Ahwatukee Foothills News - Dec. 21, 2016 by Times Media Group

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS Wednesday, December 21, 2016

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Club West Golf Course Step into Christmas buy-in totalsFOOTHILLS $4 million AHWATUKEE NEWS

BUSINESS

MADE IN AHWATUKEE P.34

COVER STORY

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

the plan with three golf-related experts who have been working with him to develop it since July. They included Jim Bellows, the owner of a golf course management and development company; Bill Phillips, a golf course architect; and irrigation designer Gaylon Coates. Ellen Davis, an original Club West resident and lawyer, also fielded audience questions related to legal issues. The plan poses five goals: “revitalize and grow customer loyalty;” about $1.5 million in upgrades to the irrigation system; removal of about 10 acres of turf to cut water consumption; hire a professional golf course management company to run day-to-day operations; develop non-golf opportunities at the

A AHWATUKEE FREEWAY FIRESTORM Charges ﬂy in freeway ﬁght

SPORTS

‘CHEER’FUL SPIRIT P.

BUY, SELL SOON?

Rate hikes may spur home selling, buying

.RE1

plan for Club West homeowners to buy their beleaguered golf course would require them to kick in $4 million without the immediate need of finding a source of cheap water. The plan, unveiled last week to about 120 of the community’s 2,559 homeowners, calls for major upgrades of the course’s irrigation system and some landscaping changes to reduce water consumption and “return the nature and professionalism of this venue to what it used to be,” Save Club West Association leader Jim Lindstrom said. “Our recommendation is to identify homeowners in the community who are willing to participate financially in the purchase of the golf club,” said Lindstrom as he unveiled

FOOTHILLS NEWS

See

BUY-IN on page 16

(Will Powers/AFN Staff Photographer)

Jim Simpson is prepared to greet you from 6-9 p.m. today at 2313 E. Taxidea Way, Ahwatukee, where his home is virtually wall-to-wall Christmas decorations. For a look inside, see page 21.

Outside the classroom, a teacher’s duties are endless BY CATHRYN CRENO AFN Guest Writer

EDITOR’S NOTE: Retired longtime education reporter Cathryn Creno of Ahwatukee has become a teacher. Now that she’s finished with her first semester and students are on winter break, she is writing again about her new career.

disco ball glittered above my head, a disc jockey spun tunes and sixth graders at their first middle school dance stood in nervous clusters on Kyrene Altadeña Middle School’s gym floor. My assignment as a teacher at the school Halloween dance was to cheerfully supervise lines for pizza and soft drinks while wearing a fake mustache and Day of the Dead

stickers on my forehead and cheeks. I had a blast. My shift only took an hour on a Friday afternoon, and I would not have traded the experience of seeing students dressed up and away from their textbooks for anything. I have been teaching Spanish at Altadeña

Happy Holidays

See

ENDLESS on page 12

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS UKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS TUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every AHWATUKEE NEWS Wednesday and distributed free FOOTHILLS of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills. UKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

NEWS NEIGHBORS

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(Special to AFN)

On the night flood waters ravaged her home, Stacey Schwartz, her husband and their two children also lost power for a number of hours.

Ahwatukee family struck by flood still in harm’s way

Lawyers Paying It Forward We donate 5% of fees paid to We.org in your name.

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

hen Stacy Schwartz and husband Ronnie O’Steen look around their Ahwatukee home, they see reminders of monsoon season and not the holiday season wherever they turn. Walls are still partially ripped apart, some of the kitchen plumbing is still exposed and the backyard is still scarred by the torrential runoff from South Mountain that literally singled out their home among 22 others on S. Mandan Street after an intense downpour July 18. The torrent of water leveled the five-foot-tall concrete block wall in their backyard, covered their floors with about three inches of water and mud, and demolished an estimated $20,000 worth of repairs O’Steen had nearly completed on the walls and floors damaged by a similar flood in September 2014. In the days following the flood, friends, neighbors and strangers tried to help. Congregants at Mountain View Lutheran Church brought towels and other necessities. People donated a few bucks to a GoFundMe.com, though less than $4,000 of the $30,000 they needed was raised. Superlite Block donated 12 pallets of heavy-duty concrete block and two pallets of mortar to help rebuild the wall. Eventually, the couple sufficiently cleaned up the premises of their three-bedroom home so they could at least stop sleeping with their two kids in the living room. But then work nearly ground to a halt. “We’re trying to find a contractor to rebuild the wall but no one wants to do it,” Schwartz said, explaining the contractors they’ve talked to fear they’ll be held liable if another flood comes and the water is diverted by the wall onto neighboring residential properties. “It’s very likely we’ll get flooded again if there’s no >> See

NEIGHBORS on page 4

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Suspect arrested in series of Ahwatukee burglaries, car thefts AFN NEWS STAFF

homeless 18-year-old man charged with shoplifting and pointing a gun could face more than a dozen other criminal counts in connection with a series of store and residential burglaries as well as car breakins in Ahwatukee since May. Samuel M. Mielke was arrested Dec.

NEIGHBORS

from page 3

wall,” she added. They’ve had a couple of close calls in the last five months. During one storm, water rushed down the mountain aiming dead-on for their home. But it was diverted because O’Steen had dug a trench around the backyard and had laid a three to four-foot makeshift wall of the Superlite Block. “Every time it rains we watch the mountain. It still gets scary,” Schwartz said. Although city officials initially rushed to the couple’s home and promised to help, nothing has happened since. The couple met with county and city flood control officials, who told them that the Federal Emergency Management Administration had rejected the agencies’ request for a nearly $600,000 grant to install flood controls that would protect all 22 homes on Mandan that abut the mountain. Ironically, that meeting came only a few weeks before Phoenix officials with great fanfare celebrated the completion of the largest regional storm water retention basin to be yet constructed in the South Mountain area. That basin was built on the other side of the mountain, largely as the result of extensive damage Laveen had sustained during a 2014 storm that some experts now believe was a 500-year downpour, meaning there was less than a 5 percent chance of such a rain occurring in half a millennium. The new retention basin was built on the northeast corner of 27th and South Mountain avenues, on a 36-acre parcel. Twice the size of the three existing retention basins in the area, it cost $4.5 million, mostly funded by FEMA.

12 and on charges of shoplifting at the Safeway store at 40th Street and Chandler Boulevard, Ahwatukee, and pointing a gun at a security officer who confronted him. He was staying at an apartment at 48th Street and Ray Road, Ahwatukee, when police arrested him. Police found the >> See

ARREST on page 5

The project had been accelerated as a result of an agreement Phoenix and county officials had sought with FEMA. “I understand that a lot of homes were damaged in the 2014 flood and that this project was important to those people,” Schwartz said. “But this is our home and it’s important to us.” No one knows when—or if—FEMA will approve the project. All that is listed on its website is an indication that it was rejected and is not even considered “pending.” FEMA doled out $199 million in grants for preventative projects. Other temporary efforts at flood control near Mandan Street also have been stalled. Schwartz said city officials told her they have been working with APS, which has a major transmission line running behind the Mandan Street homes, to build up the bank of a utility easement to slow down mountain runoff. But APS would need permission to drag heavy equipment across the South Mountain Preserve and getting city permission to do that won’t be easy, Schwartz said. “They told us APS has to get permission from the city mountain preserve committee and they’re supposed to be really difficult to work with,” Schwartz said. Schwartz is convinced their home will get hit again by flood waters if something isn’t done. It’s only a matter of time, she said. In the meantime, she and her husband intend to celebrate Christmas with their two children amid the stripped walls and exposed plumbing, happy to at least have a roof over their head. The GoFundMe account is still active, at gofundme. com/2f8jaznt?ssid=842867110&pos=1

NEWS

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

ARREST

allegedly got into an argument with a hotel guest near the pool and getting into from page 4 an argument with her. At one point she suspect in an alleged stolen Audi and threw her purse at him and he stole her captured him after a brief pursuit both in iPhone when it fell out of the handbag. a car and on foot. Mielke’s also is suspected in the theft of Mielke, who also has a juvenile record a $2,700 bike from an Ahwatukee shop and fled Maricopa County after a prior that he pawned for $600. arrest, was ordered held without bond One of the cars Mielke allegedly after police expressed concern over stole had been in an open garage at an his “rising violent crime Ahwatukee home with the potential.” keys inside. Noting “the overwhelming In another case, he amount of cases attributed allegedly stole a set of golf to this single individual” and clubs from a garage and fled “his willingness to endanger with the owner pursuing the public by fleeing from him in a car. police in a moving vehicle,” Mielke also is accused of police asked that he be stealing another car that he held, especially since he is a crashed into another vehicle transient. in a hit-run. He is under (Special to AFN) The cases include three investigation for leaving the Burglary suspect Samuel M. stolen cars, the Audi, Mielke. scene of the accident. a BMW and a Toyota He has convictions for Highlander. He also allegedly admitted burglary as both a juvenile and adult, to stealing spa products and $8,000 in according to court records. cigars from the Arizona Grand Resort. After his arrest, city Councilman Sal In court documents, police said Mielke DiCiccio praised police in a Facebook admitted breaking into the Arizona post, adding, “I hope this young man Grand’s spa with an accomplice and understands the impact he’s had on his giving the cigars to his girlfriend. theft victims and uses this an opportunity Also at the Arizona Grand, Mielke to change his life path.”

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Another reason is a school nurse isn’t clearly defined. Sometimes a school nurse isn’t a licensed nurse, said Nadine chool nurses do more than bandage Miller, president of the School Nurse scraped knees, often providing a Organization of Arizona and director of lifeline to student’s medical care health services for Mesa Public Schools. for a chronic condition like asthma or “When you go to your school, and diabetes, advocates say. you say, ‘Do you have a school nurse?’ But while a national pediatrician’s Most places tell you ‘yes,’ ” Miller said. group recommends every school have “Oftentimes, that person in that health a nurse, Arizona does not require that office is a medical assistant, a secretary, standard. That means inconsistency a nice mom that’s come to help, but it’s among district schools and charters, not always a nurse.” where some districts Schools without have at least one nurse nurses can be a loss per school and others for students, she are stretched thin. said. Both situations exist More than half of in Ahwatukee. children in Arizona Tempe Union has are considered lowa nurse at each of income, according its six high schools, to the National including Mountain Center for Children Pointe and Desert in Poverty. School Vista. nurses can treat On the other hand, children when a trip Kyrene has six RNs to the doctor isn’t a who are assigned to financial option. clusters of schools. Cartwright School Those nurses also District in Phoenix provide training and has a nurse in each consultation with of their 21 schools, “health assistants” and which follows the other school staff. In (AFN ﬁle photo) pediatric group’s addition, the nurses Desert Vista High School nurse Jean Kennedy recommendation. develop plans for gets a hug from former Arizona Cardinal Judy Evans, Bridges during a 2011 celebration of students with special Jeremy nursing coordinator breast cancer survivors. health needs and for the district, said communicate with parents and outside many families are thankful their children medical professionals. have someone at school who can treat Tempe Union stresses on its website, them as needed. “Education and wellness promotion is “Evans said each Cartwright districta major focus of our program” and that school nurse will see from 50 to 100 the nurse’s office “is not a primary care students each school day. Some have facility.” more chronic conditions that need to be “School nurses cannot diagnose, seen regularly. prescribe treatment, or give medications School nurses also can prevent without a doctor’s order,” the district absenteeism, according to the National advises parents. Association of School Nurses. Schools The American Academy of Pediatrics with a full-time nurse have about half in June issued a policy statement that the student illness- or injury-related calls for a minimum of one full-time early releases from school compared to registered nurse in every school.” schools with no nurses, the association The Centers for Disease Control and website said. Prevention say only about half of schools Charles Tack, communications in the country have nurses assigned, but director for the Arizona Department data about the number of Arizona school of Education said even though school nurses is difficult to find. One reason is nurses are not required in the state, they school nurses aren’t required under state are important to education. law.

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Despite pediatricians’ policy, nursing coverage at schools differs across the state

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NURSES on page 7

NEWS

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

NURSES

from page 6

“It can help student achievement, it can help make sure students are healthy,” Tack said. “We know that students need to be healthy in order to learn.” Miller said she recognizes the need for more nurses in schools but budgets sometimes can’t be stretched to cover the cost of staffing a nurse. “School budgets, particularly in Arizona right now, have not been very good,” Miller said. “School nursing is not always on the forefront, because you need a teacher in that classroom first and foremost.” Tack said it’s on the shoulders of local school boards to assess their community’s needs and allot funding for a school nurse. “Those local school districts, they do have that ability: to bring in the parents, to bring in the families and the community members and find out what the needs are,” Tack said. “Then they can put those policies into action that best serve their communities and families.” The nurses at both Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista high schools share a unique background as cancer survivors. Brian Yang, the RN at Mountain

Pointe, is a South Korea native who was studying at Michigan State University to become a dentist. But he had to drop out of dentistry after graduating from the university to undergo several years of treatment, including a bone marrow transplant. “I had lots of time to think about myself and my life,” he explained on the school’s website. “I decided to go for nursing.” He holds two bachelor’s degrees, including nursing, and is trained in hematology, microbiology and chemistry. At Desert Vista High, nurse Jean Kennedy is a breast cancer survivor. She was selected as one of four breast cancer survivors associated with Desert Vista to join the Arizona Cardinals on field before a game in 2011. During her ordeal of surgeries, radiation treatments and chemotherapy, various school clubs helped raise money to cover expenses not reimbursed by insurance. “I was so deeply touched that so many people cared,” she said at the time. “They have been a strong family for me.”

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

State slams Gila freeway request as too long, ignores claims of graves’ destruction AFN NEWS STAFF

gnoring a contention that South Mountain Freeway construction has already disturbed 20 Native American grave sites, the Arizona State Attorney General’s office told a federal appeals court to reject its bid for a work halt because the request is too many pages long. “Motions to exceed the page or typevolume limitations placed on motions and other papers ‘will be granted only upon a showing of diligence and substantial need,’”Assistant State Attorney Robert Thornton last week said, quoting a federal court rule. Thornton also accused the Gila River Indian Community of “panel shopping” by filing the injunction request only 11 days after a similar motion by other freeway opponents was rejected by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. A panel of three judges will be hearing the appeals of both the Gila Community and the Ahwatukee-based Protect Arizona’s Resources and Children from a ruling by a federal judge in Phoenix

that rejected their arguments to halt the $1.77-billion project. In a 37-page motion filed by attorney Jeffrey Molinar, the Gila Community urged an immediate halt to construction work until the Ninth Circuit can rule on the appeal. “The Community already will have suffered irreparable harm to the areas surrounding the mountain and to its sacred resources” if construction is not halted, Molinar wrote. “A reversal by this court years after construction began would not restore the destroyed ridges or the religious and burial sites that were bulldozed or moved. The freeway might be stopped, but the harm not undone.” The state argued, “The Community provides no support whatsoever for its purported ‘substantial need’ for additional pages that simply rehash arguments already rejected by this court.” It noted that the brief itself was far longer than appellate panels allow without expressed permission and that the Gila Community was trying “to get a second bite at the appeal within the Ninth Circuit.” But Thornton sidestepped any mention

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of the Gila Community’s assertion about the gravesites. The Gila Community’s injunction request states, “Construction of the freeway also will disrupt existing trails, shrines, and other significant resources and artifacts. Already it has resulted in the disturbance of over 20 ancestral graves, which is viewed as erosion of Community members’ connection with their ancestors and of their spiritual wellbeing.” “While mitigation may attempt to reduce the harm—reburying the dead, moving some artifacts —the harm will be devastating.” Molinar wrote. “No amount of remedial efforts can undo the damage that the freeway will cause to the cultural and religious heritage of the Community.” “Undisputed testimony shows how the Community’s religion, oral histories, and ceremonial activities and practices all are tied to the natural environment,” he added, saying that South Mountain “is one of the Community’s most sacred natural resources, one that figures prominently in the Community’s oral traditions.

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“Community members view the disturbance or moving of ancestral graves as desecration and destruction of sacred heritage sites. Their traditional religious beliefs hold that their connection with their ancestors and spiritual well-being are eroded each time such a site is disturbed.” Thornton did not raise the claims that a construction delay would cost taxpayers millions of dollars. That argument was used to oppose a work halt requested by PARC. But Molinar addressed that contention anyway, stating, “The freeway has been in the planning stages for three decades. Additional time to permit an appeal will not significantly harm the project or the residents of the region. It still could be built. Destruction, however, cannot be repaired.” Moreover, Molinar said, if the Ninth Circuit rules that state and federal highway agencies violated environmental and other regulations when they planned the freeway, “the alleged delay costs could be dwarfed by hundreds of See

GRAVES on page 10

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(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)

Attorney Howard Shanker is representing Ahwatukee homeowners in a bid to halt construction of the South Mountain Freeway.

Lawyer tells federal panel that SM Freeway will do little but harm health, parkland BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

he attorney for Ahwatukee homeowners opposed to the South Mountain Freeway told an appellate court panel last week that despite a nearly $2 billion expenditure and displacement of 848 homes and apartments, the roadway “will not alleviate current or future traffic conditions.” Attorney Howard Shanker leveled the accusation in a length brief filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit as Protect Arizona’s Resources and Children sought to reverse a Phoenix federal judge’s refusal to halt the most expensive highway project in state history. The Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration have until mid-February to respond to Shanker, who will then have two more weeks to respond. Oral arguments have not yet been set by the appellate panel, but are not expected to occur before spring. Meanwhile, construction work will continue on the 22-mile link between West Phoenix and the Chandler interchange on the I-10, which is aimed at giving I-10 traffic a diversion around its heavily congested segment that runs

through Downtown Phoenix. Shanker aims at ADOT’s assertions that the I-10 diversion will reduce air pollution, save thousands of motorists time and money daily and stimulate economic development in an area likely to see significant population growth. “Despite the expenditure of about $2 billion to $3 billion to build the South Mountain Freeway and despite the displacement of many residences and business establishments, there will be capacity deficiencies at levels comparable to the No Action Alternative on freeways and arterials throughout the metropolitan area and on the South Mountain Freeway itself,” he said. Shanker also reiterated his arguments before the federal judge that the planning agencies performed inadequate air quality studies, jeopardizing the health of some 15,000 children attending 17 schools within less than a half mile of the freeway. He noted that ADOT and the FHWA studied air quality within the entire 150-square mile area surrounding the entire freeway path instead of that segment in Ahwatukee where the schools are located. Such a wide study area “is not the same as a meaningful analysis of ” the impact See

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from page 8

millions of dollars of federal, state, and taxpayer funds that the agencies will have spent on a project found to violate federal law.” “The impending destruction of portions of three separate ridges of South Mountain threatens irreparable harm to the Community,” Molinar added. “The destruction is likely to begin

FREEWAY

from page 9

on children “that live and go to school near the freeway.” Moreover, Shanker argues, the planning agencies “did not even have the final 15 percent level design for the freeway” until after the air quality analysis was completed. That’s one of the reasons why the Environmental Protection Agency expressed concerns about the agencies’ studies, he said. ADOT and federal planners “not only ignored the U.S. EPA’s, and the public’s (including PARC’s) comments, they manipulated data to their own ends and precluded the requisite public review of essential information,” he wrote. Shanker is asking the panel to consider whether the government agencies’ actions were “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion and/or otherwise not in accordance with law” in three areas. First, did they fail to consider a reasonable range of alternatives to the project by relying on an economic model. This argument goes to their use of population data that Shanker claims was outdated. The second area involves the environmental studies the agencies performed. Besides failing to address the health impact on children in the 17 Ahwatukee schools, Shanker also

in a little over a year, when this appeal will remain undecided. The harm will be devastating. South Mountain is a traditional cultural property that is sacred to the Community and plays a significant role in tribal culture, identity, history, and oral traditions. The destruction of parts of the mountain ridge would be a devastating, irreversible loss to the Community and the ability of its people to practice their religion.” argues that planners virtually dismissed transport of hazardous materials as an issue for consideration. Even though an estimated 14,000 heavy-duty trucks are projected to use the freeway every day, Shanker alleges, ADOT and the FHWA contended the possibility of an accident was “too remote” to consider the possibility of a chemical spill. The third area where Shanker alleges arbitrary, capricious and possibly illegal conduct by the planning agencies involves South Mountain Park. While also noting the Gila River Indian Community’s contention that construction would desecrate a site that Native Americans consider sacred, Shanker also argues that federal laws governing the impact of projects on parkland were violated. He contends the planning agencies ignored their duty to consider alternative freeway paths that would “minimize harm to” the park. In fact, he argues, when it came to protecting parkland, the two highway agencies “largely put off planning to minimize harm until some future date.” “In short, defendants are building a $2 to $3 billion freeway that will have significant negative impacts on human health and the environment and that requires destruction of protected park land that is sacred to the tribes in the region,” Shanker wrote.

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The difference between ordinary and etxraordinary is that little extra!

Share Your Thoughts Send your letters on local issues to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com

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DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Kyrene to phase out guards’ apartments on its school campuses AFN NEWS STAFF

ive-in guards in on-site apartments at 14 Kyrene schools—including the Ahwatukee campuses—and the district’s Ben Furlong Education Center will be looking for new homes over the next two years as officials begin phasing out the units. The school board earlier this month unanimously approved a plan to start converting the on-site residences into classrooms for preschool programs and replace the live-in guards with different security coverage. Superintendent Jan Vesely told the board that the 75-year-old on-site program has been rendered outmoded by the fences, cameras and alarms schools have now. The guards had patrolled campuses at Akimel A-al/Estrella, Altadena/Cerritos, Aprende/Brisas, Centennial/Colina, Kyrene Middle School/Waggoner, Cielo, Esperanza, Lomas, Manitas, Mariposa, Milenio, Monte Vista, Ninos, Norte and Sierra. The seven other schools that had

no apartments were covered by staff working on performance contracts., “All campuses are equipped with fences, cameras and alarms so the physical presence of the on-site is no longer a necessity,” Vesely said in a presentation to the board. Instead of having people walking around the campuses, staffers will be assigned to lock down schools after hours and activate their alarms before leaving. Other district staff called “field rangers” will secure buildings when outside groups are using the school for meetings or other activities after class hours. “The overall need of the district is having someone on-call to respond to phone calls when the alarms go off, not walking around,” Vesely said. The guards will be evicted in two phases because the district can’t begin building preschool facilities at all the schools at one time. By April 30, the residences at Brisas/ Aprende, Cielo, Milenio, Monte Vista, Norte and Waggoner/Kyrene Middle

The board’s action came at the same meeting that it approved implementation of Vesely’s ambitious plan to make Kyrene more attractive to parents through an expanded dual language program at several schools, the conversion of Kyrene Traditional Academy into a pre-k-to-eighth-grade campus and the implementation of an International Baccalaureate program at Kyrene Middle School. Together with expanded early education programs at most schools, Kyrene hopes —Superintendent Jan Vesely to improve its competitive edge over public and private charters and neighboring paying $72,000 annually in rent, though school districts. Enrollment has dropped by about 200 of that amount, $52,000 a year was spent on maintenance, appliances and students, which poses the potential loss of $2 million in annual state funding, other typical landlord expenses. In return for the residences, the guards which is based on a per-pupil formula. The district did not lose that money were responsible to answer emergencies, handle irrigation on the site and walk this year, and officials have said it’s unclear whether Kyrene will lose it in rounds on campus. The residents who are staying until the 2017-18 school year. 2018 will continue to pay rent. School will be closed. The others will be closed at the end of April 2018. The guards will be replaced by three people who will be on-call for emergencies and handle irrigation on the premises at a total cost of $33,000 annually by the time the closings are completed. In all, the resident-guards had been

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

from page 1

almost five months and can say wholeheartedly that working at a middle school is a joyful experience. Every day I look forward to the curiosity, ingenuity and, at times, downright zaniness my sixth, seventh and eighth graders bring to the classroom. But teaching has also turned out to be the most time-consuming job I have ever had. Before I joined Kyrene in August, I had a busy career as a newspaper reporter. But the workload in my former career ebbed and flowed with the news cycle. Some weeks were incredibly busy, others were not. The workload of teaching never lets up. There is always another set of papers to grade, another parent to telephone, another lesson to plan or another set of students walking through the classroom door. I teach six classes a day except on Wednesdays, when the students leave early and I attend three hours of planning and strategy meetings with other teachers. I work about 50 hours a week, which is average for teachers in Arizona and nationally, according to 2012 data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Not just class work

teacher conferences, but the reality is when a child is falling behind, the adults in his or her life must do something about it immediately. Not that I regret doing any of this. I have lived in the Altadeña community since the 1980s and am thrilled to be a teacher in a place where I know some of the families and where kids in my neighborhood attend school. One thing I have learned in the short time that I have been teaching is that there may be nothing worse for a teacher than not being prepared well in advance of the school day. Leave photocopies or a lesson plan to the last minute and a broken copy machine or a phone call from a parent will turn your entire day upside down. I’ll confess that before I became a teacher I was among those who envied public educators’ seemingly endless free time.

