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Tempe Union focuses on increase in failing grades BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

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s Tempe Union High School District began a new semester last week in allvirtual mode, teachers and administrators continued to address the learning gap that has emerged since the pandemic disrupted classroom instruction. That slippage was discussed at the final meeting of the old Tempe Union Governing Board last month as the first semester of 202021 – marked by only a month of a limited student presence in classrooms – wound down. “We’re concerned. We’re very very concerned,” Superintendent Kevin Mendivil told

the board as he and his aides discussed learning loss that has emerged over the last nine months of 2020. “This is a less than ideal situation for all school districts,” he said. “Tempe Union is not alone. “I have often spoken with my colleagues in our sister districts of the East Valley and in Central Phoenix and they’re all struggling with this – everybody is. So, we’re not unique to our little area of the town. We recognized there would be learning gaps and (the need) to begin addressing them sooner rather than later and we have been doing that.” That gap was measured both by comparing results of proficiency test results administered in the first quarters of 2019 and 2020 as well

as failing grades in those two quarters and the second quarter of the current school year. Across the district, the latter data sets showed a third or more of students failing in English Language Arts, math, science and social studies. Mendivil cautioned the data on failing grades for the second quarter of this school year was not complete since there a couple of weeks remained at the time the data were compiled. He also said, “The Fs are not static. There’ll be a point where they are, but right now the Fs are going to be – it’s very mobile. They were different a week ago. They were different two

see GAP page 16

Local ASU prof has big role in MLK commemorations . 15

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artin Luther King Jr. Day commemorations next Monday likely will be different, with many community service projects normally held that day either canceled or curtailed because of the need to maintain social distance. But that doesn’t mean the day will be ignored in Ahwatukee and the East Valley. And Ahwatukee resident Dr. Neal Lester, foundation professor of English at Arizona State University, will be playing a pivotal role. The Tempe Human Relations Commission is awarding one of its MLK Diversity Awards to ASU’s Project Humanities program, which Lester founded 10 years ago to be “a leader

in local, national, international conversations about the breadth, depth and value of humanities study and humanist practice and understanding across disciplines and communities.” In announcing the award, the commission said Project Humanities “is creating virtual and real spaces where all voices are vital. A multiple awardwinning initiative that extends widely within and far beyond the four campuses of ASU, Project Humanities invites people to see diversity, inclusion and equity through the lens of individual and shared humanity. “Project Humanities offers a virtual and real toolbox that promotes and celebrates compassion, integrity, forgiveness, kindness, empathy and selfreflection,” it said. Dr. Neal Lester of Ahwatukee, foundation professor of English at ASU and founder of its Project Humanities program, will be dissee LESTER page 4 cussing Martin Luther King Jr. on two programs. (Pablo Robles/AFN)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

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

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Horizon Honors Secondary Principal Cynthia Shaheen announced her retirement, but said she would help ensure a smooth transition. (Special to AFN)

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n a surprise announcement last week, Horizon Honors Secondary Principal Cynthia Shaheen retired from the position she has held since 2015, but said she would continue as a part-time “Administrator on Special Assignment” to assure a smooth transition for her successor. “The losses I have experienced in this last year, including the unexpected passing of my husband, have taken a toll on me; however, my commitment to Horizon Honors remains, I just need to take a step back and shift my role,” she told parents and colleagues in her announcement last week. Shaheen had been teaching at Horizon for 19 years when she was appointed ion 2015 to succeed former principal Nancy Emmons. Prior to that appointment, she helped start Horizon Honors’ elementary program and was a K2 team leader. Shaheen also took the school through its first North Central Accreditation process, which got the secondary school accredited. She then helped develop Horizon Honors’ intermediate school, where she became a mentor teacher. Shaheen continued to improve the school by developing Horizon Honors’ Performing Arts classes. Then,

see HORIZON page 9

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

Art replaces annual Unity Walk amid pandemic BY SRIANTHI PERERA AFN Contributor

n keeping with the pandemic’s restrictions, this year’s Regional Unity Walk has been revamped. Instead of gathering at Temple Beach Park on a day in January to promote mutual respect and understanding of diverse groups, residents are directed to a showcasing of cultural arts, a Visual Journey of Diversity, Culture and Equity, in Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale and Guadalupe. “This year we definitely knew that most likely we won’t be able to be together, so we wanted to be able to plan something that would be really just as meaningful and symbolic of a regional effort,” said Andrea Alicoate, diversity administrator for City of Mesa. “More importantly, this is even more of an important time to celebrate the culture and equity among the different communities.” The cities have also worked to create an arts map to highlight sculptures, murals and other art spots that are easily accessible outdoors. In addition, each city chose to highlight things that are special to their own communities, Alicoate said. For example, Mesa has organized an art exhibition at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum and the Tempe Instagrammys photo competition. The museum, which will announce winners on Jan. 28, created a category for photos that represent unity in the city. With the arts, the idea is to encourage people to do a visual – either driving, biking or walking – tour through the different cities, cross city boundaries and give attention to some of the cultural art or artists in each of the cities, said Niki Tapia, community resources and diversity supervisor for the City of Chandler. “A lot of people are stuck at home. So, this is a way they can go for a drive with their family, go take some selfies, have some fun,” Tapia said. “Also, we’re trying

LESTER from page 1

“From lectures with known celebrities and leaders to hackathons for social good and volunteering, this program is dedicated to showing the interconnectedness of humanity, justice and equality,” it added. The award ceremony will be broadcast

Arian Enriquez poses in front of her mural, “The Hum of the Desert,” at the San Marcos Resort in Chandler. The mural on the right, by Hugo Medina, is inside the lobby of the state Department of Employment Security in Mesa. (Special to AFN) to support businesses, restaurants run by people of color and we’re wanting to encourage people to go get some takeout and have a picnic. “It’s a way for people to get out of their house for a while and have an experience. People are really needing that right now, something safe, something that is not too complicated, something educational and fun,” she added. Two signature events marking the day were canceled. Mesa’s MLK Day Parade, which was to mark its 25th anniversary this year, was scratched, as was the East Valley Unity Walk. The Unity Walk began 18 years ago as a way for these cities to come together to celebrate the Dr. Martin Luther King holiday falling on the third Monday of January. Participants from the cities wore a different colored shirt and met in separate spots, and then walked a mile throughout the Tempe Bridge and ended the walk at Tempe Beach Park. The intermingling would result in a combining of the various splashes of color. “It was a really beautiful, symbolic visual of all of us coming together,” Tapia said.

live at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15, on the City of Tempe Facebook page. Additionally, there are two programs on different platforms that Lester is part of. AZPBS’ Arizona Horizon will present on TV and azpbs.org at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 18 segments on past, present and future aspects of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Les-

“Obviously, in the time of COVID, we cannot and wouldn’t want to have so many people together.” Also, rather than select just one day, the organizers stretched the celebration over a few weeks, until Jan. 31, to enable more time to enjoy the art in various cities. “We’re hoping to stretch them to cross their boundary lines if they’re not used to but also more importantly the connection comes with knowing that folks are enjoying the same piece of art that you are,” Alicoate said. The cities concede it’s difficult to make a connection when people are not physically at the same location. “But we felt that this was a different and more deeper connection by being able to have some more thought-provoking education into viewing an experience in art,” Alicoate said. The Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum has done just that. It invited a guest curator, Clottee Hammons of Emancipation Arts, who organized a special pop-up titled “Human Contrasts” through Jan. 31. Hammons used the “I Have a Dream”

ter will be a featured guest. “How the Dream Came to Be” will examine the speech’s content and historical context in the 1960s, as well as King’s inspiration for writing it and its social impact on the Civil Rights movement. The second segment will present the different perspectives of individuals who

speech as her launching point and to have a conversation about Dr. King’s vision and the things that he witnessed in society during his time, and also shows how the artists convey that message and what they have observed. Curator Tiffany Fairall said that it’s a commentary on how though we may seem dissimilar on the surface, we have commonalities and similar struggles. “They are really topics that are discussed in mainstream nowadays. You are talking about people who are marginalized in society’s mainstreams and trying to have a conversation about being seen,” she said. The museum has two other shows in its gallery spaces that also fall within the topic of unity. Ann Morton responds to the current societal ills such as homelessness and the border issue with “History Repeats” using fiber work, mixed media and community engagement programming. Meanwhile, Harold Lohner hosts “Forbidden Colors” and takes on male identity and male love, and the beauty of the male body with bright colored, striking monoprints. For a full state of events, visit mesaaz. gov/government/diversity-office/regional-unity-artwalk. For an interactive map of the Regional Unity Art Walk, visit storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/06a7d7600b17 47f7a80d7bc248d7c89c 

represent three different generations as they describe how MLK and his speech has impacted their lives. It also will explore changes within their communities that are helping to achieve racial equality. “Our hope is through this program, we

see LESTER page 6

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LESTER from page 4

continue to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and encourage all people to actively work towards achieving the promise of freedom and justice for all,” said Ebonye Delaney, Arizona PBS digital director and executive producer of the presentation. This project will be part of a broader MLK Day observance and is a joint effort with the municipalities of Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Phoenix and Gilbert and the East Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee. Lester also is co-facilitator of a webcast 6-8 p.m. Monday on “The King We Don’t Know,” a 2018 NPR interview assessing the King’s legacy led by Dr. Charles McKinney, professor of history at Rhodes College in Memphis. People can register for it at projecthumanities.asu.edu/events. Lester explained he orchestrated that webcast because “I decided that we could do something a little more critically productive” on a day commemorating the late civil rights leader. “Service is fine,” he said, but since those events are conducted in the daytime, Lester felt some critical discussion on King and his seminal speeches like “I Have a

Dream” would deepen people’s understanding of King’s beliefs and mission. Since George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis police last May, Lester said, people have been “pulling out King quotes and I’m always kind of amazed at the way in which we want to romanticize King and see him as being sort of ‘We Are the World’ or ‘Let’s Sing the Coke Song.’” “He was actually quite radical,” Lester said, stressing “I’m using ‘radical’ in quotation marks.” Lester said that in the “Dream” speech and 1967 “The Other America” speech, King “calls out police brutality, where he calls out injustices and where he talks very specifically about divided America, the haves and the have nots.” He said the latter program on Monday “won’t be a lecture, won’t be a panel discussion” but a series of “vital voices” represented by various individuals who share poems, parts of speeches or other observations moderated by him and McKinney. McKinney is an expert on King, Lester explained, and “his take is that we have too often – and this is across the racialethnic-cultural spectrum – looked at Dr. King as a kind of black Santa Claus and then we sort of sugarcoat the image of

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He had to go virtual last fall with his annual Hackathon for Humanity – in which a diverse array of volunteers of all ages and from all segments of society work on one of several specific efforts to address a social issue. Because it was virtual, the three-day event drew people from around the world and the group’s prize-winning effort was an app to help victims of domestic violence. Called “Whole Heart,” the app helps victims determine if their relationship is abusive, connects them to services, provides ongoing support and helps record incidents of abuse in a digital journal. The app also has built-in “camouflaging” features that make it appear as a yoga or cooking app, should the abuser snatch the victim’s phone. The pandemic also inspired Lester to start regular podcasts that cover a broad range of topics. Last year’s topics ranged from untested rape kits to “whupping and African-American parenting.” Project Humanities also has slated a series of web-based discussions on topics such as “rhetorical listening.”

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him when it comes to his sort of radical perspective on change and addressing militarism but also economic injustice.” Lester pointed to King’s own words in his 1967 address at Stanford University to explain the romanticized image of King. “He says large segments of the population are content with tranquility and the status quo and he says the only way to make change is to disrupt that and recognize that humanity, justice and equality are interconnected. I don’t think we’ve moved to that point yet. We want to see King as being this kneel-down-and-pray, non-violent Gandhi because that also suits us.” He suggested people read the “I Have A Dream” speech “because it is not particularly sugarcoated in terms of the circumstances of America” and that “in fact, it talks with a certain kind of urgency about that injustice and discrimination, specifically racial and economic issues that have persisted for way too long.” Meanwhile, Lester said the pandemic has not thwarted his mission to extend the dialogue about society through Project Humanities’ lens of “empathy, compassion, respect, integrity, forgiveness, kindness and self-reflection.”

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HORIZON from page 3

she was asked to become a master teacher; at first for K-12 and then for secondary school, where she has been up until her selection as principal. She told the campus paper in 2015, that she always found teaching to be rewarding, stating she enjoyed “just watching lightbulbs go on in a student’s mind; that moment when I see them understand. And that pride and ownership to learning is absolutely where I see joy and satisfaction.” Prior to arriving at Horizon, Shaheen held various positions, including director of education for NASA at the Kennedy Space Center and supervising student teachers at the University of Idaho. “I first came to Horizon not seeking employment but to find more information about the school for my daughters at their first parent meeting,” Shaheen told the campus paper. “I was not satisfied with the education they were receiving, and I was working as a special education director for another school at that time. I introduced myself to the founders, and asked them if I

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could assist, not for employment, but in collaboration. They wanted to continue our discussion, and ultimately I decided to come back to the classroom.” She was instrumental shortly after she became principal in advancing Horizon Honors into the digital world, implementing Google Classroom in all classrooms – which ultimately helped the school transition smoothly to all-virtual learning last March when the pandemic forced campuses in Arizona to close. “I also really want to hear what our students want, and a reflection of that would be the student focus group we held last winter,” she told the campus paper. “I want to be accessible, and I want them to know what they think matters.” In her retirement announcement, Shaheen said leaving her position was “bittersweet” and said it had been “a tremendous honor” to have served the school. “It is with a bittersweet heart that I write to inform you that I am retiring from my position as the Secondary School Principal. I would like to express that it has been a tremendous honor to be your Principal and to have served the

Horizon Honors Elementary and Secondary schools in Ahwatukee are now accepting lottery forms for the 2021-2022 school year and they are due online Jan. 22. In addition, Horizon Honors will hold online Q & A sessions for interested families of students in grades 7-12 today, Jan. 13. Times are 5 p.m. for grades 7-8 and 6 p.m. for grades 9-12. To sign for the lottery and/or the information sessions: horizonhonors.org/lottery and complete the form. Horizon Honors is a tuition-free, public charter school with over 1,500 students and both have been graded “A” by the state Department of Education.

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grateful for the impact you make on the lives of our students.” She also said she treasured the fact she spent her days “striving to create a school where students can find their passions, express themselves, and grow intellectually and personally. As I make this transition, I remain dedicated to these ideals and am grateful to every Horizon Honors family who has allowed me to Learn, Believe, Dream, and Dare alongside their children.” 

