Ahwatukee Foothills News 03/12/2023

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

Where are all the children going?

That question looms over Kyrene School District as it prepares its budget for the coming school year.

More importantly, it will be an even larger question for the district in the years after 202324.

Enrollment is dropping in Kyrene – a trend

also occurring in Tempe Union and many other school districts with a high socioeconomic makeup.

And because enrollment is the most significant part of the complicated formula that determines the size of the district’s largest revenue stream, the implications of that decline stand to influence the district’s structure, payroll and possibly the number of campuses in years to come.

The enrollment decline is driven by two

All ears

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

Abookstore browser’s eyes might roll when they come across the title of the book co-authored by 25-year Ahwatukee resident Mark West.

But “Implantable Medical Devices and Healthcare Affordability” by West and coauthor Michael Georgulis Jr. of Buckeye may also leave readers wide-eyed – or teary-eyed –by what it has to say about healthcare in the United States.

Published only a month ago, it certainly caught the attention of a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma's business school.

see HEALTHCARE page 7

major factors, Kyrene Chief Financial Officer Chris Herrmann told the governing board in a March 28 study session.

One is the fact “that we have more options for parents” – especially for those specialneeds children who require more services than a public school district can provide, he said.

Those options also have increased – and have become more attractive to more parents –

Students from Classic Image Dance and their float were among dozens of young and old alike who rode, walked, marched or played an instrument during the 47th Ahwatukee Kiwanis Easter Parade April 8. Perfect weather accompanied Parade Boss Mike Schmitt’s perfect choreographing of the festive parade, which drew hundreds of spectators along 48th Street. For more photos of the parade, see pages 24-25. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

as a result of the state Legislature’s expansion of the system of school vouchers, formally called Empowerment Scholarship Accounts.

But the enrollment decline also is driven by the overall population within the district’s boundaries.

And between declining birthrates across Maricopa County and the nation generally and soaring housing costs, the population of Ahwatukee and the parts of Tempe and Chandler within Kyrene’s boundaries is trending older and less likely to have school-aged children.

Because enrollment figures heavily in the amount of state money any Arizona school district receives, the population curve also will impact Kyrene's spending in the future. To some extent, it is impacting next school year's budget.

Herrmann on March 28 illustrated that downward student population curve by focusing on the number of eighth graders and kindergartners the district counted on the 40th day of the current school year: 1,800 older students and 1,339 just starting their journey in the district.

“The impact of having a larger outgoing class would equate to a drop of at least 461 students next year, just based on the number of students leaving versus the number of students that would be coming into our new kindergarten class,” he said.

That difference bodes challenges down

Kyrene Chief Financial Officer Chris Herrmann told the board several weeks ago that between the 2010 and 2020 U.S. Census reports, the district is saw a decline – and continues to do so – in the percentage of the district’s overall population under 18 years of age. “The age distribution of householders in the district is shifting away from the child-bearing age cohorts,” he said on this slide. (Kyrene School District)

the road for Kyrene, which, like all Arizona districts, receives the bulk of its state funding through a complicated formula based on enrollment.

That formula shows a decline in perstudent funding totaling about $1 million between what Kyrene received in 2020-21 and what it projects in 2023-24. The decline in revenue has been cushioned by the increase in the state per-student allot-

Birthrates are trending downward in both the county and in Arizona, reflecting a nationwide trend. (Kyrene School District)

“I think the important thing is that we are not seeing any indication that enrollment is significantly going back to the level that it once was,” she said in an interview.

She noted that one reason the impact of enrollment decline currently is projected at only about $1 million in the coming school year is because the district has a significant chunk of unspent federal and state pandemic relief funds for 2023-24.

In a report on pandemic aid spending in Arizona school districts released earlier this year, the state Auditor General said Kyrene has about $13.2 million left.

But in future years, Toenjes said, Kyrene’s enrollment decline “will be part of our strategic planning.”

Its impact on overall per-pupil state funding likely will challenge Kyrene to look at “how do we optimize what resources we do have and how does the district operate differently or look differently in the future,” Toenjes said.

ment.

The district’s demographer was expected to dive more deeply this week into the reasons for student decline that related to the characteristics of the district’s overall population.

Kyrene Superintendent Laura Toenjes said the current district population and student enrollment trends mean that her aides and the board will be spending many months developing ways to serve children effectively with less money.

Reports by the Auditor General show that in the 2008-09 school year, Kyrene’s student enrollment totaled 16,977. In its report on 2021-22 spending, Kyrene’s total enrollment was listed at 14,279.

The district’s demographer was scheduled last night, April 11, to detail for the board the factors influencing the decline in the district’s overall under-18 population.

But in his presentation to the board last month, Herrmann said birthrates are declining generally.

“The main drivers for enrollment de-

see KYRENE page 10

While the per-student amount set by the Legislature has risen in the last three fiscal years, this chart shows how Kyrene’s declining enrollment adversely affects the total amount of the dollars it gets from that primary funding source and what it expects in the coming school year. There are other pools of state funding that support public education but the source based on “average daily membership” is the largest. And while ADM is not the same as student population, this key component of the formula that per-pupil funding is based on is directly impacted by the number of students in a school district. (Kyrene School District)

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BY GERI KOEPPEL AFN Contributor

The Festival of Lights (FOL) Wine and Beer Festival 6-10 p.m. Friday, April 21 at the Foothills Golf Club will offer more reasons than ever to come and support the annual community holiday lights display.

“People have been asking for different experiences, so that’s what we’ve been trying to do this year,” said Christiane Acosta, who co-chairs the FOL sponsorship committee.

The gala is one of the nonprofit’s two annual fundraisers that help pay for the white lights along Chandler Boulevard between Desert Foothills Parkway and 24th Street during the holidays. It also supports local charities.

This year, the board took into account feedback from last year’s event to make this gala bigger and better.

One of the main requests last year was to “step up the local entertainment,” said Morgan Vanderwall, head of public relations, social media and marketing for the FOL board.

This year, two bands will play: The Lil’ Debbie Band will kick off the party from 6-7:30 p.m. and Pretty Cül will headline. Also, an acoustic act will play in the new VIP room – a lounge experience with whiskey and craft beer tastings that will require an additional voluntary donation to enter.

“Most of this event is very energetic, lots of activity, so it’s kind of a respite to go into this quieter environment,” said Kimberly Bolton, the FOL marketplace/raffle chair.

A few VIP banquet tables on the grass in front of the clubhouse are also being offered for $1,000 for those who want a place to convene with friends or family for the night.

Once again, raffles will be part of the excitement. A 50/50 raffle last year raised $2,500 and the winner left with $1,250. The price will be three for $20 for the 50/50 raffle and $5 a ticket or five for $20 for the raffle items.

At least six big prizes will be worth at least $750, Bolton said, and “each one is a package of items around a specific theme – like girls’ day out or weekend getaway.”

They include golf for four at Arizona Grand Resort, a medspa package from Bodiac Sculpting worth over $1,000, a se-

Pecos Pool season will be extended this year

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

Handicapped again by a shortage of manpower, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department will still be able to keep 15 of its 29 swimming pools open all summer – including Pecos Pool in Ahwatukee.

But only a dozen in actuality will be open for all season, with six other pools split into two groups that will each only be open for a month.

The good news for Ahwatukee: Pecos is one of eight pools getting an extended season through Labor Day by being open on weekends – a turnabout from last year, when it closed at the end of July.

Tracy Hall, assistant director of aquatics, laid out the forecast for the 2023 pool season for the City Council Cultural and Community Investment Subcommittee on April 5.

And her report was more optimistic than last year’s season forecast, when Parks and Rec officials were crippled by a manpower shortage largely created by higher competitive salaries being paid to lifeguards

by other Valley municipalities.

To compete, Council not only raised lifeguards’ pay but also approved a bonus system that enable Phoenix to keep a dozen pools open all summer.

It adds $500 to the first paycheck and $2,500 more at the end of summer for those who meet certain requirements, including working at least 240 hours from April 22 through Sept. 4. That raises the hourly pay to $25.09.

Pecos Pool hired 30 lifeguards last summer; 29 of them received the $500 plus an additional $2,000 bonus, according to Adam Waltz, a Parks & Rec spokesman.

Citywide last year, 298 lifeguards and certified swim instructors were hired and 267 received an additional bonus.

The city’s network of public pools draws hundreds of thousands of people of all ages.

Early last year, a council report stated that the pools in 2019 attracted 463,000 visitors to with swimming lessons, swim and dive recreational teams, water basketball teams and water safety classes for over 20,000 participants.

Approximately 650 aquatics staff are needed to operate and provide services at the city’s 29 aquatic facilities.

But Phoenix began taking a hit in 2020, when the pandemic wiped out the swimming season and ultimately cost the city half its aquatic workforce, according to the March 2022 report.

As a result, the department opened only 12 pools in 2021 – and lost a whopping 350,000 visitors.

This year, Hall said, the problem with opening more pools for the season involves a shortage of managers.

A council report to the committee said three-quarters of the staff that worked last year is returning but that still isn’t enough to keep all pools open.

Moreover, even if it had the staff, several pools last year were described as too deteriorated to open without major infrastructure work.

The city is continuing to recruit a variety of positions, according to a staff report.

“Staff continues to utilize a variety of methods to promote aquatics job opportunities including cashiers, lifeguards, swim lesson instructors, assistant pool managers and pool managers,” it said.

City staff is also visiting area high schools distributing information to them and colleges, focusing especially hard on high school swim and dive teams and numerous job fairs.

Additionally, the city has created the “shallow water lifeguard position” that enables the hiring of young people interested in becoming lifeguards whose swimming skills did not meet the prerequisite of the standards to guard swimmers in deep water.

Those less qualified lifeguards get an

opportunity to improve their skills and get certified to watch water no deeper than 4 feet instead of the usual 12 feet.

“To promote future lifeguard opportunities, the department continues to offer Junior Lifeguard and Lifeguard Academy programs for youth ages 14 to 17 in the months of,” the council report said, adding:

“These programs teach water safety, teamwork and leadership skills. Those who successfully complete the Lifeguard Academy will obtain Lifeguard and CPR certifications.”

The academy is free and Hall told the committee:

“We’ve certified 30 individuals and they are going through the interview process. Our hope is that they will continue to skill development in order to be served certified as lifeguards in the following years.”

Hall also had an upbeat preview of this year’s swimming season:

• Open swim is free for kids. Adults are $3 and senior citizens $1.

