Valley Vibe May 2024 Issue

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Karen Goveia editor@valleyvibenews.com

ART DIRECTOR

Erin Lundeen art@valleyvibenews.com

EVENTS EDITOR

Caitlin Coulter events@valleyvibenews.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Andreas Schmalz Abrar Khalid

ADVERTISING

advertising@valleyvibenews.com 623-396-5418

GET IN TOUCH

Send Us Your Questions or Comments info@valleyvibenews.com

GOT NEWS OR EVENTS? Send it to Us info@valleyvibenews.com

www.facebook.com/valleyvibenews The Editor cannot be held responsible for errors or any consequences arising from the use of information contained in this magazine; the views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, nor does the publication of advertisements constitute any endorsement by the Editor of the products advertised.

VALLEY VIBE

3120 W CAREFREE HWY | SUITE 1-649 PHOENIX, AZ 85086 | 623-396-5418

WWW.VALLEYVIBENEWS.COM

COPYRIGHT © 2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE VALLEY VIBE WORD MARK IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF VIBE COMMUNICATIONS LLC IN THE STATE OF ARIZONA.

NEWS DVUSD Welcomes Hundreds of TSMC Students 16

Cultures & Building Community 18

Academy Student Competes with Essay at National Level 20 COMMUNITY NEWS ADOT Lays Out Plan for Loop 303 Improvements 21

DIGS Third TSMC Fab Boosts Commitment to Advanced Semiconductor Technology 22

COMPILED BY CAITLIN COULTER events@valleyvibenews.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1–

SUNDAY, MAY 5

‘Peter Pan’

Various showtimes Banzerini House

42407 N. Vision Way, Suite 106, Anthem 602-887-8517, www.banzerinihouse.org $15

Local youth actors put on a performance of the beloved children’s tale.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1–

SUNDAY, MAY 19

‘Mad Hatter: The Musical’

Various showtimes Herberger Theater Center 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix 480-921-5700, www.herbergertheater.org

Pop in for some free fun at the Bubble Bash at Desert Ridge Marketplace splash pad Saturday, May 11 at 11. a.m.

A new production serving as a prequel to “Alice in Wonderland,” telling the story of a broken young man named Franklin Magellan, who later becomes the Mad Hatter.

THURSDAY, MAY 2–

SUNDAY, MAY 5

‘All Balanchine 2024’

Various showtimes

Ballet Arizona Symphony Hall 75 N. Second St., Phoenix 602-381-0184 www.balletaz.org

$35–$169

Three ballets choreographed by George Balanchine, known as the “Father of American Ballet.”

FRIDAY, MAY 3–

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’

Various showtimes

Arizona Broadway Theatre 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria 623-776-8400

www.azbroadway.org

$35–$130

Weekend Vibes

& SPECIAL EVENTS

A murder mystery comedy about Lord Montague scheming to eliminate his relatives to rise to Earlship.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

Anthem Cars and Coffee

8–10 a.m.

Outlets North Phoenix 4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix 602-770-7797

www.anthemcarsandcoffee.com

Free

Check out some cool cars from the community and local vendor booths.

SATURDAYS, MAY 4–28

Arrowhead

Farmers Market

8–11 a.m.

Arrowhead Towne Center 7780 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale 602-703-7154

www.getlocalarizonaevents.com/ saturdaymarket Free admission

Check out different vendors each week ranging from fresh produce to handmade crafts. See full list of participants online.

SATURDAYS, MAY 4–28

Pinnacle Peak

Farmers Market

9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Deer Valley Towne Center 2805 W. Agua Fria Fwy, Phoenix www.facebook.com/ pinnaclepeakfarmersmarket Free admission

Shop for produce, food items and handmade goods from local farmers, vendors and artisans.

SATURDAY, MAY 4–

SUNDAY, MAY 5

Used Book Sale

9 a.m.–4 p.m.

North Valley Regional Library 40410 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy., Anthem 602-652-3000 https://evanced.mcldaz.org Free

Purchase used books, DVDs and audiobooks from the library to benefit local literacy and library programming.

SATURDAY, MAY 4

Bill Maher

8 p.m.

Arizona Financial Theatre

400 W. Washington St., Phoenix 602-379-2888, www.livenation.com

$64–$301

Live stand–up comedy from the “WTF?” tour.

SUNDAYS, MAY 5 & 19

Anthem Market in the Park

9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Anthem Community Park 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy., Anthem 623-742-6050 www.onlineatanthem.com

Free

An outdoor retail shopping event hosted by the Anthem Community Council and the Market on 41st.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

Discovery Station: Saguaro-palooza!

11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Cave Creek Regional Park 37019 N. Lava Lane, Cave Creek 602-506-2930

www.maricopacountyparks.net

$7/Vehicle entry fee

Explore saguaro artifacts, see saguaros in bloom and learn from the park ranger how to participate in a conservation effort, the Saguaro Census Project, happening this month to protect the iconic cactus of the Sonoran Desert.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

2024 Cinco De Mayo Festival

Noon–10 p.m.

Downtown Phoenix

W. Washington St. & Third Ave., Phoenix 602-279-4669

https://tinyurl.com/4wzyz6ba

$10/General admission; $40/VIP admission

SUNDAY, MAY 5

Mariachi Sol De Mexico

7 p.m.

