Ahwatukee Foothills News - 12.15.2021 by Times Media Group

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The calls Phoenix PD may let others handle BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

onfronting a sea of unfilled uniformed and civilian positions, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams last week laid out for a city council committee six types of service calls that might be kicked over to other departments so that her depleted force can focus on more serious ones. She said her department is not alone in

Club West HOA nixes appeal in Conservancy’s suit

studying Arizona State University’s recommendations as she and her top aides look to “maintain baseline service delivery.” “We’re looking at about 80,000 to 90,000 calls for service that we could off-board from patrol, thereby having them focus their efforts on other things,” Williams said. Some of those calls involve almost daily quality-of-life requests in Ahwatukee – such as complaints about abandoned vehicles and illegal parking, which are particularly common

in residential areas where homeowners associations are trying to maintain a high standard of orderliness. Others involve calls of concerns about people who may not have been seen or heard from in several days. Eliminating some of those call types is one of several strategies the department is considering to deal with what appears to be a long-term staffing problem that has been ag-

Christmas licks

see POLICE page 4

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

he Foothills Club West Association board unanimously decided last week not to appeal a Superior Court ruling that its predecessor improperly acquired the declarant rights to the golf course that could determine the embattled site’s future. Board members told homeowners last Thursday that, essentially, the decision was a no brainer because their insurer refused to pay the costs of any further litigation by the board and because the HOA would have to post a $10 million bond to carry on the appeal. That $10 million is the current appraised value of the 165-acre golf course. The lawsuit was filed by the then-newly formed Club West Conservancy in March 2020 after course owner The Edge presented a plan

see WEST page 6

Hoping to find a bone under the Christmas tree, Lexie gave Santa, played by Steve Petruzzella, some love at Pecos Park during Ahwatukee mortgage planner Jill Waldrop's special pet-shootwith-Santa fundraiser for Adopt A Dog Rescue Dec. 4. (Special to AFN)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 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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TU approves SRO contract for Ahwatukee campuses AFN NEWS STAFF

early 18 months after it was first introduced, a resolution providing trained school resource officers at the Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe campuses was finally approved by the Tempe Union Governing Board last week. The board without comment unanimously okayed the $270,000 contract with the Phoenix Police Department on Dec. 8, apparently ending what Superintendent Dr. Kevin Mendivil two months ago called a “revolving door” situation at the two Ahwatukee schools. Neither campus was ever without an officer. But Mendivil’s remark at the Oct. 13 meeting referred to the fact that whatever officer was available on any given day had been assigned to each campus since the 202122 school year began. That was because Mendivil’s first effort in June 2020 to win board approval of the SRO contract for the two schools ran into a buzz saw of resistance that has since mushroomed into a district-wide controversy over the presence of uniformed officers on any Tempe Union campus. A state grant covers the cost of Tempe Police SROs at the district’s four campuses in that city but the state Department of Education said it did not have the money to fund officers for the other two campuses. Far more districts statewide submit requests for such grants than the department has ever been able to cover. Opposition in June 2020 to the Ahwatukee SRO contract came from board members Brian Garcia, Andres Barraza and Berdetta Hodge during the height of nationwide protests against police brutality. During those protests, opponents of SROs said uniformed officers did not belong on campuses because they were a militaristic and intimidating presence and often were harsher in disciplining students of color. The two members who supported the SRO contract for Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista were succeeded in January by Armando Montero and Sarah James. When the contract was brought up for a vote in October, they left no doubt about their opposition to it and voted against it. Hodge and Barrazza, who in recent months have argued for more study of whether SROs should be on any Tempe Union campus, voted for the contract and Garcia abstained, saying he felt he had a conflict of interest because he had helped craft the language of the contract between the district and the police department. The board will now be focusing its attention on the broader issue of how to keep students safe. The board is creating an ad hoc committee to study a broad range of safety options – including SROs. Although the board in October approved by a 3-2 vote

see SRO page 9

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

POLICE from page 1

gravated by competition from other agencies that offer better pay and/or benefits, retirements and an apparent generational disinterest in law enforcement careers. As of Dec. 8, the department had only 68 potential bodies – including 37 academy recruits and another 31 field trainees – to fill 370 vacancies. The city has the money to pay for 3,125 officers but right now has 2,775 on the payroll. The number of calls phoned into the department for service is staggering. In 2020, Williams said, the department received two million calls and of those, 660,000 were answered by dispatching an officer to the scene. Through November of this year, the department has received 1.8 million calls and 614,000 of those required dispatching an officer. The types of service calls Williams said could be dropped by her department include so-called civil matter stand-bys for situations such as child exchanges between estranged parents with shared custody or property retrievals between embittered former roommates. Also under study for a hand-off to other departments are complaints about abandoned vehicles and illegal parking, calls about found property, non-injury minor collisions and noise complaints. The ASU study also has recommended that police no longer: respond to burglar alarms; assist firefighters and paramedics with unruly people or respond to a citizen’s call to check on the welfare of a relative, neighbor or friend; rescue drug overdose victims; corral loose animals; or stop people from smoking marijuana in public. Williams said she has all but dismissed three of those suggestions, though she added the department has stopped responding to complaints about public pot smoking. On responding to alarms, she said, “We don’t think that that’s a viable option for us at this moment, although Arizona State University is going to continue to do that study. “The second one is assisting Fire with an unruly patient and/or a check-welfare call,” she continued. “We receive about 60,000 calls for service there every year. We also don’t want to put our fire department in harm’s way.” Williams wasn’t keen on stopping responses to calls involving drug overdoses, noting that because officers are all

An Arizona State University suggested these 11 types of calls should no longer be answered by Phoenix Police because of manpower shortages, but Chief Jeri Williams said she’s thinks only six of these suggestions warrant further study. (City of Phoenix) equipped with naloxone – a medicine that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose – police have “saved 81 lives.” “So that would be 81 people who would be in harm’s way, so it really doesn’t make a lot of sense” to cut responses to overdose calls, she said. But Williams said her department has a different take on some of ASU‘s other suggestions – including the 14,000 calls it receives annually for child-custody exchanges and the 10,000 abandoned vehicle complaints it gets a year.

ing the community on where to drop off items as opposed to calling into the call center or assigning a police officer to retrieve that,” the chief said. Another huge area that can be tossed to another department involves the annual 26,000 no-injury minor motor vehicle accident calls and another 10,000 for noninjury hit-run collisions. “It’s a requirement for the police department to handle those types of calls, but we believe it would be better filled with a civilian member or police assistant to

This chart illustrates the manpower shortage in the Phoenix Police Department (City of Phoenix)

Those calls, she said, could be “offboarded” to another department. As for 3,200 annual calls about found property, an alternative would be “educat-

handle the exchange of information,” Williams said. City Council has authorized 75 new positions for the department’s Community

Assistance Program, which comprises civilians who assist police in various situations. None of those new positions have been filled, creating a total 179 civilian vacancies in the Phoenix Police Department, according to data Williams provided the committee. Williams did not discuss loose animals in any detail, conceding it “could be a safety issue.” And she admitted noise complaints present a knotty problem, telling council members she knows they also receive them. Noting her department gets 14,000 noise complaints annually, Williams said other cities have a noise abatement department to handle such calls. Council members appeared concerned about some of the call types Williams suggested for off-boarding. Councilman Tom Waring said the transfer of kids between parents sharing custody, for example, “could go wrong and you don’t know which one of those calls is going to go wrong. “The same thing with a shopkeeper dealing with a customer,” he said. “We’re getting those smash-and-grabs now in California and you just don’t know when it could go wrong. I don’t know that a civilian would get treated with the same deference by an unruly customer or an angry parent as someone in a uniform.” Waring also expressed concern about dropping calls about illegally parked and abandoned vehicles. But Williams also said almost none of ASU’s suggestions have been accepted by her department as yet. “There was always some concern about the noise complaints because we are very much aware that regardless of how many calls we say we’re not going to respond to, it’s a potential that PD would be responding to those calls anyway," she said. “We’ve had a number of meetings with them. And, as I’ve messaged to my employees, this is just a preliminary look at the types of things we could off-board.” ■

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

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

for restoring the course and paying for it by selling three pieces of the site to Taylor Morrison for building 164 homes. The suit charged that the prior board violated the state open meeting law and Club West’s own rules when it acquired the golf course declarant rights by voting on the acquisition behind closed doors and not obtaining the approval of 75 percent of Club West’s 2,600 homeowners. The Conservancy and the new board reached a tentative settlement in the suit but months went without a final resolution. Judge Joan Sinclair broke the stalemate last month by basically agreeing with the Conservancy’s arguments. The golf course’s future now could be determined by the Conservancy’s new lawsuit against The Edge and Shea Homes that claims, among other things, using the site for anything but golf violates the contracts homeowners signed when they bought houses in Club West. The suit also alleges that Shea Homes might not even have acquired the course’s declarant rights when it acquired UDC original developer. ~ LuxurClub sHomes, y VinyWest’s l Area Rug unte “UDC Homes~ Cooriginally created the rtop s

CC&Rs for the golf course in 1993 which included a stipulation that the land can only be used as a golf course and included Declarant Rights,” the Conservancy said in a statement last week about its lawsuit. Matt Shearer, a spokesman for and one of the partners in The Edge, said the ownership group will have no comment at this time. A formal response to the suit has not yet been filed. “With purported control of the Declarant Rights under the CC&Rs and with the golf course property under contract for sale to Shea Homes, The Edge seeks to undo the golf course use restrictions so that Shea Homes will close on its purchase of the golf course property and proceed with home development,” the Conservancy’s statement said, adding “the Golf Course CC&Rs cannot be interpreted or amended to allow the land to be used for non-golf purposes.” Conservancy President Derik Herpfer said, “It is very disappointing that Shea Homes would consider a return to this community over a decade later to buy the golf course for further home development. As alleged in our lawsuit, we believe this action would be in direct violation of homeowner purchase contracts and the

governing Golf Course CC&Rs.” “Now, it appears that Shea Homes, after completing development of the Club West master-planned community approximately a decade ago, wants to return to the community to work with the current golf course owner to build new homes in the backyards of their former customers.” The statement also noted the Conservancy’s mid-2020 survey that drew unique responses from about 800 Club West homeowners. “That survey was one of the largest ever conducted at Club West and had a statistical margin of error of only +/- 3% with 95% confidence,” the Conservancy statement said. “That means that if you conducted this survey 100 times, the percentage of people against new housing would be in the 78-84% range 95 times.” Herpfer called the lawsuit “a pivotal case for golf course communities everywhere, because if a home builder is allowed to remove the golf course land use restrictions at Club West after using the golf course to sell all the homes, then golf communities across the U.S. could be at risk should their golf course ever fall on hard times.” HOA board members last week told homeowners that the new lawsuit is out

of their hands and that the homeowners association will have no part in it. While some of the new board members belonged to, or had the support of, the Conservancy, they stressed all their decision in connection with the course and the now settled lawsuit have been based on their obligations to the Foothills Club West Association and not the nonprofit. ■

Correction

In June the Club West Conservancy wrote to Shea Homes and warned that if it tried to build homes on the Club West Golf Course, its reputation would suffer among people contemplating home purchases in any Shea Homes golf course property, according to the Conservancy’s lawsuit against Shea and The Edge. A story in last week’s AFN misquoted the lawsuit as stating that the HOA sent the letter. ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

SRO from page 3

a resolution to rid all campuses of SROs by the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, it modified that measure last month in favor of a longer study of various methods of providing for student safety – including SROs. It also will be asked to revise “TUHSD safety policies/plans with strategies for enhancing student learning, safety, and well-being through additional social/ emotional supports, mental and behavioral health services, restorative practices, other wraparound supports to meet students’ developmental needs, and community-level accountability structures.” The contract for the Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe SROs states they are “to foster trust and cooperation when interacting with students and to provide for the overall safety and security of everyone on or near school campuses.” While those officers remain city employees and under the Police Department’s supervision, the contract gives Tempe Union the power to remove any officer for “unprofessional, illegal, or immoral conduct that would affect the officer’s ability to safely and/or professionally perform du-

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ties for the district.” It also gives Tempe Union “sole discretion” to “refuse the assignment to the district of any officer who has been previously removed from the district because of allegations of unprofessional, illegal, or immoral conduct.” The contract also sets out a variety of duties and responsibilities for SROs that go well beyond guarding campuses. It says SROs will “establish and maintain a professional working relationship with school officials and “work cooperatively and collaboratively with school’s multitiered systems of support (MTSS) teams to identify students in need.” They must teach 180 hours of law-related classes and “establish positive relationships with school administrators, staff, students and parents,” according to the contract. But while the contract has SROs “work collaboratively with the school administration in the investigation of school related criminal activities,” it also states “an officer shall not have any role in the school’s student discipline processes, except at the request of the school, such as when the SRO is needed to provide testimony as a fact witness.”

