Ahwatukee Foothills News - 11.10.2021 by Times Media Group

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

. 22 HELPING FOSTER KIDS

avid Klecka can still recall the first Ahwatukee Bowl game between Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe like it was yesterday. Desert Vista High School had only just started and was still under construction with students still using Akimel A-al Middle School as its campus.

The two teams met in fall 1995. It was a freshman game, which usually limits the crowd to just parents of the players and cheerleaders. But Klecka, an assistant coach at Mountain Pointe at the time, said it was as if it were a varsity game. The stands were packed to the brim. It was at that point the rivalry was born. “Everybody was there,” said Klecka, now the athletic director at Desert Vista. “From that point on, the rivalry was born and a lot of it

A special Veterans Day

. 29 PICKLEBALL COMPLEX

see BOWL page 14

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

. 33

MAMMA MIA!

. 46

stemmed from those kids growing up together.” Desert Vista emerged victorious that first game. Mountain Pointe went on to win the next year as the two schools fielded junior varsity programs. The year after that, 1997, the first game between varsity rosters was held. In 1998, with seniors for the first time, Desert Vista, coached by the legend, Jim Rattay,

St. Benedict’s congregation breaks ground for church

@AhwatukeeFN

25th Tukee Bowl: Iconic rivalry can ‘reset’ BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

@AhwatukeeFN |

ore than 200 parishioners and others gathered Saturday for the long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony that kicked off the conversion of the St. Benedict’s Catholic Church building. “This is a wonderful day for us,” Pastor Fr. James Aboyi, V.C., declared. “The hour has come.” No one in the crowd needed a reminder of the seven years of planning, frustration and, at times, heartbreak, that the congregation of about 1,300 families had endured to reach this milestone for the parish that began 36 years ago, though Bishop Thomas Olmstead, leader of the Phoenix Catholic Diocese, alluded to that long journey several times in his message. He singled out Aboyi when he referred to the most heartbreaking moment in the congregation’s journey – the August 2018 passing of their beloved pastor, Fr. Bob Binta – who had

Brenda Smull of Ahwatukee has a special extra reason to celebrate Veterans Day. The Desert Storm veteran just published her first book, which in part celebrates veterans and Ahwatukee American Legion Post 64, to which she belongs. See page 3 for details. (David Minton/AFN Staff)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

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

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A flag that flew over a U.S. base in Saudi Arabia was gifted to the Support Our Troops group at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center and was raised over the ARC in September by Kenneth Dembiec of the Color Guard of American Legion Post 64 . He is one of Brenda Smull’s fellow Legionnaires at the Ahwatukee Post. (Jose Mendoza)

Ahwatukee veteran realizes her dream with first book BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

ervice to country and a kind of dedication to clear communication are part of Brenda Smull’s DNA So it’s not surprising the Ahwatukee woman’s newly published book, “Strong Words and Simple Truths” – a collection of speeches and blogs she has written over the last nine years – has two audiences in mind: veterans and people who want to improve their communication skills. A managing director for Charles Schwab, Smull committed to service as a college kid at Rutgers University in New Jersey, not far from her hometown of New Brunswick. She had enlisted in the ROTC unit there and not long after graduating with a degree in biochemistry was called up for duty as Operation Desert Storm began in 1991. “I was pretty shocked,” she recalled. “I signed up in ‘86 and Reagan was President, but I didn’t think that the enemy would be Saddam Hussein. I didn’t really know who Saddam Hussein was.”

see VETS page 11

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

BENEDICT from page 1

led the initial planning for a new church on St. Benedict’s site on S. 48th Street just south of Chandler Boulevard. Olmstead recalled how Aboyi comforted Binta during his final few months’ battle with cancer and then picked up his mantle as the chief cheerleader for the project. “I’m so grateful for the way Father James came and assisted him in the last months of his life and then continued on with his work,” Olmstead said. “It’s a real tribute to Christian fraternity and love for one another in Jesus Christ.” He likened Binta to Moses, who “saw the Promised Land from a distance. He did all the major planning.” The bishop made passing reference to the other setbacks – which included city planning bureaucrats’ insistence that any new building be set back from 48th Street to the point where the existing building would have to be torn down. Formed in 1985 in Chandler, the congregation moved several times until it landed in Ahwatukee in 2004. The existing building was meant to be used for mass and other services only for three years and then converted for other uses. When planning began seven years ago, the congregation envisioned a $7 million construction project, and even set up an outline one Sunday after Mass of where the new building would be located. By mid-2018, just six weeks after launch-

The campaign and funding teams for the project turned shovels at the groundbreaking for the new St. Benedict’s Church. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer) ing a fund drive to cover half the cost of a 20,000-square-foot church, the building committee had raised $2.5 million. But Binta died and then, in May 2019, building campaign General Manager Eamonn Ahearne announced that the committee was dialing back its schedule after some financial soul-searching. A planned opening of a new church on Christmas Day 2019 was postponed. As construction costs rose and the city refused to budge on its position, the committee switched gears and decided to con-

Phoenix Catholic Diocese Bishop Thomas Olmstead led all the different groups in breaking ground for the enw St. Benedict’s Church, including this assembly of students from adjacent St. John Bosco Catholic Church. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

vert the existing building with a massive exterior and interior renovation that will transform the building in time for the first mass to be celebrated on Christmas Day 2022. All the frustration and disappointment of the last two years gave way to an atmosphere of celebration and relief at the groundbreaking Saturday. Olmstead recalled how St. Benedict became “the father of modern monasticism,” fleeing to the mountains and becoming a hermit after visiting Rome as a teenager

1500 years ago and discovering it in a state of “great cultural and political disarray.” He noted that Benedict lived by the principles of “prayer, study and work” and said the church’s adjacency to St. John Bosco Catholic School represented the congregation’s own adherence to those principles. Olmstead also reminded the audience that “a beautiful church will be worth all the sacrifices you have made” and that “church architecture is an expression of our love for Jesus Christ.” There were multiple turnings of shovels for the traditional groundbreaking to recognize all the different individuals and groups that had brought the congregation to this point. They included the campaign and funding teams, including Eamonn and Karen Ahearne, MacGarret Becker of the Steier Group, Mario Ella and David Gryp of Notre Dame Credit Union, Pastoral Council President Fran Polimene, Finance Council President Debbie Smith and Jennifer Sentz. The design and construction team consists of Patrick Hintz of Diocese Building & Property, HDA Acrhitect Bruce Scott, Geoffrey Schwan of Double AA Builders Ltd., and co-leads Bob Przekop and Deacon Ed Winklebauer. The support team and church staff also turned a shovelful of dirt, including Carol Engel, Marilyn Johnston, Carol Lawless, Aboyi, Fathers Wilfred Yinah

see BENEDICT page 6

Among the groups that shoveled some direct at the groundbreaking was the design and construction team. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

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BENEDICT from page 4

and Manasseh Iorchir, Bosco Principal Jamie Bescak, Mary Jane Livens, Amy Fletcher, Nick and Nikki Garza, Clare Gisla, Heather Maloney and Jennifer Sentz. Several Bosco students also had their hands on shovels: Carta Acosta, Elle Bescak, Rylan Keane, Ella Lowe, Madeline Morrisey, Hogan O’Malley, Jasmine Schlapfer, Viana Vazquez, Daniela Fimbres and Meghan Tuzzolino. ■

The new St. Benedict’s Church is targeted to open Christmas Day 2022. (Courtesy of St. Benedict’s Church)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Club West HOA to The Edge: Not so fast

AFN NEWS STAFF

ot so fast. That’s what the Club West Association is telling the four owners of the golf course about their claim they now hold the declarant rights, which would give them land use rights for the 164-acre site. The Edge, which bought the course in 2019, told Superior Court Judge Joan Sinclair two weeks ago that Shea Homes has transferred its declarant rights to the ownership group. Papers filed with the County Recorder Sept. 22 show Shea Homes transferred the declarant rights to The Edge. The quitclaim filed by Shea makes no reference to whether The Edge paid anything to obtain those rights. But on Nov. 1, the HOA board fired back with a reply, stating The Edge can’t claim the declarant rights. It contends that while Superior Court Commissioner Andrew Russell said the old board obtained those land use rights improperly, he never said the board did not have them.

480-706-7234 ! LD O S

That argument may further complicate the future of the site, which has been closed since early 2018. The declarant rights have been central to the lawsuit. The Conservancy in March 2020 sued the previous Club West HOA board, contending it illegally acquired the declarant rights from Shea Homes, which got them in 1993 from a previous developer. Russell last April sided with the Conservancy, ruling that the board had violated the state open meeting law and Club West’s own master bylaws by acquiring those rights. However, the new board, through its attorney, said on Nov. 1, “While Judge Russell’s March 23, 2021, Under Advisement Ruling held that FCWCA violated the planned communities open meeting statutes, it does not find that the assignment was void.” Therefore, it has asserted Shea’s quitclaim “could not legally transfer the declarant rights under the Golf Course CCRs from Shea to The Edge. “Because the Shea assignment to FC-

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162 homes so it could finance the course’s reconstruction. That proposal stirred opposition from some homeowners, who formed the Conservancy and then challenged the HOA board’s acquisition of the declarant rights. After Taylor Morrison pulled out, The Edge suggested the site could be turned into a park – but it noted there still needed to be a way to pay for its construction and maintenance. The Conservancy – and most, if not all, HOA board members – adamantly oppose any homes on the site, contending in part that it is unfair to about 300 homeowners who paid premium prices for lots adjoining a golf course. Meanwhile, the Conservancy’s lawsuit has languished for lack of a final order Sinclair can sign. Lawyers for the board and the Conservancy last met with the judge on Aug. 17 to discuss the proposed order the Conservancy had filed. Since that meeting, the Conservancy has filed no new settlement proposal reflecting the two points it seemed to agree on in that hearing.■

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WCA was recorded, there must first be a judgment entered by which the Court includes an order that FCWCA is no longer the declarant and Shea will continue as the declarant – and such a judgment must then be recorded in order to give effect to what the Quitclaim of Declarant Rights purports to accomplish.” Sinclair has yet to rule on The Edge’s request to intervene in the Conservancy’s lawsuit against the HOA board. The declarant rights give the owner a great say over how the golf course land can be used. While they spell out in detail how the Club West site must be run as a worldclass golf course, the declarant rights also seem to provide an escape clause from that requirement. “The declarant has the power under the declaration to release portions of the property to be developed for nongolf course uses including housing,” that clause reads. That’s exactly what The Edge tried to do in January 2020, when it proposed selling three parcels to Taylor Morrison to build

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Shred-A-Thon helps you salute those who serve AFN NEWS STAFF

hile Ahwatukee and the rest of the nation pay tribute this week to those who have served the country, some dedicated volunteers at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center are asking people to remember those who are serving as well. And they can do that – and help themselves – by taking their old documents to the semiannual Shred-A-Thon sponsored by the Support the Troops group at the ARC. Documents can be brought to the ARC, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive, Ahwatukee, between 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13. Papers will be shredded on site in the shredding truck as they are dropped off. The charge for a banker box size of documents to be shredded is $4. Documents can be in bags or other containers, and do not have to be in a banker box.

VET from page 3

Her second surprise came quickly after she reported for duty. “The Army decided that I should be signal corps,” Smull said. “I wanted to go medical service but Uncle Sam gives you your branch and they said, ‘Congratulations. You’re active duty signal.’” And at 23 she found herself in the Saudi Arabian Desert leading a platoon of 70 men and women, mostly around her age. “It was pretty scary and stressful because there’s so many unknowns,” Smull said. “We didn’t know if there would be a biological or chemical attack on the Scud missiles.” As the nuclear-biological-chemical officer, Smull was responsible for handing out gas masks in the event of an alert. Smull was deployed in the Middle East for 10 months and took advantage of an early-out program that enabled her to leave the Army in 1992. But she hasn’t abandoned the commitment to her country that motivated her to enter the ROTC as a college kid. She is a member of both the VFW and Ahwatukee American Legion Post 64. The VFW post is in her hometown and the same one that her father, a World War II veteran, belongs to and one that both her parents were active in for three decades. Besides her involvement in veterans

The Shred-A-Thon is a major fundraiser to send care packages to our troops stationed overseas. Twice a year, the group sends 150 packages to servicemen and women. The next round of boxes will be sent before Christmas and will contain a number of items wrapped for Christmas in addition to snacks and other treats. The treats and gifts are “intended to brighten the day for those serving our country overseas,” said Ed Doney, a longtime supporter of both Support the Troops and American Legion Post 64. “Since everyone involved is a volunteer, and ARC provides the facilities without charge, everything raised for the project goes directly into sending the care packages,” Doney said. The packages will be packed a few days following the Shred-A-Thon, and shipped immediately after that so that they will arrive before Christmas, he added, ex-

plaining: “Each box includes lots of individually wrapped snacks and treats, plus other useful things such as moist wipes, socks and t-shirts. Fun items like decks of cards and paperback books are added.” The Shred-A-Thon in April enabled the group to send boxes last spring. And that in turn brought a surprise for Support the Troops. Some of the packages went to the 378th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron stationed in Saudi Arabia. A soldier identified only as MSgt Gordon texted the group and asked for its mailing address, promising, “I have something for you.” “A few weeks later a package arrived containing an American flag, with a certificate noting that it had been flown over Saudi Arabia where the 378th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron is stationed,” Doney said.

groups, Smull also has been active in Toastmasters for 27 years and both those sets of activities have helped her shape her book – along with her fond memories of the ‘80s. Smull said a big part of the book involves “what I’ve been doing in the VFW and the American Legion, which is where the The Color Guard of Ahwatukee American Legion Post 64 prepares to strongman comes raise the flag from Saudi Arabia over the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. from on the cover.” (Jose Mendoza) In her blog, brendasmull.com, she touts Post 64’s contribuDuring her book launch at the Buzzed tions to the community, which include the Goat coffee shop in Ahwatukee last week, honor and color guards’ participation in Smull promoted not just “Strong Words more than 50 events a year, its regular re- and Simple Truths” but also veterans tirement of old U.S. flags, its involvement in groups and Toastmasters. scholarship programs and outreach to vetShe said she worries about the rising erans experiencing homelessness, comfort suicide rate among veterans as well as for grieving relatives of deceased veterans those experiencing homelessness and as well as veterans recovering from sur- those still suffering from the after-effects geries, and other activities. of combat in hot spots like Afghanistan. Smull is the information officer and webAnd she’s excited about finally giving master for Post 64, the only formal veter- birth to the book. ans organization based in Ahwatukee. “Words cannot express the joy and ela-

To commemorate a gift from the troops, the flag given to Support the Troops was raised at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center in a ceremony performed by the Color Guard of American Legion Post 64, which meets at ARC. The ceremony was performed at the Labor Day fundraising hot dog and cornhole party held by Support the Troops. To get an idea of what the biannual Shred-A-Thon accomplishes for the Ahwatukee Recreation Center’s Support the Troops club, consider what U.S. Navy Lt. Commander Brenda Way wrote the nonprofit from Camp Lemonnier in Africa. “Thank you so much for my Christmas package,” Way wrote. “It means so much that strangers would take the time to show such love and care for service members. We have such an amazing country that I am very proud to serve.”

see SHRED page 26

Post 64 Color Guard member Dave Von Tersch holds a flag that flew over the base in Saudi Arabia and sent to Support Our Troops as a thank you for the gift boxes that volunteers sent U.S. military stationed there. (Jose Mendoza) tion I am feeling today,” she wrote on her blog not long ago. “This is my baby. My legacy. My tribute to my family, friends, fellow veterans, and Toastmasters.” Her book is available on Amazon and at thecouragetocommunicate.com. ■

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Plenty of area tributes to veterans are planned AFN NEWS STAFF

veteran whose entire family died in Nazis concentration camps and a Marine who lost his sight in the war in Iraq are among the special honorees at various East Valley parades and ceremonies honoring the nation’s veterans. The Veterans Day observances start tonight, Nov. 10, between 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road, when former Marine Matthew Bradford will be the keynote speaker. Four months into his deployment to Iraq in 2006, the then 20-year-old Bradford stepped on an improvised device and suffered severe injuries and wasn’t expected to live. Three weeks later, he woke up in Bethesda Naval Hospital as a blind amputee. However, he didn’t let his injuries define him and with the motto, “No legs, no vision, no problem,” Bradford has competed in multiple Spartans races, surfed, skydived and climbed 7,000 feet of Mt. Rainier. In 2010, he achieved another memorial feat, re-enlisting in the Marine Corps, becoming the first double amputee to do so. Meanwhile, a Holocaust victim who later joined the U.S. Army is the Grand Marshal at the annual East Valley Veterans Parade, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., tomorrow along Center Street in downtown Mesa. Over 100 parade entries are anticipated, along with aerial demonstrations of vin-

Capt. Alexander White, left, who was a concentration camp prisoner and later joiend the U.S. Army, is the East Valley Veterans Parade Grand Marshal while Marine Matthew Bradford, left sightless and without legs by a bomb in Iraq, is the keynote speaker at Gilbert's Veterans Day observance tonight, Nov. 10. (Special to AFN) tage aircraft for the event with a parade theme of “military arts and artists.” Capt. Alexander White, a concentration camp survivor who lost his entire family to the Nazis, is the 2021 East Valley Veterans Parade Grand Marshal. Born in 1923, in Krosno, Poland, near the Ukraine/Slovakian borders, White as a teenager lived through the liquidation of the Krosno Ghetto, then spent a year in the Luftwaffe Labor Camp and six months in the concentration camp at Krakow-Plassow. In October 1944, his name appeared on a list of workers assigned to German industrialist Oskar Schindler, who was relo-

cating his factory from Poland to the Sudetenland to avoid advancing Soviet armies. White surmises that he ended up on Schindler’s list because his profession was listed as a glazier and painter. His specialty in glazing made him a rare commodity. Upon arrival at Schindler’s factory, he was assigned to a small area of the factory to work as a glazier. White survived the last months of the Holocaust at Schindler’s camp in Bruennlitz, Sudetenland, and was liberated on the last day of the war in Europe, May 8, 1945, from the camp – as shown in the movie “Schindler’s List.” After liberation, he made his way to

