SanTan Sun News - 11.21.2021 by Times Media Group

November 21, 2021 | www.santansun.com

Relentlessly local coverage of Southern Chandler

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

City gets $2M to start ‘Flex Transit’ in S. Chandler BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

The city of Chandler has been awarded a $2 million grant for a pilot micro-transit program called Flex Transit. “The concept originally started as looking at just the Price Employment Corridor,” said Jason Crampton, the city’s transportation planning supervisor. “For a number of years those employers have been asking for better transit service. Right now, all we have is one bus route that operates during a few hours in the morning and a few

This rendering shows that the “Flex vans” the city is purchasing will look like. (City of Chandler)

hours in the afternoon.” He said planners have been looking

to be available to more than just those businesses along Price Road. The pilot program will operate in an 18-square mile area from Price Road to Arizona Avenue and between Chandler Boulevard and Chandler Heights Road, with some exceptions. Vans will travel outside that area to specific destinations, such as Chandler High School, the Center for the Arts or the mall. About 31,000 residents in that area will be able to sue the service when it starts in the second half of 2022.. “It’s not a rigid boundary, and with

at the corridor for a long time, but ultimately decided the new service needed

See

TRANSIT on page 3

Chandler readies a merrier Christmas celebration While last year’s event was only online, “itt was better than we hoped,” said Hermilinda Llamas, the city’s special events coordinator.

BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

More than 1,900 people watched Chandler kick off the holiday season last year – but only online because the pandemic forced folks to stay home. This year, Chandler is ready to welcome citizens back in person with its traditional Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 4.

Chandler’s Tumbleweed Christmas Tree is supported by an intricate wire framework. (David Minton/Staff

“We were able to get a lot of participation from city’s departments. We were still able to provide something of high quality to the families, to give them some sort of holiday cheer.” The city produced a show of about 40 minutes that aired on Facebook Live and public access TV for a virtual holiday celebration. Now, with vaccinations available and

Photographer)

See

TUMBLEWEED on page 6

How your community rates Honoring veterans for celebrating Thanksgiving BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving in Chandler, a survey says you could be doing a little better next door or to the north. But cheer up: You’re far better off celebrating the holiday here than in, say, San Bernardino, California. The financial website wallethub.com analyzed 100 cities and towns across the country and came up with this conclusion: Scottsdale is the third best place to spend Thanksgiving while Gilbert pulled No. 11. And Chandler is only the 26th best to celebrate Thanksgiving, it sad. Sadly, though, those municipalities – and the other Arizona communities covered in the recent survey – have lost some

luster from their pre-pandemic status. In 2019, WalletHub declared Scottsdale the second-best place in the nation for Thanksgiving, with Gilbert taking 6th place and Chandler in 11th. In the 2021 version, all the other Arizona municipalities WalletHub looked at took a beating. Mesa tumbled from 13 to 43; and Phoenix plummeted from No. 39 to a humbling 76 – even below 72nd-ranked Tucson. Glendale stayed at 65th. Scottsdale is sandwiched in the top five for 2021 between Atlanta, Georgia, and Orlando, Florida, at 1 and 2, respectively, and Miami, Florida, and Raleigh, North Carolina, at 4 and 5, respectively. And virtually every Arizonan can be See

BEST on page 6

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City officials on Veterans Day dedicated the new Field of Honor Veterans Memorial at Veterans Oasis Park – a visually stunning creation inspired by both the American and Arizona ﬂags. For details, see page 4. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

F E AT U R E STO R I E S Big moves in Chandler Unified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .COMMUNITY . . . . .Page 10 More houses, but higher prices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .REAL ESTATE. . . . . Page 28 Chandler student, 11, designs helpful app . . . . . . . .NEIGHBORS. . . . . . Page 39 Hamilton rules Arizona Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPORTS . . . . . . . . . Page 35

Community . . . 1-27 Real Estate . . . 28-29 Clip-It . . . . . . . 30-31 Business . . . . . 32-34 Sports . . . . . . . 35-37 Opinion . . . . . . . . 38 Neighbors . . . 39-43 Arts . . . . . . . . . 45-50 Faith . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Directory . . . . 52-53 Eat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

TRANSIT

from page 1

the technology we have the opportunity to make modifications to it as time goes by,” Crampton said. The Flex Transit program should work similar to how Uber or Lyft operate, said Sasha Pachito, the city’s transportation planning coordinator. Residents can either schedule a ride in the future or say they want to be picked up now on an app the city plans to develop. The city plans to purchase six vans for the program, but will only have five operate during peak hours. A Flex Transit van will come to the resident’s location or someplace close by to pick them up and then take them to where they want to go. If their desti-

nation is outside the pilot area and not one of the designated spots, passengers will be dropped off at a transit station. So, it won’t be going to the airport. Crampton said the fare will likely be a nominal fee, though that price has not yet been set and is still being looked at. “You aren’t guaranteed a direct ride, you may have to go pick up another passenger along the way,” Crampton said. “Maybe there is already another passenger on the vehicle and you have to drop them off first.” For those who don’t have smartphones or are uncomfortable using apps, there will be a phone number they can call where someone will use the app on their behalf. To qualify for the grant funding, the city has to offer the service free for students. Crampton said they believe there is a need because not all students arrive

and leave school at the same time. Those who stay late for clubs, sports or tutoring will likely miss the bus home. David Thiele, who supervises the fleet for Chandler Unified School District, said said the district offers a similar service to what the city is proposing, but that the district struggles to find drivers and would welcome this new service. Crampton said they hope to take the lessons they learn during this two-year pilot program and be able to expand the service to the entire city if they can secure the funding. He said Arizona voters will soon be asked to reauthorize Prop. 400, which is the county’s half-cent sales tax accessed for transportation projects. If that passes, then perhaps some of that money could be used to pay for the regional bus

Waymo, MADD partner against drunk driving SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Chandler-based Waymo and Mothers Against Drunk Driving are teaming up to make the roads safer during the holidays. This year, Waymo is a discounted “designated” ride with a Waymo drive for anyone who thinks they’ve been partying too hard. The offer, good from Nov. 24-Ja. 2 gives a 50 percent discount on the fare to any rider in Waymo’s service area who uses its app to hail the service. To redeem the discount, use the promo code MADD21. To mark the 35th anniversary of MADD’s Tie One On for Safety Holiday Campaign, Waymo’s entire fleet will display a red ribbon as a reminder for people to designate a driver when they

go out for an evening of drinking. Launched in 2006, “tie one on” is a throwback to the days when people would use the term as slang for consuming alcohol. For the past 35 years, MADD has used the phrase to demonstrate how everyone can tie a red ribbon – or more recently place red ribbon magnets or decals – on their car as a reminder to always designate a non-drinking driver. “As we enter the busy holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, we want everyone to stay safe and enjoy this festive time by making sure plans for a designated driver are a top priority,” said MADD National President Alex Otte. “Whether you’re going out

or hosting friends and family at home, planning for a non-drinking driver or confirming your guests have one is the most important decision you can make.” “Everyone deserves to have fun and get home safe during the holidays,” said Mauricio Peña, Waymo’s chief safety officer. “At Waymo, we’re proud to display red ribbons on our entire fleet … and offer a safe mode of transportation to our Waymo One riders in Phoenix and San Francisco this holiday season.” The holidays are traditionally more dangerous on America’s roads, and recent traffic fatality estimates by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show tragedies have

service. That in turn would allow the city to use its money to expand Flex Transit. Crampton said they considered using Waymo, the private company that has been testing autonomous vehicles in Chandler for several years and that operates a somewhat similar taxi service. However, he said their service area didn’t fit with this pilot program. Crampton said they would be open to using Waymo or another private company in the future if the program expands. “We’re very excited about this service model,” Crampton said. “The concern is always the cost, so this grant helps us alleviate that and allow us to get started. I feel like we have a plan to continue to fund it with other non-city funds in the future as long as it’s successful and people are using it.”

skyrocketed during the pandemic largely due to impaired driving, speeding and not wearing seatbelts. An estimated 20,160 people died in traffic crashes in the first half of 2021, which is the largest number of projected traffic fatalities in that time frame since 2006. “We know the past year and a half has been like no other, and we hope everyone will do their part to stop this public safety crisis,” Otte said. “It will take everyone to stop these tragedies, and we are so grateful to Waymo for their partnership and for sharing our vision of zero deaths and zero injuries caused by drunk and drug-impaired driving.” Information: madd.org.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Chandler dedicates stunning memorial to veterans BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Vietnam War veteran Julia Roberts of Chandler didn’t see it at first. She wasn’t the only one among the hundreds who turned out Nov. 11 for the debut of the city’s Field of Honor Veterans Memorial and couldn’t see that the light boxes on the field actually formed the image of the American flag. The dedication occurred in late afternoon, and daylight tended to obscure the visual impact of the light boxes. “It’s really going to grab you at night,” said Ed McCoy, the project supervisor for the crew that built the memorial at Veterans Oasis Park. If you could see the light boxes from above, you would likely see the design right away: In the upper left corner there are 50 very tall light boxes. The rest of the field is filled with seven rows of short light boxes. When lit up at night, it is easier to see the U.S. flag was the inspiration for the design. And it’s not the only flag incorporated into the design. The Arizona flag is the inspiration for the plaza area, where there is a giant star where people can overlook the field and alternating rays built into the concrete. Mayor Kevin Hartke and all the members of the City Council were there for the dedication, which began with two Blackhawk helicopters flying overhead. Hartke explained how the design touched upon the themes chosen for this memorial: Freedom, Recognition, Reflection, Sacrifice, Memories and Family. “I think this is great,” said Roberts, who served as a clerk at the Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia. “I’ve gone past here a couple of times, checking progress, looks nice.” Community Services Planning Manager Mickey Ohland said the light boxes will be lit up each night from dusk until 10:30 p.m. While the city has purchased 21 different LED displays for those boxes, most nights they’ll just be lit up in white. Ohland said they will save the others for special occasions. The seals of all six branches of the military are displayed on the walls

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ads@santansun.com Most of the light boxes are about 3 feet tall, but 21 of them are “buried” about 2 feet so only a foot is above the ground. They represent a 21-gun salute for those who paid the ultimate price. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

facing the rows of light boxes. Most of the light boxes are about 3 feet tall, but 21 of them are “buried” about 2 feet so only a foot is above the ground. They represent a 21-gun salute for those who paid the ultimate price. There’s a path around the memorial with 13 displays honoring Chandler’s contributions to U.S. military history. Ohland says there is room for more in the future. Ohland said Chandler Museum officials chose who would be honored along that path. The individuals honored are Sgt. Zora Folley, Lt. Arthur E. Price, Capt. Lorraine Ball-Schwarzwald, Sgt. Eulogio “Lefty” Soto, GM2 Carlos Lapaglia and Cpl. Ira Hayes. Folley earned five service stars and a Purple Heart fighting in the Korean War. After the war he became a boxer who once fought Muhammad Ali. Price was a lawyer who fought in World War I. He became one of the city’s founders when he returned. Ball-Schwarzwald was a Chandler High graduate who spent two years in active duty at the end of the Vietnam War. Soto enlisted during World War II after his sophomore year at Chandler High. He later served as part of the occupation force in Japan.

LaPaglia served on the USS Indianapolis during World War II and survived that ship’s sinking and floating for days in shark-infested waters. Hayes was from the Gila River Indian Community and is one of the Marines photographed in the famous shot of a U.S. flag being raised over Iwo Jima. There are other displays paying tribute to Chandler’s role in Williams Air Force Base history, the city’s previous war memorials and the Sabre Dog jet that has been part of the city’s landscape for 60 years. Overlooking the entire field is that Sabre Dog jet, which has been moved to this memorial from its previous home at Delaware Street and Chandler Boulevard. “Amazing, this is amazing,” said Dasmond Richards, a Phoenix resident who served in the Marines. “I came here today to check out the park, we didn’t realize today was the … grand opening of the memorial service part. To be here, right now, especially today, is good stuff, it’s amazing.” Darius Thweatt-Richards, a Gilbert resident who served in the Air Force said he loves the memorial as is. “I wouldn’t change anything,” he said. “It’s something they did for the veterans.”

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COMMUNITY NEWS

TUMBLEWEED

from page 1

many people getting booster shots, the city is ready to gather again. “Making sure that we get back into the swing of the flow of what we have been doing for all those years,” Llamas said. “When you take a break it’s like everybody kind of gets those crickets and the cobwebs and everything. “We’re just excited to be able to get back out there with the community and having them come out and enjoy what they loved so much before everything kind of took a halt.” The centerpiece of the celebration is the same as it has been since 1957 – a 50-foot Christmas tree made of 2,000 tumbleweeds, 25 gallons of paint, 65 pounds of glitter and 1,200 lights. The tree is believed to be the only one of its kind in the nation. The Parade of Lights in the past has brought thousands of people to downtown, beginning earlier in the day. Many will eat at local restaurants before the parade starts and stick around after the parade is over. There will be some changes longtime residents who have been to previous tree lightings and parades will notice. Llamas said there won’t be any hands-on displays. “Those crafts will still be there, they’re just going to be able to just take them home and do them at home with their families,” Llamas said. “We just want to make sure we’re being as cautious and healthy for the community as we can.” There are also fewer entries in this year’s parade that begins at 6:45 p.m. Normally, the city gets between 55 and 65 entries. This year there are 41. Llamas said a number of regular groups that normally participate in the parade were not yet comfortable with being part of a large public gathering. The route remains the same as in past years, starting at Frye Road and traveling north on Arizona Avenue until they reach Erie Street. People usually begin lining up around 4:30 and there will be entertainment. “We have those folks who annually will make sure they’re in the same spot every year so they get what they

BEST

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

from page 1

grateful they’re not in San Bernardino, California, which even edged out Detroit for the bottom of the barrel. To develop its rankings, WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities across 20 key metrics that ranged from the cost of Thanksgiving dinner and share of delayed flights to volunteer opportunities per capita and forecasted precipitation. One set of metrics measured holiday traditions and celebrations, which included things like the number of pumpkin patches per capita, holiday decoration shops and Thanksgiving events. On that score, Scottsdale ranked fourth while Gilbert ranked 22nd; Tucson, 38th; Chandler, 45th; Phoenix 46th; Glendale, 50th; and Mesa an abysmal 92nd. Number 1 in the nation for traditions

Guillemo Valenzuela and Victor Mejia stuff extra tumbleweeds in the gaps as they assemble the 2021 Tumbleweed Tree. (David Minton/ Staff Photographer)

stack to a height of about 30 feet. Llamas said having a holiday tree that is a bit different works for Chandler. “That’s what’s so special about it,” she said. “When you talk about what do you do for your community, it really is that focal point. It’s that sense of pride, it’s that sense of uniqueness. Nobody else in the southeast Valley has it, nor the state, or anywhere else. It’s kind of neat.”

consider their best view,” Llamas said. “Really, there’s no bad spot along the parade route.” The tree lighting takes place at 8 p.m. Llamas said there will be plenty hap-

pening, from food options to music, to selfie stations where you can take photos with interesting characters. Santa Claus is expected to be there as well. “There’s just a lot,” she said. “You know you can spend a good few hours down here with us and probably still not see everything. Which is great, because that means you can come back another day, another night and get to see it all over again.” The Tumbleweed Christmas Tree will be lit every night at dusk through Jan. 2. Llamas said each year crews hold their breath waiting to see if they can find enough tumbleweeds to maintain the 64-year tradition. As more of the Valley is developed each year, there’s less desert to create the tumbleweeds they need. She said all the rain this summer helped the tumbleweeds grow so they were able to find enough this year. She estimated it takes about 1,000 tumbleweeds to

was Atlanta while North Las Vegas took last place. Gilbert also ranked sixth in a sideline category for most pumpkin patches per capita. Scottsdale still came out ahead of the rest of Arizona communities on another set of metrics that measured affordability. That category took into account the number of affordable restaurants, cost of Thanksgiving dinner and the lowest rate for a three-star hotel room. While Scottsdale ranked 9th for affordability, Phoenix grabbed second placed among Arizona communities included in the survey by landing a ranking nationally of 15th. Mesa and Tucson pulled 37th and 38th place, respectively, while Chandler ranked 45th, Glendale was at 60th and Gilbert a surprise 72nd. Mesa also got dinged by being among the five cities in the nation with the lowest number of holiday decora-

tions stores. The most affordable Thanksgiving in the nation, WalletHub reported, is in San Antonio, Texas, while people Hialeah, Florida pulled up dead last. The last category taken into account by the website involved safety and accessibility factors such as included crime and vaccination rates, pedestrian and DUI-related fatalities, traffic congestion and flight delays. On that score, no Arizona community made the top 10, which was led by Madison, Wisconsin, in first place while among the 100 cities surveyed, St. Louis, Missouri, was deemed the least safe and accessible. Gilbert ranked the highest among Arizona communities in this category, but only at 28th nationally. It’s all downhill from there with Scottsdale in 49th place, Chandler in 51st, Mesa in 65th, Glendale 77th and Tucson pulling last in

Arizona at number 80. WalletHub also asked five educators about how they view the best places to spend Thanksgiving. Stacy Tomas, an assistant professor in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Oklahoma State University, suggested any where people can “get outside and enjoy the great outdoors.” Bob Castaneda of the College of Management and Technology at Walden University said an important factor was “an atmosphere of celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday with events occurring throughout the city. And Professor Unnati Narang at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign said, “The top indicators for where to go should be your personal preferences, goals, and budget for the travel and how they align with what the destinations have to offer.”

just excited “toWe’re be able to get

back out there with the community and having them come out and enjoy what they loved so much before everything kind of took a halt.

