUMANN
The manager of Ahwatukee Skin & Laser has been a practicing dermatology physician assistant since 2000. A Wisconsin native, she earned her undergraduate degree in community and medical dietetics and psychology and her registered dietitian See
AWARDS on page 48
BUSINESS
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
AWARDS
from page 47
license. While completing a medical mission in Belize, Central America, where she worked at the local hospital, she wanted more advanced training in medicine to better serve the people” and eventually earned a master’s degree in physician assistant studies.
Enterprise Award contenders
Here are the Palo Verde Social Enterprise nominees and what the Chamber said about them: ANDI PETTYJOHN
A volunteer with the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee for 24 year, for 16 years she has organized the Spring Fling Carnival & Craft Fair that follows Ahwatukee’s Easter Parade. “For the last five years, Andi’s personal focus has been in helping foster youth who are living in group homes and, along with the help of a friend, Andi has spent the last four years organizing Thanksgiving dinners for over 300 foster youth each year. For the last two summers, Andi organized a community baby shower for parenting foster youth.” “This summer they helped 63 teen moms, one teen dad, and 74 babies. In August, Andi was invited to speak in Albuquerque about helping foster youth to other Kiwanians at a District convention. This year she also received the Kiwanian of the Year Award. JANYCE HAZLETT
An Ahwatukee resident since 1993, Janyce Hazlett is president of the Destival of Lights. She enjoyed the holiday lights in the medians of Chandler
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Boulevard, put there by Del Webb to attracted home buyers. After they were removed, she talked with two other women about bringing the lights back, giving birth to the annual Ahwatukee Christmas tradition. “Festival of Lights is an entirely voluntary organization utilizing approximately 300 volunteers or its fundraisers. Janyce is very proud and committed to this organization and feels that it has provided a tremendous sense of community in Ahwatukee.” SANDRA AGUILERA
“As the owner and lead instructor of S.T.A.R. CONCEPTS, some of the social issues Sandra Aguilera addresses daily are bullying, sexual predators, assaults against women, internet stalking, cyberbullying, sexting, and financial scams. “A new study shows that serious illness, struggling to hold down a regular job, and poor social relationships are just some of the adverse outcomes in adulthood faced by those exposed to bullying in childhood and Sandra aims to fix this. Sandra’s main achievement is a more enlightened community by educating/training and the resulting confidence and knowledge instilled in all who attend her classes.”
Corporate Award nominees
The Palo Verde Corporate Award will go to a public or private sector employee with less than 25 percent share in a business, “who exemplifies outstanding leadership in our business community. She will have achieved positive financial results, provided sound management, and demonstrated a commitment to the Ahwatukee community,” the Chamber said. Here are the nominees and what the Chamber said about them:
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Anne Pierce’s career with San Tan Ford started in 2008. She is the assistant to the new owner, Tim Hovik. “Together, with great leadership, a tremendous team, and community leaders, this position has given her the ability to excel exponentially; both professionally and personally.” PATTY DURANT
“Patty Durant has facilitated continuing education class schedules and Ahwatukee MLS Tours to establish networking and learning among the real estate community near the Ahwatukee Empire West Title Agency branch. “This planned initiative has garnered exposure for the 14-year-old Ahwatukee location.” JENNIE KING
She is the director of strategic energy management at SRP, which serves business customers. “Jennie and SRP take proactive measures to educate customers on how to use electricity efficiently and how to take advantage of SRP’s many programs and tools to reduce their energy costs.” BETH AMOROSO
Editor's note: Beth Amoroso is manager Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort. The Chamber did not have information on her background.
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Watching their sons play soccer leads two men to a joint venture AFN NEWS STAFF
W
hen he met John Flynn four years ago, Chris Willems never thought it would lead to change in his career. Willems, of Ahwatukee, and Flynn, then of Tempe, were just two fathers whose sons, Ryan and Sean, respectively, were on the same club soccer team. But now the two men are business partners, operating a Two Men and a Truck franchise, helping people move. Neither man had a job that involved moving furniture, although they will oversee the business rather than haul household possessions from one place to another. But they had a background in the logistics of moving trucks, people and equipment from one point to another. Willems previously was an owner at Three Rivers Holdings LLC and TiSport LLC, manufacturing and distributing wheelchairs and accessories for people with mobility limitations. Flynn, who now lives in Gilbert, was a director in the supply chain and manufacturing departments for Motorola for 15 years before he went over to On Semiconductor in the same position for another nine years. After four years of seeing each other at the soccer games, they eventually became friends. That’s when Willems learned that Flynn was looking for a new business route to take his career. Since Willems was already looking at companies to bring to the area, he asked Flynn if he would be interested in joining on the venture. That’s when they decided on Two See
TRUCK on page 49
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BUSINESS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Ahwatukee former insurance agent now Ahwatukee physical therapist helps helps people through ‘Medicare maze’ breast cancer patients regain normalcy “mailing” is not against regulations, is AFN NEWS STAFF
T
he 2008 crash motivated Gregory J. Geryak to change his way of business. He had opened a Farmers Insurance and Financials Office in Ahwatukee six years earlier, building “my agency one family and business at a time, where both business and personal relationships were established.” But the crash changed all that. “The agent value to the client started to diminish because many people had no choice but to try and save money for all the obvious reasons,” he recalled. “As time moved on, our jobs as agents became more like a call center gaining and losing policies every day. That prompted me to evaluate what I enjoyed the most about the Insurance business and it boiled down to helping people, face to face.” So being a Baby Boomer himself, Geryak said, “I looked at what our demographic was facing in the future, and where I could help. The answer was, the transition to Medicare that every person 65 and older will have to make at some point.” “This is a very complicated subject with many changes each year. Trying to figure this “Medicare Maze” out over the phone is not easy and many times confuses them more, so they appreciate my personal attention to their concerns.” Geryak sold his agency last year but retained the health business he had built outside of Farmers.” His Next Step Advisors now helps Medicare recipients and people approaching Medicare age to sort through the options awaiting them. The AFN asked Geryak some questions about that job. Question: Do some seniors can get pretty confused when they’re bombarded by mailings and calls during the sign-up period? Answer: Yes, confusion runs at its highest during this time each year. Each year between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7 (annual enrollment period), the federal government gives Medicare beneficiaries the opportunity to change their standalone prescription drug plan or their Medicare Part C Advantage plans. There are very strict regulations Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services puts on insurance companies and advisors when it comes to solicitations. Because
why there is so much of it. I support what CMS does because it helps protect our seniors from unethical sales people. Q: Is it just newcomers to Medicare who need to be particularly concerned at this time of year? A: No, all people who are currently in the Medicare system new or existing, need to evaluate the changes for the new year which starts on Jan. 1. Changes to prescription costs, deductibles and preferred pharmacies change every year, resulting in higher costs if it’s not reviewed. Q: Given the continuing upheavals in the medical insurance industry, what advice would you give Medicare clients? A: Make sure you understand what Medicare covers and does not cover each year. Adivsers like myself help educate people on changes that could affect them. Q: Any special advice for about-to-be Medicare clients? A: Yes, start your planning at least six months in advance of your Medicare eligibility date. Attend educational seminars and find an adviser who can help you navigate the Medicare Maze. Starting early relieves any pressure to make quick decisions, since there is a lot to know. Under certain circumstances, you may not be able to change the decision you make today, in the future. Q: Is yours a very competitive business? A: Yes, it is a very competitive business, there are 50 companies just in Aizona who sell Medicare supplements and Medicare health plans. Q: How does one compete in it? A: As an adviser, we are under constant scrutiny from CMS and are required to complete certifications each year to be compliant. I build my business off of referrals from past clients and associates who enjoy working with me. I am constantly educating myself on the changes in the industry both from a regulation stand point and understanding all my competitors’ offerings. Q: What services do you provide and what does it cost someone? A: My consultations are free of charge. I am compensated by the insurance company my clients choose. Whether you acquire a plan through me or the insurance company direct, the premium is the same. I primarily help people See
MEDICARE on page 49
AFN NEWS STAFF
L
aRissa Shaps has helped women through the bitter aftermath of a breast cancer diagnosis. “A woman goes through many emotions,” said Shaps, a physical therapist and clinical director of Spooner Physical Therapy in Ahwatukee. “She may be sad, angry and fearful of the unknown. Am I going to be able to swim again? Will I have pain in my chest and arm forever? Is the swelling ever going to go away?” “Her treatment plan could include a mastectomy, chemotherapy, or radiation,” she added. “She may feel many things are out of her control during this time in her life.” But Shaps said there are things that can be controlled, especially things like pain in her shoulder while styling her hair, difficulty lifting children or grandchildren, and general fatigue or weakness. “These activities can sometimes be an oversight while doctors are working to save a patient’s life,” Shaps said. Shaps and Jenna Rempe, another physical therapist at Spooner, have completed certifications through the Physiological Oncology Rehab Institute to treat patients after a mastectomy, implant or expander placement as well as those undergoing cancer treatments. Shaps said she and Rempe want to reach the “under-served cancer population to empower women.” “Our goal is to help patients early in their oncology treatments, to minimize effects of treatment and surgery long term,” she said. “We also communicate with the patient’s medical team— including medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, breast surgeon and plastic surgeon—to ensure continuity of care for the patient.” The two therapist are able to address posture, mobility, scar tissue management, breast mobility, numbness and tingling, shoulder pain and low back pain, Shaps said. During an initial evaluation, the patient’s range of motion, postural assessment, strength, functional mobility and limb volume measurements are taken. The therapist then educates the patient on management of symptoms as well as prevention of lymphedema. Goals are set for the patient on an individual basis, depending on prior activity levels.
(Special to AFN)
LaRissa Shaps is a physical therapist at Spooner Physical Therapy in Ahwatukee.
“We aim to restore normal day-to-day function for the patient and encourage appropriate dosages of activity based on treatments the patient is receiving,” Shaps said. “Through our PORI training, we have been educated on side effects a patient may experience while undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and use of Tamoxifen and use of Aromatase inhibitors.” Following surgery, a patient would perform light mobility exercises, working on thoracic spine, shoulder and breast mobility. Manual techniques would also be performed on release of muscular tightness, joint mobility, and enhancing function of the lymphatic system. The patient would expect to attend therapy two to three times per week. As she progresses, she would perform core, shoulder and postural strengthening exercises to return to normal activities and receive a home exercise program. “A common misconception following a breast cancer diagnosis is that a patient may have to completely change their lifestyle, giving up activities they have enjoyed such as running, swimming, and lifting children or grandchildren,” Shaps said. “With the proper retraining of muscles following surgery, she would likely be able to resume all these activities in time,” she added. “Returning to normal activities while undergoing cancer treatment improves the patient’s confidence, independence and empowers the patient to regain control of this part of her life.” Information: spoonerpt.com or 480706-1199.
BUSINESS
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
TRUCK
from page 47
understand what their rights, options and entitlements are as they transition to Medicare. I also help fill the gaps where Medicare falls short or offers no coverage, like long-term care, dental, cancer plans and final-expense planning. Q: Does Obamacare factor into a Medicare recipient’s choices? A: Obamacare from 2013-2022 will have cut $716 billion dollars from Medicare. The largest portion ($260 billion) is in hospital services. It effects people because hospitals are moving them out sooner, which can complicate an already sensitive situation more. Q: Has it made that whole process of choosing additional insurance more difficult and if so, how? A: There are two options people have to supplement what Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover. The choice comes down to what’s best for their individual situation which is where my job starts, I help them understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option, so they can get the best care as well as protect their future expenses and assets. -Reach Gregory J. Geryak at 480-797-5615, nsadvisor. com, or greg.geryak@gjgia.com.