Germany where, in 1950 as a refugee, he earned a medical degree from the University of Munich. Soon thereafter, he immigrated to the United States. In 1953, he married Inez Libby, a Chicagoan, and joined the U.S. Army. He received a commission as a first lieutenant and completed his medical field service training at Ft. Sam Houston in Texas. From 1953-1955, he served as a medical officer at USA Hospital at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He was honorably discharged as a captain in the United States Army Reserves in 1955. The Veterans Day Parade in Tempe will be from 9-11:30 a.m., Nov. 11 along Mill Avenue. Over in Chandler, the city’s been honoring veterans all month long with various events, including a Field of Honor Veterans Memorial ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m., Nov. 11 At Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road. The Field of Honor will be the first veterans memorial of its size – nearly an acre – and scope in the Southeast Valley. General parking is available at Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, 5901 S. Hillcrest Drive, with a shuttle service to Veterans Oasis Park. And, Phoenix is holding its Veterans Day Parade, 11 a.m., Nov. 11. The starts at Montebello and Central avenues and runs southbound, then turns east on Camelback Road and then turns south on 7th Street. ■

Falcon Field plans 80th anniversary events AFN NEWS STAFF

alcon Field Airport is again welcoming friends from across the Atlantic for its 80th anniversary commemorative events this month. “In 1941, the United States was not in the war yet, but Britain was embroiled in a war. Learning how to fly in a war-torn environment, especially in Europe with the weather the way it is, was difficult and inefficient. The U.S. had an agreement with Britain for training and support, so that meant that places like Falcon Field were built to train Royal Air Force cadets,” said Mike Doyle, pilot and member of the Wings of Flight Foundation. On Sept. 14, 1941, the No. 4 British Fly-

The wraps around the buildings on bustling Falcoln Field in Mesa are an impressive tribute to the pilots who trained there during World War II. (AFN file photo) ing Training School opened on an empty expanse of desert on the undeveloped

northern edge of Mesa, one of six pilot training bases created in America to train

Allied pilots. The Wings of Flight Foundation pilot group is reuniting school members by researching and inviting them and their families to Mesa for the milestone anniversary. They have located 20 living pilots, 33 widows and over 95 families and will host some of them for a week of activities. The reunion will culminate in a dinner gala on Nov. 13 in an original 1941 hangar surrounded by vintage military aircraft, including some used in Falcon Field training between 1941-1945. “When we moved into the historic hangar, we were gifted a box of memorabilia

see FALCON page 15

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

BOWL from page 1

took down the Pride in convincing fashion. Klecka described the loss as a “beat down.” Students rushed the field and stayed there until the lights were turned off to prevent what happened the previous year, when Mountain Pointe students tore down Desert Vista’s goal posts. From that point on, the two teams went through stretches of dominance. It all culminates with this year’s game on Friday – the 25th meeting between the two schools – when there is not only a chance to break a 12-12 tie but also an opportunity to hit the reset button on the rivalry. “Last year, we didn’t have very many fans in the stands last year and last year’s teams hadn’t won a game,” Klecka said. “With that in mind, I think this year is an opportunity to reset the rivalry. I’ve seen it from both sides of the spectrum. I’ve seen the passion and emotion behind it. “But I really think now is the opportunity to reset it.” A two-year slump by Mountain Pointe that produced only two wins in two years and a winless year by Desert Vista made the 2020 Ahwatukee Bowl a lackluster community event. Pandemic-driven limits that left only parents in the stands took a toll on both programs. Mountain Pointe won the 2020 meeting in convincing fashion, securing its only victory of the season while ending Desert Vista’s season without a win. The win left the Pride in the offseason with a determination to right their ship in 2021. The Thunder reset after former coach Dan Hinds retired. Desert Vista brought in Ty Wisdom, who had previously turned around the Horizon football program. Since then, both teams have had more success than last year. In fact, both teams are currently still in contention for playoffs. As of Monday, Mountain Pointe sat at No. 11 in the 6A Conference. Desert Vista was at No. 14. “It’s more exciting than usual and we can see who takes the lead,” Mountain Pointe Athletic Director Aaron Frana said. “It’s more than just the Tukee Bowl. It’s playoff implications. When you put all of that together it’s exciting because you’ve got the playoffs right after. I think (Klecka) said it right, it’s a reset.”

The 25th Ahwatukee Bowl between Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe is a chance to hit the reset button on the rivalry with both teams in playoff contention and the series tied at 12 apiece. (AFN File Photo) The game itself may not determine which team makes it to the postseason. While it’s possible, both teams seem to be a lock to make it in some capacity. However, along with the usual bragging rights and the Ahwatukee Foothills News Ahwatukee Bowl trophy on the line, playoff seeding could be determined. The winner may get a slightly higher seed, which would make for an “easier” matchup in the playoffs. More importantly, it puts an extra motivation factor on the Tukee Bowl for the first time in two years. “I think this game will bring everybody back together,” Frana said. “You talk about community schools and that’s what we are. “We want fans to be in the stands supporting these student athletes and it’s a great opportunity to get everybody back on board together again. Hopefully the stands are full again.” The Tukee Bowl is and always will be one of the best high school rivalries in the state. Football, basketball, baseball, any sport in between, there’s always an extra level of motivation when the two teams meet in any capacity. And especially after the pandemic year, both administrations have sought ways to bring a renewed sense of pride and energy around the game. On Thursday, a luncheon will be held for the first time. Members of both teams along with school administrators, residents and media will be in attendance.

It’s a way to bring the two teams together to celebrate the rivalry with the community. Additionally, the two schools have partnered this season to power the Superfood Bowl, which began last week and will end Friday. Food donations over two weeks were collected at various businesses around the community and all will be donated to local families in need. The winning school will be announced at halftime of the game and a traveling trophy will be handed out. “This year, we are thankful they are back playing in front of fans,” Tempe Union High School District Athletic Director Dave Huffine said. “And the food drive these two schools are doing is our way of giving back to the community who supports both of them. It’s really something special.” But perhaps the most important change from last year – and even prior years – will be the crowd. It’s been well over a year since the community has been able to see the two teams play, and this year has more meaning to it. Huffine, Klecka and Frana, along with both teams, expect a large student-body presence at the game. They also hope members of the community will attend as well. A former coach who has been involved in big rivalry games, Huffine compares the Tukee Bowl to the Battle for Arizona Avenue between Chandler and Hamilton. While the teams are vastly different – Chandler and Hamilton are currently top 15 teams in the nation – both Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista bring the same level of energy and determination to the playing field. Records don’t matter in games like this.

When new coaches are hired, they are often told they must win just one game. This is it. The Tukee Bowl may have lost some its luster in years past, but this year presents an opportunity to set things right. And with both programs currently on the rise, the reset has already begun. “This game means everything,” Huffine said. “It’s talked about year-round in this community. In my position, I just want great competition and fans to have a great experience. “But for these programs, for the one who wins this game, it really doesn’t matter what happened in the past nine games. They will have won the biggest game of the year and now get to go into playoffs with momentum.” The 25th Ahwatukee Bowl between Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista kicks off on Friday at 7 p.m. from Thunder Stadium. Tickets can be purchased online through GoFan by searching for either school. ■

It’s the first time in two years both teams are in the hunt for playoffs as they reach the final game of the season, putting an emphasis on this year’s game as winner likely receives a higher seed in the postseason.(AFN File Photo)

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

FALCON from page 12

by Mesa Vice Mayor Jenn Duff. She is a descendant of a British Royal Air Force navigation instructor who trained cadets at Falcon Field,” said WOFF member and reunion organizer Jocelyn Condon. “The box included documents from the 50th celebration back in 1991.” British cadet descendant Kathryn Masters and RAF pilot descendant John Barber of Tempe researched and contacted pilots and their descendants. They also included U.S. citizens who supported the training mission at Falcon Field as aircraft mechanics, air traffic controllers, and administrative staff with the help of Carolyn Wischler McDaniel, daughter of Joe Wischler who was the Chief Mechanic at Falcon Field from 1941-1945. ““I think it’s important for future generations to know how Mesa participated in World War II and what the ‘greatest generation’ gave up for our freedom,” said Anne Beeby, whose father Ken Beeby received RAF pilot training at Falcon Field. Events and activities related to Falcon Field Airport’s history and 80th Anniversary: • Wings of Flight Foundation has creat-

ed an archive in partnership with the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, England for the pictures and stories about the No. 4 British Flying Training School: americanairmuseum.com/unit/4175 . • Documentary film producer Kelly Sallaway of Rushbrook Media is filming a series about each of the six British training flying schools. A preview of her film will be shown at the gala. • Wings of Flight Foundation has been working with local museum curator Steve Hoza to develop an educational display for the historic hangar at Falcon Field. • Daryl F. Mallett, author of the Falcon Field book in the Images of America book series by Arcadia Publishing, has created a Facebook page where descendants of Royal Air Force pilot cadets can connect: facebook.com/FalconField/ • Members of the Commemorative Air Force Museum at Falcon Field Airport will provide a fly-over during the East Valley Veterans Parade. • The Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host Aviation Fascination at Heliponents, 4930 E. Falcon Dr. at Falcon Field Airport, 5-7:30 p.m. Nov. 12. The free public event will feature a display about Falcon Field history, information booths by aviation

FREE

businesses and organizations, static aircraft displays, raffle prize drawings, music and food tastings by local restaurants. • The Royal Air Force Cadet Memorial scheduled at 10:45 a.m. Nov. 14 will honor the 23 pilots of the No. 4 British Flying Training School who lost their lives while training from 1941-1945 at Mesa›s Falcon Field. This free public service has been held for more than 30 years at the Mesa Cemetery. The event will also feature remarks by Mesa and British officials, music and a wreath laying at the grave sites. • The Commemorative Air Force Museum will host its popular themed event A Night in the 40s Big Band Dance 5-10 p.m. Dec. 4 in the museum, 2017 N. Greenfield Road. Many guests wear period uniforms and costumes, and swing dance lessons are included. Specialty food trucks will offer food and beverages for sale. Tickets are available at azcaf.org/event/night-at-the40s-dance. Falcon Field was originally to be called Thunderbird Field III by its developers Jack Connelly and Leland Hayward, whose stockholders were some of Hayward’s Hollywood friends, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, Henry Fonda, and Ginger Rogers. They had intended to launch a regional BEFORE

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passenger air service, but like so many other plans of the era, the war changed that. England was under almost constant attack by Luftwaffe bombers and fighters in 1941, making it a dangerous place to train RAF pilots. An arrangement was made to train cadets at six U.S. bases, including Falcon Field. Watch the video produced by Visit Mesa celebrating the No. 4 British Flying Training School: youtube.com/ watch?v=2zZzoXdIEbk ■

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Kyrene schools' override cruises to approval AFN NEWS STAFF

he Kyrene School District administration and Governing Board may want to consider a trip to Las Vegas. They gambled to a degree by putting an override on the ballot in Nov. 2 all-mail election a year ahead of when they had to amid some public anger over mask mandates and not only won, but won big. While other school districts in Maricopa County either lost or squeaked by with override and bond measures last week, Kyrene’s garnered 61 percent of voters saying “yes” to a mere 31 percent in opposition, according to unofficial results. All votes have been counted, according to the County Recorder. The victory means Kyrene can continue spending 15 percent over the state spending limit for seven more years. Turnout was slightly more than 25 percent – which was pretty much the case in all municipal and school bond and override measures on the ballot last week. Superintendent Laura Toenjes was gratified by the resounding approval.

Triné Thomas Nelson of Ahwatukee and Ivan Alfaro of Tempe co-chaired the Keep Kyrene Strong Committee that worked to secure a yes vote in the all-mail election. (Special to AFN) “We’re thankful for such strong community support,” said Toenjes. “With voter approval, this override continuation will generate $13.8 million in additional maintenance and operations funding which is equivalent

to 200 teaching positions or approximately 20 percent of all Kyrene teachers.” The vote means the district can continue its maintenance and operations budget – which covers basic day-to-day expenses, in-

Thunder were competing. It was just a short time after Klecka’s return to campus that Mr. Snow was found. Mr. Snow worked as a security guard for the school and took on the role of equipment manager for the athletics programs. He was the one who interacted with players nearly as much as their respective coaches. Klecka said he was beloved by the athletes and their peers. He was the one who gave tours to students transferring to Desert Vista. His presence made them feel welcome at the school. Mr. Snow’s son, Chris, played football, baseball and participated in track for the Thunder. He was part of Desert Vista’s 1998 state championship team coached by Jim Rattay with players like school legend Bobby Wade on the roster. Chris was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of Desert Vista in 1999. Snow’s daughter, Jennifer, was at Mountain Pointe when Klecka was an assistant coach. Her husband, Martin, was coached by Klecka. Their daughter is a senior at

Desert Vista. Their son is a freshman. “It’s numbing,” Klecka said. “When something like that happens, we all have our jobs to do. We have a job to do because we have a campus of 3,100 kids and we are trying to maneuver fire trucks and ambulances. But in the back of my mind, I kept saying, ‘oh my gosh, that’s Snow.’ “It was tough. I still walk around, and it hits me.” Klecka said Mr. Snow’s death caused a stir among the athletic programs and school. Athletes and students were saddened by the news, which was officially announced Wednesday. His loud, boisterous yet soothing voice was one all involved with the school looked forward to daily. Klecka feels he will undoubtedly be missed dearly. “The kids were shocked when we announced it. There were a lot of kids who were upset,” Klecka said. “Snowman had that huge personality. Everybody knew him. Every athlete knew him, and he knew them. “It’s going to be weird not having him around.” ■

cluding salaries – above a limit that is based on a formula that includes enrollment and the distance students travel to school. Triné Thomas Nelson of Ahwatukee and Ivan Alfaro of Tempe co-chaired the Keep Kyrene Strong Committee that worked to secure a yes vote in the all-mail election. At stake was about $14 million in additional annual revenue for the district, which costs an additional $160 in annual property taxes, according to the voters pamphlet. Specifically, the outcome enables the district to maintain specialized areas instruction such as music and physical education, targeted student support services, competitive salaries to retain and attract high quality teachers and staff and keep current reduced class sizes. While the district still had a year left on funding from its 2017 override election, the Governing Board opted to go to voters this year for a number of reasons. First, next year promises a crowded ballot with state offices, council and school board races, and other elected positions

see OVERRIDE page 18

Desert Vista mourns loss of the Thunder’s voice BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

im Snow’s voice could be heard at every Desert Vista High School home football and basketball game. It had become a staple for the athletics community at the school. Mr. Snow, an employee at the school since it opened in 1997, died suddenly Nov. 1 while on campus in the equipment room. David Klecka, the school’s athletic director, said a cause of death was still not known. He was 67. “We all carry radios, and they were all trying to get a hold of him, and he wasn’t responding,” Klecka said. “Within five minutes of that I heard, ‘911 to the equipment room.’ It was tough.” Klecka said Mr. Snow had been ill, but he was cleared to return to work. They met to go over things that happened while he was away from the school. Klecka said the two shared jokes and small talk before he headed to Tucson for the girls’ golf championships, where the

Desert Vista equipment manager Jim Snow, who had been hired in 1997 as a security guard and had become the voice of Desert Vista athletics, passed away unexpectedly Monday while on campus at 67 years old.

(Courtesy David Klecka)

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

High court slaps down GOP ban on mandates BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

on’t expect any change in Kyrene School District’s requirement for facemasks on campus anytime soon. The Arizona Supreme Court on Tuesday voided a ban on mask mandates in public schools and a host of other legislative changes, ruling it was illegal for Republican lawmakers to pile them into a handful of budget bills. “Since the Supreme Court ruling is in alignment with the previous court ruling, it means no changes for Kyrene at this time,” Kyrene spokeswoman Erin Helm said. “Ditto,” added Megan Sterling, spokeswoman for the Tempe Union High School District. Kyrene, re-imposed a mask mandate after A Maricopa County judge overturned the ban. Without comment, the judges rejected arguments by Assistant Attorney General Beau Roysden that there’s nothing inher-

OVERRIDE from page 16

as well as what likely will be a long list of propositions and there was concern thee override question might get lost among all those choices. A number of school districts across the Valley used the same logic to put their own override questions to voters while a number of municipalities around the state put bond issues on the ballot. During a school board meeting in June, the administration noted “several key ‘top of the ticket’ statewide races, including Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction” as well as two Kyrene Governing Board positions. This year, the board was told, “The impact is that the ballot will have few measures competing for voter attention” – especially since Tempe Union opted against putting its own override question up for voters this year. The board also was reminded “turnout in off-cycle elections is often low, with fewer voters compelled to participate and cast a ballot.” In 2017, Kyrene had three ballot measures on the ballot and Tempe Union had its own override question. Turnout that year was 25.5 percent, though the

ently wrong with the process that lawmakers have used for years to put policy changes, like whether schools can mandate masks for staff and students, into bills that are labeled only as relating to the budget. Also, now voided are a host of other measures. (See story on page 21) But Gov. Doug Ducey is still fighting the Biden administration over his denial of millions in grants that Tempe Union and Kyrene school officials have expected. Ducey is punishing both districts and others that imposed mask mandates. At stake is $5.2 million for Kyrene and $2.8 milion for Tempe Union. Ducey last week told federal officials that there’s nothing illegal about his using COVID grant dollars in a way that financially penalizes schools that impose mask mandates. In fact, a top staffer says there’s a good reason to divide up the $163 million only among schools that do not require masks. “Experts have warned that masks can be harmful to children’s emotional devel-

measures passed by margins of 63 percent (about 14,500 voters) to 37 percent (about 8,500 votes). According to the unofficial results from last week’s election, 17,331 votes were cast in support of the override to 10,944 against. Had the override failed this year, Kyrene also could have put the question on next year’s ballot. The vote this year came at a time when some parents are furious with the district’s continuation of the facemask requirement, though it’s hard to say how great a portion of the electorate they comprise. Nelson said last month that she believed most mask opponents would not take their anger out on the override request. “When you talk about what these dollars are earmarked for, we talk about support service staff – occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, our counseling program,” Nelson said. “All of which we can all kind of agree during the last 18 months are really important services that our students need.” A few groused that because enrollment has declined, Kyrene’s spending should decline. Those critics appeared unaware of inflation and normal cost of living increases that occur from year to year – as well as the Legislature’s continued underfunding

opment,’’ Jason Mistlebauer, a member of the governor’s budget staff wrote to the Treasury Department, the organization that provided the dollars in the first place. “Seeing faces and reading emotional cues are critical for school-aged children.’’ Anyway, he said, studies show there is a low risk of transmission among students. Mistlebauer said all that allows the state to use the funds to “empower parents and children to make the best decision based on information and recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and other scientific sources,’’ pointing out the CDC is not requiring masks in public schools. But it remains to be seen whether those arguments wash with the feds. Last month Deputy Treasury Secretary Adewale Adeyemo wrote to Ducey saying that the state was improperly using its $163 million from a COVID relief program. Adeyemo gave the governor until Nov. 4 to say how he intends to “remediate’’ the issues or face a demand for refund of the cash.

of public education that puts Arizona close to the bottom among states. The override also supports instructional enrichment such as art, music, library and physical education; small class sizes and reading and math intervention programs. District officials also pointed to a survey of a few months ago that should a strong majority of parents approved of the district’s mask policy. Before voting unanimously last June to approve the override election, the Kyrene Governing Board heard several district representatives discuss the potential political turmoil generated by COVID-19. In a limited survey, a working citizens committee found that only 48 percent of residents supported the override and that 54 percent of respondents had a positive impression of Kyrene. Among the reasons people felt the district is moving in the wrong direction, Kyrene’s pandemic response was among them – along with its curriculum and its emphasis on equity, diversity and inclusion, according to the citizens panel. But after testing different messages and providing survey respondents with more information, the response to the basic override question “grew exponentially to 72 percent,” the board was told.

