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Thursday, November 25, 2021
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TU walks back SRO abolition, opts for safety study BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
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he Tempe Union High School District Governing Board on Nov. 17 walked back its resolution to remove school resource of�icers from all campuses by the time the next school year began. Confronted by opposition from the district’s six high school principals, at least �ive former board members, the Tempe Police
Department and numerous parents, students and others, the board decided to spend the next year studying the divisive issue that included something that had not been done prior to the board’s Oct. 13 vote: survey students, teachers, parents, and community members; study actual data; and examine current and model school safety plans. The goal of a committee undertaking that study will be to recommend model safety plans and policies as well as “explore grant
funded options for any additional partnerships or positions that would add to the physical and psychological safety of our students.” The resolution charges the committee with “recommending various models of safety plans ranging from those that include the district’s current usage of SROs with modi�ications based on Ad Hoc Committee input
��� SRO ���� 16
Ahwatukee man proud of freedom �ighter role BY MIKE SAKAL AFN Contributor
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hen Andras Pongratz celebrates Thanksgiving today at the Chandler home of his son, Joe Pongratz with 33 family members, he has many things to be thankful for. “I’m thankful for my family, �irst and foremost,” Pongratz, 82, of Ahwatukee, said. “I am thankful to be in America and I am thankful for my freedom and being able to go back to Hungary.” Pongratz recently returned from Budapest, where he spoke to thousands of people marking the 65th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Pongratz was one of seven siblings who helped lead the ‘56 revolt against the Russian Communists as anti-sentiment against the oppressive government boiled over on Oct. 23,1956. The massive protests escalated into nearly two weeks of �ierce �ighting in the streets of Budapest and some of Hungary’s
��� HUNGARY ����20
Ahwatukee resident Andras Pongratz and his entire family fought in the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 and is grateful for the freedoms he enjoys in America. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills.
Times Media Group: 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219 Tempe, Arizona, 85282 Main number: 480-898-6500 Advertising: 480-898-5624 Circulation service: 480-898-5641
PUBLISHER Steve T. Strickbine
VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt
ADVERTISING STAFF National Advertising Director Zac Reynolds 480-898-5603 zac@ahwatukee.com
Advertising Sales Representatives: Laura Meehan, 480-898-7904, lmeehan@ahwatukee.com Katie Mueller, 480-898-7909 kmueller@timespublications.com
Classified:
Elaine Cota, 480-898-7926, ecota@ahwatukee.com
Circulation Director:
Aaron Kolodny 480-898-5641, customercare@ahwatukee.com
NEWS STAFF Executive Editor:
Paul Maryniak, 480-898-5647, pmaryniak@ahwatukee..com
GetOut Editor:
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, 480-641-4518, christina@timespublications.com
Sports Editor:
Zach Alvira 480-898-5630, zalvira@timespublications.com
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Veronica Thurman - vthurman@timespublications.com
Photographer:
David Minton - dminton@timespublications.com
Production Coordinator:
Courtney Oldham 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com
Reporters:
Tom Scanlon, 480-278-6903 tscanlon@timespublications.com Cecilia Chan. 480-898-5613, cchan@timespublications.com Ahwatukee Foothills News is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@ azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@ azintegatedmedia.com.
WRITE A LETTER
To submit a letter, please include your full name. Our policy is not to run anonymous letters. Please keep the length to 300 words. Letters will be run on a space-available basis. Please send your contributions to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com.
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The Ahwatukee Foothills News expresses its opinion. Opinions expressed in guest commentaries, perspectives, cartoons or letters to the editor are those of the author.
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Ahwatukee holidays re-emerge from pandemic's gloom AFN NEWS STAFF
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his weekend would normally mark the Christmas holiday season with what had been the biggest community party of the year – the Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party. The pandemic last year blew a hole in that decadeslong community event, but it already was wobbling under the strain of time-consuming city permitting processes and increasing challenge of finding the hundreds of volunteers required to run the festival smoothly – and set up and then tear down all the infrastructure that drew thousands to Desert Foothills Park every Saturday after Thanksgiving. But while the Kick-Off Party will never return – at least on the big scale that made it so popular – the Festival of Lights hasn’t died, thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers, mostly from the Foothills Community Association, as well as the generosity of that HOA’s board and its counterpart at the Foothills Club West Association. And there are other holiday events this weekend that are returning in their full glory after the pandemicdampened 2020 season – including the second annual Tukee Turkey Trot and the decades-old helicopter visit from Santa at Millie’s Hallmark in the Ahwatukee Plaza. And another cherished holiday tradition also is right around the corner as Studio 111 owner Kimberly Lewis presents her 22nd annual Ahwatukee Nutcracker the weekend before Christmas. Festival of Lights Earlier this year, the Festival of Lights Committee formally turned over to the Foothills HOA the operation of the light displays in the medians of Chandler Boulevard between 24th Street and Desert Foothills Parkway. The HOA Board in March agreed to paying some $120,000 to have the lights set up and torn down. That cost also includes the electric bill but does not include some $6,000 in payments for barricades that have to be set up to manage traffic on the boulevard while the Christmas lights company sets up and tears down the display. The Foothills HOA for years has kicked in $50,000 while the Club West HOA and both did that again this year. But the Foothills HOA also needed the wider Ahwatukee community’s help. And the community responded, said volunteer Carrie McNeish, who helped with the fundraising. At last count, the drive raised $50,996 – above the $50,000 goal – McNeish said, noting in an announcement that besides the two HOAs, other big sponsors in-
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HOLIDAY from page 3
cluded San Tan Ford, Big O Tires, ProQual Landscaping, Albertsons and Safeway and Foothills Financial Planning. As for the display itself, Foothills HOA board member Rob Doherty said, “Everyone, including myself, thinks the lights look way better this year than any year before. The contractor seems to have gone over and above what they have done in the past.”
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
The Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party is toast but the light show continues along Chandler Boulevard between 24th Street and Desert Foothills Parkway. Ahwatukee resident Tom Sanfilippo caught this scene last week with his drone. (Tom Sanfilippo/Inside
Out Aerial)
Tukee Turkey Trot While the Kick-Off Party fizzled, a fledgling Thanksgiving weekend tradition is back. The Tukee Turkey Trot, a 5K Run and Walk, is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow, Nov. 26, at Desert Vista High School. The chip-timed event, sanctioned by USATF, started in 2019 and drew 500 participants in a driving rain storm. Though canceled last year because of the pandemic, the Tukee Trot is back, drawing sponsorships from AFN, Global Bikes, Sole Sports Running Zone, Orfe Kelly Real Estate, Pritchette Physical Therapy and Illuminate You Fitness. Registration is limited but people who want to check on whether there is any room left for them can go to raceroster. com/events/2021/49892/tukee-trot-5k.
Clara and the Queens from the Ahwatukee Nutcracker visited the new Found Holiday Shopper at 7131 W. Ray Road in Chandler’s Casa Paloma shopping center. (Courtesy of Kimberly Lewis)
Santa on a chopper This year would have been Millie Hardware’s 40th annual sponsorship of Santa’s visit on a helicopter, which is preceded by festive entertainment in Ahwatukee Plaza, the oldest shopping center in the community and located at Elliot Road and 50th Street. The only problem: No. 39 was canceled last year as COVID-19 surged. But this year, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving on a chopper at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Nov. 26. The cast of the Ahwatukee Nutcracker will perform at 10 a.m. and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be other entertainment by DJ the Clown, who is a balloon artist, as well as Santa’s Magic Elves, Arizona Ghostbusters, a magician, face painter, caricature artist and more. Parents are urged to bring their camera so their kids can pose with the couple of the month and there will be free candy
canes and other gifts while supplies last. The tradition began in 1981, two years after Henry “Hank” and Millie Wynberg opened the store. Then, together with fellow Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee members Mark Salem and the late Rev. Don Schneider, Wynberg hired a helicopter to fly Santa to the fledgling shopping area where Father Christmas was greeted by Mrs. Santa. It was Millie Wynberg who transformed to Mrs. Santa for the special event for many years. Now that part is played by her daughter, Linda Olsen of Ahwatukee, who with her husband Tom owned the business until selling it to current owners Don and Marilyn Crabtree in 2005. There are 15 holiday trees displayed throughout the 10,000 square foot store, all decorated by themes such as “Nutcracker,” “Night Before Christmas,” “Southwest,” “Gnome” and more. The store has a reputation for holiday collectibles, such as Byers’ Choice LTD Carolers; Department 56 current and retired pieces; Christopher Radko and 2019 Hallmark Holiday Keepsake ornaments. Car show If you don't feel like driving to the Phoenix Convention Center for the annual Arizona International Car show, the Goodman
see HOLIDAY page 6
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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NEWS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
HOLIDAY from page 4
Taylor Team has you covered with its annual Ahwatukee Car Show benfitting Hope for the Homeless AZ, 9 a.m. -1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, at Mountain Park Church, 16461 S. 48th St. Free admission. The Goodman Taylor team expect at least 500 cars to be entered and if you're going, bring new or gently used blankets or new socks or underwear to help people experiencing homelessness.
Nutcracker and more Nutcracker People can get a taste of what’s in store for Studio 111 owner/dance maven Kimberly Lewis’ 2nd Ahwatukee Nutcracker form 3-5 p.m. Dec. 4 at the newly opened Found Holiday Shoppe across the I-10 in the Casa Paloma strip mall. Lewis said the Queens and Clara will be “doing arts and crafts with anyone who comes to the store. They are also doing storytime readings and handing out cookies. “This is a free event for families to come to. They will also be signing autographs and taking photos with the guests.” As for the Ahwatukee Nutcracker itself, Luthe ~ xursecond s for g y Vinyl ~year it will not be held at Area Ru C un Desert Vista HighoSchool’s theater, which ter
Santa and Mrs. Claus are the star attractions at Millie Hallmark’s festive event at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Nov. 26, at the Ahwatukee Plaza. (AFN file photo)
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was off limits last year because all of Tempe Union High School District’s facilities were closed by the pandemic. Instead, Lewis moved the show to the new Madison Center for the Arts at 5601. N. 16th St. in Phoenix. This year, the Nutcracker will be performed there again. But unlike last year, when live audiences were banned, this year’s show is open to people. Show times are 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 18 and 1 p.m. Dec. 19 and tickets can be purchased at afnutcracker.com The Madison likely offers something that the Desert Vista Theater doesn’t: a state-ofthe art sound and lighting system that has attracted world-class acts. Lewis said this year she has “three amazing choreographers” who are guiding the cast, comprising performers ranging in age from 3 to 19. “Two – Jordan Hill and Madi Nash – grew up doing the Ahwatukee Foothills Nutcracker Ballet since they were little girls,” Lewis said. “They started off as little baby mice and now they are the two new choreographers – the circle of life for sure. And our other choreographer Ashley Jerger is playing Clara’s mother this year as Ashley’s own son will be in the party scene as a March Boy.” ■
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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App, partnerships help Kyrene address district poverty AFN NEWS STAFF
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artnerships with local businesses and an app are helping Kyrene school officials care for some of their most vulnerable students. “Local businesses and community partners are the backbone of the donations and support we receive at the Family Resource Center,” Erin Schroeder told the Kyrene Governing Board during a presentation at its Nov. 9 meeting. “We would not be able to function without their ongoing assistance – from Pepperidge Farms delivering loaves of bread each week to Costco donating 250 new backpacks, Native Health providing over 400 vaccines for Kyrene staff, students and families to churches organizing Undie Sunday drives along with food, school supplies and monetary donations. “Local groups and individuals have donated thousands of pounds of food, clothing, and hygiene items,” added Schroeder, who oversees the district’s federal programs and community outreach. To illustrate “just a small cross-section of the incredible support given by our com-
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munity,” Schroeder gave several examples of the partnerships that have helped. Nonprofits include Women4Women in Tempe, which donates 50 bags of hygiene supplies for women a month. Tempe Community Action Agency delivers 30 food boxes a month and St. Mary’s Food Bank sends 99 food bags a week while the Homeless Engagement Lift Partnership provides a daily snack and an encouraging note to 115 students experiencing homelessness. Other nonprofits include the Ahwatukee Family YMCA, FIGG Garden, Native Health, Ahwatukee Mamas, We Serve Tempe, Pathway to Work, 4H Maricopa County, Assistance League of the East Valley and the Kiwanis Club. Churches that work with the district include Mountain Park, Mission del Sol Presbyterian, Esperanza Lutheran, Desert Cross Lutheran, Sun Valley Community and Desert Foothills Methodist. Then there are scores of PTOs, scouting troops, HOAs, Kyrene student councils and high school groups. Businesses that help include Safeway, Pepperidge Farm, Staples, Village Dental,
Estate living with refined tranquility in exquisite setting. Meticulous stonework adorns entire exterior of home.
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donors who signed up at purposity.com to meet them. People who sign up provide their cell number and then are texted by the district through Purposity once a week about particular needs of Kyrene kids that cost up to $250 and are purchased through Amazon. The item is shipped directly to the Kyrene’s district headquarters, where a staffer gets the item to the student. District social workers and teachers generally identify those needs, although the identities of the recipients are never disclosed. Board member Michelle Fahy said, “I have that and have used it several times on my phone and I love it. It gives me a little reminder. You can set your own goals – how many needs you want to provide. And it’ll just pop up on my phone and say, ‘Hey, you haven’t done a need this month and …it’s so easy – like Amazon, click, done.” Last year, Purposity filled 553 specific needs – such as shoes for students who literally had none – with a total value of $12,000, Schroeder said. To sign up: enter your mobile number and zip code at purposity.com. ■
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Costco, Liv Generations, Kolache Café, Hillman Group, West USA Realty, Old Republic Title, Keller Williams and Southwest Foodservice Excellence. Schroeder said, The Kyrene Foundation also hopes to raise $45,000 for over 700 kids and their families in need within the Kyrene community,” she continued. And the need exists. “We have students experiencing homelessness in every one of our schools,” Schroeder said. “We have students living in poverty in every Kyrene school.” Board President Kevin Walsh concurred, noting, “I know some folks who are not as familiar with our community may not appreciate the depth of the needs that are in all of our schools…There are students and families who are benefiting from these outreach programs.” Schroeder also noted another way that residents can help: downloading the app Purposity, which is available to anyone living in the district regardless of whether their kids attend Kyrene schools. Purposity matches specific immediate needs for kids or their families with local
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NEWS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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$640,000
Gorgeous home on an oversized PRESERVE lot in highly sought - after Mountain Park Ranch! Majestic mountain views; truly a rare find! Open kitchen family room concept! Resort-style back yard! Sparkling pool, lush mature landscape, multiple garden areas, and large grass area. Perfect for families and entertaining! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2308 sqft
Fontaine –Retirement Community Listed for
$299,000
Meticulously cared for! 1,465 sf 3 bedroom and 2 bathrooms! Newer HVAC unit with Honeywell thermostat (both approximately 3 years old,) newer energy star water heater and whole house water filtration system! Roof was coated for maintenance purposes approximately two years ago. The upgrades are endless! Kitchen boasts trendy white cabinetry, Whirlpool kitchen appliances (range, refrigerator and dishwasher approximately 3 years old,) and walk in pantry. Casual dining area off kitchen opens to cozy family room. Exit Family room / casual dining area to the expansive AZ Room! Enjoy coffee, breakfast lunch or dinner, or play games in the relaxing AZ room! Close to golf, Spring Training, shopping, restaurants and multiple recreation centers.
Turtle Rock Listed for
$399,900
Beautiful upgraded home in Turtle Rock, with vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan The primary bedroom has a private exit to the patio, and enjoys an expansive bathroom with a newer walk in shower. Backyard has lots of shade and artificial grass with plenty of room to garden and entertain. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1405 sqft
Pinal County Land - Two Parcels
Listed for $145,000 and $135,000
Beautiful views of the Superstition and Goldfield mountains from both of these 1.25 acre corner parcels. Fully paved access on both frontage streets. Access to Tonto National Forest, and under 30 minutes to Saguaro & Canyon Lakes! Ideal location to build a home!
Circle Mountain Land Listed for
$185,000 each
Two parcels; 4.7 acres each. Residential Acreage abutting Pyramid Peak and state trust land. Elevated property, away from flood zones. Build a grand estate or subdivide a small community! Beautiful Northeastern views of New River Mesa and surrounding mountains. Zoning requires at least 1 acre per home. 15-20 minutes from Anthem and Cave Creek and still only 45 minutes from Sky Harbor 9.4 acres total available (10 acres minus 40 foot road easement along Northern edge.)
