Scottsdale Progress - 8.15.2021 by Times Media Group

Busted coach kills self / P. 4

Famiglia offers Italian delights / P. 29

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

NEIGHBORS.............20 Red Cross marks Scottsdale woman's 100th year.

FREE ($1 OUTSIDE OF SCOTTSDALE) | scottsdale.org

City joins attack on state's $12B pension debt BY PAUL MARYNIAK Progress Executive Editor

espite an $11.8 billion unfunded liability owed by more than 300 Arizona municipalities, counties and state agencies, some encouraging trends are emerging in the system that provides

Mother-daughter offer coffee-yoga.

ARTS.................................27 Young Scottsdale thespians on virtual stage.

NEIGHBORS..........................................20 BUSINESS................................................22 SPORTS................................................... 26 ARTS..........................................................27 FOOD........................................................ 29 CLASSIFIEDS........................................30

pensions for nearly 60,000 retired first responders, corrections officers and qualifying elected officials. Scottsdale is part of one trend by committing an extra $40-million toward reducing its unfunded police and fire pension liability that stood at $216.1 million when the 2020-21 fiscal year ended June 30.

Shaped in part by the unexpected surge in revenue many of those government entities have seen for nearly a year, that trend isn't just good news for the retirees who receive pensions from the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.

across the board. Vaccinations are available – that wasn’t the case last year. Just about all of our athletes are old enough to receive the shot.

“The intention is, really, we would like to have teams not cancel games.”

see PENSION page 12

High school coaches cautious as COVID-19 rises BY ZACH ALVIRA AND DREW SCHOTT Progress Sports Staff

BUSINESS....................22

Sunday, August 15, 2021

he Arizona Interscholastic Association’s new COVID-19 guidelines for the 2021-22 high school sports season are causing a stir among athletes and coaches. Some of the key changes from last year’s guidelines open the opportunity for players with no symptoms to present negative tests to come out of quarantine after 10 days rather than 14. Teams as a whole can have a shorter quarantine period – 10 days from last known exposure – if an outbreak were to occur. But vaccinated coaches and players are excused from quarantine as long as they do not present virus symptoms. “We worked with our Sports Medicine Advisory Committee,” AIA Executive Director David Hines said. “They are our doctors, and they are in tune with what is going on

Andrew Bloom REALTOR®, Senior Partner Andrew@BVOLuxury.com VOTED #1 SCOTTSDALE REAL ESTATE TEAM FOR 2018

see VACCINES page 16

Saguaro’s football program knows all too well what an outbreak can do to a program. Last year, the Sabercats were forced to forfeit their Open Division playoff game due to cases, something the AIA hopes to avoid this season with lesser restrictions for vaccinated players. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff)

(480) 999-2948 www.BVOLuxury.com

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

#1 Rated Shop in the East Valley

Thank You for voting us

BEST AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

Your Trusted European Car Specialists

We at Huffs Automotive are specialists in: Se Habla • BMW • Land Rover • Mini Cooper Español • Jaguar • Volkswagen • Audi • Mercedes Benz • Porsche

CALL NOW! AIR CONDITIONING EVACUATION & RECHARGE R-134 $100 R-1234yf $350 Must mention ad when making appointment.

NOW HIRING

AUTO TECHNICIANS & MECHANICS

Experienced & Entry-Level Call 480-726-8900 Or Submit Resume at huffsautomotive@yahoo.com

Serving the East Valley since 2009! • Family Owned and Operated

95 N. Dobson Rd. • Chandler, AZ 85224 480-726-8900 • huffsautomotive.com info@huffsautomotive.com

Call For An Appointment!

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

VIRTUAL TOURS AVAILABLE WITH ALL LISTINGS!! We Weare arepositively positively disrupting disrupting the the way way luxury luxuryreal real estate estate is bought boughtand and sold. sold. Our omnichannel strategy strategy omnichannel leavesno no stone stone leaves unturned to to bring bring a unturned buyerto toyour your home! home! buyer

O RC

C RA

T IN

Every Home Sale Directly Benefits Phoenix Children’s Hospital

YS DA

E ND

N CO

T AC

$5,998,000

-4 N1

N PE

Director of Marketing Director of Client Care

Director of Expansion Senior Partner

REALTOR® REALTOR®

$2,150,000

CO ER

Director of Expansion

REALTOR®

$1,995,000 CALL BVO 480.999.2948

LOS GATOS 8617 E Los Gatos Drive Scottsdale AZ 85255 4 BD | 4.5 BA | 5,486 SF

U TS SA EN

2 N1

Los Diamantes $1,599,476

-3

$1,500,000

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

$1,500,000

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

MIRABEL CLUB 36791 N 102nd Place Scottsdale AZ 85262 5 BD | 5.5 BA | 5,469 SF

2 1T1 SA

AUSTIN BLOOM ANDREW BLOOM AUSTIN BLOOM

4 2T1 SA

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

$1,899,000

BABS BLOOM

Senior Partner REALTOR®

DESERT HIGHLANDS 10040 E Happy Valley Road 919 Scottsdale AZ 85255 4 BD | 4.5 BA | 5,606 SF

-4 T1 SA

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

ANDREW BLOOM

$2,800,000

TATUM GARDEN ESTATES 9421 N 50th Place Paradise Valley AZ 85253 5 BD | 5.5 BA | 4,853 SF

CRESTVIEW AT FOUNTAIN HILLS 11007 N Crestview Drive Fountain Hills AZ 85268 5 BD | 6.5 BA | 6,903 SF

T ON

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

SILVERLEAF 7801 N Calle Caballeros Paradise Valley AZ 85253 5 BD | 4.5 BA | 10,026 SF

SE TO

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

U TS SA EN

480.400.1985 480.400.1985

CACTUS GATES 10800 E Cactus Road #39 Scottsdale AZ 85259 3 BD + Office | 3.5 BA | 3,745 SF

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

LOS DIAMANTES 12888 E Appaloosa Place Scottsdale AZ 85259 5 BD | 4 BA | 4,561 SF

-3

9261 N 129th Place Scottsdale AZ 85259

N PE

S EA

O YT

E OP

12 AT NS

5 BEDROOM | 5.5 BATH | 5,800 SF | OFFERED AT $4,200,000 | OWNER AGENT UN

R DE

T AC SOLD FOR $1,400,000 CALL BVO 480.999.2948

S JU

GRANITE MOUNTAIN RANCH 30223 N Cowboy Court Scottsdale 85262 5 BD | 3.5 BA | 6,168 SF

SU EN

O TS

LD $1,399,950 NS

-4 N1

$1,100,000 CALL BVO 480.999.2948

U 2S 1T1 SA

L AL

IM RT

$999,000 S O L

DESERT HIGHLANDS 10040 E Happy Valley Road 341 Scottsdale AZ 85255 3 BD | 3 BA | 3,118 SF SU -4 T2 SA EN

2 N1

-4

$1,095,000

CO ER

DESERT CREST AT TROON RIDGE 11710 E Desert Vista Drive Scottsdale AZ 85255 2 BD + Office | 2 BA | 3,096 SF

L $799,999 SO CALL BVO 480.999.2948

N PE

S CALL BVO 480.999.2948 JU

D OL $689,900 TS

GRANITE RIDGE 9847 E June Street Mesa AZ 85207 4 BD | 4.5 BA | 3,534 SF

2 1T1 SA O

OWNER AGENT

$599,900

$985,000 CALL BVO 480.999.2948

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

WINDROSE ESTATES 12900 N 94th Way Scottsdale AZ 85260 4 BD | 2.5 BA | 3,029 SF

N PE

2 1T1 SA

$785,000

$765,000

$783,000 CALL BVO 480.999.2948

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

3 2N1 CALL BVO 480.999.2948 SU EN O P BETHANY PLACE COURTS 6014 N 5th Place Phoenix AZ 85012 3 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,674 SF

LD SO S T$1,200,000

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

GRAYHAWK 7435 E Rustling Pass Scottsdale AZ 85255 3 BD | 2 BA | 1,804 SF

$659,900

CAMELBACK SHADOWS 3444 E Camelback Road Phoenix AZ 85018 4 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,659 SF

O $850,000

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

D GRAYHAWK 19550 N Grayhawk Drive 1113 Scottsdale, AZ 85255 3 BD | 3.5 BA | 2,623 SF

2 1N1

VILLA DE TOMAS 2519 N 29th Street Phoenix AZ 85008 4 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,547 SF

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

$920,000 CALL BVO 480.999.2948

R DE

SEVILLE 4215 E Ravenswood Drive Gilbert AZ 85298 5 BD | 3.5 BA | 4,830 SF

U TS SA EN

$1,095,000

GRAYHAWK 7766 E Fledgling Drive Scottsdale AZ 85255 3 BD | 2.5 BA | 3,184 SF

-4 N1

VALENCIA 3814 E Cedar Drive Chandler AZ 85249 4 BD | 3.5 BA | 3,531 SF

CO ER

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

PINNACLE PEAK PARADISE 29229 N 74th Street Scottsdale AZ 85266 3 BD | 2.5 BA | 3,610 SF | 5 Acres | Horse Property

N PE

MIRABEL VILLAGE 10968 E Scopa Trail Scottsdale AZ 85262 5 BD | 4.5 BA | 4,232 SF

$1,625,000

ANCALA COUNTRY CLUB 11469 E Carol Way Scottsdale AZ 85259 4 BD + Guest House | 4 BA | 3,991 SF

$1,200,000 RC CALL BVO 480.999.2948

2 1T1 SA N E

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

AHWATUKEE CUSTOM ESTATES 3324 E Kachina Drive Phoenix AZ 85044 6 BD | 8 BA | 10,343 SF

SINCUIDADOS | OWNER AGENT 8300 E Dixileta Drive 213 Scottsdale AZ 85266 4 BD | 4 BA | 4,073 SF

$2,199,999

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

11 AT

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

MAGIC ZIPCODE 6647 E Presidio Road Scottsdale AZ 85254 4 BD | 3 BA | 2,581 SF

A $420,000 TR CALL BVO 480.999.2948

CO ER

D SERENITY SHORES CONDOMINIUM UN 4777 S Fulton Ranch Blvd 1059 Chandler AZ 85248 3 BD | 2 BA | 1,721 SF

PLAYA DEL REY AMENDED 547 N Mondel Drive Gilbert AZ 85233 5 BD | 4 BA | 4,070 SF

-3

N $359,900 SU

0 CALL BVO 480.999.2948 T1 SA EN OP

-1

GRAYHAWK 20121 N 76th Street 1023 Scottsdale AZ 85255 3 BD | 2 BA | 1,585 SF

w w w . B V O L U X U R Y G R O U P. c o m

OWNER AGENT

$699,000

$695,000

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

SANCTUARY AT DESERT RIDGE 4722 E Cielo Grande Avenue Phoenix AZ 85050 4 BD | 3.5 BA | 2,368 SF

CALL BVO 480.999.2948

LINDON PARK | OWNER AGENT 1503 W 5th Street Tempe AZ 85281 5 BD | 3 BA | 2,297 SF

$695,000 CALL BVO 480.999.2948

PARK SCOTTSDALE 8602 E El Charro Lane Scottsdale AZ 85250 4 BD | 3 BA | 2,349 SF

$680,000 CALL BVO 480.999.2948

PARK SCOTTSDALE 8631 E Valley View Road Scottsdale AZ 85250 5 BD | 2 BA | 2,100 SF

$499,999 CALL BVO 480.999.2948

SIERRA MONTANA 17560 W Crocus Drive Surprise AZ 85388 4 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,435 SF

B V O L u x u r y G r o u p . c o m

CITY NEWS

An edition of the East Valley Tribune Scottsdale Progress is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Scottsdale. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of Scottsdale Progress, please visit www.Scottsdale.org. CONTACT INFORMATION Main number 480-898-6500 | Advertising 480-898-5624 Circulation service 480-898-5641 Scottsdale Progress 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282 Publisher Steve T. Strickbine Vice President Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising 480-898-6309 Classifieds/Inside Sales Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@scottsdale.org TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@scottsdale.org Advertising Office Manager Kathy Sgambelluri | 480-898-6500 | ksgambelluri@timespublications.com Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@scottsdale.org NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryniak@scottsdale.org Staff Writers Alex Gallagher | 843-696-6442 | agallagher@timespublications.com Photographers Pablo Robles | Probles@scottsdale.org Design Veronica Thurman | vthurman@scottsdale.org Production Coordinator Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 | production@scottsdale.org Circulation Director Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@scottsdale.org Scottsdale Progress is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegratedmedia.com

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

Coach kills self after child-sex sting arrest BY ZACH ALVIRA Progress Sports Editor

Chandler High School swim coach died by suicide Aug. 8 – 48 hours after he was arrested by Scottsdale Police in a multi-agency East Valley human-trafficking sting that led to the arrest of 17 other men. Bob Chen shot himself with a gun he rented at a Tempe shooting range. Chen recently had taken a position as head coach for a program in California and was an assistant coach at Chandler High for three years before taking over as head coach in 2020 after the COVID-19 death of former coach Kerry Croswhite. Chen was also a longtime coach for the Rio Salado Swim Club, coaching two athletes to this year’s Olympic Trials. Three police agencies confirmed Chen’s arrest, including Mesa Police, the lead agency in the sting. Chen was arrested on suspicion of four charges, including an attempt to have sex with a 14-year-old girl. Also involved in the “human sex trafficking reduction operation” were the state Attorney general’s Office, Homeland Security and Tempe Police. David Tait, the director and owner of Rio Salado Swim Club, said Chen was arrested Friday afternoon after downloading an “underground” application to his phone used to solicit child prostitutes. Police said Chen initially requested to meet with an underage girl. Upon arriving at the agreed-upon destination, Chen had second thoughts and left before meeting her, according to Tait. Upon leaving the site, he was pulled over by Scottsdale Police and arrested. Tait said Chen spent the night in jail and was released Saturday. He was assigned a parole officer, curfew, ankle monitoring device and had his phone confiscated by police. “To my knowledge, there was no bail or bond; he was released on his own,” Tait said. “We would not have bailed him out.” A distraught Chen contacted Patrick Tolson, the development team director for Rio Salado, after his release from a prepaid phone. According to Tait, Tolson interrogated Chen, who denied any acts of this nature taking place with swimmers he has coached in the past.

