Ahwatukee Foothills News - 12.1.2021 by Times Media Group

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Ahwatukee ‘angels’ rally to victim of chilling accident BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

@AhwatukeeFN |

n his fourth last day as a teenager, Zander Fehlan’s life changed forever. Around 5 p.m. Nov. 17, after working on his motorcycle at his Ahwatukee

home, Zander took the bike for a spin along Ray Road not far from his house when the unthinkable happened. “He passed a car on the left and came back into the right lane and when he did, he underestimated the curve of the road and he hit the curb and it dragged him along the

curb for about 20 feet, they say, and then threw his bike up into the air for about 30 feet,” his mother, Toshia Hendrix said. “And he landed on his face and his right leg went in one direction while his body

Ahwatukee’s Santa lands here oldest eatery marks 50 years

see ZANDER page 12

BY GERI KOEPPEL Special to the AFN

ustler’s Rooste, the Western-themed steakhouse in Ahwatukee Foothills known for its jaw-dropping views and rattlesnake appetizer, is turning 50 on Dec. 7. One of the oldest businesses in the community, the restaurant opened in 1971 on the current site at 8383 S. 48th St., although the original structure burned down April 27, 1985, in an electrical fire. To put Rustler’s Rooste in historical perspective, consider these dates in Ahwatukee historian Marty Gibson’s “Phoenix’s Ahwatukee-Foothills,” the first of his two books on the community’s history published by Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series. When the restaurant was built in 1971, Tempe and Chandler officials rejected developer Randall Presley’s bid to have one of those cities annex a fledgling Ahwatukee

see ROOSTE page 24

Scores of people turned out in front of Millie's Hallmark in the Ahwatukee Plaza last Friday to witness Santa and his Mrs. land in a helicopter to the delight of children, possibly with the exception of this tyke. For some of the scenes from the event, which returned after a pandemic hiatus last year, see page 27. (Zac BonDurant/AFN Contributor)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills.

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Desperate for teacher subs, Kyrene ups pay BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

he Kyrene Governing Board last week sweetened the deal for substitute teachers as principals continue to grapple with unfilled absences that at times require administrators to fill in at the head of the classroom. Thanks to the availability of a third round of federal pandemic relief funds, the board on Nov. 23 increased the daily rate of pay for subs from $115 to $175 while long-term substitutes will earn $200 or $205 a day – up from $140 and $145. The higher of the two rates can be earned by retired Kyrene teachers who opt for long assignments. Lisa Gibson, the district’s executive director of talent management and a former Kyrene principal, told the board that the increase would keep Kyrene competitive with other districts, which are going through the same shortage of substitutes. “On average, we have 45 absences per day that require a substitute and on average 12 classrooms a day are unfilled – which means the staff and students need to go to a plan B,” she said. Board member Wanda Kolomyjec said she hopes the raise helps. “I think it’s critical that we are competitive because we want our Kyrene substitutes to stay with us and we want them to come and be willing to do this really challenging work,” she said. “I think it’s important for us to recognize that this is a more challenging job now more than ever because of all the challenges that COVID has brought to our schools and our classrooms.” COVID-inspired fear has been a major factor in the nationwide shortage of substitute teachers but it isn’t the only one, said Joseph Fitzgerald, vice president of operations for Virginia-based ESSRecruit, which has a contract with Kyrene to recruit substitutes and other employees and process the applications. Besides serving private employers, ESSrecruit works with school districts in 30 states and they all are encountering challenges finding permanent and substitute employees, Fitzgerald said. While fear of COVID has prompted many retired teachers to stay out of classrooms, Fitzgerald said, “It’s a very tight labor market.” But, he added, COVID has had an impact – “on both sides.” “You have individuals who want everyone to wear

see SUBS page 5

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

Kathleen A. Nielsen Attorney at Law

Serving Ahwatukee for 35 Years! This chart shows the teacher absences that Kyrene School District has scrambled to fill with substitutes, who are becoming harder to find amid a nationwide shortage. (Kyrene School District)

SUBS from page 3

masks and they want to wear a mask they want to come to work and then you have individuals who don’t want to work where a mask is required, so you can’t win,” he said. Last year, Fitzgerald said, “Utah was basically wide open and they had school every day and we filled classrooms phenomenally well. I think that maybe last year, before the vaccine was available, people were more willing to say ‘we’re doing this to support the schools’ and came to work,” he continued. Yet, while he sees “some fatigue with the pandemic” and “more opportunity for them to work if they want to work,” qualified substitutes are still elusive. To find them, ESSRecruit is going beyond an aggressive social media campaign that is not unlike the equally energetic social media campaign that Phoenix Police and its counterparts have been using in recent months. It put up digital billboards where it could and while they drew an estimated 407,000 views, Fitzgerald said, “I don’t know how much it helped us but I like to try it because with radio, there’s a gazillion stations. With the billboards, you can’t not see them.” ESSRecruit also has boots on the ground, sending employees to Kyrene campuses at turkey trots and other school events in the hopes of spotting parents who might have nothing to do while their children are in school. “We’re doing a lot of school-related events,” he said. “We’re trying to convert people that probably aren’t even in those

unemployment numbers and don’t know they’re looking for a job and trying to convince them to come and help support the schools and have a great schedule like their student.” “We try to be innovative,” he added. “I love to put lawn signs in the pickup lines at the schools because if a parent is going to pick up an elementary school child at the end of the day and they’re available do that, there’s a chance they’re not working, right? To qualify as a substitute teacher, a person must have a bachelor’s degree – in any field, not necessarily education – as well as a substitute teacher certificate. Among the requirements for the latter is a state fingerprint card, issued after an extensive criminal background check. “We provide a five-hour in-person training that will help give them the tools to start to be a substitute teacher,” said Fitzgerald. “All kinds of people think that you have to go to school to be a teacher and really that’s not the case.” He also said that ESSRecruit tries to keep the time between application and starting the job as tight as possible. “If we have a motivated person that fills out their application and gets their substitute license, we should be able to hire them in three weeks,” Fitzgerald said. Asked about the new pay the Kyrene board approved, Fitzgerald said, “We’re hopeful that that will help us in recruiting.” “We’re really excited about this bold move,” he said. And one thing the district can count on is that this job never stops. “We’re always hiring and we’re never going to stop hiring,” he said. ■

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hey did it again. The Desert Vista Thunder Marching Band was crowned the Division 1 Arizona State Marching Champion Nov. 20 at Glendale Community College, capturing its ninth state title in the last 11 years. Desert Vista won four of five caption trophies – for music, visuals, general effect and color guard. It lost only to another Tempe Union school, Corona del Sol, for percussion. Desert Vista captured first place with a score of 92.675, compared to second-place Corona, with 90.356 and third-place Mountain Ridge, which tallied 90.019 points. “I am so proud of these students and the amazing seniors,” said band director Joshua Thye, who is in his 19th year as director of bands at Desert Vista after succeeding his own DVHS band director, Eric Holden, following his death.

Thye stressed that this year’s group overcame unprecedented challenges, praising “these students that overcame a year of shutdown and prevailed against groups with 170-plus members. We were at 110 members this year.” Desert Vista will be hosting a series of winter concerts next week, at 7-8:30 p.m.: Dec. 7, the orchestra; Dec. 9, choir; and Dec. 10, the band. Thye also is preparing the band to represent Arizona in Washington, D.C., for the Lincoln Memorial Centennial April 23. He will lead the Thunder band on the steps of one of the nation’s most iconic monuments, joined by other teen musicians from all 50 states as part of what is billed as the “America’s Lincoln Centennial All-American Mass Honor Band.” As official participants of the Lincoln Memorial Centennial Commemoration, the Thunder Marching Band members will will also perform a solo musical feature at another of D.C.’s memorials. ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

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he Phoenix city administration’s requirement that all city employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine by midJanuary comes under scrutiny in a special meeting of City Council next Tuesday amid warnings that the already depleted ranks of police will take a devastating hit. Following the announcement of the vaccine mandate two weeks ago, Ahwatukee Councilman Sal DiCiccio was a guest on KTAR Radio and ripped the mandate, warning it would accelerate an attrition among the ranks of police that is seeing 25 officers a month leave. The council meeting was called by Councilwoman Ann O’Brien, who said citizens and police deserve to be heard on the issue. But the meeting is unlikely to change the mandate since the majority of City Council has been particularly conservative when it comes to COVID-19. Only in October, for example, did it lift a ban on out-of-state sports tournaments in city parks – months after all other cities in Arizona had eliminated their ban. City Managing Director Jeff Barton announced the mandate for 14,000 public employees as an executive decision, he said it was to comply with a Biden administration directive that all federal contractors’ employees be vaccinated. Employees would be subjected to disciplinary measures, including dismissal, unless they have obtained an exemption. Some of Phoenix’s East Valley neighbors do not take that position even though they also receive federal grants for work they do on behalf of the federal government. “The COVID-19 vaccine is a personal health decision and we encourage employees to consult with their medical provider or pharmacy to obtain a vaccine,” said Chandler city spokesman Matt Burdick. Similarly, the City of Scottsdale does not require its employees to be vaccinated. “We continue to encourage vaccination among staff, and continue to work with public health partners to provide convenient access to vaccination for staff and the community,” City of Scottsdale spokesman Kelly Corsette said. DiCiccio told KTAR, “The City of Phoenix

Police union Vice President Yvette Bro said the mandate will further deplete already dwindling ranks of police officers. did not have to do this. This was was a direct shot at the Police Department primarily and Fire. Those are the individuals that when everybody else is locked down, they were out on the street protecting us. That’s what this is all about. It’s meant to drive more police officers out.” Phoenix PD is frantically looking to fill its ranks as officers either retire, sign on with other law enforcement agencies offering more lucrative pay and benefits or simply leave police work. There already are 42 fewer patrol positions than the minimum level the department considers necessary and 100 more vacancies are expected before the end of the year, according to an October memo from Barton to City Council. Fewer people are interested in becoming police officers and other law enforcement agencies lure experienced officers away from Phoenix PD, according to that memo and testimony by high-ranking department heads at a Sept. 8 council hearing. “We’re losing an average 11 more than we are hiring every month and that’s a significant number and it’s not a number – despite our best efforts – that we’re seeing turn around,” Executive Assistant Police Chief Michael Kurtenbach told Council’s Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee.

see POLICE page 16

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

ZANDER from page 1

went in the other direction. And his helmet was knocked off by the tree that he hit.” Hendrix quickly learned of the accident by sheer fate: Zander’s phone called their roommate Dan’s cell but when he answered, all he could hear was voices shouting in the distance. As she looked for the location of Zander’s phone, a man named Jim Meier called to say there had been an accident and she rushed to the scene, which “was really close to my home.” “People were pointing,” she said, recalling the next two chilling sentences: One was “He’s over there.” The other: “His leg is over here.” Zander was lying near a cactus. His leg was 35 feet away. Though he lost his leg above the knee, Hendrix is grateful that her youngest of two sons is alive – and escaped far less scathed than an accident so horrendous could have left him. “He 100 percent is lucky to be alive,” she said. “And he has no other injuries other than the amputated leg and some road rash. His cervical spine is all intact. He’s not quadriplegic or anything like that. He has definitely got an angel on his shoulder.” Still, days of relentless pain have enveloped the former Desert Vista High School hockey player who is known as “a sweet kid” and a “car guy” with a goal of becoming a mechanical engineer. His transfer from the hospital to an acute rehab center had been delayed until last Saturday because, Hendrix said, “he’s in an excruciating amount of pain” and “they’re trying to figure out