”

– Hermilinda Llamas

Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights When: Saturday, Dec. 4 Where: AJ Chandler Park Schedule: Parade starts at 6:45 p.m. from Frye Road and goes north to Erie on Arizona Avenue. Tree lighting takes place at 8 p.m.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

CUSD board rapped over handling of anti-Semitic remark BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

The anti-Semitic remark at the Oct. 27 meeting of the Chandler Unified School District Governing Board caused a swift reaction, both from officials and the community they represent. The board reminded the community of its policies and procedures before they signed up to speak at the Nov. 10 meeting, and then again just before allowing them to speak. When the public got the chance to address the board, speakers chastised board members for allowing the anti-Semitic remark and not taking immediate action after it was made. Of the 16 people to address the board last week, 12 made comments criticizing the remark and many of those also rapped the board’s response. “If people are using board meetings as a way to indulge in hate speech, you need to cut the mic, condemn their statements in real time, and remove them from the meeting – and future meetings,” said Krista McKinney, a Chandler resident. “An email condemnation while still allowing a platform for hate speech is not good enough.” During public comments at the Oct. 27 meeting a Queen Creek woman repeated a number of conspiracy theories and ended her remarks with an anti-Semitic slur. The District issued a statement the following day condemn-

ing the remark. As people entered the Nov. 10 meeting, they were told if they wanted to speak they had to limit their comments to something the board could actually address. They were also handed a sheet of paper that addressed public participation at board meetings. “The Governing Board and admin-

repeatedly at recent meetings where a group of parents have criticized the board over CRT, masks, vaccinations and quarantines. “You might be a majority in this room, but you’re clearly just a loud organized minority that is trying to get attention for your cause, whatever that might be,” said Carrie Goode, a Gilbert

I’m tired of having our state tied to “ this nonsense, and I’m embarrassed on your

behalf when I watched the meeting a few weeks ago where blatant anti-Semitism conspiracy theories were spouted.

”

istration condemn acts of intolerance and denounce them as contradictory to the core values of Chandler Unified School District,” Board President Barb Mozdzen read before public comments began on Nov. 10. “Indeed, Chandler Unified School District denounces hate speech … We express deep support for those hurt, and make it clear that such behavior is unacceptable.” Only one of the public speakers spoke out against Critical Race Theory, which is not taught in the school district. That topic has been brought up

– Julie Gunnigle

resident. “Leave these folks alone and let them do their job.” She said the last thing the board needs is to be harassed over Critical Race Theory and indoctrinating students. McKinney, the Chandler resident, said she doesn’t know what Critical Race Theory is since it’s not part of the CUSD curriculum, but she does want her children to know the true history of the United States – including the ugly parts. There were many speakers like McK-

inney and Goode. “Board, you need to shout down loudly any bigotry,” said Chandler parent Rebecca Masterson. “It’s your job. We have elected you, please speak for us.” “This should not be a safe space for conspiracy theorists, extremists, and even white supremacists to come here and spew vitriol,” said Jennifer McPhee, a Tempe resident with a child in the school district. “We can see you sit complicit, silently unresponsive to remarks that take place in this room. … I’m begging you to just do better.” “I am tired of seeing Arizona school boards held up to the nation and amplified as examples of ignorance, racism and anti-science sentiment,” said Scottsdale resident Julie Gunnigle. “I’m tired of having our state tied to this nonsense, and I’m embarrassed on your behalf when I watched the meeting a few weeks ago where blatant anti-Semitism conspiracy theories were spouted.” “This is a problem and calls for a response in the moment,” she added. “Because otherwise, all you’re doing is giving a platform to people who to seek to out-conspiracy theory each other in hopes their video will go viral in their own group of insular extremists on social media. When this board says nothing in the face of ignorance, anti-Semitic and racist comments, it tells the community it is OK.”

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Intel, Dell bridge digital divide at Chandler High BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

The Chandler Unified School District is starting a pilot program with the goal of providing every student a computer that can connect to the Internet. It is doing so with help from two tech giants, Intel and Dell. “We have to address the digital divide,” said Colleen Flannery, the district’s executive director of technology services. “We have to acknowledge that some of our students don’t have devices at home. They don’t have connectivity at home. It could be either or both. When we’re looking at limitations we have to address that.” The district’s Governing Board agreed at its Oct. 27 meeting to spend about $2.95 million to purchase 4,000 devices from Dell. Those devices will go to students at Chandler High School when the pilot program gets started, probably in January. Intel and Dell are donating services and software worth $1.6 million as part of their contribution to the program. “We believe what is happening with this pilot in Chandler Unified School District, and Chandler High School, could transform the way that school districts across the country, and even the world, ensure all students have access to the right devices and breaks down the digital divide in a way that is full, cost effective and sustainable,” said Michael Campbell, the global director

of education for Intel. The devices the district purchased are the Dell Latitude 5320 and the Dell Latitude 3310. Both are two-in-one devices, meaning they are a traditional laptop with a touch screen that can act as a tablet. Some of the devices will come with the ability to connect to the internet without WiFi. They will rely on the same

industry leaders in the state at Dell and Intel to help us tackle those issues … kinds of leaves us at a loss for words.” Dell officials performed a client assessment that identified four major issues to address to make a pilot program work. They were: Connectivity, device support, security and ensuring it connects to existing networks and cur-

With barriers removed, students having “ access to one-to-one technology likely additional innovations can occur within teaching and learning environments. ”

– Leah Rodgers

LTE connection most phones use. However, Flannery said they want to compare LTE and using hotspots that the district uses now, so some students may continue to use that. The idea for the pilot program started after a meeting last May decided to pursue a more personalized learning experience for students. Officials from CUSD, Intel and Dell got together to brainstorm how that might work. “We have some really bright people in the district that tackle these problems all the time,” said Shaun Creighton, the district’s assistant director of instructional technology. But now to have the minds behind, from two really huge

riculum software as a service support. Some of the services Intel and Dell are donating include laser etchings of the CUSD logo on the cases of all devices; asset tagging; all devices would be set up to connect to CUSD servers before delivery; each device will get a tune-up each summer to be prepared for the new school year; four years of ProSupport Plus support; and 200 hardware support tickets. In August the team decided a high school would be the best place for a pilot program and chose Chandler High. “They’re really excited about this avenue,” Chandler High Principal Michael Fletcher said. “In our surveys we have 85

percent of our staff is 100 percent ‘let’s get going, why haven’t we been doing this already.’” Dell’s Leah Rodgers said her company has been working with Intel for years. She said this is a perfect partnership as they look toward the future of education. “With barriers removed, students having access to one-to-one technology likely additional innovations can occur within teaching and learning environments,” Rodgers said. Another part of the donation from Intel and Dell is 185 hours of personal development support for teachers, showing them how to take advantage of the one-on-one possibilities. “We don’t want to give these devices to students and teachers and say, ‘Here you go, you’re one-to-one now.’” Creighton said. “… If we’re just having kids take notes on a laptop instead of paper and pencil, we’re kind of missing the boat on what we can really accomplish.” The district would be able to customize that personal development support to fit its needs. Flannery said the lessons they learn from this pilot program can help them move forward on their goal of improving the personal learning experience. And it might solve the problem they first set out to tackle: “Students needed to have access to anywhere/anytime learning,” she said. “That we needed robust devices that allowed students to create things and personalize their learning experience.”

CUSD to provide round-the-clock tutoring online BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Starting in January, Chandler Unified School District students who need a tutor can schedule one 24 hours a day after the Governing Board approved a contract with on-demand tutoring service NetTutor. The service promises to have tutors available 24 hours a day who will be able to help students in any subject, from kindergarten to the advance placement classes some high school seniors are taking. “Wow, that’s kind of amazing in of itself,” said board President Barb Mozdzen. “When I think about all the different levels of classes and everything else the district offers, they really do need to have a wide variety of tutors available.” The district sent out a request for proposal for the service, and six different vendors applied. NetTutor and Skooli scored the highest ranking from a committee put together to evaluate the different proposals. The District entered an agreement with Skooli with 23 other school districts as part of a program to get lower prices for buying in bulk. However, CUSD will use NetTutor, which scored the highest. The money for the tutoring will come from funds set aside by the Arizona Department of Education to help

We have two different “types of tutoring, we have the in-person tutoring, or the extension of the school day, and then we have the online piece.

”

– Dr. Jessica Edgar

students overcome the challenges of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those funds are called Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief grants, or ESSER. The contract calls for the District to pay $26 for every student who logs in and connects with a tutor. The student can then use the service again and there will not be an additional charge. That puts the maximum price tag for this year at about $585,000 if every student takes advantage of the tutoring. The contract can be renewed every year through June 30, 2026.

Service will start Jan. 3. “The tutors are provided by the vendor, at any time of the day, when students need the tutoring,” said Dr. Craig Gilbert, assistant superintendent for secondary education for the district. The additional service will not change the current tutoring taking place at CUSD schools. “We have two different types of tutoring,” said Dr. Jessica Edgar, who is director of elementary curriculum and instruction. “We have the in-person tutoring, or the extension of the school day, and then we have the online piece.”

The tutoring taking place at schools are limited to students identified as needing extra help, Edgar said, while all students would be eligible for the online tutoring if they want it. Edgar said the district limits atschool tutoring because they want to respect their teachers, who have been working all day. She said this should also help other students who can’t get tutoring at school because they are involved in sports or after-school clubs or have transportation issues. If a student does not have access to a computer the district will work with them so they can take advantage of the online tutoring. “Our schools also have technology on their campuses that if there is a need for a family for technology, they can actually check that out,” Gilbert said.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Left: Galveston Elementary School preschooler Bariki Kalembire slides on her school’s recently upgraded playground equipment during a recess period. Right: Like Galveston Elementary School preschooler Lexi Santillan-Mendoza, kids at 10 other Chandler Uniﬁed School District campuses will soon have new playground equipment. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

CUSD Board OKs 10 more schools for new playgrounds BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

The playgrounds at 10 Chandler Unified School District locations will be getting an upgrade soon. The district’s Governing Board approved moving forward with Phase 2 of the plan approved by voters in the 2019 bond election. The maximum cost is about $4.42 million for this stage, which covers schools built between 1990 and 2005. The playgrounds at the schools in Phase 1, built before 1990, will be wrapping up

in the coming weeks. The 10 schools in Phase 2 are Basha Elementary; Bogle Junior High; Bologna; Conley; Hull; Jacobson; CTA Liberty; Santan Elementary; Sanborn and Tarwater. Core Construction was chosen to do the upgrades. “There is some very aged playground equipment in use,” said Frank Fletcher, the district’s associate supervisor for support services. Fletcher said the work done at each location will vary, depending on the school’s needs.

“Some are full replacements, some are repairs, some are including new braiding, new curbing to keep the Fibar (rubber playground surface) in it. It’s a little different at every facility, but playground structures are pretty typical.” Fletcher said the schedule has not been set yet for when Phase 2 will begin and end, saying they wait until they get Governing Board approval before going forward. He said they will need to order materials before work begins. The work will likely take place while school is in session. And Fletcher

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Pandemic impacted EV foster, adoption agency BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

It’s no surprise to anyone that COVID-19 has disrupted many industries and lives since it began spreading about two years ago. One area where its impact gets little attention is foster care. Barb Trella, director of development for Aid to Adoption for Special Kids (AASK), said it is not altogether surprising that the pandemic impacted the availability of foster parents. “Recruiting foster and adoptive families is difficult enough in the best of times,” Trella said. “It’s not what’s right for every family. Families really have to decide if this is what they want.” She said the pandemic made it much more difficult. “Parents were home, home-schooling their kids, and the idea of bringing more children into their family, the idea of bringing kids in who might also bring this dreaded COVID into their family, I think was really scary to a lot of people last year.” AASK has three Arizona offices, including one in Chandler that serves the East Valley. Trella said when the pandemic first started, there was a significant decrease in the number of children entering the foster care system. She said that’s because with everyone at home and locked down, there

adoptive parents. Storm Castle said anyone can be a foster parent. She said she works with single moms, single dads, couples, families with children, and families that have never had children. “There’s not one specific kind of family that we look for,” Storm Castle said. “I have all of those that I just said. There’s not one family structure that we look for either, we encourage all of them.” For those who want to help but cannot for whatever reason be a full-time parent, Trella said they have a mentoring program. Adults sign up to be a mentor to a foster kid who lives in a group home, meeting with them once Barb Trella of Aid to Adoption for Special Kids said that as the pandemic eases, the number of children or twice a month. So what’s in it for the entering foster care is increasing while the number of available foster parents is decreasing. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) children? “They are getting a were fewer eyes to catch possible increase in the number of children enmeaningful relationship,” abuse or neglect. Oftentimes, teachers tering the system. There are now more Trella said. “They are having another or other staff see troubling indications than 13,000 children in Arizona’s foster adult in their life who cares about them. when students are in class. care system. … Sometimes for these older kids, they That changed once the world start“At the same time, there’s been a are getting close to turning 18 and they ing getting back to normal. decrease in the number of prospective don’t necessarily want to be adopted. Trella said there’s been a 25 percent foster and adoptive families,” Trella Having a relationship with a caring mensaid. “So we’ve got both numbers going tor is extremely valuable.” in the wrong direction, quite honestly.” Trella said the state offers a dolAASK started out as an organization lar-to-dollar tax credit for donations that specializes in helping children with to foster care agencies up to $500 for special needs, namely autism and Down individuals and $1,000 for couples. syndrome. However, Trella said now “If people can’t personally make that they try and help all children. difference to the children in the foster “Right around the holidays we typcare system, they can still do things that ically see a surge,” said Harleigh Storm help,” Trella said. Castle one of the family specialists who works in the Chandler office. “We just don’t have enough families that are signing up.” She said a lot of foster parents chose • Qualify to be a foster or adoptive not to renew when the pandemic began parent. for a variety of reasons. That has left • Be a mentor. They meet with a them with fewer foster parents at a child who lives in a group home time when they are getting more chiltwice a month. dren into the system. • Donate. AASK accepts donations Trella and Storm Castle estimated to help cover costs. about half of the 13,000 foster children Visit aask-az.org. in Arizona are looking for foster or

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

5K applied to Chandler for housing assistance BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Last month Chandler opened up its waiting list for public housing for the first time in three years and nearly 5,000 people applied for the 303 available homes in the two weeks it was open. “I was actually expecting a little bit more, to be honest,” said Amy Jacobson, the city’s housing and redevelopment manager. The city will put 2,000 of the 4,975 people who applied on a wait list. A lottery determined who was put on that list and who did not make it. Before 2018 Chandler kept its wait list open, but closed it for the first time when the total people on it hit 2,000. It took the city three years to work through that list enough that they felt they could open it up again. There are two types of public housing programs in Chandler, which the city runs on behalf of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Chandler owns 303 properties that it rents out. Anyone who qualifies can live there and they pay

only 30 percent of their income while the federal government pays the rest. The second is the Housing Choice Voucher program. The city can award 486 vouchers to residents who qualify. Again, they pay 30 percent of their income for rent and the federal government picks up the difference. That can

a monthly basis,” Jacobson said. “There’s a family self-sufficiency program that we have for both of our programs in which we try to provide financial support, home-buying assistance type of counseling, education, anything that the family needs to become more self-sufficient so they can graduate out of housing assistance.”

market, where they can “go Inandthisrenttypeto ofthetight next person and increase it by $200, and unfortunately sometimes our families can’t afford that. ”

– Amy Jacobson,

be at any rental unit in the city where the landlord is willing to accept the voucher. Chandler has five rental facilities scattered throughout the city. Four of them are multi-family housing and the fifth is dedicated for seniors. They also have 103 single family homes. “We do get vacancies and turnover on

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She said one of the things they learned from opening up the wait list is that their one- and two-bedroom units are more in demand than their fourand five-bedroom units. Each family in public housing is assigned a case manager, Jacobson said. She added that landlords who accept vouchers get certain benefits. One of them is the Landlord Incentive Program, which gives a one-time bonus of $1,000 to new landlords willing to accept the voucher. Current landlords who accept public housing vouchers will also get a $1,000 bonus when they renew. “It’s guaranteed rent, we pay on the first of the month,” Jacobson said. “There’s stability with our families, we

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do unit inspections.” Still, the hot real estate market of the past year makes it harder to find housing struggling families can afford. “In this type of tight market, where they can go and rent to the next person and increase it by $200, and unfortunately sometimes our families can’t afford that,” Jacobson said. “That’s a hard spot for a lot of families who have to choose between paying for rent, or paying for transportation, food and medical expenses and all that.” To qualify for public housing a family must be below 80 percent of area median income. The city says its median income for 2020 was $54,370. As part of the service, the city offers an after-school program for about 300 children in public housing. “We have a very robust public housing youth program,” Jacobson said. “We have our own computer lab at one of our own sites. We really try to engage our youth, as best we can, and keep them active.” Jacobson said it is likely it will be another three years before they’ll be able to reopen the wait list for public housing. That’s not great news for the nearly 3,000 people who applied for assistance but did not get selected for the wait list. “Unfortunately, it’s just a random lottery,” Jacobson said. “That’s the most fair way, in terms of, it’s not date, time, stamp, first come, first serve. We feel the random lottery of the pool of applicants is the best way.”