Chen did admit to soliciting prostitutes in the past, but had said this was the first instance where the female was underage, according to Tait. “They were looking at each other square in the face but we don’t put any stock in that,” Tait said. “We are going to further investigate in case there are other victims.” Kristin Adair, who took over for Chen as head coach of the club, went to Chen’s home before he and Tolson arrived. Aware Chen had become suicidal, she and Chen’s parents removed anything he could use to harm himself, including his gun. On Sunday, Chen slipped out of the home without his family’s knowledge and used a spare set of keys to access his car. He then drove to C2 Tactical Gun Range in Tempe, where he rented a weapon and used it on himself. “It was our plan Monday to contact an attorney and get in touch with USA Swimming Safe Sport, but he ended up killing himself Sunday afternoon,” Tait said. “Our first reaction was to protect the kids and get them help. “I sent an email Sunday night explaining Bob had committed suicide. We didn’t release these other details because we wanted the parents to be able to talk to their kids before they went to school. “On Monday we lined up trained therapists and then Tuesday we had a meeting with parents where we shared the details openly, honestly and transparently so everybody could take the information and share it with their children in the best way they know how.” Tait added he and the other Rio Salado coaches wanted to get the information out to parents to identify other children who may have been harmed. “We don’t believe there have been other children, we don’t have any reason to believe there have been, but if there were we wanted to find out who they are and get them the proper support,” he said. Chandler Unified School District spokesperson Terry Locke said the district was made aware of the charges against Chen on Tuesday. He was not employed by the district at the time of his arrest. Jim Culver, the athletic director at Chandler, informed the school’s swimmers of

Bob Chen his death on Monday morning. He was unaware of the charges brought against the former coach at the time. “We had a meeting this morning with our swimmers and staff on campus to share the sad news,” Culver said. “Our counselors and school administration were present as well as coaching staff.” Chen’s death rattled the Chandler High community, which was still reeling after the loss of Croswhite last year. The school’s aquatics complex was named after him in December to celebrate his legacy at the school. That same month, Chandler swimmer Brisa Vasquez lost both of her parents just hours apart from the virus. Tony and Lisa Vasquez were part of the team’s booster club. Tait said while Chen had success as a coach at various levels, there may never be a time in which his legacy can be discussed. “I told the parents choices have consequences,” Tait said. “One of Bob’s consequences here is this information coming to light. We are going to do the right thing with this information. That comes before any talk about Bob’s reputation or legacy. “The kids are first, and we are going to protect the kids first. That’s our singular goal right now.”

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

MANUFACTURED EXCLUSIVELY FOR ARIZONA IN ARIZONA!

ARIZONA’S TRUSTED WINDOW & DOOR COMPANY

WINDOW SPECIAL

NOW NOW OFFERING

VIRTUAL ESTIMATES Please Pl se send: sen end: • Exterior Exte Ex teri te rior ri or picture pic ictu ture tu re ooff yo your ur hhome omee om • Exterior window Exte Ex teri te rior ri or pictures pic ictu ture tu ress of yyour re ourr wi ou wind ndow nd ow or do doorss • Width Height window Widt Wi dthh & He dt Heig ight ig ht ooff ea each ch w indo in dow do w needed ed

$2,950 Installed

EMAIL TO: q quotes@energyshieldwd.com uote uo tes@ te s@en s@ ener en ergy er gysh gy shie sh ield ie ldwd.c ld .com om

Max Size 30 Sq. Ft. per Window

• • • • •

PREMIUM WINDOWS REVOLUTIONARY GLASS MAXIMUM HEAT REFLECTION EXTREME DUST CONTROL HIGHEST POSSIBLE QUALITY

0% INTEREST OAC • ROC#310824

FACTORY DIRECT INSTALLERS LICENSED GENERAL CONTRACTOR

AFFORDABLE MULTI SLIDE DOOR SYSTEMS

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE COVID-19 Protocol Compliant More Than Ever Factory Direct Matters

602-626-9929 6

SUB-

CONTRACTORS

Thermal Broken Frame, Low E Glass, Argon Gas. Custom Sizes Available

PRICING FOR WHITE OR TAN 3 Panel

(9’ x 6’8”) (12’ x 8’)

$5,185 Installed $6,455 Installed

4 Panel

(10’ x 8’) (16’ x 8’)

$6,690 Installed $8,195 Installed

6 Panel

(18’ x 6’8”) (24’ x 8’)

$9,940 Installed $12,415 Installed

Bronze and Silver Also Available Demo and Framing Additional Charge

EnergyShieldWindowsAndDoors.com Se Habla Espanol

Factory Showroom Open Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm 330 S. 75th Ave • Phoenix • 602-626-9929 OPEN MON. - FRI. 7AM - 5PM, CLOSED SAT-SUN

ROC# 310824

CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

Activist Scottsdale parents group forced to change name BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

group of activist parents on Facebook has changed its name after receiving a legal threat from the Scottsdale Unified School District The Scottsdale Unified School District Community Advocacy Group is now the Scottsdale Unified Community Advocacy Network after receiving a cease and desist letter from the district legal counsel Gust Rosenfeld. The letter states the abbreviation “SUSD” is a trademark registered with the Arizona Secretary of State by the school district. “Therefore, any use of the district’s marks must be formally agreed to in a license agreement allowing certain individuals, entities, and organizations to use SUSD pursuant to pre-approved terms,” the letter states. “The district has not authorized your action network to use its protected marks.” The parental group responded with an email stating, “We obviously had no idea

about the trade name issue and it would have been helpful if district representatives would have communicated this with us in one of our many meetings over the last few months. “A name change of the group will be forth coming.” The dispute arises from an ad the community action network put out advertising a “SUSD Parent Back-to-School Bootcamp.” The meeting was to show local parents how to enroll in various committees and other ways to get involved during the coming school year, Scottsdale Unified Community Network member Amy Carney said. The meeting also featured a presentation on supplemental materials for the grades 9-12 curriculum – such as the listenwise.com website, which Carney described as “divisive” and “biased.” “It’s one-sided, political propaganda,” she said, though she would not clarify what about the website is offensive. SUSD spokeswoman Nancy Norman said parents called in thinking the “Boot

“The event was only posted on parentsknowbest.com and in our two parent Facebook groups until Board President JannMichael Greenburg took our invitation image and posted it on his Facebook page. If there was confusion about our event, it is because he created it.” Camp” was sponsored by the district. “We were not involved, we don’t know what was said about us,” Norman said. The district wound up sending out an email to parents saying the district was not involved with the meeting. “There truly was confusion,” Norman said. Carney questions that. “The event was only posted on parentsknowbest.com and in our two parent

Facebook groups until Board President Jann-Michael Greenburg took our invitation image and posted it on his Facebook page,” she stated in email to the Progress. “If there was confusion about our event, it is because he created it.” While Carney said critical race theory was not specifically discussed at the meeting, Norman said the group has repeatedly contacted district officials urging them not to use it in the curriculum, which the district doesn’t. “SUSD has never considered using CRT and it never will,” Norman said. Critical Race Theory suggests that racism is not rooted in just personal prejudices but is embedded within institutions. Instead, the district uses what it calls a “culturally responsive,” curriculum, Norman said. “If the kids don’t see themselves reflected in the material, if all they read is white authors, they’re not going to engage as well,” Norman said. “We live in a diverse society, why not take advantage of that?”

Where YOU choose how to live your life The Auberge is a community specially designed to serve the needs of individuals living with all types of dementia. Every day we make it a goal to go above and beyond to enrich the lives of our residents through SPARK. SPARK is an award winning program with engaging Montessori inspired methods of life enrichment programing. The staff is committed to delivering a quality of care that meets the resident’s physical, social, spiritual and emotional needs.

The Auberge at Scottsdale Tel: 480-614-9100 9410 E Thunderbird Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85260

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

WE ARE OVERSTOCKED…

CLEARANCE

Spencers has been saving you money for over 48 Years. We provide the Best Products, at the Lowest Prices and Our Customer Service is Terriﬁc! We are locally owned and operated. When you shop Spencers your hard earned cash stays in OUR COMMUNITY!

58” 4K UHD SMART TV • 2 HDMI Inputs • Airplay2 Built-In

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

NTW4500XQ CLOSEOUT

1000’s OF ITEMS IN STOCK FOR FAST DELIVERY

UN58TU7000

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

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

2350

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

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST**

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

REFRIGERATOR

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

BUYS ALL 3 PIECES DRYER

• • 4.5 Cu. Ft. Capacity • • • 10 Wash Cycles • • Smart Care

7.5 Cu. Ft. Capacity 10 Cycles 9 Options Steam Sanitize

299 599 EACH

HDA2000TWW CLOSEOUT

FRONT LOAD WASHER

WF45T6200AW

DVE45T6200W

ST **

• Large Crisper Drawer

$ DISHWASHER

MONTHS NO INTERE

TOP MOUNT REFRIGERATOR

499 $429

449

DISHWASHER

12 BFTF2716SS

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

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

• LED Lighting

949

FFSS2314QS CLOSEOUT

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

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

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

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

CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Progress Executive Editor

fair were to be moved to an 1,800-acre site in an area around the Motorsports Park and Rawhide Western Town. Even then, concerns were raised about a walking distance of a quarter-mile to three quarters of a mile between the fairgrounds and parking area, a limited water supply, the existence of only one “convention type building,” the fact that all electrical power would have to be supplied by generators. Other concerns cited in the memo included the fact that workers comp and insurance requirements for contractors and businesses operation on reservation land “are typically more expensive and a little different than standard Workmen’s Comp.” Still, on Feb. 25, Meg Anema, executive management assistance for the fair, emailed the exposition board, writing “the future is certainly filled with exciting opportunities.” Nevertheless, the concerns raised that had already been raised over preparing a site from scratch for an event that has drawn as many as a million people in past years prompted fair officials to decide that a March event was too ambitious. Taking note of that in its March 25 announcement, Ducey’s office said that by holding the fair later this year, the state could “move forward with fair planning and not risk the event being canceled again due to uncertainty. “As always, the fair will include agricultural, cultural and performing arts components. Additionally, given the location on native lands, a special focus will be placed on Indian Country and the state’s rich Native American heritage,” his office declared. Less than a month later, however, the scope of challenges widened. “While we continue to explore and find alternative and creative solutions to our infrastructure needs, costs continue to increase,” an unsigned memo dated April 20 stated. “We are finding that nothing is impossible, but expenses may prevent it from being vi-

State Fair relocation faced daunting challenges

handler won’t have the Arizona State Fair as a neighbor this fall after all. The Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board 10 days ago announced that the fair will be held in October at the fairgrounds at 19th Avenue and McDowell Road. The announcement came less than five months after the board voted unanimously to move the fair to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park on Gila River Indian Community land just south of the interchange between I-10 and the Loop 202 South Mountain / Santan freeways. But documents obtained by the SanTan Sun News show that less than a month after the March 25 decision, significant doubts arose as to whether the relocation could be pulled off. Those documents, obtained through a public records request, show that fair officials projected a $2.6 million loss if it had been held at the reservation. That included a loss of $1.6 million in income and just under $975,000 in additional expenses. For the years 2018 and 2019, records show, the fair averaged $12.2 million in annual income and $8.3 million in expenses for an average annual net income of $3.8 million. The same day as the board’s unanimous March 25 vote, Gov. Doug Ducey’s office released an announcement hailing it. The announcement said the GRIC site “is larger than the size of the State Fairgrounds in Phoenix, allowing for appropriate social distancing and other public health mitigation measures.” It also noted that the fairgrounds had become “a vital location for mass testing and vaccine distribution.” By moving the event, it added, the fairgrounds could “continue to be available for public health needs in an underserved area of our community” while preventing the second consecutive cancellation of the annual fourweek fair because of the pandemic. The board blamed its change of

