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Website fuels vandals, frustrates school of�icials BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

oth Kyrene and Tempe Union school districts – like their counterparts throughout the East Valley and in many parts of the world – are struggling with a rash of vandalism fueled by a challenge to pre-teens and teenagers on the social media platform TikTok. Lured by the desire to score “likes” from their peers around the world, middle and high school students are stealing school property, then posting photos or videos of the items.

The trend has been loosely called “The Bathroom Challenge” or the “Devious Licks Challenge.” “Lick” is slang for stealing. And though it started with teens ripping paper and soap dispensers, toilet seats and even faucets from school bathrooms and showing off online, the trend has broadened to include other school property – even fire alarm devices, according to some parents’ reports on various social media platforms. The vandals’ incentive is to see how many likes they can garner. Some news organizations across the country and around the world

are reporting some images have drawn thousands of likes and millions of views. The vandalism has provoked warnings of dire repercussions and pleas to parents and students from high school principals in Gilbert Public Schools, Chandler Unified and Tempe Union High School districts and Mesa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Andi Fourlis. Stating “we are sorry and disappointed it has come to this,” Desert Vista officials said the vandalism “has necessitated our limiting of bathrooms that are open at certain times,

see TIKTOK page 4

Deaf local dad’s gridiron glory inspires players BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

oel Plote has the look of a football defensive end. At 6’5,” he wreaked havoc on opposing offensive lines at Wapsie Valley High School in Fairbank, Iowa. He earned Player of the Week honors in 1986 and helped lead it to a state title the same year as a senior. But Joel – whose son Jack is a Mountain Pointe a senior offensive lineman – stood out from the rest for another reason. His nickname was the “Silent Stalker” – and not just because of the way he tracked down quarterbacks. Joel was born deaf and didn’t learn sign language until he was 18. “I’m grateful the coach gave me an opportunity to play,” Joel said through his wife, Joy, interpreted for him. “There wasn’t a lot for me

see PLOTE page 12

Joel Plote still has some memorabilia in the house from his playing days, including his cleats. He often shows them, as well as highlights, to his kids for motivation. He helped his high school team win a state championship despite being deaf. He didn’t learn sign language until he was 18. (Zach Alvira/AFN Staff)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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

Times Media Group: 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219 Tempe, Arizona, 85282 Main number: 480-898-6500 Advertising: 480-898-5624 Circulation service: 480-898-5641

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How long the Club West Golf Course will remain in its current state is anyone’s guess as a lawsuit over its declarant rights remains unresolved. (AFN file photo)

Frustration emerges as Club West lawsuit wears on BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

s frustration mounts over the protracted legal battle between the Club West Conservancy and the Foothills Club West Association board, a new filing in the case suggests no end to the 18-monthold case is in sight. A resolution may be a lot longer since the HOA board apparently is disputing that Shea Homes owns the rights to the Club West Golf Course’s future. Meanwhile, The Edge last week filed a response to the Conservancy’s request that Superior Court Judge Joan Sinclair reject the golf course owner’s request to intervene in the case. Attorney Daniel Dowd also requested a chance to make his client's case in an oral argument. That filing came as some frustration erupted at the HOA board’s regular meeting Sept. 15, when a couple homeowners demanded to know what it is doing to resolve the stalemate – and what it plans to do about the 164-acre course that has been barren since 2018. The Conservancy opposes building homes on any portion of the course. The Edge says that is the only way to finance the course's restoration and probably the only way to convert it into a park. Board members told homeowners last week that their hands are tied and that they can’t say or do anything without risking possibly costly penalties for both the HOA and themselves personally. The Conservancy filed suit against the HOA board in March 2020, contending it improperly acquired the course's declarant rights from Shea Homes. Those rights dictate how the course owner must run the site, although it contains a clause that could allow the dissolution of any requirement to maintain a “world class golf course.” Superior Court Commissioner Andrew Russell issued a preliminary ruling in November that basically found the former Club West HOA board violated state law and Club West’s own rules in acquiring the declarant rights. But that preliminary ruling is subject to a final order

see WEST page 9

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

SRO vote pulled from TU board agenda AFN NEWS STAFF

he status of school resource officers at Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista high schools became murky last week after a measure to approve a oneyear contract with the city never made it onto the agenda. “Right now, I’m being told that it will be on the Oct. 13 agenda for discussion and a vote”, district spokeswoman Megan Sterling said without further comment. That may suggest continuing opposition by at least three board members – board President Brain Garcia, Vice President Andres Barraza and Berdetta Hodge. They blocked an administration request to allot $450,000 for a uniformed officer at Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista in

TIKTOK from page 1

particularly boys bathrooms. “We have reduced the number of open bathrooms,” Desert Visa’s announcement continued, adding it was “still providing an adequate number of bathrooms for students to use and assigned security to monitor bathrooms regularly that are open.” It too reminded families that “if a Desert Vista student is caught destroying or stealing school property from our campus, we will take full documentary actions to include restitution and law enforcement involvement.” As a result of the restrictions, long lines of students waiting to use bathrooms at some schools have been reported. And at a time when districts are encouraging students to be more attentive to hygiene to combat COVID-19, numerous parents have posted that their children complain of no soap in bathrooms because the dispensers were gone. “Bathrooms are closed at Akimel as well,” wrote the parent of a child in Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School. “My daughter said kids are going to start bringing their own soap. Who steals soap during a pandemic?” Kyrene spokeswoman Erin Helm did not mention Akimel, but said the K-8 Kyrene Traditional Academy has been hit, along with the grades 6-8 Altadeña and Pueblo middle schools, adding that officials were “temporarily limiting bathroom use at Altadeña.”

votes in July 2020. They first voiced opposition to armed officers on campus during the height of Black Lives Matter protests nationwide against police last year. Sterling said officers have remained on the two Ahwatukee campuses. The total cost of the two officers was reduced by 25 percent two weeks ago when Phoenix City Council unanimously approved paying a quarter of the SRO salaries and benefits. Garcia, Barraza and Hodge want the money redirected for social workers and counselors despite a plea by all six Tempe Union principals for the retention of SROs. The district has SROs at its Tempe campuses and their salaries are all covered by public safety grants from the state Department of Education, which consistently has

“We are aware of a challenge on the social media app TikTok that is prompting students to cause damage to our schools and schools across the nation,” Fourlis posted last week. “Please know that consequences for stealing or destroying school property are severe, and can include expulsion and police involvement. “Please discuss with your child the severe consequences of participating in this challenge.” Mesa was hit with additional challenges last week in the form of fake bomb threats that forced lockdowns and evacuations, though such threats do not appear to be part of the TikTok. Two students were arrested for making those threats. In Chandler, Casteel High School Principal Jayson Phillips told parents and guardians the trend has damaged the campus. “If a Casteel student is caught destroying or stealing school property from our campus, there will be school suspension, full restitution, and a police report,” Phillips warned. Hamilton High Principal Michael De La Torre wrote a similar warning to parents last week, reminding them “damaging school property is a felony.” Gilbert Public Schools spokeswoman Dawn Astestenis said, “There have been some issues related to this TikTok challenge at a few of our secondary schools. Earlier this week our schools reached out to our parents and families with commu-

more requests for such grants statewide than it has money to cover them. The department gets about $20 million annually from the federal government to pay for SROs. Mendivil several times during last year’s debate said he would seek other sources to cover the SRO costs at the two Ahwatukee campuses, but City Council’s action suggests he may have run out of places to look. During the BLM protests, uniformed resource officers were dragged into the national debate by activists who claim SROs intimidated students, “militarized campuses” and treated students of color more harshly than whites. That argument had supporters among students and other Tempe Union community members – as well as police oppo-

nications regarding this.” But she declined to elaborate. Scottsdale Unified sent a letter to parents that stated: “SUSD has already been the victim of this disrespectful, costly and possibly criminal activity. “We work very hard to provide our students and staff with safe and clean learning spaces and facilities. Damage to and theft of school property will not be tolerated. Any student who intentionally causes damage to school campuses will, at a minimum, face disciplinary action… Restitution may be required and prosecution may be pursued. “We ask you to please have a frank conversation with your students about the real-life consequences of engaging in seemingly glorious social media activities, the importance of respect for property and the value of school pride.” Virtually no East Valley district had any cost estimates on the damage or, like Gilbert and Mesa, did not respond to questions about it. Neither Tempe Union spokeswoman Megan Sterling nor Helm had damages estimates for Tempe Union and Kyrene schools damaged by the juvenile delinquents. Nor has the vandalism been brought to the attention of governing boards in public meetings over the past month. Beyond Arizona, one TikTok user posted a video showing an assistant principal parking sign he stole. The video drew over 20,000 views and a

nents outside the district. They never provided, however, any evidence indicating that SROs at the two Ahwatukee campuses were harmful. Many other parents and students also opposed the move against SROs and pointed to the numerous non-enforcement activities of SROs. In a joint letter, Tempe Union’s principals protested the move, saying SROs are “not just cops on campus.” They said SROs “positively educate students about the law, both in small groups and larger classrooms, support and mentor students when they are feeling pressure, help our students make good and wise decisions, get to know our students and their families and connect them to

see SRO page 12

whopping 9.7 million views, according to The Sun’s American edition. Atlanta CBS 46 reported that a student in one Fulton County, Georgia, school tried to rip a urinal from the wall. ByteDance, the China company that owns TikTok, did not respond to AFN's request for an interview. But CBS 46 said the TikTok spokesperson said, “We expect our community to stay safe and create responsibly, and we do not allow content that promotes or enables criminal activities. We are removing this content and redirecting hashtags and search results to our community guidelines to discourage such behavior.” Those guidelines detail a range of forbidden criminal and abusive behaviors but do not specifically identify stealing and vandalism among them. TikTok in the past has removed and forbidden posts that involve so-called teen challenges that have resulted in serious injury. Most recently, it banned the so-called “crate challenge” where kids were encouraged to stack milk crates into a pyramid formation and then try to climb them from one side to the other without falling. But challengers often fell, some incurring broken limbs. One parent who posted to Facebook about the vandalism, however, offered perhaps a more effective antidote to the crime wave. She said she won’t let her son add TikTok to his phone. ■

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Kyrene board member rejects call to resign AFN NEWS STAFF

n unusual personal attack on a Kyrene Governing Board member provoked an unusual response at its Sept. 15 meeting. A parent protesting the district’s mandatory mask policy called board member Dr. Wanda Kolomyjec of Ahwatukee “a racist political activist” and called on her to resign. And while board members are normally forbidden by law from responding directly to emails or in-person comments, the one exception involves personal attacks. The email was one of dozens read during the lengthy public comment portion of the meeting. And like those who addressed the board in person, those emails fell on both sides of the mask mandate. The parent who assailed Kolomyjec did call on the board to “be smarter or get out now” and drop the mask mandate. But he also wrote that Kolomyjec “should not be making decisions that have

Board member Dr. Wanda Kolomyjec responded Sept. 14 to an email attack from a parent demanding she resign and accusing her of being a racist. (YouTube) any effect on children’s mental growth. “Your support for a violent political organization and your field of study that

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In her public response to the parent, Kolomyjec noted that she teaches justice theory. “I teach this information to mostly white kids,” she said. “If this type of teaching is so awful and so negative and so terrible, tell me why my white students love me.” “I don’t hate people,” continued Kolomyjec, who won her board seat last year. “What I want to try and do is lift everybody up. That’s my work. I will not hide from it. I will not be embarrassed by it and I will not resign. So just stop with it. “You can see I’m a passionate person. I probably say and do things sometimes I shouldn’t. I’m out there in the public and I am an activist. If you dig through hundreds, and hundreds of posts that I have made and things that I have said, you will probably find things that weren’t great. “I am not perfect and I don’t pretend to be. What I do is to be someone that cares about everybody – all of the children, even the parents that are giving me a hard time. I care deeply about your children and I will continue to fight for them.” ■

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WEST from page 3

from Sinclair, who is waiting for the HOA board and the Conservancy to agree on its final wording. The Conservancy has obtained three extensions on a deadline to submit its proposed order. The Edge, comprising four men who bought the course from Wilson Gee for $750,000, charges that both parties are stalling to deliberately thwart any plan it may have for the course. The continuing legal stalemate generate some testy moments during the HOA board’s sparsely attended regular meeting last Wednesday when two of the approximate dozen residents there demanded a detailed update on the litigation and what the board is doing about the course. Board members replied they cannot say much and can’t do anything until Sinclair rules. “We were informed by our law firm that …anything that we say or do relative to the golf course can be used against us,” one board member said, later adding: “We are not taking any action because if we take any action, we could be sued and we don’t want that.” He also asserted ownership of the course’s declarant rights may be in limbo,

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contending Russell “did not expressly state that Shea Homes remains the declarant.” That might come as news to Shea Homes, which is negotiating with The Edge to either buy the course or sell it the declarant rights and has already warned the board not to interfere, noting the Conservancy already has conceded the homebuilder owns those rights. David Garcia, Shea vice president of land acquisitions, told AFN in June the company is eager to work with the community, but added, “Our primary business is building homes.” In its filing last week, The Edge disputed the Conservancy’s bid to shove it aside in the litigation. The board has not filed a response to The Edge's motion. “The Edge is far from an outsider to this litigation,” Dowd wrote, stating the Conservancy is trying to thwart “developing the property for uses other than an 18-hole championship public golf course – development that is no longer viable, given the closure of the water reclamation plant that previously irrigated the property.” Wilson Gee closed the course because of the cost of city potable water used to irrigate the course. In 2016, he said water costs totaled more than $750,000 and