Teaching is like theater

I actually thought that they had Wednesday early release days, teacher work days, daily planning hours and vacation time—breaks for spring, summer, fall and winter—to use as they pleased. I was aware that teachers spend some of their non-classroom time prepping for classes. Teaching, after all, is kind of like theater. The more time one devotes to creating a great lesson—or show—the more kids will pay attention and learn. Still, I grinned when Altadeña Principal James Martin told the staff at during our August back-to-school training that he would be speaking to teachers still at school regularly at 9 p.m.

(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)

Former education reporter Cathy Creno, a longtime Ahwatukee resident, now teaches Spanish at Altadena Middle School near her home.

public always says ‘Why do teachers need planning days and why do they get early release days?’ People just don’t understand the workload.’’ I certainly didn’t before I became a teacher. But now I also understand how teachers who are their children’s primary caregivers or who work second jobs because of student loan debt would tire of the long hours. Many teachers leave the profession during the first few years for better paying jobs.

The afternoon that I volunteered at the dance meant missing my normal Friday Fall break means work afternoon planning time. Long hours and low pay are key So I was back in my classroom the reasons why Arizona is said to have about following day, spending part of Saturday 2,000 open teaching positions, making sure that Monday’s Johnson and others say. lessons were developed, Most days I arrive at school worksheets for students were People just don’t understand between 7 and 7:30 a.m. and printed out, e-mails from the workload stay until 5 or 5:30 p.m. parents were answered and And I usually am back in my instructions for the week’s -Teacher Sharon Johnson classroom at Altadeña at least an lessons were clearly written on afternoon on the weekends. the board. During fall break, I spent part of my I also dropped by the school that Aim for work-life balance, he urged us. Sunday to continue planning lessons for Back then I had no idea how common time off at a professional conference the week. it was for teachers to come in early, stay for world language teachers and several additional hours collecting classroom The following week would be busy—I late and return on weekends. would take a ticket-handing shift at “Teachers are completely overloaded,” materials that I would otherwise not Altadeña’s Harvest Festival fundraiser said Sharon Johnson, a Kyrene de los have had time to look for. I feel fortunate to live just a few one evening and a three-hour training Lagos second grade teacher who serves with other new Kyrene teachers on as president of the Kyrene Education minutes away from Altadena. Many teachers I work with do not another. Association. On other weeks, I have come to school The KEA is the district’s branch of the stay in the school building after hours early or stayed late to work with students Arizona Education Association and the or return on weekends. They live too far away to do that. Instead, they carry who are struggling with lessons or to National Education Association. meet with parents who are concerned “There are staff meetings, new teacher laptops and put in extra hours from about kids’ grades. meetings, committee meetings, and they home. My colleague Anna Bailey, who has Altadeña conducts formal parent- are taking papers home to grade. The

“

”

taught Spanish at Altadena for a decade, leaves school every day with a bundle of papers to grade and her lesson planning books. She’s the mom of two busy kids so she works on her papers at their sports events and other outings. But what about those Wednesday afternoons when kids go home early? Teachers are still at work, attending staff meetings or gatherings of their professional learning communities. Teachers who work in the same subject area meet to share resources, compare test scores and find ways to make sure all students are mastering the material they need in preparation for high school. I was not sure what to expect at my first staff and PLC meetings. The stereotype, after all, is that teachers sit around sipping coffee and complaining about the high demands and low pay of their jobs.

No time for idle chat

But the reality is nothing like that. Altadeña teacher meetings more resemble business meetings than coffee chats. There is test score data to be analyzed, policies on things like student discipline and the shortage of substitute teachers to be developed and information about things like the school website and social networking to be shared. School administrators are always challenging teachers to come up with better processes. Ideas don’t just disappear into hot air See

ENDLESSon page 15

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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from page 12

but are written down and recorded as goals. Successes are celebrated at future meetings. On the Wednesdays that Altadeña staff does not meet, I join Kyrene’s Spanish teachers to share tips, information and methods for meeting our mutual challenge – teaching kids the fundamentals of Spanish and preparing those who are interested to place out of the first year of the language in high school. Kyrene Superintendent Jan Vesely explains that both staff and PLC meetings are part of the process of making sure students are mastering the subject matter they are taught. It’s part of a shift in public education from a focus on simply teaching to a focus on whether all students are learning. “But initiating and sustaining this process requires hard work and teacher time to collect and analyze student data for evidence of learning,” she said in an e-mail exchange with me.

Meetings are necessary

“It requires the school staff to focus

on learning rather than teaching, work collaboratively on matters related to learning, and hold itself accountable for the kind of results that fuel continual improvement,” she continued, adding: “When educators do the hard work necessary to implement these principles, their collective ability to help all students learn will rise.” Vesely said research shows that teachers who meet regularly with their peers to discuss whether kids are achieving classroom goals feel more positive about their jobs and tend to stick with them. I agree. Although I leave behind papers to grade and e-mails to answer on Wednesday afternoons, I look forward to support and ideas I get by attending. Because I am attending college while teaching this year, I do not serve on many school committees or advise any student clubs. But most teachers do, and enjoy the work. Still, the time commitment can be tremendous, especially if the club you advise is something like the student council, which my colleague Anna Bailey sponsors. While teachers are sometimes compensated for their work with clubs, committee work is typically done pro bono.

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James Martin became Altadena Middle School’s new principal and Cathy Creno’s boss this summer.

The KEA’s Johnson said she would like to see teachers get a bonuses for their committee work and similar duties. The federal government considers teachers to be professionals and exempt from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

“We love what we do,” Johnson said. “But most teachers could earn more and spend less time at jobs doing something else.” As a new teacher who has fallen in love with this new way of life, I am grateful to be in a position where I don’t feel the need to make that choice.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

from page 1

course, such as weddings; and improve turf conditions to motivate users “to return again and again.” Watering costs have been a major cause of the problems involving the course. Its owner, Wilson Gee, says he cannot afford the $700,000 annual water bill he gets from the city of Phoenix for using potable water. Because Gee significantly reduced watering in June, much of the course has turned brown. In turn, the Club West homeowners association in June sued Gee for failing to maintain the course “at a level equal to or exceeding the maintenance level of other upscale, high-end” public courses in Maricopa County. Gee has countersued, accusing the HOA of trying to ruin his business and drive down the course’s price. Although there have been efforts to find a source of cheap well water, that process could become expensive. The Arizona Department of Transportation spent nearly $1 million unsuccessfully drilling for a new well to replace one that had been endangered by the original design of the South Mountain Freeway. Save Club West’s plan makes finding well water a secondary matter. Instead, Coates said, it would be better in the short run if the nearly 30-year-old irrigation system and pump station were replaced and the lake properly sealed. In addition, some landscaping would be needed, primarily to replace about 10

(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)

Save Club West Association leader Jim Lindstrom addresses homeowners about the golf course purchase proposal. Seated nearby are, from left: attorney and resident Ellen Davis, golf course architect Bill Phillips, irrigation expert Gaylon Coates and course management expert Jim Bellows.

percent of water-consuming turf. Together, those improvements would cut the $700,000 cost of city water by nearly half, Lindstrom’s experts estimated. If a well can be found in perhaps the next year, ADOT has agreed to provide some of the infrastructure that would be necessary to get it to Club West, especially if the source was on the south

Club West purchase plan highlights AFN NEWS STAFF

ere are the key points in Save Club West’s plan to buy the golf course. • Homeowners must raise $4 million to cover purchase price and renovations. As much as $4 million more could be needed to fully restore the course, but that would come from operating revenue and commercial financing. • Individual household contribution ranges from $13,333 if only 300 homes involved to $8,000 if 500 owners join in. • Projected annual operating expenses for the first four years would be about $1.7 million.

• Projected annual revenue in the first four years would range between $1.8 million and $2 million. • Renovations would occur in two phases, with finding a source of cheaper water a secondary consideration. • Efforts will be made to both restore golf course’s condition and make it more appealing for non-golf events such as weddings. • Participating homeowners likely would have to commit by next April or May. • An escrow account would protect investor-buyers. Information: jim.lindstrom@cox.net or 480-656-1108.

side of the South Mountain Freeway. The source would have to be located before freeway construction got too far along. Finding well water would mean even lower water costs and result in as much as a $500,000 reduction in the estimated $1.7 million annual operating cost for the course, the plan states. Gee has put the course up for sale, listing a $1.9 million price tag. Lindstrom declined to say what purchase price he envisions, noting the course’s value would have to be determined by experts during a thorough valuation process. Although the Club West HOA board has taken no position on the purchase plan, at least one member was in the audience to hear the presentation. Lindstrom said the purchase plan is somewhat modeled after the experiences of two other golf communities in recent years where homeowners in each case ponied up around $1.5 million to buy their courses. The individual cost to Club West participants would depend on the number of homeowners Lindstrom can interest in the plan. It would range from $13,333 per homeowner if only 300 participated to $8,000 if 500 joined in. About 350 homes are built along the course, though Bellows said all homeowners would see the value of their homes rise if the course was improved. In return for their investment,

participants would be entitled to various perks, such as reduced fees or free services. Some homeowners already have donated about $25,000 to Save Club West to perform the initial work that created the purchase plan. Chad Blostone, chairman of the Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee, said he was impressed by the work that’s already been done. “It’s way more comprehensive than I expected,” Blostone said. “They’ve done a great job. It’s way more professional than some people thought it might be.” The purchase plan was one of three options the group identified as a solution to the course’s current problems. Another would involve assessing every homeowner $1,569, but that would require the approval of 75 percent of the homeowners to allow the HOA to impose that levy and then a second vote with 66 percent of the homeowners approving the increased assessment. The third option would involve having a smaller group of homeowners who would make an equity investment in purchasing the course. Phillips, the course architect, said he is recommending some landscaping improvements in addition to replacing the 10 acres of turf with xeriscape. But See

BUY-IN on page 18

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DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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State Rep. Jill Norgaard and Chad Blostone, chairman of the Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee, update Club West residents on efforts to secure infrastructure to bring water to Club West if a well can be found along the south side of the South Mountain Freeway.

BUY-IN

from page 16

he said those improvements would barely affect the overall look of the course and would make the course more attuned to the way golf is played now. Coates said the irrigation system and pumping station were basically worn out. He said that in 2010, he studied the lake and found it was losing water at the rate of an inch a day. By properly sealing it, he said, water costs would be reduced by “at least 5 percent and possibly as much as 30 percent. We just don’t know right now.” Bellows, who once owned The Foothills Golf Course, said that as much as another $4 million would be needed over the next four years to elevate the

course to a level where it would be a destination venue for golfers and even some non-golfers. Beyond the homeowners’ initial investment, the rest of that cost would be covered by commercial financing and operating revenue. “As the facility becomes more successful, you reinvest in the facility,” said Bellows. He said it is unlikely an outside buyer would be interested in Club West as a golf course because “most people that invest in golf courses are looking at a pretty sizeable return given the risk.” He also said that “while a lot more can be done on the hospitality side of the course” by making it appealing to nongolf users, “ultimately it’s a golf course and has to work as a golf course.”

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DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Legislators looking at ways to pay for highways via gas tax, fees BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

inancing the state’s freeway needs could mean Arizona motorists will pay higher gasoline taxes, will see an entirely new sales tax on fuel on top of that and will find it’s even more expensive to register their vehicles. And owners of all-electric cars likely would feel a hit, too. It’s up to a Mesa legislator to get his colleagues on board for the proposal. At a meeting last week, members of the Surface Transportation Funding Task Force agreed it will take $20 billion in new dollars to construct, widen and maintain the necessary freeways to meet the state’s growing needs. That doesn’t count an additional $40 billion that economist Alan Maguire, a member of the committee, said is needed for other road projects. The panel will finalize its recommendations for raising that much money later this month. That includes

“

not just likely higher costs for motorists at the pump but figuring out the best way to ensure that the increasing number of Arizonans who are buying all-electric vehicles pay their fair share of road construction and maintenance. One way to do that is by tracking motorists. But David Williams, vice president of Knight Transportation, said that’s likely a non-starter with the public.

a three-fourths vote of both the House and Senate. But Worsley, who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, said he’s convinced there is enough interest in the issue on both sides of the aisle to get the necessary margin. Central to the issue is that tax revenues have not kept pace with construction needs. Since 1996, for example, the amount collected in gasoline taxes has increased by just 36 percent, a figure that tracks the number of We underestimate the public gallons sold. In fact, the number feeling of being tracked. of gallons sold this past year is —David Williams actually less than in 2007. Yet the state Department of Once the committee finishes its work, Transportation reports the number of it then will fall to Sen. Bob Worsley, vehicle miles traveled has gone up close R-Mesa, to sell the proposal—and to 55 percent in the same period. the likely tax hikes it will take—to his It’s not just that the gasoline tax has colleagues. That leaves the question of remained static at 18 cents a gallon since whether there’s the political will to tell 1991, even as the price of fuel has gone constituents their taxes and fees are up. There’s also the fact that vehicles are going up. more fuel efficient. One hurdle is that it will take Several counties are levying sales taxes bipartisan cooperation, as any new tax to fund their own new roads and regional or increase in an existing one requires freeways. But that does not solve the

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underlying statewide funding shortage. At this point, Worsley said the likely package will include an absolute hike in the gas tax. Alternate fuel vehicles pose a different problem. All-electric cars pay no gasoline tax. And hybrids generally get much better fuel mileage, meaning less gasoline purchased. But the real key, Worsley said, is a fee to compensate for the lack of gas tax revenues. One option is a “vehicle mileage tax.” Williams said the trucking industry already uses technology to track vehicles through global positioning. But he said it’s quite something else to impose that on owners of private vehicles. “There are privacy issues,” he said. “I think we underestimate the public feeling of being tracked.” And there’s something else: He said it’s possible to cheat using a GPS jammer. “So, they could leave the house and drive for four hours and come back to the house, and nobody knows they ever left,” Williams explained.

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Jenny Bernot of Arizona Rescue said Dax “is a majestic, dapper fellow with the most beautiful coloring you’ve ever seen.” A 2-year-old Catahoula mix, he was “so terrified of people, they had to use a snare to catch him,” but now he “wears a big smile and has a continually wagging tail.” He loves hugs, belly rubs and kisses and likes other dogs as much as humans, she said. “Dax loves being outside with his buddies, exploring and partaking in activities such as walking, jogging, rolling around in grass, and sniffing out ground squirrels when he comes across their burrows. Dax walks well on the leash and enjoys car rides.” Bernot added. “Dax enjoys toys and a good bone to chew, but his pawsdown favorite is treats,” she said, adding, “ W h o e ve r adopts him will find they’ve won the doggie lottery with our Dax.” Information: azrescue.org Paul Bunyan is a 6-year-old English Mastiff/Great Dane mix.

Paul Bunyan is the name that Shauna Michael of the Arizona Animal Welfare League said rescuers gave a 6-year-old English Mastiff/Great Dane mix. “This gentle giant loves everyone he meets, likes to go for casual walks and adores snuggling up with his people. Paul gets along with most dogs, and would be a wonderful fit for an easy going family who can give him an extra-large bed to call his own,” she said. Information: 602-273-6852 ext.116. Janelle Cosgrove said Arizona Friends for Life has a dog and a cat looking for new homes. The dog, Pilgrim, was found a few weeks ago with severely matted fur and bad teeth, but shelter workers got him to a dentist and a bath and he’s ready to meet new masters. His adoption fee is $50 and he is neutered, licensed, vaccinated and tested negative for heartworm.

Meanwhile, Tish is a brown tabby cat between 2 and 3 years old. Cosgrove said, “Tish is social and loving. She is affectionate so expect she’ll want to snuggle with you.” The cat is altered, vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed and tested for FELV/FIV. Her adoption fee is $85. For either Pilgrim or Tish: 480497-8296, azfriends.org, or ﬄdogs@ azfriends.org.

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DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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At night, Simpson's front yard becomes a Christmas wonderland.

The front yard of Jim Simpson's home is laden with decorations he has collected for years.

Simpson's "Santa Village" collection comprises ornaments he collected around the world.

Ahwatukee man’s home laden inside and out with signs of the holiday season BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

tep into Jim Simpson’s home and you are instantly in a world devoted to Christmas. Actually, even before you enter, his front lawn at 2313 E. Taxidea Way, Ahwatukee, already sets the stage with dozens of ornaments, blowups, lights and other holiday décor that say “Merry Christmas” in a bold and bright way. From 6-9 p.m. today, people can see the world beyond that lawn when Simpson holds an open house. All he requests is a nonperishable food item to be donated to a local food bank. Simpson, whose home won the Ahwatukee Foothills News’ first Holiday Lights Contest, sports decorations and collections of decorations in every nook and cranny of the home he has lived in since 1992, about 13 years after he moved to Arizona from Chicago.

One wall is festooned with Christmas angels from top to bottom. Another wall brims with nutcrackers from around the world. Fireplace mantles and shelves are laden with Christmas houses, Santa villages and ornaments, some he has had since he was a child. Among the train sets on display, one circles a 12-foot Christmas tree loaded with lights and ornaments. From the curb to the backyard wall, more than 30,000 lights glow at night, illuminating Christmas trees, Santa Clauses and elves and other holiday figurines. His collection of Santa Claus figurines alone represents artifacts from 110 countries. His home is packed with so many Christmas decorations that at times he has difficulty find the plugs to set them aglow. Many of the exhibits move as well, often to the well-known holiday tunes that emanate from speakers, clocks and

Christmas music boxes. Asked why he goes all out this time of year, he simply replies, “I like Christmas and just started doing it in 1992 and this is what it’s grown into.” He starts work on each year’s display well before monsoon season ends, carefully extracting each individually wrapped ornament from some 250 large boxes that contain hundreds of smaller boxes with ornaments. He figures set-up takes a minimum 165 hours. When he’s ready to attack the outdoor work, he gets a dispensation from his homeowners association to start ahead of its allowable 30-days-before-Chrstmas window for outside displays. It takes him weeks to put all that décor carefully away. “The problem now is we’re kind of running out of space,” he said. But the work doesn’t much matter. Simpson looks at it all as a labor of love. He rarely stops thinking of Christmas

throughout the year, buying more ornaments and decorations at stores both in the U.S. and abroad as well as online. If there’s a place with a Christmas department or Christmas store, I can find real quick,” he said. “Some have been given to us by people. Our neighbors have family in Sweden and they came to our house with an ornament and told us, ‘We heard about your house in Sweden,’” he added. Don’t bother asking him his favorite decoration. When asked, he looks around and shrugs with indecision. “Everyone asks me that, but I really don’t,” he said. “Maybe it’s the 12-foot tree with ornaments from around the world.” Simpson, who will dress as Santa tonight for his guests, is a retired forensic therapist for the court system who was charged with determining defendants’ See

HOUSE on page 23

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HOUSE

who have taken them, tied them up and dragged them down the street with a car from page 21 and, once, set them on fire. On the other hand, his neighbors “are fitness for trial. Retirement has made setting up his awfully good about watching out” for displays a little easier, though it also him. Few of those neighbors even bother gives him more time to shop for more to compete with even a single outside decorations. However, he added, “Over the years decoration. One sets up arrows just we’ve gotten pickier about what we want.” pointing to Simpson’s home. The open house has been free of any The biggest drawback of maintaining his display is the ever-present danger of criminal incidents or accidents even though hundreds will walk through. vandals. “We’ve never had a problem with Outside decorations he can’t anchor to the ground or the house are brought people breaking anything or stealing,” he inside every night because his out-of-the- said. “People have been very respectful.” To make the tours manageable, way home has been targeted by vandals Simpson lays paper arrows guiding visitors through each room, from the holly and tinseldecorated alcove to the dining room table where figurines tell the story “The Night Before Christmas.” He admits he faces one Over the years Simpson has collected more than a dozen unique "Santa annual challenge houses" from stores, flea markets and online. of magnitude:

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Parents applaud as Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori owner Meaghan McClurg, left, introduces her students and their presentation of "The Night Before Christmas."

(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)

Oliver Vij plays Comet the reindeer as he belts out a Christmas carol.

(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)

Students who portrayed Santa's reindeers during the presentation included, from left, Prachetas Pavamana, Fernanado Gil, Oliver Vij and Aaliyah Creevy.

(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)

Maximus Gomez, as Santa's reindeer Dancer, struggles with his antlers.

Horizon Honors ends tuition for its all-day kindergarten program AFN NEWS STAFF

he competition for student bodies has prompted an Ahwatukee public charter school to discard tuition for its all-day kindergarten program and make it free instead. Horizon Honors Elementary said that starting next fall, it will no longer charge $1,950 tuition and instead open up its all-day K program for free. “This is a big change for us,” said Horizon spokeswoman Melissa Hartley. “We have seen declining enrollment in our kindergarten program, most likely due to

free full day options at other area schools.” Kyrene and most other area school districts have had all-day K for free for a number of years even though the state will pay for only a half day. Estimates are it would take another $260 million annually for the state to cover all-day kindergarten programs in all Arizona school districts. Kyrene helps cover the difference with the help of a voter-approved override while districts such as Chandler and Mesa simply pay for the program out of their maintenance and operations budgets.

Kyrene officials see all-day K and expanded early-education programs for pre-kindergarten children as a way it can compete with other districts to attract more students. The district has seen declining enrollment and sees schools like Horizon, private charters and even neighboring public school systems as competitors. There has also been some indication that birth rates in the district have declined and that Kyrene is seeing fewer younger couples move into the district. Hartley said Horizon currently has 80 kindergarteners and that it will have the capacity for an additional 40 next fall.

It currently can handle 100 kids in the program. Besides a curriculum based on Arizona College and Career Readiness standards, Horizon’s all-day K offers music, technology and Spanish classes. In an anticipation of an increased interest in its all-day kindergarten program, Horizon has set up a lottery at horizonclc.org. Parents must fill out a form for the lottery by Jan. 16. To be eligible for enrollment in 201718, students must be turning 5 years old by Aug. 31. Information: horizonclc.org/kindergarten.

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Desert Pointe Garden Club slates bird discussion

The Desert Pointe Garden Club will hear a talk about bbackyard birds at 9 a.m. Jan. 2 at Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive, Ahwatukee. Paul Halesworth, owner of Wildwing Rehabilitation in Ahwatukee, will present the program. Desert Pointe Garden Club meets monthly, September through May and sponsors a number of projects for the community. New members are welcome. It is not necessary to belong to Ahwatukee Recreation Center to become a member. Information: 480-785-0061 or dpgc.org.

Outgoing Kyrene school board member honored

Michelle Hirsch, who is retiring from the Kyrene Governing Board member after eighth years, recently was honored with the Arizona School Boards Association’s “All-Arizona School Board Member” award. The association’s highest award goes to five board members from around the state annually for exemplifying good practices. Hirsch was selected for leading the

development of a non-discrimination policy for employees and helping to form a Fine Arts Integration program at two school. She also established a numerical system for school buses that made it easier for students to determine the right bus to be on, planning an online town hall meeting between school officials and the public. She also won considerable praise for initiating an electronic system that allows board members to signal their wanting to speak during meetings Tempe Vice Mayor Onnie Shekerjian said, “Michelle’s proven record of service and leadership during her entire two elected terms has consistently demonstrated the highest level of commitment to serving as a governing board member who is truly focused on working for what is best for all students.”

Outstanding Ahwatukee youths sought for awards

The city of Phoenix Youth and Education Office is accepting applications for the 2017 Outstanding Young Man/Young Woman of the Year awards. The program recognizes and honors outstanding achievements by young

people, enhances the perception of youth and raises community awareness of the positive contributions of youth. The awards are open to any students currently enrolled in a high school in Phoenix or who live within Phoenix city limits. One young man and one young woman will be selected as winners from each city council district and receive $500. Each district-level winner also will be eligible for an additional $2,000 award selected as the citywide winner. Students interested in applying will need to write an essay, submit a recommendation letter and proof of legal residence in the United States. Finalists will be interviewed by judges, including members of the Phoenix Rotary 100 and Soroptimist International of Phoenix. District award winners will be invited to a luncheon sponsored by Rotary 100 and Soroptimist International where the citywide award winners will be announced. Apply at phoenix.gov/education/ outstanding-young-man-woman/awardapplication before 5 p.m. Feb. 12.

Precision Air holding college scholarship contest

Precision Air & Heating of Chandler is sponsoring a scholarship contest that is open to all two-year-and four-year students, including those who will be freshmen next September. Applications for the $1,000 scholarship are being accepted through April 30. The Chandler company is especially interested in students majoring in business-related subjects. To submit an entry, applicants are asked to write a 500 to 800-word essay on “What do you believe are some of the most important advancements in how small businesses can thrive and survive in a competitive landscape against the larger corporations?” Details: precisionairandheating.com/ scholarships.