TRUCK
from page 47
Men and a Truck, the largest franchised moving company in the U.S. with 349 locations and 2,534 trucks. Their franchise will focus on Ahwatukee, central Phoenix, Tempe and part of Chandler. Willems serves as president and Flynn as general manager with overall responsibilities for daily operations. Willems, the father of three boys, and Flynn, who has a son and a daughter, said they opted for the franchise for several reasons. “We saw the need for a movingand-packing service that focuses on continuously striving to exceed the customers’ expectations in value and high standard of satisfaction,” Willems said, stating that Two Men and a Truck have been doing that for 30 years and “we wanted to further extend this level of moving commitment to our local communities.” “We also wanted to own a business where our personal values meshed with those of the business and to provide rewarding professional moving careers with a lot of upward-mobility opportunities,” Willems added.
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When they open for business next Tuesday, it will climax a long process. Willems said opening the franchise “is very time consuming and demands a lot from the two of us to get the operations prepared, staffed, and equipped to begin servicing our customers.” Willems said (Special to AFN) most of their Chris Willems, right, of Ahwatukee, partnered with John Flynn to start a Two business will be Men and a Truck moving franchise. focused on local moves, though they will provide service community involvement, and charity for in-state and out-of-state relocations. efforts,” Willems said. “This is a rapidly growing segment of “For example, one of our big charity our market,” he said of the non-local efforts is Movers for Moms, where we activity. “We also provide packing and annually give back to the community local storage options, as well.” by collecting and distributing items While the national office provides that will help women and children some marketing, Willems and Flynn living in shelters. This is really just a are doing some of their own as well. new chapter in our lives and we are “A lot of our local marketing efforts are looking forward to the opportunity to focused on Internet search, direct mail, broaden the incredible Two Men and a social media, grassroots marketing, Truck brand.”
The Fitch Group invites you to join us for our
Concerts inthe Park Desert Foothills Park at 5:00-7:30pm
Hosted by The Fitch Group and the City of Phoenix Sponsored by First American Title Company Foothills Pet Resort Dakota Electric Arizona Mortgage Specialists Cozy Clicks Comprehensive Property Inspections Allstate Insurance, Bill Hazlett New American Funding Divinity Homes
Learn more about all healthcare programs offered at Rio Salado College. *For Maricopa County residents. Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attend this program is available at www.riosalado.edu/geprograms. The Maricopa Community Colleges are EEO/AA Institutions. IA_AD_TribAhw-Healthcare_0916
49
Free to the Public!
LAST ONE!
Oct. 30th. FOOD TRUCKS!
This week’s band: Lil’ Debbie Band
www.theconcertsinthepark.com 602.570.6732
Randy Fitch, Realtor
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BUSINESS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Main Street Ahwatukee Brought to you by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
OCTOBER AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH
SHOP LOCAL
Janet Euzarraga, DDS PC 4206 E. Chandler Blvd., #20, Ahwatukee. 480-494-2435. No insurance? No problem! Did you know Dr. E offers our patients an affordable #DentalSavingsPlan with no yearly maximums, no deductibles, and no claim forms? Call Dr. E today to find out more. 480-494-2435.
(Special to AFN)
Outgoing Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Anne Gill says farewell to board chairwoman Martha Neese.
Thomas S. Moore III
Keegan’s Grill
4723 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee 480-705-0505 keegansgrill.com Keegan’s Grill is a return to the roots and traditions of Early American restaurants that provides a home away from home; a gathering place for neighbors while sharing the hospitality of food and drink.
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort
15406 Maricopa Road, Maricopa. 480-802-5021. caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin. This contemporary hotel/casino offers slots, keno, table games and a poker room. Dining options include a buffet, an upscale steakhouse, a casual cafe and a poolside restaurant, plus a coffee shop. There’s an outdoor pool with a hot tub and a swim-up bar, plus a lounge with regular live music.
Costco Wholesale
1445 W. Elliot Road, Tempe. 480-496-6638. costco.com/warehouse-locations/ tempe-az-436.html. Costco is a members-only warehouse that sells a huge variety of items including bulk groceries, computers, furniture, outdoor living, appliances, jewelry and more. Enjoy low warehouse prices on namebrands products
United Blood Services
6220 E. Oak St., Scottsdale. 480-675-5561. unitedbloodservices.org Schedule an appointment online to donate blood today. United Blood Services is nonprofit community blood center, providing blood and blood products for local area hospitals throughout the United States. We exist to make a difference in people’s lives by bringing together the best people, inspiring individuals to donate blood, producing a safe and ample blood supply,
(Special to AFN) (Special to AFN)
Members build their networks at the Get To Know Your Chamber Breakfast, held each month to introduce new and prospective members to the benefits offered by the Chamber.
At the ribbon cutting for Agave Executive Suites, Joan Krueger cuts the ribbon with office manager Kimberly Myers and Chamber CEO Anne Gill and guests.
Departing Chamber CEO Anne Gill: ‘It’s been rewarding’ Dear Ahwatukee Community, It has been an honor and pleasure serving as the president and CEO of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce the past five years. While I look forward to the new chapter in my professional career, as a resident of Ahwatukee it has been rewarding to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the economic growth of our community. Working hand in hand with the dedicated members of the board of directors, we have worked diligently to further the mission of the Chamber to build business and build our community. I’d like to thank the board for volunteering their time and support over the years. I also want to recognize and thank my staff for their passion and commitment to the organization. It has been a privilege to lead this team and help them grow into their own leadership roles. Thank you to our ambassadors for their support and hard work over the years. This core group of volunteers assists the Chamber at our events and retention efforts; they also help mentor other business owners. We have had a busy few years, not only with educational offerings and network development, but with providing a voice for the business community through public policy. The Chamber works to promote a positive environment to help businesses grow. In addition to working on local and statewide issues and legislation
impacting business, the Chamber now has a partnership with the U.S. Chamber, which is fighting for our businesses in Washington. We’ve expanded our signature events and launched an annual business expo that has helped educate the community about what services and products we have available right here in the Ahwatukee area. It’s good to see that our business community continues to expand. To all of the new businesses, we welcome you, and invite you to become part of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce. Our strategy for success has been to focus on benefits to our members, providing value for their membership investment and making relevant educational opportunities available. The Chamber provides strategic business support by providing the resources to improve the visibility of our member businesses. We are the only Chamber in the Valley to offer a digital marketing platform to our members that includes social publishing, e-mail marketing, content management and search engine optimization. We have worked hard to provide speakers at our monthly luncheons that help you have the tools to run a successful business, from financial planning to human resource issues. In addition, we launched an online education portal where businesses can take advantage of the education opportunities at a time that’s convenient for them.
Last week the Chamber launched our new, redesigned website. Want more information on Ahwatukee’s business community? Want to get involved in an upcoming special business event? New to Ahwatukee and searching for a particular service provider? You can find those answers and much more at ahwatukeechamber.com. The website is an excellent way to for all of our residents to shop local. During the holiday season and after, I want to remind everyone to continue to support our local businesses, retailers and restaurants. They continuously give back to our community but most importantly, they employ our community. Shop local every time as the community you shop in benefits from your purchases. The Ahwatukee Chamber celebrates 22 years this year and it’s because of the passion for success within the business community. We continue to be focused on quality economic development by encouraging quality growth while maintaining the values of our community. Thank you to the Chamber members for allowing me to serve you, I’m thankful for every lesson learned and for what each of you has brought to my life. I wish you all the best in the future and I am very excited to see the Ahwatukee Chamber’s next chapter. -Anne Gill
American Homefront Realty, LLC Title: Owner/designated broker Address: 2040 S. Alma School Road, #1-447, Chandler, 480-420-7248 Email: thomas@dreamhomes4u.com Website: AZdreamhome4u.com Years in business: Six. What type of business services or products do you provide? : “I provide professional residential real estate sales, resale and rental property assistance throughout Arizona, specializing in the east valley areas. What are some exciting things happening in your business? “I have just been elected to the SEVRAR (South East Valley Regional Association of Realtors) board of directors, an honor to serve with my peers in this capacity to influence our industry right here in Arizona. I am also developing partnerships with local organizations who support our military veterans to assist veterans in the home buying and selling processes. As a veteran myself, this segment of the market is very important to me, my passion is to see more veterans create wealth through home ownership. What is your background and how did you come to be in this business? “I served this great country as a United States Marine and retired from military service after 16 years of dedicated and enthusiastic service. I have an extensive background in engineering, specifically the repair, maintenance, installation and operation of various Ion implant systems used in the fabrication of microprocessors and other semiconductor devices. I earned my bachelor’s degree in real estate from ASU and hold two industry designations: CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) and GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute). I am “Dedicated to a Life of Professional Service” for my clients, customers, colleagues, friends and family. I live by this self-imposed dedication as a relationship focused real estate broker that immerses myself into truly being of service to my clients.
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OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Faith
@AhwatukeeFN |
@AhwatukeeFN
www.ahwatukee.com
SPIRITUAL SIDE
Look at the plank in your eye before judging someone else BY DR. DAVID MARZ AFN GUEST WRITER
M
ost people say they do not like to hear the candidates go down into the gutter. They do not like the political talk of dirty-character assignation and judgement. Yet if we were honest, we would have to admit that we do the same thing. I know that I am aware of this fact in my own life: I say I do not want to judge others, yet I often find my thoughts wondering off in such a direction. When that happens, I remember one of the greatest self-growth texts in the Bible: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck
from your brother’s eye.” (NIV Bible, Matthew 7:3-5) I am guilty of spending a lot of time worrying about the speck in other people’s eyes. Whenever we look to another person and we judge what they say, how they look and where they came from, we lose. We lose the opportunity to allow that person to offer us the gift they have to offer us. Everybody has something to offer another person, but when our first thoughts are judgement, we are not always open to receive the gifts that person could offer to us. Moreover, this Bible text teaches us that our judgement about others is more about ourselves over the other person. Jesus himself said that we should not judge. He wanted us to pay attention to ourselves and be open to what others can offer us. This can be a difficult to do. In any society, humans are conditioned to judge. We judge people as to if their actions are good or bad. We make judgements on what is acceptable or not. Our parents teach us this when we are
young. We learn to make judgements of right and wrong. To the extreme, if we never judged people, society would break down. There would be no accountability. When we judge others, we usually do it for various overarching reasons. Sometimes our judgement is more about our own lack of self-confidence. We put people down, judging them, only to make us feel better. One of the Ten Commandments could help us with this issue: “Thou shall not envy your neighbors…” We who envy and then judge might be better seeing that person as an inspiration over being a threat. When we put them down, we lose the opportunity to allow them to be an inspiration to our own success in life. Sometimes people that are angry or hurt in life are full of judgment of others. Here, humans misplace the anger or hurt on to other people. They do not pay attention to the plank of hurt in their own life. It emotionally grows, gains greater control over the person, and that person loses.
This is why taking a real honest view of ourselves helps. In honestly looking at ourselves, it is our emotions that are important more than our thoughts. As humans, we are always going to have differing thoughts and perceptions. We are going to have different ideas. This makes us rich with varying assets in the human race. What the Bible teaches us is to emotionally discern our own feelings whenever we are ready to throw somebody else under the bus. As our political candidates continue to commit character assassination, we as a people have an opportunity to emotionally name the things we hate about what they are doing. May we name those areas in our own lives. By naming our own demons, we take control over them. We have the opportunity to take the log out of our own eye. We have the opportunity for great self-growth. -Dr. David M. Marz is pastor at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Phoenix. Reach him at pastordavid@sov.us.