• Swim lessons will be offered at all 18 pools for ages 6 months to 12 years in sessions June 5-July 27. Each session costs $15 and includes eight 30-minute classes. Hall said that works out to $1.88 per class – “which is the lowest price compared to local municipalities.”

• Adult swim lesson classes are returning, although the city is still developing a schedule and locations.

• The city is bringing back water exercise classes, which will be offered at eight pools throughout June and July. The fees are $22.50 per class, and $7 per class for people over 50. 

WINE from page 3

ries of boxing classes and accessories from UFC GYM Ahwatukee, and more. Many of the prizes were donated by small, local businesses.

Also, Vanderwall said, “We’re adding more table games to the casino floor so they’ll be inside and outside.”

Last year there were eight tables; this year, they’re setting up 13. Everyone will get a voucher for $100 casino cash and players can turn in winnings for tickets to enter the raffle prize drawing around 9 p.m.

Also new is a balloon glow.

Weather permitting, people can go up 30 feet in a tethered hot air balloon, courtesy of Arizona Events Group owned by 20-year Ahwatukee resident Tim Matykiewicz.

“We’re super excited about that,” Vanderwall said.

This year’s wine pull will include even more special bottles, too.

“People are donating cases of wine or an exclusive wine collection they have,” Acosta said. “This year we’ve had a lot of community support.”

And FOL Board President and head sommelier Maria Reyes-Smith said they’ll have some acclaimed Arizona wines from the likes of LDV Winery, Los Milics Vineyards and Twisted Union along with high-end favorites such as Caymus and Veuve Cliquot.

While the festival hosted food trucks last year, the ticket price this year includes food. A gourmet slider bar will include beef patties, chicken breast, a vegetarian patty, lettuce wraps and gluten-free chips to accommodate a variety of diets.

WCKD Brewery is donating at least four of their beers brewed here in Ahwatukee, and Reyes-Smith is choosing 20 wines based on guest feedback from last year. The bottles will include standard varietals such as cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay along with selections such as Barbera, malbec, riesling and Vouvray.

The board said the Festival of Lights Wine and Beer Festival is a great way to get to know the community.

“As somebody who moved here last year, it’s a great networking opportunity when everything is new to you and you don’t know where to start,” Bolton stated.

Vanderwall added, “This is the chance to come out and meet community members; network with local businesses.”

While the festival relies on volunteers to pull it off, the board said almost all slots were full more than two weeks before the event.

They praised Pam Peterson’s efforts in running the volunteer committee.

The board also thanked their sponsors, including Safeway, Vero Pizza, WCKD Brewery, SanTan Ford, Caffe Boa, Spencer 4 Hire Roofing, PostNet, the Ahwatukee Foothills News, Foothills Golf Club and MissGif Photo Booth.

If you go ...

What: Ahwatukee Foothills Festival of Lights Beer and Wine Festival

When: 6-10 p.m. April 21

Where: Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive, Ahwatukee.

Cost: $100 per person or $180 a couple

Information: folaz.org

At last year’s FOL Beer and Wine Festival, Melanie and Marty Gibson guided Kari and Don Conroy through whiskey tasting as Marshall Hudson took a swig in the Special Tasting Room, which this year is being transformed into a VIP room. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

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It quickly became required reading in a course taught by a University of Oklahoma professor who has never before assigned a textbook to his students. There also are plans to make it mandatory reading in other courses next school year.

The clue to what the two men have done – based on decades of experience in supply logistics, much of it in the healthcare industry – is in the book’s subtitle: “Exposing the Spiderweb.”

If that sounds sinister, the book’s theme certainly is no Grey’s Anatomy look at healthcare in America, especially for people who have struggled with high hospital and medical bills and subsequent skyrocketing insurance premiums.

But it’s not a rant either.

Rather, it’s a factual examination of some of the “deeply rooted” costs and clinical quality challenges created by a vast network of organizations, companies and individuals in the manufacture, sale and testing of implantable medical devices.

Those devices – and their cost, safety and effectiveness – affect anyone who has or is scheduled to get anything from artificial knees and hips to pacemakers. In other words, anything put inside a person’s body to survive or function better.

West and Georgulis examine the industry that produces them and treats patients with them against the backdrop of a startling statistic:

The United States spends twice the amount of its Gross National Product on healthcare but ranks last among 11 highincome countries that are spending less than 9% of their GDP to keep people alive or their bodies functioning better.

That ranking, Georgulis said in an interview, includes a dismal record for “admin-

out why medical devices cost so much, it formed SharedClarity LLC.

West, who was vice president of supply chain management for UnitedHealthcare since 2009, became president of SharedClarity in 2011 and held that position until 2020 before founding a private investment company, Tymax Holdings LLC, that focuses on innovative start-ups.

Georgulis, a healthcare supply chain executive for over 37 years, worked for West as vice president of strategic sourcing for Shared Clarity.

“Our company was a positive disruptor, not a negative disruptor in the industry,” Georgulis said.

Both men have brought their impressive educational and executive backgrounds and achievements to analysis.

Austin Pittman, another longtime senior-level healthcare executive who wrote the introduction to their book, said that analysis shows how the spiderweb benefits only one participant – the manufacturers of the devices.

“The true cost of IMDs is hidden while hospitals and health systems in the United States pay as much as six times more than their counterparts do in Europe,” a synopsis of Pittman's intro notes.

istrative efficiency, access to care, health outcomes and equity.”

“We’re not doing well with all that extra money that we spend,” Georgulis said, explaining the spiderweb comprises “physicians, health systems, CEOs, group purchasing organizations, health insurance companies, supply chain executives and implantable device manufacturers.”

The book divides those groups among three categories: “content, complicit or conflicted.”

“We’re exposing how those participants interact and who’s really responsible for the status quo being what it is today,”

Georgulis said.

By focusing on one segment of healthcare, one executive noted, the book shows how high costs and unimpressive outcomes “are created and are allowed to fester” throughout the entire industry.

Since GDP measures the value of the final goods and services produced in the country, the staggering difference between cost and what that money buys might rattle some people.

It did rattle some healthcare insurance companies, which is how West and Georgulis ultimately came to write their book.

When UnitedHealthcare decided to find

Moreover, not only do the prices for the same device vary from hospital to hospital, but their effectiveness and safety is often obscured by the manufacturers.

But West stressed, “Our intention isn’t to make it a whistleblower book.”

Various healthcare executives have pointed to the length that West and Georgulis go to focus on alternatives to current practices that could result in reforming the system with lower costs and, perhaps, more successful treatments.

Incidentally, those reforms probably

Mike Georgulis of Goodyear, left, and Mark West of Ahwatukee hope their new book “Implantable Medical Devices and Healthcare Affordability: Exposing the Spiderweb,” will spur action in the healthcare industry to reform costly practices that drive up costs. They believe effective action is more likely if it emanates from within the industry rather than from legislation. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

like Gabapentin, Lyrica,

and

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As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves

cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

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HEALTHCARE from page 7

won’t come from Congress, the White House or state legislatures.

“Our book has taken on more of a grassroots approach to resolving the problem that the participants in the industry need to fix themselves,” Georgulis said.

“There are efforts out there where people want to lean on Congress,” he continued, “but we believe that there’s a lot of things from a grassroots perspective that the participants that are in it and do make it an industry…need to fix.”

West said that while their readership market comprises healthcare executives and professionals, “my 80-year-old father, who is a barber, actually read the book and can understand it because we don’t use a bunch of the industry acronyms and things like that. We’ve tried to make it understandable for the general public.”

Georgulis – who first proposed writing the book – added that the spiderweb analogy “frames a very easy understanding of how the affordability story is told.”

It took about eight to 10 months for the two men to write their book – a process that, considering the fact they live on opposite ends of the Valley, relied on Zoom and email rather being stuffed in a cramped office hunched together over a keyboard.

In fact, the two first-time authors had not been in each other’s company for most of the time they were writing the book and the following six months they spent satisfying the needs and demands of their publisher, Routledge Publishing.

“We did all of our business over Zoom,” West explained. “Then we would send portions of the transcripts back and forth. We would edit those and then go over them by Zoom. We would add them independently, then go through it by Zoom.

“So it was a pretty interesting – and also labor-intensive – process but fun using current technology.”

But even before the book rolled onto bookstore shelves and online platforms, including Amazon, their book started making ripples.

Sam Greco, a former healthcare industry executive who now teaches marketing and supply chain management for the University of Oklahoma’s Price College of Business, made it required reading for his undergraduate students.

It was the first time that Greco, who

relies mainly on his three decades of experience in supply chain management, has made a textbook required reading in his class.

The university also plans to make it a mandatory text in other healthcare, finance and economics classes for both undergraduates and graduate students.

West and Georgulis aren’t resting on their laurels. In fact, they’re even busier than before.

For one thing, they are marketing their book to other universities and colleges but also sent copies to high-ranking healthcare industry executives in the hope of spurring changes.

And they’ve been asked by their publisher to write two more books, both focused on other aspects of the healthcare industry and the issue of affordability.

They’re hoping to finish both within about the next two years.

Though West calls himself “semi-retired,” both men also are involved in other business-related pursuits.

But they clearly have embraced writing books that deliver a laser-focus on issues that have long bothered them about the healthcare industry.

“It’s very healthy, I think, for the both of us,” West said. “And we enjoy it.” 

Pickleball campaigners buoyed by meeting with Robinson

grow in popularity across Ahwatukee and the rest of the country.

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Two Ahwatukee women who have been campaigning for over a year to get the city to install eight pickleball courts at Desert Foothills Park said their hopes are buoyed following a meeting with Councilman-elect Kevin Robinson.

Robinson, who will take office next Monday, as the new representative for District 6, which includes Ahwatukee, met with Realtor Jill Ostendorp and dance instructor Carrie McNeish on April 7.

They said, “Kevin and his team will be officially in office in a few weeks and will be following up on what can be done to get this going,” they said in a message to supporters of their campaign.

They added they “felt this was a very positive meeting” and are “very appreciative of Kevin, who stated that he wants to be a community-focused representative.”

The two women did succeed this year in having two tennis courts at the unfinished park converted into dual use for pickleball.

But their broader goal is to have exclusive pickleball courts as part of a completion of the park, which was built 25 years ago and remains unfinished.

The two avid pickleball players have long stressed that their sport continues to

They call western Ahwatukee pickleball players underserved, noting the distance to Pecos Park’s 16-court complex.

Besides, they also say, that complex often is fully booked – largely by players from outside Phoenix.

With the city's 2023-24 spending plan is scheduled to be adopted a month after he takes office, Robinson admitted the women's proposal faces challenges.