Zander Fehlan and his mom Toshia Hendrix of Ahwatukee will celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas when he is back home from acute rehab. (Courtesy of Toshia Hendrix) what pain medication will work best for him." His pain "is still pretty bad especially" after physical therapy, she added. "His emotions are on a roller coaster," Hendriz said. "We just remind him he is a warrior and we can and will do this." “He is in better spirits today,” his mother said as Zander awaited his transfer to the acute rehab center, where, she said, he will begin to “learn how you do everyday things with his new leg.” The cost of his prosthetic exceeds what insurance will cover because it is a far more complex device that incorporates an artificial knee. And, his mother worries, "I can't imagine the medical bills this kid will have to deal with the rest of his life." But Zander also has more than one

Zander’s motorcycle was a twisted hulk of metal after it flew into the air after hitting a curb on Ray Road in Ahwatukee. (Courtesy Channel 15)

Just four days before he turned 20, Zander Fehlan lost most of his right leg when his motorcycle struck a curb and flew into the air not even a quarter mile from his Ahwatukee home. (Courtesy of Toshia Hendrix)

angel watching over him. In fact, he’s got a community of them. And those Ahwatukee angels have again come to the aid of a neighbor in distress. A gofundme.com page for Zander (search by “Zanders new leg”) so far has raised nearly $44,000 of a $75,000 goal. Andi’s Frozen Custard manager Beth Compton has slated a fundraiser 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the shop on the southeast corner of 48th Street and Warner Road. Zander worked there while still in high school. “I consider our employees (past and present) ‘my’ kids,” Compton wrote on the Ahwatukee 411 Facebook page. “They’re part of our little family and I care about them.” And both Zander and his mom are touched by the community’s response. “He watches his GoFundMe every day and is still so shocked at how many peo-

ple have donated,” Hendrix wrote on the site. “He keeps saying ‘didn’t think people liked me’ and ‘why are they doing this for me.’ I’ll smack him later but for now I just keep telling him people love you and they all want to see you succeed! I am overwhelmed by the support from our community and all over the world. There are not enough ways to say thank you for your love, prayers, support and donations.” It also turns out that the father of a girl in his car club builds prosthetics and is helping mother and son through the somewhat complex process. And Hendrix is preparing to help Zander adjust to his new life. He is expected to get a starter prosthetic in six weeks. Asked how she is doing, she replied, “I’m hanging in there and trying to learn everything I can about prosthetics and what he might need when he comes home.” ■

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POLICE from page 10

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

The memo shows that while calls for service have increased by 4.9 percent and response times have increased by seven seconds in the last five years, the total number of sworn positions has decreased to a total of 2,781 – 172 fewer officers than the department had in March 2020. “On average, the department is currently losing approximately 30 officers per month and expects to lose 100 additional officers by mid-December 2021,” it said. At the same time, the memo shows, monthly caseloads for officers assigned to investigate assaults, burglary, domestic violence and adult sex crimes are anywhere from twice to 10 times the number recommended for best practices. The average caseload per officer for burglary investigations is the highest – 169 cases instead of the recommended 15 cases – while the average monthly caseload for domestic violence investigations is 66 cases per officer instead of the recommended 15. The special meeting was called by Councilwoman Ann O’Brien, a member of the police subcommittee, who said “this federal mandate regarding vaccinations for

Phoenix employees is a complete overreach of the federal government. “This mandate is incredibly problematic because of its negative impacts on city staffing and how it will affect the way city services are delivered to our community – particularly with our police officers and firefighters,” she said. Both she and DiCiccio separately have hinted that while it appears the vaccine mandate was issued by Barton, Council apparently discussed it in an executive session a day or two before it was issued. The contents of executive sessions cannot be disclosed under state law. “It is a very important topic that I believe should be discussed in public and not behind closed doors to give our employees and the community a chance to weigh in,” O’Brien said adding: “The public MUST be included in the conversation. I am not anti-vaccine; I am anti-mandates. I am pro-personal choice and I believe that Phoenix employees will do the right thing and make decisions that are best for themselves and their families.” Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich has amended his lawsuit against the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate to include the Phoenix Law Enforce-

ment Association and the United Phoenix Firefighters Association Local 493. Brnovich said multiple police officers, firefighters and other first responders who chose not to get the COVID-19 vaccination now fear losing their jobs, which prompted the attorney general to amend his lawsuit to include the police and fire unions. “First responders should never have to choose between their jobs or livelihood,” he said during a news conference. “The Biden administration’s unconstitutional mandates are not only an infringement on individual liberty, but a fringe on the principles of federalism and violate traditional notions of separation of powers.” Arizona was the first state to challenge President Joe Biden’s mandate requiring federal employees and contractors to be vaccinated by the January deadline. Brnovich also is part of multistate efforts that challenge Occupational Safety and Health Administration and health care worker mandates. OSHA’s requirement for companies with 100 or more employees to be fully vaccinated or tested on at least a weekly basis, has been paused by legal challenges. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego shared her support for the federal vaccine mandate with ABC15 after the city’s vaccine dead-

line was announced, saying “this federal program is going to save lives.” Fire Capt. Bryan Willingham, vice president of the United Phoenix Firefighters Association, said the lawsuit is not a “political battle” for the association but rather a form of addressing a “crisis for the community” should unvaccinated employees be terminated. Willingham, who is vaccinated, said the association supports its members’ right to choose when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine and that the vaccination controversy is “dividing” and “hurting the community.” According to reporting by ABC15, only 25 percent of Phoenix police officers and firefighters have voluntarily submitted proof of vaccination. The mandate also comes during what police and fire departments call staffing shortages. Yvette Bro, vice president of the police union, said a survey it conducted found more than 600 members who said they would leave if they were forced to get a COVID-19 vaccine, adding that the police department “can’t afford to lose one officer.” “Our focus is, we indeed need to keep every single officer and we need to be able to fight for their right to choose,” she said. ■

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Phoenix has a heat czar who aims to cool it BY SHANE PURCELL Cronkite News

avid Hondula recently got a job he never dreamed of – maybe because it never existed before. He’s the director of the Phoenix Office of Heat Response & Mitigation, which is touted as the first publicly funded municipal office of its kind. Hondula, who comes to city government from the Arizona State University School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, realizes the “monumental task” he faces during a time of severe drought and rising heat, but he looks forward to the challenge. “It’s an exciting time to be moving into this role,” said Hondula, who once questioned whether there was anything worth studying about heat. The Office of Heat Response & Mitigation was officially announced Sept. 14. Phoenix is one of the fastest warming cities in the country, according to a Climate Central report based on government data,

and in June, the metro area endured a record six consecutive days of temperatures over 115 degrees. “We are kicking off a city wide approach to addressing the heat,” Mayor Kate Gallego said on Oct. 4. “We hope to improve the way we build buildings, we hope to plant more trees, we hope to save more lives of those who are most vulnerable in our community. We know that heat has to be at the forefront as a desert city, and Phoenix wants to lead the way in finding solutions to making our city safer and more sustainable.” Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the U.S. killing an average of 138 people a year from 1990 to 2019, according to NOAA. In 2020, heat killed 313 people in Arizona alone, state data show. Phoenix has committed to stopping that trend. “This is not a temporary commitment. We’re remaking Phoenix government with this (office),” Gallego said. City Council approved a budget that included $2.8 million focused on climate

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ber. Hurricane Floyd came through New Jersey in 1999 when he was 14. “I very specifically remember being out with my parents VHS camcorder trying to document how fast the water was flowing in the flooded creek near where we lived,” he said. Hondula earned his Ph.D. in environmental sciences from the University of Virginia in 2013 – but he never had a specific interest in heat. His Ph.D. adviser, Bob Davis, was in a field Hondula knew little about called biometeorology, which studies how weather impacts humans. Davis’ papers on heat piqued Hondula’s interest. “All the sudden, one thing led to another and there was a wealth of unanswered questions out there to pursue from a research perspective,” he said. “That really grabbed me intellectually.” Arizona, a place he visited at a young age and “always had a fondness for,” was the perfect landing spot. To this day, he prefers the hottest Arizona day to the “hottest and muggiest day” in Virginia. He joined Arizona State University as a postdoctoral researcher in 2013. Now, his expertise has taken him from observation and analysis to the front lines of climate change. “These types of positions didn’t even exist,” he said of his new job. You can count on one hand the number of comparable “heat offices” around the world. In April, Miami-Dade County announced that Jane Gilbert would be its interim chief heat officer – the first in the U.S. This position is funded by the Extreme Heat Resilience Alliance – which aims to reduce extreme heat risk for the most vulnerable populations. Gilbert, who previously served as Miami-Dade’s resilience officer addressing climate change and emergency response, said the heat governance discussion in Miami was brought on by other weather disasters. Miami is at high risk for rising sea levels and hurricanes, Gilbert said, but in canvasses of community members, heat concerns came up the most, especially in socioeconomically vulnerable areas. Like Phoenix, the Miami office aims to

see HEAT page 26

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Enrollment underway at EVIT for kids, adults BY CECE TODD AFN Guest Writerr

he East Valley Institute of Technology is currently enrolling adults for Spring 2022 post-secondary programs and high school students for the 2022-23 school year. High school students can start the enrollment process by going to: evit.com/enroll. Adults can fill out an application at: weareevit.formstack.com/forms/adult_app. To request more information about high school or adult programs, fill out a request form at evit.com/requestinfo. EVIT offers 12 post-secondary programs for adults at the Main Campus, 1601 W. Main St., Mesa: aesthetics, collision repair, cosmetology, George Brazil plumbing service & repair technician, emergency medical technician, heating ventilation airconditioning and refrigeration (HVACR), massage therapy, nursing assistant, practical nurse, sterile processing technician, surgical technology and welding. Tuition varies by program. Veterans Ad-

Junction, Cave Creek, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Higley, J.O. Combs, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale and Tempe. Students attend their high school for a half-day and EVIT for a half-day. East Valley school districts provide free transportation for their students to attend EVIT. High school programs are tuition-free; program fees vary by program. For The East Valley Institute of Technology offers emergency medi- a complete list of high cal technician training. (Courtesy of EVIT) school programs, go to: bit.ly/3lTnhVz. EVIT is offering a new high school ministration benefits are accepted and financial aid is available in some programs program – electrical and power transmisfor those who qualify. EVIT advisors at sion installation – in which students learn how to install indoor and outdoor residen480-461-4013 can assist. EVIT offers 40 career training programs tial, commercial and industrial electrical for public, charter, private and home- systems and associated power transmisschooled high school students who reside sion lines. For more information on this in the following school districts: Apache specialized career in the construction in-

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dustry: bit.ly/3n5016v. Many of EVIT’s high school programs also offer opportunities to earn college credit through dual enrollment or concurrent enrollment at area colleges and postsecondary schools. To learn more, visit: bit. ly/2XsxvD0. EVIT offers a High School Equivalency (HSE) Prep class to prepare students who want to take the Arizona state GED exam. Applicants must be at least 16 and not enrolled in school, and must be available to attend in-person classes at the EVIT Main Campus. For more information or to register, call 480-461-4013. To register, students will need a driver’s license or state-issued ID with their photo and date of birth. In addition, EVIT started a new Foster Youth Career Program that assists students who are credit-deficient in obtaining their GED or HSED while pursuing a certification in an EVIT career training program. CeCe Todd is the public information officer for the East Valley Institute of Technology. ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

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ROOSTE from page 1

and land planner Wayne Smith created the first master plan for the community. It was only the year before, Gibson notes, that Presley had acquired 2,080 acres of remote and isolated land that eventually became known as Ahwatukee Foothills. The same year the fire burned down Rustler’s Rooste in 1985, Mountain Park Ranch welcomed its first residents and crews were honing in on the final months of work for the opening of I-10 access ramps at Warner and Ray roads. Within weeks of the fire, Rustler’s Rooste was rebuilt “bigger and better,” according to Ashley Allen, whose grandfather, Hank Beben, and his uncle, Gene Jarzab, started the business. “My mom started here when she was basically just starting to walk, with my grandmother in the kitchen,” she noted. Allen recalls the area was basically just dirt when the place first opened as a diner. “It was literally on a hill with nothing around it,” she said. “Dirt road to come up; dirt road to come down.” She added, “Ahwatukee was like going to California, it was so far away. Now it’s where I live, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.” Allen never wanted to do anything else besides work in the family business, and she became one of the owners as well as the office manager. The other owners are her mother,

After a fire gutted it in 1985, right, Rustler’s Rooste was restored with all its Old West splendor. Not pictured is the famous slide that guests can amuse themselves with while waiting for their food. (Special to AFN) Cathy DeMars, who’s also the general manager; her sister, Stevie DeMars; her grandfather’s uncle’s son Eugene Jarzab; and The Nagel Family, who bought into it.