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proposed form of judgment because it identified Shea as the declarant.” Dowd wrote. “The CWC flatly refuses to respond to The Edge.” Dowd also argued that The Edge wants to intervene to protect its rights and investment in the course. He noted that there are two potential resolutions of the ongoing talks between The Edge and Shea Homes: Either Shea gets the property or The Edge gets the declarant rights. Either way, Dowd said, “The Edge cannot be a stranger to a lawsuit that was designed to impair and restrict its rights.” “Moreover, the Court made clear during the Aug. 17, 2021, status conference that it will enter judgment consistent with its ruling, correcting only the interest rate and language regarding annexation,” he wrote, noting Sinclair instructed both the HOA and Conservancy to submit a proposed order consistent with that direction. The reference to annexation involves Russell’s original findings – namely that the old HOA board violated Association rules by acquiring declarant rights to golf course property without 75 percent of Club West’s

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since then, water rates have gone up twice and are slated to increase twice more in the current fiscal year. Noting that some former Conservancy members now sit on the HOA board, Dowd said both parties “have steadfastly refused to entertain any economically viable development alternative.” Dowd also cited the escape clause in the declarant rights themselves and said “the declarant has the power under the declaration to release portions of the property to be developed for non-golf course uses including housing.” He also accused the board and the Conservancy of “attempting to rob Shea of its declarant rights so it could restrict The Edge’s development of the property.” Noting a month has passed since Sinclair on Aug. 17 instructed the HOA and Conservancy to submit a proposed final order, Dowd wrote that he submitted a proposed order for the HOA and Conservancy to consider. If they agreed to that proposal, he said The Edge would withdraw its request to intervene. But that won’t happen, apparently. “The Association recently indicated it would object to The Edge’s revised

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

PLOTE from page 1

to do there. But he trusted me.” Joel never let his handicap stop him. He worked on his family’s farm, lugging hay bales daily and tending to more than 250 cows, 200 pigs and other animals. Living in the small town, he didn’t have resources available to learn sign language. His family did not have much money, but he was able to watch television when he could, fueling a love for football. He became enamored by defensive ends and their ability to rush the quarterback. That’s what he wanted to do. And he didn’t let his deafness get in his way. “I rely on my eyes,” Joel said. “When the ball moved, I moved. It was exciting. I thought I could make it.” Joel now has shared that same dream with all five of his children. JR graduated in 2011 and went on to accept a football scholarship to South Dakota State. Cassie graduated from Mountain Pointe in 2013, where she played volleyball for the Pride. Jack is hoping to secure his first division I offer this season. He has anchored a Pride offensive line that has played a major role in Mountain Pointe’s 2-1 start to the season. Joel’s younger boys, Roman and Dane, are both involved in youth football and baseball. Joel coaches their teams. While none of his children are deaf, they still don’t take anything for granted and are mindful of their father’s challenges. “It makes me feel like I have to work harder than everybody else,” Jack said. “I have to go do something. I have to be competitive. Seeing the old highlights of my dad really brings out my competitiveness.”

SRO from page 4

community resources, understand the pressures that teenagers are dealing with so police officers can better deal with our students and young people in our community, protect our campus community from outside threats, and be an integral part of our school support teams.” Sterling said off-duty officers were working at Desert Vista and Mountain

The Plote Family, including, from left, Joel Plote, Dane Plote, Jack Plote, Joy Plote and Roman Plote, all share the same love for sports. (Zac BonDurant/AFN Staff) In high school, Joel received attention from a few colleges, though many still had limited resources for the deaf community. Still, coach Todd Simonsen at Upper Iowa University wanted to take a chance on Joel. He wrote him letters, came to see him play and invited him to visit the school. When he did, the dean of the school, citing the lack of resources, told Joel they wouldn’t be able to enroll him because he was deaf. Simonsen stepped down as a result. “I said, ‘I guess this whole college thing wasn’t going to work out,’” Joel said. “I moved to Arizona with my brother after graduation and went to the different community colleges out here. “I met the head coach at Mesa Commu-

Pointe from the first day of the 2021-22 school year through “an SRO testing process” that would help the district and the police department determine the best fits for the two campuses. Phoenix Police say an SRO costs $180,379 a year and that a school district is responsible for picking up $135,284 of that amount. That total SRO cost for a Phoenix officer includes $81,479 annual salary, $7,613 in

nity College – his name was Ken Sights… Ken could sign a little bit and he knew how to finger spell. That was important to me.” MCC offered Joel a sign language interpreter who taught him how to sign. He played football for a year-and-a-half before moving on. He began working for the United States Post Office in downtown Phoenix, where he remained for two decades before he was offered early retirement. It was during that time he was called for jury duty and met Joy, who initially didn’t think of giving him a chance. Now, they’ve been married 20 years. “I thought it was weird,” Joy said, laughing. “I tried it out. I always said I wouldn’t date deaf people. But we dated and here we are. It worked out.”

career enhancement pay, $1,150 clothing allowance and $2,080 in “productivity enhancement pay” for a total $92,322. Of that amount, the school district is on the hook for $69,242. On top of that is another $88,057 in fringe benefit costs for which a school district is responsible for $66,043. The two board members who voted for funding last year are no longer on the board and there has been no public discussion

Joel’s story resonates with Jack and his siblings. It shows them that no matter what obstacles they face, there’s always a way to overcome them. Jack said that when he’s on the field, he can hear Joel and Joy in the stands. Joel will often get the Mountain Pointe crowd going by stomping his feet on the metal bleachers. Other parents love him for that. Joel’s passion for his children and their sports drives him these days. He lives for coaching and spending time with his sons who are still playing football. And they cherish the opportunity to be watched and coached by him. “I want my kids to do better than I did. I want them to have the opportunities I didn’t,” Joel said. “I show them that they don’t have to rely on their ears to be successful. I love sports and I love sharing that part of my life with them.” Jack and his father have talked about their dream of him following in the footsteps of his older brother and becoming a Division I player – a feat his father wasn’t able to do because of a lack of resources. Jack is aiming higher. One of his dream schools is Iowa State University. He still has family living nearby in Ames. But overall, he is hopeful for any opportunity that comes his way. He wants to do anything that’ll make his mom and “The Silent Stalker” proud. A Division I offer would be my way of thanking them for teaching me everything I know,” Jack said. “That would be the best thing. He never got the opportunity to do that. But if I can, I think it would make him really happy.” ■ about SROs since their replacements, Armando Montero and Sarah James joined in January. ■

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

WEST from page 9

2,600 homeowners agreeing to it. “That neither the CWC nor the Association have done so and have instead to meaningfully respond to The Edge’s efforts to have a compliant judgment entered is precisely why The Edge is entitled to intervene,” Dowd said. He included several emails in his response. In one, Conservancy attorney Francis Slavin told Dowd on July 26: "Our client, Club West Conservancy, has requested that we not engage in any telephone conferences with counsel for Shea or The Edge at this time." He also included several emails he wrote to lawyers for the HOA and the Conservancy that stated a desire to work with them on resolving the issue "to avoid unnecessary fees and the consumption of judicial resources." In a Sept. 5 email to Slavin, Dowd reminded him they have known each other since the 1990s and have had a good professional relationship: "I am making a direct personal plea that you and I provide good counsel to our clients and bring this solvable matter to an end.” ■

Valley traf�ic is back – so is bad air BY SHANE PURCELL Cronkite News

raffic has returned to metro Phoenix in a big way, causing delays in morning and afternoon commutes and increasing carbon emissions in an area that has long-standing problems with air quality. During more than a year of working from home, taking online classes and holding events virtually, the lack of traffic made driving a relative breeze, particularly during traditional rush hours. Valley drivers in 2020 spent the least amount of time in traffic since 1982. But the period of leisurely commuting – and cleaner air – is over. According to Wang Zhang, transportation data program manager for Maricopa Association of Governments, traffic is back to pre-pandemic numbers. In mid-April 2020, he said, traffic in Maricopa County was 61 percent of normal. By March 2021, traffic in the county was “fully back to 100 percent,” Zhang said, but he pointed to a silver lining: Conges-

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tion hasn’t returned to Valley roads. “In that measurement, actually we are not back to pre-COVID conditions yet,” he said. “At the end of August, the latest was at about 55 percent of the congestion level.” Zhang credits changed travel patterns and the completion of more road projects for the lower congestion. But with vehicles returning to the road, tailpipe emissions are on the rise. In 2020, carbon emissions in the U.S. dropped by 650 million tons – a 12.9 percent decrease from 2019, according to Nature.com. But the relief was short-lived as people returned to work, school and traveling. Tailpipe emissions are one of the largest contributors to air pollution in large cities, and Phoenix ranks fifth in the nation for unhealthy ozone days, according to the American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2021 report. Matt Pace, a meteorologist for the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, said air quality in Phoenix has continued to improve since the Clean Air Act Amend-

ments in 1990. But challenges remain with improving air quality conditions in the Valley, which includes Phoenix, the fastest-growing big city in the county, and one that was built to accommodate cars. The ADEQ monitors ground level ozone to report air quality conditions. Ground level ozone, or “bad ozone,” is created by volatile chemicals and particles in the air reacting with prolonged hours of sunlight, creating unhealthy conditions. People with lung conditions, such as asthma, are at highest risk, although high ozone levels can cause airway inflammation and chest pain even in healthy adults. In Arizona, vehicle emissions did decrease during the pandemic, but not for long. Nancy Selover, who was the state climatologist at the time, told Cronkite News in April 2020 that the drop in emissions temporarily contributed to the reduction of the “brown cloud” that typically hovers over Phoenix, especially in winter. Pace said the short period of reduced

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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DO NOT DISCRIMINATE re TALK TO YOUR TALK TO YOUR KIDS

• Over 10 million people misuse opio For more or learn how to get involved please•contact • Over 10 million people misuse opioids information in a year Over 10 million people misuse opioids in a year • 3.1 million people abused opioids i Bernadette_Coggins@tempe.gov or visit us at Tempe.gov/Opioids month, average • 3.1 million people abused opioids an in the past of a little over 1 • 3.1 million people abused opioids in the past month, an average of a little over 103,000 people using per month, day people day are those of th This publication was made possible by grant number H79TI083320 from SAMHSA and AHCCCS, in partnership with the Arizona Governor’s Ofﬁce of Youth, Faith and Family.an Theaverage views, opinions and content of this per publication of a little over using 103,000 people using per day

• Teenagers who legitimately are prescribed opioids are 33% more likely to misuse opioids after high school • Almost 50,000 people die every year from opioid overdose • Opioids are a factor in at least 7 out of 10 overdose deaths • A little over 10 million people ages 12 years and older abused opioids in 2019

• Teenagers who legitimately are pre opioids are 33% more likely to mis • Teenagers who legitimately are prescribed after high school opioids are 33% more likely to misuse opioids after high school • Almost 50,000 people die every y • Almost 50,000 people dieopioid every overdose year from opioid overdose • Opioids are a factor in at least 7 ou overdose • Opioids are a factor in at least 7 outdeaths of 10 overdose deaths • A little over 10 million people ages olderages abused opioids • A little over 10 million people 12 years andin 2019 older abused opioids in 2019 • Opioid abuse does not discriminat the local football • Opioid abuse does not discriminate. It may star. be A businessm with stress. A firefighter or police o the local football star. A businessman struggling with stress. A firefighter orrecovering police offiform cer an injury recovering form an injury

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Tempe Coalition.org Tempe Coalition.org

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For more information or learn how to get involved please contact Tempe Coalition is a grant-funded project of a 501(C)3 nonpro Bernadette_Coggins@tempe.gov visit us at Tempe.gov/Opioids For more information or learn how to get involved pleaseor contact of a 501(C)3 nonprofi t This publication was made possible by grant number H79TI083320 SAMHSA in partnership with the Arizona Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family. The views, opinions and content of this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or Bernadette_Coggins@tempe.gov or from visit usand atAHCCCS, Tempe.gov/Opioids This publication was made possible by grant number H79TI083320 from SAMHSA and AHCCCS, in partnership with the Arizona Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family. The views, opinions and content of this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or policies of SAMHSA or HHS.