"Yes, the budgets are fairly well set, he said. "What we talked about, and what I am exploring is how might we be able to leverage a public-private partnership."

The capital budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 includes $277 million for a variety of infrastructure additions and repairs but there is no mention of any pickleball courts anywhere.

While City Council can always recommend changes, the city administration’s plan is to spend that money on three new parks outside Ahwatukee, Sonoran Preserve land acquisition, repairs at several deteriorated city pools, improvements at Paradise Valley and Norton parks, Preserve infrastructure improvements, and various unspecified building and South Mountain road repairs. 

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clines are not related to families leaving the district or using alternative schools, but rather due to other factors such as declining birth rates, and a lack of neighborhood total turnover across our district,” he told the board.

He noted birthrates in Maricopa County fell 8% between 2008 and 2011 and after “some stabilization between 2011 and 2014,” another 16% decline was recorded.

“There are fewer children born each year across Maricopa County and within our boundaries,” Herrmann said. “And Kyrene has experienced that situation for several years now as our incoming kindergarten classes have typically been much smaller than the previous year.”

The other factor influencing the overall makeup of the district’s population “is related to housing and the lack of neighborhood turnover.”

The overall percentage of households between the ages of 25 to 44 – typically the age range with the most elementary-aged children – dropped from 53% to 45% over the last 20 years.

“Likewise, the overall percentage of children in our boundaries that are between the ages of zero to 13 has dropped from 22.3% to 16.1% over that same time period,” Herrmann said.

“So this data really provides evidence that households in our boundaries over the last two decades have typically become older and therefore have fewer elementary aged children.”

Also driving up the age of households is soaring housing costs, leaving fewer young families with affordable housing options, he noted.

Toenjes agreed, telling AFN: “You have to include the cost of housing. In Arizona, the long-range trends are all kind of not in our favor.” 

KYRENE from page 2

New hope for more progress on Salt River ‘reimagining’

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER AFN Staff Writer

Mesa City Council’s decision last week to to join an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) to fund a full-time “ambassador” for the Rio Reimagined Salt River restoration initiative has spurred hopes of greater progress on a regional effort reinvigorated by the late Senator John McCain in the last year of his life before he passed in 2018.

Rio Reimagined is the current name of a decades-old vision to restore some surface water and riparian habitats along the Salt River where it runs through the Valley.

The hope is to increase community access and recreation opportunities along the mostly dry river channel.

Mesa and the other nine signatories to the IGA have agreed to each contribute $15,000 per year for four years for the ambassador’s salary.

Cecilia Riviere, director of the University City Exchange office at Arizona State Uni-

versity, said that after Buckeye’s city council also approved the pact last week, all of the parties are now ready to sign.

Regional leaders have long dreamed of restoring the river channel to something of its pre-dam appearance and habitat, with cottonwood and willow gallery forest and wetlands supporting community health and economic development, but progress has been slow.

Some cities have independently pressed on with successful river revitalization projects, most notably Tempe’s Tempe Town Lake, but there’s many more projects like that waiting in the wings.

City Manager Chris Brady expressed hope that the new position will help speed along some of the projects that have been contemplated for Mesa.

“It’s just been on a very long journey,” he said in a study session before the vote, “but it’s moving in a good direction and now we’re trying to staff it up and get some meat on the bones.”

Mesa’s lead on Rio Reimagined is Direc-

The 10 entities that are part of the Rio Reimagined Salt River restoration, which envisions a restored 55-mile stretch of the usually dry Salt River running across the Valley. (Special to AFN)

tor of Development Services Dr. Nana Appiah, because the initiative involved longterm planning. Appiah’s predecessor also volunteered to take the role, Brady said.

One of the more ambitious Rio Reimagined Projects that Mesa has been involved in is the Va Shly’ay Akimel Salt River Habi-

tat Restoration designed in partnership with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

This $180 million project would restore and improve approximately 1,485 acres of

see RIO page 14

habitat, including 880 acres of cottonwood/ willow community, 380 acres of mesquite bosque, 200 acres of wetlands and 25 acres of Sonoran desert scrub along the 14-mile river channel between Granite Reef Dam and the Loop 101 crossing.

It would also include trails and other recreational facilities.

The project is currently tabled.

Rio Reimagined enjoys near universal support from city, state, federal and nonprofit entities, but Riviere said that managing relationships with all the stakeholders is like “herding cats.”

“The diversity of land ownership in the corridor is both an incredible challenge and incredible opportunity,” Riviere said.

The new position will for the first time bring on someone who is dedicated fulltime to coordinating among local stakeholders and the federal government, which has a key role to play.

Riviere said that after McCain asked ASU to take the lead on Rio Reimagined, her office started to deepen relations with the federal agencies that control much of the corridor.

Then her office realized that an EPA program called Urban Waters Federal Part-

nership would be the best vehicle to move the initiative forward.

Riviere said Urban Waters serves as a clearinghouse for all the expertise related to revitalizing waterways spread across the various federal agencies, like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The program also helps connect projects with federal funding.

In 2020, the Salt River became the 20 Urban Waters location, the only new location named during the Trump administration.

Riviere said the ambassador’s job will be to serve as a liaison between Urban Waters and the various local communities involved in Rio Reimagined.

The job will require the ambassador to become familiar with the needs and aspirations of each of the communities that make up the partnership, and then ferret out the federal technical assistance and funding that can help make the projects a reality.

“We think it is important that we have a consistent connection to our federal partners and to this program,” Riviere said.

The parties to the Rio Ambassador IGA are Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear, Mesa, Phoenix, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Salt River Project, Maricopa County and ASU. 

Palsy no roadblock to his Boston Marathon run

BY JOSH ORTEGA AFN Staff Writer

Michael Wilson started running in third grade and doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon.

And on April 17, the 19-year-old Mesa man will jog among 30,000 of the world’s best runners in the 127th annual Boston Marathon.

Wilson qualifies as a para-runner, requiring assistance during the marathon due to his cerebral palsy.

On behalf of his sponsor, he hopes to raise $10,000 for RUN3rd Alliance, a 10-year-old Mesa nonprofit that operates after-school running programs across the Valley.

RUN3rd Alliance President/CEO Mindy Przeor said Wilson’s wonderful moment in one of the world’s most well-known athletic competitions has been a decade in the making – and one she hopes will send a powerful message.

“Anything is possible if you believe in yourself and work towards it,” Przeor said.

RUN3rd Alliance teaches kids in fourth through sixth grades the priorities of who you should run for: first for yourself, second for your family and third for others.

Annually, John Hancock donates 1,000 Boston Marathon entries to select nonprofit organizations to use for fundraising. Last year, non-profit runners raised over $11.7 million for their causes.

Since 2015, RUN3rd has partnered with the John Hancock Life Insurance Company in the Marathon Non-Profit Program, sending a dozen “charity athletes” to the Boston Marathon to raise money for the nonprofit.

To Wilson, the Boston Marathon only marks a steppingstone for his true goal of running across the country from New York to California – just to prove he can.

“My original thought when I thought of it is I want to do this just because I can,” Wilson said. “There was no other intention behind it.”

Elisabeth Wilson said her oldest son’s cerebral palsy stems from a “traumatic birth” in which oxygen flow to parts of his brain was interrupted, killing some brain cells. Fortunately, Elisabeth said, her son’s

brain has since grown new pathways to “make things work.”

This has led to a running style that may appear “a little more clunky” especially since his left heel never touches the ground. But Elisabeth credits Michael’s “brute strength” for learning to work around his struggles and run without pain or discomfort.

“So, he’s just kind of had to figure out how to work around it,” Elisabeth said.

Integral to Wilson’s readiness for the Boston Marathon has been Mindy Przeor, a lifelong athlete who played team sports most of her life including soccer, badminton and ran track at Corona del Sol High School as well as club ice hockey at Arizona State University.

But with opportunities for team sports dwindling as an adult, Przeor said she and her husband decided to start running as a sport to stay active and healthy in 2006.

For the last 21 years, Przeor taught elementary physical education across the Valley, including at Brinton Elementary School in Mesa.

And amid the financial crisis in 2008 when many schools cut funding for after school programs, she had an idea.

To keep the kids active, Przeor said she

At 19, Mesa runner Michael Wilson is not letting cerebral palsy keep him from the April 17 Boston Marathon. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

started a running club because it required “very little cost” but provided an activity the kids can easily take part in.

“As a runner, myself, I know there’s so many good life lessons that are taught through running and through endurance activities,” Przeor said.

That’s also the year Przeor met thirdgrader Michael Wilson, got to know his family and wound up the gears that have him running today.

From that moment Wilson started running, Przeor said he was all about getting the most laps completed in a day or the most miles completed in a season.

That quickly went from running in fifth grade with a group of adults on the weekends and continued to long-distance running right onto the cross-country team at Red Mountain High School, where he graduated in 2022 and set a goal to run across the country.

“If anybody could do it, he definitely is going to be the one that checks that off the list,” Przeor said. “Because once he sets his mind to something he has the determination and motivation and the willpower,

and he doesn’t give up.”

That motivation all starts at home, where Elisabeth said she motivates her four children to pursue any kind of athletics or activity they can even if it’s just running around outside.

“It was never pushed when I was younger, so, I’m like ‘go out, run, play and do whatever you can find to be athletic,’” Elisabeth said.

Professionally, Przeor has run the Boston Marathon four times, including the

last two years.

She said she still finds time to help Michael train despite the fact that she’s now at Mountain View High School teaching students Complete Fitness & Unified PE, pairing special needs students with general education students to provide an opportunity for all students to be included and feel successful in sports like badminton, basketball and track.

While most runners train more than six months to complete the 26.2 miles in the fastest time, Michael has trained for the last three months and only needs to finish in the six-hour regulation time.

It’s still a lot of running.

Przeor said “he’s getting a good chunk of the miles he’s doing on his own,” running about four to five days a week, 3-6 miles a day.

He has built his stamina to be able to run up to 20 miles.

But it’s no problem for a skilled runner like Wilson, who has run the Mesa Half Marathon a handful of times with his best clocking in at two hours and two minutes, along with a smattering of 10Ks through-

Elisabeth Wilson said she encouraged her son Michael and her three other children to “go out, run, play and do whatever you can find to be athletic.” (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

MARATHON from page 16

out the Valley.

Wilson doesn’t bother with 5Ks because his training comprises a longer distance than the 3.1-mile course of those short marathons.

“It’s basically like, ‘how fast can I do that?’” he said. “It’s not like, ‘can I make it to the end?’ It’s ‘how quickly can I do it?’”

