Ahwatukee Foothills News - 9.1.2021 by Times Media Group

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Need a job? Kyrene School District’s got plenty BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

@AhwatukeeFN |

yrene School District is grappling with the same shortage of job applicants that many businesses are facing. Shortages are impacting the district in almost every conceivable way as it struggles with scores of vacancies at almost every job level – certified substitutes, instructional assistants, bus drivers, crossing guards, lunchroom aides and front office support. “These positions are critical to helping our students and our schools succeed,” Superintendent Laura Toenjes told the Kyrene Govern-

ing Board last week in what she termed a call to the community at large. Many of the available jobs are ideal for retirees, high school and college students seeking part-time gigs and even people who might be looking for some benefits, Toenjes said. “What I want the public to hear is that in many of these roles, the hours are very flexible,” she told the community while addressing the board. “And if your child attends one of our schools, it’s very likely that you could be placed at your child’s school, which is really exciting and another unique opportunity. “If you have experience in multiple areas, what Talent Management can do is work with

you. If you want more hours and benefits are important, even though the job of say, lunch duty, might only be 10 hours a week, we can piece together other positions … to be able to get people to 30 hours, which means you're then benefit-eligible.” The vacancies are doing far more than creating havoc for already stretched teachers, administrators and other district employees who are struggling to cover the responsibilities left untended by the empty positions. They also impact many of the district’s 13,000-plus students in one way or the other.

see KYRENE page 21

Ahwatukee boosters hope for a bounce-back season

. 26

2021 football season preview:

GAME ON

See Sports ......................... Page 37 BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

. 31

NO FLOOD FOR NOW

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Ready to take to the field for the 2021 season are the following Mountain Pointe High players, clockwise from number 7: Amier Boyd, Devon Sparks, Jordan Huff, Isaiah Ice-Robinson, Averien Turner Jr., Jack Plote and Chris Arviso. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

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he COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on businesses last fall, forcing many to limit their donations and sponsorships for both Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe high school athletic programs. That cost team booster clubs, which support the athletes and their teams and many athletic programs. Some clubs in the region saw as much as a 50 percent decline from 2019 revenues – an astronomical hit for bigger teams. But as high school football season begins Friday in Ahwatukee and throughout Arizona,

see FANS page 14

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

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

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The Wine and Beer Tasting Festival that the Festival of Lights Committee put on every spring drew hundreds of patrons. This is a scene from the last one held at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center in 2018. Rawhide stopped renting itself out for fundraisers like this and the FOL Committee in 2019 held the event at the Foothills Country Club. For the second year in a row, the pandemic is forcing a cancellation of the event this year, but the committee is planning on its return to the country club next March or April. (AFN file photo)

It’s official: FOL Committee hands over holiday lights show to Foothills HOA AFN NEWS STAFF

t’s official: The Festival of the Lights Committee is no longer responsible for setting up the Christmas lights along medians of Chandler Boulevard between Desert Foothills Parkway and 24th Street. That job now falls to the Foothills Community Association. But that doesn’t mean the FOL Committee won’t be raising money to help the HOA – even as the association is asking the Ahwatukee community to chip in and help keep the lights burning. What it does mean, said FOL Committee President Raphael Isaac, is that his group is morphing into a charitable organization with a broader purpose: developing community events to raise money for the lights as well as other charitable activities in Ahwatukee. “We had a board meeting two weeks ago and it would appear, at least right now, that the transition is complete,” Isaac told AFN. “We’ve finished all the work on the medians. We’ve paid everybody that needed to be paid. Everything’s been signed off. So, the HOA is getting basically a completed turn-key operation. “My understanding is they’re, at least for this year, planning on continuing with Christmas Light Decorators and doing everything that they want to do,” he continued, referring to the company that sets up the lights.” The HOA has begun soliciting donations. All donors making a donation of $200 or more will be able to pick up a free yard sign at PostNet, 4611 E Chandler Blvd, Ste 112, Ahwatukee, starting Friday Sept. 3. It has set

see LIGHTS page 6

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LIGHTS from page 3

up a GoFundMe.com page that can be found by searching "festival of lights." Isaac echoed what HOA board members have previously said – namely that this year’s display may be slightly smaller, though that has not yet been determined. “But their goal right now is to try to make it the same as it’s always been,” he added. The million white lights fall within the boundaries of the Foothills HOA and its board agreed to take over the costs of maintaining the show that runs throughout the holidays. Traditionally, the HOA kicked in $50,000 a year for the lights and was joined by the Foothills Club West Association HOA, which threw in $25,000. Club West HOA’s board has agreed to make that payment again this year, but it has not decided what to do about future support. Club West board members have indicat-

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

ed they likely will put future donations up for a vote by homeowners. Isaac also put to an end any hope that the FOL Kick-Off Party is returning this year – or any future year in its traditional format. For more than two decades, the committee hosted a giant day-long party on the Saturday after Thanksgiving that drew thousands of people – but also required hundreds of volunteers and cost more than twice what the committee saw in revenue. “With COVID popping up again,” Isaac said, “I think the decision to postpone Kick-Off this year was maybe a good one because – again, I talk to the Parks Department every now and then and they’re very sketchy about having a big event. “The Police Department, the Fire Department, highways – everyone else that we have to involve is not so keen on it either. With all these different variants and stuff, just laying low for the remainder of this year.”

While Isaac said the FOL Committee has not ruled out a smaller Kick Off Party next year to help the Foothills HOA, for now board members are focusing on returning to another popular community event that also fell victim to the pandemic for the second consecutive year. He said the FOL Committee hopes to bring back the Beer and Wine Tasting Festival next March or April – assuming by then COVID-19 will no longer be a menace to large gatherings. And that festival likely will be just one of many events the committee will sponsor to raise money not only to help the Foothills HOA but to benefit other charities. But helping the Foothills HOA with the lights show must be part of any event so that the committee can stay within parameters of its federal nonprofit designation. “If we can donate $1,000 or $1,500 or whatever it might be towards the lights out of each event, we will still do that,”

Isaac said. “That will allow us to still sort of stay within the guidelines of our 501c3 designation. Otherwise, we would have to completely reinvent ourselves and refile everything and that’s something that I’m trying not to do.” Before the pandemic forced the committee to pull the plug on the 2020 beer and wine event, the board had planned to add the word “culinary” to the title by putting a bigger emphasis on food – generally from Ahwatukee restaurants. That’s still the plan for next year, he said, along with an expanded wine pull. While the event had been held for several years at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, the committee had to move it back to the Foothills Country Club in 2019. Besides the spring Beer Wine & Culinary Festival, Isaac added that the FOL Committee also is talking about a possible Octoberfest next year as well so that hard liquor sponsors can join the fun. ■

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

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Freeway shared use path disruptions slated AFN NEWS STAFF

yclists and pedestrians who use the shared use path along the South Mountain Freeway can expect four months of some disruptions starting next week. From Sept. 13 through Jan. 22, the city Water Services Department will be doing repairs that will require the installation of an above-ground sewer pipe and some lane restrictions in two segments during two different periods of time. Lane restrictions will first be in place Sept. 13-Dec. 15 between Desert Foothills Parkway and 24th Street and between 24th and 32nd streets Dec. 16-Jan. 21. Water Services officials said they will “do our best to minimize disruptions” but the above-ground pipe is needed to maintain sewer service throughout nearby residential neighborhoods. “You will see B&F, Sonco, SAK, Pro-Pipe, and JPCI trucks and equipment throughout the area,” the department said. “Construction work will include setting up equipment and traffic control around manholes to divert

the wastewater and repair the interior of the pipe.” And nearby residents and certainly path users will hear a “Low humming sound” 24 hours a day caused by bypass pumps. Those bypass pumps are needed to “divert wastewater through temporary above ground pipes around the sewer mains being repaired,” the department said. Meanwhile, City Council last week approved an agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation to be reimbursed for $60,000 in costs partly associated with repairs along Liberty Lane. The street repairs were caused by the relocation of a 48-inch-wide water main from Pecos Road to Liberty Lane between Desert Foothills Parkway and 15th Street several years ago while the freeway was being built. “The city elected to mill and overlay Liberty Lane instead of using micro seal,” the City Manager’s office said in a memo to Council. “After ADOT performed the waterline relocation and the City performed the street repairs, ADOT agreed to reimburse the City for the pavement preservation measures.” ■

Restrictions will be in place on the shared use path along the South Mountain Freeway. (City of Phoenix)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Pecos Pool closing for the year after Labor Day AFN NEWS STAFF

ecos Pool will be closed after this weekend and won’t be one of the six city facilities that will open on weekends through this month. And judging from a study included in a memo to City Council sent last week by the City Manager’s office, there might not be all that many people who care. After a year-long closure of all pools in 2020, a weekend-long study by the Parks and Recreation Department indicated that despite record-breaking heat, public pools may not have been in as much use this year as they were in 2019. On the weekend of Aug. 21-22 – a time when stormy weather had dissipated and sunny and hot weather returned to the Valley – the parks department surveyed attendance at eight pools that were opened this year as well as in 2019 and four pools that were closed two years ago. Overall, it found attendance dropped

from 3,121 in 2019 to 2,490 this year for that weekend. Pecos Pool attendance dropped from 461 in 2019 to 289. Other significant declines occurred at the Maryvale Pool, down from 380 to 188; Cortez, down from 1,040 to 719; and Paradise Valley, down from 511 to 220. None of the surveyed pools showed a year-over-year increase in attendance and even those that were closed in 2019 showed little activity. The weekend totals for three of the four that were closed in 2019 were each below 100 users. But two of those three pools – Roadrunner at 35th Street and Cactus Road, and Starlight - 78th Avenue and Osborn Road – will remain open through September, as will be Paradise Valley and Maryvale. The memo gave no indication of how officials decided which pools should remain open through the end of this month. ■

Some people took advantage of Pecos Pool when it first opened in May, but if they want one last shot for 2021, they need to do it this weekend because it won’t be open after Labor Day. (AFN file photo)

New judge acts fast on rescheduling Lakes course case AFN NEWS STAFF

aricopa County Superior Court administrators wasted no time in assigning a contempt hearing involving Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course owner Wilson Gee’s company to a new judge after another jurist two weeks ago recused herself from the case the day she was scheduled to hear evidence. Court records show that Superior Court Judge Sara Agne was assigned the case and she scheduled a two-hour hearing on it for next week. Judge Alison Bachus recused herself the day the hearing was to be held after noticing that the best man for her wedding was among the witnesses that attorney Tim Barnes was to call as he presses his case for Gee’s company, ALCR, to be penalized $500,000. Last fall Judge Theodore Campagnolo held Gee liable for cumulative penalties totaling $3.5 million after finding him in contempt of another judge’s 2018 order that he must restore the 18-hole executive course that he closed in 2013.

Campagnolo said Gee would be liable for $500,000 if he had not finished designing the course’s restoration by June 21, 2021; another $1 million if he had not begun construction by Sept. 1 and $2 million if the course was not open for play by Sept. 1, 2022. Gee contends that he already finished the design and has begun to restore the course and promises it will be open by this November – a full year ahead of Campagnolo’s deadline. But Barnes, representing homeowners Linda Swain and Eileen Breslin, contends that Gee’s work so far shows he is violating the 2018 order to restore the 18-hole course that existed before he shut it down, claiming it had been unprofitable every year since he bought it in 2006. To press his case, Barnes is calling, among others, Gary Panks, who designed the course. Panks was Bachus’ best man, She was assigned the case because most civil division judges are rotated annually to different assignments, so Campagnolo no longer was available.

Records show Agne was just moved to the civil division last November after a stint in the court’s juvenile division. She was a partner in and part of the special litigation and compliance practice group at Snell and Wilmer law firm when Gov. Doug Ducey appointed her to the bench in January 2018. She went on to win election later that year. Agne also is a former journalist who worked for the East Valley Tribune, a sister paper of AFN, and the Associated Press after graduating magna cum laude from Arizona State University. She eventually went to the University of Michigan School of Law. While in practice, she concentrated her pro bono service efforts on work for immigrants and refugees. "Sara’s demonstrated commitment to the improvement of the judicial system and the law makes her a perfect fit for the bench,” said Ducey when he appointted her to the bench. While at Snell & Wilmer, Sara litigated commercial disputes, election law and constitutional issues before

Arizona and federal courts at all levels, Ducey noted. She also was a current member of the Arizona Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Rules of Evidence and of the State Bar Civil Practice and Procedure Committee. “Sara often served as a proxy for members of the Arizona Supreme Court’s Committee on Civil Justice Reform and its Task Force on the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure, assisting with the rules reform and restyling efforts of both groups,” Ducey noted. Meanwhile, in another golf course case, Superior Court Judge Joan Sinclair has yet to rule on a motion by Club West Golf Course owner The Edge’s petition to intervene in the lawsuit filed by the Club West Conservancy against the Foothills Club West Association HOA board. The four men who comprise The Edge said its rights as owners of the course have not been protected in the suit and have alleged that the two parties have colluded on a potential settlement to their detriment. ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

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FANS from page 1

fall sports teams are preparing for what they hope will be a normal season due to the widespread availability of the vaccine. Boosters are hoping for a better year in terms of revenue and the athletes’ overall well-being. “This year, I feel there is a new level of energy, excitement and willingness to step forward and make a difference,” said Gary Chavez, the president of the Desert Vista High School Booster Club. “People are realizing the benefit of the game of football and here at DV how it goes further than just what takes place on the field.” Chavez has been part of the Desert Vista High School Booster Club for more than a decade. His son, Gavin, is a sophomore wideout for the Thunder varsity football team. He is also an assistant coach this season on the freshman team. Chavez believes having a hand in the football program as both a booster and coach helps parents and sponsors get a better feel for the program and the direction it is heading. That became clear last year when the boosters were still able to secure some key sponsorships for the Desert Vista football program as the Ahwatukee business community struggled with the pandemic’s impact on its bottom line. While other programs across the East Valley, including in Mesa, saw losses of upwards of 50 percent compared to 2019, Chavez said Desert Vista’s profit dropped an estimated 15 to 20 percent. That alone enabled the club to provide meals for the varsity roster every Thursday and for the other team levels on gamedays. “People who had every excuse to wait until next year, rallied around the program and committed the same amount to the program just out of a sense of community,” Chavez said. “They did what they felt was right. It was kind of a reinforcement that this is a special program and it’s got a special community around it.” Mountain Pointe struggled a bit more. Brenda Sauceda is in her first year as president of the Mountain Pointe booster club. She took over for Jim Sawitzke, who left the boosters after his son, Kevin, grad-

Desert Vista booster president Gary Chavez, who is also an assistant coach on the freshman team, said the program had several sponsors still step up and help last year. (Zac BonDurant/

AFN Contributor)

uated in May. Sauceda said funds from the boosters are typically used for new equipment, pregame meals, and other football-related events. But with most of Mountain Pointe’s sponsors unable to contribute to the program like in years past, revenue fell by 50 percent from 2019. “We were hit pretty hard last year,” Sauceda said. “Had it not been for the fundraising the previous years, I think

we would’ve had an even bigger hit. The parents stepped up and helped as much as they could. That helped us stay afloat.” Last year, Tempe Union High School District allowed only two tickets to be sold per player to sporting events, severely diminishing the bleachers at home events. On top of that, concession stands were closed to limit contact between individuals. Now seemingly in a better standing

The Mountain Pointe football program includes, from left, Johnny Sauceda, 17, Brenda Sauceda, Tatyana Enriquez, 15, Bervolynn Enriquez and Sebastian Enriquez, 17. (Zac BonDu-

rant/AFN Contributor)

GOT NEWS?

with the pandemic, Chavez, Sauceda and Mountain Pointe Booster Club Treasurer Bervolynn Enriquez all believe they will be able to make up some ground with lost revenue last season. Concessions and other merchandise tables being open to fans will be key to bouncing back, they said. It will also help that Tempe Union’s restrictions won’t be quite the same as they were in 2020. District Athletic Director Dave Huffine said they will not cap the number of fans that can attend sporting events this year. However, at indoor events such as volleyball and badminton, masks must be worn at all times by spectators. Masks at outdoor sporting events are recommended but not mandatory. Huffine and the district do, however, stress the importance of remaining accountable in curbing the spread of the virus on Tempe Union campuses. That includes social distancing when possible. “We are asking our spectators to social distance when possible and be considerate of others,” Huffine said. “We are still in the middle of a pandemic with a new variant that is a lot more transmissible between people. “But I know there is going to be a strong desire to get back to normal and I don’t think there’s anything more normal than going to a Friday night football game. I’m really excited but cautious.” Profit losses, while significant, can be made up by booster clubs. But what boosters from both programs truly hope for is an enjoyable experience for the players – especially for parents, such as Enriquez and Sauceda, who have seniors on the Mountain Pointe football team. They hope for nothing more than to see them have as normal of a senior year as possible and thrive on the field. “Senior year, it’s so important that everyone looks forward to. Not just for football but everything else,” Enriquez said. “For some of these seniors, this is it. Not all of them have an opportunity to move on and play. “It’s so important for them to have the opportunity to play and enjoy their final year after working so hard for many years to get to this level.” ■

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Kyrene, TU call bluff on Ducey in mask dust-up AFN NEWS STAFF

empe Union and Kyrene officials are calling bluff on Gov. Doug Ducey’s threat to withhold a total $8 million if they do not withdraw their mask mandates. But Kyrene Superintendent Laura Toenjes also said the district will take a different position after Sept. 29, when the state budget bill that includes a ban on mask mandates would take effect, according to a ruling by a Maricopa County Superior Court judge. Unless other ongoing lawsuits prevail, Toenjes said Kyrene will obey the law and lift its mask mandate. Asked if Tempe Union would do the same, district spokeswoman Megan Sterling told AFN last week that there was “nothing definitive on masks as of yet.” “We will continue to evaluate as we draw closer to the Sept. 29 date,” she said. Toenjes said, “For those families that have chosen to stay in-person, I believe it’s our responsibility to do everything we can as far as mitigation to keep kids in school.