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yrene School District last week gave students and their parents an early Christmas gift – kind of. The district announced that come the start of the third quarter in January, it is dropping its mask mandate and making face coverings optional. The “sort of” involves the fact that the relaxation of its controversial mandate is not guaranteed – primarily because COVID-19 comes with no guaranteed behavior. In other words, as Superintendent Laura Toenjes told parents, “Decisions regarding face coverings are subject to change, in response to any significant developments.” Moreover, she said in a letter, “I want to stress that face coverings will remain strongly encouraged when community spread is substantial or high.” Neverthless, for now the plan is that “beginning Jan. 3, when students return from winter break, face coverings will be optional indoors and no longer required as part of Kyrene’s leveled mitigation plan,” Toenjes said. And while Tempe Union and Kyrene have moved pretty much in synch with each other when it comes to masks, the high school district has not decided whether to relax its mask requirement. “We are considering different options but I don’t have any final decision to share yet,” district spokeswoman Megan Sterling said last week. Part of the reason for Kyrene’s reversal involves vaccines. “The arrival of COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 and older marks a significant milestone in the fight against this global pandemic,” Toenjes wrote parents. “Find a free vaccination location. Nearly all Kyrene students will have the chance to be fully vaccinated in the coming weeks, and that presents an opportunity to review Kyrene’s mitigation strategies.” “From the start of the pandemic, Kyrene has followed scientific data and evidence,” she said, later noting, “As always, our plans remain flexible enough that we can respond rapidly to the evolv-
ing circumstances of a global pandemic. “The Kyrene Emergency Management Team will be reviewing all current mitigation strategies in the context of the vaccination rollout for children under 12, and we expect to have further updates following winter break.” Kyrene and Tempe Union began the school year with an optional mask policy – largely because the Republican majority in the state Legislature included a ban on vaccine and mask mandates in the waning hours of the 2021 session, tacking the bans and other measures onto the state budget bill. But after a Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled that the ban could not go into effect until Sept. 29, both districts re-imposed the bans that had been in effect pretty much all of the 2020-21 school year – whenever in-person learning was held, that is. Then, another Superior Court judge ruled what the Legislature did was not only improper but unconstitutional – a decision that the Arizona Supreme Court upheld earlier this month. The illegality of the ban has not meant much to Gov. Doug Ducey who is withholding needed federal pandemic funds from all districts that imposed mask mandates. That could cost Kyrene $5.2 million and Tempe Union $2.8 million, though the Biden administration has demanded Ducey explain his action and has threatened to take away the entire $162 million that the governor was distributing to districts. Kyrene conducted a survey in September about its COVID mitigation strategy and found that 58 percent of parent respondents “strongly agree” that Kyrene should require masks on a school-byschool basis. Another 14 percent agreed for a total 72 percent in favor of a selective mask mandate. Nevertheless, the mandate has been a continuing source of controversy for both districts. Hardly a governing board meeting in either district this fall has occurred when parents on both sides of the issue did not appear to either praise or condemn the mandates. ■
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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NEWS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Survey rates Phoenix poorly for Thanksgiving BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
I
f you’re spending the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend in Scottsdale or Gilbert, you’ve got an extra reason to be thankful, according to the financial website wallethub.com. But Phoenix? Meh. Out of 100 cities across the country it analyzed, the website determined that Scottsdale is the third best place to spend Thanksgiving while Gilbert pulled No. 11. Sadly, though, those municipalities – and the other three Arizona communities covered in the recent survey – have lost some luster from their pre-pandemic status. And Phoenix took a major drubbing, plummeting to No. 39 in 2019 and to a humbling 76th place – even below 72ndranked Tucson. In 2019, WalletHub declared Scottsdale the second-best place in the nation for Thanksgiving, with Gilbert taking 6th place. In the 2021 version, all the Arizona municipalities WalletHub looked at have fallen from grace somewhat.
Chandler has fallen from a 2019 ranking of 11 to a 26; Mesa tumbled from 13 to 43. 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 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 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 threestar 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 decorations stores. The most affordable Thanksgiving in the nation, WalletHub reported, is in San Anto-
nio, Texas, while people in 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. 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.” ■
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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LA CASA DE JUANA DELIVERS A KNOCKOUT WITH ITS FRESH, AUTHENTIC AND MOUTHWATERING FOOD
If you thought you have been to a Mexican restaurant lately you probably need to reconsider and visit La Casa De Juana in Ahwatukee. The fare is authentic Mexican, and when we say authentic we mean it, unlike many of the restaurant chains that call themselves Mexican. Upon entering you’ll be dazzled by the colorful décor, the tables and chairs are beautiful, Mexican painted murals, colorful banners hanging from the ceiling and the gracious service with warm orange and yellow tones echoing throughout the restaurant will make this your favorite Mexican restaurant. With great lunch and dinner specials, live guitar player on Tuesdays and a bar with freshly made drinks, TVs, and live guitar music for all ages on the weekends and least but not last their happy hour from 2 pm to 6 pm every day $3 beer domestic and imports and $3 margaritas this place is a must. In conclusion The flavorful salsa, the delicious margaritas, the extraordinary and well-priced food will definitely keep you coming back.
Don’t hesitate to stop by the Ahwatukee location 3941 E. Chandler Blvd. (S/W corner Chandler & 40th St) to make your next reservation call 480-823-2834 www.juanashouse.com
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NEWS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
SRO from page 1
to plans that do not include our current usage of SROs.: It also will be asked to revise “TUHSD safety policies/plans with strategies for enhancing student learning, safety, and well-being through additional social/ emotional supports, mental and behavioral health services, restorative practices, other wraparound supports to meet students’ developmental needs, and community-level accountability structures.” It also was disclosed during the meeting that the district is still trying to work out a plan for trained SROs at Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe high schools for the current year, and likely 2022-23, instead of using untrained officers who are assigned on a random basis in what Superintendent Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil last month called a “revolving door” approach. To arrive at the resolution, the board spent four grueling hours parsing words and phrases in a proposed resolution, even debating whether the panel that will study the issue should be called a “committee” or a task force.” Although the resolution contains no specific timeline for a decision, district spokeswoman Megan Sterling told AFN, “Yes, bottom line, it would be unlikely that there are changes regarding SROs until the 23/24 school year. And yes, SROs are likely to return to DV and MP soon.” Several board members during the session voiced frustration and even exasperation that has been rarely – if ever – heard during meetings the last five years. “If I’m a board member and I’m getting confused, I’m pretty sure other people are,” board member Berdetta Hodge said at one point. Hodge also argued that any data gathering must be limited to interactions between SROs and Tempe Union students rather than other districts, some of whom have cut the use of SROs. “We do need to make sure we understand that we’re looking at the Tempe Union community, not what’s happening outside the state…Phoenix Union or Mesa,” she said. “We have to think about what’s happening in our district.” The Oct. 13 resolution was approved in a 3-2 vote with Hodge and Andres Barraza voting against it because, they maintained, not enough study had been done.
The Tempe Union Governing Board spent four hours Nov. 17 coming up with a new resolution that essentially backs away from an Oct. 13 decision to eliminate school resource officers from all six campuses by next August. (YouTube) It was supported by its original proponent, board President Brian Garcia, as well as new members Armando Montero and Sarah James. The first terms of both Garcia and Barraza end December 2022 so they will have to run next year if they decide to seek a second term. At one point, James contended the board never got rid of SROs. “I don’t want our principals to think that we would ever throw them under the bus,” James said, “and the fact that we’ve heard tonight, ‘Oh, you all got rid of SROs.’ No, we didn’t.” Similarly, Garcia said the board was trying to address “a level of misinformation” about the Oct. 13 resolution, though he did not elaborate. The Oct. 13 resolution specifically directed the administration to developer “a process to implement revised school safety plans without the current usage of SROs at each school by August 2022.” Prior to discussing the new resolution, the board heard from several parents, students and others. Speakers both criticized SROs and pleaded for their retention, reflecting the continuing divide in the community over the board’s actions – which originated in June 2020 during the height of nationwide protests against police brutality that spilled over into the propriety of having uniformed armed police officers on school campuses. Former board member Sandra Lowe said she was speaking on behalf of at least five other former board members when cast the decision to rid campuses of SROs as “quickly made without using
relevant data and it lacked input from extremely knowledgeable invested stakeholders. “You have alienated and disrespected so many in our schools and your community, but most important, you took away a critical partner in the support of students,” Lowe said. But Terry Becker thanked the board “for committing to explore ways to provide school safety on our campuses that do not involve law enforcement.” Two men who identified themselves as representing the Party for Socialism and Liberation decried the presence of uniformed officers on campus. “Police never once helped me or made me feel safe as a kid here,” said Also Soberon, stating: “Police presence means condemning students, particularly Black and Latino students, to the well-documented school-to-prison pipeline in Arizona.” “If you support SROs in our schools,” Soberon said, “you are violating the charged with which you are entrusted. We do not need the stain on our conscience. So please do the right thing and keep our children safe. Get police out of our schools.” Cooper Fester, another Party for Socialism and Liberation member, said, “The role of the police in this society is the role of punishers. Since their inception, SROs have used excessive force on children. They’ve been known to arrest children for things like tardiness, grades and cursing – things I do every day.” But Mountain Pointe student Hudson Ellis disagreed, telling the board, “First of all, I want to say I’ve been tardy mul-
tiple times and have not been arrested. We need SROs in our schools. We need someone there to protect us. We need someone there to teach us.” And Tonya Drew noted the irony of the board having armed police officers outside its meeting room, stating that Barazza told her they are there “to keep everyone safe.” “Why not in our schools?” Drew asked. Two citizens, businessman Charles Siler and Daniel Lopez, opposed any revision of the board’s original resolution and giving police departments any role in formulating future safety plans. “I would love to see new ideas, new ways to address problems and mitigate the harm that’s done by an active armed police presence on campus,” Siler said. “That’s also why I’m opposed to the resolution reimagining school safety, as its presently written because it creates space for the police to participate in that process.” Lopez, a teacher, said there is a perception that “police officers kind of simultaneously are overpaid role models who just hang out and build relationships with kids and also viewed as action heroes who can stop a mass shooter at the drop of a pin. In reality, they do neither.” “Why are cops consistently held to such low or non-existent standards? Why are they exempt from the incredibly high standards our teachers and educational staff hold ourselves to? I ask you to reject this coddling of privilege overpaid, violent cops, instead stick to your promise of removing cops and schools as soon as reasonably possible.” ■
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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NEWS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Lawyer accused Lakes course owner of bad faith AFN NEWS STAFF
W
ith half of the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course likely to see golfers for the first time in eight years within the next few weeks, the lawyer seeking financial sanctions against owner ALCR made his final pitch last week. In his second and last written closing argument, attorney Tim Barnes told Superior Court Judge Sara Agne that ALCR “fails to explain not only its lack of a coherent plan but its under-budgeting by a factor of 5” for the 18-hole executive course and that company principal Wilson Gee’s “goal from the get-go in purchasing the Lakes Golf Course was development; and that goal remains.” He accused ALCR and Gee of having “a purposeful bad faith plan for the Lakes Golf Course to economically fail so there is a better chance the ‘100 acres in the middle of the city’ will allow him to cash-in on its ‘value in the future somewhere somehow.’” Agne must decide if ALCR violated the 3-stage timeline set by another judge for the restoration of the course, which Gee
closed in 2013, saying it had not been profitable since he bought it seven years earlier. Last November, Campagnolo found ALCR in contempt of Hannah’s restoration order and set three deadlines: ALCR must pay $500,000 if it had not completed the course’s design by June 2020; another $1 million if work did not start by last Sept. 1; and $2 million more if the course was not opened by next September. During the recent hearings before Agne, Barnes sought to show that ALCR has violated that first deadline, alleging it never provided design plans for Barnes’ review and is departing from a 2018 restoration order filed by a third judge. Gee told AFN he is still on target to open the first nine holes soon, though he had not yet set a firm date. The other half of the 105-acre site still needs work and will not open until next year, he and his top aide, Terry Duggan, have testified. Barnes wants Agne to impose a special master to supervise the restoration, contending Gee never filed a comprehensive plan for the review of the two Lakes home-
owners who sued him in 2014 to force the course’s reopening. Barnes contended that Gee’s restoration was deliberately aiming for failure so he could sell the land to a developer. “Barnes cited Campagnolo’s contempt finding of November 2020, in which the judge said Gee turned the course into a “barren, stench-filled ‘wasteland,”’ and that ALCR “hoped to hold this eyesore as ransom against the Property Owners to convince them that their only alternative to a continued dirt pile was to modify the CCR, so that ALCR could theoretically make millions by building houses and/or office buildings on the Golf Course.” The conditions regulations and restrictions, or CC&Rs, dictate the use of the site. To change them and allow for a different use requires basically 51 percent approval by the Lakes’ 5,600 owners. That approval proved elusive for The True Lakes Co., which had tentatively agreed in 2015 to buy the course for $9 million but ultimately abandoned the site and let Gee reclaim it when the majority of
homeowners refused to change the CC&Rs. “At every evidentiary step in this 8-year legal odyssey, the Court has found Wilson Gee’s credibility lacking,” Barnes wrote, attaching a copy of a notice from the Phoenix Department of Planning and Development issued against ALCR for failing to get a building permit for restoration of a restroom building and adjacent pump station. “ALCR witnesses conceded the Lakes Golf Course in ‘rough’ condition,” Barnes said. “That was indisputably due to eight years without any maintenance and countless storms that pummeled the golf course to the point it barely resembled one. Notwithstanding, ALCR, without the benefit of any expert witness, testified the original structure of the Lakes Golf Course was not affected and it would take no steps to address the rough condition of the golf course surface.” Barnes also challenged ALCR’s position that it had exclusive power over deciding how the course will operate, stating that assertion “is not support by either the CC&Rs or common sense.” ■
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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NEWS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
HUNGARY from page 1
larger cities. Even children threw Molotov cocktails down the turrets of Russian tanks, burning Red Army soldiers trapped inside. Pongratz was 17 when he recruited a welder to cut Joseph Stalin’s statue – a symbol of hatred – in Corvin Square, toppling it with a resounding thud. The ‘56 Hungarian Revolution caused a crack in Communism’s foundation, inspiring other Iron Curtain countries to throw off its yoke some 25 years later. At the time, young adults presented 16 demands at the Parliament Building and radio station. Above all, they demanded freedom. Communist police on the roof of the Parliament building started firing shots into the crowd on Oct. 23, killing some of the protesters. The fight was on. The Hungarian slogan “Ruszkik haza!” – “Russians go home!” – grew louder than ever. In his most recent visit to Hungary, Pongratz spoke to 500 grammar school students in Dumafoldvar, outside Budapest, where his niece, Klari Cseke, is a schoolteacher and had arranged for his speech in the school’s auditorium. Pongratz also spoke to about 1,000 people on Corvin Square in Budapest, where Edmund Pongratz, one of his older brothers, had established headquarters for the Freedom Fighters at the height of the revolution. “It was a fantastic experience,” Pongratz said. “The students gave a wonderful presentation in the auditorium. They sang national songs about the country and freedom. They had me walk out onto the stage in the dark, and when they turned the lights on and I saw how the kids were looking at me in amazement, it was just an emotional experience. I was crying, I was amazed. “The kids listened to me speak and asked me questions.,” Pongratz added. “The younger generation is beginning to understand and appreciate what we did and why we did it back in 1956.” In Hungary, the Freedom Fighters are treated like World War II veterans are honored in the United States. They are considered part of Hungary’s Greatest Generation. The year following the Revolution, Time Magazine named the Hungarian
Hungary awarded Andras Pongratz the “Vitézi Rend” in 2004 for his role in the 1956 revolution. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer) Freedom Fighter its Man of the Year. “There’s not many of the Freedom Fighters around anymore, but the few who were there on Corvin Square for the 65th anniversary felt appreciated,” Pongratz said. “Sixty-five years is such a long time ago.” Except for pandemic-shut 2020, Pongratz has returned to Hungary every year since 1990 to participate in the commemoration ceremonies of the uprising. Prior to 1990, he was not allowed to enter Hungary because of his and his family’s role in the revolution. In addition to Andras, all of his siblings – Edmund, Ernest, Christopher, Gergely, Balint and Maria – all participated in the Hungarian Revolution. In 2004, Pongratz was knighted in Hungary and received the Vitez Knight Award for his role in the uprising. Pongratz said it took a crowd more than two hours to pull down the Stalin statue. “We tried for two hours, and it wouldn’t budge,” Pongratz said. “It was so heavy. We tried to pull it down with cables, but the cables snapped. Knowing a little bit about cutting metal with a welding torch, I said that we needed some kind of metal cutter. A young man who was a student at a nearby welding school said he had his welder at the school. He ran and got it, and after he brought it back, I used it to cut off the leg of the statue and it fell.” Pongratz’s older brother, Edmund, reassembled the cannon on Corvin Square so it again would fire.