With legs seemingly made of steel, Michael also has a heart of gold, given that he wants to hit his $10,000 fundraising goal to help other kids have the opportunities he currently enjoys.

“He wants to be able to provide the program for more kids so they can have the opportunities that he had,” Przeor said.

In a time when parents and teachers alike have difficulties raising kids, Przeor feels RUN3rd brings a welcome ray of hope.

She hopes to get this program into more schools to show kids how to stop making excuses, overcome challenges and cross the finish line of whatever goal they have in life.

“We’d love to get this program into more schools and help more students and fami-

lies and teachers,” Przeor said. “It really does take a village and I feel like that’s kind of been lost, especially through COVID.” 

How to help

RUN3rd Alliance always needs running shoes, water bottles, running clothes, uniforms incentives for its students, silent auction items and experiences for its annual RUN3rd 5k and race day necessities.

The nonprofit also hopes to raise $30,000 though its participation in the Boston Marathon.

• To help: run3rdalliance.com/donate.

• Information: info@run3rdalliance.com

RUN3rd Alliance President/CEO Mindy Przeor hopes Michael Wilson’s moment in one of the world’s most well-known athletic competitions will send a powerful message. (YouTube)

BY KIM TARNOPOLSKI AFN Guest Writer

The trajectory of one’s life is often shaped by the hurdles, opportunities, and experiences that everyday life brings them.

Juan Te Dailey is the mother of a son with a severe mental health condition. She witnessed firsthand the challenges her son faced in the community when trying to find housing as an adult.

Little did she know where this obstacle would lead her.

In 2009, Dailey’s son was diagnosed with a severe mental health condition and was told he would never work again. He was denied disability but, thankfully, he recovered and was able to return to work fulltime and school part-time.

Six years later, her son still had his fulltime job, an apartment, and a vehicle until he lapsed into homelessness due to a toxic relationship.

He was denied temporary shelter over a $40 income shortfall and lived in Kiwanis Park for one year.

Her son’s experience introduced Dailey to the stigma and assumptions surrounding mental health challenges and she

learned the truth about homelessness.

The reality is that a diagnosis often defines you, many people are one crisis away from homelessness, and bad decisions are not necessarily why people are unsheltered.

In 2019, Dailey founded Dsquared Homes for the Homeless (Dsquared), a nonprofit dedicated to humanizing the homeless.

The organization’s mission is to create a support system for the seriously mentally ill (SMI) through community collaboration, mental health professionals, and rental assistance programs to assist those who live independently and experience a temporary setback.

One of their key programs is to provide “dignity in a bag” through their youth-focused community outreach programs.

Over 20,000 bags have been handed out to unsheltered individuals. The bags contain toiletries, socks, snacks, a reusable water bottle, and community assistance

see CARE page 20

Women Who Care helps nonprofit for mentally ill Ahwatukee woman achieves marathon dream

PAUL MARYNIAK

AFN Executive Editor

It was just over three years ago, in March 2020, that Ahwatukee musician and businesswoman Rhonda Morrison planned to participate in the ninth annual 42.2 kilometer Jerusalem Marathon.

She was not just compelled to participate in a run, gathering sponsors to support the various charitable activities of Run for Zion, but also driven by her study of the Bible since age 5.

“I envision how the words, places and events in the Bible will pop out of the pages and become even more believable as I witness first-hand the streets of Jerusalem, the Garden of Geth-

semane, the hill called Mount Calvary where the crucifixion occurred, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, and the Jordan River,” she told AFN in an interview prior to the 2020 run.

Then, days before her scheduled departure for Israel, the pandemic shut down the world.

Even as COVID-19 subsided and the world return to a semblance of normality, Morrison didn’t let go of her dream.

Her training had been slowed by her recovery from knee and shoulder injuries she sustained in head-on collision and was reduced to power walking to prepare for the dream she wouldn’t let go.

On March 17, Morrison, 62, realized that dream and joined

about 3,000 runners from around the world.

“Many suggested I run a marathon in the United States instead,” she said. “Somehow I just couldn’t do this, as the Jerusalem Marathon is known worldwide for its difficulty.”

Indeed, the marathon track is laid out on a mountain with so many ups and downs some participants have compared it to a

see RUNNER page 26

Ahwatukee musician-businesswoman Rhonda Morrison, an ordained minister, surmounted any number of major challenges to run in the Jerusalem Marathon last month. (AFN file photo)

Kim Tarnopolski of the 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun group in Ahwatukee presents the group’s check to Juan Te Dailey, founder of Dsquared Homes for the Homeless, a nonprofit that helps create a support system for the seriously mentally ill. (Courtesy of Kim Tarnopolski)

Ahwatukee couple open retreat center in White Mts.

Elena Porter, who brought Christian yoga to Ahwatukee through her service at Mountain Park Church, has launched a new effort with her husband Cliff to bring people some peace of mind.

They’ve formed a nonprofit called the Porter Mountain Retreat Center on their 40-acre ranch in the White Mountains of Vernon, 20 minutes outside Show Low.

Now, they are planning to hold their inaugural Refresh Your Soul Retreat April 28-30, which a range of activities Elena said are focused on “caring for the Soul with yoga, meditation, music, hiking, journaling, inspirational speakers, give-back activity and more.”

Porter said their ultimate goal with the center is “to promote self-care, soul care, and just a place where people can reset, retreat and care for their mental health and wellness.”

It’s not an unfamiliar goal for Elena, who in her day job develops software related to mental and behavioral health and sub-

stance abuse.

“I know all too well the data of the challenges people have with caring for the mental wellness,” she said.

Set high in the mountains with spectacular views, she said, “This property is so healing.”

Healing has been a prime focus of the longtime Ahwatukee resident for over two decades. She started the yoga program at Mountain Park Church in 2002

and over time it evolved into a popular series of classes.

The mother of five later extended her mission by forming a nonprofit called I AM 360, which held pop-up yoga events and sold a line of T-shirts and other accessories containing short positive messages like “I am fearless” and “trust God.”

Now she’s taken her message of healing and hope to a property that includes a 6,000-square foot retreat center and 2,400-square-foot private home as well as space for RVs and glamping tents.

The couple also is making the property available for self-hosted retreats, family

CARE from page 19

information.

Dsquared is not a shelter. Their goal is the prevention of homelessness, and they assist the community by partnering with case managers equipped to find housing for their clients.

Dsquared will pay the move-in fees for homeless individuals who cannot afford those additional costs. To date, they have helped 62 individuals find housing and avoid being homeless.

In January, Dailey shared the mission of Dsquared with her 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun group in Ahwatukee.

The members were moved by her presentation and selected the charity to receive their quarterly donations. Dsquared Homes for the Homeless was awarded $15,285.

“100+ Women Who Care will always have a special place in my heart. This was my first opportunity to share my testimony in person (not just words on paper) and I felt seen, heard, and extremely valued for

reunions, personal retreats, sport teams, company team building retreats and other activities.

”Our mission is to provide a place where individuals, families, and groups can come to unplug from the world and plug into what really matters: connection with God, self, and others,” Elena said.

As a non-profit,” she continued, “we are committed to come alongside individuals and families by providing the opportunity to recharge and take a much-needed break for mental health care without the financial burden.”

Adding the site is “so beautiful that inspiration is found everywhere,” she said, “It is vast and quiet, with an abundance of space to heal, de-stress, reset, restore, bond with friends and family and hear from God.”

“The list of those who can benefit from this level of soul care is endless: pastors, foster care families, special needs families, most vulnerable people, first responders, and caregivers,” Elena said.

The retreat this month costs $225 and covers room and all meals.

Registration is required at PorterMountainRetreatCenter.com. Carpooling may be available. 

my community work as a whole, not just one specific program,” Dailey said.

“The funds so far have been used to order 4,000 hygiene bags, and the 100+ Women Who Care group has prevented homelessness for two single moms, will assist a third currently homeless mom with a 6-year-old autistic child with move in costs once housing is located by her case manager, and a fourth mom currently living in her car with a 2 month old, once she has been accepted into housing.”

Since the chapter’s inception in 2015, over $1,058,550 has been donated to local charities through 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun. 

How to help

To learn more or to register for their upcoming giving circle on April 25, visit 100wwcvalleyofthesun.org.

To learn more about Dsquared Homes for the Homeless, visit dsquared4homeless.org.

The 6,000-square-foot retreat center is a major part of a 40-acre ranch that Ahwatukee Christian Yoga founder Elena Porter and her husband built in the White Mountains. (Instagram)

Ahwatukee Boy Scout gets big award

An Ahwatukee resident has been named Scout of the Year by the Gila River District of Boy Scouts of America’s Grand Canyon Chapter.

Jacob Fixman, 15, the son of Bruce and Vivian Fixman and a Desert Vista High School sophomore, is a member of Boy Scout Troop 17.

“Jacob was nominated for – and earned this commendation by – always having a cheerful attitude and going above and beyond to make sure the troop is the best that it can be,” selection committee member Sheryl Houle said.

Among his accomplishments are participation in the Scouts’ National Youth Leadership Training program, the highest level of training available to Boy Scouts.

There, he “acquired skills he has used to become a valuable asset in training the other youth in the troop,” Houle said.

One project he led was a troop meeting dedicated to ensuring flag ceremonies are executed properly and the American flag is respected.

He has served as both a patrol guide for younger Scouts and as assistant patrol leader.

“Jacob has a heart for service and

JACOB FIXMAN

seeks out opportunities to serve both the troop and the community,” Houle said.

He is currently working with officials from the South Mountain Park Reserve to plan a conservation service project for the troop.

The troop youth voted him into the Order of the Arrow (the Scouts BSA honor society for cheerful service) as well as to be a recipient of the Presek Award for leadership and guidance.

Troop 17 meets on Tuesday nights from 6-8:30 p.m. at Foothills Baptist Church, 15450 S. 21st St. Ahwatukee. For more information, email: BSAScoutTroop17@gmail.com

Gifted Kyrene students display projects

BY NICOLE ASHTON AFN Guest Writer

An anti-theft purse, an underwater coral conservation robot and a mental health subscription box are just a few of the 5th-grade capstone projects presented recently by the more than 200 Kyrene students in a district showcase for gifted kids.

Each student was tasked with selecting a problem of personal interest to research and then had to come up with a solution to that problem, all under the theme “World Solutions.”

Many students designed creative solutions to help protect the environment, support individuals’ mental health and make everyday household chores a little easier.

“Our students are future problem solvers of the world,” said Kyrene Gifted & Talented Coordinator Beth Snyder.