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Five bedroom, 4 bathroom, 4,556 sf single level home in a cul de sac on nearly a 1 acre preserve lot! East facing back yard! The kitchen has an abundance of granite slab counter space, a center island with prep sink, breakfast bar, Subzero refrigerator, double ovens, Jennair smooth surface cook tops with grill, walk in pantry, large casual dining area, and an R/O system. Open kitchen family room floor plan! The family room is enormous with a two way fireplace with stone surrounds and a large wet bar with bar seating. A bonus/game room ( the perfect space for a pool table) is on the other side of the two way fireplace. Exit the family to the sprawling resort style back yard. Extensive land and hardscape, sparkling pebble tec pool and spa, elevated fireplace with stone surrounds and seating area, outdoor kitchen with BBQ, burner and beverage fridge, and a separate built in draft beer system. Master bathroom has a dual sink vanity with granite slab top, separate shower and Jacuzzi tub with granite surrounds and large walk in closet with custom built - ins. 8’ solid core doors. Temperature controlled wine cellar. All three AC’s are approximately five years old. Three car garage has a mini split and an epoxy floor coating. RV Gate. Extra slab parking in front and behind the RV gate (slab parking for approximately 8 in the front depending on vehicle size and a single slab behind the gate.)

Ocotillo Listed for

$875,000

Single level 3,735 sf home with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on over a 1/3rd acre lot. Sprawling golf course and lake views! The remodeled kitchen boasts dark wood cabinetry, extended kitchen island with quartz counter and stainless steel appliances; gas cooking! The luxurious resort style back yard overlooks the prestigious Ocotillo Golf Course! Sparkling pebble tec pool and beautifully landscaped; perfect for families and entertaining. Large theater room with wet bar, beverage fridge, buffet, two built in work stations, projector and movie screen. Shutters, updated fixtures, 4 year old roof with 10 year warranty.

Cavalier Campus

Listed for $840,000

Complete 2017 remodel! 2017 roof and HVAC unit. All new electrical, new 200amp service panel and LED lighting throughout (2017.) All new Pella windows and doors. Solid core interior doors throughout. Kitchen boasts a commercial Dacor appliance package. 18’’ dual zone wine and beverage center built in to the 13.5’ island with Italian stone waterfall countertop. Quartz kitchen countertops. Deluxe cabinet package with soft closers, full extension rollouts, auto led interior cabinet lighting, 110 electric inside island cabinets for hidden appliances. Extravagant wet bar with undermount sink, beverage refrigerator, custom cabinetry with glass display and LED interior lighting. 60” x 18” open face gas fireplace in family room with full wall stone surrounds. Extensive millwork throughout. All exterior and interior windows and doors are cased and moulded. Wainscotting throughout the interior. Smooth plaster wall finish throughout. Four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Two master bathrooms. Second master makes a great guest suite. Master 2 has a large sitting area / living room with French doors to the exterior. Both master suites exit to the back yard. Master bedrooms are new construction (2017.) Bathrooms are finished in Carerra marble, top grade Kohler sinks and toilets, custom glass shower door enclosures; Danze plumbing fixtures throughout. The resort style back yard has expansive trex style decking, a sparkling 2018 pool finished entirely in ceramic penny tile. Deluxe low maintenance landscape. R - 48 attic insulation. The detached, side entry garage is new construction (2017.) Driveway in the front and a two car driveway at the garage. Check out the photos at https://bit.ly/2TEHrDK

Twelve Oaks Listed for

$389,900

Beautifully updated 1,627 sf 3 bedroom 2 bathroom single level home. Open kitchen family room concept. The 2015 remodeled kitchen boasts granite slab counter tops, refinished cabinets with brushed nickel hardware, upgraded black appliances, pantry and eat-in kitchen dining area. 2019 garbage disposal. 2015 kitchen appliance package. All appliances convey including the refrigerators in the kitchen and garage and the 2018 front load washer and dryer. Formal combination living and dining rooms. Newer trendy gray tone porcelain tile throughout with carpet (2020) only in the bedrooms. Large master suite with walk in closet and double sinks and separate shower and Roman tub in the bathroom. 2017 upgraded front door makes a wonderful first impression! 2015 insulated garage door. Arcadia doors from the family room exit to the resort like east facing backyard with a sparking pool and expansive land and hardscape! Variable speed pool pump installed 2020. Pool was resurfaced with pebble sheen and new perimeter tile in 2018. 2019 front and back yard landscape, pavers and planter boxes. New sprinkler systems installed front and back in 2019.

San Tan Valley Land Listed for

$195,000

Great development opportunity or horse property! 8.35 acre parcel in San Tan Valley. Spectacular panoramic mountain views! No HOA. Property can be split (if desired) into five 1.67 acre parcels. Miles of state trust land all around. Owner is willing to facilitate a minor land division. In the country but has nearby emergency services, hospital, schools, and shopping.

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

Legislature eyes election, emergency powers changes BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

he 2021 legislative session is being brought to you by the letter E – as in emergency powers, election legislation and education funding. The session got off to a quick start this week as one of the first act of lawmakers will be to determine whether it’s time to pull the plug on the state of emergency that Gov. Doug Ducey declared 10 months ago – an action, if it gets a majority vote, the governor cannot veto. Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale, already has the language crafted. Her measure, SCR 1001, seeks to take advantage of a provision in the law that gave Ducey the power to unilaterally declare an emergency in the first place. It says the emergency ends when the governor says it does or when a majority of legislators vote to say it’s over. Foes haven’t been able to even debate the issue until now because they weren’t in session. Now, with the session having started Monday, Ugenti-Rita needs just 16 senators and 31 representatives to put an end to the emergency.

But there is no clear law about whether the governor can simply turn around and declare a new one and reinstate all the provisions, such as what businesses can be open and under what conditions. That possibility has Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, asking Attorney General Mark Brnovich whether that would require the legislature to have yet another vote to swat down the governor. And he wants to know whether that would automatically terminate any reinstated actions “or would a court have to issue an order?’’ Then there’s the question of whether lawmakers have other options. For example, Kavanagh wants to know whether the legislature could impose some sort of self-destruct measure into an existing emergency, like saying it has to end when hospital or infection levels drop below a certain level. The governor, in an interview with Capitol Media Services, said pulling the plug on his declaration would be a bad idea. “We’re still in that public health emergency,’’ he said. “That’s why state law and the constitution provide for executive emergency authorities in situations like that.’’

Even if a majority of legislators won’t immediately quash the current emergency, there is broader support to reviewing the underlying laws that allowed him to declare it in the first place. Rep. Mark Finchem, R-Oro Valley, wants a constitutional amendment sent to the ballot to require governors to get “advice and consent’’ of the legislature within a certain period,. Even those who may look for less drastic measures think the law needs to be revisited. Senate President Karen Fann and House Speaker Rusty Bowers put together a special panel to review the statutes with the specific goal of determining if there is the proper balance between the needs of the governor to respond to unforeseen events and the role of the legislature in providing oversight. Fann said she’s not sure that lawmakers, in adopting the laws, had in mind what Ducey has done. “Nobody foresaw that it would be something like this that could potentially go on for months,’’ Fann said. Ducey said he’s willing to listen. State election laws present a different set of problems.

Arizona already has statutes designed to prevent fraud and determine the accuracy of vote counts. For example, unlike some states, early ballots are mailed only to those who request them, whether on an election-byelection basis or signing up for the permanent early voter list. And the law requires a hand count of the votes from 2 percent of precincts or vote centers, comparing what the machines tallied with what humans have determined are the votes. “I do think we do elections well,’’ Ducey said. Sen. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, wants that hand count increased to 5 percent along with provisions allowing the attorney general, the secretary of state or the legislative council to demand more. Potentially more sweeping, he also wants to allow anyone with enough money to cover the costs to demand a full recount of any election. Now, the only way that happens is if the margin of victory falls within certain margins, like 200 votes for a statewide race. There is some discussion about tight-

SEAN BOWIE

MITZI EPSTEIN

JENNIFER JERMAINE

shrinks. “I’m hoping we can do something around affordable housing whether it’s a tax credit or it’s an investment in our housing trust fund,” Bowie said. During the Chandler Chamber discussion, Bowie reiterated his determination to continue to address not only K-12 education but higher education and defend

against expected efforts to curb early mailing after numerous unproven attacks stemming from Trump’s defeat in Arizona. “Education is always at the forefront of my mind,” Bowie said, noting that Republicans from neighboring LD17 who were in the Chamber presentation talked about the need to grow business in Arizona.

“It’s difficult to do that if we’re not making investments in education,” Bowie said. “We’ve made some progress in recent years, but we still have a long way to go strictly around higher education. Arizona has cut more from higher education than any state in the country.

see LEGISLATURE page 14

LD18 legislators prioritize COVID-19 relief, business AFN NEWS STAFF

hwatukee’s three members of the Arizona Legislature say they’ll be pushing for more resources for education and to help small businesses hurt by the pandemic during the upcoming legislative session. In appearances before Chandler City Council last month and an online conference sponsored last week by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, Sen. Sean Bowie and Reps. Jennifer Jermaine and Mitzi Epstein outlined their major priorities. During a recent meeting with the Chandler City Council, the delegation discussed how the lingering health crisis may affect the state’s budget and any bills they might introduce next month. Bowie told Chandler Council he would like to address the state’s lack of affordable housing, an issue that has worsened in recent years as housing prices skyrocket and the number of available homes

see LD18 LEGISLATORS page 15

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

Crowded agenda of issues faces lawmakers this session HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

hile issues surrounding the ongoing emergency and election laws are likely to command a lot of legislative heat and light, there are dozens of other subjects, great and small, that will be debated. One of the big battles will be what new hurdles lawmakers will try to put in the path of individuals and groups seeking to propose their own laws. The approval of Proposition 208 to raise taxes on the state’s wealthiest to add cash to K-12 education stung the business community which waged a fullcourt press against it. And those same interests are now working to get a judge to void the voter-approved 3.5% income tax surcharge on individual earnings above $250,000 and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly. Now the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry already is trotting out what it calls “potential reforms’’ to the system. One is requiring more than a simple majority of votes cast to enact any changes. Had that provision been in place it would have quashed many of the measures that have been approved in recent years, including Proposition 208. Another proposes that the required signatures to put measures on the ballot come from each of the state’s 30 legisla-

LEGISLATURE from page 12

ening up that permanent early voter list, requiring names be purged if people don’t vote in two election cycles and don’t respond to a postcard. And then there are measures that stem from issues from the 2020 election. Take “Sharpiegate.’’ That’s the claim that felt-tipped pens used in some counties at polling places bled through to the other side of the two-sided ballots, affecting votes and resulting in some ballots not being counted. Sen. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa, wants to bar county officials from mandating the use of any specific marker. Maricopa County officials said Sharpies are the marker recommended by the manufacturer of the tallying machines because the ink dries quickly while other pens leave smears in the counting machines

tive districts or what will be 10 congressional districts. On one hand that ensures that circulators cannot qualify for the ballot simply with support from the Phoenix metro area. But the flip side is it effectively gives residents of any one area of the state veto power. And there also is a proposal to have anything approved by voters self-destruct after a given number of years unless reenacted at the ballot box. That, however, forces those who got a measure approved in the first place to again have to spend money to keep it on the books. Even if the Republican-controlled legislature agrees to any or all changes, there is a check on their power. These all need constitutional amendments which can be approved only if voters ratify them in 2022. There is one proposal out there that does not have the support of the business community: Allowing those circulating initiative petitions to use the same online system for gathering signatures that is available for political candidates. Democrats, who remain in the minority, are hoping to focus attention on the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. “There are a number of Arizonans that are hurting,’’ said Senate Minority Leader Rebecca Rios. One priority is altering the maximum unemployment benefit available to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. At $240 a week, it hasn’t been altered

which require them to be taken offline and cleaned. And they said, races on the back of the ballot are offset so that a stray bleed-through on one side could not affect choices on the back. But Townsend conceded to Capitol Media Services she has an ulterior motive. “In order to comply with the legislation, they will have to terminate their lease with Dominion (Voting Systems) and go with a different company,’’ she said, saying those other firms don’t allow use of Sharpies. Dominion has been the target of various conspiracy theories, all unproved in multiple lawsuits, that its hardware and software were programmed to add votes for Democrat Joe Biden and not count those for President Donald Trump. “I am concerned with the amount of distrust and the erosion of trust that’s happening in elections across the coun-

in 17 years. Only Mississippi pays less. But Gov. Doug Ducey, in an interview with Capitol Media Services, showed no interest in altering that formula. “We certainly want to make sure that if somebody is displaced that they don’t fall through the cracks and that there’s a social safety net for them,’’ he said. “But I want public policy to encourage people to get back into the workforce.” He acknowledged that the Arizona economy is not back to pre-pandemic levels. The state Office of Economic Opportunity said that the state has recovered just 201,200 of the nearly 295,000 jobs lost since February. Water also will again be a focus as lawmakers realize the “drought contingency plan’’ adopted in 2019 is not a permanent and long-term solution. House Speaker Rusty Bowers wants to look to “augment’’ supplies. But that depends on finding those with water rights elsewhere willing to sell them. At the same time there is discussion about restricting the transfer of water from one county to another, a concern of some rural lawmakers who fear developers and cities buying up groundwater rights and leaving communities with limited reserves for growth. Among other likely subjects for legislative consideration: Curbing the power of the Arizona Corporation Commission to set energy poli-

try,’’ Ducey said when asked about state election laws. And the governor said he’s open to ideas to make elections here more secure. But Ducey said he believes some of the issues around confidence here in the election returns – which he certified as accurate – are a matter of public education. “We need to do a good job of communicating how we do things in Arizona that differentiates us from places like Pennsylvania, Nevada or Michigan,’’ he said. The issue of education funding goes to what Sen. Paul Boyer, R-Phoenix, believes is a broken promise. When the pandemic hit, schools went to online learning. But the state funding formula provides fewer dollars for each child who is not sitting in a classroom. On top of that, some students didn’t come back, leaving districts with fixed costs but less state aid which is based on

cy, including requirements for renewable energy, leaving the panel solely with the ability to set rates. Deciding whether sex education classes, which already are optional, should not be available for anyone younger than the fifth grade. Considering whether Arizona should have a lieutenant governor who would be elected on the same ticket with the governor, like the president and vice president. Restoring the right of local governments to impose restrictions on vacation rentals. Eliminating requirements for students to be vaccinated before they can attend school. Debating whether to reduce prison sentences for certain nonviolent offenses. Allowing community colleges to offer four-year degrees as a less-expensive alternative to state universities. Similar plans have been beaten back in prior years by the Arizona Board of Regents. Requiring that doctors seeking to perform breast enhancement surgery on women provide more complete disclosure of the side effects. Raising the tax on gasoline or finding other revenue sources for road construction and maintenance, as the fund has taken a major hit with less travel during the pandemic. Setting new restrictions on drone op-

see LAWMAKERS page 15

the number of students. Ducey announced in June he was setting aside $370 million to guarantee that schools this academic year would have at least 98 percent of the funding they were getting last year. But that money ran out, leaving many districts with less. “I really think we need to make sure we deliver on our promises,’’ said Boyer who chairs the Senate Education Committee. But the governor said not to look for him to supplement that $370 million appropriation. “That’s been sent to schools,’’ Ducey said. “Unfortunately, districts saw much higher declines in enrollment than they originally anticipated.’’ Boyer said he is still trying to figure out how much more schools need, either because of the lower reimbursement for online learning or declining enrollment. “The principle for me is holding schools harmless,’’ he said. 

