Ahwatukee Foothills News - 6.16.2021 by Times Media Group

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Kyrene superintendent charts path to normalcy BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

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he began her job on Jan. 1 at the peak of COVID-19‘s winter spike and has guided Kyrene School District as it inches toward normal. But as she prepares for her first full school year at the district’s helm, Superintendent Laura Toenjes knows the road to normal is fraught with challenges Along with her finance team led by Chief Financial Officer Chris Hermann, Toenjes is walking a fiscal tightrope as the district balances the implications of an operating budget shortfall with its goal of maximizing services to more than 13,000 kids.

SUPERINTENDENT LAURA TOENJES

She and another team led by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Susie Ostmeyer are studying

the results of this spring’s AZMerit tests as Toenjes and Assistant Superintendent Mark Knight determine what might have to be done in the 2021-22 school year to address learning loss from the months of disruptions inflicted by the pandemic. Then there are the current uncertainties of state funding created by the budget impasse in the state Legislature as well as the long-term financial implications of a chronic enrollment decline that has been exacerbated by COVID-19. Atop all this, there’s the question that looms large in some parents’ minds for the coming year: what will the district do about facemasks? Despite those challenges, Toenjes remains

see TOENJES page 12

On Father’s Day, this dad eyeing new heights

BY DAVID M. BROWN AFN Contributor

n Father’s Day, Ahwatukee resident Michael Ellenby will be training to climb Mount Elbrus in Russia. Of course, he’ll also be enjoying June 20 with his family – including daughter Jayde, 22, who graduated from Arizona State University a year ago with two bachelor’s degrees in supply chain and business management. Today, she’s a supply chain specialist with Shea Homes in San Diego. An Ahwatukee resident since 2017, Ellenby has completed multiple Grand Canyon hikes,

including a one-day rim-to-river-return in May. He has twice climbed Africa’s tallest peak, 19,341-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro; reached the Nepal Everest Base Camp at 17,598 feet; and attempted 22,841-foot Aconcagua, the tallest summit in the Americas.

see DAD page 16

On Father’s Day, Michael Ellenby of Ahwatukee will be preparing for a mountain climbing adventure in Russia. He has climbed to the Nepal base camp of Mount Everest, but isn’t interested in going any higher at that mighty summit. (Courtesy of Michael Ellenby)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

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Kyrene maps plan for $9.4M revenue shortfall BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

espite a projected $9.4 million decline in revenue for the coming fiscal year, Kyrene School District’s top financial officer said the district will cut spending without major layoffs or cuts in services to students. Kyrene Chief Financial Officer Chris Hermann laid out the district’s plan for bridging the funding gap during last week’s board meeting. The decline is largely driven by a projected enrollment loss of 1,210 students that is expected to cost Kyrene more than $6 million in state reimbursement. “Because the district was faced with a $9.4 million decreased revenue situation from ongoing sources for next year, it was essential for us to make some sizable reductions in expenditures in next year’s budget in order to right-size our district spending against these lower future revenue levels,” he said. “Otherwise achieving a balanced budget for next year, or even in future years, would have been almost impossible to do.” He also explained the goal is “to look at ways to reduce expenditures across the district, so that the maximum amount of resources would continue to be allocated to the classroom and also to ensure that no one particular group or area would be disproportionately overburdened with any of these expenditure reductions.” District office spending is poised to take the biggest spending cut with $2.2 million. The largest portion of that cut involves $850,000 in employee costs achieved largely by not filling the equivalent of 19 positions. Another $435,000 will be achieved by reducing the number of third-party contractors that provide services to disabled students, Hermann said, noting such services would be provided by district personnel. “It’s important to mention that we are not lowering the bar or eliminating services provided at the

see KYRENE page 4

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To help balance the district's 2021-22 budget, Kyrene officials will be cutting $2.2 million from budgets controlled at the district level. The biggest chunk primarily involves not filling the equivalent of 19 vacant positions. (Kyrene School District)

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

Theater owners slam pandemic relief ‘disaster’ BY BROOKE NEWMAN Cronkite News

rizona business owners said a federal program aimed at helping theaters and concert venues shuttered by COVID-19 “has been a disaster,” taking until this month to deliver the first grants from a fund that was approved last year. Only one Arizona business has received a grant so far from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, a $16 billion fund administered by the Small Business Administration. The SBA had approved just 90 of the 14,020 applications it has received under the fund and distributed $127.9 million, money that business owners said was “desperately needed five months ago.” The program has been beset by problems from the start. Critics said that when the SBA first started accepting applications on April 8, the online portal crashed and it took the agency another two weeks before it could begin accepting applications again. When it began reviewing applications May 4, SBA set a goal of reviewing all “first priority” applications – from businesses that reported losing 90 percent

KYRENE from page 3

district officer,” he said, “but rather we are looking to find more effective ways to perform those same activities.” Hermann said that while the district’s “structural budget deficit” in the 202122 fiscal year “means there is no funding to sustain a permanent salary increase for employees,” Kyrene may use of some of its third round of federal pandemic relief money to provide one-time bonuses. He added that the Legislature may also provide unexpected additional funding that could be used for those bonuses. He also said the district is being forced to provide additional funding for special

The Rebel Lounge in Phoenix, like many entertainment venues, took a major hit during the pandemic as social distancing rules limited crowd size and many performers dropped out of the concert circuit. (Cronkite News) of their revenue or more over the past man on Thursday, demanding that the year – by June 9. But the agency has ap- agency “immediately fully fund all … eliproved less than 1% of the applications, gible entities and to immediately resolve had thousands under review and anoth- interagency issues that have proven a er 9,269 that have yet to get a first look. barrier to funding for SVOG applicants “They haven’t met a single deadline who are suffering deeply.” they’ve set,” said Stephen Chilton, owner “Jennifer Grogan, an NIVA member of The Rebel Lounge in Phoenix and vice said, “The SBA’s delay is actually driving president of the National Independent businesses under.” Venues Association. An SBA spokesperson said Friday that His organization joined six others who the program has been hindered from the wrote SBA Administrator Isabella Guz- outset by regulations that required apeducation services “because there is no certainty that this funding will ultimately be aided in the state’s final budget.” The budget process in the Legislature is stalled over a few Republicans’ opposition to the creation of a flat income tax that would cut more than $1.5 billion in state spending – much of it cutting into cities’ share of state revenue often used to fund public safety operations. Kyrene’s size and overall household income levels also have impacted the amount of pandemic relief it is getting, particularly under the third round of Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) moneys funded by the American Rescue Plan. The district is getting $9.5 million in

that third round of funding – far less than even some smaller districts are receiving because Kyrene has a higher per capita household income, which factors into the funding equation. To address some of the ESSER III funding disparities among districts, Hermann said, the state has approved an additional subsidy of $570 per pupil. But he added “there are still some wide ranges and disparities in the ESSER III per-pupil amounts across the state” because a significant part of that funding is based on the number of poverty-level households in districts. “It was nice to see that the state recognized some of these issues and used a portion of their discretionary ESSER

plicants to include “anywhere from 30 to 100 documents in their applications to ensure they met the statute’s guidelines.” All that data needs to be reviewed by staff who she said are “working around the clock” to process applications. Among the 90 approved applicants, 65 were performing arts organizations or live venue operators, 19 were movie theater operators, four were talent representatives and two were theatrical producers. Awards went to businesses in 32 states, with the most going to California, where 16 applicants got a total of more than $20 million. The program calls for $2 billion to be reserved for businesses with 50 workers or fewer. About half of the total awarded so far went to small businesses, which accounted for 79 of the 90 recipients. The SBA did not release the names of the grant winners, just numbers. The one recipient in Arizona was awarded just over $2.5 million, close to twice the national average award of $1.42 million. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Phoenix, said in a letter Wednesday to Guzman that he was “in disbelief that nearly six months” after the program was approved, so few applications have been awarded.  funding in order to address this disparity and help raise the funding floor for districts like Kyrene,” Hermann said. Neverthless, board President Kevin Walsh noted that Kyrene is at the very bottom of pandemic relief funding among all 207 public school districts in Arizona. “It’s the floor,” Walsh told Hermann. “We are at the bare minimum floor. This is such a difficult decision for you because you see other districts in the state who have a lot more funds from us or than we do.” The budget will now be the subject of a public hearing at the June 22 board meeting and another hearing will be held July 13 prior to the board’s approval of a spending plan. 

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

Sedona officials don't want to market their city AFN NEWS SERVICES

hile the Grand Canyon is seeing a steady increase in visitors, Sedona officials may have seen

enough. Verde Valley news media reported last week that Sedona City Council asked the local Chamber of Commerce to stop marketing the city for at least a year. The request came as residents are begging that the city manage the burgeoning influx of visitors, which now tops three million annually. Residents complain their lifestyle is being overrun by the stress of vacation home rentals, traffic jams and piles of trash left by visitors. Sedona City Manager Karen Osburn was Sedona residents are apparently fed up with the huge influx of visitors, who routinely create quoted in the Verde Valley Independent as massive traffic jam on the main road through the city. (Courtesy of the Verde Valley Independent) saying that in years past, the chamber’s Osburn said that tourists who are here “Just as someone who puts together a sole mission “was to get the right visitors, need to be educated on how to be good budget that includes salaries, benefits, at the right time.” visitors. administrative overhead to come in with “This year things were much different Rugs ~ Luxury Vinyl ~ a e r A She also questioned the chamber’s proa request that is well more than double in because the direction was: We really need Coun stom u t C e ~ r s posed budget, which is largely funded by one year’s time is, that’s a big ask,” Osburn a one-year pauseow on solicitation of new top Sh er s ood ~ Lavisitations,” minate ~she taxpayers through the city council. said, adding the increase request was parsaid.

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ticularly distressing “in a year that the city has given some direction to say we need to scale back a very significant portion of what you do.” Council Member Jon Thompson suggested the chamber might “even find ways to deter people.” Thompson said the public has had a message for council: “they want to pause marketing.” Zero dollars for marketing. Candace Carr Strauss, president/CEO of Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, said Sedona’s discussion about tourism is being observed nationally in the tourist industry. “I got calls from Maine, from California, asking me about what was going on here with cutting our marketing budget.” “It is a significant pause,” Strauss pointed out. Councilwoman Jessica Williamson pointed out that Sedona is one of the biggest growing areas in the nation. “This may not be a blip,” Williamson said.

see SEDONA page 18

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

Health officials concerned about heat wave BY DAVID PAYNE Cronkite News

he return of triple-digit temperatures to Arizona prompted the National Weather Service’s first excessive heat watch of the year and raised alarms by Maricopa County health officials. In addition, Arizonans can expect higher than normal temperatures this summer, meteorologists say, although not as bad as 2020. “An excessive heat watch is issued whenever temperatures are at levels that are, first of all, relatively unusual, maybe near records, but more importantly levels that can impact the health of folks, especially for the folks that are going to be outside,” said Marvin Percha, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Phoenix. Temperatures are typically 101 to 102 degrees this time of year, he said. As temperatures rise, so do health and safety concerns in the state. The weather service uses a color-coded system to warn the public about how dangerous specific temperatures can be for

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health concerns: Green means no risk; yellow means little to no risk; orange is moderate, meaning there is risk to those who are sensitive to heat; red and purple are high and very high, respectively, meaning there is risk to most people and risk to everyone. When an excessive heat watch warning is issued, it typically deals with red and purple levels. “So right now if we’re looking at temperatures that forecast to be well above 110, that certainly brings much greater impact in terms of heat risk to the population,” Percha said. In the past decade, Maricopa County’s public health department alone has reported more than 3,000 heat-related deaths, with 2020 reaching a record high of 323 deaths. One heat-related death has been confirmed this year, health officials said. Percha said the best ways to stay safe are to make sure your home air-conditioning unit is working properly, drink plenty of water and, if you need to be outside, do so early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures aren’t quite as high. If you must be outside during peak sun,