FAITH CALENDAR
FRIDAY, OCT. 28 FINDING YOUR PURPOSE
“Energy Medicine and Finding Your Passionate Purpose: An Evening with Dr. Sue Morter on the Power of Doing YOUR Thing.” Discover the energetics of manifesting your passionate purpose. DETAILS> 7-9 p.m., 2700 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. Cost: $20 per person in advance, $25 at door. Information: unityofmesa.org.
SATURDAY, OCT. 29 TRUNK OF TREAT SLATED
Pilgrim Lutheran Church & School will host its annual Trunk of Treat event. Church members will decorate their car trunks and fill them with treats. Members of the community are invited to bring their children to tour the “trunk of treats” for candy. Costumes are encouraged. A bounce house will be offered as well. DETAILS> 5:30-7 p.m., Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School, 3257 E. University Drive, Mesa. Information: 480-830-1724 or email office@pilgrimmesa.com.
SUNDAY, OCT. 30 AWAKEN THE HEALER WITHIN
Dr. Sue Morter presents “Awaken the Healer Within:
Merging Mind, Body and Breath for Embodiment of Spirit.” Explore the relationship of the conscious and subconscious mind, energy centers in the body and their influence on creative capacity and physical healing. DETAILS> 1:30-4:30 p.m., 2700 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. Cost: $49 in advance, $54 at door. Information: unityofmesa.org.
FRIDAY, NOV. 4 HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE
Red Mountain United Methodist Church’s Eleventh Annual Holiday Boutique will feature floral arrangements, embroidered pillows, scarves and more. DETAILS> 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 2936 North Power Road, Mesa. Information: RMUMC.com.
SUNDAY, NOV. 6 CHOIRS TO PERFORM
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church will host the combined choirs of Chandler-Gilbert Community College Performing Arts. DETAILS> 2 p.m., 739 E. Erie St., Chandler. Free, but goodwill offering suggested. Tickets at www. htlutheran.com and at the door. Information: 480936-4127, or Earl@htlutheran.com.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9
SUNDAY, DEC. 4
The Hope’s Treasures Holiday Boutique returns this year with quality handcrafted holiday and home décor, decorations, gifts for kids and adults, stocking stuffers, jewelry, handcrafted apparel, comfort items and more. Shoppers are invited to bring a non-perishable food item for Matthew’s Crossing food bank. DETAILS>Nov. 9-12, Hope Covenant Church, 1770 S. Dobson Road, Chandler. 4-8 p.m. Nov. 9; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 10-11; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 12. Information: hopechurchchandler.com
Guest artists from the first annual Summer Artist in Residence Program, Chandler Gilbert Community College piano professor Piano Amanda Sherrill, and Arizona Opera soprano Melissa Solomon, will present a holiday concert of Bach, Handel, Rachmaninov and beloved classics. DETAILS> 2 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. Admission, $15/students, $10. Children under 10 are free. Information: 480-936-4127, or Earl@htlutheran.com.
HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE PLANNED
SPECIAL CONCERT PLANNED
SATURDAY, NOV. 19
SUNDAY, DEC. 11
Over 50 vendors will be selling Christmas ornaments & lighted blocks, handmade greeting cards, jewelry, soy candles, pottery, wood items, handmade purses, Mary Kay, leather goods, tea gift baskets and much more at the Love of Christ Lutheran Church’s Center of Compassion. Two food trucks will be available, and the church’s youth group will have a car wash. DETAILS> 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 1525 North Power Road, Mesa. Cost: Free. Information: loveofchristchurch.net.
After a four-year absence, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Jazzoperetry (“Jazz-OP-ruh-tree”), Inc., will join forces to present the long-awaited return to Arizona of the contemporary Christian singer/ songwriter Robert Moffat. The Holy Trinity Chancel choir will join the Rob Moffat Chorus and instrumental ensemble to perform a musical nativity. DETAILS>>2 p.m., 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. Admission $15/students $10.
CRAFT AND VENDOR FAIR
‘JAZZOPERETRY’ RETURNS
See
CALENDAR on page 52
52
FAITH
CALENDAR
3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480-897-3636.
from page 51
Information: 480-936-4127, or Earl@htlutheran.com.
SUNDAYS
VALOR CHRISTIAN OUTLINES MISSION
Valor Christian Center in Gilbert offers “great praise and worship and great messages for today’s living,” according to Pastor Thor Strandholt, associate pastor. “Our mission is evangelize, healing and discipleship through the word of God.” DETAILS> 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays. 3015 E. Warner Road. Information: valorcc.com.
HORIZON SEEKS YOUNG PEOPLE
High school and middle school students meet to worship and do life together. DETAILS>>5 p.m. at Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. 480-460-1480 or email joel@ horizonchurch.com.
BEREAVED CAN SHARE GRIEF
A support group designed to assist people through the grieving process. One-time book fee $15. DETAILS> 2-4 p.m. at Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Room G3, Tempe. 480-491-2210.
UNITY OFFERS INSPIRATION
Inspirational messages and music are offered, along with classes and special events. DETAILS> 10 a.m. at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. 480-792-1800 or unityoftempe.com.
KIDS CAN LEARN JEWISH LIFE
Children can learn and experience Jewish life. Chabad Hebrew School focuses on Jewish heritage, culture and holidays. DETAILS> 9:30 a.m. to noon, for children ages 5-13 at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. 480-855-4333, info@ chabadcenter.com, or chabadcenter.com.
RABBINIC LIT COURSE OFFERED
Ongoing morning study of two classics of rabbinic literature by medieval philosopher Moses Maimonides (the “Rambam”). At 10 a.m., Prof. Norbert Samuelson, Grossman chair of Jewish Philosophy at ASU and TBS member, teaches “Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexed: What Jews Ought to Believe.” At 11:15 a.m., TBS member Isaac Levy teaches “Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah: How Jews Ought to Behave.” Readings in both Hebrew and English. DETAILS> Community Room of the administration building at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley,
UNITY OFFERS A PATH
Unity of Mesa says its Sunday service offers “a positive path for spiritual living” through “transformational lessons, empowering music and various spiritual practices with an open-minded and welcoming community.” DETAILS> 9 a.m. Spiritual discussion group and meditation practices group. 10:15 a.m. service. 2700 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. Child care available at 9 a.m. Nursery for infants through kindergarten at 10:15 a.m. 480-8922700, unityofmesa.org, joanne@unityofmesa.org.
MONDAYS
JOIN CHRIST-CENTERED YOGA
This Flow 1-2 class (intermediate) is free and open to the community. DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Greg Battle at 480-7596200 or gbattle@moutainpark.org.
CLASS TARGETS THE GRIEVING
Classes for those grieving over death or divorce. DETAILS> 6:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. 480-963-4127.
STRUGGLING FIND SUPPORT
Support group for those struggling with how to deal with a loss in life. DETAILS>7 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room C201, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org.
TUESDAYS
DIVORCED CAN FIND COMFORT
People suffering through a divorce or separation can find understanding and caring support to face these challenges. DETAILS> 6:30-8 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road, Room 117, Ahwatukee, 480-759-6200 or mountainpark.org.
FINDING HEALING FOR PAIN
HOPE, an acronym for “Help Overcome Painful Experiences,” offers support for men and women who seek God’s grace and healing. DETAILS> 6:30-8 p.m. Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. mountainpark.org.
SENIORS ENJOY ‘TERRIFIC TUESDAYS’
The program is free and includes bagels and coffee and a different speaker or theme each week. Registration not needed. DETAILS>10:30 a.m. to noon, Barness Family East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road,
PLEASE RECYCLE ME.
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016 study, prayer and fellowship. DETAILS>> 9:15-11:30 a.m. Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E. Knox Road, Ahwatukee. Loraine 480HOLY TRINITY HAS GRIEFSHARE 893-1160 or CoffeebreakMin@aol.com. DETAILS> 2 and 6:30 p.m., 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. 480-963-4127. Chandler. Information: evjcc.org or 480-897-0588.
READ BIBLE FOR PLEASURE
Bring a Bible, or Bibles are available at these free sessions. DETAILS> 7-8 p.m., Chandler Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1188 W. Galveston St. Lori, 480-917-3593.
WEDNESDAYS
CHILDREN MEET AT BRIDGEWAY
Awana Children’s Clubs for kids 3 years old through sixth grade meet weekly at Bridgeway Community Church. DETAILS> 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 2420 E. Liberty Lane. 85048. Register at bridgewaycc.org.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY MEETS
Celebrate Recovery says it “brings your relationship with the Lord closer to your heart as it heals your hurts, habits and hang-ups.” Participants can discuss issues ranging from feeling left out to addictions. “Nothing is too small or too large.” DETAILS> 6:20 p.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. mvlutheran.org/ celebraterecovery or email cr@alphamvlc.com.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY OFFERED
Living Word Ahwatukee women’s Bible study and fellowship that offers “a short, low-key time of praise and worship in music and message.” It’s also an opportunity to meet other Christian women in Ahwatukee. DETAILS> 10-11:30 a.m., Living Word Ahwatukee, 14647 W. 50th St., Suite 165, Ahwatukee. Free child care.
TAKE A COFFEE BREAK
Corpus Christi offers a coffee break with scripture
GET A ‘SPIRITUAL SHOWER’
A release calls this “a 15-minute energetic tune up each week” and says the Twin Hearts Meditation “is like taking a spiritual shower: when your aura is clean, you experience a higher level of awareness. You see through things more clearly and good luck increases.” DETAILS>7-9 p.m. at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. 480-792-1800 or unityoftempe.com.
DIVORCED CAN FIND COMFORT
People suffering through a separation or divorce can find understanding and caring support to face these challenges and move forward. DETAILS> 6:30-8:15 p.m. Arizona Community Church, 9325 S. Rural Road, Room G5, Tempe. One-time book fee of $15. 480-491-2210. DivorceCare 4 Kids (DC4K) will also be offered in Room G7.
TORAH FOR TEENS
The Teens and Torah program offered by Chabad of the East Valley is for teens ages 13 to 17, and combines education and social interaction with videos followed by discussion, trips, games, community service projects and thought-provoking discussions. DETAILS> 7:30-8:30 p.m., Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 3855 W. Ray Road, Suite 6, Chandler. Shternie Deitsch, 480-753-5366 or chabadcenter.com.
Submit your releases to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com
53
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Sports
@AhwatukeeFN |
@AhwatukeeFN
www.ahwatukee.com
Box score Mountain Pointe 38, Corona del Sol 0
CdS MPHS
0 7
0 0 0 –0 10 14 7 –38
SCORING First
MPHS – Hodge 10-yard run (Abercrombie kick), 0:36 Second
MPHS – Abercrombie 40-yard field goal, 3:49 MPHS – Cota 7-yard blocked punt return (Abercrombie kick), 1:58 Third
MPHS – Hodge 6-yard fumble return (Abercrombie kick), 5:54 MPHS – Woodberry 21-yard interception return (Abercrombie kick), 0:36 Fourth
MPHS – Stephens 1-yard run (Abercrombie kick), 11:53 Mountain Pointe High’s Rashie Hodge Jr. evades a flying tackle by Corona High’s Kaden Riforgiate during last Friday’s game.