And I know our school leaders feel the same way after talking with them. “But I also feel very strongly that we do not break a law,” she continued. “There’s other ways if you don’t agree with the law to go about it. I have consulted with not just our district attorney, but others and he has also consulted with others. We are confident that the law as of today could change.” Toenjes was indirectly referring to other challenges to the state Legislature’s bans on mask and vaccine mandates that were among a number of measures that GOP lawmakers shoved into the budget bill in the session’s waning hours. Another lawsuit has called that effort unconstitutional and claims they were not given proper hearings and bypassed other required legislative processes needed to make law in Arizona. For almost the rest of this month, however, eyes will be on Ducey’s threat to withhold $5.2 million from Kyrene and $2.8 million from Tempe Union in Education Plus Up Grant money. Ducey had given districts with mandates until Aug. 27 to drop them or risk losing

their Education Plus Up grants. His office made no announcements after his deadline passed. Ducey is using $163 million of $350 million in federal pandemic relief funds for grants to ensure that school districts that did not receive other supplemental funds received up to $1,800 per pupil to make up for a loss of revenue caused by disruptions that impacted other revenue. Those funds became an issue in the wake of Maricopa County Judge Randall Warner’s Aug. 16 ruling that the state law banning mask mandates by schools or other governmental entities does not take effect until Sept. 29. Within hours of that ruling, Kyrene and Tempe Union administration reimposed mask mandates. Superintendents in both districts have been given authority by their boards months ago to enact any measures they saw fit to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Other districts in Arizona have followed suit, though those that neighbor Tempe Union and Kyrene have either declined formally to make masks mandatory or

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simply have ignored the opportunity that Warner’s decision gave them. Tempe Union and Kyrene took the action, citing the surge in COVID-19 cases that has left both districts at the highest level of virus transmission. However, data released by the county last week showed that while both district’s transmission levels remain at highs not seen in several months, they appear not to have gotten any worse. Cases per 100,000 were at 305 for the second consecutive week and positive new test results were at just over 10 percent. Kyrene’s dashboard showed the number of active cases among students fell from 100 to 75 while Tempe Union’s count of active cases fell to 42 of which 40 were students. Those numbers for Kyrene, Toenjes said, show that the mask requirement is working and keeping COVID-19 at bay. Despite Ducey’s contention that the mask mandate ban began July 1 – the retroactive date GOP lawmakers pushed

see MASKS page 17

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Desert Vista trio still making protective wristbands AFN NEWS STAFF

mid the new surge in COVID-19 cases, a trio of Desert Vista High School students are reminding the community that they are offering special wrist bands to protect vulnerable people and remind everyone to keep their social distance. Last fall brothers Jyles and Vaughn Watson, 17 and 14, respectively, and 17-yearold Keaton Dudley, 17, created a wearable “Protect-O-Band” that wearers can use to subtly tell others they are particularly vulnerable to the virus. And considering the Delta variant is far more contagious, the brothers say their bands are still available and may never have been needed more. The bands’ clear and simple design is universal, so it can be used during travel. The colors were specifically chosen to easily convey the wearer has a medical issue.

“Protect-O-Band creates awareness that an individual has a high risk of contracting COVID-19 and must be extra cautious without them having to say a word,” their mother Michelle Watson said. She noted the band does not identify the person’s medical risk in any way. The three teens raised the money to make the bands through a GoFundMe site and have distributed more than 2,000 to local medical offices and schools. “The project has been a successful and tangible way to help their community by increasing awareness for social distancing for those who are at the highest risk,” Michelle said, adding that donations slowed as more people got vaccinated. Kyrene and Tempe Union school districts have supplies available upon request to students & staff via health offices as well as through the Protect-O-Band team. For more information: gofundme. com/f/protectoband ■

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

Three Desert Vista High School students raised money to have more than 2,000 ProtectO-Bands made and distributed to people who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19. (AFN file photo)

MASKS from page 16

through in the budget bill – Judge Randall Warner ruled, “Under Arizona law, new laws are effective 90 days after the legislative session ends, which is Sept. 29 this year.” Warner acknowledged that there is an exception for emergency measures. But he said this does not qualify. “They require a two-thirds vote and this statute was not approved by a two-thirds majority,’’ Warner wrote. Moreover, the Biden administration has told Ducey that his efforts to use federal pandemic relief funds as a cudgel violated the law. U.S. Education Department offi-

cials suggested that if a parent files a complaint about his withholding of funds as punishment for a mask mandate. The department on Monday launched an investigation into five states' bans, but Arizona is not among them. Toenjes said she, the district’s counsel and other districts’ lawyers have reviewed the terms of the grant and believes Cond that a mask mandate does not violate any Park of them. B ‘I feel very confident we are in compliStr ance with the law,” she said, noting the Ba grant requirement makes no mention of Shoulder, kn masks but does require recipients to have been offering in-person instruction as of And We are a Aug. 27. ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Alice Cooper is ready to rock again in Mesa BY TOM SCANLON AFN Staff Writer

lice Cooper is almost literally “the grandfather of shock rock.” The grandfather part is legit, as he had Desiree, his 1-year-old granddaughter, on his lap during an interview. Now 73, Vincent Furnier started shocking audiences with a mixture of hard rock and wild stage antics (like a mock guillotine) more than a half-century ago. Alice Cooper (now his legal name) rocked out at live shows multiple nights a week since launching the band in Glendale in 1964, pausing only to get sober in the mid-1980s, after soaking himself in alcohol for decades. After his system was shocked by the liveconcert lockdown of the pandemic, Alice Cooper is ready to rock out once again. “We’re at the starting gate,” he said last week, from his Phoenix home. “We go back on tour Sept. 17, for 25 shows. Then, after Christmas break, we’ll be back out for our next run of six-to-seven months.” The west side native will sharpen his

chops at an East Valley show. On Sept. 3, two weeks before playing the 5,000-seat Ovation Hall at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, Alice Cooper will play a free show in Mesa. The 5:30 p.m. show is a grand opening for the Alice Cooper Solid Rock Teen Center at 122 N. Country Club Drive, where kids have been taking music, art and dance lessons since the center opened two months ago. The event will feature performances by the Joeys, Japhar Pullen, Moon Racer with Djimon, Solid Rock Dancers and several teen musicians from the Alice Cooper Rock Teen Center, in Phoenix. The show also kicks off the annual Proof is in the Pudding contest. Alice Cooper’s Proof is in the Pudding is a contest, with the winner landing a slot to open for Alice at his annual Christmas Pudding concert/fundraiser Dec. 4 at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix. Though the competition also paused for the pandemic last year, typically scores of bands and soloists join the competition. After the kickoff at the new Mesa teen

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center, the competition will continue over the next few months at venues around the Valley, including the Mesa Arts Center. Since the professional musicians he tours with are spread out from Nashville to Switzerland, Cooper will be backed at the Mesa show by some of the more polished musicians from his teen centers. They’ll play hits like “School’s Out” and “I’m 18,” plus some covers of his rock-androll friends. “We stay within the Beatles-Stones classic rock stuff,” Cooper said. If he was 18 again, ready to start a band in 2021, what would Alice Cooper do? “Knowing what I know now, I would make the band sit and listen to Beatles songs. And then I would make them listen to the Yardbirds and the Who,” he said without hesitating. “And I would say, ‘OK, now let’s find something in between’... That’s what the Alice Cooper band did. And we threw in some ‘West Side Story,’ a little John Barry James Bond theme. We let a lot of things influence us.” It worked out pretty well. Alice Cooper has a star on the HollyBEFORE

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see COOPER page 21

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

KYRENE from page 1

For example, Toenjes told AFN in a subsequent interview last week that more than 700 kids are on waiting lists for afterschool programs – programs that not only give children constructive enrichment activities while their parents are working but also bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue. “That to me is alarming because that time is almost as critical as during the day,” she said. “What are they doing in those hours outside of school time, especially when parents aren’t available to be home with them? That worries me.” She stressed that the Kyrene Foundation has been able to step in and help find other programs that the kids can be part of – though that doesn’t help the cashstrapped district, which relies heavily on its after-school program enrollment. The vacancies have created a concern at a time when Kyrene should be celebrating the fact that so many children have returned to in-classroom instruction – which Toenjes said has been her top priority. “I think it’s hopeful that many families wanted to come back,” she said. “It’s just very unfortunate we don’t have the staff.” Among the vacancies that have been the most problematic are substitute teaching positions. With the ranks of substitute teachers already thinned by concerns spawned by the pandemic, school districts are fiercely competing for those who are left. Many districts, including Kyrene, raised their pay to more than $100 a day in an effort to attract qualified personnel. Still, Toenjes said, “If I was to quantify

COOPER from page 19

others called their informal drinking club “The Hollywood Vampires,” a name Cooper uses for an all-star band featuring actor-rocker Johnny Depp and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry. Cooper said he was headed down the same path to an early coffin. “I had to quit everything,” he said, reflecting on nearly four decades of sobriety. “Never tried to slow down. If I got into a hospital, I was not going to slow down — I was going to quit. That was 39 years ago. “I was throwing up blood in the morning. A doctor said, ‘I would give you another month before you join your buddies.’”

With their 4-year-old daughter Abery joining in, Andrew Dunkleberger hugged his wife Megan Dunkleberger, a teacher at Kyrene del Cielo in Chandler, after she was surprised last week with a $2,000 check from Staples. In addition, the school received another $3,000 in gift cards to support other classrooms as part of Staples’ nationwide #ThankATeacher contest. Megan Dunkelberger is one of 20 educators from around the country to receive this award. Parent Erin O’Grady nominated her, telling Staples, “Mrs. Dunkelberger is an amazing teacher who went above and beyond throughout this pandemic school year. She worked to teach her kindergarten class how to use Zoom, with an immense amount of patience and kindness, while also preparing adorable take-home notebooks and art supplies for class projects.” (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer) this, I would say on average we're seeing about 10 to 15 unfilled classrooms a day across the district. Mondays and Fridays are always worse. Those tend to be higher absence days for staff and that’s unfilled teaching positions.” Pre-pandemic, covering those teacherless classrooms was easier. But now, particularly in elementary schools, the task is much harder because of the need to main-

Cooper had been in the audience of enough rock-star funerals — and didn’t want to headline one. “I came out of the hospital and never had another thought about drinking. Or drugs. God performed a miracle. He said, ‘I’m going to move this out of your life.’” After drying out and getting used to being sober, Cooper started touring again. Where some rockers love to hit the road to get away from their spouses, Alice Cooper takes his wife with him: Sheryl Goddard, a dancer-choreographer, has been part of his act for years. The two have three adult children, daughters Sonora and Calico and son Dashiell, who followed his father’s footsteps as a rocker and fronts the band CO-OP.

tain social distancing among students. “We’re trying to keep the mixing of children down as much as we possibly can,” Toenjes explained. “So what that looks like now is you’ve got assistant principals teaching, you’ve got principals teaching. We also have deployed district staff. “We have a plan right now in place where everybody that’s certified from a coordinator level is assigned to sites to

What advice did Alice Cooper give his son? “I told him, ‘The most important thing I can teach you is have an incredibly good Plan B.’ Not everyone's going to make it in music,” Cooper reflect. “In fact, very few people make it in music.” Asked what his own backup plan was, back in the Sixties, Cooper laughed. “We had no Plan B!” he shouted. “We quit college and went to LA. We were not going to stop till we made it.” ■ Alice Cooper admits he could have gone the way of ill-fated rock legends who died at an early age from excesses of one kind or another, but he decided, "I had to quit everything." (Special to AFN)

go out and help on Mondays and Fridays. Then we also have a second layer if that’s not enough support. Then it really goes down to directors, possibly executive directors – myself – anybody who is certified could potentially end up in a classroom.” Bus drivers have not been as critically needed in Kyrene as they have been in many other nearby districts, Toenjes said, because fewer students’ parents are opting for buses. Crossing guard positions, however, are critically needed as are classroom and lunchtime aides of every description. Many of those vacancies also eat into the little time teachers already have for planning – or even a quick break. Toenjes sees no easy answer to the job vacancy problem – particularly because Kyrene isn’t just competing with other districts but with places like Target, Starbucks and other retailers that pay a higher hourly wage. “It’s a supply-and-demand thing and right now, the supply’s not there,” Toenjes said. “But it’s also a financial thing.” “When private enterprise is able to raise those rates for hourly employees…that’s more challenging for us to do. So, we’re trying to get out the word that you get to work with children. I mean, the work you do in a school district is so meaningful… We have a lot to offer, but that base pay is getting very competitive.” For people looking to explore Kyrene’s job opportunities, the district’s Talent Management page is the place to start. Go to kyrene.org/Page/905. ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Juror exclusion on hunch going away in Arizona BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

rizona is about to become the first state in the nation to eliminate attorneys’ ability to strike prospective jurors based on what may only be hunches – a practice that often ends up culling minorities. The state Supreme Court will announce this week approval of a new rule eliminating what are called “peremptory challenges’’ – eliminating potential jurors in civil and criminal trials without citing any reason at all. As of Jan. 1, lawyers will need some specific reason to strike someone from the jury pool, like an admitted bias or their personal knowledge of the parties or the dispute. The move comes over the objections from several prosecutors who contend, as does Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel, it “will ultimately lead to trials that are less fair for all sides.’’ Instead, the Supreme Court justices accepted the recommendation of two judges from the state Court of Appeals, Peter Swann and Paul McMurdie, who argued that the move will go a long way to eliminating persistent problems with juries that often do not reflect the racial and eth-

nic backgrounds of their communities. “The primary tool by which this discrimination is practiced is the peremptory strike,’’ they wrote in their petition. No one has disputed that lawyers have used peremptory challenges to fashion a jury they think will be more favorable to their arguments. But the appellate judges noted this is not anything guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. In fact, they said, most states did not allow for it until after the Civil War. “A cynical observer might note that the power came into being in the years after Black Americans obtained the right to serve on juries,’’ they wrote. Since 1986, any time there has been a peremptory challenge to a minority juror, the attorney needs to articulate a non-racial reason for his or her decision. But Swann and McMurdie said the data they’ve seen convinces them that it still means fewer minorities on juries, even with lawyers citing what they claim is a legitimate reason. Data compiled by the Administrative Office of the Courts shows that in criminal cases, the proportion of white jurors seated varied only 3 percent from their representation in the population. By contrast, Black jurors were under-

represented by 16 percent. And it was worse for Hispanics who were underrepresented 21 percent of the time, with a 51 percent gap for Native Americans. The disparities were even more pronounced in civil cases. Adel said the peremptory challenge gives prosecutors a chance to strike jurors who they believe, based on their answers to questions asked during the screen process, hold some bias. “Expecting a prospective juror to candidly admit that they cannot be fair is not realistic,’’ wrote Kenneth Vick, her chief deputy, on her behalf. Assistant Attorney General Nicholas Klingerman, writing for Mark Brnovich, his boss, argued that peremptory challenges help ensure that those who are unfit do not serve on juries and eliminates the need for a lawyer to find some “challenge for cause.’’ Instead, Brnovich wants more study of the matter. But Mikel Steinfeld, a Maricopa County public defender, said the move is long overdue. “There is near-uniform agreement that peremptory strikes have long been a tool for discrimination,’’ he wrote. He cited a 2005 survey which found that every law-

yer interviewed considered race and gender when picking a jury. Even the Arizona Black Bar, while taking no formal position, is concerned that complete abolition of peremptory challenges “could have unintended and undesirable consequences.’’ Not all the opposition to the change is coming from prosecutors. Attorneys defending doctors and hospitals in medical malpractice cases involving millions of dollars also want to keep their ability to strike jurors without having to articulate a reason. “These cases can be highly emotional,’’ they wrote. “It is especially important to have the peremptory challenge safety valve for ensuring that the jurors who are seated in these cases are not unfairly biased for or against one side or the other.’’ But McMurdie and Swann say there’s another – and potentially more practical – reason, aside from racial and ethnic balance, to eliminate peremptory challenges. Allowing these strikes means that more people have to be called for jury duty than actually will be needed. The new rule still allows attorneys to challenge a prospective juror “for cause.’’ But it will require the lawyer to prove “by a preponderance of the evidence that the juror cannot render a fair and impartial verdict.’’ ■

the provision gives them a basis to sue. The ruling, however, does not void the statute. Instead, it simply sends the case back to a trial judge to consider its constitutionality. Katie Conner, spokeswoman for Attorney General Mark Brnovich, said he will fight their efforts, calling the statute in question a “commonsense law that protects victims by limiting direct contact with criminal defendants and their attorneys.’’ But attorney Jared Keenan of the American Civil Liberties Union, which sued on behalf of the defense attorneys, told Capitol Media Services the decision by the appellate court to allow the challenge to the law is important.

“What we’ve seen is prosecutors using this statute as more than a shield to allegedly protect crime victims,’’ he said. “They use it as a sword to sort of undermine the truth-seeking function of our criminal justice system.’’ Hanging in the balance is a statute that says defendants, their lawyers and their investigators can initiative contact with crime victims only through the prosecutor’s office. That includes not just the actual victims but also family members. Prosecutors are required to pass on the requests. But they also can advise those the lawyer wants to interview that they have the legal right to simply say “no.’’ The basis is the Victims’ Bill of Rights,

a 1990 voter-approved constitutional amendment designed to spell out the rights of crime victims and their families. It includes things like the right to be present during all stages of the trial, to be notified of all events, and to refuse to be interviewed. In filing suit against Brnovich and Gov. Doug Ducey, the defense attorneys and the American Civil Liberties Union called the requirement to funnel requests for contact “an unconstitutional licensing requirement and prior restraint on speech.’’ What it also does, according to the lawyers, is make it difficult for them to meet their obligation to provide effective assistance to their clients. ■

Defense lawyers want pre-trial access to victims BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

federal appeals court has given the go ahead for criminal defense attorneys in Arizona to challenge a state law that prohibits them from directly contacting crime victims. In a new ruling, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court decision declaring that members of the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice have no legal standing to try to void the restriction because they suffer no injury from it. The appellate judges said just the fact that the lawyers can have their license to practice law suspended or revoked for violating

GOT NEWS?