The Madison Center for the Arts

5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix 602-664-7777

www.themadison.org/events

$24–$75

The touring Mariachi group performs live.

MONDAY, MAY 5–

SUNDAY, MAY 12

Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic

Various admission times

TPC Scottsdale: Champions Course 8243 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale 386-795-0111, https://carlislelpga.com

$10/One-day general admission; $30/Four-day general admission; $150/Four-day VIP admission; Free/Ages 17 and under

Watch professional women’s golf practice rounds during the week with the official pro–am beginning on Wednesday, followed by rounds throughout the weekend. On Saturday, the AZ Beer Fest on the Course features local breweries from throughout the Valley from 1 to 4 p.m., offering beer samples to those 21 and over. See the full event schedule online.

TUESDAYS, MAY 7–28 Bingo

5 p.m.

Outlets North Phoenix: Food Court 4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix 623-465-9500 www.northphoenixoutlets.com Free

Try your chance at winning a variety of gift cards with the classic game. Ages 18 and up only.

TUESDAY, MAY 7

Rolling Stones

THURSDAY, MAY 9–

SUNDAY, MAY 12

‘Chicago Teen Edition’

Various showtimes

Musical Theatre of Anthem 42201 N. 41st Dr., Suite B100, Anthem 623-336-6001

www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org

$25/Show

A street festival celebration of Mexican culture, featuring Lucha Libre, Ballet Folklorico, traditional foods, rides, games, giveaways and live music by Big Mountain and War.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

Jerry Garcia & Friends

7 p.m.

Stand Up Live

50 W. Washington St., Phoenix 480-719-6100

https://phoenix.standuplive.com

$20

Live stand up comedy.

8 p.m.

State Farm Stadium 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale 623-433-7101, www.ticketmaster.com

$72–$405

Live in concert.

Ages 14–18 perform the famous musical set in Chicago’s Roaring Twenties.

FRIDAY, MAY 10–SUNDAY, MAY 12

Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, ‘Resurrection’ Various showtimes

The Phoenix Symphony Symphony Hall

75 N. Second St., Phoenix 602-495-1999

www.phoenixsymphony.org

$35–$135

To conclude The Phoenix Symphony’s 2023–2024 performance

season, vocalists Katherine Whyte and Megan Esther Grey perform Mahler’s musical journey.

SATURDAY, MAY 11–SUNDAY, MAY 12

Celebrate the Music of Alice Cooper

9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Musical Instrument Museum 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix 480-478-6000, www.mim.org

$10–$27/Adults; $4–$19/Teens ages 13–19; $4–$14/Children ages 4–12; Free/Children 3 and under

Special museum exhibits to honor the musical legacy.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Mompalooza

10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Arizona Boardwalk

9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale 480-951-2100 www.azboardwalk.com/event/ mompalooza

PHOTO BY MICHELE CELENTANO

Take a step back into the Roaring Twenties during MTA’s “Chicago Teen Edition” Thursday, May 9 through Sunday, May 12 in Anthem.

Free

A special day to pamper mom and keep the kids entertained, featuring bounce houses, face painting, crafts, coloring contests, music, games and more live entertainment.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Bubble Bash

11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Desert Ridge Marketplace 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix 480-513-7586

https://shopdesertridge.com Free

A summer kick–off party to beat the heat with bubble stations at the splash pad foam zone. Plus, live entertainment, games and giveaways.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

21 Savage

7 p.m.

Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix

602-254-7200

www.livenation.com

$37–$231

Live in concert on the “American Dream” tour, with special guests J.I.D., Nardo Wick and 21 Lil Harold.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Riley Green

7:30 p.m.

Arizona Financial Theatre

400 W. Washington St., Phoenix

602-379-2888

www.livenation.com

$30–$90

Live in concert on the “Ain’t My Last Rodeo” tour, with special guests Ella Langley and Tracy Lawrence.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Augustana

8 p.m.

Crescent Ballroom

308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix

602-716-2222

www.ticketweb.com

$25

Live in concert on the “Something Beautiful” tour. Ages 21 and up only.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Tribal Seeds

8 p.m.

The Van Buren

401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix

480-659-1641

www.livenation.com

$38.50

Live in concert.

SUNDAY, MAY 12

Sonoran Foothills

Community Market & Craft Show

10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Sonoran Foothills Community Center

Parking Lot

31910 N. Foothills Drive, Phoenix 623-869-6644 www.mysonoranfoothills.com Free

Shop from over 60 local vendors selling specialty items such as fresh produce, artisan bread, health and wellness products, homemade salsas, raw honey and arts and crafts. Plus live music and food trucks.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15–

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

‘The Four Seasons 2024’ Various showtimes Ballet Arizona

Desert Botanical Garden 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix

602-381-0184, www.balletaz.org

$60–$110

A composition featuring movement through the transitions between spring, summer, autumn and winter set to Vivaldi’s classic score.

A collaborative exhibit with the Museum of Indigenous People featuring Native American art, from paintings and ceramics to photography and beadworks.

FRIDAY, MAY 17

Art Affaire

5–7 p.m.

