SanTan Sun News - 12.5.2021 by Times Media Group

December 5, 2021 | www.santansun.com

Relentlessly local coverage of Southern Chandler

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

Data center ‘torture’ for Chandler neighborhood BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Chandler resident Karthic Thallikar says he chooses his words very carefully, so he pleaded with a reporter not to water down his remarks. Living next to the CyrusOne data center in south Chandler is torture, he said. He and Jennifer Goehring are two residents of the Clemente Ranch subdivision that is across Dobson Road from the data center. Goehring agreed with her neighbor on the use of the word ‘torture’ to describe the constant noise coming from the data center. There are two sources for the noise. The data center has a large number of generators to act as backups in case of an outage and they need to checked

and maintained. But the noise they hear most often comes from the chilling units that keep the computer servers from overheating. “It’s really bad when they run the generators, for maintenance or whatever,” Goehring said. “It sounds like a dump truck.” “What is more disturbing has been, from 2015 Karthic Thallikar stands in Chuparosa Parkin Chandler in front of onwards, is this the Cyrus One data center that neighbors describe as creating an constant chill and unbearable amount of noise. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) hum, because they

run 24/7,” said Karthic Thallikar, another resident of Clemente Ranch. They are concerned about the noise levels because another data center is about to open in the same area. CyrusOne officials say they are, and have always been, in full compliance with the city’s ordinances. Still, they said they want to be a good neighbor so they added vinyl blankets to all chillers in 2017 as a way to dampen the noise. In tests before and after, they found the blankets reduced the noise be about 10 decibels. “CyrusOne has never been in violation of any noise ordinances and has, in an effort to be a good neighbor, provided extensive solutions to help alleviate disruption, and, of note, is the See

NOISE on page 10

Death penalty sought in Chandler passport office Chandler officer’s slaying a popular destination BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

The Maricopa County Attorney’s office plans to pursue the death penalty against the man accused of killing a Chandler police officer. Jonathon Altland of Tolleson faces 32 charges for the events that took place on April 29 that resulted in the death of 50-year-old Chandler Police Officer Christopher Farrar and severe injuries for Gilbert Police Officer Rico Aranda, who remains on restricted duty. County officials are citing prior convictions as one of the aggravating factors for seeking the death penalty – including vehicle theft and fleeing police. Another aggravating factor is the victim was a peace officer and the suspect either knew, or should have known, he was one performing his official duties. Prosecutors say the 25-year-old Altland led police on a chase that started in Eloy and ended at a Gilbert car dealership the night of April 29. In addition to the charge of first-degree murder, he faces 20 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful flight from law enforcement, endangerment, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, first-degree burglary and four counts of disorderly conduct. According to court records, Pinal County sheriff ’s deputies attempted to stop Altland for speeding near Eloy in the spring. They soon learned the yellow truck he was driving had been reported stolen. Altland was headed north on State Route 87 toward Chandler. He began

A Los Angeles couple recently traveled to Chandler, spending the night at a local hotel and enjoying some of the city’s better restaurants. Nothing unusual about that, tourism is a major industry in Arizona. However, the reason they came is a bit unique. They wanted to visit the Chandler City Clerk’s office to get a passport. “We’ve had people come in as far as Oregon,” said Erica Barba, the program administrator for Chandler’s passport program. She said they’re starting to see a lot more people from California making the trek. In fact, Barba said about 70 percent of the people applying for a passport in that office live outside Chandler. There’s one reason why the city is a destination: They are one of the few sites that can accept an application and that have available appointments. “When all the facilities opened again after the pandemic, everyone had a hard time getting an appointment,” Barba said. “We got down a really good system, so we had open appointments

See

CAPITAL on page 2

Jonathon Altland

and they would come here.” Why does Chandler have open appointments when almost no other office does? “A lot has to do with the Council allowing us to add a couple of employees to be able to do this,” said City Clerk Dana DeLong. “We only ever had two passport agents assigned as a permanent employees, but allowing us to have two more is giving us the opportunity to take on more appointments.” The city started accepting passport applications in 1994 and currently processes about 60 to 70 applications a day. DeLong said they’ve handled more than 200,000 applications since they started 27 years ago. The city manager approved hiring two more employees to process passport applications in July because of a huge backlog caused by the pandemic. They were hired through existing funds for temporary workers in the City Clerk’s office. However, that money ran out, so the City Council Nov. 4 approved paying those two employees through the end of the fiscal year next June 30.

F E AT U R E STO R I E S Ocotillo artists display their work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .COMMUNITY . . . . . .Page 3 Chandler's OD Harris helping teens. . . . . . . . . . . . . .COMMUNITY . . . . . Page 18 Chandler sisters star in 'Nutcracker'. . . . . . . . . . . . . .NEIGHBORS. . . . . . Page 36 Chandler's all-star holiday line-up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ARTS. . . . . . . . . . . Page 40

Christopher Farrar

See

PASSPORTS on page 14 More Community . . . 1-26 Business . . . . . . 27-31 Sports . . . . . . . 32-34 Opinion . . . . . . . . 35 Neighbors . . . 36-39 Arts . . . . . . . . . 40-42 Faith . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Directory . . . . 44-45 Eat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

Chandler voting experiment draws yawn from public BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

Interest from the public in Chandler’s mock mobile voting election was pretty limited, but other election officials were definitely paying attention. In fact, they had a front row seat. Chandler’s City Clerk’s office last Wednesday announced the results of its mock election in a pilot program meant to test blockchain voting so it might be considered for use in future elections. Only 203 people cast votes in the mock election held between Nov. 9 and last Tuesday. They were asked the same five bond questions that were on the real ballot last month, plus some additional questions about blockchain voting. One ballot was disqualified because the person filling it out signed it with a smiley face instead of their signature. All five bond questions passed with overwhelming support. In the additional questions, 187 said they would use blockchain voting in a real election if it was offered, while 14 said they would not. Keep in mind, all the voters in this election were using blockchain voting so that result is likely skewed. In a choice of the way that they preferred voting, blockchain voting came in first with 177 votes, mail was second at 102, dropping off a mail ballot was third at 85, and voting in person was last at 47. Voters were allowed to vote for up to three choices, so that’s why the total votes cast exceeds 202. The city invited media and election officials to officially count the votes at a press conference. There was one snafu during the tabulation: One of the batches of 50 votes was counted twice; it was quickly discovered and fixed. Two election officials from Maricopa County and one from the Secretary of State’s office attended, sitting in the front row. “They had the most questions,” City Clerk Dana DeLong said. “They had a lot of good points ... about some of the security.” The election officials asked about how Voatz, the company contracted to conduct the election, ensures each voter remains anonymous while also verifying they are qualified to vote. Nimit Sawhney, the co-founder and CEO, said Voatz treats it much like the way the state handles mail elections now. Instead of two envelopes, one

CAPITAL

from page 1

to pull over, but then allegedly fired at the deputies before fleeing. He drove at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour and at one point crashed through a gate at Chandler Municipal Airport, driving onto the runway. Police continued to pursue him as he drove the wrong way on surface streets. He finally left the vehicle after crashing

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ads@santansun.com Looking over ballots in the E-vote experiment are, from left, Chandler Assistant City Clerk Erica Barba, City Clerk Dana DeLong and Ana Quevedo of Voatz. (David Minton/Staff

Photographer)

with personal information that can be verified and the second that contains the anonymous votes, they rely on two packets of data. The actual votes are encrypted and can only be counted once the corresponding verification data has been accepted. Once it is, that data is destroyed, he said. Here’s how it works: Voters log in to an app or website. They must verify their identity before they are allowed to vote. Once they make their selections, they are able to see their votes and confirm they are accurate. They are the only ones given a blockchain code to their votes. That jurisdiction running the election gets two data packets, the votes that are locked and an affidavit that has the voters’ personal information attached. Once that information has been verified, officials can unlock the ballot and view it, but when they do so the personal information is destroyed. “Just depending on what the jurisdiction’s requirements are, we can turn on or off different authentication methods, depending on what the jurisdiction needs,” said Don DeFord, the national sales manager for Voatz. After all the eligible voters’ ballots are unlocked, they are printed out so there is a paper trail to audit. They are then run through scanners to record the vote. Blockchain is the method used to keep crypto currencies, such as Bitcoin, secure. Each packet of data is given its own code, and then every additional

it into the northern embankment of the Loop 202 west of Val Vista. He fled on foot inside the SanTan Motorplex in Gilbert, where police say he stole a car. He used it to crash through a closed bay door. Police claim he then drove toward a group of officers in what they describe as an intentional act. The officers fired as he approached. That’s when the car Altland was driving struck Farrar and several others.

piece of data attached gets its own code. It also has the code of the data before it, thereby creating the chain. Most states allow military voters stationed overseas to vote electronically because of possible delays in getting a mail ballot returned in time for it to count. A number of jurisdictions are starting to use blockchain voting as a way to do that securely. However, current laws do not allow the general public to cast electronic votes at this time. The city does not actually run any elections. Most Chandler elections are staged by the county. Vice Mayor Mark Stewart was the driving force behind Chandler’s pilot program. “We’re always looking for better, more efficient way of doing things,” Stewart said. DeLong said her office will compile a report on the pilot program and present it to Council, probably in January. However, it will likely be years before Arizona voters will be able to cast real ballots from their phones. “I think we’re a few elections off,” she said.

Mock election results

Bond, Parks and Rec: 179 yes, 22 no Bond, Fire: 184 yes, 17 no Bond, Police: 169 yes, 31 no Bond, Public transit: 184 yes, 17 no Bond, Facilities: 177, 24 no

Farrar was an 18-year veteran of the Chandler Police Department. He had three children and a grandchild. Police say six people were injured that night because of Altland’s actions. Altland’s trial is tentatively scheduled to start next Oct. 10 but capital cases can go on for years before reaching a jury. It took more than nine years, for example, before a jury got a chance to convict the man who shot Gilbert Police Lt. Eric Shuhandler to death in 2010.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

Ocotillo art show a good time for gift hunts BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Chandler resident Sandy Ashbaugh says being an artist can be lonely work. You’re usually alone in your studio trying to create something great. And sometimes what’s great in your mind may not be received that well by others. Making art is best, she said, when you have other creative minds around you, giving honest critiques and showing off their work. That was her motivation for starting the Ocotillo Artists Group, which plans to stage its third art show from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Downtown Ocotillo. This month’s show is its Holiday Art Market. “I felt very isolated, and wanted to have others to bounce ideas off of,” said Ashbaugh, who has been a Chandler resident for 20 years. Ashbaugh left a community artist group about five years ago to open her own studio inside the garage of her home. She decided she needed other artists in her life so she looked to join an organization. “The ones that are in Gilbert and Mesa and Scottsdale oftentimes focus on two-dimensional work, drawing, painting and photography,” said Ashbaugh, who specializes in ceramic works. “There wasn’t any group that I’ve known in the whole time I’ve lived here for creatives who create (three-dimensional) art.”

Left: Ocotillo artist Sandy Ashbaugh started the Ocotillo Artists Group, which hosts the show in downtown Ocotillo next Saturday. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) Right: The Ocotillo Artists Group’s Holiday Art Show enables people to buy unique handmade gifts and admission is free. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

So she started the Ocotillo Artist Group. She said they have hundreds of followers on their social media accounts and a strong group of 40 artists who attend the monthly meetings. This month’s art show is juried, meaning every item being offered for sale had to be approved. Ashbaugh said they have invited artists from all of the Valley to participate, so the show will include works from other groups as well. The Ocotillo Artist Group held its first show last December. “We got such great feedback from it, that we decided to do one last March, and that was our second one.” She said they plan to do two shows a

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year with the December one geared toward gift giving, though she admitted some people are looking for some art to spruce up their homes for holiday parties. Ashbaugh says Ocotillo Artist Group focuses on issues to help artists at their monthly meeting, such as how to sell online or how to market their work. Every third month, however, is reserved for critiques, where everyone brings in their projects so others can give feedback. She said there will be a wide variety of art available at this month’s show, everything from ceramics to digital art. Ashbaugh said putting together the Ocotillo Artist Group has helped her

overcome the isolation she once felt and given her plenty of creative minds to offer feedback and inspiration. She said her group continues to grow. “There are some artists who are more established, and then some who just want to be more established,” she said. “We’ve got quite the range of abilities and experience levels.”

If you go

What: Ocotillo Artist Group Holiday Art Market When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 11 Where: Downtown Ocotillo, Dobson and Queen Creek roads.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

Chandler man's dad proud freedom fighter BY MIKE SAKAL Contributor

When Andras Pongratz celebrated Thanksgiving at the Chandler home of his son, Joe Pongratz with 33 family members, he had many things to be thankful for. “I’m thankful for my family, first and foremost,” Pongratz, 82, of Ahwatukee, said. “I am thankful to be in America and I am thankful for my freedom and being able to go back to Hungary.” Pongratz recently returned from Budapest, where he spoke to thousands of people marking the 65th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Pongratz was one of seven siblings who helped lead the ‘56 revolt against the Russian Communists as anti-sentiment against the oppressive government boiled over on Oct. 23,1956. The massive protests escalated into nearly two weeks of fierce fighting in the streets of Budapest and some of Hungary’s larger cities. Even children threw Molotov cocktails down the turrets of Russian tanks, burning Red Army soldiers trapped inside. Pongratz was 17 when he recruited a welder to cut Joseph Stalin’s statue – a symbol of hatred – in Corvin Square, toppling it with a resounding thud. The

We just could not “ live under Communism

anymore, the worst thing about Communism is the lack of individual freedom, and how the government uses its people to make money.