But it’s clear from the letter from Mistlebauer that Ducey has no intention of giving the money back. He told Jacob Leibenluft, the Treasury Department’s chief recovery officer, that the rules that came with the give says that states have “broad flexibility’’ in how to use the cash. Anyway, Mistlebauer said the way Ducey looks at it, Arizona is complying by using the dollars to address disparities in educational attainment and increased educational hardships resulting from the pandemic. The governor also is using the cash to give out $7,000 vouchers to parents who want to pull their kids out of schools with mask mandates and instead send them to private and parochial schools without such a requirement. In upholding a lower court ruling, the justices also slapped down arguments by Roysden that the Legislature alone decides whether what it puts in bills com-

see MASK page 20

The citizens committee said what turned the tide was the explanation that the override supports the district’s ability to retain and attract quality teachers and provide enrichment programs and student support services. While the board unanimously approved going for the override vote this year, some members admitted being nervous. But Rosalie Hirano, one of the citizen committee members, told the board that “all of the developments in technology with voter data” would enable the Kyrene override PAC to identify supporters who haven’t voted or may have forgotten about the ballot. Board member Michelle Fahy said she believed most people would respond favorably in the election if they are reminded that the disparity in state support for public education between Arizona and the national average has grown from 22 percent in 2007 to a current 44 percent – not including the infusion of one-time federal pandemic relief. “What is so critical for our community to learn, if they don’t know, and understand is that our state funding for public education is so poor that it is what puts us in the position to have to request these bonds and overrides,” Fahy said.■

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MASKS from page 18

plies with the Arizona Constitution. Among those requirements is a mandate that all measures deal with only a single subject and that all bills have a title that informs the public of what changes they make. Roysden, in essence, told the justices they should butt out of legislative business. “It is not for the court to second guess that,’’ he argued. That did not go over well. “So the single subject rule is just a suggestion?’’ asked Chief Justice Robert Brutinel. Justice William Montgomery got more specific, citing provisions in one challenged bill labeled only as dealing with “budget procedures.’’ “So how does dog racing relate to budget procedures?’’ he asked. “I think that’s the toughest question in this case,’’ Roysden conceded. But he maintained that people, in reading the title “budget procedures,’’ are put on notice that there may be a grab-bag of individual items in there. And that, Roysden said, is all that’s constitutionally required. The justices did not explain their decision, promising a full-blown ruling at

all-or-nothing package to get other provisions they wanted. At stake were provisions of four measures lawmakers adopted earlier this year, all under the banner of “budget reconciliation.’’ Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Katherine Cooper ruled earlier this year that none of the measures comply with that constitutional requirement that the title of each bill must reflect what changes it makes. And she said one of them – the one labeled only “budget procedures’’ – was so full of unrelated issues that it violated the separate requirement for all measures to deal with only a single subject. Roysden drew the task of convincing the high court that Cooper got it wrong. But it became clear, even before he said his first words, that the odds already were against him. Brutinel noted that the justices met earlier, behind closed doors, to discuss the issues. “I think it’s fair to say there’s some consensus about whether the statutory provisions violate the single subject rule and the title requirements of the Arizona Constitution,’’ he said. “I think the consensus is that they do.’’ All that left Roysden to argue that this is none of the court’s business.

some point in the future. That will be crucial as lawmakers, now banned from using the reconciliation bills as catch-alls, now will be looking for guidance about what they can -- and cannot -do in the future. Senate President Karen Fann, RPrescott, said the more immediate question is what to do about the now-voided provisions. “We’re going to have to go through a get a list of what was affected and how it was affected,’’ she said. One possibility, Fann said, would be a special legislative session. There, each of the provisions that the Supreme Court nullified could be reintroduced and brought up for a vote on an individual basis, avoiding the illegal practice of bunching them together. But it remains unclear whether each could pass on its own. For example, legislation spelling out how race, ethnicity and gender can be taught in public schools had failed on its own. It was only when that language about what lawmakers called critical race theory, was put into a reconciliation bill that it passed. That forced foes to accept the

“This would be uncharted territory,’’ he told them. “That is a terrible idea for the court to start down this path.’’ But Montgomery said legal precedents going back more than two centuries spell out that it is precisely the role of the judiciary to judge and strike down actions by other branches of government that run afoul of the constitution. And Montgomery said there certainly are questions about whether lawmakers are in compliance. Consider, he said, the measure labeled “K-12 budget reconciliation.’’ Among the provisions in that bill is that ban on schools mandating masks. “So how does that relate to appropriation?’’ Montgomery asked. “The Legislature could say if we’re going to fund schools, we want kids to go to the schools and we think (a) mask mandate is going to deter attendance,’’ Roysden responded. “We don’t want the schools that we fund to impose these types of mandates,’’ he continued. “That is within the power of the Legislature.’’ That line of thinking clearly didn’t con-

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

State high court iced scores of other ‘laws’ BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

hen the Arizona Supreme Court slapped down how lawmakers approve “budget reconciliation’’ bills last week, it quashed more than the ban on schools requiring masks of faculty and students. Its three-sentence order removed a similar prohibition against cities and counties imposing mask mandates on those in public and charter schools. Also gone is the threat of school teachers being sued by the attorney general on claims that they used public resources, ranging from email or work time, to “organize, plan or execute any activity that impedes or prevents a public school from operating for any period of time.’’ That was aimed at efforts to get teachers to stay home during COVID outbreaks at districts that don’t mandate face coverings. Universities are not precluded from requiring those on campus to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or get tested

regularly, as lawmakers had voted. And workers at private firms whose employers require them to be inoculated are not entitled to a religious exemption simply because they say so. But there’s so much more that went up in a legal puff of smoke, from how elections are run to what happens when the next governor declares a state of emergency. And it’s all because the court declared that lawmakers – and Gov. Doug Ducey who signed the bills – played fast and loose with the Arizona Constitution. The justices, without comment, upheld a lower court ruling that four separate reconciliation bills violated constitutional requirements that they have a title that adequately informs lawmakers and the public of exactly what changes in statute were being proposed. That resulted in a dozen or so challenged provisions being voided. But the justices also found that one of the bills – labeled simply “relating to state budget procedures’’ – was so chock full of unrelated items that it also ran afoul of

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another constitutional requirement that all measures be limited to a single subject and related matters. For example, there were several provisions on elections, like allowing the state Game and Fish Department to register voters and mandating that there be specific kinds of paper and fraud countermeasures on future ballots. Yet the same measure, SB 1819, also sought to preclude the kind of ongoing emergency declaration that Ducey declared in March 2020 and still exists. Also stuffed into SB 1819 was a task force to study “unreported in-kind contributions,’’ setting aside $500,000 based on questions raised by some GOP lawmakers who wanted to see if social media platforms were influencing elections. There also was a “major events fund’’ to help underwrite the costs of the 2023 Super Bowl and other sports events and even a provision removing the legal definition of what constitutes a “newspaper,’’ a maneuver that could allow free publications to accept and run legal ads.

NEWS

Among the not-to-be laws was what some legislators referred to as a ban on teaching “critical race theory.’’ That phrase was not in the legislation. And, in fact, what is critical race theory actually goes to the issue of whether there is inherent racism that effectively is baked into society and continues to have an effect. But that didn’t stop proponents from seeking to declare it illegal to bar teaching that an individual, by virtue of race, ethnicity or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed by others of the same race, ethnicity or sex, or from teaching that any individual should feel “discomfort, guity, anguish or other form of psychological distress because of their race, ethnicity or sex.’’ But there’s so much more that in the bills that the Supreme Court voided: • Precluding the state or local governments from establishing a COVID-19 “vaccine passport’’ or requiring any business

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Speakers who addressed the Tempe Union Governing Board about SROs included, from left, Mountain Pointe student Hudson Ellis, graduate student Matt Crisler, Sherry Kettner, Corona student Liam Halton, student Isabelle Jacot and Kelsey Haake. Of the above, only Crisler lauded the abolition of SROs. (YouTube)

Mystery, controversy surround TU’s SRO resolution BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

ystery surrounds the Tempe Union Governing Board’s announcement that it may revisit its resolution to abolish school resource officers at the same time that controversy over the resolution continues to roil the community. Three students, a grandmother and at least two mothers district ripped the decision in appearances before the board at its Nov. 3 meeting while a graduate student and a mother spoke in favor of it. Meanwhile, three former board members and other community leaders signed an open letter asking the board to reconsider the decision. (see page 38) And scores of people took to social media to debate the board’s resolution, which aims to abolish SROs at all six high schools before the next school year. The board agenda said, “At the November 17 meeting or at an earlier date and time, Governing Board members will discuss and consider for approval a Resolution to clarify, revise or supersede the Resolution that was approved at the October 13 meeting.” Board President Brian Garcia, who first opposed SROs in June 2020, didn’t do much to clarify that agenda item. The resolution was the focus of an emergency executive session Oct. 25. District officials and board members are forbidden by law from discussing what goes on in such closed-door sessions. All that Garcia said at last week’s meeting was that the board intended “to help clarify key points in” the resolution and “provide clarity because of the call for that clarity and to kind of address also ele-

ments of misinformation.” Asked later what “misinformation” Garcia was referring to, district spokeswoman Megan Sterling replied, “No comment.” Superintendent Dr. Kevin Mendivil, who has not appeared to be enthusiastic about the abolition of SROs during past meetings when the subject has come up, also said the board intends “to provide clarification.” Stating that clarification would be coming “because we have listened,” he also addressed the board and said, “You have listened to the community, to our teachers and so I I think that that needs to be known. “It may not feel like that right now out there, but you have five board members that are listening. And so, I appreciate that,” Mendivil said. The board voted 3-2 last month to abolish SROs with board members Berdetta Hodge and Andres Barraza casting surprise “no” votes. While they had been supportive of the move to abolish uniformed officers on campus in the past, both Hodge and Barraza were critical of the way the resolution had been handled. Hodge wanted a formal survey of staff, students, parents while Barraza complained of havign no input in it. Garcia and board members Armando Montero and Sarah James say SROs are an intimidating presence on campus, particularly for students of color. Two speakers who addressed the board echoed that feeling, saying SROs tended to “target” students of color and subject them to harsher disciplinary action. But among the critics was Mountain Pointe student Hudson Ellis, who asked board members if they even knew “how long it takes for a police officer to arrive on campus” if a shooting were to occur.

Hudson indirectly referred to the board's other vote Oct. 13 – with Barraza and Hodge opposing and Garcia abstaining – that deprived Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista high schools of having trained SROs on campus. Instead, they are getting available officers assigned on a day to day basis that Mendivil called "a revolving door." Hudson said SROs understand and know how to deal with special education students while officers “off the street” lack the training to do so. He also asserted that the eight or nine Desert Vista students who spoke in favor Oct. 13 of abolishing SROs “don’t portray the entire Tempe Union School District.” “There may be some students that don’t agree with police officers,” Hudson said, “but there’s also some students that don’t like teachers. Are we going to get rid of the teachers?” Corona del Sol student Liam Halton also criticized the board, stating, “students shouldn’t have to choose between SROs or mental health experts.” “The people who voted on this issue will face second-hand effects and consequences,” Liam said. “If someone were to show up with a lethal weapon while an SRO wasn’t present, students and administration who didn’t get much of a say in this will face the direct effects…. I have a sister coming in next year and I’m nervous and worried about our safety.” Sherry Kettner, whose granddaughter attends Desert Vista High, said the decision indicated that “the voices of the few have overridden the voices of many.” She noted opposition by all six high school, principals, Tempe Police and other community leaders while supporting it were groups that identified with socialism.

"I don't understand how we can take the argument of somebody from an organization that represents socialism over and above so many qualified professions that have our children's well-being in mind," Kettner said. But graduate student Matthew Crisler applauded the board’s decision and encouraged it to look “at the entire apparatus of policing and exploitation that targets youth. “In that vein, we should stop using only the language of vulnerable youth or vulnerable students and start talking about targeted students – students who are targeted by truancy laws, state of abandonment, criminal codes. high-stakes testing, gentrification and predatory employers.” Danielle Pollett, a Mountain Pointe mother, said she doubted many teachers responded to a poll on the issue and urged a series of roundtables at campuses to give "students an opportunity to brainstorm what physical and emotional safety should like in their near future." But parent Kelsey Haake, who identified herself as a member of an Alaskan Indigenous tribe, ripped the board's decision, calling it “abysmal.” “I truly believe that this was a bad resolution and I’m scared for my children – my native children that are going to be going through the Tempe Union School District without the SROs that are here,” Haake said. ■

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

ASU student hail relocation of victim services BY LILY PRESSON AFN Contributor

rizona State University President Michael Crow said the Victim Advocate has been transferred out of the campus police department. Crow made the announcement during a recent student forum hosted by the Associated Students of ASU that covered a wide range of topics, from support services for sexual assault victims to the pandemic to the rising tuition costs. Crow said that he wanted to “educate students in the concept of the word ‘yes,’” when it comes to relationships between students. “‘No’ means no and no words also mean no. We’ve been trying to work so everyone understands this and also that a ‘yes’ can be converted into a ‘no’ at any point,” Crow said. One student asked about the support services for sexual violence victims and

LAWS from page 21

to obtain proof of vaccination status of patrons; - Exempting the Department of Public Safety from certain oversight requirements when it purchases body cameras for officers; • Stripping the secretary of state of the ability to defend election laws -- but only through 2022, the time that Democrat Katie Hobbs leaves office; • Moving oversight of the State Museum from the secretary of state to the legislative council; • Allowing a condominium to be terminated only if all the owners agree; • Setting up an “election integrity fund’’ to finance election security, cybersecurity measures and any post-election hand counts; • Prohibiting the Arizona Lottery from advertising at a professional sporting

where students can access those expanded resources. According to the ASU website, “The Arizona State University Police Department Victim Advocate ensures crime victims on any ASU campus, witnesses and family members receive free, confidential support.” But the Victim Advocate was taken away from campus police because of student complaints that they have improperly handled reports of sexual assault. Students also told Crow they weren’t even aware that there is a Victim Advocate on campus. Ryan Bender, a student at ASU, said he “wasn’t aware that the Victim Advocacy department existed or that it was being relocated to campus.” Bender also said that he “likes that it is being relocated to campus because it offers more efficient use of the program to students” and that “the student resource should have always been on campus.”