The Finer Arts Gallery

6137 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek 480-488-2923 www.thefinerartsgallery.com Free

Explore the latest works of over 50 professional Arizona artists specializing in ceramics, glass, wood, jewelry, paintings, photography and more.

FRIDAY, MAY 17–

SUNDAY, MAY 19 ‘The Resurrection Mixtape’

Various showtimes

The Phoenix Symphony Symphony Hall 75 N. Second St., Phoenix 602-495-1999

www.phoenixsymphony.org

$30–$60

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15–

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Matt Rife

Various showtimes

Arizona Financial Theatre

400 W. Washington St., Phoenix

602-379-2888

www.livenation.com

$53–$83

Live stand–up comedy from the “ProbleMATTic” world tour. Ages 18 and up only.

THURSDAY, MAY 16–TUESDAY, JUNE 25

Journeys in Spirit 2024

Noon–5 p.m., Sundays; Closed, Wednesdays; 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Other Days ‘Tis Art Center & Gallery 105 S. Cortez St., Prescott 928-775-0223, www.tisartgallery.com Free

Music visionary Steve Hackman fuses together Mahler’s Second Symphony with rap music by Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac for a whimsical night of music.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Pup Festival

10 a.m.–3 p.m. WestWorld of Scottsdale 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale 310-801-6243, https://pupfestival.com Free

A day of fun for furry friends and their families, featuring enrichment games, an agility course, dog trick contests, dog treat samples, dog breed races, caricature pup portraits, pet vendor shopping, dog grooming services, pet adoptions, a cuddle zone and fun photo opportunities.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

‘Victors and Heroes’

7–9 p.m.

North Valley Symphony Orchestra

North Canyon High School Auditorium 1700 E. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix 623-980-4628

www.northvalleysymphony.org

$10/Concert; Free/Children 5 & under

A musical celebration of sports, human achievement and movie heroes to bring an end to the 2023–2024 NVSO season.

Ballet Arizona presents “The Four Seasons 2024” at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix Wednesday, May 15 through Saturday, June 1.

TUESDAY, MAY 21

T2 Concert Anthem

7 p.m.

Anthem Country Club: Persimmon Lawn

2708 W. Anthem Club Drive, Anthem

623-986-0128

https://youthfortroops.org/calendar

$25–$100

A Toby Keith tribute concert including performances of his greatest country hits, a raffle and a BBQ buffet dinner. Raffle tickets will benefit Youth for Troops. Open to the public.

TUESDAY, MAY 21

Justin Timberlake

7:30 p.m.

Footprint Center

201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix 602-379-7800

www.ticketmaster.com

$179–$280

Live in concert on the “Forget Tomorrow” world tour.

FRIDAY, MAY 24

Discovery Station: Water Safety

7–9 a.m.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road Morristown

602-506-2930

www.maricopacountyparks.net

$7/Vehicle entry fee

Join the park ranger on the main boat ramp for water safety tips for playing out on the lake this summer, including the importance of wearing personal floatation devices, protection from the summer sun and dehydration and boat/watercraft safety.

SATURDAY, MAY 25

DMV Flag Run/Hike

7 a.m.

Black Canyon City Trailhead 34580 Old Black Canyon Hwy.

Black Canyon City

623-640-7189

https://tinyurl.com/3wac3vfk

$44–$54

Participants can choose to run or hike either the 5k or 10k course, with or without a 35-pound rucksack, in honor of the nation’s fallen veterans. Hosted by Gut Check Fitness, all donations and a portion of the proceeds will go towards the local Daisy Mountain Veterans organization.

Enjoy a day for your furry friends and family during the Pup Festival on Saturday, May 18 at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

SATURDAY, MAY 25–

SUNDAY, MAY 26 Foam Frenzy

10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Arizona Boardwalk

9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale

480-951-2100, www.azboardwalk.com

Free

A giant water party to cool off and play, featuring bubble stations, a water squirter battle zone and lots of foam.

SATURDAY, MAY 25

Discovery Station: Saguaro-palooza!

2–4 p.m.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road Morristown

602-506-2930

www.maricopacountyparks.net

$7/Vehicle entry fee

Explore saguaro artifacts, see saguaros in bloom and learn from the park ranger how to participate in a conservation effort, the Saguaro Census Project, happening this month to protect the iconic cactus of the Sonoran Desert.

SATURDAY, MAY 25–

SUNDAY, MAY 26

‘The Sleeping Beauty’ Various showtimes

Herberger Theater Center 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix

602-252-8497, www.herbergertheater.org

$40

The Convergence Ballet Company performs the classic fairytale through dance.

SATURDAY, MAY 25

Bug Theater

7–9 p.m.

Cave Creek Regional Park 37019 N. Lava Lane, Cave Creek 602-506-2930

www.maricopacountyparks.net

$7/Vehicle

Learn about insects that live in the local area, with a chance to interact with live samples. Registration required.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

Belanova

8 p.m.

Arizona Financial Theatre

400 W. Washington St., Phoenix 602-379-2888, www.livenation.com

$53–$217

Live in concert on the “Vida en Rosa” tour.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

Sean Paul

8 p.m.

The Van Buren

401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix 480-659-1641, www.livenation.com

$81–$213

Live in concert on the “Greatest” tour.