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Former local girl on Times Square billboard BY NICOLE DAY AFN Contributor

ambunctious 4-year-old Tamia Wilson spends her time playing with dolls, pretending to cook and singing songs around her family’s Buckeye home. Folks from around the world were introduced to the former Ahwatukee girl’s playful personality through a National Down Syndrome Society video on a Times Square billboard last Saturday. “I am awesome,” Tamia shouted during an interview with her mother, Erica. Tamia was diagnosed with Down syndrome at age 9 months, which is considered late, according to Erica. Usually, that determination is made prenatally or at birth. With Tamia, the focus was put on von Willebrand disease, a blood disorder in which it does not clot properly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Blood contains a variety of proteins that help it clot when needed. One of these proteins is called von Willebrand factor. Tamia, Erica and her oldest son, 12-year-old Timothy, all have the deficit. Timothy suffers from nearly 200 nose bleeds a year. Erica is also the mother of 8-year-old William. The children’s father, also named Timothy Wilson, has been missing since

We don’t have the money to hire private detectives. “I have a friend who does private detective work, and he runs his social security number every now and again and there are no hits. He is listed on a national database so if he’s discovered anywhere, I will be contacted.” To add to the trauma, Wilson’s mother, Beverly Edwards, died in October. As with the status of Wilson’s husband, she rolls with the punches. Wilson read about the video opportunity through a Facebook group for Down syndrome and saw Erica Wilson calls her daughter, Tamia Wilson, her “little sun- her friends’ children included in previous shine.” (Courtesy of Erica Wilson) years’ showings. Wilspring 2019. The last time she heard son yearned to apply previously but was from him was May 13, 2019, when the otherwise occupied. “I had heard about it before, and I had family lived in Ahwatukee. “We have to keep rolling with the forgotten the deadline every year,” Wilpunches,” she said. “We miss him im- son said. “Something would come up and mensely. There’s not much we can do I wouldn’t do it. This year, I was bound outside of what we already have done. and determined to get it done because

we have been through so much.” The photo of Tamia was selected from more than 2,100 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos. Her photo was shown on two JumboTron screens in the heart of Times Square, thanks to the support of ClearChannel Outdoor. The Times Square Video presentation kicked off the flagship Buddy Walk, which has taken place in New York City since 1995 as part of the National Buddy Walk Program. Wilson sees her daughter as more than a diagnosis on a piece of paper. “They think, ‘This is what she can and cannot do,’ and that is not life,” she said. “Life is not a diagnosis. You have it and you work with it, and you make it happen. We are warriors.” The Times Square opportunity means everything to the Wilson family. To see Tamia’s picture in Times Square is a proud moment for Wilson and she is grateful for it. In the future, she hopes Tamia will see the photos and the interviews and see how far she has come. “I want her to know that her grandmother and possibly her father are looking down on her and they are so proud of her, and I want her to know that her dad and grandmother love her very much and I do, too, and I don’t think she knows that. If Tamia wants to do something she is going to make it happen. Tamia is our little sunshine.” ■

‘Half-Cent Tax III’ to fund East Valley roads BY TOM SCANLON Tribune Managing Editor

sked what part of the Valley he lives in, John Bullen answered, “central.” Smart move. Bullen, transportation economic and finance program manager for the Maricopa Association of Governments, probably would hear cries of “favoritism!” from the East Valley if he lived on the west side, or vice versa. Splitting it down the middle is probably a wise choice for a key player in how billions of dollars or transportation improve-

ments will be spent. MAG decides where the asphalt gets poured, but not without “vigorous input.” On Sept. 14, Bullen gave a presentation to the PHX East Valley Partnership on some key information. On Nov. 2, 2004, Maricopa County voters passed Proposition 400, authorizing a 20-year continuation of the half-cent sales tax for transportation projects in Maricopa County. Though some were added in later years, most of those projects were outlined in the MAG Regional Transportation Plan. And, though Prop 400 doesn’t expire for another three-plus years, MAG is eager to

line up what can be called “Half-Cent Tax III.” Bullen told the Partnership Critical Infrastructure and Transportation Committee – led by Jack Sellers, Kevin Olson and Bill Garfield – that the latest version of the Regional Transportation Plan is “near and dear to MAG’s heart.” On June 22, MAG’s Transportation Policy Committee recommended approval of the draft investment plan, which the MAG Regional Council approved two days later. Sellers, chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, is vice chair of the MAG transportation committee, which also includes Mesa Mayor John Giles, Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke (chair of the com-

mittee) and Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. In an email to the Tribune, Giles said, “The extension of Prop 400 is essential for Mesa’s continued economic development and quality of life. Nothing has transformed our city over the last few decades more than the regional infrastructure investments in our freeway system, light rail, city streets and bus network.” Of the new 25-year plan MAG approved, Giles said, “I’m pleased with the outcome of this process and that it includes improvements to the Loop 202 and State Route 24; an extension of the new Rio Salado street-

see TAX page 18

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

TAX from page 16

car to the Asian and Fiesta District; extensive expansion of bus routes in central and eastern Mesa; and further funding to expand and maintain local streets.” At the East Valley Partnership meeting, Bullen noted Proposition 300, the original half-cent sales tax passed by voters in 1985, funded the Loop 202. Its successor, Prop 400, put up money for the light rail, the beginning of State Route 24 and “arterial improvements” in the East Valley. The next transportation proposition (a number has yet to be assigned) will also ask voters for a half-cent sales tax, though Bullen said a 1 cent tax was considered. The biggest difference: MAG and company will be asking voters for a 25-year plan this time. In the “can’t please everyone” department: “32 member agencies (were) trying to figure out what priorities are important across the Valley,” Bullen said. He noted chunks of the East Valley, including Tempe, Chandler and most of Mesa, “are largely built out. They’re in a position of trying to optimize moving people.... compared to Queen Creek and east Mesa, they’re still growing, it’s very different.” The next half-cent tax is expected to generate $36.7 billion over 25 years... A big chunk of money, but not nearly enough to fund what leaders across the Valley seek. Bullen said wish list items total $90 billion —more than three times the available revenue.” He listed a few highlights of what did make the MAG transportation plan: • SR 30, an I-10 alternative planned to run through Avondale, Buckeye and Goodyear. • I-17 reconstruction. • A “full build” of SR 24. • A bus lane of Arizona Avenue, from Chandler to Mesa (where it becomes Country Club Drive). • Expansion of a streetcar that now serves Tempe, “ultimately going out

TRAFFIC from page 14

emissions did not signify measurable improvements in air quality because last year was marked by anomalous weather conditions, including smoke from wild-

The MAG Regional Transportation Plan map shows projects voters will be asked to approve via the next half-cent sales tax. (Special to the Tribune) to the Fiesta Mall,” which is closed. Widening/HOV lanes on the Loop 202/SanTan Freeway. Bullen said Arizona Legislature must first green-light the plan before it goes to voters in November 2022. While acknowledging Prop 400 doesn’t expire until 2025, he stressed, “three years is needed to start work on some of those projects, get them queued up.” In an interview, Bullen, who has been with MAG since 2012, said “that map is intended to demonstrate the big capital •

fires raging across the Southwest. Pace made multiple recommendations on how individuals can reduce their own emissions: “telework if you can, carpool as much as possible, take public transportation.”

projects. I think the freeway system in the East Valley is pretty well finished and matured.” Though the splashy, big-price tag projects are on the west side, Bullen noted the East Valley has plenty of transportation improvements in the works. “Where you see investment in the East Valley is bus transit and arterial (roads),” he said. “The plan needed to be balanced throughout the region. Investment is balanced on the west side vs. Phoenix vs. the

“Anything that you can do to reduce carbon emissions is a good thing.” Sometimes good comes from bad. The pandemic presented challenges that introduced new ways to get things done, such as learning and working from home

east side. With this plan we’ve achieved that balance,” Bullen insisted. And, he noted, the plan is hardly set in stone. “Things evolve, as economic development shifts, certainly there will be updates,” Bullen said. The public comment period for the Regional Transportation Plan continues through Oct. 13. To comment, or for more information, visit ourmomentumplan.com or azmag. gov. ■ instead of a school or office building. “People always think that doing small things won’t make a difference,” Pace said. “Well, we always say, if everyone does that small thing, it adds up to a big difference.” ■

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

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A couple’s anguish: 2 tots face incurable disease BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

n mid-August of 2020, Dave and Kendra Riley, their three daughters ages 5 and under, and her parents arrived in Milan, Italy. It was no pleasure trip. The Ahwatukee couple were trying to save the life of their youngest, Kiera, age 6 months after she had miraculously been accepted to join a gene therapy treatment that wasn’t available in the U.S. Weekly trips to Amsterdam to keep their daughter Olivia, then only 2 years old, on regular treatments that had been

done in Iowa, was also on the agenda. Her treatments were not to cure the disease, but slow the progression. The disease attacking both younger daughters is metachromatic leukodystrophy, or MLD – heartbreakingly described

�ee RILEY page 23

Dave and Kendra Riley of Ahwatukee face a parent’s worst nightmare. Daughters Olivia, 3, left, and Kiera, 6 months, suffer from a very rare and fatal brain disease. Their eldest daughter Eva, center, is a carrier for the genetic disease but, like her parents, will not be affected by it. (Courtesy of the

Riley Family)

2 �irst-time authors pen children’s books

Retirement gave him time Lagos teacher draws on he didn’t have for 20 years family for life lessons BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

rom attorney to television reporter to author of a newly-published children’s book, Steve Krafft has enjoyed a rich and varied career and, now, retirement. The latter has given him the time to complete a project he began 20 years ago: a children’s book entitled “Won’t Somebody Play with Annabelle Kay?” The book is available on Amazon and signed copies are available at Barnes & Noble’s Chandler Fashion Center store at the “Signed Author/Local Author” display through the holidays. In 2019, Krafft retired from Fox 10 News after reporting international and lo-

�ee KRAFT page 24

Former TV newsman and lawyer Steve Krafft wrote a children’s book at his Ahwatukee home. (Special to AFN)

s a teacher at Kyrene de los Lagos Dual Language Academy in Ahwatukee, Diane Mylod teaches at a school where the motto is “The power of two languages. The power of two worlds.” So, it is only natural that the Glendale native, who has lived in Ahwatukee for five years, chose to a) write a children’s book for her first foray into the world of authors; and b) has published both Spanish and English versions. A three-year Kyrene veteran who is in her ninth year of teaching, Mylod has published “The Avocado Tree” – a semiautobiographical book that is as rich in personal history as it is an introduction

�ee MYLODpage 24

Lagos Dual Language Academy teacher Diane Mylod says her ﬁrst children’s book, “The Avocado Tree,” is as much about her life as it is about life in general. (Pablo Ro-

bles/AFN Staff Photographer)

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

RILEY from page 22

as an “extremely rare and fatal brain disease” that destroys the protective fatty layer surrounding the nerves in the central nervous system, “aggressively taking away motor function and other abilities.” The couple’s oldest daughter, Eva, was also tested for the disease, but she, like her parents, turned out to be diagnosed as a carrier of the genetic disease who will not be affected. Neither Kendra nor Dave knew they were carriers. Before having children, they went through DNA testing to minimize the risk of an inherited disease. “Dave and I were devastated. It was beyond frustrating to look back on that test and see the ‘Negative’ result for MLD. We now know they only test the five most prevalent gene mutations that lead to MLD, even though there are many more,” said Kendra, now an advocate for expanding the scope of genetic testing. The family stayed in Milan for six months as their infant, who was not as yet symptomatic, received treatment at the San Raffaele-Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy. With Kendra and her parents staying with their infant daughter during treatments, Dave ferried Olivia to Amsterdam for weekly treatments. The treatments won’t cure her, but her parents hope they might slow the rapid progression of the rare and highly-aggressive brain disease. The Rileys are back at home, having made one required follow-up trip to Italy for a check-up for their youngest, Kiera. Their middle daughter’s health continues to decline. Because Kiera’s MLD was caught in infancy and because she was able to enter the gene therapy treatment – thanks to the generosity of Armer Foundation supporters and the Desert Financial Credit Union Foundation – she is doing well. The Rileys are doing everything possible to make Olivia’s life as comfortable as possible. A recent outdoor playset from the MakeA-Wish America Foundation allows the family to wheel her up a ramp so they can hold her in their laps for a ride down the slide. A special “Magic Carpet Swing’ means she can lay prone while enjoying the experience of swinging. “We have to stay strong,” said Kendra.