“This capstone project was designed to develop sound research skills that include vetting and citing online sources, applying new knowledge to real-world problems.”

One student from Kyrene de los Niños Elementary School created a mental

Ahwatukee women’s club slates fashion show, invites new members

Women in Ahwatukee who are looking to meet other local women with similar interests are invited to join Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors.

They can get an introduction to one of the club’s many activities at a luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 24, when the program is a Retail Therapy Fashion Show presented by JudyWear Boutique. The luncheon will be held at Ahwatukee Country Club and attendees must register and pay in advance by April 15.

Cost is $25 and registration/information can be obtained by emailing affanwomensgroup@gmail.com.

More information about AFFAN can be found at affanwomensgroup.org/public. The club sponsors a wide range of activities, such as team trivia, dining excursions, wine tasting, trips, book club and bridge.

Garden tour will benefit Armer Foundation for Kids

Ahwatukee Friends Family and Neighbors Art and Garden Club will sponsor a driving garden tour to benefit the Armer Foundation for Kids 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 20.

health subscription box that delivers items curated for individuals to support their mental health based on the results from an online quiz.

The items in the box would be tailored to an individual’s answers on the quiz, with the option to retake the quiz later if the individual isn’t satisfied with their items.

Another student, from Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School, designed a purse

with several safety features to ensure valuable belongings aren’t stolen, including an alarm, 24/7 tracking system, fingerprint scanner to open the purse and would be made of chain mail material.

Many students designed solutions to help protect the environment, including one student from Kyrene de los Cerritos Leadership Academy, who created a remote-controlled “coral conserver.”

AROUND AHWATUKEE

The cost is $15 cash at 2625 E Brookwood Court, payable between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. that day There are five gardens to view between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and directions will be given for each location to purchasers, who will receive wrist bands. There will also be baked goods available for a donation. The event is open to anyone.

Ahwatukee Republican Women seeks scholarship applicants

Ahwatukee Republican Women is again offering their annual scholarship to Ahwatukee high school seniors. The Marjorie Miner Scholarship, established in 2011, is awarded to Ahwatukee residents graduating from any area high school this year. This scholarship honors the longtime Republican activist who has been a member of ARW since it was founded in 2005.

Scholarship applicants should include two letters of recommendation from other than a family member and a 250-500-word double-spaced essay incorporating their involvement in volunteer service, extracurricular activities, clubs, and educational goals.

Visit ahwatukeerepublicanwomen.com for full details and to download the application.

The deadline to apply is April 30. Questions can be emailed to ARWomen@aol.com

Kyrene Foundation seeks sponsors and players for fundraiser-golf tourney

The Kyrene Foundation has put out the call for players and sponsors for its 12th annual Golf Classic May 5 at the Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass.

“In 2022, we raised over $25,000 for the Kyrene Foundation, which supports our initiatives in the Kyrene School District,” the foundation said, noting the public’s help is essential to that kind of success.

This year, the foundation has set a fundraising goal of $30,000, with all proceeds going to its work in helping struggling families living in the school district’s boundaries.

Sponsorships include title, contributing, hole and contest. Players can purchase tickets for foursomes, singles and classic and lunch-only tickets also are available.

Information: kyrenefoundation.org/event/golf23.

LD 12 “Democrats and Donuts” slates climate discussion

LD12 Democrats & Donuts meets at 8 a.m. on the third

The Coral Conserver is deployed underwater and identifies sick, pale, algaecovered reefs. The operator can then deploy sea urchins stored in the conserver into the reef to clean up the algae and help conserve the coral.

“We are so proud of our students’ inventive thinking, growth mindset and desire to make the world a better place,” Snyder said. 

Wednesday of each month at Denny’s, 7400 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. On April 19, the featured speaker is Sandy Whitley of the Citizen’s Climate Lobby.

Guests are advised to arrive early to place their order and someone will be there by 7:30 a.m. to help get them seated. For information, email Julia Fleeman at juliafleeman@cox.net.

Ahwatukee clinic offering ‘Pranic Healing’ session

Coach Matt of Empowerment and Wellness Clinic at 4221 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee, is offering a free Pranic Healing session 10 a.m.-2 p.m. the last Saturday of every month. This month it will be held on April 29.

Pranic Healing is a modernized version of an ancient healing art “that uses prana or life force to remove old or stagnant energy within the body to accelerate healing,” a clinic spokeswoman said.

“We have done our best to prepare a safe healing clinic environment for those interested in experiencing the power of Pranic Healing,” she added.

LEFT: Kyrene de la Sierra 5th-grader Kab Huynh shows off his capstone project, “The Anti-Theft Purse.” RIGHT: Kyrene de los Cerritos 5th-grade student Greyson Arndt explains his solution, “The Coral Conserver.” (Kyrene School District)

AROUND from page 22

People should arrive 10 minutes prior to fill out paperwork.

Owner/practitioner Matthew Olschner has been coaching and mentoring youth, families and teams in Ahwatukee for five years and recently added breathwork and other healing modalities to his work.

He can be reached at Coach@coachmattaz.com or 480-261-9168. Information: coachmattaz.com.

Ironwood Library offers free activities for all ages in April

Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee, presents a variety of programs for children, teens and adults. Unless otherwise noted, free tickets are required and available 30 minutes before programs’ start times at the library’s information desk.

For more information: phoenixpubliclibrary.org.

Babytimes

Babies ages birth to 23 months, accompanied by a favorite adult, will enjoy songs, rhymes, books, and interactive fun Tuesdays, 10:30-11:10 a.m. Space is limited to 12 families.

Toddlertimes

Toddlers ages 24-36 months, accompanied by a favorite adult, will enjoy songs, rhymes, books, and interactive fun Thursdays, 10:30-11:10 a.m. Space is limited to 12 families.

Family Storytime at Pecos Park

Children birth to age five and their favorite grownups

play, read, sing, and dance in a fun, active program that builds reading skills.

Every Friday 9:30-10 a.m., outdoors at Pecos Park, 17010 S. 48th St. No tickets required. Supported by a grant from First Things First.

Sit, Stay, Read!

Young readers & listeners can sign up for reading time with a registered therapy dog/handler team. Read with Elsa, 4-5 p.m. every Tuesday.

Family storytime at Pecos Park

Children birth to age five and their favorite grownups play, read, sing, and dance in a fun, active program that builds reading skills. Every Friday, 9:30-10 a.m., outdoors at Pecos Park, 17010 S. 48th St. No tickets required. Supported by a grant from First Things First.

Sit, Stay, Read!

Young readers & listeners can sign up for reading time with a registered therapy dog/handler team. Read with Elsa every Tuesday, 4-5 p.m. Read with Raven every Thursday, 4-5 p.m.

Full STEAM Ahead

Children ages 6-12 explore hands-on creative ways to design, experiment, and invent Saturdays, 2-3 2-4 p.m., in this drop-in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) program. No tickets required.

Summer teen volunteer opportunity

Teens ages 13-17 can volunteer for the annual Summer Reading Program, which offers a chance to learn customer service skills, inspire children to read, and work with other teens. Look for information about availability, training, and volunteer requirements, as well as the

LA CASA DE JUANA

DELIVERS A KNOCKOUT WITH ITS FRESH, AUTHENTIC AND MOUTHWATERING FOOD

online application and parent consent form, at phoenixpubliclibrary.org/teens.

Positions can fill quickly, so apply early for the best chance of selection until all positions are filled.

Next Chapter Book Club

This inclusive community-based book club is designed for people ages 12+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have a desire to make friends, explore their community, and read (regardless of current reading ability).

This weekly gathering is free and occurs every Wednesday, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Registration is required and available in the library or online in the Calendar section of the library’s website.

Book Club

Adult readers 18+ can meet up with fellow adventuresome bibliophiles to share their thoughts about each month’s selection the first Wednesday of each month, 5:00-5:45 p.m. On May 3, Turtles All the Way Down by John Green will be discussed. No tickets required.

BESTOF 2022

If you thought you have been to a Mexican restaurant lately you probably need to reconsider and visit La Casa De Juana in Ahwatukee. The fare is authentic Mexican, and when we say authentic we mean it, unlike many of the restaurant chains that call themselves Mexican. Upon entering you’ll be dazzled by the colorful décor, the tables and chairs are beautiful, Mexican painted murals, colorful banners hanging from the ceiling and the gracious service with warm orange and yellow tones echoing throughout the restaurant will make this your favorite Mexican restaurant. With great lunch and dinner specials, we have Happy Hour Monday - Sunday from 2 - 6 PM with $5 House Margaritas, $4 Beers, $5.95 Cheese Quesadilla, $8.95 Chunky Guacamole and $9.95 Juana’s Nachos. Live music every Thursday night in our Ahwatukee location and every Friday at our Tempe location. In conclusion The flavorful salsa, the delicious margaritas, the extraordinary and well-priced food will definitely keep you coming back.

Don’t hesitate to stop by the Ahwatukee location

3941 E. Chandler Blvd. (S/W corner Chandler & 40th St) to make your next reservation call 480-626-9295

www.juanashouse.com

Armer Foundation for Kids 9830 S 51st St., Suite A128, Phoenix, AZ 85044  (480) 257-3254

Ahwatukee Nail Spa Cobblestone Auto Spa Fleming’s Hob Nob Pei Wei Snooze

Ahwatukee YMCA Crumbl Cookies Flower Child The Hub Bar and Grill Petco Thai Chili Aji Salon and Spa Dairy Queen Foxy Nails Impact Nutrition Pita Jungle Total Wine

The 2023 Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club Easter Parade

PHOTOS BY DAVID MINTON / AFN Staff Photographer

Contestants in Cộng Đồng Việt Nam Arizona, the Arizona Vietnamese Community Little Princess Pageant, kept their cool during the parade.

Members of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center pickleball club swung their paddles as they marched.

As Parade Grand Sponsor, Spencer 4 Hire Roofing got to field the only adult Easter Bunny allowed in the parade.

Among the high school bands that played was this contingent from Desert Vista.

One entry comprised a wagon decorated as an Easter basket.

Kids blew bubbles for the crowd on the Mountain View Lutheran Church float.

A cheer team sponsored by the Armer Foundation for Kids entertained spectators.

The Golden Grannies Hip Hop Dance Team was a big crowd-pleaser.

A Lion Cub Scout rode in a cardboard RV.

A clown on a racecar was part of the El Zaribah Shriners contingent.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego served as grand marshal.

Dressed appropriately in bunny ears, 1-year-old Zoe Tackett (was one of the youngest, if not the youngest, spectator.