An estimated 1 million people have visited the Arizona State Fair in some years and the state discovered quickly that the Gila River Indian Community had too much infrastructure work to do to handle that number of people this year. (Progress file photo)

heart on “an inability to secure the necessary infrastructure to hold the fair at the Gila River Indian Community’s Reservation in time for October.” It also said, “related supply chain problems across the country are causing delays in materials and supplies needed to hold the fair at the” GRIC site and that “manufacturers are unable to guarantee on-time delivery.” “The Gila River Indian Community and Arizona State Fair continue to study the possibility of moving the Fair to the Reservation in 2022, in a manner that will be mutually beneficial to both parties,” the board said. It also included a statement by board Chairman Jonathan Lines, an influential Yuma County Republican and former chairman of the Arizona Republican Party. “We are committed to creating the best experience for the State Fair guests, partners and sponsors,” Lines said. “Due to the limited timeframe and supply concerns, keeping the Fair at its existing home makes the most sense for 2021. “We remain committed to working with the Gila River Indian Community to see if we can move the Fair to the Gila River Indian Reservation in 2022

in a manner that is mutually beneficial to both sides.” While noting the fair will run Oct. 2-30, the board’s statement did not mention there will be no concerts this year because of scheduling difficulties created by the pandemic. Wild Horse Pass Development Authority Board Chairman Donald Antoine Sr. started the chain of events leading to the March 25 decision with a letter last Oct. 28 to the State Fair Board. The authority is the development arm of the Gila River Indian Community. “WHPDA has the space and know how to host and deliver a meaningful, safe and appropriately scaled outdoor event,” Antone wrote, offering to hold the fair in March and stating: “In a time where diverse cultures need to unite more than ever, WHPDA is hopeful they can be helpful in partnering with the Arizona State Fair to allow our community to safely come together.” In a run-up to a subsequent meeting Nov. 12 between state and tribe officials, state fair staff drew up a lengthy memo outlining the wide array of issues that needed to be addressed if the

see FAIR page 19

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

BRING YOUR VISION TO US The experts at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery are here to help create a home that’s as extraordinary as you are. Any project, any style, any dream—bring your inspiration to Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. Visit build.com/ferguson to schedule your personalized showroom experience today.

YOUR LOCAL SHOWROOM: SCOTTSDALE MESA

Silgranit Kitchen Sink

CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR MEDICARE OPTIONS. Get answers to your important questions. Cigna Medicare Advantage plans offer all the coverage of Original Medicare plus added benefits that may include: › $0 monthly premium › $0 medical and $0 pharmacy deductible › $0 primary care physician visits › $0 lab copay › $0 transportation to and from health services* › $0 copay for many prescription drugs › Over-the-counter allowance › Fitness program, dental, vision and hearing services › Telehealth Services – Virtual primary care physician visits, online or by phone

Call now to get help from a licensed Benefit Advisor. Jim Schmidt

Signature Senior Solutions

(480) 296-3900

Monday to Saturday: 8.00am to 6.00pm Or visit www.signaturesenior.solutions

*Plan-approved locations and restrictions may apply by plan. Under 60-mile one-way trips. All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of St. Louis, Inc., HealthSpring Life & Health Insurance Company, Inc., HealthSpring of Florida, Inc., Bravo Health Mid-Atlantic, Inc., and Bravo Health Pennsylvania, Inc. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. Cigna complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age disability or sex. Cigna cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no dicrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. English: ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge are available to you. Call 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). Spanish: ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). Chinese: 注意: 如果您使用繁體中文, 您可以免費獲得語言援助服務. 請致電 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). Cigna is contracted with Medicare for PDP plans, HMO and PPO plans in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna depends on contract renewal. © 2021 Cigna Y0036_21_92127_M 936621 b

SUSD planning 125th anniversary campaign BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

he Scottsdale Unified School District is 125 years old and the Governing Board would like to celebrate with you. The board voted unanimously last week to spend up to $156,000 so that the Phoenix-based Davidson Belluso advertising agency can develop a marketing campaign to mark the anniversary throughout the year. That’s just for the conceptual end of the campaign though. Hard costs, such as printing banners or postage, would be extra. As an example, one school district with eight schools spent $80,000 in hard costs when it worked with Belluso. “Driving this is what we call the ‘halo of time,’” Bruce Nilsson, Davidson Belluso chief strategy officer, told the board. “It’s a unique moment in time. A hundred and twenty five years of success and changing the landscape of public education here in Scottsdale.” Ideas pitched to the board were not set in stone as no contract has yet been signed, but at the core of everything pitched is a logo that could say something like “Celebrating 125 years. Unified in excellence.” “This could be something that goes up on everything, websites, everything, you’ll see how we apply it, banners, everything, Nilsson said. “It’s modern, uplifting and dynamic.” Then there could be events at the individual schools and the history of the area could be worked into history classes, Nilsson said. “You can even create traveling exhibits to go to schools,” he said. There could also be open houses, community events at sporting contests and online quizzes. “You’re going to be somewhere every day or everywhere somedays,” Nilsson said. “You will not be able to live, breathe and work in Scottsdale and not see something about the district, its history, its heritage, its legacy and what it’s doing to promote public education.” No modern PR campaign would be com-

plete without a strong social media presence, though. “That’s where everybody lives and breathes now,” Nilsson said. “Digital’s everything.” Geo-fencing is even a possibility. “We would have the ability to feed news and messages about each school based on where you are,” to people’s cell phones or other media devices, Nilsson said. And then there’s the merchandising. The logo and snappy sayings could be put on things like shirts and pins. The task of creating such a campaign with in-house staff would be difficult as the district’s communications department is down two employees out of a full staff of five, Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel said. “We are just really short staffed in order to cover all of the marketing needs of the district,” Menzel told the board. He also noted the level of expertise Davidson Belluso brings to the table and said in-house staff could carry on the marketing effort in years to come once it is created. “We saw this as a wonderful opportunity to leverage 125 years … telling our story, it’s all about telling that narrative,” Menzel said. Governing Board Vice President Julie Cieniawski was enthusiastic about the plan. “We’ve been suffocating in our own silence over the last couple of years because of understaffed departments so I’m thrilled,” she said. “I’ve been excited to see the work that’s been presented. I’m really looking forward to us being able to share the story of the Scottsdale Unified School District, not just in our local community but throughout our state as well.” Board President Jann-Michael Greenburg echoed Cieniawski’s sentiment. “I can’t say there is anything on here I don’t like,” he said. “I thought it is very thought provoking. I like the engagement of our existing students as well as alumni. Those are stories that are often overlooked and under-utilized. I believe when people look for schools to send their kid, they want to see the potential, right?”

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

STUDENT SUPPORT

Asmaa Ahmed Asmaa Ahmed has utilized SCC’s extensive student support services to help keep her academic journey on track. The Biology major plans to obtain her bachelor’s degree from NAU on the SCC campus.

Go Chokes!

GET TO KNOW OUR STUDENTS AT:

www.scottsdalecc.edu/go-chokes

scottsdalecc.edu/future-students

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.

CITY NEWS

PENSION from front

It's also good news for taxpayers, who saved a projected $2.7 billion in fees for public employers' unfunded liability in the 2020-21 fiscal year. The other trend helping to reduce the mammoth statewide liability involves the largely unflagging health of the stock market that – combined with some astute decisions by PSPRS – produced an unaudited return of close to 25 percent on its investments. Though the final percentage won’t be known for several months pending a routine annual audit, that one-year return is the biggest the PSPRS has seen in more than 30 years. But just as important in putting the public safety pension funds on more solid footing are those additional contributions being made by municipalities, counties and some state agencies. Over the past fiscal year, many of those employers have paid a total $1.58 billion in additional contributions to PSPRS to whittle down some of their unfunded liability. Employers either devoted some of their budget surplus from the 2020-21 fiscal year to pay down their pension debt or borrowed money at interest rates that are less than half and even a third of the 7.3 percent rate PSPRS assesses annually on their unfunded pension liability. The $1.58 billion in extra payments is on top of the $1 billion employers were required to pay in 2020-21 on accruing pension benefits and the interest on their pension debt. Required contributions to cover the unfunded liabilities account for roughly two-thirds of total required employer contributions each year. “The additional contributions help secure pension stability for employers’ retirees and members while saving taxpayers money by eliminating or reducing unfunded pension debt that will escalate employer costs each year if left unaddressed,” PSPRS spokesman Christian Palmer said. His boss, PSPRS Administrator Mike Townsend, was even more ebullient. “This milestone is the result of an allout effort to help employers understand and realize the true cost of public safety pension benefits and the taxpayer savings that can be achieved by paying off

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

show that has a $195.6 million unfunded liability. Currently its police pension fund is funded at 52.1 percent. Scottsdale’s fire pension fund is 84.6 percent funded and has an unfunded liability of $20.5 million. To help whittle down that collective debt, city spokesperson Kelly Corsette said Scottsdale this fiscal year is putting down $35 million on the police pension liability and $5 million on fire. Chandler in the 202021 fiscal year shelled out an extra $15 million on its combined police and fire Mike Townsend, administrator of the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System, praised the dozens pension liability of more of municipalities, counties and state agencies that have than $271 million. Despite the size of that make extra payments on their unfunded pension liability. Phoenix taxpayers are paying additional penalties on an debt, those two pension unfunded police and ﬁre pension liability of $3.2 billion. funds for Chandler fire (Special to Progress) and police retirees currently have a higher fundunfunded pension obligations,” said ing ratio than many AriTownsend. zona entities that pay into the system. “Although the large amount of addiRecords show 68.6 percent and 62.7 tional contributions is great, the other percent funding levels for Chandler fire impressive fact is the total number of and police pension funds, respectively. employers that are taking action. EmBy contrast, Mesa’s police and fire ployers across the state are chopping pensions are funded at 45.8 percent and down a mountain of pension debt.” 48.5 percent, respectively, and have an One thing Townsend didn’t mention is unfunded liability totaling more than the role he personally played in the em- $650 million. ployers’ big pay-down effort. Gilbert put down an extra $15 million Sources said he personally appeared to whittle down an unfunded combined before more than 40 county boards of fire-police pension liability of $42.5 milsupervisors and city and town councils lion. Records show that even with that to urge them to take advantage of his- debt, Gilbert’s police and fire pensions torically low interest rates to pay down are funded at a level of 82 percent and their pension debt. 88.8 percent, respectively. Many of those bodies heeded When it came to its unfunded pension Townsend’s encouragement, with Gov. liability, Tempe kicked off the new fiscal Doug Ducey taking the biggest step by year in stunning form. adding $500 million each to the unfundIt paid down almost all of its unfunded ed liability owed on pensions for correc- liability of $343.2 million, shelling out tions officers and retired state troopers. $341.1 million last month. The current unfunded liability for reWhy unfunded liabilities are important tired adult and juvenile corrections of- was outlined in a memo that the Phoeficers combined is $1.12 billion while nix city administration sent Phoenix City the unfunded liability for Department Council last month as it grapples with an of Public Safety employees totals $898 unfunded police and fire pension liability million. totaling more than $3.2 billion. The bigger liability for Scottsdale is In that memo, city Manager Ed Zuin its police pension fund. State records ercher and Chief Financial Officer De-

nise Olson explained the need to whittle down that unfunded liability and “avoid a huge burden” down the road that would require “significantly decreasing services or an increase in taxes.” “This taxpayer burden must be balanced with being fiscally responsible and committed in providing pensions to retirees,” the memo said. And because pension debt is a priority expenditure for any governmental employer, the unfunded liability’s costs “have placed significant budgetary constraints on the City’s ability to provide employee wage and non-pension benefit increases, public services and infrastructure maintenance,” it noted. When the 20th century ended, unfunded pension liability for PSPRS didn’t exist. Then came the housing market crash in 2008 and the subsequent economic collapse that not only adversely impacted the stock market but also reduced government hiring to a crawl. At the same time, more government employees were retiring and with fewer new employees paying into the plan, the agency’s pension obligations were increasing. As municipalities started putting more of their available revenue into more immediate public services, their pension debt steadily increased – fueled in part by the penalties assessed annually on that debt. Voters in 2016 overwhelmingly approved Prop 124, which reduced costof-living increases in the pensions for retired firefighters, police and elected officials. Those cost-of-living adjustments were now tied to the regional Consumer Price Index with an annual cap of 2 percent. For nearly 20 years, an annual 4 percent compounded increase had been paid out to retirees, significantly cutting into the amount of money remaining to pay future retirement benefits. But that prop had the strong support of public safety unions, which said the move would make the pension fund more secure. A subsequent for two years later made the same changes in pensions for corrections and probation officers. Not everyone favored the props. The Arizona Tax Research Association and the Goldwater Institute contended the measures provided no short-term financial relief for taxpayers and that savings may occur only years down the road.

