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21 tribes seek Preparing for a pot fight intervention in AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS freeway case ABM VS. RATS

NEWS

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLSA NEWS P.

LANDMARK OWNER PASSES

Longtime Plaza Hardware owner succumbs at 90

. 23

BUSINESS

FRESH START P.

(Larry Mangino/AFN Staff Photographer)

Neighbors and parents are fuming over a state license for a medical marijuana dispensary issued for a building not more than six feet from the playground of Grace Garden Christian Preschool on 48th Street just south of Elliot Road. Preparing material for a meeting to organize a fight against those plans are, from left, school director Catherine Thomson, an unidentified assistant and former assistant director Joy Bradshaw. For details, see p. 4.

Kyrene audit finds significant deficiencies at all levels EXCLUSIVE BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

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sweeping audit found major deficiencies throughout the Kyrene School District, from an absence of clear policy-making by the school board and insufficient planning by the administration to inadequate teacher development and instructional technology to a widening gap in student achievement. The audit, four months in the making and involving hundreds of interviews and hundreds of pages of documents, was

unveiled Tuesday night at the governing board meeting. The AFN obtained a copy of the audit’s executive summary, which lays out the highpoints of the audits’ findings. Among its key findings is that the district shows “significant achievement gaps…in the performance of non-white, economically disadvantaged and special education students.” “In order to address persistent gaps in student achievement, the board, district leadership, and district staff will need to address institutional practices and beliefs See

AUDIT on page 8

ll 21 Native American tribes in the Southwest are asking permission to join the appeal against the South Mountain Freeway, but Arizona’s attorney general says they’re too late and wants them shut out. The new fight before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has emerged in papers filed by the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Inter Tribal Association of Arizona, which includes 21 federally recognized Indian tribes in Arizona, California, Nevada and New Mexico. In asking permission to be included in the appeal, both Native American entities call South Mountain a sacred site and said plans to have the freeway cut a 200-foot-wide path through three peaks is a desecration forbidden by federal law, sets a “dangerous precedent” and poses a “disproportionate” impact on the Gila River Indian Community. In response, the state Attorney General has asked the Ninth Circuit to dismiss the requests, contending that both groups are raising issues that were never presented to U.S. District Judge Diane Humetewa. Hence, Attorney General Mark Brnovich argues, the issues cannot now be raised on appeal. Humetewa last July gave the go-ahead to the $1.77 billion project ‒ the most expensive freeway project in state history ‒ after rejecting a slew of arguments by the Gila Community and Ahwatukee-based Protect Arizona’s Resources and Children. They contended that the environmental impact study of the freeway’s impact was fundamentally flawed, that the cut into South Mountain desecrated a sacred tribal site and that the freeway posed significant health threats for residents and school See

INTERVENTION on page 18

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS UKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS TUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every AHWATUKEE NEWS Wednesday and distributed free FOOTHILLS of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills. UKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Terri Hoffman of Ahwatukee started her fundraising for St. Joseph’s Hospital by heading its Health and Welfare Raffle.

Ahwatukee woman leads St. Joseph’s Foundation philanthropy

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ong-time Ahwatukee resident Terri Hoffman has been appointed president of St. Joseph’s Foundation. She will be responsible for developing and directing all aspects of philanthropic fundraising for Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, UA Cancer Center at St. Joseph’s and St. Joseph’s Westgate Medical Center. Hoffman “has been an integral member of Dignity Health’s philanthropy team for five years, playing a vital role in the success of numerous fundraising initiatives that have expanded medical services for patients, enhanced the education of physiciansand nurses-in-training, and accelerated research targeting causes and cures for common, complex and devastating diseases,” St. Joseph’s spokesman Drew Whitney said. For the past three years, she has served as the vice president of development for St. Joseph’s Foundation and Barrow Neurological Foundation. There, she has led a team that raised more than $50 million to benefit St. Joseph’s Hospital and Barrow Neurological Institute and the thousands of patients treated there every year. “It’s extremely rewarding to lead fundraising for St. Joseph’s Hospital, which has been providing the highest level of medical care to patients longer than any other facility in the Valley,” said Hoffman. “I’m >> See