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And it says that when they will be at campus activities and athletic events, they should wear “plain clothes or an alternative uniform as allowed by City policy.” The contract also requires an SRO to “keep within confidentiality requirements of the Phoenix Police Department Guidelines when providing information requested by students, parents, and staff regarding law-related incidents.” ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Phoenix suspends vaccine mandate for city employees BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

op Phoenix officials last week indefinitely suspended the implementation of an order requiring all its 14,000 city employees be vaccinated by mid-January against COVID-19 after a federal judge in Atlanta halted the Biden administration’s effort to mandate the vaccine for all federal contractors. City Manager Jeff Barton’s announcement of the mandate suspension came Dec. 7 during a hearing that Councilwoman Ann O’Brien had requested on the vaccine mandate. But that didn’t stop several hours of argument by council members and the general public for and against the directive. And the hearing ended with an emotional plea by Mayor Kate Gallego to city employees to get the vaccine as she pointed out that 24 employees, including a Phoenix police officer who lived in Ahwatukee, had died from the virus. “The funerals have been heartbreaking,” Gallego said. “They sound like incredible people and family members and you see their kids, picture them with their kids where they used to get wonderful hugs or be at Comic Con or Disneyland. Unfortunately, not a lot of pictures at graduation. “And I want children of our city employees to have their parents at graduation,” she continued. “This is a tool that will help us do that and prevent empty seats – too many empty seats. So, I would encourage people to get out and get vaccinated.” But Gallego’s sentiments – echoed by a number of citizens who called in as well as most of the mayor’s colleagues – were not shared by O’Brien or Councilman Sal DiCiccio when it came to ordering employees to get vaccines. At the same time, other council members pointed to Tucson, where a mandate independent of the federal order for contractors was implemented and brought the vaccination rate among that city’s employees up from 91 percent to 99 percent with only one fireman and one policeman objecting on religious grounds. The federal judge’s ruling came earlier the same day of the City Council hearing, Barton said, and applied to federal contractors nationwide. Barton also stressed that the mandate

• 3,900 employees (29%) tested positive • 24 employee deaths related to COVID-19 • 747 worker's compensation claims filed related to COVID-19 • $5.8 million total incurred

• $14.2 million in medical plan costs related to COVID-19 • Most significant illness and death has occurred in unvaccinated employees • 5.1% of employees have submitted a completed vaccine card • No significant side effects reported Phoenix officials presented this Powerpoint snapshot of COVID-19’s impact on city employees since the pandemic began in March 2020. (City of Phoenix) for city employees was not of his own design – City Council apparently has no authority in Phoenix’s form of government to order employees to do anything – but rather because Phoenix has contractual obligations with the federal government to perform various tasks and its employees were therefore covered by the Biden mandate. “I think it’s important that I emphasize that for the better part of the last two years, our priority has been to protect our community and our employees from COVID-19 while ensuring to the best of our ability a seamless continuity of operations,” Barton said. “As an employer, we have been extremely flexible and supportive of our employees by offering a host of safety measures

and flexible telework options were available,” he continued. “I value their right to personal choice, religious freedom and other convictions but I also have an obligation to ensure that the city operates within state and federal laws.” DiCiccio tore into Barton’s disclosure that the city’s decision to follow the Biden administration mandate came after the Phoenix administration relied on one law firm for interpreting it. Noting other cities did not feel contractually obligated, DiCiccio said Phoenix had become “an outlier in the whole state of Arizona” by following one lawyer’s opinion. But Barton took exception to that depiction of the process, noting that scores of public institutions had decided they were

Assistant City Manager Lori Bays showed this fever chart of COVID-19 infections among city employees, pointing to the recent spike in cases as one of the reasons the vaccine mandate for employees was important. That mandate has been suspended indefinitely. (City of Phoenix)

obliged to follow the mandate for federal contractors – including all three state universities, the state Department of Public Safety and the Arizona Department of Transportation. Barton suggested that other cities and public entities possibly had not received the federal government’s interpretation of their liability for following the mandate or that their own contracts may have different language from those signed with Phoenix. That prompted Councilman Tom Waring to say Phoenix officials should “compare the contracts line by line with these other cities” that did not feel obligated to follow the Biden rule. Assistant City Manager Lori Bays outlined the toll that COVID-19 has taken on the city’s workforce, stating that since the pandemic broke in March 2020, 3,940 workers – nearly a third of all city employees – have tested positive at one time or another and that 24 have died. She said 747 employees filed workmen’s compensation claims totaling $5.8 million and that the city has incurred $14.2 million “in medical costs related to the pandemic.” Bays also said that up to now, 51 percent of all city employees have submitted documentation showing they are fully vaccinated. In day-to-day terms, she said, COVID-19 infections have dealt a blow to services the city provides citizens. “As the pandemic has progressed, we have seen a variety of operational impacts related to the pandemic,” Bays said. “In our fire department, we have had ambulances out of service. In our police department, our staffing issues have been exacerbated by the pandemic. And in the Public Works Department, we’ve had drivers having to double up routes because the work still needs to get done. In the water department, we have also have some challenges staffing our treatment plants and in other areas across the city.” DiCiccio said he was not challenging either the seriousness of COVID-19, but rather requiring city employees to be vaccinated. “COVID is a real deal…people are dying from it,” he said, adding “I would hope that people would not discredit this because every human body is different. Everyone reacts to things differently.”

see VACCINE page 17

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Phoenix police oversight director begins work BY OLIVIA MCCANN Cronkite News

he first director of a new city office overseeing complaints filed against the Phoenix Police Department is on the job. Roger Smith runs the Office of Accountability and Transparency, which was established in May on a 5-4 vote of the City Council after months of testimony about Phoenix police conduct and complaints about a lack of accountability. Smith was hired in November and began the job Monday. He ran a similar oversight office in Cleveland before coming to Phoenix. An independent office had long been sought by many Phoenix residents and activists. The Department of Justice is investigating the Police Department’s use-of-force policies, and a recent news analysis shows Phoenix officers are more likely to fire at people than anywhere in the country. Before the office was created, Phoenix had been the only major city without an

ROGER SMITH

independent police oversight board. Police complaints would be investigated internally, and one or two members of the public sat on review boards for use of

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force and discipline, according to Kevin Robinson, a former Phoenix assistant police chief and a professor at Arizona State University’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Vice Mayor Carlos Garcia, who represents District 8 in southeast Phoenix and pushed for the new board, said most of the civilians serving in the past were “appointed by the police themselves.” “What we have currently is not sufficient,” Garcia told Cronkite News. “The investigative process that we have is essentially the police investigating themselves.” The new office will change that. It comprises two divisions: an investigative unit run by staff and an independent civilian review board. Although council members aren’t sure what the civilian board will look like, it’s not open to anyone who has previously worked in law enforcement. Garcia said the office will be a great first step to improve transparency and accountability to the public. But some fellow council members, including Ann O’Brien, who voted against

the office, are not so optimistic. In a statement in May, O’Brien, who represents District 1 in northwest Phoenix, said she was concerned that appointees won’t have “ANY background or experience in how these types of investigations work.” Robinson said he wasn’t surprised to see the federal investigation, which was announced in early August. “This isn’t the first time the Department of Justice has looked at the Phoenix Police Department,” he said. “I don’t view it as a bad thing. I view it as an opportunity.” Every police department is being looked at with a closer eye now, Robinson noted. Since George Floyd’s murder in May 2020, by a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on his neck, states have passed more than 140 police oversight bills, according to The New York Times. “This is an ongoing process we’re seeing in almost every corner of the United States right now,” Robinson said. Phoenix, however, has a long history of

see OVERSIGHTpage 17

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Officer who killed Ahwatukee man reinstated to force AFN NEWS STAFF

he Phoenix Civil Service Board has ordered the reinstatement of a Phoenix police officer who was fired for fatally shooting an Ahwatukee man in the back twice in the doorway of his condominium. The ruling by the board – an independent city agency – reverses the Police Department’s firing of Officer Jeff Cooke in the May 21, 2020, shooting death of Ryan Whitaker at his Desert Foothills Parkway home. A police spokeswoman referred questions about the reinstatement to the Civil Service Board, which did not immediately respond to a request for a copy of its decision. City Council earlier this year unanimously approved a $3 million settlement with Whitaker’s family, and at the time DiCiccio focused on the minutes after Whitaker was shot, attacking the “callousness” of the officers at the scene. “The fact that we as a city did not call for immediate help, medical assistance

Friends and relatives of Ryan Whitaker of Ahwatukee had demanded that the officers involved in his shooting death be prosecuted but one was returned to duty following an internal investigation and the cop who pulled the trigger has been reinstated after appealing his dismissal.