Molly the German Shorthaired Pointer got help adjusting her bunny ears headband before the start of the parade.

RUNNER from page 19

series of the Boston Marathon’s Heartbreak Hill.

Her accident injuries were not her only hurdle.

In December 2021, all five of her family members contracted COVID-19 and Morrison and three of the others were hospitalized.

“My brother was admitted to ICU and induced into a coma, placed on a ventilator with less than 10% chance to live,” she said. “After nearly three months, he became a walking miracle.”

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tually believe I would undertake trying to complete my first marathon, much less in Jerusalem,” she said.

“I was coined “a runner’s statistical anomaly” by one of my running teammates, Elizabeth Wong.”

Morrison was the top fundraiser and earned a medal named after Jonathan Feldstein, the creator and administrator of Run For Zion.”

Receiving the award at a ceremony is “a moment which I will forever cherish,” she said.

Her father was not as lucky, passing away after two weeks, while her mother remained ill for a while.

Morrison recovered relatively quickly but had to fly to Oklahoma to care for her.

“My life was put on hold until February of 2023,” she said. “My mother never stayed alone. I was with her in Oklahoma or she was here with me in Ahwatukee.”

That month, Morrison also discovered she had missed an earlier notification about the Jerusalem Marathon and that it was coming up in a matter of weeks.

It wouldn’t have mattered if she had known earlier, she said, because caring for her mother and her own accident injuries consumed much of her time.

So, she said, “I began an accelerated running, core strengthening, weight and overall wellness program. I knew I was embarking upon this feat less than prepared at best.”

“Having lost my sweet daddy and with my brother incapacitated and in rehabilitation for over six months and with the ongoing transitioning challenges through which our family continues to navigate, my brother Randell believed it to be unwise for both of us to be out of the country leaving mother alone,” Morrison explained.

“This meant not only did I go without him. I would also need someone else to baptize me in the Jordan River. We reached out to some life-long minister friends who are missionaries in Israel and they were available on March 18.”

Morrison raised over $6,300 in sponsorships by “simply reaching out to my circle of friends.”

“I’ve often wondered if the reason why it “took flight” so quickly and people gave so graciously is because no one could ac-

Running and fundraising were not the only moments she cherishes from her adventure abroad.

While in Israel, Morrison also worked with Holocaust survivors’ families, served in a soup kitchen and provided treats and supplies to families and soldiers protecting the borders. “All three of these areas are some of the nonprofits I had chosen for my funds to support,” she added.

Morrison said she is available to speak without a fee to churches and organizations in the interest of peace.

“Run for Zion is striving to ‘Bless Israel with every step and bring Christians and Jews together in peace,’” she said, welcoming donations to Run for Zion, which supports nine nonprofits.

After running in near-perfect weather, the marathon has left an indelible impression on Morrison – as well as no small degree of pride.

“Most likely it was the most challenging goal I’ve ever set and met, as compared to several Grand Canyon hikes and Mount Humphreys, mostly due to very little time I had to train,” she said.

“Because of my lack of speed and the streets re-opening late morning, a security guard advised me to re-route. I was starting to get deeper into Old Jerusalem and more remote areas where safety could become a factor,” she recalled.

“At this point, I was seeing very few fellow runners. I anticipated this, but not the security issue. My last few miles were a wee bit boring only because I had to repeat several areas of the city to complete the full 26.2 miles. It became more of a task.”

Morrison is still accepting donations and can provide an appropriate tax form for supporters. Contact her at starfishers.rhonda@gmail.com. 

Elaine Louise Cota

and many more papers throughout Arizona. She was the "classified guru" and had some treasured customers for over 20 years, many for over 15 years. She made so many lifelong friends in her years through the newspapers, she treasured them and held them close to her heart. However, everyone knows that Elaine is happy to be reunited with Vicki Serna and hopes everyone is jealous!

Elaine started scrapbooking in 1988 when she put together a scrapbook for her Junior Achievement NAJAC group. In 1995, when pregnant with Vincent she started up again and she never quit. Scrapbooking was her hobby but it was part of her being. Everyone that knew her, knew she was a paper crafter. One of her favorite things to do was to make and send cards, which she did for years and years. She loved to surprise friends with "happy mail." The friends she "collected" through the years with scrapbooking is expansive. She had friends from all over the country, knowing some only through the computer screen, but that she felt extremely close with. She attended many scrapbooking retreats and gained even more friends.

Elaine was born, Elaine Louise Barker to Carol Ann Barker and David Galen Barker, in Pratt, KS, March 11, 1970 in a blizzard. She passed away with friends and family near her on Friday, March 31, 2023 after battling cancer for several years.

She was raised in Pratt, mostly by her mother, Carol until age 11. The family then moved to Scottsdale, AZ where her mother remarried. Elaine missed being far from her grandparents and some life long friends, but she enjoyed Arizona. She adopted the nickname Cricket, and then later Lainey.

She graduated from McClintock High School, in Tempe, AZ where she became involved with Junior Achievement, meeting other students from high schools all over the East Valley. She attended, on scholarship, all four years, Junior Achievement's annual convention in Bloomington, Indiana. Later she attended as a photographer and then became a "Pink Fink", a counselor of a group, at NAJAC. She met life long friends through Junior Achievement and she claimed they were a part of "saving" her. She attended Mesa Community College where she met and married Fernando Cota, she always claimed to have got her "Mrs" degree there. They celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary in Hawaii with their son, Vincent Cota and his girlfriend, Caroline Fiss.

Elaine had an amazing 30+ year career in newspapers in Mesa and Ahwatukee areas with the East Valley Tribune, Ahwatukee Foothills News

Elaine is survived, by her loving husband, Fernando Cota; her son, Vincent; father in law, John Cota of Heber, AZ, mother in law, Roxanna Cota of Phoenix, AZ and Mama Sharon Dodson of Ellis, KS; sisters, Betty Eisenhour of Stafford, KS, Latisha Haag, of Ellis, KS, Kendra Turner of Hutchinson, KS, and Joann Cota of Peoria, AZ; nephews: Art Olmos of Mesa, AZ and Philip, Noah, Isaiah and Simon Eisenhour of Stafford, KS, Zeke and Asher Haag of Ellis, KS, Zade and Zerek Turner of Hutchinson, KS; nieces: Kaydawn Haag of Ellis, KS, Lora, Heidi, and Hannah Eisenhour of Stafford, KS; and grandniece, Mardou Bey of Mesa, AZ; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and hundreds of friends.

Elaine leaves behind friends by the hundreds, however, Barbara Duran, Stephanie Brunner, and Christine Torres will be especially missed on the daily. Elaine battled Kidney Cancer, being diagnosed during the pandemic, September 2020. She and her family would like to thank Mayo Clinic for their compassionate care; her friends and her Facebook Group members for supporting her journey every step of the way; for all the prayers, cards, gifts, and so much love expressed to her that helped carry her through the hard days.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation on behalf of Elaine Cota to one of the following:

• The Olive Press, Domestic Shelter in Mesa https://theolivepress.org/

• Hospice of the Valley https://www.hov.org/donate/

• Crops of Luv, https://cropsofluv.org/ They complete scrapbooks of trips of ill children that have gone on their Wish trip.

Visitation and services will held on Saturday, April 15, 2023

Visitation 10am-11am Services 11am

Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation

33 N. Centennial Way Mesa, AZ 85201

This obituary was written by Elaine (Lainey) Cota, who continues to take care of those she leaves behind.

Mobile pet nail service gains popularity here

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

As pet owners know, hearing the tap-tap-tap of their pet’s nails as they walk across tile or wood floors is an indication that it is time to schedule a nail trim.

Perhaps past time.

Avoiding the need to capture said cat or dog and manhandling them into the car –or convincing them to enter a travel cage for a trip to the vet and sit with other animals in the waiting area – can result in pet parental procrastination.

Ahwatukee residents have an alternative, courtesy of Angela’s Mobile Pet Nail Trims. Each weekend, Angela Zimsky drives to appointments throughout the village, clipping nails on dogs, cats, guinea pigs – and sometimes even trimming birds’ wings.

This is her weekend gig because the rest of the week Zimsky is a surgical veterinarian technician at a busy North Phoenix exotic animal hospital, a career

she’s had for more than 13 years.

Her weekend house calls have proved popular in Ahwatukee as social media and word-of-mouth praise brings more clients.

“My years of experience as a vet tech comes in handy, allowing me to work quicker and finish faster than most people would expect,” said Zimsky.

“In addition to cats and dogs, I’m also able to trim bunnies, guinea pigs and other pets,” she explained. “I also offer other services; I can express glands, clean and pluck ears, paw fur trim, sanitary clip and more.”

Zimsky said with her years working in an exotic animal hospital, she’s also comfortable with out-of-the-ordinary pets – like her interaction with a blue-tongued skink, a reptile considered harmless.

In the three years she’s been working throughout Ahwatukee, she’s been able to

fill her weekend appointment schedule. “I’m usually in the area at least once per week, working in two-hour windows.

Each window is based on the clients’ cross streets, helping me map my route more easily and give each client about 3-7 minutes notice of my arrival,” she said.

“I’m grateful and feel lucky to have such an amazing and loyal group of clients. I truly appreciate them, and try to show it. On my Facebook page, I offer occasional caption contests for photos, and have my daughter pick a winner to reward with a complimentary pet trim,” she said.

“For some holidays, like Christmas or Valentines Day, I’ll hand out pet bandannas to my clients.”

One 2-year client of Angel’s Mobile Pet Nail Trims is Amanda Seto, a 20-year Ahwatukee resident with two dogs – Bailey, a fluffy 8-pound Shih Tzu, and Nala, a 70-pound German Shepherd that she got as a rescue a year ago.

“When I first reached out to Angela for information, she was quick to respond to my questions, provided fair pricing and

see NAILS page 30

Tucson developer buys Spinato’s building

AFN NEWS STAFF

ATucson developer has purchased one of the buildings in Foothills Vista Commons in Ahwatukee for $3.3 million.

According to Valley real estate tracker vizzda.com, Abraham Slilaty’s purchase through Tucson-based Chandler Square LLC of the building that houses the Spinato’s Pizzeria marked the third time ownership has changed hands since 2010.

Built in 2002 on 1.16 acres, the 6,396-square foot building was last sold to Louisiana-based JD1 LLC in 2018 for $3.05 million from KENA LLC and Kenneth Spinato. They bought the building in 2010 for just over $1 million, vizzda reported.

The sale price broke down to $590.76 per square foot, according to vizzda.

The sale marked the second time this

year that a major property in that area has changed hands.