NEIGHBORS on page 5

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Reported pot dispensary license upsets Ahwatukee preschool, neighborhood at that address. She said DiCiccio’s staff was trying to determine who owns the building and why a license was issued. he apparent award of a state “We care,” she told the group. “We license for a medical marijuana have someone specifically assigned to dispensary located less than 10 this case. But this is a process with a lot feet from the playground of a longtime of oversight, and this won’t slip through Ahwatukee preschool has created a the cracks.” neighborhood controversy with plenty She noted that once someone applies of bureaucratic mystery. for a zoning permit, they must post Leaders of Grace Garden Christian information on the front door of the Preschool and neighboring residents building where the business is to be and businesses were stunned to learn located. There also are several hearings that the state Department of Health before different governing entities, Services granted a dispensary license including City Council, that must be for a building now housing a Valvoline held. Express Care oil change garage. Among the 20 or so people who And no one knows who received the gathered Friday for the meeting, most license ‒ or why. seemed convinced that whoever got “I was in total shock when I found the license has deep pockets, given that out,” said preschool director Catherine the licenses could be worth millions of Thomson, who held a meeting last Friday dollars in revenue for the companies and with concerned parents and neighbors individuals who hold them. to begin strategizing a fight against the Neighbor Katrina Barringer, a dispensary. neighbor whose children attend nearby The preschool has been a neighborhood Ahwatukee Preschool, told the audience: institution for 14 years and is only a few “I’ve been a medical marijuana hundred feet away from a 600-member advocate for at least 15 years, but this is a church, a thriving matter of corporate strip mall and another corruption and preschool. It also is crime. They have only a block away millions of dollars from another medical to pay lawyers to marijuana dispensary. get around city “We are not zoning laws. The opposed to medical Department of marijuana,” Thomson Health Services stressed. “But if it’s not should be serving OK for a dispensary your health and to be located next to you, too, not these a school or a daycare corporations.” facility, why is it OK News of the for one to be right up license ‒ which against a preschool?” Thomson got from Thomson is not a television news the only posing that reporter ‒ alarmed question. Thomson as well The mystery begins as Joy Bradshaw, with DHS, where a a former assistant spokeswoman said director. (Larry Mangino/AFN Staff Photographer) dispensary licenses Rana Lashgari, chief of staff for city Councilman They fear parents are not public record. Sal DiCiccio, addresses concerned parents will pull out some She said she could at Grace Garden Christian Preschool last of the school’s not even confirm Friday over the proposed medical marijuana approximately 100 that a license had dispensary that may be set up next to its pupils, who range playground as school director Catherine been awarded for that Thomson looks on. in age from 6 weeks building. to 12 years old. The Councilman Sal DiCiccio’s office also older kids are cared for before and after is puzzled. school. Rana Lashgari, his chief of staff, told the “We cannot function without our group that so far no one has applied for parents,” Bradshaw told the audience, a zoning permit to operate a dispensary noting that “we had to have a fundraiser BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

(Larry Mangino/AFN Staff Photographer)

Grace Garden Christian Preschool’s playground on 48th Street just south of Elliot Road would be right next to a medical marijuana dispensary, which would replace the oil-service station in the background.

He said that once they apply for a to raise $200 to get into the Easter city zoning permit, dispensaries are Parade.” “The bottom line is that, unfortunately, required to send letters to only 10 if they get to operate a medical marijuana businesses located within several miles dispensary, we will have to close,” of the establishment. In one case, he said, the letters were sent to corporate Bradshaw said. Thomson and several parents expressed headquarters in California, Florida and fears that a dispensary poses the threat of other states that owned those businesses and only one happened to reach an a violent robbery. “Plus, there would be a lot of traffic,” owner in his neighborhood. “You have to go in there and make she said, adding, “And what about the noise,” de Pascal smell?” said. “The state is Though she has pushing the buck myriad duties as chief administrator, We are not opposed onto the city.” The whole Thomson spent a process of state good part of last week to medical marijuana. licensing of visiting neighboring —Catherine Thomson medical marijuana businesses and dispensaries is eliciting their support scheduled to come for the fight the under judicial school is mounting. “This to me is a priority,” she said, review later this month as a result of adding that businesses in the area about a dozen lawsuits brought against also were shocked by the prospect of DHS on behalf of several would-be a second dispensary opening in their licensees whose bids were passed over. One businessman who applied for neighborhood. Her fight attracted supporters, a permit near the Deer Valley Airport including a former employer of another told a TV station last week that his dispensary, a neighborhood activist from business complied with city and state Maryvale and a concerned citizen from distance requirements from schools and churches, but that he was ignored as the another county. The activist, Al de Pascal, told the state handed out 31 licenses in one day. Applications for licenses cost a audience that he has fought dispensaries from setting up in his community and nonrefundable $5,000; a reported 750 that they should expect a fight with applications were filed before the latest round of licenses was approved. government bureaucracy.

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NEWS

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

NEIGHBORS

from page 3

fortunate to have great leadership support through the hospital administration, a dedicated staff and a generous donor community to fulfill this amazing legacy. “Together, we leverage better medical care for our community and share the experience of spreading humankindness,” she added. “It’s very gratifying.” During Hoffman’s tenure and through the support of the foundation she leads, St. Joseph’s Hospital has celebrated the opening of St. Joseph’s Westgate Medical Center and UA Cancer Center at St. Joseph’s, a state-of-the-art facility providing comprehensive cancer care in downtown Phoenix. “Terri is an outstanding leader, supporter and advocate for St. Joseph’s,” said Patty White, president and CEO of Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, adding: “Her tireless philanthropy work on behalf of the hospital has been remarkable and has benefited the organization and countless patients.” The foundation has helped the Norton Thoracic Institute at St. Joseph’s increase its transplantation services. Whitney cited “a surge in lung