GameNight: Mountain Pointe starts slow, finishes strong against Corona BY MATTHEW TONIS AFN STAFF WRITER
B
efore a large homecoming crowd, a depleted Mountain Pointe High School football teamed moved one step closer to an undefeated regular season in its last home game. The Pride, on the strength of a stifling defense and game-changing special teams, charged past Corona del Sol 38-0 Friday to improve to 9-0. Despite sitting as the No. 1 team in the state, Mountain Pointe looked out of sorts early on. The Pride shot itself in the foot all game long with penalties and turnovers. Mountain Pointe had an interception and a touchdown called back because
of penalties in the first half, allowing Corona del Sol to hang around despite being outmanned. “We had too many penalties,” head coach Norris Vaughan said. “We didn’t have too many, but we had a couple that were hard.” Although the Pride limited Corona del Sol’s offense, the game remained tight late into the second quarter. Then the game opened up. Up 10-0 with about two minutes left in the half, Mountain Pointe was set to get the ball back and extend its lead. However, the offense never had a chance. Instead, defensive player Xavier Cota burst through the line of scrimmage, tipped Corona’s punt into the air, caught the ball and stormed into the end zone
I WANT TO BE A TEACHER ONE DAY
for a touchdown, swinging momentum back to the home side. With a firm grasp on the game despite the closeness on the scoreboard, Mountain Pointe scored twice more while Corona del Sol had possession, sending the Aztecs reeling and propelling the home side to a decisive victory. Corona del Sol was held to under 100 total yards in the game by the stingy Pride defense. “Our defense was tremendous,” Vaughan said. “Our offense is good too, we just have some growing pains.” With his senior quarterback out for the season with a broken leg, Vaughan said this is one of the ways his team will have to win games moving forward. “There’re more ways than one to win.”
• 600+ online classes • $86/credit* • Classes start Mondays • Credit for Prior Learning Get credit for what you already know
TEAM STATISTICS
Rush-yards Comp-Att-Int Pass yards Total yards First downs Fumbles/lost Penalties
CdS 40-89 5-9-1 8 97 5 3/2 2-25
MPHS 28-156 4-11-1 119 275 11 1/1 6-60
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Rushing
CdS – Brice 21-61, Dorr 9-28, Martin 3-0, Goodwin 2-3, McCluskey 2-0, Keeley 1-1, Pearsall 1-(-1) Helt 1-(-3). MPHS – Woodberry 10-62, Hodge 9-46, Brooks 5-30, Stephens 3-16, Wallerstedt 1-2. Passing
CdS – Helt 3-7-1-4, Martin 2-2-0-4. MPHSWallerstedt 4-11-1-119. Receiving
CdS – McCluskey 2-7, Pearsall 1-2, Clemens 1-1, Brice 1-0. MPHS – Hodge 1-71, Pola-Mao 1-19, Brooks 1-17 Cota 1-12.
EducationatRio.com or 480-384-9942 Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completionrates of students who attend this program is available at www.riosalado.edu/geprograms. *$86/credit for Maricopa County residents.
IA_AD_TribVarsExtra-Education_0916
(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)
54
SPORTS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
(Billy Hardiman/Special to AFN)
Keishaud White of Desert Vista High runs the ball in the second half of the football game between Desert Ridge and the Thunder.
Box score Desert Vista 20, Desert Ridge 17
(Billy Hardiman/Special to AFN)
Desert Ridge High wide receiver Jalen Harris makes a catch while defended by cornerback Alijah Gammage of Desert Vista High.
GameNight: Late rally pushes DV past No. 3 Desert Ridge BY WILL ARGEROS AFN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
D
esert Vista High School’s football team has lost in some improbable ways this season, costing it games the Thunder probably should have won. Players got a little payback on Thursday, winning a game that looked like they had little chance of winning as they headed into its final moments. Desert Vista took the first lead of the night with just over a minute to go when quarterback Nick Thomas rolled out to
his left and heaved a pass to Jake White in the end zone for the difference, beating third-ranked Desert Ridge High, 20-17, at Thunder Stadium. “When we snapped the ball, I had my read right away, and then the pocket started collapsing and I knew I had to get out of there,” Thomas said. “I saw Jake down field and I’ll trust him any time.” White made the play over a Jaguar defensive back to give the Thunder (5-4 overall, 3-1 Central Region) its third straight win. “I just made sure I kept my feet in the
end zone and went and got the ball above the corner’s head. I’m glad (Thomas) has that trust in me to throw it up like he did tonight,” White said. Thirteen seconds late, Alijah Gammage sealed the win with his second interception of the game and fifth in the last two weeks. “I saw the quarterback (C.J. Fowler) scrambling in the backfield and I knew he was going to just throw it up and I went to make the play. Having experience playing quarterback, I know what he does and doesn’t see,” said Gammage. Gammage’s first interception came in his own end zone early in the fourth quarter on a halfback pass. The Thunder scored a touchdown on that drive. “I called a double throw we’ve been working on, and when you tell a halfback to throw the ball, he’s going to throw the ball. That was a bad call by me,” Desert Ridge head coach Jeremy Hathcock said. Hathcock said that wasn’t the only play call that hurt his team. On 4th and 2 from midfield, the jet sweep he called was bottled up; Desert Vista took over on downs and eventually scored the final touchdown. “The one before we had a really big gain, and I told C.J. to call it if he liked it,” Hathcock said. “He liked it and he ran it. Upstairs was telling me it was huge, too.” The Jaguars (6-3, 2-2) have now lost back-to-back games, and have their first three-loss season in seven years. Hathcock said his team isn’t playing well right now and needs to find itself quickly. Both teams have their final games of the regular season next Friday. Desert Vista will be travel to Corona del Sol and take on the Aztecs.
DR DV
3 0
7 0
7 00 - 17 7 13 - 20
SCORING
First DR – Decozio 27 Field Goal, 5:34 Second DR – Winfield 16 pass from Fowler (Decozio kick) 4:27 Third DV – Dillard 6 run (Erickson kick) 8:42 DR – Harris 65 pass from Fowler (Decozio kick) 5:33 Fourth DV – K. White 14 pass from Thomas (2 pt. Fail) 4:41 DV – J. White 28 pass from Thomas (Erickson kick) 1:18 TEAM STATISTICS
DR DV First downs 12 14 Rush-yards 39-192 24-99 Comp-Att-Int 8-13-1 16-32-0 Pass yards 141 189 Total yards 333 288 Fumbles/lost 0-0 1-0 Penalties/yards 11-90 4-45 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing DR – Allen 17-53, Fowler 3-4, Logan 10-101, Wright 8-29, Broom 1-5. DV – Dillard 10-81, Thomas 8-10, Porter 3-13, Garcia 1-2, K. White 2-(-7). Passing DR – Fowler 8-12-1-141, Allen 0-1-1-0. DV – Thomas 16-32-0-189. Receiving DR – Logan 1-10, Harris 6-115, Winfield 1-16. DV – K. White 4-54, Dillard 4-50, J. White 2-35, Stagg 2-19, Werbelow 1-6, Porter 2-14, Money 1-11.
SPORTS
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
55
Bondurant Racing School comes to aid of Pee Wee Thunder football team AFN NEWS STAFF
T
he legendary Bondurant Racing School is coming to the aid of Junior Pee Wee Thunder Football team, which represents Ahwatukee in the American Youth Football League. Bondurant has donated two tickets for the one-day Dodge SRT Hellcat High Performance Driving Course Experience, worth $1,650 each, to be raffled off to help the Pew Wee team defray the cost of post-season tournament travel, including the national championship game in Orlando, Florida, in December. Team members, who range in age from 9-11 years, “have had a very successful season so far under excellent coaching,” said Jane Miller, a team mom. The boys also are part of a Big Brother mentoring program with the Desert Vista High School junior varsity football team. Raffle tickets are $25 at ahwatukee. wufoo.com/forms/jpw-thunder-youthfootball. The raffle will be Nov. 28. The tickets were donated by Nicole and Jason Bondurant.
The prize “combines advanced streetdriving skills with car-control techniques in the most powerful production car available,” according to the school’s website. “Behind the wheel of a 707-horsepower Supercharged 6.2L Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, students will cover autocross, slalom, and accident avoidance, along with plenty of track time on the 1.6 mile Bondurant Road Course,” it adds. Emily Davis, business manager for the Pee Wee Thunder, said the core of the team has been together for four years. “We consider ourselves family, not just a football team” she said. “Our team has been through a great deal over the years, everything from celebrating births to battling cancer, but we have stood together,” she said. “While we are of course focused on being a successful winning team, we are vested in turning these boys into strong, respectful, and honorable men,” she added. The Pee Wee Thunder play eight regular-season games and two playoffs
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The Junior Pee Wee Thunder Football team represents Ahwatukee. The student athletes range in age from 9-11.
and the winner advances to a state championship at Sun Devil Stadium. The winner goes to Florida. “There are also other tournament play opportunities in California and Nevada
we are exploring,” Davis said. The team won the state championship in 2014, and competed at nationals in Florida in 2015. Its record from 20132016 is 34-5.
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SPORTS
56
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
SHAKING IT OFF
DV’s Thomas nearly let demotion affect his approach BY JASON P. SKODA AFN PREP SPORTS DIRECTOR
N
ick Thomas was stewing over a demotion, and he knew he had to shake it or it would only get
worse. It’s clear by his breakout senior year for Desert Vista High that he did just that, but not before his future with the program got a little bit clouded. He started eight consecutive games last year, but the coaching staff informed him that they made the decision to go back to starter and Division I recruit Alex Farina at quarterback for the remainder of the season. Thomas let his disappointment creep into his attitude, and could feel it affecting his approach in practice. “I’ve always been in a leadership position, the oldest brother and I’ve always been quarterback,” Thomas recalled. “It’s kind of a natural thing for me, but last year when it happened, I was definitely put to the test a little bit.
“I remember sitting in practice and when we were warming up I was in a bitchy mood and pouting. I was throwing a little pity party, and I realized that was going to take me absolutely nowhere. I quickly changed my attitude and tried to gets some reps on the field at wide receiver.” It didn’t end there, as Thomas contemplated transferring during the offseason. “There was brief moment where I thought about it just because of the offense they ran last year,” he admitted. “I knew it didn’t fit me or my abilities. There was a concern, but (offensive coordinator) Brent Miller talked to my Dad and I and planned out what was going to happen.” Thomas stayed. The read-option offense was implemented. His confidence and leadership grew. Now the Thunder (5-4) enter Friday’s game regular season finale at Corona (45) with a chance to better their playoff chances—in large part because of the player Thomas has become.
The game-winning play against Desert Ridge on Thursday was a microcosm of what he has been able to do. He escaped three defenders, his never-say-die attitude kept the play alive and his arm connected with Jake White for the game winner in the game’s final moments. “Nick has been awesome,” White said. “He kept that play alive, got away from the rush and decided to come my way. I saw him let it go and I just used instincts to go up and get it, but if he doesn’t have the ability to get outside and throw it that’s a completely different ending.” Desert Vista coach Dan Hinds said he knew he had something special in Thomas, but didn’t want to uproot the offense to suit his skills in midseason last year. “Nick came to us and asked ‘What can I do to help the team?’ ” Hinds said. “Right then I knew he could be something special. He took over in the spring and he’s been getting better ever since.” And now the whole program is reaping
the benefits of Thomas’ ability to make plays. “Nick has had a special year,” Thunder senior running back Lelon Dillard said. “He just keeps making plays all over the field.” There were some growing pains early on with decision making and some fumbles that led to a 1-3 start, but three straight wins have Desert Vista in position to be a tough opponent in the playoffs. The 6-foot, 190-pounder has thrown for 1,623 yards with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions and is the team’s leading rusher with 476 yards and five touchdowns. “I’m just doing what my team needs me to do,” Thomas said. “We are playing so much better right now. All we wanted was to show we could not only play with the really good teams but beat them.” – Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@ahwatukee.com. Follow him on Twitter @ JasonPSkoda. – Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and follow @AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.