“It’s almost out-of-sight, out-of-mind. If it’s not extremely accessible, odds are students won’t use it,” Bender said. Students hope that the Victim Advocate’s relocation will encourage more victims to feel comfortable enough to seek help. “I think more people will come forward and utilize this department because I think there is more of a sense of victim blaming when having to go to a police station. It makes a victim of any form of assault feel like they’ve done something wrong or committed a crime. By putting it on campus, it creates less stress on the victims,” Bender said. When asked if he thought ASU had done enough to support survivors, Bender said, “I think ASU tries its best to support victims of sexual assault. However, I think they can always do more to implement policies and institutions that help victims and survivors.” Another student, Kierra Atterberry, was also “unaware that the program was a thing or that it was being relo-

The Arizona Supreme Court shot down the Legislature's effort to cram a slew of measures into the budget bill. (AFN file photo) event; • Permitting the auditor general, an

arm of the legislature, to review the process used to maintain early voter lists --

cated.” “I think it should have always been on campus,” Atterberry said. “It makes it way more convenient for ASU students to get the support they need, and I think more people will come forward now that the process feels safer and more confidential,” Atterberry said. “I think now with the relocation of this department, ASU will do a better job supporting victims. But I also think that people just don’t know about the support options ASU offers,” Atterberry said. She said victims need a less intimidating and more convenient location for the advocate services. “Going through something traumatizing like that causes enough stress. Having to then muster up the courage to waltz into the police station and be questioned like you were the one that did something wrong is probably scary to a lot of survivors,” Atterberry said. ■

but only in Maricopa County; • Petitioning the federal Election Assistance Commission to allow the state to require proof of citizenship on registration forms that allow people to vote only in federal elections; • Reimbursing liabilities of the Department of Forestry and Fire Management in excess of $250,000; • Converting the permits for dog racing, which was banned years ago, into permits for harness racing, something that does not now exist in Arizona; • Setting up a special Senate committee to review the findings of the audit of the 2020 election; • Establishing a “state permitting dashboard’’ to track authorization for public projects; • Changing the duties and responsibilities of the Study Committee on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Study finds Chandler man gave pets COVID-19 AFN NEWS STAFF

cientists say a Chandler resident is the nation’s first genetically documented case of COVID-19 transmission to a pet. The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), an affiliate of City of Hope, last week announced that it has published its findings from an ongoing study in the journal “One Health.” While there are five pilot studies nationwide examining COVID in animals, the TGen study is the only one to include genomic sequencing of the virus from both pet and human samples. “This level of testing resulted from TGen’s overall efforts to monitor the virus and its potentially more-dangerous variants by sequencing as many positive human samples of the virus as possible,” TGen senior science writer Steve Yozwiak said. Hayley Yaglom, a TGen epidemiologist at the institute’s infectious-disease lab in Flagstaff and lead author of the study, said the Chandler case is “the first example we had from the project that demonstrated the likelihood of virus transmission from a pet owner to animals in the household.” “This is a great example of using genomics to gain intelligence about pathogens,” said David Engelthaler, Ph.D., director of TGen’s Pathogen and Microbiome Division, the branch of TGen studying infectious diseases. “This study shows that we can not only use genomics to help track COVID variants across the globe, but we can also use this technology to track exact transmissions, and in this case transmission from pet owners to pets.” Patient confidentiality prevents TGen from saying much about man at the center of the study’s discovery, except to say that the “pet parent” infected his dog and cat. “The pet parent was not yet vaccinated, took little precaution to protect his cat and dog and entertained guests who were not vaccinated. The owner recovered from COVID, and both his pets were asymptomatic,” Yozwiak said. The animals were confined to an apartment and “had little-to-no opportunity to be exposed to the virus and so it was highly unlikely that the pets infected their owner,” he added. “Plus, in each case examined in the study,

TGen epidemiologist Hayley Yaglom, giving one of her own dogs a hug, led the landmark study on COVID-19 transmission by a Chandler man to his pet dog and cat. (Courtesy of TGen) it was the pet parent who exhibited COVID first,” Yozwiak said. “Worldwide, there is no documented case of COVID transmission from a pet to its pet parent.” Researchers were unable to tell if the dog or cat were infected first, or if one infected the other, “though that is a possibility,” he added. The Chandler dog and cat “were buddies who had close contact with each other,” researchers said. TGen’s infectious-disease laboratory is located in Flagstaff, and is its base for all its anti-COVID research. In this study, Yaglom and a veterinarian from the Arizona Department of Health Services visited the homes in Coconino and Maricopa counties of pet owners who have tested positive for the virus in the past two weeks and test their pets for COVID. Arizona researchers tested 39 dogs and 22 cats in 24 households and found 14 positive cases of COVID in pets among six households. TGen’s COVID animal study is conducted under a grant from the Arizona Department of Health Services. Funds come from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in coordination with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. The Chandler man and his pets “all were infected with the identical strain of coronavirus: B.1.575, an early and unremarkable version” of the COVID-cuasing virus,

Yozwiak said. “Fewer than 25 documented cases exist of Arizonans infected with this strain, according to information drawn from the COVID variant tracking dashboard that TGen maintains for the CDC and ADHS,” Yozwiak added. To date, more than 46,000 positive samples of Arizonans with COVID have been genetically sequenced, he said. Researchers deduced that the virus spread from the pet parent to either the dog or cat, or both. Yaglom said the findings reinforced the need for pet owners to protect their pets by getting vaccinated. If they do get COVID, they should wear masks when they are around their pets. “As difficult as it might be for many pet owners, they should avoid cuddling, kissing, allowing pets to lick their faces, or sleeping with them,” Yozwiak added. Owners don’t have to completely isolate from their pets, Yaglom said, but they should minimize contact “as best they can” while they exhibit COVID symptoms. The study will continue through the rest of 2021 and might go into 2022 if researchers obtain additional funding, which would allow them to continue education and outreach efforts, bolstering active surveillance of the virus. Dog and cat owners who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past two

weeks are eligible to participate in the study. The tests are free. Owners must be at least 18, provide consent and fill out a questionnaire. The pet must be vaccinated against rabies, mainly housed indoors, and tolerant of the handling and restraint necessary for routine veterinary care. A veterinarian is present when samples are taken. No animals are harmed in the course of this study. Pet owners must wear masks during sample collection, and project staff will wear masks and gloves. Spanish-speaking staff will be available, as needed. Pet owners will be notified of test results within 3-4 weeks. For pets that test positive, owners may be asked to enable collection of additional samples. Positive tests will be reported to the Arizona State Veterinarian and ADHS. For more information about testing pet dogs or cats for COVID, or to participate in the study, emailcovidpetprojectaz@ tgen.org. TGen, an affiliate of City of Hope, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life-changing results. The City of Hope is a world-renowned independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Both institutes to complement each other in research and patient care, with City of Hope providing a clinical setting to advance scientific discoveries made by TGen. TGen is focused on helping patients with neurological disorders, cancer, diabetes and infectious diseases through cuttingedge translational research. TGen physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of both common and complex rare diseases in adults and children. ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Hospital systems report most employees vaccinated BY OLIVIA MCCANN Cronkite News

ays after after the Nov. 1 deadline for health care workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the state’s largest hospital systems reported very high rates of compliance. Major health systems, including Banner Health, Valleywise Health, Sun Health, Dignity Health and HonorHealth, saw more than 95 percent of workers meet the requirement, according to numbers reported Wednesday. The mandates came as Arizona remains in the midst of a severe nursing shortage, and officials feared the vaccine requirements could worsen the problem. But with the small rate of noncompliance, most health systems said that their losses will not interrupt the current level of service. Valleywise Health, Maricopa County’s hospital system, reported that more

than 99% of employees have received the vaccine or an approved exemption, Dr. Michael White said at a news conference Wednesday. “I’m very impressed with individuals that have been able to do this to make sure that we’re able to continue to offer a safe care environment, and be leaders around the importance of the vaccine,” said White, the system’s chief clinical officer. Banner Health was the first health system in Arizona to require the shots, announcing its mandate in July. With more than 62,000 employees, it’s one of the largest nonprofit hospital systems in the country and the largest private employer in the state. Ninety-seven percent of Banner Health’s workforce, which includes 48,000 employees in Arizona, have complied with the policy. According to a statement from CEO Peter Fine, those noncompliant will “be

placed on unpaid leave and will have until November 30 to comply with this requirement or resign.” The statement also said there would be no interruptions to their level of care as a result. Across the hospitals, accommodations were considered for those unable to receive the vaccine. White said Valleywise employees had to provide religious or medical reasons, such as allergies to components of the vaccines. With less than 1 percent of staff terminated at Valleywise, White said, understaffing remains at last month’s rate, about 10 to 15 nurses short on a daily basis. “We have not really seen any relief around that. … Our emergency department volumes continue to be high as well,” he said. Dignity Health and HonorHealth also saw high compliance rates, at 98 percent and 95 percent respectively. HonorHealth, which has more than

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Support the Troops is unique in that it exists solely to remind service men and women they are not forgotten. The boxes are packed in an assembly line that Doney called “a mix of efficiency and the thoughtful care you would expect from a grandparent.” But the group needs about $13,000 a year for to pack the boxes with goodies – about $26 each – and pay shipping costs – another $19 each. Donations also are welcomed at the shred-a-thon although they are not tax deductible since ARC is a non-profit HOA, not a 501(c)(3) charity. Checks made out to Support the Troops can be sent to the ARC, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85044 or left at the front desk. ■

13,000 employees, said in a statement it would “meet with those noncompliant team members in the coming weeks to address any barriers that are preventing them from becoming compliant.” HonorHealth did not comment on how any losses would impact their quality of care. Dignity Health, which has more than 60,000 employees across three states, said in a statement that it “does not anticipate any impacts to patient care, services, or programs.” However, Yavapai Regional Medical Center, an affiliate of Dignity Health, extended its deadline to Feb. 1 for fear of losing employees. The mandate could have serious implications at Yavapai, where many are against taking the vaccines. Sun Health, which is based in the West Valley, also reported minimal loss of personnel – “less than 1 percent,” it said in a statement. ■

MASKS from page 20

vince the justices. Anyway, Roysden argued, no one is fooled by the title. He told the court that anyone who cares about K-12 funding would look at the title and be on notice that there might be major policy changes -- like that ban on mask mandates. That drew a skeptical response from Brutinel. “We’re all supposed to understand that ‘budget reconciliation’ means ‘anything we want’ ‘’? he asked. Roysden said those in the know do understand. “Anybody who reads the newspaper will know,’’ he said. “I’m not going to a newspaper to decide a constitutional issue,’’ Montgomery shot back. ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

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Ahwatukee opens heart to foster children BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

s the holidays approach, most children excitedly anticipate the upcoming festivities and hopedfor gifts. Yet, for children in foster homes, the anticipation is muted because for some, no one cares. Celebrations and gifts? Maybe. Maybe not. And that’s where area foster families and the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee step forward. They are helping to ensure these children, who are in the care of the state through no fault of their own, will be provided for and imbued with a sense that they are valued. One Ahwatukee couple has fostered children for three years. During that period, Charity and Diana

or temporary care. “Right now, we have two children, ages 3 and 4, and they’re amazing,” said Charity Parkinson-Smith, 32, a therapist who owns Vibe Well Counseling & Consulting. Surrounded by a large family while growing up inspired her to become a foster parent. “I have a huge Foster parents Charity and Diana Parkinson-Smith have come to the family and a lot aid of nine children. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer) of my cousins are ‘Dee’ Parkinson-Smith have hosted nine adopted or were foster children. I knew children, five officially and four as respite, I wanted to have children, but I wouldn’t

birth children so I was drawn to fostering,” she said. Dee Parkinson-Smith, 46, said she knew upon meeting Charity 10 years ago that having a family was important to her partner. “I kind of knew from the beginning that she wanted to be a mom,” chuckled Parkinson-Smith, an office manager at a substance abuse clinic. “I’m a little older so all this was rather new to me, but actually, it’s been an amazing experience.” Emotionally, being a foster parent comes with highs and lows. “I cried for quite a while after our first placement left,” admitted Dee ParkinsonSmith. “You do get attached to them. Our journey has included fostering children for eight months to one year.” The joys of fostering for the ParkinsonSmiths often mean introducing children

Mountain Pointe hosting marching band finals BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

his Saturday the public can enjoy the AzMBA Division 1A Marching Championships at Mountain Pointe High School. The competition is expected to be top-notch as Division 1A, with 43 bands competing, is the largest after COVID-19 decimated so many high school marching bands statewide. For the Lionhearts Marching Band, this year’s championship hosts, the downturn was no exception. “We have 38 marching band members,” said Mountain Pointe High School Band/ Orchestra director Leo Werner. who founded the band and orchestra programs when MPHS opened in 1991. He left the program in 2008 for a nine-year hiatus, returning in 2017 where he helped

increase band size and competition status. “We had climbed to 72 band members in the years since I returned here, then the statewide downturn in enrollment during the pandemic wiped out the gains. We’re starting over in many ways. But for the group to be currently seeded 5th in the state is hopeful for our recovery,” continued Werner who also serves as Fine Arts Department Leader (cq). There are three AzMBA (Arizona Marching Band Association) championships sites throughout the state with four divisions. Division 1A championships, for bands of up to 49 members, will perform at Mountain Pointe High School with 43 bands competing, including American Leadership Academy of North Gilbert. The 2A championships encompasses bands with 50-74 members, and will be

see BANDS page 32

see FOSTER page 30

The Lionhearts Marching Band has new uniforms this year. (Special to AFN)

COMMUNITY

FOSTER from page 29

to first-time experiences – like visiting Sea World, trips to the ocean or mountains, or, more recently, taking the toddlers on their first-ever night of Trick or Treating. “The children can be so appreciative of things many of us would take for granted,” said Charity. For over a decade, the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee has been a stalwart supporter of foster children. Members collect bicycles throughout the year and donate them to foster children. They collect suitcases to replace the ubiquitous garbage bags many children use when moving about in the system. Remembering foster children during the holidays has been a Kiwanis of Ahwatukee focus for more than a decade. And though COVID-19 threatened to end their large Thanksgiving Dinner for Foster Children usually held at a Mesa church, Kiwanians got creative to save last year’s holiday for them. And again this year, the club will host Thanksgiving for Foster Kids During a Pandemic, providing heat-and-eat meals in lieu of the large festive meal to which many area foster group homes were invited. “We recruit meal coordinators and partner with Boys Team Charity Ahwatukee, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching an altruistic spirit in young men grades seven through 12,” explained AnnLouise Ferguson, who co-chairs the Thanksgiving project with Kiwanis volunteer Stacy Rasmussen. “We started this last year off a wing and a prayer. With the pandemic keeping us from the big gathering, we just knew we had to do something for them,” said Ferguson, an attorney, and a Kiwanis Club member for five years. What they did, after partnering with BTC Ahwatukee, was to set up tables in the Foothills driveway of Ferguson and her husband Carl Tolleson to assemble meals that were then ferried by securitycredentialed drivers to 21 foster homes. This year Texas Roadhouse has joined as a partner, along with many business and community supporters, throughout the East Valley. Some of the donated meals are prepared at private homes, some were coordinated using PerfectPotluck.com while others come from the largesse of area businesses and groups – such as the Desert Vista High School Library members. “We can’t provide meals for every group

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

mas Project to benefit foster children, a role she’s undertaken previously. Pettyjohn said there are several ways Ahwatukee residents can assist in providing this Holiday Season. “People can adopt one or more foster teens and provide Christmas gift to him or her; they can adopt a foster group home that typically has 8 to 10 teens living there and provide Christmas gifts to them; thirdly, they can set up a Boys Team Charity member Kimberly Steen, Community Wish Tree in their business volunteer Mike James, and Kiwanis member Paula Kaper delivered assembled Thanksgiving heat-and-eat dinners for or church; and they can foster group homes throughout East Valley and Phoenix last also make a cash donation to help us provide gifts for year. (Special to AFN) these teens.” The Kiwanis Christmas Drive collects home, we’re trying to host 40 this year though there are far more group homes unwrapped and labeled gifts for boys and girls. than that,” said Ferguson. Rather than games or entertainment, She said there are group homes served in Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Mari- what’s most needed are basic items like hoodies or jackets, underwear, pajamas, copa, Queen Creek and Phoenix. “Kiwanis relies on best practices and t-shirts, tennis shoes, casual shorts/pants doesn’t release any information about and more dress items that they can wear group homes, including their names and to church, court appearances, sports banquets, etc. addresses,” Ferguson explained. Hygiene items for teen boys and girls “Arizona has thousands of kids in group homes; there aren’t enough individual fos- are also sought. “Most of the kids in foster group homes ter homes. We put them in the system for care and protection. Some of these kids are teens because they’re harder to place in have never felt safe, some have never felt foster family homes. All the homes we deal with are teens except three that are ‘sibling’ love. It’s a need that needs to be filled.” Last year more than 337 traditional homes where they try to keep brothers and Thanksgiving meals were assembled with sisters together,” Pettyjohn explained The Thanksgiving Dinner, and later the more than 100 volunteers aiding in variChristmas/Holiday Drive, began in 2013 ous roles. Each group home received traditional when Kiwanis member Andi Pettyjohn turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and and community activist Carolyn Blaneygravy, candied yams, veggie casserole, Arndt learned that foster youth living cranberry sauce, salad, dessert and spar- in group homes often didn’t celebrate kling cider or soda, apple pie and pumpkin Thanksgiving. “The group homes lacked the funds and pie with whipped cream. Group homes also receive a Thanksgiv- staff to do so,” explained Ferguson. “Peting letter or card. as well as themed table- tyjohn and Blaney-Arndt made it their goal to provide a turkey dinner for foster top items like napkins and plates. Ferguson recalled one reaction received children on or near Thanksgiving Day. The first traditional Thanksgiving dinner was last year. “A house manager phoned to tell me hosted at Biscuits Restaurant in Ahwatuthank you. She added that a boy sitting at kee for 160 kids.” Pre-pandemic, the dinner grew to betheir long Thanksgiving table got choked up, eyes watering, saying, “I’ve never had come a large community effort. “The dinner is always held on a secret anything like this.” The only sad part is we day, time, and place due to foster children can’t host them all,” lamented Ferguson. Longtime Kiwanis Club member Andi possibly coming from unsafe homes. In Pettyjohn is heading up this year’s Christ- 2019 Foster Youth Thanksgiving Dinner

was held in a Mesa church multi-purpose room with a DJ, Cardinal Football alumnae, cheerleaders, and Big Red providing entertainment. Mesa police served as security and food servers to humanize law enforcement to a higher law-breaking risk audience.” As Ferguson and Pettyjohn stated, the ideal for foster children is to be in a private foster home. Pre-pandemic, Phoenix-based Child Crisis Arizona announced there was a “desperate need” for foster families. At that time there were 13,000 children in the foster care system in Arizona, with 8,000 of those kids in Maricopa County. Yet, fostering can be both joyful and stressful, say the Parkinson-Smiths. ““The happiness I feel when you can see the joy in these kids’ faces is amazing. Being able to spend time and teach them things is important as well,” said Dee Parkinson-Smith. “Fostering is a huge commitment, not only to the children, but to your family as well. “If you have room in your heart and are considering it, I say reach out to a licensing agent for more information. There are so many kids that need good, loving homes.” Her partner concurred, yet added a caveat. “It means everything to me to be able to provide children with stability, that’s really how I view fostering. I don’t necessarily encourage others to foster, but I am always open to having conversations about the ups and downs and my experiences as an individual and a family.” Charity Parkinson-Smith further explained, “I think fostering is something that you naturally become interested in through life experience or exposure. Please don’t misunderstand me, people without these things make great foster parents. There’s just so much to the process, both good and challenging, that you have to be willing to navigate. I always say rainbows and unicorns, please don’t expect rainbows and unicorns.” Monetary donations for the Kiwanis Christmas project can be made at their website, or by mailing a check to Ahwatukee Kiwanis, P.O. Box 50596, Phoenix, AZ 85076. For more information on aiding the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee as they work to ensure foster children can enjoy the holidays, see AhwatukeeKiwanis.org For more information on fostering or adopting, see DCS.AZ.gov/foster, ChildCrisisAZ.org and the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation at affcf.org. ■

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Kyrene Foundation starts drive for Winter Wonderland

Kyrene Foundation, in partnership with the Kyrene School District, is hosting its annual Winter Wonderland donation drive that again is depending solely on cash and gift card donations. Because of safety protocols, they are unable to accept tangible gifts. Even with the pandemic, the generosity of the Kyrene community enabled the foundation last December to serve 927 children and their families. The goal this year is $45,000 to help more than 1,000 local children and their families receive food and gifts. Deadline is Dec. 1. Go to Kyrenefoundation.org.