Line-dancing expert’s classes offer cardio workout

Award winning Ahwatukee instructor Carrie McNeish is offering line-dancing beginner, intermediate and advanced classes for cardio fitness starting the first See

AROUND on page 25

Choose Kyrene. Your top-rated public school district. • Multiple early childhood programs for children ages 0-5 years old • STEM, integrated technology and gifted programs in all schools • Leader in Me Academies – 7 Habits of Happy Kids (K-5th) • Dual language opportunities (PreK-8th) • Kyrene Traditional Academy (PreK-6th) • Elementary and middle school arts integration • Students outperform peers in AzMERIT Math and ELA assessments

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

Akimel-A-al students mentor younger Estrella pupils in unique elective BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

aiden Walker and Logan Clayton sat in a corridor at Estrella Elementary School in Ahwatukee one day last week, patiently waiting for a group of first graders to come back from lunch so they could help them with their school work. In another room, Paige Horton and Morgan Bradley rehearsed “O Christmas Tree” with four fourth graders in preparation for a miniconcert. And in the Estrella library, Hailey Dawson and Taryn Glersh prepared to play some educational games with third graders. All six, between 13 and 14 years old, are among the 41 Akimel-A-al Middle School students who walk over to adjacent Estrella four lunch hours a week to teach art, music, games and regular academic subjects to children not that much younger than them. They are part of an elective leadership class conducted by Akimel math teacher Brian Schanerman and designed by Estrella Principal Michael Lamp and Akimel’s principal, Stephanie Phillips. For most of the Akimel students, the program is an extension of their experience in MiniTown, a Kyrene program designed to increase participants’ self-esteem, mutual respect, understanding and acceptance of all cultures, ethnic groups, religious faiths and gender. Seventh and eighth graders participate in the weekend-long camp in the hope of bringing that spirit back to their schools to create “a more accepting and united campus,” according to Kyrene’s program description. “We were looking for kids that have been outwardly supportive of the school, maintain good grades and who have attended Minitown,” Schanerman said of the inaugural “I-class.” A new group of students will participate next semester. The students, who volunteer to participate, took to the program as soon as they were selected. Echoing the feelings of many of his classmates, Logan said he signed up to mentor because “it’s something different.” One day early in the fall semester, they participated in an assembly at Estrella where “they almost hawked their product, showed off what they were doing” since every elementary student is free to decide what mentor and program they want to work with on any given day. The mentors came up with a broad range of activities, from helping students with difficult subjects to learning the basics of subjects they haven’t been exposed to much yet, such as art, music, drama and some sports such as soccer. Paige and Morgan have been in honors choir

at Akimel for three years, so they wanted to teach kids to sing. They attracted Vanessa Martinez, Elena Russell and Laci Lopez, who practiced with the two junior mentors for several weeks on “O Christmas Tree.” The instruction was not without challenges, Paige and Morgan said. “It’s kind of hard to get fifth graders to pay attention,” Paige explained. But their work paid off. Vanessa said, “We love working with them. They are super nice and we just learn something new with them every day.” Paige said she was proud of the girls, explaining, “They put in a lot of effort.” Hailey said she enjoys playing games with the third-graders, partly becayse “they’re very entertaining.” “They’re pretty energetic and playful,” she added. “We have to continually bring up new things for them to play.” But her colleague Taryn said it’s worth it. “I like to see these kids come out of their shell. A lot of times, they kind of hold back, but after a while, they open up and join in the fun,” she added. Schanerman spends the approximate half hour the class is visiting Estrella running around from group to group across a broad portion of the school grounds. Some are playing with kids on the playground out back. Others gather on the back of the stage or in classrooms. Some meet with their mentors in the library. Schanerman volunteered to lead the Akimel mentors because “it sounded interesting” when the idea was first hatched in the summer. “We had to come up with a plan to keep that many students involved,” he explained. “We had to make it more proactive.” He said, “I’m thrilled with it” and the results the program has yielded on both sides. “I’m impressed with my students. They have responded in a really mature way. The kids are great and they are responsible.” As for the youngsters who are mentored, they too enjoy the interaction. Several students said it was their favorite class period while others said they preferred their student mentors to their teachers. “It’s already really popular” with Estrella students, Schanerman said. “I understand there’s a waiting list.” Some mentors also said they encountered an unexpected benefit: working with the younger kids have made them better equipped to deal with their own younger brothers and sisters at home.

Please recycle me.

(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)

Eighth-grader Maya Smith points out a word to Dillon McGrew, left, as Jackson Schwiddle waits his turn during a mentoring session by Akimel-A-al Middle School students at Estrella Elementary.

(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)

First-grader Ky-marah Hankins reads to her mentor, Kaitlyn Snyder, in the halls of Kyrene de la Estrella.

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DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Foothills Montessori students spread Christmas cheer PERSONAL TRAINING

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Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori students donated $625.80 from their Love Light Banks, matched by school owner Meaghan McClung, to purchase toys for the Salvation Army. This is the school's 21st year of helping the Salvation Army bring some Christmas cheer to needy kids. Pictured with the toys are, from left, front row: Trisha Kashyap, Pragna Sreekantan, Sofie Sott, Sahil Limaye, Siddharth Achanta, Ishanvi Munugala, Ishita Bhatia, Emily Westberg and Kelly Dai; back: Arjun Ladha, Claire Coe, Oliver Vij, Ajay Yellisetty, Aaliya Kalra, Shane Hollingsworth and Nihira Kulkarni.

Altadena students fight in good taste with 'cupcake wars' AFN News Staff

ore than 150 sixth-through eighth graders at Kyrene Altadena Middle School last week went to war—a cupcake war, that is. Taking her cue from the Food Network’s TV show, Paula Harrington, a family and consumer science teacher, enlisted her classes to make cupcakes and see whose were the tastiest. “The students were given the challenge of being required to use a cake mix and were taught adaptations to enhance the flavor and texture of the mix,” she said, adding, “Buttercream or cream cheese icing was made from scratch.” The students “worked in teams to select cupcake and icing flavors and to create a theme for their cupcake display that would support the winter theme of the competition.” Family and Consumer Science students learn about careers, food and nutrition and sewing. In addition to the Cupcake Wars competition, they

“created career path plans based on their strengths and interests and sewed pillow cases and backpacks,” Harrington said. The students responded to Harrington’s cupcake challenge with great enthusiasm. “The students thrived on the competition aspect of the challenge, at times being very secretive about their plans, speaking in hushed tones and covering planning sheets when discussing flavors or display ideas,” she said. “During the competition, energy in the kitchens ran high as the student bakers hurriedly prepared their cupcakes for judging,” she added. A team of judges consisting of 25 teachers and administrators judged the cupcakes on flavor, texture, presentation and creativity. Sixth graders Matthew Braun, Tristan Guerinot, Eoghan O’Neill, Darren Sutherland and Max Worthen, who See

CUPCAKES on page 28

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A tax credit donation is a sound investment. Students Succeed, Neighborhoods Thrive. Provides extracurricular learning Supports student achievement Quality schools enhance home values Tax credit donations provide for extracurricular activities such as band trips, sports, speech and debate, or field trips, which are generally not fully funded by school districts.

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Judges in the Kyrene Altadena Middle School cupcake war included, from left, Sharon Lilly, sixth grade social studies teacher; Jennifer Allison sixth grade science teacher; Principal James Martin and social studies teacher Kathy Nunez.

CUPCAKES

from page 27

dubbed their team “Santa’s Squad,” won their class competition with a red-velvetflavored cupcake they iced with, soft pink cream cheese and peppermint. They called their cupcakes “The Squad Special.” Also judged among the best were the “Santa’s Addiction” cupcakes made by eighth graders Morgan Twilegar, Anna Tobias, Morgan Zallar, Lauryn Sawinski, Jason Zach and Kelley Kriol.

AROUND

from page 25

week of January. No partner or experience is necessary. The 18-week sessions are being held at 5:30 on Tuesdays and 11:15 and 12:15 p.m. Thursdays at Pecos Community center in Ahwatukee. Information: 480-221-9090, cmcneish @cox.net, or dancemeetsfitness.net.

Gabriel’s Angels slates fund-raising golf tourney

www.kyrene.org 480-541-1000

Ahwatukee-based Gabriel’s Angels, a nonprofit founded in 2000 to provide therapy for abused children by using dogs, will hold its FORE! Paws Golf Tournament March 31 at Wildfire Golf Club. Some of the 185 pet therapy teams in Arizona will be on hand to cheer on golfers. There will be a raffle with high-value

Their team, “Santa’s Helpers,” made chocolate fudge cupcakes, iced with peppermint buttercream icing and topped with peppermint “dust” and a Hershey’s kiss. Each team in the competition made 24 cupcakes for a total of 720. “All of the cupcakes were edible,” Harrington replied when asked if any hit the trashcan. The left-over cupcakes were taken home by, or shared with friends of, the student bakers.

prizes and on-course contests, including a hole-in-one opportunity to win a Porsche provided by North Scottsdale Porsche. Continental breakfast and an awards luncheon are included for each golfer. Sponsorship and golf registration are available, with sponsorship beginning at $250 and foursomes at $900. Information: 602-266-0875 or gabrielsangels.org.

Milenio Elementary launches month-long shoe drive

The Milenio Elementary PTO is collecting new and gently worn used shoes to raise money for student classrooms and learning materials. The shoes are sold to “micro-enterprise vendors, small businesses in developing nations that are typically owned by individuals or families. The drive extends through Jan. 30. Shoes can be dropped off at the front office, 4630 E. Frye Road, Ahwatukee.

OPINION

DECEMBER 21, 2016, | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Opinion

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Ahwatukee ‘elves’ remind us of the meaning of the season BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

f you have been reading the Ahwatukee Foothills News the last few weeks, you won’t be surprised to be told many community residents have been making Christmas merrier for others. And there’s no better time than now to give a shout out to some of Ahwatukee’s elves. Even before the holiday season “officially” began with Thanksgiving Day, Andi Pettyjohn, former Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club president, and Carolyn Blaney Arndt of Desert Foothills Methodist Church enlisted a group to serve a full Thanksgiving dinner to more than 300 kids from foster group homes. And, just days after the official kickoff of Christmas Season 2016, Janyce Hazlett, Susan Anderton and a slew of other volunteers treated the community to another brilliant season-long display of holiday lights along Chandler Boulevard as well as the 21st annual Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party to mark this gift. Additionally, no holiday season would be complete in Ahwatukee without dance instructor Kimberly Lewis, who works relentlessly to bring “The Nutcracker” to life in a way the great composer Tchaikovsky could only imagine when he wrote the score. Then there are the hundreds of kids and their parents who frolicked several weeks ago in 15 tons of snow at Foothills Baptist Church. They probably didn’t realize that

(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)

Even dogs as well as their human friends enjoyed the holiday treat served up by the Festival of Lights Committee at the 21st annual Kick-Off Party. Here, Winnie the Poodle, won the best costume award dressed as a Christmas tree during the pet parade, sponsored by Realtor Lisa Wunder. Winnie belongs to Katie Budolfson.

organizer Susan Burress organized the event with the help of many dedicated volunteers just like her. Even less known, perhaps, is Kim Tarnopolski, who helped found and helps run the local chapter of 100+ Women Who Care of the Valley of the Sun, which raises thousands of dollars annually for communitybased organizations that help local charities meet a variety of needs. And you might not have heard of Ahwatukee residents Lisa Gomez, Tina McDougall, Kerry Williams and Kris Maack and their band of elves, but you probably have heard about their work in organizing the creation and collection of thousands of gift-wrapped shoeboxes containing toys and needed items for poverty-stricken children

around the world. This year their work yielded nearly 77,000 boxes, an increase of 5,000 over last year’s tally. Raising cash for the Salvation Army to do its good work is what the agents at United Brokers Group have been doing all season by staging vigils at the army’s traditional red kettle outside Fry’s Supermarket at 36th Street and Ray Road. They’ve collected over $38,000 in the last three years. Lindsey Worthen, a member of the Ahwatukee chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, helped organize a nondenominational Christmas concert early this month for the fourth consecutive year. Maureen Davis and 120 other

local residents who volunteer with the Ahwatukee Family YMCA Outreach Program for Ahwatukee Seniors can’t be ignored. They have been providing transportation to medical appointments and, yes, some Christmas shopping destinations, for scores of elderly Ahwatukee residents who can’t get there on their own. Michelle Curry oversees a vast volunteer effort online, by pairing volunteers and agencies that could use their help through a network called justserve.org. Ahwatukee retiree Dean Cooper, who was a savings and loan bank president and a Cadillac salesman, has been lending a hand for three years now to teachers at Crockett Elementary School in Phoenix, helping pupils who often come from broken or impoverished families. The Knights of Columbus Council 10062 of Ahwatukee, based at the community’s two Catholic parishes, recently threw a huge shopping trip to the local JC Penney store for dozens of underprivileged youngsters. Their effort has been so successful that other Knights of Columbus councils throughout the state are replicating their efforts. That’s just a short list of the many Ahwatukee residents who donate time and treasure in the spirit of the holidays. Let their example be something to inspire us all and remind us of the true meaning of this season. And, on behalf of everyone at the Ahwatukee Foothills News, I wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah and much joy and peace to you and yours.

OPINION

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

LETTERS

AFN coverage of school board activity appreciated

As a retired school principal and teacher of 30 years, I would like to thank the AFN for keeping readers and residents informed of what is happening in our school district. Many people do not realize that a large portion of our taxes and secondary taxes go to schools. We all want schools to be funded so children learn because, as a society, we need

to be globally competitive and our citizens to be self-sufficient. Kyrene already has the nicest facilities I have seen, especially when compared to many of the Charter and Private schools which students are leaving to attend. Spending millions of additional dollars on building projects makes little sense. The existing Kyrene facilities are a result of taxpayer-approved bonds and overrides. Taxpayers approve these to allow more state funding to get directly to teachers

and students— not “bold” moves and decisions, using our tax dollars, made by a superintendent and governing board with no evidence to support that students from such new and costly buildings will result in students being anymore academically successful. In the business world, if a board makes a decision to expend revenue, it is to bring in further revenue. The decision is based upon careful research and scientifically calculated projections. The investment is most often a guarantee, and not based on anecdotal or “small scale” questionable surveys. A contingency plan would exist if the investment decision doesn’t pan out the way it’s expected. The Kyrene Governing Board’s default contingency plan is that they will all likely be out of office while homeowners are left making the additional real estate tax payments while students are no better prepared for their future and our teachers are no closer to the compensation they should receive. Prop 123 passed because we, as taxpayers, were told the additional revenue would directly go back to teachers and students. I have read articles where new and costly administrative director-level positions were created within the Kyrene School District. Since Prop 123 has been funded, Kyrene now has two “director of school effectiveness” positions they are filling in addition to a new “director of accountability.” I know enough about education to know that the single biggest impact on students is good teachers. I can’t seem to find anything which says

that adding more people at the very top, and at the salary listed on the website, is a direct benefit to the students. Let’s get back to properly educating students and maybe enrollment will go up. A shiny new car gets a lot of people to admire it, but when you try to drive it and it doesn’t perform the way it should, it doesn’t matter how great the car looks; no one wants it anymore. The same can be said for our schools. We all need to attend or watch more school board meetings to see how this is playing out, but I appreciate the AFN reporting for the community. -Nancy Dombrowski

things are okay for the child. Introduce the child to new people slowlyone or two at a time, instead of a large group setting.

nutritious snacks if necessary.

Do online errors reflect quality of English classes?

During the past year, I’ve noticed many grammatical errors in blogs, online commentaries, and the like. Simple things like plural subjects with singular verbs; misplaced commas or no comma when there should have been one; improper punctuation for possessive forms, and on and on. All of this begs the question—what in blazes are the kids being taught in their English classes? -Don Kennedy

Share Your Thoughts: Send your letters on local issues to: pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com

Please recycle me. Holidays’ sensory overload can affect children BY MARY CANNON AFN Guest Writer

he holidays can be a challenging time for families as they try to balance their normal routines with holiday traditions. Extended family obligations, community activities, and the normal routine of work or school can lead both children and adults to feel overwhelmed. Children can be affected by the sensory overload of crowds, lights, and sounds. Here are some tips to make the season a less stressful: If a child needs high amounts of stimulation: Run and play outside before going to

any events that include waiting in line. Give your child a massage before going to events where they will be expected to sit still. Bring a weighted vest for your child to wear during the event. At family events, ensure there are opportunities to play outside or engage in active indoor play. If a child is easily overstimulated: Be honest with family and friends in advance of the event about the child’s expectations. Set up a quiet area that the child can play in when they need a break from the excitement. Let the child know it’s okay if they don’t want to hug a family member, sit on Santa’s lap, or try a new food. Additionally, let the extended family know that these

For all children: Maintain routines. Children thrive on routine, and they will be happier if they are well rested and have eaten on schedule. Look at pictures of family members that you will see at events, especially those that they don’t see often. This will help those family members to seem less like strangers. Try video chatting with them in advance to help the children become familiar. Be aware of what children are eating. It’s easy to let good nutrition slide, but your child may be cranky or lethargic if they aren’t eating well. Bring your own

For parents: Keep your expectations low and go with the flow. Adults set the tone for children, so avoid getting rattled by challenging behaviors. Instead, find the joy in every circumstance. Feel empowered to say no to activities that won’t work for your child. Make sure to get enough sleep. Children won’t remember all the presents they got or the places that they went, but they will remember the time they spent with you. Be rested so you can enjoy that time. -Mary Cannon is a program manager with the Arizona Partnership for Children (AzPAC), a partnership between Catholic Charities Community Services and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Arizona. Information: catholiccharities.org.

OPINION

DECEMBER 21, 2016, | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Prop. 206 has unintended consequences for area care providers BY SHANA ELLIS AFN Guest Writer

aring for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities requires education, ongoing training and passion—like any skilled profession, it’s not for everyone. As a result, service providers, like The Centers for Habilitation (TCH), and our families value the care provided by direct-care professionals entrusted to work with our members on a daily basis. Since 2009, my organization, as part of our statewide association, has been advocating for the restoration of state funding that was previously cut. These cuts have made it next to impossible for TCH, along with other care providers across the East Valley and state, to pay our direct-care employees more

for the essential care they provide. As a result, service providers are experiencing staff turnover rates as high as 80 percent and direct-care workers’ pay is often below what big-box stores or fast-food chains can offer their employees. Prop. 206 will make it even more difficult for us and the entire provider network to retain existing staff and recruit replacements as staff can still choose to work at bigbox stores or fast-food chains and make the same amount of money for arguably less stressful work. Continuity of care for individuals with disabilities creates trust for the individual receiving care and peace of mind for the family. While increasing the minimum wage may have sounded like a simple solution to this problem, it will actually make the current state of affairs for this community worse.

PRACTICING SINCE 1998

Elizabeth Estes

The cost and reimbursement of our services is determined by the state of Arizona. This means that care providers cannot increase the cost of our services to cover the increase to wages. Absent appropriate increases in state funding to cover the higher employment costs of Prop. 206, care providers will be unable to absorb the cost of increased wages. Many service providers are planning to reduce services and some will be forced to close their doors as early as Jan. 1, leaving staff out of a job and many of the 30,000 individuals with disabilities having lost their caretaker. If no state funding is made available, the state is in jeopardy of losing the network that it relies upon to serve this vulnerable population. TCH and other service providers

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want and need to increase the wages of our direct-care workers— not only are they worth it, but the ability to recruit and retain more professionals to provide quality and consistent care to individuals with disabilities is critical at this juncture. We want to continue to serve this vulnerable population, but need the Legislature and the governor to increase funding for the care of those with disabilities as soon as possible during the 2017 legislative session. Otherwise, the passage of Prop. 206, coupled with the funding cuts of the past, will jeopardize the health and safety of Arizona’s most vulnerable residents.

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OPINION

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

May your days be filled with peace, hope and joy this holiday season. As always, thank you for your business, loyalty and support.

Our yard signs inspire confidence. Our Team delivers results!

Mike and Mary Jo Santistevan 480.703.4085 MaryJos@cox.net www.TeamSantistevan.com ÂŠ2014 BRER Affiliates LLC. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates LLC. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity. Based on GLVAR/ARMLS and other statistics deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Real Estate Guide Low mortgage rates beginning to disappear AFN NEWS SERVICES

ot only did the election of Donald Trump rock the U.S. political establishment, it has had a major inﬂuence on interest rates as well—resulting in the economy’s single biggest post-election shift, according to Realtor.com. Interest rates on 30-year conforming mortgages

have moved up by more than 50 basis points since the election on Nov. 8. (A single basis point is .01 percent.) That means that within just a few weeks, mortgage rates not seen in more than two years. So, what does that rate shift mean? “Well, it indicates an economy with very low inﬂation moving to one with more significant inﬂationary

pressures,” Realtor.com’s chief economist said. Long-term bonds and mortgages are less attractive to investors when inﬂation is higher, leading to lower prices for bonds and therefore higher interest rates. Interest rates on a 30-year fixed mortgage in Ahwatukee ranged See

LOW RATES on page RE2

3,921 sq.ft., 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom. Stunning single-level estate located in prestigious Ahwatukee Custom Estates.

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Bonny Holland

See Page 6

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Inviting single level with circular drive, courtyard and side entry garage. 4 br, 2.5 ba with 2,955 sq. ft. Kitchen features granite countertops, pull-out cabinetry, wine cooler and bar sink. Private backyard with lush tropical landscaping and custom play pool with sheer descent and spa.

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Mountain Park Ranch - Front

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Impeccable T.W. Lewis home with 5 br, 3 ba and 3,076 sq. ft. Spacious eat-in kitchen features black granite countertops and black appliances. One bedroom and full bath down with master suite and three secondary bedrooms upstairs. Resort-style backyard replete with amazing built-in kitchen, fire pit with seating, salt water pool and above ground spa.

Listed for $424,900

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REAL ESTATE

LOW RATES

from page 1

between 3.99 and 4.57 percent. In real terms, the movement in rates so far has increased mortgage payments by 7 percent. On a median-price home, that shift amounts to more than $750 in additional interest per year. Over the past five years of the housing recovery, rates have failed to stay above 4 percent. But things look different this time around. Rates are more likely to go up from here rather than down. And that means that now more than ever, potential buyers need to be working hard to secure the best rate possible on their own mortgage, Realtor.com advised. Here are some ways that you can improve the rate you are quoted: Shop around. Mortgage rates often vary from lender to lender, just like gas prices vary from station to station. Borrowers should put as much effort into finding the best mortgage for themselves as they do finding the best home. Compare rates, points, and fees. Ask for discounts. Leverage potential rate discounts from financial companies that already provide you services. Improve your credit score. If your credit is less than excellent, increasing your score by 25 basis points could result in a rate that’s lower by 10 basis points. Higher credit scores mean lower risk to lenders, and lower risk translates into lower rates. Pay for a discounted rate. Lenders will often offer a lower rate for a fixed fee paid upfront called a discount point. You can do the math to see if the cost of

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

the discount is worth the lower payment you would receive as a result. Put more money down. The more you put down, the less you’ll pay going forward. Consider a different loan product. Look at one has a shorter duration for the fixed rate. These “hybrid loans” combine features of a fixed-rate loan with those of an adjustable-rate loan. A 5/1 hybrid will offer a fixed rate for the first five years of the loan but will then move to align with market rates each year after the loan’s fifth anniversary. The average 5/1 conforming loan rate today is over 110 basis points lower than the average 30-year conforming rate. The reason the rate is so much lower is the borrower is taking on the longerterm rate risk. A 10/1 hybrid would maintain a fixed rate for 10 years, the normal tenure that many people live in their homes these days. In other words, for many borrowers, the 10/1 could result in the best deal in terms of interest. Sellers are not going to be receptive to taking a lower price just because your financing costs increased. But they might be more open to providing some funds for closing costs. To a buyer, $1,000 more on the price paid over a 30-year mortgage is worth a lot less than the same $1,000 provided at closing by the seller. Yet to the seller, they net the same. Just be careful that the appraised value will support the higher price. The other way to pay less is to simply find a lower-priced home.

(Special to AFN)

This home at 525 E. Mountain Sage Drive, Ahwatukee, recently sold for $792,000.

While all this might sound quite bleak, there is an upside to future borrowers as a result of higher rates: It’s getting easier to get a mortgage. The Credit Availability Index reported monthly by the Mortgage Bankers Association is at its highest level since 2007, when 30-year mortgage rates were above 6 percent. With higher rates, lenders are encouraged to take on more risk as they can make more money. Likewise, if they want to maintain their mortgage business, they have to more aggressively court the purchase market in order to

replace the volumes they have been doing in the refinance market. That means potential borrowers should be seeing more love from lenders even with low down payments, lower credit scores, and higher debt-to-income ratios. However, rates will likely be volatile day to day until we see more certainty about future fiscal and monetary policy in the U.S. If you are planning to buy, monitor rates specific to your area daily. Just keep this in mind: The long-term direction of rates is now higher, so you’ll want to act sooner rather than later to lock in a mortgage rate.