Dr. Kevin Foster, director of the Arizona Burn Center, warns against getting burned by hot pavement. “If you look at hot pavement or asphalt at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, in direct sunlight, the temperature is usually somewhere around 170 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a few degrees shy of boiling,” Foster said. “So it doesn’t take any time at all to get a third degree burn.” Foster said other routine habits and activities like getting into your car, kids playing on a playground or simply opening a door to a store or business can cause burns. Last year, the Arizona Burn Center at Valleywise Health recorded a record high 104 heat-related burn injuries in June, July and August, a 49 percent increase from previous years and the highest number recorded since the Burn Center began gathering the data in 2000. The data is in a new Arizona Burn Center report titled “Streets of Fire.” Burns covered from 5-25 percent of the individual’s body. Eighty-five patients were admitted last year with burns due to contact with hot pavement. Of these, 30 per-

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cent needed ICU care and 20 percent required medical ventilation. Only 16 percent of the patients were homeless; the remainder lived in homes or apartments. And 38 percent were age 60 or older. More patients demonstrated significantly greater illicit drug use and increased alcohol consumption in 2020 than in previous years. The average age of burn victims last year was 52. Patients typically required an average of 2 surgeries and 2 weeks of hospitalization for treatment of their burn injuries. “One of the things that people don’t think about very often is when you walk up to a door that’s in the sunlight, especially a door where the handle might be metal, that handle might be 170, 180 degrees,” Foster said. “If you grab onto that and pull on it, that may cause a pretty serious burn.” Percha said the NWS Climate Prediction Center projects high temperatures all summer long, but it likely won’t be another record year for heat. “It’s definitely going to be warmer than normal, so folks are going to have to be prepared for more of these very hot conditions.” 

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2021 construction! Home has never been lived in! 1,785 sf single level 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home with open kitchen – great room ﬂ oor plan. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Split master! Kitchen boasts espresso colored cabinets, granite counter tops, large center island / breakfast bar, Whirlpool stainless steel appliances and pantry. Upgraded rectangular porcelain tile throughout with carpet in bedrooms only. Smart home technology. Rain gutters. 14 seer HVAC unit. Large master suite with walk in closet, double sinks and walk in shower. North south exposure. Faux wood blinds throughout. Covered back patio and pool size back yard!

Tartesso

Listed for $390,000

2021 construction! Home has never been lived in! 2,024 sf 4 bedroom 3 bathroom single level home with open kitchen – great room floor plan. Four bedrooms plus offi ce and three bathrooms. Split master floor plan! Kitchen boasts espresso colored cabinets, granite counter tops, large center island / breakfast bar, Whirlpool stainless steel appliances (gas cooking!) and pantry. Porcelain tile throughout with carpet in bedrooms only. Smart home technology. 14 seer HVAC unit. Large master suite with walk in closet, double sinks and walk in shower. Faux wood blinds throughout. Oversized premium lot with east facing back yard! Backs to a common area; no neighbors immediately behind! Covered back patio and pool size back yard! Low maintenance front and backyard landscaping.

Circle Mountain Land Listed for

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Two parcels; 4.7 acres each. Residential Acreage abutting Pyramid Peak and state trust land. Elevated property, away from ﬂood zones. Build a grand estate or subdivide a small community! Beautiful Northeastern views of New River Mesa and surrounding mountains. Zoning requires at least 1 acre per home. 15-20 minutes from Anthem and Cave Creek and still only 45 minutes from Sky Harbor 9.4 acres total available (10 acres minus 40 foot road easement along Northern edge.)

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TOENJES from page 1

upbeat about Kyrene’s future and its ability to maintain its high academic reputation. And she’s proud that Kyrene ended 2020-21 the way it did. Asked what she’s proudest of since she replaced Dr. Jan Vesely, Toenjes replied: “I think that our work has continued is number one for me. We still were teaching children the entire time regardless of whether we were doing it through a Zoom or doing it in the classroom. "We were still planning for instruction; we were still identifying kids’ needs; we were still having our regular principal meetings. We tried to keep business as usual for the most part. I think that is something I’m very proud of – and the fact that we stayed consistent in our messaging.” Toenjes said the politics of COVID-19 – primarily involving masks – caught her off-guard in some respects but she is gratified the administration and Kyrene Governing Board were resolute. “We have said all along, we would not get into the politics of this,” she said. “People can call us every day and they can say we’re, you know, making decisions based on politics but we’ve stayed very, very consistent from what Dr. Vesely set in motion a year and a half ago to where we are today. “The same decisions are being made based on the same process. So, CDC releases guidance, Maricopa County reviews that with the State Department of Health. They may change their guidance, our emergency management team comes together, we look at it, we discuss it. We sit on it. We throw out ideas based on that and then we come back and we make recommendations….We say here’s how we understand all this new guidance, here’s what Kyrene is doing.” Still, Toenjes explained that as Vesely’s second in command, she largely was shielded from most of the public reaction during the most turbulent months of the pandemic. “I think one of the surprises for me was the amount of communication, if you will, whether it be email, phone calls, just piling in; everybody wanting to tell you how they feel about everything and tell you everything you’re doing wrong,” she said. “And of course, everything is so divisive right now.” She conceded surprise by “how timeconsuming that piece of the role is – that

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

think we’re going to have to think about this from a larger scale perspective because I don’t see this going away.” Last week’s governing board meeting offered another reminder of the rocky road to normal. Holding its first meeting since March 2020 Kyrene Superintendent Laura Toenjes briefly outlined the district’s plans for far for the coming school year during last week’s governing when the public could attend board meeting. (YouTube) in person – and takes you away from doing the real work.” without masks if attendees are vaccinatStating “I’ve been spending a lot of time ed – the board heard from three people thinking about going forward,” Toenjes who spoke at the podium and another 22 said she wants to figure out a way that parents whose emails were read. The first person who spoke asked that she is “making sure people feel valued and their voices are heard” without letting masks be made optional in the coming “hundreds and hundreds of emails” divert school year and the third person who her attention from Kyrene's primary mis- spoke echoed that plea. Of the 22 emails, 12 demanded masks be made optional. sion. Answering emails with emails isn’t nec- In all, only one speaker and one email praised the district’s leadership during essarily an answer, she added. “It seems much more effective once we the pandemic and the other emails fopick up the phone and actually have a con- cused on matters that had nothing to do versation,” she said. “So much gets lost in with masks. The board is prohibited from answerthe writing or the misunderstanding….I ing people who address it at meetings, but Toenjes had earlier noted the issue of mandatory or optional masks for children inside school buildings is yet unresolved. Masks became optional for kids outside on campus last month. Another surprise in fielding all those calls and emails, Toenjes said, has been “the misinformation, the assumptions that get made...People say things and I’m always like ‘what are you’re talking about?’” “People will write in and say ‘how dare you’ Kyrene Governing Board President Kevin Walsh – maskless June and they’ll list this long 8 for the first in-person board meeting in a year – announced list of things we’re dothe new rules for public attendance at meetings. (YouTube) ing and I’m like ‘we’re

not doing any of that,’” she said. “If our community has a misconception about what we are doing, we have to make sure that they have the right information and so it’s just figuring out how to get that information to the right people at the right time.” And it’s not just parents she’s hearing from. “The reality is there’s a lot of people in our community that may not have kids in Kyrene. And we actually hear from a lot of them. That was the other surprise – how many people write us that don’t even have children in Kyrene that want to tell us how they feel about how the schools should be.” On the other hand, Toenjes said she is proud of – and grateful for – her “really strong relationship” with the governing board. “I think my relationship with the board also is something I feel really good about,” Toenjes said. “We don’t always agree as the entire group, right? I mean, just like anybody: when you put five or six people together, we have to talk through things. But it’s a really respectful board to work with and we value each other’s input and that’s really important. "They respect each other’s time. They respect each other’s views. And they’ve been really, really nice for me to work with.” Toenjes already has begun embracing some of the routine activities that had been shelved by her predecessor because of the pandemic. She was able to resume on-site visits to the district’s 25 campuses for the inperson presentation in the last quarter of quarterly “Kyrene Values Teachers” awards. “It was lovely,” Toenjes said. “And the teachers were so cute. They’d say, ‘Can I hug you because I’m fully vaccinated?'” She’s looking forward to the resumption of other activities that had been routine until the pandemic. “We still have not made the decision on masks inside past summer school at this point,” Toenjes said. “I think that’s what we’re really waiting for CDC guidance, to see what they say and see where the county goes with it. “But some of the decisions we have made,” she said, referring to the lifting of cohorting rules that kept kids pretty much staying only with their classmates and

see TOENJES page 14

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 41

TOENJES from page 12

being forbidden from mingling with kids from other classrooms or grades. “We were probably the model district for contact-tracing and quarantining – the county would tell us that frequently. But we will definitely still be notifying families if their child was exposed.” Vaccinated district employees no longer have to wear masks inside or outside buildings as long as children are not present and all children will have access to free meals. Parents also can choose between in-classroom learning or the Kyrene Digital Academy for 2021-22. Toenjes said she also envisions the return of student assemblies – at least outside – but noted, “There’s not a lot of guidance right now on the event sizes.” “We’ve told schools ‘start planning and we think you can resume those activities as much as possible.' Inside, we anticipate being able to do activities. We just may have some protocols that we need to implement around there and we’re just kind of waiting to see what that guidance says.” “But we are going to do our best to get

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Park Community Church a week or so before students started filing onto campuses. Instead, she believes, a “video kick-off” seems more like this year. “Even pre-pandemic, that’s such a busy week and so partly out of respect for staff time, that was already going to change dates,” she added. “So maybe if we push it later in the year, there will be a better opportunity of it happening. That would be nice and kind of a little bit of a ‘state of a state of the district,’ where we’re at.” As Toenjes said at last The first resident to address the Kyrene Governing Board in week’s governing board person since March 2020 was a mom who asked that masks be made optional in the new school year. (YouTube) meeting, “We are actively right now…preparing for back to as much of normalcy when it the 2021-22 school year and what are gocomes to activities as possible.” ing to be the best ways to make sure that One thing she won’t be able to do this we can provide a safe, strong learning enyear is resurrect the back-to-school teach- vironment that meets the needs of all of er assemblies that Vesely had at Mountain our students.” 