Tickets to the venerable Ahwatukee Nutcracker now on sale

Tickets are on sale for the 22nd annual production of the Ahwatukee Nutcracker and there’s two special aspects to Studio 111 owner Kimberly owner’s beloved production that features scores of performers ages 3-19. First, it will be in person at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 18 and 1 p.m. Dec. 19. And it will be held at one of the Valley’s newest and swankiest venues – the Madison Center for the Arts at 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix. There will be the traditional appearance by Santa Claus at both afternoon shows as well. Tickets are $25, $35 and $45 with assigned seating. They can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. Information on the Nutcracker: 480-706-6040.

Tukee Trot to resume this year after pandemic cancellation last year

Hans Laudon is helping to bring back the Tukee Trot, a full range of foot-propelled, day-after-Thanksgiving activity to benefit the Kyrene Foundation for Families’ Winter Wonderland. Despite an unusual downpour in 2019, the inaugural Tukee Trot drew throngs of runners and walkers. Then, last year the pandemic forced its cancellation. “We look forward to building on the successful event in 2019,” Loudon said. This is a non-profit, volunteer-only event so the registration fees all go to the Kyrene Foundation. In addition, participants are asked to bring a $20 Walmart gift card the day of the race or packet pick-up. Laudon also recommends early registration, noting, “we had to limit and close registration early at 500 participants due to strong interest and support. The event, which begins at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 26 at Desert Vista High School, includes a 5K run and walk that is chptimed so people can start at their leisure to run, racer or walk. Registration includes dri-fit T-shirt and all finishers receive 15 oz. mugs. and post-race refreshments and there are age-group awards for the top finishers. Information/registration: raceroster.com/ events/2021/49892/tukee-trot-5k or tukeetrot@cox.net. The team is still accepting sponsors.

St. John Bosco Catholic School slates big open house tomorrow

As it continues its 20th anniversary, St. John Bosco Catholic School is holding an open house 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Nov. 11. The Pre-K-8 school, on 48th Street just south of Chandler Boulevard, will have staff and teachers available to discuss details on the educational program. For details: 480-219-4848 or admissions@sjbosco.org.

‘Poetry in the Park’ draws creatives to Tempe’s Kiwanis Park

Ahwatukee poets and those who appreciate poetry are invited to Poetry in the Park, presented by the East Valley Poets 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 20 at Tempe Kiwanis Park. The East Valley Poets is a branch of the Arizona State Poetry Society. The free recital will include water for spectators, who are encouraged to brign a lawn chair or blanket. Details: evpoets@yahoo.com, or eastvalleypoets. wordpress.com.

Ahwatukee author to speak at local women’s club luncheon

Ahwatukee Foothills Friends, and Neighbors, a group for Ahwatukee women, will hold their monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 22 with Ahwatukee author Violetta “Vy” Armour. Armour wrote the award-winning book “I’ll Always Be With You” and the sequel, “Still With You” among many books and essays she has published. Coat is $20 and women can register by emailing affanwomensgroup@gmail.com by Sunday, Nov. 14.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosting a Christmas special

wreaths and a memorial ceremony. Volunteers will begin gathering around 8 a.m. for light refreshments and the laying of the wreaths will begin at 9 a.m., Whitaker said. The formal ceremony will start at 10 a.m. and will be streamed on Facebook Live on the Valley of the Sun Cemetery, Chandler Elks, and the Exchange Clubs of Chandler and Phoenix Facebook pages. To help: wreathsacrossamerica.org/AZ0144P.

Tuesday park day for homeschooling families in Ahwatukee

Homeschooling families are invited to join facilitator Cheryl Wedell of Ahwatukee for fun activities 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Vista Canyon Park, near Desert Vista High School. Restrooms are available and parents are asked to bring their own water and park toys and games to share.

Foothills Pool, Goodman Taylor Team planning 2 holiday events Foothills Pool Care and Repair, 3233 E> Chandler Blvd., and the Goodman Taylor Team, both Ahwatukee, are planning various free holiday events to benefit the nonprofit Hope for the Homeless. Foothills Pool – joined by mortgage advisor Pete Levas – will host a Winter Wonderland with photos with Santa 5-8 p.m. Dec. 17. Information: facebook.com/ events/3101541573424064/?ti=ls annual They will collect new blankets, socks and underwear

for Hope for the Homeless.

Ahwatukee prof’s program hosting MLK’s daughter online

Ahwatukee resident Dr. Neal Lester, Arizona State University’s Foundation Professor of English, founded Project Humanities 10 years ago “to demystify humanities and to demonstrate humanities in action” by talking, listening and connecting. He will host Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of the civil rights leader and CEO of the Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, in Atlanta. King, a global thought leader, advocate, orator will join Lester in a discussion titled “Looking Back to Move Forward: Are We Losing Our Humanity?’’ “Dr. King’s extensive background through her Nonviolence365 principles in schools, media, and politics and her leadership in “Better Together: Racial Reconciliation” provides an invaluable perspective regarding reflections upon past, present, and future of humanity,” Lester said. The free virtual event is 2-4 p.m. Nov. 13 on Project Humanities’ Facebook page. Information: projecthumanities.asu.edu.

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ahwatukee will “A Christmas Nativity” with local choirs, live animals and hot cocoa 6-8 p.m. Dec. 10 at 2955 E. Frye Road. The highlight of the evening is an outdoor walk through a luminary path that tells the story of Jesus’ birth. The free event is open to the public. Parking is available at Desert Vista High School.

Foothills Golf Course Ladies League ready to hit the links

The Foothills Golf Course Ladies League is open for play. 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.

Exchange Club in Ahwatukee seeks support for wreath program

The Exchange Clubs of Chandler and Ahwatukee are working with Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery in Chandler for the sixth annual Chandler Wreaths Across America Day event on Dec. 18. Their goal is to raise enough money to place wreaths on approximately 2,800 veterans’ graves at Valley of the Sun Cemetery. Last year, approximately 1,800 wreaths were sponsored and organizer Mark Whitaker said, “We will need help from the community to achieve the goal of sponsoring 2,800 wreaths.” Chandler’s annual event consists of laying out the

The Altadeña Middle School JV Volleyball team won the the Kyrene School District JV Volleyball Championship last week after defeating the #1 seeded team Akimel-A-al in the semifinals and then defeating the #2 seeded Aprende in the championship. The #4 seeded Panthers lost the first set against Aprende 25-17, rallied to win the second set 25-18 and then went on to win the third set 17-15. Pictured above are players Jenna Van Lew, Macey Vollmers, Georgia Dana, Kennedy Sorensen, Piper Gravin, Tory Miller, Adaya Rodriguez, Trinity Rodriguez, Carlyn Newman, Presley Buller, Gloria Chair, Makenzie Owes Bristyn Burness, Avery Gattuso and Luna Przewlocki. Coaches are Mile Smith and Sara Adams. (Special to AFN)

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

The Thunder Marching Band gave a bravura performance in September, Desert Vista Principal Mike Deignan said. (Twitter)

BANDS from page 29

held at Buckeye High School. This year there are only 26 bands in this division. Camp Verde High School is hosting two division championships - 3A & 4A for bands of 75-104 members and 105+ members, respectively. Division 3A has 12 bands competing, while 4A has eight. The Desert Vista Thunder Marching Band competes in the 4A Division of AzMBA at Camp Verde Nov. 13, and the following weekend, Nov. 20, will head to the ABODA State Championships at Glendale Community College . The Thunder also have felt the decline of members post-pandemic. The multiple State champs have 111 members this year, down from 161 in 2018, and 150 in 2019. This Saturday’s Marching Band Championships at Mountain Point are a muchneeded financial boon for the Lionheart Marching Band program. Werner describes it as “the economic engine” for the program as the proceeds from this year’s event will be used to benefit the marching band in 2022-23. “This year the Booster Executive Board and I chose to make the cost of marching participation zero dollars for students,”

he said. “We anticipated that our families would be feeling the financial impact of the pandemic, and we didn’t want cost to be a barrier to any student participating,” said Werner. “We spent very little of the 2019 championship proceeds during the pandemic last year, waiting for this year and in-person school, and band, to resume. That’s how we were able to use the 2019 Championship proceeds to make this season zero cost for our band students.” This is the first year for the Lionheart Marching Band’s newest uniforms, which they will wear at the competition. “We, the Lionhearts, are excited to be returning to championships as competitors, not to mention serving as hosts,” said Werner. Saturday’s AzMBA Division 1-A Marching Championships, held at Mountain Pointe High School Stadium, starts at 10:30 a.m. with the first band performing, and continues through the day until the final performance at 8:42 p.m. The daylong ticket price is $15 for general admission, $10 for senior citizens and current/former military, and children under three admitted free. Concessions will be available and are sold by MPHS Band Boosters. ■

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

BUSINESS

Business AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

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Mega indoor pickleball venue coming to Chandler BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

t was only a matter of time and Chandler resident Mike Rodrigues is seizing the moment. Sometime in the first three months of 2022, he plans to open Pickleball Kingdom, a 16-court indoor facility in Chandler that will eliminate the biggest problem facing devotees of the fast-growing sport: Arizona’s weather. And not just the 100-plus-degree temps that come with it. “For the serious and advanced player, the elements have to go,” said Rodrigues, who is retrofitting the anchor – a Gold’s Gym – of the strip mall on the northeast corner of Rural and Ray roads where an Oct. 1 gas explosion injured four men. “I never thought of Arizona as windy until I started playing pickleball,” he explained. “Since it is a whiffle ball, the slightest amount of breeze can carry what would have been a great cut shot and land it 2 inches out of bounds. Playing indoors

Mike Rodrigues plans to debut Pickleball Kingdom, an indoor 16-court venue, in Chandler in early 2022. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) will take all the extraneous elements out so that the only thing that affects your game – is your game. And that’s what the best players want, to let their game stand on its own.” “Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America because it’s fun,” he added.

“What’s not fun is waiting for a court, playing in the heat, and having the wind affect your game. We’ve solved all those problems.” Along with 16 courts and air conditioning, Rodrigues has a number of amenities planned for Pickleball Kingdom: member-

cal clinics and doctor’s offices will grow by 4.2 percent. And there will be a 4.5 percent annual increase in jobs at nursing homes and other residential care facilities. The state Office of Economic Opportunity figures that overall employment in all sectors will grow by 2.2 percent annually. By contrast, job growth in the rest of the country is projected to be just 0.7 percent a year. Several things are driving all that, starting with the steady rise in online shopping. Doug Walls, the agency’s labor market information director, said the pandemic really boosted online buying, going as high at 15.7 percent of total purchases nationally. That has dropped a bit as consumers feel more comfortable going back into stores – but just to 13.3 percent. “But it’s likely to continue that upward trend as consumers get more comfortable

with online shopping and as it just becomes more convenient for them as well,’’ Walls said. Of course, that comes at the expense of brick-and-mortar retailers. The agency predicts that employment in retail trade will lag at just 0.8 percent a year. As to health care jobs, think about a graying Arizona: More older folks mean greater medical needs. Walls cites a study showing that nearly half of any individual’s lifetime medical expenses are incurred during the senior years, meaning those 65 and older. Construction employment also is expected to outpace the statewide average. What’s driving that starts with population growth. Walls said the number of Arizonans is increasing by about 1.8 percent a year,

ships, an app to make reservations, tournaments and leagues, a pro shop, locker rooms and showers, a lounge, snack bar and even beer and wine. And he’ll be carving out times and places for birthday parties, corporate events and similar activities that are virtually impossible to arrange at a public park. He’ll even have ball machines, similar to those used in tennis, that will spit out the whiffle balls so players can work on their swing. Pickleball Kingdom assuredly will be the largest indoor pickleball venue in the state and one of the largest, if not the biggest, in the country. Rodrigues sees it as the next iteration in a sport that has taken off like wildfire – first among athletically-inclined and health-focused senior citizens and now a sport that has caught on with people of all ages. The National Pickleball Association saw its membership increase by 650 percent between 2013 and 2019.

see PICKLE page 34

State sees strong job growth the rest of decade BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

f you can drive a truck, move a package or dress a wound you’re likely to have no problem finding employment between now and the end of the decade. And that’s because more people are shopping online and a greater percentage of Arizonans are becoming senior citizens in need of health care. A new report Thursday shows that warehouse employment is projected to increase at the rate of 5 percent a year through 2030. Think all those fulfillment centers for Amazon and other online retailers. And the demand for the folks delivering all those items will rise 4.4 percent a year. The state Office of Economic Opportunity also figures that employment at medi-

largely due to people moving here from other states. That was good enough to rank second in the country in 2020. The national average is 0.4 percent. All that translates into the need for more housing, which has not kept pace with demand. Home prices in Arizona increased 18.7 percent between the second quarter of this year and the same time a year earlier. That’s the largest year-over-year increase in 14 years. That, said Walls, will provide an incentive for more construction and a need for more workers. It’s not just that demand for home ownership that is driving that need. He said that the current vacancy rate for

see JOB GROWTH page 34

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

PICKLE from page 33

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association, which tracks the popularity of sports through the sale of related merchandise, estimated that from 2018 to the end of last year, the number of active pickleball players has grown from 3.1 million to 4.2 million. That growth included a 21.3 percent increase last year over 2019 as the pandemic forced Americans to rethink social distancing and the value of socializing outdoors, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association said. Municipalities can’t keep up with the demand for more free places to play and have spent millions of dollars over the last five years to try and feed the voracious appetite for courts. But Rodrigues said all those facilities still have the disadvantage of weather. “In the summer, people only play at night because it’s too hot,” he said. “But even when the weather is better, the sun is a factor since no one wants to be in for too long for fear of contracting skin cancer.” Then there are the waits for court times at many public parks. “For the novice player,” Rodrigues said, “it will simply be a much better experience. For them, reserving courts is everything since they don’t play that often, so spending half their time waiting for a court to open up is a deal breaker.” Rodrigues’ business model differs from the few indoor facilities nationally that combine restaurants and outdoor play ar-

JOB GROWTH from page 33

residential rentals is at 4.7 percent, a figure he said is at near historic lows. Walls said that, too, will mean the need for more workers. The new report also predicts a strong rebound for the leisure and hospitality sector, which was hard hit and fast by the COVID outbreak. In just the two months between February and April 2020, total employment

Clarification

Executive Men’s Grooming at 4605 E. Chandler Blvd., employs four barbers and two stylists. A story in last week’s AFN was unclear about barbers on the premises.

Mike Rodrigues said his Pickleball Kingdom will eliminate the biggest bane to the game: Arizona’s weather. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) eas – with fewer courts. “Those are looking to be to pickleball what Top Golf is to golf,” he said. “There’s a market and need for that. It will introduce a lot of new people to the sport and they will be able to play in a very recreational environment. “But they will still have to deal with the sun, heat, cold, and wind. Within that golf analogy Pickleball Kingdom would be, instead of Top Golf, a championship golf course with a driving range. The environment and expectation will be very different.” He noted that technology “has radically improved paddles, rules are being tweaked to optimize the sport and national regulatory bodies are jockeying for position. I be-

dropped by 146,600 jobs. That’s more than 43 percent of those working in the industry. It has recovered somewhat, though it still remains about 25,000 below its preCOVID peak of 336,200. Walls believes employment at hotels and resorts will grow at the rate of 3.7 percent a year between now and the end of the decade. He also predicts a 2.6 percent annual growth rate at bars and restaurants as they recover those lost jobs.

lieve the next iteration in pickleball’s evolution is to bring the sport indoors.” A player for only about two years, Rodrigues said he was hooked on pickleball “in less than five minutes” his first time on the courts. “What’s so enticing about pickleball is that the initial learning curve is so short,” he said. “In 10 minutes, the average person will be able to play a somewhat decent game. That’s unheard of for most sports. “For example, I took up golf seriously about two years ago. As a former college quarterback, I foolishly believed that my hand-eye coordination would allow me to breeze through the steep learning curve of that sport. Well, after tons of practice on

On the other side of the equation, the report predicts a decline in employment at stores that sell electronics and appliances, likely the flip side of the trend toward online purchases. Ditto the number of people working in selling sporting goods, hobby items and books. And there will be fewer people working in publishing in 2030 than now, with the lone exception being internet firms. All this, Walls cautioned, assumes no major disruptions in the economy, includ-

the range, countless rounds of golf, lessons and a new set of clubs, golf is still kicking my butt. Whether someone has athletic ability or none whatsoever, they will be able to get into their pickleball groove quickly. Then, once a player is competent, there’s a whole new level of play that they can aspire to. You can get good quickly but never master it… which keeps you coming back to play.” And his business will cater to that appetite for improvement with his drop-in times, leagues and tournaments. “Since you can’t play pickleball by yourself, a universal problem is finding people to play with, ideally at or around your same skill level,” he said. “What we will have at Pickleball Kingdom are daily drop-in play times, where people can sign up on our mobile app and then just show up. They will be placed into games with others who are rated at the same level as they are.” Then, he believes, the monthly tourneys and weekly leagues will further help the pickleball community “to grow, thrive, and elevate together.” “Pickleball’s popularity is enormous and growing,” he added. “People want to play. And once they play indoors, void of all the elements but with the comforts of a club, we believe that they’ll recognize that playing indoors on dedicated, outdoor surfaced courts is the way to go.” Enthusiasts can follow Pickleball Kingdom’s development on Facebook and by signing up for announcements at PickleballKingdom.com. ■

ing from COVID, though he noted that the infection rate has increased since August. The largest employment growth will come in Maricopa County, where a 2.4 percent annual growth rate in jobs is expected. But Pima County, at No. 2 populationwise, will actually see just a 1.3 percent annual job growth, putting it no higher than No. 8 among the 15 counties. Instead, it is Pinal County that will have the second fastest job growth at 2.2 percent. ■

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BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

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ROD HOFELING

The RE/MAX brand has also been a factor in Hofeling’s office’s success. “With a global reach of over 37 countries, we are able to tap into buyers all over the world,” he said, adding that he is currently hiring experienced real estate agents. While low inventory over the last year caused home prices to soar to record levels, Hofeling said he has seen an increase in available properties as well as a tapering of prices. Many of the buyers that have felt “shut out” in the past year are now finding success in obtaining a home, he noted. Hofeling said he enjoys staying in touch with many of his clients. “One of the most rewarding aspects of this career is meeting strangers, guiding them through a complex process and in the end creating some lifelong relationships built on trust.” RE/MAX Foothills is located at 1345 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 219, Ahwatukee. For more information, call 480-3362900 or visit azfoothillsrealty.com. ■

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OPINION

Opinion 38

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

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Open letter to TU Board on ‘ill-advised’ SRO vote

e have, between all of us, more than a century of school board service in Tempe/Ahwatukee Foothills/Chandler and Phoenix. We know our community. We know that our community has many differing viewpoints. And, most importantly, we know that we must always keep our ears, minds and hearts open to one another. Our diversity as a community is what makes us what we are. We love and support our Tempe Union family of schools and we rise now to defend them. On behalf of our students, staff and parents, we ask that all of you reading this join in our call, too. The Tempe Union Governing Board has taken a sudden, unprecedented and ill-advised narrow vote to disband all school resource officers (SROs). These are the highly trained individuals who are NOT police, per se, but are active school community players who are fully invested in their love of students, highly capable of dealing with not just safety or threats, but health and emotional issues as well. These are not just officers sitting in a patrol car in the parking lot and glaring at kids. For goodness sakes, these men and women are integral partners in the school culture of safety, equity and respect. The resolution adopted by a narrow 3-2 margin says that it seeks to address “equitable discipline practices.” Actually, it does nothing of the sort. SROs do not set policy, advance arbitrary disciplinary measures, nor counter the directives of the school governing board. They follow them. Their service being questioned now is unworthy and forces

Got s? New

a negative debate of anecdotal trashing. But the board majority says that they wish to “build positive community relationships, ensure a safe learning environment for students and staff, and address students’ and staff social and emotional needs.” However, as a governing board, one might wish to acknowledge that if you have the slightest interest in supporting staff, you actually need to listen to them, too. Over 90 percent of Tempe Union staff support the SRO program according to a recent survey, including every single school principal. So much for the “emotional needs” of staff. As for building “positive community relationships” one might start by not ignoring your community voices. That means, as difficult as it is, listening to every perspective, being deliberate, taking the time to hear from the diverse and wonderful community of voices that we are. This resolution completely muzzles parent and community leaders who are now joining us in the ranks of the alarmed since we are all simply being told that SROs will go away. We believe and many others believe that this perspective, in all actuality, recklessly ignores student equity, health and safety in favor of political pandering. Make no mistake, police reform and long overdue student equity issues must be discussed as we continue to grow as a community and learn how to better interact with one another on behalf of our most precious resource, our children. As difficult as this process can be for many, we know that this is exactly what must be done as past governing board members.