Reduce the chance of burglary when selling your home BY STACEY LYKINS AFN Guest Writer

ave you ever observed the trash that gets discarded after Christmas? Stacey Lykins The giant discarded TV boxes, the remote-controlled car box and other boxes? This screams, “We have very expensive new items in the house.” This is one example of a bad habit consumers and sellers can exhibit. As an agent, I try to advise my clients to be careful and take precautions, especially if the home is vacant. The holidays present another opportunity for thieves. Here are some ideas on how to keep your home safe while it’s listed for sale.

Keep your property maintained. Keeping the yard tidy, the grass manicured not only helps the home show better, but also can show potential burglars that the home is occupied and/or maintained. Get to know your neighbors. Show the home to your neighbors prior to listing it and give them your contact information. Invite them over to see your home with your agent before it goes on the market. They may know someone who might be interested in the home. More importantly, they will feel more comfortable calling you if they see something suspicious. Assess your home’s vulnerability. Observe your home from the curb. Ask yourself, “How would I get in if I were locked out?” The first thing you think

of is probably how a thief will get in. Thinking about how you would enter is the best way to fix those issues. Keep the home well-lighted. A criminal wants to stay in the dark. The last thing they want is to be seen. Automation makes keeping the home lit easy. You can get a few dawn-todusk lights, which makes the home look occupied. Keep doors locked. The FBI Uniform Crime Report says that in 30 percent of burglaries, the criminals access the home through an unlocked door or window; 34 percent of burglars use the front door to get inside; and 22 percent use the back door. Reinforce locks. Make sure your door jams are solid and provide a secure

foundation for the deadbolt. Put up security monitor signs. You do not need to have a monitored security system to put a sign in the front yard near the door. This is a good deterrent, because a thief does not suspect it is fake. Make a record of your valuables. It is not a bad idea to log serial numbers and take photos of your belongings. This will help you in case you need to file a claim with your insurance company While not your only considerations when selling a home, these pointers are a good reminder to make it less vulnerable to a crime. -Ahwatukee resident and associate broker Stacey Lykins, West USA, can be reached at 602-616-9971, S.Lykins@LykinsProperties. com or LykinsProperties.com.

REAL ESTATE

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

High demand, low inventory fuel rising home values BY ANDY WARREN AFN Guest Writer

s inventory remains low and demand increases, home values have reached new Andy Warren heights across the nation, surpassing their previous peak from July 2006, according to Zillow’s September Real Estate Market Report. The report indicates home values rose 5.5 percent year-over-year, up from the 5.1 percent annual gain in August to a median home value of $189,400. The numbers show that prices are growing at their fastest pace in more than two years As the year comes to a close it looks as though this upward pricing trend is firmly entrenched and will likely continue at a slightly slower pace through September 2017. Why? According to Zillow, the overall median number of homes listed for sale on Zillow’s website (seasonally adjuststed) fell 5.9 percent from a year ago, representing the 20th straight month of annual inventory declines. Combined with a rising demand, many markets around the nation will begin to see more competition as multiple buyers vie for the same home. This is good news for sellers. According to the latest data available

from Zillow’s Group Consumer Housing Trends Report, the average home search now takes 4.2 months and only 46 percent of buyers get the first home they make an offer on. That situation could get even more diﬃcult for buyers later on in 2017 because many entering the market will be first-timers without a previous home to release back into the pool of inventory. For homebuyers, this is a clear indicator that it might be smart to think about entering the market sooner rather than later. Despite the low inventory, however, home sales have actually continued to rise, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It reported that August sales of newly constructed homes were up more than 20 (Special to AFN) percent year-overyear. Likewise, the National Association of Realtors reported the number of existing homes sold in September rose 0.6 percent yearover-year. Preliminary Zillow research shows that new listings coming into the market have remained rougly the same over the past few years, and the shrinking inventory has more to do with the increasing number of buyers entering the market. -Andy Warren is president of Arizona homebuilder Maracay Homes, a member of the TRI Pointe Group (NYSE:TPH. Information: www.maracayhomes.com.

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Fox Crossing

$349,900 Here it is! Single level, 4 bedroom, split floor plan, pool and 3 car garage sitting on an North-South lot just steps away from park! Light and bright with separate living and family room. Large eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, built-in microwave. Tile floors, plantation shutters, neutral colors. Large master bedroom and bathroom with separate shower/tub and huge walk in closet. Nice covered patio facing North overlooking cute play pool. Over sized secondary bedrooms, inside laundry and cabinets in the garage and beautiful landscaping. Steps away Basha elementary. Don’t miss this home! If you show it, you will sell it!

The Foothills

$465,000 Wow! Don’t miss this 3311 square foot 4 bedroom plus game room and bonus room that can easily be 5th bedroom downstairs with 3.5 Bathrooms! Sitting in a cul-de-sac! New kitchen remodel 2012 with upgraded raised cabinets, granite counters and stainless steel appliances! Slate floors, upgraded custom paint. Large open kitchen area to family room has 20 foot ceilings, two way fireplace to huge game room. Large master upstairs with walk out deck to amazing mountain and city light views. More mountain preserve across the street from the home! Backyard oasis with built-in bbq, out door custom fireplace and spa. Wood blinds and sunscreens throughout. 2 15 Seer a/c units installed 12/14. This home is a 10! If you show it, you will sell it!

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Amazing gated Canyon Verde 6 bdrm Forte semi-custom home sitting on a lot surrounded by mtn preserve and the Club West golf course on 3 sides.Foyer opens to spacious formal living and formal dining rooms including a 300+ bottle wine cellar/ wet bar. Beautiful gourmet kitchen w/Viking appliances, kitchen island w/breakfast bar, granite counters,custom cabinets, breakfast nook w/panoramic views and a walk-in pantry. Lg family room w/Nuvo Whole House Audio System, custom stone fireplace. Downstairs media room w/7.1 Dolby surround sound and HD projector. Another bdrm downstairs with its own bathroom. Spacious master bdrm suite with private covered balcony/patio. Luxury master bath with dual sinks, custom cabinets, stone counters, stone walk-in shower and tub with jets and a walk-in closet. Over sized guest bdrms and custom bath with granite counters, dual sinks and stone shower.Absolutely stunning resort backyard with dual covered patios, outdoor dining area with bar top, built-in BBQ, 2 fire pits with separate seating area, custom pebble tech play pool with rock waterfall and spa with water feature. Lg grass area, side yard sports court and beautiful private mtn views. Large laundry area with granite counters. 3 car garage with cabinets. Excellent Kyrene schools. To show is to sell!

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REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

Ahwatukee homes sold 85044 $164,500 $169,000 $170,000 $175,000 $177,000 $180,000 $187,000 $187,500 $215,000 $222,000 $225,000 $267,000 $285,000 $285,000 $290,000 $307,500 $329,000 $351,000 $367,500 $373,500 $410,000 $429,000 $600,000

8840 S. 51st St. 4240 E. Mandan St. 8833 S. 48th St. 12221 S. Paiute St. 4610 E. Capistrano Ave. 11824 S. Magic Stone Drive 12802 S. 50th Way 12405 S. Paiute St. 12851 S. Kosh St. 13622 S. 41st Place 11071 S. Pewaukee St. 4638 E. Summerhaven Drive 4712 E. Euclid Ave. 12039 S. 44th St. 4514 E. Dry Creek Road 4501 E. Pearce Road 9234 S. 51st St. 4629 E. Desert Willow Road 15030 S. 44th Place 15016 S. 40th Place 3602 E. Mountain Sky Ave. 14602 S. 44th St. 3701 E. Nowata Drive

85054 $255,500 $270,000 $290,500 $319,500 $372,000 $398,000 $491,000

85048 $157,000 $172,000 $215,800 $218,000 $225,000 $230,000 $234,000 $235,000 $236,000 $243,500 $246,500 $247,000 $280,000 $288,000 $298,000 $311,000

41 W. Mountain Sage Drive 3005 W. Glenhaven Drive 16040 S. 17th Lane 1725 W. Cathedral Rock Drive 726 W. Brookwood Court 2746 W. Silver Fox Way 16059 S. 14th Drive

$321,000 $342,000 $345,000 $347,500 $349,500 $355,000 $359,000 $395,000 $495,000

954 E. Mountain Sky Ave. 1442 E. Briarwood Terrace 3628 E. Cedarwood Lane 16822 S. 35th St. 16214 S. 34th Way 2329 E. Rockledge Road 16267 S. 13th St. 1330 E. Desert Trumpet Road 14244 S. 8th St.

16013 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy. 16013 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy. 16605 S. 46th Place 16410 S. 12th St. 4206 E. Frye Road 1024 E. Frye Road 4516 E. Windsong Drive 4106 E. Tanglewood Drive 16239 S. 40th Place 16217 S. 34th Way 2762 E. Desert Trumpet Road 1459 E. South Fork Drive 1041 E. Silverwood Drive 901 E. Verbena Drive 2744 E. Thunderhill Place 3216 E. Hiddenview Drive

Staging helps sell your home—and at a higher price BY BONNY HOLLAND AFN Guest Writer

e know from historical cycles that the best time Bonny Holland to try and sell your home in Ahwatukee is in the spring. The housing market valley-wide has seen significant recovery over the last 24 month, and 2017 is predicted by many sources to be a very good year for the Phoenix market. If you’re thinking of selling next year, the time to start preparing is now. One of the best ways for your home to stand out from the competition is staging. What is staging? Barb Schwartz, president of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, says, “Staging is preparing a home for sale so the buyer can mentally move in.” The National Association of Realtors has completed national studies that show the top four reasons to stage your home are: You will make more money. Staged homes sell on average 6 percent above the asking price and spend half the amount of time on the market as a home that is not staged.

BONNY HOLLAND

the most appropriate storage place. Coat closets are for coats, and maybe a vacuum. Pantries are for food and bulk storage. As you go from room to room, reorganize, clean and sort everything into place using these three categories. The first is Keep. Keepers have two categories: need it now and put it back. Use decorative tubs and bins for shelf storage, organize remaining items and leave some empty space. If you don’t need it for awhile, store it. Use clear plastic bins to store personal family photos, religious symbols, collectables, memorabilia, clear crystal, and small accessories. If you are having trouble deciding, just ask yourself “Do I love it?” If you don’t, then it goes to one of the other categories. The second category is Sell/donate. Something you’re done with; someone else might like to have it. Take photos of these items and try posting items of value online to sell and if they haven’t sold in 30 days, then donate them. Use the boxes for donations, and be sure

-Bonny Holland, of Keller Williams, Sonoran Living in Ahwatukee Foothills, can be reached at 602-369-1085, leadingluxuryexperts.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

14625 S Presario Trail

14203 S 2nd Street

SOLD!

7,506sqft, 5 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom. Truly one of a kind, luxurious hillside estate nestled beautifully in the prestigious gated community of Whistling Rock.

$1,500,000

SOLD!

4,068sqft, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom. Elegant single level custom estate in the South Mountain hillside gated community of Summerhill.

$1,100,000

SOUTH MOUNTAIN

TAPESTRY CANYON

HIDDEN CANYON

SUMMERHILL

14609 S 1st Street

946 E Desert Flower Lane

SOLD!

SOLD OVER LIST PRICE!

4,396sqft, 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom. Elegant single level 5 bedroom custom home in the highly sought hillside gated community of Summerhill.

THE SANCTUARY

$980,000

3,611sqft, 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom. Stunning 3,611sqft single level on one of a kind premium South Mountain lot!

BLACK ROCK CANYON

$775,000

SOLD!

9,475sqft, 6 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom. Absolutely elegant custom hillside estate in the pristine gated community of Summerhill.

$1,900,000

Each Keller Williams Office is Independently Owned and Operated

14251 S 14th Street

SOLD!

5,800sqft, 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom. Exquisite mountainside masterpiece nestled perfectly on a 3.28 acre lot in the pristine gated community of Tapestry Canyon.

$1,225,000

8037 S 38th Place

SOLD!

5,847sqft, 4 bedroom, 7 bathroom. Incredible custom home nestled on the base of South Mountain with amazing city light views!

$1,050,000

1917 E Brookwood Court

SOLD!

4,049sqft, 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom. Gorgeous hillside custom in the mountainous gated community of The Sanctuary.

$920,000

B onny@LeadingLuxur yExper ts.com • w w w.LeadingLuxur yE xper ts.com • 602.369.1085

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to make a list for your taxes. Get these items out of the house. The final category is Trash it. Use the bags for trash and disposal. If you haven’t used it in five years, and no one else would want it, toss it. Be sure to recycle and add a box for shredding. If you deep clean as you go through these three categories, you are 90 percent ready to put your home on the market. At this point, you should consult with a home stager to visit your home and give you a valuable assessment of how to best present your home to the marketplace. Today’s buyers want upgrades, if you don’t have many upgrades, you should do some. If you have the upgrades, this will help you sell the home. Less is more when it comes to staging. A professional can guide you to make the best investment for the maximum results.

Ahwatukee Resident Since 1992 WHISTLING ROCK

14401 S Presario Trail

Your home will sell faster. The longer a home stays on the market, the price continues to lower. You will make your money back. The average money spent on staging is 1-3 percent of the homes asking price, which then generates an approximate return on that investment of 8-10 percent. Your online photos will stand out. The NAR survey shows that 90 percent of buyers search online first and many times the photos determine the short list. Visibility is a major key to attract buyers to your home. Sandy Salazar, an Ahwatukee resident who owns Agave Staging Professional, has some tips on readying a home to sell. “Spring cleaning is the best way to start to prepare your home for sale,” she advises. Pick a weekend to start and allow enough time to recruit family members. Plan ahead so that you will have ample supplies of boxes, trash bags, cleaning supplies, large clear tubs, decorative bins or baskets, tape, labels and markers. Be prepared to make a mess first. Start in the closets. Sort out everything from one end to the other. If you are storing luggage in the master closet, move it to

Top Producer in Ahwatukee 2016

Leading Luxury Home Experts SUMMERHILL

REAL ESTATE

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

14841 S 7th Street

SOLD!

3,152sqft, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom. Fabulous single level custom home in the prestigious gated community of Black Rock Canyon.

$729,000

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REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

SPOTLIGHT TLIGHT home

Equestrian Estates Amazing sunset and mountain views from updated single level. 4 br, 3 ba with 3,056 sq. ft. Spacious eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Zebrawood plank tile and wood flooring. Resort-style backyard with retractable door, multiple fire pits with seating, diving pool with waterfall, built-in BBQ with bar, in-ground trampoline and tropical landscaping.

Listed for $649,000

Mike Mendoza kw® SONORAN LIVING 480.706.7234 KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY www.MendozaTeam.com 15003 S 7th Street Gorgeous hillside custom home in the pristine gated community of Black Rock Canyon. Elegant finishes include wood cased windows, travertine and wood floors. Mountain views in all directions! Beautiful front entry leads to custom iron front door. Foyer opens to spacious formal living room with fire place and mountain views. Formal dining room adjacent to full wet bar with granite counters, custom cabinetry and wine rack. Beautiful family room with entertainment niches and stoned fire place. Gorgeous gourmet kitchen with granite counters, custom cabinetry, kitchen island and breakfast room with granite built-in desk and cabinets. Huge master bedroom suite with sitting room, private patio access and fire place. Stunning master bathroom with granite counters, dual sinks, custom stone spa-like tub with jets, stone walk-in shower and walk-in closet with built-in cabinets and shoe rack. Private hillside backyard with covered patio, outdoor dining area, custom play pool with rock waterfall, elevated spa and grass area all surrounded by mature luscious landscape and private mountain views. 3 spacious guest bedroom, custom guest bathroom, powder room and inside laundry room with granite counters and cabinetry. 3-car garage. This home has it all! Fabulous curb appeal. Excellent Kyrene Schools. Great Ahwatukee Location!

Stunning single-level estate located in prestigious Ahwatukee Custom Estates. Almost 4000 sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath plus executive office. Perfect floorplan. Gated courtyard entry. Great room w/ fireplace. Formal dining room. Kitchen includes S/S appliances, custom cabinets, cooktop, large island, skylight & walk-in pantry. Breakfast room overlooking front courtyard. Large master suite, master bath with dual vanities, Jacuzzi tub, snail shower & his/her closets. Secondary bedrooms w/walk-in closets, guest quarters, teen suite, 2nd master on the opposite end of house, perfect for multi-generational families & teens. Tranquil backyard w/pebble sheen pool, rock waterfall, firepit, covered patio, palm trees, mature landscaping & observation deck w/South Mountain views. A truly special home, the possibilities are endless!

Listed for $698,000

Listed for $749,900

Geno Ross 602.751.2121 • www.GenoRoss.com

Bonny Holland

SONORAN LIVING

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

602.369.1085 • www.LeadingLuxuryExperts.com

REAL ESTATE

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Ahwatukee’s #1 Team for Over 28 Years

480-706-7234

Mike Mendoza

www.MendozaTeam.com

(Special to AFN)

Buyers and sellers in Ahwatukee should start making plans now BY CHRISTIE ELLIS AFN Guest Writer

ou may have seen the information on social media, it was probably a post from a Christie Ellis Realtor or a lender, about what 2017 is going to look like for the Phoenix real estate market. We are projected to be the top real estate market in the country. Is this trend going to translate to Ahwatukee homes? If you are a buyer or seller here, you may be wondering how this is going to affect your 2017 plans. Let’s start with where we are now. Coming off of an election year, and the typical seasonal slowdown during the holidays, we have had a drop in median price and the number of sales over the past 30 days across all three Ahwatukee zip codes. This is somewhat expected, so no surprises here. What tends to happen now is the boomerang effect: Those who waited in 2016 will be coming forward in 2017, creating the higher demand. Club West’s appreciation future is a wild card, but it looks brighter if the homeowners work out a plan to purchase the golf course. I went to the meeting held at Mountain Park Community Church and there was a nice turnout. But considering there are 2,559 homes in Club West, more interest would have been better. The goal of Save Club West is to raise $4 million for the purchase, updating and private management of the golf course. They outlined one of three ways this is possible. If you as a homeowner chose to invest in the purchase, your investment will be transferable to future buyers of your property. That could lead to a more desirable resale for a homeowner. Perks could be

free golf, discounted hospitality and possibly others to be determined. Jim Lindstrom has the business plan. I highly recommend you email him for a copy. His email is james.lindstrom@cox.net. Regardless of where you live in Ahwatukee, buyers may want to start thinking sooner rather than later to look at properties. We have been, and will continue to stay, in a sellers market, but come March, April and May, we usually see more buyers out there. Be ready to go when you find a property you want. This means have your lending conversations now and get your prequalification letter. The Fed raised rates and we are looking at increases over the next year. But we are ok with this because they are still historically low. Can anyone remember the 18-percent interest rate days? Let’s be thankful we are under 5 percent. If you are a seller, get your house ready right after the holidays. What you do next will depend on whether you have to buy before you sell. Your house may sell faster than you anticipate. You can ask for a long close or a lease back possibly. If you don’t have a plan on where to go after you move, start thinking about that. Coming into our winter-visitor and spring-training season, you will find there is a shortage of affordable shortterm living situations available. If they are available, they will be very pricey. Just keep that in mind when you are making plans. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and that all your real estate goals for 2017 work out better than you planned. -Christie Ellis, GRI, CRS, ABR, is a Realtor with United Brokers Group, an Ahwatukee real estate specialist and Club West resident. Reach her at 480-201-3575 or Christie@ ChristieEllisHomes.com.

Ahwatukee

The Pointe South Mountain

Great updated single level on large corner lot. 3 br, 2 ba with 1,182 sq. ft. Remodeled kitchen features mocha cabinetry, composite sink plus fixtures, butcher block island and custom lighting. 2011 bathroom updates. 18x13 bonus room that is not included in square footage.

Superbly update townhouse on large corner lot in gated community. 2 br, 1.5 ba with 1,060 sq. ft. Kitchen remodel boasts cherry mahogany cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and 18" Italian porcelain tile flooring. 2014 new A/C. Resort-style amenities including pool/spa, golf, tennis and hiking.

Listed for $228,500

NG MI ON O C SO

Listed for $178,500

The Foothills

Ahwatukee Custom Estates

Stunning mountain views from hillside lot. 4 br, 2.5 ba with 2,801 sq. ft. Spacious open floor plan with downstairs office and Plantation shutters. New appliances including refrigerator, dishwasher, range/oven, washer, dryer and water heater. Private backyard on preserve with gated pool. Walking distance to shopping, hiking and park.

Listed for $415,000

Inviting single level with circular drive, courtyard and side entry garage. 4 br, 2.5 ba with 2,955 sq. ft. Kitchen features granite countertops, pullout cabinetry, wine cooler and bar sink. Private backyard with lush tropical landscaping and custom play pool with sheer descent and spa.

Mountain Park Ranch

Hillside lot with privacy of mountain preserve. 5 br, 3 ba with 3,546 sq. ft. Spacious open kitchen with adjacent family and formal dining room. Downstairs master and secondary bedroom. Great backyard amenities including fenced pool and spa, built-in fire pit and grass area.

Listed for $424,900

Call for List Price

Listed for $517,500

Club West

Equestrian Estates

Recently updated on golf course lot. 5 br plus media room, 3 ba with 3,829 sq. ft. Open kitchen with granite countertops and custom island with gas cooktop. Inviting stone-accented wet bar and fireplace in family room. New carpet, interior and exterior paint. Resort-style backyard features Pebble Tec pool and spa with waterfall, built-in BBQ and lush landscaping.

Amazing sunset and mountain views from updated single level. 4 br, 3 ba with 3,056 sq. ft. Spacious eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Zebrawood plank tile and wood flooring. Resort-style backyard with retractable door, multiple fire pits with seating, diving pool with waterfall, built-in BBQ with bar, in-ground trampoline and tropical landscaping.

Listed for $537,500

Listed for $649,000

www.MendozaTeam.com Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated

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REAL ESTATE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

$698,000

OPINION

DECEMBER 21, 2016, | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Fake news comes at you from an unexpected place, and it’s real too I would define fake news as any story or series of stories that distorts the audience’s sense of reality. Meaning that a story hen the can be factually accurate—a store along debate about Broadway Road was robbed last night— “fake news” but so lacking in context that it promotes crescendoed recently, my ears pricked. unwarranted fear or a sense of chaos. And therein lies my indictment of As a once-ink-stained wretch who toiled many years for newspapers and in radio television news. The majority of stories they cover and who has never completely left journalism behind, I’d like to think the involve crime or motor vehicle crashes. news we consume is actually … news. As The net effect of these stories is to create in objectively researched, demonstrably the impression that Arizona is a Third World place, a state where you can be true and relevant to our lives. Yeah, I know. I spent way too many murdered, robbed or involved in a fatal summers huffing fumes when my dad collision at any moment. The truth? Since at least 2006, when took me with him to work at the paint the Department of Public Safety began factory. Sure, stories like the PizzaGate compiling its statewide uniform crime pedophile sex ring, which seemed too report, crimes like murder, robbery and insane to be true, turned out to be car theft have dropped like a stone. And that’s not taking into account the 13 exactly that—as fake as the rumor that the new Star Wars movie is anti-Donald percent increase in Arizona’s population Trump. But the real story of fake news during that time, further reducing your isn’t that it’s fake. It’s that we don’t realize chances of ending up in an episode of “CSI: Gilbert” the next time you and the how much other news is fake as well. Like pretty much all the news you see kids head out for a Happy Meal. Consider: on your local TV newscast every night at 4 o’clock, 5, 6, 9 and 10. Let me explain.T:4.9” Last year in Arizona, the 6.8 million BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ AFN Guest Writer

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destruction told ad nauseum, shares the same DNA as fake tales like “thousands of Trump supporters screamed ‘We hate Blacks. We hate Muslims.’” Fake news exists to wrench the heart, to provoke emotion. Real news? It’s directed first at the head, then the heart. It titillates less and educates more. Fake news is about disgust and fear, anger and fright. Come to think of it, real news never really had a chance, did it? – David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Reach him at david@leibowitzsolo.com.