PACKAGE DEAL
Pride junior cornerbacks make rotation work BY JASON P. SKODA AFN PREP SPORTS DIRECTOR
T
here were some known commodities before the season for Mountain Pointe High. They had a stud offensive lineman in Eddie Rivas, a defensive line that the coaches could count on to win most battles and a four-star safety in Isaiah Pola-Mao. There were plenty of others back in the fold that placed the Pride in the state title contender list before the season started. Now, nine weeks, in there are several players heavily counted on who were not as well known in August. The Pride (9-0) look to lock up their fourth undefeated regular season since 2009 against Gilbert (1-8) on Friday. Three of the lesser known athletes who helped the team get there play in the defensive backfield. They comprise one of the best units in the state. The safeties—junior playmaker Kenny Churchwell and the leader of the group in Pola-Mao—and senior shutdown cornerback Antwaun Woodberry were
all part of the known categories and rank among the best at their position. The opposite corner spot has become a rotation of juniors Marshawn Gibson, Donte Lindsey and Delano Salgado. “We are rotating them because they’ve all shown they deserve to play,” Pride defensive back coach Gio Melendez said. “All of these guys could start at just about every team in the state.” Gibson has been getting the starts in recent weeks, while Salgado started early on. Lindsey has seen increased playing time since becoming eligible in the sixth game of the year after transferring. If Lindsey had been eligible from the start, the other guys might have had lesser roles this year. But in his absence, both Gibson and Salgado (who also plays some running back) have played at a high level. Gibson’s emergence came after being moved to cornerback from safety a few weeks before the season started. Pola-Mao and Churchwell both have major college offers, so Gibson’s best chance to play came at cornerback. When Salgado missed the Mountain
View game, Gibson was inserted into the starting lineup. “It just proves you always have to be ready,” Gibson said. “I wasn’t even a cornerback, or in the rotation to start the year. I kind of didn’t want to do it at first just because I’ve always played safety. I started to get a feel for it and I have taken off.” Salgado and Lindsey still get plenty of time, and there is even the “Cheetah” defensive package, when all six defensive backs are on the field at the same time. “We’ve only used it a few times, but there isn’t a drop off no matter who we put out there,” Melendez said. “We know they are going to be in position to make the play.” The defense as a whole affect the opponent’s passing game, but the defensive backs have to lock up the receivers to make sure the work of the defensive line and linebackers pays off. The Pride’s opposition has passed for less than 100 yards in six of the nine games and the quarterbacks are only completing 46 percent (97 of 211 for 898 yards) and have thrown 11 interceptions.
“There is a lot that goes into it,” Pride coach Norris Vaughan said. “There is scheme, technique and the defensive pressure. We don’t blitz a lot, but when we do we know our back end is going to hold up. We can tell them what to do, but they still have to make the plays and they usually do.” When Lindsey was sitting out the first five games, he played wide receiver on the scout team. “The competition is crazy,” Lindsey said. “It’s tough to get separation. It makes all of us better.” The unit has their own games within the game. They battle to see who gets the most tackles and interceptions. They are always competing, pushing themselves to be better and stymieing the team in front of them. “We know how good we can be when are playing at high level,” said Churchwell, who won a scholarship from the University of Arizona this week. “The competitions keep us focused, and makes us stronger because we are always trying to outdo each other.”
SPORTS
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Athlete’s suicide should begin conversations, give insight into kids’ minds BY JASON P. SKODA AFN PREP SPORTS DIRECTOR
T
een suicide is one of those subjects that isn’t addressed enough; usually only after it is too late. That’s the case this week as social media let us know about the death of a student athlete at Corona del Sol High. I’ve grown weary of GoFundMe campaigns popping on social media. Every time you click on it one someone or a family is in dire straights for funeral expenses or medical bills. Contribute all you can and help out those in need, but maybe we should start one with idea of contributing to an educational program that will help teens deal with everyday issues. Full details that surrounded the student’s actions are not known, and to be honest at this point, it is not as important as what comes next. Something has to be learned, passed on, talked about or addressed with today’s youth. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease combined, according to The Parent Resource Program. Each day in the United States, there are an average of about 5,240 suicide attempts by young people in grades 7-12. Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs. Here is hoping those signs are heeded and never taken lightly. Of course, you can’t help but think of the teen’s family and friends. I have no idea of what they are going through, but something tells me they are searching for answers like we all do in these moments. No answer will ever fill
the void left behind. One thing I know for sure; the hashtag #AztecStrong has been all too common in recent years. Another Corona student athlete committed suicide on campus in May 2015. Another student—Ridge Vanderbur—died of cancer. Baseball coach Dave Webb had emergency heart surgery before recovering and 17-yearold Wade Young died after being struck by lightning. There’s been even more tragedy over the last five years, more than any community should face in a century, let alone half a decade. Cancer, heart ailments and freak accidents are one thing, but a teen taking his own life is something completely different. Unlike the other suicide victim, I never came across this athlete, who wrestled as a freshman and was a pole vaulter for the Aztecs. I don’t know what they have in common besides their school colors, but both were taken from this world way too early. It makes you wonder what is going on. Is there more commonality there than we know about? Depression? Something traumatic? Disappointment. Is it the way we treat kids these days? Are today’s youth desensitized to death because video games like “Grand Theft Auto,” many of the drama series on TV and movies like “The Purge” make violence and death commonplace? Are we as parents not giving our kids enough straight talk to let them know that life is not always going to be easy and struggles actually make you stronger? There are too many variables to know for sure, but it seems something needs to be addressed.
“I think we have some very fragile and emotional kids these days,” said Corona wrestling coach Jim Martinez, who had the student in his wrestling program. “I know when I grew up we didn’t have much, and it was impressed upon us to fight through difficult times. We clung to family, held on to our religion and fought the good fight.” Back then, the pressure to be something wasn’t as immense as it is today. Scholarship offers were not as vital to one’s status as an athlete. A simple prom proposal was put on a note or made in an awkward moment, compared to today’s theatrics and posted all over social media. Embarrassing moments were not caught on video and shared instantly with everyone. Getting disciplined meant a wooden spoon rather than having your cellphone taken away. I have no clue if any of these changes have anything to do with someone choosing to take their own life, but I do think today’s kids are softer and illequipped to handle disappointment. “I really don’t know what the difference is,” Martinez said. “Maybe they don’t know how to deal with struggles because they are being coddled. They get ribbons and trophies for participating. They don’t deal with being disciplined like we did. I really don’t know. “When you have all of those things, sometimes they get overwhelmed and see no way out. What they don’t realize is what they are going through is pretty normal.” Nothing feels normal about this. Not now. Not ever. – Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@ahwatukee.com. Follow him on Twitter @ JasonPSkoda.
RE-ELECT
57
SPORTS BRIEFS
Badminton state tourney begins at Desert Vista
The 2016 state badminton tournament has begun as qualifying teams now focus their sights on the state championship. The top four seeds for both Division I and II will host the first and second round of the tournament, which will conclude with the final two teams in each division meeting Thursday at Desert Vista High School for an opportunity to hoist the trophy. Several area teams earned top seeds as Perry is No. 2 in Division I, Skyline is No. 3 and Desert Vista is No. 5. Mesquite is the top seed in Division II and Campo Verde is seventh.
Marcos de Niza coach Moro sets record for most wins
There is a new king of Arizona high school football. Marcos de Niza coach Paul Moro became the state’s all-time leader in victories last week when the Padres topped Seton Catholic for his 332nd career win. “Being the winningest coach in Arizona history is just an amazing feat,” Moro said. “I’ve been blessed to be around great people, and have a lot of great teams.” Moro, who passed Vern Friedli with the win, spent 30 years at Blue Ridge in Lakeside, where he helped the Blue Jackets to 13 state titles. He has spent the last three seasons in the East Valley after taking over the Poston Butte job in 2014. The Padres were 6-2 heading into Friday’s action and are in line for a high seed in the 4A state playoffs.
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58
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Get Out
@AhwatukeeFN |
@AhwatukeeFN
www.ahwatukee.com
(Special to AFN)
Dracula and his love interest Lucy come to life at Desert Vista High School in the form of Cameron Kotecki and Martiza Kozicki.
The king of vampires comes to the Desert Vista High stage AFN NEWS STAFF
O
ne of the oldest Halloween figures in the world comes to life at Desert Vista High School this week as students perform the stage version of Bram Stoker’s classic horror novel, “Dracula.” Just as the plot in Stoker’s 1897 book, the production tells the tale of the granddaddy of all vampires and his love for Lucy Wesentra, whose Count Dracula is slowly draining. Performances are 7 p.m. Thursday and 4 p.m. Friday and Monday. Admission is $7
for adults, $5 for students and seniors and $1 less for anyone who wears a costume to the Halloween show. Presented by the Thunder Theater Company Student Organization and directed by theater teacher Ron Gingerich, the play stars senior Cameron Kotecki as Dracula and Maritza Kozicki as Lucy. It features 16 performers, including five dancers called “Dracula’s Vixens,” and was originally produced by the Arizona Theatre Company in the mid-1990s, according to Gingerich. Gingerich said the cast has been
rehearsing for about four weeks and that the set posed a challenge since “the scenes in this play are very episodic and jump quickly between locations.” “My set design had to be one that could flow from scene to scene without major scenic movement, or lots of furniture moving on and off,” he explained. “So I would say it is more symbolic than realistic, with a few items in each scene to establish the location. It will be left to the audience to imagine the doors and other structures.” A committee of students coordinated the costumes, a combination of rentals, some
pulled from stock and others specifically made for the production. Gingerich said his biggest challenge, “as always, was there is not enough time to get everything done. The auditorium is a busy place and we need to work around those conflicts.” But the company has the support of the Thunder Theatre Booster Organization, made up of about 20 families, who help the 65-student theater company with a variety of tasks. Cameron and Eliana Burns, who plays Dracula’s arch-enemy Doctor Van Helsing, are co-presidents of the theater organization. Sandy Kotecki, Cameron’s mom and boosters secretary, said the families “work together to ensure a great learning and developmental experience is had by all.” “Cameron has been increasingly involved in the theater program over the past few years and I really wanted to do what I could to help support him and all of the hard-working students and faculty that put on such great shows,” she said. “There are so many talented students here at Desert Vista and I would love to see the drama/theater program be as respected and lauded as the other programs. The students and faculty deserve the recognition and support.” Gingerich, who was hired just two weeks before the school year began as Desert Vista’s theater teacher, has been teaching stagecraft for nearly 20 years, mostly as a professor at Dickinson State University, where he was Full Professor Emeritus of Theatre, and spent 13 years as technical director and three as chair of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. “I chose ‘Dracula’ when I discovered the only time on the schedule for a production was over Halloween weekend,” he said. “I thought it would be fun—and it has been— keeping within the spirit of the holiday.” “This is a fairly modern script, not one that calls for historical language, so it has been fairly accessible to the cast,” Gingerich added. “Some of the sentence structure and vocabulary is at a bit more formal.” The cast also includes Ethan Maxwell, Christian Cruz, Isaiah Salazar, Brogan Lee, Jeremy Bassham, Rozie Rafacz, Raquel Marino and Nicole Rossi. Danielle Hale is stage manager.
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Ethan Briant, 15, screams as a ‘zombie’ jumps at her.
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Trent Ceal, 14, pretends to ‘amputate’ the leg of Honice Bernard, 16, during the show at Mountain Pointe High.
Scary creatures abound at MP High AFN NEWS STAFF
M
ore than 65 Mountain Pointe High School students brought back an Ahwatukee Halloween favorite last weekend and are set to do it again this weekend with their presentation of the interactive haunted show. Tickets are $7 for the show, which runs 6-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday throughout the theater area, 44th
Street and Knox Road, Ahwatukee. Tickets are available at the door. Figure on spending at least 20 minutes if you go at any point during the three hours the auditorium is open on show nights. A waiting line is possible, since the show has been known to draw hundreds of people. The AFN visited the set last Friday as students were setting up their thrills and chills.