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Mt. Pointe alumnus’ horror �lick just missed COVID BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

hen Jeremy Daniel Davis directed his first play in his senior year at Mountain Pointe High School, little did, or could, he imagine decades later he would be producing a movie starring Hollywood star Nicolas Cage. Interim years saw him establishing himself as an actor, and the first to be asked to act in the 2008 film “Seal Team VI.” A Los Angeles resident of 17 years currently spending this year in Atlanta, Georgia – where his latest movie, “Willy’s Wonderland” was filmed – Davis is currently produc-

ing several movies including a racing film, “The Street Racer,” with a plot that harkens back to his own teen years. The Ahwatukee native marvels that “Willy’s Wonderland” wrapped two weeks before the 2020 pandemic shutdown. “I don’t think the film would have survived otherwise,” he said. Besides acting and producing, Davis is founder and president of JD Entertainment – which produced “Willy’s Wonderland,” a quirky horror movie starring Nicolas Cage as a drifter with a suspiciously-disabled 2020 SS Camaro who finds himself marooned overnight in an out-ofbusiness theme restaurant where

demonic animatronics threaten to end his life. Cage, known only as The Janitor, spends a night cleaning the former kiddie restaurant in exchange for having his car repaired. He also spends the night confronting giant demon-possessed mascots that bear cuddly names like Cammy Chameleon, Tito Turtle and Gus Gorilla. None of them are cuddly. Cage not

�ee PRODUCER page 27

Mountain Pointe High alumnus and Ahwatukee native Jeremy Davis, producer of “Willy’s Wonderland,” confers with actor Nicholas Cage on set in Altlanta, Georgia. (Courtesy of Jeremy Davis)

Adelyn’s army called up for semi-annual blood AFN NEWS STAFF

t nearly 6 years of age, Adelyn Troutman in recent years has become a lightning rod for a community-wide blood drive that represents her parents’ effort to give back for the life-saving gift she has received from others. Twice a year, Matt and Kami Troutman hold a blood drive so that other people can be helped the same way their daughter has been helped every month since she was 2 months old. Last week, Adelyn had her 88th blood transfusion – a monthly ordeal necessary for her to live and lead an otherwise pretty normal life. When she was 2 months old, she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Diamond-Blackfan anemia, which prohibits her body from making red blood cells. The cells have a relatively short life span, so by the end of four weeks after her last transfusion, they’ve all died off, forcing the need for another transfusion of blood. The transfusions themselves take a toll

Adelyn Troutman, 6, of Ahwatukee, just got her 88th monthly blood transfusion and her grateful parents have scheduled their seventh semiannual blood drive as their way of thanking others who have made it possible for her to live. (Courtesy of Matt Troutman) since they can cause a deadly increase in the amount of iron in her bloodstream, which can lead to heart and liver failure with little warning. So that has to be constantly monitored too. But her parents are grateful that there is blood available – particularly since blood supplies have been critically low ever

since the pandemic began in March 2020. This month, the Troutmans are tying their fall blood drive to the 20th anniversary of one of the darkest days in American history – and another time when blood was in desperately short supply to treat those injured in the terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people. The next blood drive will be held 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 11 at Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee. People can sign up at bit.ly/2VbsBZD or contact Kami Troutman on Facebook. Matt Troutman estimates that 3,000 people have been saved by the blood donated at the last seven blood drives he and Kami organized. This is the seventh drive; only the fall 2020 event was canceled because of the pandemic. “Hospitals are using blood supplies on a priority basis, choosing who needs the blood the most,” Matt noted. “Luckily, Adelyn has not run into any issues with not having blood available as of yet. But if we don’t get more people to donate and

put blood on the shelves, that very well could happen.” He said he and Kami deliberately chose Sept. 11. “I can’t think of a better way to honor the victims and heroes,” said Matt, who has built a moving and somber video at youtu.be/HgexNLxjcj4. Watch that video and you may want to roll up both sleeves. Matt said the blood that has been donated over the years comprise “an incredible show of generosity by our Ahwatukee community.” Adelyn this school year started kindergarten at Monte Vista elementary school, where she already has had a supportive community that rallied around her older brother and sister. Many of the teachers and kids already wear Adelyn’s Cure t-shirts on her transfusion days, her father said. And he has this reminder for anyone who hasn’t joined Adelyn’s army: “As long as people keep donating blood, she will continue down that path and be able to live her life to the fullest.” ■

REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Guide Flood of evictions may not follow ban’s end BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

ears that thousands of people will be on the streets soon after the U.S. Supreme Court tossed the federal ban on evictions may be overblown, the spokesman for Maricopa County Justice Courts suggests. “It would be easy to say evictions are ‘back to normal’ today,” said Scott Davis, who represents the judicial system that handles evictions. “But that would not be correct.”

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“We have said this before and we will say it again: the eviction process is very complicated and it became even more so with a pandemic thrown into the mix,” he said. “Federal, state, and local orders and rules have all tweaked the process throughout the last year.” Urging that people “please do not get caught up in the fear scenario that hundreds or even thousands of people suddenly will become homeless over the next week,” Davis stressed, “This is simply not

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the case and Arizona’s courts have taken steps to ensure this will not happen.” The high court ruled that the Centers for Disease Control overstepped its authority when it extended the ban earlier this year on grounds that it would expose people to – and further the spread of – COVID-19. Courtney Gilstrap LeVinus, president/ CEO of the Arizona Multihousing Association, hailed the 5-3 decision, stating “for 18 months, Arizona property owners have been financially decimated by the CDC eviction moratorium.” LeVinus added, “The federal government’s unprecedented nullification of more than 1 million private contracts statewide has pushed mom-and-pop rental owners and apartment community owners to the brink of bankruptcy. In Arizona, industry estimates place the amount of unpaid rent at more than $500 million. “A national survey reports that about one in four single family rental owners has been forced to sell all or some of their properties because of the moratorium.” LeVinus also noted that “despite such intense financial pressure, Arizona property owners have worked with residents to keep them in their homes, to keep them safe from the pandemic, and to help them qualify for eviction relief that has been slow to arrive for a year and a half.” And LeVinus said the association continues to encourage its members “to keep working with residents to avoid evictions in every possible instance.” Various local, county and state programs, fueled by three rounds of federal pandemic relief between March 2020 and early this year, have dispensed millions in assistance to struggling renters. But millions more remain unspent and it is unclear whether government bureau-

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

cracy, inadequate promulgation of the programs or some other factor is to blame. Phoenix Human Services Director Marchelle Franklin last week sent a memo to City Council stating that 34 percent of $51.1 million allocated in March for rent relief has not yet been spent. Program expenditures total just under $30.4 million with the average financial assistance per household at $7,600 and 2,514 online applications waiting to be processed, she reported. Davis said the Supreme Court’s refusal to let the eviction ban continue poses questions for what landlords will do next. The Arizona Landlord-Tenant Association and the Arizona MultiHousing Association represent eviction attorneys and landlords – both corporate and independent. “Those associations advise members on how to proceed,” he said, adding “so much of the coming case volume is in their hands.” “We know that eviction case filings over the last 17 months are down about 50 percent from pre-pandemic,” he added. Whether they bounce back to or above that pre-pandemic level is unknown. “No matter what the activity is, the Maricopa County Justice Courts are well prepared,” Davis said. “We have invested heavily in education for not only our own Justices of the Peace, but for JPs all over the state. “There have been multiple training sessions, court forms and checklists, meetings and conversations to get ready. We have identified extra days in the week where each of our justice courts can schedule more eviction hearings as necessary.” He noted that in addition to the county’s 26 justices of the peace, there are certified pro-tem judges who can handle any overload. Davis also said landlords and tenants must adhere to a myriad of requirements laid out in the Arizona Residential Landlord-Tenant Act and supplemented by

Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-129. “First and almost always- tenants must be given advance notice – five, 10 or 30 days depending on the circumstance – before the landlord can bring a new eviction case to court,” he said. During the time before filing, the tenant can pay arrearages or negotiate a payment plan with the landlord – something that many real estate lawyers have been advising since the pandemic began. Landlords can seek an accelerated disposition under certain circumstances, but in those cases, tenants must be given a hearing within three to six days, Davis said. Tenants in a property with a federallybacked mortgage must additionally receive a 30-day notice to vacate. Davis said new eviction requests will fall into one of two categories – where the unpaid rent includes amounts from when the CDC order was in effect and the unpaid rent from a time when the CDC order ceased to be in effect – namely since Aug. 26. “We will likely not see this second category right away, but these cases will proceed just as all evictions would have prior to the pandemic,” Davis said. “In all new eviction cases that come to court where the demand includes rent unpaid while the CDC Order was in effect, the judge will ask if the tenant is aware of and has applied for rental assistance,” he said. “That is still an option and can buy the tenant more time if they have not yet applied and the landlord agrees to wait. This

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is perhaps the most important point. If the parties agree to work on getting this monetary assistance, the eviction case will be granted a stay.” He said judges also will be asking the parties if they received rental assistance, if it covered what was due and if the landlord waived any amount not covered. “If the landlord says they were not required to waive any amounts not covered, they will need to prove that with copies of the rental assistance documents,” he said. In cases where judges gave parties more time to work out a settlement, a landlord wishing to proceed with an eviction must ask permission to amend their original complaint. In cases where an eviction order was issued but stayed because of the eviction ban, the landlord will have to file a motion to amend the judgment reflecting additional rent owed or a request for a “writ of restitution” that, if signed, would direct a constable to escort the tenant from the premises. “When that application is filed, a hearing may be scheduled and a judge will decide the case several days later – with notice to the tenant, of course, Davis said. “If successful, that Writ will not be issued for at least five days after that… again with advance notice to the tenant.” Davis said the courts can still conduct hearings online or even by phone. “We schedule no more than 30 per hour, so it is very easy and not time-consuming for a tenant to attend their hearing virtually and try to preserve their housing,” he added. ■

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CONGRATULATIONS!!! We'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Gold Medal Swim Team of Ahwatukee. These are just a few highlights from an outstanding summer season. • 2nd Place Team Finish at the Age Group State meet, achieving the highest point total in team history. Gold Medal had four 1st place high point winners- Marley Spray, Dylan Rhodes, and perfect 120 point scores from Finn Conley and Jason Sugihara. •

•

estern Zone Sectionals in Austin, TXthe most competitive ever held based on times to qualify for top 32. Fourteen Gold Medal swimmers participated, led by Jack Luken with scores in the top 8 in three of his events. Leah Green led the club with a 2nd place in the 1500 freestyle and the women’s team of Reagan Uhlik, Kinsey Miller, Jaida Lippy, and Abby Raclaw

• Gold Medal Swim Club sent nine swimmers to participate on the W Jason Sugihara, Marley Spray, and Tori Nguyen. • At the USA Summer Championships in Irvine, CA, Jack Luken placed 8th in the 800 freestyle and 14th in the 400 freestyle. This was the second highest USA meet this summer, behind the Olympic Trials. • A number of Gold Medal swimmers achieved a top 100 ranking for their age group by USA Swimming. Congratulations to these swimmers for their awesome achievement: Jason Sugihara, Paige Downey, Ellie Kayser, Reagan Uhlik, Dylan Rhodes, Adia Peterson, Clare Luken, Cohen Gunsaus, Marly Spray, and Alexa Largent.

We wish you even greater success in the upcoming short course season!

• At the Futures Championship in Fargo, ND, Jack Luken led Gold MedClare Luken, Reed Lucero, and Ava Elliot also placed in their events.

AGE GROUP HIGH POINT WINNERS

SECTIONALS TEAM

480.576.4411

1ST PLACE AT FUTURES

FUTURES TEAM

WESTERN ZONE ALL STAR TEAM

RHouseRealty.com

1345 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 119 Phoenix, AZ 85048

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Mark Taylor president thrives on people, numbers

in Ahwatukee. Carlson didn’t start out to be a developer. He moved to the Phoenix area in 2001 after earning his bachelor’s degree and working as an engineer in Minnesota. He had visited the Phoenix area for work and “I knew this is where I wanted to be.” He had an engineering job all lined once

Leading Luxury Home Experts

BONNY HOLLAND Ahwatukee Resident and Realtor since 1995

Bonny@LeadingLuxuryExperts.com

2016 & 2017 BREA Award for Most Sales in Ahwatukee!

emphasis on innovation has driven MarkTaylor to become an admired leader in development, as well as national asset management and consulting services. His focus on excellence for Mark-Taylor means they continuously enhance technology and operations to stay at the forefront of

#1 AGENT IN AHWATUKEE CLOSED VOLUME 2020 SUMMERHILL

$395,000

1519 E Desert Willow Dr, Phoenix

$2,399,000

14616 S 1st St, Phoenix

Located in the Hillside gated community of Summerhill, this custom luxury estate has it all!

2157 E Tecoma Rd, Phoenix

SALE PENDING

7209 sqft, 6 bedrooms and 5.5 baths

Exclusive custom home offering picturesque sunsets and captivating mountain views on over 1.7 acres in Tapestry Canyon!

$799,000

ALISO CANYON

4333 Boulder Ridge Phoenix

$700,000

AHWATUKEE CUSTOM ESTATES

11640 S Warcloud Ct, Phoenix

2455 SqFt, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths

4270 sqft, 5 bedrooms (+7), 4 baths

Gorgeous highly upgraded single level home in Mountain Park Ranch.

Remodeled Ahwatukee area beauty sitting in an over 13,000 sq ft cul-de-sac backing to wash!

Beautiful custom home in the highly sought after Ahwatukee Custom Estates.

Each Keller Williams Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Dave@LeadingLuxuryExperts.com 509-869-0358 Team Leader

Meghann Holland:

Meghann@LeadingLuxuryExperts.com 480-241-4976 Transaction Coordinator

$1,259,000

2928 sqft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths

www.LeadingLuxuryExperts.com

the multifamily industry. The secret to building a quality property is timeless architecture and listening to what residents say they want, according to Carlson. And the one thing residents always seem say is, they want more space. “Size matters,” he said. ■

$2,499,000

6377 sqft, 6 bedrooms and 5.5 baths

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the state. Tru Realty’s Ahwatukee is at 4425 E Agave Road, Ste. 138. Tru Realty is home to over 130 agents who sold approximately $200 million in residential real estate and completed 28 percent more transactions than they did the year before, a company spokesman said. The PropTech-enabled real estate company consists of several divisions: residential, luxury, commercial, vacation rental management, and direct-to-consumer wholesale. It also is an early adopter of Blockchain technology. Information: trurealty.com■

Dave Cox:

Beautiful move in ready Ahwatukee home in Foothills Club West

15832 S 22nd St

602.369.1085

buying, selling, investing or renting,” Cohen said. “We are focused on listening to the true needs of our clients, providing individualized expertise and transparent communications through every step of the transaction.” Housing Around AZ specializes in the East and Southeast Valley and is a listing expert in Pinal and Maricopa counties with additional representation in Tucson, the White Mountains, and Rim Country. Leonard, Housing Around AZ’s founder, said, “Our successful process of selling every home and piece of land has seen us complete over $65 million in successful transactions in the last five years across

1782 sqft, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths

MOUNTAIN PARK RANCH

$1,650,000

employees to feel the same way. “Whether we have five employees or 500 employees, we want to be familial,” Carlson said. “We want to have a career path for employees to grow.”

Company culture goes a long way in explaining Mark-Taylor’s success, Carlson said. “When I leave, hopefully in 45 or 50 years, I want to leave the organization with a vital culture; that really means a lot to me,” he said. Carlson’s data-driven leadership and

NEW LISTING

1659 W Cottonwood Lane, Phoenix

Luxury Custom Estate nestled on a 40,000 square foot lot with amazing views!