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of us who live here collectively suffered 226,115 reported crimes. That’s down 38 percent from the 312,519 crimes logged in 2006. Murder? Down 66 percent. Robberies? Down 47 percent. Vehicle thefts? Down 234 percent. In 2006, Arizonans suffered 140,197 car crashes. Those accidents killed 1,296 people. Last year? 116,609 crashes that killed 895 people. You can do the math. Sorry for all the numbers, by the way. I know they’re hard to read and boring. You know, like facts. Facts can be unsexy, aggravating tidbits that, presented truthfully, deaden the visceral emotions brought on by twisted wreckage, corpses chalked off on the sidewalk and “live breaking news coverage” of shootings, stabbings and suffering. My point: If you don’t like “fake news” because you don’t like people fooled into thinking a situation is true when it isn’t, you should also decry the obscene flow of “real news” that similarly creates unwarranted fear in our streets and homes. Because, truth be told, all those nightly news crime stories, all that death and

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

Business

@AhwatukeeFN |

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www.ahwatukee.com

Ahwatukee factory’s products lapping up attention BY SHELLEY GILLESPIE AFN Contributing Writer

avid Stuebe's idea at Christmas 2013 gave birth to a rarity in Ahwatukee—a factory. He wanted a lap desk, but all of the ones he saw were heavy and poorly constructed. So, he and his team designed one. Launching a Kickstarter campaign for 15 days, he aimed for 100 orders. When the orders mushroomed to 1,100, he felt his concept was validated and started a company called iSkelter, after The Beatles’ song, “Helter Skelter.” CNN, Time Magazine and other national press placed his Slate Mobile Air-Desk on “best of ” lists. “If Apple made a lap desk, it would look like this,” Stuebe said at his factory on S. 51st Street, Ahwatukee. With partner Jon Irons, who started as an employee and bought into the company, Stuebe found receptive customers and acclaim for his lap desk. Designed in a minimalist style, it is created from three-ply bamboo sourced from locations in China. Bamboo, one of the fastest growing plants, is a sustainable product. iSkelter chose its own blend of the bamboo, which is created with nontoxic products. Since the bamboo is processed with natural strands, every lap desk is unique. “We take two to three hours to make each lap desk with an average of 6090 made per day and up to 200 units produced daily,” said Stuebe, who employs a staff of nine. The staff cuts the 4-by-8-foot sheets of bamboo, nails them with plastic nails, creates cut-outs and sands every item twice. Hand-finishing is the final step. The company now produces 30 variations of the desk, with options for white board inserts, slots for iPhone and tablets and colored mousepads. The lap desks even come in left and right-handed versions. There also is an adjustable unit that allows a user to either sit or stand.

(Shelley Gillespie/Special to AFN)

A popular iSkelter item is the beauty station.

With the massive cutting equipment, the storage space is minimized. The company stores finished products with Amazon and other vendors so it can focus on making the products. To Stuebe, “Made in American means everything.” “Going to work every day, we provide jobs.This is a family business. My brother does the website. Jon and my father-in-law do production. I do the graphics and the final sanding,” said Stuebe. Heather Brumfield, who started as a university intern, is now a staff member. Her arts and design background help the company’s online-marketing efforts. Products are made with carful attention to the comfort of future owners. “We bevel corners and sand everything smoothly so our products won’t scratch legs or laps. There’s no warping,” Stuebe said. Their product line has expanded from lap desks.

(Shelley Gillespie/Special to AFN)

Jon Irons, co-founder of iSkelter, uses his laptop with the company's lap desk.

Beauty stands are like vanities for the lap, and include a slot for a tablet to serve as a mirror. “Hover X and Hover X+” are lap desks that gamers love. “Pilot” allows the lap desk to rest on chair arms. Products range from less than $30 to $2,000. Most the lap desks are priced between $69.95 and $109. “None of our products are ‘cheap,” but they’re a little above those of poor quality,” Stuebe said. Stuebe and Irons are excited about a children’s play equipment line that they’re launching in March, named after Stuebe’s young daughters, Lily and River. The children’s products will have the same durable bamboo with modular sections for climbing and slides. With their orders, which ship to UK, Germany, Denmark and Canada, and their retail customers like Urban Outfitters and Touch of Modern, iSkelter has been busy this holiday See

FACTORY on page 38

(Shelley Gillespie/Special to AFN)

David Stuebe wields a plastic nail gun to strengthen the bamboo for his company's lap desks.

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

Ahwatukee businessman taking on the big-boy online marketing sites BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

ory Cook considers himself a problem-solver and when he saw how digital marketing platforms were costing businesses as much as 75 percent of their revenue, he saw an opportunity for his ability. And so the Ahwatukee man invented a web site that gives consumers the same good deals they can find on places like Groupon, but also provides small businesses a chance to thrive. And it is helping some local charities. “There are so many drawbacks for business owners using the current discount platforms on the market today,” Cook said. “I knew it was time to offer small business owners a mobile marketing outlet that promotes sustainable growth.” Unlike other similar sites, Thymbol offers businesses complete control over their discount details, and charges a flat monthly fee instead of demanding a share of a client’s revenue. For consumers, the Thymbol application eliminates expiration dates, blackouts and other restrictions on purchases that come with the buyin-advance model of the big digital discounters. Money is often lost on deals paid for in advance, but never redeemed, Cook noted. For businesses, Thymbol also builds cross-marketing and opportunities for repeat business directly into its format. For consumers, deals can be customized to a user’s location and interests, and get an introduction to the business through online videos and photos of the establishments. And any deal can be used the same day or downloaded for future use, with no risk of losing money. Hannah Stroke, manager at Knockouts

Haircuts for Men said she likes the video/photo feature because it “allows me to reach new clients by showcasing my many styles with the video feature.” Francisco Preciado, manager of Fiesta Mexicana, used Thymbol to highlight his happy hour and “to reach new customers and retain them for future visits.” Thymbol also will be partnering with the Ryan House Foundation and St. Vincent de Paul, offering donations to each charity with every download of the Thymbol app or every business’s monthly subscription. “My goal is for Thymbol to become a household name and a go-to app for millions of consumers across the nation in the coming year, “Cook says. “We all want a great deal. We all want to feel like a VIP. With Thymbol that is a reality. It’s a win-win for the business owner, for the consumer and for the charities we will be supporting.” Cook named the app after his favorite Monopoly piece, the thimble. “When I was a kid, my brothers and I always played Monopoly,” he said. “Since I was the youngest, they would choose their pieces first, and I was always stuck with choosing the iron or the thimble. I always choose the thimble.” A Wisconsin resident who has lived in Ahwatukee for about a year, Cook graduated from Ottawa University and earned his masters in business administration from Keller Graduate School of Management. Prior to developing Thymbol, he had been part of a start-up company in Portland, Oregon, that provided landlords and prospective tenants with background checks and a list of apartmnts they’re qualified to rent, respectively. He came up with the idea for Thymbol

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“when I discovered how much revenue business owners were losing to Groupon.” “I knew there was a need for a healthier alternative,” said Cook, who spent five months developing the application’s coding and design. So far, he has signed up 75 businesses in Ahwatukee and the East Valley, partly by partnering with chambers of commerce and Local First Arizona. Business can choose one of four packages, which allows the owners to create their own digital coupons for their (Special to AFN) establishment. “They love having Ahwatukee entrepreneur Cory Cook believes his discount marketing and phone application benefits businesses and customers 100 percent control website more than large sites such as Groupon. over their consumer discounts,” Cook said. Surprisingly, his biggest challenge has As for consumers, “a recent focus group downloaded the app for the first not be technical. “The biggest challenge so far has been time and 100 percent of those surveyed said they loved it. They cited ease of use, creating the homogeneous buzz,” he user friendliness, video feature, social said. “We haven’t experienced any app media sharing and GPS locator as some bugs or website crashes. All in all, I am fairly pleased with all that has taken of their reasons.” He’s using a variety of platforms place.” Cook aims to have businesses on the to market the app, including online advertising, radio and television platform in 12 cities by the end of 2017. commercials and trade show By the end of 2018, he added, “I want to have businesses on the app in 36 US conventions. Now that he’s landed 75 businesses, and Canadian cities.” Information: thymbol.com his next goal is 50 more and get 15,000 more consumers to download the app by March 1.

BUSINESS

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Last-minute shoppers can find gifts near their home BY JUSTIN FERRIS AFN Staff Writer

ith precious few days left to Christmas, procrastinating shoppers may be tempted to head online. Before braving a big store or head to a shopping website, however, consider gifts from businesses both in and near Ahwatukee. Not only will you avoid crowds of irritated shoppers, or “how much?!” shipping fees, you help out the local economy. Here are some area establishments that provide common types of gifts, and a few uncommon ones. For the bookworm

Changing Hands Bookstore: Whether you want the latest best-seller or a pile of

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used books— including first editions— Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe should be your first stop. It offers a massive selection and helpful employees. 480-730-0205, changinghands.com. Bookmaze: Boasting two floors and more than 100,000 books, you will probably emerge from this Tempe-based “maze” with the perfect gift. 480-9677995, bookmaze.com. For the gadget lover Best Deal AZ: This Tempe store carries slightly older electronics and accessories, plus open box and overstock items, at prices that won’t see you enter the New Year in major debt. 480-656-7405, bestdealaz.com. The Orchard: A great place to pick an Apple or two, this shop, with locations in Chandler and Mesa, specializes in refurbished Macs, iPads and Apple accessories. 480-786-0253 (Chandler) or 480-733-5938 (Mesa), orchardaz. com. STAX3D: 3-D printing and scanning are cutting edge, and this Gilbert company, with a kiosk in Chandler, sells a wide range of systems. They also sell budget-

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friendly 3-D printed jewelry. 602-5953155, stax3d.com. Walts: A Tempe staple since 1957, they carry the latest TVs, plus home theater sound systems and accessories, at competitive prices. Installation and repairs services offered as well. 480-9684999, walts.com. For something personal Baldur Studios: This Ahwatukee studio offers unique handcrafted metal, glass, and wood gifts, including jewelry, treasure boxes, “Cottage Couture,” bowls, bike bling and more. 480-4422349, baldurstudios.com. Odyssey Etching & Engraving: This Mesa company can sandblast a custom saying or logo into just about any surface, including glass, metal and granite, and even on personal objects. 480-382-4464, odysseyetching.com. STAX3D: We mention this company again because they offer a 3-D body scan service (clothed) that results in a detailed 3-D printed figurine (imagine a little statue of a child or couple). Talk about personal! 602-595-3155, stax3d.com. Twisted Sister Designs: Set in a

former blacksmith shop in Mesa, this tiny jewelry studio features completely unique designs for bracelets, necklaces, rings, fused glass, painted silk scarves and more. 602-617-0997, twistedsistersdesigns.net. Burst of Butterflies: For a bit of selfexpression, head to Chandler and paint on canvas or pottery, make fused glass art, create unique soaps and candles, or

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shape polymer clay and regular clay into jewelry, pots and other gifts. 480-5598016, burstofbutterflies.com. Wall Heroes: While they specialize in large wall coverings (also good gifts), this company can create artsy, decently sized custom murals from submitted photos. wallheroes.com.

(Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Staff Photographer)

Lynn France of Biscuits restaurant in Ahwatukee decorates the entrance area to the eatery with a different theme every Christmas season. This year she decided on a Charlie Brown Christmas.

FACTORY

from page 34

season. “We’re busy normally, but this is insane,” said Stuebe. From a corner of another shop when they began less than three years ago to a shop that is busy at least 12 hours a day, they figure they’ll need to expand.

Stuebe believes the company’s success is based partly on his employees’ ability to live up to the iSkelter’s mantra: “Every detail matters…Our products are meant to last.” Their dream, Stuebe added is simple: “We’d like to buy our own location with a retail store. That’s our ultimate dream for two years.” Information at: iskelter.com.

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For the acquaintance/“hard to shop for” person Keep It Cut: Everyone needs hair cuts and this locally founded chain with locations in Tempe and Ahwatukee does the job well, plus gives back to the community. keepitcut.com.

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Give an experience Some people already possess enough “things.” Instead, give them an experience they won’t forget. Bondurant Racing School: Give the speed freak in your life the ultimate track-driving experience in Hellcats, Corvettes, Go-Karts or Open-Wheel cars. 800-842-RACE, bondurant.com.

Vintage airplane flight: History and aviation buffs alike will love a ride inside a vintage World War II aircraft, whether the mighty B-17G or the more intimate L-16 Grasshopper. 602-448-2350, azcaf.org/aircraft. Arizona-Horses: Get in touch with Arizona’s Western spirit on a horse ride through the desert with an expert guide. 602-268-1261, arizona-horses.com.

Chompie’s: “Arizona’s New York” deli makes for a nice place to eat. Plus, buy a $50 gift card in-store between by Dec. 31 and get an additional $10 card free. chompies.com. General shopping To pick up a bunch of gifts in one place, check out these stores and online shops that stock local products. Main St. Shop: Based in Chandler, this

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For the stressed AZ Massage Essentials: Based in Ahwatukee, this massage parlor offers a range of services from standard Swedish massage to “Heated Bamboo Fusion.” Gift certificates available. 480-3262684, azmassageessentials.com.

online store sells exclusively Americanmade items, from cookware to journals, candles, decorations, kid’s toys, pet items and more. mainstshop.com. Sibley’s West: Tucked away in Chandler, this 5,000-square-foot store offers locally sourced items from clothes to decorations to art, food and children’s gifts. 480-899-4480, sibleyswest.com.

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SPIRITUAL SIDE

‘Tis the season to remember who is the light of the world BY LISA JISA AFN Guest Writer

“F

or unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) Every time I read those words, I hear them being sung in my head thanks to Handel’s “Messiah.” Such beautiful and powerful words were used by Isaiah to describe Jesus more than 700 years before His birth. Just a couple of verses before this wellknown verse, Isaiah described the coming Messiah as a light. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2) Jesus came into the darkness of the world as light. He said, “I am the light

of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) He came to show us the way. He is the way and the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. (from John 14:6) Jesus was THE light of the world, but He also said to His followers, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16) My bathroom has a light fixture with three bulbs. About two months ago, one of the bulbs burned out. I kept forgetting to buy a new bulb, and I squinted at myself in the dimly lit mirror for a few weeks. It was so much easier to see once all three bulbs were working as they were

designed to. In the same way, if those who claim to follow Jesus Christ truly let their light shine, people who are falling asleep spiritually in the darkness just may be awakened. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light...” (Ephesians 5:8) My friends John and Kay West moved to Swaziland in June 2010 after quitting their jobs, selling their Ahwatukee home, cars, and virtually everything they owned. God had called them to minister to people in this poverty-stricken, AIDSafflicted country situated near South Africa. They were going to be the light in the midst of darkness. John and Kay have truly experienced the Lord as wonderful, counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, and Prince of Peace, in addition to knowing Him as provider, protector, comforter, healer, miracle-worker, hope, strength,

redeemer, and so much more. Kay wrote a book entitled Refiner’s Fire about their experiences in Swaziland. Money from book sales will go back into the ministry. These stories from Africa about snakes, mud, AIDS, miracles and more will slow you down and inspire your heart like nothing else can. (And yes, I am biased! Kay included a couple of powerful, life-changing experiences my daughter Molly and I shared with them in 2011.) At a time of year when many are bustling about in search of the perfect gift, how about a copy of this book? It’s a way to share the light, and you don’t have to go to Africa to do it. Refiner’s Fire: My Walk with God in the Kingdom of Swaziland by Kay Cassidy West is available at CreateSpace and Amazon for $11.95. Lisa Jisa lived in Ahwatukee from 20002015 and now resides in her home state of Wisconsin. She can be reached at lisa.jisa@ gmail.com

Looking for convenience, Catholic businessman creates pocket-size rosary BY RALPH ZUBIATE AFN Managing Editor

“I

t was a random idea that popped up while I was struggling with things,” said Brad Kendrex. The next thing you know, the Wallet Rosary was born, a way for Catholics to stay in prayer without having to keep track of a traditional rosary. “A rosary is a good reminder to stay focused on religious things … but it’s a pain,” he said candidly. Kendrex explained his epiphany on his website, walletrosary.com “As I tried to unlock my door fumbling with the knot of Abe Lincolns and Hail Marys, I found myself looking for an option to keep a rosary on hand without having to choose between my rosary and my car keys. I’ve tried rope rosaries (lost

to the wash) and keychain rosaries (broke in half ), but wanted something different. I was looking for a rosary that was rugged, light to carry and easily navigated with adult-sized hands. So we made one.” His idea for a stainless-steel card easily carried in a wallet is evidently is a hit, as the fundraising effort he launched on Kickstarter was a success. “Originally, I was looking to get back the cost of production, but we more than doubled it,” he said. Kendrex’s strong Catholic faith led him to this unexpected business venture. “I was a Knight of Columbus, and one of the things you try to do is carry a rosary with you,” he said. “Within the Catholic culture, that’s important. “It’s not too practical to carry around See

ROSARY on page 41

(Special to AFN)

Katie and Brad Kendrex say the Wallet Rosary was a unexpected business venture.

FAITH

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

FAITH

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

ROSARY

from page 39

a big one. My wife Katie has a dainty, sparkly one that’s always breaking or tangling. “Always being business-minded, I was trying to think about solutions. I was thinking, ‘Is there another way to design this?’ I was thinking of ways to make it sleeker or smaller.” “It kind of goes along with other products I’ve seen, like wallet utilities,” Kendrex said. “Credit-card screwdrivers or wrenches, for example.” Kendrex settled on a design that instead of bumps features holes to represent the “Hail Mary” beads, and a cross for the “Our Father,” or the Lord’s Prayer. On his website, Kendrex talked about the process. “After sketching out the initial design concepts for a flat ‘beadless’ wallet rosary, we created digital models and produced 3-D printed prototypes to test the various designs for size and feel before moving to final production in metal.” He said his family and friends thought it was clever. “I thought, ‘Wow, I’ve stumbled upon something.’” Other Catholics don’t seem to have any issues with the unconventional rosary design. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with this,” said Tom Perna. “It’s a great

tool for Catholics that find themselves not able to carry a rosary with them. “I find it to be a useful tool to pray with in a place where maybe it’s inconvenient.” Perna, who is director of adult evangelization and adult catechesis, even envisions a new use for the Wallet Rosary. “This is great when you’re at the gym, when you’re on the treadmill. This is perfect. When you’re on one of the machines, you can sit and hold it.” After raising the money, Kendrex began production and has since started delivering the first Wallet Rosarys. “Sales have been steady, and I’ve been busy,” Kendrex said. “Not retirement busy, but I have a couple out every day.” He’s delivered around 200 Wallet Rosarys, with another order to his manufacturer soon to deliver by Christmas. There’s no doubt that Kendrex is doing something he loves for the faith he loves. “This is just a little passion project,” he said, aside from his full-time work at a community college. “This is really, for my wife Katie and me, one of those little nudges for keeping faith in your life,” he said. “We are hardly folks using rosary beads all day long, but it’s important to keep it front and center. This gives us the opportunity to insert it in our lives.” – Contact Ralph Zubiate at 480-898-6825 or rzubiate@ahwatukee.com.

(Special to AFN)

The Wallet Rosary helps Catholics carry the religious symbol without getting beads all tangled.

Hanukkah’s start celebrated in area BY SHELLEY RIDENOUR AFN Staff Writer

wo public menorah lightings are planned in the East Valley to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. The Chabad Jewish Center of Mesa plans a lighting ceremony and other events at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 26 at Superstition Springs Center at 6555 E. Southern Ave. in Mesa. The Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life plans a candy menorah lighting at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 28 at the Phoenix Premium Outlet Mall in Chandler. Rabbi Laibel Blotner said the annual ceremony in Mesa should run for about an hour. Besides the menorah lighting, doughnuts and potato pancakes— latkes—will be served. Crafts for kids are planned and John Fitzsimmons is to present his comedic magic show. Children will receive gelt, or coins, as is tradition during Hanukkah. The event takes place on the lower level of the mall, near Sears. Blotner said the menorah is lit to symbolize a 2,100-year-old battle when Jews were being persecuted and their temple was besieged by Syrian Greeks. A

(Special to AFN)

group of guerilla Jewish fighters defeated the Syrian Greeks. After the battle, the Jews wanted to light the menorah, but had only enough oil for the eight candles to burn for one night. Miraculously, the oil lasted eight days, he said. Since then, Jews have lit the menorah, adding one candle per night, during the eight days of the Hanukkah celebration. The lighting signifies that people must constantly grow spiritually, he said. “A little light dispels darkness,” Blotner said. “We have the ability to spread the light.” Hanukkah begins this year on Saturday. Menorahs are also on public display during Hanukkah at Dana Park and near the movie theaters in Mesa Riverview. A candle is lit each night at those two sites, but no celebrations are planned, Blotner said. In Chandler, the lighting of the giant candy menorah is a first, Rabbi Mendy Deitsch said. Deitsch is the director of the Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life. It combines ancient tradition with a modern twist, he said. People can then partake of the doughnut dipping bar, take a chance at a raffle drawing and hear live music. All kids get a free gift.

FAITH

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

FAITH CALENDAR

SATURDAY, DEC. 24 ‘THE LIGHT OF LOVE’

Join us as we celebrate the joyful coming of the Light of Love for Christmas Eve. Christmas music will fill the air at this positive, uplifting holiday service. DETAILS>> 4 p.m. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Information: Rev. Julianne at 480-593-8798 or interfaithcommunity.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 25

HANUKKAH BOWLING CELEBRATION

Chabad of the East Valley is hosting an afternoon of bowling, food, music, raffles and prizes. A latke bar, menorah lighting, Hanukkah gifts and Hanukkah arts and crafts will be offered. DETAILS>> 2-4 p.m., McRay Lanes, 3825 W. Ray Rd. Chandler. Cost: Fee for bowling and shoes. Information: Rabbi Mendy Deitsch at 480-855-4333.

MONDAY, DEC. 26 ‘CHANUKAH WONDERLAND’

Come, Lord Jesus, Come! The Rev. Susan E. Wilmot 975 E. Warner Rd | Tempe, AZ 85284

480-345-2686 www.stjamestempe.org

“Chanukah Wonderland,” a project of Chabad of the East Valley, will feature a concert and dancing, a photo booth, olive oil press and “Dreidel Mania.” DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock, Tempe. Cost: Free. Information: 480-855-4333 or visit chabadcenter.com.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28 CANDY MENORAH LIGHTING

Ancient traditions meet a new twist with the lighting of a 9-foot candy menorah lighting Each year Chabad of the East Valley takes Chanukah to the next level. Live

music will accompany a doughnut dipping bar, a raffle and gifts for all children. DETAILS>> 5:30 p.m., Phoenix Premium Outlets, 4976 Premium Outlets Way, Chandler. Cost: Free. Information: Rabbi Mendy Deitsch at rabbi@ chabadcenter.com or 480-855-4333.

THURSDAY, DEC. 29 TEEN HANUKKAH PARTY

CTeen of the East Valley in conjunction with Shevet Shemesh will have a Hanukkah party featuring latkes, games and a menorah lighting. DETAILS>> 5-7 p.m., Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. Information: rabbi.t@chabadcenter.com or 347-241-7089.

SATURDAY, DEC. 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE SERVICE

This service will be followed by a Burning Bowl Ceremony. DETAILS>>4 p.m. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Information: Rev. Julianne at 480-593-8798 or interfaithcommunity.org.

SUNDAYS

VALOR CHRISTIAN OUTLINES MISSION

Valor Christian Center in Gilbert offers “great praise and worship and great messages for today’s living,” according to Pastor Thor Strandholt, associate pastor. “Our mission is evangelize, healing and discipleship through the word of God.” DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays. 3015 E. Warner Road. Information: valorcc.com.

HORIZON SEEKS YOUNG PEOPLE

High school and middle school students meet to worship and do life together. DETAILS>> 5 p.m. at Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. 480-460-1480 or email joel@ horizonchurch.com.

KIDS CAN LEARN JEWISH LIFE

Children can learn and experience Jewish life. Chabad Hebrew School focuses on Jewish heritage, culture and holidays. DETAILS>> 9:30 a.m. to noon, for children ages 5-13 at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. 480-855-4333, info@ chabadcenter.com, or chabadcenter.com.

RABBINIC LIT COURSE OFFERED

Ongoing morning study of two classics of rabbinic literature by medieval philosopher Moses Maimonides (the “Rambam”). At 10 a.m., Prof. Norbert Samuelson, Grossman chair of Jewish Philosophy at ASU and TBS member, teaches “Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexed: What Jews Ought to Believe.” At 11:15 a.m., TBS member Isaac Levy teaches “Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah: How Jews Ought to Behave.” Readings in both Hebrew and English. DETAILS>>Community Room of the administration building at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480-897-3636.