But the action you have taken is not that. Your action is pure politics and anecdotal hysteria run amok. How else can we view a governing board resolution that states the solution is to eliminate SROs before the study demanded of the superintendent is actually made? In other words, study this and come to a pre-ordained recommendation and conclusion because it has already been decided. No need to further discuss, listen or understand. Trust us, you do not have it figured out. We do not state this out of hubris. We say this out of the learning experiences we have all had as governing board members and that we now hope you will engage with us as partners by not just ruling over us. We join you in this admission, that sometimes we just don’t get it right. We know that this is not because any of us are bad people or that we have bad intentions. It is because we are human. Sometimes our filters get clogged. Maybe “COVID Crazy” takes over. Sometimes, we just have a bad day. We temporarily think that the voices we listen to are the only voices that matter. We all do it. We’ve all done it. It is always wrong. We have heard from many, many folks in the last few weeks. They represent every nook, corner and cranny of our community. And we also have anecdotal evidence regarding the positive impact SROs have on our students and staff. One Tempe Union student, for example, responded this way to the question, “What do you think of the Governing Board voting to remove SROs from

your campus?” The answer, “I don’t think that’s a good idea. We have like 3,000 kids on campus and not one trained security person? We really like our SRO. He goes into the Academic Lab and teaches us about crime, laws, and forensic evidence. He’s really cool.” Students see the SROs as another support person they can trust and turn to when they need help. And yes, ALL students should feel this way based on trust and personal safety! They won’t get that by our governing board playing politics with the SROs – and they never will if this resolution is fully enacted. Please take the time now to actually listen to your SROs and stop labeling them as part of the problem when actually their role is to support the school culture of safety, security, and student equity as their highest priority. It begins with intense additional training on top of their public safety service that demands they be willing to put their lives on the line for us every day they are on the job. We respectfully wish to join you, Tempe Union Governing Board members, not fight with you. Please reconsider this resolution at your next meeting, set it aside, and offer a long term, thoughtful dialogue with all of us. Let us help you deal with student equity. Let us help you ensure students, faculty and staff really are safe and secure on Tempe Union’s campuses. We are committed to it. Signed: Dick Foreman, Sandy Lowe, Robin Arredondo Savage, Zita Johnson, MaryLou Taylor, Michelle Helm ■

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

OPINION

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Biden inaction leaving Arizona seniors behind BY KAREN BARNO AFN Guest Writer

rizona’s senior living facilities serve about 45,000 older residents, a population equal to the town of Prescott. These elderly grandparents, parents, veterans and retirees are being left behind by the Biden Administration, which has made combatting the COVID pandemic a top policy priority but has failed to deploy available federal resources to protect Arizona’s most vulnerable age group. While our state’s senior living communities have fought hard to safeguard residents for the last 18 months, these communities need access to federal assistance ASAP. Without this vital help, many will close their doors, creating a housing crisis for seniors at the exact moment they need safe places to live. Assisted living swiftly established new health protocols, added personal protective equipment, enhanced infection prevention and control measures and supported employees who accepted greater

risk themselves with benefits like hero pay. These actions worked but came with at a substantial cost – one that has yet to be met by equivalent federal funding allocations. Nearly two-thirds of assisted living facilities reporting no COVID-related deaths at all, highlighting the effectiveness of preventative efforts. But to make their efforts a success, Arizona senior living communities incurred nearly $750 million in expenses and lost revenue due to the related slowdown in incoming residents while facilities remained locked down. Nationwide, senior living communities have suffered nearly $30 billion in expenses and losses. Congress recognized that healthcare providers could not sustain losses on that scale and if they went bankrupt and closed it would compound a pandemic with a senior housing crisis. In 2020, bipartisan legislation created a Provider Relief Fund and supplied it with $178 billion with the intention of offsetting these losses and ensuring senior living communities in Arizona and across the country remained open. While Congress acted swiftly, the Biden Administration

has not, leaving your neighbors in memory care, assisted living, and Alzheimer’s communities behind. Only $14 billion of the Provider Relief Fund remains undistributed despite a resurgent virus. Of the money that has been distributed, less than 1 percent has gone to assisted living facilities. In Arizona, our 2,135 assisted living communities have collectively received approximately $15 million in federal aid to address nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars in expenses and losses. Members of Congress have recognized that failure to distribute federal relief funds quickly and equitably is not a path out of the pandemic, but a path toward bankruptcy. Arizona’s U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema has led a bipartisan group including Senator Mark Kelly to urge the Biden Administration to act, writing: “Immediate targeted financial relief that equitably provides resources to these caregivers as other comparable long-term care providers is necessary. These resources will help offset the continued expenses for PPE, staffing, infection prevention and control,

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vaccine administration, and testing.” It has been discouraging to watch the Biden Administration ignore these calls for action and neglect Arizona’s senior living communities by failing to provide an equitable, targeted distribution of vital federal financial aid. The administration’s inaction means financial peril for assisted living caregivers as the Delta variant of COVID continues to impact daily life. The more than 45,000 seniors who reside in Arizona’s assisted living facilities can’t afford continued inaction by the Biden Administration The Biden Administration should direct U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to immediately provide targeted Provider Relief Funds to healthcare providers, including assisted living caregivers, quickly and equitably and help us protect Arizona’s vulnerable senior citizens. Mr. President, don’t leave Arizona’s seniors behind, again. Karen Barno is president and CEO of Arizona Assisted Living Federation of America. ■

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Impact players to watch in the 25th Ahwatukee Bowl ~ Desert Vista ~

JACKSON AKINS AND BRAXTON THOMAS BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

t’s that time of year once again. The one time in which the community comes together to rally behind one of the two big high schools in the Ahwatukee community. It’s the annual Ahwatukee Bowl. And this year’s game has more meaning to it. Both teams are vying for playoff posi-

CHRISTIAN CLARK AND DEVON GRUBBS

TAVIAN DENNIS, HAYDEN ENGEL AND ANTONIO DELGADO

JAI RODRIGUEZ AND AIDEN MIKUS

tioning. Both teams are turning the page on difficult seasons in the past. But perhaps most importantly, both teams want to take the lead in a series that is currently tied at 12 games apiece. Here are some impact players to watch from both teams that will attempt to get that coveted Ahwatukee Bowl trophy.

The quarterback duo of junior Jackson Akins, “left,” and sophomore Braxton Thomas will be key for the Thunder against a scrappy Mountain Pointe defense on Friday. Akins, the starter through the first half of the season before Thomas and senior quarterback Xavier Castillo became eligible, has passed for 860 yards this season and seven touchdowns. Castillo has transitioned to a new position, leaving the door open for Thomas, who has had lim-

ited pass attempts, to compete alongside Akins. Desert Vista coach Ty Wisdom said the two will share reps in the Tukee Bowl.

Desert Vista

Jackson Akins and Braxton Thomas

Christian Clark and Devon Grubbs Sophomore running back Christian Clark, “left,” has taken control of the backfield in the absence of senior Devon Grubbs, who suffered a shoulder injury

see IMPACT page 42

Thunder win over Chavez, Pride come up short against Queen Creek BY CHRIS FAHRENDORF AND JAKE HEDEBY AFN Contributing Writers

ith two weeks left in the Arizona football regular season, Desert Vista has positioned itself just inside the cutoff for the 6A Conference playoffs. Needing a win to potentially solidify its spot in the postseason, the Thunder knew they needed to knock off a Cesar Chavez team desperate for a win to stay in contention itself. Both squads have had fluctuating success this season. The Thunder (3-5) struggled against the top competition in the state, taking care of business in three weeks against inferior teams. Which is the same route the Champions have taken. But on Friday night, it was all Thunder, who walked away with a convincing

45-7 victory. Desert Vista coach Wisdom prefers his team focus on the now, and the Thunder did exactly that from the first snap. Coming into the week they felt like the running game would be available and it proved to be true, totally over 300 rushing yards as a team “There were some things we thought we could expose, and the kids did a nice job,” said Wisdom. The first drive was a sign of what was more to come, as Braxton Thomas start-

see THUNDER page 43

Desert Vista kept its playoff hopes alive last Friday with a dominating win over Cesar Chavez. (AFN File Photo)

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

IMPACT from page 41

that required surgery against Highland in Week 4. Before his injury, Grubbs was well on his way to a 1,000-yard season, rushing for 519 yards on 64 carries and eight touchdowns in those four games. But Clark has proven to be efficient at a young age, rushing for 352 yards and seven touchdowns since taking lead-back responsibilities. It isn’t yet clear whether Grubbs

will be available for the Tukee Bowl as he continues to heal from his injury.

Tavian Dennis, Hayden Engel and Antonio Delgado Desert Vista’s defense has done its job on several occasions when its offense has sputtered against some opponents. Much of that can be credited to senior defensive back Tavian Dennis, “left,” senior linebacker Hayden Engel and junior linebacker

Antonio Delgado. The trio has combined for 50 total tackles and 10 tackles for loss. They also have one sack each. Along with defensive backs Cade Colemere and Gavin Chavez, they will be required to slow down Mountain Pointe’s quick wideouts on Friday. Jai Rodriguez and Aiden Mikus Now in his third year as a varsity starter, senior Jai Rodriguez, “left,” has taken con-

trol of the Thunder offensive line that has allowed its ball carriers to rush for near 1,000 yards this season. He and senior center Aiden Mikus lead a group that is still without starter David Nation, who adds a 6-foot-4 frame to the middle of the line. A physical group, they are battle tested and will face a quick and powerful defensive front from the Pride.

~ Mountain Pointe ~

CHRIS ARVISO

AMIER BOYD

JAY’LEN RUSHING, AMIRE WILLIAMS AND DEVON SPARKS

JACK PLOTE AND KALEB JONES

Chris Arviso Junior quarterback Chris Arviso took over this season as the full-time starter under center and it has paid dividends for the Pride. Despite missing two games earlier in the season, he’s thrown for 1,353 yards and eight touchdowns, which has put the Pride in position to secure a playoff spot. His presence allows offensive coordinator Brian Whitacre to open up the offense, which gives other opportunities to the athletes around him.

in the defensive secondary who isn’t afraid to make a hit or chase down an opposing ball carrier. His elite speed and aggressive play make a difference on a weekly basis for the Pride, and he’s eager to again go up against Desert Vista in his second Tukee Bowl.

ground while splitting carries. Sparks also has 207 receiving yards and a pair of scores. Few teams have been able to slow down the Pride’s backs this season.

tackle Kaleb Jones are two of the main reasons Mountain Pointe has been able to rush for over 1,500 yards as a team this season and has one of the top offenses in the state. If the Pride are looking for a few yards to pick up the first down, they run behind these two. If they are looking to roll Arviso out of the pocket, they often do it behind Plote and Jones. The two have become the anchors for the offensive line. But don’t be surprised if they also line up on defense. It is the Tukee Bowl after all, and while Jones has started both ways for the Pride all season, Plote has been itching for a shot on defense. ■

Amier Boyd Senior athlete Amier Boyd has been a do-it-all player for the Pride this season. Not only does he make an impact on offense at wideout and quarterback when needed, he also has become a ball hawk

Jay’len Rushing, Amire Williams and Devon Sparks Forget having a one-two punch in the backfield, Mountain Pointe has a threeheaded monster in junior Jay’len Rushing and seniors Amire Williams and Devon Sparks. All three have speed. All three can break through tackles. And all three have the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. They’ve combined this season for 961 yards and 11 touchdowns on the

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JaJuan Kennedy Senior linebacker JuJuan Kennedy is always around the ball on defense, which has played a big role in his team-high 45 solo tackles this season. He’s an aggressive linebacker who isn’t afraid to come down hill and meet a running back head on. Kennedy has earned praise from head coach Eric Lauer for his play this season, and he’s been impactful for the Pride in in their hunt for a spot in the postseason. Jack Plote and Kaleb Jones Senior guard Jack Plote and freshman

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

THUNDER from page 41

ed at quarterback, and was relentless with his feet. After rushing for more than 50 yards on the drive by himself, an 8-yard pitch to Christian Clark started the scoring for the Thunder. “We liked the matchup on the line of scrimmage, and we thought we could bully them with me and Clark running the ball,” Thomas said. “We executed well tonight.” Thomas finished the game with 16 carries for 169 yards and two touchdowns. With his read option partner for the night, Clark, racking up 136 yards and three touchdowns on only 13 carries. Clark capped off his big night with a 66-yard touchdown that officially put the game out of reach in the third quarter. “It felt awesome. Amazing to contribute and help the team win,” Clark said, adding that the option was working in the first quarter, leading to his big game. “We were getting 10 yards a pop, so we couldn’t go away from it.” Both Clark and Wisdom emphasized how important these next five days of practice are going to be after the win. “This is our last opportunity to make the playoffs, if we lose next week we are done,” Clark said. “These next five days are our last chance, we have to go all out.” If the remaining injured players are able to return, such as senior Devon Grubbs, it increases their chances of winning. But Clark has proven he is up for the potential challenge. Wisdom knows his team is up for it as well, he just emphasizes what this next week means and what they have to do to be successful. “We have got to clean penalties up and we have to practice better this week,” Wisdom said. “It’s going to be a dog fight next Friday night.” While the Thunder took control early over Cesar Chavez, Mountain Pointe had to come from behind to challenge Queen Creek, one of the top teams in the state.

Mountain Pointe played one of its best games of the season Friday night against Queen Creek but fell short to one of the state’s best. (AFN File Photo) The Pride ended up falling to the Bulldogs, 36-32, but they proved they have the ability to compete with any team. On Mountain Pointe’s first drive a Queen Creek defender tipped an Arviso

pass and it fell into the hands of Gavin Candell who returned the interception 56 yards for a touchdown. The Pride and Bulldogs traded multiple touchdowns throughout the rest of

Desert Vista sophomore quarterback Braxton Thomas and running back Christian Clark ran through Cesar Chavez Friday night. (Jake Hedeby/AFN Contributor)

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the first half and Mountain Pointe found themselves trailing 21-15 at halftime. After a first half of back-and-forth touchdowns, the script flipped in the third quarter. Mountain Pointe’s defense toughened up and did not allow the Bulldogs to score a single point in the quarter. As for their offense, a Mountain Pointe drive stalled in the red zone where they were forced to kick a 24-yard field goal, bringing the score to 21-18. In the fourth quarter, another shootout emerged. Running back Amire Williams put the Pride on his back on their first drive of the quarter with runs of 25 and 24 yards. He then capped off the drive with a one-yard touchdown that put Mountain Pointe up by three. Queen Creek quarterback Sebastian Tomerlin subsequently led the Bulldogs down the field where they were faced with a fourth-and-goal from the two-yard line. The Bulldogs took a timeout and called a trick play of their own where receiver Davey Morales received a pitch and threw to Tomerlin for a touchdown. But the game was not over just yet. Arviso led the Pride down the field once again, but this time Jay’len Rushing punched in the five-yard touchdown to go up by two. Rushing and Williams combined for 32 carries, 170 rushing yards and three touchdowns. As for Arviso ii, he finished the night completing 23 passes for 216 yards, one touchdown and one interception. But down two with under three minutes left, Tomerlin still had some magic left in him as he connected with wide receiver Chayce Rosales for a 51-yard touchdown to take the lead for good. Up next for Mountain Pointe is its rival Desert Vista. Lauer said that heading into that matchup he wants his team to prepare the same way they have every single week this season. “You try not to make it more than it is, but it’s our neighboring school and we respect them and their new staff and what they’re doing over there,” Lauer said. “It’ll be a great week.” ■

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Tukee Bowl 2021: Playoff implications on the line BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

he Ahwatukee Bowl between the two neighborhood schools always meant something, regardless of record. There’s the bragging right aspect, the ability to claim they “run Tukee” until next year’s game. It often helps feed into the winter and spring, where Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista go to battle on the court and diamond. At times, the atmosphere and overall intensity from the rivalry carries over. But this year, the 25th year, is different. Both teams have improved drastically from last year. Both fan bases have been allowed to cheer on their respective team in person. Both teams seem to be on track for the postseason. And for both teams, this is a playoff game. “This is a huge game for both of us to work our way back into the playoffs,” Mountain Pointe coach Eric Lauer said. “This is what we do. Both programs, we expect to be in the playoffs. We set a culture with our players that that is something we do. It’s our goal to get back there. “When you have a rival game that creates that type of excitement, I think it’s cool.” Mountain Pointe showed last year what a win in the Tukee Bowl can do for a program trying to rebuild. It motivated the Pride to immediately start their offseason program. The team was constantly in the weight room — something they weren’t able to do due to COVID the year prior. They were on the field working on a variety of things, from plyometrics to the route tree. The Pride’s win in last year’s Tukee Bowl over Desert Vista allowed the program to hit the reset button. And the momentum carried over to this year, where

Desert Vista coach Ty Wisdom, in his first Tukee Bowl with the Thunder, knows how much this game means to the community. Even more so now with both teams in playoff contention heading into the final week of the regular season. (David Minton/AFN Staff) the Pride started the season 2-0 for the first time since 2016. Now 4-5, the Pride are, as of Monday, the No. 11 team in the 6A Conference. Their ranking likely won’t move much regardless of the outcome of the game against Desert Vista. But they aren’t thinking that way. To the Pride, the playoffs have already begun. “Last year, it was just the Tukee Bowl. That was it,” Mountain Pointe junior quarterback Chris Arviso said. “This year, it’s like a playoff game for us. We want to defend the trophy and then move past the Tukee Bowl and continue to chase big things. It would mean a lot to us.” Desert Vista is carrying with it that same mindset. The Thunder were on the receiving end of a lopsided loss last year to the Pride.