The Rileys struggle to keep their daughters’ lives in some semblance of normality. (Courtesy

of the Riley Family)

“We’re powering through each day, trying to juggle work and care for the girls. We have to try and be business as usual and put on our happy face.” Helping friends and supporters stay apprised of the family’s journey is their website RileysRoad.com In mid-August, Olivia was enrolled in Hospice of the Valley – not because she was rapidly declining but “more to have a support system in place when she does,” Kendra said. “What might come as a surprise to many is that enrolling a child in hospice is not the same as enrolling an adult. For an adult, hospice means they have very little time left. For a child, like one with MLD, they could be on hospice for years – or days… there really is no way of knowing because the disease is so rare,” she explained. “But the point of enrolling a child is not only to ensure end of life scenarios are completed as the patient’s family prefers – at home versus in a hospital with a million tubes connected to them – but also to ensure their comfort until that point arrives.” The founder and owner of Dawning Public Relations, Kendra recalled how people came to the family’s aid after a story in AFN last year detailed how the Armer Foundation was helping them raise

$500,000 in order to move to Italy to save the life of our newborn daughter Keira from the disease slowly taking Livvie’s life. One year ago, she recalled, Olivia “could talk. She could walk. She knew all of her colors. She could eat through her mouth. She could drink through a sippy cup. Now... she can’t do any of those things.” “This is why we are in awe of her baby sister Keira, and her big sister Eva, every single day of their lives. Thanks to the miraculous gene therapy treatment Keira received in Italy – which was recently approved in the EU with high hopes for FDA approval here in the coming year – the things she is doing now are things Livvy was never able to do. “MLD stole Livvy’s milestones and her future from under all of us. She is now enrolled in hospice as her condition continues to steal her life away right in front of our eyes.” Eva, 6, attends Summit School, loves horses, karate and dance. “We find every way to offer her every inch of normalcy in this very abnormal pandemic world,” Kendra said. “Their youngest sister Keira is miraculously now living the life of a normal almost-2-year-old; mimicking everything we say, potty-training, singing along with

Elsa and Anna and wanting to do everything her big sisters do even if it is going for a ‘stroll’ in Livvy’s wheelchair. She only sees her other big sister when she looks at Livvy. She doesn’t see the MLD.” Kendra added that “Our lives are still far from normal. But we are beyond grateful for the support shown to us by friends, families and strangers alike who helped get our family to Italy for Keira’s life-saving treatment.” She has joined the Armer Foundation board “so I can give back to other families who are facing insurmountable odds as we were.” “It was through a PR campaign that spread the news of our family that we were able to get support from the community at large, and make it to Italy. Now, I’m using the resources available through my PR firm to help other families share their story,” she said. She also is helping raise awareness for heart health through her involvement with November’s Phoenix Heart Ball, benefiting the American Heart Association. This is another issue close to her heart as she underwent heart surgery at age 20. The neurologist who confirmed Olivia’s illness, Dr. Vinodh Narayanan, has begun research on whole genome sequencing that will allow families to access the whole genome sequencing for extremely rare diseases. He was awarded a grant based on the Riley family’s experiences by the Flinn (cq) Foundation. Olivia is being fed solely through a gastrointestinal tube. “We do give her small amounts of water and juice in her mouth through a syringe so she has something to enjoy and keep her mouth from getting dry,” said her mother. September is Leukodystrophy Awareness Month. “Children like Livvy could have been saved by a newborn screening that would then allow them to benefit from gene therapy and lead a potentially long life,” said Kendra. “Newborn screening costs next to nothing, but Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MDS) isn’t included as a screened disease in most states. “I’m asking that people join with me and my husband in emailing our state representatives to see what they can do to change this.” To keep apprised of the family’s journey, see RileysRoad.com. ■

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KRAFFT from page 22

cal news for more than 34 years. He was one of the longest-tenured reporters at the station. Krafft estimates he covered and filed more than 8,000 stories, many outside the Valley – including the on-the-ground reporting of the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall. He has earned two Emmys, and was named Arizona Broadcaster of the Year. When he was hired at Fox 10, he had no television experience but he’d learned quickly while moonlighting at a Chicago NBC affiliate as a news researcher. At the time, he was a practicing corporate law attorney. He had earned his J.D. degree at Boston College Law School after graduating from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Krafft admits that after working in various capacities at Brown’s campus radio station, he continued to feel the pull towards working in broadcasting even after he earned his law degree. “It felt natural. When I was at Brown, we had a phenomenal radio station; I liked that media vibe,” he said. “And I wanted to enjoy my life, I wanted to do something I couldn’t wait to do every day. I decided I wanted to do media; but

MYLOD from page 22

for little kids to lessons that will help them throughout their life. “It is a book about my father, his avocado tree and my avocado tree,” Mylod explained. “One tree is in Glendale and the other is in Ahwatukee. It is a true story about life, grieving, prosperity, and life’s purpose.” Her dad passed away five years ago and she wrote it on his birthday – Sept. 15 – last year. Last week, she released the book on that same date, on what would have been her father’s 75th birthday. Executing the book was a collaborative affair that pulled in her husband and sister-in-law as well as a colleague from Lagos Academy. Her husband Shayne Mylod and her Spanish teammate at Lagos, Andrea Perusquia, helped with the editing. And while her sister-in-law, Moriah My-

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

could I make the jump?” He did. It was while residing in Ahwatukee and working at Fox 10 that he and his wife Nancy started their family. They made a practice of reading every night to daughters Natalie and Annelise and son Cameron. “They inspired me, they motivated me. As I read the children’s books to them, I thought I can do this, I can write a book,” he recalled. “I figured what really mattered to me as a parent would be important to other parents, too.” He began writing but life intervened and the book project was put on a back burner. His retirement allowed him time to dust off his manuscript and start the process anew. “Won’t Somebody Play With Annabelle Kay?” is a rhyming book for kids 3-8. “It’s really about a simple idea: why not be kind to each other?” he said. The richly illustrated book tells the story of a little girl and her first day at school. “She’s new in town, new at school and nobody will play with her. She’s unhappy. There are two kind of fun-loving birds flying over and they see her predicament, so they hatch a plan to change her situation,” Krafft summarized. “The book helps children realize that if people aren’t nice to you, if you take that

lod-Daggett also helped to edit, she had the big job of illustrating it. She said she and Moriah “took quite some time deciding what type of illustrations we were going to use – and it is another thing that makes this book very special. “Each is unique and hand-painted with watercolors and based on real images,” Diane continued. “Moriah painted the images in expressionism to convey the vibrancy of emotions, thoughts and sensations behind the words that surround this heartfelt story of life legacy.” Moriah and Diane had known each other growing up in Glendale. “I was drawn to her art and personality,” Diane said. “She now lives in Jersey and teaches art therapy, helps veterans in her community and is a yoga instructor.” It was only a matter of time that Diane also met Moriah’s brother, whom she calls “my high school sweetheart.” “We met at Glendale High School and

first little step to reach out, as counterintuitive as that may seem, people respond. I’ve found that to be the case. Especially these days, when people can be so unkind to each other, so mean, I try to be a little warmer, to make a difference,” said Krafft. “Surprisingly good things can happen to you when you’re being nice.” Krafft said he discovered writing rhyming prose isn’t a simple matter. “I will say writing in rhyme is so, so hard. I wanted the rhyme to be musical, to be simple but elegant and memorable as well. I wanted the perfect meter and I wanted to keep it from being trite,” he said. “After this experience, I regard Dr. Seuss as a towering genius,” he laughed. The illustrations were also done over the decades starting with artist Mike Ritter, followed by ASU graphic designer Samantha Lass and also the Kraffts’ son, Cameron. “I was able to help with some of the illustrations for the book and got to work really closely with my dad, so it’s great to see people enjoying it,” said Cameron Krafft. “Cameron was a great contributor, also helping with the typeface, layout and format,” his father bragged. “The book has a bright visual theme; young children really respond to color. I learned that from my

have been together for 20 years and married for 11,” Diane continued. They have two sons, Justus, 10, and Roland, 6. David also coaches for the Ahwatukee Little League and has been its vice president of operations – a position he is leaving because his coaching responsibilities are increasing. The daughter of Guerrero, Mexico natives who moved to Glendale in 1980, five years before she was born, Diane is one of eight children. “My mother never learned English and my father worked hard to become a U.S. citizen and have his own ‘farm’ in our Glendale home,” she said. When she graduated from Arizona State University, Diane taught for six years at the Glendale school she attended as a little girl, and taught English for a year in 2016 in a refugee program for students from Syria, Iraq, and Mexico. All that experience has been poured into “The Avocado Tree” – a reason she says,

own children.” The three Krafft children are now grown. All are alumni of Desert Vista High School and Kyrene schools in Ahwatukee. Annelise Krafft said she and her two siblings are in awe of their father and his perseverance in completing his first book. “It’s amazing to watch this journey come full circle for my dad, he started writing the book when I was young and I have many wonderful memories of him reading it in its original form to me and my siblings,” she said. “It’s a story about kindness, friendship, and believing in yourself – and that was a great lesson to carry with me while I was growing up.” Added Natalie: “During my whole childhood, I remember watching my dad wake up early on Saturday mornings to write in his free time. I’m so proud that he was finally able to publish his book, and I hope everyone enjoys reading it.” Is there another book in the offing for the newly-minted author? “I’d love to do another book; it would be a lot of fun,” Krafft confessed. “I’m really enjoying the reception I’m getting. The character has been well-received; maybe she might go through some other challenges. We’ll see.” ■

“Although the book is a children’s book, everyone should read it as it will touch the hearts of many…I believe this book will help many people with rediscovering meaning and life’s purpose.” Meanwhile, she is working on a second children’s book that her fellow teacher Andrea Perusquia will illustrate. “She was an art teacher before she became a Spanish teacher and has a very special Spanish style to her art,” Diane said. And she’s also started a young adult book. “That book will be about growing up in the 90s and diversity,” she explained. “It is about creating yourself in a world where everyone can feel different and where there can be misunderstandings about cultures.” And she added, “That one is going to take a lot more time.” “The Avocado Tree” can be purchased on amazon.com or ingramspark.com. ■

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

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

AROUND AHWATUKEE Foothills Golf Course Ladies League Federation of Garden Clubs at azgardenclubs.com. Memorial pavers honor veterans ready to swing The Foothills Golf Course Ladies League is open for play. and current service people

Participants play 18 holes of handicap golf every Tuesday morning now through May. Play includes weekly games, prizes and friendly competition. Interested women can email Lucille Heid at lpheid@ outlook.com for details.

Women’s social club in Ahwatukee seeking new members

Ahwatukee Women’s Social Club is a casual group driven by Facebook only. It accepts members who live in 85044, 85045 and 85048. Monthly events include bunco, coffee groups, book club, and happy hours. To learn more and join, go to facebook.com and search by “Ahwatukee Women’s Social Club.” The group’s signature event, “Falling into Fashion,” will be on Oct. 23. Tickets are available at Eventbrite. com beginning Sept. 23.

Desert Point Garden Club welcomes new members to next meeting

Desert Point Garden Club invites prospective members to join their meeting at 1 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive. Oliver Ncube will share his expertise in gardening in desert conditions. The club will also host a topicrelated field trip later in the month. Information: 480759-4407 or visit Desert Pointe Garden Club – Arizona

An engraved commemorative paver placed at Ahwatukee’s Blue Star Memorial is the perfect way to honor a family member or friend who served or is currently serving in the U. S. military. Pavers ordered before Oct. 1 will be placed at the memorial in time for Veterans Day. The Blue Star Memorial is a joint project of Desert Pointe Garden Club and the Ahwatukee Board of Management. It is located on the north side of Warner Road just west of 48th Street. Parking is available in the ABM lot. Pavers cost $50 each without a military logo or $60 with the logo. Pick up an order form at the Ahwatukee Board of Management office, 4700 E. Warner Road.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 44

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Golf tourney will support Tempe Union students

The nonprofit Tempe Union High School Education Foundation is taking reservations for a Nov. 18 golf tournament with proceeds supporting district students. The tournament at Arizona Grand Golf Course, 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, Ahwatukee, will begin at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start and will include a long drive contest for men and women, closest to the pin and longest putt competition as well as and raffle prizes. Last year’s tournament that raised over $40,000. Individual carts are available if requested. To register and learn about sponsorship opportunities, go to OnParForAPurpose.com. ■

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

27 SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

(Continued from previous page)

hold on to them,’” Lynne said. “Now that the State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls are being offered up we won’t be surprised if thousands of Arizona residents claim the maximum limit allowed of 4 Bank Rolls per resident before they’re all gone,” said Lynne. “That’s because after the Bank Rolls were loaded with 15 rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above, the dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars sealed away inside the State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. But, we do know that some of these coins date clear back to the early 1900’s and are worth up to 100 times their face value, so there is no telling what Arizona residents will find until they sort through all the coins,” Lynne went on to say. And here’s the best part. If you are a resident of the state of Arizona you cover only the $39 per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, that’s fifteen rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties worth up to 100 times their face value for just $585 which is a real steal because non state residents must pay $118 per coin which totals $1,770 if any coins remain after the 2-day deadline. The only thing Arizona residents need to do is call the State Toll-Free Hotlines printed in today’s newspaper publication before the 2-day order deadline ends. “Rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins like these are highly sought after, but we’ve never seen anything like this before. According to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins many Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars are now worth $40 $825 each in collector value,” Lynne said. “We’re guessing thousands of Arizona residents will be taking the maximum limit of 4 Bank Rolls because they make such amazing gifts for any occasion for children, parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones,” Lynne continued. “We know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of Hotline Operators are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30 am this morning. We’re going to do our best, but with just 2 days to answer all the calls it won’t be easy. So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all.” Lynne said. The only thing readers of today’s newspaper publication need to do is make sure they are a resident of the state of Arizona and call the National Toll-Free Hotlines before the 2-day deadline ends midnight tomorrow. ■

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Are these Silver Walking Liberties worth more than other half dollars:

Yes. These U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties were minted in the early 1900’s and will never be minted again. That makes them extremely collectible. The vast majority of half dollars minted after 1970 have no silver content at all and these Walking Liberties were one of the last silver coins minted for circulation. That’s why many of them now command hundreds in collector value so there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

How much are State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls worth:

It’s impossible to say, but some of these U.S Gov’t issued Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s are worth up to 100 times the face value and there are 15 in each Bank Roll so you better hurry if you want to get your hands on them. Collector values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees. But we do know they are the only Arizona State Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and Walking Liberties are highly collectible so anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Silver Bank Rolls should hold onto them because there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

Why are so many Arizona residents claiming them:

Because they are the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and everyone wants their share. Each Bank Roll contains a whopping 15 Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value. Best of all Arizona residents are guaranteed to get them for the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty for the next two days.