The iconic bull outside Rustler’s Rooste is named D’Amico, but also goes by the name of Horny the Bull. The distance between the tips of his horns is 6 feet.

Ashley spent many special moments – such as prom – at the restaurant as she was growing up. She watched as the area was developed around it, including the condos and resort. The extra “e” on the end of Rooste wasn’t always there – it was added after the Pointe South Mountain Resort (now Arizona Grand Resort) was built and wanted the restaurant to “fit in” and be an extension of it, Allen explained. So, what’s the story about the rattlesnake ($19.95)? They wanted to serve something uniquely Arizonan – but the snakes come from an annual wild roundup in Sweetwater, Texas. “It’s very impressive,” Allen stated. “There’s a lot of links on YouTube… They throw them into a pit and auction them off.” She said they usually buy more than a thousand pounds a year, but last year ran out due to COVID. “I couldn’t believe the number of people who would call and say, ‘Do you have rattlesnake? No? We’re not coming,’” Allen recalled.

The dish is served with a side of cactus fries. Besides rattlesnake, one of the main attractions of Rustler’s Rooste is the stunning panorama of the Valley looking north with Camelback Mountain smack in the center. “You can see from Cardinals Stadium to Four Peaks,” Allen said. “Fourth of July is huge up here because you can see multiple fireworks shows going on across the Valley all at once… Dust storms up here are amazing. Monsoons are amazing.” Another draw is the metal slide from the upper to lower floor, originally installed as a way for servers to expedite food delivery. “They always said they had the fastest tray in the West,” Allen said. Staff no longer uses it due to liability issues, but patrons enjoy it. “The slide is a huge hit and it’s used so much every single night,” Allen noted. “I’d say more adults use it than children.” Speaking of kids, the restaurant offers

see ROOSTE page 26

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

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ROOSTE from page 24

a “Slide Rider” membership for $7 that entitles cardholders age 10 and younger to eat for free off the kids’ menu with the purchase of an adult entree. And regardless of how young or old you are, all guests get a complementary tower of cotton candy at the end of each meal. One of the most popular elements of the experience, though, happens before even entering the door, where guest meet Horny the Bull, whose real name is D’Amico. The business has had a bull in a stable out front ever since it opened, and the latest is one was rescued about three

HEAT from page 18

protect people who are most at risk. “All of these increasing shocks and stresses related to climate change impact our most vulnerable first and most,” she said. “So the solutions need to have an equity lens.” Miami-Dade, Athens, Greece and Freetown, Sierra Leone, are the only places with city officials in charge of managing

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

years ago after he lost his mother. The distance between the tips of his horns is 6 feet. “He’s our baby,” Allen said of D’Amico. “He’s like a giant dog I wish I could put in my car and take home and cuddle. He greets all our guests upon entry and he’s the biggest, cutest baby.” If you happen to miss him, he might be out getting exercise: “We have a ranch out in north Scottsdale and he gets out and runs around,” Allen explained. Rustler’s Rooste is open 364 days a year, closing only on Super Bowl Sunday. It was closed for a few months due to COVID-19, which Allen said was “devastating.” heat, but all are funded by the EHRA. Hondula runs the first publicly funded heat response office in Phoenix. “Here in Maricopa County,” Hondula said, “we have an air quality department, we have a flood control district. ‘Who’s been in charge of heat?’ is the question we found ourselves asking.” “I think the measure of success for the office, although it is challenging, is to see those numbers come down,” he said.

There are just three TVs in the entire place, so the restaurant does not cater to sports fans. Management does cater to music buffs, with live country and western bands seven nights a week. The house act, Peso Dollar Band, has been performing there since the early 1990s. In addition to Fourth of July, Easter and Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving is big at Rustler’s Rooste, which serves about 2,700 people. The Rooste also has a popular pig roast in the spring, though it’s been on hiatus during the pandemic. Though the restaurant is popular with tourists and groups due to its size – it

Increasing tree cover will be one of the primary focuses for his office. The development and expansion of programs like cool pavement will also be used to reduce the urban heat island effect – when built environments absorb heat and reemit it, causing rising temperatures in the city. Hondula believes that every office in city government has a role to play, and he expects to be heavily armed with strategies.

seats close to 1,000 including the outdoor patio – locals looking to support independent businesses are starting to rediscover it, Allen said. And it’s not just a go-to place on birthdays or special occasions. “More of the community is coming and patronizing more and more frequently,” she said. In addition to the family, many loyal employees have been there for decades. “Some of the servers used to babysit me who still work here,” Allen said. “That’s the kind of staff we have. It’s very family-oriented. We’ve known each other forever and ever and ever.” Information: rustlersrooste.com. ■ “It’s been really impressive and encouraging …there are a lot of ideas in this building already,” Hondula said. “I’m not sure I’ve had a conversation yet where somebody hasn’t had an idea.” Hondula sees community engagement as an integral part of the office’s success. “Heat will be part of the future success story of Phoenix as a booming and growing city, and the chance to be part of that is really special,” he said. ■

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For Kimberly Lewis, ‘Nutcracker’ is forever BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

imberly Lewis, owner of Dance Studio 111 and originator and producer of the annual “Ahwatukee Foothills Nutcracker Ballet, can’t recall a holiday season without Tchaikovsky’s immortal work. The seemingly ageless and enduringlyfit Lewis, a former professional dancer in Los Angeles before moving to Ahwatukee, has been involved with “The Nutcracker” since early childhood. “I grew up as a ballerina dancing in the ‘Nutcracker’ every holiday; those years are memories I will cherish forever,” she said. Lewis grew up near Lincoln, Nebraska, and started dance lessons at age 2, thanks to the love and dedication of her mother who had endured a difficult and deprived childhood. “My mother never had anything in life.

Kimberly Lewis has followed an annual tradition of sneaking at night over to the front yards of the girls chosen as queens to post signs so they’re surprised when they awake. (Special to AFN)

When she aged out of foster care, the University of Nebraska offered her a scholarship and she took it. It’s where she met my father,” said Lewis. “She got me into everything she wasn’t able to have when she was a child. I was 2 when I went to my first dance class, and she would drive me every day. It was a 45-minute drive – with good weather,” she laughed, recalling the wind, rain, hail and snow of the Great Plains state. After she became a mother to Alex, Taylor and Avery, she wanted them to share in the experience, and during several Decembers, ferried them to New York City to see professional productions of the “Nutcracker.” The years of dancing in and viewing extraordinary performances of “The Nutcracker” catapulted Lewis into forging a plan of her own production – after forming the Phoenix Suns Dancers and leading

see LEWIS page 32

After Thanksgiving success, Kiwanians turn to Christmas AFN NEWS STAFF

ne mission accomplished, another in high gear. For the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee, the final quarter of the year is busy trying to make Thanksgiving and Christmas something special for kids who don’t see much special in their lives. Those kids are mostly teens who live in foster group homes, kids who often are too old for many couples to consider them for adoption or even taking these children into their homes for more personalized foster care. The first mission – delivering Thanksgiving meals to 44 group foster homes from San Tan Valley to Surprise – was run with all the precision of an award-winning marching band under co-chairs Annlouise Ferguson of Ahwatukee and Stacy Rasmussen of Queen Creek by the Kiwanis Club of

Volunteers showed up at Annlouise Ferguson’s Ahwatukee home beginning Nov. 20 to deliver Thanksgiving meals to 44 group foster homes in the Valley. (Special to AFN)

Ahwatukee and Boys Team Charity. “Enough turkey and trimmings will be delivered this week to feed 616 kids and staff members at 44 foster group homes throughout the Valley,” Ferguson said as the deliveries got underway from her and Rasmussen’s homes. “Ahwatukee Kiwanis and Boys Team Charity are preparing food and arranging delivery because despite COVID-19 every child deserves a Thanksgiving.” A variety of volunteers assisted in the deliveries, including members of the Horizon and Desert Vista key clubs. Boys Team Charity event chair Karen Snyder said that teenage boys belonging to her nonprofit prepared food items, packed boxes and loaded vehicles. “Many families dropped off more food than requested,” Ferguson said. “Huge

see KIWANIS page 30

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KIWANIS from page 29

coolers full of food went out to each group home with bags of shelf stable food and Thanksgiving themed napkins, plates and centerpieces. Texas Roadhouse donated 135 dozen baked rolls with honey cinnamon butter to the Valley wide effort.” Christ’s Church of the Valley and United Surgical Partners International also were among the donors of food. And now those “newfound volunteers and drivers have agreed to help with the Kiwanis Foster Teen Christmas,” Ferguson said. Kiwanis heads up a community effort to provide clothing, hygiene products and gift cards to older children who otherwise would not have a wrapped package under

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

the tree to open on Christmas morning. “Kiwanis has long served the needs of the underprivileged members of the community, especially children,” Ferguson said. “We could not perform the outreach without the help of nonmembers and businesses in Ahwatukee, Chandler and Tempe. This Thanksgiving the Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club is grateful for the support the community gives us all year long.” Kiwanian Andi Pettyjohn noted that this is the 10th year that The Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee has headed up a community effort to provide Christmas gifts to youth in Foster Group Homes. “When we first started this project,” Pettyjohn said, “we asked several Department of Child Services employees ‘Who are the

kids who need the most help?’ Without hesitation the answer was always teen boys. These boys living in group homes with 8-10 other kids don’t benefit from the many toy drives during the holidays. Teens appreciate new clothes so they’ll fit in at school.” The Kiwanis Club needs people to do one of four things: Adopt one or more children to purchase gifts; Adopt one or more group homes to purchase gifts; buy needed items and drop them off or simply donate money at ahwatukeekiwanis.org or send a check payable to Ahwatukee Kiwanis to P.O. Box 50596, Phoenix, AZ 85076. People can shop online on our Amazon Wish List and have items sent directly to one of our volunteers. The list is at amazon.com/.../custom/20L5IVIMKE7TJ/

guest-view. The following is a list of items that are requested to give to these boys: clothing in all men’s sizes, pajama/sports pants, gym/ sport shorts, printed shirts, socks, boxer shorts, shoes. Stocking stuffers needed include $25 Wal-Mart or Target gifts cards, $10- $15 fast food gift cards, toiletry items. Drop off locations: Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis, 4700 E. Warner Road; Dr. Euzarraga DDS, 4206 E. Chandler Blvd. #20; LivGenerations, 15815 S. 50th St.; Vision Community Management, 16625 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy.; MusicMaker Workshop, 3233 E. Chandler Blvd. The collection ends Dec. 15 and items should not be wrapped. Information: andi@wttaz.com or 602402-6267. ■

novation to keep cool when temperatures soar. Their ability to survive in Arizona is linked to urban development, according to a recent study at Arizona State University. For example, lovebirds on the Tempe campus began perching in air-conditioning vents that leak cool air. Kevin Mcgraw and Raegan Mills spent

a year studying the birds’ behavior and perching patterns at the Life Sciences Building. The research showed the birds often spent time in the vents when their temperature threshold hit upper limits. “There’s a threshold once it certainly gets into the mid to high 90s that things start to get difficult for the lovebirds to cope,” McGraw said. “I think they need water and

they need to cool down. The birds basically are standing in the window vents and just getting a cool breeze.” According to McGraw and Mill’s research, there were more lovebirds in the vents when the temperature reached 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. During summer months,