transplants as well as capacity for performing liver and kidney transplants.” “In 2016, the institute performed more lifesaving lung transplant procedures that any other facility in the nation, while maintaining higher than average one-year survival rates,” he said. St. Joseph’s also provides trauma, brain and spine care, surgery, rehabilitation, and treatment related to high-risk pregnancies and multiple and premature births. Hoffman is an Arizona native with more than three decades of experience in strategic development and direct fundraising. Her experiences include fundraising for both small local and large national organizations through personal solicitation and corporate partnerships. She began her career with Dignity Health first as manager of Donor Acquisition and Engagement at St. Joseph’s Foundation, Barrow Neurological Foundation and Dignity Health Foundation East Valley, and then as a successful director of the Health & Wealth Raﬄe. Hoffman graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in political science before operating her own political consulting business serving clients from multiple states. Her daughter Jillian is a freshman at Desert Vista High School.

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teve and Tana Smith have agonized over their son’s death for seven months. They want one question answered, but it’s an answer that will never come. The Phoenix couple wants to know if the semi-truck driver involved in the crash that killed their son, Joseph Thomas Smith, was intoxicated. The law currently says that officers, at their discretion, may ask drivers responsible for an accident resulting in a death or serious injury to submit to tests. Senate Bill 1054, or “Joe’s Law,” would mandate that officers ask. About 100 of Smith’s friends and family recently marched outside the state Capitol to support the bill. Tana Smith gathered about 4,000 petition signatures, both on paper and online, to support it. “We would not have made it to this point, in the seven months, without their support – their love. … That means more to us than anything,” Tana Smith said. Joe’s father, Steve Smith, said their window to obtain the information has passed, “so we don’t ever get to know.”

“The fact is most people we talked to think it’s already the law – that it’s already required in a crash where there’s a fatality on scene, and that’s not the case,” he said. Audrey Frost, a family friend, joined the march from Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza to the state Capitol across the street. “It warms my heart so much to see all these people just come together,” Frost said. “And a big part of it was Horizon High School, all close friends, family, community – just coming together to support this. It’s huge.” On June 17, Joseph Smith and his three closest friends were driving home from Los Angeles on Interstate 10, according to the accident report. They graduated from high school in late May and went on a trip to celebrate. At about 3:11 a.m., a semi-truck crashed into their vehicle from behind. The truck also hit another car occupied by a couple coming home from a funeral in California. Smith and Joseph Garcia of Sun City, 74, the man in the other vehicle, were killed. Smith’s friends were injured, and Garcia’s wife was paralyzed. See

MANDATORY on page 7

NEWS

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

MANDATORY

report citing 2015 crashes. The bill could affect budgets for In the report, the semi-truck driver law enforcement agencies, according said he slept seven hours the previous to a memo for the Senate Judiciary night, and that he left Ontario, Committee. Arizona DPS is evaluating California, at about 10 p.m. He said the impact of the bill for the department. he did not notice the stopped cars. The The bill unanimously passed the Senate driver was not charged with a crime. judiciary committee Jan. 26. It needs to Tana Smith said the driver’s story does pass the Senate rules committee before it not add up. moves to the House of Representatives. “If he had During the driven (the route) hearing, Tana It warms my heart to numerous times Smith testified see all these people come in favor of and not over his logged hours, the bill. She together. then why was he described Joseph —Audrey Frost as caring and tired?” she said. Joseph Smith “made everyone and his friends were tested for drugs he met feel special and defended those and alcohol, which upset Tana Smith. being mistreated.” “We assumed (the driver) would The partial answer is one minute at a have been tested,” she said. “The boys time and with the love and support of were tested, but the driver wasn’t. We your family, a community and friends, decided that (a law) was something that Tana Smith. “We are all trying to live needed to be done.” like Joe,” she said. A spokesperson for the Arizona “How does life go on without the child Department of Public Safety said in you gave birth to, raised and loved with an email that it’s “unclear how many all your heart?” she said. “The partial more of these collisions would have answer is one minute at a time and with resulted in testing” based on a Arizona the love and support of your family, a Department of Public Transportation community and friends.” from page 5

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AUDIT

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Traditional Academy to pre-k-8 and a redesign of our middle school program,” she said. Here are the areas addressed by the audit:

from page 1

that have limited the ability of all students to benefit from the district’s educational programs and achieve at high levels,” it said. And it suggested the growing gap between successful and struggling students partly results from the fact that “alignment of academic standards to instructional materials was weak for content, context or cognitive demand.” The audit is essentially the springboard for Superintendent Jan Vesely’s plan to radically redesign middle-school education to improve students’ academic performance, make them more selfreliant and give them greater freedom to pursue studies in areas that interest them. It also will provide more intensive intervention for students struggling academically and shift $2 million in payroll from the central district office to classrooms. The report also comes at a time when Kyrene officials are trying to staunch a decline in enrollment by more effectively competing with charter schools and other school districts. With more charters promising rigorous