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

DAD from page 1

“Hiking brings me to my happy place, and I appreciate the peace and discipline it brings me,” Ellenby explained. “By travelling to the highest peaks, I see so much beauty, and rub shoulders with people who share my love for the outdoors. “And, I am active in the environment, I become part of the scenery, rather than just passively taking photos from a tour bus.” At 18,510 feet in the Caucasus Mountains, Mount Elbrus is Europe’s highest peak. He plans to challenge that summit during a 12-day trip in September with K2 Adventure Travel, based in Scottsdale. The trip is part of his goal to ascend as many of the world’s Seven Summits as possible. But Mt. Everest isn’t on the list. “That place kills a lot of people,” he said, “and I have a lot of respect for the mountains.” Living near South Mountain is propitious. “You can find me most days hiking there before or after work,” Ellenby said. “I have a specialized coach who helps me work through some chronic back issues. Apparently, I’m not 35 years old anymore and my back in particular is complaining.” Ahwatukee, he said, has perfectly met his varying lifestyle needs. “It is quiet and very family oriented. I often bump into friends and neighbors at the supermarket, church, out hiking or at one of our great cafes,” he explained. When his daughter was living in the Valley, Jayde often accompanied him on hikes and other outings. “I connect with her daily whenever possible from the climbs, and I know she loves the photos, the stories and the example I set for her,” he said. As a father, he also knows she worries – and for good cause, as hiking and climbing, especially the world’s highest mountains, is dangerous. “I have ended up in the hospital and in a decompression chamber after a diving accident, and three years ago, I contracted swine flu in Africa and had to spend three days in hospital when I returned,” he explained. “But I know the risks and only take calculated risks. I won’t go skydiving or ride a motorbike on the roads, for example: too risky.” Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Ellenby enjoyed camping, hiking and sailing with his father, Rob, as well as enjoying

Michael Ellenby and his daughter Jayde also have gone on adventures, like this horseback riding trip through Hawaii. (Courtesy of Michael Ellenby) similar activities in the Boy Scouts. “My dad built 13 dinghies and catamarans over the years, and we got very competitive at both state and national levels,” he recalled. After attending university for almost three years, Ellenby joined IBM as its first hire in the country, beginning a career in technology and sales. During this time, he did several shorter triathlons, but his knees couldn’t go the distance, so he start-

Michael Ellenby’s daughter Jayde, seen here when she graduated from high school, is now a supply chain manager in San Diego. (Courtesy of Michael Ellenby)

ed hiking. For the next 11 years, he worked for IBM in Japan and Singapore, where he earned an MBA in international management from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. “I credit that program to my skills in understanding business drivers, but also the importance of respect for cross-cultural differences, which extends to a general respect for all people I work with,” he said. In 1998, IBM transferred him to Connecticut and relocated to Arizona in 2002. His late wife Beth was a Minnesota native and was familiar with Arizona since she had completed an MBA at Thunderbird, now an ASU school. “I had the chance for a relocation with a new position, and we chose Arizona due to its beauty, access to outdoors activities and friendliness of the residents,” he explained. Since March, Ellenby has been vice president of business development at Phoenixbased YellowBird, which matches certified Environmental, Health, and Safety professionals in the construction, manufacturing, insurance and oil/gas industries. The company’s services include risk assessments, OSHA incident investigation, OSHA mock audits, training, industrial hygiene services and site safety. When Beth died in 2008, Jayde was 9. “I always tell people that I am a sole parent, not a single parent,” he said. Committed to entrepreneurship and innovation, he has worked as vice president of sales and marketing for a number of

technology start-ups. “It’s a very challenging process, and definitely not for the faint of heart. However, when successful, it is the most amazing experience,” he said. A fine public speaker as well, he spoke to a group six years ago, on “What Works in the Mountains Also Works in Business.” He connected his climbing skills and business management. For his theme, he considered his worldwide adventures, many with Jayde, and combined these with the lessons he’s learned for the last 30 years in his career. What the two arenas share are characteristics such as a positive attitude and collaboration, Ellenby said. “Life is a team sport. Business is a team sport. One cannot climb a mountain without teamwork,” he explained. “My daughter is part of my team. As a sole father, it was important for me that she was part of the process of climbing these mountains. It’s just the two of us, so she had to be in my team.” He participates with three Valley nonprofits: Adelante Health; SEED SPOT, supporting social entrepreneurs; and Hunkapi (Lakota, “we are all related”), which connects people with horses for therapeutic answers to attention deficit disorder, autism spectrum disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, emotional disorder, addiction disorder and PTSD. In addition, Ellenby mentors at the ASU Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program and is an advisor to its Master of Science in Innovation and Venture Development program. “At ASU I can work with students as they explore the ways to bring their ideas and businesses to life,” he said. “It is really rewarding to help the teams avoid the pitfalls, and I do what I can to set them up for success.” Ellenby acknowledged that he’s not a world-class summiteer. “I’m just a dude. I’m not especially talented physically, I’m not super smart, but I have learned about success by setting really high goals, working hard, sticking to them and not quitting. It comes down to the people around you, and how hard you work. Talent is over-rated,” he said. “I don’t like the cold, camping in snow is not fun but I love the hard work, the discipline of training, and the feeling of getting to the objective,” he added, “but the main reason I climb mountains is not to get to the top.” 

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

GOP leaders slam Gilbert lawmaker’s jobless pay stance BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

ne of the State House members representing most of Gilbert opposes any increase in unemployment benefits, which are now the second lowest in the nation – putting him at odds with several influential fellow Republicans. Freshman Republican Rep. Jake Hoffman of Legislative District 12 supports the $1.9 billion in tax cuts but thinks there are things in the package that are too generous. He specifically wants to quash the proposed increase in unemployment benefits. Arizona law entitles those who lose their jobs through no fault of their own to collect up to 50 percent of what they were earning. But state law caps that weekly payment at $240, the second lowest in the nation; only Mississippi pays less. The package would take that figure to $320 a week. That, said Hoffman, is not acceptable. “Taxing small business to pay potential employees more money to not work is just bad policy, plain and simple,’’ he said. “We don’t need more welfare,’’ Hoffman said. “We need more people out there pursuing jobs that are out there in the marketplace right now.’’ But a fellow House Republican representative chastised Hoffman. Rep. Regina Cobb, R-Kingman, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, said Hoffman can’t get what he wants. She said the benefits increase is part of the deal negotiated not just with Senate

SEDONA from page 6

“We may not have any slack periods at all.” Mayor Sandy Moriarty said the council has made a commitment to pause destination marketing and questioned if some of the city’s chamber budget should be reallocated toward housing solutions to help workers in town. Meanwhile, John Dillon, executive director of the Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association, said his 16 member companies saw revenues fall by $22 million when the park was closed in the first half of 2020. But he said those same businesses have been operating at full capacity since last June, when COVID-19 restrictions eased. “We’re doing very well, we’re recover-

REP. JAKE HOFFMAN

SENATE PRESIDENT KAREN FANN

Republicans but also with Ducey. More significant, Senate President Karen Fann fired a warning salvo at House Republicans who are trying to kill her proposal to hike unemployment benefits. In essence, she said they need to recognize that it’s a going-home bill for her – and that it’s not good for their future political fortunes to tick off the Senate president. “I’m a ‘no’ on the budget without it,” Fann said of the jobless pay hike. “I’m one of these people that tries to work with everybody and help each other out. But that pendulum has swung a little too far in the other way where there’s definitely a lack of respect for leadership, much less the other (legislative) chamber.”

Hoffman declined comment except to issue a statement stating he is working for a budget reflecting “the conservative principles every Republican legislator promised to their voters.” Efforts by the Republican-controlled Legislature to pass a new state budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 are stalled as some legislators sided with Democrats amid concerns that the proposed tax cut is too generous for the rich and will cripple municipalities. Gov. Doug Ducey, who is championing a $1.9 billion tax cut and creating a flat tax rate, said even that could be negotiable. Ducey on Thursday also called for a special session of the Legislature to address

ing, and there’s a lot of confidence,” said Dillon, who said association members are already booking trips into 2023. Monthly visitor numbers at the Grand Canyon, the most-frequented park in the state, confirm that people have been coming back. It would have been hard to go down: Visitors to the Grand Canyon hit zero in April 2020, when the park was completely closed. By April this year, the Grand Canyon recorded 425,978 visitors, who spent 6.6 million hours at the park, according to Park Service data. While that is an improvement, it is still 24 percent lower than the 563,898 visitors who spent 8.7 million hours in the park in April 2019. Sullivan said backcountry permit re-

quests “started a little slower in February and March” than in a typical year, but that April and May have been “pretty much on par with previous years.” However, there are still challenges. Sullivan said park infrastructure continues to hinder operations. Problems with the sewage treatment plant at Bright Angel Campground at the bottom of the canyon, for example, have reduced the number of people who can camp there. “We’re kind of limited right now, since our biggest campground in the canyon is operating at half capacity,” Sullivan said, accommodating 55 campers instead of the usual 110. With foreign visitors making up a large part of the Grand Canyon’s tourism business, another challenge is the COVID-19

wildfires and their aftermath. That session will run concurrently with the current regular session. Ducey said he is particularly concerned about the coming high temperatures this week as well as the impact of heavy monsoon rains on scorched areas of the state. What’s working in favor of the Democrats on the stalled budget talks is that there is at least one GOP holdout in both the House and Senate unwilling to support the $12.8 billion spending plan and $1.9 billion in permanent tax cuts the governor is pushing. About the only thing the Senate intends to do is start the process of seeking an override of the 22 bills Ducey vetoed two weeks ago after he got miffed when lawmakers decided to recess for two weeks when a budget deal first fell apart. “It’s a challenge when you have 31 and 16,’’ Fann said Wednesday, referring to the GOP membership in the 60-member House and 30-member Senate. “Everybody knows they’re number 31 or 16. It creates a very tough working situation.’’ Ducey, for his part, said he’s going to engage with Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, and Sen. Paul Boyer, R-Glendale, whose votes he needs -- but does not have -- for the plan. “We have some very thoughtful legislators that care about certain things,’’ he said when asked about the two GOP holdouts. “And I want to understand what’s important to them and make sure they understand what’s important to me and

see HOFFMAN page 23

restrictions on international travel. Tusayan Town Manager Charlie Hendrix said that has resulted in “kind of a delay” in the return to normal business. “We’ve had some wonderful support locally, which we’re really excited about, but we don’t have any international travel yet,” she said. But Dillon said that the improving COVID-19 situation can only help. He attributed vaccination rates as a crucial factor to rebuilding confidence and sustaining business. “I think they expect us to figure that out for them,” he said. “What they want is not to have as many people filling up the city in the springtime.” Cronkite News contributed to this report. 

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

The Rock Mesa at 122 N. Country Club Drive, Mesa, is the second Alice Cooper Solid Rock Teen Center, following the successful original center in Phoenix. It opened this week. (Pablo Robles/ AFN Staff Photographer)

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h, the irony. Back in 1972, Alice Cooper scored a smash hit with “School’s Out,” smothering an old anthem with a devilish warning: “School’s out for summer School’s out forever School’s been blown to pieces” Forty-nine years later, school’s out for summer – and a teen center is open. And Vincent Damon “Alice Cooper” Furnier has become a solid, even respected educator. Last week, he opened The Rock Mesa at 122 N Country Club Drive – the second Alice Cooper Solid Rock Teen Center following the successful original center in Phoenix and one open to kids in Ahwatukee. And yes, he sees the irony. “Yes,” he said with a laugh, when an interviewer called his anthem “the ultimate anarchy song.” Shortly after heading to Los Angeles to try to make it, Cooper and company started wearing extravagant makeup and filling shows with gushing fake blood to accompany “shock rock” hits like “Welcome to My Nightmare,” “I Love the Dead” (“I love the dead before they’re cold/They’re bluing flesh for me to hold”) and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” He smiles slyly in recalling his time as

“every parent’s worst nightmare;” but now, with his positive-focused teen centers, the grandfatherly rocker is almost officially Mr. Nice Guy. Slender and athletic at 73, Alice Cooper (his legal name for 40 years) visited his new Mesa teen center Wednesday of opening week. He was thrilled to see the finished product, a bright, colorful center with a professional-level recording studio, spacious dance space and multiple classrooms. When he was attending Cortez High in Glendale, the East Valley was the other side of the world to Cooper. “Mesa might as well have been Los Angeles,” he said with a cackling laugh. The then-Vince Furnier had his first lightbulb moment at 14, when he was painting a house and heard his first Beatles song on the radio. He called his friend Dennis Dunnaway, and the two taught themselves how to play, recruiting Glen Buxton to round out a band they called the Spiders. A few years later, the band became Alice Cooper and the lead singer became a rock star. He did his best to live up to the image, partying with the likes of John Lennon, Harry Nilsson and Keith Moon. Cooper called his unofficial drinking club the Hol-

see COOPER page 21

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

COOPER from page 20

lywood Vampires (he later formed a supergroup of the same name, with Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and movie star/musician Johnny Depp). In the early 1980s, Cooper noticed something about his partying pals: They were dead. He sobered up, kept cranking out albums and touring. Except for a year he used to focus on sobriety, the pandemic was the only time in his 50-year music career he wasn’t on the road for at least half of the year. Eight years ago, the father of three decided to start nurturing the youth of Phoenix. “That all had to do with my religious experience. I was a prodigal son. I grew up in a Christian home. My dad was a pastor. I was a Christian. The band came along and I went as far away as I could get from that. I became the poster boy for everything that parents did not want to see. “And then I came back,” he said, patting a long, varnished table at the new teen center, where kids will soon be joining forces to tap into their creative spirits. “This is kind of the result of that. How do we know the kid out there sell-

As these teens demonstratred at its opening, the new Alice Cooper Solid Rock Center will be a venue for dance, music, visual arts and all things creative. (Special to AFN) ing drugs isn’t a great guitar player? He doesn’t know that - he’s never had a guitar in his hands. “So what if we pull him in off the street and say, ‘Look, you can get just as addicted to a guitar as you can to meth. And you can be in a band, not a gang.’ “And it works.” He said he loves to drop in and watch the young performers having their own lightbulb moments. “You can’t get the kids off the stage ... And the other kids cheer them on. It’s great to see,” he said.

