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COMMUNITY
24 COMMUNITY Community
www.ahwatukee.com
@AhwatukeeFN | @AhwatukeeFN
100+ Women Who Care helps foundation
BY KIM TARNOPOLSKI
AFN Contributor
The statistics are both staggering and heartbreaking.
Every night 1.3 million unsheltered youth are sleeping on the streets around our country. It is estimated that 5,000 unaccompanied youth die each year because of assault, illness, or suicide.
Thankfully, the generosity of a local nonprofit is here to help.
The Aris Foundation provides assistance to individuals, homeless or housed, who need care.
They provide food, clothing, and hygiene items, but what really sets Aris apart is their passion to provide their clients a connection to the loving volunteers who care about their well-being.
Their goal is not to change the individuals they help, but instead to “love them for who they are.”
One of the individuals who received serCelebrating the donation to the Aris Foundation by 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun are, from left, Stephanie Millner, Nick Baker, Katherine Katz, Katherine Kouvelas–Edick and Kim Tarnopolski. (Special to AFN)
vices reflected, “They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”
A new sense of self-worth was provided to this individual and that’s what it took to change their life. Many of those who have benefited from the generosity of Aris Foundation have mentioned that depression, challenges at
school, family conflict, and abuse have led them to where they are today. A strong support system with friends and family was not evident to them, and once they leave home, that feeling of alienation becomes stronger. Life on the street is difficult at best, and 63% of homeless youth experience physical violence or other victimization. Many of these children move on to become homeless adults. To care and provide for these individuals, Aris Foundation provides a warm meal every Tuesday evening, rain or shine, at Jaycee Park in Tempe at 5 p.m. Approximately 250 adults between the ages of 18 and 65 attend regularly. They also receive donated items and necessities, such as basic hygiene items, including soaps, shampoo, and toothpaste. Above all, these individuals receive kindness and companionship to help fulfill a seeARIS page 25
Memory Café connects families on dementia journey
BY LIN SUE FLOOD AFN Guest Writer
When Tim Shaffer’s wife, Diana, was diagnosed with dementia, both their lives changed. In the blink of an eye, he became her caregiver. Suddenly, Tim was the one responsible for keeping her safe and meeting her daily needs.
“I was looking for answers, trying to figure out why certain behaviors were occurring,” he confesses. “I was extremely frustrated and angry.”
His anxiety lessened after he discovered the Memory Café at Hospice of the Valley’s new Dementia Care and Education Campus in Central Phoenix.
Every Monday morning, Tim and 20 other caregivers meet to share their challenges, while in a nearby room, their loved ones engage in fun activities like singing, dancing, painting and pet therapy with the help of specially trained staff.
This unique support group is facilitated by Nicole Crothers, a Hospice of the Valley dementia educator. “One of the most difficult things about living with dementia is the isolation,” she explains. “Care partners not only lose their relationship with their loved one, but with friends who don’t understand what they’re going through. This is a place to connect with people who aren’t going
seeMEMORY page 25
Laura Norris, left, learns dance steps from activities director Gail Higgenbotham at the Memory Café at Hospice of the Valley’s new Dementia Care and Education Campus
Kyrene Resource Center seeks supplies for kids
The Kyrene Resource Center is collecting school supplies for needy kids in the district’s schools.
Stuff the Bus donations can be dropped off on Thursdays from 2:30-5 p.m. at the center, 1330 E. Dava Drive, Tempe, next to Kyrene de los Ninos School. People with questions can call 480-541-4772.
At this time, the center can only accept new food, hygiene, school supplies and gently used school clothes.
Hands of Love International ministry, which evolved from a mission trip sponsored by Mountain Park Church in Ahwatukee, is holding a H.O.L.I. Bowlers Tournament to raise money for the construction of an orphanage in Honduras. The group has grown into an international rescue group that helps children who live in extreme poverty in both Honduras and Nicaragua. Charity
The event will be 6-9 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Main Event, 8545 S. Emerald Drive, Tempe, and will feature a raffle, awards, food and fun.
Registration is $500 for a team with a maximum six players and $100 for individuals.
Registration: brenda@handsofloveinternational.org, 602-762-2245 or handsofloveinternational.org. People who can’t attend can directly contribute to the group at handsofloveinternational.org.
Festival of Lights seeks business, individual support
A group of residents and board members of the Foothills Community Association are fundraising for the annual display of lights in the medians of Chandler Boulevard between 24th Street and Desert Foothills Parkway.
The annual cost of setting up and tearing down the display – along, of course, with the cost of electricity – exceeds $110,000 and even though both the Foothills and Club West homeowners associations have supported this
ARIS from page 24
basic need that each of us has.
The Ahwatukee members of 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun donated $16,000 to Aris Foundation in May.
This donation will give the gift of sight and fund their optical program that pro-
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to judge you. Instead, when you say something, everyone in the room nods and says, ‘I get that.’”
That connection helps Tim and other caregivers open up about their deepest fears and frustrations.
Shelly Oliver says the Memory Café gives her hope that she will be able to provide loving care to her husband. “Little did I know I would ever be here. This program is helping us now, and for what’s ahead. We in the past with annual contributions – usually $50,000 and $25,000 respectively – the holiday effort requires the support of individuals, groups and businesses.
There are several ways to help: people can make a donation at gofundme.com (search by “foothills festival of lights;” or they can send a check with :Foothills Holiday Lights Donation” in the memo field to Premier, attention Jatana Wylie, 3930 S. Alma School Road, Chandler AZ 85248. Information: cmcneish@cox.net or 480221-9090.