Many players called it embarrassing, and they vowed to turn around the program after finishing the shortened season winless. Desert Vista has had a rough go with its schedule, where it played three of the top teams in the state in Highland, Basha and Hamilton in back-to-back-to-back weeks. It raised the Thunder’s strength of schedule, which helped them stay in playoff contention at No. 14 as of Monday. But a win over Cesar Chavez last week to improve their record to 4-5 likely helped them secure a spot in the postseason. But there’s still more work to be done. “I know how big this is to the town of Ahwatukee,” said Desert Vista sophomore running back Christian Clark, who watched his older brother, Jaden, play in the rivalry game. “It’s going to take everything to win. Hard work at practice, no days off and go full speed in everything. “I’m excited for this game. I don’t want to lose to Mountain Pointe, ever.” Clark is one of a handful of players who will experience the Tukee Bowl at the varsity level for the first time. He has taken control of the Thunder backfield in the absence of Devon Grubbs, who may still be sidelined for the rivalry game with a shoulder injury suffered in Week 4. The sophomore has been electric and had his first three-touchdown game a week ago against Chavez. But now his sights are set on making the same type of impact in the Tukee Bowl. Along with Clark, other members of the Desert Vista football team are newcomers to the game, including most of the coaching staff. Hired in December, head coach Ty Wisdom and the staff he brought in have only ever heard about what the game means to

the two schools and community. Now, he’s experienced it. He’s been in a fair share of rivalries, most recently against Pinnacle when he was at Horizon. But this one is different. And he knows it. “It’s definitely an exciting time. These are the games they are going to talk about, and they are going to remember,” Wisdom said. “My last interview question to get hired was what I would do if we were tied up going for two against Mountain Pointe. They put me on the board. “This is an important game for the community, and we are excited about that.” The 25th annual Tukee Bowl between Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe will take place Friday at Desert Vista High School. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. with the winner taking a lead in the all-time series, which is currently tied 12-12. ■

Mountain Pointe coach Eric Lauer is treating this game like it’s the playoffs, which he says started two weeks ago for his program. He said this game is a steppingstone for both programs to get back into the postseason.

(AFN File Photo)

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Thunder thespians roar back with ‘Mamma Mia’ GETOUT STAFF

he pandemic has kept them from large-scale productions for two years, but members of the Thunder Theatre Company are roaring back this weekend with one of the most popular musicals of this century. Scores of thespians and backstage crew will be presenting “Mamma Mia” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, 3:45 p.m. Friday, and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at Desert Vista High School, 16440 S. 32nd St., Ahwatukee. The 1 p.m. Saturday is a sing-along. Tickets are $10 at the school bookstore or $12 at the door. “They are so excited to be able to be performing on stage for live audiences again,” said teacher-director Jesse Ploog-Bacik. “We had an incredible turn out for auditions – over 80 kids showed up. It’s been a lot of fun to have so much passion and interest in our program now that everyone is back on campus.”

Sophie Rogers as “Tanya” sings with Gerald Johnson as “Pepper, who is being carried by his friends. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer) And they’re excited to be presenting the 2008 musical that features songs sung by the iconic quartet ABBA, was a Broadway

hit and led to a smash motion picture with an A-list cast that included Pierce Brosnan and Meryl Streep.

“’Mamma Mia’ was a show that I knew my current students would be excited for. There were definitely some happy tears when I announced this back in May,” said Ploog-Bacik. “After our last musical in spring 2020 was cancelled and then not being able to do a full musical last year, I also wanted a show that would easily get kids interested in auditioning to help gather new interest in TTC from kids who hadn’t had an opportunity to get involved yet. “And, I knew we needed a show that people would want to come see,” she added. “After the spring 2020 musical was cancelled, we lost a lot of money, so producing a show that would generate audience interest and has name recognition was important.” It also has been a challenge, she said, because there is “so much music.” Fortunately, she said, she has Desert Vista Choir as her partner on the project.

see MAMMA MIA page 47

Ahwatukee makes vvroom for 2 big car shows BY GERI KOEPPEL Special to the AFN

wo charity car shows are rolling into Ahwatukee Foothills in November with different venues and causes – but the same levels of enthusiasm and goodwill. The first will be from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at Ahwatukee Park, 4700 E. Warner Road, benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. The next will be 9 a.m.1 p.m. Nov. 27, at Mountain Park Church, 16461 S. 48th St., to support Hope for The Homeless AZ. The Annual Car Show organized by the Ahwatukee Swim, Tennis & Community Center on Nov. 13 will kick off with the U.S. Air Force ROTC color guard and pipers from the Arizona Emerald Society. “They raise the flag and usually play ‘God Bless America’ or ‘Amazing Grace,’” said

The Goodman Taylor Team sponsors a car show Nov. 27 at Mountain Park Church to benefit Hope for the Homeless AZ. (Courtesy of Goodman Taylor Team) Lisa Robinson, special events director for the center. “And after you wipe your tears away from

your eyes and salute, we start the car show,” Robinson added. “Oh, I cry every time.” It’s free to attend, and breakfast items

donated from Snooze A.M. Eatery will be sold to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project instead of the usual pancake breakfast. At the silent auction, a hot air balloon ride is one of the many items up for grabs. It’s $15 to register a vehicle, and trophies will be awarded in seven categories, including custom cars, trucks, convertibles and muscle cars. There’s even a “daily driver” class for stock vehicles. “If you’re proud of your car, bring it in, because you never know,” Robinson said. Rebecca Lehman of Ahwatukee plans to enter her stock Shantung Yellow 1971 Super Beetle name “Honnee Bee.” She drove her dad’s old orange-red 1972 Super Beetle for five years in high school and college, but got rid of it after getting married. Lehman always wanted another, and finally got one she named Madeline in 2016.

see CAR SHOWS page 48

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Cast & Stage Management for Mamma Mia: Stage Manager: Lauren Malmstrom Assistant Stage Managers: Aiden Duncan & Milan Williams KYLEIGH PERALES as Sophie Sheridan JEFF RUDOLPH as Sky ABBY GELLMAN as Donna Sheridan MORGAN BRIGHAM as Ali SOPHIE ROGERS as Tanya BELLA PADILLA as Lisa MARLEIGH HICKEY as Rosie GERLAD JOHNSON as Pepper MICHAEL MCLOUD as Harry Bright COLLIN BRIDGE as Eddie JACOB ALBRECHTSON as Bill Austin ANDREA JAMIESON as Father Alexandrios BRADLEY ASH as Sam Carmichael Featured Ensemble: CHARLIE LASEK-VIGIL MARCEDEZ COLBERT SHERIDAN REAGAN EVA BUSH NATALYA MYERS RIA MOHARIL JASMINE GUTIERREZ PARKER ANDERSON Ensemble: HELENA STODDARD MIA EGAN ABIGAIL BROTHERTON ILONA SZELINGER NATALIA RIEHLE ABIGAIL HOYT IZZY RAGAINS NATALIE HENDERSON ADAM SOUBKI JASMIN WOODRUFF PARKER ANDERSON ALEXANDRIA CLOONANRAIZEL ANDAYA JASMINE HORVAT SCHULTE RIA MOHARIL JONATHAN WATKINS ALEXANDRIA WOODRUFF SHANDI JOHNSON JOSHUA JARVIS AMANDA GELLMAN SOPHIA KLESSONS JOSHUA REGO AMELIA HUNTER LIANNE BROWN SOPHIE FANTON CASSIDY TREMBATH LEILANI ONTIVEROS TATYANA CRUZ CHALLEN LATHAM LOGAN SCHNETTLER TAYLOR WEDELL CHRISTINA LYONS THEO FEELA LOLA MONEY ELLE FRENCH ZOEY MONNISSEN LUPITA MARTINEZ ELLEN CULLOTY MAYA VELAZQUEZ ELYSE MOONEY Backstage Crew for Mamma Mia: Light Board Operator: Anna Maestaz Anabella Camarena, Keira Harrington Sound Board Operators: Mariah Vergara & Backstage Dressers: Elysia Rego, Lola Kassidy Culver Crumm, Ava Fierro, Gabby Gallegos, Spotlight Operators: Amelia Wilson & Kara Camryn Anderson Miller Deck Crew: Cameron Holt, Sarah Hills, Backstage Microphone Coordinator: Greg Panaccione, Jacey Metts, Ella Powers, Kentarou Siejak Ella Simmon, Melodie Hartman Backstage Makeup Artists: Keitan Handley, Pre-Production Crew for Mamma Mia: Challen Latham as Set Crew Head Sarah Hills as Asst Set Crew Head Set Crew: Ella Havard Lakin Rathje Abbey Honse Ella Simmon Leilani Ontiveros Abigail Brotherton Gabriella Gallegos Marleigh Hickey Aiden Duncan Greg Panaccione Milan Williams Andrea Jamieson Jacey Metts Ria Moharil Bradley Ash Jeff Rudolph Shandi Johnson Christina Lyons

MAMA MIA from page 46

“She has been hard at work teaching our cast all of the music,” Ploog-Basic said, noting the cast has been rehearsing since August. “Our cast has been doing a great job at learning all of the music thus far, though. They have totally been stepping up to the challenge of the show.” The set matches the size of the cast.

“It’s a big outdoor courtyard that will take up the entirety of our stage,” PloogBasic said, although some parts of the show also are performed in a bedroom. And for anyone who has seen the movie – which was filmed on the small Greek island of Skopelos – the company also has a large scenic beach backdrop for the beach scenes. “We have been working on the set since

Marleigh Hickey as Paint Crew Head

Mariah Vergara as Asst Paint Crew Head

Paint Crew: Abby Gellman Ava Hood Keitan Handley Abigail White Bradley Ash Maya Pulliam Alexandria CloonanBrianna Morgan Melodie Hartman Schulte Elyse Mooney Mia Egan Aiden Duncan Evelyn Spangler Ria Moharil Aleiza Gibson Ilona Szelinger Samantha McDaniel Ana Luisa Mendez Isheeta Gore Amelia Hunter LisaMarie Reyes Keitan Handley as Hair/Makeup Crew Head Anabella Camarena as Asst. Hair/Makeup Crew Head Hair/Makeup Crew: Ana Luisa Mendez Ellen Culloty Raizel Andaya Cameron Holt Iliana Chapa Sarah Barney Charlie Lasek Vigil Marie Jones Shandi Johnson Andrea Jamieson as Publicity Crew Head Leilani Ontiveros as Asst. Publicity Crew Head Publicity Crew: Aleiza Gibson Jetaime Thomas Veronica Cham Cassidy Trembath Jordan Cole Collin Bridge LisaMarie Reyes Cameron Holt as Props Master Props Crew: Abigail White Adalyn Vehring Anabella Camarena Ava Fierro

Erin Chon Isabella Powers Mia Egan Milan Williams

Mariah Vergara as Lights/Sound Crew Head Lights/Sound Crew: Amelia Wilson Allison McDaniel Benjamin Goldstein Brianna Morgan

Robin Browne Rohini Kar Zowie Gilmore

Jordan Cole as Asst. Lights/Sound Crew Head

Collin Bridge Kara Miller Kentarou Siejak Gerald Sells

Jasmine Hovart Kassidy Culver Maxwell Johnson Maya Pulliam

Shandi Johnson as Costume Crew Head Anna Maestaz as Asst. Costume Crew Head Raizel Andaya as Asst. Costume Crew Head Costume Crew: Amanda Gellman Elyse Mooney Michael McLoud Amelia Hunter Elysia Rego Robin Brown Annie Callahan Evelyn Spangler Rohini Kar Camryn Anderson-Temple Genevieve (Edie) Lacroix Sarah Barney Cassidy Trembath Jetaime Thomas Veronica Cham Elle French Kyleigh Perales Zoey Monnissen Ellen Culloty Lola Crumm the beginning of September and the kids are very excited to see it all finally come together for the show,” Ploog-Basic said. About the only part of the production that’s not elaborate is the costumery. Since the show is set in 2000, Ploog-Basic said, “this was actually a show that we are able to use a lot of the kids’ own clothing for, so that was where we started.” However, some pieces also come from the

Thunder Company’s closet while PloogBasic and the crew also shopped online for the right clothing for Donna and the Dynamos singing “Super Trouper” and Sophie’s wedding dress. Beyond the rousing numbers and romantic and humorous storyline. “Mamma Mia” also has a special meaning for Ploog-

see MAMMA MIA page 48

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

MAMA MIA from page 48

Basic and the thespians after they were largely deprived of the energy that comes from performing before a live audience. The company ended the last school year with a presentation of one acts directed by seniors before a live audience – which Ploog-Basic called “very exciting – as well as an improv show. Still there were no big productions. But the students were undaunted and participated in several virtual shows. “The kids were also amazing and held virtual club meetings all year,” Ploog-Basic said. “They figured out how to lead improv games, share their technical theatre skills, and still build some relationships with each other even online. It was impressive and inspiring to see how hard my students worked through the adversity of the school year.” The pandemic-altered schedule also came at some financial cost.

CAR SHOWS from page 46

After a little more than a year, it got hit by a semitruck and totaled. “It just broke my heart,” she said. Luckily, Lehman’s husband found the exact same model and color this past May and they picked it up in Durango, Colorado. “This is Honnee Bee’s debut,” she said. “She’s in beautiful condition. She’s in showroom condition.” Robinson said a total of about 70 cars enter the show, including some from local car clubs. The center is also hosting the annual Tukee Fest on Nov. 13 from 5-9 p.m. with live music from 80s Flashback, food trucks, bounce houses, slides, and beer and wine for purchase. Bring a blanket and/or chairs. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee Foster Youth. On Nov. 27, the Ahwatukee Car Show organized by the Goodman Taylor Team expects to attract at least 500 cars, which was the number at the last biannual show in February. The show, which began in February 2009 with 74 cars, also gets participation from clubs. “They’ll park somewhere close by and come in all together so it’s really neat seeing when all of the car clubs come in,” said James Goodman of Ahwatukee, a Realtor who runs the show with business partner Katie Taylor. Trophies will be awarded in multiple

The wedding scene is played out on a massive set that takes up the entire Desert Vista stage. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer) “Musicals are expensive, and we are wanting to do it well, but after losing our last musical due to the shutdown in March 2020, we are not in the same financial position we have been in for previous productions,” she said. “We are

working hard to fundraise and pre-sell tickets to help get us through, but it’s definitely been a challenge to make sure we are staying afloat.” But with a popular show and a talented cast, there are lots of reasons why adults

might want to come out and see the show – if only to see how the cast matches up with the stars of the fifth highest grossing movie of 2008. “Most of the kids had seen the movie before, but we also held a movie night for the club a few weeks back where we watched both ‘Mamma Mia’ movies together,” Ploog-Basic said. “It was a lot of fun and the kids are very excited to be playing these roles once played by actors they look up to.” In other words, the Thunder Theatre Company is ready to take on what PloogBasic admits is a major undertaking for all concerned. “The set is the biggest one we have tackled and there are so many costumes with a 60-person cast and everyone having multiple looks throughout the show,” she said. “It’s a lot to manage, but it’s been great so far and it’s looking like it’ll be an exciting show.” ■

If you miss this one, Goodman Taylor also hosts an informal “Ahwatukee Cruise & Cuisine” with cars and food trucks usually from 6-9 p.m. the last Saturday of each month. Goodman and Berry connected at a “Winter Wonderland” event that the Goodman Taylor Team organized. Someone introduced them and Berry said, “I dropped it on him and said, ‘I’d love to do a car show, since I’m in the industry.’” The previous car show raised more than $10,000 for Hope for the Homeless AZ. More information is online at hope4thehomelessaz.com. ■

If You Go...

Rebecca Lehman of Ahwatukee plans to enter her stock Shantung Yellow 1971 Super Beetle name “Honnee Bee” at Saturday’s car show at Ahwatukee Park. (Courtesy of Rebecca Lehman) categories. “Last February we had 26 different categories,” said Tim Berry of Ahwatukee, who owns Precision Auto Body and works closely with Hope for the Homeless. “Everything from decades going back to the 1920s to the present time.” It’s free to enter, but everyone is asked to bring new or clean used blankets and/ or new socks and underwear for the nonprofit.