”

– Andras Pongratz

Ahwatukee resident Andras Pongratz and his entire family fought in the Hungarian Revolution in 1956 and is grateful for the freedoms he enjoys in America. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

‘56 Hungarian Revolution caused a crack in Communism’s foundation, inspiring other Iron Curtain countries to throw off its yoke some 25 years later. At the time, young adults presented 16 demands at the Parliament Building and radio station. Above all, they de-

manded freedom. Communist police on the roof of the Parliament building started firing shots into the crowd on Oct. 23, killing some of the protesters. The fight was on. The Hungarian slogan “Ruszkik haza!”

– “Russians go home!” – grew louder than ever. In his most recent visit to Hungary, Pongratz spoke to 500 grammar school students in Dumafoldvar, outside Budapest, where his niece, Klari Cseke, is a schoolteacher and had arranged for his speech in the school’s auditorium. Pongratz also spoke to about 1,000 people on Corvin Square in Budapest, where Edmund Pongratz, one of his older brothers, had established headSee

FREEDOM FIGHTER on page 6

Lawmaker wants schools to teach communism’s brutality HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

A first-term Arizona lawmaker wants to require that students have to study what he says is the “brutality’’ of communism before they can graduate. Rep. Quang Nguyen, R-Prescott Valley, said that many Americans do not understand and seem not to fear communism. “We always think that, ‘Well, the United States maybe can do communism better than most people,’ ‘’ he told Capitol Media Services. That, Nguyen contends, is not true. “I lived it,’’ he said. “I was shot at as a child. When you think about it, who would ever shoot a child on purpose?’’ Consider, he said, that the Communist Party USA even felt comfortable putting out a statement after Kyle Rittenhouse was found not guilty in the Wisconsin shootings, calling the verdict “racist and unjust.’’ “When you see that kind of language reaching into our society, it makes me more motivated to introduce legislation to make sure that we hear the truth of communism playing around quite a bit,’’ Nguyen said. But the measure is likely to face opposition from Sen. Paul Boyer, R-Glendale. It’s not a question of his feelings about communism or, for that matter, any economic or political system. What it is, Boyer said, is whether state lawmakers should be dabbling in curriculum. “We have an entity that is responsible for that, which is the state Board of Education,’’ he said. In fact, Boyer said the board adopted new social study standards just four years ago.

“They like for them to be in place for 10 years or so because, as you can imagine, it’s a very lengthy process’’ to amend them, said Boyer who chairs the Senate Education Committee. There is statutory precedent of sorts for warning Arizonans about communism, with measures statutes on the books condemning the Communist Party of the US and barring the party from state recognition One state statute goes back to 1961 and the Cold War declares that it is “essential that schools, colleges and universities teach objectively and critically the governmental and social forms of past and present totalitarian slave states.’’ The law even says that’s why students need to learn the foreign languages spoken in those countries. That verbiage actually is part of election laws that not only declare that international communism “seeks converts far and wide by an extensive system of schooling and indoctrination’’ but separately outlaws recognition of the Communist Party of the USA in Arizona. Those election restrictions are likely unenforceable, with a federal judge ruling in 1973 that it they are illegal and unenforceable, though he made no mention of the schooling language. But that didn’t keep the Republican-controlled legislature from reenacting the language as recently as 1979 as part of a rewrite of the state election code – and the bill from being signed by Democratic Gov. Bruce Babbitt. The statute is a diatribe about protecting the state from “the international Communistic conspiracy.’’ It declares that, unlike other political

parties, members of the Communist Party have no role in determining its goals and cannot voice dissent. And it says they are indoctrinated and “organized, instructed and disciplined to carry into action slavishly the assignments given them by their hierarchical chieftains.’’ In deciding the Communist Party should have no role in Arizona politics, lawmakers declared that its members were simply waiting until the states was “so far extended by foreign engagements, so far divided in counsel, or so far in industrial or financial straits, that overthrow of the government of the United States and of the several state by force of violence may seem possible of achievement.’’ Lawmakers said they did not need to look far, citing “recent events in the neighboring country of Cuba’’ where the government of dictator Fulgencio Batista was overthrown in 1959 by a revolution led by Fidel Castro. All that, however, is likely to be little more than unenforceable rhetoric. U.S. District Court Judge William Copple looked at the statute when the state moved to block the Communist Party USA from putting its candidates for president and vice president on the 1972 general election ballot. The judge said that the question of how political activity might be prohibited “may depend to some degree on one’s philosophy of the fragility of the democratic process.’’ But he said that what Arizona sought to do was legally unacceptable. “To peremptorily eliminate a large group of minority voters and their party from the political scene not only sweeps too broadly as a protection against subversion, but also set up in

the current law constitutional conflicts not otherwise present,’’ Copple wrote. Anyway, he pointed out, there were federal laws on the books making it a crime to advocate the overthrow of government by force or violence. Nguyen wants schools to have a “comparative discussion of political ideologies ... that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy that are essential to the founding principles of the United States.’’ Strictly speaking, nothing in HB 2008 would require that students be taught that communism or totalitarianism is inherently evil. But Nguyen said that’s what he believes. And the intent of his measure is clear. It first would require the state board of education to work with some outside groups to help “prepare students to be civically responsible adults.’’ And that specifically includes the expectations that an “upright and desirable citizenry’’ that recognizes and accepts responsibility “for preserving and defending the blessings of liberty.’’ And it requires the creation of a list of oral history resources of first-person accounts “of victims of other nations’ governing philosophies.’’ Nguyen said it’s one thing to have academic discussions of communism or Marxism as an economic concept. “We can talk about everyone being equal, there’s no social class whatsoever,’’ he said. But he said that ignores “the brutality of 100 million people being killed over 100 years.’’ “I’d like to share that,’’ Nguyen said. “I’d like to share the truth of what communism is all about.’’

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

FREEDOM FIGHTER from page 4

quarters for the Freedom Fighters at the height of the revolution. “It was a fantastic experience,” Pongratz said. “The students gave a wonderful presentation in the auditorium. They sang national songs about the country and freedom. They had me walk out onto the stage in the dark, and when they turned the lights on and I saw how the kids were looking at me in amazement, it was just an emotional experience. I was crying, I was amazed. “The kids listened to me speak and asked me questions.,” Pongratz added. “The younger generation is beginning to understand and appreciate what we did and why we did it back in 1956.” In Hungary, the Freedom Fighters are treated like World War II veterans are honored in the United States. They are considered part of Hungary’s Greatest Generation. The year following the Revolution, Time Magazine named the Hungarian Freedom Fighter its Man of the Year. “There’s not many of the Freedom Fighters around anymore, but the few who were there on Corvin Square for the 65th anniversary felt appreciated,”

Left: Hungary awarded Andras Pongratz the “Vitézi Rend” in 2004 for his role in the 1956 revolution. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) Right: Andras Pongratz visits his native Hungary annually and last month spoke to thousands of students about his role in the 1956 revolution. (Courtesy of Andras Pongratz)

welding school said he had his welder at the school. He ran and got it, and after he brought it back, I used it to cut off the leg of the statue - and it fell.” Pongratz’s older brother, Edmund, re-assembled the cannon on Corvin Square so it again would fire. “My brother sent another teenager to the apartment building across the street,” Pongratz said. “He went up to the second floor and gave us a signal

Pongratz said it took the Hungarian Freedom Fighters more than two hours to cut down a statue of the Russian tyrant Joseph Stalin. (Courtesy of Andras Pongratz)

Pongratz said. “Sixty-five years is such a long time ago.” Except for pandemic-shut 2020, Pongratz has returned to Hungary every year since 1990 to participate in the commemoration ceremonies of the uprising. Prior to 1990, he was not allowed to enter Hungary because of his and his family’s role in the revolution. In addition to Andras, all of his siblings – Edmund, Ernest, Christopher, Gergely, Balint and Maria – all participated in the Hungarian Revolution. In 2004, Pongratz was knighted in Hungary and received the Vitez Knight Award for his role in the uprising. Pongratz said it took a crowd more than two hours to pull down the Stalin statue. “We tried for two hours, and it wouldn’t budge,” Pongratz said. “It was so heavy. We tried to pull it down with cables, but the cables snapped. Knowing a little bit about cutting metal with a welding torch, I said that we needed some kind of metal cutter. A young man who was a student at a nearby

by waving a white handkerchief when a Russian tank was coming down Ferenc Boulevard and came within about 5 meters of the square. When the tank got close enough, we all pulled the firing line on the cannon and shot the tank. We took out about 12 tanks without damaging the building behind it.” Gergely Pongratz led the fighting, something which Andras said he was “in it” with his brothers “all the way through.” Pongratz’s only sister, Maria, delivered messages to those who were involved in the fighting. None of the Pongratzes were killed during the revolution. By Oct., 29, 1956, the Freedom Fighters had won and Premier Imre Nagy announced that the country had its new government in place. The Russians pulled out of the country. Hungary was ecstatic. Some 8,000 political prisoners were released. Hungary appealed to the United Nations for neutrality following the uprising but received no support.

Andy Bogdanyi, a retired tailor who lives in Ohio and escaped Hungary in the wake of the revolution, said, “We had asked for freedom of religion. We had asked for freedom of the press. We asked for individual freedom and for the Russians to leave, but that was all just a dream.” Indeed, Hungary’s victory was shortlived. When the world stood by and watched, the Russians realized no other countries were going to intervene on Hungary’s behalf. During the early morning hours of Nov. 4, Russia’s military thundered back into Budapest, fortified with more tanks, weapons and soldiers. “They surrounded strategic points around Budapest and retaliated with everything they had,” Pongratz said. “They started shooting everything.” On Nov. 10, the Russians had quashed the uprising. The ‘56 revolution claimed the lives of 2,500 Hungarians and 722 Red Army soldiers. Hungarian Premier Imre Nagy was apprehended and was assassinated in 1958 by the Communists for treason. In its aftermath, 200,000 Hungarians left the country, often traveling for days on foot to make it across to whatever country would take them. Andras and his brother, Balint, left the country with two of their friends. After a three-day trek on foot, Andras and his group made it to the Austrian border. “It took us three days and three nights to reach the border,” Pongratz said. “We didn’t want to take any chances on the roads, so we took the fields.” Of those who left Hungary, 5,000 were permitted to emigrate to the United States. They had to be sponsored by relatives or friends, and mostly were processed through Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. The refugees were on their own as the government did not shoulder any of the expense for their emigration to the United States. After coming to the U.S., Andras first settled in Pennsylvania close to where his mother, Anna, lived, but later lived in New York City, where he worked mowing the lawn of a cemetery. Andras later lived in Boston, where he owned a dry cleaner and laundro-mat, and worked at a wholesale car business. After the Blizzard of 1978 in Boston, Pongratz and his family moved to Arizo-

na for warmer weather. He and his wife, Carolyn, have five children – Andrew, Therese, Edmund, Joseph and Stephen – and 20 grandchildren. Pongratz said he never regretted leaving his homeland. “We just could not live under Communism anymore,” he said. “The worst thing about Communism is the lack of individual freedom, and how the government uses its people to make money.” He recalled one time in the early 1950s, when the secret police came to his family’s home at 3 a.m. and took away his brother, Ernest. “We didn’t know where he was for six months,” Pongratz said. “Then, we found out he was in jail. They charged him with “attempting to leave the country.” Attempting to leave the country? There was no truth to that. We were far from the border.” Pongratz also said that the Communists gave their family a plot of land to farm so they could grow corn and produce eggs from poultry. “My father, Dr. Simon Pongratz, was sick and bedridden,” Pongratz said. “He couldn’t do the work the government wanted him to do, so a judge came to his bedside to charge him. But, they realized he was sick and couldn’t do the work, so they didn’t charge him with anything. My father died in his country under those circumstances in 1956.” After arriving in the U.S. early on, members of the Pongratz family spoke to schools, universities and organizations about the evils of Communism. Gergely Pongratz later moved back to Budapest and founded the 1956 Hungarian Revolution Museum. He died of a heart attack on the grounds of the museum in 2005, a year before the 50th anniversary of the ‘56 Revolution. Pongratz fears for the future of this country, citing forces that are “putting the United States in shambles and pushing us closer to socialism – globalism, anyway,” Pongratz said. “The mess our country is in right now is beyond words. I won’t even watch the news on television anymore. People in Hungary and abroad feel sorry for the United States because of what is happening here.” But he also said he is grateful to live in America. “I’m proud to live in the United States,” Pongratz said. “I am thankful to be in a place where I and my family can be free.”