Ironwood Library offers some programs
Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd,, Ahwatukee, is offering regular and special programs. Unless otherwise noted, free tickets are required and available 30 minutes before programs’ start times at the library’s information desk. For more information: phoenixpubliclibrary.org.
Babytimes
Babies ages birth to 23 months, accompanied by a favorite adult, will enjoy songs, rhymes, books, and interactive fun every Tuesday, 10:30-11:10 a.m. Space is limited to 10 families.
Toddlertimes
Toddlers ages 24-36 months, accompanied by a favorite adult, will enjoy songs, rhymes, books, and interactive fun every Thursday, 10:30-11:10 a.m. Space is limited to 10 families.
Full STEAM ahead for kids
Children ages 5-11 explore hands-on creative ways to design, experiment, and invent every Saturday, 2:003:00 p.m., in this weekly Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) program. Space is limited to 10 families.
Book Club
Adult readers 18+ can meet up with fellow adventuresome bibliophiles to share their thoughts about each month’s selection the first Wednesday of each month, 5:00-5:45 p.m. On Aug. the discussion will be about Night Came with Many Stars by Simon Van Booy and on Sept. 7 The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe.
Red Cross Blood Drive
People ages 16 and over can give the gift of blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive Aug. 22, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Appointments are recommended and can be made at redcrossblood.org. Select the “Donating Blood” option for an appointment. Walk-in donations are also welcome, as available. Masks are optional.
Next Chapter Book Club
This inclusive community-based book club is designed for people ages 12+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have a desire to make friends, explore their community, and read (regardless of current reading ability). This weekly gathering is free every Wednesday, beginning Sept. 7 from 3-4 p.m. Space is limited to eight participants. Online registration is required and available in the Calendar section of the library’s website.
Backyard Gardening
Using Master Gardener techniques, adults ages 18+ can learn the basics of gardening, watering, reading a planting calendar specifically for the Valley, and about additional desert landscaping resources. This info will be presented by local community & sustainability nonprofit organization Keep Phoenix Beautiful on 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Sept. 10.
Kyrene teacher named a top ten candidate
Rodney “Scott” Harnisch, a music teacher at Kyrene del Norte Dual Language Academy in Tempe has been named a top 10 candidate for the 2023 Arizona Teacher of the Year award by the Arizona Educational Foundation, one of the highest honors bestowed upon Arizona’s public school teachers.
Harnisch has received the National Education Association Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence, which is granted to educators for their dedication to the profession, community, professional development, and attention to diversity and advocacy. He has also been the recipient of awards from the Arizona Education Association and multiple arts grants that benefit his students.
“As I begin my 30th year in the Kyrene School District, I am incredibly grateful to have been named a top 10 finalist for Arizona’s Teacher of the Year,” Harnisch shared. “To be given this distinction is incredible, and I am truly honored to be the vessel to share stories of teachers in my district and state with others. I have had the privilege of teaching alongside some of the finest educators and as a result, they have contributed to this honor.
Candidates will undergo a final review process that will narrow the field to five finalists who will be named “Ambassadors for Excellence.”
An awards ceremony will take place on Oct. 15.
vides an eye exam and two pairs of eyeglasses at no charge to the people they serve.
If you’re interested in volunteering with Aris Foundation, you can learn more at ArisFoundation.com. 100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun is a group of like-minded, passionate women who want to connect to one another and to their communities.
The ladies are leveraging their resources so their quarterly gifts of $100 per member add up to a significant donation to a local charity. Since the chapter’s inception in 2015, the organization has donated over $910,000 to local nonprofits. The chapter
know there’s support when we need it.”
The support group is also open to professional caregivers like Nancy Valenzuela. “Just being here with people and hearing what they have to say about how they’re helping their spouses helps me with Millie,” she says. “Like using simpler words so I don’t overwhelm her when I’m explaining something.”
As the session ends, participants say they feel “empowered” and “calmer,” knowing they can talk to others on the same journey. When they go to pick up their loved ones to head home, the scene is not what they expect — a roomful of people singing and dancing to Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy.”
The smiles say it all. Not only is this a safe space for caregivers to share their hearts, it’s a safe place for their loved ones to experience joy.
“We want people to know that if you have a diagnosis of dementia, you’re not alone,” Crothers says. “There are lots of ways to improve quality of life and we can do it together.”
Ahwatukee Kiwanis lists speakers at its meetings
The Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club is always looking for new members and invites interested people to attend one of their weekly meetings at 7:30 a.m. Thursdays at Biscuits restaurant, 4623 E. Elliott Road in the Safeway plaza. People also are invited to hear the speakers.
Speakers who will appear and the dates are: July 28, Stacey Travers, LD 12 House candidate; Aug. 11, Amanda Nosbisch, One Small Step/Clothes Cabin; Aug. 25 Kyle Ross, Kyrene Digital Academy principal.
Local American Legion Post always seeking new members
Men and women who served in the Armed Forces are always invited to join Ahwatukee American Legion Post 64, which meets 4-5 p.m. every third Wednesday of the month at the Ahwatukee Rec Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive, Ahwatukee.
The post’s mission is to “enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military and our communities by devotion to mutual helpfulness.”
Information: Americanlegionpost64.com or 480326-4656.
is comprised of three sister groups: East Valley, Ahwatukee, and Scottsdale.
To learn more or attend their next giving circle on Aug. 16, visit 100wwcvalleyofthesun.org. The giving circle is held at Foothills Golf Club and begins
at 6:30 p.m.
The Memory Café support group meets at 10 a.m. Mondays at the Dementia Education and Care Campus, 3811 N. 44th Street, Phoenix. Ongoing education sessions for dementia care partners also are offered at 10 a.m. Thursdays.