(AFN file photo)

for Ryan Whitaker for such an incredibly long time,” DiCiccio said. “We don’t know if

he would have lived or not. But the fact of the matter it showed a strong callousness

from those individuals that were there to not immediately call for help.” DiCiccio also stressed, “Ryan Whitaker did everything right that night. There was nothing he did that was wrong…He did everything correctly. He was an upstanding man who did everything right.” Whitaker was shot after Cooke and Officer John Ferragamo were dispatched to his condominium after an unidentified neighbor called in a noise complaint. Recordings of the 911 calls appear to indicate that the dispatcher subtly led the caller into suggesting a domestic violence was occurring. Whitaker, his daughter and his girlfriend were celebrating the teen’s graduation from Desert Vista High School and got loud while playing a video game. Video from a security camera by the victim’s door shows Whitaker answered the door holding a gun after the two officers knocked on the door without identifying themselves as police. As soon as Whitaker saw Ferragmo on

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

VACCINE from page 12

He said he started taking hydroxychloroquine to ward off the virus but ended up getting COVID-19. He also said the mandate had been issued at a time when Phoenix faces “a real public safety crisis” and that it would send

OVERSIGHT from page 14

police brutality. In 2018, Phoenix police shot at more people than any other department in the country, according to a 2019 analysis by The Arizona Republic. Robinson said the Phoenix police have

COOKE from page 16

one side of the door, he appeared to be kneeling down to put the gun on the floor – which is when Cooke fired three shots, two striking Whitaker in the back. Whitaker’s great great grandfather was one of Phoenix’s first 12 policemen. Following a months-long investigation, County Attorney Allister Adel said earlier this year that Whitaker and Cooke “could

scores of police officers and firefighters retiring from or leaving city employment at a time when their ranks already are seriously depleted. “We are at crisis levels in the city of Phoenix and we are not going to get better,” DiCiccio said. “Public safety is at risk.” O’Brien was equally critical of the man-

date, stating, “Medical decisions such as this should be between an individual and their doctor, not the government’s. If you’re able and want the vaccine, I encourage you to get it the city offers many services for access to free vaccines and boosters.” She noted that even during the hearing,

vaccine mandate opponents were demonstrating and that she had received calls or emails from 400 people. “The fight is not over, as my fellow councilmen have discussed here today,” OBrien said. “I will continue to support ... firefighters and I will continue to support all employees at the City of Phoenix.” ■

have made decisions that would have avoided this terrible result” but “neither did anything that is prohibited by our criminal laws.” “Inside his apartment, Mr. Whitaker grabbed his gun and removed it from its holster. Leaving the holster on the floor, he moved quickly toward the door,” Adel wrote. “Approximately 12 seconds after Officer Ferragamo knocked on the door, Mr. Whitaker opened the door and imme-

diately stepped out of the doorway with his gun in his hand.” Both officers saw the gun and “protecting his partner from what he saw as an immediate deadly threat, Officer Cooke fired his weapon and Mr. Whitaker died from his wounds,” Adel wrote. But she said, “With the benefit of frame by frame analysis and having time to review and re-review the videos, it appears that Mr. Whitaker was moving his gun to

put it down and put his hands up. In other words, after analyzing the videos it does not appear that Mr. Whitaker was a threat to the officers. “That fact makes this case a tragedy, but it does not end the legal, criminal analysis because the law requires us to assess what Officer Cooke reasonably perceived and believed was occurring in the moment he made the decision to fire his weapon.” ■

always made changes in response to incidents or community concerns. “They were initially effective, but over time, other things start to occur and you have to make other adjustments. I think the department has always been willing to make those adjustments,” he said.

Smith, the first director of the office, previously led Cleveland’s Office of Professional Standards, and before that he was counsel for New York City’s Civilian Complaint Review Board. Garcia said he is confident in Smith’s abilities to take on this role, and hopes he

can get involved with the community as a Phoenix newcomer. “Out of the candidates he was the best one,” Garcia said. “It’s going to be important for him to come in … and build trust with the community. That to me is the marker of success.” ■

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

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

After turkey, local residents trotted After a pandemic hiatus last year, the second annual Tukee Trot went off without a hitch that day after Thanksgiving. Scores of families joined amateur and professional runners for the walk-run event near Desert Vista High School. Organizers said they were gratified with the turnout and plan to make this an Ahwatukee Thanksgiving tradition.

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Food artist’s new book a rollicking look at fruits, veggies BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

o, your kids look at vegetables on their plate like you were about to give them a root canal, minus the anesthetic. Or maybe you just want to show them how creativity can transform even the most mundane things around them into amusing and even amazing sights. Either way and in between, Ahwatukee artist Sandra Marshall recently self-published a book that you might want to put under the Christmas tree for them. Her first children’s book, titled “The Razzle Berry Wackadoodle Garden,” offers a tour through a crazy garden, using photos of creations made from fruits and vegetables. The book is available only at sandramarshallart.com. Release of the book climaxes a year that began with Marshall winning international guffaws and smiles with her re-creation

flashed on her website to see her transformation of kale, potatoes and cauliflower into a caricature of the curmudgeonly U.S. senator from Vermont. And judging by the reaction Marshall’s new kids book received last week from all the K-5 students at Kyrene de la Esperanza during her first in-person introduction to the Ahwatukee Artist Sandra Marshall now has self-published her first new book, “Wackachildren’s book after her earlier successful adult book, titled “One doodle Garden” Hot Night at the Veggie Bar.” (Courtesy Sandra Marshall) promises to be just of Bernie Sanders and his famous mittens as popular. sitting in the cold during Joe Biden’s inauThe kids applauded with glee as she guration. More than three million people took them through the book, which she de-

scribes as a “poetic story” as well as a tour of a garden. Scores of parents at Esperanza, notified by the PTO of her day-long visit in advance, also ordered up copies of the book. And the kids were even more amazed when they heard the pictures in the book are “just of our dinner.” “That’s why it took so long,” Marshall added. “Because my family had to eat all the food we ever went through.” Marshall plans to use the book to set up tours at schools both locally in person and nationally online to introduce kids to both the joys of art and those of veggies and fruits. “Every single thing in this book is made from plant-based ingredients – from the sky in the background to all the characters in the book and the scenery,” Marshall said. “And I go into the schools and I talk about what everything is made out of as I read

see MARSHALL page 25

2 local holiday favorites hit the stage this weekend AFN NEWS STAFF

here are still some seats left for this weekend’s performances of two beloved Ahwatukee-generated Christmas productions – Kimberly Lewis’ “Ahwatukee Nutcracker” and the Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre production of “A Christmas Carol.” And you can see both on different days. “Christmas Carol” is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, and on Saturday, Dec. 18, 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center of Phoenix, 1375 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix. Tickets can be obtained at azact.org. “Ahwatukee Nutcracker” shows are at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 18 and 1 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix. Tickets with assigned seating can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. Information on the Nutcracker: 480-706-6040.

Both shows also are traditions for Ahwatukee families who have had several generations of children in the casts. “This is our 11th year in the ACT ‘Christmas Carol,’” said Pamela Bridge. “All three of my kids have participated and been everything from Tiny Tim, ensemble, dancing carolers, to Bob Cratchit.” “Collin is my youngest son and a junior at Desert Vista and the only Bridge family member in the show this year. The other two – Logan and Annika – are off in college but will be back to see the show,” said Bridge. “What’s fun is that Collin started as Tiny Tim for two years, and now he is Fred, and Master Scrooge – the love interest with Belle.” “ACT Christmas Carol is a magical part of our community tradition. Kids of different ages work together with the amazing and patient staff at ACT to put on this soullifting show,” Pamela continued. “They remember the songs, the friends they make,

and the fun traditions the rest of their lives. It’s been such an important part of our family’s life for more than a decade and we are so grateful back!” Collin is 16 and a junior at Desert Vista and aspires to major in film in college. His older brother Logan and older sister Annika performed in “Christmas Carol” for six and one years, respectively. ■

Ahwatukee resident and Desert Vista High School junior Collin Bridge is a veteran member of the Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre and has performed in ACT’s “A Christmas Carol” every year it was presented since he was 5, when he played Tiny Tim. This year, as the photo on the right shows, he plays Ebenezer Scrooge ‘s nephew Fred as he leads the bookkeepers through a scene. (Special to AFN)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

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For the 13th consecutive year, the Knights of Columbus Corpus Christi Council 10062 held its annual Knights’ Kids event at the Ahwatukee JCPenney Dec. 4. Volunteers from the Knights of Columbus along with other parishioners and members of the In Country Vietnam Veterans group escorted and shopped for 48 students from Frank Elementary School in Guadalupe. Each child was supplied with numerous articles of clothing and footwear. The associates at the JCPenney store provided gifts for the children and the store provided treats. The event is made possible by the Knights’ and parishioners’ contributions and donations from the general public. Checks can be made payable to Knights of Columbus 10062 Charities, Inc. with “Knights Kids” written on the memo line. Kindly mail your donation to “Knights of Columbus, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E. Knox Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044. (Special to AFN)

German-language, blue Christmas services set AFN NEWS STAFF

f you are lonely, grieving, ill and isolated or simply exhausted by the state of society, “Blue Christmas” will be presented at 7 p.m. today, Dec. 15, at Esperanza Lutheran Church, 2601 E. Thunderhill Place at Ray Road, Ahwatukee. And if you speak German, the East Valley’s only Christmas service in German will be held online for the second consecutive year. The service will air for the first time at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at bit.ly/weihnachtsgottesdienst2021inphoenix. It will be available for viewing any time after that. Blue Christmas is an annual non-denominational gathering with music, poetry and the personal stories of three people whose lives have been impacted by uncertainty. During the program, participants are invited to light a candle. A reception

with light refreshments follows. “Our hope is that this evening is a solace,” said Alice Schultze, who has organized the program since its inception at Esperanza five years ago. “We welcome everyone who needs a time for reflection.” Pastor Annemarie Burke added, “No matter what your religious experience may or may not be, we welcome everyone.” Esperanza Lutheran Church, an Evangelical Lutheran Church of America congregation, has services at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Sundays. Information: myesperanza.org Meanwhile, Dr. Petra Schmid-Riggins said, “The German-language Christmas service has become a cherished tradition in Ahwatukee. From all over Arizona, adorers have been traveling to Ahwatukee

see SERVICES page 27

Chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and the most debilitating balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet which causes the nerves to begin to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow.

determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. As long as you have not sustained at least 95% nerve damage there is hope!

Fig. 2

NOTE: Once you have sustained 95% nerve loss, there is likely nothing that we can do for you. 3) How much treatment will your condition require?

Aspen Medical will do a chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination to determine the extent of the nerve damage as a public service to you and/or your family and friends. This neuropathy/ pain severity examination will consist of a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and a detailed analysis of the findings of your neuropathy.

The treatment that is provided at Aspen Medical has three main goals. 1) Increase blood flow 2) Stimulate and increase small fiber nerves 3) Decrease brain-based pain The treatment to increase blood flow, stimulate small nerve fibers and get you back to health is our new $50,000.00 SANEXAS UNIT!

As you can see in Figure 2, as the blood vessels that surround the nerves become diseased they shrivel up which causes the nerves to not get the nutrients to continue to survive. When these nerves begin to “die” they cause you to have balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and many additional symptoms. The main problem is that your doctor has told you to just live with the problem or try the drugs which you don’t like taking because they make you feel uncomfortable. There is now a facility right here in Mesa that offers you hope without taking those endless drugs with serious side effects. (See the special neuropathy severity examination at the end of this article) In order to effectively treat your neuropathy three factors must be determined. 1) What is the underlying cause? 2) How much nerve damage has been sustained.

In addition, we use a state-of-the-art diagnostics like the TM Flow diagnostic unit to accurately determine the increase in blood flow and a small skin biopsy to accurately determine the increase in small nerve fibers! The Sanexas electric cell signaling system delivers energy to the affected area of your body at varying wavelengths, including both low-frequency and middle-frequency signals. It also uses amplitude modulated (AM) and frequency modulated (FM) signaling. During a treatment session, the Sanexas system automatically changes to simultaneously deliver AM and FM electric cell signal energy. THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT SANEXAS IS COVERED BY MEDICARE AND MOST INSURANCE! Depending on your coverage, your treatment could be little to no cost to you! The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be

Aspen Medical will be offering this chronic pain and neuropathy severity examination from now until December 31, 2021. Call 480274-3157 to make an appointment to determine if your chronic pain and peripheral neuropathy can be successfully treated. Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this FREE consultation offer to the first 15 callers. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL Call 480-274-3157 … NOW! We are extremely busy and if your call goes to our voicemail, please leave a message and we will get back to you asap.