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Left: Beth Case, Kim Brown and Malcolm Case ready a large load of food tat Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank in Chandler. Right: Beth Case sorts food items into boxes for families. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

Chandler food bank sees hunger spiking BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

The average price of gasoline is getting close to $4 a gallon. The cost of food is at a 10-year high. It’s no surprise with those two staples rising that more East Valley families are struggling. The number of new clients seeking help from the Matthew’s Crossing food bank had nearly doubled in the past month, said Jan Terhune, its executive director. “We’re seeing many, many more new clients who admittedly will say they

never thought they would find themselves at a food bank,” Terhune said. “I think it’s a couple of things. The stimulus money is high and dry now, but two, grocery shopping is really expensive.” Terhune said this time last year they had about 50 people per day walk-in looking for food for their families. Now, that number is 90. And that doesn’t represent the full increase in demand. Matthew’s Crossing is doing a lot more remote service now than they did a year ago, taking food to mobile locations and in some cases directly to some seniors who don’t want to leave

their homes because of the pandemic. “We recognized seniors weren’t coming to us anymore,” Terhune said. “They shouldn’t get out, they couldn’t get out, and so we launched doorstep delivery.” In addition to delivering food to seniors, Matthew’s Crossing is also helping college students. Terhune said they entered into a partnership with Arizona State University to create a mobile marketplace so students could have fresh food. She said they are planning to expand that service to Chandler-Gilbert Com-

munity College, and Mesa Community College, which currently only have food pantries that don’t include fresh food. “It’s alarming,” Terhune said. “Thirty-eight percent of college students face hunger insecurity. Of those, and let this just sink in, 12 percent are homeless.” The nonprofit also delivers food to senior centers and veterans facilities. And, it runs a student hunger program called Meals to Grow that serves 85 schools in the East Valley. See

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

Chandler trying to prepare for electric vehicle future BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Few people doubt that personal transportation is driving toward an electric future but how quickly we get there is very much in doubt. Kevin Mayo, Chandler’s planning administrator, pointed to a recent Powerpoint presentation he gave to City Council. “It shows two different experts in the field of EV with their predictions for electric vehicle absorption by 2050,” Mayo said. “This one here shows 12 percent vehicles total registered in Arizona would be EV as one scenario. And another scenario shows 90. And ultimately what that means is that we don’t know. Even the experts don’t know.” Last month Mayo appeared before Council during a work study session to determine what direction it prefers in preparing for the electric vehicle future. “The feedback we got was to really let ... the market dictate which way we go with this,” Mayo said. “We’ll still be working with the individual applicants through the zoning processes to tailor an appropriate style and type of electric vehicle charging for each, whether it’s multi-family, whether it’s office/employment or something of that nature.” So there will be no suggested ordinances coming before Council any time

soon. Mayo said most homebuilders his office has spoken with prefer the flexibility of letting the buyers chose how best to address their electric needs. Most homes come with a 120-volt AC outlet. It takes a long time to charge a car’s battery with one of these. Most builders are offering to put in a 240-volt plug for a little more money. Some buyers want those outlets in the

including downtown and malls. Other factors Mayo and his colleagues are considering include aesthetics and safety. Mayo said some stations can be quite large. He’s also seen examples of people parking near a charging station and then stretching the cable across a walkway to reach their vehicle, an obvious safety hazard. The one thing he said every business that is thinking about an electric future

They’ve already started implementing banks of “EV-charging vans and have been testing them and they seem to be proving quite successful. ”

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garage, others on the street. Mayo said that is why homebuilders want flexibility, so they can put the outlet where the buyer wants. The fastest charging stations are 480-volt and more and can charge a car battery in minutes. However, there are fewer than a half dozen of them in Chandler. Mayo said the city is trying to target putting in charging stations where cars spend most of their time, which is home and the office. He’d also like to see fast-charging stations at the city’s top destinations,

should consider: It’s a lot cheaper to put in the electric infrastructure when constructing a building than it is to retrofit after the fact. He pointed to the Amazon facility south of Queen Creek and east of McQueen as an example. He said it cost Amazon a lot of money to set up two separate sections in its parking lot for the company’s delivery vans. “At the time of construction, I want to say it was about $3 million,” Mayo said. “They elected to pre-wire the parking lot with the ducting and every-

thing in there and worked with SRP to size the electrical facilities on site to be able to handle … a full electric fleet. It ended up saving them about 70 percent to do it during construction vs. post.” Amazon officials did not respond to requests for an interview. Instead, they noted a blog post about the company’s electric delivery vehicles. The company has agreed to purchase more than 100,000 of them at it tries to deliver on its climate pledge. Amazon announced in 2019 it intends to be a net-zero carbon company by the year 2040. Electric vehicle maker Rivian is making those vehicles. Amazon is an investor in that company. “They’ve already started implementing banks of EV-charging vans and have been testing them and they seem to be proving quite successful,” Mayo said. Mayo pointed out the city is nearing full build-out, meaning there is little room left for new developments. He said most of the projects they will be working on in the future will be redeveloping older properties. Still, he said all businesses that plan to undergo a major renovation or building anew should consider their needs, both for their own fleets and their workers. If they anticipate needing charging stations, it’s a lot cheaper to add them then than it will be to do after the building is done.

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NOISE

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

from page 1

only business to send representatives to the Dobson Noise townhalls in a further attempt to hear their voices and be a good neighbor,” Chris Napier, the company’s vice president of operations, wrote in an email statement. Current readings show the noise level being between 39.4 to 51.4 decibels. “That’s the industry standard, to measure decibels, but that’s not the noise that bothers people, it’s the hertz,” Goehring said. “And no one is measuring the hertz.” Thallikar said the company documented the hertzs once, and measured it between 800 to 1.1 kilohertz. Goehring added the company added even more chillers at the same time it was trying to dampen the noise with vinyl blankets, so they really did not notice a difference. Nearly 200 people have joined a Facebook community called Dobson Noise Community to address the problem. The city is considering reducing the number of future data centers. Kevin Mayo, the city’s planning administrator, said they take up a lot of space, need lots of electricity and water and don’t bring in a lot of jobs. In addition to that, neighbors are often unhappy with the noise levels. He gave a presentation to the City Council last month. After getting their recommendations, he and his staff are

CyrusOne officials say they are, and have always been, in full compliance with the city’s ordinances. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

working on proposals to bring back to Council in four to six months. CyrusOne officials say the Chandler campus would be the world’s first net water positive data center campus, meaning they will add more water to watersheds than they use. They also pointed out they were awarded energy star certifications. CyrusOne’s Napier also pointed out their campus sits at a location that is zoned for industrial use and that how far sound waves travel is beyond their control. “We have addressed these issues to the best of our ability but cannot control how sound moves through the Valley,” he said. Goehring admitted sound does travel far in her part of town, saying on some nights she can hear the music

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from concerts playing at Rawhide Western Town some five miles away. Goehring and Thallikar say owners of the new data center moving into the neighborhood have already reached out to them and held meetings. Aligned officials have promised to deploy new technology they say will not add to the noise level in the neighborhood. “I’ll believe that when I see it,” Goehring said. The people living near the campus say more should be done. “The City Council should put the required pressure on CyrusOne and whoever else is going to be installing their facilities here to make sure they do not disturb neighborhoods,” Thallikar said. He said the city should tell businesses that use these types of chillers to fix the problem, or stop operating.

“The city is the only entity that has the power to do that, and they should put all required pressure on CyrusOne and Digital Reality and GM to stop using this type of equipment to ... torture the neighbors.” Mayo disputes that, saying that as long as the company is in compliance with zoning laws, there is little the city can do. “If they are operating in compliance with their zoning, then they are good to go,” Mayo said. “We don’t go and take that away.” Before ending an interview with a reporter, Thallikar urged a reporter not to shy away from his strong words, specifically pointing out the word ‘torture.’ “I choose my words carefully,” he said.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

Ducey looks to shape tax referendum messaging BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Gov. Doug Ducey is hoping to portray a voter referendum to quash the largest tax cut in Arizona history instead as bid to increase taxes. The governor told Capitol Media Services that a key to defeating the measure submitted for the 2022 ballot depends on how it is perceived. And that comes down to who gets to define the issue. “Part of, I think, any campaign or election is how is the language presented,’’ Ducey said. The referendum asks voters whether they want to ratify or reject the plan approved earlier this year by the Republican-controlled legislature to scrap the current state income tax system, with brackets and tax rates based on earnings, and replace it with a 2 percent flat tax, a rate lower than any that now exist. By definition, the people currently paying the highest tax rates at 4.5 percent will get the biggest benefit. Legislative budget staffers say the plan would cut state revenues by about $1.9 billion a year by 2025 when fully implemented. But Ducey said the ballot measure need not be phrased as whether voters approve the lower tax rates. “You could say, ‘Do you want to raise taxes across the board?’ ‘’ the governor said. “That’s why the language is im-

portant before I give you my answer as to how we would conduct a campaign and what we would be advocating for.’’ And Ducey, who supports the tax cut, has one thing on his side for how the issue is presented to voters. By law, it is the Legislative Council that crafts the explanation of each ballot issue. And that panel is composed of lawmakers, and the majority comprise Republican legislators, all of whom voted for the tax cut. But attorney Roopali Desai – who represents the Invest in Arizona campaign that gathered the signatures to force a public vote on the plan – said any bid by lawmakers to craft the ballot explanation as somehow an vote on increasing taxes will get a fight. Desai said that if the referendum succeeds and voters overturn what the legislature approved, all that would do is keep the tax rates at current levels. Put another way, no one would pay more than they do now. “It is simply not the same to say that stopping a massive tax cut is the equivalent of raising taxes,’’ she told Capitol Media Services. It is only if the referendum fails and voters ratify what the legislators approved that tax rates would change. And, in all circumstances, they would go down. “I think that a first grader can figure out the difference between addition and subtraction,’’ Desai said.

This isn’t the only way that the governor has sought to craft the debate in a manner designed to get public support. He has promoted the measure as providing a $300 annual tax cut for the average Arizonan. But the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, working with data from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, said that is far different than what most Arizonans will see. It figures the average benefit for a household in the middle 20 percent of all income categories in Arizona – those earning between $40,000 and $64,000 a year – would be $47 a year. That figure would be roughly the median, with half of Arizona households getting more and half getting less. In fact, those in the next highest income group, with taxable income of between $64,000 and $108,000, would be looking at reducing their tax liability by $174 annually. And that is still less than the governor’s $300 average. And those in the top 1 percent alone – bringing in $512,000 or more – would get an average break of $19,928. Ducey clearly doesn’t like calculating the benefits for Arizonans that way. “Maybe you want to talk averages instead of medians,’’ he said. In promoting the referendum, backers argue that the state needs the money for other priorities including education. The most recent data from the Census Bureau puts per-student

funding in Arizona at $8,625 a year, the third lowest of any state. Potentially more significant, the same report says that Arizonans spend proportionally less than residents of almost any other state on K-12 education, putting the burden at $12.80 for every $1,000 of personal income. Only Florida comes in lower. The governor says state funding figures are misleading because they do not include other sources, including local and federal dollars. But the numbers appear to include what local taxpayers pay, with even the state’s own budget estimates putting state-only dollars at $6,612 per student this year. And Ducey did not explain any basis for believing federal aid is significantly different among the states. The governor was undeterred. “It’s this whole game that the media wants to play, continuing to drive the education investment number down,’’ he said, stating that education funding has been increased by billions since he took office in 2015, including a 20 percent increase in average teacher salaries. “Spending is not going to be the measurement of success for the state of Arizona,’’ he said. “It’s going to be improving in math, reading and science.’’ He also said that test scores have increased. See

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Left: The park consists of three inflatable structures, one that is 24,200 square feet. Combined with the other two that brings the total to 25,000. Right: Over 5,000 people turned out for opening day and the operators donated the money to charity. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

Kids will jump for joy at Chandler bounce park BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Some entrepreneurs saw an opportunity during the pandemic. Laurence Hallier said before the pandemic he and his partner did a number of Instagram pop-up museums at malls. It was successful, with some 300,000 people checking it out. However, he said they agreed that wouldn’t work after COVID-19. They wanted something big. Very big. They settled on the Funbox, the world’s biggest outdoor bounce park and chose

Chandler to be one of the first cities to get to try it out. It is built in the west parking lot of the Chandler Fashion Center. The park consists of three inflatable structures, one that is 24,200 square feet. Combined with the other two that brings the total to 25,000. “We saw that things have shifted, the masks are going to stick around, so that’s when we decided to design something unique and different,” Hallier said. Since there were no large gatherings during the pandemic, Hallier and his partner used that time to design and

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build two giant inflatable bounce parks that they plan to travel to different locations. The first opened in Woodland Hills, California, about seven weeks ago. The other opened in Chandler three weeks ago. Hallier said the original plan was for the bounce park to stay in Chandler through January, but Hallier said if demand remains strong, they are open to keeping it here into February. It’s scheduled to go to Sacramento after its Chandler run. “It was really fun,” said 7-year-old Maya Battle. “My favorite part was the climbing stuff, and the little cute animal thingys.” Brigdon Schaub, 11, agreed. “It’s really fun,” he said. He said his favorite part was the maze. Based on the full parking lot, the attraction has been popular. “We did opening weekend for a $1 a ticket, and we had 5,000 people come out,” Hallier said. “We donated the money to a foster charity.” Hallier said that’s something they do every time they open a new attraction. His partner, 27-year-old Antonio Nieves was part of the foster system. “We kind of focus on the older foster kids, because they’re the ones that kind of get lost, 16-plus,” Hallier said. Hallier said Nieves is the creative force behind the bounce park, and that he helped design and engineer it. He said the parks were built in China and because they are so large, they had to be built outdoors. “The challenge was no one had ever

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built anything like this,” Hallier said. “I think the largest one ever built before us was 8,000 square feet.” That would be less than a third the size of their bounce park. It only takes about five minutes to fill it with air, but it takes about an hour to deflate. The Funbox bounce park is open Fridays through Sundays and it costs $26 to play inside for two hours. There is no age limit. Hallier said they will likely be back again next year. They also plan to add to it with a couple of additional obstacle course structures, one for 13 and younger and the other for older folks. “One thing that has surprised us is the repeat business,” he said. “We were never in the repeat business, and we’re getting a lot of that.” Hallier said it takes 20 minutes to go through the entire bounce park. “It has a hide-’n’-seek area, an obstacle course, a bunch of slides, a dodge ball court, it’s pretty cool,” he said.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

PASSPORTS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

from page 1

Those expenses will not cut into the city’s finances. “We make quite a bit in revenue,” DeLong said. “In fact, the amount we make for the passport program not only pays for two passport people, it pays for part of our staff here.” That makes Chandler’s City Clerk’s office one of the few in the Valley that brings in revenue. Other Valley cities that offer passport services are Avondale, Maricopa, Scottsdale and Surprise. People are coming to Chandler because it has open appointments. One of those other offices doesn’t have an available appointment until January. The U.S. State Department stopped issuing passports except for extreme circumstances in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. DeLong said they tried to continue the service, but anyone who had applied had to wait for months while their paperwork sat with other important documents attached on some desk. “So, all of those documents you have to send, your birth certificate, they sat there until they could get those processed,” DeLong said. “Some PRM peopleTaxJessica Sweet is the city’s record management coordinator 19.11 MIS79170 Credit AD - SanTan Sun News 10 x 6. 6 in the Chandler City Clerk’s waited … almost a year to get those office. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) documents back.” end of each day, when people could appointments only. The State Department was estimatjust walk in and apply for a passport. “We’ve had actually really good ed to have had a backlog of about two She said going to the appointment input from the citizens on going to the million passport applications when it appointment system,” Barba said. “Back model makes it easier to manage the started processing them again. in theAD day,-we had where had like 19.11started MIS79170 SanTan Sunwe News 10anx 6. staff 6 and keeps their lobby from filling Chandler acceptingPRM pass- Tax Credit up with bored folks who are growing hour to two-hour wait.” port applications again in February but frustrated as they wait. DeLong said they got busy at the used a new system: No more walk-ins,

“It has changed everything about the way that we do this,” DeLong said. And the word is out. Barba said they get contacted by some major employers looking to help employees get passports. Two of them are Intel and the Arizona Cardinals, who gave the City Clerk’s office a personalized team ball. “Our reputation is very well, we’re very professional and we get them in and out,” Barba said. “When people think passports, they think of Chandler City Clerk’s office, and we take pride in that.”