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Chandler offers many transit options BY THE CITY OF CHANDLER

Do you ever wonder who determined where the City’s roads would lead back when Chandler was first established? Who decided how the intersections would be laid out? Was there consideration for horse and buggy traffic being separated from automobiles when they were introduced? Undoubtedly, there were City planners who looked at the present day needs of 1912 Chandler, and who also had to plan for growth, development and future innovations of the Chandler 20, 50 or even 100 years down the road. Fast forward to 2021 and those same factors play into how planners prepare for the current situation, as well as the future of Chandler’s roadways; and more specifically, how people will travel to the places they need to go. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all for modes of transportation, and that is why various options are needed. As more transit options are leveraged, they each contribute to improving the current and future situation. Jason Crampton is the Transportation Planning Supervisor for the City. He describes two of the main priorities of planners of today; “As we plan for the future, we are looking for ways to alleviate congestion and also to provide transportation options for everyone.” They accomplish this through many mediums offering a variety of transit options. Looking at some of the alternate modes of transportation he describes the two audiences of people looking to use them. Jason describes a choice rider. “They have a vehicle, and the ability to drive, but choose to take transit instead. This might be someone who enjoys the free time to relax or catch up on the latest novel, who doesn’t want the stress of driving in traffic, or maybe someone who is passionate about the environmental benefits of a shared commute.” “In contrast,” Jason says, “A transit dependent rider is someone who doesn’t have the ability to drive on their own. This could be someone without a vehicle, someone with a disability or medical condition who isn’t allowed to drive, or someone without a license.” The City partners with Valley Metro to provide traditional bus service for these commuters, however, there are limitations to the service areas. In south Chandler, south of Chandler Boulevard and east of Price Road, public transportation options are extremely limited compared to other parts of the City. The City launched the First Mile Last Mile partnership with Lyft to ease the burden on commuters. Through the program, south Chandler residents can receive a 50 percent discount to and from designated bus stops (within one

t? o G ws Ne

Above: You might have seen the Bird scooters, which are proving to be popular, especially in Downtown Chandler. They are a fun way to get around quickly and will probably become even more popular for short trips being made during the hot summer months. Right: Jason Crampton is the city’s transportation planning supervisor. (City of Chandler)

quarter mile) by downloading the Lyft mobile app and entering the promo code “ChandlerTransit.” In September, City Council approved a program allowing privately owned and operated bike and scooter-sharing companies to apply for a permit to operate within the City of Chandler. Thus far, only one company has been approved to provide scooters for shared use. You might have seen the Bird scooters, which are proving to be popular, especially in Downtown Chandler. They are a fun way to get around quickly and will probably become even more popular for short trips being made during the hot summer months. And finally, another popular mode of transportation is the bicycle. Chandler encourages bicycle trips by ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to support cyclists and provide safety measures. Staff is always looking for ways to improve park and ride facilities to encourage people to utilize both modes of transportation. Bicycle lids have become a popular addition to keep equipment safe and protected. One project about to get underway is the design of protected bike lanes on Frye Road between downtown Chandler and the Paseo Trail. Staff has presented several design options for what the lanes might look like and the possible barriers that could be placed

to prevent interactions with cyclists and motorists. The City has been awarded nearly $4 million in federal funding for this project. These and other transportation studies and projects are regularly considered by the City’s Transportation Commission, a seven-member group of residents who meet regularly to assist with the development of future plans and make recommendations to the City Council. The Commission recommended approval of a Transportation Master Plan in 2019 with an outline for what transportation might look like 20 years out, in 2040. As our ancestors considered the future of Chandler, you must wonder what they would think about some of today’s transportation issues such as the driverless vehicles introduced by Waymo. The potential for driverless impacts on transportation is still being studied. But it also makes you wonder what the Chandler of 2121 might look like. Flying vehicles? Jason doesn’t expect that to happen in our lifetime but thinks it could be something considered by the planners of the future. Jason has a passion for urban planning, and understands that transportation is a major driver of the urban form. He is a strong proponent of ensuring social equity in the community, to ensure that everyone has the same oppor-

tunity to get where they need to go. And he has made very conscious decisions for his own family so they can contribute to the environmental benefits of alternative modes of transportation. He and his wife purchased their Chandler home purposely so their children, 13, 10 and 6 can walk to school. Most of their shopping or park adventures are traveled by bicycle, and Jason makes his four-mile commute to City Hall most days on his bicycle. He likes to set an example and develop habits that will continue. Jason, and the entire team in the City’s Transportation Policy Division, are making a big difference. The impact of their planning today will have benefits far into the future. They are always looking for input. Visit the Transportation page at chandleraz.gov/transportation, or report any concerns through the City’s Public Stuff app.

Contact Paul C Contact Paul P l Maryniak Maryniak M y i k at at 480-898-5647 480 898 5647 or or pmaryniak@timespublications.com p pmaryniak@timespublications.com pmaryniak@timespublications y i k@ i p bli i com

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Lovebirds have adapted to Arizona’s harsher temperatures BY OLIVIA DOW Cronkite News

Rosy-faced lovebirds bring a splash of color to the Arizona desert, with neon green feathers and vibrant peach faces. The nonnative birds, which first appeared in Arizona about 40 years ago, have learned how to use human innovation to keep cool when temperatures soar. Their ability to survive in Arizona is linked to urban development, according to a recent study at Arizona State University. For example, lovebirds on the Tempe campus began perching in air-conditioning vents that leak cool air. Kevin Mcgraw and Raegan Mills spent a year studying the birds’ behavior and perching patterns at the Life Sciences Building. The research showed the birds often spent time in the vents when their temperature threshold hit upper limits. “There’s a threshold once it certainly gets into the mid to high 90s that things start to get difficult for the lovebirds to cope,” McGraw said. “I think they need water and they need to cool down. The birds basically are standing in the window vents and just getting a cool breeze.” According to McGraw and Mill’s research, there were more lovebirds in the vents when the temperature reached 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. During summer months, the National Weather Service says, Phoenix averages about 95 degrees, but temperatures frequently spike well into the 100s.

it’s considered one of the fastest-warming cities in the nation. In addition, long term drought continues, and both trends threaten rosy-faced lovebirds. “As the water crisis continues, Colorado River restrictions, kind of the downstream effects on us and wildlife, certainly could directly hit the lovebirds,” McGraw said. “The water crisis could have a negative impact on the birds, but it might in turn benefit some Rosy-faced lovebirds are small, noisy, gregarious parrots originally from Southwest Africa, with neon other organisms if there green feathers and vibrant peach faces. (Courtesy of Samantha Lloyd) aren’t as many lovebirds.” According to the U.S. somehow escaped or were released. No Drought Monitor, 34 percent of Arizona Mills said they proved that the one can say for sure. surfaces where the birds perched were is in severe or exceptional drought. Lake Mark Larson, the president of the cool, and that the birds visited most Powell, which supplies much of Arizona Maricopa Audubon Society, said lovebirds frequently on “really hot” days. with water, reached critically low levels have expanded their populations through- earlier this year, as did Lake Mead further “It was really fascinating to look at out the Valley since the 1980s, but they’re why specifically they were there, and downstream. unevenly distributed in small colonies. (we) assumed that it was because they Scientists like McGraw are conMcGraw said it appears the lovebirds cerned if the lovebirds continue to were getting some sort of benefit from have expanded their range but remain the HVAC,” Mills said. expand their population, they could close to human development. History of rosy-faced lovebirds in become an invasive species. The U.S. “They are fairly restricted to the city Fish and Wildlife Service describes an Arizona limits, and it looks like they’re heavily Rosy-faced lovebirds (Agapornis invasive species as one that’s nonnareliant on consistently available water, roseicollis) are small, chirpy, gregaritive and capable of causing economic so water is key,” he said, adding that ous parrots originally from Southwest damage or harming human health or lovebirds can be seen at the fountain in the environment. Africa. How they came to flourish in metro Phoenix is something of an urban front of Old Main. “They’re beautiful in a lot of ways, Average temperatures in Arizona have legend. Researchers and bird watchers but they also potentially could do some risen more than 3 degrees Fahrenheit since have varying accounts, but most agree 1970, according to Climate Central, and these birds at one point were pets and See on page 22

LOVEBIRDS

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Around Chandler Chandler man accused in series Airstream trailers to take over of indecent exposures, assaults former Sam’s Club location Chandler Police last week arrested a Chandler man in connection with a series of sexual assaults and indecent exposures involving girls 11 to 17 years old. Andrew N. Arenas, 22, is charged with three counts each of public sexual indecency, sexual abuse and assault for incidents that allegedly occurred between May and Nov. 5 near the areas of the 400 block of Arizona Avenue and Pecos Road and Hamilton Street and near Flint and Ithaca Streets. He also is under investigation by Mesa Police for in connection with as many as five indecent exposures reports filed by adult women, police said. In the Chandler cases, Arenas not only exposed himself in some instances, police said, but also grabbed some girls indecently, according to the arrest documents filed by police. Two boys, ages 7 and 9, were present during one of the Chandler incidents, records state. Police said some victims reported seeing the suspect in a dark red or black fourdoor sedan with front and rear bumper damage that eventually was caught on surveillance cameras in five of the incidents. Police eventually found a vehicle that matched the description and traced it to Arenas. “Andrew had numerous police contacts to include a contact for DUI in Chandler in 2020,” the arrest document states.

The space that once housed Sam’s Club on Arizona Avenue and the Loop 202 is about to be filled. “We Are Airstream” has purchased the 136,000 square foot building and plans to use it to sell and service Airstream trailers. The company said they plan to use 40 percent of the space for a showroom and sales. The rest will be used for storage and service. Airstream trailers are easily recognizable for their round shape and polished aluminum exteriors. They made their debut in 1932.

Thanksgiving is just a few days away. But there’s still time to provide a hearty meal and more to a homeless neighbor.

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with their government. During each session, participants will meet with city leaders, tour facilities, participate in interactive sessions and learn how to stay engaged with their local government and in their community. Applications must be filed by Dec. 3. For details: chandleraz.gov/civic.

The City of Chandler is asking residents to help them test a mobile voting platform. “We want to test the application, see if it works, see if we can break it,” Vice Mayor Mark Stewart said. “See if it’s something years down the road we might be able to use for our elections.” City accepting applications for The mock election began Wednesday and will continue through Nov. 30. Multicultural Festival Any Chandler resident who is 13 years or The City of Chandler is accepting appliolder can participate. cations for its 27th annual Multicultural FesThe app relies on blockchain technol- tival, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 15. ogy to keep it secure. The city is looking for vendors, perParticipants will be asked to provide formers, and exhibitors for the event ID verification before they can cast to be staged at A.J. Chandler Park. For their votes. information, call 480-782-4329 or email Road rage incident ends in The election will be similar to the rori.minor@chandleraz.gov. deadly shooting just-concluded city bond election, with City completes Uptown public art What Chandler Police are calling a the five bond questions on the ballot. In projects road rage incident ended with a deadlyYour generous contribution addition, there will be two additional quesUptown Chandler is more artistic shooting. Police say 37-year-old Chris- today will bring the joyvoting. of theafter two new public art projects were tions the city added about mobile topher Pelkey got out of his car and Participants will be able to vote withby completed. The city added 90 banners to a suffering soul approached the car behind him on Gil-season their phones or tablets. To participate, on light poles near major intersections bert Road during a red light at Germann providing a delicious meal visit chandleraz.gov/blockchain. with a design by a local artist. They Road. replace banners installed in 2017. complete with: There was an altercation. Police say Also, artists have painted the traffic Chandler accepting CIVIC 50-year-old Gabriel Paul Horcasitas control boxes of 11 cabinets in Uptown fired multiple shots, hitting Pelkey. program applications Chandler. They join 10 others that were Turkey Also, one off the bullets struck anMayor Hartke and the Chandler City painted in 2019. The Arizona artists were other car with a family of three inside. Council are taking applications for CIVMashed potatoes asked to created a Chandler-inspired No one inside that car was hurt. IC, an interactive, 12-session program design. & gravy Police say Pelkey was unarmed. providing Chandler residents with a The boxes are on Alma School Road, Horcasitas was booked and charged behind-the-scenes look at citytraditional services. All the Arizona Avenue, and Warner and Elliot with first-degree murder and other The free program will again launch in roads from roughly Knox north to trimmings counts. Pelkey died at the hospital. January 2022 and is the latest offering Western Canal. to share my blessings and feed hungry by the City Itowant help residents connect

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Thanksgiving is just a few days away. But ther still time to provide a hearty meal and more to a homeless neighbor

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

City boasts a sign of the times in West Chandler BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

It’s easy to overlook West Chandler because of the communities surrounding it. Tempe and Ahwatukee established strong identities years ago that can overshadow the western half of Chandler. The city is taking steps to change that. “This is a vibrant area of our community,” Mayor Kevin Hartke said. “At times, West Chandler just doesn’t get the love and attention I think it needs.” Hartke made highlighting the success of the West Chandler employment corridor a priority in his State of the City address. The city started doing that a couple of weeks ago by installing seven large West Chandler signs at major intersections. Crews plan on installing two more after they get clearance from Salt River Project. There will also be an advertising campaign. Most of the campaign is aimed at highlighting the success of the region, instead of in trying to attract new businesses. Micah Miranda, the city’s economic development director, said there are only a few large pieces of available land left to develop in the area, which is defined as being between McClintock Drive and I-10. “West Chandler is doing extremely well,” Miranda said. “Chandler is very good at being proactive. We want to stay in front of any potential issues. “What we’re hoping to do through this West Chandler branding campaign is a couple of things. One, is to raise the awareness profile of the employment corridor to our our specific target audiences,” he said, adding: “Two, the Loop 202 South Mountain is changing driving patterns in the area. We want to let people know that you can have a business right here at this intersection, and your new talent pool is now pulling from West Phoenix, Buckeye, Levine, Goodyear area. And those potential employees can be to a Chandler location in less than 30 minutes.” Chandler has five designated employment corridors. West Chandler with its 29,000 jobs ranks second, trail-

Several board members at the time balked at that idea, expressing concerns that it was a distraction from the district’s educational mission. As for the broader Chandler program, meanwhile, Miranda said part of the branding effort is to build an identity and give residents a sense of pride. Before beginning the campaign, they met with stake holders. One thing they heard is some people did not know which city they were in at times. The northern border of West Chandler Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke, standing beneath one of the new West Chandler designation signs, says peo- jigs and jags north of Ray, so it’s not always ple throughout the Valley should discover how vibrant the area is. easy to tell. (David Minton/STSN Staff Photographer) “That’s some of the ing Board discussed that parcel three ing only the Price Road corridor, which place making we’re years ago as it sold off another parcel in doing, so people really understand you employs about 40,000. Ahwatukee to Blandford Homes for $23 are in Chandler, and West Chandler is a Uptown Chandler ranks third, million. followed by airpark and downtown. very distinct part of our town.” But the Chandler parcel presented a Miranda said if the Airpark employment Hartke said the branding effort for challenge to the board, which shelved corridor develops as they have planned, West Chandler is similar to one the it could move up to second or challenge further discussion after several board city did for the Uptown employment meetings in 2017. Price Road with 35,000 to 40,000 jobs. corridor a few years ago. He called that Tempe Union never discussed using Some of the major employers in a success. the Chandler land for a high school West Chandler include Intel, Verizon, “We relocated some of the businessAvnet, Arizona Nutritional Supplements and, in fact, the district earlier this year es along Arizona Avenue. We still got and the Rogers Corporation. The largest closed Compadre High and moved that some industrial spaces of light industry program to Marcos De Niza. The admin- on the east side of Arizona Avenue. We retail area is around The Shoppes at istration currently is trying to figure out brought attention to some of our parks Casa Paloma on Ray Road. the best use for that building. Miranda said some people forget up there. We put in a mural recently The reason the Chandler parcel Intel has a facility there that employs in one of our older parks, for example, 5,500 people, because its Ocotillo cam- presented a challenge was because of instead of putting it in a new section. a consultant’s report that posed three pus tends to get most of the attention. We decorated a lot of the corners with options for disposing of the land while The largest track of undeveloped art up there. We’ll be doing the same a real estate company listed five differland in West Chandler is a 49-acre [in West Chandler] inthe future.” ent approaches to handling that parcel. parcel owned since 1994 by the Tempe Miranda said West Chandler may At least one option both had Union High School District on South have been overlooked, but it has a great Kyrene Road near the 202. Miranda said suggested would have had the disstory to tell. And that’s what they will the city is in discussion with the district trict serve as a landlord, possible in do with this branding campaign. about how that land might best be used a partnership with a developer, in an “There’s a lot of great restaurants, arrangement the consultant said could if it’s decided they don’t need it for a entertainment and shopping, don’t foryield millions of dollars in revenue over future high school. get about West Chandler. It’s not just a long period of time. The previous Tempe Union Governthe mall.”

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Buying your child a phone? Here’s some advice BY DEREK JACKSON Guest Writer

You probably would rather I tell you about the best way to stop your child from wanting a smartphone so you wouldn’t have to figure out which one to buy, and you’d no longer have the worry about that impending day when they get that phone, dive into social media, and everything changes. But unfortunately, that’s impossible. Children want phones at younger ages every year, so it’s better that you buckle up and prepare yourself for the joy of this next phase. Instead, here are some simple tips on what NOT to do when thinking through this decision: Don’t avoid bringing up the conversation about social media or pretend like nothing is going to change; don’t throw them into the deep end when they are first learning to swim; don’t handcuff and limit them so that

LOVEBIRDS

from page 20

harm,” McGraw said. “I think there’s a little bit of circumstantial evidence that they can out-compete native species for certain nesting habitats. They’ll certainly feed at certain feeders that might

they can’t learn and experience on their own. Your child will eventually get access to a smartphone and social media, so it’s better that you start teaching them how to be responsible early. One of the best ways that you can nurture your child’s ideas at an early age is by giving them lots of opportunities for creative play and exploration. The more your child plays creatively now, the more likely it is that he or she will become an innovative adult later. Yet, when it comes to giving kids access to a smartphone, the most popular advice suggests screen time limitation, extreme structure and blocking certain apps and sites. In my mind, that means that the less your child has the freedom to try and fail on social media, the less likely it is that he or she will be able to handle the pressures and freedom that the internet can offer. What you need to do instead:

Bring up social media ASAP. Ask about it. Show genuine curiosity about the apps that their friends use. Ask them about what they would do if one of their friends asked them for a nude picture. You need to be the one that introduces them to the kinds of things that can happen and talk about a response that involves you. Choose a phone that gives you access, not control. You need to understand what is going on so that you can show that you are interested and care. It’s not about turning the phone off. It’s about seeing the content they interact with, the context of where they see it and why they like it, and understanding the connections they make with people you know or potentially complete strangers. Ultimately, give them the freedom to fall down but be there to pick them up without them having to ask you for it. It will cement your bond, increase their

trust for you, and keep the connection you crave. But the only way that is possible is to be involved in a non-judgmental and non-controlling way.

displace other smaller, more shy birds.” Studying the lovebirds was “a call to action” for Mills, to look at the impact of climate change on both nonnative and native animals. Mills said as the climate changes “we are completely changing” the environment for the species that live in it. “As the climate continues to change

the way that it is, we are pushing all sorts of species to interact with us in ways that they would never have before,” Mills said. Mills is a genetic and developmental biology major, but the lovebirds were the “highlight” of the day when Mills worked on the study, observing the birds outside. Mills said people have a responsibil-

ity to the lovebirds because we introduced them into Arizona. “Not to say that we don’t also have a responsibility to wildlife that was indigenous to that area but there’s a certain kind of responsibility that we have to them because they are in such a huge part reliant on us to continue being around,” Mills said.

Regardless of what you choose to do, it’s imperative that you are involved. This is the only way your child will learn how to be responsible for themselves online now with you, or else they will have to learn on their own later when they become an adult. The best thing you can do is teach them about the risks associated with social media so that they know what to expect. You must show genuine curiosity, ask them about uncomfortable topics, and give them access with your involvement. Derek Jackson is the CTO and Co-Founder of Cyber Dive, which created the first, fully monitored smartphone for kids called The Aqua One. Information: cyberdive.co/aqua-one

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Local businesses look toward holiday customers BY ALEX GALLAGHER Staff Writer

With disruptions to the national supply chain that are only expected to grow worse this holiday season, it looks like a wise idea to support local businesses that make their own crafts. These businesses often sustain other local businesses through the sourcing of local materials and offer people a more sustainable product. Here is just a sample of area businesses that offer unique holiday gifts.