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

osy-faced lovebirds bring a splash of color to the Arizona desert, with neon green feathers and vibrant peach faces. The non-native birds, which first appeared in Arizona about 40 years ago, have learned how to use human in-

see LOVEBIRDS page 34

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosts a Christmas special

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ahwatukee will host “A Christmas Nativity” with local choirs, live animals and hot cocoa 6-8 p.m. Dec. 10 at 2955 E. Frye Road. The highlight of the evening is an outdoor walk through a luminary path that tells the story of Jesus’ birth. The free event is open to the public. Parking is available at Desert Vista High School.

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 dropoff 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. 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.

Food/hygiene products drive slated by Dem candidates

A “CANdidate Food/Hygiene Drive” for the Kyrene Family Resource Center will be held Saturday, 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. Mostneeded 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 more information, visit kyrene. org/domain/575. The CANdidate Food/Hygiene Drive is

sponsored by Ahwatukee Democrats. Call Melissa, 480-980-4689, or Dana, 602-4300484, for more information about the drive.

Annual Blankets and Bears Drive underway in Ahwatukee

The Ahwatukee Women’s Golf Association has launched its 22nd annual Blankets & Bears Drive. Since its inception in 1999, the drive has raised thousands of new blankets and new bears to be given to children in traumatic circumstances of all kinds. Previous beneficiaries have included Phoenix Fire Station #38 and various other fire departments, Banner Children’s Hospital and the Child Crisis Center. New knitted, crocheted and fleece blankets of all kinds are needed. Crib size or smaller is preferred. Dolls and stuffed animals need to be new and should be soft and cuddly. The association said be sure they are the size a child can hold. Again this year: Because of COVID-19, blankets and bears need to be small enough to fit into plastic bags approximately 15”x13”. Donors who do not have plastic bags, don’t worry: the women will place them in bags

see AROUND page 34

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

LEWIS from page 29

the unit for several years. In 1998, she said she “knew it was time to start a ‘Nutcracker Ballet’ in the Ahwatukee Foothills Community. “I’d always wanted to produce my own Nutcracker, but I wanted a ‘Nutcracker’ different from all the Nutcrackers I had attended in my lifetime.” Her plan was to produce one where the entire cast was composed of children ages 3 to 18. “The majority of ‘Nutcracker’ ballets in our country use professional dancers in the roles of Sugarplum Fairy, The Prince, and all the other royal queens. Dancers must wait until their early 20’s until they’re professional ballerinas before ever having a queen or soloist role in the ‘Nutcracker,’” said Lewis. “After four years of having my studio, I was seeing the talent and growth of young children. I knew we had the talent to do a ‘Nutcracker’ performed entirely by young children.” She also wanted to keep the interest of the children in the audience, and perhaps encourage them to one day join the holiday event.

“I’d attended many ‘Nutcrackers’ that I felt were very long, and at times did not keep the interest of their audience and especially young children.” “So my idea was to make it more visual, have young children dancing all the roles so that when families came to our ‘Nutcracker,’ the children would see other children their age performing. It would be inspiring to them,” explained Lewis. “The only adults I have ever used in our ‘Nutcracker’ are the few parents in the party scene. All the other roles are performed entirely by young children.” Being able to mount the production she envisioned took some time. “I knew it would take at least two years to get everything planned and in order, and my goal was to have the first Nutcracker in our community in 2000,” she recalled. “For two years I planned and saved money to produce the production. ‘The Nutcracker’ is a very expensive show to produce. The sets, back drops, props, lighting, costumes, growing Christmas tree, snow inside theater, fog machines, etc., take years to design and make.”

see LEWIS page 33

Meet the 2021 Nutcracker Queens

Clara and the Queens are the royalty of the “Ahwatukee Nutcracker.” This year: Clara is played by CharleeAnn Higham, 13, a seventh grader in the Kyrene Digital Academy; the Sugarplum Fairy is Abigail Petersen, 18, an Arizona Connections Academy senior; the Snow Queen is Taylor Carey, 13, an eighth grader at Altadeña Middle School; the Marzipan Queen is Niyana Harris, 14, a freshman at Desert Vista High; the Spanish Queen is Laycie Michell, 14, also a Desert Vista freshman; the Russian Queen is Maddy Mindeman, 14, yet another Desert Vista freshman; the Butterfly Queen is Lexa MacKenzie, 14, a Horizon Honors freshman; the Arabian Queen is Gigi Tosca, 13, an eighth grader at Akimel A-al Middle School; the Queen of Sweets is Kiki Reyes, 13, also an Akimel eighth grader; the China Queen is Mikaylee Bellino, 13, an eighth grader at Altadeña; the Angel Queen is Madi Millsaps, 14, also an eighth grader at Altadeña.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

LEWIS from page 32

It also took those full two years to come up with the costume designs she was envisioning. “I’d seen many Nutcrackers with simple costumes. ‘The Nutcracker’ takes place on Christmas Eve in the Victorian Era, and I wanted true costumes from that time period. That meant the best velvets, taffeta, silk, laces, crystals,” she said. “I flew to Europe in 1998 and looked for the best fabrics and materials to design the costumes.” Extensive research uncovered designers from Russia, China, France and the United States – as well as the best seamstresses in Arizona. Even then, Lewis brought her touch to those exquisite costumes. Each tutu has rhinestones Lewis applies herself. One has close to 4,000. Lewis also designs and makes each queen’s crown and adds a rhinestone heart inside the tutu over the heart “to let them know Miss Kimberly loves them.” Finally, 2000 arrived and when she held the first audition for the inaugural Ahwatukee Foothills Nutcracker Ballet, nearly 100 dancers vied for roles. Friends and dancers’ families helped with getting the stage and special effects in place. Lewis’ father, a contractor in Nebraska, not only helped with props but built the sleigh on which Santa arrives after each matinee as well as the thrones for Clara and The Prince. “My dad built them in Nebraska and then drove them through a blizzard snow storm to Ahwatukee. He arrived just a few hours before our opening night. Our crew rushed to put everything in place.” The first performance of the “Ahwatukee Foothills Nutcracker Ballet” was held in 2000 at the Desert Vista High School Fine Arts Theatre, where it continued until COVID-19 closed schools and their public venues last year. “Surviving that was a miracle…and we’re still trying to make a comeback from the large financial loss,” she said. She found only one venue that would allow a live but socially-distanced and limited audience for 2020 – the new 908seat, state-of-the-art Madison Center for the Arts at 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix. “One week prior to our opening night, we were told we couldn’t have a live audience due to the spike in COVID cases in Arizona,” she recalled. “Without ticket

CharleeAnn Highman, 13, and Tyler Gohen, 17, both performing in this year’s “Ahwatukee Nutcracker” were among the cast members who made a special appearance at the annual “Santa drop” at Millie’s Hallmark in the Ahwatukee Plaza. (Zac Bondurant) As the clock ticked down toward opening night, Lewis hired a livefeed company to stream the production and even had her soundman add clapping effects so the cast, including that year’s nine new queens, would feel there was an audience in attendance. Because the Tempe Union High School could not commit in advance to a December 2021 theater opening, the Madison is hosting this year’s three performances –1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 18 and 1 p.m. Sunday. Lewis said the “Nutcracker” teaches the cast more than dancing. “The dancers learn a lot On the Instagram page for “Ahwatukee Nutcracker,” KImberly more – they learn poise, Lewis wrote for this picture: “Life is more fabulous in a tutu.” confidence, stage pres(Instagram) ence, how to speak in public and it gets them sales, we couldn’t cover any costs that off their cell phones,” she goes into this production.” said. And yet, as is her modus operandi, she Every year the cast makes public appersevered. pearances to promote the production “I couldn’t let our cast down. The chil- from the Arizona Biltmore to Millie’s Halldren had been rehearsing every weekend mark, from elementary schools to senior from August through December, so the citizen homes throughout the Valley. show had to go on,” she said. Lewis also provides special events for

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her cast, starting with the August postaudition notification to the winners of major roles. From midnight through six a.m., Lewis schleps colorful red and white signs to pound in place in front yards from Ahwatukee to Gilbert. They read, “A Nutcracker Ballet Cast Member Lives Here” and beautifully hand-chalked below lists the role which the still-sleeping occupant has won. From that moment on, there are a plethora of special luncheons, the “Passing of Crowns Ceremony;” Queen’s Mums Brunch in October with queens presenting and reading aloud their hand-written notes of appreciation; November’s Ahwatukee Friendsgiving with cast and family invited to Lewis’ home for turkey and the trimmings. This year she served 140 people. This month is Lewis’ annual Royal Queens Formal Dinner, also held at her Ahwatukee home. Clara’s Party, another December tradition, sees the entire cast invited to a party hosted by Clara. The last rehearsal prior to the ballet finds games, puzzles and mingling between various group rehearsals. “This is a time for our entire cast to bond. I have games set up, coloring pages, puzzles, and more for children to do together in between their rehearsals,” explained Lewis. “The older dancers watch over and play with the younger dancers. “Again, there’s so much more than just a “Nutcracker Ballet.” It’s making friendships and memories to last a lifetime.” Tickets for the 22nd Annual Ahwatukee Foothills Nutcracker Ballet are available at AFNutcracker.com or DanceStudio111. com. Information is also available by phone at 480-706-6040. Following the Saturday and Sunday matinees, the audience joins with cast members to sing “Jingle Bells” as Santa arrives onstage in his handcrafted sleigh. The audience is invited to come onstage to take photos with Santa and the various characters. “Our Ahwatukee Foothills Nutcracker Ballet audience doesn’t just come and watch our ‘Nutcracker,’ then leave immediately after – it’s a celebration with Santa and the entire cast where the audience can get to know all the dancers,” said Lewis. The award-winning Dance Studio 111 is located at 4910 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 111. This is its 28th year in Ahwatukee. ■

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AROUND from page 31

after you have donated them. Donations are being accepted at the dining room of the Ahwatukee Country Club, 12432 S. 48th St. Items will be placed under the ACC Christmas Tree and packaged and delivered. Staff at ACC is aware that there may be some “special deliveries.” Questions or to arrange another location for a delivery: text Joyce Blobner at 480-381-4195. “We hope we need a truck,” association member Carol Schade said. “Items donated are needed and appreciated.”