MONDAY, MAY 27

A Day of Remembrance

9 a.m.

Anthem Veterans Memorial 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy., Anthem 623-640-8417

www.daisymtnvets.org

Free

The public is invited by the Daisy Mountain Veterans to honor and remember members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died in service to their nation. This year’s keynote address given by CWO4 Samuel Rodriguez, Jr. (USN, Retired), who served in Counter Terrorism operations, among many other deployments and assignments. More event features include the POW/MIA Missing Man table ceremony, performances by the Musical Theatre of Anthem’s Outreach Group and the ringing of a Naval ship’s bell.

THURSDAY, MAY 30

Discovery Station: Saguaro-palooza!

10 a.m.–Noon

Lake Pleasant Regional Park 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road Morristown

602-506-2930

www.maricopacountyparks.net

$7/Vehicle entry fee

Explore saguaro artifacts, see saguaros in bloom and learn

SUMMER SCHOOL

Kindergarten

• Kindergarten Boot Camp

• Boys & Girls Club Summer Camp

• Small Class Sizes

• “A” Rated Arizona School for 10 Years

• Core Knowledge School of Distinction

• Competitive Sports Programs

• Hulafrog’s “Most Loved” Charter School

• Purposeful Rigorous Education

• Kindergarten–12th Grade

• Private Preschool available for ages 2–5

Spring Day Fri., May 3rd : No School

Early Release Thu. & Fri., May 23rd & 24th

Last Day of School Fri., May 24th

Memorial Day Mon., May 27th

from the park ranger how to participate in a conservation effort, the Saguaro Census Project, happening this month to protect the iconic cactus of the Sonoran Desert.

FRIDAY, MAY 31

Discovery Station: National Heat Awareness Day

10 a.m.–Noon Cave Creek Regional Park

37019 N. Lava Lane Cave Creek

602-506-2930

www.maricopacountyparks.net

$7/Vehicle entry fee

Drop by the nature center to learn about heat safety, heat–related illness symptoms and tips for hiking safely in the hot summer months from a park ranger.

FRIDAY, MAY 31

Luke Combs

5:45 p.m.

State Farm Stadium

1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale

623-433-7101, www.ticketmaster.com

$68–$324

Live in concert.

FRIDAY, MAY 31

Madison Beer

7:30 p.m.

The Van Buren

401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix 480-659-1641, www.livenation.com

$95–$222

Live in concert.

Honor and remember members of the U.S. Armed Forces who died in service Monday, May 27 at the Anthem Veterans Memorial in the park.

PHOTO COURTESY ACC

Free Concerts in the Park Music in May 2024

BY CAITLIN COULTER events@valleyvibenews.com

The Anthem Community Park comes alive with the sounds of country, soul, reggae music and more on Friday nights in May. The month’s festivities conclude on the 31st, starting an hour earlier, with a special evening to celebrate Anthem’s 25th anniversary full of fun karaoke with a live DJ.

A fleet of food trucks will be on site for all to enjoy, ranging from smoked meats to tasty treats. Each Friday features a different lineup of food trucks. See the schedule (and their menus!) online.

Food Truck Line-up

May 3

Sweet Magnolia Smokehouse

Queso Good

Cheese Out

Frosted Frenzy Cupcake

Moore of That Ice Ice Baby

May 17

RockStar Hot Dogs

AZ Fry Guy

Big Mamma’s Events

Moore of That

Big Brotha BBQ Ice Ice Baby

Friday, May 3–31

Music in May Community Concerts

7–9 p.m.

(Except Friday, May 31, 6–9 p.m.)

Anthem Community Park Amphitheater 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy., Anthem 623-742-6050 www.onlineatanthem.com Free

May 10

Rocco’s Cheesesteaks

Pokys Cocina

The Snowy Churro

Moore of That

Big Brotha BBQ Ice Ice Baby

May 24

Flyin’ K BBQ

The Fry Bread Truck

Rosie's Kitchen

Doctor Froyo

Moore of That Ice Ice Baby

May 31

Queso Good

All Cooped Up in AZ

Melnlibbys

Frosted Frenzy Cupcake

Moore of That

Big Brotha BBQ Ice Ice Baby

FRIDAY, MAY 3

Soulitify

This upbeat band focuses on classic to modern pop hits, covering everything from Selena to Dua Lipa, Jay–Z to Paramore and everything in between. www.instagram.com/soulitifyofficial

FRIDAY, MAY 17

Thaddeus

Rose

Aimed at remaking iconic songs, this variety band covers hits from some of pop, rock and dance cultures greatest musicians https://thaddeusrose.com

FRIDAY, MAY 10 Highest Conspiracy

A local reggae band brings life to the genre by drawing influence from hip–hop, rock ’n’ roll and even a smidge of pop.

www.highestconspiracy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 24 KC and the Moonshine Band

This female–fronted country rock cover band takes on everything from classic to modern country. www.kcandthemoonshinebandaz.com

Tallying the Totals

DVUSD INTEGRATES HUNDREDS OF TSMC STUDENTS INTO SCHOOLS

OBY KAREN GOVEIA editor@valleyvibenews.com

ver the past year and a half, Deer Valley Unified School District has welcomed 311 students from Taiwan at 19 of its 41 campuses in the growing North Phoenix region along the I-17 corridor where Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s silicon chip plants are under construction.