480-274-3157 4540 E Baseline Rd., Suite 119 Mesa Az 85206

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Lovin’ Life Expos return to the Valley next month BY ANNIKA TOMLIN AFN Staff Writer

fter a 2020 pandemic pause, the Lovin’ Life After 50 Expos are returning. They are set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24, at the Sundial Recreation Center in Sun City, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, at the Mesa Convention Center. “We’re going to have great entertainment, a lot of informative exhibitors and it’s just a great way to get out and find out what is going on in the community,” says Lovin’ Life After 50 publisher Steve Strickbine. “It’s a great way to meet lots of people and have some fun.” Previously, Lovin’ Life After 50 Expos have attracted thousands of people who network and gather information, as well as participate in the raffle prize giveaway and take a shot at hourly $100 cash prizes. “These expos were started as just a way to allow organizations in the community to come together with people over 50 to show what they have to offer,” Strickbine

After the pandemic hiatus, the Lovin’ Life After 50 Expo is returning in January to Mesa Convention Center. (AFN file photo) says, “...to give them information about things that are coming up in their organizations. “It has become a very good event though for entertainment and just a great way for

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getting out.” Among the exhibitors that will have booths at both the Sun City and Mesa Expos include 4C Medical Group (Optum Care), Arizona Liver Health, Home Concepts Custom

Remodeling, Humana, AFC Physical Medicine and Hospice of the Valley. Specifically at the Sun City Expo will be Arizona Institute and Cosmetic Laser Center, Edward Jones and MediSolutions LLC. Unique to Mesa are Bright Health Plan, Mesa Marketplace Swap Meet, Emphasis Advisors and National Cremation Society. “With COVID we are being very careful with how we proceed, and we are following the CDC guidelines of course to make sure that we are operating with best practices to make sure that everybody that does attend stays safe,” Strickbine says. In terms of entertainment, The Duttons will be returning to the stage once again. For those who don’t know, “they’re a band that has a theater in Branson, Missouri where they play during the summer months and then they also have a theater in the East Valley (in Mesa) where they play during the winter months. They were on ‘America’s Got Talent’ at one point,”

see EXPO page 27

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MARSHALL from page 22

the story to them. And each page takes you through a journey through wackadoodle garden. And I call it the ‘wackadoodle garden’ because it’s kind of crazy the way that pathway can lead you to a little flock made up of kiwi to pigs made out of watermelon.” Kids are enthralled by her whimsical reproduction of everyday things they likely see in the fridge – or frown at on their plates. Adding to their delight is the fact that the text is a series of rhymes: “Wait, look, there’s a baby high up in the tree. Wait just a minute, you’ve discovered celery.” Marshall, who stresses that none of her veggie art ever is wasted and usually ends up on her family’s dinner table, says the book is designed for all ages up through at least middle school – and maybe beyond. “I change up the formula for the presentation by grade level,” she explained. “So with the older kids, I talk about how to make a book, how I became an artist, how I became an author, what it took to put this thing together and why it took me so long to do it and what I learned along the way.

Young Gracelynn Broughton teamed up with Sandra Marshall, center, and Kyrene de la Esperanza librarian Stacy Garnett to display a large version of their sneakers, only the pictured one is made from eggplant, one of Marshalls’ many food creations. (Courtesy Sandra Marshall)

“So the older kids are really interested in the process, and how I make these little animals and little creations and they ask tons of questions. And they gave me insight as well on what I could do for my next book. “And they really want to know about how to write a book and how I make them and recipes.” And of course, younger children react with glee not only at the caricatures themselves but also at Marshall’s revelation of what went into making them. For example, she surprised Esperanza students Sandra Marshall’s hilarious recreation of Bernie Sanders and Gracelynn Broughton and Joe Biden’s inauguration was made with kale, potatoes and Cooper Duffy when she cauliflower – and earned more than three million views asked the class who was around the world. (AFN file photo) wearing Converse sneakers.

t o G ws? Ne

the produce aisle knowing that it’s going to be healthy.” And Marshall is still learning and passing what she has discovered on to kids, using her own experiences with previous unknown veggies and fruits to explain to them how “you can buy something in the produce aisle and get excited about it – but you have to look how to prepare it.” She teaches the kids how to use the internet to understand some of those growing things, making “Wackadoodle Garden” not only “a book of discovery” but an introduction into how to go about and discover more knowledge about things they come across in daily life. While setting up in-person tours of schools, Marshall also hopes to join forces with a distributor or producer of healthy foods to spread her message about mindful eating. She also is using her portable art studio – a little house filled with art supplies that is towed by a car or other motor vehicle – to visit schools and teach kids how to draw and paint. For more information, write her at artistsandramarshall@gmail.com. ■

When they and Esperanza librarian Stacy Garnett raised their hands, she suddenly whipped out a replica of their sneakers made from an eggplant. Marshall also hopes the book engenders a better attitude toward veggies and fruits from her readers in the same way her kids did from her re-imagining of all things leafy and juicy. “My daughter turned vegetarian when she was 5 years old,” she recalled. “And now she’s 17. She was very strong-willed. And I thought ‘you know what, I need to come up with a way to learn about vegetables and make it fun for myself as well’ because at the time, we all ate meat. “So now, she really helps us to learn different combinations. And I go on the internet for research, and Sandra Marshall’s new kids book is available only at then I go into the store and shop in her website, sandramarshallart.com. (Special to AFN)

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

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Kiwanis Club deadline today for foster kids’ Christmas

You still have today, Dec. 15, to help the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee secure items, gift cards or cash to provide Christmas gifts for these foster teens, who usually have no one to make their holiday merry. Rather than games or entertainment, what’s most needed are basic items like hoodies or jackets, underwear, pajamas, t-shirts, tennis shoes, casual shorts/pants and more dress items that they can wear to church, court appearances, sports banquets, etc. Hygiene items for teen boys and girls are also sought. These items, or gift cards, can be dropped off at: • Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center, 4700 E. Warner Rd; • Janet Euzarraga DDS, 4206 E. Chandler Blvd. #20 • Mtn View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. • Vision Community Management, 16625 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy. • Edward Jones, 3233 E. Chandler Blvd. #16 Cash donations also are welcome at ahwatukeekiwanis.org.

Deadline is today for Armer Foundation gift drive

Celebrate Christmas Eve with us!

FRIDAY, DEC. 24TH

10:00 am | Traditional Service of Holy Communion 3:00 pm | Children’s Worship Service (Birthday Party for Jesus) 5:00 pm | Contemporary Worship Service with Candlelight 7:00 & 9:00 pm | Traditional Candlelight Services with Holy Communion *Childcare available at 3pm, 5pm, and 7pm services Our annual German-Language Christmas service will debut on Sunday, 12/19 at 4:30 pm. Visit: http://bit.ly/weihnachtsgottesdienst2021inphoenix

www.mvlutheran.org 480-893-2579 11002 S. 48th Street Phoenix, AZ 85044

Ahwatukee-based Armer Foundation, a local non-profit that helps families with children facing extreme medical needs, is hosting its third annual toy drive to benefit children at the Banner Cardon Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Oncology Unit – and people have until Dec. 15 to contribute. With 19 local businesses throughout the Valley – many in Ahwatukee – participating as drop-off centers, there are plenty of opportunities to drop off unwrapped toys and other items for the kids. “Having been in these families shoes ourselves, we know what a difference even just one toy can make in a child’s life when they spend day in and day out in the same hospital room,” said foundation founder Jennifer Armer. “While we are often helping with families’ medical expenses, we always like to do something extra for the holidays and are overjoyed by the amount of local business who are helping us give back to these children and their families.” The foundation’s thrift store at 9830 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee, Suite A128, is a drop-off center for both toys and other items. Those other items include baby dolls, blankets, comfy socks, crayons, pajama pants, hair brushes and combs, hair ties, kids coloring books and regular children’s books and games, puzzles and stuffed animals. In Ahwatukee, toys can be dropped at: • Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe high schools, • Cupz N’ Crepes, 4232 E, Chandler Blvd.; • Foothills Dollar, 1241 E. Chandler Blvd.; • Horizon Chiropractic Center, 4425 E. Agave Road; • Kolache Café, 4302 E. Ray Road. Chandler collection points are • Christine Z Freeland CPA, 813 W. Elliot Road, • Flooring America of Chandler, 6909 W. Ray Road • Good Time Charli’s, 6045 W. Chandler Blvd. Information: armerfoundation.org or call 480-257-3254.

Annual Blankets and Bears Drive underway in Ahwatukee 48th St. South of Elliot Rd.

The Ahwatukee Women’s Golf Association has launched its 22nd annual Blankets & Bears Drive. Since its inception in 1999, the drive has raised thousands of new blankets and

new bears to be given to children in traumatic circumstances of all kinds. Previous beneficiaries have included Phoenix Fire Station #38 and various other fire departments, Banner Children’s Hospital and the Child Crisis Center. New knitted, crocheted and fleece blankets of all kinds are needed. Crib size or smaller is preferred. Dolls and stuffed animals need to be new and should be soft and cuddly. The association said be sure they are the size a child can hold. Again this year: Because of COVID-19, blankets and bears need to be small enough to fit into plastic bags approximately 15”x13”. Donors who do not have plastic bags, don’t worry, the women will place them in bags after you have donated them. Donations are being accepted at the dining room of the Ahwatukee Country Club, 12432 S. 48th St. Items will be placed under the ACC Christmas Tree and packaged and delivered. Staff at ACC is aware that there may be some “special deliveries.” Questions or to arrange another location for a delivery: text Joyce Blobner at 480-381-4195. “We hope we need a truck,” association member Carol Schade said. “Items donated are needed and appreciated.”

Cactus Jack’s plans rocking Christmas bash next week

Cactus Jacks Bar & Grill will host its annual Holiday Dance Party beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22 with line dancing lessons and open dancing. “We will also have treats and raffles as well,” spokeswoman Carrie McNeish said. “Wear your ugly sweaters or holiday spirit.” There will be a $5 cover at the door. Cactus Jacks Bar & Grill on the southwest corner of 48th St. and Elliot Road in Ahwatukee. Information: dancemeetsfitness.net.

Gala in Scottsdale will support Janice’s Women’s Center

The two Ahwatukee women who are trying to raise $6 million to build a shelter called Janice’s Women’s Center are seeking sponsors for a gala to be held Feb. 12 at The Scottsdale Resort, 7700 E. McCormick Pkwy., Scottsdale. Sponsorships are available for individuals, businesses and organizations. Shante Saulsberry also is soliciting auction items. To learn more: info@janiceswomenscenter.com or 602-603-5211.