St. John Bosco School collecting pajamas for foster children

St. John Bosco Catholic School is collecting new pajamas, sizes 10 or larger, to distribute to foster care children in Arizona as part of their fourth annual Jammie Jingles Drive. “There are over 13,400 children in the Arizona foster care system alone and new pajamas provide a comforting gift that a child may bring from home to home,” a spokeswoman for the drive said. Pajamas will be collected until Dec. 10 and can be dropped off at the school, 16035 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. Information: 480-219-4848.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

Holiday pics of pets at Pecos Park will help Phoenix Animal Rescue

Ahwatukee residents who like to share photos of their dogs in holiday cards have a chance this Saturday to have a real pro do the job. “Pictures with Paws” will be held 8-11 a.m. Dec. 4 at the large dog park in Pecos Park. A $10 donation will go to the Phoenix Animal Rescue. The event is sponsored by Jill Waldrop of American Advisors Group, Steve Petruzzella of Ahwatukee Foothills Living and Gordy’s Goodies.

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. ■

Submit your releases to pmaryniak@timespublications.com

Rosy-faced lovebirds are small, noisy, gregarious parrots originally from Southwest Africa, with neon green feathers and vibrant peach faces. (Courtesy of Samantha Lloyd)

LOVEBIRDS from page 30

the National Weather Service says, Phoenix averages about 95 degrees, but temperatures frequently spike well into the 100s. Mills said they proved the surfaces where the birds perched were cool, and the birds visited most frequently on “really hot” days. “It was really fascinating to look at why specifically they were there, and (we) assumed that it was because they were getting some sort of benefit from the HVAC,” Mills said.

History of rosy-faced lovebirds in Arizona Rosy-faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) are small, chirpy, gregarious parrots originally from Southwest Africa. How they came to flourish in metro Phoenix is something of an urban legend. Researchers and bird watchers have varying accounts, but most agree these birds at one point were pets and somehow escaped or were released. No one can say for sure. Mark Larson, the president of the Maricopa Audubon Society, said lovebirds have expanded their populations throughout the Valley since the 1980s, but they’re unevenly distributed in small colonies. McGraw said it appears the lovebirds have expanded their range but remain close to human development. “They are fairly restricted to the city limits, and it looks like they’re heavily reliant on consistently available water, so water is key,” he said, adding that lovebirds can be seen at the fountain in front of Old Main. Average temperatures in Arizona have risen more than 3 degrees Fahrenheit since 1970, according to Climate Central, and it’s considered one of the fastestwarming cities in the nation. In addition, long term drought continues, and both trends threaten rosy-faced lovebirds. “As the water crisis continues, Colorado River restrictions, kind of the downstream effects on us and wildlife, certainly could directly hit the lovebirds,” McGraw said.

“The water crisis could have a negative impact on the birds, but it might in turn benefit some other organisms if there aren’t as many lovebirds.” According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 34 percent of Arizona is in severe or exceptional drought. Lake Powell, which supplies much of Arizona with water, reached critically low levels earlier this year, as did Lake Mead further downstream. Scientists like McGraw are concerned if the lovebirds continue to expand their population, they could become an invasive species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service describes an invasive species as one that’s non-native and capable of causing economic damage or harming human health or the environment. “They’re beautiful in a lot of ways, but they also potentially could do some harm,” McGraw said. “I think there’s a little bit of circumstantial evidence that they can outcompete native species for certain nesting habitats. They’ll certainly feed at certain feeders that might displace other smaller, more shy birds.” Studying the lovebirds was “a call to action” for Mills, to look at the impact of climate change on both non-native and native animals. Mills said as the climate changes “we are completely changing” the environment for the species that live in it. “As the climate continues to change the way that it is, we are pushing all sorts of species to interact with us in ways that they would never have before,” Mills said. Mills is a genetic and developmental biology major, but the lovebirds were the “highlight” of the day when Mills worked on the study, observing the birds outside. Mills said people have a responsibility to the lovebirds because we introduced them into Arizona. “Not to say that we don’t also have a responsibility to wildlife that was indigenous to that area but there’s a certain kind of responsibility that we have to them because they are in such a huge part reliant on us to continue being around,” Mills said. ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

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Business 36

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

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New Ahwatukee coffee shop aims for ‘CULT’ following BY SAMANTHA MORRIS AFN Contributor

ustin Walter knows exactly what he wants in his new Ahwatukee coffee shop, South Mountain Brewing Co. in the Equestrian Centre along the Warner-Elliot loop. “I wanted it to be super cute, inviting and friendly, and have a more modern feel, but also pay tribute to the area that we are in with South Mountain,” said Walter, whose shop in the strip mall’s corner is replacing the once-popular Odelay Bagel Co., which closed in 2019. Walter, the owner/CEO of Food Fight Concepts, is proud and excited about the new shop that hosts a variety of items including; breakfast sandwiches, smoothies and botanicals. He’s also no stranger to the industry.

Austin Walter has just opened South Mountain Brewing coffee shop in Ahwatukee’s Equestrian Centre mall. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

“I have been in the hospitality industry for 12+ years,” the Scottsdale man says on his LinkedIn profile, adding he has operated bars, restaurants, and nightclubs in Indiana, California, and Arizona. The shop has a modern and open concept with a sliding garage door window and bright desert mural painted by local street artist Such Styles, who with his son has gained a reputation for his electrifying style. Walter said that the open concept of the shop adds a dynamic and that he wound up spending more money on the designs than originally intended. “If it’s not done the way that I want it to get done, then I’m not comfortable stamping my name on it and speaking

�ee BREW page 37

Area stores feature holiday gift card bargains BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI AFN Staff Writer

rom enjoying extraordinary meals to catching the sunrise from a hot air balloon, this selection of gift card packages showcases the best deals the Valley has to offer.

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company was created to celebrate hand-crafted, artisanal beers that are inspired by the beautiful and diverse state. The deal: Buy $50 worth of gift cards and receive a card a $5 card; buy $100 in gift cards and get a $20 bonus card. Purchases must be made in person. 721 N. Arizona Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-2739; 201 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, 480-462-1836, azwbeer.com Bourbon & Bones The Bourbon & Bones menu features

hand-selected wet-aged and dry-aged cuts of prime beef, wagyu beef, elegant options for fresh seafood and an extensive list of bourbons and whiskies. Bourbon & Bones is staffed with expert mixologists who deliver a robust cocktail program and, of course, certified sommeliers who oversee a significant wine list, including Coravin pours by the glass. The deal: Purchase $100 in gift cards, receive $25 bonus card; buy $250, get $75. 4200 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-629-4922; 2150 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, 480-597-9459, bourbonandbonesaz.com Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers Can’t go wrong with gifts of beers and burgers. Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers’ 12 locations are dubbed the “ideal neighborhood burger joint.” The deal: Buy two $25 gift cards, get $20 bonus gift card through Dec. 31. Multiple Valley locations, coldbeers.com

Crust Simply Italian Michael Merendino grew up a firstgeneration Italian in the heart of Long Island. He brought his family pizzeria concept to Arizona. The deal: Get a $25 gift certificate with the purchase of $100 gift cards, and buy a $50 gift card, receive a $10 certificate. The deal is only valid Dec. 20 to Dec. 24. 10 N. San Marcos Place, Chandler; 8300 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, crustrestaurants.com Daily Dose Kitchen & Bar Daily Dose is all about creativity. The entrées are created with the freshest ingredients, but don’t leave out the booze. Specialty cocktails like the spicy watermelon margarita and bacon bloody mary are on the menu, too, as well as craft beers. The deal: Purchase $25 gift card and get a $5 bonus; buy $100 get $20. Good through Christmas. 4020 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 101,

Scottsdale, 480-994-3673; 1928 E. Highland Ave., Phoenix, 602274-0334; 96 S. Rockford Drive, Tempe, 480-5906937, dailydosegrill.com Eegee’s Eegee’s has been a hit in the Valley since it migrated from Tucson. The fast-food and frozen treats restaurants have something special for guests. The deal: Buy $50, get a $10 bonus card 3535 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert, eegees.com Famous 48 Famous 48 just unveiled décor that honors Arizona with a palette of colors borrowed from adobe pink sunsets and pale brown dusty road. The deal: Purchase two $25 gift cards and get a $20 bonus card. 8989 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 608,

�ee GIFTCARDS page 38

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

The murals at South Mountain Brewing Co. were painted by Such Styles, a Valley street artist who has gained a reputation for his vibrant works. (David Minton.AFN Staff Photographer)

BREW from page 36

on its behalf. So we had to do a few extra things, and the garage door was one of them,” said Walter. He added that he has received permission to take up a few parking spaces for a fenced-in patio in the future. Walter sees an opportunity to cater to the needs of what he calls “weekend warriors,” describing the strong presence of hikers and bikers that come to the South Mountain Preserve on weekends. “There’s a lot of traffic there, especially on the weekends,” explained Walter. South Mountain Brew Co. is one of the first coffee-centered concepts that Walter has undertaken with Food Fight Concepts. He also operates Low Key Piano Bar and Varsity Tavern in Tempe and plans to open casual breakfast restaurants “Freshly Laid” that are yet to open in Scottsdale and Arcadia. “After going back and forth on what to do, we decided not to do a breakfast concept there and just do a coffee shop instead. It is something that we’ve never done before,” explained Walter. “We’re not really in the coffee world, but we took it upon ourselves to learn about it and figure out how to do it and it turned out really well.” Their coffee is supplied by local Phoenix beverage company, “CULT,” which will also be supplying their “Freshly Laid” locations as well.

Phoenix-based CULT was formed in 1997 and on its website states, “The ethos of our name is driven from our Culture and desire to Cultivate the industry in a positive way. Having a culture of growth with amazing industry operators and incredible products is what drives CULT Artisan Beverage Company. “We believe in the hard work our farmers do to create quality raw materials that we can then harness and transition into fantastic beverages. We also champion the hard work our clients do to take those CULT products and finish the process and create WOW with their customers. It is a beautiful cycle that is sustainable as long as we all work together for that outcome,” it adds. The company has a product line of specialty coffees, teas and botanical infusions as well as some nitrogeninfused kegs for draft beverages and products such as single-serve packets and pods. Walter is excited about their main house-blend, which is an organic coffee blend from Honduras. He also recommends locals check out their unique offering of botanical drinks that have an earthy and refreshing taste. “We are excited to be a part of the neighborhood and to be a place for people to hang out with their friends and family,” said manager Savina Porter. “I’ve really enjoyed meeting all the kind people that make up the community. Information: 12020 S. Warner Elliot Loop Ste. 115. ■

Happy Hour Everyday from 2pm-6pm

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BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

If inflation continues to accelerate for years BY HAROLD WONG AFN Guest Writer

ecent news reports say that inflation is a serious concern to most Americans. What if inflation continues to accelerate for years? The effects of inflation fall hardest on those with lower incomes and lower assets and the retired on fixed incomes. It’s projected that the Social Security Administration will boost benefits 5.9 percent in 2022, which would be the biggest increase since 1982. For a single person who received a $1,565 monthly check this year, it would raise $92 to an average $1,657 monthly check in 2022. In 2019, the median US family household income was $68,703 and $67,521 in 2020. In 2019, about 30.7 percent of households earned over $100,000 in 2020. If a family spends $75,000/year (after paying all income taxes) and future inflation is 6 percent per year, the family will