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

Up to

$1500

OFF

Call for details

CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

Catalog Old Town shops, gallery owner suggests BY J. GRABER Progress Staff Writer

n annual catalog of local businesses might just be the thing to help rejuvenate Scottsdale’s aging Old Town, according to local art gallery owner Bob Pejman. “If the City truly desires to activate downtown, it should start by working with merchants to devise a robust marketing program to attract locals and visitors,” Pejman, who has owned a gallery in Old Town since 1988, wrote Scottsdale City Council and staff members last week. “Start by producing an annual downtown catalog and have it distributed by hotel concierges to attract visitors. Put advertising on cable and radio to attract the locals,” he continued. “The added sales tax that this effort will generate for the city will more than compensate for the marketing dollars spent.” The city budget earmarked over $3 million to draw people to Old Town this year. That includes $840,000 for traditional and digital marketing, $1.706 million for

big events like Scottsdazzle and Western Week and $401,400 for events the city does not put on but helps fund. The Arizona Indian Festival and the Parada del Sol Parade fall into that last category. “Old Town Scottsdale is extremely important to the city,” Scottsdale Tourism and Events Director Karen Churhard said. “It’s basically the heart of our city. It’s important to our community, our businesses, to our tourists who visit here. It’s one of the top priorities of places to visit when people come into the City Scottsdale.” Pejman feels city officials have other plans than revitalizing Old Town, which some fear is losing its small-town charm. “In my opinion the city has done the bare minimum,” Pejman said. “They want to redevelop downtown. There’s a lot of push to redevelop downtown but my point is you can partner with the unique businesses that are already there rather than just creating some corporate shopping mall.” And then there’s the ever-present parking issue in the area. “If you want more business in Old Town Scottsdale, add parking!” Pejman wrote.

“Because people want to be here already without street festivals! We already have the draw which are the restaurants, galleries, unique, quality stores, coffee shops and boutiques. We just need parking and a more walkable, safe, beautified Old Town!” A bond for $20,962,800 to build a parking garage in the area was passed in 2019 and several possible spots have been identified, Churchard said. “I know everybody wants it now but these things take time,” she said. After considerable discussion, Council voted last month to start a pilot program that would close off one street in Old Town one weekend a month. Local gallery owner French Thompson, president of the Scottsdale Gallery Association, spoke out against the idea at the time and feels the same way about it now. “We’ve had street closure events in the past and every time afterwards we say ‘That was a terrible idea,’” he said, “and maybe 10 years later someone comes along that says ‘let’s close one of the

SPONSORED CONTENT

streets’ and afterwards we say ‘That was a terrible idea.’” More input should be solicited from business owners in Old Town before any action is taken, Thompson said. “If the city wants to help us in good faith then I would think it would be beneficial if they would actually listen to us,” he said. Some Old Town merchants are still gun shy about the Artisan Market, which ran from 2012 to 2015. Vendor booths were erected along the canal in a style similar to a farmers’ market. The idea was people would walk along the canal and shop, which they did but many merchants in the Old Town area complained it bled off potential customers to their shops so the city shut it down in December 2015. However, Churchard noted not everyone was happy with that move either. “When it did cease we started hearing from the restaurants in the area,” she said. “That was held in the morning time frame and the restaurants were hurt by it (closing down).”

Have you heard of Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health, or NOAH?

OAH has been part of Scottsdale since 1997 when the community health center launched under then Scottsdale Healthcare (now HonorHealth). For much of that time, NOAH and their Cholla Health Center in north Scottsdale have been one of the area’s best kept secrets, but not anymore.

When NOAH says that they provide healthcare for all members of the community, it truly means everyone and anyone. NOAH patients are of all ages, backgrounds, and stages of life and regardless the type of medical insurance they may or may not have, NOAH is here for the community.

NOAH’s mission is simple; to provide compassionate quality healthcare for all members of the community. It’s not enough to help patients with one concern or issue when so often our health is tied to other areas of our life.

At the Cholla Health Center located near Via Linda and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. in Scottsdale, patients fwrom newborns to seniors can receive:

Comprehensive, Whole-Person Healthcare

Including Cholla, NOAH operates nine locations throughout Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Glendale with comprehensive, whole-person care. Health centers offer services including medical, dental, pediatrics, counseling, nutrition services, and so much more to 40,000 patients every year. d Blv ht rig dW

N1 10 th

loy

n Fra

E Alis When a patient with diabetes, it can be disruptive. NOAH’s integrated taddiagnosed ena A vewith a NOAH Registered Dietitian Nutritionist to help with team connects patients their diet, a counselor if the stress is too much, and a community resource specialist if a patient is struggling with access to healthy food. People need trusted support around all sides of their health and wellbeing and NOAH provides that to everyone.

a oll Ch

E Cho lla S t

rk Pa

Cholla Health Center

Primary Medical Care

Pediatrics

Internal Medical Care

Counseling Services

Access to Healthcare Sometimes getting to a medical appointment or having the right insurance or payment plan is the biggest challenge. NOAH offers many appointments as telehealth visits that can be done from a smartphone or other device and Cholla Health Center offers extended hours. If insurance is a challenge, the Community Resource Team does enrollment for various health insurance plans as well as sliding fee for people who don’t currently qualify for an insurance plan. For almost 25 years, NOAH has been improving the health of the Scottsdale community, one person at a time. Get to know NOAH and make an appointment with one of the Cholla Health Center providers by visiting NOAHhelps.org.

is located at 11130 E. Cholla St.

just north of E. Shea Blvd. at Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. in Scottsdale.

t aS oll Ch

ia EV

Lin

MONDAY-FRIDAY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

7:30 am — 6 pm CLOSED

CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

SUSD to quarantine students this year BY J. GRABER AND ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writers

he Scottsdale Unified School will quarantine students infected with the COVID-19 virus this school

year. District superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel got verbal direction Tuesday from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health that it “is requiring quarantine for close contacts of positive cases. This is not a matter of (being) recommended, it’s (not) optional, it’s a requirement because in a congregate setting, the ability to go from zero to something that is an uncontrolled outbreak is high risk, so the county has taken that seriously,” Dr. Menzel told the SUSD Governing Board in a special meeting Tuesday night. However, quarantining students is the option of last resort. “I want to be clear,” Dr. Menzel said, “We are implementing the layered mitigation strategies that we are able to implement per law and working to do everything we can to reduce the risk of spread on our campuses all with the goal of keeping our schools open for instruction.” That layered approach includes encouraging students and staff to get vaccinated, wear masks and stay home if they are sick. “We’ve sent home in the first five days (of the school year) 87 students that were symptomatic.” Menzel said. “That’s a concern! We’ve also had staff showing up to work symptomatic, and while some may think it’s just a cold, allergies, in this environment with the transmissibility (of the Delta variant) at least twice and maybe higher than the transmissibility of early variants of COVID, we need people to take seriously the request to stay home if you’re sick.” In a statement sent to the Progress by Maricopa County communications director Fields Moseley, the county stated: “The Maricopa County Department of Public Health works with school districts and considers them critical partners in communicating to parents

about infectious diseases of all types,” the statement read. “They have played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver sometimes difficult messages to parents and students and about mitigation efforts that include quarantine protocols that originate with the CDC and Arizona Department of Health and Safety.” The statement proceeded to encourage parents and students to do their part. “Maricopa County Department of Public Health and county leadership understand many parents and students have a desire to return to in-person learning and want to do so in a safe manner. We want the same thing,” The statement read. “Parents can help their school communities by keeping their children home when they are exhibiting any signs of illness. They can also help by getting one of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for themselves and their eligible children.” Dr. Menzel echoed those sentiments. “The closest thing we have towards a universal agreement we have in Scottsdale and that is, in person learning is best for our students,” he said. “Whether people support wearing masks or don’t want to wear masks, whether they support vaccines or do not support vaccines, it has been consistently the case that parents acknowledge and recognize that in person (learning) is critical for their students’ success academically, from a social-emotional standpoint, from a developmental standpoint, all of these things are important.” The measure comes as the county has reported over 1,600 new cases and an average of seven six deaths over the span of seven days according to the latest reports by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. Hospitalizations also appear to be on the rise, as MCDPH has reported an additional 61 hospitalizations over the span of seven days in the same report. For additional information about vaccines and COVID-19 visit maricopa.gov

MENDOZA Cleaning & Sanitization General Cleaning, Laundry & More 1 time • weekly bi-weekly • monthly Ask about Windows & Sanitization Services

FREE ESTIMATES Call Mireya Mendoza Now!

480-259-0935 Stan Williams THE BLANKET

Historical Novel Just Released By Local Author Stan Williams Available at: Amazon, Ebooks, Kindle, Barnes & Noble

CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

VACCINES from front

big groups and remaining home when they can. Extra masks are also on hand at practice, part of an effort to prevent virus spread. “They’re pretty serious about all that and making sure everyone’s paying attention,” Mazick said, adding the team is making “sure we take the right precautions to do what we need to do.” Even when teams do the right things, it may not be enough. Saguaro’s football program can attest to that. Last season, the Sabercats saw their season come to a premature end due to an outbreak. They had to forfeit their opening round Open Division playoff game against Salpointe Catholic. It was the first time in seven years Saguaro didn’t play for a championship, and it was due to something virtually out of their control. “It hurt,” Saguaro coach Jason Mohns said last year after the forfeit. “It was tough news to share to the team. Our kids, I’ve been proud of them the whole way. I was proud of the way they handled it. They were upset, they were disappointed, but I think they understood it was a risk we took at the beginning of

With the start of the high school football season only a few weeks away and COVID numbers rising, the AIA, like other entities, cannot to mandate vaccines. The state law banning mask mandates by schools left it with the option to only “strongly encourage” mitigation strategies like masks and vaccines. But the rise in cases has coaches erring on the side of caution and having honest talks with players about vaccines. “We are one community,” Saguaro head basketball coach Lucas Ramirez said. “But at the end of the day, there are choices that every student-athlete and their families have to make and whatever that decision is, hopefully they think it’s the best decision for themselves, their family, their team and the school community as a whole.” Ramirez – who emphasizes the importance in guiding young people – believes that the more he discusses the opportunity available to the Sabercats, the more serious players will take it and work to make a season go as smoothly as possible. Ramirez, who believes the shot is a personal choice for his players, said he

Saguaro head basketball coach Lucas Ramirez has kept an open dialogue with his players surrounding the available vaccines. His main goal is to inform them enough so they can make the best decision for themselves and their families. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff)

told his team that getting vaccinated is a big decision because it involves personal responsibility and a possible impact on the Saguaro community. According to junior Anders Mazick, his coach said the vaccine is highly recommended and could help “keep the season

pretty normal.” Additionally, he reiterated Ramirez’s comments that players have the freedom to choose whether they get vaccinated. Mazick shared that the Sabercats have talked about ways to prevent contracting COVID-19 – such as staying out of

rooms, workshop, design or production studios “and other indoor settings where social distancing is not possible.’’ At Northern Arizona University, President Jose Luiz Cruz Rivera said the school is going from a “mask-friendly’’ campus to a “mask-smart campus.’’ The policy requires anyone on campus to wear face coverings in certain settings, “including all classrooms and teaching or research labs.’’ And, like ASU, it also says masks must be worn in any other “indoor and outdoor settings where physical distancing may not be possible.’’ Cruz Rivera said the school is encouraging students to get vaccinated. But he said that’s clearly not enough. “Another thing that has become clearer through this discussion is that our next line of defense, regardless of whether or not we’re vaccinated, is to wear face coverings,’’ Cruz Rivera said. The moves come less than two months after lawmakers approved -- and Gov.