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. ■

Submit your releases to pmaryniak@ timespublications.com

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Zzeeks’ pet food drive a doggone success AFN NEWS STAFF

wo weeks ago, Zzeeks Pizza & Wings co-owner Mark Pectol said he hoped to double the 10,000 pounds of food his drive reaped last year for two pet food banks. Over the weekend, his wife Jody announced they had not only accomplished that goal – but collected a total 23,000 pounds of food by the time the drive ended last Friday. “Ahwatukee, Ocotillo, Chandler & Tempe you did it,” Jody announced on her Facebook page. “We can’t thank the community enough for your generous donations. It was so awesome to see the food banks swamped with food.” She said the most food was dropped off at the Zzeeks on the southeast corner of 48th Street and Warner Road, followed by their Ocotillo location at 4050 S. Arizona Ave. in Ocotillo. The Pectols also had been collecting bags of food at their other Chandler and their Tempe pizzerias. Donors who didn’t have a chance to drop off food are now asked to call 480-824-8482 to find out how they can help. The Pectols began collecting donations

SERVICES from page 23

to enjoy a Christmas service that is either reminiscent of their childhood, a time they spent in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland or a precious time they spent with a friend or friends from German-speaking

EXPO from page 24

according to Strickbine. The Duttons’ setlist includes bluegrass, country and pop music. “They always attract a big crowd,”

“I love when the community comes together to help all of God’s creatures in need,” he posted on social media. Even before they kicked off the official pet food drive two weeks ago, Mark Pectol said they had thousands of pounds of dog and cat food brought to their stores. He credited his and his wife’s long history Zzeeks Pizza & Wings four locations were the staging areas for of community involvethe pet food drive. (Special to AFN) ment with the drive’s success. Tia Hoyes, who runs the Chandler Pet for pet food banks earlier this month to ensure four-legged critters don’t go hun- Food Bank on behalf of the Salvation Army, said the need for donations is dire. gry when their families are struggling. “We did not have any [pet food] coming “We just wanted to create awareness and hopefully people will continue to donate to in,” Hoyes said. “There’s been a dry spell since the pandemic has calmed down a littheir local food banks,” Jody said Sunday. The drive’s overwhelming success drew tle bit and people are starting to feel comkudos from Tim Berry, a director at Help fortable with going out and doing things. for the Homeless AZ, who thanked the Pec- So, people are forgetting about the need.” She said they’ve seen an increase in the tols for taking the lead.

countries.” But Petra said that while 2021 has been “filled with hope…others are still concerned about health issues so the German-language Christmas planning team determined it best to prerecord the German-language Christmas service.

Strickbine says. Ms. Senior Arizona 2022 winner Patricia Person will meet and greet with attendees. “I think a lot of people are anxious to get back out,” Strickbine says. ■

Pfarrerin Cornelia Henze will deliver the sermon and more information is at weihnachtsgottesdienst.wordpress.com. People are also encouraged to gather at friends’ homes or Adorers of the Germanlanguage Christmas service are encouraged to gather at one another’s houses

Lovin’ Life After 50 - Sun City Expo WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24 WHERE: Sundial Recreation Center, 14801 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City COST: Free INFO: lovinlife.com

number of people driving their pets to a secluded area and releasing them and suspects many are families that can no longer afford to keep feeing them. That’s where her organization comes in. It provides families free pet food so they can keep the pets in their homes. She said she first noticed a problem during the 2008 financial crisis, when a lot of people were forced to abandon their pets. She suggested it may be worse now because of the pandemic. “I think it’s pretty bad, things are really ramping up,” Hoyes said. “A lot more people are aware of problems now, … so we have a lot more groups that we’re able to network with.” While grateful to the community, however, Jody offered a sobering fact: “Sadly, this food won’t last that long. In one day they handed out 80 bags this week. We need to remember to donate to the food banks and the shelters all year long. We will do another drive in the spring. People think this food will last a year and sadly it will probably be out in a couple of months. But I think a lot of people really felt good knowing that many families were able to keep their pets with them with the help of this food.” ■

or at the Treffpunkt, a German-speaking social club that recently opened in Scottsdale. Information on the club is at treffpunkt.us. Information: com. ■

ingeborg07@hotmail.

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The latest breaking news and top local stories in Ahwatukee!

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

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CK’s Kendra Flaum Pieratt bows out after 17 years BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

ometimes you just know when it’s the right time. For Kendra Flaum Pieratt, that was Nov. 2, when she quietly sold her popular CK’s Tavern & Grill, which she co-owned with her brother Chad Flaum for 17-1/2 years. A month passed before word of the sale got out to the community. And that’s precisely the way Pieratt wanted it. “I just did it on the downlow because I know how loyal people are to me and CK’s and I didn’t want them to know there was a change in owners,” she said. “I just wanted people to give the new owners, Ken Matharu and Indy Singh, a chance.” Leaving the restaurant business, where she’d been a hands-on owner/operator

friendly and community gathering spot located at 4142 E. Chandler Blvd. “No matter how badly I wanted to say goodbye, I wanted people to just come in and see everything was the same,” she explained. “You can walk in now and never know it was unCK’s Tavern & Grill former co-owner Kendra Flaum Pieratt was flanked by Kelsi Sperry, left, and Valerie Wood after winning a number of Best of der new owners.” “I still come Ahwatukee awards in 2019. (AFN file photo) into CK’s to consince 2003 was hard, she agreed, but over sult but the owners are on site daily, too,” all, she thought it was best for the family- she said.

Rumors were rife and conjecture rampant. “No, my breast cancer hasn’t returned. We’re not moving. It was just a good time for me to focus on my family,” said Pieratt, a breast cancer survivor. “I have a son, 13, who plays club basketball, a 12-year-old daughter who is president of her student council and plays club volleyball and I really want to be able to spend time with them before they reach high school.” “As president and CEO of Vermeer Southwest, my husband Kyle travels a lot for his business, and that’s another good reason I want to be with my kids,” she said. “And I don’t think I’ve shut my phone off in 17-and-a-half years,” she laughed. “It was just time to slow down.” The last three years had been especially tough on Flaum personally and the business.

see KENDRA page 31

Family trio acquires EV event center at the right time BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

iming can be everything in business and for Charles Cotter and his two children, buying Superstition Manor in Mesa could not have come at a better time. While it caters to a variety of gatherings, its specialty is weddings and Cotter, his son Taylor and daughter Sharley Leavitt, acquired the 10-year-old property on the northwest corner of Signal Butte and Brown roads from the founding Burns family just as the pandemic has been loosening its grip on couples eager to tie the knot. “Weddings have not only come back in full force. It is a force to be reckoned with,” Taylor said. “You had a lot of people that rescheduled or postponed their wedding for a year and then you still had the busy season on top of that. And right now, the industry is projected to have more weddings in 2022 than there has ever been in the last several years.

“So, 2022 is supposed to be crazy,” he continued. “We already have over 160 events booked for 2022 and we are projected to break 200.” They got a taste of that level of business in October, which Taylor called “literally insane” because “it was something like 19 events in eight days….That was our welcome to the new business moment.” And even more fortunate for them, the sprawling Superstition Manor grounds and mammoth reception center came equipped with three halls that can accommodate between 100 and 250 people, two fully equipped commercial kitchens and a half-kitchen and a staff of some 40 to 50 experienced servers, cooks and other personnel. Beyond that, however, two features have made Superstition Manor a highdemand wedding venue, Taylor said: first, it’s pretty much a one-stop-shop for weddings and second, its pristine desert grounds with an unobstructed view of the majestic Superstition Mountains make

The new owners of Superstition Manor in Mesa are, from left, Charles Cotter and his children, Taylor Cotter and Sharley Leavitt. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer) romantic settings. Neither Taylor nor his sister are complete strangers to the wedding industry. Taylor has been in the wedding

industry for years as a photographer and videographer and his sister also is a long-

see WEDDINGS page 31

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

KENDRA from page 30

“In 2018 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, in 2018 and 2019 I had four surgeries and, of course, we all know what happened in 2020,” she said. “Those were some tough years.” The Flaum family purchased the former Bar Nun in 2004 at 4142 E. Chandler Blvd, renaming it CK’s Tavern & Grill, using the initials of the two children of Jim (Papa) and Joanne Flaum. Chad Flaum, who runs the family’s Old Town Tortilla Factory in Scottsdale, recalled how the family recruited Kendra from Intel to join the restaurant. “Our whole family stayed involved with CK’s but Kendra was the face of CK’s. I call her the mayor of Ahwatukee,” he said. Jim Flaum, a 2000 retiree from his executive role with the McDonald’s corporation and now living with his wife in Prescott, said three years ago that the four family

WEDDINGS from page 30

time wedding photographer. For them and their father, buying Superstition Manor was almost a nobrainer, since they were inheriting an experienced staff and a location that most couples likely will find an ideal venue for exchanging vows. “What’s really unique is where the property is situated,” Taylor said. “Across the street is actually a part of Usery Park Preserve and so from a couple of our ceremony yards where people get married, the backdrop is literally raw desert and Superstition Mountains. That’s one of the really unique things about the property: the view is unmatched. If you look out across the street, you don’t see

members had “the desire to be the best at what we do and always try to step up the level on food service and community involvement”. That family work ethic has always been a guiding light for Kendra and at CK’s showed in her day-to-day activities and in her strong commitment to the community. “I love CK’s. It was my family’s concept. I love the staff, I love the customers, I love the feel, I love everything about it,” Pierett confessed. Two community activities she initiated during her tenure remain on the calendar. Presently, the annual Holiday Wish Tree is in place at the eatery and this year benefits Childhelp and the Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents (AZAFAP). CK’s annual Charity Golf Tournament their 10th as 2020’s was another pandemic casualty will tee off May 21, and again benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Pieratt is proud that the new owners

houses. You don’t see development. You don’t see anything except just straight desert and Superstition Mountain.” “Then there are lots of places on site as well,” he continued. “The previous owner did an amazing job of landscaping. And even without that view, you could stay just on the property and there is a ridiculous amount of places that you can go and couples can go to take gorgeous photos in a very well-maintained, landscaped area.” While Arizona currently is between the state’s two biggest wedding seasons of October-November and March-April, this is no time for the Cotter family to relax – and only partly because Superstition manor also caters to charity events, sports banquets for schools and other celebrations. They are more at a lull because in a few

Superstition Manor has three ballrooms that can each accommodate different sizes of wedding and other kinds of parties. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer)

are continuing her practice of promoting from within. “They had to hire more people, but they moved everyone up,” she said. “Krista Didion is the new GM (general manager), basically replacing me.” Didion is a well-known face at CK’s, having joined the crew 11 years ago. “I started as a server after I quit my fulltime job to stay home and raise my kids. As my kids got older I started to take on more roles which has led me to where I am today,” she said. “To say Kendra was an amazing boss would be an understatement. She was never just my boss, she is one of my closest friends, and now my mentor,” said Didion, who lives in Tempe with her husband Brent and their three children. “Learning about Kendra leaving CK’s was a rollercoaster of emotions. I’m extremely sad that she chose to sell CK’s but am so excited for her and her family as they start

this new chapter,” said Didion. “I plan to do my best to uphold her legacy and keep CK’s the same place we have all come to know and love. Not seeing her every day at work has definitely been an adjustment but part of our agreement was that she has to keep our annual breakfast dates, and I plan on holding her to that,” she said. What are Kendra’s future plans? “Everybody asks me that,” she laughed. “I don’t have an answer yet. I’m really looking forward to being involved more with my kids, enjoying some downtime and being healthy.” “My husband knows me well and he said it won’t be long before I find something to be involved with, but we’ll see. I know I’ll help with the golf tournament this May, that’s important to me.” She said she’s looking to return to CK’s in a different role. “First, I need a little time to unplug, and then I’ll come in as a customer and relax,” she smiled. ■