CARLSON from page RE4

technologies, will provide expansive state and national exposure for the brokerage’s clients, listings, and agents.” Sarah Richardson, Tru Realty CEO and founder said the teams “are seasoned local Arizona real estate experts and I’m proud to see them driving a big part of our expansion.” BUYAZRE, which has completed over $145 million in successful transactions since 2013, specializes in the greater Phoenix and Scottsdale areas. The team has expanded its reach to include Payson, Flagstaff, Sedona, and Prescott over the last two years. “BUYAZRE exists to provide an unparalleled real estate experience, whether

TAPESTRY CANYON

THE SANCTUARY

5100 sqft. 5 (+6) bedrooms, 4.5 baths

ru Realty, a major brokerage in the state, has opened new locations in Ahwatukee and Scottsdale Designated broker is Barry Nicholas and two internal teams will be working with him – BUYAZRE, led by Asher Cohen, and Housing Around AZ, led by James “Jase” Leonard. “Each team remains a leader in Arizona residential real estate for their respective areas while continuing to operate under the Tru Realty brand,” the firm said in a release, adding that the two units, “combined with Tru Realty’s resources and

see CARLSON page RE5

FOOTHILLS CLUB WEST

SOLD

AFN NEWS STAFF

JUST LISTED

JOHN CARLSON

per week for $5.25 an hour as a 10-yearold on his stepfather’s farm or playing football, baseball and basketball in high school. He has scaled Mark-Taylor to its largest size in the company’s history while increasing employee satisfaction and retention, keeping people his upmost priority. He credits the exceptional employees and the authentic and ambitious culture at Mark-Taylor as the keys to the company’s continued success. “Whether I was working as a part-time leasing agent … or an asset manager, I always said, ‘If I was ever in charge, if I was president, we would want to make it a people-first organization,’” Carlson said. He gets that sentimentality by working through the ranks himself. He knows what it’s like at every level of the organization. With no other family in the area, Carlson said Mark-Taylor became his family in Arizona and he wants the company’s other

REAL ESTATE

SOLD

hen John Carlson was 7, he and his mother went to live with his grandmother. He slept on the floor in those days and had one thing on his mind: “I can’t wait to have my own room someday,” he recalled. As president of Mark-Taylor Companies, the leading developer, owner and investment manager of Arizona and Nevada’s modern luxury apartment communities, Carlson is responsible for giving a lot of people their own rooms. “I love real estate,” Carlson, 45, said. “I love numbers and the people are amazing.” As president, he leads the strategic direction, and oversees business development, operations, and the property performance portfolio for Mark-Taylor’s 20,000-plus apartment units. That includes the San Paseo on S. Pointe Parkway

in Arizona but it disappeared after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Carlson was putting out resumes, looking for work, with no luck. He happened to be living in a Mark-Taylor property and mentioned to the office manager he was looking for a job. She offered him a part-time leasing gig but Carlson “poo pooed it at first.” “I thought about it probably for 30 seconds and said ‘No thank you,’” he said. “In my mind I wanted to be an engineer.” But then he had second thoughts. “I thought I shouldn’t be closed off to new opportunities,” Carlson said. So, he took the job and eventually made his way up through the ranks and became president of Mark-Taylor in 2016. He credits his ascension to old fashion hard work.“I’m a Capricorn by trait,” he said. “I’m wired a lot like my mother, with just a hunger, a desire to get better.” It was that work ethic that served Carlson when he was working 15 to 20 hours

JUST LISTED

BY J. GRABER AFN Staff Writer

New brokerage opens office in Ahwatukee

SOLD

REAL ESTATE

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FAMILY RUN TEAM

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

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SPO OTLIGHT home

Circle G at Riggs Ranch

Estate living with refined tranquility in this exquisite setting. Meticulous stonework adorns entire exterior of this luxury home. Inviting entry opens to diagonally laid tile with granite inlays and dramatic wooden staircase. Formal dining room with stacked stone fireplace. Gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, large island, Subzero refrigerator, and Wolf gas cooktop with double ovens. Fireplace and wet bar in great room. Floor plan boasts seven bedrooms, playroom and large game room. Expansive master suite includes large sitting area with two-way fireplace, crown molding, separate walk-in closets and spacious bathroom. Three custom iron doors lead to massive covered patio with pavers, built-in barbeque, heated pool with waterfall and slide, gorgeous landscaping with fruit trees and koi pond. Large secondary bedrooms. Oversized laundry room with sink, granite countertops, cabinetry and room for a refrigerator. Additional upgrades throughout include 8’ solid core doors, speakers, surround sound in numerous locations, designer paint and exterior security cameras. Three masonry fireplaces. Anderson windows installed six years ago on entire first level. Four Trane a/c units with variable speed. Over-sized side entry four car garage. Availability to park an RV in the back as long as a garage is built for it. Over 7,000 square feet of stone on exterior. Almost acre-sized lot affords complete privacy.

Listed for $1,790,000

SOLD!

Mike Mendoza 480.706.7234 www.MendozaTeam.com

SONORAN LIVING

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

14616 SOUTH 1ST STREET

PARADISE VIEWS IN CLUB WEST

NEW LISTING 7209 sqft, 6 (+9) bedrooms, 5.5 baths Located in the Hillside gated community of Summerhill, this custom luxury estate has it all!

Listed for $2,499,000

SONORAN LIVING

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

Bonny Holland

602.369.1085 • www.LeadingLuxuryExperts.com

IMMACULATE SINGLE LEVEL HOME LOCATED IN CLUB WEST ON A PREMIUM LOT•PARADISE VIEWS OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN•3 BED,2.5 BATH, PLUS EXECUTIVE OFFICE AND LOADED WITH UPGRADES•FORMAL LIVING ROOM•FORMAL DINING ROOM•FAMILY ROOM W/WETBAR, BUILT-IN MEDIA CENTER, & FIREPLACE•KITCHEN INCLUDES: S/S APPLIANCES ,CORIAN COUNTERS, LARGE ISLAND, GAS COOKTOP, 42’ CABINETS, RECESSED & PENDANT LIGHTING, & S/S HARDWARE•BREAKFAST NOOK•NEUTRAL PAINT & CARPET•STONE-LOOK TILE FLOORING•PLANTATION SHUTTERS•LARGE MASTER SUITE WITH VIEWS•MASTER BATH W/DUAL VANITIES, GLASS BLOCK WALK-IN SHOWER W/TRAVERTINE & MOSAICS•PARADISE OASIS BACKYARD WITH PEBBLETEC POOL, WATERFALL, PALM TREES, COVERED PATIO, EXTENSIVE DECKING, BUILT-IN BBQ, GRASSY PLAY AREA, & ENDLESS VIEWS•PATIO FURNITURE INCLUDED•THIS IS THE HOME YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!

Listed for $799,000

Geno Ross (602) 751-2121 www.GenoRoss.com

REAL ESTATE

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Fulton Homes marks 45 years of building AFN NEWS STAFF

ulton Homes is marking its 45th anniversary. The Tempe company said in a release it prides itself on “quality singlefamily homes with high-grade amenities and plentiful greenspaces in communities across the Valley.” “Forty-five years of building residences in which families grow and raise children in is an amazing achievement,” said CEO Doug Fulton. “We are proud to share this success with our current and future homeowners. We look forward to many more years.” Fulton Homes was founded in 1975 by Ira Fulton after successfully buying and turning around a clothing business that was closed to bankruptcy. The company grew from building several homes a year to completing more than 1,200 single family units in 2020. “Quantity is not Fulton Homes’ motivating factor; the company’s overarching goal is to fulfill the needs of the ever-changing American family as best as possible,” the

480-706-7234 ! LD O S

company release said. “It is important that homeowners know they’re moving into a home that is not only built with care, but with unmatched quality.” Fulton Homes said its key to its business has been a variety of charitable endeavors, including large donations to educational institutions, water safety awareness campaigns, musical educational promotions and giveaways benefiting family pets and children literacy. Recently, the Tempe-based homebuilder announced details on more than 5,200 secured lots the company currently has in different stages of development in the local market. “As a company, we know exactly who we are and what we do best: Build single-family homes and large-scale master-planned communities featuring the highest grade of amenities and shared gathering spaces, all within our local market,” said Fulton. “Our pipeline is proof of that and our commitment to the community.” Fulton Vice President Norm Nicholls added, “For a local homebuilder that operates in-market, we believe we are in an

4 BR / 2.5 BA / 2,941 SQFT

Estate living with refined tranquility in exquisite setting. Meticulous stonework adorns entire exterior of home.

Listed for $1,790,000

Spotless single level with split master floor plan in popular Gilbert location.

GOT NEWS?

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

D! L SO

Stunning panoramic views from privately gated luxury retreat with casita on elevated preserve lot.

Sanctuary

Bella Vista 4BR / 2.5 BA / 3,289 SQFT New exterior paint and 2019 Trane AC units in gated Chandler community.

UDC build on oversized cul-de-sac lot with newer AC units and hardwood flooring.

! LD O S

Germann Country Estates

Listed for $1,950,000

4 BR / 3.5 BA / 3,860 SQFT Superb single level with travertine patio and fenced Pebble Tec pool with water feature.

Listed for $1,250,000

Listed for $675,000

Mike Mendoza MendozaTeam.com 5 BR / 5 BA / 6,455 SQFT

Listed For $625,000

5 BR / 2.5 BA / 3,156 SQFT

Sierra Canyon

lage that will eventually be home to more than 790 homes. The project will feature higher-density designs in a gated setting. This project is not expected to go into development for at least a year. Additionally, the company recently secured a parcel totaling 187 acres at the northwest corner of Perryville and Indian School Roads in the West Valley. The recently approved master-planned community will have 675 homes. Surprise will also feature a Fulton Homes master-planned community of 550 homes on 110 acres of land. “The approved projects remain in the early stages of raw land in predevelopment, and the company will look to break ground on homes in the summer of 2022,” the company said. Information: fultonhomes.com. ■

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team for Over 30 Years 7BR / 4.5 BA / 8,873 SQFT

Circle G at Riggs Ranch

extremely good position to compete with national builders in an active and healthy residential real estate market. “The lots are in front of us, and once the trades and supply chain catches up to the demand – a challenge all builders face right now – we can start announcing sales and pre-sales.” Its major Southeast Valley development currently is Barney Farms in Queen Creek, a master-planned community that will total more than 1,700 homes on 550 acres, including 114 acres of open space anchored by a 22 acre lake. With established master-planned communities underway and nearing close-out, and newer projects in different stages of development, Fulton Homes expects to build approximately 3,500 homes on secured lots in the West Valley in the coming years. Currently in development, Escalante has more than 1,000 lots near US 60 and the Loop 303 freeway in a burgeoning part of the Northwest Valley. In Goodyear, Fulton Homes closed on land at Yuma Road and Estrella Parkway surrounding the Goodyear Ballpark Vil-

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Monte Vista

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

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Ahwatukee Custom Estates One of the most amazing view lots in

$2,099,000

SOLD!

all of AZ. Custom home with everythingl 10,000 sq. ft., 3/4 acre prserve lot, 6 bedrooms, 6 bathes, Executive Office Suite, Master Suite with Sitting Room, Master Bath with Jacuzzi, Theater Room, Exercise Room, Loft, Guest House, Grand Foyer, Gourmet Kitchen, Resort Backyard with Pebbletec Diving Pool, Watertalls, slide, Volcano, firepit, Spa, Sport Court, Grassy Play Areas, & Outdoor Kitchen, 4-car A/C Garage. A true masterpiece!!!

Calabrea

Ahwatukee Custom Estates

SOLD!

$1,339,000

$1,750,000

Pristine & Classy Gated Estate On A Premium 2/3 Acre Hillside Lot, Private Cul-De-Sac, 6 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths, 5200 Sqft Of Pure Luxury Finishes, Stunning Views In Every Direction, Iron Door, Butted Glass Windows In Entry & Kitchen, Custom Window Treatments, Decorator Paint, Dome Ceiling Foyer & Groin Vaulted Ceilings In Living Room, Travertine & Hardwood Floors Throughout, 7-Inch Baseboards, Media Room, Dream Kitchen Includes S/S Appliances, Slab Granite Counters, Alder Cabinets, Huge Island, Walk In Pantry, Large Master Suite W/Stone Fireplace, Master Bath W/Jacuzzi Tub, 3 Vanities & Snail Shower, Paradise Backyard W/Travertine In Versailles Pattern, Turf Grass, Pebbletec Pool/Jacuzzi, 4 Water Features, Large Covered Patio, Stacked Stone Bbq, 4 Car Garage W/Epoxy & Storage! Your Dream Estate Awaits!!

SOLD!

Amazing Remodeled Custom Estate with mountain views located at the end of a cul-de-sac.Over 8000sqft of pure luxury finishes.6 Bedroom,5.5 Baths.Custom Kitchen.Elevator.Executive Office.Basement Media Room.Dance Studio.Huge Backyard with Pool, Jacuzzi, Turf, BBQ, Sportcourt.This Spectacular Estate has it all!!!

Summerhill $1,099,000

Calabrea $1,099,000

Cabrillo Canyon $689,000

SOLD! Stunning Single Level Custom Remodel on a huge corner lot in a cul-de-sac! *4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath *The highest quality custom finishes throughout *Grand foyer *Formal living & dining room *Familt room w/fireplace *Wetbar *Designer kitchen includes: quartzsite counters & island, s/s appliances, custom cabinetry, walk-in pantry *Recessed LED lights throughout *Plantation shutters *Large master suite *Master bath w/walk-in shower, free standing tub, & walk-in closet *Laundry room w/sink *Wood flooring *Custom fixtures *Trane A/C’s *Private backyard w/covered patio, pebbletec pool, turf, & RV gate with tons of room to park the toys *3 Car garage with epoxy *The lot is very private *The house shows like a new build *Do not miss your opportunity to own this amazing Cabrillo Canyon Estate!

5 bedroom / 3 bath, 3,506 SqFt, Cul-de-sac location with huge backyard, sports court, built-in BBQ, mature shade trees, very private backing to wash. Good size SOLD! bedrooms, master downstai5. Features a large office with balcony, plus office/loft with built-in bookcase and 3 full baths. Th� home is perfect for family gatherings BEST NEAR THE LOOP 202 in gated withand stunning mountain only. views. andLOCATION entertaining. CanNEW be previewed with 24Calabrea hour notice appointment

SOLD!

Canyon Verde/$899,000--SOLD IN 1 DAY Foothills/$299,000--SOLD IN 1 DAY Ahwatukee/$489,000--SOLD IN 1 DAY

Complete with the highest quality build and finishes. Gourmet kitchen includes slab granite counters, alder cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. This estate also features a media/ theater room with 105 inch screen. The basement includes a full wet bar, family room & 2 bedrooms. Resort Backyard with pool. A perfect 10!

www.GenoRoss.com Donna Leeds TOP GRI, ABR REALTOR

�

949.310.5673

Stunning single-level custom estate gated summerhill on a 1/2 acre lot. beautiful mountain views. Gourmet Kitchen. Master Suite w/sitting area. Two master suites. Split floorplan. Executive office w/built-in cabinets. Tropical paradise backyard w/covered patio, gazebo, pebbletec pool, rock waterfall, built-in bbq, turf, & putting green. This estate has the perfect floorplan!!

lf"fl!

Geno Ross

602.751.2121

wwwBestAgentWUSA.com

Making Ahwatukee

Home Dreams Come True Since 1986 www.WestUSA.com I 480.893.0600

4505 E. Chandler Boulevard, Suite 170, Phoenix, AZ 85048

Mountain Park Ranch

Lakewood

SOLD!

$635,000

2,498 Sq Ft. EXCEPTIONAL HOME Which Has One of the LARGEST LOTS in the Premier Lakewood Community! PEBBLETEC POOL and SPA in your own Oasis backyard! 4 bedrooms 3 baths with Lakewood Parks, Greenbelts & 2 Fishing Lakes, Playgrounds and More.

Original Owners Phoenix charmer in the Ahwatukee Foothills! 3 bedroom, 3 full bath home with tons of upgrades, vaulted ceilings, and a gorgeous pool. Plantation shutters and top of the line energy efficient Anderson Windows installed throughout in 2014. The kitchen features granite countertops, a breakfast bar, and pendant lighting with an open concept feel. Optional space downstairs for a 4th bedroom with full bath if desired.

SOLD! Pristine Curb appeal in desirable Adult 55+ Golf Community of Ahwatukee. Open concept split floor plan with Vaulted ceilings. Many upgrades include remodeled and updated kitchen, tile floors, master bath, murphy bed, travertine deck and patio with misting system and a putting green. updated duel pane windows, Plantation shutters throughout, pebble-tech heated pool with a water feature, North South exposure and mountain views. Enjoy all the benefits that the ARC has to offer.

Troy Royston 480-435-3461 troyston61@gmail.com

PENDING!

$600,000

2,438 sq ft. Beautiful 4 bed, 2.5 bath. Master Down ! Great curb appeal with easy-care desert landscape and a two-car garage. New Carpeting discover formal dining and living areas, plantation shutters, and a soothing palette throughout. The charming kitchen offers ample oak cabinetry, tile counters, recessed lighting, & an island complete with a breakfast bar. The primary bedroom boasts its own ensuite filled with natural light & a sizable walk-in closet. Spacious bedrooms offer plush carpets and ceiling fans. Interior laundry with shelving. Backyard offers the best of both worlds with a covered patio and sparkling pool to cool off in.

Marty Griffin 602-692-7653 martygriffin@q.com

Equestrian Estates

Maricopa

Jenifer Bulfer 480-297-6968 jbulfer@westusa.com

Ahwatukee

SOLD!

$499,900

Coventry Tempe

$769,000

PENDING!

Nicely updated single level custom home on cul-de-sac lot in coveted Ahwatukee neighborhood. Attached 2 car garage and 1020 sf detached 3 car garage with A/C and plenty of room for your toys and tools. Enter home to huge great room, vaulted ceilings, and a wood-burning fireplace. Kitchen features recently refaced cabinets and roll-out shelves. Spacious main bedroom with two walk-in closets. Beautiful backyard with diving pool (and slide!), spa, large lighted sports court, and mature landscaping. Half bath accessible from pool.

Bonnie Kennedy 602-320-0677 blkennedy5@cox.net www.azkennedygroup.com

$389,900

Foothills

$435,000

SOLD! with multiple offers

Immaculate, well-cared-for single story home with mountain views. BRAND NEW ROOF with 10yr transferrable Warranty (3/21), NEWER HVAC (7/18), & NEW Water Heater (12/20) make this an incredible value. Enjoy the eat-in kitchen w/ granite, pantry, pass through to DR & bay window. Master bedroom boasts walk-in closet and bath w/ separate shower and tub. Secondary bedrooms are spacious & all have walk-in closets. Many extras including tiled entry, kitchen, laundry & baths, 2’’ wood blinds, 2 Linen closets, lrg laundry room & ceiling fans t/out. 2 car garage just had Epoxy flooring installed (1/21). Gorgeous Private Backyard with paver walkways, raised flower beds storage shed and convenient covered patio.

Jill Ostendorp 480-678-7308 jillo@homesbyjillo.com

Mountain Park Ranch

PENDING!

This amazing single level 3 bed, 2 bath, plus den home sits on a lrg. Corner Golf lot w/ lots of privacy, 8.5’ deep salt water pool & 3 car garage. Enjoy spacious living/dining room, cozy family room & chefs kitchen w/ Corian counters, stainless appliances, pantry, butlers area & island. Primary bedroom is a full retreat w/ lrg. Walk-in closet, ensuite tiled shower/ tub, dual sinks, custom cabinetry, & storage loft above bath w/ backyard access. Oversized Backyard has covered patio, gated pool, custom pool shed & view fencing to 16th green (no balls). Newer HVAC (17), Exterior Paint (21), Solar Screens, Attic Insulation are just some of the many extras. Great home and walking distance to school and parks.