Andras Pongratz visits his native Hungary annually and last month spoke to thousands of students about his role in the 1956 revolution. (Courtesy of Andras Pongratz) “My brother sent another teenager to the apartment building across the street,” Pongratz said. “He went up to the second floor and gave us a signal by waving a white handkerchief when a Russian tank was coming down Ferenc Boulevard and came within about 5 meters of the square. When the tank got close enough, we all pulled the firing line on the cannon and shot the tank. We took out about 12 tanks without damaging the building behind it.” Gergely Pongratz led the fighting, something which Andras said he was “in it” with his brothers “all the way through.” Pongratz’s only sister, Maria, delivered messages to those who were involved in the fighting. None of the Pongratzes were killed during the revolution. By Oct., 29, 1956, the Freedom Fighters had won and Premier Imre Nagy announced that the country had its new government in place. The Russians pulled out of the country. Hungary was ecstatic. Some 8,000 political prisoners were released. Hungary appealed to the United Nations for neutrality following the uprising but received no support. Andy Bogdanyi, a retired tailor who lives in Ohio and escaped Hungary in the wake of the revolution, said, “We had asked for freedom of religion. We had asked for freedom of the press. We asked for individual freedom and for the Russians to leave, but that was all just a dream.” Indeed, Hungary’s victory was short-
lived. When the world stood by and watched, the Russians realized no other countries were going to intervene on Hungary’s behalf. During the early morning hours of Nov. 4, Russia’s military thundered back into Budapest, fortified with more tanks, weapons and soldiers. “They surrounded strategic points around Budapest and retaliated with everything they had,” Pongratz said. “They started shooting everything.” On Nov. 10, the Russians had quashed the uprising. The ‘56 revolution claimed the lives of 2,500 Hungarians and 722 Red Army soldiers. Hungarian Premier Imre Nagy was apprehended and was assassinated in 1958 by the Communists for treason. In its aftermath, 200,000 Hungarians left the country, often traveling for days on foot to make it across to whatever country would take them. Andras and his brother, Balint, left the country with two of their friends. After a three-day trek on foot, Andras and his group made it to the Austrian border. “It took us three days and three nights to reach the border,” Pongratz said. “We didn’t want to take any chances on the roads, so we took the fields.” Of those who left Hungary, 5,000 were permitted to emigrate to the United States. They had to be sponsored by relatives or friends, and mostly were pro-
see HUNGARY page 21
NEWS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
HUNGARY from page 20
cessed through Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. The refugees were on their own as the government did not shoulder any of the expense for their emigration to the United States. After coming to the U.S., Andras first settled in Pennsylvania close to where his mother, Anna, lived, but later lived in New York City, where he worked mowing the lawn of a cemetery. Andras later lived in Boston, where he owned a dry cleaner and laundro-mat, and worked at a wholesale car business. After the Blizzard of 1978 in Boston, Pongratz and his family moved to Arizona for warmer weather. He and his wife, Carolyn, have five children – Andrew, Therese, Edmund, Joseph and Stephen – and 20 grandchildren. Pongratz said he never regretted leaving his homeland. “We just could not live under Communism anymore,” he said. “The worst thing about Communism is the lack of individual freedom, and how the government uses its people to make money.” He recalled one time in the early 1950s, when the secret police came
Pongratz said it took the Hungarian Freedom Fighters more than two hours to cut down a statue of the Russian tyrant Joseph Stalin. (Courtesy of Andras Pongratz) to his family’s home at 3 a.m. and took away his brother, Ernest. “We didn’t know where he was for six months,” Pongratz said. “Then, we found out he was in jail. They charged him with “attempting to leave the country.” Attempting to leave the country? There was no truth to that. We were far from the border.” Pongratz also said that the Commu-
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with anything. My father died in his country under those circumstances in 1956.” After arriving in the U.S. early on, members of the Pongratz family spoke to schools, universities and organizations about the evils of Communism. Gergely Pongratz later moved back to Budapest and founded the 1956 Hungarian Revolution Museum. He died of a heart attack on the grounds of the museum in 2005, a year before the 50th anniversary of the ‘56 Revolution. Pongratz fears for the future of this country, citing forces that are “putting the United States in shambles and pushing us closer to socialism – globalism, anyway,” Pongratz said. “The mess our country is in right now is beyond words. I won’t even watch the news on television anymore. People in Hungary and abroad feel sorry for the United States because of what is happening here.” But he also said he is grateful to live in America. “I’m proud to live in the United States,” Pongratz said. “I am thankful to be in a place where I and my family can be free.” ■
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Chandler dedicates stunning memorial to veterans BY KEN SAIN AFN Staff Writer
V
ietnam 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
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) 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 peo-
ple 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 over-
head. 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 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
see VETERANS page 28
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Robot fest
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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The second annual Mountain Pointe VEX Robotics Tournament and Expo last Saturday attracted scores of students from across the state. Engineering teacher Nick Bonds and Pridetronics team mentor was grateful for the help provided by the Tempe Union Career and Technical Education department for the field and pieces and ATLIS Motor Vehicles for the volunteers. 1) Krish Narotam, Dylan Banhart and Andrew Kang of Team 2647X get ready for the final round. 3) The same team navigates the robots with Andrew Kang giving directions as Krish Narotam drives and Shaan Muhkerjee cheers them on. 7) The 8800T Desert Titans from Trinity Robotics Club of Chandler won the Excellence Award. The other photos show what the students built and how they participated in various contests last weekend.
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PHOTOS BY DAVID MINTON / AFN Staff Photographer
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NEWS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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Ahwatukee’s justice district again needs a constable AFN NEWS STAFF
F
or the second time in four years, the Kyrene Justice Precinct – which includes Ahwatukee – is looking for a constable. Ben Halloran, a 27-year law enforcement veteran who was picked to replace disgraced ex-constable Kent Rini, submitted his resignation to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Stating his last day will be Dec. 31, Halloran wrote, “I have enjoyed the position as a Maricopa County Constable, and, have especially appreciated working with the excellent employees of the Kyrene Precinct court staff. “However, I have made my decision to leave office to pursue both personal and professional goals,” he wrote. Stating “I regret any hardship this may cause, but ask that you accept my resignation,” Halloran also promised to “assist in any way I can with the selection process and transition for my replacement – both prior to leaving office and after.” The supervisors initially picked Halloran from a field of nine applicants in
Ben Halloran took his oath of office after the county supervisors named him constable. (AFN file photo)
April 2019 – less than a year after Rini was elected to the four-year position – and then elected by voters in a special election in 2020 to a two-year term to cover the remainder of Rini’s term. Halloran was a fraud investigator for State Farm Insurance and had been a security investigator for Ameren Corp. He also served with the Illinois State Police for 23 years, working his way up the chain of com-
mand from patrol to positions as an internal affairs officer, chief of the forensics division, narcotics task force commander and major case investigations squad leader. Constables execute, serve, and return processes, warrants and notices; and attend justice courts when required. The supervisors will fill the vacancy and applicants must be registered Democrats and registered voters and live within the Kyrene precinct, which includes Ahwatukee, Guadalupe and parts of Tempe. The appointee will fill the position through the remainder of the term which runs through the end of December 2022 since a new constable for the 2023-27 term will be elected next fall. Applicants should send their letters of interest along with a resume to the Office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, 301 W. Jefferson, 7th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85003 or email it to ClerkBoard@maricopa.gov. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Dec. 10. Applicants are subject to a background check. Rini resigned on Valentine’s Day 2019,
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three months after his election and less than six weeks after his term started, after he received a blistering reprimand from his supervisor and was ordered to undergo “job remediation.” Records showed Rini provided his supervisor with “inaccurate and incomplete information” about the duties he was carrying out, backed his county vehicle into another car and blamed it on a “severe hangover” and falsified records in a way that could have landed him in prison. As for Halloran, he cited “personal reasons” without elaborating in his resignation letter: "I want to thank you and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors for appointing me to the office of Constable April 10, 2019 and the opportunity to be elected in 2020 for a special 2-year-term. I have very much enjoyed serving my precinct and the citizens of Maricopa County, and I will continue to serve until the effective date of my departure to the best of my ability. Respectfully, Ben Halloran - Constable, Kyrene Justice Precinct ■
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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Made Here: How Manufacturing is Shaping Arizona’s Future PHX East Valley Thought Leader Forum 3:30-6 p.m. Dec. 9 Hilton Phoenix-Chandler, 2929 W. Frye Road, Chandler More than 1,600 manufacturing companies – from startups to global leaders – are shaping Arizona’s future. Hear about the growth and investment of manufacturing in our region and state, and the value proposition for relocating and expanding manufacturing firms. Then, help honor three of our region’s biggest champions – Steve Chucri, Jack Sellers and Okland Construction – with the PHX East Valley Partnership’s Legacy Awards. Tickets: $800 for a package of 8 or $125 each To register, contact Jessica Hubbard at 480-532-0641 or jhubbard@phxeastvalley.com. The event also will be livestreamed for those who prefer to attend virtually.
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NEWS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
VETERANS from page 22
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.
Amazing, this is amazing. 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.” 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.” ■
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)
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 trib-
year! th 5 3 r u o in w No
ute 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
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Kyrene Foundation heads to wire for Wonderland BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor
F
or the second year, COVID-19 is changing the face of holiday giving to families in need within the Kyrene School District. And yet, thanks to the creativity and safety protocol practices begun last year by the Kyrene Foundation, up to 1,000 children and their families will enjoy brighter holidays this year. In years past, the Foundation, partnering with the Kyrene School District, hosted an extravagant in-person Winter Wonderland celebration. Last year’s COVID-19 shutdown required a rethinking of the event that in years prior had been held in the gailydecorated executive boardroom at the district office. In those days, impossibly only two years ago, invited parents of families in need personally selected gifts for their children
Prior to the pandemic, the Kyrene Foundation staged a memorable afternoon for needy local children and families with a joyous celebration at district headquarters. (AFN file photo) from piles of new toys, clothing and more. District employees feted the parents with refreshments and live music as appointed elves gift wrapped the presents. This year, as was the case in 2020, toys and other tangible gift donations are not being accepted.
Instead, according to Kyrene Foundation President Shirley Coomer, the online monetary fundraising event and gift card drive has a goal of $45,000 that will be used to provide gifts and food to 1,000 children and their families. She said last year’s pandemic Winter
Wonderland garnered great community and local business support allowing 927 children and their families to celebrate the Holidays that might have otherwise been bleak. Yet, those donating this year need to be aware of an earlier-than-usual deadline for giving. Six-year Foundation Board member Rick Richardson – co-chair of this year’s event along with former board members Jeff Peters and Greg Stanton – acknowledged that the Dec. 1 deadline for monetary donations and gift cards is much earlier. He voiced trepidation that it could affect fundraising for the event as only $10,000 in cash donations, not counting any gift cards, were on the books as of last week. “December 1st is definitely early and I feel may hinder us reaching our goal we
see WONDERLAND page 34
Summit School Student Council learns, teaches charity BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
I
f charity was a formal course, the students at Summit School of Ahwatukee, would have aced it long ago. And its student council likely would be at the head of the class for the organization, commitment and energy that its members have brought for at least two decades to a tradition of collecting food, games, books and gift cards, packing them in large baskets and delivering them to families in need. This year’s student council was no exception. And like their predecessors, the student leaders nailed it. Last Friday, student council members and advisor Melissa France delivered 38 bountiful baskets to Homeward Bound, a nonprofit that helps families experiencing homelessness.
Getting baskets ready for delivery to needy families at Summit School of Ahwatukee were, from left Student Council Vice President Vincent Wang, Treasurer Avery Thomas, President Case Vanden Bosch, the sergeant at arms, Secretary Lily Sandell and advisor Melissa France. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)
The baskets contained nonperishable fixings for a full-scale Thanksgiving dinner – including napkins and a festive table-
cloth, juice and soda and gift cards to buy the bird and any other perishable items. Plus, the kids packed in books and a game
“so that we can help encourage family time,” France said, adding that the drive also netted over $3,000 in gift cards for the recipients to buy the perishables. She explained that as a provider of transitional housing, Homeward Bound’s “whole mission is to give a hand up, not a handout” and that it encourages families to strengthen their bonds while they work through the economic hardship that set them back. The drive is run by the student council, whose members make posters, work social media platforms and visit classrooms – every one of them, France said, noting, “Even our preschoolers get involved.” They come armed with feathers bearing the names of ingredients when they visit classrooms. “They talk to them about giving back and
see BASKETS page 33
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Ahwatukee Community Garden could use your help AFN NEWS STAFF
T
ime is of the essence for helping the dedicated men and women who grow the Ahwatukee Community Garden and whose broader mission is “to develop and nurture community gardens and gardeners in Ahwatukee.” The group is aiming to win up to $1,000 from SeedMoney, a Maine-based nonprofit that for the seventh consecutive year is offering matching challenge grants to public food bank gardens as a crowd-funding effort to continue its work. But to help the Ahwatukee Community Garden possibly score its fifth consecutive grant, donations must be made by Dec. 15 at donate.seedmoney.org/6351/ ahwatukee-community-garden. The size of the grant depends on how much the garden project can raise in 30 days. This wonderful NGO helps community gardens all over the world raise funds. “This is our fifth year partnering with
With Om Vadhwa in the back, the Ahwatukee Community Garden’s caretakers also include, from left, Kelly Athena, Linda Rominger, Jo Rolfe, Ellie Ghaffari. (Courtesy of the
Ahwatukee Community Garden)
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Garden. “As a result, we have received hundreds of dollars in grants in addi-
tion to the tax-deductible donations that have allowed us to build a shed, a protective structure for plants, plant a miniorchard, and begin to update and repair the entire irrigation system.” “The money raised this year will allow us to complete the irrigation repairs and improvements,” she added. Comprising a number of people who have earned official certification as master gardeners, the Ahwatukee Community Garden boasts a number of benefits and its members encourage interested people to drop by the garden, located near the Ahwatukee Famers Market at 4700 E. Warner Road any Sunday between 8-10 a.m. No experience is needed because, after all, the members are pros and can answer your gardening questions about anything from permaculture basics to how to start and maintain a home garden to anything in between. The group also offers special children’s garden events as well as a free seed library. Information: acgarden.weebly.com ■
Humane Society pays tribute to Ahwatukee woman AFN NEWS STAFF
I
t’s a vast understatement to say Gloria Bartelt loves dog. When someone donates more than 29.939 hours of time volunteering over 23 years caring for them in a variety of ways like the Ahwatukee woman has done, there may be few words to describe that kind of devotion. But the Arizona Humane Society did just that by surprising Bartelt with a luncheon and Lifetime Achievement President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national honor given volunteers who have spent at least 4,000 hours of service. Bartelt has volunteered in almost every capacity possible at AHS from adoptions to handling media to dog walking to organizing adoption events. She even helped welcome dogs that were saved from Hurricane Katrina more than a decade ago.
see HUMANE page 33
Arizona Humane Society President/CEO Dr. Steven Hansen gives a special thanks to Gloria Bartelt for years of volunteer services. (Courtesy of the Humane Society)
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
HUMANE from page 32
But she has been particularly passionate about placing special needs dogs – animals rendered deaf, lame or otherwise impaired either by genetics or human cruelty – into loving homes. And she loves dogs so much – she has two herself – that she actually quit a lucrative career as an executive vice president for a commercial real estate company just to volunteer some eight to 10 hours almost
BASKETS from page 29
they ask ‘What’s your favorite thing about Thanksgiving?’ And if they say potatoes, then the kids will demonstrate: ‘Okay. Well, this feather has potatoes, you can take this feather home, go to the grocery store, get potatoes and bring it back for the basket.’ While France said “it’s a service project for the whole campus,” including staff, she added that the Thanksgiving drive goes beyond it. “The really cool thing about this year is that we had families, alumni families, who have moved out of state… who contacted one of our teachers and sent them the money to go and get the baskets funded,” she said. Summit alumni also get in the game, giv-
The baskets, laden with food items, games, books and gift cards were delivered last week by the Summit School of Ahwatukee Student Council to Homeward Bound, a nonprofit that helps families experiencing homelessness, so they can enjoy a holiday meal. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)
every day at Humane Society facilities. “The corporate world was perfect for me but I needed to do something else,” she explained. That love affair for canines likely began when she was 9, she said, when her parents went looking for a house. They wouldn’t let her have a dog and resisted her entreaties. They found a house where puppies happened to be living and again, turned her down when she asked if she could have one.
ing money and items. And even people with no connection to the school got involved. “We weren’t able to do it last year because COVID, so this year, I feel like our families were even more engaged and wanting to do more to help out,” France said. “We had a kindergarten teacher who put it on social media and she had all kinds of friends or family donate money to make baskets. So it’s become even bigger than just our actual local school community.” As for the student council, the entire undertaking teaches them more than just how to create a successful fundraising campaign. France took 20 students with her to Homeward Bound to drop off the baskets. “They get to take a tour of Homeward Bound that they could see exactly where their hard work goes,” she explained. “They got to see some of the families. They got to see some of the kids at this on-site daycare and they realize, ‘hey, they look like us.’ “We’re in a private school. So we definitely have very privileged kids who – their normal is not everybody else’s normal. So, to be able to give them a chance to see outside of what they’re used to and how they can give back without expectation of return is a huge life skill.” Nor are the Summit School students learning and sharpening that life skill with just one effort. They have already started another annual tradition – joining the Diaper Bank of Central Arizona in collecting as many diapers as possible by Christmas. That’s filling an especially vital need, since there is no federal program that covers the cost of diapers. “Negative physical and emotional repercussions result when families face diaper need including skin infections, urinary tract infections, and greater instances of maternal depression,” the Diaper Bank notes, adding that one in four Arizona chil-
But they liked the house. So after finishing the necessary paperwork, Bartelt and her parents went to the house to pick up the keys and lo and behold a puppy with a red ribbon also was waiting. Then the owners told her parents the dog came with the house. Bartelt said she was surprised by the luncheon – which included the certificate and a letter, both signed by President Biden. But she demurred over all the attention. She’s doing something she loves, she said,
dren live below the federal poverty line. Not only do diapers prevent serious health issues – including maternal depression – but they also help those children’s parents. “Most childcare providers, even subsidized or free centers, require parents to have a supply of disposable diapers (not cloth) for their child to attend for the day. No childcare means no work for parents,” the Diaper Bank bluntly states. France said Summit “typically wins the award for those schools in the Valley collecting the most because we usually have thousands and have a big truck come and collect them. “It’s kids helping kids,” she added.