Brush Bar

After having to close the doors of beloved paint and wine studio in OldTown amid stay-at-home orders, Brush Bar Owner Gia Ciliento feared it was the end of her business. Then she had an epiphany. She could bring her business into customer’s homes. “When nobody wanted to leave their homes, we thought this would be a way to save the business,” Ciliento said. “We thought that art was something that people needed to get through the last two years.” Ciliento created two options for kits that both included paints, a disposable apron, a palette, a canvas and an instructor lead video. The premium option includes paint brushes and costs $45 while the basic box that has no brushes costs $35.

Earth Sugar

For Jennifer Meyers, food has been the one thing she has always found comforting. Growing up, she had gut problems that almost took a turn for the worse. “I’ve been suffering from gut problems since I was 7 years old and it got so bad that I was almost on a liquid diet,” she said. “I had such a fear of food and as a way of coping, I would go to the grocery store and learn about new ingredients.” This and writing became hobbies for her. Fresh out of college, Meyers found a job in public relations for The Grammys. Jennifer Myers owns Earth Sugar, which sells sweet treats online. She and countless other area However, not long after small-business owners are hoping that shoppers frustrated by supply-chain disruptions affecting celebrating the job, Meyers large stores will consider their wares as a logical alternative. found herself at a farmer’s (David Minton/Staff Photographer) market and decided she felt happier shopping for prorelief while painting these and it allows “We have something for everyone, duce than she had ever felt working with we have kids kits and then if people are them to try something new,” Ciliento a handful of the world’s most accomsaid. “I think everybody has creativity looking to enjoy an adult beverage we plished musicians. have a box for the adults,” said Ciliento. inside them but it just takes some coaxSo, she quit her job and began looking to get it out.” She believes her boxes will make a ing for something new. Boxes are sold online at thebrushgreat gift for under the tree or could eventually landed in research She barshop.com. The brush bar offers also make for a fun party favor during and development for a vegan company curbside pickup and nationwide shipthe holiday time. called Lavva. ping. “We hope people find some stress It was at this job that she found her calling and decided to start her own business. Meyers decided to get a one-way plane ticket from Brooklyn, New York to Phoenix and has not looked back since. Her company, Earth Sugar, specializes in making raw vegan desserts and superfood confections. “Everything is raw vegan, gluten free, paleo and hand crafted by me,” she said. “It is as natural as it comes.” Earth Sugar currently sells three flavors of cookie bark, cookies and other desserts that do not have the bloating effects other desserts have. Ships cakes across the country. “This is my personality in food form,” said Meyers, “I just want to bring joy to the world and this brings people happiness.” Cleaning & Sanitization Earth Sugar offers nationwide shipping and orders can be made at the website loveearthsugar.com.

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Divya Yoder has always wanted to ensure the health and safety of her family. “A couple of years ago, I was looking for a product that would boost my family’s immune system and I couldn’t find anything that didn’t have preservatives, fine sugars, glucose syrup and thickening agents,” she said. “So, I ventured out and came up with my own syrup that is made out of elderberries, salon cinnamon, fresh ginger and whole honey.” This syrup quickly became a hit and the Original Elderberry Company was born. Yoder’s hit eventually became such a See

SHOPLOCAL on page 27

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

SHOPLOCAL

COMMUNITY NEWS

thing on both ends.” From there the two from page 26 launched Time To Eat hit that she began producing the syrup Arizona, a service that in a travel sized bottle. focuses on supporting Since the syrup does not have to be local restaurants by prorefrigerated, Yoder began offering it in a viding delivery at a lower travel sized bottle that is TSA approved. cost to the restaurants Yoder expects to see an uptick in and providing first class sales this holiday season and into the customer service. start of cold and flu season. “Our drivers focus on “In addition to getting your shots, giving a good product we recommend taking our syrup once and focus on giving a a day during cold and flu season if you good product and rephave any symptoms,” she said. “Because resent the brand and the our product is all natural and organic, restaurant,” Magallanez you’re only benefiting your immune said. system,” The two also pride What makes her syrup so unique is themselves on their conthe ingredients she uses. stant presence within “Each ingredient we select is spethe business. cific,” said Yoder. “Everything does “With other big something different like the cinnamon corporations, if there is helps with regulating blood sugar and a problem you won’t get Sara Peterson creates custom clothing out of her ‘she shed’ and creates custom hats, sweaters, bags, the local honey helps with allergies.” through to the ownface masks and denim jackets. In addition to selling syrup, the Orig- (David Minton/Staff Photographer) ers or anyone for that inal Elderberry Company has launched matter,” said Magallanez. the sale of gummies. “With us, we’re always is a holiday bonus. source of motivation. “I had been looking for two years for there either running the dispatch or Remedy Salon and Spa expects to “Gifting is what drives me because I a way to make gummies without all the see an increase in sales of its custom gift checking on our drivers, we’re going to love to get things that I would want to junk,” said Yoder. “I came up with gummake sure things are right.” sets, which vary in pricing from $30, $50, give to someone else,” she said. mies that are Non-GMO, vegan gluten With most people about to spend and $100 based on the size of the sets. Her fully custom denim jackets cost free, USDA organic and has vitamin C their days out shopping for gifts, MaEach box comes with skincare items around $375 but she does have cheaper and zinc.” gallanez and Ramos want to take the and hair care products and an extra items like face masks, hats and headOriginal Elderberry Company’s prod- bands which cost around $30. stress out of preparing a meal by taking surprise. Additionally, each gift box is ucts can be found across the Valley and the stress out of delivering food. decorated with sparkly ornaments and For custom items, Peterson does on Originalelderberryco.com Time to Eat has a website and a mohave a long lead time and as a result she other aesthetic items. bile app that customers can place their “I advise getting a gift box and disdoes sell ready to wear items on her Gorgeous Things orders on. secting it because there is something website. Sara Peterson independently opAdditionally, a couple of the compafree in there you can take for yourself,” For those looking to get a custom erates a custom fashion business out ny’s partnered restaurants have a link to Keoghan joked. denim jacket, they must make an of her ‘she shed’ where she creates Time To Eat Arizona on its websites. Some boxes come pre-loaded with appointment to meet with Peterson at custom hats, sweaters, bags, face masks her ‘she shed’ where she can consult “We hope people give us a try goodies or customers can create their and denim jackets. especially because around the holidays own boxes. with customers about their designs. Her designs are one of a kind and “We curated and sourced luxury and there is an effort to support local busi. She also offers gift certificates. decorated with custom patches that nesses,” Magallanez said. “I hope that sustainable products. We have a lot of To place an order or obtain more inPeterson stitches herself or that cusduring that time, people will think of us formation visit shopgorgeousthings.com. products in the salon that are made by tomers bring in. and use us as a local aspect.” local women as well,” Keoghan said. “I love it when things are personalInformation Timetoeataz.com While the products are unique in Remedy Salon and Spa ized and I also love to tell a story on their own respective ways, Keoghan Remedy Salon and Spa owner Mifashion,” she said. “I think fashion is Tortilla Flat believes that what makes the boxes chelle Keoghan recently launched new more fun when it’s yours and yours Tortilla Flat not only offers holiday special is the efforts her staff goes to services, including airbrush tanning and alone.” gifts for sale but this beloved Arizona make sure the boxes look like a gift. artisan sculpting, but what customers Peterson also loves the idea of landmark also offers a rich history and “We’re always trying to make everycan take home from her business adds people gifting items and finds it to be a famous chili at the Superstition Restauthing like a gift year-round,” she said. rant & Saloon. Info: RemedysaThe authentic Western town is also lonandspa.com home to a mercantile filled with items Time to Eat Arizona that make fantastic gifts for everyone in your life. After being frustrated Some of the best-loved items with the way they witinclude new stuffed animals in familnessed other delivery services treating customers iar desert-inspired shapes like cacti, Smokey the Bear and rattlesnakes, and how much money which make cuddly gifts for kids and restaurants sacrificed to adults alike. third-party delivery serJewelry lovers will love the wire art vices, Melissa Magallanez jewelry crafted by local artist Netty and her friend Yvette Riggs as well as stunning stone pieces Ramos decided to take also crafted by a local artist, Sam Chavis. matters into their own For those shopping for interior hands. design and art lovers, Tortilla Flat offers “We saw the way that Native American-inspired art by Sharon other third-party delivery Gilbertson as well as geometric pottery services took so many produced by Arizona artist Livinnia profits from the restauBoschenstein. rants that were already Tortilla Flat is also a must-visit shopstruggling and that they ping destination for Arizona-inspired didn’t seem to care about books, souvenir t-shirts, magnets and the consumers,” Magallanez said. “We thought much more. Tortilla Flat’s mercantile also serves ‘why not do it right,’ delivas a village post office. Yvette Ramos and Melissa Magallanez own Time To Eat Arizona, a new kind of delivery service that aims ery should be a conveto be better serve restaurants and their patrons. Information: tortillaflataz.com. nience and not a negative

(David Minton/Staff Photographer)

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Realtors group sees more homes going on market SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

The official website of the National Association of Realtors foresees an increase in for-sale homes in the near – and, not surprisingly, other experts also see an increase in their price. Based on a nationwide survey of 1,200 homeowners, Realtor.com last week said, 26 percent of the respondents “plan to sell their home in the next 12 months.” “Younger generations seem to be more eager to sell as 34 percent of Gen Z homeowners and 49 percent of millennial homeowners plan to sell, while only 26 percent of Gen X homeowners, 11 percent of baby boomers and 8 percent of the Silent Generation plan to do the same,” it said, adding that younger homeowners in urban areas were especially inclined to put their houses up for sale. But buyers who might be salivating at the prospect of more choices also need to be prepared to pay higher prices. “Buyers should be ready for high asking prices,” said George Ratiu, manager of economic research for Realtor.com. “But an increase in new sellers could mean some relief from the inventory crunch.” The Cromford Report, which closely watches the Phoenix Metro market, offered an even blunter assessment, noting that “despite some observers speculating that a market top has taken place, the data emphatically suggests otherwise.” “The short-term outlook is for prices to move higher into record territory,” it later said. Sales of existing homes increased by 6.6 percent in October over October 2020, Cromford said, even though total

This 3,118-square-foot house on W. Coconino Drive in Chandler recently sold for $1.1 million. The four-bedroom, three-bath single-story house, built in 2007, boasts private guest quarters with a private entrance and a number of high-end amenities. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

noting that that many sellers are also buyers. “Once they sell their properties, they have to compete for somewhere else to live,” he said. “That’s tough in this turbo-charged market, where there isn’t even much new construction for move-up buyers. “The main challenge many may have is finding a suitable replacement home, given the still very tight number of homes for sale,” Ratiu said.

should be ready for high asking prices, but “anBuyers increase in new sellers could mean some relief from the inventory crunch. ”

– George Ratiu

home sales year-over-year were down 8.5 percent. But that was because new home sales plunged 22 percent from October 2020 to last month as a result of “the inability of the builders to complete home construction (shortage of components, supply chain delays, labor shortages), not because of lack of demand,” Cromford said. Ratiu offered a cautious assessment of the prospects for a larger inventory,

Meanwhile, Fannie Mae recently said that median home prices would to rise 7.9 percent over the next and that mortgage rates will likely climb next year, with the average 30-year fixed rate rising from 3.1 percent to 3.4 percent. And Forbes Magazine said buyers are becoming more risk-averse. “Similar to how the pandemic triggered a sanitizer and toilet paper buying spree, consumers also flocked to the real estate market last year,” it

said. “As demand for houses picked up, interested buyers have pulled out all the stops to outbid the competition. “This caused all sorts of strange and perhaps reckless behavior, including buyers forgoing contingencies in the sales contract meant to protect them and their earnest money, which can amount to thousands of dollars. Some buyers were using their retirement savings, while others were getting loans so they could appear to be all-cash buyers.” But Forbes reported “this going-forbroke approach could be declining,” quoting a Colorado broker who sees buyers are realizing “that they might be putting too much on the line and are taking the power position back once they go under contract.” “I do not see the same level of desperation and urgency we saw a few months ago,” the broker said. “After large price increases, many properties just don’t feel like such a good deal anymore.” Forbes said buyers waiting on the sidelines should start getting their finances in order now lest they miss out on a good deal. It suggests would-be buyers work on their credit score now, noting people can get weekly credit reports from all three ratings agencies for free until

April 20. “Keep in mind that as home prices rise, so does your down payment requirement. What was a 5 percent down payment on a house last year is much higher this year as home prices continue to tick up, so keep saving and explore down-payment assistance options,” it said. The Arizona Housing Finance Authority (Home Plus Program helps qualified homebuyers get down payment assistance via a deferred no-interest second mortgage. The down payment assistance second mortgage is forgiven after three years, as long as the homeowner lives in the home. If the borrower sells or refinances the mortgage within the first three years the down payment assistance loan must be repaid. Eligibility requirements include: the borrower’s annual income qualification is partly determined by your lender but typically must not exceed $112,785; one borrower must complete a homebuyer education course before closing; a minimum credit score of 640 or better. It also suggests less experienced buyers find a housing counselor. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a directory of free, HUD-approved housing counselors at apps.hud. gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm.

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For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

EV tutoring chief dedicated to kids’ development SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

There’s a reason that Kimberly Selchan gravitated to the Tutor Doctor franchise, serving mainly Gilbert and Chandler, after working in the corporate sector for many years. “I came from a corporate environment where I had mentors and was a mentor to others,” she explained. “I consider our service to be mentorship, far more than just subject tutoring or homework support. The mission statement I use for my region is: Helping today’s youth become tomorrow’s successful adults.” Selchan not only is good at her job – she’s been good for Tutor Doctor, which gave her their Marketing Innovation Award for finding new ways to grow her business year-over-year. The company explained, “In the past year, Kimberly has leveraged social media, virtual networking platforms and local small business partnerships in organic ways to grow her business, and she has committed to sharing the strategies used with fellow Tutor Doctor franchisees to help facilitate similar results.” She achieved a 30-percent increase in the number of organic referral and lead sources year over year by developing with other local small and large businesses in the community whose focus is on children and family. For example, she joined the board

Kimberly Selchan owns the local Tutor Doctor franchise and prefers to mentor studets to reach their full potential and not just pass a course. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

of a larger foster services agency and is now the preferred partner of its career-development program to helps teens graduate high school and obtain their GED or associates degree. She also developed relationships that helped her service gained preferred-sponsor status at two elementary schools and a recommendation as a tutoring service at three high schools. Selchan also formed a parent and educators group on Facebook and leveraged other social media sites to respond to local families seeking tutoring services without paid ads. Tutor Doctor is a one-on-one private tutoring service but Selchan said her staff goes beyond helping clients master a subject. “Our tutors incorporate studying and planning techniques, accountability and self-advocacy which will all help their students become successful adults,” she said. So, her tutors work with students to “identify their interests and develop their strengths to become successful in a variety of settings.” “Creating individualized programs for students in my community and witnessing their goal achievement is one of the most rewarding parts of the business,” said Selchan. “If I’m able to increase the number of tutors, students and families who grow and develop from

our personalized academic mentorship and support, I’m going to do it, and that means looking to new innovations, tools and partnerships for inspiration.” And the pandemic did not disrupt her commitment to delivering one-onone mentoring in person. “A big misconception of the pandemic is that tutoring shifted to virtual, but it did not,” Selchan said. “We have less than 15% of our students receiving online tutoring. The demand is very high for in-home, face-to-face relationships.” Selchan, who holds a degree in microbiology and is an Ohio transplant, had been a senior vice president in the financial services industry before she made the jump to Tutor Doctor. She has about 70 tutors – and is always on the lookout for qualified additions – who provide support on any Pre-K to undergraduate course as well as test preparation,. Career planning, homeschooling and even professional development such as public speaking. “I like to focus our services on middle school to early college,” she added. Her region includes Ahwatukee and the entire East Valley and people who want to sign as mentors need at least some college with a 3.0 average and some mentoring experience. Potential clients or tutors can reach her at tutordoctor.com/chandler-gilbert or call 480-530-8029.

Chandler aesthetics salon expanded despite pandemic BY KEN SAIN Arizonan Staff Writer

The pandemic wreaked havoc on most businesses. Some had to shut down, many had to lay off workers. Government grants and loans kept the economy from an even bigger collapse. But one Chandler business did more than survive the pandemic: it expanded. “I feel aesthetics is something that was booming during the pandemic,” said Marichu Evans, owner of SkinLab Laser, Aethestics & Wellness in Chandler. Evans opened up her first medical spa in 2019, but she said they quickly outgrew the space because it only had three rooms. That’s when she opened the SkinLab location about a year ago. That’s quite a change from her previous life. Evans grew up in the Philippines and after starting down a pre-med path to becoming a doctor, switched and earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering there. She moved to the U.S. in 2004 and attended Arizona State University to get her master’s in materials engineering. She worked at Intel for 13 years before deciding to start her own business. “Only when I have my twins that I needed to have more work-life bal-

Marichu Evans, who owns SkinLab Laser, Aesthetics & Wellness in Chandler, said the pandemic increased the number of people seeking her salon’s services. (David Minton/Staff)

ance,” Evans said. “Starting a new business, like my husband would tell me, ‘did you achieve your work-life balance?’” Evans said now that her business is going strong, she’s starting to. “I found my passion here at SkinLab,” she said.

Evans said the key to her success is giving her clients an enjoyable experience and delivering results. Part of that, she said, is setting realistic expectations up front, and then over-delivering on the results. Some of the services they provide include coolsculpting, laser hair reduc-

tion, and botox injections. When a customer first comes in Evans says her staff takes a high-definition photo of their face, exposing every wrinkle and checking out how big the pores are. She said it’s a good baseline for them to start their work and will help show their results after treatments. Then they do a consultation with the clients to decide on a treatment plan. She said this field has always been an interest for her, even when she was working as an engineer. Evans said one of the keys she learned from her days working for corporate giants is to invest in training her staff. She said that dedication might be one of the reasons they did so well during the pandemic. “Having the best talent in the industry has benefited us,” Evans said. “I make sure that every month I bring in a trainer … making sure that we perfect our craft.”