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

LAWMAKERS from page 14

erators. Requiring that any new or renovated school buildings have windows that open. Banning the sale of eggs that do not come from cage-free chickens. Repealing a constitutional amendment that excuses lawmakers from arrest in all cases except treason, felony crimes and breach of the peace. It also allows legislators to avoid civil process during legislative sessions and for 15 days prior to each session. Levying fees on internet platforms that act as “publishers,’’ meaning they edit and remove certain content versus simply allowing anyone to post. Making it more difficult for police and prosecutors to use civil procedures to seize cars, money and other property if there is no underlying criminal conviction. Mandating that police and prosecutors put officers who have been judged to be dishonest on a publicly available “Brady list.’’ Restricting access to weapons by people determined to be a danger to self or others. 

LD18 LEGISLATORS from page 12

“Our universities have really struggled during COVID-19. So my hope is we can make some additional investments in higher education.” During the Chandler City Council session, Jermaine said she wanted to focus on more help for businesses with fewer than 15 employees because they’re the backbone of the local economy and need additional support. In both the council and the Chamber sessions, Jermaine also said domestic violence will be a high priority for her as will

LESTER from page 6

That session “invites listeners to move from a dysfunctional silence to an open stance wherein people willingly position themselves to recognize that a problem exists for someone.” Also planned are film screenings on a movement in the early 1970s by a group of Boston secretaries for better pay and working conditions, a public television host called Mr. Soul and his celebration of Black literature and music, and another

the issue of missing women, particularly on reservations. “I’m going to have a lot of legislation related to that work with missing persons,” she said, “and some victim services reforms for law enforcement agencies so that people who are victims of violent crime can get the services that they need and those who are surviving family members can get reimbursement from the state Victim Compensation Fund for funeral costs and for any other counseling services that they may need.” In both the Chandler Council and Chamber sessions, Epstein was particularly

on “coded bias.” There also are digital workshops slated on topics such as anti-racist parenting, “toxic positivity” and “religion and rape culture.” Details on all those presentations are at projecthumanities.asu.edu. Project Humanities also is partnering with a nonprofit to deliver toiletries and other necessities to homeless people in downtown Phoenix. Until the pandemic required social distancing, volunteers every other Saturday

morning went downtown to distribute donated necessities like clothing and toiletries. Volunteers, who now only sort donations, now are limited in number because of the pandemic, as are the amount of donations that can be accepted. Because of the need for social distancing, people who want to donate or help sort donations must make arrangements with Project Humanities by calling 480-727-7030 or emailing projecthumanities@asu.edu. 

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emphatic on helping small businesses – especially by addressing the dwindling reserves in the state Unemployment Trust Fun. The trust fund has dropped substantially over the last few months, Epstein said, noting it has fallen from $1.2 billion to $80 million. She also said she wants to find a solution to the looming deficit that will not put the burden for fixing it on businesses. “If the Legislature doesn’t do anything, that’s what’s going to happen,” she said. “It’ll all land on small businesses.” 

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

GAP from page 1

weeks ago and so they won’t be static because we will continue with the ongoing support.” The data showed that between the first quarter of 2019 and the second quarter of this school year: • Failing grades at Desert Vista High School went from 2 percent to 13 percent and at Mountain Pointe from 7 percent to 23 percent. Compadre, Tempe High and Marcos De Niza posted far greater increases. • Failing grades district-wide tripled to 30 percent in English among freshmen, sophomores and juniors. • In math district-wide, Fs in Algebra 1 – generally a freshman course – went from 12 percent to 40 percent. Failures rose from 14 percent to 30 percent in geometry, usually a sophomore course. • Failures quadrupled in the social studies areas of American and Arizona history, economics, federal and state government and world history and geography and tripled in biology and integrated science. Mendivil said that while the administration and teaching staff are addressing struggling students and trying to “maintain trajectory for graduation for all students,” the top priorities are freshmen and seniors. He said seniors have only this semester to “make up any deficiencies or credits that they all need to have for graduation day come in May.” As for freshmen, he said, “We want to start them off successfully as well and capture any or mitigate support for them early on so they don’t get down the road in their junior and senior years and they’re behind.” At the same time, he stressed, the district is trying to also address all students’ social and emotional needs – which have become an even greater cause for concern among all educations nationwide as a result of the isolation and disruptions in typical school life wrought by the pandemic. Mendivil noted that in the final quarter of 2019-20, students – particularly seniors – caught a break because the state Department of Education provided “very clear guidance and latitude to hold students harmless” and allowed “flexibility with grading practices to prioritize opportuni-

The breakdown of failing grades in each Tempe Union high school at left shows where Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista failures compare with other campuses while the chart on the right shows district-wide percentages for failing grades in English Language Arts. (Tempe Union

High School District)

Failing grades also have more than tripled in math and four social studies areas across the Tempe Union District, as these charts show. (Tempe Union High School District)

ties for students to improve their grades.” As the debate over open and closed classrooms has raged since September throughout many East Valley school districts – particularly Tempe Union, Mesa Public Schools, Gilbert Public Schools and Chandler Unified – parents and students arguing for open campuses frequently have cited failing grades from virtual learning. Tempe Union is the first district in the region to publicly present hard data on that learning loss among students. Part of the problem with the widening learning loss is that an undetermined number of Tempe Union students are not even engaged in online instruction. “We’re trying to get those students on campus for support,” Mendivil said of both students with failing grades and those who apparently are not engaged in online

learning. “We have been doing that the entire semester, actually,” he added. “We want to continue to identify the support, the social-emotional support that …that they may have.” In some cases, he said, the district is calling and even making visits to the homes of those students who for all intent and purposes have dropped out. He also indicated that addressing struggling students is a months-long effort and that the last thing the district wants to do is penalize students. “We’re going to continue this process of the interventions,” Mendivil said. “It’s ongoing. This isn’t something you do in an isolated weekend or a couple of weeks… This summer is going to look very, very different. All of our school sites will be providing some sort of support during sum-

mer education academy. All seven sites will be open to make sure that we hone in on those students who may have lost out a little bit and we need to provide that support so that they can get back on track.” He also said that while some of the percentages of failures “can be overwhelming,” he saw a chance where “we can experience some immediate success potentially when we focus on that kid who may have not engaged quite as much.” He said teachers can change many students’ grades if they complete assignments, retake tests or follow “whatever the intervention or circumstance that the teacher and the family and the students have agreed upon.” “We find those students can easily turn that grade back into a passing or better and that’s the focus from here forward,” Mendivil added. 

GOT NEWS? Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

‘Stand Up’ rally for students online this year AFN NEWS STAFF

or the last four years, hundreds of East Valley middle and high school students joined their counterparts from across the Valley to fill Grand Canyon University’s Arena for the Speak Up, Stand Up and Save Lives, a day-long assembly that enabled them to network and address solutions to bullying, self-harm, mental health stigma and suicide. But as with so many other things in those students’ lives right now, the pandemic has required organizers to shift the gathering online – just at a time when more students are feeling isolated, depressed and disconnected, according to the National Association on Mental Illness. “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to students, educators and parents,” the association said. “Chil-

In each of the last four years, Grand Canyon University's arena has been packed with hundreds of middle and high school students for the Speak Up, Stand Up and Save Lives Conference but this year, it will be virtual. (Special to AFN) dren already coping with mental health conditions have been especially vulner-

able to the changes, and now we are learning about the broad impacts on students as

new infections. In a briefing last Friday, Christ acknowledged a spike in infection following the Christmas holiday. And she conceded Arizona should look for another increase in the weeks following celebrations for New Year’s Eve. But Christ said she remains convinced all that has to do with people spreading COVID-19 through small group gatherings and acting in unsafe manners, such as not wearing masks. And she pointed out that the restrictions put in place last year, like occupancy limits on indoor restaurant dining, remain in place.

More to the point, Christ, who is a physician, said she’s not convinced that stronger measures will make a difference. “California has some of the strictest mitigation strategies,’’ she said. “And they’ve even got less hospital capacity and higher numbers than Arizona.’’ So instead, her agency is focused on getting more people vaccinated. Meanwhile, Kyrene School District said its teachers will not be required to get the vaccine while it remains unclear what Tempe Union’s position is after the Arizona School Risk Retention Trust said

a result of schools being closed, physically distancing guidelines and isolation and other unexpected changes to their lives.” This year, the first virtual conference for Speak Up, Stand Up and Save Lives will run 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Jan. 19 and is free and open to any student, even those in elementary schools. There will be interactive breakout sessions with age-appropriate topics “designed to connect students with mental health professionals who will engage, educate, and inspire lasting change,” organizers said. With the theme of Building Resilience, the agenda calls for presentations titled “Fizzling’s Funhouse” for K-2 students, “Focus on Well-being” for grades 2-5, “Resilience! Dale Ganas! With the UBU Project” for middle schoolers and “Learn to

see STANDUP page 19

Pharmacies should have COVID-19 vaccines within the week BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

he state’s top health official said Friday that educators, public safety workers and those 75 and older in five Arizona counties should be able to get inoculated against COVID-19 at pharmacies in a little more than a week. But Cara Christ said she sees no reason to impose additional restrictions on Arizonans even as available hospital beds drop to 7 percent, the number of deaths is poised to hit 10,000, and the state tops the world in current rates of

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last month there was no legal barrier to such a requirement. “Kyrene will not be requiring vaccines for staff at this time,” district spokeswoman Erin Helm said. Chandler Unified and Scottsdale Unified also have said they would not be requiring teachers to get the COVID-19 vaccine while other nearby districts have been mum on the advice from the board, which insures more than 250 school districts and community colleges in Arizona. Tempe Union has not indicated its position on the matter.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

STANDUP from page 17

Vibe When Life has Other Plans” with the Arizona Psychological Foundation for high schoolers. There also will be an adult session on strategies for building resilience in the classroom.

VACCINES from page 17

As of Friday, Christ said there were 126,090 doses administered. Most of those were first doses, though about 2,000 included people who got the required second dose. She also said that by the middle of this coming week the state’s two largest counties should be in the 1-B stage. That opens the door for inoculating for educators, child care workers, public safety workers, adults in nursing home and other congregate care facilities with high-risk medical conditions, and individuals who are 75 and older, regardless of medical condition. Christ conceded that just 45 percent of those individuals statewide in Phase 1-A have been vaccinated. These are the front-line health care workers. She said some of that may be due to people having to schedule appointments and that even as the state moves into the 1-B category and beyond, those frontline workers remain eligible. Christ conceded, though, that even among health care workers, there may be some hesitation. The answer, she said, will come with time. “We know that as more and more people get vaccinated and talk about their experience, people who may have not been comfortable getting vaccinated early on may opt to get vaccinated later,’’ she said. Christ also announced the state will be opening up a 24/7 inoculation site at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. She figures that could move about 6,000 people a day through the system. But that will be available solely to those who fit within that 1-B category and the remaining 1-A eligible. And it requires an appointment that can be set up on the

The presentations at all levels, organizers said, are aimed at “building coping skills and lasting relationships for all attendees with action plans created to strengthen classrooms, schools and communities.” Dr. Lily Matos DeBlieux, Pendergast District Superintendent and Gina Godbehere, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Bureau

Chief, are leading the event. “We want every student throughout Arizona to participate in this day and to continue the work through campus clubs, organizations and connections,” they said in a joint statement. “Our youth are precious and deserve to be given the necessary tools for social and

agency’s website or calling the 2-1-1 re- with high-risk medical conditions and adults living in congregate care settings. ferral line. “And it’s probably the spring before And the rest of the state? “They are all working on strategies,’’ we’ll be moving into the general population,’’ she said. Christ said. Some of that is going to be through In the meantime, most Arizonans will each county health departments. But remain susceptible to contracting the she also said the U.S. Centers for Disease virus. But Christ said she remains conControl and Prevention already is work- vinced that mandates like those imposed ing directly with pharmacies where in other states, like masks, curfews and residents will be able to get inoculated business closures, will make no differwhen each county ence here. goes into that 1-B “As you’re lookphase. ing at what’s goChrist figures ing on in the other those pharmastates, there’s not cies will be able to We know that people got a best practices start offering vacmodel,’’ she said. together, we know that they “You’ve got Florida cines beginning let their guard down on the week of Jan. who has no miti18. That, she said, Christmas and Christmas Eve, gation strategies will mean that we saw the results after that, that’s in the same “individuals can boat. You’ve got with Arizona recording its go get vaccinated, California who has highest peak in infections just like they do stricter mitigation strategies that is in with the flu.’’ in the three to ﬁve days the same boat.’’ And she said after the holiday. Christ said the Pima County is And it’s not over. answer is getting looking at creating - Dr. Cara Christ people to follow additional mass the protocols that vaccination sites and extending the are in place, like hours at some of not spending time those. with groups of peoThe best, said ple you don’t know. Christ, is checking with the agency’s web “We’re still seeing small-gathering site at “azhealth.gov/findvaccine’’ where spread,’’ she said. individuals can find out what stage their “We know that people got together, we county is in, locations for vaccinations know that they let their guard down on and links to preregister. Christmas and Christmas Eve,’’ Christ said. That still leaves the fact that it will be “We saw the results after that, with Arizountil late February or early March before na recording its highest peak in infections Christ believes those in the 1-C category in the three to five days after the holiday. will be able to get in line. That includes And it’s not over. anyone 65 and older, adults of any age “The spike from New Year’s will likely

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come this coming weekend,’’ she said. Christ said the best way to curb the spread is people wearing their masks. She said even though Gov. Doug Ducey, her boss, has refused to issue a statewide mandate that 91% of the state is covered by some sort of local mask ordinance. “There’s not local enforcement going on,’’ Christ said, though she said that her agency is going out and checking establishments over which they have some power, like fitness centers. While the health director has done weekly briefings, the governor who actually decides any restrictions, has not faced the media since Dec. 16. But Christ said that shouldn’t be a surprise, as her briefings are focused on technical aspects of the virus and the vaccines, even though she is the one put in the position of answering those policy questions. “It’s probably not the best use of the governor’s time to be here with me,’’ she said, saying that she is in “daily communications’’ with the governor’s team. All this comes as the latest numbers show that just 131 of the state’s 1,690 beds in intensive-care units are available, with a majority occupied by COVID-19 patients. Johns Hopkins University also said Arizona has the highest rate of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases during the first week of January. And the 197 new deaths reported Jan. 8 brought the statewide total to 9,938. Data released Jan. 7 by the county health department showed all three bench marks used to determine COVID-19 spread were well above the substantial spread threshold in all three Ahwatukee ZIP codes and within the boundaries of both Tempe Union and Kyrene school districts. 