Ethan Briant, 15, is prepared to produce a scream or two. CHERYL HASELHORST/AFN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Michael Williams, 17, wields a mean balloon.
Lily Marinez, 14, scares from the stairs.
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Ahwatukee woman works months for a 1 or 2-night Halloween display BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN EXECUTIVE EDITOR
J
aye Vise goes all out for Halloween, so much so that her display drew hundreds of trick-or-treaters to her home when she lived in Mineral Way in Ahwatukee. She works literally for months to set up a display that she keeps on her front lawn for only a day or two. She learned the hard way—when she first started doing Halloween displays 12 years ago— that if she left unattended her assortment of more than 20 life-sized props, more than 60 lighted pumpkins and assort other Halloween creatures, people would steal them quicker than a vampire runs from garlic. “I had a 10-foot mummy that was homemade and bolted to the house and someone ripped it from the wall in broad daylight,” she recalled. “Of course, we were a little more in a thoroughfare area. Here I’m a little more secluded.” “Here” is 2031 E. Taxidea Way, Ahwatukee, where Vise will have her Halloween display up for public view after dark on Saturday and Monday only.
She’s hoping that some of the people who remember her home in the 4700 block of Mineral Way near 48th Street and Elliot will remember her display and drop by and see this year’s. Why does she want people, especially if some of them might have sticky fingers? “I’ve always been a holiday person,” Vise explained. “I’m kind of party-planner person, and this is an extension of that. I have fond memories as a child of people who went out of their way who made a few spectacular things on Halloween and I do it for the children.” When she moved to her present address two years ago, it was so close to Halloween that “my display was far from complete.” But now she’s all geared up for a full show of animatronic props and other spooky décor, much of it powered by the juice she draws with more than 50 electrical cords and hundreds of batteries. While a few props are store-bought, many are handmade or one-of-a-kind that she obtained through her extensive national network of “haunters,” people she describes a mix of professional set designers and fans of horror movies.
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This collage shows the variety of Ahwatukee resident Jaye Vise’s life-sized Halloween figures that she displays outside for a limited time.
She is proud of many of them, such as “an old hag” that’s about 10 feet tall, a 9-foot scarecrow, a “huge frightening stalker,” and a big werewolf that howls.
Monsoon season isn’t even close to ending when Vise said she starts getting See
DISPLAY on page 61
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OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
DISPLAY
from page 60
ready for her big night. “I’ve got to unpack everything, set it up, test it,” it takes a long time. Then, on the day of her show, she gets up at 4 a.m. and spends the next 8-10 hours decorating her lawn with the artifacts. This weekend, she’ll do it twice since she’ll put everything in a secure place Saturday night and pull it all out to do it
again for Halloween night. Vise said her display is kid-friendly, if a bit haunting. It’s the same way she is about horror movies. “I love the old Hollywood horror movies,” she said. “I’m not a slasher person. You won’t catch me watching ‘Saw 3’ or anything like that. I don’t want the display to be blood and guts. I want the kids to enjoy it.”
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Halloween parties, festivals abound this weekend JUSTIN FERRIS GETOUT/AFN STAFF WRITER
W
hatever your preferred style of Halloween, a party, festival or other event exists for you in the Valley. Read on for some options that we think you’ll like whether you want a family affair or an adult-only party into the dark and creepy night.
broom races, a haunted house and pumpkin cemetery, and plenty more. Dress up for the costume contest and bring bags because every booth gives out candy. DETAILS>> 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Saturday. Stage Plaza at Dr. A. J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Cost: free. chandleraz.gov
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Simply Three Saturday, October 29 · 7:30pm
The Paisley Pumpkin Holiday Festival 7th Annual Halloween Balloon Spooktacular Twenty hot-air balloons light up the sky while 4,000 pounds of candy spoil trickor-treaters on the ground. Plus you can enjoy a haunted trail, food and beverages, a Kids Zone and fireworks. DETAILS>> 5 p.m.- 10 p.m., FridaySaturday. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. Tickets: $15 adult, $10 kids 3-12. saltriverfields.com
Halloween Spooktacular Enjoy games, bowling,
carnival pumpkin witches
Browse for art, crafts, clothing, food and more from 50 local vendors while the kids trick or treat and enjoy other fun activities. DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday. Dana Park, 1758 S. Val Vista Drive, Mesa. Cost: free. thepaisleypumpkin. com/
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New York Gypsy All Stars
Saturday, November 12 · 3pm & 7:30pm
Saturday, November 19 · 7:30pm
Zombie Walk 8 Dress up like a zombie and shuffle your moaning, brain-eating way through the Downtown Phoenix. Show up at 4 p.m. for makeup tips and other costuming help. The actual walk begins at 6 p.m., followed by a costume contest at 7:30 p.m. Beginning at 9 p.m., it’s See
CALENDAR on page 64
Full season listing
ChandlerCenter.org 480.782.2680
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Family-friendly Halloween 15th annual haunted house returns Market offered Saturday to Ahwatukee Tennis Center AFN NEWS STAFF
AFN NEWS STAFF
R
M
ountain Park Senior Living has a family-friendly Halloween event that also brings some joy to a group of senior citizens. The residential center is holding a Halloween Market 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday on its grounds, 4475 E. Knox Road, Ahwatukee. Admission is free. It’s designed for people of all ages, said Linda Henderson, senior director of fun, since some 30 vendors will be on hand to not only sell their wares but also hand out treats to costumed children. The kids will be giving back just by their presence, Henderson said. “The residents will be out there enjoying the costumes,” she said, adding that instead of charging vendors for booth space, she is just having them bring treats to hand out to kids. Among the vendors who will be there
are Premier Design Jewelry, Petco, Watkins Spices, Barb’s Little Treasures, Origami Owl, Gold Canyon Fragrances and merchants selling everything from children and adult clothing to kids’ books, jams and jellies and home products. Also on hand will be a massage therapist, face painting, balloons and angel card readings. This is the center’s fourth annual Halloween Market and Henderson said it’s part community outreach and part a special treat for its 150 residents. Mountain Park provides assisted living and memory care. Information: aplaceformom.com
esidents who like their Halloween scares undiluted can again look forward to a local tradition this year as the Ahwatukee Community Swim and Tennis Center presents its 15th annual haunted house and hayride. The presentation, on the tennis center’s grounds at 4700 E. Warner Road, is 6-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 6-9 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $8 for adults or $15 for a wristband that allows unlimited visits for the evening. “A special 6-7:30 p.m. is designated as a less scary time for younger goblins,” said center program director Susan Hyden, noting that costs $5 for kids under 8 years of age. Hyden said center crews will have worked for two weeks by the time the show opens to produce the “eerie, heart-thumping, eye-closing, scream-curdling” thrills that people will experience with a hayride and
a visit to the haunted house. If you think she’s exaggerating, consider this: “My staff and I have on many occasions taken families behind the scenes to prove to their kids that this is not real and the ‘zombies’ or other creatures are just very nice high school students or adults.” Visitors who don’t find the scary sights stomach-turning will have a variety of treats to buy from a bake sale, caramel apples, hot chocolate and apple cider and other goodies. Hyden added that haunted house visitors also will get a free candy treat. “This is a great community event,” Hyden said. “People will be amazed by what we have accomplished from all the time and efforts of my staff. People are always amazed at how we can transform our park into such a Halloween attraction.” The money raised at the event will go towards the youth programs the center runs throughout the year.
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Crossword ACROSS 1 Bikini blast 6 Take in 11 Jokester 14 Anouk of film 15 Biblical gift 16 Trouble 17 Universal opener 19 Spanish uncle 20 Compose 21 Actress Russo 22 Magic show units 24 Kindle Fire fodder 25 Pacifies 26 British comic’s talent 29 Pass on 30 Beside 31 Actor Dennis 32 Public order 35 Lodging houses 36 Kama ___ 37 Shirt brand 38 Heating fuel 39 Actor Jimmy 40 Italian fountain 41 Grippers 43 Purple shade 44 Actress Charlize 46 Security for a debt 47 Missy Elliott song 48 Theatre name 49 Detox place 52 Cry at fireworks 53 Autobiographer, often 56 Sorority letter
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57 Deride 58 Ticket category 59 Yoga class need 60 Row 61 Dixie cakes DOWN 1 Metal fastener 2 Two-wheeler 3 Straw in the wind 4 Funnyman Brooks 5 Stein 6 In a crowd of 7 Physics unit 8 Sitcom planet 9 South African city
10 Neck gland 11 Barber’s bottle 12 Very similar 13 Lip shine 18 Zip 23 The “I” of T.G.I.F. 24 Almost forever 25 ___ Tower 26 Reagan pal Al 27 Humerus neighbor 28 Huge success 29 Finishing strokes 31 “Medicine woman” of TV 33 Zero 34 Polish language 36 Blended fruit drink
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Ahwatukee dancers to perform in stage version of ‘Clue’ at Wrigley Mansion GETOUT/AFN NEWS STAFF
P CALENDAR
from page 61
time for the little zombies to return to their graves as the adult zombies embark on a Blood (Pub) Crawl. DETAILS>> 4 p.m.-midnight, Saturday. Phoenix Warehouse District, 4th Street and Jackson. Cost: Free with registration (suggested $5 donation to Arizona Hemophilia Association); $20 Pub Crawl. zombiewalkphx.org
Halloween Carnival Celebrate Halloween with carnival games, live entertainment, food, train rides, a play area for toddlers and plenty more. Plus, dress up for the costume contest and you might win some prizes. DETAILS>> 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Saturday. Kiwanis Park, 5500 S Mill Ave, Tempe. Cost: free entry; Play tickets 25 cents each. www. tempe.gov.
Wicked Ball Party with dancing, a carnival room, an outdoor ultra lounge and EDM music from Cash Cash and Benny Benassi. Plus, win up to $3,500 in the costume contest. 21+ only. DETAILS>> 9 p.m., Saturday. Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. Tickets: $50 general, $90 VIP presale; $60 general, $100 at the door. talkingstickresort.com/
Dia de los Muertos Celebration The Mexican “Day of the Dead” hearkens back to the original All Hallows’ Eve with its focus on honoring the dearly departed. Celebrate at Desert Botanical Garden with music, dance and storytelling about the history and meaning of Dia de los Muertos. A community altar will be on hand so you can leave paper flowers and notes to departed loved ones. Wander the “Ofrenda” exhibit, which sees local artists create their own altars, or visit El Mercado where artists and vendors will sell artwork and traditional food. Then finish each day with a La Procesión around the garden. DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix. Tickets: $10-$22 (regular Garden admission). 480-941-1225 www.dbg.org -Want more thing to do Halloween weekend? Go to Phoenix.org to find farms that offer harvest festival fun and scream-worthy haunted houses.
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eople who want to celebrate Halloween in a different way might want to check out the latest production of Vega Arts, an acting troupe that has seven members with Ahwatukee Connections. The company is presenting the ages-old board game Clue in a dance form during an interactive murder-mystery dinner at the famed Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix at 6 p.m. Sunday. The mansion, 2501 E. Telawa Trail, is worth a visit all on its own. It was the home of the heir to the gum family fortune. Guests at Vega Arts’ version of Clue will be able to wander around the mansion with its original furniture, wall hangings and photos, to find clues to a murder mystery that dancers will bring to life, said spokeswoman Amanda Smith. “This is a family show,” Smith said. “The guests will get cards with the characters on them, so they can use them to guess who the murderer is. They can interact with the performers and the performers will be interacting with them. “The audience will have to pay close attention to everything that is said and done, some are hints and some are meant to mislead the audience,” she added. After dinner, groups of 20 people will be guided through the house to watch the individual dances of each character and along the way, “they will learn about who did it and who didn’t,” Smith said. “After the tours, we will reveal who the murderer is while dessert is being served,” she added. Although tickets are $100 dollars each and include dinner, dessert, and the show, they are tax-deductible since Vega Arts is non-profit, Smith said.