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

East Valley weight loss clinic owners author book SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

No one knows how many people are confronting the unintended consequence of trying to stay safe amid the pandemic by staying home. But Ahwatukee resident Dan LeMoine believes it’s a lot, pointing to a recent Harris Poll survey that found 61 percent of the adults in the country reported fluctuating weight in the past year. Of those who reported gaining weight, Harris said, their scale tipped by an extra 29 pounds. LeMoine is no stranger to helping people like that. Since 2017, he and his business partner, Dr. Noel Abood of Queen Creek, have been helping people shed pounds at their Ahwatukee clinic, re:vitalize weight loss & wellness center at 15905 S. 46th St. Now LeMoine and Abood have written a book that incorporates the fundamental principles that have helped re:vitalize’s clients shed unwanted pounds and keep them off. Though the two men started writing “Fear No Food: The Last Weight Loss Program You’ll Ever Need” before COVID-19 grabbed the nation by the throat, LeMoine says it hit bookstores and amazon.com at the right time when it was published earlier this month. “We wanted to continue to scale our impact and the life change we’re seeing in our clinics,” LeMoine told AFN. “We felt like a book is a great starting point for folks who might not be at a place where they’re ready to jump fully into our program just yet, or who want to find out more about our approach and lose a few pounds in the process. “The book outlines the founda-

Dan LeMoine, left, and Dr. Noel Abood, who own the re:vitalize weight loss and wellness center in Ahwatukee, have co-authored a book that incorporates the principles of their successful clinic. (file photo)

tional pillars we’ve built the re:vitalize program on, it inspires people to take action and do something through the use of inspirational real life stories and easy-to-implement habits, and provides scientifically proven advice on things like inflammation, detoxification, the metabolism and weight loss.” The authors say the book “addresses the complex reasons otherwise hardworking and disciplined people struggle losing weight and keeping it off,” diving into internal biochemistry, the metabolism, inﬂammation and psychology and their effects on weight loss and what you can do about it.” Both men speak from personal experience that has deepened with the development of their business. For Abood, it was a heart attack at age 49 more than a decade ago. “I had battled weight issues most

of my adult life and know many others share in this battle,” he said. “A common misconception is that if overweight people just ate less and exercised more they will lose weight. This is simply not true. “With our program, and now this book, we’ve set out to demystify and remove the guesswork on how to begin ﬁxing your metabolism and lose weight once and for all.” LeMoine said he has “always been very dialed into health and nutrition from my past as a high school and collegiate athlete and seeing close family members struggle with their weight for most of my life.” LeMoine, who holds two board certifications in holistic nutrition, calls “Fear No Food” “a roadmap of proven methods for the reader to begin understanding their body and food, and begin

losing weight and restoring health.” “Our target reader is the person who suspects their metabolism has slowed and the typical cookie cutter approaches to weight loss are no longer effective,” he said. “They want to learn about food, their metabolism and how to fix it and lose weight without having to restrict themselves from fun foods like pizza or bread forever. Too many diets are so effective while you’re restricting yourself, but the moment it seems you daydream about a carb you gain the weight back. “Our book – and our program – aim to fix this to help people keep the weight off and live normal lives. And while the book contains the information re:vitalize’s clients get, it doesn’t have at least one thing the authors’ clinics offer: “the full customization aspect using our unique bioscan technology.” “So this book is really for the person who has not become a member – yet,” he said. Small wonder why the pandemic hasn’t had much of an adverse impact on their business. “We continued to grow throughout the pandemic and the demand is unprecedented since we’ve started returning to normal this year,” LeMoine said. “Now, more than ever, people are wanting to take control of their health and are realizing the implications of being overweight — particularly with COVID comorbidity.” “Fear No Food” is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Information: fearnofoodbook.com and revitalizeweightloss.com.

Revived Atomic Comics opening Nov. 24 in Gilbert BY JAYSON PETERS NerdvanaMedia.com

The new Atomic Comics, which recently announced a comeback 10 years after the Arizona chain folded, is opening Wednesday, Nov. 24, in Macerich’s SanTan Village shopping center in Gilbert. The store, at 2270 E. William Fields Road, Suite 108, Gilbert, will be open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays. The store announced that opening day would feature a “Local Comic Shop Day” celebration with area creators appearing for signings and sketches 4-6 p.m.; another creator event is planned for noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 27. The SanTan Village online directory shows the Atomic Comics Gilbert store located next to Massage Envy, a short walk from Harkins Theatres in the outdoor shopping plaza. Mike Malve, the former Atomic Comics chain’s original owner who has local business backers for the reboot, and Macerich representatives confirmed the location to Nerdvana. Malve recently teased Valley comic book fans with interior demolition photos preparing the location and exterior

shots, as did the official Atomic Comics Instagram and Facebook profiles. After telling followers to expect an opening in time for the holiday shopping season, Malve on Nov. 1 announced the Nov. 24 opening. “What a great week to open, not only do we have a cool event planned for that day, it also leads into Black Friday and all of the holiday shopping bonanza,” Malve said in an email to Nerdvana. Hints started dropping on the social media accounts as early as September; the Arizona Corporation Commission shows an LLC filing in August of this year under the names of Maricopa County residents Joe Furman and Scott Hagen. Malve said Furman will be working side by side in the store with him. “He has a great passion and knowledge of geek culture and I’m excited to be working with him,” he added. Atomic will also partner will ComicHub, an ecommerce platform for online sales via web and mobile app, and will ship to customers “anywhere,” Malve said. The partners already are looking See

ATOMIC on page 34

Mike Malve is excited about his revival of Atomic Comics, which opens Wednewsday in SanTan GVillage. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

BUSINESS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

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beyond Gilbert to possible future expansion elsewhere: “We have several locations in mind throughout Arizona,” Malve said. Why the Gilbert/SanTan Village? “It’s an untapped market in the Valley,” Malve said. “There’s nothing like Atomic Comics on the east side of town. We love being near movie theaters and SanTan Village had an amazing space that just so happens to be next to Harkins movie theater.” Malve originally started Atomic Comics in 1988 as Bubba’s Comic Store in Phoenix. A year later, it moved to Mesa and changed its name to Atomic Comics. Additional stores followed at Phoenix’s Metrocenter, Chandler in the East Valley and Paradise Valley before the chain went bankrupt and closed in 2011, blaming its expansion, the troubled economy following the Great Recession and a Mesa storefront that was destroyed by a car five years earlier, sending patrons elsewhere during months of reconstruction. The chain had a reputation nationwide for a knowledgeable staff as well as frequent promotions and popular events that would bring big-name industry talent to connect with fans in the Valley. Malve used his industry connections in these efforts, as well as making sure the Atomic Comics brand was enshrined in the 2010 big-screen adaptation of the Mark Millar-John Romita Jr. title “Kick-Ass.” “I’ve always wanted to bring Atomic Comics back,” Malve told Nerdvana. “I was just waiting for the right time to do it, and waiting to find the right people to do it with.” “I am really excited to be back in the comics retail game, I miss that nonstop everyday action that comes with owning a comic book store,” Malve said. “The daily interaction with your customers, publishers and other friends in the industry is just a lot of fun. Every day is like Christmas morning. “We’ve had some old employees and friends come by the shop and help us bag and board comics and hangout. The joy I’ve seen from the people that came by and found the shop early, be it past Atomic Comics employees or customers, the happiness I’m feeling is really shared by them when they step into

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really excited to “beI am back in the comics

retail game, I miss that nonstop everyday action that comes with owning a comic book store, the daily interaction with your customers, publishers and other friends in the industry is just a lot of fun. Every day is like Christmas morning.

”

– Mike Malve

the new store and they realize Atomic Comics is back.” Nerdvana asked Malve how the new Atomic Comics will be different from the brand’s previous life. “The collectibles market has been incredibly strong the last couple of years and shows no signs of slowing down,” Malve said. “Since Atomic Comics shut down 10 years ago, no other stores have really been able to offer the type of experiences and culture that Atomic Comics was able to deliver on for so many years. “People need something to keep them busy and find joy in, comics and collectibles have become even more important to collectors.” “The current state of the world we are living in, people need something to keep them busy and find joy in, comics and collectibles have become even more important to collectors.” When asked if he plans to take on other local stores (like Samurai Comics, which picked up where Atomic left off and recently expanded to Chandler), he said Atomic wants to be a part of the healthy and thriving geek community in the Valley. “There are a lot of great comics stores out there, but we will be trying to push the envelope as always have by providing as many fun products as we can including comics, toys, statues, magic cards, Pokemon cards, board games, clothing, accessories, gifts, and anything else that is fun and geeky.”

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Talented core guides Hamilton to third consecutive state title BY DREW SCHOTT Contributing Writer

Heading into the 2021 season, Steve Kanner won eight state titles and three national championships at Hamilton High School. After his Huskies Men’s Golf squad beat 51 schools at the Bart Granger Memorial in Texas, he knew the group was capable of a special season. “That was really the highlight of the regular season,” Kanner said. “That really spurred us on. It really just confirmed in our minds that we were a strong team and someone to reckon with here in Arizona.” On Nov. 4, Kanner’s team proved him right. Hamilton brought home its third consecutive and ninth overall state title in the Division I State Golf Championship at the Omni Tucson National. Five Huskies golfers finished with 10 of the best scores — including the top four. Hamilton played five tournaments ahead of the state championship and won two of them. A Huskies golfer finished in the top four in four of the contests, including junior Wyatt Chapman’s first place finish in the Hamilton Invitational. Chapman, who couldn’t play until

From left: Jaylen Choi, Mahanth Chirravuri, Vincent Cervantes, Nick Lippe, Wyatt Chapman, Anawin Pikulthong and Kush Shah are all part of Hamilton’s golf program that won its third consecutive state title under head coach Steve Kanner this season, running away from competition in Tucson. (Courtesy Steve Kanner)

the Bart Granger Memorial due to transferring from Casteel High School, joined Hamilton because of the team’s talent and his interest in pursuing college golf. Alongside players such as senior Mahanth Chirravuri and junior Anawin Pikulthong, committed to the University of Southern California and Arizona State University, respectively, Chapman played his way onto an impressive roster of some of the state’s top high school golfers. “The level of skill at Hamilton is just unreal,” Chapman said. “We’ll just keep pushing each other like we did all season. Because at the end of the day, we all want to beat each other. That’s just kind of the mindset. It’s a really good (one) and that See

GOLF on page 36

Hamilton snaps Chandler’s streak, secures top seed in Open BY JAKE HEDEBY Staff Writer

The Battle for Arizona Avenue has always been a rivalry with emotions running high and vital implications to the 6A rankings. In recent history, it has been an even matchup, with both Chandler powerhouses alternating domination in Arizona since 2000. This year proved to be much of the same as it was a close game throughout, with Hamilton prevailing in the end, 21-14 to snap the Wolves’ 45-game win streak. Chandler had been on a tear in the rivalry, winning the last nine matchups against Hamilton. Before that run, Hamilton burst onto the scene in Arizona high school football, winning 13 straight games against the Wolves. Now, the programs find themselves in less than familiar territory, both ranked nationally in the top 15 fighting to take over the city of Chandler. It had a big-time feel to it from the start. Chandler began the night adamant about being physical, and it took Hamilton a little while to catch up to the intensity. “Being physical from the start is big time. It means they may be more scared of us towards the end of the game. You have to get the first hit,” Hamilton wide receiver Christian Anaya said. Field position was huge Friday for both teams, as Chandler got the ball close to midfield both times it scored in the first quarter. The first touchdown of the game

be more efficient, started running quick pass plays. Anaya was a big part of helping his quarterback settle down. “Yeah, slants, outs, one step passes, everything we did helped us win,” Anaya said. The second half was filled with two defenses that did not want to be the ones who gave up the score that broke the tie. Getting down to the red zone was tough for both teams, as long drives were hard to come by all night, which was why there were two huge turnovers that decided the game. Hamilton got into scoring position and beHamilton’s 21-14 win over rival Chandler last Friday in the Battle for Arizona Avenue ended the Wolves’ 45-game win streak. It was also the first time Chandler lost to an in-state opponent since 2017. (Zac BonDu- fore it could even kick a field goal, Chandler’s rant/Contributor) Amar Elmore recovered a fumble by the Huskies. came from the arm of Blaine Hipa, who terback Nicco Marchiol. The key to the offense getting on Immediately following, Chandler lost connected on a 56-yard bomb to Ohio a roll according to the Husky quartera fumble of its own. Zdebski credited State commit Kyion Grayes. Less than back was pounding the inside zone and his player’s experience for not getting two drives later for the Wolves, Hipa running the ball effectively. After that, too high or too low when things like found Quaron Adams for the long 50he can spread the ball around. that happen. yard score. “Guys like Christian Anaya, and Tré “That’s what they’re used to, they In between those scores for ChanSpivey, there’s no one else I’d rather go are very levelheaded. On to the next dler, Hamilton answered with a touchget the ball from me than those two,” play,” Zdebski said. down pass of its own. Anaya set the Marchiol said. Marchiol took advantage of being Huskies up with great field position on Halftime adjustments were everya punt return and finished the drive thing in this matchup. Marchiol set to with a 5-yard score, coming from quarSee on page 36

HAMILTON

SPORTS & RECREATION

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from page 35

motivates us to practice.” Despite the upcoming graduation of Chirravuri and Nick Lippe, sophomore Vincent Cervantes — the top individual golfer at the state championship (134) — is optimistic that the team will continue its success. A glimpse at the Huskies’ future came at the Hamilton Invitational. Without Chirravuri, Cervantes and Pikulthong due to their participation in individual tournaments, Hamilton took on five other schools at the Bear Creek Golf Complex in Chandler. Chapman and Lippe tied for first — Chapman won on a scorecard playoff

HAMILTON

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

— Kush Shah finished fifth and Jaylen Choi placed ninth. “Winning that tournament, it really showed the depth of our team,” Lippe — a senior — said, “(and) that we have a lot of skill.” Throughout the season, Kanner witnessed the development of his championship squad and recognized their camaraderie. He credited the team with a “tremendous” work ethic and a drive to improve on the course. From the practice range to the weight room, the longtime coach saw how his team was enjoying the process of improving. “That really says a lot about them,” Kanner said. “To be able to do that and then carry it over in a competitive envi-

ronment like a tournament collectively, not only individually.” This mentality was evident in the state championship. The Huskies won by 27 strokes. The top four finishers — all Huskies — all shot between a 134 and a 140. Hamilton’s fifth golfer — Lippe — shot a 144 and finished tied for seventh place. Its success in Tucson continued a historical streak for the program, as the Huskies made the postseason for the 23rd year. It also created new marks. According to Kanner, Cervantes is the first sophomore to win since Richard Lee, a 31-year-old Hamilton graduate who currently plays on the Asian Tour. Despite Brophy College Preparatory winning the first two tournaments of

the season, Hamilton’s five golfers and late season victories have continued to establish it as the elite program of Arizona high school golf. Two of those five are Chirravuri and Lippe, who recently concluded their final seasons of high school golf. “We both played all three state championships that we won the last three years,” Lippe said. “We’ve contributed a lot to the team and helped bring back a lot of wins. I feel like we’ve been a part of a lot of winning tournaments.” Even though the season doesn’t start until next fall, Cervantes is excited for the upcoming campaign and expressed confidence in the returning roster. “Next year, we’ll do our best and give it all we got,” Cervantes said.

from page 35

gifted the ball back so soon, hitting Spivey for a 7-yard touchdown. This scoring play broke the tie for the first time in the second half and ended up being the decider in this unbelievable rivalry. It was also Marchiol’s second touchdown pass of the night, finishing with 79 yards passing on 12 of 19 attempts. The West Virginia commit also added 24 yards rushing on 11 carries, however, most of those were Chandler defenders chasing him out of the pocket Hamilton continued to be stifling on the defensive end as Chandler had one last chance to put together a game-tying drive at the end, but the Husky defense stood strong and sacked Hipa three times in a row, capping off a stunning victory in the Battle for Arizona Avenue. Zdebski was not surprised with how his team stuck together till the end, finishing the regular season undefeated was just one of his goals. “This is where we want Hamilton to be. This was the expectation when I took the job, it’s a part of the job

Hamilton senior quarterback Nicco Marchiol threw two touchdown passes in the Huskies’ win over Chandler. The win helped the Huskies earn the top spot in the Open Division playoffs. (Zac BonDurant/Contributor)

requirement,” Zdebski said. The win catapulted Hamilton into the top spot in the Open Division rankings. Chandler, the top-ranked team all season, fell to No. 2. The Huskies will face 4A foe American Leadership Academy – Queen Creek in the quarterfinals on Nov. 26. The Wolves will host Queen Creek. Basha, another local Chandler school, is No. 3 in the Open Division. The Bears will host No. 6 Liberty. The other matchup among the top eight teams will take place in Peoria as No. 4 Cactus, a 4A team, hosts 5A Saguaro. Marchiol described the win as “indescribable.” He now hopes to lead the Huskies to their first state title since 2012. “It’s indescribable. Knowing the history of these schools, to do it at home in front of our crowd,” Marchiol said. “You can’t describe it. This is what I’ve been thinking about since I was a sophomore.”

Hamilton wins second straight 6A volleyball title BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor

Hamilton head volleyball coach Sharon Vanis told her team ahead of the 6A Conference state championship that in order to win, they had to establish momentum early on in the match. Her players responded. The second-ranked Huskies got off to a hot start against the top seed Sandra Day O’Connor Eagles, utilizing the power from outside hitters Jordan Middleton and Micah Gryniewicz while also playing strong defense at the net. That combination allowed Hamilton to flourish and eventually go on to win the 6A title for the second straight year in four sets over the Eagles – 26-24, 2522, 25-27 and 25-20. “I never felt panicked, even when it was 26-24, I felt we had enough firepower that we were going to come through in the end,” Vanis said. “Sandra Day played great. It feels absolutely great.” The Huskies managed to jump out

Hamilton High School player hoist up their trophy after beating Sandra Day O’Connor High School to win the 2021 Conference 6A Arizona Volleyball State Championship, Saturday, November 13, 2021, at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Arizona. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

to an early lead in the first two sets, but O’Connor responded. The Eagles were at the mercy of the Huskies who had a game point leading 24-19. O’Con-

nor then went on to score five straight points to tie the game at 24. A timeout allowed Hamilton to settle down and score the next two

points to take a 1-0 lead. O’Connor made another late push in the second set with Hamilton again threatening to clinch. But the Huskies didn’t let the Eagles tie again. The match as a whole went back and forth the entire way through. The two teams traded leads in the third set before strong play from O’Connor’s defense allowed the Eagles to win it. Vanis said for a moment Hamilton’s players began to question themselves because hard-hit balls simply weren’t falling to the floor. O’Connor managed to recover every time. But Hamilton soon after got back to its basics: feed Middleton and Gyniewicz and play relentless defense at the net. “Our trust, chemistry and we knew we could do it,” Gryniewicz said of the reasons her team was successful against O’Connor. “If you know you can do it, it comes easy. We picked each other up after every point because we were that See

VOLLEYBALL on page 37

SPORTS & RECREATION

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

VOLLEYBALL

from page 36

confident.” Gryniewicz, an Alabama commit, has been playing alongside Middleton since the two were in eighth grade. The two helped strengthen the Hamilton program, leading the Huskies to the 6A title last season as juniors and played a vital role as sophomores the year before. The two had always dreamed of winning a state title together. And now they have two. Middleton, a USC commit, said she looks forward to heading off to Los Angeles with the same goal in mind for the Trojan program. “This means a lot to me,” Middleton said. “Especially so I can tell my college coaches, ‘hey, I came from a state championship, I’m so excited to bring you guys a whole title.’ It’s amazing.” While Gryniewicz said she always plays with a chip on her shoulder, the Hamilton team came in with a little extra motivation for the title game. O’Connor was one of just five teams to beat the Huskies this season. The Ea-

Hamilton High School player rush onto the court to celebrate after beating Sandra Day O’Connor High School to win the 2021 Conference 6A Arizona Volleyball State Championship, Saturday, November 13, 2021, at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Arizona. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

gles were one of just two in-state teams to do it. The last meeting in August saw Hamilton leading 2-0 before O’Connor reverse swept the Huskies in five sets.