What to know about passports Applying You must apply in person at an approved office if one of these is true: • You are applying for your first U.S. passport • You are under age 16 • Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under 16 • Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen or damaged • Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago What to bring • Proof of U.S. citizenship • Government-issued ID • Passport photo • If you’ve changed your legal name, copy of marriage certificate or court order

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Councilman co-hosts mental health event for teens BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Doretta Thomas says she wasn’t surprised when her son Micaiah took his own life in July. “We knew, we actually had taken him at the end of February to a hospital and he stayed there for nine days,” Thomas said. “We knew the severity of it. It’s just that I couldn’t stay with him 24/7.” His death came after Micaiah had told his mother that he didn’t want to be a burden to her. He had struggled with mental health issues and Doretta noticed a change in his behavior after he started taking medication in November 2020. “He would tell me, ‘I’m tired of living like this, I can’t live like this, I won’t live like this,’ she said. “He would tell me that.” The death of Micaiah Thomas and too many others inspired Chandler City Councilman OD Harris to put together a teen suicide awareness program. On Dec. 12, about 200 youth are expected to attend a bowling event at Main Event Tempe. It will cost teens only $1 for bowling, food and other activities, including rock climbing and laser tag. Teens who want to register should visit bowlingouting.eventbrite.com. Parents are welcome to attend as well. “Children, report to children,” Harris said. “Children often don’t report to parents. And by the time the parents know about it, it’s too late.” Harris says that’s why he wants to

he shared with his twin brother. “He was the type of a young man that had a heart, a heart for the underdog and forsaken and so when he passed away I decided to do the foundation this helps me to get through my pain. If I can help one mom not to have to get a phone call, that would be all worth it to me.” The foundation is one of the co-sponsors of this month’s bowling event. Other sponsors include Waste Management, and the Ready Set Go Foundation. Harris is the founder of the Ready Set Go Left: Chandler City Councilman OD Harris organized the fun night for teens. (Facebook) Right: Micaiah Foundation. Thomas died by suicide in July and now his mother, Doretta Thomas, is helping to host a mental health Harris said he hopes night for teens. (Special to SanTan Sun News) to pair the youth who come to the event with influencers. He tered in to one place. I said I need to do make sure more youth are looking for said there will be therapists on hand if something to get this awareness out.” the warning signs and will hopefully anyone feels the need to talk. Doretta Thomas formed a fountake action before it’s too late. During One of the influencers expected to dation called the Micaiah E. Thomas the pandemic, he said, things have gotMemorial Fund soon after her son died. be there is former Arizona Cardinals ten much worse. Its goal is to raise awareness in the Black defensive lineman Michael Bankston. “The teen suicide line has been up He played nine seasons in the NFL, six community of mental health issues about 30 percent since COVID has of them with the Cardinals. and suicides. Micaiah was a graduate of began,” Harris said. “You’ve seen this Arizona State University and 24 years increase the past two years because See on page 23 old when he died at the Tempe home of COVID, kids being locked in, shel-

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

Schools trying to address rising teen depression BY NATASHA YEE Cronkite News

In a small classroom with brick walls and dimmed lights, six students at BASIS Chandler sit quietly as they watch a presentation about mental health. “What could happen if someone with a mental health issue doesn’t get treatment?” asks Katy-Marie Becker, a behavioral health nurse educator for Banner Health. A student raises her hand. “Um, it’s probably going to get worse.” Teens are struggling more than usual with their mental health, due to social isolation, economic instability and other worries surrounding COVID-19. Across Arizona, schools are trying to help students protect their emotional well-being. BASIS Chandler, with students in grades 5 through 12, uses a program called Ending the Silence, developed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It identifies the warning signs of mental health conditions and the proper steps to take if the student or a loved one are exhibiting those signs. Ananya Ravichandran, a senior at BASIS Chandler, is president of the on-campus Bring Change to Mind club, where mental health is openly discussed. The national nonprofit was co-founded by actress Glenn Close after her sister was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and her nephew with

6 to 17 have been on the rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 9% of children younger than 18 have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 7% with anxiety and 3% with depression. These conditions affect some children more than others. One CDC study found that about half of LGBTQ high school students and about one-third of those unsure of their sexual identity had seriously considered suicide, compared with 15% of heterosexual students. And among children living below the federal poverty level, 22% – more than 1 in 5 – have a mental, behavioral or developmental disorder, Rates of mental disorders change with age, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. For according to the CDC. In March 2020, just before example, diagnoses of depression and anxiety are more common as children get older. (Courtesy of COVID-19 was declared a the CDC) pandemic, Gov. Doug Ducey “This school is a very academically schizoaffective disorder. signed SB 1523, also known Ravichandran said the daily pressures challenging school,” she said. “I think as Jake’s Law, requiring health care insura lot of students recognize that there of school are just one cause of anxiers to cover mental health without extra needs to be more in terms of mental ety and other mental health problems obstacles and allocating $8 million for among children and teens. In U.S. News health support. So that’s what made behavioral health services for children me want to join this club and be more & World Report’s top high school rankwho are uninsured or underinsured. involved in it.” ings, BASIS Chandler is ranked first in The legislation was named for Jake Depression and anxiety among ages the state and eighth nationally. Machovsky, who at 15 lost his life to suicide after battling mental health issues. In a blog post for The Kennedy Forum, Jake’s mother, Denise Denslow of Gilbert, said her son had been hospitalized twice in five weeks for suicidal ideation. Both times, he was released after five days. “We knew, deep down, if Jake had a life-threatening physical condition, he never would have been released from inpatient care,” she wrote. “Tragically, less than three months later, he was gone.” The pandemic exacerbated all of these problems. Several studies have found that psychological conditions among youth worsened during COVID-19, and that those with preexisting conditions were at higher risk. A study by the national nonprofit FAIR Health found that mental health Cleaning & Sanitization claims for 13- to 18-year-olds in March and April 2020 roughly doubled compared with the same months the year before. Intentional self-harm claims in the same age group increased by 90% from March 2019 to March 2020. Aedan Hanley, a student prevention intervention specialist at Central High 1 time • weekly School in Phoenix, has observed more apathetic behavior from students since bi-weekly • monthly in-person learning resumed this fall. “There’s this sense that this isn’t Ask about Windows going to last; we’re going back to virtual & Sanitization Services learning. So how much investment do I want to put here?” he said. In April, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman announced $21 million in funding for more counselors and social workers in public Call Mireya Mendoza Now! schools. The state has the highest student-to-counselor ratio in the nation at

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from page 20

848-to-1. The American School Counselor Association recommends a ratio of 250-to-1. Tempe Union High School District implemented a student mental health and social/emotional wellness program at the start of this school year. The district serves a diverse population, including students from the town of Guadalupe, the Gila River Indian Community and parts of Chandler. During the first week of school, a half-hour was set aside at the beginning of each class for students to connect with their teachers and one another, after being off-campus for much of the previous year, district board member Armando Montero said. “We recognize that it’s a very tough time to be a student right now. And we’re making sure that we’re doing whatever we can to connect you with the right resources,” said Montero, who graduated from the district in 2018. The program includes encouraging conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and matching students with adult leaders who’ve had similar experiences. A social and emotional wellness coordinator at each of the six high schools in Tempe Union will focus on student interventions, including suicide prevention. The plan also includes “postvention,” where a crisis team responds following a death by suicide. “I went through a lot of my own challenges in high school and lost a friend of mine my sophomore year,” Montero

said. “So that kind of catalyzed me to get involved in the local school board and to really help raise the alarm of the mental health crisis that our youth are facing right now.” As part of her presentation at BASIS Chandler, Becker shares her own mental health story. She had a hard time sleeping in high school but ignored the issue, even though her parents are recovering addicts with mood disorders. “I am painfully good at functioning on two hours of sleep, which is not good for you. But I learned to do it,” she said. Fast forward to 2015 when Becker, then 24, was stressed at work and once again unable to sleep. She remembers snapping at her husband and having nightmares about going to her job as a behavioral health nurse. Becker tried to rationalize her feelings by telling herself she didn’t have it as bad as the patients she treated. “Part of me felt like maybe I didn’t deserve to go get better,” she said, adding that she ignored the signs until she no longer could. “I remember driving in my car and I had some really scary, intrusive thoughts. ‘You should just crash your car into that wall.’ I was like, ‘I should not do that,’” she recalled. After seeking help, she was diagnosed with cyclothymia, a disorder characterized by significant swings in mood and energy levels. Becker is now in recovery with the help of a therapist, psychiatrist, medication and her support group. Becker finishes her presentation

by encouraging the students to grab pamphlets and rubber bracelets in lime green, the national color of mental health awareness. She advises the audience to tell their friends about Ending the Silence, mentioning a pediatric behavioral health unit that opened in August at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale. “With COVID,” she said, “we’ve seen a lot of kids come in – a lot of young kids, high school kids. So we want to

SUICIDE

from page 18

“I’m seeing so many different scenarios when it comes to our youth now days,” Bankston said. “We’ve been seeing some suicides, we’ve been seeing some drug activity, we’ve been seeing sexual trafficking. We’ve been seeing a lot of ray of negativity. So, I think I can add a voice of hopefully encouragement to deter them from making some of these poor decisions and choices in life.” He is one of the special guests scheduled to appear. Others include the mayors of Tempe, Chandler and Gilbert, as well as state Rep. Jennifer Jermaine, D-Chandler. Thomas will also speak, most likely to the parents who attend the event. One of the things she plans to warn them against are the ANTs, which she says stands for “Automatic Negative Thoughts.”

get the information out there.” The projector flickers as the students look on. They crowd around Becker to ask questions and grab the resources she brought with her. One of them is a card, with mental illness and suicide warning signs printed in tiny letters on one side, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on the other. The hotline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ chat. “When the Automatic Negative Thoughts rise up, sometimes they’re just too powerful.” She also plans to tell them to do their research, and that medication may not always be the best answer. Thomas said some medication can include suicidal tendencies as a side effect. “I would caution the parents to be very, very involved,” she said. Harris said he keeps hearing about more and more cases like Doretta Thomas’ son. “Countless,” he said. “I just ran into a mother who will be coming to the event. … Just talked to another mother and she was just telling me her son died by suicide in October. Suicide is like one of those conversations that no one really wants to talk about. It just has that stigma, … but I wanted to do something to help people.”

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

from page 11

“We’re getting more of a return for investment than other states,’’ Ducey said. And the governor denied that he was giving away needed dollars, citing the fact that the state is currently collecting more money than it has budgeted for various programs. “I’m allowing hard-working Arizonans to keep the money they’ve earned,’’ he said. Ducey’s comments come as Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Katherine Cooper is deciding whether voters will, in fact, get the last word.

Invest in Arizona submitted more than 215,000 signatures to put the tax cut on hold until the November 2022 election when it would be presented to voters. The anti-tax Arizona Free Enterprise Club filed suit to block a public vote, contending the tax-cut measure is exempt from laws allowing a voter referendum because it affects state revenues. And if that argument fails, their attorney, Kory Langhofer, is prepared to argue that many of the signatures should be thrown out because of irregularities, potentially leaving the effort short of the 118,823 valid names necessary to force a public vote.

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All those deliveries and extra meals have increased their costs, and that was before factoring in the jump in both food and gas prices. The Food and Agriculture Organization’s food price index hit a 10-year high in October of this year. The last time food cost as much as it does today was July 2011. On a year-on-year basis, that’s a 31.3 percent increase. As an example, Terhune said they spent $4,000 more this year for turkeys for Thanksgiving than they did a year ago. They distributed 700 Thanksgiving meal baskets last month. It’s not just food that is costing families more. The average price of gas reached about $3.78 a gallon earlier this week. Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank has more food go through its doors than any other food pantry in the East Valley. It serves more than 124,000 people per year. Terhune said early in the pandemic they were unable to buy food in bulk from area grocery stores as nearly everyone was dealing with supply issues. She said that forced them to go to distributors. Instead of buying boxes, they now are buying pallets. Doing so required a lot more up-front cost. “The cash outlay on a pallet is a lot different than picking up, you know, 500 at WinCo and 250 at Costco,” Terhune said. “The cash outlay was really

quite troublesome.” Terhune said their clients would shatter a lot of stereotypes of the people who need help. She said 40 percent are white, which is about the same as Latinos. And she said they are not people taking advantage of charity. She said about 40 percent receive food only once, and don’t come back. But many may need to get the help for longer than that. “As long as groceries are expensive, and gas is expensive, I think our demand here will stay high,” Terhune said.