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and besides, “The Humane Society is a wonderful place.” But Humane Society President/CEO Dr. Steven Hansen said that attention is well deserved. “Gloria’s dedication to matching adoptable pets with Valley pet lovers has resulted in thousands of happy families over the years and this incredible honor is very well deserved,” said Hansen. Information about volunteering is at azhumane.org/volunteer ■ So the Summit student council has been making posters and individual members will take turns wearing the Sabercat mascot costume, standing in front of the school to collect diapers that are dropped off by parents and others at the campus at 4515 E. Muirwood Drive. Monetary donations also are welcomed. “They can drop off diapers. They can drop off donations and then I just take them and go out and buy diapers,” she said. That drive also has also become known beyond the Summit School community: “We had a daycare that closed down and they heard about us on social media, and they came with a carful of diapers to donate,” France said. ■
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COMMUNITY
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Skin is very forgiving if you care for it BY DARLA HOFFMAN AFN Guests Writer
production of melanin depositing random brown spots, or hyperpigmentation, on the skin; pollution and other external irritants can cause oxidative stress resulting in flakiness or dermatitis. Additionally, there are a host of internal triggers to be aware of as well, such as stress, diet, and hormones. Acne and inflammation of the skin are very common results of any number of these causes. And, lo and behold the aging process is exasperated by many internal and external triggers, leading to loss of elasticity and the breakdown of collagen resulting in sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Believe it or not, there is good news: the skin is very forgiving if we care for it. Proper skin and body maintenance can create positive changes to our cell activity. For example, that dry skin from the wind and cold may just need a more emollient moisturizer during the winter months.
Dry skin can also be a cause of fine lines and wrinkles due to less lubrication or oil production in our bodies – to reduce and correct this, look for treatments and products that will stimulate your body’s collagen production. Collagen is a large abundant element that does not penetrate well if applied topically so it’s much more beneficial to apply what will create this response. A topical vitamin C in L’ascorbic acid form and professional chemical peels can stimulate collagen, while rejuvenating and plumping the skin. There are also a variety of peptides and growth serums that can reduce fine lines and wrinkles. And a great answer to those brown spots is a topical vitamin B in Niacinamide form, which can brighten skin beyond dark spots and reduce tyrosinase activity to minimize melanin formation. A great sunscreen with zinc will help keep those longer rays from
WONDERLAND from page 29
Blvd., Ahwatukee, and R Squared Graphic and Web Design, 8400 S. Kyrene Road, suite 124, Tempe. Another fundraiser to help Kyrene families in need is this Friday’s Second Annual Tukee Trot 5K and 1-mile Kid’s Quail Run held at Desert Vista High School beginning at 8:30 a.m.. Proceeds from the USATF-sanctioned run benefit the Kyrene Foundation and Kyrene Family Resource Center. As it was organized last year, needy families in the Kyrene School District will drive through to pick up their gift cards and a food box from Midwest Food Bank at an undisclosed location and date. Kyrene School District has 19 elemen-
tary schools and six middle schools, and according to Erin Schroeder, Kyrene Family Resource Center program manager, every school has children living in poverty, who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness. “We currently have at least 150 students who do not have stable housing,” she said. To find out more about the work of the Kyrene Foundation or to donate money to this year’s Winter Wonderland, see KyreneFoundation.org. Make an online donation today or drop off a Walmart or Target gift card in denominations of $25, $50 and $100 now through Dec. 1, 2021. ■
N
ovember is National Healthy Skin Month, hence a fitting time to share some pertinent information on skin and body wellness. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and its main purpose is to protect your body from harmful things outside, such as moisture, cold, UV sun rays, germs, bacteria and toxic substances. It acts as a shield to prevent these triggers from reaching the deeper layers of our skin and creating a negative response which can lead to undesirable changes on the surface. For example, cold and wind can dilate blood vessels causing redness and inflammation; low humidity can cause the water in the skin to evaporate, causing dryness; too much sun exposure can cause excess
typically would not end the drive until December 8th,” Richardson said. “But we had some time conflicts with the district and it is necessary that they are at the event.” In contrast, last year’s Winter Wonderland donation drive continued through Dec. 10. Monetary donations can be made through KyreneFoundation.org website. Gift cards for Target and Walmart in denominations of $25, $50 and $100 can be dropped off at two local businesses: Keller Williams Realty, Sonoran Living located at 15905 S. 46th St. at Chandler
penetrating and damaging the skin as well. There are so many products and treatments on the market and this can understandably be overwhelming for consumers. Be sure you are getting professional, corrective products with not only the right ingredients, but the best form of that ingredient and the most effective delivery system that product can provide to keep your skin healthy. Finally, another fabulous way to hold onto your inner and outer beauty, is to receive regular massage. Massage improves blood flow, reduces tension and, stimulates the lymphatic system which are all imperative to healthy glowing skin. Darla S. Hoffmann is licensed aesthetician and licensed massage therapist who owns A-Peeling Faces Skincare & Massage Therapy at 3936 E. Chander Blvd., Ahwatukee, inside Signature Salon Studios. Information: apeelingfaces.com or 480-540-7555. ■
Keller Williams Realty, Sonoran Living
15905 S. 46th Street, #160; Phoenix, AZ 85048 Now through December 1st, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. M – F
R Squared Graphic and Web Design
8400 S. Kyrene Rd. Suite 124; Tempe, AZ 85284 Now through December 1st, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. M – F The Kyrene Schools Community Foundation (Tax ID# 86-0607130) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving and providing resources to children and families in the Kyrene community.
COMMUNITY
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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AROUND AHWATUKEE
Armer Foundation seeks gifts for critically ill kids
Ahwatukee-based Armer Foundation, a local non-profit that helps families with children facing extreme medical needs, is hosting its third annual toy drive to benefit children at the Banner Cardon Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Oncology Unit. With 19 local businesses throughout the Valley – many in Ahwatukee – participating as drop-off centers, there are plenty of opportunities to drop off unwrapped toys and other items for the kids. “Having been in these families shoes ourselves, we know what a difference even just one toy can make in a child’s life when they spend day in and day out in the same hospital room,” said foundation founder Jennifer Armer. “While we are often helping with families’ medical expenses, we always like to do something extra for the holidays and are overjoyed by the amount of local business who are helping us give back to these children and their families.” The foundation’s thrift store at 9830 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee, Suite A128, is a drop-off center for both toys and other items. Those other items include baby dolls, blankets, comfy socks, crayons, pajama pants, hair brushes and combs, hair ties, kids coloring books and regular children’s books and games, puzzles and stuffed animals. In Ahwatukee, toys can be dropped at both
Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe high schools, Cupz N’ Crepes, 4232 E, Chandler Blvd.; Foothills Dollar, 1241 E. Chandler Blvd., Horizon Chiropractic Center, 4425 E. Agave Road; Kolache Café, 4302 E. Ray Road. In Chandler, collection points are Christine Z Freeland CPA, 813 W. Elliot Road, Flooring America of Chandler, 6909 W. Ray Road and Good Time Charli’s, 6045 W. Chandler Blvd. If you work in Gilbert, drop them off at either Peacock Wine Bar, 1525 N. Gilbert Road or Wilson-Goodman Law Group, 1760 E. Pecos Road. For information: visit the Armer Foundation, armerfoundation.org or call 480.257.3254.
at: • Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center, 4700 E. Warner Road; • Janet Euzarraga DDS, 4206 E. Chandler Blvd. #20 • Mtn View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. • Vision Community Management, 16625 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy. • Edward Jones, 3233 E. Chandler Blvd. #16 Cash donations also are welcome at ahwatukeekiwanis.org.
Food/hygiene products drive slated by Dem candidates
A “CANdidate Food/Hygiene Drive” for the Kyrene Family Resource Center will be held Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Nosh Café, 4855 E. Warner Road. The public is invited to donate needed items to this important East Valley resource. Several Democratic candidates running in the 2022 election will participate, including Bridget Bellavigna, Patty Contreras, Mitzi Epstein, Sharron Sauls, Stacey Travers, and Paul Weich. Food, personal hygiene items, cash, school supplies, and new/gently used children’s clothing will be accepted. Most-needed items include pasta, pasta sauce, bagged rice, bagged beans, cereal, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. The Kyrene Family Resource Center helps families meet their basic needs so that children can achieve their best at school. For
Kiwanis Club seeks help for foster kids’ Christmas
The Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee is seeking donations of items, gift cards or cash to provide Christmas gifts for these foster teens, who usually have no one to make their holiday merry. Rather than games or entertainment, what’s most needed are basic items like hoodies or jackets, underwear, pajamas, t-shirts, tennis shoes, casual shorts/pants and more dress items that they can wear to church, court appearances, sports banquets, etc. Hygiene items for teen boys and girls are also sought. These items, or gift cards, can be dropped off
40 Years
more information, visit kyrene.org/domain/575. The CANdidate Food/Hygiene Drive is sponsored by Ahwatukee Democrats. Call Melissa, 480-980-4689, or Dana, 602-430-0484, for more information about the drive.
Foothills Golf Course Ladies League ready to hit the links
The Foothills Golf Course Ladies League is open for play. Participants play 18 holes of handicap golf every Tuesday morning now through May. Play includes weekly games, prizes and friendly competition. Interested women can email Lucille Heid at lpheid@outlook.com for details.
Tuesday park day for homeschooling families
Homeschooling families are invited to join facilitator Cheryl Wedell of Ahwatukee for fun activities 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Vista Canyon Park, near Desert Vista High School. Restrooms are available and parents are asked to bring their own water and park toys and games to share. ■ Submit your releases to pmaryniak@timespublications.com
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BUSINESS
Business 36
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
@AhwatukeeFN |
@AhwatukeeFN
www.ahwatukee.com
Local businesses look toward holiday customers She believes her boxes will make a great gift for under the tree or could also make for a fun party favor during the holiday time. “We hope people find some stress relief while painting these and it allows them to try something new,” Ciliento said. “I think everybody has creativity inside them but it just takes some coaxing to get it out.” Boxes are sold online at thebrushbarshop.com. The brush bar offers curbside pickup and nationwide shipping.
BY ALEX GALLAGHER AFN Staff Writer
W
ith 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.
Earth Sugar
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.
Yvette Ramos and Melissa Magallanez own Time To Eat Arizona, a new kind of delivery service that aims to better serve restaurants and their patrons. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) “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. “We have something for everyone, we have kids kits and then if people are looking to enjoy an adult beverage we have a box for the adults,” said Ciliento.
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
see SHOP LOCAL page 37
Former local heads special area tutoring service AFN NEWS STAFF
T
here’s a reason that Kimberly Selchan gravitated to the Tutor Doctor franchise that serves the East Valley and Ahwatukee 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,” the former Ahwatukee resident 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, who now lives in Gilbert, not only is good at her job – she’s been good
Kimberly Selchan owns the local Tutor Doctor franchise and prefers to mentor students to reach their full potential and not just pass a course. (Special to AFN)
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 of
a larger foster services agency and is now the preferred partner of its careerdevelopment 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
see TUTOR page 38
BUSINESS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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Buying your child a phone? Here’s some advice BY DEREK JACKSON AFN Guest Writer
and limit them so that 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. 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 CoFounder of Cyber Dive, which created the first, fully monitored smartphone for kids called The Aqua One. Information: cyberdive.co/aqua-one ■
SHOP LOCAL from page 36
vors 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.” Earth Sugar offers nationwide shipping and orders can be made at the website loveearthsugar.com.
refrigerated, Yoder began offering it in a travel sized bottle that is TSA approved. Yoder expects to see an uptick in sales this holiday season and into the start of cold and flu season. “In addition to getting your shots, we recommend taking our syrup once a day during cold and flu season if you have any symptoms,” she said. “Because our product is all natural and organic, you’re only benefiting your immune system,” What makes her syrup so unique is the ingredients she uses. “Each ingredient we select is specific,” said Yoder. “Everything does something different like the cinnamon helps with regulating blood sugar and the local honey helps with allergies.” In addition to selling syrup, the Original Elderberry Company has launched the sale of gummies. “I had been looking for two years for a way to make gummies without all the junk,” said Yoder. “I came up with gummies that are Non-GMO, vegan gluten free, USDA organic and has vitamin C and zinc.” Original Elderberry Company’s products can be found across the Valley and on Originalelderberryco.com
Gorgeous Things
Y
ou 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
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. However, not long after celebrating the job, Meyers found herself at a farmer’s market and decided she felt happier shopping for produce than she had ever felt working with a handful of the world’s most accomplished musicians. So, she quit her job and began looking for something new. She eventually landed in research and development for a vegan company called Lavva. 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 fla-
Original Elderberry Company
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 hit that she began producing the syrup in a travel sized bottle. Since the syrup does not have to be
Sara Peterson independently operates a custom fashion business out of her “she shed” where she creates custom hats, sweaters, bags, face masks and denim jackets. Her designs are one of a kind and decorated with custom patches that Peterson stitches herself or that customers bring in. “I love it when things are personalized and I also love to tell a story on fashion,” she said. “I think fashion is more fun when it’s yours and yours alone.” Peterson also loves the idea of people gifting items and finds it to be a source of motivation. “Gifting is what drives me because I love to get things that I would want to give to someone else,” she said. Her fully custom denim jackets cost around $375 but she does have cheaper items like face masks, hats and headbands which cost around $30. For custom items, Peterson does have a long lead time and as a result she does sell ready to wear items on her website. For those looking to get a custom denim jacket, they must make an appoint-
see SHOP LOCAL page 38
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BUSINESS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
SHOP LOCAL from page 37
app that customers can place their orders on. Additionally, a couple of the company’s partnered restaurants have a link to Time To Eat Arizona on its websites. “We hope people give us a try especially because around the holidays there is an effort to support local businesses,” Magallanez said. “I hope that during that time, people will think of us and use us as a local aspect.” Information Timetoeataz.com
ment to meet with Peterson at her “she shed” where she can consult with customers about their designs. She also offers gift certificates. To place an order or obtain more information visit shopgorgeousthings.com.
Remedy Salon and Spa
Remedy Salon and Spa owner Michelle Keoghan recently launched new services, including airbrush tanning and artisan sculpting, but what customers can take home from her business is a holiday bonus. Remedy Salon and Spa expects to see an increase in sales of its custom gift sets, which vary in pricing from $30, $50, and $100 based on the size of the sets. Each box comes with skincare items and hair care products and an extra surprise. Additionally, each gift box is decorated with sparkly ornaments and other aesthetic items. “I advise getting a gift box and dissecting it because there is something free in there you can take for yourself,” Keoghan joked. Some boxes come pre-loaded with goodies or customers can create their own boxes. “We curated and sourced luxury and sustainable products. We have a lot of products in the salon that are made by local women as well,” Keoghan said. While the products are unique in their own respective ways, Keoghan believes that what makes the boxes special is the efforts her staff goes to make sure the boxes look like a gift. “We’re always trying to make everything like a gift year-round,” she said. Info: Remedysalonandspa.com
TUTOR from page 36
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.”