Leading 2-0 in the match Middleton said that was on the mind of her and her teammates. They wanted to close out the game this time and not give the

Eagles a chance. “We knew we couldn’t let this happen again, we do not want it to repeat,” Middleton said. “We knew we had to dial in and get the next set.” The win was the second-ever state title for the Huskies, who have played in several other championship games under Vanis before. This year’s team was as battle-tested as the rest, if not more, having competed in national tournaments against some of the top teams in the country. In October the Huskies hosted the Geico Volleyball Invitational where they made it to the championship match against top-ranked Marymount. They fell 3-1 but Vanis said it was yet another learning opportunity for her players. She hoped back then a tough match against a team of that caliber would help propel the Huskies to another state title. That came to fruition Saturday at Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum. “This feels just as good as the first one,” Vanis said. “It’s special. This is just about the same group as last time. I know how hard they work so it’s pretty special.”

Valley Christian gets over hump, wins 3A volleyball title BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor

Coach Lindy Ramsland and her Valley Christian volleyball team know all too well what it feels like to make a run to the state championship and fall short. It’s happened two years in a row for the Trojans. Entering Saturday’s 3A title match as the No. 2 seed against top-ranked Snowflake – a team that beat Valley Christian back in October – Ramsland and the two seniors on the roster were determined to not feel the same heartbreak for a third year in a row. And while it was rough during the first half of all three sets, the Trojans prevailed. Valley Christian swept Snowflake in three sets – 25-21, 25-21 and 25-21 – to win the 3A Conference state championship at Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum. “We were the better team this year, I knew it was our year,” Ramsland said. “We knew it would come down to the mental game. It’s been a hard season. It feels so good after so many years being so close to finally win it.” Snowflake entered the title game riding a 14-game win streak in which the Lobos surrendered only five total sets. Their athleticism at the net shined early on in every set, as they often were able to jump out to small leads over the Trojans, forcing them to rally from behind. But Valley Christian answered the call. Near the midway point of every set a switch flipped for the Trojans. Fantastic play at the net with key blocks from junior Kate Phillips, who had a team-high three, helped will them back into every set and make runs that forced Snowflake to play from behind. In each instance, the deficit was too much to overcome as Valley Christian ran away with each set win. Senior Cara Braun had a team-high 15 kills in the match. Junior Korah Nordin had 12 kills and Phillips added nine more for the Trojans. Braun also had the

Valley Christian’s volleyball program captured the 3A Conference state championship Saturday against Snowflake at Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum. (Zach Alvira/Staff)

game-winning ace. “I think this team is a lot different from the other two years,” Braun said. “Not with talent or skill but in our ability to go against the momentum from the other team. We have an ability to flip a switch. That was the difference this year.” Braun was overcome with emotion as she fell to the floor after her ace to win the trophy, and again when she gathered with her team to hoist it. She is one of two seniors on the team alongside Kylie Wong, who played libero for the Trojans. Together, the two were determined not to feel the same heartbreak they

felt the last two seasons. Wong led the team with 20 digs against Snowflake. Nordin added 11 and Braun 10. “I’ve never cried like that in my life,” Braun said. “It was the sweetest, most emotional feeling having a big group hug with my team. My family was here and the people who have supported me my whole career … I’m crying again. It’s such an amazing feeling.” Throughout the match Ramsland would routinely pump up her team in huddles during timeouts. The team is one big family, an extended one from what she and one of her assistants have

at home with newborns. The championship makes the countless hours she spent away from her child worth it. Especially when it involves overcoming two straight championship losses. “I’ve coached a lot of these girls for 4 years, sometimes more with club,” Ramsland said. “We have a really closeknit community, and they are all really good kids. I tell them my job is to motivate them and if that makes me look like a psychopath then so be it. “I’m so proud of them. This is such a good group of girls.”

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

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Big Pharma distracts Arizonans from real medical scares BY BLYTHE KAUHN Guest Writer

Tensions continue to rise as Congress approaches a vote on the budget reconciliation bill, and Medicare negotiation hangs in the balance. This provision would allow Medicare to do exactly what the name implies, negotiate with drug companies to lower the prices of prescription drugs, to the benefit of patients right here in Arizona and across the country. Because right now, pharmaceutical companies dictate the price of drugs in the U.S., and have forced Americans to pay far more for medicine than most wealthy countries. So it is no surprise that the industry will fight against Medicare negotiation tooth and nail. As a part of the fight, Big Pharma is running an ad campaign designed to scare constituents with falsehoods that Medicare negotiation will lead to decreased access to the drugs Arizonans need to live. The ads, deemed “Mediscare,” falsely

claim that Medicare negotiation will decrease patient access to prescription drugs and cut Medicare benefits. In reality, Medicare negotiation would increase access to prescription drugs by removing the burden of high prices, resulting in better health care outcomes for patients like me. Unlike Big Pharma’s false narrative, I faced a real nightmare after I experienced a life-threatening medical scare that sent me to the hospital at age seven. Doctors eventually diagnosed me with Type 1 diabetes, a disease I will live with for the rest of my life, and which requires me to take insulin to survive. As if a chronic illness isn’t hard enough, imagine the constant state of concern I experience as I have watched the price of my insulin vials rise from $20 in 1996 to over $350 in 2021, and I use two vials of insulin a month. That’s simply unaffordable for me. Every time I make a big life decision, it is informed by the need to afford my insulin. My husband had to take a job he was far

less excited about in order to get medical insurance that would help cover the price of my insulin. Without that job or insurance, we could never afford the price of my medication. And if I drop a vial, I face the $350 price tag, forcing me to choose between food, rent, or my own health. My story, and thousands of similar cases across the country, are exactly why Medicare negotiation needs to be included in the reconciliation process. High prescription drug prices literally mean life or death for some Arizonans individuals. The U.S. prescription drug market is the largest in the world, yet somehow we continue paying the highest price for the same medications other countries obtain for much cheaper. A 2018 study of data found that insulin prices are eight times higher in the U.S. compared to 33 other countries. And pharmaceutical companies are using their profits from the high price of drugs to push back against legislation

that will lower drug prices and help patients - like Medicare negotiation. They are currently using some of their vast sums of wealth to send large boxes labeled, “Medical Shipment. Please Open Immediately.” to seniors and unaffiliated voters in Arizona. Inside these boxes, Arizonans find misleading literature and empty pill bottles attempting to scare us into urging Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly to cave and strip Medicare negotiation from the reconciliation bill. Arizonans like myself need relief, and through the reconciliation process, Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly have the best opportunity in over a decade to pass Medicare negotiation into law. I hope the Senators will listen to the patients in Arizona who are suffering and ignore pharma’s scare tactics to include Medicare negotiation legislation in the reconciliation package. Blythe Kauhn is a patient advocate and resident of Chandler.

Chandler Cultural Foundation excited for the future BY DAVID WOODRUFF Guest Writer

After more than 18 months of meeting virtually, the members of the board of directors for the Chandler Cultural Foundation were able to meet for the first time in person on Sept, 24 for a retreat. As the chair of this dynamic board of diverse community leaders, it is my honor to work with all of them to provide the oversight and guidance for the programming presented at Chandler Center for the Arts. As we talked throughout the day, it

was re-energizing to connect with my fellow volunteers and the CCA staff. We reviewed the highlights of how the center continued to deliver the arts to the community even while its doors were closed: no-cost online visual and performing arts programs that reached more than 7,000 young people, the free CCA Anywhere series of performances that were experienced by families and individuals at nearly 40,000 households, 37 outdoor performances at the CCA and Chandler Museum, and incredible partnerships with local artists and arts organizations. I don’t think we imagined what kind of impact we could make when we were first quarantined in March 2020

and staff had to act quickly to manage cancelled shows and educational programs. With a new year ahead of us, the board of directors for the Chandler Cultural Foundation has a renewed dedication in its purpose to serve the City we all call home. We felt a new excitement in all that is possible for the CCA and our roles in making that possibility a reality. As a result, we created five new workgroups with the purpose of exploring new initiatives, giving space for fresh perspectives, and creating action items that can be implemented over the next year. As community leaders who have a fiduciary responsibility to

the amazing work done at the CCA, we recommitted to our roles as advocates and ambassadors for the arts. Don’t be surprised if you are out in the community and you meet one of the 15 members of our board members, enthusiastically talking about Chandler Center for the Arts, its programs, its $8 million impact on the local economy, and the power the arts can have on all of our residents. I can’t wait to give you an update in a year. In the meantime, stay up-to-date on all we have going on at chandlercenter.org. David Woodruff, chairs the Chandler Cultural Foundation Board of Directors.

Biden inaction leaving Arizona seniors behind BY KAREN BARNO Guest Writer

Arizona’s senior living facilities serve about 45,000 older residents, a population equal to the town of Prescott. These elderly grandparents, parents, veterans and retirees are being left behind by the Biden Administration, which has made combatting the COVID pandemic a top policy priority but has failed to deploy available federal resources to protect Arizona’s most vulnerable age group. While our state’s senior living communities have fought hard to safeguard residents for the last 18 months, these communities need access to federal assistance ASAP. Without this vital help, many will close their doors, creating a housing crisis for seniors at the exact moment they need safe places to live. Assisted living swiftly established new health protocols, added personal protective equipment, enhanced infection prevention and control measures and supported employees who accepted greater risk themselves with benefits like hero pay. These

actions worked but came with at a substantial cost – one that has yet to be met by equivalent federal funding allocations. Nearly two-thirds of assisted living facilities reporting no COVID-related deaths at all, highlighting the effectiveness of preventative efforts. But to make their efforts a success, Arizona senior living communities incurred nearly $750 million in expenses and lost revenue due to the related slowdown in incoming residents while facilities remained locked down. Nationwide, senior living communities have suffered nearly $30 billion in expenses and losses. Congress recognized that healthcare providers could not sustain losses on that scale and if they went bankrupt and closed it would compound a pandemic with a senior housing crisis. In 2020, bipartisan legislation created a Provider Relief Fund and supplied it with $178 billion with the intention of offsetting these losses and ensuring senior living communities in Arizona and across the country remained open. While Congress acted swiftly, the Biden Administration has not, leaving your neighbors in mem-

ory care, assisted living, and Alzheimer’s communities behind. Only $14 billion of the Provider Relief Fund remains undistributed despite a resurgent virus. Of the money that has been distributed, less than 1 percent has gone to assisted living facilities. In Arizona, our 2,135 assisted living communities have collectively received approximately $15 million in federal aid to address nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars in expenses and losses. Members of Congress have recognized that failure to distribute federal relief funds quickly and equitably is not a path out of the pandemic, but a path toward bankruptcy. Arizona’s U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema has led a bipartisan group including Senator Mark Kelly to urge the Biden Administration to act, writing: “Immediate targeted financial relief that equitably provides resources to these caregivers as other comparable long-term care providers is necessary. These resources will help offset the continued expenses for PPE, staffing, infection prevention and control, vaccine

administration, and testing.” It has been discouraging to watch the Biden Administration ignore these calls for action and neglect Arizona’s senior living communities by failing to provide an equitable, targeted distribution of vital federal financial aid. The administration’s inaction means financial peril for assisted living caregivers as the Delta variant of COVID continues to impact daily life. The more than 45,000 seniors who reside in Arizona’s assisted living facilities can’t afford continued inaction by the Biden Administration The Biden Administration should direct U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to immediately provide targeted Provider Relief Funds to healthcare providers, including assisted living caregivers, quickly and equitably and help us protect Arizona’s vulnerable senior citizens. Mr. President, don’t leave Arizona’s seniors behind, again. Karen Barno is president and CEO of Arizona Assisted Living Federation of America.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

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Black Student Union fills big need at Casteel BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Sophomore Bryce Black said he was aware he is in the minority on the Casteel High School campus. He says it’s an unsettling feeling. “You’re not comfortable being yourself, because you’re around people who are not like you,” Black said. That was the motivation behind one of his football teammates stepping forward to start a Black Student Union at the Chandler Unified school in Queen Creek. “There were a lot of Black students that didn’t feel comfortable,” sophomore Jaylen Jones said. “So, I wanted to make a group where they could come together, and we could also bring in other students of all races, all different religions. “We could share and celebrate our differences.” Bryce and Jaylen were freshmen when they began to pursue starting the club about a year ago during a pandemic. “It was difficult to get students to come out to it, because of COVID, … they didn’t feel comfortable being in an enclosed space,” Jaylen said. “We had like 40 kids sign up by the end, just by

Left: Jaylen Jones is one of the founders and current president of the Casteel High School Black Student Union. Right: Jaleah Hendrix stands in front of members of the Casteel High School Black Student Union as they film a video that will be shown at an upcoming school event. (David Minton/Arizonan Staff Photographer)

lunch … It was insane. It was exciting.” A year later the pair of running backs are seeing the success of their efforts. More than 60 students are members this year and the BSU held its first event recently with a group outing to Top Golf. They invited the Black Student

Unions from other schools to join them. But it wasn’t easy getting to that point. Jones said it was a tedious process to get the club up and running. And then once they started, there was some backlash when the club was just

forming. “There was a little in the beginning that Mr. [Principal Jason] Phillips managed really well,” said Rae Black, a Casteel teacher and a co-sponsor of the See

BSU on page 41

At age 11, CUSD student is an app developer I would read books “ a lot, and so I ended up

BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Sai Hasini Gnanavel was searching for a big idea. The 11-year-old a sixth grader at Basha Accelerated Middle School wanted to enter the Silicon Valley Challenge, which rewards young programers. But she needed an idea. She noticed something about her dad. “My dad buys unnecessary things that he only uses once, and never uses again,” Sai said. “So, I wondered what he’ll do afterwards.” That’s when the light bulb went off. She developed her own app called Rent & Share, which allows people to either rent or share their household items with their neighbors. “It basically solves the problem of clutter,” she said. So despite her age, Sai has an app on the Google’s Marketplace. Rent & Share is not currently available on Apple’s App Store, but Sai said she hopes to make it available there in the future. Sai said she learned how to code at her school when she was in the fifth grade. She said it’s really hard to create your own app. “Near the end I wanted to add more features to it, but I wasn’t able to because I didn’t have the coding knowledge,” she said. In the Silicon Valley Challenge students across the country submit their projects. Sai submitted hers in January after working on the prototype for

reading a lot of mystery books, I really like how they solve mysteries, and I was thinking I want to solve my own mysteries.

”

– Sai Hasini Gnanavel

Sai Hasini Gnanavel is only 11 but she developed an app that allows people to rent or share household items. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

three weeks. “Once the prototype was completed, they reviewed the prototype, and they accepted a few of them,” her father Gnanavel said. “They sent a mentor to work with Sai.” She said those sessions taught her a great deal about programming. Still, it may not be what she will do in the future. She likes to solve problems, some-

thing programmers have to do all the time. But there’s another profession that also appeals to her: Being a detective. “I would read books a lot, and so I ended up reading a lot of mystery books,” Sai said. “I really like how they solve mysteries, and I was thinking I want to solve my own mysteries.” She said she’s received a lot of encouragement from her friends and

family. “Developing an app helped her really see … when she’s actually building an app she had a lot of learning to do,” her father said. The app allows users 18 and older to post photos of their possessions and chat with other users about their possessions. Any financial dealings are done outside of the app between users, so Gnanavel won’t be making a lot of money from the app. Both of her parents have software and tech experience, so they were able to offer some guidance. Sai says she’s proud of her app. “It’s helping people not buy new things and waste their money,” she said. “All the other ideas were bad, so this is just the good one that I had.”