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For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Mother-daughter team open Chandler brokerage BY KEN SAIN Staff Writer

Few considered starting their own business in October 2020 as the nation reeled from a third wave of COVID-19 infections, businesses were going bankrupt and 7.4 million Americans were unemployed – way above the pre-pandemic rate. Seems like a strange time to set up your own shop, but that’s exactly what the mother and daughter team of Laurie and Chelsea McDonnell did. The women opened their own real estate brokerage in Chandler called Locality Real Estate. “There are some hurdles with it, right, but the real estate market was very strong, and continues to be strong,” Laurie said. “A little hiccup when COVID first happened, where people, you know, a little craziness, with cancellations and a little uncertainty with what the market was going to do. But we were in the real estate market for a long time and we were very confident in our abilities.” Not only did they survive the pandemic, they thrived during it. A year after they opened, they have hired 33 agents with another hire expected soon. “We’re not recruiting, we are organically growing based on attracting people to what we’re doing,” Laurie said. “They’re calling us, which is awesome.”

Mother-daughter team Laurie and Chelsea McDonnell started their own real estate brokerage in Chandler, called Locality, during the height of the pandemic. (Ken Sains/STSN Staff)

Laurie and Chelsea said they look for agents who share their vision for a real estate company. “We wanted to build a brokerage of agents that were community focused,” Laurie said. “That are in the trenches, full-time real estate agents. Like minded, and have a sense of paying it forward in the community. And having fun while we’re doing it.”

Chelsea said their agents support giving back to the communities where they work. For example, Locality supports other local businesses, the schools and nonprofits. “Whatever we can do on a local level, that’s where are hearts are,” Laurie said. “It’s been neat to see that come together,” Chelsea said. They encourage their agents to

donate a portion of every escrow they do to the Arizona Housing Fund, which is working to end homelessness in the state. Laurie and Chelsea say they are matching those donations through the end of this year. This is not the first time the mother-daughter team has worked together – which motivated them to do it again. “I think it was inevitable that it was going to happen,” Chelsea said. “It’s just kind of our thing.” In addition to working together a few years ago at another brokerage, they had also worked together a family-own restaurant. “We’re very much alike, but … she has her strengths and I have mine,” Laurie said. “She’s the operations, marketing side of things, and I’m more the compliance, out in the field [person].” A major reason the McDonnells have built a successful business during a pandemic is because the real estate market has been red hot in Arizona. They said they expect the market to slow a bit, but still remain hot. “I think the market is going to stabilize here soon, and I think we’re going to see appreciations, just not at the level we’ve been seeing,” Laurie said. “We’re not going to see 40 percent appreciation or some crazy numbers like we’ve seen, but 10 to 15 percent is all right too.” Information: 133 W. Frye Road, Chandler, 602-758-6007

Chandler flooring specialist sees uptick in business and re-investing money back into their homes. We haven’t slowed down since. Year over year, we’ve seen an increase in revenue.” And one of the areas in their homes that people tend to notice quickly is the condition of their floors, he said. “As people continue to work and

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Matt GiIstrap’s business gives him the chance to demonstrate his passion and skill for remodeling and designing. The Oregon native last year moved to Chandler and also opened Footprints Floors – a business that makes it easy for people to buy flooring and accent walls without ever leaving their home. “I have always had a passion for remodel and design,” Gilstrap said. “I love learning about the customers’ vision for the project and working together so see it come to life. I was drawn to flooring because there are so many choices and it makes such an impact. It’s the foundation to any great remodel.” Gilstrap specializes in installing luxury vinyl plank flooring, laminate, tile flooring, tile showers, backsplash and accent walls Though he has no storefront, he said, “We offer products using our mobile showroom that we bring to you or customers can use our ‘visualizer’ tool on our website to shop from home. Not surprisingly, he hardly skipped a beat during the worst of the pandemic – particularly as people stayed home and got to pay more attention to their surroundings and where they might spruce things up. “When the shutdowns first hap-

our installs,” he said, “but we work with great vendors and partners that make sure our customers get their new flooring even if a little delayed.” While he said “I’m looking forward to expanding my territory, giving back to the Chandler community, and hiring a production manager,” Gilstrap also

I have always had a passion for remodel and “ design, I love learning about the customers’ vision

for the project and working together so see it come to life. I was drawn to flooring because there are so many choices and it makes such an impact. It’s the foundation to any great remodel.

”

– Matt GiIstrap

Matt GiIstrap pened, we saw a little slow down but it didn’t last long,” Gilstrap said. “Once customers were confident in our safety precautions and we could go back into homes, business picked back up. “Between the real estate boom, people relocating, and people spending more time working and learning from home, they began tackling projects

learn from home, it’s easier to notice the projects you’ve overlooked or improvements you’ve been putting off. Because floors are such an integral part of rooms, floors are one of the first places people start,” Gilstrap said. Yet, the pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions have taken a toll. “Right now there is a national shortage of glue, which is affecting some of

saves time for other priorities in his life. “As many business owners will tell you,” the challenge of running your own shop is “maintaining a good work life balance.” “The business is obviously a huge priority, but so is making enough time for my family, friends and hobbies.” Information: footprintsfloors.com/ chandler.

BUSINESS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

Firm uses gaming to improve employee morale BY ASHLYN ROBINETTE Contributor

KeepWOL (Keep Wondering Out Loud), a developer of immersive learning and development solutions, recently launched a talent development gaming platform designed to maximize workplace cultural intelligence and minimize turnover. As the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Kansas’ Aerospace Engineering Department, Lauren Fitzpatrick Shanks of Gilbert, founder and CEO of KeepWOL, knows what it’s like to be the only minority and formed her company to help others who feel that way. When she entered corporate America, she thought that things would change – but they didn’t. She still felt like an outsider. After over a decade of experience working at five different Fortune 500 companies in technology, Shanks witnessed other employees, and even herself at times, suffer and grow complacent at work. “When you feel unsupported, you provide less than optimal output,” she said, adding that the drive to excel can wither and die. “Companies had promises about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, but all of them were more so for vanity metrics purposes,” Shanks said. “None of the programs were geared around retention or ensuring the success of those diverse hires,” she contineud.

Lauren Fitzpatrick Shanks is the founder and CEO of KeepWOL, which launched a gaming platform to reduce employee turnover. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

“On top of that, managers didn’t receive training on how to manage, lead, motivate and communicate with people of all different walks of life, of different identities that are not of their own.” Shanks saw what was lacking in the workplace and noticed employees quitting or losing their drive because of it. So, she came up with a solution to keep employees supported, engaged and wanting to stay at a company. “The lack of resources and support for managers and teams to have those

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“With all of our games, we’re looking to humanize everyone,” she added. “We want to elevate the human experience to unlock that productivity within people.” Unlike traditional platforms, KeepWOL doesn’t rely on teaching methods like panels, surveys and pre-recorded videos as these strategies often don’t change employee behavior, mainly because they occur as one-offs and don’t focus on the ins-and-outs of everyday work life. Instead, KeepWOL enables recurring guided immersive team experiences that are powered by software but driven by humans to revitalize corporate culture. The goal is to take diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging from passive awareness to an actionable experience for all employees. “People aren’t leaving companies, they’re leaving environments,” Shanks said. “Putting that human factor first and realizing that if you want to keep employees longer you have to build relationships first. Relationships are built on trust, they’re built on transparency, they’re built on vulnerability. That’s what KeepWOL enables people to do in an easy way.” KeepWOL is designed for SMBs with at least 10 employees and enterprise organizations looking to build or shift corporate culture. Monthly subscriptions start at $10 per user, with certification available and required for those employees interested in becoming KeepWOL facilitators. Information: keepwol.com.

complex and non-combative conversations that provide the context, detail and learning you need to really understand where each individual employee is coming from, what they need to be the most successful, and how you can support them in being the most successful – that’s really what led me to creating KeepWOL,” she said. KeepWOL’s on-demand SaaS platform offers a digital library of live multiplayer psychology-based games that cultivate employee development in various areas. The impact of each session is tracked by data collected within the platform providing accountability and measurable change. The games are designed to help enterprises build tight-knit inclusive, high-performing teams by embracing differences and normalizing interpersonal skills such as communication, empathy and connection at work. KeepWOL has 10 games available in its current library with six more on the way that the company has been working with Mayo Clinic on, Shanks said. “The games are geared around all different kinds of things that will help you to become the most successful version of you in your personal life and professional life,” she said. By using KeepWOL with teams on a recurring basis, organizations should see a more engaged workforce, better team dynamics, a boost in collaboration and innovation, and more, Shanks said.

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BUSINESS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

Holidays gifts are ‘in the cards’ in region

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, 602-274-0334; 96 S. Rockford Drive, Tempe, 480-5906937, dailydosegrill.com

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Staff Writer

From 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

Eegee’s Eegee’s has been a hit in the Valley since it migrated from Tucson. The fastfood 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

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 first-generation 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

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, Scottsdale, 480-361-4933, famous48.com Flower Child Flower Child welcomes vegan, paleo, gluten-free or just hungry guests with See

GIFTCARDS on page 30

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

from page 29

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 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 Macayo’s Macayo’s strives to use fresh ingre-

dients 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

time-tested recipes for authentic Sonoran-style Mexican Food. The fast-casual 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, 480-443-8226. 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, 602-482-2800; 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-656-0012, taphousekitchen.com

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

Recent news reports say that inflation is a serious concern to most Americans. What if inflation continues to acceler-

ate 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 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 costof-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 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 Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale Metro grew by over 31.9 percent from August 2020 to August 2021, compared to only 10.5 per-

cent the 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.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 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.

Presented by:

Presenting sponsor

Supporting sponsor

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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.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

The Chandler Bears youth football team is preparing to head to Florida once again to take on a national field in hopes of being crowned the champion. (Courtesy Kacey Allen)

Chandler Bears preparing for national title run in Florida BY JAKE HEDEBY Staff Writer

The Chandler Bears are a force to be reckoned with in the American Youth Football league in Arizona. This group of 12-year-olds know each other very well, but they are also very familiar with winning.

A core group of them have played football together since they were 6 years old and have been crowned state champions five years in a row. Following a year off because of the pandemic, the Bears are right back where they started. The Division One AYF team won the 2021 state championship and is headed to Florida for the national tournament.

They have already been named national champions once there, back in 2018. They now look to come out on top again. Coach Kacey Allen shared that he has been with the team since it started and coaching this age is all about the basics and playing together. That’s what makes this team successful.

The team already has some accolades. But that’s not because there are only two or three players dominating their opponent. This team has been competitive for a reason and they worked hard to be one of the best in Arizona year in and year out. See

BEARS on page 34

Female kicker overcomes paralyzing injury Nobody wants to “ hear those words that your child was never going to walk again. ” BY DYLAN WILHELM Cronkite News

In late January, Krysten Muir was alone in a hospital room, unable to move. In 2015, Muir made Arizona history by becoming the first 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 five of her 10 field 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 flipped 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 terrified. “Nobody wants to hear those words that your child was never going to walk again,” Kathy Muir said. After surgery, Muir said doctors placed 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. AccordAs the varsity kicker at Marcos De Niza High in Tempe, Krys- ing to Dunn, the mental ten Muir was the first female player to score in an Arizona side of the recovery proState championship football game. Her father Jeremy is an cess is just as important assistant at Marcos de Niza. (Courtesy of Krysten Muir)

– Kathy Muir

as the physical, as reflected 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 first 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 together 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. See

KICKER on page 34

SPORTS & RECREATION

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

5 things to know about online sportsbooks BY CHRISTOPHER BOAN BetArizona.com

As we near the end of our second month of legalized sports betting in Arizona, many bettors have been learning the ins and outs of sports betting. One of the first things you need to do in order to place a bet is to sign up for an online sportsbook. The biggest and best-known names in sportsbooks are available to Arizona residents. Choosing the right operator is important. Some operators have better customer service while others provide better odds for local teams. Some are more likely to hand out free bets, while others have a more lucrative sign-up bonus. Do your research, test out multiple sites, find the best Arizona sportsbook promo codes and decide on the one that works best for you. You can find reviews and everything you need to know at BetArizona.com. Once you’ve selected your sportsbook(s) there are a few things you should know before placing your bets. Below are five tips to placing bets online: Use the address on your driver’s license. As part of the sign-up process for every online operator, you are re-

quired to verify your identity. It’s similar to signing up for a new bank and you’ll need to answer a few verification questions, including your home address. Some operators are more flexible than others and you can use any address, but others require you to register with the address on your driver’s license. So that you don’t encounter any trouble, we recommend you always use the address listed on your license. Choose ACH over credit/debit card to make deposits. Once your identity is verified and your account is created, you’ll be able to make a deposit to begin betting. Most operators will have several options to choose from, such as online banking (ACH), PayPal, credit/ debit cards or gift cards. Using a credit/ debit card can be hit or miss. Some operators will take a debit or credit card while you’ll find others will decline the same card. Using ACH is a smoother process and, in some cases, it may be the only option to deposit money in your account, depending on the operator. The only thing required to make a deposit using ACH is to sign into your online bank account using your login credentials, no routing or account number are necessary. If you are signing up with a bonus, make note of the promo code. If you

are a new depositing customer, it is very likely that you will be signing up with a welcome bonus. That could come in a variety of forms. When you are either signing up for an account or depositing money, there will be an option to enter a promo code. Some operators will auto-populate the promo code if you clicked on a specific offer while others will have you manually enter the code. Make sure you have the right promo code in the right field when attempting to redeem it or you won’t get it. Know the criteria for a promotion to earn your bonus. Once you’ve signed up using a promo code, be sure to look and see what is required in order for you to earn your bonus. With a promotion like a risk-free bet, usually all you need to do is place a bet up to a certain dollar amount with the sportsbook. If your bet loses, the operator will refund you your bet. But for other promotions, such as a 100 percent deposit match for casino games, you may have to wager a set amount of money before you are able to withdraw the bonus from your account. Download the app if possible. Once you’re all set up with an account, have deposited money into it and are ready

to play or place a bet, download the mobile app for the specific operator you signed up with. The mobile app is definitely a better user experience than desktop or laptop and it can more easily verify your location using your phone’s location services. In order to place a bet through a laptop, you may be required to download a plug-in to the computer that would verify your location. It’s an extra step in the process that is unnecessary if you’re using the app. Knowing the process of working with operators is important. And, of course, finding an operator you are comfortable with is equally as important. Don’t be afraid to sign up for multiple sportsbooks. This will allow you to take advantage of multiple sign-up bonuses, shop lines for particular markets you are interested in and get maximum perks. Always consider the above tips when placing your bets to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. For more information and tips on online sports betting visit BetArizona.com. Christopher Boan is a writer and analyst for BetArizona.com. He has been covering sports and sports betting in Arizona for more than seven years and is a member of the Associated Press Sports Editors.