The students relocated with their families from Taiwan directly due to their parent’s employment at TSMC. Many of them had never been to the United States prior to the move.

To help ease their transition into American culture and the academic environment here, DVUSD has a number of programs, supports and events in place aimed at making these students and their families feel at home.

Having an established solid Mandarin Chinese Cultural immersion program already in place in the district has been a tremendous aid in terms of resources for overcoming language barriers.

“We are fortunate in DVUSD to have staff members who speak Mandarin fluently,” said Director of Student Support Services Dr. Melissa McCusker. Additionally, Student Support Services currently employs a psychologist intern who speaks and evaluates in Mandarin. “This is a great asset for our Taiwanese families

both linguistically and culturally,” she said.

Stetson Hills School currently has the largest enrollment of Taiwanese students (75), followed by Sonoran Foothills School (47), Sandra Day O’Connor High School (45) and Sierra Verde STEAM Academy (44).

Students receive state-mandated English Language Learner instruction through a combination of in-person instruction by an English language expert, Zoom and classroom teachers who have a Structured English Immersion endorsement.

To provide support to the new students, a school administrator and staff member are assigned to the TSMC students to help them integrate. Once at their new school, students are paired with a buddy to help them acclimate in their daily routines, such as getting lunch, where to line up, and how to get books from the library, said Beverly Kerr, DVUSD English Language

Coordinator. School counselors and English Language Learning staff work to welcome students and their families. And, English Language Learner teachers continue to work with classroom teachers to learn to grade, assess, and instruct students who have little to no English language skills.

Stetson Hills Principal Brittany Dyer-Hurdon said since their arrival last year, the students have integrated very well into the school community both academically and socially and their talents, perspectives and experiences have made for a more enriching classroom environment.

“They actively engage with their American peers and participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities,” Dyer-Hurdon said. “Their biggest hurdle has been the language barrier, but they are

Stetson Hills Principal Brittany Dyer-Hurdon has the highest enrollment of students from Taiwan at the elementary level.

steadily acquiring English and using it in the school setting. They are dedicated and determined students, and language acquisition is very important to them,” she added.

At Sandra Day O’Connor High, teacher Melissa Mara started a SciTech/STEM club to help the TSMC students form connections and friendships with other students who share common interests of science and technology.

“They helped me build bridges between our current students and our new Taiwanese students,” said Mara, adding that many of the students joined the STEM innovators club and learned how to build and launch rockets. “This year some of those students are now running the STEM innovators club. They have built

DVUSD Schools with the Most TSMC Students

As of the 2023-24 school year these were the schools with the highest concentration of TSMC associated students:

Stetson Hills School 75

Sonoran Foothills School 47

Sandra Day O’Connor High School 45

Sierra Verde STEAM Academy 44

Legend Springs Elementary School 27

Norterra Canyon School 15

Mountain Ridge High School 14

Gavilan Peak School 8

Diamond Canyon School 7

Area Charter Schools with TSMC Students

Ridgeline Academy has roughly 15 students enrolled in grades K-12 and another 15 in its preschool program that have moved from Taiwan and have chosen to attend a charter school. These students enter into the school's ELL program where they receive specific support especially in literacy. Ridgeline is working on hiring a translator for parents.

bottle rockets, lego roller coasters and are working on plinko type games,” she said.

DVUSD Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch couldn’t speculate as to how many more students the district can anticipate as the chip plants build out, but he told Valley Vibe in an email, “The announcement of the construction of a third fab will bring thousands of new families and students to our district family that we look forward to welcoming. These new chip fabs will sit in the epicenter of DVUSD boundaries, and as a result our community will soon become a booming area of growth, development, and advancement thanks in large part to the investment of TSMC.ˮ

DVUSD Celebrates Chinese Culture with Free Camp

BY VALLEY VIBE STAFF WRITERS info@valleyvibenews.com

Hosting events celebrating the culture of Taiwan has been an ongoing part of DVUSD’s mission as the district is known for its Mandarin immersion programs, and has now welcomed hundreds of students from Taiwan into its schools.

This summer, Deer Valley Unified School District is partnering with the Taipei Chinese Culture Summer Camp of Arizona to host a free four-day summer camp for DVUSD incoming students in grades 1–9.

While summer 2024 will be DVUSD’s second time hosting the camp, this year’s marks the 28th anniversary since it first began in Arizona.

The host site of this year’s camp is Barry Goldwater High School and will be conducted in both English and in Mandarin Chinese. Activities will focus on Taiwanese culture and folk arts, folk athletics and sports, self defense, cultural dances, Chinese calligraphy and painting, arts and crafts including dragon lanterns, paper folding and cutting, 3D Arts and Crafts, Taiwanese pastries, Mandarin Chinese language lessons, as well as Mandarin music and songs.

Registration is limited and will be open until filled or by May 15.

Taipei Chinese Culture Summer Camp

Tuesday, May 28–Friday, May 31 9 a.m.– 3 p.m.