NEIGHBORS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Chandler’s Darwin Wall Team raises $25K for cancer victim SANTAN SUN NEWS

A Chandler Realtor and his team last month scored a home run on behalf of a Scottsdale woman fighting breast cancer with a benefit bar-hopping event that raised $25,000. The Darwin Wall Team last week presented Rachel Ivey with the proceeds of its eighth annual Save Second Base Pub Crawl, which sold 400 tickets to people who could then cruise nine Chandler bars for a drink. The event also had 41 sponsors that filled swag bags for participants with a variety of goodies. The money raised this year far exceeded the $15,000 that the Darwin Wall Team raised with its 2020 pub crawl to benefit another cancer victim. Ivey, 44, is a single mom who has been struggling with an aggressive form of breast cancer. “Rachel was so grateful,” said Paulina Matteson, one of the Darwin Wall Team members. “She attended our event too and was going around and thanking everyone that came out to support her. We are praying for her. She wants to come out and help at our event next year.” Money raised through the pub crawl goes to the nonprofit Save Second Base, which then donates the money to a woman fighting cancer. Participating bars this year were Craft 64, San Tan Brewery, Murphy’s Law Irish Pub, Bourbon Jacks, American Tavern, The Local Chandler, Puro Cigar Bar, Sasha’s Kitchen & Cocktails, Quar-

Members of the Darwin Wall Real Estate Team presented a check for $25,000 last week to Rachel Ivey, who is g raised through their 2021 Save Second Base Pub Crawl, Tuesday, November 9, 2021, in Chandler, Arizona. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

thaus and The Stillery. Sponsors included Melton Insurance, Price Mortgage, Canamo CBD, Big Family Pools, QBE, Gerson Property Management, SoCal Fish Tacos, Earnhardt Auto Centers, Turf Hub, Muscular Moving Men, M3 Junk Removal, Rise Fit, BAMM! Tickets;

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Sun Lakes Rotary names November honoree BY DR. HONORA NORTON Guest Writer

The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes has named Kristine Schultz as the Club’s November 2021 Rotarian of the Month. Schultz, a Chandler resident, has been a RCSL member since December 2019. As the club’s Membership Committee chair, she has been an excellent manager, recruiter, mentor and leader in her monthly committee meetings. Since July 1, the Rotary Club of Sun Lakes has inducted 14 new valued members. There are eight potential members in the RCSL pipeline. RCSL is fortunate to have her as an outstanding, influencing club member and leader. Schultz additionally finds time to volunteer at many of RCSL’s community service projects, such as, the recent Hooked on Healing Vets Bike Ride. The annual Hooked on Healing Veterans Motorcycle Ride fundraiser has been held since 2016 with the help of Chandler Community Western State Bank. Rotarian Stan Kaufman is a ride organizer and San Tan Rotary Foundation President. Over the past six rides, the San Tan Rotary Foundation has raised and been able to share almost $60,000.00 with the Phoenix program of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. This program is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities. Project Healing Waters has touched over 400 wounded veterans and their families

BSU

Kristine Schultz of Chandler is the November Rotarian of the Month for the Rotary Club of Sun Lakes. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

since the program began here in the Valley in 2012. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. began in 2005 serving wounded military service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since then, PHWFF has expanded nationwide, establishing its highly successful program in Department of Defense hospitals, Warrior Transition Units, and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and clinics. This year’s ride also benefitted the “Yuletide4Heroes” program sanctioned by the Arizona Patriot Guard Riders organization. This program provides holiday dinners, Christmas trees and children’s gifts more than 200 local veterans and their families. The 2021 Ride was presented by Western State, Bank, as well as the Rotary Club of Sun Lakes, Healing Vets, Mesa’s Desert Wind Harley-Davidson, Albertsons/Safeway and Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen. For more information about opportunities to volunteer, donate items to either of these programs, or participate in the 2022 ride on March 5, see healingvets.org or contact Stan Kaufman, at stankaufman238@gmail.com Sun Lakes Rotary Club, chartered in 1986, is a leadership organization made up of men and women from local businesses, professional, education, civic and emerging leaders. Members meet regularly to get to know each other, form friendships, and through that RCSL is able to get things done within the East Valley and far beyond. Information: sunlakesrotary.com

from page 39

BSU. She’s also Bryce’s mother. “It didn’t trickle down on me, it didn’t trickle down on the students. After he educated on what the club was on his campus, it wasn’t anything after that.” Rae Black said that’s a major part of the club’s mission, to educate students. It’s something that Malcolm Jones, the other co-sponsor for the Casteel club, said he missed when he was younger. “BSU is something that I didn’t have the opportunity to do in high school,” said Malcolm Jones, who is also the school’s band director. “I think the fact that we’re doing it here at Casteel is really important.” Rae Black said about 27 percent of Casteel’s more than 4,000 students are African American. That makes them the largest minority group on the campus, which includes 7th graders through high school. She said they also hope to encourage other minorities to celebrate their cultures. They already have a success story. A fellow teacher and a student saw the Black Student Union grow at Casteel from the start and it motivated them to start an Asian Pacific Islanders club. “They were inspired by the BSU club,” Rae Black said. “We include them a lot, because they are learning and we’re already going.”

Jaleah Hendrix stands in front of members of the Casteel High School Black Student Union as they film a video that will be shown at an upcoming school event. (David Minton/Arizonan Staff Photographer)

Jaylen says they discuss current events at the club’s weekly meetings. They also look to the future and talk about historically Black colleges and universities. “I still feel like people try not to un-

derstand each other,” he said. “I believe racism has decreased incredibly compared to how it was, but I know there are still a lot of issues and still a lot of things that we want to eliminate by being so involved with the community.

“We want to have more events so they can learn more about us, and so they don’t get the wrong idea about the Black Student Union. We’re just a group that’s trying to have fun, trying to learn, trying to be better.”

NEIGHBORS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Chandler woman’s new book details cancer fight

SANTAN SUN NEWS

Anne McAuley Lopez thought life was pretty great. She was a successful professional writer starting a new life with the man of her dreams. Then, at 43 and a newlywed, she was told she had a rare and incurable form of leukemia. Once a deadly leukemia, it is now managed with daily chemo pills. Now 48, McAuley Lopez is telling the story of the fight to save her life in We Don’t Get to Ring the Bell: My CML Story, due for release Dec. 15. Chronic myeloid leukemia is rare, representing .05 percent of all new cancer diagnoses in the U.S. The American Cancer Society estimates 9,1000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2021. The average age of diagnosis is 64. In her book, McAuley Lopez shares how she faced the reality of being diagnosed with cancer while learning to navigate the uncharted waters of dealing with chronic illness. “We Don’t Get to Ring the Bell is about my personal journey, but I also wrote this as a resource to bring hope to, and advocate for, other CML patients, their caregivers, those newly diagnosed, or anyone with a chronic condition. They need to know that they can get through this,” she said. It was in 2016 when McAuley Lopez, a nationally known content writer, and her new husband, Eddie, started noticing that something was off.

Anne McAuley Lopez, a Chandler businesswoman, has written a book about her fight with a deadly form of leukemia. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

“Looking back, we both knew something was wrong. At first, I thought it was nothing. I was fatigued, but we were engaged and had a wedding to plan. I was bruising for no reason, my hair was thinning, and I was feeling intense anxiety. It was this anxiety that finally brought me to a naturopath, and eventually to a hematologist-oncologist.” McAuley Lopez’s illness was detected through a BCR-ABL, a test which checks for a specific mutation that all most CML patients have. The condition is caused by a spontaneous genetic mutation. Often, but not always, those diagnosed experience weight

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loss, pale skin, fatigue, and night sweats. Researchers do not know what causes the mutation and there is no cure for CML, but it is manageable. One of the challenges faced by patients is finding a CML specialist. Because it is rare, many patients seek a general oncologist or, if available, a hematologist-oncologist. The name of the book refers to the bell that cancer patients ring when they complete their chemo treatments. With CML, patients like Anne take the chemo pill daily for the rest of their lives or until there is a cure. There is no bell for them to ring, “My CML grew fast for a slow grow-

ing cancer, so my oncologist and I are being conservative in my treatment. I will be on chemo until there is a cure or better option. There are some patients who work with their doctor to go off their meds, but studies show 40-60 percent will relapse,” said McAuley Lopez. Along the way, she has become a staunch advocate both for herself and for others affected by the rare blood cancer. From 2016 to 2019, Team McLopez, Anne, her husband, and a host of friends and family from across the country, raised $40,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night, a fundraiser and walk to support blood cancer research. She has now told her story at venues throughout Phoenix, including in front of the 7,000+ participants of the LLS Light the Night in 2017, and at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in 2019. McAuley Lopez added that there is exciting news for CML patients. “In one chapter of the book, I write about Treatment Free Remission (TFR). This is when a patient works with their oncologist to taper down their TKI (Tyrosine kinase inhibitors). Eventually, they cease taking the drug and monitor their blood counts. Studies show, however, a 50 percent failure rate with patients ending up back on their TKI. The reason for relapse is due to CML See

LOPEZ on page 44

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

St. Benedict’s breaks ground for new church BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

More than 200 parishioners and others gathered Nov. 6 for the long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony that kicked off the conversion of the St. Benedict’s Catholic Church building. “This is a wonderful day for us,” Pastor Fr. James Aboyi, V.C., declared. “The hour has come.” No one in the crowd needed a reminder of the seven years of planning, frustration and, at times, heartbreak, that the congregation of about 1,300 families had endured to reach this milestone for the parish that began 36 years ago, though Bishop Thomas Olmstead, leader of the Phoenix Catholic Diocese, alluded to that long journey several times in his message. He singled out Aboyi when he referred to the most heartbreaking moment in the congregation’s journey – the August 2018 passing of their beloved pastor, Fr. Bob Binta – who had led the initial planning for a new church on St. Benedict’s site on S. 48th Street just south of Chandler Boulevard. Olmstead recalled how Aboyi comforted Binta during his final few months’ battle with cancer and then picked up his mantle as the chief cheerleader for the project. “I’m so grateful for the way Father James came and assisted him in the last months of his life and then continued on with his work,” Olmstead said. “It’s a real tribute to Christian fraternity and love for one another in Jesus Christ.” He likened Binta to Moses, who “saw the Promised Land from a distance. He did all the major planning.” The bishop made passing reference to the other setbacks – which included

The campaign and funding teams for the project turned shovels at the groundbreaking for the new St. Benedict’s Church. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

city planning bureaucrats’ insistence that any new building be set back from 48th Street to the point where the existing building would have to be torn down. Formed in 1985 in Chandler, the congregation moved several times until it landed in Ahwatukee in 2004. The existing building was meant to be used for mass and other services only for three years and then converted for other uses. When planning began seven years ago, the congregation envisioned a $7 million construction project, and even

St. Benedict’s congregation expects to have the renovated church ready for Christmas 2022. (File photo)

LOPEZ

from page 42

stem cells. An antibody that kills the stem cells would effectively be a cure. It is quite promising,” In We Don’t Get to Ring the Bell: My CML Story, she advises other patients,

“You Can’t Manage CML Alone - There comes a time when you need to reach out to medical professionals for help and that is okay. If one professional isn’t working for you, it’s okay to seek another opinion. If you’re not sure if what you’re feeling is CML related, check in

set up an outline one Sunday after Mass of where the new building would be located. By mid-2018, just six weeks after launching a fund drive to cover half the cost of a 20,000-square-foot church, the building committee had raised $2.5 million. But Binta died and then, in May 2019, building campaign General Manager Eamonn Ahearne announced that the committee was dialing back its schedule after some financial soul-searching. A planned opening of a new church on Christmas Day 2019 was postponed. As construction costs rose and the city refused to budge on its position, the committee switched gears and decided to convert the existing building with a massive exterior and interior renovation that will transform the building in time for the first mass to be celebrated on Christmas Day 2022. All the frustration and disappointment of the last two years gave way to an atmosphere of celebration and relief at the groundbreaking Saturday. Olmstead recalled how St. Benedict became “the father of modern monasticism,” fleeing to the mountains and becoming a hermit after visiting Rome as a teenager 1500 years ago and discovering it in a state of “great cultural and political disarray.” He noted that Benedict lived by the principles of “prayer, study and work” and said the church’s adjacency to St. John Bosco Catholic School represented the congregation’s own adherence

to those principles. Olmstead also reminded the audience that “a beautiful church will be worth all the sacrifices you have made” and that “church architecture is an expression of our love for Jesus Christ.” There were multiple turnings of shovels for the traditional groundbreaking to recognize all the different individuals and groups that had brought the congregation to this point. They included the campaign and funding teams, including Eamonn and Karen Ahearne, MacGarret Becker of the Steier Group, Mario Ella and David Gryp of Notre Dame Credit Union, Pastoral Council President Fran Polimene, Finance Council President Debbie Smith and Jennifer Sentz. The design and construction team consists of Patrick Hintz of Diocese Building & Property, HDA Acrhitect Bruce Scott, Geoffrey Schwan of Double AA Builders Ltd., and co-leads Bob Przekop and Deacon Ed Winklebauer. The support team and church staff also turned a shovelful of dirt, including Carol Engel, Marilyn Johnston, Carol Lawless, Aboyi, Fathers Wilfred Yinah and Manasseh Iorchir, Bosco Principal Jamie Bescak, Mary Jane Livens, Amy Fletcher, Nick and Nikki Garza, Clare Gisla, Heather Maloney and Jennifer Sentz. Several Bosco students also had their hands on shovels: Carta Acosta, Elle Bescak, Rylan Keane, Ella Lowe, Madeline Morrisey, Hogan O’Malley, Jasmine Schlapfer, Viana Vazquez, Daniela Fimbres and Meghan Tuzzolino.

with the CML community groups on social media, and seek medical attention. Advocate for yourself.” Today, her cancer is undetectable. We Don’t Get to Ring the Bell: My CML Story will be available on Amazon for $9.99. Anne McAuley Lopez and her com-

pany, Agency Content Writer, provide SEO optimized content, content management and content research to digital marketing agencies and their clients nationwide. For more information, call 480-206-6452 or email info@agencycontentwriter.com

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Chandler dance studio presenting ‘Season to Shine’ SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Dance Connection 2, a Chandler dance studio serving the East Valley for 35 years, is collaborating with HopeKids Arizona, a local nonprofit that supports families with children with life-threatening illnesses, on its Season to Shine program. DC2 hosted its Movin’ and Groovin’ dance workshop for the HopeKids families. “This is an opportunity for these kids to forget about the illnesses they are battling and discover and express themselves through the sport of dance,” spokeswoman Shannon Moyette said, adding that “DC2’s highly experienced staff and company dancers” worked “closely with each child teaching them a variety of dance techniques and above all make life-long memories.” The dance workshop was a stepping stone to prepare the foundation’s young performance hopefuls and their families for DC2’s A Season to Shine holiday showcase at 3 p.m. Dec. 11. A Season to Shine is full of holiday classics performed by the studios’ dancers that Moyette said creates “a memorable family event for all ages.” Hope Kids Executive Director Andrea Lewis said, “Our goal is to provide hope for our children and their

Jordyn Berry laughs and Olivia and Gwen Ferguson dance with each other as children from HopeKids learn to dance with instructors from Dance Connection 2.

(David Minton/Staff Photographer)

families and this program supports that mission. “Collaborating with DC2 over the years has been such a rewarding expe-

rience for our children who are fighting cancer and other life-threatening medical conditions by allowing them to shine, make new friendships and most

importantly provide hope.” DC2 dancers will also perform two other shows at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 at the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 22149 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek. Tickets go on sale for the Friday and Saturday shows Nov. 23 at qcpac.com. A portion of proceeds from all three performances will be donated directly to HopeKids Arizona. “It has been a tough time for many, so being able to make this program happen with HopeKids Arizona and share it with the community is truly a bright spot this holiday season,” said MaryAnna Gooch, owner of DC2. “Seeing all our dancers share their passion and love of dance with these children both in the studio and on stage is an inspiration and an experience that I hope will stay with them beyond the dance floor.” DC2 offers a variety of recreational classes to performance and competitive dance teams and anyone “interested in discovering and expressing themselves through the sport of dance.” Information: danceconnection2.com. HopeKids provides ongoing events, activities, and a powerful, unique support community for families with critically ill children. Founded in 2001., it now serves nearly 1,500 families in Arizona. Information: hopekids.org.

Chandler author-artist keeping busy this season SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Chandler novelist-artist Laurie Fagen is a busy woman. She has just released the third novel in “Behind the Mic” mystery series while her other interests are keeping her active during the holiday season. The Fox Crossing author and longtime journalist has released her third novel in the series, title “Bleeder.” Her protagonist, a Chandler radio crime reporter named Lisa Powers, helps police solve cold cases and because she’s in a gritty crime world all day, she writes campy murder mystery podcasts at night. The main storyline of “Bleeder” focuses on “the often silent yet violent world of domestic violence,” Fagen explained. “My protagonist also investigates a cold case that may have been a result of a domestic incident as well.” At the same time, Powers is covering the trial of a cop shooter who took her hostage in the previous “Behind the Mic” novel, titled “Dead Air.” Fagen relied on her previous broadcasting career to take readers behind the scenes of that trial. She used her experience running a contemporary art gallery in Chandler for her character’s podcast, titled “Art of the Steal,” where a gallery owner is found dead, a painting is missing and plenty of suspects emerge. Fagen on her website, readlauriefagen.com, writes that the domestic violence story that launches “Bleeder”

Chandler author-artist Laurie Fagen has released her third novel in a mystery series revolving around a radio crime reporter. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

comes “mostly from my imagination, with a little help from various writers police academy sessions I have attended over the years. Some of the cop information about ‘DV’ is also from talking to law enforcement at those workshops as well.” Fagen had a three-decade journal-

ism and video production career that included KTAR News Radio in Phoenix; KWWL-TV, an NBC affiliate television station in Waterloo, IA; The Phoenix Channel, the City of Phoenix government access cable television channel; as owner of Word Painting and writer, producer and director for corporate

video; and as former owner and publisher of SanTan Sun News, with her late husband, Geoff Hancock. Fagen will also have her fiber and jewelry work on display and for sale at the 25th annual Hidden In The Hills studio tour at The Images Studio #18, 6925 E. Windstone Trail, Scottsdale. In addition, Fagen Designs’ fiber wall art can be seen at The Finer Arts Gallery, a new art space at 6137 E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek. She will be volunteering at the Gallery from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 5 and Dec. 11. Info: FagenDesigns.com, facebook.com/ FagenDesigns and thefinerartsgallery.com. Fagen also will sing Christmas songs accompanied by pianist Pam Morita of Phoenix with several other performers during a holiday concert 7 p.m. Dec. 3 for a fundraiser for the House of Broadcasting Museum. The nonprofit House of Broadcasting, is dedicated to educating the public and preserving and celebrating the history, personalities, and paraphernalia of radio and television in Arizona. It is one of only five museums in the country dedicated to the broadcast industry. The four others are in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Washington D. C. All those on stage have worked in radio and television. It will be performed live at Central United Methodist Church, Kendall Hall, 1875 N. Central, Phoenix then rebroadcast on AZTV Channel 7 (AZtv.com). Information: houseofbroadcasting. com. Tickets: 602-944-1997.

ARTS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Chandler arts center offering holiday shows SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Ballet Etudes will kick off the holiday season of special presentations at the Chandler Center for the Arts with several performances of the Christmas classic, “The Nutcracker.” Here is a schedule of offerings at the center.

The Nutcracker

Nov. 26-Dec. 5 Let Clara’s magical journey surround you as she encounters life-size mice, swirling snowflakes, dancing confections, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. A feast for the eyes and ears with colorful costumes paired with Tchaikovsky’s original score, Ballet Etudes’ Nutcracker is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with the entire family.

Spirit Of Christmas

Dec.11-19 The Spirit of Christmas is an energetic variety show featuring a cast of more than 100 dancers, singers, a horse and carriage, special guest performers, and a champion hoop dancer.