You can’t beat the “cover charge”: The Rock is free and open to anyone 12-20 years old. Hours are 2-7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Registration is required at alicecoopersolidrock.com/the-rock-mesa. Classes include guitar, drum and even ukulele instruction. Teachers will also share tips on making hip-hop beats and how the music industry works. And the teen center isn’t just about making music, as classes are offered in dance (a nod to Cooper’s wife of 43 years, danc-

er-choreographer Sheryl Goddard), art, fashion and mask making. The Mesa Solid Rock space is 12,000 square feet compared to the existing Phoenix center’s 28,000 square feet but it will include numerous studios, rehearsal rooms and a performance stage, as well as a basketball court and game room. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member stressed he wants to give teenagers the confidence to tap into their creative spirit: “Search for that thing that makes you unique … Everyone has it. It’s just finding it and mining it. That’s the whole idea behind Solid Rock. Come in, find your talent and then work on it. Nurture it. That’s what we’re here to do: to encourage that.” In January 2020, Cooper unveiled his plans for a second teen center at Westwood High. He said eight years of the original Solid Rock produced solid results, in surprising ways. “We’ve noticed there were kids coming in and parents would say to us, ‘I don’t know what you’re doing, but my kid’s getting better grades. My kids are talking to me now. My kids are wanting to do things at home with us because when they get

see COOPER page 23

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

HOFFMAN from page 18

Mayor John Giles and Vice Mayor Jenn Duff welcomed Alice Cooper to Mesa. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and music legend opened his second Alice Cooper Solid Rock Teen Center here this week. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

COOPER from page 21

into that school, they open up’,” he said. “It’s easy when you’re a teenager to get introverted because you’re, ‘Everybody’s against me,’” he added. “I was a teenager. I was like that.” “Kids can come in here and find what they’re good at,” Cooper said. “They might

@generationaz

want to be a tattoo artist. Or maybe they’ll pick up a bass and think, ‘Wait a minute, I can play this!’ “And then they’re here every day.”

For more information, including how to donate and/or volunteer, call 602522-9200 or email info@alicecoopersolidrock.com. 

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make sure we have a successful budget.’’ But it isn’t as simple as getting Cook and Boyer on board. Fann said if they get some of what they want, that could result in the loss of other Republican votes. And that is what could give Democrats a seat at the negotiating table. Cook said he is not buying the arguments by Ducey and GOP leaders that permanently cutting $1.9 billion in income taxes would lead to future economic growth. He said it is wrong to make such a major change in tax policy without looking closer at the impact – and in a proposal that never got a public hearing. Like many Democrats, Cook has said he will support some form of tax cuts. But not this package. One part would create a single 2.5 percent income tax rate. That compares with the current four tiers with a top rate of 4.5 percent on amounts above $318,000. The other would impose an absolute cap of 4.5 percent on the total income taxes of any individual. As that includes the voter-approved 3.5 percent surcharge on incomes above $500,000 for couples, it would effectively mean a 1 percent tax on

all other earnings. Rep. Ben Toma, R-Phoenix, said it makes sense to focus tax relief on those at the top of the income scale. “They’re the ones that tend to make the jobs and create the economic conditions that lead to economic improvement for the entire state,’’ he said. That drew a sharp retort from House Minority Leader Reginald Bolding, DLaveen. “The reality is, without these working-class people there wouldn’t be jobs, there wouldn’t be an economy, there wouldn’t be people making sure that people in Arizona have the ability to stand up and to be able to do the things that they want to do here in Arizona,’’ he said. The failure of the House to get the requisite 31 votes leaves not just the tax cut but the entire $12.8 billion budget in limbo. In the Senate, Boyer continues to hold out for an agreement that the tax-cut package won’t harm cities. That’s because they get 15 percent of what the state collects in income taxes, part of a 1972 deal where local communities gave up the right to levy their own income and excise taxes. City officials say the current proposal leaves them short of where they are now. 

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‘Healing with Purpose’ sessions at Tuk Urban Kafe BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

wo free “Healing with Purpose” classes are being hosted by Ahwatukee’s Jenny Preece, owner/operator of Blue J Way Creative Healing. Healing with Purpose classes center on grief resulting from loss. Such loss can result not only in an emotional response, but physical, cognitive and behavioral responses as well, Preece said, explaining it can result from death, divorce, job loss – or even the loss of hopes or dreams. The hour-long classes are 2:30 p.m. June 23 and July 21 at Tuk Urban Kafe, at 15815 S. 50th St. in the Liv Generations building in Ahwatukee. As with her private and tailored sessions held at her Chandler studio, Preece said the classes will help people use the creative process to “move toward a healthy, fulfilling life.” Dealing with grief isn’t limited to death.

Jenny Preece will be holding two free “Healing with Purpose” sessions at the Tuk Urban Kafe at Liv Generations in Ahwatukee. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer) As Preece knows first-hand, it can result from other losses including health, di-

vorce and other big life changes. “Life is like photography,” said Preece,

editor had asked me to plot and write something more mainstream than my typical books – I tend to be a bit edgy in my writing. “In response, I asked her what was “in” or “selling” right now? She advised, law enforcement, firemen, pets – things like that. So, my brilliant idea was a K9 officer and a veterinarian.” “The three books follow three K9 officers, who are also best friends, as they find their true love and struggle to make it work.” So, each book focuses on a different couple and all three pairs work set in Arizona. The first two – “Avoiding the Badge” and “Redeeming the Badge“– have gar-

Michelle Hoffman, owner of My CBD Store in Ahwatukee, also is a novelist who has written nine books under the pen name Dorothy Shaw. (Special to AFN)

Local CBD store owner‘s ‘secret life’ as novelist BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

y day, she’s Michelle Hoffman, a Gilbert mother of three who owns the My CBD Store in Ahwatukee with her significant other. But by night, she morphs into Dorothy F. Shaw, romance author who is about to publish her seventh novel – “Trusting the Badge” – the third and last in a trilogy about “a sizzling love affair” between a female veterinarian and a K9 officer in Arizona. Hoffman said the “Badge” trilogy books “are not typical K9 romantic-suspense books.” “They’re really contemporary romance,” she explained. “A couple of years ago, my

who is also a professional photographer who has worked with corporations like Pottery Barn and Avnet, Inc. “You need the negatives to develop.” Preece speaks in a soft voice, which some of her patients consider a calming mechanism. In fact, it is spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological disorder affecting the vocal cords. Former NPR host Diane Rehm was diagnosed with it in 1998. For many years, Preece consulted various doctors but wasn’t diagnosed until 2004 at Scottsdale’s Mayo Clinic. The disorder was life-changing. “I didn’t know what was going on with my voice. I used my voice daily for years in my professions; it was my identity,” recalled Preece, who worked in marketing and sales, event planning for large hotels, led aerobics classes and worked for a time as a radio announcer. “My voice was my lifeline. I literally had

�ee SHAW page 29

�ee PREECE page 29

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Armer Foundation for Kids seeks charity event sponsors

The first Armer Foundation for Kids Black Tie Gala and Dancing With The Stars is scheduled July 23 and the group is seeking sponsors. The foundation helps ease the financial burdens on families with children suffering chronic or life-changing medical conditions. When health insurance is not enough, the foundation assists with copays, premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. The foundation is now in its third year and is run by an all-volunteer organization of dedicated individuals. Sponsorships allow for pre- and post-event marketing opportunities by way of the thousands of dollars in advertising when businesses’ names and logos are included with the promotional materials that this event generates. Information: Jennifer Armer or Rebecca McElyea at 480-257-3254.

Couple opening boutique for domestic violence shelter

A local couple trying to raise $6 million for the first of a series of unique shelter complexes for victims of domestic abuse is opening a boutique in Ahwatukee to help spur fundraising. Shante and Sheri Saulsberry of Ahwatukee are slating a grand opening 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, June 19, of the Janice Vaincre Boutique at 4302 E. Ray Road, suite 107, and will be offering raffles, prizes, light refreshments and a selfie contest to mark the start of their venture. “I have decided that I need more of a stable donation drive coming in, especially when in kind donations do not come in or there’s no fundraisers going on. So, I decided to open a boutique in Ahwatukee,” explained Shante. Noting that she and Sheri also travel to other states to host women’s clothing drives, she said clothing donated to their nonprofit Janice’s Women’s Center will also be sold at the boutique. “The funds generated from the boutique will be sent to the nonprofit as a company donation monthly,” she added. “I’m excited, she said, noting the store is located next to two popular businesses, TruHit Fitness and The Buzz Goat. “Vaincre” is French for “overcome” and Shante said, “I picked a meaning for Janice and what we seek to accomplish with the women we come into connection with.”

Ahwatukee women’s club slates two meetings

Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors women’s group has two meetings set for this month. The first meeting, at 1 p.m. June 20, is a Zoom session with a program titled “Transition with Dignity for Seniors.” Carol Phillips, a senior real estate specialist and author of a book titled “Transitions with Dignity” will discuss how she equips, educates and inspires seniors and their families to make informed choices and empowered decisions concerning their future lifestyle goals. People in the planning stages or who need to make changes fast can seek her out to develop and implement a plan and a solution. Register at affanwomensgroup@gmail.com. An email will be sent the morning of the presentation with the Zoom link. At 11:30 a.m. June 28, the club will hold a Mexican buffet with a program titled “Foraging the Desert” by Kelly Athena. Athena will demonstrate how she forages local plants for food from back yards. There will be samples of Sonoran Desert foods. Kelly also teaches a foraging class at the Desert Botanical Garden. Cost of the buffet is $18. Email affanwomensgroup@gmail.com for instructions on registration, location and payment.

Monica Munoz State Farm Office seeks bottle water

The Monica Munoz State Farm Office at 4747 E. Elliot Road, Ahwatukee, is holding a month-long drive to help Cloud Covered Streets, which operates a mobile van with a shower that travels to various spots in the Valley. People can drop off donations of new underwear and bottled water at the Munoz office in the Safeway Plaza at 48th Street and Elliot Road. In addition, for every person who calls or drops by for a free quote, Monica Munoz State Farm will donate $10 to Cloud Covered Streets. Information: 480-7197814 (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

Whole lotta shakin’ will be goin’ on at Cactus Jacks

The “Proud American Summer Dance Party” will be held July 7 at Cactus Jacks in the Safeway Plaza and Elliot Road and 48th Street, Ahwatukee. Line dancing and lessons start at 6:30 p.m. and open dancing will start at 8 p.m. Patrons are encouraged to wear red, white and blue or summer themed outfits. There will be treats and raffles and there is a $5 cover charge. Information: Contact Carrie at dancemeetsfitness. net, 480-221-9090. 