Jill Ostendorp 480-678-7308 jillo@homesbyjillo.com

SOLD!

$495,000

3,250 sq ft. 5 bedroom, 3 baths! 3 car garage, short walk to the huge HOA pool and top-rated Kyrene Monte Vista. Large kitchen with multiple living areas, nice front/ afternoonshaded patio, in a family-friendly cul-de-sac. Plantation shutters, new plumbing, one newer AC on a split-system, newer interior paint and flooring.

Link Paffenbarger 602-989-7221 linkpaff@gmail.com

COMMUNITY

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

PRODUCER from page 26

only spotlessly cleans the titular restaurant but whacks the monsters with broom and mop handles while emitting impressive grunts. He also ad-libs a dance that may fuel memes for years. “We were definitely going for the comedic 80s horror flicks,” admitted Davis, who recalls how, as a child, he closely examined the Rock-afire Explosion animatronics at ShowBiz Pizza, a kid-themed restaurant. “It’s so goofy, it’s fun.” Hollywood is hard work, and Davis said had it not been for a very supportive drama teacher at Mountain Pointe High School, he might not have braved going to Los Angeles. “I had the best drama teacher ever at Mountain Pointe,” Davis recalled. “His name was Jody Reppert and he was very special to me. He had a huge influence on me; he really encouraged me to explore as an artist, and helped me with the confidence to grow. “At 18 he told me, ‘I think you’re one of the few people that can succeed in this field, but only do it if that’s what you really want to do.’ And working in this medium was all I ever wanted to do,” recalled Davis. “We had a very strong theater department then; we sold out almost every time we did a play. I loved the theater culture. And we had some awesomely talented people who I was so fortunate to have been able to work with, like Jeanine Pacheco who graduated a year before me, and went on to work for years professionally in theater. And Toby Rohmer was great, T.J. Chambers was awesome, there were tons. We had some serious talent come out of MPHS.” Reppert, who now teaches English Language Arts, Philosophy and Film Studies at Wilson High School in West Lawn, Pennsylvania, well recalls his former student – whom he said was “exceptionally talented.” “I thoroughly enjoyed working with Jeremy. He was always seeking to explore more about what makes a scene or a situation work. Comedy was his thing, but he approached it as a craft,” said Reppert who, with his wife Karen Reppert – also a former Mountain Pointe English teacher – moved to Pennsylvania in 1999. “Being around students like Jeremy is

Jeremy Daniel Davis played Petty Officer Michael Davis in 2008 film “Seal Team VI.” (Courtesy of Jeremy Davis)

what makes teaching so fulfilling,” said Reppert who is also involved in community theater in Pennsylvania, where he and his wife had lived before moving to Arizona. It was in 1997, during his senior year, that Davis had his first opportunity to direct. “I found it very fulfilling directing a play; being on the other side of things for the first time and not being an actor in that show. It was just a one-act play with probably a $15 budget,” he laughed. “But it was an incredible experience for me to explore the process of working with the actors and the story from the opposite side of things. I loved it. Fast-forward 20 something years to producing ‘Willy’s Wonderland’ and being on the other side of it again. It was a cool reminder of directing that first play back in the day.” Davis candidly discussed what he said was his less-than-stellar academic prowess. “I didn’t really do well; high school was a big challenge and I struggled,” said Davis, who was identified with ADD “and a few language-processing issues” at age 17. “I was creative, that’s where my talents were. Theater was my outlet and I loved it.” After high school, Davis enjoyed a gap semester before enrolling at Mesa Com-

munity College with plans to advance to Arizona State University to study theatre and psychology. Instead of matriculating at ASU, he chose to head to LA, where he lived and worked for nearly two decades before relocating to Atlanta for the filming of “Willy’s Wonderland.” Following graduation, Davis contracted with the SAG/AFTRA-franchised Dani’s Agency, based in Tempe. “I was an actor at the agency. And I did a lot of industrials, and I actually played a baseball player in the very first Arizona Diamondbacks commercial when Arizona finally got a pro baseball team. It played for years at the stadium and on TV. That was my first paid acting job,” he said. During high school and after graduating, Davis was an avid racer, even building his own race car from a 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle he’d purchased for $650. His love of street and road racing, including on the then-nearly-deserted twolane Pecos Road, influenced his current movie in production, “The Street Racer.” “It was those years spent learning about racing, then actually street racing and racing at the track that really inspired the story of this next movie. It’s a very interesting, and complex world at the higher

GOT NEWS?

levels, full of stress, and incredible exhilaration, often happening simultaneously,” he said. “I wanted to design an interesting character story around that world. Using the racing world as the fuel, and this character’s one and only passion, while showing the talent needed to race. “Racing is always there for him, even when everything around him is falling apart, it’s his constant companion. But, what happens when that eventually fails him? His one and only fallback betrays him? That’s when we explore that road and see if he can rise above and save the important people in his life, including himself. I even pulled some real-life racing events and incorporated them into the script.” His parents, Jerry and Debbie Davis, still live in Ahwatukee. His sister Alicia lives in Mesa and his brother Jesse lives in the Ahwatukee Foothills. His wife of six years, Jessica Graves Davis, is an actress who can be seen in “Willy’s Wonderland” playing the deadly, but enticing Siren Sara. The couple met on a set while shooting a TV pilot that eventually became a web series. Serendipitously, it was through his wife that he discovered the script by G.O. Parsons for ‘Willy’s Wonderland’ on a crowdsourcing platform. The project was announced in 2019 after Davis presented the project to Cage’s management and the actor signed on. He had only one month free, February to March, 2020, to dedicate to the project. And fortunately, Cage had no dialogue to memorize. Other than his impressive grunts, he remains mute throughout the film. The film had a limited release during COVID, showing at approximately 175 theatres nationwide. Locally, Harkins Theaters carried the film for 10 weeks beginning mid-February, 2021. The film can be streamed on multiple platforms including Amazon, Apple TV and Hulu. The DVD, which was the number one seller on Amazon under the Horror genre for several weeks, can be purchased online and in-store at Target and Wal-Mart. ■

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

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Longtime Ahwatukee restaurateur Lloyd Melton marks 80 AFN NEWS STAFF

s he prepares to turn 80 on Saturday, Sept. 4, Lloyd Melton shows no signs of slowing down. The longtime Ahwatukee resident still makes the rounds to his three Original Biscuits Restaurants in Ahwatukee, Tempe and his newest in Sun Lakes. And then finds time for golf three days a week and water volleyball two others. “I’ve been active all my life,” said Melton, who plans to mark his birthday with a round of golf. “It‘s like that old adage says: ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it.’ If you don’t know that much about the restaurant business, it’s hard to be successful at it,” Melton said. “I’ve been blessed,” he said, though he regrets the two people in his life who meant the most to him – his wife and his brother – both passed away a couple years ago, as did a beloved dog. “It’s a little lonely when you out-live them,” he said, though those losses haven’t

Ahwatukee Kiwanis baby shower donation deadline nearing

Time is growing short for people to help the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee’s annual baby shower benefitting Teen Moms in foster care and parenting teens from Tempe Union’s Compadre Teen Parenting Program. People have until Sept. 15 to donate so that each of these young moms can receive a basket of new items based on information received ahead of time with each baby’s gender, age and clothing size. They will be able to “shop” for free for gently used clothing and necessities for their babies. For moms who are not able to attend the event, clothing and necessities will be chosen for them by volunteers. All the gifts of new and used items will be delivered to them at the group homes or school. “These young women are alone in their pregnancy and parenting experience without family and friends to support them,” Kiwanis member Andi Pettyjohn said. “They can use our help to make it easier for them to ‘beat the odds’ in this hard life.” Donations will also be given to moms in crisis at The Phoenix Dream Center, UMOM, Tumbleweed and other shelters. Foster parents who are fostering babies

LLOYD MELTON

slowed him down. Last year he happened to be tooling

around Sun Lakes – an area he had long hoped to open a Biscuits in – when he came across a vacant building at 9542 Riggs Road that he thought was ideal. Melton was born in Phoenix and has always lived in the Valley except when he was in the Marines, where he served in California and Viet Nam. And for most of his life, he’s always run restaurants – a business he says is not for the faint of heart. “You better know the front of the house, the back of the house and the outhouse. A lot of these places, you see them folding not long after they open up. You got an 87 percent failure rate. Unless you really love it or know it, I think you’re not going to have a successful restaurant,” he added. He’s also no absentee restaurateur. And at all three restaurants – where he lives by the motto “give people good food at a fair price” – Melton greets customers, occasionally works the cash register and even has done kitchen duty. At the Sun Lakes restaurant, he said

a day hardly goes by when a customer doesn’t thank him for opening an eatery. “There was nothing there for two miles and people tell me they’re grateful.” Melton takes pride not only in his menu but in his staff. With them too, he has a motto of sort: pay them well and treat them with respect. He once told AFN the fact he only serves breakfast and lunch every day – except Fridays, when he serves his now-famous all-you-can-eat fish dinners – means his employees can get home by late afternoon and spend time with their families. “Most of my employees have been with me five, six, nine, 10 years. They have a life. They come to work at 7 and go home at 2, so if their grandmother’s taking care of kids, they’re not out till 1 in the morning. Every holiday, they’re home.” And as he gets ready to celebrate, Melton said retiring is not an option. “I must love this damn restaurant,” he joked. “Three of them and in my mind, responsible for 75 employees.” ■

• Tutor Time, 15365 S. 48th St. Information: Andi Pettyjohn, 602-402-6267 or andi@ wttaz.com

Ahwatukee women’s group schedules luncheon with guest speakers

AROUND AHWATUKEE

will also benefit from donations. Monetary donations can be made by mailing a check to PO Box 50596, Phoenix, AZ 85076 or on the Kiwanis website ahwatukeekiwanis.org People can shop from a gift list as well at amazon. com/baby-reg/3K5BWAZABFIII. By default, they will be delivered to a volunteer’s house so donors don’t need to worry about delivering them or dropping them off anywhere. The following new or gently used items are needed: baby clothing sizes newborn to 5T, strollers, socks, diapers, car seats, shoes, toys, sippy cups, baby blankets. Items can be dropped off at: • Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center, 4700 E. Warner Road; • Bartoli’s Cleaners, next to Target on Ray Road; • Learn N Play, 15626 S. 42nd St.; • Triple R Childcare, 4510 Ray Road; • Vision Community Management, 16625 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy,; • US West Realty, 4505 E. Chandler Blvd.; • God’s Garden at Horizon Presbyterian, 1401 Liberty Lane; • Primrose Preschool, 3922 ER. Chandler Blvd.; • Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori, 3221 E. Chandler Blvd.;

Ahwatukee Chamber signing up charity golf tournament golfers

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce is seeking players and sponsors for its charity golf tournament Oct. 1 at the Arizona Grand Golf Club, 8000 Arizona Grand Pkwy. Registration and breakfast will begin at 6:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. Masks are required in and around the clubhouse and highly recommended on the course itself. Attendees will enjoy breakfast, lunch, raffles and awards. To donate raffle prizes email info@ahwatukeechamber.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ahwatukee Chamber Foundation Scholarship program. Over $50,000 in scholarships has been awarded over the years. Foursomes can register at bit.ly/TukeeGolf, 480-7537676 or info@ahwatukeechamber.com. Presenting sponsors are Neighborhood Loans and Spooner Physical Therapy.

Ahwatukee Friends Family and Neighbors will hold a luncheon 11:30 p.m. Sept. 27. Special guest speakers Beverly Beck and Susan Conaway will discuss “Women Helping Women Reach for the Stars.” The two local women are part of PEO, Philanthropic Educational Organization, the longest continuous women’s group in the US founded in 1869. Contact affanwomensgroup@gmail.com. Cost is $17 prepaid. Registration closes Sept. 19.

Petition signing for protection of rights slated here

A petition signing effort to protect voting rights and public education funding is being held in Ahwatukee. Locations include: 7-10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Nosh Cafe, 4855 E. Warner Road; 9-11 a.m. Saturdays at Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd; 8-11 a.m. Sundays at the Ahwatukee Farmers Market, 4700 Warner Road.

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Teams, tribes ready for your sports bets BY JILL R. DORSON Sports Handle

ith companies like Caesars, FanDuel, and Penn National Gaming building out sportsbooks at professional sports venues across the Valley, fantasy sports betting already has come to Arizona with betting on games arriving Sept. 9. Only a last-minute effort by the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe stood in the way of sports betting going live that day. A hearing on a request for an emergency injunction was scheduled for Sept. 3, past The Entertainer’s print deadline. Assuming the judge does not grant the request, Arizona is poised to become the biggest state in the West to launch live sports betting since the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018. The Arizona Department of Gaming is targeting the �irst day of the NFL season to launch the �irst operators. Many of the biggest, most well-known sports betting operators will be offering odds and taking bets. The Arizona launch will be the fourth in the U.S. this year – unless either Wyoming or South Dakota, both which are also moving toward offering live sports betting, get there �irst. In January, operators went live online in both Michigan and Virginia, and two North Carolina tribal casinos began taking bets in March. As legal sports betting has spread from Nevada to more than 30 other U.S. jurisdictions in the last three years, the western states have been a little behind the curve. And where sports betting is available, it’s not widely available. Lawmakers in Washington State legalized sports betting in March 2020 at brick-and-mortar locations only. The state regulator expects the �irst bets to be taken before the end of 2021. Live wagering west of the Mississippi

Stretching over 7,400 square feet, including an outdoor terrace, the FanDuel Sportsbook at Footprint Center will be fans’ one-stop-shop to enjoy Suns games and other sporting events around the world while placing wagers on the action. The sportsbook will feature five betting windows, and one VIP window, 40 HD televisions, a 35-foot video wall, an MVP Room and 26 self-service betting kiosks. The FanDuel Sportsbook will be open daily for patrons to place wagers on a wide variety of events throughout the year. (Courtesy of FanDuel) is up and running in six states. In-person wagering is currently available at a handful of tribal sportsbooks in Oregon and New Mexico as well as at lottery-run kiosks throughout Montana, and in-person at handful of Arkansas venues. Consumers can wager on professional sports online/mobile in Oregon via the state’s lottery platform. Statewide mobile wagering is available in Colorado, Iowa, and Nevada, but the Arizona launch represents only the third new open, competitive marketplace west of the Mississippi since PAPSA was overturned.

Big population excites operators With a population of just over 7 million, it doesn’t hurt that the state is home to a professional sports team from each of the four major leagues, hosts NASCAR events, is a PGA Tour stop and has a passionate college football fan base. In all, eight sports organizations have received licenses. So too have 10 Arizona tribes after beating out six other tribes that had been competing for licenses.

“We are very excited about the future in Arizona. During the NBA playoffs, the world learned that the state has one of the most passionate fan bases in the country,” Matt Prevost, chief revenue of�icer at BetMGM said. BetMGM has formed a partnership with the Arizona Cardinals. It also had partnered with the Gila River Indian Community, which was not listed by the state as a winning applicant to run a mobile sports betting off-reservation. However, Arizona Gaming Department spokesman Maxwell Hartgraves said all tribes can offer sports betting at their casinos. The amended Tribal-State gaming compacts that were signed by Gov. Doug Ducey and Arizona Tribes earlier this year included the ability for tribes to offer a variety of new casino games such as craps and roulette as well as sports betting, Hartgraves said. “With that comes a lot of expectations and we look forward to delivering an above-and-beyond sports betting experience with unique mobile and retail activa-

tions throughout the state,” Prevost said. Arizona’s new law allows for a maximum 20 “event wagering operator” licenses, divided evenly among tribal casinos and professional sports teams/ franchises. Those with a license will be able to operate at least one retail sportsbook and up to two digital platforms. There are an additional 10 retail-only licenses available for the state’s horse racetracks and OTBs. Consumers will be able to wager on professional, college, and Olympic sports. The new law is broad enough that operators may ultimately be able to offer betting on things like the Academy Awards, Heisman Trophy, and other events that are not speci�ically tied to sports.