Barry Goldwater High School 2820 W. Rose Garden Ln., Phoenix 602-341-3776

Registration Info www.dvusd.org/taipei

PHOTO COURTESY KIMBERLY CHIU

SDOHS Freshman Olivia Hsu poses in between classes on campus.

Intertwining&BuildingCulturesCommunity

MOMS ENGLISH FRIENDSHIP GROUP SUPPORTS INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES

BY KAREN GOVEIA editor@valleyvibenews.com

Alanguage and friendship club at Sandra Day

O’Connor High School created by a fellow Norterra area SDOHS mom in partnership with the high school aims to ease the transition into the local school community for moms who have relocated from Taiwan as well as other countries.

“I know that often the women, in situations where families are moving here for work like with the TSMC, have to pause their lives, leave their careers and friend groups, and start everything over from scratch. Then the husbands and kids have natural plug-in points with work and school, but unless the mom’s English is really strong it can be hard to find work or other activities for themselves,” said SDOHS mom

Beth Baker, who helped develop the OC English friendship club this past school year to help support the new moms.

She describes the club as an English class that feels like a weekly coffee date with friends, and it’s exactly how she envisioned it from the beginning when she approached SDOHS Principal Dr. Lynn Miller about the idea.

“I very specifically wanted to create a space, not just where they felt welcomed and safe to practice their English and learn tips on navigating American culture, but I wanted this to become a group of friends who look forward to meeting together to hang out,” Baker told Valley Vibe.

Before she had children, Baker volunteered and facilitated an English class and a Bible study for the wives of students at the Keller School of International Business Management. Looking for ways to

better connect with and support the school community, Baker saw this as an opportunity to help strengthen the connection between school and the international families.

The OC club is composed of about 16 international women in addition to American volunteers. Weekly meetings began in February on Wednesday mornings from 9–10:30 a.m. at the high school. A typical morning looks like coming together in the library with coffee and tea, a brief presentation on a requested topic by the moms, followed by smaller group discussions. Topics have ranged from doctorʼs visits and navigating American healthcare to road trips and nearby state attractions and teenage activities. And it’s a place where they can get their questions answered to situations they’re currently facing.

“It’s fun to learn about what things were like back home and I think it can be super helpful to them when we explain some of why we do things this way or how to navigate around some of the infrastructure we have set up that we all get so used to that we don’t even think about,” Baker said.

Valley Vibe visited with the moms during a regular meeting last month, and all of the women in attendance exuded positive energy and an eagerness to soak in more cultural tips.

“We talk a lot and laugh a lot here and I learned a lot about your life here, SDOHS Mom Kimberly Chiu told Valley Vibe, adding, “I love this class so much.”

Chiu is employed as a vendor at TSMC and speaks with American engineers frequently as part of her job, so she said she’s fairly comfortable speaking English. Everyone is at a different level, but most of them only learned English in Taiwan by listening and through writing, so feeling comfortable speaking in conversation here has been their biggest hurdle. But most of the women love the fact that the group offers them a safe space to practice their English.

As for their children and their adjustment here, Chiu described it as a culture shock at first, but now “They don’t want to go back to Taiwan,” she said laughing. She said her kids enjoy the extracurricular activities here that they never had time for in Taiwan because of the demands of school there. “They study very hard, but they can still do Dragon Boat races [at Tempe Town Lake] just like they did in Taiwan, YMCA volunteer work and hospital volunteer work,” Chiu added.

With the school as the anchor for the group, Baker said it serves as a natural point of connection for all the moms as they are all in the same life stage with many common activities and interests and the club has really helped foster new friendships. They’ve added brunch after their weekly meetings and are hoping to continue to add game nights and other meet-ups outside the school setting. Many of the

families have plans to travel back to Taiwan this summer, but Baker is hoping to host some casual summer hangouts, before resuming weekly club meetings in the fall.

How to Get Involved

All volunteer moms are connected to O’Connor either with current or past students so they are able to offer direct insights into life here, as the goal is to help them navigate living within the school environment, Baker said. It is her hope for other schools to form similarly structured groups as more international students enroll. O’Connor moms wishing to help or join to practice English can email ocenglishfriendshipclub@ gmail.com.

SDOHS moms meet weekly for friendship and English language support, as many Taiwanese families have joined the DVUSD school family.

Ridgeline Academy Student Competes with Essay at National Level

BY VALLEY VIBE STAFF WRITERS info@valleyvibenews.com

After winning at the state level, a fifth grade student at Ridgeline Academy is now competing at the national level with her essay in American history for the Arizona Daughters of the American Revolution’s annual contest.

Before winning the state competition, Marin Ungvary’s essay was selected as the local Ocotillo chapter winner out of 75 entries for this year’s contest theme “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” composed by John Philip Sousa.

The contest encourages young people to think creatively about the nation’s great history and learn about history in a new light, according to DAR.

Her essay is now being judged at the national level. DAR is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. The contest is open to students in

grades 5–8 in public and private schools, as well as registered home-study programs. Next year’s theme and essay instructions will be announced in the fall.

Marin Ungvary's essay was selected as the DAR Ocotillo chapter winner out of 75 entries.