In January, the Shops at Kohls was purchased for $4.06 million by Kavaso Investments of San Diego, vizzda said.

That transaction involved a single 11,384-square-foot building, built in 2003 on 1.1 acres, that is fully leased and anchored by Kohl’s Department Store. The building’s tenants include SportClips, State Farm and Thai Delight, among others.

Vizzda reported that building last sold in 2017 for $2.7 million. 

For the third time since 2010, a portion of Foothills Vista Commons on E. Chandler Boulevard between 48th and 50th streets changed hands, according to vizzda.com (vizzda)

Angela Zimsky, owner of Angela’s Mobile Pet Nail Trims makes sure little Penny is comfortable while getting her nails trimmed. (Special to AFN)

verified her being a vet tech,” said Seto.

“I really needed a licensed vet tech as Bailey has a kidney disease, and has had since birth. This requires internal anal gland expression more frequently than most dogs, and not just what you get at the groomers,” she explained.

“The kidney disease progressed rapidly over the past few months and Bailey now needs daily (subcutaneous) fluids, and Angela took the time to teach us to administer ourselves.”

Seto praised Zimsky for her sensitivity and gentleness with the ailing dog.

“This is our first time dealing with kidney disease and Angela is a sounding board for ideas, and always refers us to our vet if she’s not sure about something. “

At 2 years old, Seto’s German Shepherd is still a puppy, and though “pretty well behaved, is still a handful when getting her nails trimmed” she admitted.

“Angela is extremely patient with her and gives her the time needed to get comfortable to clip her nails,” she said. “And Nala knows there’s always treats in Angela’s bag when she’s done.”

Another longtime Ahwatukee client said her dog also benefits greatly from using Angela’s Mobile Pet Nail Trims.

“My son and I have a 15-year-old cat named Daisy Mae, and a 3-year-old longhaired Chihuahua mix named Cookie,” said Tanya Rainey, an 18-year Ahwatukee resident.

“Angela has been trimming Cookie’s nails for almost a year, and Cookie is not a fan of getting her nails trimmed,” she laughed.

As a rescue, the Chihuahua had severe reactions to visiting the vet which made the experience traumatic for dog and owner.

“Finding Angela to come directly to us and trim Cookie’s nails in the comfort of our own home has been nothing short of a blessing,” Rainey said.

“Angela’s calm and soothing demeanor sets our Cookie’s nervousness at ease, and she’s finished with her trim in no time leaving Cookie searching for treats in Angela’s bag. I’m so happy we found her.”

Rainey’s cat, she says, is too shy with any new people in the house and prefers to

stay hidden during these visits.

For Ahwatukee resident Diane Voss, Angela’s Mobile Pet Nail Trims makes life easier for her and her two dogs.

“I have one large senior dog that cannot get in and out of the car so it’s a lifesaver that she comes to us,” she said. “I have another dog who is very scared to have his nails trimmed so being able to be in our home where he feels safe is a plus, and she’s so patient with him. And, she’s just a super nice person.”

As a surgical vet technician and owner of a mobile pet nail trim business, clients often ask how Zimsky got into this as a career.

“I’ve loved caring for animals since I was a fifth grader and took in a week-old kitten,” recalled Zimsky. “She lived to be 21 years old, and she is who I credit with my choosing a career as a vet tech.”

Her business gained wider exposure as part of the Ahwatukee Dog Show last October at the Ahwatukee Swim and Tennis Center. She hosted a booth that was a popular draw with its prize wheel offering bow ties, leashes, pet toys, dog socks and the big prize - a free nail trim, to the spinners.

Angela’s Mobile Pet Nail Trims hopes to be at the 16th annual Ahwatukee Dog Show Oct. 29.

Residents interested in a visit from Angela’s Mobile Pet Nail Trims can check her Facebook page where she often posts availabilities for the upcoming weekend.

For more information visit her Facebook page or text questions at 480-4381533. 

Nala, a rescue German Shepherd and pet owned by Amanda Seto, shares affection during her nail trim from Angela Zimsky, owner of Angela’s Mobile Pet Nail Trims. (Special to AFN)

“Women’s Edition” vehicles would save lives

BY NORMA FARIS HUBELE AFN Guest Writer

Ford’s new YouTube video for the Explorer: Men’s Only Edition (youtube.com/ watch?v=XrjKDG8gGHI) is made for the age of clickbait. What at first seems like a tone-deaf misstep is actually a tribute to women’s contributions to the auto industry for Women’s History Month.

The big idea is that we’d all be worse off without women’s inventions like GPS, rearview mirrors, and windshield wipers. As a female auto safety expert, I applaud Ford’s step in the right direction.

But why not be bolder? Make cars that protect women in crashes as well as they do men.

Crashes riskier for women

Ford’s executives must know that their mothers, daughters, and wives are nearly twice more likely than men to die or be se-

verely injured in a frontal crash.

Even in vehicles with the latest air bag technologies, women still have a 20% higher risk of dying in nearside impacts.

Why? Most vehicles on the market are already “men’s editions.” That is, male-dominated engineering teams don’t account for the structural, muscular, and vascular differences in women’s bodies.

Dummies not inclusive

Furthermore, as I have written previous, the dummies used in car safety testing are primarily modeled after an average male from the 1970’s, weighing a 172 pounds and standing 5’9”. But,last fall the safety community got access to a new, female dummy. A group of female-led engineers in Sweden unveiled Eva, the world’s first dummy modeled on the average woman.

But don’t expect Eva to get wide use in the U.S. anytime soon. Change at the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration – the body that sets U.S. testing stan-

dards – is quite slow. It’s more likely that the men in your family will stop and ask for directions first.

Women can improve their odds

One way women can boost their chances of surviving crashes is by buying safer vehicles.

Women tend to drive smaller and lighter cars than men. These vehicles better fit the average female body, reduce blind spots, and are easier to squeeze into a tight parking spot. They’re also less safe in a crash.

However, you wouldn’t know that by consulting NHTSA’s 5-star Safety Rating or the IIHS’s Top Safety Picks. Both systems rely only on controlled crash tests with that male dummy, not real data from our chaotic roads.

Plus, both systems warn in fine print that you can only compare vehicles within the same weight class. There’s no comparing a sedan that’s 5-star-rated or a Top Safety Pick to a similarly rated truck or SUV.

Only the Auto Grades rating system allows you to do that. It’s based on real data from a huge database of fatal crashes on U.S. roads. And you can personalize your search by gender and age to find the safest car for you. A car that may protect a 25-year-old woman in a crash might not provide sufficient protection for her mother or grandmother.

I look forward to the day when Ford and other automakers finally produce “women’s edition” vehicles that keep us all safe. For now, Ford’s Women’s History Month campaign was a positive step …

What would be better is giving more women a future.

Ahwatukee resident and Chandler business co-owner Norma Faris Hubele, PhD, is professor emerita of Arizona State University and creator of TheAutoProfessor.com, a website that helps families make safer car choices using Auto Grades. Her book, “Backseat Driver, The Role of Data in Great Car Safety Debates” was published in August by Routledge. 

Valley firefighter is a miracle on two feet

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ AFN Columnist

If the measure of a human being is how they bear up when life turns ugly, then Gilbert Aguirre is stronger than all of us, a testament to what can be survived and the power of faith. His body has been attacked, his spirit shattered, his finances destroyed, his family visited by death. Yet whenever we meet, he hugs me and offers up his small, shy smile.

Husband, father, firefighter, son of God, cancer survivor, plaintiff. Aguirre is all those things. He is also surely the strongest man walking.

The first tragedy was a vicious killer named chronic myeloid leukemia. This was May 2015. Gilbert was 35, Tiffanie’s husband, the father of three boys. He’d been a Goodyear fire fighter since 2007. The disease, a plague on fire fighters everywhere, took him to his knees. Gilbert started chemo and filed a

worker’s compensation claim. Nausea and vomiting were constant. The kids eyeballed him fearfully – they kept thinking he was about to die. Aguirre summoned his resolve.

“I had three boys looking at me,” he says. “They’re looking at how I was going to handle adversity, how I was going to respond. I had to give them a good example and just show them to rise up. No matter how many times you get knocked down, you still have to get back up and keep fighting.”

The second tragedy came courtesy of Copper Point Insurance Company, which denied Aguirre’s insurance claim – and has kept denying it through umpteen court hearings for eight years.

So we’re clear, my day job in public relations means that I represent the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona. That makes Gilbert not merely my friend, but by extension my client.

The truth? I’d stand beside him against the insurance thugs for free. Actually, I’d pay for

the privilege.

At stake for the Aguirre family is their financial well-being. They’ve already declared bankruptcy, burdened by the unforeseen costs of cancer. His leukemia in remission,

Gilbert is back on the job, but two decades running 911 calls have broken his body. He’d love to take a medical retirement, but he can’t afford it. He’s uninsurable, and the cancer drugs he takes cost $15,000 each month.

So he prays his next hearing – April 11 before the Arizona Court of Appeals – will finally force Copper Point to tap into the $1.6 billion surplus detailed in their annual report and pay his claim.

Aguirre and hundreds of firefighters made that point through bullhorns outside Copper Point headquarters the other day.

Gilbert and Tiffanie came with the two of the boys, but their oldest son, 17-yearold Gabryan, the high school homecoming king, the jokester, the football player, could only attend in spirit. Gabe was killed Feb.17

in a rollover crash in Goodyear.

This latest tragedy has pushed Aguirre to the breaking point. But still he keeps going.

“More so now than ever with everything that we’ve been through and losing my son, we’ve got to keep it together somehow as a family,” he says. “Keep standing, keep going, keep moving forward.”

Where does he find the strength? He prays, says Aguirre. Constantly, daily, hourly. Does he question his God, ask why me, why Gabe, why us?

Never, he explains.

“I know that He’s not the one that causes every bad thing that happens,” says Aguirre. “If I question Him, then it’s making me question my faith and I’ll never do that. Because ultimately what I want is to be able to see my son again. And so I have to hold on strong to my faith. I’ll never question God or why things happen.”

That faith makes Gilbert Aguiree a miracle on two feet. Long may he stand.

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Hayden Gorovitz excelling for Thunder in javelin

BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

Hayden Gorovitz didn’t know what to expect when he lined up to compete against college athletes at the University of Arizona for the Willie Williams Classic.

He was forced to compete unattached to a school, which meant no coaches and no Desert Vista gear. He was alone in Tucson on March 24 with his father, Jeff, but that didn’t stop him from beating an entire field of collegiate athletes in the javelin with a throw of 221-feet, 8 inches.