(Special to AFN)
“This is our annual fundraiser,” said Smith, adding that the cast has been rehearsing for two months. “We are super excited to finally perform it.” Also included is a silent auction with massage certificates, yoga session classes, private dance lessons and assorted baskets. Ahwatukee performers include: Amanda Smith, 19, who danced at Dance Studio 111 in Ahwatukee from age 13-17, plays Mrs. Plum. Sam Farrer, 23, grew up in Ahwatukee and graduated from Desert Vista High, where danced on the school’s dance company as well as with Dance Depot and now Dance Studio 111. He is playing Professor Plum. Danie Allenspach, 23, another Ahwatukee native and Desert Vista alumna who was on the Altadena Middle School dance team and captain of the nigh school’s senior dance company. She is playing Mrs. Green.
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Home Improvement
Handyman OLD FASHIONED
Broken Springs Replaced
References!
Not a licensed contractor
Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610
Not a licensed contractor
Garage/Doors
GARAGE DOORS Unbeatable Customer Service & Lowest Prices Guaranteed!
10%
FREE
Opener & Door Lubrication with Repair
Discount for Seniors & Veterans
SERVICE FEE WILL BE WAIVED WITH REPAIR
480-626-4497 www.lifetimegaragedoorsaz.com
FOOTHILLS GARAGE DOOR
WE DO IT ALL! SINCE 1978
• Drywall & Stucco Repairs • Windows • Doors • Cabinets • Block Fences • Wrought Iron gates • Remodeling • Additions • Plumbing • Patios • Painting • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Tenant Improvements
EAST VALLEY
480-833-7353
WEST VALLEY
602-377-3860 LIC/BONDED/INSURED Res/Comm’l ROC#218802
REMODEL CONTRACTOR
Plans / Additions, Patios New Doors, Windows Lowest Price in Town! R. Child Lic#216115, Class BO3 Bonded-Insured-Ref's
480-215-3373
ROC095639 BOND/INS'D
Call Bob 480-893-9482
aaaActionContractingInc.com
Home Improvement
Jaden Sydney Associates.com
Landscape Maintenance
Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services Repairs • Drywall • Painting Trash Removal • HOA Compliance
CLEAN-UP & TREE SERVICE
AND so much more!
Ahwatukee Resident
480.335.4180
Gift Certificates Available
• Tree Trimming & Removal • Gravel Spread • General Yard Work • Weed Removal • Sprinkler Drip & Timer Repair • Insured • Free Estimates • All Work Guaranteed
Not a licensed contractor.
Same Day Service Repair/Install All Major Brands
Call for Our Monthly Special Discount
• FREE ESTIMATES •
480-893-8091
A-Z Tauveli Prof LANDSCAPING LLC
Ahwatukee Resident • Dependable & Honest
ROC#126694
Bonded/Insured
We will give you totally new landscaping or revamp your current landscaping!
Handyman
Tree/Palm Tree Trimming • Sprinkler Systems Desertscape • Gardening • Concrete Work Block Wall • Real & Imitation • Flagstone
Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Painting • Flooring • Electrical • Plumbing Drywall • Carpentry • Decks • Tile • More!
ce 1999
Affordable, Quality Work Sin 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014
CHAMPION BUILT CONTRACTING INC.
Call Bruce at 602.670.7038
Plumbing, Electrical, Remodel & Additions, Drywall, Painting, Concrete, Tile & Flooring
All Work Guaranteed! 30 Years Experience • INSURED Not a Licensed Contractor
Call Andy
602-332-6694
602-471-3490 or 480-962-5149 ROC#276019 • LICENSED BONDED INSURED
Total Design/Build Kitchens | Baths Replacement Windows Additions | Patios Total Interior Remodels
Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor
Plumbing & Handyman
FREE ESTIMATES
Where Quality Comes First!
“No Job Too Small Man!”
2 Guys
Home Improvement
Not a licensed contractor
Garage/Doors
67
FREE
ESTIMATES!
25 +YEARS
IN BUSINESS
Residential/Commercial National Assoc. of the Remodeling Industry Member Lic | Bonded | Insured | References ROC# 113643, 113642
(480)497-5222
ChampionBuiltContracting.com
ROC 304267 • Licenced & Bonded
68
CLASSIFIEDS Landscape Maintenance
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Landscape Maintenance Foothills Touch Landscapes LLC Lawn care/Maint. Starting as Low as $25. Install/Design Not a licensed contractor
Ahw. Res. 30 yrs Exp Free Estimates. Call Pat (480) 343-0562
Landscape Maintenance LEE'S SPRINKLER REPAIR 30 years experience Timers - Valves Heads Leaks FREE ESTIMATES Ahwatukee Resident Call 480-282-7222
Juan Hernandez
SPRINKLER
Drip/Install/Repair
Not a licensed contrator
23 years exp. Call Now (480) 720-3840
Not a licensed contractor
Juan Hernandez
TREES Sell, Deliver, Install 20% OFF! 23 Years exp (480) 720-3840
A-Z Tauveli Prof LANDSCAPING LLC
We will give you totally new landscaping or revamp your current landscaping! Tree/Palm Tree Trimming • Sprinkler Systems Desertscape • Gardening • Concrete Work Block Wall • Real & Imitation • Flagstone
Sprinkler/Drip Repair Lighting • Timers Install All Commercial Parts Warranties on All Work 20 Years Experience & Locally In Business! I Do My Own Work!
Meetings/Events
Meetings/Events
Crops of Luv We make Scrapbooks for critically-ill children who have had their "WISH" trip come true! Scrapbook with us, make embellishments for us, donate your time, or your commercial space, donate funds to ship albums, etc! Does your teen need community service hours? We could use their help! Copsofluv.com 480.634.7763 Ahwatukee based non-profit.
Democrats and Donuts This monthly gathering is held the third Wednesday of each month from 8 - 9:30 a.m. at Denny's, 7400 West Chandler Boulevard, Chandler. Sponsored by the Legislative District 18 Democrats, speakers cover current issues of interest. Meetings are free and open to the public, breakfast may be purchased. For more information, visit www.ld18democrats.org /meetings or email mariec9@q.com
FREE ESTIMATES! CALL 24 HOURS Referred out of Ewing Irrigation
480.295.2279
Landscape Maintenance
Not a licensed contractor.
FREE ESTIMATES
602-471-3490 or 480-962-5149 ROC#276019 • LICENSED BONDED INSURED
• Pavers and Travertine • Retaining Walls • Synthetic Turf and SOD • Plants and Trees • Ramadas and Patio Covers
• BBQs and Fire Pits • Lighting (low voltage) • Irrgation Systems and Repairs • One-Time Clean-up • Maintenance
480-539-2597 cyclandscaping.com ROC: CR21-232290
Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control
You never know what you’ll find inside
$60/Month! • One Month Free Service • Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection.
Serving the Ahwatukee area for over 22 years
• Call or Text for a Free Quote
kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191
The Possibilities are Endless
480-586-8445
Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new
Specials Lawn Mowing Starts At $20 Full Service Starts At $70 15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew
SONORAN LAWN
480-745-5230 We Only Service Ahwatukee, So We Are Always Close By To Meet Unexpected Needs
Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician
Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems
Call Lance White
480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com
ROC# 256752
Custom Built-ins, BBQs, Firepits, Fireplaces, Water Features, Re-Designing Pools, Masonry, Lighting, Tile, Flagstone, Culture Stone & Travertine, Synthetic Turf, Sprinkler/Drip, Irrigation Systems, Clean ups & Hauling
Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com Bonded/Licensed • ROC #225923
480-730-1074
480.898.6465 CLASS @TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
CLASSIFIEDS
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Painting
Meetings/Events
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING
Open your Heart and Home, Host an International Student! Please contact Pascale Dunton 602-980-4388 west@iseusa.org west.iseusa.org
Interior, Exterior House Painting. Stucco Patching. Floor Tile Installation Quality work/Materials. Free Estimate Ignacio 480-961-5093 602-571-9015 ROC #189850 Bond/Ins'd
Painting
Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs
We Are State Licensed and Reliable!
Free Estimates • Senior Discounts ROC#243600
PAINTING FOR PENNIES Compare And Save! Lifetime Guarantee
Licensed Bonded Insured | ROC # 301084
480-405-7808 homeimprovementclub.com
The Valley’s Premier Painters Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for a Decade. Family Owned & Operated -Interior & Exterior Painting -Stucco/Drywall Repairs & Texture Matching -Minor Carpentry -4 Year Warranty! -Competitive Pricing ACP is 100%Veteran Owned & Supports Our Vets with 10% off for all Military Personnel
See What We’re Up To!
www.AcpPaintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242
FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!
(480)785-6323
AHWATUKEE AL-ANON family group invites you to meetings every Mon 7:15 PM at Corpus Christi Church on 3550 E Knox. Wed 8:00 PM at Community Center, 4700 Warner Rd., Fri "Women's only" 9:00 AM at Mountian View Luthern Church 11022 S 48th St., Sat "Men's stag" 12PM at Mountian View Luthern Church 11022 S 48th St. Rita 480-496-4535
Smart Recovery Meeting Wed’s 7:00 8:30 p.m. 6400 W. Del Rio Chandler Montessori School next to Unitarian Church room 5. All issues drugs, alcohol, gambling, online addictions, & medications. 480-532-2460
Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
VALLEY WIDE FREE ESTIMATES!
AHWATUKEE TEA PARTY
Meetings are held on the 3rd Thurdsday of each month. Doors open at 6:30p, meeting starts at 7pm. Public is invited! EMAIL: info@tukee teaparty.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Complete Interior and Exterior House Painting
Meetings/Events
General Meeting Notice Quality Inn Hotel Desert Meeting Rm 5121 E. LaPuenta Ave 51st St./Elliot-Ahwatukee
Painting
480-338-4011
Meetings/Events
GROWING TOGETHER: That's the motto of The Ahwatukee Community Garden Project. Get your hands dirty while learning about desert gardening. Join us every Sunday morning starting at 8 A.M. in the Garden at 4700 E Warner Rd. north of the Farmers' Market. acgarden.org
RPL Decorators
• Painting • Wallpapering & Removal • Color Consultations • Finish Painting • Handyman Services 4th Generation Painter 30 Years Skilled Experience Always Neat & Dependable Expert Workmanship Guaranteed References Available
Mobile 602-369-5017 Bob480-917-3617 ROC #115384/Bonded
Meetings/Events
Meetings/Events
GARDEN CLUB, DESERT POINTE Garden Club Meets the 1st Monday of every month at 9:30am @ Ahwatukee Recreation Center NEW MEMBERS WELCOME 5001 E. Cheyenne Sept - May Only Call Pat Faust 480-5886613
Aegis Hospice Grief/Loss Support Group We meet 6 pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Legacy Funeral Home: 1722 N. Banning St. Mesa, Refreshments provided. Contact: Rick Wesley 480-219-4790 rick@ aegishospice.com
Plumbing TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a weight loss organization that is over 60 years old. We meet at Ahwatukee Rec Center on Cheyenne between S. 48th St. and S. 51st St. on Wed. eve's from 67:30 p.m. For more information: Terri at 480-893-6742.