Doug Ducey signed -- legislation saying that universities and community colleges cannot require that students be vaccinated against COVID-19 or show proof of such immunization. It also says that these schools cannot place any conditions on attendance or participation in classes or academic activities, including the use of masks, if someone chooses not to be vaccinated. That, in turn, followed Ducey’s June 15 executive order which has virtually identical language. But ASU Vice President Jay Thorne said he does not believe the new policy violates either. The key, he told Capitol Media Services, is that it does not discriminate. “Our requirements apply to everyone on campus (students, faculty, staff, and visitors) and regardless of their vaccination status,’’ he said. “They do not conflict with the order or the legislation.’’ Ducey appears to be seeking to avoid a confrontation with the schools over the

see VACCINES page 18

GOP lawmakers urge punishment for ban defiance BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

wo Scottsdale legislators are among the 26 Republican lawmakers signed a letter last week urging Gov. Doug Ducey last week to punish school districts that defy the law banning mask mandates by withholding state funds and offering school vouchers for students “trapped” in those districts. Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita and Rep. Joseph Chaplik approved the letter, which was sent as all three of the state’s universities and the Maricopa County Community College District declared they are going to require face masks on campus in certain situations. The new policy announced by Arizona State University mandates the use of face coverings in classrooms, teaching or research labs as well as “close-quarter environments where physical distancing may not be possible.’’ That specifically includes meeting

policy changes. “The law we signed is clear,’’ said gubernatorial press aide C.J. Karamargin. “Rather than creating new mandates, the focus should be on vaccinations,’’ he said, adding they are “widely available and proven effective.” Karamargin repeatedly declined to answer direct questions about whether his boss believes that the actions by the universities violate either his executive order or the new law. “We’re not anti-mask,’’ he said. “We’re anti-mandate.’’ The new university policies come as more than half the Republican state legislators are pushing Ducey to go after public and charter schools that they say are violating a separate law, approved at the same time, that more directly prohibits school boards from requiring the use of face coverings by students or staff during school hours and on school

see MASKS page 19

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

FREE ESTIMATES

BEFORE

AFTER

SPECIALIZING IN TILE ROOF UNDERLAYMENT REPLACEMENTS AND REPAIRS We Also Do: • Shingle Roofs • Flat Roofs

SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS

• Foam Roofs • Elastomeric/Heat Reflective Coatings

ROOF INSPECTIONS

SERVING THE EAST AND WEST VALLEYS

hornandsonsroofing.com EAST VALLEY

602.432.0713

10% OFF 623.688.0127 FULL REPLACEMENT ROC #328578

WEST VALLEY

George Horn, Owner • hornandsonsroofing@gmail.com

Credit cards accepted • Licensed, Bonded, Insured • Over 50 years experience • Family owned and operated

Huh? Trouble hearing?

800.985.9470 www.ehsarizona.com

with this ad

We come to you! LAURA BROCKEL, AU.D., CCC-A Doctor of Audiology Audiology Concierge Network Member

CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

Church opens new family history center in Mesa BY TOM SCANLON Progress Staff Writer

hile most religions emphasize families, exploring ancestors is of particular importance to one faith on the verge of a grand opening in downtown Mesa. “Since 1894, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has dedicated time and resources to collecting and sharing records of genealogical importance,” notes the church’s online newsroom. “Due to cooperation from government archives, churches and libraries, the Church has created the largest collection of family records in the world, with information on more than 3 billion deceased people.” The new Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors’ Center and Family History Discovery Center, like the church’s centers around the country, will encourage church members and curious folks who pop in to explore their roots. Tanner Kay, the product manager and experience creator of the Visitors’ Center, welcomes the culmination of a three-year project that razed the former center and built a new one on the church’s expansive property on Main Street between LeSueur and Hobson streets. The center is open to the public at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13. The center will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. A major renovation of the grounds is also

VACCINES from page 16

the year to play football in a pandemic.” Gilbert head football coach Derek Zellner has stopped short of making any recommendations to his players. “We do our best to preach hygiene, hand sanitizer, safe decisions, washing hands,” Zellner said. “When we’re not together, I tell them, ‘Hey, be smart, make good choices. Don’t make any dumb decisions that’s going to jeopardize your season or any games for yourself or any of your teammates.’” Elsewhere in the East Valley, coaches are taking similar approaches with athletes. Chandler head coach Rick Garretson has emphasized the seriousness of the pandemic’s threat. He and Chandler

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has opened the new family history center for professional and amateur genealogists alike. (Special to the Progress)

nearing completion at the Mesa Arizona Temple, which was dedicated in 1927. A lengthy open house will start in mid-October for the temple before its formal rededication in mid-December. Timed tickets for free tours can be obtained at mesatemple.org. To facilitate “discovering family history,” Kay said, the center will have genealogy experts offering advice, training and “a lot of computer terminals where people can come in and do research.”

High School Athletic Director Jim Culver have spoken with the Wolves about ways to be proactive and safe. While masks can’t be forced in indoor spaces, Garretson recently said all his players were wearing masks indoors. Additionally, he said 90 percent of his staff is vaccinated, including himself. He can tell by the looks on his player’s faces that they understand the implications of the pandemic for high school football. “Communication makes the world go round,” Garretson said. “We have that ultimate communication and Jim Culver is very in tune with being proactive on things. We try to stay ahead of the game so that we don’t have things… that would close a team down for a week or two.” Mesa wrestling coach David DiDo-

Kay, who oversees visitors’ centers around the country, said, “We’ve never done a visitors’ center like this before. It’s the first of its kind. There’s a lot of things we’re doing there that we’ve never done before.” He stressed the church reached out to members and non-members to explore what they wanted to see. “It’s open. It’s welcoming. It’s comfortable. In the middle of the center is a gathering area with a kitchen … We want people menico, who navigated his team through the season virtually unscathed last year, has had honest conversations with his athletes but, like many coaches, fears overstepping boundaries. One of his main concerns will come during the season when he once again becomes his program’s COVID point of contact. “How do I ask them if they are vaccinated?” DiDomenico said. “I don’t think that’s any of my business, but it’s something I will have to ask. As a head coach I think it’s one more thing we have to do, and we can’t really delegate it.” Several programs have already felt the effects of rising cases and a more infectious variant. Desert Vista recently came back from a 10-day quarantine after six cases were

to feel welcome,” he said. “It’s designed for individuals, family and friends to share time.” The church particularly envisioned a “hang out” spot for younger generations. “It was designed with a specific audience, to meet the needs of young adults,” Kay noted. He added there will be quiet spaces for visitors “to be able to meditate and think – that was one of the things they asked for.” He estimated three-quarters of the center’s offerings are based on suggestions from youth and young adults of the community. The 18,000 square feet is spread over two levels. “It should be simultaneously more cozy and more open than the previous visitors’ center,” Kay said. The new center is expected to be one of the busiest in the country. “The prior Mesa Visitors’ Center was among the most visited visitors’ centers in the Church,” Kay said. “We expect more visitors with this new center as it brings together multiple experiences that were previously offered in separate facilities and also because this center is re-designed to meet the needs of the Mesa community.” Kay and others in the church want outsiders to feel right at home in the new visitors’ center. “We hope everyone will feel welcome at the center,” Kay said, “and that their lives will be enriched.” confirmed positive on the varsity and junior varsity programs and 16 others were identified as close contacts. Higley’s junior varsity and varsity teams are due back from a 10-day quarantine on Tuesday after “multiple” confirmed positive cases were identified. Hines estimates well-over 90 percent of all sports contests were played last season – a number he was happy with given the circumstances. This year, he hopes for no cancellations. “Whatever normal is nowadays, we want that,” Hines said. “We want more students to be involved, participation numbers up and more support for those athletes from their classmates. It was great to see in the spring people supporting these kids. We want to build on that.”

CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

MASKS from page 16

property. Rep. Jake Hoffman, R-Queen Creek, who crafted the demand, wants the governor to withhold any federal funding under his control from any school district that is not complying with the law. Hoffman also wants Ducey to authorize vouchers “for all students trapped within any school district that is noncompliant with state law,’’ giving them tax dollars to attend private or parochial schools. And he said the governor should sue any district breaking the law. The move comes as an increasing number of districts have chosen to require students and staff to wear masks on campus. Don’t look for any immediate action by Ducey on the request. “We haven’t reviewed it yet,’’ Karamargin said of the bid by the 26 GOP lawmakers out of the 47 at the Capitol. But he suggested that the governor has no intention of making an issue of it, saying Ducey is “pro-parental decision

FAIR from page 8

able or obtainable.” “As costs continue to rise,” it continued, “there is a more prevalent feel of parties questioning the viability of making the fair work at WHPMSP.” The acronym refers to the Motorsports Park. Both the state and authority “entered into the negotiations agreeing that infrastructure cost would be absorbed by the Gila River Indian Community,” the memos stated, putting infrastructure costs at between $3 million and $3.5 million with other costs such as lighting, rodeo amenities and concert arenas at another “$1 million plus.” There were other concerns as well. While the memo made no mention of weekend traffic disruptions created by the Broadway Curve project, it referred to upcoming meetings involving the Arizona Department of Transportation, state police and various local police and public works departments to discuss solutions to “freeway traffic and street traffic concerns due to large crowd size on normal busy freeways.”

on masks.’’ “Parents should decide what’s best for their kids,’’ Karamargin said. “And those are the kind of policies he will be supporting.’’ But the legal question remains as to whether they are breaking the law, at least right now. The legislation with the ban on masks was part of a series of budget-related bills approved by lawmakers at the end of the session. And, with only a handful of exceptions, all measures do not take effect until the 91st day after the end of the session. This year, that is Sept. 29. Ducey, through Karamargin, has insisted that the law is enforceable because that is the “legislative intent.’’ That, however, remains to be seen. On Friday, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Randall Warner was to hear arguments by a teacher in the Phoenix Union High School District challenging the decision of its governing board to require the use of mask on campus. The hearing was held after The Progress' deadline. Staff also was uncertain whether a solution could even be found for the fact that neither state Department of Public Safety nor local police have jurisdiction on tribal land. Noting that DPS and GRIC police were working on a solution, the memo also the tribal police department did not have enough staffing to handle all the traffic and other law enforcement concerns anyway. The memo also referred to the need for additional septic tanks and the fact that the main water pipe across the fair site was only two inches in circumference and “maybe insufficient.” Fair staff also struggled to find a donation of dirt for the rodeo to avert a cost of at least $100,000. The rodeo would cost money anyway because bleachers would have to be purchased. And the memo noted that it probably would be a good idea to “start calendar with other events” since no one had apparently had a firm idea of what else would be going on in the way of rawhide concerts, golf tournaments, home games at the new Phoenix Rising arena or at Wild Horse Pass Casino.

we the power of

TOGETHER WE THRIVE. Connection is key to a longer and more vibrant life, and powers everything WE do at Maravilla. It’s like being part of a super supportive family of waiters, chefs, housekeepers, ZEST® activity coaches, care & wellness teams, and even a bunch of really friendly and fun neighbors, all helping you thrive. It’s all here at Maravilla Scottsdale senior living community.

Healthy Brain Strategies Wednesday, August 25th • 3:00pm

Join us as Jasmine Stevenson, SLP discusses strategies you can use to keep your mind sharp at any age. Seating is limited. To make a reservation, please call 480.535.9893.

CASITAS | COURTYARD RESIDENCES INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

7325 E. Princess Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ MaravillaScottsdale.com | 480.535.9893

NEIGHBORS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

Neighbors

Scottsdale.org l

@ScottsdaleProgress

/ScottsdaleProgress

At 100, Scottsdale woman thrives as Red Cross helper BY ROXANNE SCHORBACH Progress Guest Writer

etty Grenig of Scottsdale offered this amusing observation as she got ready to celebrate her 100th birthday today, Aug. 15: “What does it matter how old I am today, or how old I will be tomorrow? Privately I’m having a little race of sorts with my 39-year-old refrigerator – to see who outlives the other!” Born Aug. 15, 1921, Betty has been a Red Cross volunteer for more than 80 years. Betty was 20 when Pearl Harbor was hit and was in the midst of wedding plans with her fiancé Robert who was in the army. Understandably, his leave was canceled, and in turn, so were their wedding plans. Notwithstanding the interruption, they were married in a small chapel on base

Betty Grenig of Scottsdale turns 100 today, Aug. 15, and the Red Cross feted her with a small celebration last week. She’s been a volunteer for the agency for 80 years. (Courtesy of the Red Cross)

with Robert’s commanding officer giving her away. As an Army wife, she traveled the world and spent time in Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. Betty sought out a Red Cross office wherever they were stationed, and her desire to help others was evidenced by her work helping soldiers suffering from head and eye injuries. Although not a registered nurse, she was able to assist with non-medical occupational therapy. Betty taught the young soldiers to thread a knitting needle and knit small animals to develop eye-to-hand coordination. The time spent with the soldiers filled her days and gave her great personal satisfaction. When the time came for a family, her children naturally became her number

see RED CROSS page 21

Scottsdale lawyer’s book looks at ‘Pet Nation’

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

ark Cushing has worked as a lawyer, lobbyist and strategist for pet health care for names like Royal Canin, Mars Veterinary Health and Zoetis. With names like that on his resume, Cushing has become an expert on the pet health care industry and how pets affect humans, which is the central topic of his upcoming book titled “Pet Nation.” “Pet Nation” is slated to hit the shelves on Sept. 21 and offers a unique approach to the world of pets. “Major publishers wanted the story with the viewpoint about what has happened with pets over the past 20 years and how pet’s role in society, our community and the household has changed,” Cushing said.