Submit your releases to pmaryniak@ timespublications.com

After kids build boats out of recyclables and other materials at Cub Scout Pack 1878’s Raingutter Regatta, they’ll get a chance to test them out on a special two-lane track. (Courtesy of Pack 178)

Ahwatukee Club Pack 178 slates ‘Raingutter Regata’ AFN NEWS STAFF

hwatukee Cub Scout Pack 178 is planning an event that will introduce youngsters to its organization while engaging in a fun recycling event of sorts. The pack will hold a Raingutter Regatta 10 a.m.-noon at Western Star Park in Ahwatukee. Kids are encouraged to bring recyclables they can then use with various materials the pack has on hand to build boats. They’ll have a chance to test out the boats on a two-lane track while improving their designs and racing their friends. The pack welcomes anyone interested in learning about Scouting to come by and

check things out and participate. This is a good time to look into Scouting since activities are ramping up as the pandemic fades. Kids are encouraged to bring a parent along to help with any paperwork if they decide they want to join. The pack also will have a shaved ice truck on site from 11 a.m. to noon. Pack 178 has been serving the Ahwatukee community since 1980 and is open to boys and girls in grades K-5. The Pack runs a year-round program to teach life skills and build character in our youth. Anyone interested in learning more about Pack 178 can email join178@azpack178. com or come to the regatta event for additional information. 

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JUNE 16, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

PREECE from page 27

to start again,” said Preece. “Yet SD (spasmodic dysphonia) is what started me on my path to healing.” Preece spoke of “rough patches” following a divorce and then raising her three children as a single mother. “I went through some pretty dark times. Learning to manage my own emotions and realizing I needed to go back to school and get a master’s as a single mom in order to have other options for other professions. I received a scholarship for my masters program,” she said of the creative life, humanities and depth psychology degree she earned at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara. “While in school I realized that this was not only what I needed but other people needed to help them heal,” she said. “After graduation Blue J Way was born. I help people work through tough emotions in a creative way while helping them understand emotional health’s connection with the body.” Blue J Way Creative Healing services are professionally-priced, but Preece has a reason for offering the free classes to the community.

SHAW from page 27

nered good reviews from other romance novelists. For example, New York Times bestselling author Megan Hart raved, “Strong women and the men who love them and a deliciously emotional rollercoaster ride – these are the hallmarks of a Dorothy F. Shaw romance.” Adds her publisher: “Trusting the Badge” brings together a “woman with trust issues: and an “exasperatingly hot, funny, smart-ass K9 officer.” “The three books are tied together because all of the characters know each other, but they can also be read as standalone,” Hoffman said, noting that while her “Trusting the Badge” protagonists have been on the periphery in the previous “Badge” books, “everyone, including me, has been waiting to see what their story was to be.” The “Badge” books are only part of Hoffman’s repertoire. In all she has written 14 novels and novellas. She’s also writes “The Donnellys Series” and hopes to add her fourth novel in that line soon.

“COVID-19 has affected a lot of people’s finances or brought loss of family. The world has changed. I’ve been a strong supporter of RAK - random acts of kindness, and it’s something I practice. I have been given much by those around me, so over the years, I’ve tried to find community events to participate in or hold myself,” she explained. “So, I wanted people in the community to be able to attend these classes free of charge. RAK has helped me and my children get through life’s darkest moments. So, if I can be that light for someone else. I am happy to be.” When Preece quotes Ziad K. Abdelnour’s “Life is like Photography…,” she knows of what she speaks. “My family moved to Saipan, an island in Micronesia, when I was 12. It was there that photography entered my life. I was so mad at my parents for taking me away from everything I knew and thought I loved,” she said. “After being angry and upset, my dad said to me, ‘Jenn, you can either look at the negative and all the things you’re mad at and keep hitting your head against a brick wall OR you can choose to find the posi-

Along with her novels, she also writes a blog and poetry. Hoffman got started writing 12 years ago as a result of the HBO series “True Blood,” which introduced her to the books the show is based on. She started reading the books by Charlaine Harris “and it became a wonderful escape.” “I was lost the fun and fantasy of it all,” Hoffman said. “I’m a fan of a happy ending, a hopeless romantic, but more so, I’m a fan of the angst that can be real life. “If fiction, no matter which genre, is written properly, a reader can relate it to their life. Lessons can be learned from it. And it can show a person a world they didn’t think possible.” She met authors in person and online and “with their encouragement, I started writing poetry in 2009. The poems led me to short stories, which led to novellas and then novels.” All that time she also was in the midst of a 25-year corporate career in the banking industry as director of technology and quality assurance – until she decided about a year ago to become a small-busi-

tives.’ I decided I was tired of hitting my head against the brick wall. “We bought several of those disposable cameras as well as a regular camera and I started focusing on the beauty of the Island. The differences of the culture and people and seeing those as unique and wonderful. Little did I know photography would be a passion and a career that saved me during the darkest moments of my life.” She was a professional photographer for 20 years and recently published a photography book, “Sunrise. Sunset. Repeat.” One of her Instagram accounts remains an outlet for her photography. “I use @creative_adventuristsfamily as my therapy, and love that I can use my photography talents again on a smaller scale,” said Preece. “I also love teaching my clients the art of photography as well.” From her youth, Preece has traveled the world. Her undergrad work was at the University of Utah in recreation management and travel and tourism. “I’ve been to 46 states and hope to get to all 50 by the age of 50, a lifelong dream of mine. I’ve also been to 19 countries in-

ness owner and open the CBD store at 4802 E. Ray Road. “The business is slowly but surely making its climb,” she said. “Of course, new businesses take time to grow and be profitable, and opening one in the middle of the pandemic can make that even harder but I’m confident we’ll get there.” Some might reach for the CBD just looking at her writing regime. “The only way to do this is with a routine and then discipline,” Hoffman said. “For nearly 10 years, I wrote five to six nights a week, sometimes seven if on deadline…I also have kids. I would sit down to write at about 10 p.m. each night and write until around 1:30-2 a.m. “Fortunately, I worked from home, so I was able to sleep until at least 8 a.m. each day and then start work. Needless to say, after 10 years of that, I was tired. But the only reason I was able to maintain that at all and was able to put out 14 published works, was because I was determined and disciplined. “You sit in the chair and write, no matter how you feel. If you want it bad enough, you do it. And let’s just say, I wanted it bad enough, so I did it.”

cluding an internship in Japan.” The monthly Ahwatukee classes were the result of LivGenerations Ahwatukee’s Senior Leasing Director Sheri Simpson’s desire to offer grief coping classes. The Tuk Urban Kafe is a popular eatery and coffee house in the main building. “I wanted to start grief sessions, but I wanted something a bit different so when I learned more about Jenny and Blue J Way, I asked her if we could partner together,” said Simpson. “These monthly meetings are open to the public though they need to make reservations by phoning me.” Attendees can join at any time as long as they reserve ahead. For more information on Jenny Preece and her services, see BlueJCreativeHealing.org or phone 480-656-8385. Preece and Blue J Way are also on Facebook and can be followed on Instagram:@ bluejcreativehealing and @creative_adventuristsfamily . The latter has photos of her life in Saipan. To reserve a space at the Healing with Purpose classes in the Tuk Urban Kafe, phone Sheri Simpson at LivGenerations Ahwatukee at 480-800-7304.  Now that she has the store, she hopes to be able to write during the day between customers – someday. “So far, I haven’t been able to, but as things get more settled at the store, I’ll be able to give that some time…and again, it’ll come down to discipline.” While she writes both fiction and nonfiction, Hoffman – whose favorite author is J.R. Ward – admits a love-hate relationship with writing. “All in all, writing in general, whether it be fiction or non-fiction, is the hardest thing I have ever done,” she said. “There are times when I think I have no more stories in me, and then times when I think, I will always write. I can’t not do it. Writing opened up something inside of me that can’t ever be shut off again. And I’m okay with that.” “Trusting the Badge,” published by Kensington Publishing Corp., will be released June 15 at bit.ly/TTB-Amzn and bit. ly/TTB-BN. For a backlist of her work: bit.ly/DFShawBooks; her blog is at magicmagnifyingmind.blogspot.com and her store is at cbdrx4u.com/find-us/arizona/Ahwatukee. 

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

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New restaurant here offers fruits of several seas BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

s the mind starts drifting to thoughts of San Diego – or even beaches along the East Coast – a new Ahwatukee restaurant is offering locals something that may rank close to ocean breezes – like blue crabs, soft shell crabs, nine to 15 kinds of seasonal fresh fish and shrimp and scallops. Ahwatukee residents James and Yolanda Brown recently opened the Chesapeake Bay Bistro at 5033 Elliot Road in the former space of Fresko Mediterranean Kitchen, which closed during the pandemic. The restaurant culminates a long-held dream of the Browns, who for about twoand-a-half years have been running a seafood catering business of the same name but had yearned to expand it to a brickand-mortar operation as well. It also marks a personal triumph for James, who recently beat prostate cancer. That and the pandemic got him think-

Yolanda and James Brown last week opened Chesapeake Bay Bistro at 5033 E. Elliot Road. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

ing, he said, “You know what? This has been a dream of mine, a vision I’ve had, and I think it’s time to bring it to fruition.” “My wife and I were sitting up and she was like, ‘you’ve been talking about it,

we’ve been talking about it, let’s just do it.’ So we decided to do it.” Having lived much of their 38 years of married life in San Diego, the couple moved here a little more than four years

ago for Penske Auto Group, for which he was a sales manager and is still a sales manager for Audi. They were already empty nesters, their three children now adults. James has some restaurant industry in his DNA: both his mother and grandmother owned several restaurants in Virginia, including one that specialized in Southern cuisine and another in seafood. That legacy and their former life in San Diego gave birth to James’ idea for Chesapeake Bay Bistro. “I combined the East Coast where I grew up and the West Coast where I met my wife 38 years ago,” he said. The concept of Chesapeake Bay Bistro gives patrons a lot of choices. First, they choose their entree, then pick from six different kinds of marinade and then pick from five different kinds of preparation – sandwich, salad, plate, taco or à la carte. They also have appetizers from the sea, including fried calamari, crab cakes, mus-

�ee SEAFOOD page 32

As guests return, resorts hunt for more workers BY KRISTINE CANNON AFN Staff Writer

s COVID-19 mandates lift, Scottsdale resorts are gradually seeing occupancy rates go up week-overweek – a trend that began in April. But while their restaurants and pools are hosting crowds not seen since prepandemic times, resorts are facing quite the opposite situation behind the scenes: a shortage of staff. Over the past few months, resorts of all sizes in recent weeks have held hiring fairs to fill vacant positions. And getting back furloughed employees hasn’t been easy. “Beginning in March of last year, we saw a dramatic increase in cancellations and the phones essentially stopped ringing,” recalled Shane Sarlo, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa Resort manager. “As a leadership team, we decided not

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa has managed to bounce back to over 90 percent of their pre-COVID staffing levels. (Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa) to close the resort, however, we did ultimately have to place the majority of our staff on furlough.”

At one point, Sarlo said, Sanctuary went from more than 400 employees to fewer than 30.