Tortilla Flat
After being frustrated with the way they witnessed other delivery services treating customers and how much money restaurants sacrificed to third-party delivery services, Melissa Magallanez and her friend Yvette Ramos decided to take matters into their own hands. “We saw the way that other third-party delivery services took so many profits from the restaurants that were already struggling and that they didn’t seem to care about the consumers,” Magallanez said. “We thought ‘why not do it right,’ delivery should be a convenience and not a negative thing on both ends.” From there the two launched Time To Eat Arizona, a service that focuses on supporting local restaurants by providing delivery at a lower cost to the restau-
rants and providing first class customer service. “Our drivers focus on giving a good product and focus on giving a good product and represent the brand and the restaurant,” Magallanez said. The two also pride themselves on their constant presence within the business. “With other big corporations, if there is a problem you won’t get through to the owners or anyone for that matter,” said Magallanez. “With us, we’re always there either running the dispatch or checking on our drivers, we’re going to make sure things are right.” With most people about to spend their days out shopping for gifts, Magallanez and Ramos want to take the stress out of preparing a meal by taking the stress out of delivering food. Time to Eat has a website and a mobile
Tortilla Flat not only offers holiday gifts for sale but this beloved Arizona landmark also offers a rich history and famous chili at the Superstition Restaurant & Saloon. The authentic Western town is also home to a mercantile filled with items that make fantastic gifts for everyone in your life. Some of the best-loved items include new stuffed animals in familiar desertinspired shapes like cacti, Smokey the Bear and rattlesnakes, which make cuddly gifts for kids and adults alike. Jewelry lovers will love the wire art jewelry crafted by local artist Netty Riggs as well as stunning stone pieces also crafted by a local artist, Sam Chavis. For those shopping for interior design and art, Tortilla Flat offers Native American-inspired art by Sharon Gilbertson as well as geometric pottery produced by Arizona artist Livinnia Boschenstein. Tortilla Flat is also a must-visit shopping destination for Arizona-inspired books, souvenir t-shirts, magnets and much more. Tortilla Flat’s mercantile also serves as a village post office. Information: tortillaflataz.com. ■
“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-on-one 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 inhome, 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 un-
dergraduate 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. ■
Sara Peterson creates custom clothing out of her “she shed” and creates custom hats, sweaters, bags, face masks and denim jackets. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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Some circumstances allow you to tap into IRA BY JOSEPH ORTIZ AFN Guest Writer
W
hile you’re working, you may be contributing to an individual retirement account (IRA), which can provide a taxadvantaged way to save for your future. So, is it ever a good idea to tap into your IRA before you retire? Ideally, you should leave this account intact until your retirement. After all, you could spend two or more decades in retirement, so you’ll need a lot of financial resources. Still, life is unpredictable, so there may be times you’ll consider taking money from your IRA. You’ll need to be aware, though, that if you withdraw funds before you turn 59½, you will generally trigger a 10 percent penalty. Plus, you’ll be taxed on whatever you take out, thereby losing, at least in part, the benefits of tax-deferred earnings
offered by a traditional IRA. (With a Roth IRA, you can withdraw your contributions free of taxes and penalties, but the earnings may be taxed and penalized if you take them out before you’re 59½.) If you need to withdraw funds from your IRA before you’re 59½, you may be able to avoid the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty if you meet an exception, such as one of these: Paying for college. You are allowed to take penalty-free withdrawals to pay for tuition and other qualified higher education expenses for you, your spouse, children or grandchildren. However, since the withdrawals may be considered taxable income, they could reduce the student’s eligibility for financial aid. Buying a first home. You and your spouse can each withdraw up to $10,000 from your respective IRAs to buy your first home. To qualify as a first-time homebuyer, you (and your spouse) need to have not owned a home for the two years preceding
your home purchase. Having a child. Following the birth or adoption of a child, you and your coparent can each withdraw up to $5,000 from your respective IRA without paying the 10 percent penalty. Covering medical expenses. You may be able to avoid the early withdrawal penalty if you use the money to pay for unreimbursed medical expenses (for you, your spouse or dependents) that exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. You may also qualify to take a withdrawal without penalty to pay for health insurance premiums if you are unemployed. In the case of a disability, the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty also may not apply. These aren’t the only exceptions to the 10 percent withdrawal penalty, but they do cover many of the common reasons that people may consider an early withdrawal from their IRAs. And if you do need to take an early withdrawal, consult with your tax advisor to determine your eligi-
bility for avoiding the 10 percent penalty. Keep in mind, though, that you do have ways to potentially reduce the necessity of withdrawing from your IRA early. One proven technique is to build an emergency fund containing at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid account. You might also consider opening a line of credit. A financial professional can help you explore other options, as well. Ultimately, if you can leave your IRA intact until you retire, you’ll be helping yourself greatly. But if you do need to tap into your account early, at least be familiar with the possible drawbacks – and how you might avoid them. Joseph Ortiz is a financial planner for Edward Jones. Reach him at 480-7537664 or joseph.ortiz@edwardjones. com. Joe will resume his coffee clubs on the last Thursday of every month at the Four Points Sheraton Inn 10831 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee. ■
house 96 one-bedroom and 14 studio units. The one-bedroom units will be approximate 600 to 620 square feet, eight studios will be “micro studios” with about 300 square feet of space while the other studios will be about 500 square feet. “These will be at market rate, not subsidized,” Lazarus told the planning committee. “The rents project will be in the range of $1,200 a month.” Lazarus and developers Josh Wertlieb and Jay Chernikoff have been careful to quell initial rumors about the conversion, including a virtual meeting with neighbors. The two partners also have a history of converting hotels into apartment complexes. Their portfolio includes The Merlino on Baseline Road at I-10, which is the old Innsuites at the Mall hotel currently being converted into apartments, and The Woodson on Thomas Road near I-17, a converted hotel that currently has studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent that include a kitchen and hardwood floors. They bought the 34-year-old hotel and
an adjacent 3.4-acre parcel for about $8 million, according to Valley real estate transaction tracker vizzda.com. That price is a lot higher than the last time the hotel was sold. Vizzda records show that in 2013, a couple and a woman bought the hotel for $3.23 million. Lazarus told the committee his clients will be devoting about 23 percent of the 3-acre site to landscaping and that “we will be bringing back and maintaining the deteriorating landscaping on the site as well.” He also said the conversion is “consistent” with the Phoenix General Plan “as multifamily is allowed in commercially designated areas.” The complex’s location also conforms to the city’s emphasis on walkability, he added, noting it will provide potential residences for employees of nearby retail and service businesses, who he said can walk or bike to work. “Our application creates an opportunity for a walkable, bikeable, transit-oriented environment,” Lazarus said. “So, people can live near where they work in this employment area. It is appropriate for entry-
level and mid-level employees and young professionals.” Indeed, he noted that traffic studies showed that as a hotel, the site generated 1,572 daily vehicle trips. As a multifamily site, it is projected to generate only 806 daily trips – a reduction of 766 trips. “The new use will have less traffic impact and less traffic requirements,” Lazarus said. While the number of parking slots for an apartment site that size is 138, Lazarus said, The Quinn. Ahwatukee will keep the 179 parking spaces that were part of the hotel. Lazarus said the conversion comes at a dire time for Phoenix. “The City of Phoenix has noted that there’s a need for 167,000 additional housing units in the city,” he said. “In order to meet the demands, we believe this is an appropriate location and help meet some demand for variation of housing within the employment corridor.” The plan has virtually no opposition from people living near the site. Lazarus said no one showed up for the online neighborhood meeting in September,. ■
Ahwatukee hotel conversion heads to final OK AFN NEWS STAFF
P
hoenix City Council is scheduled to vote Wednesday, Dec. 1, on the rezoning request needed for converting the old Clarion Ahwatukee Hotel into an apartment complex. The city Planning Commission unanimously signed off on the minor rezoning request to convert the building, which also was a Quality Inn for many years, from a 188-room hotel to a 110-unit apartment complex. The Village Planning Committee also has given the project a unanimous approval. Owned by Quinn Holdings LLC, the complex at 5121 E. La Puente Ave. – just north of the Wells Fargo Bank at the northeast corner of S. 51st Street and Elliot Road – the building needed the two zoning amendments. Neither zoning change alters the basic structure of the complex, which will include a gym, yoga room, pool, hot tub and some of the other amenities that the hotel provided. Attorney Larry Lazarus of Lazarus and Silvyn has said that the buildings will
OPINION
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Converting old hotels can help reduce homelessness BY TOM SIMPLOT AFN Guest Writer
R
ecent increases in homelessness, coupled with the challenges brought on by the global pandemic, have made it progressively more dif�icult to provide enough shelter to house people living on the streets. The majority of Arizona facilities that focus on offering food and shelter to those in need are at maximum capacity, often making it dif�icult to properly social distance. Many times, people experiencing homelessness are faced with the choice of staying in a shelter (and facing a higher risk of acquiring COVID-19), or choosing a dangerous situation like sleeping in their cars or on the streets. This is a decision no one should have to make. Also as a direct result of the pandem-
Open Apps Market Act will protect small developers Ahwatukee Foothills and the surrounding areas have a shadow economy growing. As more and more people moved from working in of�ices during the pandemic, the “Silicon Desert” was growing. Many in the tech industry, especially in the area of app development, are working from home creating the apps that we use every day. Unfortunately, big tech has taken notice, and is using draconian monopolistic policies to ensure that they keep their apps on top. This is threatening app development, and costing consumers a lot of money as well as limiting consumer choice. The Open App Markets Act seeks to level the playing �ield. There have been court
ic, many hotels and motels across the country have lost business, especially the older properties. With these two factors in play, homeless and housing providers throughout the country, including here in Arizona, developed a new service model for transitional and permanent supportive housing. It’s called “hotels to housing.” With the need to rapidly adapt service models during the pandemic to accommodate safety protocols while still continuing to serve the homeless, housing providers started to look at vacant hotels as an opportunity – an opportunity to turn unused rooms into housing for those who so desperately need it. The “hotels to housing” concept allows homeless persons to be distanced for safety and stabilized in comfortable housing, before they move to permanent housing with the help of wraparound services. We have already learned that this new model for housing makes following CO-
VID-distancing requirements easier and provides more humane housing than large, congregate shelters. We have also learned that this model results in shorter stays in transitional housing, and may even offer permanent supportive housing. Statewide, many homelessness agencies are moving to this new model and ADOH (AZ Dept. of Housing) is making major commitments to “hotels to housing.” ADOH has funded “Project Haven” in Phoenix, a former motel that will be transformed into a 130-unit transitional housing community for seniors so they can achieve the dignity they deserve, and JoJo’s Place in Flagstaff, a former hotel on Route 66 that will be converted into a transitional shelter for all ages. ADOH is funding at least two more hotel acquisitions with federal CARES Act funding and we are developing a funding pipeline with additional federal funding. Most hotel conversions plan to offer closed facilities, where only residents
cleared to stay will be allowed, and include full-time security and on-site supportive services. Residents will be provided all the necessities, within the converted hotel properties, to stabilize and move toward self-suf�iciency and permanent housing. While the pandemic created even more problems for an already tenuous housing situation, it is also forcing Arizona to �ind new, innovative solutions. Turning hotels into housing helps save lives and provides a potential long-term solution for reducing homelessness, but it also does something more. It offers a successful model for future regional, specialized housing that didn’t exist before. Through “hotels to housing” projects, homeless Arizonans can be safe and secure under a roof, receive needed healthcare services, and eventually get back on their feet. Tom Simplot is the director of the Arizona Department of Housing. ■
cases that app developers have won, but they have resulted in little change. This is why we need a legislative �ix to bring big tech in line. I hope our delegation, especially Representatives Biggs and Stanton, get behind this important legislation and support the meaningful changes it would bring to what should be a growing industry, before big tech squeezes the little guys out. -Dave Romako
from people who do not live at that address to vote on the Kyrene School District Override. So, many of the lists are not correct. People move but their ballots keep coming to the old address. In some cases, ballots go to the new and old address. Why would anyone be OK with a mailin voting system that is this open to voter fraud? The sheer waste of taxpayer money associated with sending ballots to ineligible voters is reason enough to merit reform and stop the abuse. The fact that voters have witnessed this problem during an off year all-mail election lines up perfectly with one of the audit report �indings. Over 23,000 early ballots were mailed to and cast by individuals who had moved prior to the ballots even being sent by the county. That’s why maintaining clean and current voter rolls is imperative and it’s why
the audit report included it repetitively as a recommendation to lawmakers. Ballots would not be mailed to ineligible voters if the voter rolls were clean and up to date. Lawmakers need to look at the statutes authorizing these ballot-by-mail elections. Every election must allow for an in-person voting option. An all-mail election is voter suppression. Many people especially the elderly prefer to vote in person or cannot receive and send mail. Arizonians want an election system that is both accessible and secure. An election where it’s easy to vote and hard to cheat. We want to trust that voter rolls are clean, and that fraud is deterred and punished when it does occur. Please email Maricopa County Recorder Steven Richer and ask him to do what he campaigned on: Clean up the voter rolls. -Nancy Dombrowski ■
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Richer must start cleaning up the county’s voter rolls
A bill was passed in the Legislature this past session to clean up the voter rolls. Apparently that is not happening. I have spoken to many people from my area who received several ballots
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Anonymity denigrates ESPN’s Sarver story BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ AFN Columnist
In my �irst newspaper job 30 years ago, I worked for higher-ups who were, to put it mildly, cretins. One boss, dead now, stood out for his screaming, insults, and the glee he took in being outrageously offensive. Part of my job was taking part in afternoon news meetings, where this head honcho presided over a discussion about what would make tomorrow’s page one. In one such meeting, the focus turned to a homicide committed in a poor part of the city. The big boss had a question. “What persuasion” was the dead man? Informed the victim was Black, he uttered a word I’ll never forget. “Next.” The killing was buried deep inside the paper. We all left there disgusted by where we worked and for whom. But nobody objected. I didn’t say a word. Maybe because this was the 1990s, or because I was a coward, new to the job and afraid to be �ired. Regardless, I am ashamed to retell the story in print. I do so because, to hear ESPN tell it, working for the Phoenix Suns under owner Robert Sarver may be a lot like working for that despot – a bully, a misogynist, a racist. These are charges Sarver has denied through his attorneys, including in a lengthy denial released weeks before ESPN published its Nov. 4 story, written by senior writer Baxter Holmes. Holmes’ piece accuses Sarver of frequently using the N-word, including in the presence of Black employees like then-Coach Earl Watson. Holmes says he interviewed more than 70 former and current Suns employees, including executives and at least one co-owner. The story describes “a toxic and sometimes hostile workplace” during Sarver’s 17 years owning the Suns. Sarver’s denials have been emphatic. “I’ve never called anyone or any group of people the N-word, or referred to
anyone or any group of people by the Nword, either verbally or in writing,” he said through his lawyers. “I don’t use that word. It is abhorrent and ugly and denigrating and against everything I believe in.” The NBA has hired law �irm Wachtell Lipton to investigate the charges. Media reports indicate the investigators have offered team employees con�identiality in exchange for their participation in the investigation. That con�identiality bothers me, as does the con�identiality granted by ESPN to virtually every accuser in the story – essentially everyone quoted with the exception of Earl Watson, who Sarver �ired only three games into the 2017 season, after a 48-point defeat that ranks as the worst opening night loss in NBA history. After three decades writing news, I understand the desire of sources to stay anonymous. But Holmes’ 70 interviewees are not risking their safety or lives in calling out Sarver. The former employees may be risking some career impact. The current Suns employees? They’d be risking a job they might be better off leaving, given the workplace they’ve described. Had ESPN’s sources used their names, they very well might have been hailed as heroes. In 2021, in the more supportive culture of whistleblowing that exists today, I’d say the chances were 50-50. Regardless, we will never know. Criticizing their anonymity is easy for me to do. It even brands me a hypocrite. After all, I didn’t have the fortitude to confront a bully when I had the chance, even anonymously. I’m still ashamed by that failure. I’ve never been a Sarver fan, so denigrating those who have attacked him feels uncomfortable. But I have come to feel strongly about speaking truth to power. Holmes’ story is thorough, but its rampant anonymity leads me to wonder how much of it is gospel truth. I think it’s better to put your name on the things you say. Every last word. ■
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Thunder’s comeback not enough, falls to Casteel BY JAKE HEDEBY AFN Staff Writer
T
he Casteel Colts visited the Desert Vista Thunder in the first round of the 2021 AIA State Football Playoffs. Without the top teams in each conference due to the Open Division, the 6A playoffs become more competitive. Bobby Newcombe and his Colts already beat one team in Ahwatukee, as they pummeled Mountain Pointe 35-6 earlier this season. Now on the other sideline was Ty Wisdom, who looked to build on his team’s late-season momentum by getting his first playoff win as Desert Vista’s head coach. The advantage would end up going to Casteel in the end, 38-29. However, after pitching a first-half shutout with a score of 10-0, Newcombe knew that Desert Vista would give them a run for their money in the second half. “The biggest thing for us is stopping the run, they are a heavy-running football team, so we knew some of their tenden-
Desert Vista senior running back Devon Grubbs rushed for 90 yards in the final game of his high school career on Friday. Looking back, he was thankful for the opportunity to help lead the team to a bounce back season in 2021. (Andy Silvas/AFN Contributor)
Casteel sophomore Jeremiah Newcombe played a key role in ending Desert Vista’s season, as he scored three total touchdowns against the Thunder. (Andy Silvas/AFN Contributor) cies there. They made some adjustments at halftime, played a little different game and they took advantage of a couple openings there,” Newcombe said.