UNITY OFFERS A PATH

Unity of Mesa says its Sunday service offers “a positive path for spiritual living” through “transformational lessons, empowering music and various spiritual practices with an open-minded and welcoming community.” DETAILS>> 9 a.m. Spiritual discussion group and meditation practices group. 10:15 a.m. service. 2700

See

CALENDAR on page 43

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS DETAILS>> 6:20 p.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. mvlutheran.org/ from page 42 celebraterecovery or email cr@alphamvlc.com. E. Southern Ave., Mesa. Child care available at 9 a.m. Nursery for infants through kindergarten at 10:15 a.m. WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY OFFERED 480-892-2700, unityofmesa.org, joanne@unityofmesa.org. Living Word Ahwatukee women’s Bible study and fellowship that offers “a short, low-key time of praise and worship in music and message.” It’s also ALL ARE WELCOME an opportunity to meet other Christian women in All on a peaceful spiritual path are welcome and Ahwatukee. honored in this inclusive, loving, DETAILS>> 10-11:30 a.m., Living Word Ahwatukee, 14647 thriving Unity Community. Join us for Interfaith W. 50th St., Suite 165, Ahwatukee. Free child care. CommUNITY Spiritual Center’s Sunday Celebration Service DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m. Toddlers and children meet GET A ‘SPIRITUAL SHOWER’ during our service. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual A release calls this “a 15-minute energetic tune up Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Information: each week” and says the Twin Hearts Meditation “is info@interfaith-community.org. like taking a spiritual shower: when your aura is clean, you experience a higher level of awareness. You see through things more clearly and good luck increases.” DETAILS>> 7-9 p.m. at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline JOIN CHRIST-CENTERED YOGA Road, Suite 103, Tempe. 480-792-1800 or unityoftempe.com. This Flow 1-2 class (intermediate) is free and open to the community. ‘A COURSE IN MIRACLES’ DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Longtime “A Course in Miracles” student and teacher Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Greg Battle at 480-759Rev. Julianne Lewis leads this interactive time of 6200 or gbattle@moutainpark.org. discussion and sharing. This group is appropriate for ACIM beginners as well as experienced ACIM students— CLASS TARGETS THE GRIEVING and everyone in between. Classes for those grieving over death or divorce. DETAILS>>1-2:15 p.m. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. $10 love 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. 480-963-4127. donation. Information: revj4u@gmail.com.

CALENDAR

FAITH

MONDAYS

STRUGGLING FIND SUPPORT

Support group for those struggling with how to deal with a loss in life. DETAILS>> 7 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room C201, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org.

TUESDAYS

JEWISH VIEWS ON HOT-BUTTON ISSUES

A new six session course presents a non-partisan, Jewish view of the hot button 2016 election issues, such as gun control and immigration. The classes will run until Dec. 19. DETAILS>> 7:30-9 p.m., Chabad of the East Valley, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. 480-855-4333, chabadcenter.com or info@chabadcenter.com.

DIVORCED CAN FIND COMFORT

People suffering through a divorce or separation can find understanding and caring support to face these challenges. DETAILS>> 6:30-8:30 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E Pecos Road, Room 117, Ahwatukee, 480759-6200 or mountainpark.org.

FINDING HEALING FOR PAIN

HOPE, an acronym for “Help Overcome Painful Experiences,” offers support for men and women who seek God’s grace and healing. DETAILS>> 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. mountainpark.org.

SENIORS ENJOY ‘TERRIFIC TUESDAYS’

The program is free and includes bagels and coffee and a different speaker or theme each week. Registration not needed. DETAILS>> 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Barness Family East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. evjcc.org or 480-897-0588.

WEDNESDAYS

CELEBRATE RECOVERY MEETS

Celebrate Recovery says it “brings your relationship with the Lord closer to your heart as it heals your hurts, habits and hang-ups.” Participants can discuss issues ranging from feeling left out to addictions. “Nothing is too small or too large.”

THURSDAYS

SLEEPING BAGS FOR THE HOMELESS

Ugly Quilts has made more than 15,500 sleeping bags for the area homeless, and continues to do so at First United Methodist Church every Thursday. Quilters stitch donated fabric, comforters, sheets and blankets into sleeping bags. Those are then distributed to the Salvation Army, churches and veterans’ organizations. DETAILS>> 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 215 E. University Drive, Tempe. Information: 480-969-5577.

KIDS CAN FIND SUPPORT

Support group for children ages 6 to 12 coping with a separation or divorce in the family. One-time $10 fee includes snacks and workbook. DETAILS>> 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room C202, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org.

ULPAN INSTRUCTION AVAILABLE

Class is based on Israel’s successful Ulpan instruction. Taught by Ilan Berko, born in Israel, schooled in the U.S. DETAILS>> 7 p.m. Chabad of the East Valley, 3875 W. Ray Road, Suite 6, Chandler. chabadcenter.com or 480-855-4333.

Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 5-6pm A Service of “Lessons and Carols” including

Contemporary praise and worship, Christmas carols and choral anthems, Bell choir, and a special children’s message. Childcare provided.

‘CONSERVATIONS WITH GOD’

“Conservations with God - Book 1” by Neale Donald Walsch seeks to bring people a new understanding of life and God. Join Wayne Hoffman for this lively book study group. DETAILS>>7-8:30 p.m. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. $10 donation. Information: info@interfaith-community.org.

FRIDAYS

NEFESHSOUL HOLDS SERVICES

Congregation NefeshSoul holds Shabbat services the second Friday of every month on the campus of the Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation. DETAILS>> 6:15 p.m., 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler. Information: nefeshsoul.org. Submit your releases to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com

1401 E. Liberty Lane 480.460.1480 • www.horizonchurch.com

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

Sports

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@AhwatukeeFN

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Mountain Pointe High Spiritline maintains ‘cheer’ful attitude

f cheerleading eventually becomes a recognized Olympic sport, 22 Mountain Pointe High School girls might be ready to throw their pompoms into the ring. Already recognized as a competitive sport by the Arizona Interscholastic Association, cheerleading two weeks ago obtained provisional status by the International Olympic Committee, putting it on a years-long course toward possibly becoming an oﬃcial part of the games. For now, the national championships, not the Olympics, are on the minds of Mountain Pointe High School’s varsity Spiritline after three different squads recently qualified for the USA Nationals

Spirit competition in Anaheim, California, in March. The varsity show cheer won third place in regional competition and is going to the nationals for the third time. Two subgroups of that team, varsity pom and all-girl stunt, will be competing in the nationals for the first time after winning first and third place, respectively, in regional competition. And another six junior varsity cheerleaders are practicing for a shot next month at the same championship. There’s also an eight-member freshman spirit line. Mountain Pointe’s success is largely due to their teacher-mentor, Clare Taylor, a former Moon Valley High School cheerleader who went competitive representing Arizona State University while she was studying for her degree.

They lead the cheering

ere are the members of the 2016 Mountain Pointe High School Spiritline.

Varsity Showcheer Team

Briana Benson, Aniya Littlejohn, Madison Vaughn, Keri Loh, Sam Ardon, Lauren Crane, Kyndall Hoston, Victoria Alvarez, Maddy Deitchman, Lola Fox, Jahnay Fenkiea, Lennessa Fair, Kayla Bantz, Hailey Ward, Jayda Kimbrough, Elizabeth McCarthy, Ava Trimble, Payton Mackey, Amya Smith and Kelsey Galvis.

Varsity Pom Team

Madison Vaughn, Keri Loh, Sam Ardon, Victoria Alvarez, Maddy

Deitchman, Lola Fox, Hailey Ward, Amya Smith, Kelsey Galvis, Emilee Boyer, Ryann Deyo and Lennessa Fair.

Varsity All-Girl Stunt Team

Aniya Littlejohn, Lola Fox, Ava Trimble, Kelsey Galvis, Sam Ardon and Victoria Alvarez.

Junior Varsity Showcheer

Breeana Gripman, Angelica Orpineda, Taylor Teagues, Trinity Williams, Emilee Boyer, Ryann Deyo, Alicia Leal, Hannah Struckman, Cameron Andrew, Kiana Jones, Destiny Bowman, Jalen Monegain, Dalyana Montero and Olivia Forbes

I WANT TO BE A COMPUTER PROGRAMMER ONE DAY

An English teacher by day, Taylor has explaining that after nationals and a worked to mix show cheer—the kind banquet, there’s a two-week hiatus seen on the sidelines at football and followed by tryouts for the coming year. basketball games—with competitive In picking the girls from those tryouts, cheer. Other Taylor said, “Talent schools, such as is at the bottom Corona del Sol, of my list. I look have separate spirit for coachability, lines for the two whether the girl types of cheer. who is willing to “Some of these learn and willing to girls are on multiple try. You can teach teams,” Taylor said. someone anything “It’s more diﬃcult if they’re willing because you have to do it and these the same girls doing girls are willing to different things.” do it.” That means the “A lot of them girls have separate have never cheered practice sessions until they become several days a freshmen,” Taylor week—and many explained. “I have hours in one day. one junior on the The show cheer team who had no practices for three tumbling skills and hours twice a had never stunted week on school when she started. (Special to AFN) days in addition Elizabeth McCarthy ﬂies high at the Tukee Now she’s one of to Saturdays. They Bowl football game. my top tumblers.” also perform at any Taylor has a basketball or football games. simple motivational philosophy. Because “I can’t be in three places at “I always tell the girls, ‘The judges will once,” Taylor relies on her assistant, give you the score you want but you have Natalia Skinner, to help guide the girls to show them you want that score,’” during practice sessions. she said. “’The judges don’t know what “You have to keep calendars organized happened the night before they see you, because these girls are all over the place. whether you had a girl who was sick, But I have to give them credit because whether it was a good warm-up or bad they are back and forth with different warm-up. For 2 ½ minutes you have to sessions and manage to keep track of perform. If you got out there and say them all,” said Taylor, who has led the this is our team and we want first, you’ll spirit line since she joined the Mountain get first.’” Pointe faculty three years ago. Both the regionals and the nationals “What most people don’t know is present a grueling challenge to those it’s year-round with only two weeks off between each year,” she added, See ‘CHEER’FUL on page 45

• 600+ online classes • $86/credit* • Classes start Mondays • Credit for Prior Learning Get credit for what you already know

TechnologyatRio.com or 480-384-9939 Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completionrates of students who attend this program is available at www.riosalado.edu/geprograms. *$86/credit for Maricopa County residents.

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BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

SPORTS

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

‘CHEER’FUL

from page 44

girls who are on more than the varsity cheer squad. “It’s back to back all day,” Taylor said. “We have to run them back after one performance so they can practice for the next.” Fortunately, she added, only the varsity pom squad has to worry about changing outfits. In the regionals, the cheer squad competed against 16 other teams, while the pom competition only involved three other schools and stunt about a half dozen others. In the separate state competition sponsored by AIA, Mountain Pointe’s girls competed against 26 schools. For the March competition, the girls will be practicing on what the judges like most—creativity. “USA values creativity and that’s one thing we really like,” Taylor said. “We like the showmanship and the flair.” That’s one reason why the spirit line “likes to do different things at different games.” Often the girls will discuss with Taylor what to do for a game only an hour or so before they’re on. One recent game they

discussed incorporating a routine they learned in cheer camp last summer. “They learned the routine 15 minutes before the game,” Taylor said. “They know each other and know how to respond to each other.” They’ll compete against roughly 30 other schools in their division at the nationals. Last year both the varsity and junior varsity teams went, placing 12th and ninth, respectively in the finals. For all the effort they put into practices, their appearances before the judges are surprisingly short: Five girls on stunt will perform for one minute; the 12 on pom will dance for 21/2 minutes; and the entire team will dance, cheer and tumble for 20 minutes. While she recalled her own high school team as “ok,” Taylor beams with pride when she talks about her days on cheer when she was studying at ASU. She traveled to a variety of competitions not just in the country but around the world. “I love it so much,” she said. Because the AIA does not permit girls in off-campus cheer clubs to participate on school teams, Taylor mixes the kinds of routines both types of teams use. “Otherwise it’s such a tough choice for the girls to make and the routines are so

(Special to AFN)

Led by Coach Clare Taylor, left top row, and Assistant Coach Natalia Skinner, top right, the 2016 Mountain Pointe High Varsity Show team includes Jahnay Fenkiea, Hailey Ward, Payton Mackey, Aniya Littlejohn, Keri Loh, Kyndall Hoston, Jayda Kimbrough, Madison Vaughn, Lauren Crane, Briana Benson, Victoria Alvarez, Lola Fox, Amya Smith, Samantha Ardon, Ava Trimble, Elizabeth McCarthy, Leenessa Fair, Maddy Deitchman, Kayla Bantz and Kelsey Galvis.

different.” Moreover, the kinds of routines that off-campus clubs perform are the kind that can attract the interest of colleges— often with scholarships. While the varsity show cheer didn’t make the top three in nationals yet, the girls are proud of the fact they received

the sportsmanship award. “Out of all the teams, doesn’t matter what division, they voted us the most spirited and nicest,” she said. “We may not always be the best— sometimes we are—but we like to be the most spirited and nicest wherever we go.”

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

Re-inventing the Thunder

New coach, rejuvenated players have DV boys playing well from last year’s disconnected squad that finished 16-14 in former coach Tony Darden’s second and final year. he Desert Vista High School The known commodities of Caleb boys basketball program has been Simmons (10 points, 4.2 rebounds) and flush with talent for years. Duane Miller (7.7 points, 4 assists) have Coaches on the been solid. But one key outside have always to the good start has salivated over the idea of been the play of two coaching the ballplayers holdovers who didn’t who walk the halls at contribute as much last Desert Vista. season as expected. Gino Crump used to Seniors Noah be one of those coaches Baumann and Wesley looking from the Harris have been outside and now he is dynamic through the the coach commanding first seven games. the bench at the Storm Baumann had a back Center. problem as a junior that “This is one of those zapped him and kept programs that you him from developing always looked at and into the player you knew there was a everyone expected him ton of talent,” Crump a year ago. said after topping The 6-foot-5 guard Mountain Pointe High started the year with a last week. “Then I 28-point performance started working with and is averaging 12.7 them and I realized points, while shooting how good of a situation 37 percent (11 of it really was. We had 30) from 3-point, (Special to AFN) to change the culture a Desert Vista High’s Wesley Harris 2.3 assists and 2.5 little. I inherited a great leaps to knock a ball of the reach of rebounds. Mountain Pointe’s Logan Matulis. team.” It was the kind of Desert Vista was 6-1 year he expected last with the only defeat coming against year, but the San Jose commit played in national power Findley Prep. only handful of games. The team returned plenty of talent “Last year, I was hurt the whole season,” BY JASON P. SKODA AFN Prep Sports Director

Baumann said during the summer. “I got me work hard over the summer and it is back the last five games and didn’t play a worked out so far.” lot. The team already had their rotation, Throw in the transfer of Alijah and I couldn’t budge that.” Gammage, who is averaging 7 points Harris started and three steals the first couple a game, from of games under Valley Christian Darden, but saw and the Thunder his minutes cut as have essentially the season went added three new on and it stalled players to take his progression. them to a new The 6-foot-6 level. forward scored “That’s a good in double digits team,” Mountain twice in the first Pointe coach three games as a Hosea Graham junior and then said. “In my just one more opinion, they are time over the the best team in (Special to AFN) final 22 games to the state. I really Desert Vista’s Duane Miller, right, and the Thunder average 5 points are off to a good start under coach Gino Crump. do. Once they and 3 rebounds a gel and starting game. playing together, they will be dangerous.” So far this season, Harris is averaging The Thunder just might be there 17.8 points on 71 percent (41 of 58) already considering their 6-0 record shooting with 7.2 rebounds. against in-state opponents as the season “He’s playing great,” Crump said. closes in on January. “He’s getting a chance to show what he “I think we can do a lot in playoffs,” is all about.” Harris said. “As long as we play together, Harris, who had a season-high 28 don’t have any defensive breakdowns pints in the win over Mountain Pointe, and communicate we are hard to beat.” is happy under the new system Crump – Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 brought to the program. or jskoda@ahwatukee.com. Follow him on “The chemistry is better and we are Twitter @JasonPSkoda. listening to the coaches better,” he said. – Check us out and like the Ahwatukee “He’s changed the atmosphere and we Foothills News on Facebook and follow @ are playing pretty good. Last year made AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.

Ahwatukee clinic for Little League umpires set for Jan. 14 AFN NEWS STAFF

he Ahwatukee Little League Board and District 13 Umpires are hosting a junior umpire training clinic Jan. 14. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the clinic will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Mountain Vista Park, 13601 S. 50th St. on field #1. The clinic is free and lunch is free, but the session is limited to the first 30 participants and is open to new and returning umpires. Clinic organizer John Diaz of Ahwatukee said training will focus

on mechanics, rules, regulations and interpretations for both baseball and softball; the mechanics of the twoumpire system; the philosophy, mental approach and attitude toward Little League baseball and softball; and how to handle unexpected situations and control the game. The training is done on a field because more highly trained umpires enact scenarios on the diamond, so that clinic students aren’t just listening to a series of lecturers drone on. “We want it to be fun,” Diaz said. “A lot of people make it a family affair. Dads

come with their sons and moms come with their daughters.” The latter group come to learn to umpire Little League softball games. To further break the possible monotony of a six-hour class, Diaz also awards gift cards for $10 or $25, by holding surprise question-and-answer sessions that test how well the students have been paying attention. “The clinic provides umpires tools needed to be successful and progress at their game,” Diaz said. “This is a mentorship program allowing junior umpires to improve at each game.”

The purpose is to develop a core of volunteers who have the desire to follow the mission of the Little League Program by providing a service to local teams. “We’re not getting older and we have to worry about the next generation,” Diaz said. Overall, Diaz said, the junior umpire program is designed to be a win-win, providing “a safe and fun environment for the children while at the same time being cost-effective for the league.” Those interested need to register by contacting Diaz at 480-586-8579 or jdiaz25@cox.net.

SPORTS

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

DV’s Nicolaisen heading to Olympic training center BY CHRISTOPHER CADEAU AFN Contributing Writer

esert Vista High School swimming ace Shae Nicolaisen, who has won two state championships and set five school records, has been invited to the Olympic training center in Colorado this January. Shae’s junior season resulted in individual event state titles in the 200 freestyle and 200 freestyle-relay; she was the runner-up in the 100 fly by a tenth of a second. The races helped the Thunder win its second all-around state championship in past four years in November. Shae also set five individual school records in the 100 freestyle (52.09), the 200 freestyle (1:49.96), the 500 freestyle (4:53.49), the 100 butterfly (56.09), and the 200 individual medley (2:05) for Desert Vista this fall. “She was our team MVP,” Shawn O’Connell, Desert Vista swim coach said. “It’s her commitment to getting the most she can out of her ability and

academics that impresses me.” Shae carries a 4.8 GPA even though she spends up to 18 hours a week in the pool. Her commitment to swimming begins as early as 4 a.m. for 5 a.m. practices at Scottsdale Aquatic Club on school days now that the high school season is over. For Shae, every experience in swimming is about improving toward her ultimate goal of competing in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. “You have to stay focused on what you’re trying to do and the importance of that,” she said. “It’s a goal that I’ve had since I was 6. It would be cool to be able to impact people’s lives and be the motivation for younger swimmers to follow their dreams.” Shae earned an invite to the 2016 Olympic trials in Nebraska last summer. She did not qualify, but the experience as a 15-year-old was invaluable. She landed one of two spots available for the USA Swimming under-18 training event next month. The trip to the Olympic training center

É December 27 January 8

Full season listing

ChandlerCenter.org 480.782.2680

in Colorado will teach her more about said. “I want to be able to be a part of her body and recovery, help her to learn science in a way that helps people and new nutritional techniques for training affects their lives.” and give her a new perspective from the Shae is known as calm, and to some, world’s best coaches, an introvert inside her Shae said. pool environment. “This is a great “The more social she opportunity for her to gets, the more relaxed gain more experience she gets,” O’Connell and to showcase her said. This has helped talents,” O’Connell make her a more vocal said. “I just want her leaders—omething go have a good time, coach O’Connell said enjoy swimming and he is looking forward be grateful for the to building upon opportunity that is during her senior year. the Olympic training “It’s that team center.” atmosphere that helps When Shae talks to make the swimmer about life away from (Special to AFN) great,” Shae said. the pool deck, schools Shae usually only like the Ivy Leagues, Shae Nicolaisen of Desert Vista High has time for school, Cal and Stanford come has won two state titles. up. Her future career choices range from swimming and sleep. “I don’t want to stay where I am, but I genetics to immunology and biology. “I really want to do something that is want to keep going and keep improving,” research related in the medical field,” she she said. “I can always get better.”

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

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Kim Taylor’s home at 3611 E. Kachina Drive, Ahwatukee, is awash in festive Christmas decoration.

(Special to AFN)

Neighborhood light displays that bring the holiday spirit BY JUSTIN FERRIS GetOut Editor

n December, many people love to drive around at night and look at Christmas lights. Part of the fun stems from uncertainty; you never know as you drive around a corner if you will see a dark street or the Holy Grail of twinkle lights and cute lawn decorations. Of course, only so much free time exists for driving around, so you do want to know a few places that guarantee an aweinspiring sight. That’s why we compiled this list of Ahwatukee and East Valley homes and neighborhoods that do it up right every year.

Ahwatukee

Boasting 30,000 lights synchronized to holiday music – tune your radio to 106.7 FM – this home’s 7th annual display features the theme “Let It Snow” and includes a snow-blowing Frosty the Snowman. 15244 S. 36th Place, Ahwatukee. 6-10 p.m. 3611 E. Kachina Drive. The Timothy Taylor family has been doing lights for 13 years. Family and friends made all the cutouts. Snow machines and interactive games also highlight the display and Santa makes periodic visits. • 729 E. Glenhaven Drive, where Jessica Allen has been decorating for nine years.” • 541 E. Mountain Sky Ave., where Frank

• •

and Diane Polimene made an interactive Santa Train “with lots of animated features plus a mountain show with a Christmas tree and snowflakes lighting up to your favorite music,” according to the nomination. The family seeks donations for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. A sneak preview of the display is at santatrain. com 4802 E. Paiute St., Lights are plentiful and so are a number of animal figures that are “happy about Christmas.” 14416 S. 16th Way, where Gary Craine has used traditional holiday-themed landscape decorations, laser-lighted palm trees and a lighted gazebo. 3236 E. Chandler Blvd., where the Mountain Canyon Condominiums clubhouse brims with Christmas tunes. 16431 S. 38th Place, where Mary and Nik Barkley are showing off “a new display by a recently graduated college student who has the Christmas spirit.”

Mesa

Operating since 2012, this house features more than 30,000 lights, trees and other decorations synced to holiday songs – tune your radio to 107.5 FM for the full experience. Donations go to Nurture Our World. 1610 E. Hermosa Vista, Mesa. mesachristmas.com. Known as the “Christmas Cul-de-sac,” this collection of 14 homes strings up more

(Special to AFN)

The Santa Train can be seen at the home of Frank and Dianne Polimene, 541 E. Mountain Sky Ave., Ahwatukee.

than 250,000 lights and other decorations – including backyard nativity scenes – to delight the more than 50,000 annual visitors. West Natal Circle, Mesa near Country Club and Guadalupe Road.

Gilbert

Last year, this neighborhood’s 13 houses won ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” and it returns this year with another fantastic display. Expect more than 110,000 lights and 300 strobe lights, many synchronized to music – tune your radio to 93.9 FM as you drive through to hear it. E. Comstock Drive, Gilbert, enter from E. Elliot Road. Donations go to Make-A-Wish Arizona.

More info: facebook.com/Christmas-onComstock-1674963512736567

Chandler

After 10 years in operation, this home offers 70,000 lights, a Santa on the roof, animations, outdoor music and a giant 20-foot Christmas tree on the roof of the Dilman House that you’ll see as you get close. 2106 N. Arrowhead, Chandler.

Tempe

A decade-long tradition, this house boasts a massive 400,000 lights. Plus, on weekends you can visit with Santa and get candy and hot cocoa. 8535 S. Stanley Place, Tempe. Enter from Warner Road.

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DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Holiday highlights: Some things to do with visitors this week BY JUSTIN FERRIS GetOut Editor

ut-of-town relatives flying in for the holidays? Whether they only stay a few days or the whole week, you don’t want to spend the entire time at home—no matter how much you love them. To that end, we rounded up some of the best things to do in the area that will keep your extended family entertained during their visit, and show off the place you call home. Of course, these also work for in-town family as well.

1. Admire astounding art

For art lovers, the East Valley offers a range of amazing museums and galleries, and right now, some truly spectacular exhibits are in town that fit a wide range of tastes. Mesa Arts Center currently hosts four major exhibits—“Off the Page,” “The Footnote Chronicles by Corinne Geertsen,” Disillusioned” and “Paradise Lost”—that cover range of media and topics, along with its permanent displays. Where: Mesa Arts Center, 1 East Main St., Mesa.

When: Until January 2017; Tuesday to Sunday, times vary. Cost: Free. More info: mesaartscenter.com. Other exhibits: • In Stitches: Seriously Humorous Art Quilts – Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 North Arizona Ave., Chandler. MondaysSaturdays. Free. chandlercenter.org. • These Are Not Your Grandmother’s Quilts – The Vision Gallery, 10 East Chicago St., Chandler. Mondays-Saturdays. Free. visiongallery.org. • It’s a Dog’s Life – i.d.e.a. Museum, 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa. Tuesdays-Sundays. $8. ideamuseum.org. Geared for all ages.