Major operators have partners While Arizona will ultimately offer consumers myriad choices in who to bet with, the design of the law means that some tribal casinos won’t be able to offer sports betting. The ADG approved daily fantasy operators to go live Aug. 28. Those that are licensed must also have received approval for internal controls and house rules from the ADG. They include DraftKings, FanDuel, FFPC, Yahoo, Fantasy Sports Shark and Underdog Sports. In addition, approved event wagering operators already can offer consumers the chance to create and fund accounts. Approved operators can also begin marketing to consumers. Licenses sports teams and their partners include: Arizona Cardinals (BetMGM), Arizona Diamondbacks (William Hill), Phoenix Suns (FanDuel), Arizona Coyotes, Phoenix Mercury (Ballys), TPC Scottsdale (DraftKings), Phoenix Speedway (Penn National) and Arizona Rattlers (Rush Street Interactive). Operators have plans for brick-andmortar sportsbooks at professional venues – and some are also entitled to open

�� SPORTS BETTING �� 32

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Tribe sues to halt sports betting in its tracks BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

ne of the state’s Native American tribes is suing to bring a halt to off-reservation wagering on sports just weeks before it is scheduled to begin. The lawsuit, �iled in Maricopa County Superior Court by the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe, contends that state lawmakers have no right to permit sports franchises to start taking wagers on professional and collegiate games. Attorney Luis Ochoa said that’s because Arizonans went to the polls in 2002 and voted to con�ine certain kinds of gaming to reservations. Ochoa noted that another measure on the ballot that same year to permit offreservation gaming was defeated, with 80 percent of the votes cast against it. Ochoa does not dispute that other tribes state have signed agreements with the state to permit such off-reservation gaming. In exchange, these tribes got the right not only to accept similar sports bets at their gaming facilities but got to expand the number and types they can offer in their casinos. But he said that still doesn’t get around the 2002 measure which he said is subject to the Voter Protection Act. That constitutional provision allows lawmak-

SPORTS BETTING �� 31

a second location within a set distance of the stadium. FanDuel has already released renderings of a modern, state-of-the-art facility in the works at the Footprint Center while Caesars has plans to begin offering in-person wagering via kiosks at Chase Field as soon as possible. For the most part, operators plan to launch their mobile platforms on Sept. 9

ers to alter what is approved at the ballot only if it “furthers the purpose’’ of the original law. “HB 2772 not only fails to further the purpose of Proposition 202 of granting the exclusive right to Arizona-based Indian tribes to engage in gaming activities classi�ied as Class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act on Indian lands, it is directly repugnant to and inconsistent with the intent of Proposition 202,’’ Ochoa said in his court �ilings. He also claims the law is unconstitutional discrimination against Native American tribes. He said the gaming rules are more favorable to the sports franchises than they are to the tribes. There was no comment from Gov. Doug Ducey, the defendant in the lawsuit who negotiated what he called the “modernized gaming compacts’’ with the tribes that went along with the deal. But the lawsuit drew an angry reaction from Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, who sponsored one of the versions of the law. He pointed out that the lawsuit was �iled not when the measure was signed by Ducey on April 15 but now, after applications have been accepted to operate the new sports gaming operations and with actual wagering supposed to start on Sept. 9. “The timing of these challenges, at the

with brick-and-mortar locations to follow. Tribes that have received licenses include Fort Mojave Indian Tribe (SuperBook Sports), Navajo Nation, Quechan Tribe (Unibet Arizona), Tonto Apache Tribe (Churchill Downs), Tohono O’odham Nation, Hualapai Tribe (Golden Nugget), Ak-Chin Indian Community, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe (Digital Gaming), San Carlos Apache Tribe (Wynn) and Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation. Arizona is among the �irst U.S. jurisdic-

dawn of selection rather than during the legislative session or upon the bill’s enactment, amount to an end-around run on that quali�ications-based awarding process at the Department of Gaming,’’ Shope said in a prepared statement. That �irst legal test will be this Friday. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge James Smith has scheduled an emergency hearing on Ochoa’s request to put an immediate halt to any new gaming until the legal issues are resolved. Arizona has had some form of tribal gaming since the 1990s. In 2002, a coalition of tribes crafted an initiative to give them the exclusive right to operate casino-style games in exchange for giving the state a share of the pro�its. By de�inition, that limited such gaming to reservations. The plan approved by the legislature earlier this year allows not only wagering at sports facilities like the Cardinals stadium on all professional and college games, but also the ability for the private gaming companies with whom the teams have to associate to offer online wagering. The deal is set up so the state gets a share of gaming revenues, a �igure that could exceed $100 million a year. In exchange, the state agreed to ink new gaming deals with tribes, giving them similar rights to wager on sports. But tions in which sportsbooks will exist at professional sports venues. Washington D.C.’s Capital One Arena became the �irst pro venue in the country to accept wagers when it began doing so in the summer of 2020. And as of now, only Washington, D.C., Illinois, Maryland, and Arizona allow for sportsbooks in arenas. There are currently two open in Washington, since the BetMGM began accepting bets at Nationals Field earlier this year.

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they also get to install more of the slot machines and poker tables they now have as well as the ability to offer things like craps, roulette and baccarat. Ochoa, on behalf of the Yavapai-Prescott Tribe, says the deal is illegal, not only because of the 2002 initiative but because it also is unfair. It starts with the fact that there are only 20 sports gaming licenses being award. Half, he noted, go to existing sports franchises. And given there are more licenses than franchises, that means every franchise that wants one gets one. But with at least 21 tribes in the state, Ochoa said, that gives any one of them less than a 50 percent chance of landing one of the lucrative franchises. And there is no chance of the YavapaiPrescott Tribe getting one as the deal says only those tribes that agreed to the new gaming compacts get a shot at it. Ochoa said the tribe was “excluded from all negotiations’’ on that deal and has not agreed to sign it, as doing so would remove its rights under the 2002 deal for exclusive gaming rights. Anyone wanting a franchise has to pay a non-refundable $100,000 application fee “despite the stark differences in likelihood of obtaining a license.’’ All that, he said, amounts to illegal special legislation. ■ Jill R. Dorson is the managing editor at sportshandle.com, a national sports betting website that focuses on sports betting legislation and regulation. Dorson is a longtime newspaper sportswriter who covered everything from high school sports to the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII, but her specialty now is how sports betting is getting legalized and how it operates in different states across the U.S. ■

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SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Bridging the gap between retirement dreams & reality BY DR. HAROLD WONG Guest Writer

recent 2021 Logica Research survey, sponsored by Schwab Retirement Services, found that 401(k) participants across America now believe they must save $1.9 million for retirement – up from $1.7 million in the 2019 survey. Not only has that goal increased, but so has investors’ con�idence in reaching their goals. More than half (53 percent) said they are likely to achieve their retirement goals, up 16 percent from a year ago when the coronavirus pandemic created massive economic turmoil and uncertainty. The pandemic has changed the way they approach their �inances, with: 48 percent planning to save more; 36 percent planning to increase their 401(k) contribution rate; 35 percent planning to invest more outside of their 401(k) plan, and 34 percent planning to pay off debt. These are all lofty goals, but what’s the reality?

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A recent study by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, found that in 2019, median 401(k) balances saved across several age groups was: $51,000 for those ages 35-44; $90,000 for ages 45-54; and $120,000 for ages 55-64. In order to save $1.9 million by age 65 and assuming a person had saved the median 401(k) balances, here’s how much one would have to save monthly until age 65: $900 for the 35-year-old; $2,475 for the 45-year-old; and $9,000 for the 55-year-old. There’s obviously a HUGE gap between what folks think they need to save for retirement vs. actual savings. So, why don’t most people save what they want for retirement? • Lack of understanding the substantial amount that must be saved for decades. Most people have not calculated a detailed retirement plan and don’t know what the required savings numbers are. My experience is that until folks reach age 50, most aren’t very serious about retirement. Remember the old Yippie leader Gerry Rubin saying from the 1960’s: “Don’t trust any-

one over 30”? When you are young, your late 50s and 60s seem far away. • Insuf�icient income: The 2020 national median family income was $78,500, according to an April 1, 2020 notice from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. If this is your family income, can either you or both you and your spouse learn a new skill or start a side business to earn an extra $30-50,000/ year? If one can save this extra income, most will be reach their retirement goals. • Losing money in one’s Investments: According to moneychimp.com, the compound average growth rate in the S&P 500 Index of stocks has been 4.57 percent in the 21-year period from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2020. One could add the average 2.02 percent dividend rate, but then would also need to subtract the in�lation rate and all Wall Street fees. The reason this rate is so much lower than what the public believes is because the stock market had two previous major crashes. In both the 2000-2002 Dot-Com crash and the 2008-early-2009 �inancial panic, the stock market dropped by about

half. Even though the stock market has been in an unprecedented 12-year bull market, two huge stock market crashes can kill a retirement plan. • Not saving enough: In order to save substantially for decades, one must have unusual self-discipline. One must be able to ignore millions of ads, whether it is on TV, radio, publications, or the internet. There is a giant advertising industry enticing you to spend all your money. Conclusion: For most, there’s a huge gap between the desired vs. actual size of their retirement fund. Free live seminars and lunch: 10:45 a.m. Sept. 18 and Oct. 9 at The Old Spaghetti Factory, 3155 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Topic is “Double Your Social Security & Other Retirement Income and Pay Less Tax!” To RSVP or schedule a free consultation, contact Dr. Harold Wong at 480-706-0177 or harold_wong@hotmail.com. His website is drharoldwong.com. Dr. Harold Wong earned his Ph.D. in economics at University of California/ Berkeley and has appeared on over 400 TV/radio programs. ■

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In the very near future, Copenhagen will be announcing the opening of our brand new showroom, to be located in the heart of Gilbert’s thriving shopping district, and directly across from San Tan Village Mall. This newly constructed, 32,000 square foot showroom will offer inspiring furniture vignettes, with a specific focus on the contemporary and modern designs you’ve come to know at Copenhagen. Of course, our classic Scandinavian, our fine collection of teak furniture, as well as our fabulous collection of contemporary accessories, including art, rugs and lighting, will also be represented. This will undoubtedly be the area’s most unique furniture shopping experience. We can’t wait to show it off. On behalf of the entire Copenhagen team, we looking forward to seeing you very soon!

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SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Arizona’s most thankless job: school board member BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

ost of us like to believe we’re decent people. We give a few bucks to charity, we volunteer, maybe even help a friend move. But be real: There’s being a decent human and then there’s going above and beyond. Like by serving on your local school board. If there’s a volunteer role existent in Arizona today that I cannot wrap my head around, it’s that one. And the past year of headlines – full of protests, threats and extreme surliness – have only deepened my confusion. Our state has about 240 school boards and 1,200 board members. Each of them deserves a medal. Or our prayers. Because anyone who does that job for $0 a year deserves something in return. School board members begin their ca-

Fed up with of�icials on Lakes sidelines

I admire Mrs. Breslin and Mrs. Swain, for not letting Mr. Gee sell the Lakes Golf Course that he merely rents, not owns. He has thumbed his nose to all the honorable judges, who rule he brings the course up to the standard when he took lease ownership. He is still dragging his feet and not being honorable to the laws and orders of the state judges who demonstate honor and read the CC+Rs as they were intended. I went to a military academy where an honor code was enforced and discipline was enforced. Neighbors have rights, especially when previous state judges upheld the laws as they are clearly written, to be obeyed. All the honorable judges tried to force Mr. Gee to �ix up the slum he left Ahwatukee with. Does Mr. Gee believe he is above the law? I am considering running for city council,

reers by running for election. You speak at public forums, knock on doors, stand in front of Safeway, anywhere you can meet a few voters, most of whom pay attention for 14 seconds before pushing past you like you’re a human turnstile. Then, say you win. That earns you the privilege of going to 25 or 30 weeknight meetings annually, many of which last for hours and involve a “call to the public.” If you’ve never been to a school board or municipal council meeting, lucky you. I’ve attended many, and trust me: Most members of the public who answer this call do so because no sane human being has ever listened to them for three minutes straight without dialing 911. It’s like open mike at an insane asylum, minus the lithium. And that was before COVID, before anti-mask protests, and before machinations over Critical Race Theory. Nowadays, your average school board meeting frequently resembles Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol. Minus the gun�ire – so far.

Down south near Tucson, the April 27 meeting of the Vail governing board required sheriff’s deputies before the meeting even started. About 150 antimaskers – some armed – stormed the meeting, pushing past school district employees, screaming and berating board members and refusing to wear masks, per Pima County’s mandate. “There was a handful of people – I don’t know exactly how many – who either don’t have kids in the school district, don’t live in the school district, don’t live in the county, who came with the express purpose of whipping up that group,” Supt. John Carruth told the Arizona Education News Service. Talk about needing more hobbies. The Litch�ield Elementary School District has degenerated into chaos over the passage of an “equity statement” last December. Since then, the Arizona Attorney General’s Of�ice has been involved and protests have become a regular feature of board meetings. Last week, Dr. Tara Armstead, the

school board’s only Black member, resigned and scorched the 12,000-student district on her way out the door. “I will not say thank you for the time that I served here,” said Armstead, “or express any gratitude or appreciation because, for the �ive months I have been here, I have been treated like I’m not an expert in the �ield and have no idea what I’m talking about.” The Scottsdale Uni�ied School District Governing Board has been equally protest-laden and chaotic. Last week, Board President Jann-Michael Greenburg lost his temper over the distribution of a neo Nazi comic book on some campuses. Greenburg stage whispered an expletive into a hot microphone. He later publicly apologized. “I’m very sorry about that,” Greenburg explained. “I have to admit it was done out of frustration in the moment.” The wonder is, more school board members don’t drop f-bombs. Or outright quit. Because there’s surely no more thankless job in this state. ■

or a state representative job, but I have no rich sponsors to get into of�ice. Are there other citizens who are fed up with the slogan, “them that have the gold rules?” Where is discipline, accountability, loyalty and an honor code today? Who is pressuring Mr. Gee to abide by judges orders to bring the Ahwatukee Lakes Course back to where it was? I am sick and tired of our elected state reps or council leaders sitting on the sidelines on this issue. Have we become lazy, not engaged with our elected city and state of�icials? Swain and Breslin have stepped up with their pocketbooks, but how come our state and city elected of�icials haven’t stepped in to help these brave women and our community? Whose side are they on? I have got a simple question. Are we a BIZocracy or a democracy for the people and by the people? Mr. Gee do you have a conscience to honor state laws, state judges’

orders and to honor the CC+Rs of the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course you contracted to lease effectively for golf use only. Golf business is coming back strong again and is an outlet for clean air and exercise under the COVID scare. Why are our elected state and city of�icials not sticking up for the other guys, citizens and homeowners? I am for law and order, not mob rule. Where did honor go? It seems today we are in the age of the old Temptations’ song, ”Ball of Confusion.” -Dr.Jeff Eger

is because of one man: Wilson Gee. It is Wilson Gee and no one else who has created a seven-year-and-counting bruhaha because he wanted to pocket the money rather than pay his bills or do his due diligence for a project he created. Having worked in hospitality for over 40 years, I recognize this property owner who wants to squeeze every penny out without putting any money in. Again, one man has created this mess and this one man should be forced to make it right! I live on one of his other golf courses and it is no picnic. It is embarrassing and aggravating to look at the plethora of untended areas allowed to die off and turn into dust that adds to an already dangerous air quality in this valley. Hold Wilson Gee responsible for the mess he has created! -B. Hanson

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Gee should be held responsible for mess he created

As I read through the multitude of articles about the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course, I can’t help but feel that all of the ink, all of the time and effort, all of the frustration on the part of homeowners, HOAs, adjudicators and so many others involved

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Football preview: Pride riding momentum into new season BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

s Mountain Pointe High School’s football program headed into the final week of the 2020 season, the Pride were desperate for a win. At that point, they had lost 16 straight dating back to 2019, a season in which Mountain Pointe finished 1-9 overall and saw a coaching change shortly after the final regular-season game. Eric Lauer brought a new level of confidence into Week 8 last year, and especially because it was against bitter rival Desert Vista in the Tukee Bowl, the players did, too. The Pride not only knocked off the Thunder, but they did so in dominating fashion. Mountain Pointe’s 35-7 win set the tone for a program still searching for its new identity under Lauer and the coaching staff. Now as he prepares his team for the 2021 opener on Friday against Corona del Sol, Lauer said his team’s identity has fi-

From left: Devon Sparks, Jack Plote, Isaiah Ice-Robinson, coach Eric Lauer, Chris Arviso and Amier Boyd are all anxiously awaiting the start of the Mountain Pointe football season, as they aim to turn the program around this year. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff) nally been found. “Sometimes you don’t know you are

searching for an identity, but we know who we are not,” Lauer said. “We may

still take some bumps and bruises, but we know who we are. There’s some peace that comes with that. We are going to take that and move forward with it.” The momentum from their win against Desert Vista carried over into the offseason, where the Pride attacked the weight room and were finally able to build chemistry for the first time in two years. When the pandemic began in the spring of 2020, players were subjected to staying home. They couldn’t meet Lauer or any of the coaches in person and they were barred from installing the new offensive and defensive schemes on the field. It led to some early growing pains when they were finally able to begin off-season inperson workouts. But still, restrictions set forth by the Tempe Union High School District made it difficult. Amier Boyd, who transferred into the program after playing his sophomore sea-

�ee PRIDE page 38

Football preview: Thunder eyeing redemption after winless 2020 season BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

he Desert Vista High School football program was in an unfamiliar situation in 2020 when the season came to an end in November. The Thunder lost their final game of the regular season to rival Mountain Pointe in the Tukee Bowl. A week prior, they were subject to quarantine due to positive cases found within the program. That forced the cancellation of their game against Chandler. In total, Desert Vista played just six games in 2020. And for the first time ever in program history, the Thunder lost all of them. Having a winless record was something that bothered the team, and specifically its four captains, all offseason. Now they are out to not only prove last year was a fluke, but that they can once again compete with some of the top teams in 6A.