Planning and policy-making

(AFN file photo)

Kyrene Superintendent Jan Vesely, seen here talking with kindergarten children last summer, has already begun taking measures to address some of the findings in the district audit.

instruction and other districts offering a greater diversity in courses, Kyrene officials are focusing on the quality of teaching as well as enhancing its core courses and the variety of its electives. The audit scrutinized the district’s policies, organization, curriculum, budgeting, facilities “and other factors that contribute to the optimization of

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the school district,” said Vesely, who became superintendent July 1. The audit ‒ a rare warts-and-all exercise in self-examination for an Arizona school district ‒ is part of Vesely’s earlier pledge to “focus organizational efforts and align resources to ensure all students are college- and career-ready and achievement gaps are closed.” It was based on more than 180 one-onone interviews with district personnel at all levels, 25 focus groups that included parents and community members, 400 survey results, visits to 250 classrooms across all 25 schools in the district and a review of more than 700 documents, Vesely said. Vesely said she has already taken measures to address some deficiencies identified in the audit. “I presented to the governing board several initiatives that addressed expansion of our early-education options, creating of an International Baccalaureate program in Kyrene Middle School, expansion of the Kyrene

Noting that school boards and administrators can improve student learning only if they are “consistently engaged in short- and long-range planning,” the audit said planning for critical district functions “has not been coordinated into a unifying effort that focuses on attainment of district goals.” It called the district’s vision statement from 2010, titled “The Blueprint for Kyrene,” flawed because it “fails to communicate a compelling vision for unified action to increase student achievement and narrow persistent achievement gaps.” “District planning efforts have not created a clear, decisive set of strategies that systematically address disparities in student achievement,” it added. The audit also chided the school board, stating that it “has not established a clear direction for the district and, subsequently, department and campuslevel actions plans are not tightly aligned or focused on a clear set of district priorities or goals.” It also found, “The scope of the adopted policies in the Kyrene School District is inadequate to ensure that a framework exists capable of institutionalizing expectations, roles, responsibilities, and decision-making to guide all necessary aspects of curriculum management and the educational program.”

Teacher development

The audit said that training should be focused “on instructional strategies and deepening teacher content knowledge” so that students can be guided to a See

AUDIT on page 9

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FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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An exhaustive audit says Kyrene School District needs to address a wide range of deficiencies to close the gap between students who achieve academically and those who don’t.

AUDIT

from page 8

deeper understanding of subjects. But the audit said Kyrene “lacks a coordinated approach to professional development,” resulting in “a fragmented approach to professional learning.” “There is no process in place to ensure professional development is driven by disaggregated student achievement data, student achievement goals, district priorities or organizational needs,” it stated, adding: “No evidence was found which would indicate the district’s professional development programs has…increased the number of students demonstrating proficiency on state assessments.”

Student assessments

Calling the scope of Kyrene’s approach to assessing student performance “inadequate,” the audit found “no indication such (assessment) data have been used systematically to evaluate the effectiveness of district policies, instructional practices, programs and interventions.” That means “decisions about curriculum, instruction, interventions and other operational decisions are subjective at best,” the report said. “A comprehensive student and program assessment system is critical to informing district decision making,” the report said, because it provides “timely feedback” on students’ academic progress.

Curriculum and technology

The report found Kyrene “lacks a cohesive approach to the design, development, implementation, and monitoring of the district curriculum.” “The scope of the written curriculum for the core content areas of English Language Arts, mathematics, science and social studies is inadequate at all levels,” it said, finding only the written curriculum for elementary school noncore classes adequate. It also found a lack of consistency in the instructional resources selected in Kyrene schools, stating “there are no assurances all students will have access to the knowledge, skills, and cognitive challenges needed to meet district and state academic standards.” Kyrene’s technology plan “is outdated and inadequate to provide direction regarding the integration of technology as a teaching and learning tool,” the report said.

Budgeting and spending

The report said the district’s budget process “that lacks clear linkages” between district goals, priorities and spending.” “Financial allocations have not been driven by clearly established program priorities,” it said, calling on the district to make more of a “cost-benefit analysis of educational programs and services.”

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Impeccable T.W. Lewis home with 5 br, 3 ba and 3,076 sq. ft. Spacious eat-in kitchen features black granite countertops and black appliances. One bedroom and full bath down with master suite and three secondary bedrooms upstairs. Resort-style backyard replete with amazing built-in kitchen, fire pit with seating, salt water pool and above ground spa.

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Recently updated on golf course lot. 5 br plus media room, 3 ba with 3,829 sq. ft. Open kitchen with granite countertops and custom island with gas cooktop. Inviting stone-accented wet bar and fireplace in family room. New carpet, interior and exterior paint. Resort-style backyard features Pebble Tec pool and spa with waterfall, built-in BBQ and lush landscaping.