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Ahwatukee woman mines resumes for A-listers BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

ecord millions of people are leaving their jobs across the country and around the world, some citing burnout and others searching for new opportunities or a change in career. Sarah Johns of Ahwatukee not only is one of those people – she’s looking for people who are looking to make the leap. And if they’re not looking, part of the Ahwatukee resident’s job involves trying to lure them to her client’s workplace – especially if they’ve exhibited the kind of A-list talent any employer would like to have. Johns is a recruiter, who, with her husband Matt, owns the Chandler-Ahwatukee-Tempe franchise of Patrice & Associates, the largest hospitality and retail executive search firm in North America and, at 25 years, one of the oldest. While Matt continues in his job as an engineering manager, Sarah left hers and

SARAH JOHNS

started their business in August. For 15 previous years, the mother of two had been in supply chain management – a job that she agrees hardly prepared her

for her new gig. “It is a bit of a career switch,” said Johns, who underwent extensive training her for the world of recruitment. In many ways, she probably couldn’t have picked a better time – or a more promising career opportunity – judging by recent research on a phenomenon dubbed “The Great Resignation.” The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in June alone, the number of job leavers increased by 164,000 to 942,000 in June. Some are calling this period of the pandemic “The Great Resignation” as more and more workers leave their jobs to either pursue new careers or focus on more personal time. The job site Monster.com surveyed the landscape and found 95 percent of workers are thinking of quitting their jobs. Two-thirds felt there were job opportunities awaiting them and 92 percent were considering switching careers. Johns can sympathize with those re-

spondents. “To be honest,” she explained, “I was looking for an opportunity that better suited our family as a working mom. I wanted some more flexibility and control of my future and schedule and I was looking to find a career that helped me to help other people. I was feeling ready to make a change.” While it boasts of its record in the hospitality and retail industries, Johns’ company points to a broad array of clients looking for management-level people. Its website lists nationwide and local restaurants, hotels, retail and grocery chains, assisted living facilities, hospitals, airport concourse outlets, spas, catering and wedding venues, casinos, companies that hire sales and customer service representatives – to name a few. “We have a background in hospitality,” Johns said. “We are the largest hospitality recruiter in North America. However, we

see RECRUIT page 29

Macayo’s longest-term employee is in Ahwatukee AFN NEWS STAFF

ike a second home. That’s how Kim Junion feels working for Macayo’s Mexican Food at 12637 S. 48th St. Small wonder that as the restaurant marks its 75th anniversary, Junion also is its longest term employee. Junion started working at the Ahwatukee location of Macayo’s Mexican Food in 1997. She began as a head hostess and soon climbed the ranks. Four months into her job-turned-career at Macayo’s, Junion moved into management as a supervisor. Today, she is not only the brand’s longest female employee, but is pursuing her passion in the catering and sales divisions of Macayo’s. As a longtime team member, Junion says her work has become a vital part of

Kim Junion started as a waitress at Macayo’s in Ahwatukee in 1997 and has never left. (Special to AFN)

her life. “It’s a sense of home. It’s a sense of family,” she said. “When I come into work and people come in to dine, it’s like they are coming into my home through my front door.”

Junion, who lives just steps away from the restaurant, says that she not only feels like part of the family at Macayo’s but also enjoys playing a small part in the lives of regular customers. “I have known some customers since

they were babies — who are now adults and have kids of their own,” she said, adding, “I’ve formed such amazing relationships with these kids and these families.” Junion says that even through difficult periods in her own life, including a temporary leave to care for her mother, Macayo’s has supported her and has been good to her during those times. When she returned, they welcomed her back with open arms. “They were so kind and supportive — they took care of me,” she said, adding she’ll never forget how they treated her during challenging times. “They really care about people.” Junion says she will likely retire in a few years to continue to care for her mother but will stay as long as Macayo’s will have her. Information: macayo.com/restaurants/Ahwatukee. ■

BUSINESS

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Consider your beneficiaries – and seek an expert BY JOSEPH ORTIZ AFN Guest Writer

f you’ve had an IRA and a 401(k) for many years, you may occasionally ask yourself some questions: “Am I contributing enough?” “Am I still funding these accounts with the right mix of investments for my goals and risk tolerance?” But here’s one inquiry you might be overlooking: “Have I used the correct beneficiary designations?” The answer you get is important. It wouldn’t be surprising if you haven’t thought much about the beneficiary designation – after all, it was just something you once signed, possibly a long time ago. Is it really that big a deal? It could be. For one thing, what if your family circumstances have changed since you named a beneficiary? If you’ve remarried, you may not want your former spouse to receive your IRA and 401(k) assets or the proceeds of your life insurance policy, for which you also named a

RECRUIT from page 28

recruit for any industry. And we recruit management level and above both for hospitality and for other industries, because I see we do.” In her early months in her new work, Johns’ biggest challenges have been those of both small business owner and career changer. While she said “the biggest challenge so far has been a few things as a first-time, small business owner – learning to manage the things that come up in a small business,” she concedes she also has had to master “learning the new field” and “learning how to apply my skills that I have to the recruiting work.” Then there was the challenge of “getting familiar with the hospitality industry and getting up to speed with what is going on in the industry, how things are structured – that sort of thing.” But her training and innate abilities have helped her overcome those challenges. “It took some time to feel comfortable but we’re ready to go now,” Johns said. She was not terribly surprised when she discovered “some industries have a crying need for personnel.”

beneficiary. However, upon remarrying, many people do review their estate plans, including their wills, living trusts, durable powers of attorney and health care directives. If you’ve revised these documents, do you have to worry about the old beneficiary designations? You might be surprised to learn that these previous designations can supersede what’s in your updated will and other documents. The end result could be an “accidental” inheritance in which your retirement accounts and insurance proceeds could end up going to someone who is no longer in your life. Furthermore, your retirement plans and insurance policy may not just require a single beneficiary – you may also be asked to name a contingent beneficiary, to whom assets will pass if the primary beneficiary has already died. As you can imagine, the situation could become quite muddled if stepchildren are involved in a remarriage. To avoid these potential problems,

“I was maybe a little surprised at how great the need was, but also understood it, given what’s happened in the last year and a half.” The hospitality industry, from restaurants of every size to hotels of every dimension, has been particularly ravaged by the pandemic. Many have found that surviving shutdowns was easy compared to finding talent and dedication in every position, from waiting tables to running the show. Johns said the restaurant industry has rebounded quickly “and we have many clients that are looking for anywhere from entry-level jobs to the management level positions.” “Given what’s happened in the last year and a half, I think that companies are having to pivot again. They’re having to work hard to get people back into the workforce and maybe look at their company culture and make sure that they’re offering a great place to work… They have to be competitive to get good A+ candidates.” Johns also can tap into her company’s database of some 500,000 job seekers and notes that it also has a unique system that, unlike many job websites, pays close attention to clients’ needs.

make sure to review the beneficiary designations on all of your accounts at some point – and especially after a significant change in your family situation. If you see something that is outdated or incorrect, contact your retirement account administrator – or your insurance representative, in the case of life insurance – to request a change-of-beneficiary form. And if you really want to be on the safe side, you may want to enlist a legal professional to help you with this review to make sure the beneficiary designations reflect your current family situation and are consistent with what’s in your estate plans. In fact, if you’re already working with an experienced estate planning attorney – and you should – you might also pick up some other suggestions for dealing with beneficiaries. Just to name one, it’s generally not a good idea to name minor children as beneficiaries. Because children can’t control the assets until they become

“We use multiple sources to do recruiting, but we really try to understand what it is they’re looking for first, what their need is and then we derive a plan to come up with the best opportunity to get them candidates quickly.” That includes culling through applications – or sizing up someone who already has a job and figuring out if there’s a way to lure them to a client’s job vacancy. “A lot of times recruiters are just maybe pulling resumes and just turning resumes over to a client. We go beyond that,” she said. “We research resumes. We have our own database. We have a screening process that we go through to make sure that we’re getting the best candidate. We do our own interviewing and reference checking before we present a candidate to a client.” For job seekers, she said, “We also help coach candidates and help them with their resumes and help them pull out their accomplishments so that they are strong in their interviews.” And both employers and job seekers “have a direct, dedicated account manager” so they are getting personalized service. Johns pointed out that her company already has an extensive national network

adults, a court would likely have to name a guardian – one that you might not have wanted. Instead, you could either name your own custodian to manage the assets designated to the minor or establish a trust for the benefit of the minor, which can distribute the money in several disbursements over a period of years – which is often a good move, since young adults aren’t always the best at managing large lump sums. If you’re like many people, you have a strong desire to leave something behind. But you’ll want to do it in the right way. So, pay close attention to your beneficiary designations – when you first create them and throughout your life.

Joseph Ortiz is a financial planner for Edward Jones. Reach him at 480-7537664 or joseph.ortiz@edwardjones. com. Joe will resume his coffee clubs on the last Thursday of every month at the Four Points Sheraton Inn 10831 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee. ■

that it can draw on to help find the right person for a client. Many times, it might simply involve finding someone willing and able to relocate to another part of the country. “We utilize the network that we’ve built up over the last few decades,” she said, adding that on her website, there’s a link for restless people to upload their resume and a letter on what they’re looking for. “I’m able to place candidates in jobs across the country,” Johns added. “Most of my client development will be here in Arizona, but we’re able to work with candidates in Arizona and in other places.” As she goes along headhunting and placing, Johns also is already discovering the sense of satisfaction she wanted in a new career – one where she is giving back and growing personally. “It’s really exciting to help people find jobs, help people find a career that helps improve their lives,” Johns said. “You’re also helping an employer in the community meet their needs. And so I feel like it’s a win win.”

To reach Johns: sjohns@patriceandassociates.com or patriceandassociates.com/tempe-85044/ ■

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OPINION

Opinion 32

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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Arizonans experiencing ‘no new taxes’ déjà vu BY MERISSA HAMILTON AFN Guest Writer

ver 30 years ago, then-presidential candidate George H.W. Bush stood onstage at the Republican National Convention and infamously promised, “Read my lips, no new taxes.” That promise may have won him the election, but it was also his undoing as he would later sign a budget reconciliation bill that included tax increases. Fast forward to today and President Joe Biden �inds himself in a similar position having made a promise on the campaign trail that he is unable to keep now that he is in the Oval Of�ice – and Arizonans will pay the price. Throughout the campaign, in state after state, candidate Biden emphatically and repeatedly proclaimed, “No one who makes less than $400,000 a year will pay

Are we ready to end the pandemic?

The morning news on Sept. 15 included the sad milestone that one out of every 500 Americans have now died from COVID-19. It brings the total number of US deaths at nearly 700,000. Additionally, as I read the Sept. 15 AFN, I saw a tragic story on a Phoenix police of�icer, Sgt. Thomas Craig, losing his battle with COVID-19. The AFN edition also included news of a survey that showed that 75 percent of Kyrene School District families were in favor of the mask mandates (53 percent) or wanted even stricter protections for their children (22 percent) and thus their families. The kids bring home what they are exposed to in schools. The teachers face this reality every day. A minority but often disproportionately vocal 19 percent of families were against the school mask mandates. Meanwhile, Gov. Doug Ducey continues

a penny more.” His running mate Senator Kamala Harris echoed the promise on multiple campaign stops, including Phoenix, telling voters, “We are not going to raise taxes on anyone making under $400,000 a year.” However, reality tends to intrude on those campaign promises. Nowhere is that more evident than when it comes to paying for the long list of agenda items the Biden administration would like to enact – all detailed in the budget resolution working its way through Congress. The budget is currently clocking in at a cool $3.5 trillion – a high price tag when you consider that in�lation is on the rise as the economy remains shaky in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Ironically, the Biden administration, while advocating for massive spending, also doubled its forecast for in�lation to 4.8 percent. Now, not only can Americans expect to see higher consumer prices, but higher taxes as well because somebody

must pay for all that new spending. A Tax Foundation analysis found that “Biden’s proposals would result in an average tax increase in most states throughout 2022 to 2031.” Arizonans would see an average increase of $750 to $1000 by 2026. The Tax Policy Center concluded that 75 percent of families making $75,000 to $100,000 per year would be worse off under the president’s plan. The budget also fails to preserve the individual tax cuts enacted by Congress in 2017 that reduced the rates for taxpayers across all income levels and must be extended in 2025. If no action is taken, then those rates will increase. Rather than simply trim their list or eliminate any number of wasteful government programs, they have instead set their sights on a provision in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program that ensures that senior citizens and people with disabilities have strong coverage and protected access to the medicines

they need. They can enjoy such access because of a non-interference clause (NI) that keeps the federal government out of the private drug price negotiations that occur between pharmaceutical manufacturers and Medicare Part D insurance plans or pharmacy bene�it managers. Democrats want to modify the NI clause and allow federal bureaucrats to negotiate the prescription drug prices, ostensibly to save money that they will then turn around and spend. Hard-working taxpayers and senior citizens here in Arizona and across the country will not look too kindly on being handed a $3.5 trillion bill for new spending by Washington: they may seek a refund come election time

to rail against those who implement mask mandates. Ducey plans to penalize school districts by withholding $5.2 million in education funding from Kyrene alone. He calls the federal OSHA vaccine mandate for companies illegal. We’ll let the courts decide. What should we as capable, self-empowered individuals be doing? Masks have been scienti�ically shown to successfully reduce the spread of the virus. Wearing one helps you, those around you, and those in your home family circle. Vaccines continue to be readily available for free. They too have been proven to signi�icantly reduce the odds that you will contract COVID. And for the breakthrough cases that do happen, symptoms and health impacts are greatly reduced. Over 90 percent of the patients in our intensive care facilities are unvaccinated, causing healthcare professionals to call our current spike “a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”

Let’s all put aside the politics and disagreements here. Let’s all come together and realize that we can vaccinate our way out of the pandemic. If every one of us gets vaccinated we can get our economy back up to 100 percent and get our old lives back as well. It is the only path forward, a choice that can give all of us the very freedoms we so badly clamor for. Please do your part. Get vaccinated. And please ask your unvaccinated friends and family members to also do their part. Thank those who have already. Together as vaccinated people we will get through these trying times and end the pandemic. -Jim St. Leger

no proof.” The problem with saying “I believe in something even though there is no proof” is that it allows you to accept other beliefs with no proof. Faith is also associated with loyalty to a person, as in “being faithful.” We can all agree loyalty is a good quality, but if you combine the two parts of the definition it can become problematic. For instance, you can have faith in an important or powerful person. Because of your faith (loyalty) you may believe what that person says without evidence that it is accurate. This person may denigrate scientists and say the vaccines have been rushed or downplay COVID-19 itself. The problem with having faith in such a person is that it is killing Americans every day. You may have faith that the pandemic will just end, but the science says it will continue until enough people in the world get vaccinated. The science says get vacci-

Merissa Hamilton chairs Strong Communities Action and was a candidate for Phoenix mayor as well as an aide to Council Sal DiCiccio. ■

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Is the word ‘faith’ a problem?