In the first half, the Thunder were moving the ball but were killed by penalties.
�ee THUNDER page 44
Mt. Pointe gets shut out by Highland in 6A playoffs BY CHRIS FAHRENDORF AFN Contributing Writer
F
rom start to finish it was all topranked Highland in a 45-0 shutout against No. 16 Mountain Pointe in the first round of the 6A playoffs. On the Pride’s first possession quarterback Chris Arviso threw a ball directly to Highland cornerback Kyle Wright who intercepted the pass and returned it for the first touchdown of the game. “That was the first defensive touchdown in two or three years,” Highland head coach Brock Farrel said. “We’ve always caused turnovers, but we’ve never gotten a defensive touchdown and not early. Getting that defensive touchdown early I think took the wind out of their sails.” Then, directly after receiving the following kickoff, Mountain Pointe hiked the
ball over Arviso’s head and the Hawks recovered in the red zone. Subsequently, on Highland’s first offensive play of the game, running back Chance Cauthen ran the ball 10-yards for a touchdown. Before the first quarter was over, the Highland defense held Mountain Pointe to a three-and-out and quarterback Gage Dayley capitalized with a 14-yard screen pass to running back Steven Trujillo. In the second quarter Dayley found wide receivers Kaimana Hanohano and Malloy Hess for a touchdown each and Cauthen found the endzone one more time with just 34 seconds left in the half. Dayley finished the game completing 11 of 12 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns. Heading into halftime the Pride found themselves down 42-0. Head coach Eric
�ee PRIDE page 44
Mountain Pointe senior athlete Amier Boyd, who played his final game for the Pride on Friday, said the team’s turnaround started last summer. Now, he hopes those who come back next year will take on the offseason program with the same intensity and continue to build the program. (Courtesy Donna Mundy Photography)
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SPORTS
THUNDER from page 43
Whether it be holding or false starts, shooting themselves in the foot was the main reason they did not put up any points. Each defense was playing level to one another in the first half, the only difference being Casteel’s offense capitalized on mistakes. After the opening drive for Desert Vista ended in a missed field goal, the Colts drove down and made their kick to start the scoring. The following Desert Vista drive started with a tipped pass from quarterback Braxton Thomas, which was intercepted by Jeremiah Newcombe, who had his fingerprints all over this game. It did not take long for Casteel to take advantage of the short field position as quarterback Landon Jury hit tight end Bear Tenney in the end zone for the touchdown. That was the story of the night. The Thunder would make a mistake and Casteel continued to put up points because of it. After the first drive in the second half, the game looked to be over. Running back AJ Murphy gashed the Thunder on the ground. And when the defense took him out, Jury kept the ball and did damage
PRIDE from page 43
Lauer said that the first two turnovers in the first quarter did his team in from the get-go. “You can’t have those kinds of mistakes in a big game like that and it can be hard to recover from if you do and we struggled recovering from that,” Lauer said. Highland came out to start the second half with multiple backups in on offense including backup quarterback Joseph Walter. Walter finished the game completing just one of six passes for negative two yards and the Hawks put up just three second half points. The Highland defense remained steady in the second half as they held on to the shutout. As for the Pride, the lone bright spot was running back Amire Williams. Williams rushed 16 times for 57 yards. Throughout the entirety of the game, Mountain Pointe struggled to get the ball into the hands of Division I recruit Amier Boyd. Lauer has said all season that seniors like Boyd have helped change Mountain Pointe’s culture this season. After a one-win season last year, Boyd said
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
himself. The drive ended with Newcombe coming in as the wildcat quarterback and running the ball in for the score from 9 yards out. Down 17-0, Desert Vista kept using the run game that had been effective, it just needed to protect itself from mistakes. Thomas made his first big play of the game by maneuvering in the pocket and finding wide receiver Rylon Dillard for a 56-yard pass that would be Desert Vista’s first points of the game. Immediately following, Casteel fumbled on the ensuing kick return, giving Wisdom and his squad much-needed field position. After only a few running plays from Devon Grubbs, Thomas kept it and pushed in for the 5-yard score. Thomas would finish the game with 11 rushes for 41 yards and a touchdown run. Even without the outcome they wanted, Wisdom was proud that his team bounced back. “I’m super proud of our guys and how we responded,” Wisdom said. “It’s a 1714 game, we got the momentum, but we turned the ball over again and the game broke open from there.” That was the way things went Friday night for Desert Vista. After Thomas fumbled on a handoff exchange, the Thunder
were still down three with a chance for their defense to hold one more time. A couple of Casteel players had gone down, including Jury, and it did not matter. Newcombe came in for the rest of the series and punched it in himself again for his second score of the night. Junior quarterback Jackson Akins came in during the fourth quarter for Desert Vista, putting up a rushing touchdown as well as one through the air connecting with Cade Colemere from 30 yards out. It would not be enough as Newcombe iced the game with a 17- yard touchdown reception from the arm of Jury. The Thunder experienced bumps in the road with new leadership in Wisdom this season but were still able to find themselves as a unit and build on a couple of wins that helped them get into the playoffs. Grubbs had a solid game, finishing with 10 rushes for 90 yards. After the loss, he did not really care about what had transpired. He was thankful to get a chance to play ball with his brothers again in the playoffs after missing a chunk of the season to injury. “It was great getting to play with my teammates again, I knew they had a big load on my shoulders and sometimes
and made sure they were locked in,” Boyd said. “This is a big step up especially for the young one’s next year.” Next week, Highland will take on Casteel for the second time this season. In the first meeting between the teams, the Hawks beat the Colts 38-17. “The one thing in high school is it’s hard to beat a good team twice and no matHighland running back Chance Cauthen was one of several Hawk ter what we’re going players who found the end zone against Mountain Pointe Fri- to play a team twice day night in the first round of the 6A playoffs. (Courtesy Donna that’s a playoff team,” Farrel said. “We’re goMundy Photography) ing to have to go back that the change started to happen over and look at our game versus them and the summer. see what we need to improve on and then “It started off in the weight room. Ev- see if we need to adapt anything based erybody did what they had to do, and all on what they’ve done recently. The good the seniors got on the underclassmen news is we’re healthy and energized and
things play out how we want and other times it doesn’t, you know, that’s just life,” Grubbs said. Wisdom was not a fan of the narrative that he came in and fixed a winless program in 2021. But the undeniable truth was that he created a team that fought for each other and did every single thing they could until the final buzzer sounded from the scoreboard. “This was a fun group to coach because they kept getting better,” Wisdom said. “A bitter ending though, you see these kids give it their all, and football is a game that is just over, it’s hard. You feel for the kids.” Without a doubt a successful season for Wisdom in his first year leading the Desert Vista football program. He would have loved to keep this grind of a season going a little longer, especially for the seniors. Yet, he kept using the keyword, proud, and he meant it. “There were times when they could fold,” Wisdom said. “We had two secondhalf comeback victories when a lot of teams would quit, you know, start pointing fingers. They didn’t, they didn’t tonight, they continued to fight until the end, and that’s all you can ask. Casteel made a few more plays than we did tonight. But we’ll get there.” ■
ready to go.” Although Lauer said that this was not how the team wanted to go out, he is excited to continue building off of this year. In just two years he took a Mountain Pointe team that won one game in 2020 to the playoffs and has a foundation set with the program. “Embrace the Chase,” the team motto Lauer brought to the program, has been one the player have embraced the last two years. Just like they did last season with a win in the Ahwatukee Bowl, the Pride will take this playoff loss and build on it in the offseason weight training program. They aim to get bigger, faster and stronger, much like their opponent Friday night. Lauer said the culture that Farrel has brought to Highland can serve as an example of what he wants to do at Mountain Pointe. “You can’t go backwards. If you haven’t seeded nothing, nothing is going to grow,” Lauer said. “I think this is his (Farrel’s) fifth year and it’s kind of a good model going forward. He’s been able to establish a culture of winning and hard work and we’re trying to do the same.” ■
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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W. Germann Rd.
ARDEN PARK
87
Tumblewe Tumbleweed Park
IRONWOOD EAGLE GLEN
Chandler Municipal Airport
W. Queen Creek Rd.
1875 S. Arizona Ave.
Arizona Ave. & Germann Rd.
CITRUS GARDEN ESTATES
SURPRISE
PEORIA
Pinnacle Peak Rd.
Surprise Spring Training Feilds
Deer Valley Rd.
Deer Valley Rd.
Surprise Marketplace
WEST POINT TOWNE CENTER
NORTH PHOENIX 14225 N. 7TH ST. PHOENIX, AZ 85022
PRINT_10x10-AZ-Comms-11-01-21.indd 1
CENTRAL PHOENIX 1828 N 52ND ST. PHOENIX, AZ 85008
MESA/GILBERT
2653 E. MCKELLIPS RD. MESA, AZ 85213
Camelback Rd.
CAMELBACK RANCH
Greeway Rd.
Cottonwood St.
FOX HILL RUN
101
Indian School Rd.
Indian School Rd. Valley Golf Center
Westview High School
GARDEN LAKES
TERRACITA
VILLA DE PAZ
Cooper King ry School
MORLEN MEADOW MEADOWS
RIO CROSSING
BELLA MIRAGE
60
13040 W. Cottonwood St.
1875 S. ARIZONA AVE. CHANDLER, AZ 85286
Camelback Ranch
Camelback Rd.
Agua Fria River
At corner of Dysart Rd. & Grand Ave.
*Free planting offer valid for specimen trees and larger. Crane and equipment included up to 60’ reach. Not valid with any other offers. Some restrictions apply. Excludes packages and wholesale prices. 50% off discount is from original box price. Unless noted, ad is valid 10 days from issue date and all offers are for in stock items. Package pricing is based on CHANDLER/QUEEN CREEK Red Select Trees, unless noted. Pricing applies to the locations listed. Other areas may vary. See store for complete details. ROC 140536 SCOTTSDALE
18047 N. TATUM BLVD. SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85032
623.242.1735
Agua Fria River
Bell Rd.
HILLCREST RANCH
Two blocks West ofFLETCHER 83rd Ave. HEIGHTS
Surprise Community Center
Mountain Ridge High School
DEER VALLEY ESTATES
8550 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd. CAMINO á LAGO SOUTH
Bell Rd.
EAGLE CANYON
AVONDALE / WEST VALLEY
LIZARD ACRES
SUN VILLAGE RESORT
Litchfeild Rd.
83rd Ave.
91st Ave. Campbell’s
Pinnacle Peak Rd.
CAMINO á LAGO
623.242.5993 60
ESTATES AT HAPPY VALLEY
PLEASANT VIEW ESTATES
Chandler 202 Auto Mall
wy.
E. McKellips Rd.
IRONWOOD
ALLEN RANCH
91st Ave.
87
101
LAS CASITAS DEL SUR
W. Pecos Rd.
202
Falcon Feild Airport
W. Happy Valley Rd.
asa nt Prk
E. McKellips Rd.
E McDowell Rd.
SPYGLASS ESTATE
CHANDLER
Chandler Regional Medical Center
623.242.1019
Chandler High School
S. McQueen Rd.
GRAND OPENING!
LEHI COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT
CITRUS
PUEBLO SANTA FE
SURPRISE / SUN CITIES
TERRAMAR
Peoria Sunrise Mtn. Preserve
Lake Pleasant Crossing Shopping Center
N. Lak e Ple
202
101
The Boeing Company
E. McDowell Rd.
ARROWHEAD MEADOWS
izona Ave. Arizona
E McDowell Rd.
51
N. Gilbert Rd.
Cave Creek Rd.
7th St. 7th St.
14225 N. 7th St.
PHOENIX
202
480.648.0913
101
SUN CITY
PEORIA / ARROWHEAD
87
83rd Ave.
SUMMIT RIDGE
10
POINTE GOLF CLUB ON LOOKOUT MTN.
87
SCOTTSDALE
CHANDLER / QUEEN CREEK
Alma School Rd.
18047 N. Tatum Blvd.
East side of Tatum, South of Union Hills
Thunderbird Rd Rd.
PHOENIX
CAMELBACK EAST VILLAGE
Thomas Rd.
Phoenix Mountains Preserve
Hearn Rd.
MOON MTN GARDENS
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
SHADOW MTN.
ARCADIA
202
N. Val Vista Rd.
17
Bell Rd.
MOON MTN. VISTAS
51
SUGARLOAF FOOTHILLS
480.648.0506 N. Lindsay Rd.
SCOTTSDALE OAKHURST
Phoenix Mountains Preserve
480.660.8453
N. Gilbert Rd.
Bell Rd.
MOON MTN. ESTATES
LOOKOUT MTN.
MESA / GILBERT
N. Lindsay Rd.
PARADISE VILLA
Scottsdale Rd.
51
56th St.
Thunderbird High School
Paradise Valley Golf Course
Tatum m Blvd.
32nd St. Bell Rd.
Cave Creek Golf Course
KAY ACRES
N. Galvin Blvd.
PARADISE ACRES
Union Hills Dr.
Coral Gables Dr.
101 Mayo Clinic
MOON VALLEY CANYON
7th St.
Union Hills Dr.
PEPPER RIDGE
DESERT RIDGE SOUTH
Reach 11 Rec Area
51
Turf Paradise Marketplace
NORTHGATE
ARCADIA / TEMPE
NORTHERN HILLS
602.904.7928
101
Musical Instrument Museum
UTOPIA ESTATES
51
Bell Rd.
Bell Rd.
Greenway Pkwy.
GRAYHAWK
N 44th St.
Bell Rd.
480.374.395517
101
CANYON CREEK VILLAGE
Chino Bandido
PHOENIX / CENTRAL
DESERT RIDGE
N 44th St.
SCOTTSDALE / NE
7th Ave.
WILDCAT RIDGE
107th Ave.
These are example packages. Not all trees are included in package deals. See store for complete details.
Garden Lakes Elementary School
107th Ave.
2 Giant Trees or Palms 2 Huge Trees or Palms 1 Super Tree or Palm 5 Big Blooming Shrubs 5 Big Ground Covers
Garden Lakes Pkwy..
— HALF MOON
12-MONTH NO INTEREST FINANCING AVAILABLE‡
Nash St.
1 Giant Tree or Palm 2 Huge Trees or Palms 2 Super Trees or Palms 3 Big Blooming Shrubs 3 Big Ground Covers
Maryland Ave.
2 Huge Trees or Palms 3 Super Trees or Palms 5 Big Blooming Shrubs
MVN
CREATE INSTANT PRIVACY WITH OUR
Dysart Rd.
— QUARTER MOON
Dysart Rd.
— STARTER MOON
AVONDALE
101
GLENARM FARMS
11320 W. Indian School Rd. 113th Ave. & Indian School
INDIAN SCHOOL
11320 W. INDIAN SCHOOL RD. AVONDALE, AZ 85037
PEORIA
8550 W. PINNACLE PEAK RD. PEORIA, AZ 85383
SURPRISE/SUN CITIES
13040 W COTTONWOOD ST. SURPRISE, AZ 85378
11/12/21 3:25 PM
46
GET OUT
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
@AhwatukeeFN @AhwatukeeFN
www.ahwatukee.com
ZooLights returns with 3 different experiences BY CONNOR DZIAWURA GetOut Writer
T
hirty 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 beginning 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,
ZooLights makes for a massive footprint, encompassing most of the zoo. (Special to AFN) it’s a pretty massive footprint that we have. We’re probably in the realm of about 3 million lights now, like just with every-
thing 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 colony 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 conservation.
see ZOO page 47
FuelFest celebrates cars, revs up the Valley BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor
C
ody 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,” Gib-
Cody Walker is flattered that Tyrese Gibson is joining him in FuelFest. (Special to AFN) son 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. 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.
see FUEL FEST page 49
GET OUT
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
47
Sonoran Arts League cosponsors artisan market BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer
T
he Sonoran Arts League and The Holland Center have partnered up for the first time ever to provide a two-day artisan market in Scottsdale Dec. 3-4. The market will offer handmade creations by 75 artists, most of whom are league members. “This is something we haven’t done before and we’re looking forward to creating a new indoor market opportunity for vendors in December,” said league Executive Director Kait Huble. The Holland Center has historically held its Sage Art Market in spring but last year, with the already struggling arts community dealt a large blow by the pandemic, artists begged for a second event to sell their works. “The arts economy took a big hit during 2020, like most industries did,” said Huble. “Unfortunately, artists in Arizona had not felt strong support from the community for many years pre-pandemic. We’re working to build that back up.” One of the big ways that is being built up is through a budding effort to promote collaboration among nonprofits. “We’re all thinking of ways that we can come together and pull our different missions together to serve our community,” said Jennifer Rosvall, executive director of the Holland Center. Huble wants to break down the stereo-
ZOO from page 46
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.