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Amazing sunset and mountain views from updated single level. 4 br, 3 ba with 3,056 sq. ft. Spacious eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Zebrawood plank tile and wood flooring. Resort-style backyard with retractable door, multiple fire pits with seating, diving pool with waterfall, built-in BBQ with bar, in-ground trampoline and tropical landscaping.

Inviting single level with circular drive, courtyard and side entry garage. 4 br, 2.5 ba with 2,955 sq. ft. Kitchen features granite countertops, pullout cabinetry, wine cooler and bar sink. Private backyard with lush tropical landscaping and custom play pool with sheer descent and spa.

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Listed for $675,000

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

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Foothills Listed for

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2,169 sf, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home with three car garage and sparkling pool! Open kitchen-family room floor plan. Kitchen and bathrooms upgraded in 2016 with granite counters, upgraded sinks/faucets and new toilets. Large backyard with grass area and mature landscape. 2016 AC, 2015 variable speed pool pump! 2016 garage door and garage opener, 2016 sprinklers and drip lines, and 2015 water heater. Interior and exterior painted in 2016. Carpet in only two secondary bedrooms (new!) 20" porcelain tile in family room, formal living/dining rooms and laminate wood flooring on stair case, upper level traffic area, master suite and largest secondary bedroom.

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Bowie wants schools to benefit from special tax districts for sports help the Coyotes finance an arena at a different, undisclosed site. tate Sen. Sean Bowie wants schools The bill, which he sponsored, would to benefit from any special taxing allow the team to keep half of new tax districts set up for sports teams revenues generated by the arena or other receiving taxpayer money for stadiums. facilities, such as a hotel, to supplement The Ahwatukee Democrat has the financing. sponsored SB 1411, which would divert Worsley did not return calls seeking 10 percent of any revenue generated in comment, but he told another media one of those districts to K-12 schools outlet that SB 1474 would be amended within their boundaries. to work at any site, rather than just the “If the state is going to create a special ASU sports district. tax district specifically for a stadium or It directs the state treasurer to hand an arena, let’s fund K-12 schools too,” over half of proceeds from the transaction said the first-term legislator. privilege tax, until 2055, to the newly The special tax district proposal arose established “community engagement in connection with the Arizona Coyotes’ district,” which would arrange for the attempt to find a new home in the East construction and operation of facilities. Valley, particularly The Coyotes Tempe. had promised The team last to kick in about week missed the $200 million of net in its first bid the cost of a $400 to move closer million arena. to their fan base Bowie planned after Arizona State to attend a University officials hearing on that announced they had bill to push his no plans to pursue proposal.“It hasn’t any development been heard in agreement. committee yet, Three months ago, but the message ASU entered into an is resonating,” he exclusive negotiating said of his own agreement with the bill. team to produce a With about a development plan month in his new on a 58-acre site job, Bowie said he that would be part is settling in. of a landmark sports “My schedule facilities district. The is usually stacked arena would have back-to-back all (Special to AFN) morning, leading been built at the present site of the State Sen. Sean Bowie of Ahwatukee visited up to lunch and one of the miniature therapy horses that back nine holes at with then floor session Gabriel’s Angel volunteers brought with them ASU’s Karsten Golf when they visited him at the Capitol last week. at 1:30 p.m.,” he Course, across from said. “Fridays are Tempe Marketplace. usually an ‘off day’ at the capitol, but But the Coyotes’ ambitious plan, I still schedule meetings throughout which always was contingent on a public- the day and even visits to the district, private partnership, failed to develop for events like school visits or meetings much traction in the legislature, where with our local school superintendents. it was opposed by west Valley interests. “And if that’s not enough, I like to The Coyotes said they started searching come in on the weekend, mainly to get for a new arena after Glendale’s City ready for the next week. This involves Council terminated a lease considered reading bills, catching up on emails, unfavorable to the city. and analyzing research memos. The Sen. Bob Worsley, R-Mesa, held out life of a legislator is never boring,” he hope for the special district bill would added.

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Sex-traffic victims fight way out of ‘the life’ to help others BY JIM WALSH AFN Staff Writer

hanna Parker of Mesa was beaten unconscious by her pimp, who murdered one of his other sextrafficking victims. Vanessa Compton of Mesa was stabbed in the chest by her pimp and was unconscious in a hospital for three days. She was injected with heroin on a different occasion by her own father, who manipulated her to participate in a variety of crimes to support her drug addiction. Parker and Compton somehow managed to not only survive, but to escape the seamy underworld known on the street as “the life,” which is not much of a life at all. The years of pain are behind them. Now, they are on a mission to save as many young women from human sex trafficking as possible. “Victim survivors” such as Parker and Compton are doing everything possible to reach sex-trafficking victims, speaking at diversion programs and group homes, even being referred by the police because of their unique ability to reach sex trafficking victims through a regrettable common experience. The message imparted by Parker and Compton focuses on the same themes: prevention and hope. The hope is more help for women caught up in “the life” and a far more enlightened “victim-centered” approach from the Mesa police and other East Valley departments. The focus now is on helping these young women, not arresting them, although some arrests are still necessary to separate the victims from dangerous