The throw shattered the state record.

“These past couple of weeks have been hectic, stressful,” Gorovitz said. “Just trying to stay focused and humble. It’s definitely fun. I’m just trying to keep up with schoolwork with all the travel. Just trying to stay focused.”

His performance at the Willie Williams Classic was just another impressive feat Gorovitz has been able to accomplish so far this season as a junior.

He won the Thunder Invitational in February with a throw of 194-feet. On March 10 at the Ridge Invite, he threw 209-6. Just days after his record-setting throw in Tucson, he and a few teammates – including fellow javelin thrower Lucas Schiermeyer – competed at the Texas Relays at the University of Texas in Austin.

Gorovitz won yet again, beating out some of the other top throwers from high schools across the country with a throw of 210-.5. Schiermeyer placed fifth in the competition with a throw of 173-5, just 3-feet shy of his longest throw this season.

“This team is going to be very good,” Gorovitz said. “Most of us we still have another year, including myself. We have a lot of potential going into state this year.”

The stellar junior campaign for Gorovitz doesn’t come as much of a surprise to those around him.

Since he picked up the javelin at 6 years old, he was a natural. But he never took it as serious as he does now because he still aimed to pursue both football and baseball.

He played football through his freshman year at Desert Vista before hanging up his cleats. He did the same for baseball after his sophomore season. Turning his attention to javelin full time allowed him and his parents to go all in with training.

Last summer, a 60-foot runway was installed in the family backyard so he could train. A large wall was installed at the end of it along with a net to keep the javelin within his own yard. His training with his neighbor, Michael Rivers, who has been his coach since he was a child, ramped up. His freshman brother has also joined in on training sessions with Rivers, who competed for Mesa Community College and Arizona State.

He said the support from Rivers and his wife, Melissa, along with Jeff and his mother Kris, has helped him excel and have fun so far this season.

“It’s awesome,” Gorovitz said. “I’m always checking the big boards to make sure nobody is surpassing me. The support has been awesome. It’s been a fun ride so far but I’m hoping for a longer one.”

Gorovitz is one of many Thunder track

athletes competing at a high level this season. Many of them happen to also be juniors.

Along with the two throwers, Desert Vista coach Collin Mattoon also took sprinters to the Texas Relays. Many of those same athletes also competed at the Chandler Rotary and Arcadia Invitational in California this past weekend.

The team of Ben Sklodowski, Jacob Gonzalez, Rylon Dillard-Allen and Roan Martinez placed eighth overall in the 4x100meter relay. Sklodowski, Gonzales and Martinez later teamed with Daniel Hulse to place seventh in the 4x400. The 4x400 team ran a 3:16.01 in the preliminaries at the Texas Relays, which was a new fastest time this season in Arizona and No. 4 all time in the state.

“It was definitely a special trip, and that’s part of the reason we do these trips,” Mattoon said. “It’s rare you get to watch the full team compete. Hearing the excitement breaking down those races, it’s special. We’ve got a good group.”

Gorovitz plans to take it easy the next couple of weeks. He will throw on April 15 at Seton Catholic, then take more time away from competition before the state meet in May.

For now, his training consists of mechanic work, improving his arm angle while throwing and practicing on the runway.

The top thrower in the nation, he aims to continue getting better over the course of the next year. He also has his sights set on major events, including the Olympic Trials next summer.

His goals aren’t far-fetched, and he’s already been able to cross off some of the ones he had written down. He said to be able to accomplish some of them as a junior has been special.

“We’ve definitely been able to mark off a lot so far this year,” Gorovitz said. “I want to accomplish more. But it feels great. All you can ask for is completing your goals and end up facing bigger goals.”

Desert Vista junior Hayden Gorovitz shattered the state javelin record this season and has quickly become one of the best throwers in the nation. He said it’s been a hectic experience but one he has also enjoyed. (Dave Minton/AFN Staff)

Desert Vista head track & field coach Collin Mattoon said Hayden is just one of many special athletes on this year’s team. They recently had a strong showing in Austin at the Texas Relays, a national competition. (Dave Minton/AFN Staff)

Chandler Center presents colorful Jarabe Mexicano

BY LEE SHAPPELL GetOut Guest Writer

Go to a Jarabe Mexicano concert and you get a joyride through a versatile songbook of Mexican folk, rock’n’roll, Tex-Mex, Latin rock and Reggae-Cumbia.

“Jarabe,” after all, translates to “concoction,” consistent with their mix of genres.

To Jarabe Mexicano, the Laveen-based Mexican-American border band, performing and teaching go hand-in-hand as they set out to make everyone feel all right about who they are, no matter who they are.

Jarabe’s colorful cultural tour comes to Chandler Center for the Arts for a 7:30 p.m. show on April 14 and it’s show, “Fiesta en Familia.” is appropriate for the entire family and not to be missed.

Jarabe will share the stage with Southeast Valley-based Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ, which complements the music with its colorful Mexican folk dancing.

Lauded as cultural ambassadors by the Mexican Consulate in the U.S., Jarabe Mexicano believes every performance on their national tours is an opportunity to create a deeper, more inclusive sense of community for humankind.

Their shows overflow with music and personal stories that highlight what it’s like to grow up along the U.S.-Mexico

border.

From romantic ballads fit for a loving serenade to exuberant dance music that will bring people out of their seats, this border fiesta will be one to remember.

“We discuss growing up on the border,” said Jarabe Mexicano leader Danny Brito, of Laveen. “We talk about Mexican things and American things. We celebrate.

“The theme is to be proud of where you’re from. We do it with our music and with our talk. We have segments that sort of develop into a standup comedy thing.” Their music captures the nostalgic spirit of their border roots.

Performing on stringed folk instruments and accompanied by lively percussion, Jarabe’s dramatic, harmonized vocals in Spanish and English are a

celebration of eclectic genres that have gained them the admiration of audiences across the country.

Joining Brito, who plays tarola (percussion), are Gustavo Alcoser on vocals, Kevin Lomes on vihuela and vocals, Eduardo Valencia on guitarron and vocals, and Esteban Smith on guitar.

Their traditional Mariachi string instruments and Norteño-inspired drums complement their dramatic vocals as the multi-generational ensemble embraces change while honoring the past.

The group takes particular pride in education.

Aiming to create a deeper, more inclusive sense of family and community with a special commitment to underserved groups, Jarabe will present a Theatre Kids outreach for a school-age audience at 10 a.m. at the arts center in Chandler the morning of the main concert.

“It’s not much different than our main show,” Brito said. “We don’t really have a set list for them. Sometimes kids want to ask questions between songs and we let them do it. We get them clapping along. It’s organized chaos.

“We just want to make them proud of their culture – and if it’s not the same as ours, that’s fine. We’re always trying to build bridges. That’s our main goal.”

Tickets are $28-$44 and available at chandlercenter.org. 

To Jarabe Mexicano, the Laveen-based Mexican-American border band, performing and teaching go hand-in-hand.

ACROSS

1 Faux pas

5 Spider’s creation

8 Smith of Fox News

12 Wood strip

13 Hollywood’s Gardner

14 Model Banks

15 Twistable cookie

16 “Wonder Woman” star

18 Reproductive cell

20 Old Geo models

21 Conceal, in a way

23 Zodiac cat

24 When a sporting event starts

28 Pvt.’s superiors

31 Historic period

32 Open a toothpaste tube

34 Consume

35 Beige

37 Floral wreaths

39 Mao -- -tung

41 Coaster

42 Three-note chords

45 Doohickey

49 Hood

51 Roof overhang

52 “Got it”

53 French article

54 Pitcher Nolan

55 Waller or Domino

56 Inlet

57 Transmit

DOWN

1 Trudge

2 News reporter Logan

3 Detail

4 “Friends” role

5 Betting parlor activity

6 Ms. Longoria

7 Lip soother

8 Iowa and Maine, e.g.

9 Lightest element

10 Slangy suffix

11 Bits of butter

17 Solidify

19 Ballet wear

22 Community gym sites

24 “Gosh!”

25 Lob’s path

26 Strict taskmaster

27 Tea choice

King Crossword

29 Wee bit

30 Map lines (Abbr.)

33 Entreaty

36 Applications

38 Venomous snakes

40 Mag. staff

42 End-of-wk. cry

43 Tabula --

44 Ticket half

46 “Mercy Mercy Me” singer Marvin

47 Novelist Hunter

48 Look after

50 Disney deer

Sudoku

’m always amazed at how sharp and intuitive kids are these days. There’s no better place to see this play out than in a kitchen.

Add to that observation a growing number of young people who are interesting in cooking, and you have a picture of what my kids cooking class was like this week.

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Columnist

Kids cook the darndest things – and tasiest

They made a fantastic oneskillet wonder of raw pasta, lots of cheeses, sausage and marinara sauce that magically all cooked together in no time. The big surprise was how tasty the actual pasta was!

How can it not? The pasta is actually cooked in all of those tasty sausage juices, red sauce and garlic instead of being boiled separately in a pot of water. (Salt can only add so much flavor to pasta.)

The kids in my cooking class told me they love

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 lb bulk hot Italian sausage (Pork or Chicken)

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh or dried oregano

• Pinch of red-pepper flakes, optional

• 1(32-ounce) jar Rao’s Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

• 1(14-ounce) can crushed or strained tomatoes

• 2 bay leaves

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees.

2. In a 12 or 14 inch oven proof skillet, add olive oil and heat on medium high until oil glistens, about 3 minutes. Crumble sausage into skillet, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, stirring often, 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Stir in garlic, oregano, and red-pepper flakes, cooking another 2 minutes.

4. Stir in the entire jar of Rao’s Tomato Basil pasta sauce and mix to combine.

5, Add bay leaves, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.

6. Stir in pasta and 1 ½ cups water and return to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 2 minutes,

pasta and wanted an easy way to cook it without a lot of pots and pans. This recipe was perfect for them, and I guarantee it’s going to be perfect for you and your family.

Buon appetito!.

• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper

• 12 oz dried Bowtie, Penne or Rigatoni-shaped pasta (or pasta of your choice)

• 14 ounces fresh mozzarella, shredded

• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta

• 1 cup grated Parmesan

• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves

gently stirring so pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

7. Remove the bay leaves.

8. Gently stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle the remainder of the mozzarella over the pasta mixture.

9. Spoon dollops of whole-milk ricotta over the mozzarella.

10. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the ricotta.

11. Place skillet in the oven and bake uncovered until pasta is tender and cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh basil, Serve with crusty sour dough bread. Yields: 4-6