2. Watch a holiday movie outdoors

Despite its relative youth, the movie “Elf” sits near the top of the list for classic holiday movies. With Will Farrell starring as a human raised by elves, and his wellintentioned misadventures in New York, it’s both humorous and heartwarming. And you can watch it outdoors for free. Plus,

enjoy photos with Santa, free hot cocoa and snow flurries. Be sure to bundle up and bring blankets and chairs. Where: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. When: Thursday, 6-8:30 p.m. Cost: Free. More info: downtownchandler.org.

3. Catch a movie in comfort

Speaking of movies, a trip to the theater might be just the thing to while away a few hours, and plenty of great films are out this holiday season. However, before you pop over to the nearest basic cinema, take a look at some theaters that offer a richer experience, such as FatCats Recline-N-Dine Theater. With reclining leather seats, and a selection of pizza, paninis, salads, and snack-type dishes delivered right to your seat, this theater beats movies at home. Prices are comparable to other theaters and food prices are reasonable. After the movie, you can bowl or play glow golf. Where: 4321 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert’

More info: gilbert.fatcatsfun.com. Other theaters with extras: • IMAX at Harkins Arizona Mills, 5000 Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe. imax.com. • IMAX at B&B Mesa Gateway, 1935 S. Signal Butte, Mesa. imax.com. • AMC Ahwatukee 24, 4915 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee. amctheatres.com.

4. Enjoy holiday musicals

Take in a show the whole family can enjoy, such as the classic “A Christmas Carol.” Hale Centre Theatre puts on a yearly musical production that offers elaborate costumes and sets along with traditional carols. Where: Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. When: Through Saturday, times vary. Cost: $30 adults, $22 students, $18 children. More info: haletheatrearizona.com. Other holiday musicals: A Family Holiday Celebration. Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert. Friday. $10 adults, $5 17 and under. higleycenter.org.

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Skate expectations

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

Find real outdoor ice rinks in the area BY JUSTIN FERRIS GetOut Editor

hen you think of winter in Phoenix, the word “ice” doesn’t immediately spring to mind. With our typical 50- to 70-degree winter daytime temperatures and unceasing sunshine, frozen water won’t stay frozen for long. With that in mind, an outdoor ice rink seems like an absurd idea and a guaranteed failure. However, every year a few organizations undertake the expense and technical difficulty to make it work. Let’s find out where you can enjoy the fruits of their labor in and around the East Valley.

CitySkate Holiday Ice Rink

Smack-dab in the middle of downtown Phoenix you will find a decently sized outdoor ice rink, complete with holiday lights, a huge Christmas tree and other winter-ish accouterments. It makes for a nice backdrop while gliding across the ice. If you skated here in the past, be aware that CitySkate handles admissions differently now. It breaks each day into multiple two-hour sessions—two sessions on Mondays to Thursdays and three sessions on Fridays to Sundays—with a limited number of passes per session to cut down on crowding and lines. Where: CityScape, 1 East Washington St., Phoenix

When: Until Jan. 8, 5-11 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and 3-11 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Special hours for holidays. Cost: Passes cost $15 at the gate, or you can buy a $25 Express Pass online that lets you skip any waiting in line. The pass does include skates. More info: phxicerink.com.

Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

In December, Main Street in Mesa lights up with Merry Main Street, which offers plenty of holiday activities, including the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink in City Plaza. The 4,000-square-foot rink holds 125 people at a time, and you can enjoy plenty of holiday lights, Santa’s sElfie Village and more before and after skating. Where: Mesa City Plaza, 20 E. Main St., Mesa When: Until Jan. 1; 5-10 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Special holiday hours. Cost: $10 per person for one hour of skating. Includes skate rental. Groups of 20-50 pay $7 per person. More info: merrymainst.com/icerink.

Ice Skating on the Farm

During December, Schnepf Farms transforms into a Winter Wonderland with

(Special to AFN)

Winter Wonderland Ice Rink in City Plaza, Mesa, can host 125 skaters at a time.

fresh Christmas trees, snow sledding and a 3,400-square-foot outdoor ice rink. Aside from general skating, “Pond Hockey” games take place—contact Schnepf Farms to reserve the rink—and there is even a Winter Classic Pond Hockey Tournament.

Where: Schnepf Farms, 24610 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek When: Until Jan. 15, Daily except Tuesdays, noon to 8 p.m. Cost: $12 per person, includes skates (or you can bring your own) More info: schnepffarms.com

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DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Giovanni Zoppé rejuvenates his circus with new ringmaster, trapeze act BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI AFN Contributing Writer

sixth-generation circus performer, Giovanni Zoppé is a fan of mixing up his show each year. The 2017 Zoppé: An Italian Family Circus, which comes to the Chandler Center for the Arts from Dec. 27 to Jan. 8, is no different. Only two elements from last year’s performances remain, the rest of them have been revamped. That includes the opening, closing, the ringmaster and the horse act, Zoppé says. The dog act has changed, but it’s still my brother-in-law and sister. The Zoppé Family Circus welcomes guests into the intimate 500-seat tent on the lawn at the Chandler Center for the Arts for a

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Where: Chandler Center for the Arts’ Lawn, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler When: Dec. 27-Jan. 8, times vary Cost: $15-$40 More info: http://chandlercenter.org

one-ring circus that honors the best history of the Old-World Italian tradition. The circus is more than 160 years old, with its roots planted in 1842 when a young French street performer named Napoline Zoppé wandered into a plaza in Budapest, Hungary, looking for work. There, he met a beautiful equestrian ballerina named Ermenegilda. Because Napoline was a clown, Ermenegilda’s father saw him as beneath her and disapproved of their relationship. The two ran away to Venice, Italy, and founded the circus that still bears their name. Nino the Clown has been a mainstay at the circus. This year, the audience will enjoy Raoul Gomiero, the new ringmaster. Zoppé’s longtime friend was recruited from Italy, where he worked as a ringmaster and actor. “As the ringmaster, I introduce every act,” Gomiero says. “I’m always on stage while the show is going on. I don’t perform trapeze, contortionist or trampoline, I’m always there because I have to be ready for everything that is happening.” Besides Gomiero’s participation, the audience will see a flying trapeze act that’s

(Special to AFN)

Zoppé Italian Family Circus has become a holiday tradition at Chandler Center for the Arts.

new this year. “It’s extremely unusual to have a flying trapeze in the size of our tent,” Zoppè said. “It was hard to get somebody to do

it. I haven’t been able to do this before this year. It’s one of the best flying trapeze acts I’ve ever seen and it’s inside of our tent. It takes over our whole space.”

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

Trans-Siberian Orchestra celebrates 20 years of performances and giving back BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI AFN Contributing Writer

wenty years ago, when Paul O’Neill told his parents he was going to be a musician, his mom said to God: Please don’t let him starve. “It worked out better than we ever could have imagined,” says O’Neill, the mastermind behind Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Take, for example, 2015. TSO released the album “Letters from the Labyrinth,” which marked the act’s third consecutive Top 10 debuting album. Live, it played to more than 850,000 people, grossing $41 million in 45 days. (The TSO team is split into two groups to cover the East and West coasts and Midwest.) That summer, at the Wacken Open Air music festival in Germany, TSO produced an industry first when the group performed a coordinated set across the festival’s massive two main stages, to a crowd of (Special to AFN) more than 80,000 fans. Perhaps, however, Trans-Siberian Trans-Siberian Orchestra is best known for its holiday shows that blend pyro, dramatic readings, singing and stellar instrumentation. TSO returns for two shows on Dec. 26 at Gila River Arena. The radio station 99.9 KEZ presents the 3 p.m. show with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Operation Orchestra is best known for its holiday Santa Claus. 100.7 KSLX hosts the 7:30 p.m. show with a portion of the proceeds going to the Arizona Animal Welfare League. For more information, shows that blend pyro, dramatic readings, visit gilariverarena.com. singing and stellar instrumentation. TSO “I simply had never seen a show that good returns for two shows on Dec. 26 at Gila 97 cents out of every dollar went to the there is one band that is dumb enough to where every time you thought you saw the River Arena. needy and 3 cents went to overhead,” he buy it—that’s us. “It’s also always important for us that we ultimate gag, they had 10 more lined up. I The radio station 99.9 KEZ presents the 3 said about locally based charities. p.m. show with a portion of the proceeds Trans-Siberian Orchestra is celebrating its get it right away. The disadvantage of that is wondered what it looked like in the nose benefiting Operation Santa Claus. 100.7 two-decade milestone by bringing back to it’s incredibly expensive when it first comes bleed. I went all the way back to the farther KSLX hosts the 7:30 p.m. show with a the stage “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.” out. The look on the kids’ faces when they seats and it was just as good. It was different, portion of the proceeds going to the O’Neill says there was a groundswell to see an effect that has never been done it was more cinematic but with Pink Floyd I basically learned you can design a show, Arizona Animal Welfare League. revive the show after last year’s successful before, it’s just worth it.” To enhance the view from each seat, TSO if you don’t care about the budget, where “When we started in the ’70s, usually run. at the end of every “We received a places a stage in the back of the arena, too. there is no such thing as a bad seat in the “I remember the first time we did it, the house. God bless Pink Floyd because they year, we would write lot of fan mail from a check to a charity people who loved accountants said ‘Paul, you can’t do this. were doing it in the ’90s. They didn’t have that we thought did it and then asked if You are killing seats. You are killing floor the advantage of all these computers, etc.” Where: Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Once again, O’Neill says he feels lucky. good work,” O’Neill we were going to seats.’ I responded with, “Yeah, but it looks Maryland Ave., Glendale “In the entertainment industry, Christmas really, really cool.” True story. The next says. be doing it again,” When: Dec. 26, 3 and 7:30 p.m. is the Holy Grail because any other thing day when I showed up at rehearsal, the “Then one year our O’Neill says. Cost: $36.50-$71.25 you’re writing about—whether it’s a accountant bought T-shirts for the crew. In accountants audited “We exist for the More info: 623-772-3800 or painting, an album, a movie, a book—you’re the front, it just had a little TSO logo. On the charity and fans. Two years in gilariverarena.com found out something a row isn’t a lot the back in big block letters it says, ‘Jesus competing with the best of your generation odd: 96 cents out of when you consider Saves, Paul Spends.’ Again, it’s just worth it or the last two generations. “When you can write about Christmas, every dollar went to overhead, and 4 cents we did ‘Christmas Eve and Other Stories’ and you see it and the audience is safe.” O’Neill stresses that his shows are all you’re competing with the best of the last went to the needy. What was even scarier for 13 years in a row. We decided that we was that it was legal. When TSO started to were trying to shuffle them to never allow about pleasing families young and old. He 2,000 years. If you’re a painter, it’s not Andy tour, I think it was one of the agents who boredom to set in anyway. We do with the adds that there’s nothing more thrilling than Warhol, it’s Botticelli, it’s Michelangelo. If it’s said, ‘Paul, instead of writing one check at special effects on the flight deck to the seeing audience members’ mouth agape a book it’s Charles Dickens. If it’s a movie, it’s after seeing special effects or a particularly Frank Capra. When you’re writing anything the end of the year, why don’t you write it story to the new singers.” for the Christmas season, you’re happy to and take $1 or $2 from every ticket that you O’Neill keeps up on all the pyro and good vocalist. But O’Neill’s rock opera takes its cues get past the ultimate critic, the only critic sell and write it for a local charity? This way special effects trends to make his shows from Emerson, Lake & Palmer, The Who and you can’t fool, the only critic that counts if you make a mistake it won’t be a total top notch. disaster.’ I thought that was a great idea.” “We know all the pyro companies,” he Pink Floyd. It’s important to O’Neill that 100 years from now which is time, because every century filters out what’s really, really, Then it was suggested to O’Neill that he says. “We know all the lighting companies; there isn’t a bad seat in the arena. “I saw Pink Floyd, I think in ’96 or ’95. The really good. That can be intimidating just get radio stations involved because they we know all the special effects companies. know of reputable, local charities. They all know that if they invent great band was kind enough to give me front row into itself,” O’Neill says. “Again, we just lucked out.” “I think the last time we did an audit, special effects that’s insanely expensive seats and they blew my mind,” O’Neill says.

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DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

The Dhaba in Tempe offers Indian cuisine with a purpose BY MIKE BUTLER AFN Staff Writer

A friend dragged a friend all the way from Glendale to try lunch at The Dhaba Indian restaurant in Tempe recently. The globe-trotting, first-time guest raved about the quality of the food as he checked out. This happens a lot at The Dhaba. Owner Raveen Arora accepted the praise with grace. But you can bet that if the customer had said that the spice level was a little off, Arora would have taken off like a shot to the kitchen. Attention to detail and exquisitely prepared Punjabi dishes have created an intensely loyal, Valley-wide customer base for the cafe over the years. The home-style cooking, speedy service and daily specials at reasonable prices attract ASU faculty and corporate warriors for lunch. Dinner is a candlelit, unrushed affair—a special night out. The Dhaba’s signature dish is the Kashmiri Chicken Tikka Masala—chunks of chicken breast marinated in spices and yogurt, then baked in a clay tandoor oven. The chicken is combined with a thick tomato sauce laced with a garam masala spice blend and a swirl of cream. Variations on the theme can be had with lamb or shrimp (no beef or pork here). You can also keep everything vegan or vegetarian. Entrees are typically served with fragrant saffron basmati rice, but you’ll also want to order a basket of plain, garlic or onion naan (leavened flat bread) to soak up every last drop of the succulent sauces. The Dhaba uses two tandoors—one for naan, the other for meats. Dinner patrons often start their evenings with bhatura chole, a deep-fried bread served with curried chick peas, or paneer pakore, fritters stuffed with soft Indian

cheese. Newcomers—and even regulars— often order the Maharaja, a feast of tandoori chicken, tandoori tikka and curried chicken or lamb. A house salad, various sides, naan and dessert are included. Enjoy a chai or a Kingfisher lager (brewed in Bangalore) with your meal. The Dhaba also has an extensive wine list. Desserts aren’t listed on the menu. But if you have room, ask your server about rice pudding, pistachio ice cream or other available treats. Arora and his wife, Clara, founded Indian Plaza on Apache Boulevard near McClintock Drive in 2003. The plaza includes a salon, gift shop, marketplace and clothing boutique. The cafe at that time was mostly takeout, kind of an afterthought. That changed in 2008 when their son, Govind, and two friends in the Thunderbird School of Global Management envisioned a more elevated dining experience as part of a class project. Raveen, who has a master’s degree in accounting from St. Xavier’s College in India, helped the trio develop a recipe for success: purpose before profits, people before profits, culture before strategy, and stakeholders before shareholders. Raveen proudly points out that Govind now helms the Latin America group of Stanley Black & Decker. But Raveen and Clara continue to live that simple business plan every day. They take care of employees, many of whom are students, by closing from 2:30 to 5 every afternoon, and closing at 8:30 after dinner. They offer interest-free loans to students who keep a 3.2 GPA or higher. The cafe gives away thousands of meals and bottles of cold water to Tempe’s homeless every year. The Aroras also support the No Kid Hungry Campaign and numerous other good causes. Raveen said he was inspired to leave

(Mike Butler/AFN Staff Writer)

The Dhaba owner Raveen Arora accepts praise of his spicy dishes with grace.

business consulting and get into food service after collaborating with Mother Teresa on projects in the 1970s. “God comes to the poor in the form of food” he said. “We do well by doing good.” The Dhaba, 1872 E. Apache Boulevard in Tempe, serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30

p.m. and dinner from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The restaurant is open from noon to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; the-dhaba.com. – Reach Mike Butler at 480-898-6581 or at mbutler@ahwatukee.com.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

King Crossword ACROSS

BEST of 2016

Best of 2016

Ahwatukee Foothills News

st 1 PLACE

BEST of 2016 Ahwatukee Foothills News

1 Final 5 Recipe meas. 8 Foolproof 12 Eastern potentate (Var.) 13 Carnival city 14 Slaughter of baseball 15 Parks at a bus stop? 16 Japanese sash 17 Gallon fraction 18 Hands-on-hips 20 Small combo 22 Women’s wear 26 Wander off 29 Height of fashion? 30 Bother 31 Addict 32 Supporting 33 Cruising 34 Aries 35 Despondent 36 Square dance group 37 “It’s a Wonderful Life” director 40 Hearts, for one 41 Phone function 45 “Simpsons” creator Groening 47 Yoko of music 49 Nervous 50 Help a hood 51 Debtor’s letters 52 Early period 53 Indiana city 54 CD successor 55 Verve

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1 Zhivago’s love 2 Out of control 3 Emphatic assent in Acapulco 4 It gets a load from a lode 5 Scout group 6 Bro or sis 7 “Lilies of the Field” actor 8 Brown tone 9 Norma Rae, for one 10 Paul of politics 11 Superlative ending 19 Chesapeake, e.g. 21 Spinning stat 23 “Mary Tyler Moore Show”spinoff 24 Genealogy chart 25 Old card game 26 Look for a website 27 Despot

28 Digitize an old LP, e.g. 32 Bit of trivia 33 College life 35 Tackle moguls 36 4-Down contents 38 Eccentric 39 Pleased with oneself

42 “American --” 43 City in India

44 Loretta of country music 45 Periodical, for short 46 Lawyers’ org. 48 Thanksgiving mo.

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Classifieds

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Ahwatukee Foothills News

1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #249 • Tempe, AZ 85282 480.898.6465 • classifieds@timespublications.com Deadlines: Classifieds: Monday 11am for Wednesday • Life Events: Friday 10am for Wednesday (Special to AFN)

Sung Chang tickles the ivories as last year’s first place winner in the Bösendorfer and Yamaha USASU International Piano Competition.

ASU to host 43 pianists from around the world in competition next month GETOUT STAFF

magine a gathering of 43 exceptional pianists from around the world. That’s the opportunity that the Arizona State University School of Music is offering Jan. 2-8 as it hosts the eighth annual Bösendorfer and Yamaha USASU International Piano Competition. The competition, scheduled at the School of Music in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, is in collaboration with the Phoenix Symphony, the Arizona Young Artist Committee and the Arizona Piano Gallery. It is considered one of the best of its kind in the world. Of 183 pianists from 23 countries who applied to the 2017 competition, 43 were selected to perform in the semi-final and final rounds for prizes including more than $50,000 in cash rewards, engagements with the Phoenix Symphony and a recital in Merkin Hall at the Kaufman Music Center in New York City. “These competitors represent the top young pianists from some of the world’s greatest music schools and teachers, including the Juilliard School, Peabody Conservatory, New England Conservatory, Moscow Conservatory, Seoul National University, Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, Northwestern University, as well as Arizona State University,” said Baruch Meir. Meri is founder, president and artistic director of the competition, and a Bösendorfer concert artist. “We invite our community to experience these outstanding pianists at a top-tier competition,” he added. The competition will include a questionand-answer session in ASU’s Katzin Hall 10:30 a.m.-noon Jan. 7. The audience can interact with members of the jury, which includes Stanislav Ioudenitch, Van Cliburn gold medalist; Oxana Yablonskaya, who served on the

faculty at The Juilliard School for 30 years; Asaf Zohar, Israeli pianist and pedagogue; Zhe Tang, vice dean and piano professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music; Robert Hamilton, internationally respected pianist, recording artist and ASU professor; and Meir. All solo performances of the Bösendorfer Competition (ages 19–32) are held at the ASU School of Music in Tempe Jan. 2–7. The final round is held at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 with showcased finalists playing a concerto with the Phoenix Symphony under the baton of Matthew Kasper. The announcement of winners and the presentation of medals will immediately follow onstage after the performance. Tickets can be purchased through the Phoenix Symphony Box Office. The semi-final and final rounds for the Yamaha Senior and Junior competition will take place on Jan. 4–7 in Katzin Hall at the ASU School of Music. These rounds are open to the public. The winners’ recital and awards ceremony will take place 7 p.m. Jan. 7 in Katzin Hall. Tickets for all Yamaha and Bösendorfer live solo performances can be purchased through the Herberger Institute Box Office. The School of Music in ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is one of the top music schools in the nation. Its internationally recognized faculty, varied technology-driven studies and five performance facilities all contribute to its stature. Many of its graduates are successful performers, composers, music therapists, conductors and teachers regionally, nationally and internationally. Bösendorfer was founded in 1828 in Vienna, Austria, and has been the instrument used by many of the world’s most famous artists and composers. Information: pianocompetition.asu.edu, pianocompetition@asu.edu or 480-9658740. Tickets: music.asu.edu/events.

Employment Employment General Landscape laborers, 36 temporary full-time positions. Duties: Laborers will be needed for turf care pruning, fertilization, irrigations systems maintenance and repair, general clean up procedures and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units. Work in the outdoors, physical work. 3 months landscape EXP REQ. No EDU REQ. Drug testing REQ. Days & Hours: 40 hours/week (6:00am-2:30pm); day shift; Mon-Fri. Dates of employment: 02/05/1711/05/17. Wage: $11.74/h, OT $17.61/h if necessary. Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance. OJT provided.

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Employer: Agave Environmental Contracting, Inc. 1634 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009. Contact: Mike McMahon, fax (602) 254-1438.

Erickson Framing AZ LLC 250 N Beck Ave Chandler AZ 85226 seeks 60 “temporary fulltime ” Helpers of Carpenter to work&reside in PHX Metroplex area to do manual &physical duties, use, supply hold materials &tools, clean wrk area. Bend, lift&hold up 50Lb 3mo exp in Res constr, work in ext weather, no on-the-job train avail, no edu reqd, travel in Metropolitan area M-F 7am-3pm @$ 15.81/hr OT if needed @$ 23.72 from 2/15 to 11/15/17. US&H2B workers offered same wages& working conditions to include paid post-hired drug test Sgle wrkwk computes wages Weekly pmt. H2B wrkr to be paid U.S Consulate,border,lodging fees on 1st workwk on a company check.“Transportation (including meals & to the extent necessary lodging) to place of employment or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation provided if the worker completes employment period or is dismissed early by employer. Tools provided at no charge to worker” Apply in person at nearest SWA, call520.866.3608 or fax res 520.836.5876 Attn Desirae Diaz or fax res to emplr 480.627.1152 Att Reed Graham REJP: 2483930

Erickson Framing AZ LLC 250 N Beck Ave Chandler AZ 85226 seeks 60 “temporary fulltime” Helpers Carpenter to work&reside in Phoenix Metroplex area to help carpenters use, supply& hold hand/electr tools &materials, clean wk area. Bend, lift&hold up 50Lb 3mo exp in Res constr, work in ext weather, no on-the-job train avail, no edu reqd, travel in Metropolitan area M-F 7am-3pm @$15.81/hr OT if needed @$23.72 from 2/8 to 11/8/17. US&H2B workers offered same wages& working conditions to include paid post-hired drug test Sgle wrkwk computes wages Weekly pmt. H-2B Wrkr to be paid U.S. Consulate, border, lodging fees on 1st workwk on a company check “Transportation (including meals & to the extent necessary lodging) to place of employment or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation provided if the worker completes employment period or is dismissed early by employer. Tools provided at no charge to worker” Apply in person at nearest SWA, call520.866.3608 or fax res 520.836.5876 Attn Desirae Diaz or fax res to emplr 480.627.1152 Att Reed Graham RE JP 2477194

Erickson Framing AZ LLC 250 N Beck Ave Chandler AZ 85226 seeks 50 “temporary fulltime” Production helpers to work&reside in PHX Metroplex area to do manual &physical duties, use, supply hold materials &tools, clean wrk area. Bend, lift&hold up 50Lb 3mo exp in Res constr, work in ext weather, on-the-job train avail, no edu reqd, travel in Metropolitan area M-F 7am-3pm @$12.15/hr No OT from 2/1to 10/31/17. US&H2B workers offered same wages& working conditions to include paid posthired drug test Sgle wrkwk computes wages Weekly pmt. H-2B Wrkr to be paid U.S. Consulate, border, lodging fees on 1st workwk on a company check “Transportation (including meals & to the extent necessary lodging) to place of employment or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation provided if the worker completes employment period or is dismissed early by employer. Tools provided at no charge to worker” Apply in person at nearest SWA, call520.866.3608 or fax res 520.836.5876 Attn Desirae Diaz or fax res to empl r 480.627.1152 Att Reed Graham REJP: 2473233

Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to the place of employment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is dismissed early by the employer. Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, equipment and supplies required to perform the job. Job location: Maricopa and Pinal counties, AZ. Employer will provide daily transportation to and from the worksite. Applicants may send or contact the AZDES Office, 4635 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ, 85040. Desirae Diaz ph:520-866- 3608. Please reference AZDES Job Order #: 2488892.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

Employment General

Meetings/Events

Unique Landscapes by Griffin 114 S Extension Rd, Mesa, AZ 85210 seeks 20 “temporary fulltime” Landscape Laborers to work&reside in Phoenix Metroplex area to lay sod, mow, trim trees, fertilize, install sprinkler systms, bend lift&hold up 50Lb 3mo exp, wk in ext weather, on job train avail, no edu reqd, travel in PHX Metroplex area M-F 6am-2pm @$ 11.74/hr OT if needed @$17.61 from 2/1to10/31/17. US&H2B workers offered same wages& working conditions to include paid post-hired drug test. Sgle wrkwk computes wages. Weekly pmt. H-2B Wrkr to be paid U.S. Consulate, border, lodging fees on 1st workwk on a company check “Transportation (including meals & to the extent necessary lodging) to place of employment or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation provided if the worker completes employment period or is dismissed early by employer. Tools provided at no charge to worker” Apply in person at nearest SWA, call520.866.3608 or fax res 520.836.5876 Attn Desirae Diaz or fax res to emplr 480.733.7912 Attn Chris Griffin REJP: 2484018

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Widowed-to-Widowed Grief Support Group every Monday at 6pm, Pyle Adult Recreation Center, Tempe (SW corner of Rural & Southern). Call Kay at 480.861.8031 for more information.