Money is raised via business sponsors and a raffle for a 1970 Chevrolet El Camino with a 350 V-8 engine; tickets are $25 each or five for $100. Funds are used to create “hope bags” with personal hygiene products for those experiencing homelessness. In addition to the vehicles, the show will include music, vendors, food trucks, bounce houses, a face painter, balloon artist and more.

What: Annual Car Show/Tukee Fest Where: Ahwatukee Park, 4700 E. Warner Road When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (car show) and 5-9 p.m. (Tukee Fest) Saturday, Nov. 13 Cost: Free to attend; $15 per vehicle to register Info/register: 480-893-3431 ahwatukeecommunitycenter.com; What: Ahwatukee Car Show Where: Mountain Park Church, 16461 S. 48th St. When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27 Cost: Free to attend; free to enter vehicles Info/register: 480-893-3431 ahwatukeecarshow.com

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Gabriel Iglesias’ tour ‘Behind the Fluff’

and I made it a point to (do it that way). “I’ve got the receipts to prove it. It’s stupid, it’s so stupid. It’s like WWE meets the Food Network.” Iglesias’ style is observational yet selfdeprecating, with satire and physical comedy thrown in. On this current tour, he jokes about “things that frustrate me in life. It’s all based on issues and struggles because the audience doesn’t want to hear about you having a great day. They don’t want to hear about how well everything is going for you. They want to hear about what you have gotten into — it’s like gossip.” Iglesias is aware that the entertainment

industry has shifted with politically driven forces regulating comedians’ content. “I used to say (my favorite thing about performing) was to go up there and say and do anything that I want but clearly that is not the case anymore,” Iglesias said. He said that “it’s a little challenging” to determine what can be said on stage and what will end his career. “I don’t go up there trying to be divisive or preachy or whatever, but it’s at the point now where I am feeling it,” Iglesias said. “For a comic who tries not to be divisive is feeling the effects of cancel culture, ehhh. “It does feel new again believe it or not but that is actually pretty exciting to see how we are going to navigate this tonight. Let’s see how we are going to share some stories but still be safe.” Iglesias brings to the stage a variety of voices to emulate different characters. It’s hard now because “the rules have changed for entertainers especially comedians.” “We (comedians) used to be able to just go up there and work and figure things out and if we made a mistake then we could apologize then and there and just try again the next day and figure it out until we got it right,” Iglesias said. “Whereas now if you have one bad show that could be your show.” Iglesias was set to record his third Netflix special during the summer, but plans were halted when he contracted COVID-19.

He plans to record the special “soon,” without giving a specific date. Four or five months later, the show will appear on Netflix. Outside of comedy shows, Iglesias recently launched the Netflix show “Maya and the Three,” for which he voiced Picchu, a Golden Mountain Barbarian. “I have a project that I’m working on with Jorge Gutiérrez, who is actually the one who did ‘Maya and the Three’ (and ‘The Book of Life’),” Iglesias said about an upcoming project. “The two of us are working together on a project called ‘I Chihuahua.’ It’s something that we are working on to do for Netflix in the near future.” Outside of Netflix, Iglesias is “really big on social media” personally running his accounts. “You can tell by the bad spelling or the weird messages that I post,” Iglesias said. “I like TikTok videos so if anyone can send me cool TikTok videos I always love to do duets and stuff.” ■

“open the minds” of the audience. The Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular is the longest-running touring theater show. Monistere says he is driven by more than keeping Pink Floyd’s legacy alive. “I just do my work and make sure people are happy,” Monistere says. ■

On Friday, Nov. 12, at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe, The Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular Show will return to Arizona. Founded in 1986, the show uses lasers, large-screen video projection, 3D technology, and lighting effects to create the ulti-

mate viewer experience. Creator Steve Monistere says, “each song has its own theme, story and look to back up the Pink Floyd song message.” The large screen video projection works in unison with the lasers and music telling a story with each song. Clocking in at two hours, the show has a 20-minute intermission after 45 minutes. The final half is just over an hour. Monistere sees a crowd who is a mix of die-hard fans, grandparents bringing their grandchildren, and younger people just getting into the band’s music. The imagery is meant to

BY ANNIKA TOMLIN GetOut Staff Writer

omedian Gabriel Iglesias said “it’s everything” to him to perform again after a year-long COVID-19 hiatus. He hits the stage at the Footprint Center, formerly Phoenix Suns Arena, on Thursday, Nov. 11. “I’ve been doing this for almost 25 years, and I’ve started getting into a routine where it becomes so normal that you forget how special it is until it gets taken away,” said Iglesias, who is nicknamed “Fluffy.” “I could basically do this anytime I wanted to anywhere I wanted to and then it gets taken away to where I can’t even go to the other side of the planet to do it were as that has always been the option. My favorite thing in life got taken away from me for over a year so the fact that I can do it again is like wow.” Iglesias has a number of comedy specials: 2007’s “Gabriel Iglesias: Hot and Fluffy;” 2009’s “Gabriel Iglesias: I’m Not Fat…I’m Fluffy” and his Netflix show “Mr. Iglesias.” He has lent his voice to a variety of movies, including “The Nut Job,” “The Book of Life” and “Ferdinand.” Iglesias’ current tour is dubbed “Beyond the Fluffy World Tour-Go Big Or Go Home,” and he does just that. “We’ve got four semitrucks and four tour buses,” Iglesias said. “It is honestly the biggest comedy tour that has ever happened,

GET OUT

GABRIEL IGLESIAS “FLUFFY.”

If You Go...

Who: Gabriel Iglesias: “Beyond The Fluffy World Tour – Go Big Or Go Home” Where: Footprint Center, formerly Phoenix Suns Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11 Cost: $41.75-$76.75 Info: luffyguy.com/tour

Pink Floyd laser show keeps legacy in lights BY SARAH HABER GetOut Contributor

avid Gilmour’s 12-string chord progression echoes through the speakers emulating a car stereo. As the crisper second guitar joins in, the audience sits in silence. Each in their own headspace, each on their own journey, and each soaking in the soft raspy baritone of Gilmour beginning “Wish You Were Here.” Displayed on the screen is a chronological tribute to fallen rock legends including Elvis Presley, John Lennon and David Bowie. Some cry, others clap in awe and recall their own musical memory lane. Without the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular, none of this would be possible.

If You Go...

What: The Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular Where: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe When: 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, Cost: Tickets start at $35 Info: 480.829.0607, l uckymanonline.com

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King Crossword ACROSS

1 Greets the villain 5 Bummer 9 Wd. from Roget 12 Incite 13 Writer Rice 14 Scot’s refusal 15 Time of youthful innocence 17 World Cup cheer 18 Jacket part 19 Cut wood 21 Hectic hosp. area 22 Sun block? 24 Satirist Mort 27 “Exodus” hero 28 Infatuated 31 Acapulco gold 32 Impose 33 “Delicious!” 34 Lugosi of film 36 Observe 37 Nick and Nora’s pet 38 Cove 40 Room cooler, for short 41 Pal 43 Geronimo, for one 47 Mound stat 48 1987 Woody Allen movie 51 Hobbyist’s abbr. 52 Apple product 53 Pet-food brand 54 Snake’s warning 55 Mediocre grades 56 Part of A.D.

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

I 39 Ira Gershwin’s contribution 40 GI’s address 41 Hotel furniture 42 “Topaz” author 43 Helps

44 “Misery” star James 45 Church song 46 Old U.S. gas brand 49 Gorilla 50 Fawn’s mom

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Gooey delight awaits in this one-pan éclair dessert

’ve said it many times. People who are gracious enough to share their personal treasured recipes– you know, the ones that make them famous at family gatherings, potlucks and housewarmings – have a boatload of good karma coming their way. Amanda Jacinto is this week’s Karma Queen. I met her at a housewarming last week and I begged and begged for her amazing Gooey Stuff One-Pan Éclair recipe. I knew that once you try this easy-as-ever dessert, it will without a doubt become one of your new go-to favorites! She found the recipe years ago, hoping to make something special for her then boyfriend, now husband Louis’ passion for pudding. “I was a college grad with little more than a whisk and a bowl in my kitchen. I found a recipe Ingredients: 1 (3.4 oz) box of instant vanilla pudding 1 (3.4 oz) box of instant French vanilla pudding 1 (8oz) tub of Whipped Topping (such as Cool Whip) 1 box of cinnamon graham crackers 1 (16 oz) tub of chocolate fudge frosting (preferred: Pillsbury Creamy Supreme® Chocolate Fudge Frosting) 2 cups of milk Directions: In a 13x9 dish line the bottom with a single row of crackers breaking them as needed to fill as much of the bottom as possible. Put the cinnamon side facing up In a mixing bowl combine one box of pudding with 1 cup of milk and then add 4 ounces of the whipped topping. Mix with whisk or fork for about 2 minutes Pour pudding mixture on top of crackers covering the entire area.

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 37

that required only a few ingredients, no cooking and seemed to resemble an éclair or Boston cream doughnut. So basically, it seemed absolutely perfect. The first time I served it to Louis he loved it and asked for it again just a few weeks later referring to it as the “Gooey Stuff.” What did I tell you about Karma? Louis tells me it was this dessert that convinced him to say, “I do!” ■ Next put down another row of crackers. Again, in a mixing bowl combine the other box of pudding with 1 cup of milk and then add the remaining 4 ounces of the whipped topping. Mix with whisk or fork for about 2 minutes. Now pour the pudding mix over the crackers and spread evenly over the area. Place another row of crackers this time with the cinnamon facing down. Take the lid and foil off of the frosting and microwave on high for about 30 seconds or until the frosting is just liquid enough to pour out of the tub. Pour frosting on top of crackers and spread evenly across top. Place in fridge for 24 hours so the crackers have time to become soft. Cut into squares and serve cold. Serve plain or with dollop of whipped cream and strawberry garnish. Serving size, approx 8-12. Watch my how-to video: jandatri.com/recipe/ one-pan-eclair-cake.. ■

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

480.295.2279 Referred out of Ewing Irrigation Not a licensed contractor.

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED!

Text or call

• Old Paint & Chems. • Yard Waste • Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris • Old Tires

ADD COLOR TO YOUR AD! Ask Us. Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Irrigation

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

NTY

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

Landscape Design/Installation

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

The Possibilities are Endless

Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new Custom Built-ins, BBQs, Firepits, Fireplaces, Water Features, Re-Designing Pools, Masonry, Lighting, Tile, Flagstone, Pavers, Culture Stone & Travertine, Synthetic Turf, Sprinkler/Drip, Irrigation Systems, Clean ups & Hauling

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com

Sprinkler & Drip Systems

480-730-1074

Repairs • Modifications • Installs

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

Install HD Drip System Leak Free for Life!

David Hernandez (602) 802 3600

Landscape/Maintenance

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

Oooh, MORE ads online!

www.Ahwatukee.com

Phone, Text or Email

480-580-4419

5-YEAR WARRA

Home Remodeling

Check Our Online Classifieds Too!

• 8am - 6pm Monday - Saturday • You Pay Labor & Materials Only • FREE ESTIMATES • ROC#312942 • David R Smith

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

Sick of LEAKS!

Home Improvement

No Job Too Small! Senior Discounts!

Maintenance

I’ve got your back while you’re out!

480-278-1355 dbroze@hotmail.com

• BASE BOARDS • DRYWALL • ELECTRICAL • PAINTING • PLUMBING • BATHROOMS • WOOD FLOORING • FRAMING WALLS • FREE ESTIMATES • GRANITE FABRICATION & INSTALLATION • CARPET INSTALLATION • LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING

DAVID Broze

Hauling

• Furniture • Appliances • Mattresses • Televisions • Garage Clean-Out • Construction Debris

Irrigation

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

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

CALL US TODAY!

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

• 20+ Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

20+ Years Experience

480.345.1800

ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

ROC# 256752

Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS

Landscape/Maintenance Juan Hernandez

TREE

YOUR CLASSIFIED SOURCE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Landscape/Maintenance

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control

TRIMMING 25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

Starting @ $60/Month! 480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

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

SPRINKLER DOCTOR Repairs - Installs - Modifications Timers/Valves/Sprinklers DRIP-PVC-COPPER Backflows & Regulators LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

25 years Experience & Insured Not a licensed contractor.

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

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

Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon

Not a Licensed Contractor

480-217-0407

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!

• Call or Text for a Free Quote

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

INSTALLING A WINTER LAWN?

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

IMPROVE GRASS SEED GERMINATION AND REDUCE SOIL COMPACTION FERTILIZATION

• SOIL AMENDMENTS • SOIL TESTING

ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

Painting

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

CONKLIN PAINTING Free Estimate & Color Consultation

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

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

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

SONORAN LAWN

480-745-5230

Schedule your holiday cleanup with SONORAN LAWN.

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

ROC#309706

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

— Call Jason —

SUN TECH

PAINTING

(602) 502-1655

INC.

Specials

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

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

Plumbing AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

Off 40work done *Any

Family Owned • Free Estimates

East Valley PAINTERS

Painting Voted #1

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

Call/Text 480.695-3639 “We get your house looking top notch!” ★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Drywall Repair & Installation ★ Popcorn Ceiling Removal

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors ★ Small Job Specialist

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

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

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

10% OFF

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

480-688-4770

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

Now Accepting all major credit cards

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

10% OFF

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

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Plumbing

Pool Service / Repair

Drain Cleaning Experts, water heaters, disposals, water & sewer lines repaired/replaced & remodels. Rapid Response. If water runs through it we do it! 602-663-8432

MARK’S POOL SERVICE Owner Operated - 20 Years

Play Pools start at

$85/month

Pool Service / Repair

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning!

with chemicals

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

Ask About Filter Cleaning Specials!

602-799-0147 CPO#85-185793

See MORE Ads Online!

CASH OUT!

www.Ahwatukee.com

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

www.barefootpoolman.com See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001 WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO SERVE YOUR CLASSIFIED NEEDS

480.898.6465

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

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

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

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet.

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

279-4155

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC 189848

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

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

Plumbing

PLUMBING $35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

ROC # 272721

*on qualifying complete roof replacements

Please recycle me.

desertsandscontracting.com

We Repair or Install

$1000 OFF when you show this ad

Roofing

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT

(480)

LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED | ROC #269218

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Plumbing

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

Roofing

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

Let Us Show Yo

u Th

e IN

Call

-EX D i ﬀe r e n c e

Mark

Pool Service / Repair

602-938-7575

for your FREE Roof Evaluation Today! www.InExRo

oﬁn

g.c o m

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

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

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

480-898-6465

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Roofing

Window Cleaning

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

623-873-1626

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

FREE ESTIMATES

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

602-471-2346

Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Over 30 Years of Experience 480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

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

Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

480-460-7602

We Got You Covered!

Specializing in New, Tile and Shingle Roofs • Repairs New Roofs, Repairs, Roof, & Coatings •FlatCoatings, Roof HotFlat Mopping Hot Mopping & Patching Patching •Total Rubber Roof Systems & Total Rubber Roof Systems

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

www.porterroofinginc.com

Same Day Service All Work Guaranteed

Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663

See MORE Ads Online!

www.Ahwatukee.com

10% OFF with this ad

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

You never know what you’ll find inside

SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

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

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

ROC#288-123 • Licensed • Bonded • Insured

We Pay Your Insurance Deductible Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 288-123

602-551-2255

480-330-2649

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING

602-551-2255 30 Years Experience Senior & Military Discounts

See our reviews and schedule at:

www.cousinswindowcleaning.com

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

Call our office today!

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTAL COMMERCIAL && RESIDENTIAL

FREE Estimates SAME DAY SERVICE

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

Ahwatukee Based Family Owned and Operated Insured • Free Estimates

480.898.6465

class@timespublications.com

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

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

palmabrisa.com

NOW SELLING

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

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

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

ERIC WILLIAMS

480-641-1800

TERRY LENTS

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

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2021

COLUMBUS DAY VETERANS

Sale

No Matter Where You See It, Read It, Or Hear It, Spencers Will Beat It. If We Aren’t Already Lower, Just Let Us Know, Because We Guarantee A Lower Price!

SALE

DAY

INTO INCREDIBLE S H T No Matter Where You See It, N O DEALS! ** 15 M ST! 023 E or Hear About It, Spencers Is R E T th N I 2 NO FULL BY JANUARY 1, SALE ENDS OCTOBER 11 at 5Be pmLower! Guarnateed To IF PAID IN WASHER

• 3.5 Cu. Ft. • Porcelain Tub • 700 RPM Spin Speed

NTW4500XQ CLOSEOUT

INTRODUCING THE ONLY RANGE WITH

RIGHT IN THE OVEN! Wash • Normal

Cycle • Heated Dry On/Off Quick Preheat • Standard Upper Rack

HDA2000TWW True Convention 30-Minute Steam Clean

Available in gas, electric and induction. FGEH3047VF

1000’s OF ITEMS IN STOCK FOR FAST DELIVERY

299 CLOSEOUT

• 2 HDMI Inputs • Airplay2 Built-In

569

UN58TU7000

TOP MOUNT REFRIGERATOR

UPRIGHT FREEZER • Large Crisper Drawer • EvenTemp™ Cooling System • 2 Glass Adjustable Shelves •• Flexible Interior Organization System LED Lighting •• Door Ajar and High Temp Controls Alarm Independent Temperature

DISHWASHER

• Normal Wash Cycle • Heated Dry On/Off DRYER • Standard Upper Rack • Auto Dry • 3.8 Cu. Ft. Capacity HDA2000TWW CLOSEOUT Cycle • 11 Dry Cycles • 2 Temperature Options

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

• LED Lighting FFSS2314QS CLOSEOUT

269 299 $949

DISHWASHER

• Integrated Control Styling • Premium Nylon Racks • In Door Silverware Basket • Energy Star Qualified WDF520PADM

2350

WFE505W0HS CLOSEOUT

FROST FREE BFTF2716SS

$ $

WED7500VW CLOSEOUT

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

599 429

FFFU16F2VW CRH10SW

99 $

RANGE

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST**

58”

429

DISHWASHER

58” 4K UHD SMART TV

REFRIGERATOR

• 25 Cubic Foot Capacity • Spill Proof Glass Shelves • Humidity Controlled Drawers WRS325SDHZ

BUYS ALL 3 PIECES

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

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

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

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

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