GIFTCARDS from page 36 Scottsdale, 480-361-4933, famous48.com

Flower Child Flower Child welcomes vegan, paleo, gluten-free or just hungry guests with healthy options in Gilbert, Arcadia, Desert Ridge, Uptown Plaza and Scottsdale. The deal: Buy $50, get a $10 bonus card iamflowerchild.com Fox Restaurant Concepts The perfect gift for the foodies in your life, this offer is good for quality time, exceptional experiences, and tasty food and beverages at any Fox Restaurant Concepts location, including The Henry, Blanco, Olive & Ivy and The Arrogant Butcher. (Does not include Flower Child.) Gift cards are available for purchase at participating restaurant locations or online. The deal: buy $100, get a $20 bonus card foxrcgiftcards.com Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill Ling’s Wok Shop Serving modern Asian cuisine with

need $150,915 in 12 years and $303,670 in 25 years. It’s even worse for many baby boomers and Generation Xers, who have most of their savings in IRAs or 401ks. Example: a couple is spending $75,000 the first year they retire at 66. Their steady income from Social Security is $50,000 and so they need to draw $25,000 from their IRAs or 401ks. However, any withdrawal is taxed. Suppose it’s only a 20 percent combined tax rate between federal and state income tax. They would have to withdraw $31,250, pay $6,250 in taxes, in order to net the other $25,000 needed. In 12 years when they are age 78, inflation requires $150,915 to buy what $75,000 buys today. If Social Security is now $70,000 (with 12 years of cost-of-living increases), they need to pull $107,887 from their IRAs and 401ks; pay a 25 percent rate of tax ($26,972); and net the additional $80,915 needed to be able to have $150,915 of total income to equal total spending. Even if they have $1 million saved, with most of it in IRAs and 401ks, it won’t last American flair, the chefs at Ling & Louie’s use traditional Asian cooking techniques to create bold, craveable flavors that appeal to all tastes. As for Ling’s Wok Shop, it serves healthy and convenient food that boasts crisp veggies and tender meats. The deal: Purchase $50 in gift cards get a $5 holiday certificate. Those who buy $100 in gift cards will receive a $15 holiday certificate. Ling’s Wok Shop, 20511 N. Hayden Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale, lingswok. shop; Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill, 9397 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, lingandlouies.com Los Sombreros Los Sombreros is an iconic spot to enjoy flavorful bites and refreshing cocktails. With locations in South Scottsdale, Uptown Phoenix and Mesa, Los Sombreros has earned its reputation as the Valley’s ultimate locally owned Mexican food eatery. The deal: Buy $50 get $10; buy $100 get $25 through Dec. 31. 2534 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-994-1799; 1976 W. Southern Ave., Mesa, 480-534-6742, lossombreros.com

more than about 10 years before all their savings are gone. How to protect yourself if high inflation continues for years? Gold hasn’t been a perfect inflation hedge over the last one-20 years. The price of gold on Nov. 17 was $1,862.66 per troy ounce. The 10-year high was $2,067.16 and the 10-year low was $1,049.41. The total increase was only a $120.16 increase over 10 years, which is 6.90 percent increase. Then there’s real estate. Over the last few years, Phoenix has either led the nation in year-over-year price appreciation or has been one of the highest markets, along with San Diego, Seattle and Austin. According to Zillow, annual appreciation was the second-fastest in August 2021 in Phoenix (about 31.8 percent). Only Austin, Texas, with 44.8 percent, beat Phoenix. The annual rental growth in Phoenix was 24.8 percent. Typical property values in PhoenixMesa-Scottsdale Metro grew by over 31.9 percent from August 2020 to August 2021, compared to only 10.5 percent the Macayo’s Macayo’s strives to use fresh ingredients in its family recipes. Guests can share the taste with their families and themselves. The deal: Through December 24, gift card purchasers will receive a $10 bonus gift card for every $50 in Macayo’s gift card purchases. Bonus card is valid Saturday, Jan. 1, to Monday, Feb. 28. Multiple Valley locations, macayo.com

Rainbow Ryders The deal: Give the gift of a Rainbow Ryders’ sunrise hot air balloon ride gift certificate special for the holidays. While prices fluctuate and can soar as high as $225 per person for a 45- to 60-minute, group hot air balloon ride, Rainbow Ryders is offering a fixed rate of $169 per person for a shared basket flight. Blackout dates apply. 715 E. Covey Lane, Suite 100, Phoenix, rainbowryders.com Someburros The menu’s dishes tell the Vasquez family’s story and that of their first restaurant, Poncho’s. The tradition carries on to Someburros using their

previous year and 5.3 percent from August 2018 to August 2019. In September, 2021, the typical Phoenix home was worth $376,684 vs. $109,000 in October, 2011. That’s a compound average growth rate of 13.2 percent. An additional benefit is “depreciating debt” – the fact that your mortgage payment is fixed but the same payment is worth less to the lender in the future due to inflation. Free live seminar and lunch: A seminar at 10 a.m. followed by lunch at 12:15 p.m. will be held Jan. 29 at Hyatt Place, 3535 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler. Lunch will be catered by La Madeleine French Café. Topic is “Double your Social Security & other retirement income and pay less tax!” To RSVP for the seminar or schedule a free consultation, contact Dr. Harold Wong at 480-706-0177 or harold_wong@ hotmail.com. His website is drharoldwong.com. Dr. Wong earned his Ph.D. in economics at University of California/Berkeley and has appeared on over 400 TV/radio programs. time-tested recipes for authentic Sonoran-style Mexican Food. The fastcasual restaurants are offering two gift card promotions for the holidays. The deals: The “burro bundle,” includes a $25 restaurant gift card redeemable at all Someburros locations and a reusable tumbler for $35. For the second promotion, all guests who buy a $25 gift card will receive a $5 kick back card. 101 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, 480-839-8226; 7501 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, 480-4438226. Other locations at someburros.com Taphouse Kitchen Taphouse Kitchen is getting into the generous spirit of the giving season with a holiday gift card bonus offer. Through December 31, holiday shoppers can get more bang for their buck when they purchase a gift card in restaurant or online. The deal: For each $100 gift card purchase, guests will receive an additional $25 gift card. 3131 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix, 602482-2800; 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-656-0012, taphousekitchen.com

Opinion

OPINION

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

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Forlorn phone calls that will never be answered BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ AFN Columnist

ll his life, 75 years, my father was careful with his money, so he would be appalled by the waste. He never liked to spend a dollar, not when he could save a buck. My dad passed away in March, though, which means the decision isn’t his to make anymore. So the phone stays on, even though there’s no one left to answer it. The line rings four times before it passes over to voicemail. The message is a perfect metaphor for my father: Short, economical, nothing needless. He must have recorded the greeting a decade ago, when he and my mother �inally decided to get rid of the ancient answering machine they’d had since time immemorial. The phone company must have sent them a coupon.

New organization taking on school boards group For the past few weeks, we have heard the cries throughout the country of the National School Boards Association (NSBA) rallying the Executive and Judicial branches of Government to characterize parents “speaking out” about their children’s education as “domestic terrorists.” While NSBA was quick to apologize, the damage was done and the intent clear on the message this sent throughout the nation. For too long, school board members in Arizona have not had a choice. While each board is all but required to join a school board association, they have been forced to rely on the monopoly of one organization Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) for policy

It’s just two sentences. “Hi, this is Harvey,” he says. “Go ahead and leave a message.” So I do. Even though I’m well aware that no one will ever get back to me. Sometimes I tell my dad about my day: What’s going on at work, which clients have which problems, how I’m hitting the golf ball, how I’m doing on my diet. Other times I tell him which moments sparked memories of him and my mom. Usually it’s a song on the radio. My parents loved music from the ‘60s and ‘70s: Crosby, Stills and Nash, the Beatles, John Denver. When I called last week, it was brought on by a song: “Black Water” by the Doobie Brothers. It was a hit in the spring 1975, about the time I turned 10. I know this because that was the spring break my parents packed my brother and I into their Volkswagen Beetle and drove us from New York to Florida to go to Dis-

neyworld. That was back when no one booed at the Hall of Presidents and before they cut out the sexist portions of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. We spent days packed into the VW, 2,000 miles in each direction, a family of four cramped and too crabby to play license plate bingo. The Doobies played on an endless loop as the FM stations faded in and out. But it was all worth it for the E-ticket rides: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the Haunted Mansion, the Jungle Cruise. My father was 30 then, a paint factory worker with a wife and two kids in elementary school. Whatever childhood dreams he’d had for himself – All-Star basketball player for the Knicks, law school, airline pilot – were never going to come true. I imagine he knew it. He owned an old Super 8 movie camera and he shot lots of footage of his sons and his wife, but not much of himself. My father was

always present, though, never the focal point, always right off-screen, circling around us at the edges. Sometimes when I call his phone number now, I wonder aloud about how that made him feel, why my father’s life so rarely seemed to be about him, at least to the people it was about. He doesn’t answer, of course. My father always was a man of few words. He spent them the way he spent his paychecks: Like there was never quite enough to go around. My voicemails to dad’s old number always end with me telling him “I love you.” It was the way we always ended our phone calls back when he was alive. It was a sentence he said with conviction, like it mattered to him, and I never doubted it. Maybe that’s why I still call, even now, even with no one there to answer. To hear his voice. Always there, always nearby. Even from heaven. ■

guidance and training. They do so with hefty memberships, upwards of $10,000 per year, paid by the school districts with your tax dollars! That association then trains your school board members on topics like Critical Race Theory. It is time for that to change. The Arizona Coalition of School Board Members is a non-pro�it, non-partisan organization dedicated to helping school board members put students �irst. Other associations have forgotten who is important: our kids. In education, students should always be at the forefront of training and policy considerations, not unions and special interest groups. What works for one student may not work for another, which is why The Coalition will always support school choice.