situations with their pimps, or to motivate them to seek services. “I don’t want you to think about me. I am OK, I made it out. I want you to think about all of the other Shannas,” Parker said. She said traffickers do everything possible to manipulate victims into doing things they don’t want to do to survive. The punishment for failing to cooperate is severe beatings, such as one that resulted in the death of Parker’s unborn child. Parker’s pimp would beat her with an unusual weapon, a bar of soap, to inflict severe pain without damaging the goods he would sell over and over again to customers. Parker’s roommate, another sextrafficking victim, was even less fortunate. She and her unborn child were murdered in Oklahoma City. Parker testified at his trial, contributing to his conviction. “It’s God’s grace,” Parker says about her survival. “He had beaten each of us unconscious numerous times. I could have been gone at any time.” Parker now works for the state Department of Economic Security in the IT Department. She spends weekends and evenings running her charity, Angels Go to Work. She talks to young women in group homes, hoping to turn them away from prostitution and toward a better life. “The best way to protect them is to give them life skills, self-esteem and selfworth,” Parker said. Compton said her addiction to cocaine was her path to prostitution. She said she learned to trade sex for property as a teenager. Her addiction was so profound that she did not change her life, even after she was stabbed twice in the chest

by her pimp and hospitalized for six up in a vicious cycle. They disassociate days. from their emotions to do their job, “I almost died,” Compton said. “It often turning several tricks a night. They went right back to it. It was all I knew.” keep doing it for fear of beatings from Finally, she got their pimps or worse. hooked up with a “The rehab helped john who was a drug me. If it wasn’t for cartel member. He the arrest, I probably persuaded her to drive would have never a stolen car to Mexico. gone to the rehab,” She was stopped Compton said. by police near the “They are broken, Mexican border and emotionally, mentally, ended up in the Pima physically,” she said. County Jail. Parker refers to this “The jail was full mindset as a “freeze,” of prostitutes. There the result of mental was no help to get and physical abuse them out of the life,” that all combines into Compton said. “unfathomable fear.” Compton and But the arrest on Parker both strive to a felony charge got overcome that. Compton’s attention. (Special to AFN) “You are worth She said she started counseling other Shanna Parker suffered horrendous abuse more than any dollar a sex-trafficking victim until she found amount people pay for prostitutes to improve as help to get out of “the life.” your body,” Compton their lives. Eventually, Compton got into a rehabilitation said. “These women feel worthless. They program and has stayed clean for nine feel degraded for a long time.” Sgt. Domenick Kaufman, who heads years. She said helping others is an the Mesa Police Human Exploitation integral part of her therapy. “Unless you have lived it, you don’t and Trafficking Unit, said police have changed to a “victim-centered” approach understand it,” Compton said. She also credits the Starfish Mentoring in attacking human trafficking. Kaufman’s unit now focuses on Group, run by Catholic Charities, for helping her to stay on the right path in arresting johns and traffickers, while life. She speaks to prostitutes at a court- helping prostitutes escape to a better life. Kaufman said some arrests are ordered diversion program in Phoenix. “It’s a personal mission to get every still required to protect victims from woman I meet out of the life,” Compton abusive pimps, and an arrest sometimes said. “I want to show them that there are motivates a victim to re-examine her life. “We’re moving more toward finding a lot of resources if you want to get out an effective way to intervene,” Kaufman of the life today.” Compton said prostitutes get caught said.

2 Ahwatukee residents on the front lines of the sex trafficking fight BY JIM WALSH AFN Staff Writer

hoenix police have been at the forefront of an evolution in police work throughout the metropolitan area to help human trafficking victims, not arresting them for prostitution and targeting traffickers and Johns instead. And two Ahwatukee residents are playing critical roles in that effort to help young women escape from “the

life’’ of prostitution ‒ a hollow existence full of false promises, violence, fear and exploitation. Phoenix police Sgt. Clay Sutherlin prides himself on helping to shape the new approach and rescuing women, saying that police sometimes come across juveniles who are in high demand and that adult prostitutes often tell them they started as teenagers. Another Ahwatukee resident, Tamara Hartman, an administrator with

Catholic Charities, runs a diversion program for suspected prostitutes. The program is credited with helping thousands of young women start a new life. They include women like Vanessa Compton, a human trafficking survivor and mentor. She credits the Starfish Mentoring Program, also operated by Catholic Charities, with helping her stay on the right path. The next step is the opening of Starfish

Place, an apartment complex where 15 survivors will live. “We are very proud of our vice unit. We were back in the day a couple of steps ahead in recognizing that these women were victims and we needed to look at them in that light,’’ Sutherlin said. Police started targeting the true criminals, the pimps who enslave young women through violence and See