ADOT Lays Out Plan for Loop 303 Improvements Project Funding

BY KAREN GOVEIA editor@valleyvibenews.com

The Arizona Department of Transportation is in the midst of designing a number of freeway improvements to alleviate congestion and accommodate future traffic in the growing I-17 corridor near the TSMC chip factory, but project funding ultimately depends on voter approval in November.

in Voter’s Hands on November Ballot

In a virtual meeting last month, ADOT revealed a look at its plans for the I-17 and Loop 303 interchange improvements, along with widening Loop 303 between I-17 and Lake Pleasant Parkway.

Loop 303 improvements include adding a third general purpose lane in each direction between I-17 and Lake Pleasant, bridge construction over 67th Avenue to accommodate a future traffic interchange and a new I-17/Loop 303 system interchange.

The project is still in the design phase, and early estimates show the cost at roughly $200 million. The project’s fate hinges on the successful passage of Proposition 479, which will be on the ballot for Maricopa County voters in the November general election. Prop 479 is the continuation of an existing, dedicated half-cent sales tax in Maricopa County to fund transportation.

ADOT said when Loop 303 opened in 2011, its two lanes in each direction was an interim solution to the overall vision and plan for four general purpose lanes and one HOV lane in each direction.

Direct Connections to I-17

Under the new design, traffic to and from I-17 from Loop 303 will no longer be routed through the Sonoran Desert Drive interchange.

Loop 303 users will be able to connect to Northbound I-17 with a new ramp that will pass under the existing I-17 and the existing Loop 303 frontage road. The ramp will be constructed to accommodate two lanes in the future but likely open in a single lane configuration and the second lane will open depending on traffic volumes.

Loop 303 users will be able to directly access I-17 South via a new ramp that will pass over the existing Loop 303 Frontage Road. The ramp will

be constructed to accommodate two lanes, and both lanes will be opened based on projected traffic volumes.

Southbound I-17 users will be able to directly access Southbound Loop 303 using a new ramp that will pass over Loop 303 Frontage Road will be two lanes, but will open as a single lane at first.

Northbound I-17 will directly access Loop 303 Southbound using a new ramp that will pass directly over the existing Sonoran Desert Drive interchange and I-17. This ramp will be constructed to accommodate two lanes and both will be opened at completion.

Another planned improvement is to widen the I-17 northbound ramp to Sonoran Desert Drive. ADOT recently completed a temp improvement to help address the queuing during peak travel times, but this funding will allow for two lanes to simultaneously exit Northbound I-17.

THIRD TSMC FAB BOOSTS COMMITMENT TO ADVANCED SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY

BY KAREN GOVEIA editor@valleyvibenews.com

As construction continues on TSMC’s massive semiconductor plant on the west side of I-17 between Loop 303 and Carefree Highway, in addition to a second fabrication plant set for completion in 2028, the global chipmaker recently announced its plans to build a third fabrication plant to the same site, bringing the most advanced semiconductor process technology to the United States.

The U.S. Department of Commerce pledged to provide up to $6.6 billion in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act in an announcement from the White House last month. The addition of a third fab brings TSMC’s total capital expenditure to over $65 billion in Phoenix for the domestic production of cuttingedge chip wafers designed to power the latest electronics, including Apple’s phones, computers and other devices.

“When TSMC chose to expand to Phoenix, it marked the largest foreign direct investment in United States

history,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in a statement. “The ripple effects from both TSMC’s expansion and the federal government’s investment will go far beyond our city limits—they will shape the trajectory of our entire region, create thousands of high-wage jobs to support families, and fuel strong economic growth for generations to come.”

TSMC’s first fab is on track to begin production of 4 nanometer technology in the first half of 2025. The second fab will produce both 3 and 2 nanometer technology with production slated to begin in 2028. And,

“In our manufacturing process, a drop of water is reused an average of 3.5 times ... approximately 65 percent of the water used in the Arizona fab will come from TSMC’s in-house water reclamation system, helping to reduce the company’s reliance on city water resources.”

finally, when the third fab is operational it will produce 2 nanometer or more advanced processes, with production beginning by the end of the decade.

At full operation, the three fabs are expected to manufacture tens of millions of leadingedge chips, powering products including 5G/6G smartphones, autonomous vehicles, and AI datacenter servers.

Water Impact

TSMC has started the design phase of building an industrial water

reclamation plant on the Phoenix site, with a goal of achieving “near zero liquid discharge.”

“In our manufacturing process, a drop of water is reused an average of 3.5 times… approximately 65 percent of the water used in the Arizona fab will come from TSMC’s in-house water reclamation system, helping to reduce the company’s reliance on city water resources,” according to a press release from TSMC. [See “TSMC Builds Water Recycling Plant” Valley Vibe, January 2023.]

TSMC PRESS CENTER

PHOTO COURTESY TSMC

GET OUT& Hike

COMPILED BY CAITLIN COULTER events@valleyvibenews.com

Participants are advised to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and sun protection. Always bring plenty of water and a flashlight, when applicable. Registration is required on all hikes listed.

Scan for Maricopa County Parks & Recreation information, hours and hike registration info.

Cave Creek Regional Park

37019 N. Lava Lane, Cave Creek

602-506-2930

www.maricopacountyparks.net

$7/Vehicle

SUNDAY, MAY 5

Morning Hike and Saguaro Census

8–10 a.m.