Scottsdale lawyer Mark Cushing, hanging out with his dog Louis and cat Yves, has written "Pet Nation," which looks at the evolution of household animals over the last two decades. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)

When asked how he would describe the book, Cushing offered the following visual. “The book is like I am 1,000 feet in the air looking across the American landscape and reporting what changed, why it changed and what the impact of those changes are,” he said. As someone who has been actively involved in animal healthcare for nearly 15 years, Cushing has noticed several trends. A major trend has been how pets have affected our social lives. “Pets have allowed strangers who would have never said hello out of respect to stop and talk,” he said. “It has become a very powerful social capital for people that were strangers.” With pets serving as a social capital,

see CUSHING page 21

NEIGHBORS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

RED CROSS �� page 20

one priority. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to spend as much time working with the Red Cross during those years and wasn’t able to go on Red Cross disaster calls which she describes as “one of the highest callings in the Red Cross.” In 1961, Betty and Robert moved to Arizona, and Betty signed up with the local Red Cross office. Over the years, she worked in the office and at dozens of blood drives. In all, she has donated 25 gallons of blood. Betty adamantly stressed, “Giving blood

CUSHING �� page 20

it has allowed these animals to become something of a new species. “The whole thesis of ‘Pet Nation’ is that pets became this new species,” Cushing said. “For baby boomers, I tie it back to when we were kids and watched programs like Lassie and Scooby Doo where you saw pets portrayed as something more than an animal that lived in the backyard and you hung out with them for ten minutes a day.” Cushing thinks it is remarkable how pets have gone from backyard dwelling creatures to accompanying owners on vacations and while running errands in less than a quarter of a century.

is one of the most important things you can do, and the Red Cross needs blood … it’s something more people should do.” I asked her about her Red Cross memories, and she told me two stories. First, she remembers the time a new volunteer came to the office wearing roller-skates. Then, being very diplomatic, she explained to the young woman that “we don’t wear roller-skates here,” and the woman tried to convince her she could work much faster on skates. She also recalled when a group of Korean Red Crossers came for a visit. They were eating cake in the kitchen, and Betty asked to stop by to speak to “Twenty years ago, the idea that a hotel would have a floor dedicated to nonpet owners felt astronomical,” he said. “The same applies to workplaces, restaurants and stores, where we’re seeing pets marching in and out of places at a rate we have never seen.” Although Cushing has been actively involved in the world of pets for around 15-years, he has seen the impact pets have on mental health and overall wellness. “The most important thing to remember about spending time with a pet is that your oxytocin level increases, which is the source of relaxation in the brain, and the cortisol levels go down, which is the source of stress and anxiety,” he said.

them for a few minutes. When she entered the room, she said “hello” in Korean, which surprised her as much as the visitors as she hadn’t thought about the language in over 40 years and they didn’t expect someone to greet them in their language. Betty told me about her unique Red Cross pin collection that she had arranged in a shadow box. She showed me the various pins she had presented through the years – one for each of the five-year increments she volunteered and a few others. Betty proudly told me that she “earned them” and hopes someday her shadow When Cushing isn’t busy with his work as the CEO of the Animal Policy Group, which handles policies, regulatory issues and strategies among many other things in the animal health care industry, he is relaxing at home with his puppy and two kittens. “The one thing I experienced has been a steady source of pleasure and calm,” he said. “When you’re with pets, a good thing happens and the bad thing reduces in your brain.” As a pet owner, Cushing has also noticed another trend among other pet owners. “I also think that the more time you spend with pets, the more you begin to appreciate how unique they are,” he said.

box will be on the wall in the Betty Grenig room at the Phoenix Red Cross headquarters. Currently, Betty works at the chapter office in Phoenix. “They give me piles of work, and I put together the disaster information packets handed to every family that has a fire or flood . . . this keeps me busy on Thursdays.” She also takes literature home to assemble on her days off. “It’s good for me – it’s good to get out to volunteer and help others!” Roxanne Schorbach is a Red Cross Volunteer.

One of the most unique things he found is how important it is to take care of pets. “Pets have the same systems and organs that humans have,” he said. “And there are things you can do that extend the life of your pet and keep them happier and pain free.” “I think the number one thing is to take the healthcare of your pet seriously,” he said. While there are many themes within Pet Nation, Cushing found one major takeaway. “A big takeaway is that we’re not done and there are still a lot of challenges for pet ownership,” he said. Info: animalpolicygroup.org

Temple opts for virtual open house amid COVID rise

PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

he rising number of COVID-19 cases in the county have forced a local Jewish congregation to reverse course on its plans for an open house. Beth Ami Temple, which calls itself the “small temple with a big heart,” had planned an in-person open house as it welcomes people back to activities and services for the fall. While in-person High Holiday services are still being planned, the temple has opted for a virtual open house starting at 2 p.m. Aug. 27 at bethamitemple.org and available for viewing any time after that. A spokeswoman cited the “increasing number of COVID cases in the Valley” as the reason for the change. Nonetheless, she said, the virtual show will give people an idea why “the active adult community is perfect for those over

50 seeking a spiritual and social connection with their Jewish roots in a warm, close-knit family.” The open house will enable people to “virtually meet: current members, Rabbi Allison Lawton and Cantorial Soloist Michael Robbins. People also can learn about the congregation’s many activities and active social groups including: travel, hiking, cultural outings, movies, book reviews, bridge, speakers, concerts, Torah study and more. This unique temple has no building fund and modest dues and the spokeswoman said it “is especially welcoming to couples, singles and snowbirds.” Guests are also invited to the congregation’s in-person High Holiday Services starting Sept. 6, for $125 for a single ticket and $250 for a family ticket. Ticket costs can be applied to membership.

Beth Ami Temple has been providing a place for connecting to Jewish life and building relationships since 1978, when a small group who wanted to worship together in a friendly atmosphere created this community. Now, Beth Ami Temple has more than 100 members. Shabbat services are held twice a month from September through May, and other holidays are celebrated

during the year. To make reservations for High Holiday services, call 602-956-0805 or email bethamitemple@hotmail.com. “All attending events and services should be vaccinated for COVID-19,” the spokeswoman said. Beth Ami Temple is located at 3535 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, inside the Palo Cristi Church.

Got News about your neighbors? email agallagher@scottsdale.org

BUSINESS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

Business

Scottsdale.org l

@ScottsdaleProgress

/ScottsdaleProgress

High-end electric vehicle showroom opens in Fashion Square BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

t’s not a typical automobile showroom – and not just because it’s inside Fashion Square mall. You’ll find only one car in Lucid Motors’ showroom – and a pair of virtual reality goggles that lets customers see and pick every possible interior and exterior detail available in their line of luxury electric vehicles. “The concept of placing these studios in malls is so that we can make it easy for our target customer to discover more about Lucid,” said Zak Edson, the EV manufacturer’s senior director of retail operations. The interactive virtual reality experience gives customers the chance to customize a dream vehicle and see it right before their eyes. “One of the things the virtual reality experience allows is for customers to see what a car looks like without having to walk around a lot,” Edson said. “It also

Zach Tonkin, associate studio manager, shows off the sleek exterior of a Lucid Motors electric cars. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)

helps the customer configure their car so we can build it just the way they want it.” During the experience, customers get to sit inside a facade of driver and a pas-

senger seat where they can view different interiors. Once customers step outside of the virtual vehicle, they can view external fea-

tures like paint schemes, rims and tires and see how these features interact with different times of the day and what look like in different environments. “We think that consumers like to be able to choose the car they want rather than having to pick from a few that are close to what they’re looking for,” Edson said. Once the customers build their dream car, they can put in an order for the vehicle, which will be assembled at Lucid Motors factory in Casa Grande. Lucid Motors currently has four models of its “Air” line for customers to choose from: the Dream Edition, of which Lucid Motors plans to only produce 500; the Grand Touring, Touring and the Pure models. The major differences between each model include engine power, range before recharging and the number of motors. The Dream Edition, Grand Touring and Touring editions are all wheel-drive vehicles with two motors while the Air Pure

see LUCID page 24

Mother-daughter duo offer coffee and yoga BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

fter taking a year away from owning a yoga studio, Karin Fellman has returned to the mat. Blue Buddha Collective, located on Scottsdale Road and McKellips, opened recently with two strong interests of the Fellman family: yoga and coffee. Karin runs the yoga studio while her daughter, Samantha Macias, operates the coffee shop. Though Blue Buddha Collective combines two seemingly contrasting businesses, the mother-daughter duo hopes the shops that share a space serve as a

Karin Fellman and her daughter Samantha Macias run the Blue Buddha Collective, offering yoga and coffee in a comforting and comfortable setting. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)

place of healing. “We know that when people are together in a safe way, they’re going to raise their energy levels, which is when the healing happens,” Fellman said. Whether enjoying a warm cup of coffee or partaking in a hot yoga class, Fellman hopes that people find a place to heal and relax. “All I’m doing is creating a space for them to heal themselves,” Fellman said. “I think when people first come to yoga, they come for the physical things like to get rid of stress, lose weight or to heal an injury and we want this to be a place

see BUDDHA page 25

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

23 Prompt Quality Professional Service

SINCE 1978

S H OW E R S A N D B AT H S

NEW SHOWER

SALE

We’re only offering these savings for this month only. Hurry and take advantage of our HUGE SAVINGS!

Call for a FREE consultation

866-983-3771

$799OFF Dreamstyle Shower System

MONTHS

NO WITH

PLUS

–INTEREST – PAYMENTS – MONEY DOWN

602-956-7299

15995

• 6 Standard residential locks within 15 mile radius of our shop If outside area service charge applies. Call us today to schedule your appointment! • Locks Rekeyed • Commercial Locks

ORDER FROM US AND SAVE!

• Deadbolts • Residential Locks

• Safes • Security Products

LOCKABLE AND SECURE MAILBOXES

FREE SHOWER DOOR*

20% OFF

THIS MONTH ONLY!

*0% APR for 18 months available to well qualified buyers on approved credit only. Financing not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Finance charges will be waived if promo balance is paid in full in 18 months. Down payment may be required, OAC. Valid with the purchase of a complete Dreamstyle Shower Systems. Due to COVID, some restrictions may apply. Dreamstyle Remodeling, Inc. (fn) ROC260542 B-3

PLUS TAX

Safes and Mailboxes

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

4454 E. Thomas Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018 Open Mon-Thurs 8:30-5pm & Fri 8:30-4pm ROC#308272

Want all of your outpatient neurological care in one place? Neurology Associates Neuroscience Center in Mesa provides just that.

• Neurologists -- Dr. Rebecca Jones and Dr. C. Andrew Sales • MRI exams on site • Psychiatry/behavioral health -- Sunitha Jose • Physical therapy -- Dr. Eric Gee • Counseling -- Dr. Marnie Whitley • Cognitive rehabilitation -- Dr. Marnie Whitley • Naturopathic medicine -- Dr. Marnie Whitley • Neuropsychological evaluations -- Dr. Megan Dale • EEGs, Ambulatory EEGs on site NeurologyAssociates.com • 480 800 4890 3308 N. Higley Road, Suite 103, Mesa 85215 (enter through the gated area) Dr. C. Andrew Sales

Dr. Rebecca Jones

We accept a range of insurance plans and offer telehealth appointments, too.

BUSINESS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

Zak Edson Senior, director retail operations, demonstrates the virtual reality goggles that enable customers to see every available feature in different environments and colors. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)

LUCID �� 22

FREEDOM. TO BE YOU. If you think oxygen therapy means slowing down, it’s time for a welcome breath of fresh air. Introducing the Inogen One family of portable oxygen systems. With no need for bulky tanks, each concentrator is designed to keep you active via Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology.® Hours of quiet and consistent oxygen flow on a long-lasting battery charge enabling freedom of movement, whether at home or on the road. Every Inogen One meets FAA requirements for travel ensuring the freedom to be you. No heavy oxygen tanks Ultra quiet operation Lightweight and easy to use Safe for car and air travel Full range of options and accessories • FDA approved and clinically validated • • • • •

Call 1-844-201-2758 for a free consultation and info guide.