FRONT LINES on page 14

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is to see someone change.’’ Hartman is especially happy when from page 12 women, who have had their parental manipulation, and the Johns who rights severed because of their behavioral buy their services, perpetuating the issues, eventually reunite with their victimization, he said. children after overcoming drug addition Sutherlin said that when and other problems. he joined the vice unit in Lucas said many of the 2005, the attitude was much young women were molested different. as children and had no “I have seen the change structure or role models. from the old school, when Relatives sometime act as the girls were arrested. It was their first pimp. more of a numbers-driven She said the young women operation and that does not don’t like living “the life’’ occur today,’’ Sutherlin said. but also don’t know how to (Special to AFN) Now, women facing escape. The girls have street a potential prostitution Tamara Hartman of smarts but nothing else, such has helped charge have the option Ahwatukee as an education, confidence thousands of women. to attend the diversion and self-esteem. program operated by Hartman. “They are afraid of starting over Women who escaped from “the life,” and being rejected,’’ Lucas said. “The including intake specialist Lois Lucas, younger girls don’t want to be told what work in the diversion program as case to do. We have classes and support managers and counselors. Compton tells groups. It’s like a second family, a family other women her story, hoping to serve that understands.’’ as an inspiration. Lucas estimates there are about 30-35 “They are role models. ‘Here’s what survivor mentors of human trafficking you can do.’ They can build rapport. scattered throughout the metro area, all They have a common dedicated to helping experience,’’ Hartman others as part of their said. mission in life and Women referred to as part of their own Phoenix Municipal therapy. Court can either chose She said others keep the diversion program, their past a deep secret. or face a prostitution“What can you do related charge. with all the ugliness Hartman said they and pain? You can are generally 19 to 24 use it to help others,’’ years old and about 75 Lucas said. Sutherlin said go through the program Phoenix police were each year, a decline from recently awarded a U.S the previous average of Department of Justice 130 caused by a decline grant to expand their in police resources. (Special to AFN) efforts to end human The program usually This Catholic Charities poster takes about three to four reminds people of how young many trafficking. He said it’s months. It includes a 40- sex-trafficking victims are. important for people hour, weeklong series of classes intended to prove to the women to understand that most human that they can work at a legitimate job. trafficking victims are U.S citizens who Follow up work includes courses on life have been manipulated into thinking skills, writing resumes, assistance with prostitution will lead to a life of luxury substance abuse, even clothes to wear to when it actually is a dead end full of pain and heartache. a job interview. He said the problem is everywhere, “To us, success is they go through the program, they don’t get re-arrested for a including Ahwatukee, because most business is conducted over the Internet year,’’ Hartman said. An Arizona State University study and not on street corners. “Whether it’s Ahwatukee or North concluded that the program is about 86 Scottsdale, activity is there,’’ Sutherlin percent successful, she said. “We’ve had some unbelievable success said. “There girls always blame stories. We have had women get out and themselves. These 14- or 15-year-old get jobs with mainstream companies,’’ girls had no idea what they were getting Hartman said. “The internal satisfaction into.’’

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Save Club West continues effort to raise $4 million for golf course purchase BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

ave Club West is a third of its way toward rounding up enough homeowners to invest in purchasing the community’s golf course. But Jim Lindstrom, the group’s leader, has one eye on the calendar as he continues to see if he can obtain agreements from 300 people willing to invest $13,333 each. So far, 101 homeowners have committed, he said. Lindstrom, who in December unveiled his plan to buy the course from owner Wilson Gee, estimates it will cost $4 million to buy and restore the course to make it profitable. Gee has put the course up for sale for $1.9 million, but Lindstrom has declined to say what the group is willing to offer. The plan states the $4-million goal could be achieved if 300 to 500 homeowners agree to invest. If he won agreements from 500 homeowners, the per-person investment would be around $8,000. Meanwhile, the course has emerged as an issue in the Club West Homeowners Association board elections slated next month. Save Club West has identified candidates that Lindstrom said “we can work with.” “The HOA needs to be a tool and resource to the homeowners and not a means to its own end,” he said. “We not telling people who to vote for, but identifying those who we believe we can work with.” The “Buy Club West” movement began

last summer after Gee curtailed irrigating the course, claiming his annual city water bill of $700,000 was too expensive. That move prompted the HOA board to sue Gee, asking a court to order him to restore the course, which had begun turning brown from insufficient irrigation. Lindstrom and a small group of other homeowners oppose the lawsuit, calling it a time-consuming, financially expensive avenue that doesn’t guarantee the future of the course. At the same time, the HOA board has declined to take a position on the purchase plan, saying it would undercut its position in the lawsuit. Lindstrom said he fears that if he cannot round up investors before summer, the irrigation problems will return. “The current owner may close the operation again this spring to save water costs, which will inflict even more damage on the turf and infrastructure,” he said. “The timing to make a purchase offer will be June–August, if enough folks show an interest to pursue the purchase.” Lindstrom made the statement in an email several weeks ago to homeowners, stating he need to pay the consultants who helped him develop a detailed plan for buying, restoring and profitably running the course. He said he raised enough money to keep his effort going. “We were effectively out of money,” he said, adding that he also has completed a full business plan for acquiring and running the golf course. “Because this is a collective and therefore complicated purchase, we need to hire