Is the word faith a problem? I hear people say, “I just have faith” and we don’t think twice about it, but do we realize what we are saying? The dictionary de�ines faith as “�irm belief for something which there is

�� LETTERS �� 33

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

LETTERS �� 32

nated. Over two billion people worldwide have been vaccinated. Who is not getting vaccinated, and therefore not surviving? Millions that have faith in lies told to them and thousands are dying horrible, lonely deaths because of that faith. Over 90 percent of people in hospitals are unvaccinated. An unvaccinated person is 11 times more likely to die of COVID-19. They are victims of lies told to them and therefore victims of faith in the person lying. Millions of other Americans did not have faith in one person or one opinion but looked at many different sources of information and saw that the evidence shows the vaccine has an astronomically higher probability of saving your life than if you did not take it. What happened to America being the leader in science? We still have top notch scientists, but we don’t follow their advice. I recommend less faith in one person or one source of information and more looking at the preponderance of the evidence from the many scientists that are working hard to save lives. They did not become scientists in

some evil plot to implant us with chips. I worry about our society; many are more faithful to one naysayer than we are to our scientists. If we believe things with no proof, we put our nation, our neighbors and our future at risk. -Barry Smith

Wonder if Democrats are happy now

Dear Democrats: you happy with your new president? Because of your irrational hatred for Donald Trump you have placed a bumbling buffoon in the White House. Not a strong leader who inspires con�idence and respect from the rest of the world, but a pathetic, mentally challenged man who cannot construct a coherent sentence or even read from a teleprompter. Did you approve of the border disaster with hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens pouring into our country from all over the world? Then there’s the Afghanistan debacle. Joe’s insane spending will collapse the economy, but that’s what the socialists want. In order to change the system from capitalism to federal control of the economy it will be necessary to make millions of

Americans dependent on government handouts. Already businesses all over the country are desperate to hire people who don’t want to work. It’s easier to stay home and cash the government checks. But who pays for this? We do. Punishing tax hikes are coming, but Americans are already feeling the pain of this administration. I realize that not all Democrats or liberals are secular-progressives. These are the loons that are attempting to destroy our country, indoctrinate our children, and erase our history, along with our JudeoChristian heritage. These are the hard core, far left thugs that threatened to hunt down the Trump voters and hurt them. What country are we living in? For a time, because of the S-P threats I allowed them to control my behavior by fear. I thought twice about exposing myself by writing more letters to the editor because what the S-Ps really want is to silence me

and everyone like me. They tolerate no thought, no opinion, no utterance that strays from their own controlling agenda. But the mid-terms are looming, and I think that most rational voters on both sides are growing weary of the S-P philosophy and sick of Nancy Pelosi’s tyranny. Are the Republicans much better? Well a lot of them are feckless, spineless cowards who bow down to the S-Ps, but not all of them, and they are all we have. Our only hope. Even the lamestream dishonest media is �inding it more and more dif�icult to cover for a failed presidency. When you look at the havoc he’s caused in eight months it’s terrifying to imagine what he can do in another three years. It makes me grateful for my advanced age and the fact that I’m in the check-out lane instead of just entering the store. -Jan Johnson

Share Your Thoughts:

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Sports & Recreation 36

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Thunder routs Mesa for �irst win in Ty Wisdom era BY JAKE HEDEBY AFN Staff Writer

eading into its second game of the season without a win, Desert Vista was desperate following its loss to Perry two weeks ago. The Thunder had an early bye last Friday and were looking to get on track for the rest of the season. Which is exactly what they did in a 45-7 rout of Mesa Friday night. First-year head coach Ty Wisdom continues to implement his philosophies onto the football program, one year removed from the Dan Hinds era. Wisdom understands the process of transferring leadership is not always an immediate success. “There’s a lot of struggles. But I’ll tell you one thing, Dan Hinds has been just phenomenal. He’s a legend at Desert Vista and I bounce ideas off of him all the time, just a huge support,” Wisdom said. The loss to Perry was ancient history to

Desert Vista senior wide receiver Mekhi Hibbler scored two touchdowns in the Thunder’s rout of Mesa on Friday night. (Courtesy Donna Mundy Photography) this squad, and it was apparent they did not want to leave Mesa with another.

The first drive of the game was choppy, check down passes and minimal gains on

the ground until a short pass from quarterback Jackson Akins found wide receiver Mekhi Hibbler who broke loose for the contest’s first score. From the middle of the first quarter until halfway through the second, the Thunder struggled with offensive penalties. Mesa could not move the ball at all, yet Desert Vista seemed to find a way to slow down their own pace of play. Then the Devon Grubbs show began. The senior running back kicked off his stellar performance with a long touchdown run following a Mesa three-and-out, which settled down the offense after numerous flags on the Thunder. “Mental mistakes are a big problem we’ve been dealing with, but we’re gonna get that under control,” Grubbs said. And under control, it was, from then on it was smooth sailing for the Thunder.

�ee THUNDER page 37

Mountain Pointe drops �irst game of season to Perry BY AUSTIN SCOTT AFN Contributing Writer

tarting the season 2-0 for the first time since their 2016 season, Mountain Pointe was looking to carry its hot hand into Friday night’s matchup against Perry, who came in with a 1-1 record. In order to have a chance in this game, Mountain Pointe head coach Eric Lauer said it would be key to take it moment by moment and mix up the playbook. “Just execute well, stay in the moment of the play but have short-term memory when it’s time to go to the next one,” Lauer said. “We’re trying to be as versatile as possible. We’re trying to run when we need to run and pass when we need to pass.” In a nail-biting finish filled with aggressive play-calling, key turnovers and timely defense on both ends, the Pride dropped their first game of the season to the Pumas 21-20.

To open up the game, Mountain Pointe started with the ball and put together an impressive drive, ending with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by senior running back Amire Williams. The Pride would end up failing on the two-point conversion. On the following drive, Perry matched with a touchdown of their own, ending with a 4-yard passing touchdown from senior quarterback Colter Brown to senior wide receiver Hunter Martinez. After the opening two drives, the defenses for both sides settled in, which resulted in a defensive battle until the end of the first half. With less than three minutes remaining in the half, Perry took advantage of good field position after Mountain Pointe failed to convert on fourth down in its own territory. Brown threw a dime to junior wide receiver Jack Amer for a 20-yard touchdown. Although the Pride didn’t come out on top, they left with the biggest highlight of

Mountain Pointe senior Amier Boyd was forced to take over at quarterback in the absence of Chris Arviso II at the last minute. A valiant effort by Boyd came short by a point to Perry Friday night, 21-20. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff) the game right before halftime. With less than a minute to go in the first half, senior quarterback Amier Boyd

threw a jump ball into the end zone caught

�ee PRIDE page 37

SPORTS

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

THUNDER from page 36

Following a surprise onside kick from Desert Vista, the Jackrabbits recovered, and drove down the field to around the Thunder 20-yard line. But the defense stood strong and forced a turnover on downs. The defender who seemed to have his nose in every tackle was middle linebacker Antonio Delgado. He laid the boom with consistency. “We wanted to be disciplined, come out give 100 percent and basically destroy them,” said Delgado. It was the entire defense swarming to the ball every play. The offense benefitted greatly from the field position they received almost every drive. As the final two possessions of the half were finished off by Grubbs via the ground, it brought his touchdown total to three in the first half. It was 29-0 by halftime, and the result was all but decided. Yet, Desert Vista wasn’t done. A good opening half return saw the drive start near midfield, and Grubbs pounded away at the Mesa defense until he forced his way into the endzone for his fourth rushing touchdown of the night.

PRIDE from page 36

by senior wide receiver Jordan Huff for a 43-yard touchdown. The Pride would also convert on the two-point conversion, walking into the locker room at halftime tied 14-14. The main storyline of the game for Mountain Pointe was the unexpected absence of their usual starting quarterback junior Christopher Arviso II, who Lauer said got sick right before kickoff. “Our quarterback was sick, got sick at the last minute,” Lauer said after the game. “That was really a switch-flip for us that kind of put us mentally behind as a team.” Without their quarterback, the Pride’s goal of mixing up the playbook going into the game was spoiled. “When you don’t have your number one guy and he gets three quarters of the reps a week, it limits you with some of the stuff that you want to do,” Lauer said. Entering the second half, Perry came out of the gate with the upper hand. The Pumas controlled the time of possession throughout most of the third quarter and got the only score of the quarter thanks to a 6-yard rushing touchdown by Brown. Going into the fourth quarter, it looked

Devon Grubbs, Desert Vista’s four-year starter at running back, had yet another career game against the Jackrabbits, rushing for more than 100 yards and four touchdowns. (Courtesy Donna Mundy Photography) “I couldn’t do it without my line, they’re the first ones up that open the whole,” said Grubbs. Although he deferred credit for his big night, Grubbs has been a varsity standout since breaking onto the scene as a fresh-

like Perry was looking to ice the game with another touchdown until Mountain Pointe junior defensive back Achun McElwee intercepted a pass in the end zone. After a running play by Boyd, the Pride ended the huge drive on a 22-yard rushing touchdown by junior running back Jay’len Rushing. Once again, the Pride would fail on the two-point conversion and would trail 21-20 with 5:45 left in the fourth quarter. The Mountain Pointe defense got a big stop and the ball back with less than four minutes to go. But the Pride were stopped by the Pumas and failed to convert the game-deciding fourth down. Perry head coach Preston Jones said time of possession was one of the main keys to the game in order to limit the amount of offensive firepower on the opposite sideline. “If you can not play great and still win, we’re going to enjoy it and we’re going to celebrate because with our schedule, any victory is a big victory for us because every team we play is tough,” Jones said. “We are going to celebrate every win we have.” It was a special game for junior defensive back Timmy Allen, who is dedicating

man. Now a dominant senior, the humble running back wants it known his offensive line made his life easier tonight without a doubt, as the big guys up front get to celebrate his four touchdowns and 100-plus yards rushing, too.

Following the second receiving touchdown for Hibbler, the Thunder put it on cruise control. The defense dished out a little more punishment with a safety, and by the end of the game they had only given up seven points. The Thunder, who improve to 1-1 on the season, struggled last year, going 0-6 in the shortened, pandemic-impacted season. Delgado mentioned the “fire” that has been burning in them since the end of last season, and each player’s inhibition was on full display the whole game. “It felt like we were practicing forever,” Wisdom said, which seemed to pay off as he referenced their efficiency Friday night, scoring on four of their first five drives. “We’re looking to get better each day really,” Wisdom added. Grubbs commented on the intensity his new coach brings to the table and how it was perceived. “I wanted to make sure everyone kept an open mind with the accountability and other changes coach Wiz brought with him, and clearly, it’s working.” Desert Vista (1-1) is back in action Thursday against Corona del Sol (0-3) at home. ■

Mountain Pointe coach Eric Lauer said normal starting quarterback Chris Arviso II became sick just before the game, so he was held out against Perry. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff) this season, and especially this game, to his father who recently passed away. “[The goal is to] just play hard, just do the best I can to show my dad,” Allen said. “That’s what he would want me to do. That’s the best work ethic I could have.” His dad would have celebrated his birthday on Friday.