MKT-P0253

has just one rear motor. Though the cars have unique aesthetic features, it is what makes the car tick that has turned heads. Lucid Motors boasts of smaller engines that are still able to produce between 880 and 1,000 horsepower. “We’re talking about very fast, very powerful The stunning interior of a Lucid Motors car offers unique cars that are also very features such as a hideable console. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer) smooth and comfortable,” Edson said. “I do think that part of the response Lucid Motors prides itself on being in a we’ve seen from Arizona is because different industry. people are proud of having Lucid Motors “The purpose of the studio is that peo- building cars in the state,” he said. ple can understand who we are as Lucid The company currently has a millionMotors,” Edson said. “Lucid Motors is re- square-foot factory that can produce ally a ‘technology �irst’ company.” 30,000 cars that is being expanded by Every Lucid Motors vehicle can go 500 an additional 2.7-million-square feet camiles on a single charge and is loaded pable of producing 365,000 units a year with countless other technological fea- upon its completion. It plans to start tures like a hide-able center console tab- manufacturing sport utility and SUV let and an advanced driver-assistance models in two years. system. Prices start at $69,000 and can Lucid Motors also plans to implement go up to about $163,000. a service center down the street from the “We blend our technology with design Fashion Square mall, but a location has so that the way the vehicle makes you not been announced yet. feel is just as important as the way it per“We want people to know that we have forms and the way it uses energy as ef- a long-term commitment to Arizona,” Ed�iciently as possible,” Edson said. son said. Edson also credits the grassroots opLucid Motors has over 11,000 reservaeration of making Arizona the manufac- tions on new vehicles currently and plans turing home of the Newark, California, to deliver 20,000 cars in 2022. company. Information: lucidmotors.com

BUSINESS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

BUDDHA �� page 22

where people come and feel good.” Though most people attend yoga classes to have a release, Fellman attended her first class because she thought it would be a fun activity to do on Samantha’s birthday one year. Although Samantha was not an immediate fan, Karin was hooked. “I felt a deep peace when I was in the room,” Fellman said. Once she got a taste of that peace, she knew she had found her calling. “Once I started practicing yoga and I spent all that time with myself, I came to the realization that my job was a little too stressful,” Fellman said. Fellman quit her corporate job and took a nine-week course to become a yoga teacher. Fast forward to 2012, she opened Hot Yoga University in Papago Plaza. After the plaza was purchased by Pivot Development in 2015, Fellman began to prepare to relocate and found a spot not far from where her love of yoga began in Old Town. She stayed the owner until the beginning of the pandemic where she decided it would be best to sell the business to one of her students and take a sabbatical. “After taking some time off, we talked as a family about what was next,” Fellman said. She began to think about what the most beneficial thing would be once restrictions began to ease and people were able to congregate in a safer manner. “I felt that what everyone needed was community,” Fellman said. She felt that the best way to do this was to create something more than just a yoga studio. “My daughter loves coffee and I love yoga, so we thought let’s put coffee and yoga in one place so that customers can work mind, body and spirit in the yoga room then come out and socialize in the coffee shop,” Fellman said. Added Macias: “I thought what a cool space, because you can end class and grab a tea then sit for a minute.” With a plan in place came the hunt for a space large enough to accommodate a functioning coffee bar and a yoga studio. The two settled on a space that was

The Rogue Bar, a punk rock bar that closed its doors on May 1, 2020, after the property’s landlord decided not to renew the venue’s lease, according to a statement on the venue’s Facebook page. Though punk rock is not Fellman’s cup of tea, she did want to preserve elements of the beloved venue like the sticker covered poles and front door from the bar, which now leads into her office. She also underlined one underlying commonality between punk rock and yoga. “People came to The Rogue Bar to release and feel better so it’s nice that we can do the same thing in a different way,” Fellman said. With those pieces to pay homage to the former venue, Fellman and Macias made the space completely their own. Lined with holistic art, inspirational posters and bright blue paint, the space aims to be a place where people can feel inspired. “The art that I have here contains my favorite things,” Fellman said “I love to lift people up and I love to inspire people by having positive messages around.” She even noted that at her previous studios, people would often photograph the posters she had hanging noting “it was what they needed to hear today.” Beyond offering the words Fellman thinks that people need to hear, Blue Buddha also has a selection of coffees, teas and recovery drinks that customers can purchase to help get through the day. Macias has an array of healthy and organic coffees and teas that customers can indulge, but she is most excited for a botanical infusion recovery drink on the menu for customers to enjoy on a hot day or after a rigorous yoga class. “I angled the menu with the thought of what I would want to get after a class,” Macias said. Although the duo wants customers to feel comfortable and relaxed, they also hope that their business can inspire people to chase their dreams. “I hope when people leave, they realize you can do anything you put your mind to,” Fellman said. “This place is basically a manifest reality.” Information: ilovebluebuddha.com

BE DEBT FREE IN 24–48 MONTHS! If you owe more than $10,000 in credit card or other debt, see how we can help.

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

Call today: 1-866-696-2697

FLY HIGH $25 Limited Release Purple Haze Cartridge

only available at

SCOTTSDALE AIRPARK

Scottsdale Airpark | Hayden Road & Raintree Drive livewithsol.com

livewithsol_

East Valley Patient Wellness Group, Inc., #00000063DCTB00283389

SPORTS & RECREATION

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

Sports & Recreation Scottsdale.org l

@ScottsdaleProgress

/ScottsdaleProgress

Scottsdale man sponsoring local 23-year-old golf pro

BY DREW SCHOTT Progress Staff Writer

s Registered Principal at Kendrick Wealth Management, Noah Kendrick manages operations and compliance for the Cave Creek-based �irm, advising clients with customized wealth management strategies. But Kendrick also supports local businesses and nonpro�it organizations in his community. His efforts include membership on the executive board of the Foothills Community Foundation and sponsorship of the Employee of the Month program at the Cave Creek Uni�ied School District. They also involve supporting the career of an aspiring golfer aiming for a spot on the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour. In early 2021, Kendrick met Nishtha Madan, an instructor at Discover Golf at Desert Mountain Golf Club who taught Kendrick’s two children. The two soon got out on the nine-hole course, where Madan told Kendrick about her background and experience with the game. “She’s very talented and I could tell she’s not someone that has a backup option,” Kendrick said. “You recognize the drive in someone and she stood out. There’s de�initely a level of commitment that I think probably exceeds maybe the typical golfer or anyone in life that’s pursuing something.” Madan approached Kendrick in May about a partnership, which blossomed into Kendrick Wealth Management becoming her of�icial sponsor. The agreement entails a cash contribution and Madan wearing the Kendrick Wealth Management on her shirt during tour events. Additionally, she will participate in client events held by the �irm, including some this fall. In her �irst year as a professional, Madan found success on the Symetra Tour — the developmental golf tour of the LPGA. She

a team and a support system that allows me to just focus on golf. My time and energy is completely directed towards that and not towards worrying about other big logistical issues.” Growing up in Delhi, India, Madan played nearly 10 sports. It represented her family’s athletic passion, as both of her parents played sports in college and high school. At 14, she honed in on golf and went on to play at the highest amateur level of the sport in India. Madan also represented her home nation in international events, experiences that sparked her interest in competing at golf’s highest levels. In 2016, Madan began her collegiate career at Sacramento State University. Playing with sister Astha, who graduated during her Registered Principal at Kendrick Wealth Management, sophomore year, she apNoah Kendrick, has taken it upon himself to sponsor the peared in 10 tournaments, endeavors of 23-year-old Scottsdale resident Nishtha earned a Third Team All-Big Madan on her quest to the LPGA. (Courtesy Proven Media) Sky nod and averaged 75.55 claimed �ive victories and won two legs of in 29 rounds, the �ifth lowest the 2020 Cactus Tour. single-season average in program history. Yet the schedule is demanding. There are By the time she left California, she etched times where Madan enters into competi- her name into the Hornets’ record book, tions very close to their start date, leading earning three more spots on All-Big Sky her to �ly to locations such as Michigan and teams — including First Team honors in New York the day before a tournament. 2018 and 2020 — and earned the third Thanks to the support of Kendrick (73.45), fourth (74.20) and eighth (74.61) Wealth Management, Madan does not have lowest scoring averages in team history. to worry about the planning and costs of Three days after graduating with a dejourneys to courses across the country. gree in Psychology, Madan turned pro. “It’s just one less thing for me to be con“With my graduation and transition to cerned about and worry about when I professional golf coinciding with COVID know that I have someone backing me,” and everything that that brought was quite Madan said. “That’s really the whole pur- challenging,” Madan said. “That’s sort of pose of setting up the sponsorship. I have how it brought me to Arizona because

there was really nothing going on tour. It was a clean slate for me.” Madan chose to move to the Grand Canyon State because the weather is nice enough for her to play all-year round, an abundance of golf courses and its status as a national golf hub. To support her hopes of making the LPGA Tour, she joined the staff at Desert Mountain in Scottsdale. One of the individuals she met in her role was Kendrick, who found her story and drive inspiring. As the head of a private boutique �irm, Kendrick knows his company is not Goldman Sachs or Morgan Stanley, investment companies able to sponsor top-ranked golfers. However, Kendrick Wealth Management can sponsor talented aspiring golfers and support them as their career develops. Kendrick found this opportunity with Madan. He characterized the �irm’s support of her gol�ing career with a quote from legendary college basketball coach John Wooden: “Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.” “We’re only as good as the people we associate with,” Kendrick said. “I was excited to �ind a way to be a part of what she’s after in terms of accomplishing in her golf career and in life. Personally and as a �irm, we’re just very excited to be a part of it and see where it goes.” The next step of Madan’s journey is attending qualifying school in August. By the end of the year, she hopes to receive LPGA status. Earning a spot on the premier women’s golf tour is a goal she has been eying for years. She can’t wait to work towards it with the support of Kendrick and his �irm behind her. “It’s very nice to be able to share that journey with someone else who’s (as) equally invested in you as you are in yourself,” Madan said. “I’m very, very grateful for it.”

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

Arts & Entertainment Scottsdale.org l

Kendall Hook

Michael Hook

Kendall Luther

@ScottsdaleProgress

Brianna O'Brien

/ScottsdaleProgress

Samantha Zell

Young thespians rise to help area theater PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

hen Valley Youth Theatre streams its VYTal Affairathon fundraiser on Aug. 21, Scottsdale residents may recognize some familiar faces on VYT’s stage. Five Scottsdale teens are among the nearly 100 performers who will take part in this year’s eight-hour, Jerry Lewis-style telethon featuring live and recorded interviews and performances from current “VYTkids” and alumni cast members – including stars of stage and screen like Broadway’s Nick Cartell, who recently completed a two-and-a-half-year run as Jean Valjean in the National Tour of “Les Misérables.” The fundraiser will stream live from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at vyt.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/valleyyouththeatre. Viewers can tune in and out anytime throughout the day. Kendall Hook, 17, who performed in VYT’s “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Hobbit,” “The Princess and the Pea” and “Matilda the Musical,” was eager to jump on

stage and raise money for VYT. “I would love to be a part of VYTal because I love all the work that VYT has done over the years,” he said. “I have had nothing but amazing experiences working with such talented people.” His twin brother, Michael, also is excited about the event – not least because he lost the opportunity to perform amid the pandemic. “I want to be a part of VYT’s 2021 VYTal Affair-athon because I would like to get involved in theatre again,” said Michael, who performed in VYT’s “The Wizard of Oz.” “Covid has taught me to never take anything for granted. As I reflect on the craziness of this year, I now hold the people I love closer and never take anything for granted.” It’s no surprise that performers from the last three decades jumped at the chance to participate in VYTal Affairathon. It seems the theater has made an indelible impact on many kids over the years. Valley Youth Theatre has become such an incredible part of my life,” said

Kendall Luther, 17, who performed in “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail” and “They Chose Me!” and now participates in VYT’s show choir, VYTeens. “I have learned so many things about performing from the incredible artistic staff and crew,” Kendall said. “I love being a part of the VYTal Affair-athon because I want to do everything I can to support VYT and its mission.” The virtual event replaces the 27th annual VYTal Affair, the theater’s biggest annual fundraiser. It’s the second year the COVID-19 crisis prompted VYT to take the event online, but there are benefits to the online platform. “Hosting the event virtually gives us an opportunity to showcase the incredible talent in Phoenix to people around the world,” said Bobb Cooper, VYT’s longtime artistic director. “The cast for this fundraiser includes performers as young as 9 years old, seasoned professionals who were in our shows 30 years ago and everyone in between. It’s going to be a day of amazing performances.” That includes the performance of

Samantha Zell, 13, who performed in “Annie” and “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail” and is a member of VYTweens. “I enjoy bringing the gift of music to others, and I love to be a part of an organization that brings the gift of music and theater to so many people in the Valley,” she said. “I hope this VYTal Affair-athon brings funds to the theater and joy to many who watch it.” Most of the performances for VYTal Affair-athon were pre-recorded in July. In addition to vocal numbers, the event will include live Zoom interviews with alumni, multi-track numbers and a few surprise guests. A highlight of the fundraiser is the 21-year reunion of the cast of West Side Story, which VYT produced at the Herberger Theater in 2000. Five alumni performers from the original production – Nick Cartell, Katie “Rex” Casey, Chris Ciccarelli, Sharie “Combs” Nievar and Ian Sidden – will come together for a virtual