Taylor Cotter said the Superstition Mountains form a romantic backdrop to the grounds at Superstition Manor. (David Minton/AFN Staff Photographer) weeks, more than one man will be posing the big question with a holiday-wrapped engagement ring in hand. And that means, Taylor said, the next big busy period will be January and February, when those couples will hunt for venues. “So all those engagement rings that are going to be given a Christmas time, people better move fast if they don’t want to lose out,” he said. “We will have more people come and do tours of the venue in JanuaryFebruary in those two months alone than we’ll probably have in any other six to eight-month segment of the year.” “It is very, very busy. Everyone gets engaged over the holidays and then there’s a big Wedding Expo that happens in the Phoenix Convention every year at the beginning of January. So we’re at

that. I mean, there’s literally thousands of couples. We’re already booking for 2023.” As almost a one-stop shop, the venue offers everything except wedding cakes and flowers and the Cotters have a list of recommended bakers and florists. Video and photography can be added on to the venue’s package. Those packages include with all-day access to bride and groom suites, a DJ, a pro wedding coordinator a wide variety of décor, chairs, linens, tableware and centerpieces. From Italian to BBQ and beer and wines to top shelf alcohol. As the Cotters say on their website, “All that’s left for you and your guests to do is party.” Information: superstitionmanor.com

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Prepare for long-term illnesses before it’s too late BY JOSEPH ORTIZ AFN Guest Writer

ll of us hope to live long, healthy lives, so we do what we can to take care of ourselves through proper diet, exercise and avoiding unhealthy activities. However, none of us can predict our future, so it pays to be prepared for anything – including a serious physical illness or the onset of some type of mental incapacity, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Of course, you may never face these infirmities, but you should be aware that they could upset your long-term financial strategy and place considerable stress on your loved ones. What steps can you take to head off these threats? First, make sure you know what your health insurance covers and how much you might have to pay out of pocket for treatment of illnesses such as cancer or

kidney ailments. If you’re on Medicare (supplemented with Medigap) or Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C), you’ll want to know all about deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. However, if Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia is involved, Medicare may not cover the costs that could be incurred in an assisted living facility, so you may want to consult with a financial advisor, who can suggest ways of protecting yourself from long-term care costs, which can be quite high. Your next move is to make sure you have adequate liquidity. It’s hard to predict how many out-ofpocket costs you could incur when coping with a serious illness, but it’s a good idea to have enough cash readily available, rather than dipping into your 401(k) or other retirement accounts. So, if you’re retired, you might want to keep up to a year’s worth of living expenses in a liquid, low-risk account.

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Here’s another important step: Update your estate plan. Hopefully, if you have a serious illness, you’ll be able to recover. But it’s still a good idea to review your estate plan to ensure everything is in order, such as your will and your living trust, if you’ve created one. If you’ve kept up your life insurance, you’ll also want to ensure your premiums are still being paid. And don’t forget to review your beneficiary designations on your 401(k), insurance policies and other financial documents, since these designations can supersede the instructions in your will. As part of your estate planning, you may want to include a durable power of attorney for finances, which allows you to name someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated, and a durable power of attorney for health care, which lets you name someone to make medical decisions for you if you’re unable to do so yourself.

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You may also create a health care directive or living will to express your wishes if you don’t have a power of attorney for health care, or the person named in a power of attorney for health care can’t be reached in an emergency. And since estate planning can be complex, you’ll certainly want to work with a legal professional, and possibly your tax and financial advisors, as well. You might think it’s somewhat grim to prepare yourself financially in case you become seriously ill or if your life is touched by Alzheimer’s or another mental infirmity. But it’s a positive move – you’re protecting yourself and your loved ones from whatever life may throw at you. Joseph Ortiz is a financial planner for Edward Jones. Reach him at 480-7537664 or joseph.ortiz@edwardjones.com. Joe will resume his coffee clubs on the last Thursday of every month at the Four Points Sheraton Inn 10831 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee. ■

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Worst state? Hardly, when you look at the facts BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ AFN Columnist

ou live in Arizona for a few decades, you get used to our state’s inferiority complex: Reporters and residents here love to bash the place. I’ve never lived anywhere that so reveled in national studies and stories calling out its glaring shortcomings. Some headlines ripped from the pages of real life: “Arizona Ranked One of the Worst States to Raise a Family, According to New Study.” And: “Arizona Ranked Worst State in the Country for Teachers.” And: “Arizona Ranks Worst in the Country for Food Waste.” The coup de grace, as determined by CNBC in July: “Desert in Distress? New Study Ranks Arizona as Worst Place to Live in 2021.” Memo to CNBC: I checked the primetime ratings for all TV networks. Don’t feel

bad about finishing 62nd, one spot ahead of the Motor Trend channel. You did pull 249,000 viewers at peak viewing time. In a country of 330 million people, that’s a whole lot of upside. Anyway, rather than celebrate Arizona’s perpetual worstness, I’m here today with some uplifting news. It’s likely you’ve been hearing that our country is in the midst of a national homicide epidemic, with the murder rate spiking about 30 percent in 2020. In the last few days, a dozen major American cities have set new annual records for killings – with three weeks remaining in 2021. In Philly, Indianapolis, Portland, and Louisville, folks are murdering one another like crazy. Even Tucson – which I’ve always considered merely boring – set a new record for homicides in the year, with 80 murders as of Dec. 7. Given Arizona’s affinity for guns, you’re probably thinking, well, we must be atop the state list? Nope. The homicide rate in Arizona jumped 30

percent between 2019 and last year. But – and it’s a big but – that’s merely average. In South Dakota, the murder literally tripled over the same time span. It spiked 66 percent in Wisconsin and 54 percent in both Georgia and Delaware. Pennsylvania saw murders jump by 49 percent. At the end of the day, Arizona’s murder rate of 6.9 intentional killings per 100,000 residents ranks a mere 22nd out of the 50 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. That’s right about the middle of the pack. A solid C. Ordinary. Who would’ve thought? How do I explain this ranking? In two ways. First, as one of the fastest-growing states in the country, Arizona has added about 800,000 new residents over the past decade. Our homicidal maniacs and gun loons can’t keep up with all the moving vans and California transplants. My second explanation is slightly more complicated. In big cities around the U.S., there has been a push to demonize police officers and defund police departments, an absurd movement that has attracted

support in Tucson (see earlier paragraph), Phoenix (where homicides jumped 44 percent between 2019 and last year) and Tempe (which logged eight murders in both 2019 and 2020). The rest of Arizona has mostly rejected such nonsense, perhaps because most Arizonans have some common sense: We understand law enforcement is not perfect and should be both supported for the good it does and held accountable for its flaws and bad actors. But communities – or a nation – that spend years screeching about evil cops should not be surprised when actual murderous evil takes root in place of the many quality officers who have found themselves under attack. The moral to the story? Arizona is actually a fine place to live. Comparatively low taxes, solid economy, rising home values, incomparable weather. The Copper State is killing it. Just not like they’ve been killing it lately in South Dakota and Wisconsin. ■

ing with the iPhone 12 and 13 lineups and its new Macs. This program will presumably grow to include newer smartphone models and Mac computers. This is a complete U-turn for one of America’s favorite gadget makers. For years, Apple’s lobbyists told lawmakers that sharing access to parts, service tools, and manuals would result in safety, security, and intellectual property risks. When an iPhone’s battery died, or its screen cracked, Apple insisted that only an Apple-authorized repairperson could fix it. But independent repair specialists knew that these “concerns” were overblown. In addition to the rising chorus of people who just wanted to fix their own stuff, or choose where to have it fixed, this fall, Apple faced pressure in the boardroom. And Apple, previously defiant and combative, made an

about-face, announcing newly minted support for independent repair. To be fair, Apple is far from the only company with a history of hostility toward competition in its repair market. John Deere won’t sell farmers the software tools they need to fix their tractors. Hospital repair technicians trying to focus on COVID-19 patient care say medical device manufacturers have created hurdles to them fixing equipment needed to save lives. A PIRG study from earlier in 2021 found that repairing more products and using them longer would save Americans $40 billion per year, or $330 per family. And repair not only helps consumers, but repair helps prevent waste. When people find it inconvenient to fix a product, they’re more likely to give up and buy a new one – especially when it comes

to continuously, incrementally updated products such as smartphones. Empowering more independent repair options would extend the lifespan of products, reducing the material drain of manufacturing, and reducing the electronic waste heading to landfills. The right to repair issue goes far beyond phones. Arizonans want to be able to fix their products but too often run into roadblocks erected by manufacturers who want to control the repair process. Companies should ensure that their products are built to be easy to fix – and, better yet, built to last. But if they don’t, policy makers should. Diane E. Brown is the executive director of the Arizona Public Interest Research Group (Arizona PIRG), a statewide public interest advocacy organization. ■

Companies’ competition for repairs hurts consumers BY DIANE E. BROWN AFN Guest Writer

ot a lot of companies inspire the brand loyalty that Apple does. After all, the maker of Macs since 1984 and iPhones since 2007 did put the world in our pockets. But while Apple generally garners accolades, one of the company’s core business practices has been rotten to consumers. For years, Apple has monopolized product repair by withholding the parts and tools that customers and independent repair shops need to fix broken products. That’s finally changing. Recently, Apple announced that it will begin sharing with the public more than 200 parts and tools for its products, start-

Share Your Thoughts: Send your letters on local issues to: pmaryniak@timespublications.com

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

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Ability 360 helping former, current para-athletes thrive BY EMERIL GORDON AFN Contributing Writer

eeling fulfilled in her Paralympic career, four-time Paralympian Kaitlyn Verfuerth continues to give back to the adaptive athletics community through her roles as program specialist and wheelchair tennis coach at Ability 360’s Sports and Fitness Center. While Verfuerth’s accomplishments speak for themselves, it is the journey she took to get there and the things she’s learned along the way that keeps her involved and wanting to give back to the adaptive sports community. At 7 years old, Verfuerth was involved in a bad car accident. She was in the middle seat only wearing a seatbelt across her lap and due to impact, she was ejected from her seat and sustained severe damage to her spinal cord. She was paralyzed from the waist down as a result. “When I woke up (from being knocked unconscious) in the car my mom was covered in blood and my brother was unconscious. I knew I was close to God,” she said. Soon after getting into rehabilitation from her injury, one of Verfuerth’s therapists told her about the nearby University of Wisconsin Whitewater’s wheelchair basketball program. It is one of the top programs in the country. She attended a camp hosted by the university where she was able to try multiple adaptive sports. While she loved wheelchair basketball, she wanted to play a sport where she didn’t need a whole group of disabled people to play, so she turned to tennis. She rose to the top of the wheelchair tennis world rather quickly. From the age of 17 on, for about 10 years, she was the top female wheelchair tennis player in the U.S. and top 8 in the world. In 2004, she made her first Paralympic appearance in Athens, finishing fourth in doubles and making it to the round of 16 in singles. She made two more Paralympic appearances in tennis in 2008 and 2016 with her best finish being fourth place in 2008 in the double’s competition. After 2016, Verfuerth and her husband moved from Flagstaff to the Phoenix metro area where she continued to pursue becoming a recreational therapist.