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@ timespublications.com

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

CLUB West HOA board hires Lakes homeowners’ lawyer AFN NEWS STAFF

im Barnes, the attorney who led the legal fight to restore the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course, has been hired by the Foothills Club West Association board as a counsel in its fight with a group of homeowners over their golf course. Barnes last week filed notice with Maricopa County Superior Court that he is joining two lawyers from another firm who had been representing the board against the suit filed by the Club West Conservancy. Barnes’ first appearance likely will be Jan. 22 before Superior Court Commissioner Andrew Russell on a hearing involving the Conservancy’s request to make permanent a temporary injunction that has stopped the board from taking any formal action on the next plan for the course by The Edge and its subsidiary Community Land Solutions. The Edge bought the site from Wilson Gee on an installment plan for $750,000. Neither the Edge nor CLS have yet unveiled its new plan to turn the course

Elizabeth Estes

Attorney Tim Barnes, who successfully waged the legal ﬁght to have the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course reopened has been hired by the Foothills Club West Association board to defend itself against a suit by homeowners. (AFN ﬁle photo) into a park with various amenities. To pay for that project, it has said it would need to sell parts of the course to a homebuilder. The Edge’s first plan to restore the 18hole course and sell three parts of it for

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ducted a survey answered by about 800 of Club West’s approximate 2,600 homeowners that showed the vast majority of respondents oppose houses and would rather see the site remain in its current barren state. Gee closed the course in June 2016 and it was briefly reopened in late 2017 when Richard Breuninger bought it. But Breuninger eventually fell behind on his monthly payments to Gee, who foreclosed on his $1 million note. In papers filed last month, the board challenged the ruling of Superior Court Judge Daniel Kiley, which focused on the way the board assume the declarant rights over the course. Those rights give the board considerable power in deciding the course’s future since it determines whether any plan for the site can go before homeowners for their approval. The declarant rights also give the board the power to determine the percentage of homeowners who need to vote on any plan and the margin needed to declare

see BARNES page 21

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Conservancy’s challenge to the Club West HOA board’s assumption of the golf course’s declarant rights. Barnes has represented Lakes homeowners Linda Swain and Eileen Breslin when they sued Gee in 2014 over his closing of the 18-hole executive course a year earlier. Barnes represented the two homeowners in multiple hearings and a trial that consistently ended with orders to restore the course. Currently, he is representing Swain and Breslin as they monitor his compliance with Superior Court Judge Theodore Campagnolo’s contempt order, which requires Gee to have the course opened for play by the fall of 2022 or pay $3.5 million in penalties. 

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Ahwatukee woman, daughter team up on kids civics book BY SRIANTHI PERERA AFN Contributor

t’s never too early to start leaning civic duties and responsibilities. That’s according to Laurie Nerat, an Ahwatukee Foothills resident and former Kyrene School District teacher who has co-authored a children’s book with her daughter, Rachael Couch, for early starters. It’s no mean feat, considering their main pupil is Couch’s son, William, who is all of 4 years old. William is beginning to get a grasp of things with the help of “The Big Decision,” a 24-page picture book published by his mom and grandmother that explains voting and the elections. The book is best for Pre-K through grade 5. “Our goal is that this book will encourage parents to have a conversation with their child about the election process, and how people make their decisions in an election, and hopefully inspire them to be future voters,” said Nerat. A former social studies and science

LEFT: The Big Decision is a 24-page picture book to help children learn civics in a fun way. CENTER: Rachael Couch’s son William, 4, is the impetus behind The Big Decision. RIGHT: Laurie Nerat and Rachael Couch. (Special to AFN) teacher at Centennial Middle School who has a particular passion for teaching about civics, Nerat, is now a health educator at Arizona State University. She believes that talking with your kids about the voting process and the value of a peaceful transition of power in the U.S. is important.

She suggests that parents use the book as a resource to have meaningful conversations with children about how the process of American democracy works, particularly as Inauguration Day approaches. In “The Big Decision,” each state is given a personality and shares its election experience.

helps foster children with basic needs. The teens hosted three community drives, amassed approximately 100 volunteer hours and welcomed 45 new volunteers. Their philanthropic roots run deep. All five expressed their passion for volunteering – a practice that began for each as children. “Personally, I grew up volunteering to help those in need, thanks to my parents. I probably started volunteering around age 5 with Feed My Starving Children and Snack Packs for Backpacks,” said Abigail ‘Abby’ Gerdis, SCO’s director of communications and community outreach. “And ever since a very young age, I have been connected to children, and had a

Board of directors for the Student Community Outreach nonprofit are five Desert Vista High School students, from LEFT: Dylan Cole, Abby Gerdis, Jaden Gerdis, Karson Herder and Josh Cole are leaders in their organization’s commitment to helping area children and children-atrisk. Dylan and Josh are sophomores and the three others are seniors. (Special to AFN)

Republicans are represented with a red hat while Democrats wear blue sunglasses. The illustrations, by Thushan Dassanayake of Sri Lanka, are bold, colorful and engaging.

see CIVICS page 26

Thunder students form nonpro�it to help community BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

ne of Ahwatukee’s newest nonprofits was founded – and is led – by five Desert High School students. Student Community Outreach was incorporated as a nonprofit last May and its board includes seniors Abby Gerdis, Jaden Gerdis and Karson Herder and sophomores Joshua and Dylan Cole. The Coles and the Gerdises comprise two sets of twin siblings. Their review of the inaugural year said they and volunteers served more than 3,000 students and families through 12 projects that included a July school supply drive, October’s Snack Drive for Snack Bags and December’s holiday toy drive in conjunction with AZ Helping Hands, which

see OUTREACH page 25

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JANUARY 13, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

OUTREACH from page 24

strong passion for education,” she added. Her brother Jaden, director of marketing and brand management, echoed her and said Student Community Outreach is a vehicle for him to give back to the community in which he grew up. “I have been blessed with many gifts and abilities, and this nonprofit allows me to help others that are less fortunate,” he said. Karson, the group’s director of finance and philanthropy, said he too finds the group a way to implement his passion for giving back. “SCO gives me the opportunity to be more hands-on in the management of a nonprofit,” he said. “I can see the impact that I’m making by the smile on a kid’s face when they receive one of our donated items. SCO challenges me to continually strive to make a real difference in people’s lives.” As director of projects and project management, Joshua said SCO offers an opportunity for personal growth. “SCO to me is an outlet for good; something that blesses others as well as me,” he said. “It’s something that makes me happy because it allows me to connect to people that I may not have otherwise had the opportunity to meet.” His brother Dylan, director of calendar and corporate records, concurred. “Being a part of our nonprofit provides me a sense of satisfaction knowing that I can positively impact someone’s day or week,” said Dylan. “It adds a sense of purpose and direction to how my life will be in the future,” he added. “It also teaches me leadership skills and offers me time to collaborate with my fellow SCO directors.” All five currently volunteer with Hope for the Homeless, crediting one of its board members, Don O’Neill for encouraging them to start their own nonprofit and mentoring them both before and after. A former Ahwatukee resident now living in Tempe, O’Neill explained he met with the students and their parents in late 2019. He asking if they’d be interested in forming a nonprofit to serve an unmet need or underserved part of the community. He said it didn’t take long before the young adults agreed “to create a better tomorrow for students and children-at-risk by providing essential items and resources that would help with their education at school and at home.”

“Working with young adult volunteers at Hope for the Homeless, I quickly realized most of them had a sincere desire to serve and gave freely of their time,” O’Neill recalled, adding: “Many were regulars at events where packing, sorting, organizing and similar tasks were essential to fulfilling the project at hand.” He is proud of how the five teens have embraced and tackled the challenge. Since forming Student Community Outreach, the five directors have executed dozens of projects “that have had a direct, positive impact on the lives of hundreds of students, families, teachers and school administrators in Maricopa County,” O’Neill said. “The success of SCO has been the direct result of leadership exhibited by the directors. I’m proud of the personal and professional growth each director has shown as they’ve worked tirelessly to fulfill the mission of SCO,” he continued, adding that 2021 “will prove to be a growth year of service for the SCO directors.” The Student Community Outreach Board members are actively pursuing the expansion of their nonprofit within the community and greater Phoenix area, all the while attending classes online at Desert Vista. Their goals also include furthering their education while running their nonprofit. The Gerdis twins are both entering Arizona State University this fall with Abby majoring in elementary education and Jaden in business. Karson also will attend ASU this fall, majoring in biomedical engineering at Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University. But they and the Cole brothers also are continuing a strong focus on the nonprofit. “In 2021, we are expanding our focus from just students in our community to also include at-risk youth,” said Abby. “With our expanded scope, we will also partner with other organizations to support foster children or children living with their non-biological parents.” Upcoming SCO projects include gathering and assembling snack bags for students throughout this month and organizing a hygiene supply drive for the Kyrene Family Resource Center in February. The teens hope to further engage the community in their efforts to help children. “The community can help our organization through donating to us with their time and resources. We’re excited to open

up more volunteer opportunities in 2021 and would love to have new members of the community pour their time into helping others,” Abby said. “When we have volunteer opportunities, it’s posted on our social media, both Facebook and on Instagram @studentcommunityoutreach.” She said funding their monthly proj-

ects relies on community donations, both money and supplies when SCO hosts a project drive. Donations can be made directly to them via their website: studentcommunityoutreach.org. SCO can also receive benefits through Fry’s Food and Drugs Community Rewards Program. 

How their garden grows

Members of the Ahwatukee Garden Club have been busy 8-10 a.m. Sundays at their garden at 4700 E. Warner Road. They are raking , pruning, harvesting, planting and trenching to improve the irrigation. Everyone has stayed healthy and the public is invited to come down and give a hand and learn some gardening tips along the way. No RSVP is needed and the club follows the American Community Garden pandemic guidelines of distancing, masking, washing – and will continue as long as necessary. To find out more on the club: acgarden.weebly.com. (Courtesy Ahwatukee Garden Club)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

Centennial teen, father create coping game BY STACI HAUK AFN Contributor

he teen years can be challenging enough but when coupled with the pandemic’s impact on routines and the lack of social, educational and emotional opportunities, you have a recipe for depression and anxiety. Enter 13-year-old Kyrene Centennial Middle School student Nevaeh Gable and her father Dennis Gable, who created a card game that addresses the common issues that teens are facing in these unconventional times. 52 Card Pick Me Up is a colorful and fun way to identify feelings, needs, actions and affirmations that are oftentimes overlooked. Each deck includes four actions (affirm, act, feel, need) with 13 corresponding words. This game can be used individually or with family or a partner with the goal of exploring areas of life and bringing participants to deeper relationships, inner peace and balance. “My dad got the idea for this game from his client – she had notecards with words on her desk and he pulled out the ones that resonated, which gave him the idea for a card game,” Nevaeh explained. “He told me about his idea and how it

CIVICS from page 24

“I’m especially proud of the Arizona page where we recognized the Navajo people who rode on horseback in order to vote,” Nerat said. “We felt that using individual states that were personified would appeal to children and be a good way to show how and why different states made their decisions,” Nerat said. “Ultimately, we wanted to reinforce the message that regardless of who you voted for, we are all part of one nation.” The family has been “fairly politically active,” said Couch, who grew up in Ahwatukee and now lives in Tennessee. Nerat has volunteered with the Democratic party in LD18 for several years. William has been a part of it. “Two years ago, he even got to come into the Election Commission to vote with me,” Couch said. In the past, the youngster has also been

emotions. Nevaeh said participants get a “boost of positive energy” and that the game can “be used to reduce conflict and make relationships go smoother within your own home.” “The game cleverly uses thought provoking cards as well, because humans are complicated and feelings of anxiousness, anger and a need for solitude are not only okay; they are normal,” she said. She said the cards identify emotions participants might be feeling at the time and provides suggestions on how to deal with them. “There truly aren’t any Mesa teen Nevaeh Gable invented a card game she says rules, but I prefer to lay all the will help families weather the stresses of the pandemic. cards out, face down and pick (Special to AFN) one from each category,” Necould benefit me and others like me and vaeh said. “Then, I’ll flip them over and see we proceeded to sit down and discuss the if they resonate. If they do, I’ll keep them content,” she continued. We brainstormed close until I feel I’ve done what I need to the words we’d use and afterwards, I cre- with them. Only then, can I redraw.” ated the designs, further adapting the Nevaeh is in eighth grade at Centennial game from there.” and, like many East Valley youngsters, has The card game is structured to help kids had to confront a schedule in which classand adults address positive and negative rooms aren’t always open for in-school

to campaign events and an election night victory party, complete with a balloon drop and champagne. This year, the election was far less interesting to him because of the pandemic’s limitations and he didn’t take any interest in the televised debates, Couch said. “After Election Day, as the states started reporting, I think mainly he was feeding off of our energy, but William did really start to get more interested,” Couch said. “By the Saturday after the election, when it was pretty clear who had won, we celebrated by putting up the USA flag in front of our house. “I’ve asked him if he wants to be the president when he grows up, and almost always he pivots or redirects instead of answering, so honestly I think that he might be more cut out for politics than he’s letting on,” she added. Working on the book has been an experience that the duo plans to repeat. “We have learned a great deal in work-

ing on this book, there were hours of phone calls working on the concept and then refining the language and illustrations to make sure they matched our intent perfectly,” Nerat said. “Rachael and I are very interested in tackling other social issues in the future,” she added. “We actually have been discussing a book to help younger children identify fake news by teaching about all of the fallacies in thinking that fake news sources tend to use (i.e. only telling part of the story, stretching the truth), and do so in a simple and fun way that will appeal to children.” For now, the emphasis has been on marketing the book, published through Amazon. Because of the pandemic, they don’t have plans of accessing classrooms or reading in bookstores. But they have been able to reinforce the lesson to William. Couch reads the book to him with his grandmother on FaceTime. “It is fun to see him put the pieces to-

learning. “It has been really difficult for my daughter,” her father said. “As a 13-year-old girl, she’s stir-crazy and misses interaction with her friends greatly. We have had to change a lot of our hobbies as a family as well, some for the better, but most of the changes include not being around many people and she’s definitely a socialite, so it’s rough. “As a parent, it’s hard to watch the struggle, but we’re both grateful for tools like ‘52 Card Pick Me Up’ that help us to identify and clearly communicate some of our struggles,” Dennis said. Added Nevaeh: “The pandemic has meant being in the same house with the same people, having no place to escape to, for almost a year. It took a toll on the relationship I had with my parents. I felt isolated and alone, causing anxiety and depression.” But, she added, “With the game now at my side, I can at least be aware of what I’m feeling and some of the simple ways I can help myself. I am not ‘fixed’ but I am aware and therein lies the power.” Dennis admits he has battled anxiety himself and thinks the game helps people tackle important topics.

see GAME page 28

gether and tell me about what he sees in the illustrations,” Couch said. “Since we have friends and family all over the country, he has a few states that he recognizes by shape and by who lives there. As far as comprehension, voting and getting to make a choice, he grasps that pretty well.” But William is fuzzy when it comes to the role of the president. “It is a little less tangible of a job than say a construction worker, or a nurse like his dad, or a superhero – all three of which are on his list as possibilities for what he wants to be when he grows up,” she added. One day, she asked him about his choice on the ballot in the illustrations, red hat or blue sunglasses, and he answered, “Meh, neither one will fit me, mom.” “Apparently I’m raising an independent!” Couch said.