Help the park ranger survey the saguaro cacti in the park.

TUESDAY, MAY 14

Guided Reptile Hike

5–7 p.m.

Join the park ranger in the late afternoon to look for reptiles along the Slate and Flume trails.

TUESDAY, MAY 14

Creatures of the Night Walk

7:30–9 p.m.

Learn about the nocturnal critters of the Sonoran Desert on this night hike with the park ranger. Bring a flashlight or headlamp.

TUESDAY, MAY 14

Guided Reptile Hike

7:30–9:30 a.m.

Join the park ranger in the morning to look for reptiles along the Slate and Flume trails.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Rd, Morristown

602-506-2930

www.maricopacountyparks.net

$7/Vehicle

SUNDAY, MAY 5

Creatures of the Night Hike

7–9:30 p.m.

Explore the park after dark for some fun facts about the native plant and animal species of the area from the park ranger.

THURSDAY, MAY 16

Wild Burro Night Hike

6–9 p.m.

Hike the Wild Burro trail at night with the park ranger. Bring a flashlight or headlamp.

THURSDAY, MAY 30

Morning Hike and Saguaro Census

7–9 a.m.

Hike the 2.4 mile Cottonwood trail for some spring scenery and to help the park ranger survey the saguaro cacti of the area.

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area

44000 N. Spur Cross Road, Cave Creek

602-506-2930

www.maricopacountyparks.net

$3/Park entrance fee

SATURDAY, MAY 4

Elephant Mountain Saguaro Census

7 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Take on the challenging hike up to Elephant Mountain to help the park ranger survey the saguaro cacti along the Spur Cross, Tortuga, Elephant Mountain and Dragonfly trails.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Plant Hike

7:30–10:30 a.m.

Look for cactus, tree and shrub blooms along the Spur Cross and Dragonfly trails with the park ranger.

SUNDAY, MAY 12

Geology, Gold and Streams Walk

8–10:30 a.m.

Take a two–mile walk with earth science author and park docent Thomas McGuire to learn about the region and visit an abandoned gold mine, Nutcracker rock and a Hohokam rock art site along Cottonwood Wash.

FRIDAY, MAY 17

Morning Desert Edibles Hike

8–10 a.m.

Hike the Dragonfly trail to find out which plants can be eaten in the desert and how the native people originally put them to use.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

Elephant Mountain Hike

6 a.m.–Noon

Spend the morning on a challenging hike up to the ancient Hohokam fort to take in views of the city.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22

Metate Trail Full Moon Hike

7–9 p.m.

Take a hike under the full moon for the chance to see some animal nightlife activity. Flashlights are encouraged.

Inventory on the Rise in North Phoenix

BY VALLEY VIBE STAFF WRITERS info@valleyvibenews.com

Real estate data in North Phoenix is trending upward when comparing the number of homes sold, total active listings and median sales price.

The number of active listings increased nearly 10 percent over last month in our neighborhoods, and the number of homes sold increased by almost 7 percent. The average list/sold price increased 1.5 percent in our 10 tracking zones.

Nationally, pending home sales had its "best performance in a year," climbing 3.4 percent in March, according to the National Association of Realtors.

And, a report from Clear Title Agency of Arizona shows the median home sales price in the Phoenix Metro area increased 5.9 percent in March, compared to the same month last year.

-RE/MAX Fine Properties in

Monthly Real Estate Snapshot

30-day totals from 3/15/24–4/15/24 highlighting the following North Phoenix neighborhoods (area codes 85083, 85085, 85086 & 85087)

rates as of April 18, 2024

From Freddie Mac

Starting Blocks Preschool

42101 N 41st Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85086, Ste 136 623-551-9609, www.startingblockspreschool.com

Christian preschool offering The Creative Curriculum® aligned with the

and get in!

DENTAL

Smile Nuvo

4025 W. Bell Rd. Suite 14 Phoenix, AZ 85053

602 834-8834, www.smilenuvo.com

Offering complete oral health care from routine cleanings to comprehensive rehabilitation.

EDUCATION

Adams Traditional Academy/ Jefferson Preparatory High School

K-8 Campus

2323 W Parkside Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85027

602-938-5517, www.choiceacademies.org

9-12 Campus & Preschool

2333 W Parkside Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85027

602-938-5517, www.choiceacademies.org

Tuition-free public charter school operated by Choice Academies serving Preschool through grade 12.

Deer Valley Unified School District

20402 N. 15th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85027

623-445-5000, www.dvusd.org

Serving students within a 367-square-mile boundary with 39 schools in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Anthem, New River, Cave Creek and unincorporated areas of Maricopa County.

Great Hearts Anthem

3950 W Arroyo Norte Dr, Anthem, AZ 85086

623-465-4776, www.anthem.greatheartsamerica.org

Tuition-free public charter school operated by Great Hearts Academies serving students in grades K-12.

Ridgeline Academy

K-6 Campus

33625 N. North Valley Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85085

623-223-1335, www.ridgelineacademy.org

Junior High & High School

39808 N Gavilan Peak Parkway

623-289-7911, www.highschool.ridgelineacademy.org

A-Rated Charter School, Competitive Sports Programs, Clubs & Activities. Small Class Sizes