“We’re hungry,” said senior Devon Grubbs, who recently committed to Northern Arizona where he will join his older brother and 2020 Desert Vista graduate, Tyson. “This brotherhood is stronger than ever. I feel like we are better prepared than last year and even the year before. We are coming with a different energy this year and I’m excited to show what Desert Vista is about.” Grubbs, who has been at the varsity level with the Thunder since his freshman season, battled injuries last year and was limited to just four games. In those contests, he rushed for 172 yards and a touchdown on offense and had the second-most tackles on the team with 52 on defense. He will once again be a key contributor on the Thunder’s new-look offense under first-year head coach Ty Wisdom and man the defensive secondary with Ce-

�ee THUNDER page 39

From left: Devon Grubbs, Antonio Delgado, coach Ty Wisdom, Jackson Akins and Jai Rodriguez are determined to see improvement with this year’s Desert Vista football team. (Zac BonDurant/AFN Contributor)

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PRIDE from page 37

son at South Mountain, started at quarterback for Mountain Pointe. He was granted a hardship through the Arizona Interscholastic Association and was eligible right away. Toward the back-half of the season, when fellow South Mountain transfer Chris Arviso became eligible, the two shared reps at quarterback. This year, Boyd has moved to wideout and defensive back, allowing him to showcase his athleticism in 7-on-7 and in the Pride’s recent scrimmage. “I just want to go out there and standout every game,” Boyd said. “I want to prove myself. This team is going to be way different. On offense, we all can play. On defense, we are all dogs. I’m excited.” Arviso and Boyd have created a chemistry with one another. Part of that stems from playing together at South Mountain. But most of it is from the offseason work they put in. The two played on True Buzz West Coast, an elite 7-on-7 team that participated in several national tournaments. Terryone Rowe, a senior wideout for the Pride, was also part of the team. It helped Arviso build chemistry with Boyd and vice versa. The two have be-

Junior quarterback Chris Arviso has built chemistry with the talent around him on the Mountain Pointe offense this season, and there’s plenty of it. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff) come perhaps one of the best tandems in the state at quarterback and wideout, with Arviso taking over under center this year. But beyond Boyd and Rowe, the junior gunslinger has several other viable options not only at wideout, but out of the backfield. “We have a lot of trust out there with each other,” Arviso said. “The chemistry

we have is really good, better than last season. I feel like they will put their lives out there on the field for me so I have to do the same for them.” Arviso’s plethora of weapons on the outside doesn’t stop short of Boyd and Rowe. Jordan Huff, who transferred from Pinnacle last year, is due for a breakout season now as a senior in 2021. Devon Sparks, who will likely play both ways for the Pride, will line up a tailback and at times out wide. Timothy Allen, who primarily plays defensive back, can also line up at slot for the Pride. Isaiah Ice-Robinson, a senior wideout who only played four games last season, is another speedster on the outside itching for an opportunity to finally showcase his skill after a rough 2020 campaign. Ice-Robinson transferred to Mountain Pointe from West Point High School in Avondale before the 2020 season. Despite never playing a down for the Dragons – who didn’t officially have a season until last year – he was still subjected to a four-game suspension by the AIA. He caught 19 total passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns in his four games for the Pride last year. But now a senior eligible for all 10 games, he aims to make a dramatic impact

this season. “I just want to do my best to help my team win and be one of the best athletes in the state,” Ice-Robinson said. “Last year was hard. I could only sit there and watch games I felt like I could have helped my team win.” Ice-Robinson and the rest of the offense will look to the Pride offensive line to help move them down the field. That’s where senior Jack Plote’s leadership will come into play. A starter last season, Plote is one of the few who return from last year’s unit, which was plagued by injuries. Plote’s desire is to not only earn a Division I scholarship offer this season and follow in the footsteps of his father playing college football, but to also help the Pride succeed in a way not seen with the program in two years. He believes they are ready to turn things around, and it starts Friday against Corona del Sol. “There’s some big things that are about to happen with Mountain Pointe,” Plote said. “We want to turn things around. This offseason has been great, and we’ve really come together as a team. We are going to be much improved. Things are going to be great.” ■

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sar Chavez transfer Tavian Dennis, who is eligible right away because he didn’t play any games for the Champions due to injury in 2020. Helping anchor the Thunder defense, which returns key starters and added some via transfer, will be linebacker Antonio Delgado. Delgado is one of two juniors voted by his peers to be a captain this season. It’s a role he plans to thrive in, as he follows in the footsteps of his older brother, Armando, who was also voted captain at the linebacker position before he graduated in 2019. “It feels good that I had someone to look up to,” Delgado said. “He was a hard hitter and gave 110 percent every play. I want to strive to be just as good or better than him.” Delgado was a varsity starter last year as a sophomore, playing offensive line for the Thunder. He lined up alongside threestar left tackle Jai Rodriguez, who is a senior captain this season. The Thunder will undoubtedly miss Delgado’s speed and strength on the offensive line, as he proved to be effective as a pulling guard. But Desert Vista has reloaded with an offensive line that may very well be one of the biggest the team has had in recent years. For players like Rodriguez, that has been refreshing to see. He aims to make the most of his senior season and has so far been happy with his own development and the overall development of the program since he first started on varsity as a sophomore. But especially after last season, he still

Correction A story in last week’s edition misspelled Mountain Pointe High School head swim Coach Mona Nyheim-Canales’s name.

Devon Grubbs, an NAU commit who has been at the varsity level since his freshman season, said his team is hungry for redemption heading into the Thunder’s ﬁrst game of the year against Perry on Thursday. (Zac BonDurant/AFN Contributor) has a chip on his shoulder. He feels like he has more to prove. “It’s crazy, it feels like just yesterday I was strapping up my helmet to play in my first freshman game,” Rodriguez said. “I love this team to death. I love these guys to death. I know there’s more I can do and I’m ready to go to war with them.” Rodriguez will be leaned upon heavily by coaches and Desert Vista quarterbacks Jackson Akins, a junior who was also voted as a captain by his teammates. Akins was the Thunder’s starter last season as a sophomore, at times sharing time with Kaden Lentz – who transferred out of the program – and Landen Powell, who transferred from Mountain Pointe

ahead of the 2020 season. Powell returns for his senior season and could be in the mix for playing time alongside Akins, senior transfer Xavier Castillo and sophomore transfer Braxton Thomas. Castillo, however, has a more difficult path to see the field this season. His hardship was denied by the Arizona Interscholastic Association because he was ruled to be a double transfer. After playing three games for Cesar Chavez, he transferred to Chandler where he played basketball. But before competing in any spring ball events for the Wolves, he transferred again to Desert Vista. He is appealing the AIA’s decision. Nonetheless, players and staff are con-

fident in Akins ability to lead the offense. And most importantly, he has become more confident in himself. Especially after a year in which he couldn’t fully create chemistry with his teammates due to the pandemic. “It’s been crucial for us,” Akins said. “It’s been a lot different. We got to work right away. It’s been much different than my sophomore year where we were limited.” The last time Desert Vista won a football game was during the 2019 playoffs against Perry in the 6A semifinals. Parker Navarro, a senior quarterback for Desert Vista at the time, threw for 435 yards and a staggering seven touchdowns in the Thunder’s 70-63 shootout victory over the Pumas. On Thursday, Sept. 2, when Desert Vista takes the field for its first regular season game, it will have a chance to end its losing streak against Perry. Wisdom, however, isn’t thinking about what happened two seasons ago or even last year. He has seen improvement in his team since the day he stepped on Desert Vista’s campus in December. Now, he hopes for continued improvement every day and week of the season to turn the program back in the right direction. “There’s been a tremendous amount of improvement,” Wisdom said. “Our slogan is, ‘all gas, no breaks,’ which means doing things with a purpose and paying attention to detail. They’ve really bought into that. We’ve got a long way to go, don’t get me wrong, but we continue to improve. “With the leadership of our seniors and some of those juniors, I like the makeup of this team.” ■

Have an interesting sports story? Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@timespublications. com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.

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East Valley Children’s Theatre marks 25 years BY SRIANTHI PERERA Tribune Contributor

25-year-long love letter to creating, performing, growing and making friends that have become

family. That’s how C. Lynn Johnson describes East Valley Children’s Theatre. The Gilbert woman’s talents run the gamut from theater hair stylist to playwright, all of which have won her awards. As a teen, she starred in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the theater’s �irst production. “EVCT has been family to me for 25 years,” she said. “It’s a safe space where I can play and create freely. It’s the place that I can say that outside of my family’s in�luence, shaped me into the person I am today. “From being one of the performers to myself then being one of those adults shaping the performers who came after me, it’s been an honor to be part of EVCT’s impact on our community,” she added. For nearly 25 years, the Mesa-based children’s theater has shepherded nearly 14,000 youth ages 5 to 18 who have donned costumes, assumed roles, walked, danced, sung and spoken their practiced words on stage. The nonpro�it has produced 86 shows and has grown from a single production and workshop in the �irst year to a full-service theater offering numerous additional programs, classes, camps and performance troupes among them. It’s also known for its playwriting contest, presenting original works for children annually. EVCT was an all-volunteer organization until two years ago, when it hired an of�ice manager and a bookkeeper. Its current annual budget is about $250,000 and its main donors have included The Boeing Co. of Mesa and Arizona Commission on the Arts. “I just enjoy working with the theater; I enjoy the kids,” said Karen Rolston, the

The East Valley Children's Theatre is marking its 25th anniversary this year and has a full season of colorful, entertaining productions lined up at the Mesa Arts Center. (Special to AFN) producing artistic director who played a vital role in the theater’s development. Rolston, a teacher from Mesa Public Schools, Chandler-Gilbert Community College and Arizona State University, took on the theater in her retirement. Now that the 25th season is about to begin, she

plans to retire in earnest. Also departing is Kathie McMahon, who served in many roles within the organization, the last as past president, head of the advisory board and marketing director. McMahon, who leads the 25th year anniversary celebration committee, ob-

The East Valley Children's Theatre has garnered numerous awards for its talented casting and colorful stagecraft. (Special to AFN)

served, “From performing in a junior high auditorium to becoming a Founding Resident Company of the Mesa Arts Center; from rehearsal in a pre-school building to offering classes, troupes, camps, and performances in a four-suite studio; from an unknown theatre to a highly regarded, award-winning nonpro�it organization; it’s been a miraculous 20-plus years.” A professional musician, McMahon composed original music for seven of EVCT’s productions. She received six ariZoni nominations and four garnered awards. Parents enroll children in the theater for many reasons, but interest is perhaps key. Five years ago, Tre Moore of Mesa was enrolled in a musical theater summer camp. That was the beginning of a new passion for the now 17-year-old. “Theatre appeals to me because the possibilities are endless. Nothing is impossible in theatre. With the right amount of imagination, you can go just about anywhere,” said the self-confessed “completely unapologetic Broadway and musical theatre nerd.” Parent volunteer Marco Velasquez Sr. of Gilbert said that he enrolled his son, Marco Velasquez Jr. four years ago because he expressed a sincere interest in it. His daughter followed suit. Now 13, Marco is a seasoned thespian. He began at 9 with a performance with EVCT’s Performance Troupes and moved to stage productions for eight shows and participated in three virtual productions. His 6-year-old sister Victoria, also a participant, performed in a cabaret show and a production of Tales with Baba Yaga & A Bowl of Soup. Their father says it has been one of the best decisions he’s made for his children and his family. “EVCT provides a place where our children can perform, grow in con�idence and respect of theatre and their fellow performers, and experience true joy. It’s just

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East Valley private chef’s business is booming BY ASHLYN ROBINETTE AFN Contributor

usiness is booming for Chef William Turner, a private chef whose work is the subject of a documentary. The documentary, “Cooking on Camelback,” is to air on Channel 7, then be available on Amazon. “If you love food and if you love the underdog, then you should be excited,” said Turner of the documentary, which looks at what it takes to be a private chef. Turner started his culinary journey in South Carolina two decades ago, then traveled from coast to coast as an executive chef with extensive experience in casual dining, �ine dining and banquets until settling in Gilbert. “I wouldn’t be here without the support that I’ve gotten in the Valley,” he said. “People have opened doors for me… I’ve been welcomed and it’s an honor.” Turner, 42, moved to Arizona in 2017. Without any business contacts in the Valley, he wasn’t sure what was next in store. He decided to start his own private chef business in December 2017, focusing primarily on af�luent homes in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. “I got on a borrowed computer, quickly launched my website and Yelp and ordered business cards,” Turner said. “At 8 a.m. the next morning, my phone rang and it was my �irst client.” At the time, Turner didn’t even own a car, so he had to take Lyft rides to his clients’ homes. “I took a bus down Scottsdale Road, got off at Fashion Square Mall with a pocketful of business cards and started walking around, passing out my business cards,” he recalled. “The �irst place I went into was Optima and three days later they called me up and hired me.” Flash forward almost four years later. Turner recently started doing his cooking out of a professional kitchen in Chandler and has cooked for more than 1,000 private parties since he launched his business, which continues to grow every week. He has been featured in multiple publications and appeared over 40 times on popular TV shows between Tucson and Phoenix. He also maintains a strong social media presence as well as a �ive-star rating

Chef William Turner of Gilbert moved to Arizona in 2017 and has parlayed his skill in the kitchen into a thriving business. (Special to AFN) across all platforms. Turner’s specialty is in-home private events for any occasion or destination, but he is best known for working Scottsdalearea bachelorette parties. Women around the world �ly to Arizona to speci�ically hire Turner as their chef for private events. The rule of the bachelorette party weekend is simple: “No Men Allowed” except for Chef Turner! I joke with the girls, you said ‘I do’ just so that I’d cook for you, didn’t you?” Turner chuckled. The chef attributes his popularity with the ladies to his southern charm and hospitality as well as the fact that women plan their bachelorette parties well in advance. They are already trying to book him for 2023. “Whenever I do my job, I do it well,” he said. “I give these girls an experience they won’t forget in a fun, safe environment. They know that they’re going to get great

food and that whatever needs they have will be taken care of by my team and me.” In addition to bringing on new chefs to help him handle the large volume of business, Turner also works with an experienced group of servers, bartenders and event coordinators. When he enters homes, he prepares �ive-star meals on demand that meet any request or dietary need. His cuisine is wide-ranging, often entwined with a southern �lare. Clients are welcome to interact and watch Turner cook, or they can relax until dinner is served. “Cooking gives you an instant family and group of friends,” he said. “It keeps me busy and gives me a purpose.” Turner is the preferred chef for many politicians, athletes, musicians and other celebrities staying in the Valley. “You name it and I’ve cooked for them,” he said. “I never know who’s going to contact me. I meet so many people and I could tell you a story about every single one of them.” Turner was 14 when he started his career. Inside the hot, bustling kitchen of a local seafood restaurant in South Carolina, he peeled shrimp, cut �ish and washed dishes. The cook there notoriously missed work, so after only two weeks into his �irst job, Turner was pulled from dishes and prep work and promoted to the grill. “I got bit by the bug,” he said. “It happened almost instantly and I don’t think I realized it. I fell in love with cooking.” By 16, he entered the fast food business and within six months was the manager of an eatery where he was given much more

Chef William Turner has found his services in great demand at private home gatherings, particularly when it comes to bachelorette parties. (Courtesy of Chef Turner)

responsibility than the average teen and quickly learned tough lessons about the industry. “In hindsight, I had no business running a restaurant,” he laughed. Turner helped open a new McDonalds in his hometown and had to train 80 employees. Amid a high turnover, he worked 24 hours straight. “It was trial by �ire,” he said. Turner soon left the fast food industry because it was too controlled and he sought more creative freedom. So, he took on �ine dining. “In two weeks, I went from the salad guy to the guy cooking the steaks,” he said. Turner worked in steakhouses for about eight years, then bounced around other corporate restaurants until he was almost 30. Then, he was brought in as sous-chef at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. The executive chef left a few months after Turner started, so he was given the position of executive chef and assistant event coordinator. Simultaneously he was studying business in college, so he took a step down to work at the DeBordieu Club in Georgetown, South Carolina, as sous-chef. After that, Turner left South Carolina and spent years as an executive traveling chef, running restaurants from New Orleans to Wyoming. “All those years were long hours,” he said. “When you’re really good in the kitchen, they ride you like a thoroughbred. It catches up with you, so a lot of chefs burn out… There’s so much pressure and responsibility.” Turner wanted a change of scenery, so when he saw photos of Yellowstone National Park, he immediately googled “cooking chef jobs in Yellowstone” and sent his resume to the �irst thing that popped up. Turner was hired, took a pay cut and went to Pahaska Tepee Resort in Yellowstone for four months. It was such a wonderful experience he tried to recreate his experience in different places, including Colorado and Montana. He had a stop in New Orleans, where he took a break from the national park circuit and became executive banquet chef at the

�� CHEF �� 43

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

THEATER �� 41

such an incredible experience we’ve been fortunate to have,” he said. “EVCT is so unique in that they’ve created a community and home whereby our children are challenged, can grow in con�idence, and can experience such fun and beautiful experiences that we, as a family can also enjoy,” said Velasquez, who considers himself an unof�icial ambassador for the organization. The theater has drawn some kids out of their shell. “EVCT has shown me how to show up con�idently in a space, be myself, and not worry about looking funny,” Tre said. “I have always been extroverted and outgoing, but EVCT has de�initely kept that spark alive. Some non-theatre related skills last much longer than the applause. Tre lists learning the importance of teamwork, time management, adaptability and sociability as part of his theater education. East Valley Children’s Theater was created when there was nothing similar in the area. Its precursor is the Chandler Children’s Theatre, begun by Robert and Patricia Goyer in 1994. They have since both passed. The organization dissolved after a few years, but the community-minded group, which also included Angie Majed, Christi Moffat, Hazel Morgan and Steve Furedy, decided to build it. In 1997, they reorganized it with a grant from The Boeing Co. “There wasn’t anything like this at that time. Now there are lots of children’s

CHEF �� 42

Chateau Golf & Country Club. “I already had fast food experience, then I went into �ine dining, then banquets,” Turner said. “Banquets were the �inal piece of the puzzle for me.” He often cooked for hundreds of guests at a time, most memorably at the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame Golf Tournament. Once he was in Arizona, Turner had no idea what was next in store for him until his family in Tucson talked about Scottsdale. “I heard it was a very spiritual city,” Turner said. “I felt like I needed some healing. I needed to be around people who could elevate me.” He had planned on staying for only a

theaters. In the late 1990s and the early 2000s, there wasn’t anything. It was important for them for something to be here,” Rolston recalled. In 2005, shows were moved to the prestigious stage at Mesa Arts Center. Rolston organized a playwriting contest around the same time due to a dearth of plays written for children with a focus on stories and fairy tales. “It has been so successful,” she said. The last competition received about 60 entries from around the world. Johnson is perhaps a poster child of how children’s theater can shape someone’s life. She has written about 10 of the plays that EVCT has performed over the years and has won original script AriZoni’s four times. “One of my favorite parts of writing for children is the out-of-the-box way they interpret my work,” Johnson said. “Kids are so creative and unencumbered by expectations and preconceived notions. They’re spongey-clay, soaking everything up and ready to be molded.” Everybody is equal on stage. “Everybody welcomes them and they can be themselves and not worry about being judged about who they were or where they come from,” Rolston said. “Theater is like that.” Even during the pandemic’s peak, EVCT managed to produce plays virtually, making good use of technology. “In a �ield where theatres open and close all the time, and especially during the last year-and-half when theaters went dark across the world, this feels like an almost miraculous milestone,” Johnson said. ■

couple of weeks but fell in love with the East Valley. He was exposed to yoga and meditation techniques. “I feel like people like me from the South and small towns set limits for ourselves and what we can achieve,” he said. “I had to rewire that so that I could feel like I could achieve more.” Turner focused on himself and dabbled in catering until launching his private chef business in December 2017. Turner hopes to launch his own charity one day as he is passionate about education and bringing high quality food to people in low-income areas. “My goal is to eventually get to the point where I can give back,” Turner said. “I want to focus on helping other people.” Information: chefwilliamturner.com. ■

GET OUT

THE MESA TRIBUNE | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

King Crossword ACROSS 1 4 8 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

21 22 23 26 27 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53

Wee dollop “I smell --!” Lose it Single Only Chantilly, e.g. Vitamin stat Frost “-- Misbehavin’” Improbable, unexpected wonders Existed Squid squirt Song of praise Frequently “Lion” actor Patel Intends Dinner for Dobbin Seethe Sample “Shoo!” Crazy Horse, for one Mountain pass Hot tub Insignificant sum Car “Who --?” Ultimate Leisurely Fashion magazine Multipurpose truck Bottom lines? Lushes Melancholy

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

Ready for a new cookie addiction? Swig’s got your back!