Plumbing
GROWING TOGETHER: That's the motto of The Ahwatukee Community Garden Project. Get your hands dirty while learning about desert gardening. Join us every Sunday morning starting at 8 A.M. in the Garden at 4700 E Warner Rd. north of the Farmers' Market. acgarden.org
Plumbing
East Valley PAINTERS
PLUMBING
Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting
10% OFF 480-688-4770
ROC # 272721
We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates• 3 Year Warranty www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131
Now Accepting all majior credit cards
$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!
A+ RATED
We Repair or Install
69
AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured
704.5422
(480)
70
CLASSIFIEDS Plumbing
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
Plumbing
Plumbing & Rooter Service
$64* Drain Cleaning *Some conditions apply. Call for details.
$39 Off* Any Service *Call for Details. For a Limited Time.
PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!!!
100% Guarantee on Our Work
From Water Heaters to Toilets, Slab Leaks to Clogs!
24/7 Emergency Service FAST 60 Minute Service Available
Estimates Available
Beat Any Price By 10% FREE R/O FILTERS!
Bonded | Insured | Lic’d ROC 257806
FREE ESTIMATES • MANY REFERRALS ANYTHING PLUMBING • SAME DAY SERVICE
See MORE Ads Online!
Water Heaters Installed - $469 Unclog Drains - $49.95
480.405.3020
www.Ahwatukee.com
Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709
480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com
Meetings/Events AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS SENIOR ASSOCIATION (AFSA) will be celebrating an early Thanksgiving at their monthly meeting on Thursday, November 10, at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel located at 51st St. and Elliot Rd. in Phoenix. Doors open at 11am and lunch is at noon. Cost is $13. Open to all Seniors 55+. Deadline for reservations is Saturday, November 5. For further information, please contact Sue McCann at (480) 469-9388.
The Ahwatukee Republican Women's Club (ARW) General meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month (unless otherwise noted) at the Four Points by Sheraton South Mountain, 10831 S 51st St Phoenix, 85044. Social Networking begins at 6:30 PM and the meeting (program) begins at 7:00 PM. Additional info contact: ARWomen@aol.com. Visit our website at www.ahwatukee republican women.com AHWATUKEE/CHANDLER Bosom Buddies. We meet the 2nd Saturday of the month, 10:00 AM-12:00 noon in the Conference Room at Dignity Health Urgent CareAhwatukee 4545 E. Chandler Blvd Phoenix, AZ Please contact Deb Sidman: 602.460.9893 or Devon Pollard: 602.318.8462 See more at: http://www.bosombuddies-az.org/ At Bosom Buddies of AZ we support women of all ages and in all stages of breast cancer.
Pool Service / Repair
$25 OFF
Filter Cleaning! Monthly Service & Repairs Available
602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5
www.barefootpoolman.com See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001
Meetings/Events
Ahw Resident • Owner Operated Maintenance & Repair Professional and Superior Service
Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors (AFFAN) is a women's organization, dedicated to cultivating friendships, and goodwill. AFFAN promotes social, charitable and educational events all year long. AFFAN holds monthly luncheon meetings with varied speakers. We offer over 40 monthly activities including Book Clubs, Canasta, Bunco, Euchre, and Bridge. Other monthly activities are Dining Out, Stitch and Chat, Explore Arizona, and Garden Club. Significant others/ spouses can attend some events. For more info contact Teresa Akrish Phone: 480-518-5788, teresaakrish@gmail.com Check our website at affanwomensclub.com
We maintain, repair and service all types of pools, equipment, filters, cleaning systems, fresh water and salt water systems
ES OF P O O L S E RV I CPARENTS ADDICTED
MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online! Call 480-898-6564
Roof Leaking? Call a Plumber in the Classifieds!
In-Ahwatukee Toastmasters Club meets from 6:45-8am every Tuesday at Dignity Health Urgent Care Ahwatukee - Community Room (1st floor), 4545 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85048. Guests welcome anytime! http://4873.toast mastersclubs.org/
Pool Service / Repair
LOVED ONES Are you affected by someone who is dealing with an addiction? If so, know that you are not alone and that the PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones) group can help. The group is available to provide education and support to anyone 18 years or older who is dealing with a friend or family member with an addiction. See our local meeting list at palgroup.org
Call me, Howard:
480.231.9651
AZPoolExpert.com BBB Member Not a licensed contractor.
JuanPavers Hernandez • Concrete Water Features • Sprinkler Repair
P O O L R E PA I R
Pebble cracking, Plaster peeling, Rebar showing, Pool Light out?
I CAN HELP!
23 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable
Call Juan at
480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.
Oooh, MORE ads online! Check Our Online Classifieds Too!
www.Ahwatukee.com
CLASSIFIEDS
OCTOBER 26, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Sun/Shade Screens
Roofing
Roofing
Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident
ROOFING CONTRACTOR with 32 years exp Specializing in all types repairs, re-roofs, coating & walking decks. Quality service & response our first priority. All work guaranteed. ROC# 100401-L42 ROC# 132572-C42
480-706-1453
Call Carl 480-895-3425 or 602-432-9183
Over 30 yrs. Experience
Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099
Meetings/Events The Most Detailed Roofer in the State
TK
®
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS & GAMANON for meeting information 602-266-97846
"Mobile Screening" Your Re-Screening Specialist.
Bug Screens - Sun Screens
Patio Doors New Screens Available We Come To You! (480) 980-3321
Meetings/Events AMERICAN LEGION AHWATUKEE Post #64 We Meet Every 3rd Wed at 3pm at the Ahwatukee Retirement Center At 5001 E Cheyenne Dr, Phoenix, Az. 85044. Contact ED MANGAN Cmdr 602-501-0128
Window Cleaning
Meetings/Events
John's Window Cleaning 1-story $125 / 2-story $145 -inside and out up to 30 panes (add'l panes $2) Screens cleaned $2.50 per pane. Power Washing and Re-Screening available Same day Service (480) 201-6471
AFSA (Ahwatukee Foothills Senior Association) is starting their new season on Thursday, September 1, 2016. The monthly luncheon is held at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel located at 51st St. and Elliot Rd., Phoenix/Ahwatukee. Social hour starts at 11am and lunch is at Noon. Cost is $13. Deadline for reservations is Saturday, August 27. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME -- open to men and women 55plus. Participate in delicious lunches (including coffee/tea and dessert), and entertainment as well. Casino trips are offered every other month. For additional information, please contact Sue McCann at (480) 469-9388.
Meetings/Events Legislative District 18 Democrats Monthly meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from 7-8:30 p For location and details, visit www.ld18 democrats.org/meetings. The public is welcome.
Roofing
Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC Roofs Done Right... The FIRST Time! 15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems
Widowed-to-Widowed Grief Support Group every Monday at 6pm, Pyle Adult Recreation Center, Tempe (SW corner of Rural & Southern). Call Kay at 480.861.8031 for more information.
timklineroofing.com FREE Estimate and written proposal
480-357-2463
R.O.C. #156979 K-42 Licensed / Bonded
Roofing
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1984
ROOFING
New Construction, Complete Re-Roof, Repairs, Tile, Asphalt Shingle, Foam and more!
WWW.PAYNESONS.COM Contact us for a FREE evaluation
480.988.9250 SEE OUR REVIEWS ON:
ARE YOUR HOME AND FAMILY PROTECTED? Tile Roof Specialist
Phoenix’s Premier Tile and Foam Roofer. Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING
10% OFF Valley Wide Service
With This Ad
New Roofs | Re-Roofs | Repairs | Tile | Foam | Shingles | Patios
Free Estimates • Credit Cards OK TRI CERTIFIED INSTALLER LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED ROC: 194202
ROC: 138549B
Check out some of our jobs and reviews!
480-446-7663 (ROOF)
www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC #244850 | INSURED | BONDED
Roofing Family Owned/ Operated
Quality Leak Repairs & Re-Roofs
Honest Free Estimates References DENNIS PORTER
480-460-7602 or 602-710-2263 RANDY HALFHILL
602-910-1485
Lic#ROC 152111 Bonded
Tree Services
U.S. ARBOR Tree Service
• Tree Trimming • Tree Removal • Stump Grind • Queen Palm & Citrus Treatment • Deep Root Fertilization
www.usarbor.com FREE ESTIMATES
480.812.0731 Lic #990148 • Insured
71
CLASSIFIEDS
72
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2016
WAREHOUSE IBLE D E R C N I GS!! N I V A S
49"
30" RANGE
• 4.8 Cu.Ft. Capacity • 4 Radiant Elements • Custom Broil • Storage Drawer WFE320M0AS
FULL HD LED TV
• 1080 Resolution • 2 HDMI 49LF550000
499
$
PART OF THE
REFRIGERATOR • • • •
WASHER
Spill Proof Glass Shelves Adjustable Gallon Door Bins Humidity Controlled Drawers Accu-Chill Temperature System
DISHWASHER • Normal Wash Cycle (on dial) • Heated Dry On/Off (on rocker) • Standard Upper Rack
216
$
HDA1100FWH HDA1100FWH
STAINLESS MICROWAVE
WRS325FDAM
PAYMENT IN STORE NO CREDIT Y NECESSAR
CORPORATION • 3.4 Cubic Foot Tub • Porcelain Tub
OVER THE RANGE MICROWAVE
• 700 RPM Spin Speed
299
$
• 1.7 Cu. Ft. • 1000 Watts • 220 CFM Vent System
• 1.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity • 10 Power Levels • Eco Mode
ALL 3
1989
$
WMH31017AS
CLOSEOUT NTW4650YQ
ME16H702SES
179
$
25.3 CU. FT. REFRIGERATOR
15 CU. FT. REFRIGERATOR
• Spill Proof Glass Shelves • Humidity Drawer • Gallon Door Bins • Water Filtration
• Store-More™ Humidity Controlled Crisper Drawers • Store-More™ Gallon Drawer Shelf • Clear Dairy Bin
399
SELL-OFF
$
FFTR1513LW CLOSEOUT
• Deep Water Wash Cycle
$1099 -10% Discount
989
$
WASHER
• 3.5 Cu. Ft. Capacity
WTW4810EW CLOSEOUT
349
$ CLOSEOUT GSH25JGD
DRYER
• 7.0 Cu. Ft. • AutoDry™ Drying System • Wrinkle Shield™ Option WED4810EW CLOSEOUT
EACH
The Spencers TV & Appliance credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases of $499.00 or more charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full and equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 01/06/2016 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 11/8/2016. 2Billionth Appliance prize is based on sales from Spencers, Genuine Maytag, and Home TV and Appliance over the last 44 years of business. The Customer and winner of the $10,000 Kitchen will be based on a random drawing of Retail Customers during 10 weeks of 2016. The winner will be drawn from invoices during that time and or random drawing from entries. No purchase necessary.
MESA SHOWROOM & CLEARANCE CENTER | 115 W. First Ave | 480-833-3072 AHWATUKEE | 4601 E. Ray Road • Phoenix | 480-777-7103 ARROWHEAD RANCH | 7346 W. Bell Road | 623-487-7700 EAST MESA/GILBERT | Gateway Towne Center | 4630 E. Ray Road | South End by Target | 480-988-1917 GILBERT | San Tan Village | 2711 S. San Tan Village Pkwy | 480-366-3900 GLENDALE | 10220 N. 43rd Ave | 602-504-2122 GOODYEAR | 3800 W. McDowell Rd | 623-930-0770 SCOTTSDALE | 14202 N. Scottsdale Rd | 480-991-7200 SCOTTSDALE/PHOENIX | 13820 N. Tatum Blvd | 602-494-0100
www.spencerstv.com See Website for Additional Store Locations
Arizona’s Largest Independent Dealer!
IN HOUSE S R E C N E SP PLANS PAYMENT AVAILABLE
OPEN: MON-FRI 9AM-9PM; SAT 9AM-6PM; SUN 11AM-5PM