“With the diversity he has faced, he really hasn’t flinched. We try to rally around him, make sure we’re here if he needs anything but he has been a champion in that regard,” Lauer said. “He hasn’t missed practice or anything like that.” Mountain Pointe (2-1) will host Casteel (1-1) at home next Friday. ■

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

EV player joins suicide prevention effort BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

asha junior defensive back Cole Martin is one of 15 Arizona high school football players who have pledged to raise awareness of teen suicide in Arizona. Martin, one of the top players in the country in the 2023 class, is starring in videos that carry messages of hope to teens struggling with depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts. Often these teens feel like they have nobody to talk to. Martin and the 14 other players, in partnership with Teen Lifeline and the Grand Canyon State Gridiron Club, hope to show them that is not the case. “They help teens that are in need with suicide support,” Martin said. “It’s a great thing that I’m excited to help with. It’s something that, when they asked, I was more than willing to step up for. To be able to have my voice and have Basha High School be there to help support teens in need, it’s something I was excited to be a part of.” Martin joined Sandra Day O’Connor linebacker Brandon Craddock in a video posted earlier this month about teen suicide. They told them about Teen Lifeline and the availability of people they can turn to. Along with Martin and Craddock, Desert Edge’s Adryan Lara, Salpointe Catholic’s Davian Miranda Carrasco and Treyson Bourguet, Central’s Dominik Bagchi and Ironwood’s Jayden Sullivan are part of the initiative. Additionally, Lucas Rice and Spencer Hoos from Arcadia, Nick Martinez from St. Mary’s, Taj Hughes from Brophy, Ironwood Ridge’s Tyler Haynie and Zach Oakes and Pinnacle’s Zach Wrenn are also involved. More public service announcements will continue through the end of September. They are primarily posted on social media, where Teen Lifeline Clinical Director Nikki Kontz says they are the most effective. “People have reached out on the hotline

Kontz has been involved with Teen Lifeline for 27 years. She began volunteering with the group when she was 16 years old as a sophomore at Xavier Prep after losing a close friend to suicide. She continued working with the group through college while she obtained her degree. Basha junior Cole Martin is one of 15 Arizona high school football playSince then, ers involved in an initiative with Teen Lifeline creating public service she has made announcements for teens struggling with their mental health. (Pablo a career out of Robles/AFN Staff) helping teens. after seeing the videos on social media,” “I immediately fell in love,” Kontz said. Kontz said. “Sometimes all it takes is the “As a teenager, it’s hard to know or feel right person at the right time to be listen- like you’re making an impact and that ing to that video on Insta(gram).” your voice is also recognized as important. Teen Lifeline was that for me. I felt like with every phone call I could make a difference in someone’s life.” Teen Lifeline provides an anonymous phone and text line for teens struggling with their mental health. Just in 2020 alone, the organizations received 23,341 calls and 11,497 text messages from teens struggling with mental health. Kontz said the pandemic, which forced teens to be isolated and take online classes, played a major role. Of those calls, Teen Lifeline says 23 percent were from teens 13 or younger. Thirty-seven percent were from those ages 1315, and 31 percent from teens ages 16-18. “I’ve known a couple of people, my Teen Lifeline Clinical Director Nikki Kontz became involved with the organization 27 friends, who have struggled,” Martin said. years ago as a sophomore at Xavier Prep “It’s people that I’ve been close to, people after one of her close friends died by sui- I’ve known. It means more to me than just cide. Since then, she’s made a career out of helping anybody else out. It’s a change I making sure teens know they aren’t alone in want to help start. I’m just happy to hopetheir ﬁght with mental illness. (Pablo Robles/ fully be able to help.” AFN Staff) Just in the last year, the Arizona high

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

school athletics community has felt the unfortunate effects of mental health struggles from some athletes. Last spring, Perry sophomore Zyon Anderson died by suicide. He had struggled with his mental health leading up to his death, and repeatedly received help from his mother, Nailah Hendrickson. “This has been emotionally, financially, and mentally devastating,” Hendrickson said last April. “This caught us by surprise and it’s not something we had planned for.” The Desert Vista High School community was shaken by the Aug. 31 death of senior Owen Weldy. Weldy died by suicide, according to the Maricopa County Coroner’s Office. His online obituary said he was an accomplished violinist and ran cross country and track for the Thunder. In their first race after his death, the cross country team wore special ribbons in his honor. Kontz hopes with the help of football players like Martin, teens will realize they are not alone. “Sometimes it’s that one kid who sees a player and thinks, ‘Wow, this kid who has no problems and is living the dream through high school and they’re sending me this message. Maybe I can do one more day,’” Kontz said. “I think that’s so empowering and so powerful. That’s why we started this partnership. These players realize they have a role. Wearing that uniform, people see them in that uniform and look at them differently. “These players want to use that and make people realize they aren’t alone.” Teens who are struggling are encouraged to contact Teen Lifeline (602) 248TEEN (8336) or (800) 248-TEEN. They can also text with a teen peer counselor at (602) 248-8336 between noon and 9 p.m. on weekdays and 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. on weekends. The Teen Lifeline hotline is staffed by teen peer counselors from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. daily with trained, professional counselors available at all other times. ■

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

@AhwatukeeFN @AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Cactus Jack’s hosting 3-day music festival GETOUT STAFF

taste of Lollapalooza is coming to Ahwatukee this weekend. It may not have hundreds of thousands of people listening to music 11 hours a day, but Cactus Jack’s Live Music Venue (a.ka. Cactus Jack’s Bar & Grill), 4747 E. Elliot Road, is promising bands, outdoor seating and a good time. The Ahwatukee entertainment landmark is cordoning off the west end of the Safeway strip mall for its first outdoor music festival, with a total nine bands performing across Friday through Sunday, Sept. 26-24, beginning each day at 4 p.m. Tickets are available until Friday at Eventbrite.com (search by Cactus Jack’s). Cactus Jack’s owners Gina Lombardi and Art Perez said that along with live music, fans can purchase specialty drinks and special festival food. She said that ever since she joined Art seven years ago, she yearned to create an outdoor music experience in Ahwatu-

Formed in Prescott in 2009, Spafford will headline the ﬁrst two days of the three-day music festival at Cactus Jack’s in Ahwatukee. (Special to GetOut)

theater type stage where every weekend you could see a great show at the edge of the Tempe Town Lake,” Lombardi recalled. Besides, she added, Cactus Jack’s endured closures, crowd limitations and – worst of all – no live music for more than a year and the time is now to shake off the pandemic blues. During that time, Lombardi and Perez said they worked on securing the necessary permits for the fest. “The Outdoor Festival will be held in front of Cactus Jacks, with it’s beautiful heritage-tree surroundings,” Lombardi said. “It Is the perfect setting to welcome music lovers to an outdoor event. Headlining the first two nights is a band close to Lombardi’s heart – and the hearts of many Valley fans. Spafford, a Prescott-based foursome that’s been around since 2009, will take the stage with its blend of multiple genres of music including rock, funk, jazz, reggae,

kee reminiscent of the legendary Sail Inn in Tempe. Lombardi was the owner of the Sail Inn,

a go-to dive bar venue for live bands for 20 years before it closed in 2014. “The Sail Inn had a large outdoor amphi-

Stevie. I’m Michelle Tyler. I think you heard me on a phone call?’ She put her hands on my shoulders and said, ‘We tried so hard to get that call through. It was great to hear somebody doing a good job with my music.’ She then leaned in and said, ‘I’ll tell you what. Anytime you want to take over, you just let me know. I’ve about had it.’” The two shared a laugh and that was the first of a handful of meetings. “She’s been very supportive, and her backup singers have said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” she said. “That’s the only endorsement that Stevie would give anybody. They’re not a band that goes around and does that. Saying I could take over at any time, that was a pretty good pat on the back.” Fans can see what Nicks admires when

Mirage is, from left, Bob Weitz as John McVie, Keith Foelsch as Lindsey Buckingham, Annie Boxell as Christine McVie, Richard Graham as Mick Fleetwood and, seated, Michelle Tyler as Stevie Nicks. (Photo by Tyler Weitz)

see FESTIVAL page 42

Mirage mirrors Fleetwood Mac’s talents BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

ichelle Tyler of the Fleetwood Mac tribute act Mirage has heard the words many long to hear: Stevie Nicks would like to meet you. Tyler, who was playing in the Nicksonly band Belladonna, was performing acoustically with her husband when a woman approached her back-up musicians backstage. She said her husband was Steve Real, Nicks’ vocal coach, and she was so impressed that she was hoping to get Tyler on the phone with the legendary singer. Unable to get to Tyler, she recorded Belladonna with her phone and sent it to Nicks. “They flew my husband and me up to Reno and we went backstage during a meet and greet,” Tyler recalled. “I said, ‘Hi

see MIRAGE page 41

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Music at core of Kat Von D’s universe BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

at Von D has played several roles — tattoo artist, singer, performer, entrepreneur. Today, she’s playing mom. Her son with author-artist Rafael Reyes, Leafar Von Drachenberg Reyes, starts pounding at the piano, about which she laughs. “I’m sorry,” said Von D with a laugh. Quickly, she speaks to Leafar in Spanish, giggles and returns to the phone with a deep sigh. Born in Mexico, Von D responds similarly when asked about a certain guest vocalist on her debut album, “Love Made Me Do It.” “Peter Murphy,” she starts about the goth godfather who appears on the song “Protected.” “Just to be in the same sentence as he is amazing, let alone doing a song together. It was a definitely a dream come true. His voice is so epic. It’s even better now.” “Protected” and “Enough” were the two songs on the record that Von D did not pen, she said. The lyrics and melody and “Protected” were written by Murphy, who was unfamiliar with Von D before the session. “It wasn’t like he watched my TV shows,” she adds with a laugh. “He liked my voice. That’s such a huge compliment for me. I love putting his voice against the wave of synth. I’m a fan of analog synth. Peter

MIRAGE from page 40

California-based Mirage plays a number of shows in the area, including Thursday, Sept. 23, at Seville Golf and Country Club, and Wednesday, Oct. 27, at IronOaks in Sun Lakes. Mirage sticks with the “Rumours”-era of Fleetwood Mac. “We’re very authentic,” she said. “Everyone plays an actual role. We play the very biggest hits, the best of Fleetwood Mac. We have a lot of visuals going on. “If the venue permits, we have a synced multimedia show. Otherwise, we still do a 90-minute show with a lot of costume changes. It’s a high-energy show. We like to get the audience involved. It’s good for all ages and families.” Before Mirage, Tyler helmed Belladonna

performers who stand at the mic doing nothing. I want to make sure the music is presented in a beautiful way.” Von D will be joined by a contortionist, Brynn Route, who is “part of the storytelling,” as a few songs were written for her. Visuals were prepared by Linda Strawberry, an American artist, director, editor and musician who works closely with Billy Corgan. “We have a lot of the same inspirations,” she said about Corgan, the SmashKat Von D says, “The piano is my best friend and the most ing Pumpkins’ founder. “We consistent thing ion my life – deven more so than my own love the beautiful things and the darker side of beaufamily.” (Special to GetOut) ty. I’m excited to put that toMurphy fans will be pleasantly surprised gether for the live shows.” by this. It’s not going to sound like BauMusic is at the core of Von D’s universe, haus or his solo stuff.” she said. A classically trained pianist, “Protected” is among the songs Von D Von D practiced for two hours a day. She will perform at The Van Buren on Monday, strengthened her voice under the tutelage September 27. of Ken Tamplin six days a week. “Every time I come through Phoenix, the “The piano is my best friend and most energy is great,” she said. “They’re avid consistent thing in my life — more so than fans of music. I’m actually really excited my own family,” she said. “I play almost evabout playing The Van Buren and meeting ery single day. When you look back everyall the fans. I stalked The Van Buren’s Ins- thing I’ve done, it’s all inspired, at its core, tagram to look at the stage and wrap my by music. I’ve always loved it.” mind around what’s coming. In 2012, she began writing with Gram“I’ve always been a very visual person. my Award-nominated Linda Perry. FolOne of my biggest pet peeves at shows are lowing this experience, Von D continued

that focused on Nicks’ solo career. After 15 years, Tyler and her musicians transitioned into Mirage. “I’ve been playing Stevie Nicks for almost 20 years,” she said. “In Belladonna, I was the only one dressing up and portraying a character. Belladonna is still on our books. It’s a big show. It’s an eight-piece band with backup singers and two guitar players. It’s hard to take on the road. It’s more expensive. “But we focus on Mirage now.” Her husband, Bob Weitz, plays the role of John McVie and music director. His day gig is as a Warner Bros. engineer who won an Academy Award for designing equipment. They started their career playing the bar and nightclub circuit but evolved into tribute acts. “Becoming a famous rock star is like

winning the lottery,” she said. “There are so many talented people out there on any given day, at any club in LA, there are singer-songwriter showcases and you can hear phenomenal people. You’re wondering why they play there for no money? “It’s luck, timing and talent in that order. Talent is the last thing. Anyway, I was asking myself, ‘Am I going to be a rock star?’ Eventually, it became a career.” Tyler explained she does not ever tire of the music. She loves her job and the music. Plus, meeting Nicks is a bonus. “When you meet somebody — whether they’re a movie star or rock star — you have a certain perception. None of us really know these people. We only know what we see. “You hope they’re nice people. They’re warm. I’ve met strangers and a lot of peo-