Sons Of Serendip

Dec. 22 Sons of Serendip is a unique Billboard-charting quartet with a harpist, cellist, pianist and lead vocalist. This charismatic

Left: Ballet Etudes will present “The Nutcracker” at the Chandler Center for the Arts beginning Thanksgiving weekend. Right: “The Spirit of Christmas” offers a colorful opening to the holiday season at Chandler Center for the Arts. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

quartet returns to Chandler to perform their unique arrangements of popular holiday songs. The America’s Got Talent finalists offer “emotionally stirring, breathtaking vocals and strings arrangements.”

Rodgers & Hammerstein, as well as other popular Broadway shows.

The Best Of Broadway

Vision Gallery and The Gallery at CCA Through Jan. 8 Quilts and storytelling have always complemented one another. Quilts are blanketed in the oral tradition from construction and deconstruction to concept, purpose culture and history. This year, our fan-favorite quilt show is all about telling stories. There also will be a Vision Gallery

with Musical Director JR McAlexander Dec. 31 Celebrate New Year’s Eve enjoying the greatest hits from Broadway, performed by four powerhouse vocalists and a live orchestra. The evening will include a champagne toast and party favors, all while reveling in the big bold music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and

Galley Exhibitions Art Quilts XXVI: Stitching Stories

Holiday Shopping Event 5-7 p.m. Dec. 20. Find unique artist-created jewelry, ceramics, ornaments and more for everyone on your list. Enjoy hot chocolate and special treats as your browse through gift-giving delights. The box office at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon-5 p.m. Saturday. Information: chandlerarts.org The Gallery is open during the same times. Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St. is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. visiongallery.org

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Hair and makeup by Terre Steed adds even more color to the Phoenix Theatre’s presentation of the musical hit “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” (Courtesy Phoenix Theatre)

Terre Steed brings color to ‘Rocky Horror’ BY ANNIKA TOMLIN Staff Writer

Hair and makeup are essential components for a colorful theater production. Terre Steed is the mastermind behind or slew of hair and makeup creations for Phoenix Theatre most recently for the musical “The Rocky Horror Show.” He also plays the keys for the show as well. “Our director, Robbie Harper, the story that he wanted to tell with this production especially given the climate that we have politically regarding gender and what that means, we wanted to show that these aliens, the characters of Frank N. Furter, Magenta and Riff Raff, gender is a construct — they don’t have gender,” Steed said about the show that plays until Dec. 5. “Brad and Janet are coming into this story with their 1950s gender norms and then have all of those preconceived ideas of what gender is blown apart in a very aggressive way of course. For ‘Rocky,’ it’s all about makeup, wigs and rock ‘n’ roll and I feel like it is such unlike a lot of other shows because a lot of the story depends on strong hair and makeup concepts to pull that whole nongender thing across.” Steed has been a hair and makeup designer for Phoenix Theatre for more than 15 years. He started as an apprentice that required a kick line of chorus girls to have the exact same wig. “They hired me to come in and style 14 identical wigs,” Steed explains. “After that show closed, I get a call like three days later and they’re like ‘We want you to design our production of “Picnic”’ and so I think I did two or three shows that season and then it just kept going.” He is involved in six to nine shows per season. “Usually they have me do, like I don’t get to do the 30 person cast shows because I’m just me,” Steed said. “Anything usually that has drag I get to do because I was a female impersonator when I was in college. Anything with

drag or anything with fun or glitter.” Steed said he also works on “based on a true story” productions that call for him to recreate an actor as a real-life person. For most productions, he and the director have creative control over the hair and makeup looks. “Other shows where the director or the costume designer because technically in theater hair and makeup fall under the umbrella of costumes, that they have a very specific idea about things and it has to look a certain way and sometimes my artistic input has to go in the backseat,” Steed said. “I’m just there to give them on paper what they are seeing in their head. That is very rare that that happens because usually when people hire me for a show, they know what they are getting — I’m fairly opinionated.” Outside of Phoenix Theatre, Steed has worked for the former Nearly Naked Theatre, as well as other theaters across the Valley. Steed also owns a hair salon called Fairest of All at Bethany Home on Seventh Street because he is “obsessed with Disney and the Evil Queen is my hero.” While Steed is aware that Frank N. Furter as one of the main characters requires a well thought out hair and makeup design, Frank was not his top favorite character to design. “I think for this show, personally, Frank is a great character because he is the lead but I think my favorite character makeup-wise for this show is Magenta,” Steed said. “My dear friend Lynzee Foreman is playing the role of Magenta and my inspiration, the costume designer her name is Maci (Hosler), they based a lot of the costumes on post-pop-punk Britain. It’s very much in line with ‘Cruella’ with the plaids, stripes and leather.” Steed said that the costumes are reminiscent of the ’80s “London postpunk fashion.” “When I was designing the characters the image that came to mind See

ROCKY on page 48

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ARTS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

FuelFest celebrates cars, revs up the Valley BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Staff Writer

Cody Walker and Tyrese Gibson were catching up at Red Lobster when the conversation turned to Cody’s late brother, Paul, of “The Fast and the Furious” franchise. “First, I was so offended that he had never been to Red Lobster,” Gibson said with a laugh. “Cody said, ‘I don’t know what to order, dude. What are the hits here?’” After a little ribbing, Cody told Gibson about he and Chris Lee’s plan to host festivals surrounding all-things cars called FuelFest. Gibson said count me in. After a pandemic-dictated halt to the 2020 event, FuelFest is coming to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports in Chandler on Dec. 4. They want it to succeed so much that Gibson said he feels vulnerable. “I’ve only said this to a chosen few,” Gibson said. “Cody and I are very vulnerable when it comes to this whole thing about FuelFest. We were talking about Paul and to have this idea and to put this idea out there, we don’t want it to fail. We want this to be successful. We want people to know about this. “We want to get the word out so people can show up. We want them to hit the road and come out to a really legendary day that you won’t forget.” Now in its third year nationwide, FuelFest blends the enthusiast’s passion for the automotive world with celebrities, live music, food, drinks and art.

Cody Walker is using some of the proceeds for Reach Out WorldWide, a nonprofit founded by his late brother. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

The show features more than 600 top custom, exotic, rare and exclusive cars and trucks. There are car and drift exhibitions, and drag racing. FuelFest will feature a live-action drift course that runs the entire length of the venue. Spectators can catch race cars drifting all day at FuelFest. The event will showcase precision driving skills in the FuelFest Drift Pit. A portion of the events proceeds benefit Reach Out WorldWide, the nonprofit founded by Paul and continued by Cody, who is 15 years younger than his brother. The organization was founded in

Cody Walker is flattered that Tyrese Gibson is joining him in FuelFest. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

ROCKY

from page 47

immediately when I thought of Magenta and thought of that era in mind was Siouxsie Sioux from Siouxsie and the Banshees,” Steed said. “She is very much getting to make one of my friends look like Siouxsie Sioux, who is a personal hero of mine from the ’80s. As a progressive female rocker, she is a badass. I loved doing her design.” Steed grew up as a teen in the ’80s idolizing people such as Boy George and Duran Duran. “All the boys who wore lots of make-

up,” said Steed, who attended Trevor G. Brown High School in Tolleson. “I was always super obsessed with such things and then I started getting into theater in early high school and they were always needing someone to do the makeup.” His first role was for a church production where he played an 80-year-old woman and used his “mom’s eyebrow pencils and all that stuff” to create the illusion of being that character. With an art background, Steed had plans to follow a career in theater going to Phoenix and Glendale Community colleges to major in the field. Ultimate-

2010 by the late actor/producer after a massive earthquake devastated Haiti and Walker was inspired to organize a relief team that responded to the disaster. ROWW’s mission is to fill the gap between the availability of skilled resources in post-disaster situations. ROWW completed four deployments in 2020 and continues to operate where needed. To date, FuelFest has raised more than $100,000 for the charity, Cody said. “It’s a massive car festival, as we say,” said Cody, who recently moved to the Valley. “But it’s not just a car show. People are going to experience the whole shebang—drag racing, American muscle cars, exotic cars, European cars, crazy off-road vehicles. There’s something for everyone at the show. “They can see the sights, smell the fuel, the burning rubber and just have a good time. The weather is going to be amazing, especially in December in the Valley.” Arizona is important to Gibson as well as the singer-songwriter recorded the album “Black Rose” in a vacation rental in Paradise Valley. While he was here, he met one of his idols, Muhammad Ali, after receiving the “craziest text in the world.” “My life changed forever in Arizona,” said Gibson, whose album hit No. 1. “I definitely have a different level of appreciation.” Cody was flattered when Tyrese agreed to be part of FuelFest. ly, he decided that “the only thing that you can do with a degree in theater is teach it” and that he wanted to do something else. “(I got) my cosmetology license because it pays better, way more work and less extra time,” Steed said. “My idea was never to work in a salon.” He planned to stay in theater as an actor and musician as well. Years later he still enjoys what he does. Steed said he enjoys “just the transformative power of makeup in particular, I consider myself a makeup artist first and a hairdresser second. “But just when you can see someone

“Obviously, Tyrese and my brother go way back — all the way back to ‘2 Fast 2 Furious,’” he said. “We’ve all had a passion for cars and our careers are surrounded by cars. I’m heavily influenced by my brother and the whole car culture. It’s what I live and breathe every day. “I knew Tyrese and I could put on something really special and unique for car fans and ‘The Fast and the Furious’ fans to come and experience with us together. It’s such a home run in so many ways to be able to do what you love and give back at the same time.” Gibson echoed Cody’s sentiment. “My thing has always been taking the culture and the energy and the fanbase of ‘The Fast and the Furious,’ which has had this worldwide cult following for 20 years, and turning it into an event. “Paul Walker — everyone loves him. I miss him every day. He’s my brother, but Cody’s real brother. I want to take all of this energy and allow the fans to experience something that feels like ‘The Fast and the Furious’ without it being a movie premiere. Cody came up with this idea and it was a no brainer to be involved. Your background doesn’t matter — your religious or sexual preference. Cars and car culture is a universal language.” Gibson explains the festive is “escapism” at its finest. After all, everyone wants to be in or own a nice car with “nice smelling leather,” and brightly colored with cool rims. “We all know guys will go broke and literally have no gas money, but they will be more committed to rims and tires and souping up their engines,” Gibson said with a laugh. “They want to compete and win and beat everyone in their neighborhoods. Every man has a hotrod covered up in their garage. They may be married for 40 years and have 10 grandkids. But they take the car cover off and start that engine and they’re rejuvenated.”

FuelFest

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 WHERE: Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler COST: $15 to $300 INFO: fuelfest.com

and watch the change in their face, they can see someone that they didn’t think that they could be. The person that they always thought that they were inside they get to see on the outside whether because they don’t have the skill or the time or they have just been afraid.”

“The Rocky Horror Show”

When: Various times, until Dec. 5 Where: Phoenix Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Cost: $44-$94 Info: phoenixtheatre.com

ARTS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

Left: ZooLights makes for a massive footprint, encompassing most of the zoo. Right: The lights at the zoo have been a popular Valley holiday attraction for 30 years. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

ZooLights returns with 3 different experiences BY CONNOR DZIAWURA Staff Writer

Thirty years in, ZooLights has become something of an annual tradition. Each year, as winter approaches and the weather begins to cool, the popular production returns, attracting families from around the Valley to celebrate the holidays by seeing Phoenix Zoo in a new light. Presented by SRP, the seasonal display of lights returns to the zoo begin-

ning at 5:30 p.m. most days from Nov. 24 to Jan. 15 in its traditional walk-thru format, with special dates slated for drive-thru and sensory-friendly versions. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. And its scale is “massive,” according to ZooLights supervisor Justin Davis. “It’s almost our entire zoo except for our Children’s Trail,” Davis said. “So, I mean, it’s a pretty massive footprint that we have. We’re probably in the realm of about 3 million lights now, like

just with everything that we do with our trees, with our armatures, our specialty lights.” Davis describes the millions of colorful LED lights and hundreds of displays and armatures as a mix of new and old. In addition to fan-favorite lit animal sculptures like lions, tigers and the dinosaur Fran, he said Phoenix Zoo is introducing a herd of 12 buffaloes. Other new critters attendees can check out include two “oversized” black widows as well as an oversized ant colo-

ny with four ants and an ant hill. Designed by artist Russell Ronat, 13 illuminated mixed-media paintings of endangered species are special this year. Featuring an elephant, hawksbill sea turtle, Amur leopard, Bornean orangutan, wolf and Bali mynah, among others, the pieces are part of Ronat’s Project Holocene, an international traveling art exhibition to bring attention and funding to wild animal conserva-

Guide to Chandler Parks With more than 60 parks in Chandler, a variety of park programs to participate in and the option to rent ﬁelds and pavilions for life celebrations, residents and visitors have plenty of options to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Visit the Guide to Chandler Parks at chandleraz.gov/ParkGuide to discover all the things parks have to oﬀer.

See

ZOO on page 50

ARTS

ZOO

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 21, 2021

from page 49

tion. Though some of the pieces are prints of Ronat’s previous creations, Davis said others were made custom for the zoo. “He made prints of them and then he went in and used different mediums, like different types of paints and varnishes and lacquers and pencil, all different mediums so if you come during the day and see the portrait or the picture, it’s really pretty. It’s great, but then if you were to come back at night, it’s like it’s almost a whole different picture because it’s illuminated from the backside of it,” he explains. The Wildlife Lantern Safari, returning this year with an estimated 60 or more glowing lanterns, adds another element. “They’re like Chinese lanterns, so they have a light skin on them, and then they go through — it’s actually a third party that does that — and they do airbrush work on it,” Davis explained. “They actually do a really good job, and some of them are massive. They’re really cool. They just kind of help switch it up.” Two Music-in-Motion Light Shows, which Davis said will include the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, will also keep the seasonal mood going. “And now what that is, is around our main lake, after you walk in, we have a giant globe and then 11 pillars in the middle of the lake, and then all the trees that are around the lake are wrapped and then they all synced by a computer to dance along with the music that’s playing,” Davis explains. Families can see these sights and

Millions of colorful LED lights and hundreds of displays and armatures offer a mix of new and old at the Phoenix Zoo’s ZooLights show. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

have grown so much over the last year more through the regular Walk-Thru or two that the elderly or very young ZooLights or the drive-thru Cruise children, they don’t want to have to ZooLights. The latter was a new addition last year, due to the pandemic. And walk the entire trail,” Davis explains. When: Various times Nov. 24-Jan. 15 “So, we did make Cruise ZooLights an seeing as it was a success, according to CLIPPER Where:SPhoenix Zoo, 11/29/2021 455 N. Galvin MAGAZINE Mail Week: MARTHA NEESE FOR VON HANSON Davis, the zoo decided to do it again Proofoption Release still this year for those who Area: 00973-11-21 Phoenix East Valley Pkwy., Phoenix SPIRIT South Reg.; 02763-11-21 Chandler-West By:want 11/08/21 don’t to walk, but weMEATS are mostly with limited dates, though more could Approve Account #: CL112232 Cost: Walk-Thru/Sensory-Friendly Gilbert Contact your Account Service Coordinator: Ad #: CL-4803263.INDD back to walking.” be added with demand. ZooLights: $20 general admission per Brad Bass-Alex Richmond Martha Neese Team: 2J Along the way at ZooLights this seaFoot traffic will be closed for Cruise phone: 717-509-9495 phone: 480-917-2525 person, $16 per zoo member, free for 2J@cmag.com email: so Marthaneese@aol.com vendors will remain open guests ZooLights nights, which also won’t have email:son, children 2 and younger. Cruise: $75 fax: 480-917-2995 the Music-in-Motion Light Shows. Davis can warm up with hot cocoa or enjoy general admission per vehicle, $60 per Sales Rep: Gary Millslagle snacks or other concessions. said drivers can tune their radios to a zoo member vehicle “The biggest thing about ZooLights is station synced to the displays, or they Info: phoenixzoo.org/zoolights, phoecan roll down their windows to hear the it’s a very tradition-based thing,” Davis nixzoo.org/events/sensory-friend❑ ❑ ❑ said. “A lot of our guests are return music playing throughout the zoo. ly-zoolights guests because it’s just become a holi“We still want to give that as an

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For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

‘Thanks’ and ‘giving’ should go hand in hand RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D. Guest Writer

If our lives have been blessed, the way to say “thank you” is with responsible conduct. Additionally, Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to display the goodness that can be found in each of us. All too often we see only the dark side of people and neglect to remember the nobleness of a single human being. We get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday living and never stop to smell the roses. There is such a mess in the world right now. There is poverty on a scale unimagined. There is disease and with all our expertise and previous accomplishments we can’t seem to find enough vaccine to inoculate us from certain disasters. There is war; an on-going conflict between good and evil that leaves us wondering if politically correct is a substitute for awareness and prevention. There are hunger and homelessness

t? o G ws Ne

– in a country that feeds the world and provides shelter to millions in different areas of the globe, but somehow, can’t find enough shelters or time to create those needed shelters for our people right here in America. There are presently 100,000 homeless veterans – people

“thank you” is not enough. We must be willing to conduct ourselves in such a way as to not only develop cures but also to encourage each other to act in accordance with our understanding of responsibility in lifting someone from the depths of despondency to a bright-

When we die and ascend to our eternal reward “ and are asked to answer for our lives, God will not ask “Did you believe in me?” but “How have you dealt with those around you? ” we sent off to war to protect our lives and values – and yet when they return, we turn our backs on them. All of this sounds like a formula for despair. We listen and read and watch these and other horrors and wonder whether there is redemption and salvation. But then we remember the blessings we have been given and realize that

er tomorrow. That is Thanksgiving in the true sense of its intention – the feeling of grace – compassion. We learn in sacred writings: When we die and ascend to our eternal reward and are asked to answer for our lives, God will not ask “Did you believe in me?” but “How have you dealt with

those around you?” To truly be thankful requires not only taking responsibility for our actions and deeds but also how we treat each other in the process. We don’t expect to completely eliminate the wrongs that permeate our world, but we are not excused from trying. That is what faith demands of us – that is what society requires of us. Thanksgiving is not only taking responsibility with good intentions. We need to follow through by helping those in need. When we feast to the fullest – leave a little on our plate to remind us that we MUST care for one another not just in words but also in deeds. Thanks and Giving – these are the two words that make up the reason for this holiday. Say thanks not only for what we have been given but also for the gift of giving. And in the words of Anne Frank: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D., is spiritual leader of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.

Contact Paul C Contact Paul P l Maryniak Maryniak M y i k at at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com p pmaryniak@timespublications.com pmaryniak@timespublications y i k@ i p bli i com 480 898 5647 or

SanTan Sun News - 11.21.2021

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