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BEARS

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“Our main philosophy is to teach team football, selfless football,” Allen said. “I think that is really what has helped keep the attrition low.” This becomes pivotal when looking at the longevity success the Bears have shown. And although high school is less than a few years away for these middle schoolers, the focus is on this team, what they can accomplish and what each kid takes away from his years playing youth football. When asked about the future for these players, he kept it honest. “We think about it, but we don’t have a plan yet,” Allen said. “We’re still

KICKER

from page 32

“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

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

open to whatever we feel is going to be best for the boys.” Parents are not lacking involvement with the Bears, as they are a big part of what makes the team run: from each parent taking their kid to practice to those who volunteer to help on game days. Not only are they there for support and guidance, but these parents are also why these young athletes have the opportunity to travel out of state and play football against tough competition. Everything takes money, and they have to fundraise throughout each season to prepare for the travel expenses. “That’s always the challenge every year is to raise funds,” Allen said. “It’s a collective effort from all the parents to do multiple fundraisers.”

The team raises money by selling tickets to Suns games and raffles. Other funds come from donations on the team website. Every dollar is used to take the team to Florida in December. The logistics of getting the whole team to the other side of the country shows it isn’t just an ordinary game or tournament for the Bears. They travel together as a team and rent vans in order to get from the airport to the houses they stay in. One year, the team stayed in a house with 10 different rooms. All of the travel and living they do as a unit really adds to the camaraderie between not only the players, but their family members too. “A lot of these people would have never met if it wasn’t for our team, and

now they are like family,” Allen said. The trip is more than worth the cost, as it is an experience that will be a fond memory for years to come. Traveling and competition bring these families together that will make lifelong bonds, and to these parents, there is no price tag that would deter them. With everything that this team has done and will do, they almost feel like more than a youth football team. It speaks volumes as far as what athletics can do for kids and the environment it can create. “I say it every year, at the beginning of the season we have expectations,” Allen said. “By the time we get to the end of the season, we tend to exceed those expectations.”

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 certification. “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 definitely want to give them all a try.”

Thank you Chandler voters and the Citizen Bond Exploratory Committee for your support of the bonds!

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$72,985,000 $25,160,000 $55,190,000 $85,780,000 $33,570,000

For more information about upcoming bond projects, visit chandleraz.gov/BondElection

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Converting old hotels can help reduce homelessness BY TOM SIMPLOT Guest Writer

Recent increases in homelessness, coupled with the challenges brought on by the global pandemic, have made it progressively more difficult to provide enough shelter to house people living on the streets. The majority of Arizona facilities that focus on offering food and shelter to those in need are at maximum capacity, often making it difficult to properly social distance. Many times, people experiencing homelessness are faced with the choice of staying in a shelter (and facing a higher risk of acquiring COVID-19), or choosing a dangerous situation like sleeping in their cars or on the streets. This is a decision no one should have to make. Also as a direct result of the pan-

demic, many hotels and motels across the country have lost business, especially the older properties. With these two factors in play, homeless and housing providers throughout the country, including here in Arizona, developed a new service model for transitional and permanent supportive housing. It’s called “hotels to housing.” With the need to rapidly adapt service models during the pandemic to accommodate safety protocols while still continuing to serve the homeless, housing providers started to look at vacant hotels as an opportunity – an opportunity to turn unused rooms into housing for those who so desperately need it. The “hotels to housing” concept allows homeless persons to be distanced for safety and stabilized in comfortable housing, before they move to permanent housing with the help of wraparound services. We have already learned that this new model for housing makes following

COVID-distancing requirements easier and provides more humane housing than large, congregate shelters. We have also learned that this model results in shorter stays in transitional housing, and may even offer permanent supportive housing. Statewide, many homelessness agencies are moving to this new model and ADOH (AZ Dept. of Housing) is making major commitments to “hotels to housing.” ADOH has funded “Project Haven” in Phoenix, a former motel that will be transformed into a 130-unit transitional housing community for seniors so they can achieve the dignity they deserve, and JoJo’s Place in Flagstaff, a former hotel on Route 66 that will be converted into a transitional shelter for all ages. ADOH is funding at least two more hotel acquisitions with federal CARES Act funding and we are developing a funding pipeline with additional federal funding. Most hotel conversions plan to offer closed facilities, where only residents

cleared to stay will be allowed, and include full-time security and on-site supportive services. Residents will be provided all the necessities, within the converted hotel properties, to stabilize and move toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing. While the pandemic created even more problems for an already tenuous housing situation, it is also forcing Arizona to find new, innovative solutions. Turning hotels into housing helps save lives and provides a potential long-term solution for reducing homelessness, but it also does something more. It offers a successful model for future regional, specialized housing that didn’t exist before. Through “hotels to housing” projects, homeless Arizonans can be safe and secure under a roof, receive needed healthcare services, and eventually get back on their feet. Tom Simplot is the director of the Arizona Department of Housing.

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

All 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 finally decided to get rid of the ancient answering machine they’d had since time immemorial. The phone company must have sent them a coupon. 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 Disneyworld.

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.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 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 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-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to helping school board members put students first. 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 first 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 parents, 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)

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Chandler sisters perform in local company’s ‘Nutcracker’ BY SRIANTHI PERERA Contributor

Two Chandler sisters have been chosen for plum positions in Chandler-based Southwest Youth Ballet Theatre’s upcoming production of The Nutcracker. The Howell sisters, Sydney, 18, and Olivia, 15, will dance as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara, respectively, at concerts Dec. 17-19 at Higley Center for the Performing Arts in Gilbert. Tickets are $26 and the schedule is at SouthwestYouthBalletTheatre.org. Sydney and Olivia are relishing their accomplishments as they look forward to battling oversized mice and celebrating their victory in the Land of Sweets on stage. “This is my first year performing Clara. This is also my first year getting a lead role, and I’m really glad it gets to be Clara,” Olivia said. The teens, a senior and freshman at Perry High School, were excited to learn about the roles. “I knew my sister was ready to take on the role of Clara, and I had high expectations for her when casting came out, and considering I danced as the Sugar Plum Fairy in last year’s nutcracker, I had a feeling I would have the opportunity to do so again,” Sydney said. “I love being able to share a passion with my sister, and I am excited to perform these roles together.” Even though both sisters have been dancing ballet for many years – 15 for Sydney and 11 for Olivia – they don’t call their roles easy. “Clara is a role that requires you to be on stage for the majority of

Chandler sisters Sydney and Olivia Howell have lead parts in “The Nutcracker” production of Southwest Youth Ballet Theatre. Sydney, as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Olivia, as Clara, are looking forward to creating a magical atmosphere on stage. (Southwest Youth Ballet Theatre.)

the time. Dancing for so long can be very physically taxing, and I’ve had to build up stamina,” Olivia said. “Not to mention the soreness of my body, I also have to balance my schoolwork with dance. I receive a great amount of work every week and it is pretty challenging to keep up.” However, they both enjoy the limelight. “I have been performing in front of audiences since I was 3 years old,” Sydney said. “However, my feelings toward performing have changed significantly. I used to dread performances because of how nervous I would get, but now it is what I look forward to most about ballet.” “Performing brings out the light in me, and it is so valuable when I have rehearsed for months, to finally dance on stage,” she added. Southwest Youth Ballet Theatre has been presenting “The Nutcracker” for 15 years, receiving its guidance from principal dancer and artistic director Yen-Li Chen. Chen danced to critical acclaim for audiences and critics around the world until her retirement from Ballet Arizona in 2004. Her artistry made her a highly sought-after principal ballerina and guest artist, according to the ballet theater. Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet score was originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. The two-act ballet dating to 1892 is adapted from E. T. A. Hoffmann’s story, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” See

NUTCRACKER on page 37

Chandler man’s light show delights and helps SANTAN SUN NEWS

As a broadcast engineer, Chandler homeowner James Chalifoux likes tinkering with electrical stuff. And as someone who likes to give back to his neighbors and community, he has constructed huge Christmas light and sound displays around his home since 2006 with thousands of lights, vintage blow-mold figures and synchronized music. He dubs his display “Fouxlights.” “I usually start right after Halloween,” Chalifoux said. “I am always out front, tinkering and adding new stuff.” He said he spends about 100 hours each season setting up the display and noted that because of his job, “running wires and programming circuits comes second nature to me.” Five years ago, Chalifoux got another idea for merging his two passions: He asked people who came by to enjoy his display to bring a nonperishable food item and leave it in the box he puts in his driveway.

Chandler resident James Chalifoux has his Christmas display all ready and is hoping onlookers will bring nonperishable food items with them. (File photo)

He then donates the collected items to AZCEND Chandler, a nonprofit that provides a variety of services to needy

families with the mission of “alleviating poverty in our community.” Last year, he said, “I doubled my

food drive collection last year– 225 pounds worth.” He’s aiming to double it again this year. One thing that helped last year was the publicity he received in the Chandler Arizonan, he said. “I actually started to cry Sunday morning when I found the box filled with donations. It was a Christmas Miracle,” he said. “I know this year even more families are struggling so I’m hoping for a second Christmas miracle.” Chalifoux is a big supporter of Chandler AZCEND, which helps people move from crisis to stability to prosperity with services including food boxes, senior nutrition and activities, rent and utility assistance, homeless services, case management and family programming. So if you want to enjoy a Christmas light show and help an organization that does a lot for the community, head over to 1075 W. Mulberry Drive, near the intersection of Willis and Alma School roads and night from 5:30–11 p.m. Donations are accepted until New Year’s Day.

NEIGHBORS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

NUTCRACKER

from page 36

The Chandler group’s version is a classical adaption of the ballet, Chen noted. “The choreography and performance stay true to the original interpretation,” she said. The group is also particular about having live music during the ballet, and not recorded music. The live music is provided by Chandler Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vanja Gjumar Nikolovski. “We feel that the addition of live music sets our performance of The Nutcracker apart from others around the Valley, because the live Symphony provides a richer experience than

recorded music,” said Mary Madine, president of the ballet theater. “This is the 12th year that Chandler Symphony has accompanied us, and it has been a fantastic partnership.” Joining Southwest Youth Ballet Theatre on stage is former Ballet Arizona principal dancer, Alejandro Mendez, performing the role of Cavalier on Dec. 17 and former Eugene Ballet Company Dancer Kenta Taniguchi, performing the roles of Nutcracker, all shows, and Cavalier on Dec. 18-19. Established in 2007, the group is dedicated to the development and advancement of ballet students 13-18 years of age who aspire to a professional career. Students develop various reasons for liking ballet and, more importantly,

sticking with it. To Olivia, it’s the unique expression. “I love how ballet consists of clean and precise movements, but there is also the opportunity to stylize and make your body flow,” she said. “It really helps me express myself, and it’s so much more than just a style of dance.” Sydney has developed such a liking to the artform that she plans to study it in college, along with her other love, working with children. “I love ballet so much because of the connection aspect,” she said. “Dancing with someone creates a different kind of bond, a stronger bond than the ones established throughout day-to-day life. “Even more rewarding is the ability to reach people in the audience through the beauty of movement,”

she added. “There is no greater feeling than taking your bow knowing you have made an impact on someone’s day while doing what you love.” Hence, weathering the pandemic without their favorite pastime has been difficult. “In the very beginning stages of the pandemic, where the entire world was shocked by the new way of life, I realized how great of a loss losing ballet was,” Olivia said. “However, the extreme change I experienced when having to take classes online in my living room, and not being able to perform, really highlighted my love for the art form. “I never realized how much I appreciated, and I learned not to take a single moment for granted,” she added.

East Valley voice trainer hits right chords SANTAN SUN NEWS

“I love nerding out about voice science.” Scottsdale’s Dr. Lauren Berman pokes a lot of fun at herself, but her “nerdiness” helps her provide the highest level of vocal training to her students. And it’s why her new business – Authentic Voice Music Studio – is filling a need among the region’s young performers. A lifelong singer and performer, Berman earned her doctorate in vocal performance from Arizona State

University, a master’s degree in vocal performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts and a bachelor’s in music education from Loyola University in New Orleans. She also has completed numerous certificate programs in voice science, health, technique and general pedagogy – like Vocology in Practice, somatic voicework and even vocal yoga. “There is nothing I love more than helping students unlock their potential,” Dr. Berman said. “Youth performers, especially, often try to imitate other singers. They think that’s the key to landing bigger and better roles on

stage. I am so passionate about helping them discover and learn to master their own unique voice. That is the real key.” “I’ve been working with Lauren for almost seven years now,” said student Katie Orrett, who started lessons with Berman when she was 18 and now works as a music therapist. “I had very low self-esteem in regard to my singing capabilities. “Lauren not only helped me become a stronger singer, she helped me become more confident. Because of her genuine support and kindness, I no longer felt the need to constantly prove myself to others.”