�� THEATRE �� 28

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THEATRE �� 27

performance of the powerful “Tonight Quintet.” Said Cooper, “We are truly grateful for the swell of support we’ve received over the last 18 months. It has touched our hearts and reaffirmed our commitment to inspire young people to be the best they can be – on stage and, more importantly, in life.” Each hour of the telethon will be hosted by a local celebrity, including Yetta Gibson, Gina Salazar Hook, John Hook, Brad Perry and Carey Peña. The

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

fundraiser also will include a silent auction featuring travel, entertainment, skin care, spa, hotel, food and beverage and dozens of other packages. “VYTal Affair-athon will jump-start the next phase of Valley Youth Theatre,” said Cooper. Brianna O’Brien, 13, is thrilled to be part of this next phase. “Ever since I first stepped into Valley Youth Theatre, I felt a sense of welcoming and I knew I had to be there,” said O’Brien, who performed in “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail.” “I

would love to be able to perform more at VYT and to be a part of more VYT shows in the future!” Added Kendall: “I am so amazed by what VYT has done to support its community of actors and actresses throughout this past year. Hopefully, we are all able to unite again this year on stage and in person. I cannot wait for what’s next!” Kendall won’t have to wait long, as the theater just announced its return to live performances. VYT will stage “Spookley the Square Pumpkin, The Musical” from Oct. 1-31. Rounding out

the season are the 25th annual production of “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Junie B. Jones, The Musical” and “High School Musical.” High-profile performers who got their start at VYT include Emma Stone, Jordin Sparks, Kimiko Glenn, Chelsea Kane, Max Crumm, Matt Dallas, Columbus Short, Nick Cartell and Sam Primack. For information about VYTal Affair-athon sponsorships, donations or providing an in-kind gift to the telethon, visit vyt.com.

Become a Published Author with Dorrance. We want to read your book! Our staff is made up of writers, just like you. We are dedicated to making publishing dreams come true. Trusted by authors for nearly 100 years, Dorrance has made countless authors’ dreams come true.

Complete Book Publishing Services FIVE EASY STEPS TO PUBLICATION:

1. Consultation

4. Distribution

2. Book Production

5. Merchandising and Fulfillment

3. Promotion

Call now to receive your FREE Author’s Guide

855-977-5138

or www.dorranceinfo.com/lovin

FOOD & DRINK

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

Food & Drink

Scottsdale.org l

@ScottsdaleProgress

/ScottsdaleProgress

Family’s the name; food is the game at Famiglia Modern Trattoria BY MALLORY GLEICH Progress Contributor

hef Richard Rangel is an Arizona native who grew up in south Phoenix. Rangel’s love of food is a family affair – his father was a butcher in the community for 30 years, and his mother and grandmothers were “always in the kitchen.” “I would watch my mother and grandmother cook in the kitchen for a family gathering the next day,” Rangel said. “They told me that I was always in the kitchen with them, watching them cook.” Rangel said that his mother told him that even as a baby, he would crawl to the refrigerator, open it and eat the green onions that were easily in reach. “Even the fuzzy part,” Rangel laughed. Rangel started in the restaurant industry at age 17 as a server and bartender/ bar back and manager, but he always wanted to be in the kitchen. When his sister and her family moved to Connecticut, they offered to have him move with them as a fresh start. “I didn’t want to because it’s across the country, but I decided to just go for it,” he said. “As soon as I got off the plane, I regretted it – it was eight degrees outside, and all I had was a sweatshirt and jeans!” His �irst job in the industry was in East Lyme, Connecticut, as a dishwasher for a small diner called Rustic Café. “I didn’t get paid much, but I didn’t mind it because I was learning,” Rangel said. “Being in the kitchen, I fell in love with the chaos, too. I think the best part, though, is someone could be having a horrible day and come in and eat your food, and you could change their day.” Rangel spent �ive years in Connecticut, �irst at the Rustic, then at a New England seafood restaurant – where he worked for free. “I messaged the executive chef and told him that I’d work for free, I’ll come in on my days off, so I can learn,” he said. Even-

Richard Rangel (Photos by Broc Chavez)

Chef Richard Rangel's linguine clams are made Neapolitan-style with Penn Cove clams, sun gold tomatoes and anchovy bread crumbs.

tually, he became a prep cook. He also worked for an Italian restaurant, where he says his love for Italian cuisine came from. “It was honestly kind of like working for the Goodfellas – like an old school ma�ia family,” Rangel laughed. “The family was always in the kitchen messing with me.” Rangel returned to Arizona and worked as the kitchen manager at Cactus Jack’s in Ahwatukee for a year. A few years later, he found himself working at the Scottsdale Princess, moving from line cook to sous chef. The executive chef was moving to Texas and wanted Rangel to move with him – so, after some time at another restaurant, that’s where he headed. He was executive sous chef and banquet chef while there. “That was a huge learning experience for me, but the chefs knew I could handle it. It’s something I can now say that I’ve done,” Rangel said. Rangel was also part of opening Sorriso, an Italian restaurant in The Woodlands, Texas. This, he said, is where he found his mentors: Chef Enzo Fargione and Charlie James; James was one of the people who persuaded Rangel to move to Texas.

“Those two were the biggest in�luences as a chef. They taught me management, taught me food I didn’t know about – I thought I knew Italian, but then I met Enzo,” Rangel said. He stayed at Sorriso for three years before heading home to Arizona, where he met Broc Chavez, who owned a restaurant called Famiglia in Fountain Hills. When the pandemic hit, the pair adapted to changes. Still, they realized that it might be time to take their ‘family’ elsewhere – enter Famiglia Modern Italian Trattoria, a new bistro that opened on Scottsdale Road just north of Frank Lloyd Wright in July 2021. “Finding this location was a blessing. The location is great, and it’s exciting because it’s a lot bigger,” Rangel said. Famiglia Trattoria is a casual-�ine dining eatery for “the average hardworking person,” according to Rangel. “I wanted to be in a restaurant where everyone – not just a certain type of person – can come in and eat and try food they’ve never tried before.” The name comes from the Italian word for family – which Rangel explained is one

of the crucial facets of running a kitchen. “Once you �ind the right crew, your restaurant crew becomes part of your family,” he said. Famiglia focuses on the Italian-style way of eating – smaller portions with multiple courses. Most of the ingredients are imported from Italy, all of the pasta is handmade, and the recipes are old-school with Rangel’s modern twist. Dishes like the tagliatelle Bolognese and the ricotta cavatelli are popular with guests, as well as the tomato and burrata, which Rangel said is his take on a Caprese salad (and the crackers that come with it are also homemade!). Rangel said that feeding people and making people happy with food is his favorite part of being a chef. “Knowing that people came in and had a great experience, walked out with a smile on their face and come back to see us, that’s the best part,” Rangel said. The grand opening celebration of Famiglia is planned for next month. Eventually, Famiglia will open for lunch. For more, visit famigliascottsdale. com.

C lassifieds

CLASSIFIEDS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

Scottsdale Progress

1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219 Tempe, AZ 85282 480.898.6465 class@scottsdale.org

Deadlines

Classified: Thursday at 10am Obituaries & Legals: Wednesday at 5pm

The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | Scottsdale.org

Employment Employment General

Peter Piper Pizza

Real Estate for Rent Recreation/ Vacation/ Timeshare 2 bedroom - one bath - full kitchen Laguna Beach cottage We are now taking reservations for the fall season. see website for all details — privatelagunacottage.com

Location: McDowell and Miller Road

MISSED THE DEADLINE?

We are now hiring Full Time / Part Time, Team Members for Day, Evenings and Night positions.

Call us to place your ad online!

Apply at: 7607 E. McDowell Road Scottsdale, Az. 85257 (480) 947-9901 Located between Hayden Road and Scottsdale Road on the southwest corner of Miller Road.

480-898-6465

LEGAL NOTICES Deadline for Sunday's Edition is the Wednesday prior at 5pm. Please call Elaine at 480-898-7926 to inquire or email your notice to: legals@evtrib.com and request a quote.

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Scottsdale.org

Employment General

Now Hiring

LIFEGUARD

YOUR CHILD

The more layers of protection you have around water, the safer your child is.

Apply in Person

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

Glass/Mirror

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

Family Owned with 50 years' EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures, Framed, Frameless or Custom Doors, We also install insulated glass, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio doors, glass table protectors. If it’s glass, we can help you. QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates

WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY Call 480-306-5113

CLASSIFIEDS and LEGALS

Roofing

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

PHILLIPS

T R E E

S E R V I C E

L L C

Prepare for Monsoon Season!

480-898-6465 Email Your Ad: class@times publications.com

Landscape/Maintenance

ALL Pro

Deadline: Thursday at 10am for Sunday

CLASSIFIEDS 31

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

Tree Trimming • Tree Removal Stump Grinding Storm Damage • Bushes/Shrubs Yard Clean-up Commercial and Residential

623-873-1626

PMB 435 • 2733 N. Power Rd. • Suite 102 • Mesa dennis@allprotrees.com

480-354-5802

Scottsdale Progress.org

Roofing

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

Free Estimates Monday through Saturday Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

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

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

• Old Paint & Chems. • Yard Waste

• • • •

FREE ESTIMATES

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

602-471-2346

• Remodeling Debris • Old Tires

602-938-7575 $

1000 OFF

when you show this ad

on qualifying complete roof replacements

Let us show you the In-Ex Difference! Serving The Valley Since 1996

SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

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

CALL FOR YOUR FREE ROOF EVALUATION

480-898-6465 EMAIL: jobposting@evtrib.com JOBS.EASTVALLEYTRIBUNE.COM MORE INFO:

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 269218

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Adjustment of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona, will hold a public hearing on September 01, 2021, at 6:00 P.M. in in the City Hall Kiva, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, Arizona. Board of Adjustment meetings are televised on Scottsdale’s You Tube Channel and streamed online at ScottsdaleAZ.gov (search “live stream”) to allow the public to virtually attend, participate telephonically, and listen/view the meeting in progress. Instructions on the meeting forum, how to participate, and how to provide Public Comments will be provided on the posted agenda. 6-BA-2021 (Scottsdale Recovery Center - Appeal) (Scottsdale Recovery Center - Appeal) Request for an appeal of the Zoning Administrator's written decision dated June 23, 2021, that the proposed sober living use of the property would constitute a Care Home, which is not permitted under the Medium Density Residential (R-3) zoning at the property located at 7910 and 7920 E. Wilshire Drive. Staff contact person is Jeff Barnes, 480-312-2376. Applicant contact person is Heather Dukes, 602-3208866.

A COPY OF A FULL AGENDA, INCLUDING ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND ANY MEETING LOCATION UPDATES, IS AVAILABLE AT LEAST 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING AT THE FOLLOWING Online at: https://www.scottsdaleaz. gov/boards/board-of-adjustment ALL INTERESTED PARTIES ARE INVITED TO LISTEN/VIEW THIS MEETING. CHAIRMAN BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Attest Karen Hemby Planning Specialist For additional information visit our web site at www.scottsdaleaz.gov/boards/board-of-adjustment

inexrooﬁng.com

EASILY POST JOBS

NOTICE OF BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT HEARING

For additional information visit our web site at www.scottsdaleaz.gov search "Scottsdale Planning Case Files" or in your URL search bar you can type in https://eservices.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/Cases/.

• Concrete Slab

OUR JOB BOARD HAS THE TALENT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR

Public Notices

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

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter, by contacting Staff at 480-312-7767. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange accommodations. For TTY users, the Arizona relay service (1800-367-8939) may contact Staff at 480-312-7767.

Published: Scottsdale Progress, Aug 15, 2021 / 40632

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | AUGUST 15, 2021

AWARDED BEST RE-BUILD OF 2021 T

C RA

$4,200,000

N CO

D UN

9261 N 129th Place Scottsdale AZ 85259

VIRTUAL TOURS AVAILABLE

5 Bedroom | 5.5 Bath | 5,800 Sqft | Los Diamantes | Owner Agent

ANDREW BLOOM

AUSTIN BLOOM

Senior Partner REALTOR®

Director of Expansion REALTOR®

We are positively disrupting the way luxury real estate is bought and sold. Our omnichannel strategy leaves no stone unturned to bring a buyer to your home!

O RC

IN CT

YS DA

Every Home Sale Directly B Phoenix Children’s Hospita

BVOLuxuryGroup.com E

$5,998,000

E OS YT AS

480.40 UN

$2,800,000

O RC

Scottsdale Progress - 8.15.2021

Articles inside

NEIGHBORS

FOOD

ARTS

SPORTS