According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Arizona hotels shed more than 25 percent of their employees last year, with job losses across local hotels totaling more than 15,000. By the end of this year, however, AHLA estimates that the total number of hotel employees will rise a few thousand, from 43,445 people in 2020 to 46,037 – well below the 2019 total of almost 59,000 workers. AHLA said Arizona’s 2021 projected losses in hotel workers, compared to 2019, will be the 13th highest in the nation. “Hotels were one of the first industries affected by the pandemic after travel was forced to a virtual halt in early 2020, and it will be one of the last to recover,” AHLA’s report states. Overall, AHLA predicts that hotels will add 200,000 direct hotel operations jobs in

�ee HOTELS page 32

BUSINESS

SEAFOOD from page 31

sels, crab claws, and sides like garlic noodles and seafood stuffing, fries, corn on the cob, hush puppies and others. Being able to pick from this array represents what he calls “the Southern California approach” to seafood restaurants while the east coast is represented by the availability of blue crab, James said. “I give the consumer a little bit more interactive ownership of their meal,” he explained. “And you know you’re getting it cooked to order because we can’t precook it and leave it in a basket.” And, all his product is fresh, caught the previous day and flown here by early morning. Through the catering business, he said, “I’ve built some relationships with different suppliers, some really great suppliers and I know some fishermen that fish off

HOTELS from page 31

2021 but will remain nearly 500,000 jobs below the industry’s pre-pandemic employment level of 2.3 million employees. Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale held a hiring event in May to fill more than 120 positions. The resort had furloughed 312 employees last year. Overall, Great Wolf Lodge hopes to rehire 2,000 new employees across its 16 U.S.-based resorts. “We recognize the pandemic has created a number of employment challenges nationwide,” said Bryan Robinson, Chief People Officer for Great Wolf Resorts. “We’re pleased to expand our hiring efforts and offer some exciting career opportunities as more families look for the type of fun, safe getaway Great Wolf Lodge provides.” To get prospective employees through the door, some resorts are offering incentives. The Phoenician, for example, held a hiring event last month and offered a $500 sign-on bonus to full- and part-time new hires. Phoenician Managing Director Mark Vinciguerra believes it impacted the turnout. “I definitely feel that it has an impact,” Vinciguerra said. “It speaks to the investment that we’re making, that they know that we want them to be here. We’re willing to invest the time and energy to get them trained properly.” The Phoenician had about 60 position open at the start of the hiring event, ranging from grounds and landscaping posi-

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

the coast of California to where I’m able to get fresh fish from them.” His catering business also offers the same variety of choice not only in food but in occasions. They cater everything from private parties at home to larger office gatherings and offer a pop-up bistro – a portable grill with an iced display of raw fish and other seafood that guests can select from and watch it cooked. “We bring a nice display case like you see in the supermarket,” he explained. “People walk up and they see the salmon or halibut, or order shrimp right there. They can say, ‘I want a shrimp taco.’ ‘I want blackened fish’ or ‘I want a shrimp sandwich. “So, we bring the full experience of being in our restaurant.” While James takes care of outside marketing, Yolanda handles front off the house and customer interaction. James does some

of the cooking but his sister-in-law, Zandra Vaughn, is the fulltime chef, bringing to Ahwatukee the skills she learned training and working as a chef in San Diego. James is proud of the fact that she has “worked in the finer restaurants and hotels in San Diego, La Jolla and Del Mar.” Asked about the challenges they faced in starting a restaurant – particularly as the pandemic still hangs around a bit – James candidly replied: “One of the main challenges that I had to overcome was myself, you know? I think I’m like most people. You have a passion or a dream of something. And then, you know, we put that fear, that self-doubt in front of ourselves – which limits us. “I had to overcome my self doubt and fear of going out there and doing it. So, once I believed in myself and said, ‘You know what, you can do it; get out there. Don’t worry about a guaranteed paycheck or whatever.’

The Phoenician is among Scottsdale resorts currently still hiring across all departments. (The Phoenician)

tions to culinary, housekeeping, spa positions and more. According to Vinciguerra, the hiring event was successful. They filled about half of the full-time, part-time and seasonal positions they were hiring for. “A lot of people showed interest in the resort so, I was encouraged by that,” Vinciguerra said. Sanctuary, on the other hand, is back to more than 90 percent of its pre-COVID staffing levels – “which is not typical of what is being seen in the industry, overall,” Sarlo said. He isn’t wrong. While the industry expects to gain jobs this year, it won’t reach pre-pandemic levels until 2023, AHLA believes. Sanctuary was initially challenged with finding line-level staff, like housekeep-

ing and stewarding, but then reevaluated their starting pay rates in an effort to entice staff back to work. “Many were still receiving unemployment benefits or did not feel comfortable coming back into the workplace. We also improved some of our additional benefits, including complimentary employee meals, incentives, bonuses, and more,” Sarlo said. Phoenician managers attribute part of the difficulty of rehiring to former employees moving out of state or starting entirely different careers. This has led the resort to shift its focus on hiring new people. “We’ve put a lot of time and energy into that,” Vinciguerra said. “And overall, the job fair went well and met our expectations.” Sanctuary has around 50 job openings across all divisions, but more predomi-

“It’s what most Americans go through – you’re going out on that limb. And the only way you’re going to get that berry is to go out on that limb. So I decided to take the chance.” He credits Yolanda with giving him that extra jolt of self-confidence following his fight with prostate cancer, saying she encouraged him and reminded him that life is too short not to take a chance on turning one’s personal dream into reality. Though their location is small, it still offers dine-in as well as takeout service. And because some of their fare is seasonal, James said the time to grab some blue crabs or soft-shell crabs is now. For novices, he advises that most Arizonans are accustomed to Dungeness crab and they’ll find the blue crab “a little bit sweeter.” To check out their menu: chesapeakebaybistro.com or call 480 590-3065.  nately in their spa, room and food and beverage divisions. Both resorts are confident the industry will bounce back as business and group travelers make their return to resorts. “We believe it’ll come back in stages,” Vinciguerra said. “We have seen so much leisure travel these first four or five months of the year. “We think the next big segment that’s going to come back – and it’s probably sometime in the fall – is group business,” Vinciguerra continued, adding that group business comprises at least half of the Phoenician’s business. Vinciguerra said fall is critical to hotel industry recovery. “If [group] business returns, then that would be a very good signal that we’re on our way to recovery,” he said. But as the industry recovers, Sarlo believes that hotels and resorts will need to adjust their internal culture to provide more workforce values. “Gone are the days when managers were expected to work a minimum of 55 hours a week. Today’s hospitality employees want richer benefits, a better work/life balance and to feel as if they have more ownership and control in their roles,” Sarlo said. “We continue be on the forefront of changing some of the ‘old school’ mentalities about what it means to have a meaningful and fulfilling career in hospitality and strive to continue to be the best place to work in the Scottsdale area.” Information: thephoenician.com, sanctuaryoncamelback.com 

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You can help control spread of invasive plants BY ANDY LENARTZ AFN Guest Writer

ne of the most significant threats facing our Sonoran Desert environment is the spread of invasive species. Two particularly insidious invasive plants are the related buffelgrass and fountain grass. These plants monopolize the limited available desert water supply and in doing so kill off other competing plants in the surrounding area, starting with smaller grasses, bushes, and cacti and eventually killing off larger trees and even saguaro by choking off access to water for other plants in the area. Once established, these invasive plants are difficult to eliminate. They reproduce rapidly and quickly and can thrive in severe environmental conditions, making it a challenge to remove the plants once established. In

noran Desert, as there was limited fuel to burn. With the spread of these plants, however, fires in the desert environment have become more frequent and destructive. Summer visitors to Flagstaff may have observed the ever-increasing closures of the I-17 freeway due to brush fires. These invasive The Desert Botanical Garden lists fountain grass as a dangerously inplants are what vasive plant that should never be used in landscaping. (Special to AFN) is burning duraddition to destruction of native plants, ing the fires, as the plants thrive along buffelgrass and fountain grass present a roads and provide ample fuel for fires. If significant fire hazard. buffelgrass and fountain grass continue Prior to the spread of these plants, fire to spread unimpeded in the Phoenix area, was not a significant risk factor in the So- fires will become a risk for many parks

and communities. The City of Phoenix is taking steps to prevent fountain grass and buffelgrass spread in city parks, including South Mountain Park, and removing the grasses when present. This is challenging and time consuming as eradicated areas must be monitored for a year or longer after removal because the seeds can lay dormant and reappear. Currently, the spread of these plants is limited in most areas of South Mountain Park but is more extensive in other city parks such as North Mountain Park and the Sonoran Desert Preserve. There are several things you can do to help prevent the further spread of buffelgrass and fountain grass: 1) Attend training on proper invasive plant removal through the city of Phoenix or the Desert Botanical Garden. The Park Steward Program is a great way to access this training and help with the removal of

ing, transportation, and any number of individual needs. Part of post-release may include partnering with local community organizations, such as the Phoenix Rescue Mission, which has served the community for nearly 70 years, connecting people to the resources and services they need to deal with life-controlling issues. This partnership includes offering residential recovery programs for men, women, and mothers with children up to 12 for a year or more. The Mission has proven programs for the homeless and those with addiction issues, and its goal is to provide tools so those who are often invisible or cast out can begin again. Through this partnership between GEO and Phoenix Rescue Mission, CoC participants can access a program that

provides housing, counseling services, assistance with transportation, clothes, shelter, health care, and workforce development programs. Our missions are similar: to ensure those we work with don’t end up back in prison. We wish to see them thriving and contributing members of society. Recidivism doesn’t disappear overnight. Rehabilitation programs are crucial to positive outcomes following incarceration and in providing support and motivation. These programs take money, resources, and faith in one another. Success relies on making the right choices, but that requires focus and additional support. It is much more difficult to maintain

�ee LENARTZ page 35

Partnership helps inmates re-enter society

BY PAMELA MORRISON AND BLANCA OCHOA AFN Guest Writers

verybody deserves a second chance and to feel like they’ve got somebody who believes in them. This is especially true after incarceration. The GEO Group partnership with the Phoenix Rescue Mission strives to break down barriers to successful reentry and invests time and resources to help former offenders become contributing members of their communities. Returning to society after serving one’s sentence presents common and unique challenges, which is why it is critical to equip those individuals with specific tools to address these challenges they may face upon release. The GEO Group, a corrections and re-

habilitation contractor, offers a proven program for inmate rehabilitation and reentry named “The Continuum of Care (CoC),” which begins while in custody and continues post-release. CoC offers educational, substance abuse, cognitive behavioral thinking, vocational training, and essential life skills to those who wish to take part. Participants are engaged in an effort to better prepare themselves for life outside of prison. Before release, a case manager works with inmates to understand their specific needs and situation upon release. The program continues post-release with case management, support services, and a support network. GEO offers voluntary 24/7 support and a post-release case manager who can assist with employment assistance, hous-

�ee INMATES page 35

OPINION

JUNE 16, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

LENARTZ from page 34

invasive plants. cop.samaritan.com/custom/501/opp_details/921 2) Educate your neighbors and HOA about the risk posed by fountain grass in particular. Often sold as infertile, the Desert Botanical Garden has identified that fountain grass can still pollinate and spread from related plants and should never be used as a decorative plant in the Phoenix area. 3) With a level of comfort in identifying these plants, pulling out immature plants before they are established is the most effective method of limiting the spread. Please make sure to complete a training course or work with someone knowledge-

INMATES from page 34

the focus necessary for success after prison without partnerships like those between GEO and the Phoenix Rescue Mission. They have proven to reduce recidivism rates, while providing a support network to strengthen the safety net so no one is left out when released from incarceration.

able about these plants to ensure you are clear on identification and not removing similar-looking native plants. By working together, we can act now to limit what will become a serious and damaging environmental issue in decades to come. Several parks in the Tucson area, including Saguaro National Park, have reached the point of spread where fountain grass and buffelgrass have become impossible to eradicate and are eliminating native plants in wide areas of the parks. Fires have resulted with more certain to follow in future years. By acting now, we can avoid a similar fate for South Mountain Park and our communities. Ahwatukee resident Andy Lenartz is an avid hiker and mountain biker.  Pamela Morrison is the Community Relationship Officer for the Phoenix Rescue Mission. She assists in connecting services to her clients who have need in the community. Blanca Ochoa has over 30 years of experience working in Corrections, and currently serves as the Facility Administrator for GEO Group at Phoenix West Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility. 