“The Big Decision” is available on paperback and ebook at amazon.com: amazon.com/dp/B08R2DNFFD 

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JANUARY 13, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Ahwatukee student leads $1M-winning project team BY HERMINIA RINCON AFN Guest Writer

n Ahwatukee man led a five-member team at Arizona State University that recently won the million-dollar XPRIZE Next-Gen Mask Challenge to redesign the face masks used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by making them more comfortable, functional and affordable. The contest drew nearly 1,000 entries from young innovators in more than 70 countries around the world. “It hasn’t been about money or even recognition for this team,” said Nikhil Dave of Ahwatukee. “It’s been about doing what we can to impact our communities and to solve pressing challenges as they arise.” The contest invited young adults ages 15 to 24 from around the world to shift the cultural perspective around mask-wearing behavior by developing the next generation of surgical-grade consumer masks. The biggest problem the ASU team cracked was masks fogging up eyeglasses. Their Floemask features a bifurcated chamber design in which air exhaled from the nose is kept in a separate chamber from the face and mouth. Your face stays cooler, the air you breathe is fresher, and the flow of air stays away from glasses where it would otherwise cause fogging. “We went through several design iterations, trying to create something that doesn’t fog your glasses but doesn’t leave hot air on the face is not an easy task for sure,” Dave said. “But I think the other thing is to ensure that whatever we’re creating also has to be breathable, but also

Members of the ASU team that won $1 million are, clockwise from top left: Katie Pascavis of Chandler, an undergraduate mechanical engineering student; John Patterson of Tempe, a graduate electrical engineering student; Jerina Gabriel of Kingman, an undergraduate graphic design student; Tarun Suresh of Chandler, a graduate industrial engineering student; and team leader Nikhil Dave of Ahwatukee, an undergraduate double-majoring in neuroscience and innovation in society. (Courtesy of Luminosity Lab) maintain the filtration efficiency needed to be an effective mask and preventing any sort of contagious pathogen.” The mask was also designed to lift up easily for eating and drinking. See it in action in the team’s submission video. XPRIZE is a nonprofit organization that uses global competitions to crowdsource solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges. The contest is sponsored by Marc Benioff, CEO and co-founder of Salesforce, and Jim Cramer, the host of “Mad Money” on CNBC. The Sun Devils won $500,000 of the purse; two additional teams will split the remainder. They will be connected to rapid manufacturing opportunities in the U.S. to accelerate production of their new mask designs. The ASU team has CAD files and fabric templates ready for mass-scale creation.

Ahwatukee Y confronting the pandemic’s challenges

AFN NEWS STAFF

he past year has been challenging for the Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA. The nonprofit has struggled to meet its fundraising goals while at the same time meet new demands as closed classrooms had parents sending their kids to the Y. But the Y, at 1030 E. Liberty Lane, nonetheless confronted those challenges headon and managed to prevail to a large extent.

“We’ve been shut down two times altogether but the whole time that we were shut down, both times we were still running emergency childcare as well as our senior services through our Y OPAS program,” said Ahwatukee Y Executive Director Sandra Franks. Y OPAS – the acronym for YMCA Outreach Program for Ahwatukee Seniors – provides free transportation to seniors to

see YMCA page 28

The team comes from ASU’s Luminosity Lab, an interdisciplinary research and development lab driven by a hand-selected team of high-performing students. “I am incredibly proud of our students,” said the lab’s executive director, Mark Naufel. “These remarkable students competed against thousands of other teams internationally, knowing that they could contribute novel ideas for a unique mask, designed to resolve issues that they had personally experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Four years ago, Luminosity was created with an aspiration to impact society and a belief that our students are capable of achieving anything. By enabling our students with the agency to lead their own research and development efforts, they have continued to demonstrate their ability to

innovate through the development of this prize-winning, next-generation mask that has the potential to impact countless lives. “It is an honor to work with the students of ASU’s Luminosity lab, and I have no doubt that these students will go on to be the leaders and innovators of this generation.” Dave credited ASU’s approach to innovation for their success. “If it wasn’t for ASU, frankly, we wouldn’t think the way that we do,” he said. “And I don’t think we would even be in a situation where we could apply for something like this. And so we’re grateful to ASU as well, and we’re happy to show off the fact that we are No. 1 in innovation.” In addition to Dave, a student regent on the Arizona Board of Regents and an undergraduate earning a double major in neuroscience and innovation in society, the Luminosity Lab team includes John Patterson, a graduate electrical engineering student; Jerina Gabriel, an undergraduate graphic design student; Katie Pascavis, an undergraduate mechanical engineering student; and Tarun Suresh, a graduate industrial engineering student. Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it. 

Tommie Spackeen and Bailey Caraccioll, both 6, study at the Ahwatukee YMCA. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

COMMUNITY

YMCA from page 27

medical appointments, grocery stores and even some much-needed social time with the volunteers who drive them. But COVID-19 has impacted that service in several ways, especially the ranks of volunteer drivers. “We’re still struggling for drivers,” Franks said. “We are only at 30 percent of our volunteers that we had before and we’re desperately looking for volunteers.” While the Y has been able to meet the essential needs for seniors – such as medical appointments – the social time that some volunteers provided, taking seniors out for coffee or lunch, are virtually nonexistent. This impacts seniors especially hard, given that many seniors already have been left isolated by the pandemic. The pandemic also has impacted schools, and closures in the spring and fall have made the Y’s services especially important for working parents who turned to the club to keep their kids engaged while they went to work. Franks said that the Y Academy was averaging 30 to 40 kids, ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade, offering them a

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

chance to do their online learning. “As a thought leader and best-in-class provider of education and youth development, the YMCA has become a reliable and trustworthy partner to families across the state during COVID-19,” the nonprofit says on its website. “Through our experience of providing emergency child care to essential workers, we have already helped families return to work by providing remote learning in a child care program developed under the most stringent health and safety guidelines. We are prepared to ensure that your child receives the nutritious meals, genuine attention, access to technology, and appropriate schedule management that he or she needs to succeed academically.” The Y staff, all vetted through a rigorous background check, also is certified in basic emergency procedures such as CPR and has been training in COVID-19 protocols. When the learning hours are completed, the Y also provides, 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., traditional enrichment programming kicks into high gear: crafts, STEM and games. Although there is a cost to parents, the Y also offers scholarships based on a family’s ability to pay.

Like virtually all nonprofits, the Ahwatukee YMCA also has taken a hit on fundraising, although Franks said, “People still give very generously because like I said, we’re still running these programs in the community. “But we have a big goal for 2021,” she added, eyeing a goal of $160,000 so that “we can continue to use that for scholarships for families and individuals that need it for things like the Y Academy.” Fundraising has been hampered, Franks said, “because you couldn’t really have much face-to-face kind of interaction with potential donors and not only that but we’re also the lead recipient for a lot of different programs out in the community that didn’t happen.” Among them are the Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party and Wine, Beer and Culinary Festival that the Festival of Lights Committee holds annually. Both were canceled, hindering not only fundraising for the FOL Committee but also eliminating the grants it gave to groups like the YMCA for providing volunteers to help run the events. The YMCA’s fundraising drive is already in progress. People who want to help or learn about its many services and activities can go to valleyymca.org/ahwatukee.

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GAME from page 26

“As a man who has had to overcome quite a few hardships, I have allowed my own journey of mental and emotional health to drive the development of tools for others to use,” he said. In 2012 he launched an app called VLNRABLE which was redesigned and updated during the pandemic. In 2018 he started a podcast called “Self to Society” that is dedicated to “these experiences we face,” he said. “‘52 Card Pick Me Up’ was an opportunity for us to create a physical product and as an entrepreneur myself, it is something I wanted Nevaeh to get a taste of at a young age,” he said. “Anxiety and depression are likely the two most prevalent for parents. Anxiety is simply stated as a visceral response to the unknown, and there is certainly a lot of unknowns we’re facing every day. “I hope this game opens up an evolving dialogue. Many parents feel so lost in trying to communicate with their teenagers and there is beauty in willingness to find common ground.” Information: 52cardpmu.com. 

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Ahwatukee welcomes Once Upon A Child BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

omenica Groulx knows what it’s like to shop for children as they sprout up seemingly almost overnight. She and husband Mark Groulx, owners of recently opened Once Upon A Child in Ahwatukee, have boys, 4 and 5, and a 6-year-old daughter. Since moving to the East Valley nine years ago, the couple quickly learned of the value of Once Upon A Child resale stores and how it could out�it their children with name brand quality clothes and shoes while providing gently-used furniture, books and toys to help them stick to their budget. So sold were they as regular customers at the Once Upon A Child stores in both Scottsdale and Mesa/Gilbert, Domenica and Mark – a chemical engineer and a

mining engineer, respectively – made the leap to owning their own franchise. Originally, the couple planned to open their franchise in Chandler, but when they found the 6,400 square-foot retail space at 5009 E. Ray Road, they snapped it up. “We had shopped in Ahwatukee so we were aware of what a great community this was and when this became available, we knew it would be a perfect place to open,” said Domenica, pointing out their proximity to AMC Theatre Ahwatukee 24 and JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts. “This is our �irst experience in retail and we’re the �ifth location for Once Upon A Child store in Arizona,” she noted. The store’s 5,800 square-foot sales �loor make it one of the largest west of the Mississippi and offers the organization the franchise is known for.

�� CHILD �� 32

Domenica and Mark Groulx opened Once Upon A Child in Ahwatukee last November. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

Ahwatukee Chamber accepting scholarship bids BY ANDREW HAYES AFN Guest Writer

his year the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 27th anni-

versary The Chamber’s goal is to promote commerce and the Ahwatukee community to businesses, local residents and visitors. The Ahwatukee Chamber is consistently working on behalf of our members with the governor’s of�ice, our legislators and members of Congress, utility companies, landlords, educational partners, civic and nonpro�it organizations to help the community through this tough time. With the ever-changing developments regarding COVID-19, your involvement with the Chamber has never been more important than it is right now. We initiated and developed a resource page to provide updates and resources to

keep you educated, informed, prepared and safe. This past year, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have helped our members to grants, awards and assistance totaling over $152,000. We continue to serve as the voice of small business, community champion for economic growth and a resource for Ahwatukee businesses and residences. On behalf of the Board, Ambassadors, and our staff we appreciate your continued support! Together we are stronger. The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce is honored to give back to our community through educational programs and scholarships. With the wonderful generosity of community partners like Naveen Vadhwa, local of�icer with Bell Bank Mortgage and fundraising efforts, the Ahwatukee Chamber is able to award local men, women and high school seniors with scholarships to further their education.

The scholarships directly bene�it members of the chamber, a nearly 300-member business association committed to strengthening the local economy by promoting commerce, advancing business, building community, providing networking opportunities and representing the interest of business. The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce understands that excellent education supports our future workforce including entrepreneurs and small and large businesses. In 2010 the Ahwatukee Chamber Community Foundation was established “to strengthen our community by investing in educational excellence and collaborative partnerships,” by funding scholarship and educational programs. The Chamber, Women in Business and the Foundation are accepting scholarship applications through Feb. 15. The Chamber seeks to support higher education by awarding scholarships to

the Ahwatukee men, women and graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to both academic success and community involvement. Any resident or business of Ahwatukee as well as Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber members may apply. The Chamber, Women in Business and the Foundation will be awarding $1,000 for the Tim Hovik Scholarship for outstanding academics and service to the community as one of the scholarships. You can apply for the scholarships at ahwatukeechamber.com. As the need for the Ahwatukee Chamber educational scholarship funds continues to grow, please consider making a tax-deductible donation in support of the Chamber Foundation educational scholarship fund, a tax-exempt organization. Andy Hayes is executive director of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce. 

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

CHILD �� 31

Once Upon A Child, founded in 1984 in Columbus, Ohio, and offering its �irst franchise in 1991, now has more than 390 stores in the U.S. and Canada. In 2018, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked it North America’s #1 Children’s Resale Franchise. Though the space was larger than they’d planned on, it meant they wouldn’t have to move once their business grew. “We didn’t want to move for expansion. We wanted to get our store together and settle in. This site was just too good to pass up,” said Domenica. Retail was a far cry from the mining industry the couple had labored in professionally, including a stint at the Grasberg Mine in Papua, Indonesia (cq). The mine is owned by Freeport McMoRan, based in Phoenix and its primary metal is copper. The couple met while working at an automobile manufacturing company in Canada. “I was still in school at the University of Toronto and he’d graduated from Queen’s University in Ontario. When he got into mining and I �inished school, I decided to follow, initially to Northern Ontario, then abroad. That’s when we lived and worked in Indonesia. We arrived in Arizona in 2011,” she said. “We’ve always worked together.” After years of travel, they started their family. After relocating to Mesa, Domenica opted to leave her career. Mark was also ready for change. “I was a stay-at-home mom with three children and we decided we wanted to start a business, but not from scratch,” Domenica explained. “We preferred a franchise. “We were accustomed to Once Upon A Child because of our own children and Mark was the one who suggested it and I said yes, that’s what I want. Being a customer, I felt I could relate to our customers, and of course, being a parent, too.” Running a business that is open seven days a week is a challenge for parents with three children. “It was especially hard last year during our grand opening,” she confessed. “We’d hoped families would come in as we �inished our build-out and got ready to open

Mark and Domenica Groulx’s Once Upon A Child in Ahwatukee offer a vast array of clothing, furniture and other items for parents of young children. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

but with COVID, we didn’t have any visitors. “We take turns watching the kids and sometimes we have them in the store but they treat it like their home so we tend to have them there only when we have to bring them.” Looking around the Once Upon A Child store, it’s easy to see how the youngsters would view it as a fun play space. There are rows of infant and child development toys, a plethora of strollers and gaily decorated ride-on toys and infant walkers. Most items in stock have been purchased from area families. The franchise does not accept anything on consignment. “We buy gently-used clothing, shoes, toys, furniture and more every day,” explained Domenica who, like her husband, was born and raised in Canada. “We buy all day, everyday, with no appointment necessary, and we pay cash on the spot.” Ahwatukee’s reception to Once Upon A Child has exceeded the couple’s imagination. “The community has been highly supportive of our venture and there was a lot

of excitement as soon as our signs went up roughly eight months ago,” said Mark. “The Chamber of Commerce has been highly engaged in our business right from the start and has made us feel very welcome. They’ve done a fabulous job supporting us in addition to the other small businesses within the community. We love Ahwatukee and hope that our store will be a staple within the community for many years to come.” At Once Upon A Child, it’s often dif�icult to remember this is a resale store. Name brand clothing for preemies through size 20 in boys and girls are easy to locate in well-de�ined and marked racks. Besides trending clothes for kids, there are local sports team jerseys, and even infant onesies, bearing ASU, Arizona Cardinals and Diamondback logos. There are both frilly and practical dancewear selections, and Disney character clothing and costumes. Gently-used shoes including top-name brands like Nike and Vans are available for all ages, and are binned according to size. The new and used children’s clothes and shoes are augmented by toys, books, children’s books and games.