From Dec. 3 to Dec. 4, guests will have a unique opportunity to support local artists from the Sonoran Arts League by purchasing unique accessories and art at the Holland Center. (Special to the AFN) type that art organizations are difficult to work with. “Arts organizations in the state don’t always have the best reputation for collaboration and we’re working to change that because we’re stronger together and we would rather collaborate than compete,” Huble said. With the partnership forged, Rosvall believes this event will serve as a unique opportunity for artists to sell their crafts. “This is the opportunity for artists who may not do the large shows to be able to come and share their art with our community,” she said. Of course, customers will have a good opportunity to purchase gifts from local artists and support the local arts
“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 are all synced by a computer to dance
economy. “With the issues in the supply chain, it’s a great year to support local artists and shop locally because those goods are not stuck at a port,” Huble said. With offerings that include ornaments, jewelry with natural stones, glass art, fiber art, watercolor and acrylic paintings, the market gives people an opportunity to score some original handmade artwork that won’t break the bank, as most items will be listed below $300. “The great thing about the arts world is that price and value are two completely different things so you don’t have to necessarily spend a great deal of money to have something of real true value to you,” said Huble.
along with the music that’s playing,” Davis explains. Families can see these sights and more through the regular Walk-Thru ZooLights or the drive-thru Cruise ZooLights. The latter was a new addition last year, due to the pandemic. And seeing as it was a success, according to Davis, the zoo decided to do it again with limited dates, though more could be added with demand. Foot traffic will be closed for Cruise ZooLights nights, which also won’t have the Music-in-Motion Light Shows. Davis said drivers can tune their radios to a station synced to the displays, or they can roll down their windows to hear the music playing throughout the zoo.
Huble also believes that because customers can meet the artists who made the works and hear their stories, they will have a deeper connection with the work. “With everything being local and handmade, it makes for a much more treasured trinket, sentiment or gift,” Huble said. “Understanding the story makes you so much more emotionally invested with a product or a piece of work.” The same can be said for the artists, as the exchange is mutually beneficial for them. “I love the energy of when the artists are engaging with the community and when customers get excited about the work that they do, that’s a big personal win,” Huble said. “The artists put so much of their heart and soul into their work and I appreciate the validation they feel when the community gets excited and comes out.” Consequently, this event will remind the public of the growing community of artists within the Sonoran Arts League. “Our hope is to show the general public here are some hidden gems if you haven’t found them already,” said Rosvall. “This builds a community amongst the artists themselves and they enjoy meeting each other and they will sometimes put together small shows together.” “This is exciting in the fact that this is the first year of the event and the first year of the collaboration,” said Huble. “The Holland Center has a beautiful venue and we are so excited to be able to host the event with them.” ■
“We still want to give that as an option because our ZooLights trails have grown so much over the last year or two that the elderly or very young children, they don’t want to have to walk the entire trail,” Davis explains. “So, we did make Cruise ZooLights an option still this year for those who don’t want to walk, but we are mostly back to walking.” Along the way at ZooLights this season, vendors will remain open so guests can warm up with hot cocoa or enjoy snacks or other concessions. “The biggest thing about ZooLights is it’s a very tradition-based thing,” Davis said. “A lot of our guests are return guests because it’s just become a holiday tradition for them.” ■
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Terre Steed brings color to ‘Rocky Horror’ BY ANNIKA TOMLIN GetOut Staff Writer
H
air 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
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) 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 lat-
er 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
see ROCKY page 49
Scottsdale escape room creator goes Bam BY ALEX GALLAGHER GetOut Staff Writer
A
lthough best known for the creation of the famous Escape the Room, Victor Blake has put his creativity on full display at his new creation – Bam Kazam. His 20,000-square-foot, 18-room facility is the first of its kind in the nation and gives guests the opportunity to feel as if they are the main character in a gaming experience. “I felt like I was missing the physical challenge with Escape the Room,” Blake said. “Also, with the escape rooms there is one theme and one hour. Because of that, you can’t do anything too physical or get that weird.” At Bam Kazam, guests have a myriad of games to compete in across their allotted two hours. Each game contains three levels and the levels often will take multiple tries to move on; Blake reported that it generally takes
Victor Blake wants Bam Kazam to remind adults it’s okay to have fun. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)
customers five to 10 tries to get past the first level on most games. Some challenges are more physical while others test participants’ mental agility and
others are a mixture of both. “The goal is to have two hours of physical activities, two hours of mental activities and two hours of a mix of both,” said Blake.
As soon as guests pass a level, a door opens for them to move to the next level. But if guests fail at the second or third levels, they must start from the beginning. “Some of them are just as difficult, especially the more physical ones,” said Blake. Blake understands that the challenges can be difficult, so he allows guests to leave the game and move to another experience. “The goal of Bam Kazam is not to love every room,” said Blake. “The goal is to love some of them and maybe not like some of the others. Because the games are so short and they are unlimited to play, people can play as many other games as they please.” Blake opened next door to Octane Raceway and two doors away from Mavrix, which he admits were factors in his decision to put the first Bam Kazam in the Talking Stick Entertainment District. “I like this area because it’s becoming
see BAM page 49
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
FUEL FEST from page 46
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 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
ROCKY from page 48
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 makeupwise 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
BAM from page 48
known as the Talking Stick Entertainment district,” Blake said. Blake believes Bam Kazam offers a different type of entertainment than what is offered throughout the state. “There’s passive entertainment and active entertainment. At some places, they will take you for a ride and it is the same experience for everyone whereas here the game depends on your actions and it is different every time,” Blake said.
49
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. “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 some-
thing 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 festival 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.” ■
He also feels that this area is becoming an area for people to get out of their homes and make fun memories. “I think there’s something magical about getting away from screens and being with friends,” Blake said. While most of the rooms feature games that kids enjoy, Bam Kazam maintains a minimum age requirement of 14. “There’s not a lot of places that I would call ‘a safe space’ for adults,’” Blake said. “Adults need a space where they can play and be silly and I think this is one of the few
places like that.” He also believes that the games are more fun if guests let their guard down and think like kids. “I find the people that enjoy this the most have to buy in a little,” Blake said. “If you jump into it and buy into it, everybody can do everything here.” Blake hopes that Bam Kazam will remind people that it is OK to have fun and that not everything in life is serious. “Life can be tough at times but it’s important to remember that not everything
is serious,” he said. “I hope that people can make silly memories with their friends during their visit here and have that hero moment.” The rooms at Bam Kazam will change every month. Blake is currently constructing games that are two stories tall, plans to add new games and has plans to add a snack bar that will be hidden behind a large cardboard castle equipped with a mental, physical or mixed challenge for guests to access the snack bar. ■
much in line with ‘Cruella’ with the plaids, stripes and leather.” Steed said that the costumes are reminiscent of the ’80s “London post-punk fashion.” “When I was designing the characters the image that came to mind 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 makeup,”
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. Ultimately, 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.
If You Go...
FuelFest WHEN: Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. WHERE: Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler COST: $15 to $300 INFO: fuelfest.com
“(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 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.” ■
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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Thank you in advance for being considerate of others, by wearing a mask. An amount equal to your sales tax will be deducted from your invoice. Not valid with any other discounts or promotions, Clearance Center sales or previous purchases. Some merchandise may be excluded per manufacturers' requirements.
Special terms for 24 months apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 11/1/2021 and is subject to change. Offer expires 12/05/2021. Please note: Offers not valid with any other discounts or promotions. Not valid on any previous purchases. Some items are excluded due to manufacturer requirements including (but not limited to) all Stressless products as well as all Essentials Collection products, Clearance Center products and any otherwise already discounted items such as close-outs, floor samples, etc. A 25% deposit is required on all special orders and layaways.
contemporary furniture & accessories PHOENIX 1701 E. Camelback 602-266-8060 SCOTTSDALE 15804 N. Scottsdale Rd. (South of Bell) 480-367-6401 GILBERT 2000 S. Santan Village Parkway (west of Mall) 480-838-3080
www.copenhagenliving.com
GET OUT
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
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Paid (up) Tennis star Graf False Sounded content Warm, as leftovers Not certain Cruise stop Farm unit Garten of Food Network Austen novel Perched Recede Force Pleasing Symbolic first step toward getting hired Cab British noble Eggy quaff Existed Squabble Past Furnace fuel Volcanic flow Cheered (for) Ogled Topical antiseptic Builds Strong points “Midnight Cowboy” role
DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 18 21 23 24 25 26 28 30 31 33 34 39 41 42
With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor
Ricotta pancakes are delicately addictive for family, friends
B 43 45 47 48 49
Sticky substances Praiseful pieces Curved lines Presidential power TV spots
51 53
Dead heat Epoch
Sudoku
Grieg’s “-- Death” Actress Patricia Private pupil Sch. URL ender “Feel-good” brain chemical Incite Jukebox picks Hosp. areas Fulfillment Office plant Notion Greek consonant Bach’s “Coffee --” 1501, in Roman numerals Moreover Newt Large snake Ornamental garden trees Best-selling Michael Jackson album Bill’s partner Work unit Spanish aunt Sprite Potpourri output Swift Met melody
PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 42
ig family breakfasts and family gatherings, like the Sunday morning mega brunch menu with hefty helpings of comfort food, are back in a big way. So are wonderful memories of breakfast favorites from my own family’s kitchen. I will never ever forget the first time I tasted my momma’s ricotta pancakes. I was about 6 and I had just taken a bite of the best thing I had ever eaten. I’d have to say that to this day ricotta pancakes are still on my all-time favorites list of great recipes. Now these were not just pancakes. I used to think they were feather light mouthfuls of angel air! I still do. You’ve never had, nor will you ever have something so delicate and addictive. The ricotta pancake will melt in your mouth and leave you begging for more, just like i did, long after momma clicked off the gas range and threw the Ingredients: 3 eggs ½ lb whole milk ricotta ½ cup flour 2/3 cup milk 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon pure vanilla Pinch of salt Real maple syrup, a dollop of butter, and scant powdered sugar for topping Directions: Separate eggs from yolk. Beat egg yolks, sugar, salt, milk, baking powder and ricotta together. Gradually add flour. Whip egg whites to a peak and gently fold into egg mixture. (This is a real key to the success of the pancakes. You want
skillet into a sink of hot soapy suds. (just one more, momma, pleeeze?) But it wasn’t to be, until the next time she had leftover ricotta either from her Sicilian Cannoli or her famous cheese ravioli. When that happened, we waited for those two golden words, “Ricotta Pancakes!” For years this recipe was on the back of the precious ricotta container. Now you have once again, a precious rescued recipe! ■ the batter to be light and airy.) Use batter immediately. On griddle or frying pan, (butter the griddle then wipe off with paper towel) pour enough mixture to make a pancake one or two at a time. Cook for one minute or until bubbles form. Flip and cook until light golden brown. Roll up like crepes and serve with hot maple syrup and butter. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar. Serving size approximately 4 Note: It’s best to serve the Ricotta Pancakes as they come off the griddle. Trust me; you won’t have a problem finding takers! Please let me know if this becomes one of your favorites, too! Watch my how-to video: jandatri. com/recipe/ricotta-pancakes.
52
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Ahwatukee’s most productive real estate office! Based on per agent production averages
Amanda Hofeling
Wendy Wagner
Fred Nogales
Karrie Law
Chelsea Lynch
Craig Peck
Jeanette Hofeling
Michelle Navarrette
Ward Stone, PLLC
Maureen Waters
Berenice Hernandez
Jim Edens
480-336-2900 We are hiring EXPERIENCED Agents www.joinremax.com/foothills
Call Rod Hofeling for a confidential consultation.
602-549-0169
CLASSIFIEDS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Classifieds
1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219 • Tempe, AZ 85282 480.898.6465 class@timespublications.com Deadlines
Classifieds: Thursday 5pm for Wednesday Life Events: Friday Noon for following Wednesday
The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | Ahwatukee.com Click on Marketplace
Employ
Announcements
Employment General
Pathway to Work azpathwaytowork.org Seeking donations Qualified Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Organization (#22112) (dollar for dollar AZ tax credit $400 single, married $800)
ment
FT / PT ASSEMBLY PERSON NEEDED No Experience Necessary. Will Train Must Be Able to Stand Multiple Hours Per Day Apply in Person at A&M Nut and Bolt 4642 S. 35th Street Phoenix, AZ 85040
Announce
ments Religion Free Bible Correspondence Course through the mail. Contact Information: donbraby@gmail.com
Meetings/Events Ahwatukee Women’s Social Club We accept members who live in the zip codes 85044, 85045, 85048. Facebook Group name: Ahwatukee Women’s Social Club a casual, fun group.
Air Duct Cleaning
Call 480.898.6465
CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
BY JOHN Air Conditioning/Heating
QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!
Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship New 3-Ton 14 SEER AC Systems Only $4,995 INSTALLED! New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!
Over 1,000 Five-Star Google Reviews ★★★★★
Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252
480-405-7588
Employment General NortonLifeLock Inc. has an opening for Data Engineer in Tempe, AZ. Job description includes design and implement technical architecture needed to support Business Intelligence and Analytics solutions as well as 3rd party systems which rely on data warehousing solutionsrn. May telecommute from home. To apply, submit resume to jobads@nortonlifelock.com. Must reference job title and job ID: 1648.6868.
Pets/Services/Livestock
While Your’ Away Services Pet, Home & Property Checks
Voted one of the “Best of Ahwatukee” 10 Years Running!
Reasonable Rates Special Pricing on Extended Service Licensed/Bonded/Insured Ahwatukee Resident
Call Eleanor Today!
480.287.4897
www.WhileYourAwayService.com
Carpet Cleaning
Air Duct Cleaning & Dryer Vents
Car for Sale?
Advertise It Here!
53
Ahwatukee Foothills News
Family owned and proudly serving Ahwatukee for over 20 years. Powerful Truck Mounted Soft Hot Water Extractions.
★ 30+ Years HVAC Experience
Carpets, Tile & Grout, Upholstery, Pet Stain/Odor Treatment
★ Disinfected & Sanitized With Every Job
Residential/Commercial www.extractioncleaning.com 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!
(480) 912-0881 – Licensed & Insured
480.460.5030
Appliance Repairs
Appliance Repair Now
If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It! • Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed
We Also Buy, Sell & Trade Used Appliances Working or Not
480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured Automotive Services
BESTOF
2021
FALL TUNE-UP SPECIAL!
69
$
REG. $99.
Includes a 16-Points Inspection. LIMITED TIME ONLY. RESIDENTIAL ONLY
FREE INDOOR REME HALO® IN-DUCT AIR PURIFIER*
• Reduces common allergens from pollen, mold dander & dust • Eliminates pet, cooking and musty odors • Reduces airborne and surface bacteria & viruses, such as MRSA, e-coli, and Norwalk 99+%,
*With a qualified ac system purchase
YOUR HOMETOWN AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST FREE Service Call With Repair FREE Second Opinion ★ FREE Estimate
A + Rating
480-725-7303 www.BrewersAC.com SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643
We offer Big Savings and Great Financing!
Some restrictions apply. See website for additional information. Special rebates and financing offers are valid on qualifying equipment and pre-approved credit. Offers expire 12/31/2021.
AHWATUKEE MOBILE CAR DETAIL
MOBILE DETAIL SERVICE TO YOUR LOCATION IN GREATER PHOENIX
Concrete & Masonry QUALITY WORK, AFFORDABLE PRICING DISCOUNT RATES FOR: SPECIAL EVENTS • FLEETS • COMPANY CAR WASH DAYS
480-206-9980 AHWATUKEEMOBILECARDETAIL.COM
Block Fence * Gates
602-789-6929 Roc #057163
MISSED THE DEADLINE?
Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley
Call us to place your ad online!
YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!
480-898-6465
CLASSIFIEDS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Contractors
Garage/Doors
Glass/Mirror
GARAGE DOOR SERVICE
GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS
East Valley/ Ahwatukee
Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610
Not a licensed contractor
CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com
Family Owned with 50 years' EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures, Framed, Frameless or Custom Doors, We also install insulated glass, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio doors, glass table protectors. If it’s glass, we can help you. QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates
WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY Call 480-306-5113
CASH OUT!
Electrical Services
Jaden Sydney Associates.com
LLC
• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations
• Electrical Repair • Plumbing Repair • Dry rot and termite damage repair
GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY
All Estimates are Free • Call:
520.508.1420
www.husbands2go.com
Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949 Ask me about FREE water testing!
MALDONADO HOME REPAIR SERVICES CALL DOUG
480.201.5013
THE HANDYMAN THAT HANDLES SMALL JOBS THAT OTHERS DECLINE
ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY
Painting • Flooring • Electrical 480.335.4180 Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry
“No Job Too Small Man!”
Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor
I’ve got your back while you’re out! Text or call
480-278-1355 dbroze@hotmail.com
*Not A Licensed Contractor
Sprinkler & Drip Systems Repairs • Modifications • Installs
• Furniture • Appliances • Mattresses • Televisions • Garage Clean-Out • Construction Debris
• Old Paint & Chems. • Yard Waste • Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris • Old Tires
✔ Carpentry
Job Too Marks the Spot for“No ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More!