SPG Construction 6331 W Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85043 seeks 15 “temporary fulltime” Helper of plasterer to work&reside in PHX Metroplex area to use/supply /hold materials&tools clean wk area/equip in res constr.Bend, lift&hold up 50Lb 3mo exp work in ext weather, on job train avail, no edu reqd, travel in Metroplex area M-F 7am-3pm @$ 14.96/hr OT if needed @$22.44 from 2/15 to 11/15/17. US&H2B workers offered same wages& working conditions to include paid post-hired drug test Sgle wrkwk computes wages Weekly pmt H-2B Wrkr to be paid U.S. Consulate, border, lodging fees on 1st workwk on a company check “Transportation (including meals & to the extent necessary lodging) to place of employment or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation provided if the worker completes employment period or is dismissed early by employer. Tools provided at no charge to worker” Apply in person at nearest SWA, call520.866.3608 or fax res 520.836.5876 Attn Desirae Diaz or fax emplyr 877.329.4774 Att: Mario Salgado RE: JP2498104 Diversified Roofing Corp.2015 W Mountain View Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85021 seeks 40 “temporary full-time” Roofers to work&reside in PHX Metroplex area. To cover roofs in resid constr with shingles, slate, asphalt, alum, wood. Spray roofs/sidings &walls to bind, seal, insulate, soundproof structures. Bend, lift&hold up 50Lb, 3mo exp in Res constr, work in ext weather, on job train avail, no edu reqd, travel in PHX Metroplex area M-F 7am-3pm $ 17.32/hr OT if needed $25.98 from 2/1to 10/31/17. US&H2B workers offered same wages& working conditions to include paid post-hired drug test. Sgle wrkwk computes wages. Weekly pmt. H-2B Wrkr to be paid U.S. Consulate, border, lodging fees on 1st workwk on a company check “Transportation (including meals & to the extent necessary lodging) to place of employment or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation provided if the worker completes employment period or is dismissed early by employer. Tools provided at no charge to worker” Apply in person at nearest SWA, call520.866.3608 or fax res 520.836.5876 Attn Desirae Diaz or fax res to emplr 602.870.4943 Att Cindy Leffler RE JP2481266

Furtmann Bros LLC 5742 W Maryland Ave Glendale AZ 85301 seeks 45 “temporary full-time” Helpers of Carpenter to work&reside in Phoenix Metroplex area to help carpenters, use, supply &hold hand/electr tools &materials, clean wk area. Bend, lift&hold up 50Lb, 3mo exp in Res constr, work in ext weather, on job train avail, no edu reqd, travel in Phoenix Metroplex area M-F 7am-3pm $15.81/hr OT if needed $23.72 from 2/15to 11/15/17. US&H2B workers offered same wages& working conditions to include paid post-hired drug test. Sgle wrkwk computes wages. Weekly pmt. H-2B Wrkr to be paid U.S. Consulate, border, lodging fees on 1st workwk on a company check “Transportation (including meals & to the extent necessary lodging) to place of employment or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation provided if the worker completes employment period or is dismissed early by employer. Tools provided at no charge to worker” Apply in person at nearest SWA, call520.866.3608 or fax res 520.836.5876 Attn Desirae Diaz or fax res to emplr 623.691.8037 Attn Antonio Portillo REJP: 2484069. JTG Palm Pool Plastering Inc 2202 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85015 seeks 7 “temporary fulltime” General Laborers to work&reside in Phoenix Metropolitan area to use hand/power tools; prepare sites/clean work area in res constr, assist other constr laborers. Bend, lift&hold up 50Lb, 3mo exp, work in ext weather, on-thejob train avail, no edu reqd, travel in Metropolitan area M-F 7am-3pm, 40hr/wk @$15.07/hr OT avable @$22.61 from 2/15to 7/15/17. US&H2B workers offered same wages& working conditions to include paid post-hired drug test Sgle wrkwk computes wages. Weekly pmt. H-2B Wrkr to be paid U.S. Consulate, border, lodging fees on 1st workwk on a company check “Transportation (including meals & to the extent necessary lodging) to place of employment or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation provided if the worker completes employment period or is dismissed early by employer” “Tools provided at no charge to worker” Apply in person @nearest SWA, call520.866.3608 fax res 520.836.5876 Attn: Desirae Diaz RE JP2498151

Monthly meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from 7-8:30 p For location and details, visit www.ld18 democrats.org/meetings. The public is welcome.

Pets/Services Voted one of the “Best of Ahwatukee” 9 Years Running!

Pet and Home Services

• Reasonable Rates • Special Pricing on Extended Service Licensed/Bonded/Insured Ahwatukee Resident

Call Eleanor Today!

480.287.4897

www.WhileYouAreAwayServices.com

Employment General Landscape laborers, 15 temporary full-time positions. Duties: Laborers will be needed for turf care, pruning, fertilization, irrigation system maintenance and repair, general clean up and installation or mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units. Work in the outdoors, physical work. No EXP REQ. No EDU REQ. Days & Hours: 40 hours/week (6:00am-2:30pm); day shift; Mon-Fri. Dates of employment: 02/15/1711/15/17. Wage: $11.74 /h, OT $17.61/h if necessary. Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance. OJT provided. Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to the place of employment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is dismissed early by the employer. Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, equipment and supplies required to perform the job. Job location: Mesa, Arizona - Maricopa and Pinal counties. Employer will provide daily transportation to and from the worksite. Applicants may send or contact the AZDES Office, 4635 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ, 85040. Desirae Diaz ph:520-866- 3608. Please reference AZDES Job Order #: 2498180 Employer: Hernandez-Mesquite Landscape Services, Inc. 1043 S. Lewis, Mesa, AZ 85210. Contact: Jose Hernandez, fax (480) 615-9887.

Merch

Real Estate

Pets/Services

Homes for Sale

andise For Sale A FRIEND OF MINE

Your in-home pet sitting and plant care service. For all your pet needs, domestic and exotics. Flat fee-no hidden costs. Serving Ahwatukee since 2003. Member of PSI. Bond/Ins'd. 602-617-0993 Please visit us at afriend ofminepetsitting.com

Pete Meier Associate Broker, CRS, GRI

602-690-3361

Need More Houses to Sell!! Call Pete! Call us for a FREE Consultation

Meetings/Events AHWATUKEE AL-ANON family group invites you to meetings every Mon 7:15 PM at Corpus Christi Church on 3550 E Knox. Wed 8:00 PM at Community Center, 4700 Warner Rd., Fri "Women's only" 9:00 AM at Mountian View Luthern Church 11022 S 48th St., Sat "Men's stag" 12PM at Mountian View Luthern Church 11022 S 48th St. Rita 480-496-4535

In-Ahwatukee Toastmasters Club meets from 6:45-8am every Tuesday at Dignity Health Urgent Care Ahwatukee - Community Room (1st floor), 4545 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85048. Guests welcome anytime! http://4873.toast mastersclubs.org/

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a weight loss organization that is over 60 years old. We meet at Ahwatukee Rec Center on Cheyenne between S. 48th St. and S. 51st St. on Wed. eve's from 67:30 p.m. For more information: Terri at 480-893-6742. GROWING TOGETHER: That's the motto of The Ahwatukee Community Garden Project. Get your hands dirty while learning about desert gardening. Join us every Sunday morning starting at 8 A.M. in the Garden at 4700 E Warner Rd. north of the Farmers' Market. acgarden.org

Great Retirement Home, Great Room, Beautiful Backyard, 3BR, 2ba. Mtn views, N/S Near Everything 55+ To Live Here. Multi Million Dollar Rec Center nearby. $209,000

$219,000 “KACHINA” 2br/2ba/2gar 1716 sf. Lg AZ Rm, Formal Living/Dining, large family room w/fireplace. Mtn views in front. Low maintenance desertscape.

$279,900, 3br + den w/wet bar. 2ba, 2-car gar, Pauite floor in 55+ Adult area. Updated and upgraded. Newer roof, ac. No popcorn ceilings or sunken living room. On golf course. Near Ahw. Rec Center.

$225,000, 3BR/2BA/2GAR, 1416 sf, Recent Upgrades, open corner lot, $1M Rec ctr, 55+ community, Mountain Views, cul-de-sac

SOLD $425,000 Large 4br/3 ba/3 gar ‘’Pulte’’ some updates. Formal living, dining and a separate family room with fireplace. Near everything.

SOLD

LARGE 5BR/3BA/2GAR on cul-de-sac lot with pebble tec pool. Totally customized with vaults, granite $379,900

petemeier.com Call for a FREE Home Value Analysis

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online! Call 480-898-6564

CLASSIFIEDS

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Service Directory Air Conditioning/Heating

Concrete & Masonry

Carpet Cleaning

Contractors

RENOVATION SOLUTIONS

Family owned and proudly serving Ahwatukee for over 20 years. Powerful Truck Mounted Soft Hot Water Extractions.

HOME IMPROVEMENT & RENOVATIONS

Carpets, Tile & Grout, Upholstery, Pet Stain/Odor Treatment

General Contractor

Residential/Commercial www.extractioncleaning.com 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

30 Years of Experience

480.460.5030

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Cleaning Services

HOME

Contractors

R E N O VAT I O N

• Additions • Alterations • Kitchen and bath remodeling specialists Ahwatukee resident

Deep Cleaning Specialists

$30 OFF

1st Deep Cleaning *After 5 hours of service

High Quality Immaculate Services at an Affordable Price!

480.848.9890

Monday through Saturday | Licensed Professionals

ROC#245469

FREE ESTIMATES

Appliance Repairs

480-258-3390

www.lucysimmaculateservices.com

Appliance Repair Now

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It! • Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

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

We Also Buy Used Appliances, Working or Not

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

Drywall

MIKE’S

DRYWALL, PAINTING & REMODELING SERVICE

SH ALL YOU NEED IS A PU

SPECIALIZING IN… • Water Damage • Drywall Repair • Popcorn & Wallpaper Removal

• Int/Ext Painting • Patio & Carport Ceiling Resurfacing • Stucco Repairs

Since1980 Licensed & Bonded ROC 130069

480.898.6465

Honey Do List Too Long? Check out the Handyman Section!

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Business/Professional Services

www.mikesdrywallservice.com

Signature Since 1985

Drywall LLC Ahwatukee Resident

Drywall repairs, patch work, remodeling, water damage, Patio Ceiling, Popcorn removal, framing

Call us today

Jack Rezac 602-332-3920 (patchmanjack)

4747 E Elliot Rd #29-218 Phoenix Arizona 85044

Az ROC #235041 • Lic/Bonded/Insured

Electrical Services

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

Electrical Services

Garage/Doors GARAGE DOOR SERVICE East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

Residential Electrician

Not a licensed contractor

Meetings/Events Smart Recovery Meeting Wed’s 7:00 8:30 p.m. 6400 W. Del Rio Chandler Montessori School next to Unitarian Church room 5. All issues drugs, alcohol, gambling, online addictions, & medications. 480-532-2460

Handyman

ACTION CONTRACTING INC. Specializing in Remodeling & Repairng

WE DO IT ALL! SINCE 1978

• Drywall & Stucco Repairs • Windows • Doors • Cabinets • Block Fences • Wrought Iron gates • Remodeling • Additions • Plumbing • Patios • Painting • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Tenant Improvements

EAST VALLEY

480-833-7353

WEST VALLEY

602-377-3860 LIC/BONDED/INSURED Res/Comm’l ROC#218802

Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354 ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured

Handyman

Electrical Services

R.HANDYMAN Rebuild: Under sink floors, drawers & shelving. All sm repairs, welding. Clean carpet traffic areas & stains. Fix: toilets, faucets, gates, doors. ROC095639 BOND/INS'D

Call Bob 480-893-9482

Gary 480-268-0380 ROC#183872, 227944

aaaActionContractingInc.com 10% off for Any NEW Customer! Exp 12/31/16

Bob White's

OLD FASHIONED

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

- Ahw Resident Since 1987 -

Gary is Back Household Repairs Xmas lights, drywall, plumbing, small painting, varnish doors, grout cleaning,ceiling fans, roof turbines. 30 years experience

Handyman

QUALITY Home Repair

• Panel Changes and Repairs • Installation of Ceiling Fans • Switches/Outlets • Home Remodel

Jaden Sydney Associates.com

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932

602-826-0424

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online!

Not a licensed contractor

Call 480-898-6564

References!

2 Guys

Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services

Plumbing & Handyman

Repairs • Drywall • Painting Trash Removal • HOA Compliance

Plumbing, Electrical, Remodel & Additions, Drywall, Painting, Concrete, Tile & Flooring

AND so much more!

Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

Ahwatukee Resident

480.335.4180

Gift Certificates Available

All Work Guaranteed! 30 Years Experience • INSURED

Not a licensed contractor.

Not a Licensed Contractor

Garage/Doors

GARAGE DOORS Unbeatable Customer Service & Lowest Prices Guaranteed!

10%

FREE

Opener & Door Lubrication with Repair

Discount for Seniors & Veterans

SERVICE FEE WILL BE WAIVED WITH REPAIR

480-626-4497 www.lifetimegaragedoorsaz.com Handyman Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Painting • Flooring • Electrical • Plumbing Drywall • Carpentry • Decks • Tile • More!

ce 1999

Affordable, Quality Work Sin 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

“No Job Too Small Man!”

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Call Andy

602-332-6694

CLASSIFIEDS

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Home Improvement

Landscape Maintenance

REMODEL CONTRACTOR

TREES Sell, Deliver, Install

Plans / Additions, Patios New Doors, Windows Lowest Price in Town! R. Child Lic#216115, Class BO3 Bonded-Insured-Ref's

480-215-3373

Landscape Maintenance

Juan Hernandez 20% OFF! 23 Years exp (480) 720-3840

Juan Hernandez

SPRINKLER

Drip/Install/Repair

Not a licensed contrator

Meetings/Events

Landscape Maintenance

23 years exp. Call Now (480) 720-3840

AMERICAN LEGION AHWATUKEE Post #64 We Meet Every 3rd Wed at 3pm at the Ahwatukee Retirement Center At 5001 E Cheyenne Dr, Phoenix, Az. 85044. Contact ED MANGAN Cmdr 602-501-0128

Landscape Maintenance

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control

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

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

ROC 304267 • Licenced & Bonded

Arizona Specialty Landscape

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

CHAMPION BUILT CONTRACTING INC.

Where Quality Comes First! Total Design/Build Kitchens | Baths Replacement Windows Additions | Patios Total Interior Remodels

FREE

ESTIMATES!

25 +YEARS

IN BUSINESS

Residential/Commercial National Assoc. of the Remodeling Industry Member Lic | Bonded | Insured | References ROC# 113643, 113642

(480)497-5222

ChampionBuiltContracting.com

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

Serving the Ahwatukee area for over 22 years

The Possibilities are Endless

Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new Custom Built-ins, BBQs, Firepits, Fireplaces, Water Features, Re-Designing Pools, Masonry, Lighting, Tile, Flagstone, Culture Stone & Travertine, Synthetic Turf, Sprinkler/Drip, Irrigation Systems, Clean ups & Hauling

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com Bonded/Licensed • ROC #225923

480-730-1074

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

Call Lance White

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

New & Re-Do Design and Installation

Affordable | Paver Specialists Drip & Sprinkler Repair BBQ’s & Outdoor Fireplaces Lighting

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week! ROC# 186443 • BONDED

480.844.9765

• Pavers and Travertine • Retaining Walls • Synthetic Turf and SOD • Plants and Trees • Ramadas and Patio Covers

• BBQs and Fire Pits • Lighting (low voltage) • Irrgation Systems and Repairs • One-Time Clean-up • Maintenance

480-539-2597 cyclandscaping.com ROC: CR21-232290

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

Landscape Maintenance

Specials

Painting

Meetings/Events

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING

YOUR CLASSIFIED SOURCE

Aegis Hospice Grief/Loss Support Group We meet 6 pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Legacy Funeral Home: 1722 N. Banning St. Mesa, Refreshments provided. Contact: Rick Wesley 480-219-4790 rick@ aegishospice.com

480.898.6465

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online!

Interior, Exterior House Painting. Stucco Patching. Floor Tile Installation Quality work/Materials. Free Estimate Ignacio 480-961-5093 602-571-9015 ROC #189850 Bond/Ins'd

Lawn Mowing Starts At $20 Full Service Starts At $70 15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew

SONORAN LAWN

480-745-5230 We Only Service Ahwatukee, So We Are Always Close By To Meet Unexpected Needs CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Call 480-898-6564

Painting CLEAN-UP & TREE SERVICE

Painting

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online!! Classifieds 480-898-6465

RPL Decorators

East Valley PAINTERS

Not a licensed contractor

• Tree Trimming & Removal • Gravel Spread • General Yard Work • Weed Removal • Sprinkler Drip & Timer Repair • Insured • Free Estimates • All Work Guaranteed

Painting

• Painting • Wallpapering & Removal • Color Consultations • Finish Painting • Handyman Services 4th Generation Painter 30 Years Skilled Experience Always Neat & Dependable Expert Workmanship Guaranteed References Available

Mobile 602-369-5017 Bob480-917-3617 ROC #115384/Bonded

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

10% OFF

Drip Systems Installed, Valves/Timer Repairs

WINTERIZE YOUR DRIP SYSTEM! Take steps now to prevent winter damage! I ONLY use commercial parts that will last a long time. TWO year warranty (instead of normal 1 year) I will check your system, drips, valves, etc. and advise you how to keep your plants healthy and system working all winter.

FREE ESTIMATES! CALL 24 HOURS 20 Yrs Exp. I Do All My Own Work! Call Mark

480.295.2279 Not a licensed contractor.

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates• 3 Year Warranty

HOME IMPROVEMENT Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated

Now Accepting all majior credit cards

Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

The Valley’s Premier Painters

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

ROC#243600

PAINTING FOR PENNIES Compare And Save!

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for a Decade. Family Owned & Operated -Interior & Exterior Painting -Stucco/Drywall Repairs & Texture Matching -Minor Carpentry -4 Year Warranty! -Competitive Pricing

Complete Interior and Exterior House Painting

ACP is 100%Veteran Owned & Supports Our Vets with 10% off for all Military Personnel

Lifetime Guarantee

www.AcpPaintingllc.com

480-405-7808

Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

VALLEY WIDE FREE ESTIMATES!

Licensed Bonded Insured | ROC # 301084

homeimprovementclub.com

See What We’re Up To!

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

Plumbing

CLASSIFIEDS

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Plumbing

Meetings/Events

Pool Services

PARENTS OF ADDICTED LOVED ONES Are you affected by someone who is dealing with an addiction? If so, know that you are not alone and that the PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones) group can help. The group is available to provide education and support to anyone 18 years or older who is dealing with a friend or family member with an addiction. See our local meeting list at palgroup.org

The Ahwatukee Republican Women's Club (ARW) General meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month (unless otherwise noted) at the Four Points by Sheraton South Mountain, 10831 S 51st St Phoenix, 85044. Social Networking begins at 6:30 PM and the meeting (program) begins at 7:00 PM. Additional info contact: ARWomen@aol.com. Visit our website at www.ahwatukee republican women.com

Pool Services

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning! Monthly Service & Repairs Available

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

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

P O O L S E RV I C E S Plumbing

JuanPavers Hernandez • Concrete Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

P O O L R E PA I R

Pebble cracking, Plaster peeling, Rebar showing, Pool Light out?

I CAN HELP!

23 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Plumbing

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!!!

Beat Any Price By 10% FREE R/O FILTERS!

Water Heaters Installed - $469 Unclog Drains - $49.95 FREE ESTIMATES • MANY REFERRALS ANYTHING PLUMBING • SAME DAY SERVICE

Plumbing & Rooter Service

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

Plumbing

$64* Drain Cleaning *Some conditions apply. Call for details.

PLUMBING $35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

$39 Off* Any Service *Call for Details. For a Limited Time.

100% Guarantee on Our Work

From Water Heaters to Toilets, Slab Leaks to Clogs!

24/7 Emergency Service FAST 60 Minute Service Available

Estimates Available

480.405.3020 Bonded | Insured | Lic’d ROC 257806

CLASSIFIEDS Sun/Shade Screens

Rooﬁng ROOFING CONTRACTOR with 32 years exp Specializing in all types repairs, re-roofs, coating & walking decks. Quality service & response our first priority. All work guaranteed. ROC# 100401-L42 ROC# 132572-C42 Call Carl 480-895-3425 or 602-432-9183

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online! Call 480-898-6564

"Mobile Screening" Your Re-Screening Specialist.

Bug Screens - Sun Screens

Patio Doors New Screens Available We Come To You! (480) 980-3321

Meetings/Events

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

Rooﬁng

Window Cleaning

Rooﬁng

John's Window Cleaning 1-story $125 / 2-story $145 -inside and out up to 30 panes (add'l panes $2) Screens cleaned $2.50 per pane. Power Washing and Re-Screening available Same day Service (480) 201-6471

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

480-706-1453

Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book Step Study Mtg Every Tuesday 7:00pm. Closed meeting. Child care provided. Mtn View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St., Phoenix, 85044

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1984

Rooﬁng

ROOFING

EARLY DEADLINES For the Holidays:

Dec 28th issue deadlines 9am on Dec 21st Jan 4th issue deadlines 9am on Dec 29th To place an ad please call: 480-898-6465 or Email us: class@timespublications.com

New Construction, Complete Re-Roof, Repairs, Tile, Asphalt Shingle, Foam and more!

WWW.PAYNESONS.COM Contact us for a FREE evaluation

480.988.9250 SEE OUR REVIEWS ON:

TRI CERTIFIED INSTALLER LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED ROC: 194202

ARE YOUR HOME AND FAMILY PROTECTED? Tile Roof Specialist

Phoenix’s Premier Tile and Foam Roofer. Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING

10% OFF Valley Wide Service

With This Ad

Free Estimates • Credit Cards OK Check out some of our jobs and reviews!

Family Owned/ Operated

Quality Leak Repairs & Re-Roofs

Honest Free Estimates References DENNIS PORTER

480-460-7602 or 602-710-2263 RANDY HALFHILL

602-910-1485

480-446-7663 (ROOF)

www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC #244850 | INSURED | BONDED

ROC: 138549B

Lic#ROC 152111 Bonded

Tree Services

U.S. ARBOR Tree Service

• Tree Trimming • Tree Removal • Stump Grind • Queen Palm & Citrus Treatment • Deep Root Fertilization

www.usarbor.com FREE ESTIMATES

480.812.0731 Lic #990148 • Insured

DECEMBER 21, 2016 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 21, 2016

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Happy Holidays from all of us!!! r te -up in e W un T

UP TO

3,950

REBATES

0% APR

OR FOR 48 OR 60 MO.*

WINTER TUNE-UP

LIMITED TIME OFFER!

FREE 10-Year Parts and Labor

Limited Warranty*

*On Selected Systems ($1,295 Value - No Charge)

REG. $99.

Up to $800 in Utility Rebates*

WITH THE PURCHASE OF A NEW A/C SYSTEM INSTALLATION

Includes a 16-Point Inspection plus a condenser coil rinse if accessible ($5.00 Fuel and Trip Fee Applies) RESIDENTIAL ONLY

480-893-8335

www.BrewersAC.com

A+ Rating

SINCE 1982

ROC #C39-080322-00

Up to a $2,850 Brewerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dealer Rebate, up to $800 Utility Rebate, up to $300 Federal Tax Credit. The Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms for 60 MONTHS apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 10/01/2016 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 12/31/2016

FREE

Service Call Second Opinion (WITH REPAIR)