For Berman, confidence is a big focus – as is good technique. “We’re focusing on breath control, tension release and evidence-based vocal instruction,” she said. “So many kids and teens think they need to be the loudest or sing the highest belt, but without the right technique, there are real risks of injury. I’m here to help them create exactly the sound they want, but in a healthy and holistic way that ensures they’ll be able to sing now and forever.” Berman began teaching at the uniSee

TEACHER on page 38

NEIGHBORS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

Left: Dr. Lauren Berman has opened a voice training studio in Tempe. Right: Amelia Richards, 10, of Gilbert stretches her vocal chords as Dr. Lauren Berman directs. (Special to STSN)

TEACHER

from page 37

versity level in 2016 and has served as adjunct vocal faculty at Glendale Community College, Arizona State University and now at Scottsdale Community College. “As her direct supervisor for five years, I was able to see and hear the progress of her students very directly,” said Carole FitzPatrick, voice area coordinator and associate professor of voice in the School of Music, Dance and Theater at Arizona State University. “She was trained originally as a classical singer but has since educated herself on all sorts of styles and teaching methods.”

Berman balances her faculty role with teaching students at her new studio. Indeed, her work in college vocal departments – not to mention her own undergraduate and post-grad education – helped inform the teaching model of Authentic Voice Music Studio. “I have a real soft spot for the 13-18-year-old crowd,” she said. “These kids are working incredibly hard to nail auditions, land roles and compete at the highest levels. The work we do at Authentic Voice incorporates the very best aspects of high-level university and conservatory training programs to help students reach these lofty goals. It’s a proven model for growth.” But Berman is quick to point out it’s

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Authentic Voice Music Studio, which opened in Tempe earlier this year, offers customized programs for youth and adults ages 5 and up. Young singers take weekly 30- or 45-minute private lessons with Berman. Teens receive a 60-minute private lesson and a weekly group class modeled after studio classes in university vocal performance and musical theater degree programs. “These weekly classes make all the difference,” she said. “Here, they work on their slating, try out new songs, practice performing their audition pieces and really develop their charac-

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not only about landing the role. “Every single person is capable of learning how to sing. We all have the same physical structures; we just need to learn how to use them,” she said. “Whether you want to sing on stage or at home with your family, it is a powerful and beautiful skill – and sometimes it’s worth doing just because you love to do it.” Adds Rachael Mikaksy, mom to 13-year-old Grace: “Lauren is such a gift. She really connects with my daughter and they have a lovely relationship. During teaching, she is gentle with corrections and guides her in the right direction with everything from pitch to song selection.”

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TEACHER

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ters. When it’s time for a high-pressure audition, they are well prepared and can own the performance rather than fumbling with the words or feeling less than confident.” Berman has done her share of auditioning and while she has some impressive credits to her name – like

The Phoenix Theatre Company, Arizona Opera, New Orleans Opera, Chicago’s / kor/ productions and Arizona Regional Theatre – she also understands the difficulty of rejection. “I have been down this road. I’m still on this road, in fact,” she said. “I walk alongside my students as they navigate their own journey. It’s so important that they know their lives are about so much more than one audition or one show,

no matter how important it feels at the time. Healthy perspective is everything.” Added student Stephanie Orrett, “I’ve taken singing lessons with Lauren for more than five years, starting when I was a sophomore in high school. I was incredibly nervous due to severe social anxiety and not really confident in my singing. It didn’t take long for Lauren to get me out of my shell while simultaneously improving many aspects of my voice.”

Today, Berman is performing with Valley theaters, continuing to teach at Scottsdale Community College and training budding and seasoned vocalists at Authentic Voice Music Studio. “I don’t think I’ve slept in a year, but all of the training and work I’ve done to open this studio is absolutely worth it,” she said. “This is what I was born to do.” Information: authenticvoicemusicstudio.com.

Armer Foundation seeks gifts for critically ill kids SANTAN SUN NEWS

Ahwatukee-based Armer Foundation, a non-profit that helps families across the East Valley, including Chandler. 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. 51ost St., Ahwatukee, Suite A128, is a drop-off center for both toys and other items. Those other items include baby dolls, blankets, comfy socks, crayons, pajama pants, hair brushes and combs, hair ties, kids coloring books and regular children’s books and games, puzzles and stuffed animals. Just a small mom-and-pop foundation” is how Jennifer Armer describes the foundation she and her husband Matt launched in July 2019. In that short time, numerous Ahwatukee parents who were facing

catastrophic hospital stays for their children – and mountains of debt for themselves – have had the Armer Foundation for Kids to help them in myriad and essential ways. The foundation is dedicated to ease some of the financial burdens to families with children with extreme medical conditions that have unforeseen financial burdens. When health insurance is not enough, Armer assists with co-pays, premiums, deductibles and out-ofpocket expenses and more. Stepping into the worlds of these families becomes real for anyone visiting ArmerFoundation.org, which carries stories of Ahwatukee children who are going through hospitalization or extensive physical treatments at area clinics or in-home.

Armer knows each of them personally. She often speaks with the parents daily or weekly, keeping apprised of successes or setbacks of their children, and doing what she can to meet their needs – which are daunting emotionally and financially. “This is very personal; we become family,” she said. 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. Information: I the Armer Foundation help visit armerfoundation.org or call 480257-3254.

Make a stop in West Chandler LOCAL BITES HOMEGROWN SHOPS FAMILY FUN & ENTERTAINMENT westchandler.com

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

A guide to the holiday events in Chandler BY THE CITY OF CHANDLER

During the holidays, Chandler lights up. A festive holiday spirit spills from shops, restaurants, theaters, parks and libraries, where halls are decked, trees are trimmed, and tables are set to celebrate the season. This year promises heaps of holiday things to do in Chandler. Every must-do holiday list includes a visit to the City’s iconic Tumbleweed Tree, a seat at Ballet Etude’s The Nutcracker, the purchase of the perfect locally made gift for that perfect someone from the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market or Visit Chandler’s Holiday Guide; a walk through the whimsical life-size sweets displays on view during Sugarland; and of course, a commemorative photo with the jolly man himself, at Santa’s House. Plus, when you’re out and about, remember to grab a toy for Chandler Fire Department’s annual Toy Drive and be sure to keep little elves busy with an array of holiday craft workshops throughout the month hosted by Chandler Public Library. Chandler for the Holidays celebrates all of winter’s holidays and provides the opportunity for holiday traditions for

Sugarland now through Jan. 2 brightens up downtown Chandler with an interactive holiday display. (Downtown Chandler Partnership)

you and yours. Advance tickets are necessary for some attractions and times and dates vary for select events. Dec 5, Ballet Etudes The Nutcracker A feast for the eyes and ears

with colorful costumes paired with Tchaikovsky’s original score, Ballet Etudes’ Nutcracker is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with the entire family. Through Jan. 2, Sugarland

A spectacular interactive display comprising a candy cane sleigh, a lifesize cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows, giant gumdrops, cookies, colorful swizzle sticks, candy canes, selfie stations and a 5-foot fruit-roll-up slide — all perfect for holiday photos. Sugarland is located at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave. New this year is a life-size nutcracker, whimsical trees and beautifully lit reindeer dancing through the palm trees. Family favorites including the candy sleigh, fruit roll-up slide and life-size cup of hot chocolate complete with giant marshmallows will also return and may be experienced anytime of the day or night. Sugarland’s Canal of Lights also has a few sweet additions, including a candy cane arch and hanging candies that can now be experienced during the day. At night, the walkway over the Commonwealth Canal on Commonwealth Avenue features over 500 colorful lights choreographed to holiday music from 5-10 p.m. daily. “We’re thrilled to bring Sugarland back to Downtown Chandler for See

HOLIDAYS on page 41

Feline lovers will flock to annual cat show next weekend SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

After a pandemic-driven hiatus last year, scores of cats and their masters – well, at least owners – will be descending next weekend on the Mesa Convention Center for Arizona’s largest cat show. Presented by the Phoenix Cat Fanciers, the show runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 11 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 12 at Mesa Convention Center Building C, 263 N. Center St. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 seniors/ military, $8 children 3-12. People can find a $1-off coupon at phxfeline.com. In addition, All About Animals Rescue will offer cats for adoption and dozens of vendors selling cat-related products also will be on hand. The show is a popular gathering for professional exhibitors, vendors and cat-loving spectators – and for good reason. There are dozens of breeds from tiny cats to Maine Coons that can weigh in at over 25 pounds. A cat show is composed of a number of separate, concurrently running, individual shows held in the various judging rings throughout the hall. Each ring is presided over by a different judge who has spent years training for the role, one they often repeat at shows around the country and the world. Every cat is judged according to a written standard for its breed (with the exception of the Household Pet Class, for which

The entrants in the Best Christmas Costume contest at the Phoenix Cats Fanciers show don’t necessarily appreciate holiday merriment. (File photo)

there is no written standard). The standard is part blueprint because it describes the ideal specimen for the breed and part constitution because it can be revised by the members of the breed council. “A breed standard is precise enough to allow judges to evaluate cats accurately, and flexible enough to leave

room for differences in interpretation between judges of keen eye and good intention,” according to the national Cat Fanciers Association. A spectator guide is available to help visitors understand the different breeds’ distinctive characteristics. There were scores of categories and

sub-classes such as Blue Point Female Birman, Balinese-Javanese and seven varieties of Persian cats. For the most part, though, members largely own purebred felines. And some have raised dozens of litters of cats since the 1990s. Visitors also will be able to peruse yearbooks of prior years’ national and world champion cats. “One of the requirements of getting into the judging program is your commitment and knowledge of a minimum of one breed,” one judge explained. She said most breeds “are unique because of their specific things attributed” to standards set by a council of breeders “who work to define and improve their breeds.” “For example, the American Curl has ears that curl toward the back of their head,” she said. “The degree and amount of curl is defined as to what is desirable in that. Other attributes for the American Curl are the profile and the length of body.” Some competitions are more fun than serious: For example, there are Best Christmas Costume entrants that, like their more regal counterparts, will be gently lifted from their individual cage and placed on a small lab table, where a judge will hold it, pet it and eyeball it carefully. Some contestants aren’t all that thrilled to be wearing elf caps, red coats See

CATS on page 41

ARTS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

Bayou Bandits offer original Southern rock BY JORDAN HOUSTON Contributor

Despite social distancing and economic hurdles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Bayou Bandits is gearing up to launch “gritty” new music. The Southern rock four-piece, comprised of lead singer/guitarist Joshua Strickland, lead guitarist and background vocalist Jeremy Madig, bassist and background vocalist Jay Kereny and drummer Dan Johnson, has quickly built a reputation in the Arizona music scene with its cover shows. Blending the sounds of Louisiana swamplands with other elements of Southern rock, The Bayou Bandits has shared the stage with Billboard-topping artists like Jerrod Niemann, David Nail, The Black Moods, Jason Charles Miller and Jonathon “Boogie” Long, among others. The Bayou Bandits is now tapping into its bubbling notoriety to focus on creating new original music, according to Strickland. “I think, with this new music, I’ve matured a little more as a writer — it’s a little bit more complex lyrics and definitely more of a punch in the mouth,” said Strickland, a Louisiana native and U.S. Army veteran. “It’s like if The Doors and Marshall Tucker had a love child who was born and raised in South Louisiana with harmonicas and dirty guitar riffs. It’s a whole lot of soul.” The Bayou Bandits is in the “planning stage” of releasing an EP in the near future, boasting slide guitars guaranteed to inspire a “hell raisin’, Boot stompin’ musical throwdown.” Operating independently from a record label, Strickland said the band’s recent single “Gasoline” has attracted the attention of “record labels across the country.” “We’re real proud of that song,”

HOLIDAYS

from page 40

the holiday season,” said Mary Murphy-Bessler, DCCP executive director. “It is the perfect backdrop for family photos, corporate photos and fun selfies with friends that are both magical and whimsical.” The DCCP is a nonprofit whose mission is to mobilize leadership and resources to advance the development of Downtown Chandler as a regional destination for shopping, dining, living, culture and the arts. Dec. 11, 18, Farmers Market Whether you’re looking for fresh produce for your holiday dishes, gour-

CATS

from page 40

with bells and even Nutcracker tutus. A judge will take each cat through a small set of paces that includes waving a wand in front of them to see if they’d get playful. Sometimes, most are in the mood to bat the wand. Judges say the biggest change they have seen is in efforts by breeders to create cats of different colors.