✔ Kitchens
✔ Bathrooms 2010, 2011 2012, “No 2013, Job Too And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 2012, 2013, 2014 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Ahwatukee / References ty Work Since 1999
Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038
Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 C. READ & SON Ahwatukee ELECTRIC Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor
Affordable, Quali
Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038
2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014
Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor
See MORE Ads Online!
2008 through 2019
www.readelectricaz.com
480-940-6400
DAVID Broze
AND so much more!
rk Since 199 Affordable, Quality Wo
Electric Car Chargers for ALL your Fans electrical needs Lighting 41 years Troubleshooting And much more experience
■ Great Rates ■ Sole Proprietor ■ Only Person In Your Home ■ Contact For A Quote ■ Taking Reservations Now For Winter Break
Ahwatukee Resident Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!
rk Since 1999 Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured Affordable, Quality Wo BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 9
Ahwatukee Resident
“An honest, trustworthy and reliable neighbor.”
■ Twice Daily Home & Property Checks ■ Mail Pick-Up ■ Plant Care ■ Pet Care & Pool Service Available
Repairs • Drywall • Painting • BINSR Items Trash Removal • HOA Compliance
Not a licensed contractor. • Panel Changes Decks • Tile • More! and RepairsMarks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! • Installation Marks of the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical CeilingPainting Fans Plumbing “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring • Flooring • Electrical • Drywall • Carpentry Man!” • Switches/Outlets Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! • Home Remodel Decks •Affo Quality Work Since 1999 Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall
ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932
Coach Broze is a local homeowner, a former Desert Vista Security Guard and Track/Cross Country Assistant Coach.
Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured
Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services
Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354
Out & Back House Sitting Services
Irrigation
Hauling
Residential Electrician
ROC #158440 Bond/Insured
House Sitting Services
✔ Painting ✔ Gate Restoration ✔ Lighting ✔ Plumbing Repairs ✔ Replace Cracked ✔ Sheetrock Roof Tiles Texturing Repairs ✔ & MUCH MORE!
Handyman
• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •
Handyman
www.Ahwatukee.com
Home Improvement
• 20+ Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty
Home Remodeling • BASE BOARDS • DRYWALL • ELECTRICAL • PAINTING • PLUMBING • BATHROOMS • WOOD FLOORING • FRAMING WALLS • FREE ESTIMATES • GRANITE FABRICATION & INSTALLATION • CARPET INSTALLATION • LANDSCAPING
No Job Too Small! Senior Discounts!
David Hernandez (602) 802 3600
NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR
54
daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español
480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded
Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet. Please recycle me.
CLASSIFIEDS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Irrigation
• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service
NTY
5-YEAR WARRA
480.654.5600 azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671
Landscape Design/Installation Irrigation Systems & Outdoor Lighting Fountain Repair alls C - Caring Repairs & Instuse. D - Dedicated for long term S - Service No Yard . Maintenance
LANDSCAPING
• 8am - 6pm Monday - Saturday • You Pay Labor & Materials Only • FREE ESTIMATES • ROC#312942 • David R Smith Phone, Text or Email
480-580-4419
david@swo-of-artworks.com www.swo-of-artworks.com
Landscape/Maintenance
TRIMMING 25 Years exp (480) 720-3840
480.295.2279 Referred out of Ewing Irrigation Not a licensed contractor.
WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED!
Landscape Design/Installation
Sick of LEAKS!
Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today!
480.898.6465
CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured
Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems
Drip Systems Installed, Valves/Timer Repairs
FREE ESTIMATES! CALL 24 HOURS 25 Yrs Exp. I Do All My Own Work! Call Mark
Repairs - Installs - Modifications Timers/Valves/Sprinklers DRIP-PVC-COPPER Backflows & Regulators LANDSCAPE LIGHTING
MD’S LANDSCAPING
CALL US TODAY!
Let’s get your Watering System working again! System Checks • Drip Checks
Landscape/Maintenance
SPRINKLER DOCTOR
Juan Hernandez
TREE
480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com
25 years Experience & Insured Not a licensed contractor.
Specials
Lawn Mowing Starts At $40 Full Service Starts At $70 15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew
ROC# 256752
SONORAN LAWN
Serving the Valley for over 28 years
480-745-5230
The Possibilities are Endless
Schedule your holiday cleanup with SONORAN LAWN.
Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new
SH
ALL YOU NEED IS A PU
Custom Built-ins, BBQs, Firepits, Fireplaces, Water Features, Re-Designing Pools, Masonry, Lighting, Tile, Flagstone, Pavers, Culture Stone & Travertine, Synthetic Turf, Sprinkler/Drip, Irrigation Systems, Clean ups & Hauling
480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com
480-730-1074
Painting INSTALLING A WINTER LAWN?
Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923
Install HD Drip System Leak Free for Life!
Meetings/Events?
Get Free notices in the Classifieds!
Submit to ecota@timespublications.com
480-940-8196 theplugman.com
IMPROVE GRASS SEED GERMINATION AND REDUCE SOIL COMPACTION FERTILIZATION
• SOIL AMENDMENTS • SOIL TESTING
ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995
Landscape/Maintenance
Arizona Specialty Landscape
New & Re-Do Design and Installation 20+ Years Experience
480.345.1800
Affordable | Paver Specialists All phases of landscape installation. Plants, cacti, sod, sprinklers, granite, concrete, brick, Kool-deck, lighting and more!
Free Estimates 7 Days a Week! ROC# 186443 • BONDED
ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded
Call/Text 480.695-3639
55
Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control
East Valley PAINTERS Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting
10% OFF
Starting @ $60/Month!
We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality
• One Month Free Service
Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!
• Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection. • Call or Text for a Free Quote
kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191
480-586-8445
480-688-4770
www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131
Now Accepting all major credit cards
56
CLASSIFIEDS Painting
PAINTING Interior & Exterior Residential/Commercial Free Estimates Drywall Repairs Senior Discounts References Available
— Call Jason —
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Painting
Plumbing
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, Exterior House Painting. Stucco Patching. Gate/Front Door Refinishing. Quality work/Materials Free Estimate Ignacio 480-961-5093 602-571-9015 ROC #189850 Bond/Ins'd
Drain Cleaning Experts, water heaters, disposals, water & sewer lines repaired/replaced & remodels. Rapid Response. If water runs through it we do it! 602-663-8432
Pool Service / Repair
Plumbing
Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds!
AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $
$25 OFF
Off 40work done *Any
Filter Cleaning!
MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online!
Monthly Service & Repairs Available
Call 480-898-6465
602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5
(602) 502-1655
www.barefootpoolman.com
SUN TECH
PAINTING INC.
Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior
• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available Visit us at Suntechpaintingaz.com or view our video promo at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM5pbvpZJlg
602.625.0599 ROC #155380
“We get your house looking top notch!” ★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Drywall Repair & Installation ★ Popcorn Ceiling Removal
★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors
ADD COLOR TO YOUR AD! Ask Us. Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465
See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001
You will find them easy with their yellow background. Garage Sale Fri & Sat 7a-11am Household, clothes, kitchen items, furniture, electronics, mason jars, kid items, DVDs, MORE 555 W. Lane Dr Mesa
Only $27.50 includes 1 week online To place an ad please call: 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com
Juan Hernandez
CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair
★ Small Job Specialist
Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789 License #ROC 298736
FREE Service Calls + FREE Estimates Water Heaters Installed - $999 Unclog Drains - $49
Family Owned • Free Estimates
HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs
PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR
PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!
showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!
FALL SPECIAL! $500 OFF COMPLETE REMODEL! 25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable
10% OFF
All Water Purification Systems Voted #1 Plumber 3 Years In A Row OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS
Call Juan at
480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.
We Are State Licensed and Reliable!
Free Estimates • Senior Discounts
480-338-4011
Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709
ROC#309706
CONKLIN PAINTING
Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated Residential & Commercial Painting • Interior & Exterior • Professional Cabinet Refinishing • Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings • In-Home Color Consultations “Professional, Punctual & Clean”
Veteran Owned
480-405-7099
Free Estimate & Color Consultation
Plumbing
480-888-5895
PLUMBING
Interior Painting ● Pressure Washing Exterior Painting ● Drywall/Stucco Repair Complete Prep Work ● Wallpaper Removal
ConklinPainting.com Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450
THE MOST READ PAPER in Ahwatukee!
We Repair or Install
www.ACPpaintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242
FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!
(480) 785-6323
CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com
$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!
A+ RATED
ROC # 272721
AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured
704.5422
(480)
CLASSIFIEDS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Pool Service / Repair
Roofing
MARK’S POOL SERVICE Play Pools start at
PHILLIPS
ROOFING LLC
Flat and Foam Roof Experts!
$85/month
desertsandscontracting.com
COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL
FLAT ROOFS | SHINGLES | TEAR OFFS | NEW ROOFS | REPAIRS TILE UNDERLAYMENT | TILE REPAIR | LEADERS | COPPER ALUMINUM COATINGS | GUTTERS | SKYLIGHTS
with chemicals
10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT
Ask About Filter Cleaning Specials!
Mark
Roofing
Roofing
TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS
Owner Operated - 20 Years
LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED | ROC #269218
Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated
602-799-0147
57
Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona
AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 | FULLY INSURED
CPO#85-185793
FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019
$1000 OFF when you show this ad
Roofing
*on qualifying complete roof replacements
623-873-1626 Free Estimates Monday through Saturday
480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com
Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured
10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof
Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident
MonsoonRoofingInc.com
Over 30 yrs. Experience
480-706-1453
Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561
Sell Your Stuff!
Over 30 Years of Experience Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!
480-446-7663
-EX D i ffe r e n c e
602-938-7575
CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
Valley Wide Service
e IN
Call
Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465
Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING
u Th
!
Let Us Show Yo
Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099
COMMERCIAL RESIDENTAL COMMERCIAL && RESIDENTIAL
We Got You Covered!
We Got You Covered!
for your FREE Roof Evaluation Today!
Specializing in New, Tile and Shingle Roofs • Repairs New Roofs, Repairs, Roof, & Coatings •FlatCoatings, Roof HotFlat Mopping Hot Mopping & Patching Patching •Total Rubber Roof Systems & Total Rubber Roof Systems
www.InExRo
Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!
ofin
g.c o m
Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates
480-460-7602 Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!
FREE Estimates SAME DAY SERVICE
www.porterroofinginc.com
ROC#288-123 • Licensed • Bonded • Insured
Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 288-123
Senior & Military Discounts FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded
Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years
Call our office today!
Same Day Service All Work Guaranteed
30 Years Experience We Pay Your Insurance Deductible
Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online! Classifieds 480-898-6465
ROC #152111
10% OFF 602-551-2255 with this ad
PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net
602-551-2255
See MORE Ads Online! www.Ahwatukee.com
Licensed, Bonded, Insured
58
CLASSIFIEDS
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
Roofing
Window Cleaning
Serving All Types Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service of Roofing:
Ahwatukee Based Family Owned and Operated Insured • Free Estimates
FREE ESTIMATES
Tiles & Shingles sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com Installation Repair Re-Roofing
602-471-2346
Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! We have a “Spencer” on every job and every step of the way.
See our reviews and schedule at:
www.cousinswindowcleaning.com
480-330-2649 THE MOST READ PAPER in Ahwatukee!
CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com
480.898.6465
480-446-7663 Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!
WORD SEARCH: Words ‘n Words #1 Find nine 3-letter words using only these letters:
Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds! You will find them easy with their yellow background. Garage Sale Fri & Sat 7a-11am Household, clothes, kitchen items, furniture, electronics, mason jars, kid items, DVDs, MORE 555 W. Lane Dr Mesa
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#2 Find five 5-letter words, starting with R and using only these letters:
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#1 Answers: imp, ink, kin, nip, pip, pin, pun, pup, ump
FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded
#2 Answers: raves, rathe, rheas, rates, resat
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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
59
palmabrisa.com
NOW SELLING
A new gated resort community is now selling in the Ahwatukee Foothills with a dramatically different style. It feels exclusive, but also lively and exciting — and it's called Palma Brisa. • Modern resort-style gated community with stately palms
• Diverse architecture: Modern Bungalow, Urban Farmhouse, Italian Cottage, Andalusian, Modern Craftsman, French Country, and Spanish Mission • Four amenity areas connected by expansive lawns
• Homes from 1,700 sq. ft. to 4,000 sq. ft. from the low $600’s
ERIC WILLIAMS
480-641-1800
TERRY LENTS
© Copyright 2021 Blandford Homes, LLC. No offer to sell or lease may be made prior to issuance of Final Arizona Subdivision Public Report. Offer, terms, and availability subject to change without prior notice. Renderings are artist’s conceptions and remain subject to modification without notice.
60
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 25, 2021
BLACK FRIDAY SALE
SAVINGS START NOW
Holidays... There Has Never Been EST It’s The NO INTINER A Better Time To BUY AT SPENCERS! FULL BY IF PAID
TBD
JANUARY 1ST, 1.6 CU. FT. OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE
WASHER
• 3.5 Cu. Ft. • Porcelain Tub • 700 RPM Spin Speed
$
NTW4500XQ CLOSEOUT
• Normal Wash Cycle • Heated Dry On/Off • Standard Upper Rack
$
199
$ FRONT LOAD WASHER
DRYER
• 7.5 Cu. Ft. Capacity • 4.5 Cu. Ft. Capacity • 10 Cycles • 9 Options • 10 Wash Cycles • Steam Sanitize • Smart Care DVE45T6200W
WF45T6200AW
$
DISHWASHER
RANGE • 4.8 Cubic Foot Capacity • Self Cleaning Oven • Smooth Top • Proudly Made in USA
• Integrated Control Styling • Premium Nylon Racks • In Door Silverware Basket • Energy Star Qualified
2350
WFE505W0HS CLOSEOUT
$
NO INTEREST
IF PAID IN FULL BY JANUARY 1, 2023
• 2 HDMI Inputs • Airplay2 Built-In
$
WMH1162XVQ CLOSEOUT
299 679EACH
HDA2000TWW CLOSEOUT
58” 4K UHD SMART TV
1.6 CU. FT. OVER-THE- RANGE MICROWAVE
• 950 Watts of Power • 10 Levels of Power • Sunken Glass Turntable
429
DISHWASHER
1000’s OF ITEMS IN STOCK FOR FAST DELIVERY
58”
2023*
All Of The Manufacturers Have Increased Rebates, Added Special Buys And Increased Products In-stock. You Better Get To Spencers, You’ll Be Glad You Did!
REFRIGERATOR
569
UN58TU7000
99
BFTF2716SS
STAINLESS STEEL 23 CU. FT. SIDE BY SIDE • Deli Drawer • Crisper Shelves
• LED Lighting FFSS2314QS CLOSEOUT
949
$
• 25 Cubic Foot Capacity • Spill Proof Glass Shelves • Humidity Controlled Drawers WRS325SDHZ
WDF520PADM
BUYS ALL 3 PIECES
NO MATTER WHERE YOU SEE IT, READ IT, OR HEAR ABOUT IT, SPENCERS IS GUARANTEED TO BE A LOWER PRICE!
*On purchases of $599 or more. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the balance is not paid in full by January 1, 2023. See store for details. ** NO INTEREST IF PAID IN FULL IN 12 MONTHS. $799.00 Minimum Purchase Required Minimum Payments Required 30.79% APR If the promotional balance is not paid in full by the end for the promotional period or, to the extent permitted by law, if you make a late payment, interest will be imposed from the date of purchase at the APR noted above. This APR is as of 7/4/2019 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Your card agreement, the terms of the offer and applicable law govern this transaction including increasing APRs and fees and terminating the promotional period.
MESA SHOWROOM & CLEARANCE CENTER 115 W. First Ave. | 480-833-3072 AHWATUKEE 4601 E. Ray Rd. | Phoenix | 480-777-7103 ARROWHEAD RANCH 7346 W. Bell Road | 623-487-7700 GILBERT Santan Village | 2711 S. Santan Village Pkwy | 480-366-3900 GLENDALE 10220 N. 43rd Ave | (602) 504-2122 GOODYEAR 1707 N. Litchfield Rd | 623-930-0770 RECONDITION CENTER 160 EAST BROADWAY | 480-615-1763 SCOTTSDALE 14202 N. Scottsdale Rd. | 480-991-7200 SCOTTSDALE/PHOENIX 13820 N. Tatum Blvd. | (602) 494-0100 NOW OPEN - MESA 5141 S. Power Rd. | 480-988-1917
Arizona’s largest independent dealer! “It’s Like Having A Friend In The Business” Check Out Our Website
WWW.SPENCERSTV.COM OPEN DAILY 9AM-9PM | SATURDAY 9AM-6PM | SUNDAY 11AM-5PM
HOUSE IN S R E C SPEN PLANS PAYMENT BLE AVAILA Due to current circumstances, some items may be out of stock.