their entire college career not knowing about us. It’s unacceptable.’’ The agreement that he is trying to make with ASU would be one in which the students who already pay ASU’s fitness and wellness fee would be able to use Ability 360’s facility at no extra cost. In addition to working on this partnership with ASU, Pryor also helped to launch a wheelchair football team in partnership with the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals, Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks’ willingness to sponsor the facility is what helps keep membership costs low. “We need to get children (with disabilities) into adaptive sports much earlier than we do,” he said. “Research Desert Vista alum Joe Underwood, “right,” alongside ath- shows that the earlier they get letes he coaches at Ability 360, has taken it upon himself involved they have a better to help empower para-athletes and show them they are ca- quality of life. There should pable of competing in their respective sport at a high level. really be a pipeline between hospitals and rehabilitation (Courtesy Joe Underwood) centers to adaptive sports.” She started working at Ability 360 while Joe Underwood, Ability 360’s youth training for the Tokyo Games in paracanoe. swim coach and athlete on the adult Verfuerth and others in the disabil- wheelchair basketball team, knows well ity community are the type of people that the opportunities that early exposure to Ability 360 strives to create an environ- adaptive sports can bring. ment and opportunity to lead an active and The Phoenix native was born with Spina meaningful lifestyle. Bifida and began swimming in third grade Nickolas Pryor, Ability 360’s athletics and shortly after playing wheelchair basprogram manager and athlete on the am- ketball with the Phoenix Wheelchair Suns. putee basketball team, is at the helm of He went on to swim for Desert Vista High making that environment and opportunity School and the U.S. Paralympic National possible. Team at a world championship in the Pryor lost his leg in an accident when he summer of 2014. He stopped swimming was younger and joined Arizona State’s shortly after to take a scholarship to play wheelchair basketball team when he wheelchair basketball collegiately at the moved to the state for school. He landed an University of Missouri. In 2018, after gradinternship at Ability 360 and has remained uating, he moved back to the Phoenix area ever since. He hopes to use his role at Abil- and began coaching the youth swim team ity 360 to reinstate ASU’s wheelchair bas- and playing basketball at Ability 360. ketball team One of his motivators for returning was “I am in the process of making an agree- simply to give back. He knows that he ment between ASU and Ability 360,” he was fortunate enough to be introduced said. “There is no reason why students (es- to adaptive sports early in life and wants pecially those with disabilities) should go to continue to be a part of the growth of

adaptive sports and the Paralympic movement. He hopes to see the day here in the U.S. where para-athletes are paid to play their sport just like the other pros are. This is something that countries like Germany have already begun doing. “It’s going to take taking a chance,” Underwood said of the future of para-athletes receiving sponsorship money and other pay. He noted that he doesn’t believe the notion that para-athletes aren’t marketable, and Toyota’s recent sponsorship campaign of Paralympians has shown that it is not true. He thinks there is even a possibility that para-athletes could be more marketable but admitted a huge perspective shift would need to happen here in the U.S. While most people struggle with finding their identity at some point in their life, having a disability can make the struggle weigh heavier on a person. Robert Reed, coach of Ability360s youth wheelchair basketball team and player on the adult team, remembers his struggle with Muscular Dystrophy during his preteen and early teen years that caused him not to be in a great mental space dealing with a lot of depression and feeling alone in his situation. When he got involved with adaptive sports his mental state improved as he saw he was not the only one dealing with a disability and saw people with disabilities driving, working, and getting married. Those are all things he thought he couldn’t do before. His own experience made him realize kids are capable of much more than their parents believe. “I know that I can’t tell the parents how to parent their children,” Reed said. “But I do what I can to drop the hints that will hopefully lead them to believing their child can do things.” Ability 360 is changing the lives of paraathletes, empowering them to achieve more than they or their family members would have ever thought to be possible. Verfuerth hopes she can help carrying out Ability 360’s mission. “This is all I have ever dreamed of doing. I love waking up knowing I am touching the lives of many every day,” Verfuerth said. “There’s no better place to work than here (Ability 360).” ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

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Theatre company showcases ‘Black Nativity’ BY ANNIKA TOMLIN GetOut Staff Writer

he traditional nativity story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus is retold through song, dance and poetry by the Black Theatre Troupe through Dec. 19 at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center. The second show in the troupe’s 50th anniversary season, Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity” features new musical selection and text filled with dynamic gospel choruses, soloists and dance ensembles. “Black Nativity” is directed by Walter Belcher with choreography by Alexander Patrick. The music staff boasts Brenda Hapkins, musical direction, and Jennifer Robinson and George Johnson as musical supervisors. This will be Belcher’s fourth time directing the production in his over 15 years with the troupe. “Every time I direct this show, it has lots of powerful things to unpack, even from

a base level,” Belcher said. “It clearly has Christian connotations so however you grew up there is just something around the music that is fun and heartwarming.” The nearly two-hour show is split into two acts. “Inherently, in the script, the first act is pretty much the same to its original connotation, but the second act is meant to be gospel music that is current and relevant in telling the story of where we are,” said Belcher about the production that was first produced in December 1961. “The second act changes every year that we do it, unless there are some crowd favorites that we choose to keep. We kind of look at where we are in the world, and we build that second act accordingly.” Belcher said most of the cast does not have an assigned role in the show. “We of course have Mary, Joseph and an angel that are truly representing (those

see NATIVITY page 41

The cast of the Black Theatre Troupe’s “Black Nativity” provides a “fun and heartwarming” show. (Special to GetOut)

This bus drive will light up your holiday spirit

BY ALLISON BROWN GetOut Contributor

ruising neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights is a tradition for many families, but sometimes the logistics do not work out. Kids complain because of the lack of lights, and/or parents miss the views because they have to watch the road. Jarrod Riddle said this was the case for his family when he was a kid, and it inspired him to offer his own tour through Spirit of Arizona Tours. “I thought, ‘What if I find a really good route where friends and family don’t have to worry about the route or driving, they can just hop on a tour and enjoy the lights how they were meant to be enjoyed?’ So, that’s where the idea came from, and it’s been a pretty successful one,” Riddle says.

Jarrod Riddle he has a five-star rating on Google, TripAdvisor and Yelp. The company earned those stars because, he says, he cares about the customer experience. (Special to GetOut) “We get a lot of families that show up in ugly sweaters or dressed up or some bring

Christmas cookies and it gets turned into a nice little family event.”

The tours run at 6 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. through Dec. 31 – except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Each tour starts in Tempe near the 101 and Warner and goes through Tempe and Chandler. The 90-minute tours pass dozens of homes and stop twice for close-up looks. A longtime Valley resident and certified historian, Riddle has been a tour guide for 10 years. Using his insider information, Riddle plans a perfect route that is guaranteed to have great decorations and even avoids traffic delays for an entertaining ride from start to finish. “If I’m going to offer a Christmas light tour, it’s going to be above and beyond,” Riddle says. “It’s not just going to be random neighborhoods. I made sure to scout out several locations where each street

see LIGHTS page 41

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Wine Wagon offers fun shuttle to Sedona BY JORDAN HOUSTON GetOut Staff Writer

ruise and booze in style with the Valley’s first same-day wine tour shuttle service from Scottsdale to Sedona. Tour some of the Verde Valley’s finest wineries courtesy of the new Arizona Wine Wagon, a luxe, hop-on, hop-off bus ride. Depending on each location’s occupancy, the shuttle visits Oak Creek Vineyard and Winery, a Cornville family-owned boutique winery, DA Ranch, an awardwinning estate vineyard also in Cornville, Javelina Leap, a family-operated and premium boutique winery in Page Springs, and Page Springs Cellars, a scenic vineyard with creek-side picnic tables. Co-Founder and local entrepreneur Candie Guay, who recently developed the Wine Wagon with her counterpart Stephen Roach, says the shuttle service is a great opportunity for bachelorette parties, family outings, birthday parties, team building events, “parents who need to escape,” or anyone looking to cut loose and indulge in the finer things in life. All passengers must be at least 21. “We hope they enjoy a full day of getting away from it all by enjoying the Verde Valley and the tasty wines it has to offer without having to worry about driving,” said Guay, adding the excursion lasts about nine hours. “Each vineyard stop has something different to offer, but each one allows

An old-fashioned picnic is always encouraged. The wineries do sell food, but they are sometimes busy when we are there, so it’s always a good idea to bring your own.

family and friends to take in the beauty of the area.” Single seats can be purchased online for $119 and are available Friday to Sunday. The Wine Wagon can also be rented for $2,500 for a private full day rental. For most trips, guests will meet for the shuttle at 8:45 a.m. the day of departure at Raintree Drive and the Loop 101 in Scottsdale. Tickets only include transportation, so Guay encourages participants to bring their own lunch or plan to purchase food and snacks at the wineries. Glass or flights are available at each location starting at $8 a glass, she continues. The wagon will make one restroom and snack gas sta- Candie Guay and Stephen Roach run the AZ Wine Wagon, a tour service that takes guests on the Wine tion stop around the halfway Wagon to tour vineyards. (David Minton/GetOut Staff Photographer) mark, as well as on the way sell food, but they are sometimes busy Luxury ride aside, which features comback. “An old-fashioned picnic is always en- when we are there, so it’s always a good fortable seating and USB ports, there is one other element that sets the Wine couraged,” Guay says. “The wineries do idea to bring your own.” Wagon apart from competitors – its driver. The sleek bus is headed by trained opera singer Candice. Guests, if they wish, can expect to hear the performer bust out some tunes throughout the trip, ensuring the drive is as entertaining as it is comfortable. “Candice has sung all over the world and now we are lucky enough to have her serenade our guests,” Guay said. “She sometimes pops into the wineries and our guests really enjoy her.” ■

If You Go...

The Wine Wagon caters to a variety of special outings and gatherings. (David Minton/GetOut Staff Photographer)

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

What: Arizona Wine Wagon Where: Raintree Drive and the Loop 101, Scottsdale Cost: Tickets start at $119; for a $10 discount, use the code ENTERTAIN10 Info: azwinewagon.com

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

NATIVITY from page 39

roles),” Belcher said. “They are nonspoken roles, but everyone else is supposed to be themselves. They are supposed to be who they are, so they are not stepping into a character per se.” The rest of the cast “represents the human experience” by sharing their stories. “On a base level, there is just the enjoyment of coming to the theater and snapping and clapping along and hearing Christmas carols,” Belcher said. “I think given where we are in the world and the last two years in the climate of the country, there is an even greater heightened sense of urgency around highlighting the African American experience. Instead of pushing people into the fact that Black lives matter, us celebrating ourselves in that way and us reaffirming those things (is important).” A UA graduate, Belcher said that he is excited for the theater to reopen. He “totally sees the theater as a refuge” coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Theater across the world tried to do things virtually but quickly realized the magic of the theater exists because there is an in-person element,” Belcher said. “Artists didn’t quite have the same connection as others may have in going physical to virtual. “For the Black Theatre Troupe, this season is really special because 2020 would

LIGHTS from page 39

keeps getting better.” Riddle says the tour hits every decoration imaginable, like music-synchronized light shows, Santa Claus, nativity scenes and, in true Arizona fashion, illuminated cactus. The tour not only goes through some of the best displays in the state, but also the country. “Two of the streets on the tour compete for best Christmas light displays in America, and one of those streets is basically like a street festival,” Riddle says. “They have food trucks and Santa Claus who the kids come and talk to. They do horse carriage rides. So, for that street, I actually let my guests get out and walk it if they want. I give them about 20 to 30 minutes to get out and actually walk the streets themselves. It’s a good,