I 35 36 37 38 39

Sudden bursts Radiates Long-legged shorebird Obi Stubborn beast

40 41 42 43 44

Sudoku

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 34

Molecule part Norway’s capital Burden Jazz singer James Molt

Campus digs “The King --” Noggin Hindu retreat Hotel units Jai -Fill with intense fear Not taut Hammer target Teen’s woe Favorites They give a hoot Busy insect Bit of butter Knightly address Actress Adams Feedbag morsel Pair with an air Outback bird Irritate Many Woodstock attendees Edict Guy’s date

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 15

f you don’t want another cookie addiction, then maybe you’ll want to bypass this week’s column. If, however, you want to jump on America’s latest cookie craze, then you’ve come to the right place. Swig cookies, with their scrumptious pink frosting and craggy edges, are somewhere between a soft sugar cookie and shortbread, and they have certainly won our hearts. To date, there are about 41 million search results for swig cookies on Pinterest. I’d say we are obsessed with these sweet treats. The Swig cookie originated in Saint George, Utah

Ingredients: 1 cup butter softened 3/4 cup Crisco (I used butter-flavored) 1 1/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk 2 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar 1 teaspoon salt Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. (Convection Bake mode works best) In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together butter, Crisco, sugar, powdered sugar and milk. Add eggs and mix until well combined. Add flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt, mixing well. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat. If you don’t have parchment paper or Silpat, grease the baking sheet. (See note below for difference size cookies) Spray the bottom of a glass or measuring cup with cooking spray (or butter) and then dip into a

in 2010 at the Swig Drive-by Drink Shop. Known for their signature frosty drinks and sweets, Swig has now expanded to multiple locations in Utah and several other states. I think you’re going to like these cookies. They’re fun to make and may even be worthy of a spot on your holiday cookie exchange platter this year. 5 1/2 cups flour

Frosting 1/2 cup butter softened 2 tablespoons sour cream 4 cups powdered sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla Pink food coloring 1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed plate coated with a thin layer of sugar. Press each ball down slightly to get the rough edge that Swig cookies are known for. Cookies should be thick and soft, so do not smash down too much. Bake for 8-9 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool on wire racks and then frost. To make the frosting, mix all of the ingredients except for the milk until well combined. Add milk to desired consistency and then frost the cooled cookies. To keep the cookies soft, store immediately in an airtight container. Note: If you make 1-inch balls, the yield will be about 48 cookies per batch. A larger cookie scoop can make 24-28 cookies. ■

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SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Obituaries Elvera Mollie (née Hummel) Kohlnhofer

Kohlnhofer, Elvera Mollie (née Hummel), age 88 of Lakeville passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on August 21, 2021. Elvera was born in Walnut Grove, MN on October 15, 1932 to Raymond and Erna Hummel. She was as unique as her name. She was always joyful, smiling with a positive outlook on life. She loved her large family, traveling the world, finding great jewelry, crosswords, dressing with colorful class, reading, going to the theater and jokes. She loved to tell a naughty joke. Elvera also loved playing bridge with her many friends and going on family vacations with her many beautiful children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who amused her and brought her tremendous joy. Poticia and Redcake were also favorites. She was a fabulous artist. Elvera said she was a painter and it was up to you to decide if she was an artist. She was indeed an artist because she was named the emerging artist for the Lakeville Area Art fest in 2020. She was a devoted mother and wife as well as a fiercely independent and strong woman. She is preceded in death by her husband Victor; daughter, Jo-Lynn; siblings: Darlene and Glenn. Survived by her children: Rae (Diane Gallagher), Jeff (Carla), Beth (Brian) Raskovich, Michael (Teresa), Yon (Jean Marie), Guy (Stacy), and Daniel; grandchildren: Shanna, Nathan, Micayla, Abbey, Jenna, Grace, Blake, Cassidy, Anna, Ellyn, Samantha, and McKenzi: great grandchildren: Calvin, Sylvia, Isaac, Mabel, Millie, Gabriel, Parker, and Charlotte; siblings: Delbert (Chris), Beverly (David) Zinter, and Gene (Evie); sister-in-law, Annette; also by other loving relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial, 12 PM, Thursday, October 14, 2021 at All Saints Catholic Church, 19795 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville, MN, with a visitation 1 hour prior to the service at church. Celebration to follow at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club.

Classifieds

The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | Ahwatukee.com Click on Marketplace

Employ ment

HIRING? If One Needs a Job, They Look Every day! For a Quote email: class@times publications.com 480-898-6465

Employment General

Merchandise

Sr. Manager, HRIS with PetSmart LLC (f/k/a PetSmart, Inc.) (Phoenix, AZ): Plan, direct, & coordinate daily activities of HRIS (Humn Rsrcs Info. Systms) team, dvlpng overall stratgic plan & prvdng leadrshp & recs pertaining to design, dvlpnt, & automtn of Humn Rsrcs Info. Systms. Req’s Master’s + 3 yrs. exp. or Bach. + 5 yrs. prog. post-Bach. exp. See full req’s: bit.ly/PTSMsmhCV. Resumes: Steve Gilbert, 19601 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027.

Pets/Services/Livestock

While Your’ Away Services Pet, Home & Property Checks

Voted one of the “Best of Ahwatukee” 10 Years Running!

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

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www.WhileYourAwayService.com

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Employment General

HELP WANTED Part- Time Custodial Position Needed to Fill ASAP Ahwatukee Recreation Center currently has an opportunity for someone who takes pride in his/her work and is able to work independently. This person will work as part of the maintenance team to clean the facility and prepare it for the next day of activities. This part-time position is integral to sanitizing and maintaining the ARC facilities. Great Work Environment at a Beautiful Facility.

Part-Time, Sun-Wed Evening Custodial Position • PTO Time Great Work Environment at a Beautiful Facility

Ahwatukee Foothills News

1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219 Tempe, AZ 85282 • 480.898.6465 class@timespublications.com Deadlines

Classifieds: Friday 3pm for Wednesday Life Events: Friday 10am for Wednesday

Real Estate for Rent Roommates Live-in Companion Wanted - Mature christian woman wanted as live-in companion for elderly woman in Mesa. Private bedroom/bath & food would be provided at no charge. 55+ community. Must be able to assist in walking & bathing 2 small dogs. Other duties inc. light household work such as dishes and/or laundry. Responsibilities would be companion to listen, talk, laugh & enjoy each others company. If interested, please call Mary Ellen at 641-430-6063

Employment General

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS MAAX Spas is hiring Full Time v

Starting $15-$17/hr v

Benefits v

Paid Vacation v

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401K

Apply online at maaxspas.com or call 480-895-4575 See MORE Ads Online!

Contact Gary 480-893-2549 • Gary.G@ARCAZ.net

www.Ahwatukee.com

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Service Directory

Carpet Cleaning

Air Duct Cleaning

Air Duct Cleaning & Dryer Vents BY JOHN

Air Conditioning/Heating

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship New 3-Ton 14 SEER AC Systems Only $4,995 INSTALLED! New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

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

★ Disinfected & Sanitized With Every Job

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

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REBATES UP TO

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Appliance Repair Now

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It!

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

500

Block Fence * Gates

602-789-6929 Roc #057163 Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

We Also Buy, Sell & Trade Used Appliances Working or Not

★ Room Additions ★ Water Damage ★ Popcorn Removal ★ Residential/Commercial ★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Ahwatukee Resident ★ Call 480-200-0043 ROC# 262737

Concrete & Masonry Appliance Repairs

• Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

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

★ 30+ Years HVAC Experience

Drywall

Electrical Services HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

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

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

Contractors

Carpet Cleaning SPRING TUNE-UP $ 69 SPECIAL! REG. $99.

UNSTOPPABLE SOLUTIONS. UNBELIEVABLE DEALS. Trane systems are put through the harshest testing imaginable — all so they can run through anything. And now, you can get rebates up to $500.* We never stop finding ways to bring you products that never stop.

Includes a 16-Point Inspection. LIMITED TIME ONLY. RESIDENTIAL ONLY

Residential Electrician

brewers www.brewerers.com

*See your independent participating Trane Dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Rebates up to $500 valid on Qualifying Equipment only. Offers vary by equipment. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. Offer expires 5/31/2020. LIC NO. 123456

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

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YOUR HOMETOWN AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST FREE Service Call With Repair FREE Second Opinion ★ FREE Estimate

480-725-7303 www.BrewersAC.com SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

small prices BIG

RESULTS

always included ✔ free estimates ✔ furniture moving

✔ pre-treatment ✔ deodorizer

two rooms

free hall

ﬁve rooms

free hall

couch & loveseat

free chair

callusnow

480.773.4700 MySteamX.com

C. READ & SON ELECTRIC Ahwatukee Resident

Drywall

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING House Painting, Drywall, Intall Doors, Baseboards, Crown Molding Reliable, Dependable, Honest! QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL!

 Electric Car Chargers for ALL your  Fans electrical needs  Lighting 41 years  Troubleshooting  And much more experience 2008 through 2019

ROC #158440 Bond/Insured

www.readelectricaz.com

480-940-6400

15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

480.266.4589 josedominguez0224@gmail.com Not a licensed contractor.

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

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Landscape/Maintenance

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control Starting @ $60/Month!

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured

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

• One Month Free Service • Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection.

CALL US TODAY!

• Call or Text for a Free Quote

480.721.4146

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

Arizona Specialty Landscape

New & Re-Do Design and Installation

MD’S LANDSCAPING

Painting

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

CONKLIN PAINTING Free Estimate & Color Consultation

Interior Painting ● Pressure Washing Exterior Painting ● Drywall/Stucco Repair Complete Prep Work ● Wallpaper Removal

SUN TECH

PAINTING INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

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

602.625.0599 ROC #155380 Family Owned • Free Estimates

Drip Systems Installed, Valves/Timer Repairs

Let’s get your Watering System working again! System Checks • Drip Checks

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

FREE ESTIMATES! CALL 24 HOURS 25 Yrs Exp. I Do All My Own Work! Call Mark

480-888-5895 ConklinPainting.com Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450

480.295.2279

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

WANT A GREEN LAWN?

Lawn Mowing Starts At $40 Full Service Starts At $70

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew

SONORAN LAWN

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

480-745-5230

ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

Get Your Lawn Ready For Fall!

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

Jose Martinez Not a licensed contractor.

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

480-217-0407

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

480-898-6465

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED!

Specials

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

Referred out of Ewing Irrigation Not a licensed contractor.

480.844.9765

602.515.2767

Painting

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

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors

480-338-4011

ROC#309706

Looking To Freshen Up Your Home? WE CAN HELP!

★ Small Job Specialist

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

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated

East Valley PAINTERS

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

Veteran Owned

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

10% OFF

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

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

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

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SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Plumbing

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

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH! FREE Service Calls + FREE Estimates Water Heaters Installed - $999 Unclog Drains - $49

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

10% OFF

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

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

Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

$35 off

Any Service

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning!

Roofing Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds! You will find them easy with their yellow background.

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

www.barefootpoolman.com See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099

To place an ad please call: 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

Plumbing

Off 40work done

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT

(480)

279-4155

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC 189848

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

Pool Service / Repair

MARK’S POOL SERVICE Owner Operated - 20 Years

Play Pools start at

$85/month

Plumbing

with chemicals

Ask About Filter Cleaning Specials!

PLUMBING $35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Meetings/Events?

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

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

480-446-7663

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

*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.

and every step of the way.

Only $27.50 includes 1 week online

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL

Plumbing

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! We have a “Spencer” on every job

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

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

Not a licensed contractor

Disposals

Pool Service / Repair

Mark

602-799-0147 CPO#85-185793

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

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

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

623-873-1626 Free Estimates Monday through Saturday Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Roofing

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

Flat and Foam Roof Experts! desertsandscontracting.com

LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED | ROC #269218

$1000 OFF when you show this ad

Serving All Types of Roofing: • • • •

Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service

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

602-471-2346

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 | FULLY INSURED

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

*on qualifying complete roof replacements

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Call our office today!

480-460-7602 Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

www.porterroofinginc.com 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

u Th

e IN

Call

480-446-7663 New Roofs, Repairs, Coatings, Flat Roof, Hot Mopping & Patching & Total Rubber Roof Systems

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

SAME DAY SERVICE SH

ALL YOU NEED IS A PU

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Window Cleaning

Valley Wide Service

Your leaks stop here!

g.c o m

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING

for your FREE Roof Evaluation Today! oﬁn

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

602-938-7575

www.InExRo

Over 30 yrs. Experience

Over 30 Years of Experience

-EX D i ﬀe r e n c e

Let Us Show Yo

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

30 Years Experience References Available

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

Senior & Military Discounts

623-522-9322

Ahwatukee Based Family Owned and Operated Insured • Free Estimates

See our reviews and schedule at:

10% OFF with this ad

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

See MORE Ads Online! www.Ahwatukee.com

www.cousinswindowcleaning.com

480-330-2649

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SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

palmabrisa.com

NOW SELLING

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

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

• Homes from 1,700 sq. ft. to 4,000 sq. ft. from the low $600’s

ERIC WILLIAMS

480-641-1800

TERRY LENTS

© Copyright 2021 Blandford Homes, LLC. No offer to sell or lease may be made prior to issuance of Final Arizona Subdivision Public Report. Offer, terms, and availability subject to change without prior notice. Renderings are artist’s conceptions and remain subject to modification without notice.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

LABOR DAY

e l a S • 3.5 Cu. Ft. • Porcelain Tub • 700 RPM Spin Speed

NTW4500XQ CLOSEOUT

• Normal Wash Cycle (on dial) • Heated Dry On/Off (on rocker) • Standard Upper Rack

UN58TU7000

FRONT LOAD WASHER

DRYER

• 7.5 Cu. Ft. Capacity • 4.5 Cu. Ft. Capacity • 10 Cycles • 10 Wash Cycles • 9 Options • Smart Care • Steam Sanitize

RANGE • 4.8 Cubic Foot Capacity • Self Cleaning Oven • Smooth Top • Proudly Made in USA WFE505W0HS CLOSEOUT

12 MONTHS

DVE45T6200W

DISHWASHER

REFRIGERATOR

• Integrated Control Styling • Premium Nylon Racks • In Door Silverware Basket • Energy Star Qualified

• 25 Cubic Foot Capacity • Spill Proof Glass Shelves • Humidity Controlled Drawers

2350

WF45T6200AW

12 MONTHS

NO INTEREST **

TOP MOUNT REFRIGERATOR

• Large Crisper Drawer

• 2 Glass Adjustable Shelves • LED Lighting • Independent Temperature Controls CRH10SW

299 599 EACH

HDA2000TWW CLOSEOUT

• 2 HDMI Inputs • Airplay2 Built-In

529 $429

449

DISHWASHER

NO INTEREST**

58” 4K UHD SMART TV

58”

WASHER

IT’S OUR BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR … WE’D RATHER SELL IT THAN COUNT IT! NOW IS THE TIME TO GET TO SPENCERS ... YOU NEED A DEAL, WE NEED TO MOVE IT OUT OF OUR WAREHOUSE. EVERY MANUFACTURER HAS LOWERED PRICES!! ASK ABOUT OUR EXCLUSIVE REBATES. GET TO SPENCERS TODAY!!

BFTF2716SS

STAINLESS STEEL 23 CU. FT. SIDE BY SIDE • Deli Drawer • Crisper Shelves

• LED Lighting FFSS2314QS CLOSEOUT

949

WRS325SDHZ

WDF520PADM

BUYS ALL 3 PIECES

NO MATTER WHERE YOU SEE IT, READ IT, OR HEAR ABOUT IT, SPENCERS IS GUARANTEED TO BE A LOWER PRICE!

** NO INTEREST IF PAID IN FULL IN 12 MONTHS. $799.00 Minimum Purchase Required Minimum Payments Required 30.79% APR If the promotional balance is not paid in full by the end for the promotional period or, to the extent permitted by law, if you make a late payment, interest will be imposed from the date of purchase at the APR noted above. This APR is as of 7/4/2019 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Your card agreement, the terms of the offer and applicable law govern this transaction including increasing APRs and fees and terminating the promotional period.

Arizona’s largest independent dealer! “It’s Like Having A Friend In The Business” Check Out Our Website

WWW.SPENCERSTV.COM OPEN DAILY 9AM-9PM | SATURDAY 9AM-6PM | SUNDAY 11AM-5PM

HOUSE IN S R E C SPEN PLANS PAYMENT BLE AVAILA Due to current circumstances, some items may be out of stock.