The Coalition also recognizes the importance of parents in their child’s education. Kids belong to their parents, not the board, school, or state. Parental rights have been eroding – slowly at �irst and now it seems right before our eyes. As of this writing, 26 state school boards associations have now distanced themselves from the NSBA. Ten of those states have discontinued membership, participation and dues because of NSBA’s actions. While one district in Arizona has cut ties with the national organization, none have yet to do so with ASBA. How is this acceptable? If you feel compelled to contact ASBA and demand answers please do! The Coalition doesn’t just provide training and services to board members. We offer membership to par-

ents, concerned citizens, and school employees. Even if you haven’t had a student in the K12 system for many years, that’s OK. Join us. The Coalition welcomes all charter, public, private and homeschool advocates. The Arizona Coalition of School Board Members understands that education policy requires an unwavering, laser focus on #StudentsFirst. Support our mission and get involved today. azcoalition.org -Nancy Cottle (AZ Coalition board member) ■

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Female kicker overcomes paralyzing injury BY DYLAN WILHELM Cronkite News

n late January, Krysten Muir was alone in a hospital room, unable to move. In 2015, Muir made Arizona history by becoming the �irst female to score in an AIA state championship football game when she booted a pair of extra points for Tempe’s Marcos de Niza against Saguaro High in the 2015 4A championship game. She was Marcos de Niza’s kicker in 2015 and 2016 and made �ive of her 10 �ield goal attempts and 98 of 112 PATs. Before she began kicking in high school, Muir played soccer and volleyball. She also rode horses competitively and as a kid often would hang out at football practices at Marcos de Niza, where her father Jeremy was an assistant coach. She eventually beat out two other kickers to earn her spot at Marcos. After graduating from Marcos de Niza in 2017, she played soccer and took classes at Gateway Community College with plans to become a personal trainer. She was on the move. Then her life was literally �lipped upside down. In late January, Muir was a passenger in a car traveling south from Payson in weather that she describes as “pretty gloomy.” The driver lost control and the car rolled over. Muir suffered a spinal injury and lower body paralysis in the crash. Her L1 vertebrae had burst, and her L2 vertebrae was fractured. She was paralyzed from the waist down. Chad Dunn, Muir’s physical therapist and founder of Move Human Performance Center in Chandler, said patients describe the sensation of such an injury as “somebody pulling the electrical cord out.” Jeremy Muir and Krysten’s mom, Kathy, were terri�ied. “Nobody wants to hear those words that your child was never going to walk again,” Kathy Muir said. After surgery, Muir said doctors placed

As the varsity kicker at Marcos De Niza High in Tempe, Krysten Muir) was the first female player to score in an Arizona State championship football game. Her father Jeremy is an assistant at Marcos de Niza. (Courtesy of Krysten Muir) her odds of walking again at 50/50. While she was in the hospital, Dunn reached out to her to help with her mental state. According to Dunn, the mental side of the recovery process is just as important as the physical, as re�lected in his motto: “Mind Over Virtually Everything.” Once out of the hospital, the recovery process continued. Krysten had to relearn how to do everything from the waist down, including how to walk and how to dress herself. “At �irst it really was mind blowing because I was like, ‘Wow, I’m literally telling my leg to move forward and it is not moving forward,’” she said. Dunn and Muir continued to work to-

gether to rebuild her strength and help her relearn muscle movements. “He’s believed in her since day one,” Kathy Muir said. “They have a really good relationship, and I think he will be in her life forever.” Dunn’s focus on both physical and mental strength resonated with Muir, and her mental toughness continues to impress Dunn. “She’s such a competitor,” he said. “She’s such a tough girl that she’ll come back to the best of this injury.” Anderson continued to move, pushing forward with support from Dunn and others from all over the community, including from her former high school, Marcos de Niza.

“The community support has been amazing – there’s not a better word for it,” Jeremy Muir said. His daughter, however, was used to doing squats and leg presses, stacking multiple plates on the bar. Now, she had to relearn the motions with little to no extra weight on the bar. After about three months, she was able to walk again with assistance. She was determined to beat those 50/50 odds, and while her parents were afraid to “bank on it” happening, there never was a doubt in her mind. “I already knew I was going to walk,” Muir said. “It was like, ‘Okay, thank you for that suggestion, but I am going to. I just have a lot of work to do.’” In September, the Arizona Cardinals partnered with the Desert Financial Foundation to create the Arizona Breaking Barriers Student Athlete Scholarship in her honor to recognize “determined, resilient and impactful student athletes.” Muir will select one of the 10 recipients. “I think that’s a fantastic legacy,” her father said of the scholarship. “And if that is how her name goes down and how she’s remembered at the end of the day … then that’s all you can hope for as a father.” Now the kicking coach at Marcos de Niza, Muir is part of the same Padres coaching staff that her father has been a part of for years. For her, it is a way to continue sharing her passion for kicking. “I can help with my knowledge to the next (kicker) and just motivate them and push them as far as they can,” she said. Not only do her players feed off of her energy, but they also feed off of what she has been through and how she continues to overcome obstacles. Her future plans include writing a book and working as a motivational speaker. She is close to earning her personal-training certi�ication. “I feel like I have a good amount of options for me,” she said. “They’re kind of just like all up in the air, but I de�initely want to give them all a try.” ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

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‘Christmas Eve’ is the star of TSO’s show BY ALAN SCULLEY GetOut Contributor

ast year, Trans-Siberian Orchestra was forced to cancel its signature annual project – the holiday tour of U.S. arenas that typically draws more than 1 million fans. To help fill the void, the TSO team put together a livestream concert. Scaling the show from an arena where TSO deploys a spectacular light show and all manner of pyrotechnics and special effects to something that works on a TV or computer screen was a challenge, but the livestream, which featured the 1996 “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” album, went over well. And in a way, the livestream took TSO back to its beginnings, before founder/ songwriter, the late Paul O’Neill, was financially able to create the visual concert extravaganza fans now know and love.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will bring their version of holiday lights to Footprint Center on Sunday. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) The livestream also revealed an important truth to Al Pitrelli and Jeff Plate, the

musical directors for TSO’s two touring ensembles.

“If you go back to our first show in ’99, Jeff and I, I think we had, I don’t know, seven or eight cities on the tour,” Pitreilli said. “We had a box truck, two buses and a fog machine. The curtain came up, the lights went down, and we played the songs from top to bottom. It wasn’t the sensory overload that it grew up to be. It was a beautifully written story that Paul O’Neill put pen to paper back in ‘95, and we started recording in ‘96. “The people fell in love with the characters. They fell in love with the story,” he continued. “They fell in love with the sentiment of it. Because at the end of the day, at the center of Paul’s story is about missing somebody, and everybody misses somebody, especially around the holidays. “I think during the livestream, it showed me, in particular, two things,” he said.

�ee TSO page 43

Chandler dance studio presenting ‘Season to Shine’ AFN NEWS STAFF

ance Connection 2, a Chandler dance studio serving the East Valley for 35 years, is collaborating with HopeKids Arizona, a local nonprofit that supports families with children with life-threatening illnesses, on its Season to Shine program. DC2 hosted its Movin’ and Groovin’ dance workshop for the HopeKids families. “This is an opportunity for these kids to forget about the illnesses they are battling and discover and express themselves through the sport of dance,” spokeswoman Shannon Moyette said, adding that “DC2’s highly experienced staff and company dancers” work “closely with each child teaching them a variety of dance techniques and above all make life-long memories.” The dance workshop was a stepping

Jordyn Berry laughs and Olivia and Gwen Ferguson dance with each other as children from HopeKids learn to dance with instructors from Dance Connection 2. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

stone to prepare the foundation’s young performance hopefuls and their families for DC2’s A Season to Shine holiday showcase at 3 p.m. Dec. 11. A Season to Shine is full of holiday classics performed by the studios’ dancers that Moyette said creates “a memorable family event for all ages.” HopeKids Executive Director Andrea Lewis said, “Our goal is to provide hope for our children and their families and this program supports that mission. “Collaborating with DC2 over the years has been such a rewarding experience for our children who are fighting cancer and other life-threatening medical conditions by allowing them to shine, make new friendships and most importantly provide hope.” DC2 dancers will also perform two other shows at 7 p.m., Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 at

�ee HOPEDANCE page 43

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

Marc Cohn finds songwriting cathartic BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

arc Cohn could be considered a survivor. His mother died when he was 2, followed by his father 10 years later. He survived an attempted carjacking on August 7, 2005, when he was shot in the head. “I spent my life trying to figure out what that all meant and what price I’ve paid since then,” Cohn says. “Part of the way I’m working through that is writing songs. Songwriting is a very helpful therapeutic thing.” Performing on stage is cathartic as well. On Sunday, Dec. 5, he will be joined by Shawn Colvin and Sara Watkins for “Together in Concert” at the Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. Tickets can be obtained at mim.org. “Together in Concert” is a new show, during which the singer-songwriters will per-

HOPEDANCE from page 41

the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 22149 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek. Tickets go on sale for the Friday and Saturday shows Nov. 23 at qcpac.com. A portion of proceeds from all three performances will be donated directly to Hope-

TSO from page 41

“One is that people, they love the story. It didn’t have all the special effects. There’s no physical way we could do that. But the band played amazing. The singers brought the characters to life. I heard after the fact that we sold almost 250,000 of those things. From a financial standpoint, I could not care less. It didn’t matter to me. What really made me emotional is that people wanted their tradition. Albeit virtually, we were all joined together.” Now, Pitrelli and Plate are taking the two touring ensembles of TSO back to arenas across the country. Knowing fans will turn out en masse for the shows continues to leave Pitrelli and Plate feeling surprised and gratified. After all, when O’Neill founded the project, he envisioned something entirely new and unproven in contemporary music. For one thing, TSO would combine a rock band with an orchestra playing con-

Marc Cohn will perform Sunday at the Musical Instrument Museum. form, well, together. “It’s not a solo show,” he says. “Everybody gets a turn. We haven’t chosen the

Kids Arizona. “It has been a tough time for many, so being able to make this program happen with HopeKids Arizona and share it with the community is truly a bright spot this holiday season,” said MaryAnna Gooch, owner of DC2. “Seeing all our dancers share their pas-

cept albums/rock operas with cohesive story lines. Instead of building an image around a singer, guitarist or conductor, the ensemble would use multiple singers and a range of instrumentalists who would remain largely anonymous to listeners. How to market the group was a big question. The albums would require big budgets, and to be financially viable, the tours would need to play arenas from the start — something no music act had done. Nevertheless, Atlantic Records got on board with O’Neill’s vision and signed TSO. The label has been rewarded as the trilogy of Christmas albums became hits that continue to rack up new sales every holiday season. The first release was “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.” Spurred by the hit single “Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24,” it has sold 3 million copies. The other two holiday rock operas that make up TSO’s Christmas trilogy: “The Christmas Attic” (1998) and “The Lost

songs we’re going to sing or anything. I love Sara Watkins’ music and Shawn has been a friend for a long time. I love touring with her, too. We’ve done so many tours together, but this is our first time as a trio.” Cohn adores the MIM, he says. That said, he is just happy to be playing anywhere. Like everyone else, Cohn says the pandemic left him confused some days and fine others. “The best thing I did for myself, in general, was to start songwriting over Zoom with a couple different collaborators,” he says. “One of them was Loreena McKennitt, who’s a wonderful artist. “We Zoomed for several sessions. One of the songs I include in my own set. Over the course of those months, I did online charity events to help people raising money for various important causes.” He says he feels “blessed” that nobody he loves fell very ill. Three of his four children

sion and love of dance with these children both in the studio and on stage is an inspiration and an experience that I hope will stay with them beyond the dance floor.” DC2 offers a variety of recreational classes to performance and competitive dance teams and anyone “interested in discovering and expressing themselves

Christmas Eve” (2004) have topped 2 million copies sold. In addition, the group has released a Christmas EP, 2012’s “Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night),” and three full-length non-holiday rock operas – “Beethoven’s Last Night” (2000), “Night Castle” (2009) and “Letters from the Labyrinth” (2015). In all, the group’s CDs and DVDs have sold more than 12 million copies and the Christmas tour plays to 1 million fans each year. This year, as in 2019, TSO’s show will feature the “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” album as a first set, followed by a selection of other material in the second set. That 1996 debut album was played for a dozen years when TSO started touring, then was set aside to feature the other albums in the Christmas trilogy on subsequent tours. Bringing back the album that began the TSO journey has been special for Pitrelli and Plate. “Yes, this is my favorite show,” said Plate,

had mild cases of coronavirus. Touring these days s very complicated because of the differences in rules and protocols between venues and states. “It’s a very strange time now,” he says. “I wince a little when they claim on TV it’s basically over. It’s not. It’s not over.” Cohn is not sure when he will release the songs he wrote with McKennitt. First, he has to get his “stage legs back.” “That’s the most important thing, emotionally and financially,” he says. “I’m not quite at the place yet where I’m thinking about releasing material. I have to write five or six more songs before I do that. “The music is the same old sensitive songwriter-songwriter stuff. The one song I really like is ‘Same Man, Different Mistakes.’ It’s largely about my day, who I’ve written several songs about over the years. I’m going back to the same theme from a different perspective.” ■

through the sport of dance.” Information: danceconnection2.com. HopeKids provides ongoing events, activities, and a powerful, unique support community for families with critically ill children. Founded in 2001., it now serves nearly 1,500 families in Arizona. Information: hopekids.org. ■

who joined Pitrelli for the teleconference. “I’ve said all along, I think this story is really the star of the show. This is what kept bringing people back every year was when people connected with the story and realized it’s about them. It’s about everybody. “This is just how people, just word of mouth, kept coming back. These audiences kept building every year. This (was) our first venture with the TransSiberian Orchestra, ‘Christmas Eve and Other Stories,’ so this has a lot of meaning. It’s very special for all of us. The songs, the story, (everything) about it, I think is fantastic.” ■

If You Go...