“I am aware that the Black American experience is inherently tied to our white brothers and sisters, to our Latino brothers too, to The spectacularly mounted “Black Nativity” includes gospel music and carols. the LGBTQ community, (Special to Get Out) to our main have been our 50th year anniversary and friends and family. It’s a collective thing so so that joy, that celebration, that level of to see so many diverse faces age wise and accomplishment to celebrate all of the hur- just watch all of them in this place of celdles and challenges before that (didn’t get ebration it gives you hope.” to happen). Now being able to step back Belcher said he enjoys the audience beinto what would have been that season coming a part of the experience. Although definitely speaks to us being able to cel- he finds great joy in directing shows such ebrate 50 years of accomplishments and as “Black Nativity,” sometimes it is difficult. even the theater surviving through COVID “I think one of the hardest parts of bewhen so many other organizations didn’t.” ing a director is finding the purest form of With nearly 20 directing years under his honesty and truth and bringing that to the belt, there is one thing that stands out as production,” Belcher said. Belcher’s favorite part about being the di“How do we get actors to feel comfortrector for “Black Nativity.” able being vulnerable enough to share that “My favorite part of the show is probably truth and honesty? How do you — no pun sitting in the audience or having a vantage intended — set the stage for the audience point of seeing the audience and all of the to hear and see that honesty and that truth diverse faces that come and clap and laugh in it’s purest form?” Belcher elaborated. and sing along,” Belcher said. “Because you can say, ‘Oh I’m just hon-

fun experience.” There is more to see than the classics, too. One of the unique displays on the tour is a giant, 25-foot-tall Christmas koala who takes up an entire front yard. Riddle says he spoke to the owner and found out the bear was originally from a storefront in Australia. Apparently, the family brought it with them when they moved to the States and it was passed down to Phoenix residents. Riddle says that it is always a bit of a show-stopper and has a “Godzilla effect” on kids and adults. Families and friends are transported to each sight on a luxury bus which is even decorated inside with garland and lights. The bus has 14 captain’s chairs that have armrests and recline for a truly cozy and homey atmosphere. “They can bring whatever they want on the bus as far as drinks are concerned,” Riddle says. “Since I’m doing the driving, people like to bring hot

cocoa for the kids and maybe some canned drinks for the grownups, which is totally fine by me. “I’ve had people bring little Christmas cookies and stuff like that, so basically they can make it like their own little holiday party.” This is the Spirit of Arizona’s third year offering the Christmas Lights Tour. Riddle estimates he has about 900 guests on average per year. He says the proof is in the pudding when it comes to his tours, as he has a five-star rating on Google, TripAdvisor and Yelp. The company earned those stars because, he says, he cares about the customer experience. “Don’t worry about the route, don’t worry about the driving,” Riddle says. “All you need to do is show up, sit back, relax and enjoy the lights.” Information: spiritofarizonatours. com ■

est’ but that always is followed by someone thinking they can be an inappropriate smart behind. It’s not about insulting or calling anybody out, it’s just about presenting the purest heartfelt level of truth and honesty no matter what.” Belcher said that it doesn’t matter if the production is “The Book of Mormon” or “Charlotte’s Web,” finding and executing the honesty and truth within can be difficult on top of figuring out the appropriate “light and sound to accentuate it in the right way.” He calls Black Nativity “a wonderful safe space of community and unapologetic pride that exists in the cast of sharing their lived experience through gospel music. “(The cast) all come with varied levels of experience on stage. Some none, some of them tons but what they generally all have in common is that they have grown up in the church, specifically in Black churches and they come excited with enthusiasm about sharing that part of their lives….Whether they go to the same church or they don’t, there is a commonality in their pride.” ■

If You Go...

What: “Black Nativity” Where: Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix

When: Various times between Friday, December 3, to Sunday December 19

Tickets: $42 Info: blacktheatretroupe.org

The tour takes riders through some of the most eyepopping Christmas displays in the East Valley. (Special

to GetOut)

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

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This chili has blazed its way to award status

ast weekend a host of local broadcasters came together for our annual Christmas concert to raise money for The House of Broadcasting. One year. our fundraising efforts helped to create the “House of Broadcasting Celebrity Media Cookbook.” It’s a treasure trove of great heirloom dishes by your local television and radio personalities. One of the most delicious recipes in the book is an award-winning chili recipe from Jack Clifford, who created the iconic Food Network. (More than 20 years later, about 90 million people agree that Jack’s idea was a brilliant one and changed forever the way we view food.) Jack’s scrumptious chili has won dozens of chili cookoff awards. It kicks you with five different spices and yet has a smooth-as-silk finish on your palate. This chili’s base is a combination of beef chunks, ground beef and pork with plenty of onions and garlic! So, grab a big pot

and get cooking, just in time for “chili” evenings. If you’d like a copy of the “House of Broadcasting Cookbook,” visit houseofbroadcasting.com By the way, Jack used to say that the Department of Homeland Security had identified his chili as a WMID (weapon of mass indigestion). But I say Clifford’s chili is so good, it’s what the cowboys call MGS – mighty good sop! ■

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oregano flakes 2 lbs stewing beef cut into half-inch cubes 1 tablespoons dried jalapeno, ground or flakes 2 lbs lean ground beef 6 beef bullion cubes dissolved in cup of 1 lb ground pork hot water 4 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 (28 oz) can diced tomato Flour for coating meat 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste 2 sweet yellow onions chopped 28 ounces water 6 cloves of garlic finely chopped 1/4 cup cider vinegar 6 tablespoons chili powder 1/2 cup sugar 3 tablespoons ground cumin ½ cup corn flour mixed with water into a paste 2 tablespoons red chili pepper flakes Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Dredge stewing beef in flour and brown all meat in large frying pan with oil. Sprinkle one half of the chili powder, cumin, oregano, pepper flakes and jalapeno powder over browning meat. In large Dutch oven or soup pot, add diced tomato, tomato paste, bullion, water, cider, sugar and remainder of spices. Bring to boil then reduce heat to low. Sauté onions and garlic until soft and translucent and add to soup pot. Add spiced meat to pot. Cook on medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Turn to simmer and cook for minimum 2 hours. Stir chili frequently so meat doesn’t stick to bottom of pot and burn. Add corn flour and water mixture to chili during the last thirty minutes if chili needs thickening. Add salt and pepper to taste. (Stir pot especially during last half hour so flour doesn’t stick to bottom of pan.) Serve with heated beans, cheese, chopped green and red peppers, sour cream and flour tortillas. ■

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 44

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

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480.654.5600

David Hernandez (602) 802 3600

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

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

TREE

Sprinkler & Drip Systems Repairs • Modifications • Installs

“An honest, trustworthy and reliable neighbor.”

TRIMMING 25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

The Possibilities are Endless

Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

Starting @ $60/Month!

Text or call

480-278-1355 dbroze@hotmail.com

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!

• One Month Free Service

• 20+ Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800 Landscape Design/Installation Irrigation Systems & Outdoor Lighting Fountain Repair alls C - Caring Repairs & Instuse. rm te ng D - Dedicated lo for S - Service No Yard . Maintenance

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

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

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

• Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection.

CALL US TODAY!

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

SPRINKLER DOCTOR Repairs - Installs - Modifications

• Call or Text for a Free Quote

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

Timers/Valves/Sprinklers DRIP-PVC-COPPER Backflows & Regulators

Arizona Specialty Landscape

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

New & Re-Do Design and Installation

ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

LANDSCAPING

480.898.6465

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control

I’ve got your back while you’re out!

Drip Systems Installed, Valves/Timer Repairs

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

Landscape/Maintenance

DAVID Broze

MD’S LANDSCAPING

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

480-730-1074

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

Irrigation

YOUR CLASSIFIED SOURCE

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

House Sitting Services

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

Landscape/Maintenance

480-580-4419

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

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

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

Call/Text 480.695-3639

See MORE Ads Online! www.Ahwatukee.com

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

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

WANT A GREEN LAWN?

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

FREE FERTILIZER & SOIL AMENDMENT TREATMENT WITH CORE AERATION FERTILIZATION • SOIL AMENDMENTS • SOIL TESTING ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

Painting

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

— Call Jason —

Painting

Plumbing

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

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

(602) 502-1655

Free Estimate & Color Consultation

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

480-888-5895 ConklinPainting.com

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

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts ROC#309706

Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450

★ Epoxy Floors ★ Small Job Specialist

Plumbing

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541

SUN TECH

PAINTING INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

affinityplumber@gmail.com

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

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

602.625.0599 ROC #155380 Family Owned • Free Estimates

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor Anything Plumbing Same Day Service Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

Disposals

$35 off

Any Service

Voted #1

10% OFF

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

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com

Plumbing Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated Residential & Commercial Painting

Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

PLUMBING

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

We Repair or Install www.ACPpaintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480) 785-6323

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

Veteran Owned

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Sell Your Stuff!

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Ahwatukee.com

www.Ahwatukee.com

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

Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789

See MORE Ads Online!

East Valley PAINTERS

Family Owned & Operated

Call 480-898-6465

★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Drywall Repair & Installation ★ Popcorn Ceiling Removal

License #ROC 298736

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

480-338-4011

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online!

“We get your house looking top notch!”

Painting

CONKLIN PAINTING

Painting

ROC # 272721

Not a licensed contractor

Landscape/Maintenance

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

CLASSIFIEDS

Plumbing

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Pool Service / Repair

Roofing Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds!

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

Roofing

Off 40work done

$25 OFF

*Any

Filter Cleaning!

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

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

www.barefootpoolman.com

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

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

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

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

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

LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED | ROC #269218

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com

$1000 OFF when you show this ad

Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

*on qualifying complete roof replacements

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Flat and Foam Roof Experts!

Roofing

10% OFF

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

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

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099

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

480-706-1453

Pool Service / Repair

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

MARK’S POOL SERVICE

Over 30 Years of Experience

Owner Operated - 20 Years

Play Pools start at

$85/month with chemicals

Ask About Filter Cleaning Specials!

Mark

602-799-0147

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

u Th

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019 e IN

Call

-EX D i ﬀe r e n c e

Let Us Show Yo

602-938-7575

for your FREE Roof Evaluation Today! www.InExRo

oﬁn

g.c o m

480-446-7663

Juan Hernandez

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.

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

Same Day Service All Work Guaranteed

CPO#85-185793

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTAL COMMERCIAL && RESIDENTIAL

10% OFF

FREE Estimates SAME DAY SERVICE

602-551-2255 30 Years Experience

with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

ROC#288-123 • Licensed • Bonded • Insured

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com

602-551-2255

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Roofing

Window Cleaning

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Call our office today!

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

www.porterroofinginc.com

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

FREE ESTIMATES

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

602-471-2346

Ahwatukee Based Family Owned and Operated Insured • Free Estimates

See our reviews and schedule at:

480-330-2649

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

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

623-873-1626 Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

480-446-7663

WORD SEARCH: Words ‘n Words

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

#1 Find nine 3-letter words using only these letters:

PUMPKIN

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

You never know what you’ll find inside

#2 Find five 5-letter words, starting with R and using only these letters:

HARVEST

Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

480.898.6465

class@timespublications.com

#2 Answers: raves, rathe, rheas, rates, resat

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

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

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

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

SH ALL YOU NEED IS A PU

SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

www.cousinswindowcleaning.com

#1 Answers: imp, ink, kin, nip, pip, pin, pun, pup, ump

Complimentary & Honest Estimates

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 15, 2021

BESTOF

2021

40 Years Serving the Central Valley

Where is Mondo the French Bulldog? Free Bronze Service Agreement

(Reg. $199) Call 480-725-7303 and tell us where you found Mondo this week to win! Must show proof of ﬁnding Mondo for one month or four consecutive ads. Supplies are limited to the ﬁrst 50 applicants.

FREE

Find Mondo and Get Home Outdoor Thermometer, when you call in with “Where is Mondo”(While supplies last)

YOUR HOMETOWN AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

480-725-7303

FREE

Service Call (with repair) Second Opinion

www.BrewersAC.com

A + Rating

We offer Big Savings and Great Financing!

Some restrictions apply. See website for additional information. Special rebates and financing offers are valid on qualifying equipment and pre-approved credit. Offers expire 12/31/2021.