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The couple makes good use of social media - especially Facebook and Instagram where they regularly display trending out�its for children gleaned from their own inventory. The newest furniture items, like cribs and bookcases, are showcased daily. The Ahwatukee franchise also offers special promotions like this month’s Tote Bag Tuesday in which customers can �ill a Once Upon A Child tote bag with apparel and shoes, all discounted 20 percent. “Customers can bring in Once Upon A Child tote bags from other stores, or buy one here for $3.99,” said Domenica, adding the tote bag promotion may be repeated in future months. Another special the Groulx’s have started is the New Mom Club for expectant and new mothers – and new fathers, too. “When customers sign up to be a member of our New Mom Club, they receive texts about our monthly promotion. In January, the promotion is one free pair of shoes size infant 0-4, up to a $5 value. “The promotion is different each month, however,” Domenica continued. “Anyone can join if they’re shopping for a baby 0-18 months old. The idea is to gain loyal customers who love shopping at our store right from the newborn stage. Our customers can also join our Five Stars Loyalty Program.” One local, loyal customer is 21-year-old Mikinzie Grathouse, who shops for her younger siblings, ages 9 and 11. “I �ind Once Upon A Child just a warming environment to be in. It’s a very clean and organized store; not cluttered and that makes shopping more enjoyable. Selling is easy and all the employees are super sweet and helpful,” the Ahwatukee resident and Cracker Barrel employee said. “I also have many friends who I look for when I go and often buy clothing for them too.” Besides saving up to 70% of retail on some of the brand name items, the couple point out buying gently-used clothing, shoes, furnishings is more eco-friendly. For more information and photos of inventory, see their webpage at OnceUponAChildAhwatukee-Phoenix.com or �ind them on Instagram and Facebook. 

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Opinion 34

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

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‘Stand Up’ rally is about giving teenagers a needed life line BY DR. ELLEN G. KELMAN AFN Guest Writer

ears ago, life had a much slower pace. We have been thrust into a 24/7 society where nothing closes, and nothing goes offline. We expect answers immediately from internet searches and depend on directions from our phones. The skills required – such as how to use an encyclopedia, read a map or recall from memory a friend’s phone number – are obsolete. While this has made our world easier to navigate, the demand on our brain and our bodies has significantly increased. For adolescents, this constant demand can lead to negative thoughts and even self-harm. As a psychologist in private practice, I see first-hand the many pitfalls that contribute to this self-doubt and questioning of one’s self-worth. Although the world has dramatically

changed, our physiology hasn’t. Teens still need eight to 10 hours of sleep per day, yet 69 percent of high school students report sleeping fewer than seven hours per night. Another issue is stress. Take the typical teen trying to fit way too much into 24-hours. Now throw into the mix social pressure. For most teens, social media is the best and the worst thing ever. It can make your day, or ruin your life, all in the same moment. For the teen who has a rumor spread about them on social media this becomes a true source of trauma. As they read a comment, alone in their room, it could create such overwhelming anxiety, embarrassment, or sorrow, that it prompts suicidal thoughts. They may be unable to process this in a way that allows them to see a path out of their despair. Without support, proper coping skills, or a strong sense of identity, this traumatic event can prompt the fight or flight instinct to

make a rash decision for them toward self-harm. I once had a 14-year-old girl in my office who said, “If you’re not part of the conversation, then you are the target of the conversation.” She felt driven to be on her phone and considered suicide as the only way out of this constant worry. For so many teens, this is reality. What can we do to help? I found the key is giving them the tools for handling all the stress, trauma and hopelessness. It means creating a tool belt designed for each individual and not one size fits all. This is why positive outreach like the movement of Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life is critically important. The annual youth conference provides the start to discussions about ways to manage social media that is realistic and still meets a teen’s need to be in the conversation. It also emphasizes the need for talks at home and among friends regarding

how to protect oneself and each other. Just like a friend coming to your rescue if you are pushed in the school hallway, a friend online can come to your rescue and offer support. The Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life Conference also puts students in the same room as teachers, administrators, community leaders and first responders so teens know they are important, and they are not alone or hopeless. It offers the start to a safe place to talk and someone to listen. The message is then carried on and the necessary and lifesaving conversations continue. It can be at home or school, a youth group, a chat group, but teens need to know that what feels hopeless today may not feel that way tomorrow. To sign up for the Jan. 19 conference: SpeakStandSave.com. Saving lives starts today! Dr. Ellen Kelman is a Scottsdale psychologist. 

The Board complains that it has not received any proposals for the golf property from homeowners, but isn’t that backwards? Shouldn’t we expect our Board to display leadership and initiate engagement with the homeowners to research and present options to the community? The only action taken by the Board was to invite the Edge developers to make their pitch for 162 new houses at its meeting in January 2020 and outline a calendar for community consideration of the proposal. Thus, despite claiming it has never taken a position on new housing, the only proposal the Board has seen fit to bring to the community was a plan for 162 new homes. Missing from any consideration by the Board was discussion of the following: What are the other options? What are the

costs? What are our legal options – given the success of the Lakes lawsuit against Wilson Gee? A significant source of these issues is that board members simply do not listen to the community or seek community input. Board members rarely allow a questionand-answer period at its monthly meetings – or at any other scheduled times. The Board has never conducted a survey of homeowners for their opinions. The Board then ignored the decisive results from the community-wide survey conducted by the Club West Conservancy (CWC) which found that 85 percent of homeowners said they would be OK with just a walkable parkland and 81 percent stated they would prefer to leave the property “as is” versus having any new houses built. These results were ignored even though the Survey Monkey statistical tool indi-

cates the results were projectable to the entire community at a margin of error of just +/- 3 percent at a 95 percent confidence level. The Board also operates improperly in closed sessions. Each month, the Board conducts a oneto two-hour “executive session” prior to the open meeting. The Board voted in executive session to obtain the Declarant Rights to the Golf Course Property and to dilute the requirements for approving changes to the Golf Course CC&Rs from 75 percent of all homeowners to a mere 16 percent (a majority of a 30 percent quorum of those who choose to vote). In a recent legal ruling, the court stated these “are not the types of actions that may be taken in executive session.”

Club West HOA Board needs fresh leadership BY MATTHEW TYLER AFN Guest Writer

ith the ringing in of a New Year, it is common for many to think about fresh starts. So it is at Club West with the upcoming elections for four HOA Board of Director positions. Up for re-election are: Paul Moroz, 20 years on board; Fred Kaiser, 20 years; Chris Geist, 12 years; Martha Neese, six years. It is time for leadership change. For 10 years, the Club West Golf Course has experienced a steady deterioration of its financial and physical condition. The Board and these four directors each stood by during most of this period and watched this deterioration happen instead of working productively with homeowners and community leaders to find solutions.

�ee WEST page 35

OPINION

JANUARY 13, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Club West HOA newsletter reflects board denial

After reading the most recent Foothills Club West HOA newsletter, I couldn’t decide if I was either totally disgusted or hysterical from laughing so hard at its contents. Probably both. Clearly, the Board is in total denial about its illegal actions when they “acquired” the declarant rights to the golf course. The Board also thinks that a small minority of the homeowners (16 percent) should have the ability to change the existing CC&R’s. How un-democratic. Further, the Board cites significant increases in homeowner fees ($100-$2,000) if their plan, whatever it is, doesn’t succeed. These numbers are nothing but scare tactics and are completely baseless. Shame on the Board for doing this. But, of course, they did increase our homeowner fees by 5.13 percent, probably to pay for the legal fees incurred in trying to defend their illegal actions. The Board obviously has no clue on how to deal with the golf course. They have yet to propose a plan regarding what to do with this “dead piece of land” (their term), other than allowing developers to jam housing down the throats of the community. Each board member has been on the board far too long, and they need to be replaced with those who bring new ideas on how to solve the issues that face this community. Finally, I paraphrase the question Ronald Reagan asked in the 1980 election: Is this community better off now than it was four (or even two) years ago? If your answer is “yes,” then please vote for each of the present Board members who are running for reelection. If your answer is “no,” like mine, I would appreciate your vote in the upcoming election. My positions regarding our community are as follow, as I am: • For the full and complete enforcement of the existing CC&R’s, including those that apply to the golf course. • For the total and complete restoration of

WEST from page 34

The message seems to be that the Board “knows best” so it is free to act with impunity and ignore the community, the law and the HOA governing documents. The CWC supports candidates that will

the golf course. • Against any form of housing on the golf course. • For term limits for all Board members. • For complete transparency and increased communication of all Board actions. • For finding a new management company, as Vision Management has not been responsive to resident needs and inquiries. And finally, unlike the present board, I will never kowtow to the wishes and demands of Mr. Gee or the owners of the golf course, whatever they call themselves today. For all the reasons stated above, I ask for your vote so that the quality of our community can be restored. Thank you in advance. -Thomas F. Bell

Election fraud claims were just that: fraudulent

I cannot and will not stand silent as I watch our democracy implode. For those who believe that the “liberal mainstream media” lies to the American people and is supported by the “deep state,” for those who believe that mainstream politicians are deep state pedophiles bent on destroying our democracy, I hope you will read this because I am none of those things and I love this country. We all know the mainstream media sensationalizes stories. That is nothing new. So does social media. But, without the mainstream media all we have is people on social media creating and sharing stories to substantiate their beliefs. Without the mainstream media to give another side of a story we have rumor and lies, built into “truth.” We must understand that our adversaries – Russia, China, North Korea and Iran – are elated to watch the destruction of our democracy and that they continue to employ thousands of bloggers and bots to sew discord and lies on social media. Four years ago, when Trump won the Presidency through the electoral college vote, he won four states by a margin of 1.2 percent or less. He lost the popular vote by 2.86 million votes. Yet, what we saw in 2016 was a peaceful transition of power from one

pursue finding a solution for the Golf Course Property that does not include home or commercial development, that support term limits and are committed to open communication and acting in a transparent manner under the governing HOA documents.

party to another. That is not what is happening now. The peaceful protest of the election by MAGA protesters yesterday morphed into lawlessness and treason. Some of the same people who saw the peaceful protest of police brutality, who screamed “shoot the protesters and lock them up” are the same people who are elated to see the peaceful protests around the country of people who truly believe that the election was “stolen.” Hypocrisy in action. The latest social media rumor is that the law breakers were actually not MAGA supporters, that they were ANTIFA. Wow, really? So the MAGA hats, the Trump banners the Trumpers that posed for selfies and posted them on social media were actually ANTIFA rebels? If you believe that, to be polite, you have a mental problem. The Georgia election results were verified by the Republican Governor and the Republican Secretary of State. The cost of three recounts was borne by the people of the great state of Georgia. Three recounts – 1) machine, 2) hand count, 3) machine – verified that it was a valid election result. Fifty thousand dead people did not vote. That is simply unsubstantiated by any credible source. The vote in Arizona was validated by the Republican Governor of Arizona, who, before being rejected by Trump, was one of his most avid supporters. Arizona has conducted voting by mail successfully since 1983. The far-right Republican politicians in Arizona who are screaming the loudest about a rigged election are not contesting their wins. Why is that? How can it go both ways? A similar scenario played out in Pennsylvania. The bottom line is, even with all of the false allegations of voter fraud across multiple states, the numbers claimed would not amount to the number of votes needed to give Trump the Presidency. Every Supreme court in each state where the votes were contested most of which have majority members who are conservatives placed there by conservative Governors, and

It appears that our current Board is unable to meet this standard. It’s time for fresh leadership. Luckily there are volunteers that are willing to seek positions on the board of directors replacing the current four board members up for re-election and have stat-

the Supreme Court of the United State of America, three of whom were placed there by Trump, all have come to the same conclusion on every one of the law suits brought before them, that the suits and allegations had no merit. Trump, who told the crowds that he would walk with them up Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol building, who incited the crowd to riot, then disappeared and watched the riot happen on TV. Sen. Josh Hawley, who raised his fist in support of the protesters, hid as they stormed the building. He recognized that things were out of control. How have we come to a place in this country where family members no longer speak to each other? Where moderate thinking legislators are labeled as traitors and voted out of office? Where those who do not like the outcome of an election act like spoiled children who didn’t get their way. This is not my America! This is not the America I want for my children and grandchildren. I hope it is not yours. -Lori Vanover

Events in Washington of last week are beyond sad

I cannot be sadder. My country is under attack – from within. I can’t be angry. That would mean that I must compound the angry I already feel for those who continue to desecrate the country I was born to love. I’m not sure I can muster that much angry. As much as my angry holds true, I believe there is a line I must contain. But sad? Oh, how sad I am to believe there are millions of Americans who are involved in American insurrection and violence. Beyond sad to watch those decimating with glee an icon of democratic symbolism. Beyond sad to witness an explosive surge against our legislators we sent to represent us. Beyond sad to think those same millions could carve a chapter of horrific reversal of our democracy. My heart cannot stop hurting. CJ Briggle ed positions that align with these attributes. CWC urges Club West homeowners to review their candidacy statements and give them your support. Matthew Tyler is president of the Club West Conservancy.