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to create on her own, and retreated to London in 2014 to record “Love Made Me Do It.” Accompanying her on the album and on tour are Gregg Foreman aka Mr. Pharmacist (synth 1/Cat Power, The Gossip), Sammi Doll (synth 2/IAMX), Dave Parley (drums/ Prayers) and Brynn Route (contortionist). They moved into a bungalow cottage on her property, lived together and finished the record. Dan Haigh of Gunship handled mixing. To shape her songs, she recruited other collaborators like Dave Grohl, Linda Perry, Dave Sitek (TV On The Radio), Danny Lohner (Nine Inch Nails), Ladyhawke and Charo (yes, that Charo). Music came easy to Von D. “I didn’t feel any challenges with writing,” she said. “I had so much to write about. I wrote about 22 songs. There are 12 on it, and the other songs are really cool. I’m entertaining the idea of revisiting them as well. “I’m already writing album two. Once we get through this tour, I’m going to dive back into production and go on tour again.” The song writing may have been smooth, but the road to releasing it was bumpy. “My album has been very long awaited,” she said. “I wrote it 10 years ago. Life got in the way of finishing it — filming a TV show, being on book tours — I was putting it on the back burner. “I was able to sell my makeup line (to

see KAT VON D page 42

ple. She was actually warm and friendly and down to Earth. She made me feel like I was the one who was the star. She sent me to make me calm.” ■

If You Go... GILBERT

When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 Where: Seville Golf and Country Club, 66835 S. Clubhouse Drive, Gilbert Cost: Call for ticket information

SUN LAKES

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27 Where: IronOaks Country Club, 24218 S. Oakwood Boulevard, Sun Lakes Cost: Visit website for ticket prices Info: ironoaksaz.com

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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Cactus Jack’s will be cordoning off part of the strip mall at 48th Street and Elliot Road for the musical festival. (Courtesy Cactus Jack’s)

FESTIVAL from page 40

ska and electro-pop. In their early years before they began tours across the country, Spafford frequently appeared at the Sail Inn and has made over 100 recordings of their live shows, available on SiriusXM, Spotify and Apple Music. Last New Year’s Eve the band played two live shows that drew thousands of views from across the country. Their latest tour will be ending Friday and Saturday at Cactus Jack’s. Lombardi and Perez also are bringing Stephen Ashbrook & Band and The Noodles for headliners on Sunday. “All of these very popular bands grew up in the Valley,” Lombardi said. “They are “Arizona-home based musicians!” “As everyone knows the musicians have struggled as much due to COVID,” she added. “Cactus Jack’s feels passionate about supporting local musicians.”

KAT VON D from page 41

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Kendo) a year and a half ago. I said, ‘Let’s make some room for this music and go on tour.’ Then, we were locked down and our worlds were turned upside down.” When Von D looks back at her career, she said she’s accomplished so much. She’s learned volumes, in terms of production, and is looking forward to the jaunt. “I love listening to music and I love seeing it,” she adds. “I appreciate good pro-

The lineup for the festival is: • Friday: Spafford, Xtra Ticket, Power Drive and The Harvest. • Saturday: Spafford, Groove Session, Zeppapotapuss and Prince -The Show, a tribute band. • Sunday: Stephen Ashbrook & Band and The Noodles. Ticket prices range from $35 a day to $99 for the three-day admission, plus a service charge of between $5 to $8, depending on the package. For $35, guests can bring a small chair while $45 gets them closer to the stage by getting standing room in what Lombardi calls “the pit.” Multiple beer and drink bars will be available inside and outside the bar. While guests are encouraged to bring protective gear and “a neighborly attitude,” they cannot bring coolers, outside food, umbrellas, kites, flags, blankets, handbags and backpacks. ■

duction when it comes to stage shows. It’s more than just a live show. It’s an experience.” ■

If You Go...

Who: Kat Von D w/Prayers Where: The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix When: 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27 Cost: $30 to $35; 13 and older Info: thevanburenphx.com

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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Scatters seeds Texter’s “As I see it” Chow -Unbroken “-- the season ...” Exist Toucan’s feature Tried to hit a homer Veteran’s tale Pond growth Pop music’s Bee -Goof up Requests Grad Aesopian ending “Unh-unh” “Evil Woman” gp. Port authority? Designer Chanel Squealer Poetic tribute Drei minus zwei Dwarf tree

Let’s see. My obsession with collecting heritage recipes and cookbooks began in earnest in 2000, when I opened my first restaurant and featured my own family’s dishes. Since that time, I have cooked from and collected hundreds of cookbooks, ranging from family heirloom recipe collections and church fundraising cookbooks to publications produced by food manufacturers hoping to give the home cook suggestions on how to use their products. Some cookbooks go into unbelievable detail about a family’s genealogy or a church or civic organization’s fundraising activities. Then, there are the books that say nothing on the cover and nothing on the inside pages. They are simply hand-written and bound recipes. It was one of these nondescript cookbooks in which I found this scrumptious recipe for brown sugar nut bars. The cookbook simply said “VAVS Volunteer Cookbook.” (I’m assuming VAVS is the acronym for Veterans Administration Volunteer Services, or Veteran’s Affairs Voluntary Services.) In any case I have no one to thank for pages and pages of delightful recipes like this one. The brown sugar

Ingredients: ½ cup plus 3 tablespoons butter, divided ½ cup powdered sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup brown sugar, packed ¾ teaspoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon water Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. With an electric mixer, cream together ½ cup butter and powdered sugar. Add flour and mix well. Dough will be very light and delicate to the touch. Pat dough firmly into the bottom of an ungreased approximately 9 inch square or rectangular pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter, brown sugar, lemon

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 34

nut bars have a light and delicate shortbread base, and you can use any nut you like, although this recipe suggests slivered almonds. It’s a terrific treat to make ahead and freeze, and it can easily be transported to a party or pot luck without worrying about it falling apart. If you’ve got some leftover walnuts, pecans or almonds, just mix them together and blend them in the bath of butter, brown sugar and pure vanilla. The sweet and salty result is the perfect pairing for the shortbread base below. ■

1 cup slivered almonds or any nuts of choice (can be a combination) ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla juice and water. Bring to a boil stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in nuts and vanilla. (Note: Nuts can be a combination like walnuts, pecans and slivered almonds totaling 1 cup.) Spread nut mixture evenly over pre-baked shortbread crust. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool slightly, and cut into bars while still warm. (If freezing, slice bars first before freezing.) Makes approximately 2 dozen small bars.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Employ ment Employment General Systems Engineer: Perform cybersecurity scans on network machines using Nessus software & patch, update & configure any security vulnerabilities detected. Manage, Configure, enhance, support & train users for legacy ERP systems (Fishbowl, Epicor 10). Send resume to: Hanchett Entry Systems, Inc., an ASSA ABLOY company, 10027 S 51st St, Ste. 102, Phoenix, AZ 85044, Attn: Michelle Aure

Employment General

Miscellaneous For Sale

Pets/Services/ Livestock

Qorvo US, Inc. has an opening in Chandler, AZ for Staff Design Engineer: Technical lead role for RF discrete & module based product development. Mail resumes to: Qorvo US, Inc., Attn: Qorvo Immigration, 1201 E. Campbell Road, Dallas, Texas 75081. Must include Job Ref. 20711.123.N

FOR SALE Craftsman 12-inch Motorized Floor Saw $200 Craftsman 10 -inch Motorized Radial Saw + blades $200 Craftsman 4-inch Belt Sander $50 Sears 1 1/2 Ton Floor Service Jack $50 Parts Cleaner Tub; Motorized $30

Pet Sitter Ahwatukee Area Reasonable, Reliable, Responsible Call Annette today! 623-337-7733

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online! Call 480-898-6465

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

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Employment General

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS MAAX Spas is hiring Full Time v

Starting $15-$17/hr

Announcements Meetings/Events Ahwatukee Women’s Social Club

is a casual group driven by Facebook only. We accept members who live in the zip codes 85044, 85045, 85048 by agreeing to our simple membership guidelines on Facebook. Monthly events include Bunco, Coffee groups , Book Club, Knitting group, and Happy Hours. Please go to Facebook and ask to join and learn more about our diverse membership. Facebook Group name: Ahwatukee Women’s Social Club Our signature event ‘Falling into Fashion’ will be on October 23, 2021 Tickets available online through Eventbrite beginning September 23.

OUR JOB BOARD HAS THE TALENT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR

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CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS House Sitting Services

Out & Back House Sitting Services Coach Broze is a local homeowner, a former Desert Vista Security Guard and Track/Cross Country Assistant Coach.

“An honest, trustworthy and reliable neighbor.”

■ Twice Daily Home & Property Checks ■ Mail Pick-Up ■ Plant Care ■ Pet Care & Pool Service Available

■ Great Rates ■ Sole Proprietor ■ Only Person In Your Home ■ Contact For A Quote ■ Taking Reservations Now For Fall & Winter Breaks

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Landscape Design/Installation Irrigation Systems & Outdoor Lighting Fountain Repair alls C - Caring Repairs & Instuse. D - Dedicated for long term S - Service No Yard . Maintenance

LANDSCAPING

• 6am - 7pm Monday - Saturday • You Pay Labor & Materials Only • FREE ESTIMATES • ROC#312942 • David R Smith Phone, Text or Email

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david@swo-of-artworks.com www.swo-of-artworks.com

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TRIMMING 25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

NTY

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MD’S LANDSCAPING Drip Systems Installed, Valves/Timer Repairs

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

480.295.2279 Referred out of Ewing Irrigation Not a licensed contractor.

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED!

Place YOUR Business HERE! in the Service Directory

Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured

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ROC# 256752

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

25 years Experience & Insured Not a licensed contractor.

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

• One Month Free Service

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

Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new

Complete Clean Ups

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Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate

Jose Martinez Not a licensed contractor.

602.515.2767

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

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480-586-8445

Arizona Specialty Landscape

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

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.

Landscape/Maintenance

SONORAN LAWN

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

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• Call or Text for a Free Quote

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See MORE Ads Online!

Specials

• Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection.

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week!

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew Call for our 3 Month Special! Starting at $145/month

Landscape/Maintenance

SPRINKLER DOCTOR

The Possibilities are Endless • Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

YOUR CLASSIFIED SOURCE

Juan Hernandez

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Text or call

Irrigation

Landscape/Maintenance

INSTALLING A WINTER LAWN?

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Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

IMPROVE GRASS SEED GERMINATION AND REDUCE SOIL COMPACTION FERTILIZATION

Not a Licensed Contractor

480-217-0407 SH

ALL YOU NEED IS A PU

• SOIL AMENDMENTS • SOIL TESTING

ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

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CLASSIFIEDS

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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

Painting

Plumbing

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Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

Free Estimate & Color Consultation

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

480-888-5895

SUN TECH

ConklinPainting.com

PAINTING INC.

Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450

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

PAINTING Interior & Exterior Residential/Commercial Free Estimates Drywall Repairs Senior Discounts References Available

affinityplumber@gmail.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors

24/7

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Toilets

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Faucets

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Disposals

$35 off

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Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated

East Valley PAINTERS

Residential & Commercial Painting

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

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.

(480)

279-4155

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC 189848

Plumbing

Veteran Owned

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

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

Voted #1

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480-405-7099

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License #ROC 298736

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

Plumbing

Looking To Freshen Up Your Home? WE CAN HELP!

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789

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

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— Call Jason —

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

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Not a licensed contractor

Painting

Now Accepting all major credit cards

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We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

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Pool Service / Repair

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning!

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

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

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

Plumbing

Off 40work done *Any

Roofing

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

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

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10% OFF with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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

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

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TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

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

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

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

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Pool Service / Repair

Juan Hernandez Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

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

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480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona Your leaks stop here! New Roofs, Repairs, Coatings, Flat Roof, Hot Mopping & Patching & Total Rubber Roof Systems

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MARK’S POOL SERVICE Owner Operated - 20 Years

Play Pools start at

$85/month with chemicals

Ask About Filter Cleaning Specials!

Mark

602-799-0147 CPO#85-185793

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

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

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www.porterroofinginc.com

SAME DAY SERVICE 30 Years Experience References Available

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

Senior & Military Discounts

623-522-9322

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Licensed, Bonded, Insured

CLASSIFIEDS

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Rooﬁng

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

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and every step of the way.

Ahwatukee Based Family Owned and Operated Insured • Free Estimates

LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED | ROC #269218

See our reviews and schedule at:

www.cousinswindowcleaning.com *on qualifying complete roof replacements

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

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

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CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

BESTOF

2021

UP TO $ 3,899 OFF In Dealer, Factory, and Utility Rebates Plus 18 Month 0% Financing OAC or 48 Month Financing OAC on Qualifying Systems

SUMMER TUNE-UP SPECIAL! SPRING TUNE-UP SPECIAL!

Includes a 16-Point Inspection.

REG. $99.

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Your Hometown Air Conditioning Speciali YOUR HOMETOWN AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST

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480-725-7303 cHooi�� 6�� E

(with repair)

CTEB0J.-__..__.

BIG, SAVINGSoR GREAT FINIANCING

A + Rating ti. srnw !',\LIST lllrl.lJIH I, f.11.IAUF'lfl!N, ,OIJTll-001: IJUIT,. llfllOOR UNIT AND Tfll,NE CONm)l.''

**See your independent dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers valid on qualifying equipment only. Special rebates from $75 to $500. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. The Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 3/1/2021 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. The offer expires 12/31/2021.