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” When: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5 Where: Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix Cost: Tickets start at $44.75 Info: 602-379-2000, footprintcenter.com

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

King Crossword ACROSS

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

Company coming? Serve this sweet treat

uring the holidays, whenever someone stops by, I get the coffee brewing. If you’re from the East or Midwest, you know that to be the unwritten rule of hospitality. It doesn’t matter the time of day, who comes knocking, or what the reason; if someone visits, you pour a cup of Joe and slice up the coffee cake. This week several of my colleagues were reminiscing that, while they love the Southwest, they miss this heartwarming custom. So, this recipe is dedicated to all of our Eastern and Midwestern transplants who may be looking for a luscious coffee cake the next time the door bell rings. This ever-so-scrumptious sour cream coffee cake comes courtesy of Steve and Carol Rogan of Scottsdale. Steve explains, “Everyone who has tried Nana’s Sour Cream Coffeecake is blown away by the flavor. Carol’s mom used to make the cake, minus the frosting as Christmas presents when she was a little girl. This recipe is over 80 years old.” Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1 cup sour cream 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla 2 cups sifted flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 2 large eggs DIRECTIONS: #1 Cream together butter and sugar, then add eggs, one at a time, mixing well. #2 Add sour cream, vanilla, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and blend well. #3 Pour one half of the batter into a small greased and floured angel food cake pan (or 8-inch square/ round cake pan.) Then pour in half of the nut mixture. Pour in the rest of the batter and top with the rest of the nut mixture.

Steve and Carol also make a cupcake version of the coffee cake with a delicious cream cheese frosting which I’ve included in the recipe below. (I thinned out the frosting by adding just a bit of half and half and then drizzle it over the sliced cake. Heavenly!) I love the idea of having coffee and a sweet at the ready for company, and I can’t think of a tastier welcome than Nana’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake. Once you make it, you’ll want to share it. And that’s mighty neighborly. ■ #4 Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until toothpick comes up clean. For cupcakes: Same process with cupcakes only no need to butter and flour each cup. Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of batter, sprinkle nut mixture, then another tablespoon of batter. Finish with a sprinkle of nut mixture. Bake for approximately 26 minutes. Nut mixture filling and topping Mix: ¼ cup sugar 2 cups chopped walnuts 1 teaspoon cinnamon Cream cheese frosting for cupcakes Cream together: 8 oz. soft cream cheese 2 teaspoons vanilla 4 tablespoons butter 2 ½ cups powdered sugar Directions: Blend together and frost the cupcakes. ■

1 5 8 12 13 14 15 16 18 20 21 23 24 28 31 32 34 35 37 39 41 42 45 49 51 52 53 54 55 56 57

Creche trio The whole enchilada Outlet letters Teensy bit Irish actor Stephen Vivacity, in music At the summit of Her bed was too soft Jungle trek Make happy Swindles Workout site Spaghetti topper Whirled Hosp. area Small stream “As I see it,” to a texter Lavish affection (on) Lunar light Family card game Greek letters Regard highly Morals Legume used in Asian cuisine Acknowledge Wax-coated cheese Baton Rouge sch. Country’s McEntire Actress Ward Shrill bark “Hey!”

38 It’s equivalent to C, in some scores 40 Sphere 42 Iowa city 43 Ranch visitor

44 46 47 48 50

Sudoku

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 17 19

22 24 25 26 27 29 30 33 36

Slithery Currier’s partner Corn castoffs Smack a baseball “-- was saying ...”

“Serpico” author Peter “-- girl!” Blunder Influence How lovers may stroll Meadow Genie’s home Monasteries Slapstick missile “Buenos --!” Apple center H.S. math Eldest Stark child on “Game of Thrones” Sailing vessel Central Green prefix Fall-related Relax Actress Thurman -- de plume Make a scarf Puzzle

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 46

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

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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PHX East Valley Partnership is a 501(c)(6) nonpartisan coalition of civic, business, education and political leaders dedicated to the economic development and promotion of the East Valley of Greater Phoenix. The Partnership advocates for economic development, education, transportation and infrastructure, health care and other important areas. For more information, visit www.phxeastvalley.com.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

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I’ve got your back while you’re out!

www.Ahwatukee.com

• BASE BOARDS • DRYWALL • ELECTRICAL • PAINTING • PLUMBING • BATHROOMS • WOOD FLOORING • FRAMING WALLS • FREE ESTIMATES • GRANITE FABRICATION & INSTALLATION • CARPET INSTALLATION • LANDSCAPING

MD’S LANDSCAPING

DAVID Broze

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

CALL DOUG

Out & Back House Sitting Services

Irrigation

480-730-1074

ROC# 225923 Licensed, Bonded & Insured

ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

The Possibilities are Endless

Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new 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

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com

480-730-1074

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

Landscape Design/Installation Irrigation Systems & Outdoor Lighting Fountain Repair alls C - Caring Repairs & Instuse. D - Dedicated for long term S - Service No Yard .

LANDSCAPING

Maintenance

• 8am - 6pm Monday - Saturday • You Pay Labor & Materials Only • FREE ESTIMATES • ROC#312942 • David R Smith

Landscape/Maintenance Juan Hernandez

TREE

YOUR CLASSIFIED SOURCE

TRIMMING 25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Landscape/Maintenance

SPRINKLER DOCTOR Repairs - Installs - Modifications Timers/Valves/Sprinklers DRIP-PVC-COPPER Backflows & Regulators LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Phone, Text or Email

480-580-4419

25 years Experience & Insured

david@swo-of-artworks.com www.swo-of-artworks.com

Not a licensed contractor.

Painting

Sick of LEAKS!

Install HD Drip System Leak Free for Life!

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

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

20+ Years Experience

480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

Landscape/Maintenance

RAMON LANDSCAPING SERVICES I could help you have your palm trees and other trees trimmed by giving you a reasonable and better price than the others.

Irrigation Repair & New Installation Yard Clean-ups • Storm Damage • Palm & Tree Trimming Tree Removal • Landscape Lighting Installation & Repair Landscape Design

Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon

Not a Licensed Contractor

480-217-0407

Starting @ $60/Month! • One Month Free Service • Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection. • Call or Text for a Free Quote

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

Arizona Specialty Landscape

New & Re-Do Design and Installation 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

Call/Text 480.695-3639

Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

“We get your house looking top notch!” ★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Drywall Repair & Installation ★ Popcorn Ceiling Removal

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors ★ Small Job Specialist

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control

East Valley PAINTERS

Family Owned & Operated

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

CALL US TODAY!

Painting

www.eastvalleypainters.com

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Call us to place your ad online!

480-898-6465

License #ROC 298736

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

Family Owned • Free Estimates

CONKLIN PAINTING Free Estimate & Color Consultation

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

Interior Painting ● Pressure Washing Exterior Painting ● Drywall/Stucco Repair Complete Prep Work ● Wallpaper Removal

480-888-5895 ConklinPainting.com Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450

www.ACPpaintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480) 785-6323

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

Plumbing

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

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

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

FREE Service Calls + FREE Estimates Water Heaters Installed - $999 Unclog Drains - $49

10% OFF

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

Pool Service / Repair

Plumbing

Painting

ROC#309706

$25 OFF

Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541

— Call Jason —

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

480-405-7099

Plumbing

affinityplumber@gmail.com

(602) 502-1655

Off 40work done

Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

Disposals

$35 off

To place an ad please call: 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com

Any Service

Pool Service / Repair

MARK’S POOL SERVICE Owner Operated - 20 Years

Play Pools start at

$85/month

Plumbing

with chemicals

Ask About Filter Cleaning Specials!

PLUMBING $35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465

Not a licensed contractor

Only $27.50 includes 1 week online

with this ad

FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hirerooﬁng.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

*Any

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

You will find them easy with a yellow background.

10% OFF

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds!

ROC # 272721

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING

Filter Cleaning!

www.barefootpoolman.com

Interior & Exterior Residential/Commercial Free Estimates Drywall Repairs Senior Discounts References Available

We Repair or Install

Over 30 Years of Experience Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

All Water Purification Systems Voted #1 Plumber 3 Years In A Row OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS

PAINTING

Garage Sale Fri & Sat 7a-11am Household, clothes, kitchen items, furniture, electronics, mason jars, kid items, DVDs, MORE 555 W. Lane Dr Mesa

Rooﬁng

Mark

602-799-0147 CPO#85-185793

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTAL COMMERCIAL && RESIDENTIAL

We Got You Covered!

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

Same Day Service All Work Guaranteed

FREE Estimates SAME DAY SERVICE

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar I R 602-551-2255 showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

FALL SPECIAL! $500 OFF COMPLETE REMODEL! 25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

30 Years Experience We Pay Your Insurance Deductible

ROC#288-123 • Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 288-123

Senior & Military Discounts

602-551-2255

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

Rooﬁng

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Rooﬁng

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! We have a “Spencer” on every job and every step of the way.

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT

LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED | ROC #269218

$1000 OFF when you show this ad

Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 | FULLY INSURED

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

*on qualifying complete roof replacements

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

Serving All Types Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service of Roofing:

u Th

e IN

Call

-EX D i ﬀe r e n c e

Let Us Show Yo

• • • •

602-938-7575

for your FREE Roof Evaluation Today! www.InExRo

oﬁn

g.c o m

FREE ESTIMATES

Tiles & Shingles sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com Installation Repair Re-Roofing

602-471-2346

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

PHILLIPS

FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hirerooﬁng.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

Window Cleaning

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

623-873-1626

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

Ahwatukee Based Family Owned and Operated Insured • Free Estimates

See our reviews and schedule at:

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs

www.cousinswindowcleaning.com

480-330-2649

Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Call our office today!

Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

480-460-7602 Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

www.porterroofinginc.com

Please recycle me.

SHARE WITH THE WORLD! Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today! Call us for details.

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet. www.Ahwatukee.com

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

ROOFING LLC

Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

See MORE Ads Online!

10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof

480-446-7663

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

class@timespublications.com or call 480-898-6465

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 1, 2021

BESTOF

2021

40 Years Serving the Central Valley

Where is Mondo the French Bulldog? Free Bronze Service Agreement

(Reg. $199) Call 480-725-7303 and tell us where you found Mondo this week to win! Must show proof of ﬁnding Mondo for one month or four consecutive ads. Supplies are limited to the ﬁrst 50 applicants.

250

Find Mondo and Get Toward a new Home AC System 15 SEER or above, when you call in with “Where is Mondo”

YOUR HOMETOWN AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

480-725-7303

FREE

Service Call (with repair) Second Opinion

www.BrewersAC.com

A + Rating

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.