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AIA cancels winter sports due to COVID-19 surge BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

he Arizona Interscholastic Association Executive Board by a 5-4 vote canceled the winter prep sports season due to the latest surge in coronavirus cases. Chandler Uni�ied Superintendent Camille Casteel and district Athletic Director Marcus Williams were among those who voted for winter sports to continue. However, the board scheduled another meeting for Jan. 12 – past AFN”s deadline, although its purpose was unclear. Majority board members cited rising hospitalization rates and virus spread metrics and expressed concern athletes competing would not be able to receive adequate care if they became infected. Additionally, members said sports are an “extension of the classroom,” and noted that many districts elected to not immediately return to in-person learning after winter break. “While we understand the board’s position, we are saddened by this decision, especially considering that club sports are continuing,” AIA Executive Director David Hines said in a press release. “To the best of our knowledge, never in our 100-plus-year history has the AIA canceled an entire season,” he said. “We want nothing more than for our students to be active in school and participating in interscholastic sports and activities.” In December, the AIA announced it would further delay the start of winter sports from Jan. 5 to 18 due to hospitalization metrics. The delay also gave teams a two-week buffer after winter break in the event of cases within their programs. While Hines and most of the board voted in the fall to only shut down sports if told to do so by Gov. Doug Ducey and state health of�icials, members on Jan. 8 reversed course and said they could no longer go against recommendations from the AIA’s Sports Medicine Advisory Com-

and what this will say to our se- some of these seniors, this was their niors.” last chance. It isn’t about us coaches. We Winter sports for high school shouldn’t be coaching for our satisfaction. in Arizona were initially slated “When things go wrong like this, it to begin in November but rising should be our goal to take care of our playCOVID-19 metrics forced the AIA ers and help them through a tough time.” to delay the start to Jan. 5. When The decision to cancel winter sports, so numbers continued to rise, it was far, has no effect on spring sports, which delayed again to Jan. 18. lost its season last year at the start of the Executive Board President Toni pandemic. As of now, the spring sports Corona said the board could no season is scheduled to begin March 1. longer “kick the can down the However, Hines said the same outcome road.” for spring may come to fruition should The decision was met with dis- case metrics continue to rise at an unprecappointment and devastation. edented rate. “It is my sincerest hope that all AriDesert Vista boys’ soccer coach Trent Elliott said he was zonans will follow the CDC and Arizona “shocked” when he heard the Health guidelines by wearing masks, AIA’s decision. His three senior washing hands frequently, and practiccaptains already reached out to ing social distance to decrease cases him to express their disappoint- and hospitalizations,” Hines said. “If for no other reason, I hope we can do it for ment. “They’re obviously very up- the kids.”  Desert Vista boys’ soccer coach Trent Elliott said he was set,” Elliott said. “shocked” by the AIA’s decision to cancel winter sports. “I was in shock they made a (Zach Alvira/AFN Staff) vote, and it came mittee and others providing insight to the out the way it did. Realisboard. tically, you can take a look “The vote comes after recent recom- at the numbers and realmendations from the AIA’s Sports Medi- ize the state of Arizona is cine Advisory Committee recommended not in a good place. I just cancellation of the winter sports season,” think the timing of it was Hines said. what caught us off guard “While the board elected previously to and took us by surprise.” continue with fall sports and go against Mountain Pointe boys’ the SMAC’s recommendation to can- basketball coach Kaimarr cel, metrics in the state were far better Price said now is the time than what has been seen in the last two to be there for all stumonths.” dent-athletes. They both cited the social-emotional “I think as adults in a aspect of student-athletes and the harm leadership position, we it may cause if sports are canceled. They have to be leaders,” Price also highlighted school mitigation strate- said. “We know how to gies and their belief that student-athletes adapt and change in life. are safest in the cohort of a team. It sucks to think about it “It’s not a requirement for our schools like this but at the end of Mountain Pointe boys’ basketball coach Kaimarr Price said in to compete,” Casteel said. “I’m very con- the day, we get to coach the wake of the news, it was important now for coaches to be cerned about the emotional connection next season whereas there for their players. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff)

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

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Chandler �ilm fest expects growth amid pandemic BY KEVIN REAGAN Arizonan Staff Writer

he pandemic has not been kind to the �ilm industry this past year, yet Chandler International Film Festival organizers are refusing to let the health crisis prevent its attendees from celebrating the art of cinema. Starting Jan. 21, the four-day festival returns to Chandler’s theaters for the �ifth consecutive year and will offer a slate of diverse �ilms for local moviegoers to enjoy – albeit with a few changes. Pandemic guidelines will require theater capacity to be reduced to 30 percent and attendees will be expected to wear masks and socially distance. In response to the lack of theater space, the festival has expanded its services by allowing patrons to watch the festival’s 120 �ilms in one of three locations: a theater, from home or from their car. Some �ilms will be available to temporarily stream online and a couple movies will be screened in the parking lot of Chandler High School, where up to 100 cars can be in attendance. “It will be disconnected, yet connected,” said Dave Waltzer, the festival’s treasurer and board member. While audiences won’t be together under one roof, Waltzer said festival organizers are anticipating a boost in participation due to the added viewing options. “It’s different this year,” he noted. “It’s odd a little bit, but we’re actually getting more of the community involved in the festival.” Some local high school students will be showcasing their short �ilms this year and participating in a symposium with professionals from the �ilm industry. ICAN and AZCEND, two local nonprofits serving students and low-income families, will be receiving a portion of the pro�its from the festival’s ticket sales. It was not immediately obvious whether the festival would return this year since most entertainment venues have

Among the Chandler Film Festival offerings is a thriller about nine people struggling with a pandemic. (Special to Get Out) mostly sat empty for the last 10 months. While some theaters have reopened during the pandemic, Hollywood has not been releasing an abundant supply of �ilms and studios have shifted toward relying more on streaming platforms. Box of�ice receipts have nationally been on the decline and 2020 was the �irst year in more than a decade that didn’t have a �ilm gross more than $1 billion. Chandler’s organizers had discussed cancelling this year’s festival or going completely online, Waltzer said, but they felt con�ident their event could be staged safely and responsibly. The red carpet and afterparty events

during the festival will be scaled down, he added, and audience numbers will be regularly monitored to ensure compliance. Waltzer said it was important to prove organizers could still put on the festival amid the current circumstances and changes made this year may become a permanent �ixture for future festivals. “It’s always good to think out of the box,” he added “I think going forward, we may extend that virtual option due to the response it’s getting. It may make sense to continue that.” Chandler’s lineup of �ilms include a wide variety of documentaries, thrillers, dramas, and

familiar favorites. The movies are made by �ilmmakers from more than 30 countries and some were shot locally around Arizona. Mitesh Patel, the festival’s president, said he wanted this year’s lineup to be stronger than in previous years and he hopes they will have a broader reach with local audiences. “Our goal is to showcase diversity, innovation, and uniqueness through the works of �ilmmakers from across the world in a local setting,” said Patel. “Our drive-in events and online options this year give us the ability to reach more people.”

Our goal is to showcase diversity, innovation, and uniqueness through the works of �ilmmakers from across the world in a local setting. Our drive-in events and online options this year give us the ability to reach more people.

“The Unhealer,” a sci-�i �ilm shot in Apache Junction, will be one of the festival’s �irst features screened on Jan. 21 at Harkins Theater and some of the �ilm’s actors plan to be in attendance. “Danni and the Vampire,” scheduled to be screened Jan. 23, is a comedic take on old horror tropes about a madcap drifter and her undead friend. Other �ilms are a timely re�lection of the turmoil experienced collectively this past year and delve into subjects recognizable to most audiences. On Jan. 24, the festival will screen “House of Quarantine,” a thriller about nine people struggling to cope with the pandemic and fear getting sick after one of them contracts the coronavirus. A deadly contagion has ravaged the world in “The Cove,” a survival tale about two characters seeking sanctuary amidst a pandemic, and will be screened Jan. 22 at Harkins. “COVID-19 vs. Arizona” is a documentary that will be screened Jan. 24 and features stories from local leaders on how they have navigated the pandemic. The subject of climate change is examined in “Kiss the Ground,” a documentary screening Jan. 23 that reveals how the world’s ecosystems can be salvaged after decades of damage. More information on the festival can be found at chandler�ilmfestival.com.

GET OUT

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

Danica Patrick changes lanes to winemaking BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Progress Staff Writer

ormer racecar driver Danica Patrick acknowledges that her reasons for offering rosé wine aren’t necessarily classy or politically correct, but they’re true. “I like to drink it,” said the Scottsdale resident with a laugh. Patrick collaborated with the Margnat family for Danica Rosé, which is made in Provence, France. She chose the region because it’s the oldest winemaking region in France, where rosé is a specialty and a long-standing way of life. Provence is perfectly suited to make rosé, thanks to the climate, terroir and grape varietals. The wine comes in an elegant custom glass bottle that pays homage to the blend’s French origin. Danica Rosé is available online for Arizonans. The brand is slated to expand into retail stores nationwide later this year. Patrick’s path to appreciating wine came from her racing days in England, where she discovered her love of wine. As her world travels took her to Asia, Australia, Europe, New Zealand and South Africa, her passion for wine led her to purchase a vineyard in Napa Valley and started her own wine brand, Somnium. “Back in 2006, I took a trip to Napa Valley and thought, ‘Man, it would be cool to have something like this someday,’” she recalls. “In 2009, I bought property and I sold my �irst bottle in 2017. “Since then, I’ve been expanding the wine portfolio and just being in the business itself, this opportunity to make a rosé in France came up. I jumped because I love wine and I love rosé. The thread that’s the most important thread is that it is in line with my core values and what I stand for. Those things only grow over time.” Patrick said as she sheds the things she “has” to do, she’s able to do what

ts? o Gew N

Former racecar driver Danica Patrick has pivoted from the track to the wine cellar with a new wine named after her. (Special to GetOut) she “wants.” Through her wine—or any other project for that matter—she hopes people see two of her key values, which are integrity and authenticity. “Hopefully, if people don’t like me, they

can feel my authenticity,” she said. “I hope they observe that in their own reality. If they have a different opinion—no matter who they are—I’m authentic to them and that can be respected. There’s

nothing more authentic than making rosé in Provence, where it originated.” Besides authenticity, her core values are honesty, truth, effort, commitment, dedication, passion and care. She is passionate about rosé. “Rosé is so popular right now,” she said. “Appropriately so. Rosé is such a crowd pleaser. I feel everybody loves rosé or likes rosé. It’s versatile when it comes to food. I think it’s the most versatile.” Patrick is calling from her Scottsdale home’s dining room, which has large windows that overlook the Sonoran Desert. “We sit outside all the time,” she said. “It’s too cold at night to sit outside now. For most of the year, it’s great.” Her other favorite Valley activities are trying new restaurants or visiting her hangs, like Mission in Old Town or Zinc Bistro at Kierland. Patrick also enjoys traveling to the red rocks of Sedona. “I’m such a hippy at heart,” she said. “I go and get my psychic reading. I go to my favorite vegan restaurant, even though I’m not vegan. I love the versatility, the connection in nature is so good here. It’s so easy to be here, whether it’s out hiking or biking.” She quickly interrupts herself. “True Food Kitchen. How can I forget that,” she said. “And Flower Child. It’s the baseline for a basic, quick grab for healthy food.” Danica Rosé is the latest expression of her passion. “My appreciation for wine and the winemaking process has grown tremendously over the past 15 years. The Danica Rosé is the type of French rosé that I enjoy drinking year-round, it is crisp and light with well-balanced acidity.” 

Danica Rosé danicarosewine.com @danicarosewine

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com

JANUARY 13, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

King Crossword ACROSS

1 Opening 4 Cartoon frame 7 Vend 8 “Dallas” matriarch 10 Sleep problem 11 Court hammers 13 1998 Bruce Willis thriller 16 Shock partner 17 Hoodwinks 18 Water tester 19 Gum flavor 20 Roll call reply 21 Fry lightly 23 Belted area 25 Cooking fat 26 Uttered 27 Chemical suffix 28 Up and about 30 Quilters’ get-together 33 Wimbledon champ of 2008 36 Wife of Jacob 37 Edition 38 Nodded off 39 D.C. baseball team 40 Picnic crasher 41 Ram’s mate

Obituaries Coralie Mann

28 Wan 29 Used a broom 30 Butter up the turkey 31 Flightless birds

32 Compass pt. 34 Bruins’ sch. 35 Caesar’s “vidi”

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DOWN

1 Category 2 Sir Guinness 3 Enthusiastic approval 4 County of Ireland 5 Graceland idol 6 Fibs 7 Gush 8 Pharaoh’s land 9 Upper crust 10 Docs’ org. 12 Bull’s sound 14 Ancient letter 15 “My word!” 19 Wet dirt 20 Secreted 21 Less loony 22 Sports venues 23 Banshee’s cry 24 Delta, for one 25 Actress Tyler 26 Long-legged shorebird

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 21

4/29/1929 – 1/1/2021 Coralie Ulvang Mann, 91, passed away January 1st, 2021, after suffering a stroke at her home in Chandler, Arizona. Born in Duluth, MN, and known as Cree, a nickname from High School, Cree graduated from Stanbrook Hall and then went on to Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., then Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Retailing in 1950. There Cree met her lifelong love, Jim Mann, an executive with Coca Cola. She and Jim moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she worked as a model and TV fashion show commentator. They also lived in Mt. View, California (San Francisco Bay Area) for five years. There Cree modeled for The Emporium, Macy's, Merle Norman, Cadillac and several other prominent retailers. Jim’s job relocated them to the Los Angeles area (Northridge) from 1975 to 1990. They retired to Santa Barbara in 1990, where she lost Jim to prostate cancer in 2007. Cree was a well-known watercolor artist in the Santa Barbara area, her home filled with paintings of local scenes. Cree was active in St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, and was a choir member. A very talented Cree played the piano and was a member of the Prime Time Band and Basin Street Buddies Dixieland bands. She volunteered at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, Santa Barbara Historical Society, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and Braille Institute. In 2019 Cree moved to the Enclave in Chandler, AZ, to be closer to her family. Always active, she taught watercolor classes for the residents of the Enclave. Cree is survived by two sons, John Douglas Mann of Phoenix and Bruce Andrew Mann of Tucson, daughter Saralee Mann of Phoenix and daughter-in-laws Trixie Mann (Bruce) and Karen Mays (Doug). Also two grandchildren, Richard Mann of Santa Cruz, California and Tawni Mann of Phoenix. She was proceeded in death by her husband, James Ellis Mann. Services will be held in Santa Barbara, CA at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley at hov.org/donate

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Plumbing Drywall • Carpentry Licensed, Bonded &•Insured • ROC#317949 Decks • Tile • More! Ask me about FREE water testing!

Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens ✔ Bathrooms 2010, 2011 rk Wo 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Affordable, Quality And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2012, 2013, 2014 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor 1999 Since Ahwatukee / References Work ty Quali Affordable, 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor 2014 Bruce at 602.670.7038

rk Since 1999 FREE Estimates! Affordable, Quality Wo 1999 SinceBSMALLMAN@Q.COM

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

Plumbing Electrical Paint Tile

Able Handyman Service LLC

And Much, Much More!

Not a licensed contractor

Jim 480.593.0506 Ablehandyman2009@gmail.com

Jaden Sydney Associates.com Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services

Repairs • Drywall • Painting • BINSR Items Trash Removal • HOA Compliance

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Home Improvement

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

No Job Too Small! Senior Discounts!

David Hernandez (602) 802 3600

Ahwatukee Resident

480.335.4180

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

Irrigation

MALDONADO HOME REPAIR SERVICES CALL DOUG

480.201.5013

THE HANDYMAN THAT HANDLES SMALL JOBS THAT OTHERS DECLINE ✔ Painting ✔ Gate Restoration ✔ Lighting ✔ Plumbing Repairs ✔ Replace Cracked ✔ Sheetrock Roof Tiles Texturing Repairs ✔ & MUCH MORE! Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured

*Not A Licensed Contractor

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

NTY

• 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

Home Remodeling

Not a licensed contractor.

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE SERVICING & INSTALLING GARAGE DOORS AND OPERATORS

Sprinkler & Drip Systems

SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

AND so much more!

Garage/Doors

Irrigation

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical wesleysglass.com “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Man!” SERVICINGPlumbing THE • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! 1999 e ENTIRE VALLEY Quality Work Sinc Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 480-215-3373 Call 480-306-5113 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! Handyman ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry

Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Ahwatukee.com

Handyman

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Ahwatukee Resident

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Glass/Mirror

Landscape Design/Installation

Serving the Valley for over 28 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, Pavers, Culture Stone & Travertine, Synthetic Turf, Sprinkler/Drip, Irrigation Systems, Clean ups & Hauling

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate

5-YEAR WARRA

To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com

azirrigation.com

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

480.654.5600 Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

480-730-1074

CLASSIFIEDS

HIRING?

Landscape/ Maintenance

If One Needs a Job, They Look Every day!

Foothills Touch Landscapes LLC Lawn care/Maint. Starting as low as

$25 per visit.

Install/Design We do it all!

Not a licensed contractor

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

Ahw. Res - 30 yrs Exp Free Estimates. Call Pat (480) 343-0562

For a Quote email: class@times publications.com 480-898-6465

Landscape/Maintenance

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

Landscape/Maintenance

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

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

Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon

480-217-0407

Not a Licensed Contractor

Arizona Specialty Landscape

New & Re-Do Design and Installation Affordable | Paver Specialists All phases of landscape installation. Plants, cacti, sod, sprinklers, granite, concrete, brick, Kool-deck, lighting and more!

Landscape/Maintenance

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

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

Call Lance White

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

Painting

Jose Dominguez Painting & Drywall SEE OUR AD IN DRYWALL! Quick Response to your Call! 15 Years Exp 480-266-4589

ROC# 186443 • BONDED

480.844.9765

480-586-8445

“We get your house looking top notch!”

SPRINKLER DOCTOR

★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Drywall Repair & Installation ★ Popcorn Ceiling Removal

Repairs - Installs - Modifications Timers/Valves/Sprinklers DRIP-PVC-COPPER Backflows & Regulators

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors ★ Small Job Specialist

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789 License #ROC 298736

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

FREE WEED CONTROL FERTILIZER TREATMENT WITH LAWN AERATION SOIL AMENDMENTS * SOIL TESTING * LAWN SERVICES

ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

Lawn Mowing Starts At $40 Full Service Starts At $70 15 Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew +

SONORAN LAWN

480-745-5230

Get Free notices in the Classifieds! Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available Visit us at Suntechpaintingaz.com or view our video promo at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM5pbvpZJlg

602.625.0599 ROC #155380 Family Owned • Free Estimates

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated

Voted #1

Residential & Commercial Painting • Interior & Exterior • Professional Cabinet Reﬁnishing • Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings • In-Home Color Consultations “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

Veteran Owned

Schedule your holiday cleanup with SONORAN LAWN.

Meetings/Events?

INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

East Valley PAINTERS

Not a licensed contractor.

Specials

SUN TECH

PAINTING

Looking To Freshen Up Your Home? WE CAN HELP!

25 years Experience & Insured WANT A WEED-FREE GREEN LAWN?

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, Exterior House Painting. Stucco Patching. Gate/Front Door Refinishing. Quality work/Materials Free Estimate Ignacio 480-961-5093 / 602-571-9015 ROC #189850 Bond/Ins’d

Not a licensed contractor

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week!

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

Painting

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

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

ROC#309706

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

10% OFF

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

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Now Accepting all major credit cards

CLASSIFIEDS

JANUARY 13, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Painting

Plumbing

10% DISCOUNT

on all services Interior Painting

Pressure Washing

Exterior Painting

Drywall/Stucco repair

Complete prep work Wallpaper Removal

Plumbing

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541 affinityplumber@gmail.com

Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Pool Service / Repair

$25 OFF

Off 40work done *Any

Filter Cleaning!

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

www.barefootpoolman.com

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook

Disposals

$35 off

Any Service

Plumbing

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT We offer personalized service for our customers. We use the best materials that we can find. Our services include: Sinks, Toilets, Faucets, Water Heaters, Garbage Disposal, Drain Cleaning, Pressure Reducing Valves, Pressure Vacuum Breakers, Hot Water Circulation Systems, Main Service Valves and Hose Taps.

279-4155

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC 189848

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH! Beat Any Price By 10% • Lifetime Warranty Water Heaters Installed - $799 Unclog Drains - $49 FREE RO UNIT w/Any WATER SOFTENER INSTALL NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 Months!! ‘A’ RATED PLUMBING REPAIR Free Estimates • Same Day Service

You will find them easy with their yellow background. Garage Sale Fri & Sat 7a-11am Household, clothes, kitchen items, furniture, electronics, mason jars, kid items, DVDs, MORE 555 W. Lane Dr Mesa

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

Only $27.50 includes 1 week online To place an ad please call: 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

Pool Service / Repair

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com Pool Service / Repair

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

Plumbing

Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds!

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

Not a licensed contractor

ROC#270450

(480)

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

480-888-5895

Owned and Operated by Rod Lampert Ahwatukee Resident Serving Ahwatukee for over 25 years

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL

Roofing

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

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

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

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)

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

1st Month of Service FREE For a limited time

Call Now!

Ahw Resident • Owner Operated Maintenance & Repair Professional and Superior Service

480-446-7663 Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

We maintain, repair and service all types of pools, equipment, filters, cleaning systems, fresh water and salt water systems

Call me, Howard:

480.231.9651

AZPoolExpert.com BBB Member Not a licensed contractor.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

Roofing

Window Cleaning

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

602-938-7575 $ 1000 OFF when you show this ad

on qualifying complete roof replacements

Let us show you the IN-EX Difference! Serving The Valley Since 1996

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

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

30 Years Roofing Experience

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

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Ahwatukee Based Family Owned and Operated Insured • Free Estimates

See our reviews and schedule at:

www.cousinswindowcleaning.com

480-330-2649

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

JILEK ROOFING, LLC

New Roof Installation & Roof Repair Specialist

Cell: 480.417.3689 Office: 480.912.5014 Email: tomjilek60@gmail.com Licensed & Insured • Bonded, Res/Com ROC 328854

inexroofing.com

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663

10% OFF

Call for your FREE Roof Evaluation

with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

THE MOST READ PAPER in Ahwatukee!

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Call our office today!

480-460-7602 Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 269218

Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

www.porterroofinginc.com

See MORE Ads Online!

www.Ahwatukee.com

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

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

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com

CLASSIFIEDS

JANUARY 13, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

palmabrisa.com

NOW SELLING

A new gated resort community is coming soon in the Ahwatukee Foothills with a dramatically different style. It feels exclusive, but also lively and exciting — and it's called Palma Brisa. • Modern resort-style gated community with stately palms

• Diverse architecture: Modern Bungalow, Urban Farmhouse, Italian Cottage, Andalusian, Modern Craftsman, French Country, and Spanish Mission • Four amenity areas connected by expansive lawns

• Homes from 1,700 sq. ft. to 4,000 sq. ft. from the $400’s

ERIC WILLIAMS

480-641-1800

TERRY LENTS

© Copyright 2019 Blandford Homes, LLC. No offer to sell or lease may be made prior to issuance of Final Arizona Subdivision Public Report. Offer, terms, and availability subject to change without prior notice. Renderings are artist’s conceptions and remain subject to modification without notice.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JANUARY 13, 2021

12 √

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No Matter Where You See It, Read It, Or Hear It, Spencers Will Beat It. If We Aren’t Already Lower, Just Let Us Know, Because We Guarantee A Lower Price!

MONTHS

58” 4KUHD UHDSMART SMARTTV TV 58”4K • •22HDMI HDMI Inputs Inputs 2 • •Airplay Airplay2 Built-In Built-In

NO INTEREST**

BEST PRICES

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1.6 1.6CU. CU.FT. FT. OVER-THE-RANGE OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE MICROWAVE

WASHER WASHER

• •3.5 3.5Cu. Cu.Ft. Ft. • •Porcelain PorcelainTub Tub • •700 700RPM RPMSpin SpinSpeed Speed NTW4516FW NTW4516FW

449

WMH1162XVQ WMH1162XVQCLOSEOUT CLOSEOUT

• •Adjustable AdjustableGlass GlassShelves Shelves • •22Crisper CrisperDrawers Drawers • •LED LEDLighting Lighting

899

FRSG1915AV FRSG1915AV

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• •950 950Watts Watts ofofPower Power • •1010Levels Levels ofofPower Power • •Sunken SunkenGlass Glass Turntable Turntable

199

SIDE SIDEBY BYSIDE SIDECOUNTER COUNTER DEPTH DEPTHREFRIGERATOR REFRIGERATOR

12 12MONTHS MONTHS

• •Active ActiveBlue BlueLight LightTechnology Technology • •NeoFrost NeoFrostDual DualCooling Cooling Technology Technology

449 $$549 UN58TU7000 UN58TU7000

BEST SELECTION

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COUNTER COUNTERDEPTH DEPTH REFRIGERATOR REFRIGERATOR

DISHWASHER DISHWASHER • •Normal NormalWash WashCycle Cycle(on (ondial) dial) • •Heated HeatedDry DryOn/Off On/Off(on (onrocker) rocker) • •Standard StandardUpper UpperRack Rack

DISHWASHER DISHWASHER

• •Integrated IntegratedControl ControlStyling Styling • •Premium PremiumNylon NylonRacks Racks • •InInDoor DoorSilverware SilverwareBasket Basket • •Energy EnergyStar StarQualiﬁed Qualiﬁed WDF520PADM WDF520PADM

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• •25 25Cubic CubicFoot FootCapacity Capacity • •Spill SpillProof ProofGlass GlassShelves Shelves • •Humidity ed HumidityControlled Controlled ed Drawers Drawers • •Energy ed EnergyStar StarQualiﬁed Qualiﬁed ed WRS325SDHZ WRS325SDHZ

RANGE RANGE

• •4.8 4.8Cubic CubicFoot FootCapacity Capacity • •Self SelfCleaning CleaningOven Oven • •Smooth SmoothTop Top • •Proudly ProudlyMade Made ininUSA USA WFE505W0HS WFE505W0HS CLOSEOUT CLOSEOUT

299 2199

HDA1100FWH HDA1100FWH

BUYS BUYSALL ALL 33PIECES PIECES

****NONOINTEREST INTERESTIFIFPAID PAIDININFULL FULLININ1212MONTHS. MONTHS.$799.00 $799.00Minimum MinimumPurchase PurchaseRequired RequiredMinimum MinimumPayments PaymentsRequired Required30.79% 30.79%APR APRIf Ifthe thepromotional promotionalbalance balanceisisnot notpaid paidininfullfullbybythe theend endforforthe the promotional period or, to the extent permitted by law, if you make a late payment, interest will be imposed from the date of purchase at the APR noted above. This APR is as of 7/4/2019 and will promotional period or, to the extent permitted by law, if you make a late payment, interest will be imposed from the date of purchase at the APR noted above. This APR is as of 7/4/2019 and willvary varywith with the themarket marketbased basedononthe thePrime PrimeRate. Rate.Your Yourcard cardagreement, agreement,the theterms termsofofthe theoffer offerand andapplicable applicablelaw lawgovern governthis thistransaction transactionincluding includingincreasing increasingAPRs APRsand andfees feesand andterminating terminatingthe thepromotional promotionalperiod. period.

MESA MESASHOWROOM SHOWROOM&&CLEARANCE CLEARANCECENTER CENTER115 115W. W.First FirstAve. Ave.| 480-833-3072 | 480-833-3072 AHWATUKEE AHWATUKEE4601 4601E.E.Ray RayRd. Rd.| Phoenix | Phoenix| 480-777-7103 | 480-777-7103 ARROWHEAD ARROWHEADRANCH RANCH7346 7346W. W.Bell BellRoad Road| 623-487-7700 | 623-487-7700 GILBERT GILBERTSantan SantanVillage Village| 2711 | 2711S.S.Santan SantanVillage VillagePkwy Pkwy| 480-366-3900 | 480-366-3900 GLENDALE GLENDALE10220 10220N.N.43rd 43rdAve Ave| |(602) (602)504-2122 504-2122 GOODYEAR GOODYEAR1707 1707N.N.Litchfield LitchfieldRd Rd| 623-930-0770 | 623-930-0770 RECONDITION RECONDITIONCENTER CENTER160 160EAST EASTBROADWAY BROADWAY| 480-615-1763 | 480-615-1763 SCOTTSDALE SCOTTSDALE14202 14202N.N.Scottsdale ScottsdaleRd. Rd.| 480-991-7200 | 480-991-7200 SCOTTSDALE/PHOENIX SCOTTSDALE/PHOENIX13820 13820N.N.Tatum TatumBlvd. Blvd.| (602) | (602)494-0100 494-0100 NOW NOWOPEN OPEN- -MESA MESA5141 5141S.S.Power PowerRd. Rd.| 480-988-1917 | 480-988-1917

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HHOOUUSSEE IN S IN R S E R C E N C SSPPEEN PLLAANNSS PPAAYYMMEENNTTBPLEE AAVVAAILILAABL Due Duetotocurrent currentcircumstances, circumstances, some someitems itemsmay maybebeoutoutofofstock. stock.