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Section 7 basketball tournament returns after year away BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

ection 7, a major summer high school basketball tournament featuring several in- and out-of-state programs will make its return after more than a year after the pandemic forced last year’s cancellation. The event is scheduled to tip off June 18 and run through June 20 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. “I think I’m just excited for these kids,” said Matt King, the executive director of the Arizona Basketball Coaches Association. “I think this tournament is something kids look forward to. They’ve gone through so much over the last year or two, so I’m thrilled for them to have the opportunity to do this again.” Before it halted operations last summer, Section 7 had planned to transform State Farm Stadium into a major basketball venue, equipped with 12 courts on

the concrete underneath the retractable football �ield. King said the tournament will cater to 160 teams from 12 states this time around, some coming from as far as Washington to compete. Fans will be allowed to sit in stadium seats to take in as many as 12 games per hour. Some of Arizona’s top programs will also take part in Section 7. Mountain Pointe, which lost in the 6A championship last winter will play along with its Ahwatukee rival, Desert Vista. Hamilton, which made the semi�inals last season will also take part along with other Chandler schools, including Basha, Casteel, Chandler and Valley Christian. Gilbert, the 2019 5A champion and semi�inal team last season will take part in the three-day tournament with Campo Verde, Highland, Higley, Mesquite, Perry and San Tan Charter. Mesa will also be well-represented with the likes of Dobson, Mesa and Red

Section 7, a major summer high school basketball tournament featuring several in- and out-ofstate programs will make its return after more than a year after the pandemic forced last year’s cancellation. (Courtesy Section 7)

Mountain. Scottsdale schools include Chaparral, Desert Mountain, Notre Dame, Rancho Solano Prep, Saguaro and Scottsdale Christian. “The summer exists for high school teams to get better and to get a feel for

each other,” King said. “It’s also an opportunity for them to learn how to compete and how to be coached. Section 7 is an opportunity to elevate that and let col-

�� SECTION 7 �� 37

Thunder, Pride reaping bene�its of full football offseason BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

everal East Valley football programs, including both Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe, may have thought of last year’s shortened season as a mulligan due to the ongoing pandemic forcing in-season cancellations and strict restrictions. The Thunder and Pride were kept off the �ield throughout the spring and weren’t able to begin light workouts outside with no equipment until they were alFirst-year Desert Vista head football coach Ty Wisdom has used the spring ready well into the summer. The and summer to build chemistry with his players, a luxury he wouldn’t have season was delayed as a result been able to do a year ago due to the pandemic. (Zach Alvira/AFN Staff) but with a slew of �irst-year var-

sity players for Desert Vista and a new coaching staff for Mountain Pointe, the pandemic didn’t allow for the establishment of team chemistry like in year’s past. This season, however, has been vastly different despite more changes to both programs. “I can’t imagine not having an offseason again,” �irst-year Desert Vista coach Ty Wisdom said. “It’s still been different. We had to chase some kids who weren’t able to make it in the spring, but we have been really trying to spend time with them and build that trust.” Desert Vista hired Wisdom as its third-ever head football coach

after Dan Hinds announced his retirement after 19 years leading the program. Wisdom spent the last three years leading the Horizon program to an Open Division appearance in 2019 and playoffs the year before. In 2020, the Wisdom-led Huskies dealt with their fair share of cancellations due to COVID-19 cases within the program. It forced them to miss two total games and as a result, they �inished the year 3-3 and missed the condensed playoffs. Hired in December, Wisdom was able to get an early start

�� FOOTBALL �� 37

SPORTS

JUNE 16, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

SECTION 7 �� 36

lege coaches watch it. The way we put this together, we try to make it as competitive and team-oriented as possible.” The tournament provides an opportunity for teams to gauge where they are before of�icial practices begin next school year. Programs typically compete in various tournaments all throughout the sum-

FOOTBALL �� 36

during offseason workouts with a Thunder football program that went 0-6 in 2020. He was able to establish the Thunder’s new motto, “all gas, no breaks,” and put together a coaching staff mixed with old and new members of the program. Most importantly, they’ve been able to establish an identity on the �ield with equipment. Last year, Tempe Union schools were denied the ability to use footballs until the second phase of the district’s returnto-play plan. That phase came in August, the normal start time for of�icial practices and games. “We started spring ball pretty early so I feel like we might be ahead of some programs,” Desert Vista junior quarterback Jackson Akins said. “It’s been critical for us. We would go out and practice and then hit the weight room. That’s really helped us improve.” The dif�icult and at times, harsh, restrictions set forth by the district last spring made it dif�icult for Mountain Pointe head coach Eric Lauer to get a feel for his players and their mindset in the midst of a pandemic that challenged the mental health of young athletes. He was just a couple of months into his tenure as head coach but already was forced to build chemistry with his players through a computer screen rather than face to face. It led to some setbacks within the program, which ultimately resulted in a 1-7 season. However, the Pride’s lone win came in the regular-season �inale against Desert Vista. In many ways, that win set the foundation for what Lauer at the time hoped would be as close to a “normal” offsea-

mer months with returning and, at times, new players. Especially in settings like Section 7, it also provides an opportunity for local programs to measure themselves against elite programs from other parts of the country. Mater Dei, Bishop O’Dowd and Crossroads from California, as well as Washington power Eastside Catholic, will all take part in the tournament.

With a large number of talented players under one roof, King expects several college coaches to attend. “We are very fortunate Division I coaches are able to attend,” King said. “This event is a really big deal to high school programs and it’s also fun for the community to come out and watch.” For more information about Section 7: az.nhsbca.org/section-seven. Tickets will

Mountain Pointe football coach Eric Lauer was finally able to have a full offseason with his players after he was hired just before teams shut down due to the emergence of the coronavirus last year. (Zach Alvira/AFN Staff) son as possible. That ultimately came to fruition as restrictions were lightened throughout the second semester and the Pride were able to hit the �ield early in the spring. But perhaps the most important outcome of being able to conduct an actual offseason workout regimen was the Pride’s ability to lift weights as a team. “The weight room is a huge part,” Lauer said. “Especially with kids not being outside as much right now, that’s where you can compete. Track was huge for us because we had a lot of our kids out there and it allowed us to recondition the body but most of their growth came from our workouts.”

Like Desert Vista, Mountain Pointe dealt with new additions to the varsity roster in the form of transfers. Several athletes from the Phoenix Union district, which initially canceled the fall sports season then proceeded with a three-game schedule for each program in November, made the move to Mountain Pointe to play in as many games as possible. It took time for them to become acquainted with the rest of the team. They leaned upon the likes of Alhambra transfer Jaden Crockett for guidance, who was voted captain in his �irst and only year with the Pride. But it’s been the 2022 class that has taken over and led Mountain

Have an interesting sports story?

Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.

be available on the days of the tournament. Day passes are $15 and three-day packages $30. “It’s Father’s Day weekend,” King said. “Would you rather sit outside in 115-degree heat or watch a ton of basketball in the same venue the Final Four will be in? To me, it’s a no-brainer and I don’t think there is a more affordable, family-oriented event going on that weekend.” 

Pointe throughout the spring and into the early summer months. Overall, they’re already seeing improvement in their play during tournaments. “We’ve just been building our chemistry,” senior wide receiver Jordan Huff said. “Last year we couldn’t throw the ball to each other. Coach has been calling a bunch of different plays and we can actually spread the ball around. It’s been great for us. I think we have turned into a solid passing team.” Both teams �igure to be much-improved compared to the dif�icult seasons both insured last year. But both coaches admit there is still plenty of work to be done. Desert Vista continues to learn a virtually new offense and defense while the Pride look to solidify their identity with Lauer at the helm. Both of those won’t be quick overnight �ixes. They will take time. However, every player has bought in to their respective systems and recognize the amount of work it will take to get to where they want to be. Much of that stems from their pure joy and excitement to have a somewhat normal offseason again. At this point, that’s all each coach can ask for. “I like the effort, they all come out here and work,” Wisdom said. “About 95 percent of our kids didn’t miss a spring practice. At the end of the day, you’re going to go out and win with the guys that want to be here.” “People have always taken the offseason for granted even though that’s where you build your team and see what you have for the following year,” Lauer added about his program. “Last year, we didn’t have that. But to see them complete tasks and reach goals together this offseason, I think it means a lot.” 

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Queen Creek Olive Mill a ‘fun little experience’ BY ANNIKA TOMLIN GetOut Staff

erry Rea visited his parents in Arizona and fell in love with the slew of olive trees growing near their home. “We went back to Bloom�ield Hills,” said Rea, about the Michigan town in which he lived. “We were at an Irish pub and my wife looked at me and said, ‘Hey, why don’t we make extra virgin olive oil in Arizona?’” That simple question eventually led to the now-successful Queen Creek Olive Mill, w h i c h

was founded by retired automotive parts chief executive of�icer, Rea and his wife, Brenda, in 2005. They packed up their four kids – and one on the way – 23 years ago. “Our business model is agrotourism or ‘agrotainment,’” Rea said. “We’re a farm and our tagline is ‘from blossom to bottle.’” Rea doesn’t solely categorize his business as a farm or a restaurant. Rather he calls it “an experience” that involves people “coming here to learn everything about extra virgin olive oil. We’re making an overall presentation of what extra virgin olive oil is.” The Queen Creek location houses the olive mill farm. Staff works there, too, packing products, while guests shop in the market. Dining and events are hosted outside. Tours of the grounds are available.

�� OLIVE �� 40

As socializing resumes, the Queen Creek Olive Mill is hoping more people will be coming out for a fun afternoon. (Special to GetOut)

Authority Zero performing Friday at the Marquee BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

uthority Zero has never been called “negative.” Even during a pandemic, they kept their collective chin up, put their heads down and wrote what could be called their career album. Set for release in June, Authority Zero’s album “Ollie Ollie Oxen Free” takes a line from hide and seek to encourage fans to leave the COVID-19 depression behind and celebrate life. During the pandemic, singer Jason DeVore saw families torn apart by political views and COVID-19. Now that the divide has somewhat subsided, it’s time to come out and be yourself again. “The phrasing in the title track stems from the idea of ‘come out, come out, wherever you are,’” says DeVore, who cowrites with bassist Michael Spero. “It encourages a focus on the positive side of 2020, while still maintaining

Now that it has released a new album, Authority Zero will be performing Friday at the Marquee Theatre. (Special to GetOut) awareness of the hardships and detri-

ment of it all. People have been trapped

within themselves, depressed inside of their houses and otherwise. We’ve been separated both politically and mentally between the left and right, which is very apparent. It’s a focus of come out, feel free and feel a sense of con�idence to live with an unheavy heart and mind again.” Authority Zero will preview those songs at the Marquee Theatre on Friday, June 18. Fans will hear the title track rattling cages with DeVore’s encouraging lyrics, the frenetic blur of Christopher Dalley’s drumming and Spero’s bass, coupled with muscular guitar licks true to the playing style of new guitarist Eric Walsh. Authority Zero brought along a few friends for the ride — Iagri Shuhei from Japan’s HEY-SMITH on “Ear to Ear,” while Pennywise’s Jim Lindberg guests on “Don’t Tear Me Down.” For “Ollie Ollie Oxen Free,” Authority Zero broke from tradition and returned

�� AUTHORITY ZERO �� 40

GET OUT

OLIVE �� 39

Rea’s staff show how the company makes its olive oils, balsamic vinegars and other products. “Everything is from scratch,” Rea said. “We try to grow as much as we can that we serve to people or that we put in our olive oil and our vinegars.” Eight years ago, Rea expanded his company by opening a store within the Marketplace at Kierland Commons. “I would have to say (the Scottsdale location) is an olive oil, vinegar marketplace on steroids because it has everything that we have (in Queen Creek) including all of our local products and a full range of wines,” Rea said. “It’s a fun little experience too.” Queen Creek Olive Mill sells an abundance of olive oils, vinegars, stuffed ol-