Southern rock group Bayou Bandits will be rocking the house at the Maruee Theatree later this month. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

over 3,000 views. A registered nurse at a Phoenix hospital, Strickland has also written pieces honoring the nurses and frontline workers who powering through the pandemic. “A Nurse’s Story (Save You)” was released as an acoustic single in 2020 and immediately gained attention across the United States from fans and multiple state nursing boards and organizations. Strickland, however, said he is most proud of the band’s success and development as a unit. “My bandmates are my best friends and it’s not necessarily by choice, either. It’s because we were with each other so much,” he said. “Our lyrics have grown more; our sound has grown more. I feel like our next record is basically the transition from when boy becomes man — a coming-of-age-type tale.” And the band’s progression doesn’t appear to be slowing down. The Bayou Bandits will open for the Los Angeles-based American rock band Steel Panther, best known for its satirical lyrics and exaggerated on-stage pastiche of the stereotypical glam metal lifestyle. “They’re great dudes, we’ve played with them before,” Strickland discloses. “Those dudes are a riot, and they bring the party.”

he said. “We started working with a publicist out in Vegas and they’ve been jamming it and loving it. That’s something we’re real proud of — not saying we don’t want to be on a label, because we do. But everything we’ve achieved as a band is on our own. “It’s been a grind. Whenever you’re independent, you don’t have the same resources as a big label head does, so it’s a matter of shopping your music out there and getting people to hear it.” The Bayou Bandits stepped into the spotlight in 2019 with the song “Take Me Back,” which landed the band a feature in Comedy Central’s docuseries “Klepper” by Jordan Klepper. “Take Me Back” was then added to The Bayou Bandit’s self-titled album, accompanied by other hits such as, “Dixie Ass” and “Tip ‘Em on Back.” In early 2020, the band hit the road for its debut tour across the Gulf Coast. The Bayou Bandits amassed scores of

fans, including a sold-out crowd in New Orleans, along the way — until lockdown measures halted performances. Strickland, whose musical careers stems back to playing on Bourbon Street as a “bucket boy” when he was 13, describes honing his singing skills throughout his youth in Southern Baptist churches. Like many creatives, the singer-songwriter said he draws most of his writing inspiration from his personal life experiences. “It’s hard for me to write songs about stuff that I don’t know anything about,” Strickland explains. “I write about stuff I know that I’ve lived. It’s hard for me to believe in something that doesn’t have a personal tie to me.” Having served missions in Kandahar City, Afghanistan, Strickland honored that time with the song “Kandahar.” A live performance of “Kandahar” was recorded an audience member during an open mic night. It was later uploaded on YouTube and has since generated

met food items or unique gifts, the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park has everything you need in one place. Dec. 9, 11, 18, Santa’s House Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s hanging out at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. Bring the whole family to visit with the jolly man, himself at Santa’s House for free photos and to share holiday wishes. Dec. 10, Vision Gallery Holiday Shopping Find unique artist-created jewelry, ceramics, ornaments, and more for everyone on your list. Enjoy hot chocolate and special treats as your browse through gift-giving delights. The Vision Gallery is located at 10 E. Chicago St.

Dec. 11, Sippin’ Santas It’s a ho-ho-holiday celebration so come decked out in your best Santa costume and cruise around on a self-guided pub crawl in Downtown Chandler with your friends. Enjoy $4 drink specials, live entertainment, endless Santa selfies and a taste of the best specialty drinks in town. Dec. 11-12, 18-19, Spirit of Christmas Show The Spirit of Christmas is an energetic variety show featuring a cast of more than 100 dancers, singers, a horse and carriage, special guest performers, and a champion hoop dancer. Performed by Tempe Dance Academy and hosted by Mark Hart. Dec. 14, Tumbleweed Tree Photos

Stop by the Tumbleweed Tree to get your picture taken by the professionals. Pictures are free and will be available for download on the City’s website. Dec. 22, Sons of Serendip This charismatic quartet returns to Chandler to perform their unique arrangements of popular holiday songs sure to get you in the spirit of the season. Dec. 31, The Best of Broadway With Musical Director JR McAlexander, spend an evening enjoying the greatest hits from Broadway, performed by four powerhouse vocalists and a 10-piece orchestra. Then ring in the New Year with a champagne toast and party favors.

Because a council writes the standards for any breed, the breeders “want to see those colors in the championship ring.” The Cat Fanciers Association takes the work of judges seriously, producing annual yearbooks that are an inch thick or bigger that are filled with portraits of cats that won a championship medal. Achieving that status usually involves attending a number of shows – often around the country – and accumulating

points that entitle their cats to an increasingly higher status in each subsequent competition. Racks of medals in different colors and designs will be on display throughout the Mesa Convention Center. “I think people enjoy working toward a goal and in the Cat Fancy, that goal is to produce and show exceptional cats that meet or exceed the standards,” one judge said. ”I also think people enjoy spending time with their friends

and producing quality examples of their breeds.” There are only three Cat Fanciers Association affiliates in Arizona, all based in the Valley. Besides showing off their cats, competing for medals and sometimes working to create new breeds, members also give back to the community by providing support to a broad array of animal rescue organizations.

Steel Panther With The Bayou Bandits

WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 17 WHERE: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe COST: Tickets start at $30 INFO: luckymanonline.com, thebayoubandits.com or thebayoubandits@ gmail.com

ARTS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

Chandler Museum offers several major exhibits plains, and dramatic mountains.

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Chandler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive, Chandler is offering a variety of free programs this month. The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. It is closed Mondays. Information: 480782-2717 or chandlermuseum.org.

Exhibits

Bigger than Boxing: Zora Folley and the 1967 Heavyweight Title, through Feb. 13. On March 22, 1967, at Madison Square Garden, New York City, two men face off in the ring for the Heavyweight Championship of the World – Muhammad Ali and the challenger from Chandler, Zora Folley. “Bigger than Boxing” features the stories of these two boxers, the circumstances that weighed heavy on each man, and the fight that was a turning point in both of their careers. Greatest Photographs of the American West, through Feb. 27. Drawn from the significant holdings of the National Geographic Archive, “Greatest Photographs of the American West” chronicles the history and grandeur of the people and places that define the American West. It offers a broad understanding of a region that has long captivated photographers. Each image captures a different aspect of the West including interactions among the people, visitors, and wildlife, as well as landscapes with endless skies, boundless

Programming Adult Programs

History Bites, noon-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7. “Native land acknowledgment: what it means and why it matters” Have you heard or read a native land acknowledgment? Ceremonies that recognize previous caretakers of the land are traditional in many Native American communities. If you live in or around Chandler, your home, workplace, or school is built on land stewarded by the predecessors of today’s O’odham (Pima) and Piipaash (Maricopa) people. Doreen Garlid, a Navajo Nation member and the first Native American Councilmember elected in Tempe, guided the creation of that city’s Native Land Acknowledgment proclamation. Join us as she shares her deeply personal account of what acknowledgment means, whom it honors, and why it should be familiar to everyone living here now. Register: eventbrite.com/e/historybites-native-land-acknowledgmentwhat-it-means-and-why-it-matterstickets-187051685627

Docent Tours

Sundays 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Free 45-minute tours led by our volunteer docents will give you insights into the architectural and artistic components of the museum campus as well as details about Chandler’s history. Pre-register to guarantee your spot. eventbrite.com/e/docent-tour-tick-

Bruce Dale’s 2001 photo of Monument Valley, Utah, is among the pictures on display at Chandler Museum. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

ets-169158306047. Tour groups limited to 8 participants. Have a group of 8 or more? Call 480-782-2879 to schedule a group tour, available on Fridays.

Museum in a Box

Dive into culture, history, and art at home with a themed activity box. Each Chandler Museum in a Box includes instructions and supplies for three-five activities. Museum in a Box is available for sale in the Museum Store.

Build It! Frank Lloyd Wright in Chandler

Explore architecture with a Frank Lloyd Wright themed activity box. Design a city, test your building skills with edible construction supplies, and review shapes hidden within authentic Wright drawings. This Chandler Museum in a

Box contains all needed supplies for three activities, stories about Wright’s time in Chandler, and the book Who Was Frank Lloyd Wright from the popular Who Was? series. $18, ages 7-10.

Merry & Bright: Southwest Holiday Traditions

The holiday season is filled with unique traditions—and the Southwest is no exception! This Museum in a Box contains supplies for four Southwest-themed holiday activities and a book. Families will learn about The Legend of the Poinsettia, and then follow instructions to make bright flowers out of felt. Other merry projects include: working together to design luminarias, arranging mini cotton-boll wreaths, and assembling a tree inspired by Chandler’s Tumbleweed Tree! $15.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 5, 2021

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December is a time of light and redemption for us RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D. Columnist

We are taught that in the beginning there was light. December helps us reenact that very moment in time when creation occurred, and light was brought into our lives. This very act gave us an awareness that not only illuminated the path of life’s journey, but also enabled us to understand the difference between good and evil. We know only too well that evil is all around us. We see it every day and we feel helpless, at times by its ugliness. Evil is like a snake crawling on its belly, lurking around every corner. It crawls because it cannot walk upright. Evil also hides behind a cloak of invisibility because vision is its enemy.

Good, on the other hand, requires light so that everyone can marvel at its splendor and understand how indispensable it is for complete fulfillment. It is generally difficult to be good because our inclination is to be bad – to try to get away with something that is determined to be forbidden. Therefore, the effort is greater. December is here to help us understand this eternal struggle. Two great festivals requiring light are celebrated – Hanukkah and Christmas. Each in its own way emphasize the need for the elimination of evil and the enhancement our lives receive when we come out of the darkness and head toward the light. These two holidays begin the process of globalization of the understanding of God. The true meaning of sacrifice can be found in the light from the Menorah and the light in the sky. We can learn

the true meaning of the relationship between God and the created. These two holidays come at a time when darkness surrounds us. Whether it is the darkness of mind and body or the darkness of destructive experiences. There is despair and hopelessness because the days are short, the nights are long, and the cold harshness of winter is upon us. We are reminded of our mortality. Some sleep and some die. For this is the darkest time of the year, the darkest time of our lives. Then the light appears. The warm glow of the season brings an awareness to our hearts that radiates strongly and gives us solace. We gaze at the light, almost hypnotized, and we are assured of a brighter tomorrow. Primarily the holidays are celebrated in the home because there we find the comfort and serenity that separates the Holy from the profane.

Our homes are sanctified through the blessings of family and friends. And it is the home that the lessons of life are first learned. We pray, not only for ourselves, but all peoples everywhere that the light of these days and nights will glow forever, that the light will give us hope and meaning in our journey. We pray that the light will illuminate the paths of darkness awakening our souls to our societal duties, reminding us that there is goodness, and we have an obligation, a moral responsibility, to comfort the oppressed, respond to those in trouble and relieve as much pain and suffering as we are able; that tomorrow can be better, and that life is cherished above all else. Then, perhaps we will be worthy of the blessings we seek from God. Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. is the spiritual leader of the Sun Lakes Congregation.

Take time to linger and wait for the Lord BY LYNNE HARTKE Guest Writer

He had me at blue butterflies. “The blue butterflies can be found on the sunflowers after the morning winds die down,” the white-haired volunteer said when I first arrived at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior. Since I hadn’t been to the arboretum for many years, I decided to see as much as possible of the 300-plus-acres before heading to the sunflowers. I felt compelled to get my money’s worth. Wallace Desert Garden. Check. The High Trail. Check. Suspension bridge. Check. Ayer Lake. Check. Picketpost Mountain. Check. Multiple side trails of deserts around the world. Check. I snapped photographs, ate my apple on-the-go, and finished the 1.5-mile main loop. By then, the wind has died down, so I headed to the Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden to see the blue butterflies. Yellow, orange, and brown-patterned

flyers danced around me in the warm morning air currents. Painted ladies, buckeyes, and southern dogface butterflies flitted among the tall sunflowers, unrolling their proboscises into the centers for sips of nectar. Where were the blue? The pipevine swallowtails? Had I missed them? I waited. Paused. Took a break from conquering the day. Peering closer, I noticed movement in the shadows. The pipevines! The flyers were hiding in plain sight, their blue iridescence camouflaged by the darkness. Without the light, the swallowtails appeared a boring gray or black, with only a few cream spots along the edges of the opened wings. But when the light caught their tiny scales, the vivid blue unveiled in a kaleidoscope of turquoise, sapphire, and navy. In my hectic pace, beauty almost missed me, or more accurately, I almost missed the beauty found on butterfly wings. In the book, A Spacious Life, author Ashley Hales describes how the life we ultimately want is not found in unfettered options or by our hustle and hurry.

Hales writes, “In the story of grace, the lack of hurry makes room for presence.” The lack of hurry makes room for presence. I think that would be a good goal this Christmas season, don’t you, to take time to discover His presence in unexpected places? Like the shepherds? “Let’s go and see,” the shepherds said to one another after their heavenly visitation. They discovered God’s Son sleeping in a feed box for animals, hidden in plain sight. In our spiritual practices, presence can be found in prayer, scripture reading, and being together in the yearly celebrations of our faith communities. It is also a skill

we can practice as we pause from the hurry of the season to recognize God’s beauty and goodness in our everyday lives, sometimes hiding in shadows. Let’s pause and remember again the story of God coming to earth as a baby, not wrapped in blue iridescence, but camouflaged in swaddling clothes. What an incredible story of grace! Let’s take time to linger in full sunshine and sing: Joy to the world the Lord has come… Let every heart prepare Him room. Lynne Hartke is the author of “Under a Desert Sky” and the wife of pastor and Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. She blogs at lynnehartke.com.

Chandler United Methodist Church Making and Deploying Disciples for over 100 Years.

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.

SUNDAY WORSHIP at 8:30 am & 10:00 am All Are Welcome! 480-963-3360 | www.chandlermethodist.org | 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd.

Make a Difference in Someone’s Christmas this Year! My Sisters’ Place, a domestic violence shelter in Chandler, is seeking Christmas donations for the families and their children living in shelter.

November 22 - December 21, 2021 Unwrapped Items Only | Wish list: New Clothes, New Toys* Donations are being accepted at:

Engenuity Systems 2165 W. Pecos, Ste. 1 Chandler, AZ 85224 M-F 8am -5pm

You can donate by going to our amazon charity list:

My Sisters’ Place

480-821-1024

*No Toy weapons please, including Nerf® guns.

SanTan Sun News - 12.5.2021

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