Queen Creek Olive Mill

25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek 480.888.9290 queencreekolivemill.com

Scottsdale Marketplace 7122 E. Greenway Parkway, Suite 120, Scottsdale 480.361.9860 queencreekolivemill.com

AUTHORITY ZERO �� 39

to producer Cameron Webb (Sum 41, Pennywise, A Day to Remember, Motörhead, Megadeth). Webb last worked with Authority Zero on 2013’s “The Tipping Point.” “Working with a guy like Cameron is great because he’s just as invested in the writing process and the music in general as you are, the artist,” Spero says. “He was writing in there with us. It felt like having a �ifth member for a little while.” That “�ifth member” enhanced the music and lyrics of Spero and DeVore, who hunkered down for three months during the pandemic’s grip to hash out the songs for “Ollie Ollie Oxen Free.” The two were committed to the lyrics, melodies and music — until Webb came along. That’s not a

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

ives, tapenades, sauces, pantry items as well as bath and body products called Olivespa, created by Brenda. “It’s a cool product line, too, and it’s one of the fastestgrowing segments on our business — it’s bath and body products,” Rea said. “Starting in October, we are going to open our �irst Olivespa store in the Epicenter at Agritopia in Gilbert.” Olivespa’s products range from face oils and olive oil soaps to lip and foot balms, and dog shampoo. “Her body oils and her face oils are very popular,” Rea said. “Everything is made with high polyphenol olive oil so it’s very healthy products.” The No. 1 seller is the extra virgin olive oil “followed closely by our balsamic vinegars that we craft here in Arizona,” according to Rea. “Things like our �ig balsamics, and strawberry balsamics (come second),” Rea said. “The extra virgin olive oils are always No. 1, followed by the Meyer lemon olive oil and the garlic olive oil; things that are very useful in the kitchen and are easy to use.”

bad thing, Spero says. “We ended up with different lyrical content than we had originally decided,” Spero says. “Jason sends a type of message that he’s always looking at the positive side of things and challenges his listeners to grow in that way. Cameron was able to go in there and push it further.” Webb brought the best out of Dalley, too, by letting him unleash his inner Keith Moon, who, ironically, is one of his heroes. The song “Ollie Ollie Oxen Free” was written around one of Dalley’s drum ideas. Spero was so inspired that he penned the music overnight. “I had been told by other producers to simply — keep it simple, stupid,” says Dalley, whose son is named after Moon. “He told me to play the weirdest stuff I could

Rea’s personal favorite is the robust olive oil that gives off a “nice peppery, grassy �lavor and it’s made with primarily green olives so it’s a really nice oil.” “When it comes to my vinegars, I would have to say my favorite — believe it or not — but my white balsamic,” Rea said. “I know it doesn’t sound quite that exciting but it’s a really good complementary product when you are making a salad dressing. “When it comes to something more fun, I would probably have to say my habanero from Hell Stuffed Olives.” Since opening in 2005, Rea said one of the toughest parts about being in the agrotourism industry is “listening to your customer and understanding your business.” “Everything is hard, but you have to understand what you are doing and understand what the end results needs to be and you got to have fun doing it,” Rea said. “My favorite part about being in this industry is just watching people come here and they walk up to me, and they say, ‘Wow, this is so neat.’ That’s just very

think of. He told me to go off where necessary. That was something I never experienced as a drummer before.” Formerly of Pour Habit, Walsh is the latest addition to Authority Zero, having come into the band’s fold in February. He’s never been far, however. Authority Zero took Walsh’s �irst band out on its �irst national tour. At age 18, he hung out in his van while Authority Zero hit the stage inside of legendary venues like Club Rio in Tempe, Arizona. DeVore, Spero and Dalley knew Walsh was the one — right then and there — during auditions. With its updated sound, “Ollie Ollie Oxen Free” �its in with Authority Zero’s catalog, DeVore says. “It’s more of the times of 2020,” he says.

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

ful�illing.” While businesses closed when the pandemic began in March 2020, Queen Creek Olive Mill stayed open. “Because we were categorized as a gourmet grocer, we were allowed to stay open,” Rea said. “We started to bring in bulk �lour, bulk eggs, bulk rice, beans all kinds of things and putting them in smaller packages and we started selling that. “We morphed into a little bit of a grocery store with everything that people were looking for but couldn’t �ind.” Rea considers himself lucky because nearby residents were sticking around, so the business �lourished last year. He attributes that, as well, to the increase of rooftops around Queen Creek. In the next 18 months, Rea hopes to expand the mill to make it “a little more customer friendly.” “We’ve been very fortunate, and we continue to be very fortunate,” he said. As mask mandates diminish and COVID-19 cases subside, Rea hopes to bring back popular festivals celebrating the corn season and the garlic week in September around harvesting season. “I guess the biggest thing is that we are going to get back to where we were before, running smaller festivals so we can have a crowd come in although we still have a ton of crowds coming in, so I’m not too worried,” Rea said. 

“We really tried to focus more on the positive side of things that came from the pandemic, rather than the negative that came out of it. “We in�lect lyrics and music in an uplifting manner. We wanted to shine a light at the end of the tunnel.” 

If You Go...

What: Authority Zero w/Madd Dog Tannen and Miles to Nowhere When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 18 Where: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe Cost: Tickets start at $25; 13 and older Info: luckymanonline.com

JUNE 16, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Let’s get your Watering System working again! System Checks • Drip Checks FREE ESTIMATES! CALL 24 HOURS 25 Yrs Exp. I Do All My Own Work! Call Mark

480.295.2279 Referred out of Ewing Irrigation Not a licensed contractor.

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED!

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

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

Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon

Not a Licensed Contractor

Painting

Landscape/Maintenance

480-217-0407

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

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

Specials

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

SONORAN LAWN

480-745-5230

Get Your Lawn Ready For Spring!

Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450

High Quality Results TRIM TREES ALL TYPES GRAVEL - PAVERS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS Complete Clean Ups

Jose Martinez Not a licensed contractor.

602.515.2767

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

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

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

480.844.9765

★ Epoxy Floors

SUN TECH

PAINTING INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

Visit us at Suntechpaintingaz.com or view our video promo at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM5pbvpZJlg

602.625.0599 ROC #155380 Family Owned • Free Estimates

★ Small Job Specialist

License #ROC 298736

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

theplugman.com

Arizona Specialty Landscape

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789

480-940-8196

ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

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

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available

WANT A GREEN LAWN?

FREE ORGANIC LAWN FERTILIZA ATION TREATMENT WITH CORE AE ERATION FERTILIZATION • SOIL AMENDMENTS • LAWN SOIL TESTING

480-898-6465

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

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

ROC#309706

East Valley PAINTERS

Looking To Freshen Up Your Home? WE CAN HELP!

Voted #1

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated

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

10% OFF

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

480-688-4770

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

Now Accepting all major credit cards

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

Veteran Owned

www.ACP www.A CPpaintingllc.com paintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

Plumbing

Pool Service / Repair

Plumbing

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

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

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

10% OFF

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

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor Water Heaters

24/7

602-546-POOL

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

www.barefootpoolman.com

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

$35 off

Any Service

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

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

Disposals

480-405-7099

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning!

7 6 6 5

Not a licensed contractor

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

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

Plumbing

Off 40work done

279-4155

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC 189848

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

Pool Service / Repair

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

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

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

Flat and Foam Roof Experts! desertsandscontracting.com

Over 30 Years of Experience

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

PLUMBING

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

Plumbing

Licensed & Insured • Bonded, Res/Com ROC 328854

AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 | FULLY INSURED

We offer personalized service for our customers. We use the best materials that we can find.

(480)

Cell: 480.417.3689 Office: 480.912.5014 Email: tomjilek60@gmail.com

Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT

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

New Roof Installation & Roof Repair Specialist

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT

*Any

Our services include: Sinks, Toilets, Faucets, Water Heaters, Garbage Disposal, Drain Cleaning, Pressure Reducing Valves, Pressure Vacuum Breakers, Hot Water Circulation Systems, Main Service Valves and Hose Taps.

JILEK ROOFING, LLC

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL

Plumbing

30 Years Roofing Experience

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

MARK’S POOL SERVICE Owner Operated - 20 Years

Play Pools start at

$85/month

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663

10% OFF with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer! FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hirerooﬁng.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

with chemicals

Ask About Filter Cleaning Specials!

Mark

602-799-0147 CPO#85-185793

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com

CLASSIFIEDS

JUNE 16, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Roofing

PHILLIPS ROOFING LLC

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

ROC #152111

Member of ABM

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Call our office today!

ROC 223367

Valleywide

CR 42 DUAL

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident

623-873-1626

480-706-1453

All employees verified Free estimates on all roofs 36 Years experience in AZ Licensed contractor since 2006

Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-460-7602

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

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

www.porterroofinginc.com

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

FREE ESTIMATES

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

602-471-2346

Window Cleaning

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

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

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

Roofing

phillipsroofingaz.com phillipsroofing@cox.net

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

Ahwatukee Based Family Owned and Operated Insured • Free Estimates

See our reviews and schedule at:

www.cousinswindowcleaning.com

480-330-2649

Roofing LICENSED | INSURED | BONDED | ROC #269218

$1000 OFF when you show this ad *on qualifying complete roof replacements

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

SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

Call for your FRE E roof evaluation today www.InExRooﬁn g.com | 602-938-7575

480-446-7663

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

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

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

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Meetings/Events? Get Free notices in the Classifieds! Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | JUNE 16, 2021

MANUFACTURED EXCLUSIVELY FOR ARIZONA IN ARIZONA!

ARIZONA’S TRUSTED WINDOW & DOOR COMPANY

WINDOW SPECIAL

NOW NOW OFFERING

VIRTUAL ESTIMATES Please Pl se send: sen end: • Exterior Exte Ex teri te rior ri or picture pic ictu ture tu re ooff yo your ur hhome omee om • Exterior window Exte Ex teri te rior ri or pictures pic ictu ture tu ress of yyour re ourr wi ou wind ndow nd ow or do doorss • Width Height window Widt Wi dthh & He dt Heig ight ig ht ooff ea each ch w indo in dow do w needed ed

$2,950 Installed

EMAIL TO: q quotes@energyshieldwd.com uote uo tes@ te s@en s@ ener en ergy er gysh gy shie sh ield ie ldwd.c ld .com om

Max Size 30 Sq. Ft. per Window

• • • • •

PREMIUM WINDOWS REVOLUTIONARY GLASS MAXIMUM HEAT REFLECTION EXTREME DUST CONTROL HIGHEST POSSIBLE QUALITY

0% INTEREST OAC • ROC#310824

FACTORY DIRECT INSTALLERS LICENSED GENERAL CONTRACTOR

AFFORDABLE MULTI SLIDE DOOR SYSTEMS

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE COVID-19 Protocol Compliant More Than Ever Factory Direct Matters

602-777-3835 6

SUB-

CONTRACTORS

Thermal Broken Frame, Low E Glass, Argon Gas. Custom Sizes Available

PRICING FOR WHITE OR TAN 3 Panel

(9’ x 6’8”) (12’ x 8’)

$5,185 Installed $6,455 Installed

4 Panel

(10’ x 8’) (16’ x 8’)

$6,690 Installed $8,195 Installed

6 Panel

(18’ x 6’8”) (24’ x 8’)

$9,940 Installed $12,415 Installed

Bronze and Silver Also Available Demo and Framing Additional Charge

EnergyShieldWindowsAndDoors.com Se Habla Espanol

Factory Showroom Open Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 1pm 330 S. 75th Ave • Phoenix • 602-777-3835 OPEN MON. - FRI. 7AM - 5PM, CLOSED SAT-SUN

ROC# 310824