(AFN file photo)

Save Club West Association leader Jim Lindstrom last December addressed homeowners about the golf course purchase proposal. Seated nearby are, from left: attorney and resident Ellen Davis, golf course architect Bill Phillips, irrigation expert Gaylon Coates and course management expert Jim Bellows.

lawyers who specialize in securities and transactional work to complete required licensing and registrations with local, state and federal authorities, establishing a governing board and bylaws to oversee the golf operations, and may need to create a new for-profit legal entity,” he said. But now Lindstrom said he is “working to identify larger capital investors” who would invest significantly higher sums of money in return for a portion of the profits from running the course. Under the plan, homeowners for their investment would receive various perks, such as priority scheduling for tee times and discounts on equipment and clothing from the pro shop. Lindstrom also noted that negotiations are still going on between a small group of city and state lawmakers and the Arizona Department of Transportation over finding a source of cheap well water and providing an infrastructure to deliver it to the Club West course.

The talks are part of broader discussions as the lawmakers try to get concessions from ADOT in connection with construction of the South Mountain Freeway. Lindstrom conceded that such a deal might persuade Gee to just keep the course since his water bill would theoretically be substantially reduced. “We just want our golf course back,” he said. “If Wilson Gee can restore in a way that is acceptable to the community, God bless him for that. The investors will get their money back because it is in escrow.” Lindstrom said he is concerned that the golf course’s condition is not only causing home values to decline, but also driving homeowners out. He said nine homes have been sold in recent months, and that he estimates it would cost about $50,000 for a homeowner to move. That would include a lower price for their home and a higher See

WEST on page 20

Both sides presenting sessions on Ahwatukee Farms plan AFN NEWS STAFF

ave the Lakes has scheduled three meetings in the ongoing battle over the defunct golf course at Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club while The True Life Companies plans a festive informational session early next month. Question-and answer sessions related to the consent form that True Life Companies has asked residents to sign will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Ahwatukee

Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive. The group also has scheduled its annual meeting and a town hall at 6:30 p.m. March 1 at the recreation center. Meanwhile, True Life between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. March 4 will have food trucks and drinks to accompany a presentation on its proposed Ahwatukee Farms development for the old golf course site. The event will be held on the course. “We will have our supporters go from there to canvas the neighborhood and

continue our momentum of gathering signatures from throughout the ABM,” spokesman Drew Sexton said. Save the Lakes is suing True Life to force a restoration of the golf course, which was closed in 2013. A trial is scheduled on the lawsuit in June. True Life needs 51 percent of the community’s approximate 5,400 homeowners to sign a consent form allowing it to change the covenants, conditions and restrictions governing

the course. The company’s proposed “agrihood” would include about 270 homes, a fiveacre farm, a Montessori school, a café and various natural amenities. Linda Swain, a member of Save the Lakes and one of the two plaintiffs suing True Life, said the town hall will feature some of the same speakers who addressed about 300 homeowners in November. The Q&A will begin at 7 p.m. March 1 following a brief business meeting for Save the Lakes.

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

ABM helps homeowners fight invasion of roof rats T or walls, eating practically everything in sight, Paceley said. he Ahwatukee Board of “The most outrageous story we’ve heard Management is waging an all-out is a homeowner that had a brand new car war against roof rats, which are parked on the driveway was subjected appearing in its subdivisions in record to $2,000 worth of damage from rats numbers. gnawing on the engine wiring,” Young “The sightings are literally all over the said. “That was not something covered community and extend to communities by warranty.” to the south of Young said that the Ahwatukee,” said ABM problem seems worse assistant general manager this year than the last Karen Young. couple of years. Nearly 100 Paceley noted that it homeowners turned out had been at least two for an ABM-sponsored years since he was last presentation Feb. 8 asked by ABM to give a by Barry “The Roof presentation. Rat Guy” Paceley, who Young said ABM two became an expert on the years ago purchase 100 rodents for Maricopa bait stations to give (Special to AFN) County’s Vector Control away to homeowners rats, which originated in Department when he Roof and that the demand Southern California, made their discovered the critters in debut in the Valley around 2002. this year is higher. his backyard in Arcadia “Although we have shortly after they made their appearance some in inventory, the demand has in the Valley around 2002. probably tripled,” she said. The rats are drawn to food and water The cylindrical bait stations, which and are especially prevalent this time cost less than $20 at a hardware store, are of year because they gnaw on fruit in among the best weapons to counteract backyards to get water. the pests, Paceley said. But they can gnaw through the roof The rats will often eat that poison and AFN NEWS STAFF

INTERVENTION

even take some to their young in nests. The advice prompted one homeowner The nocturnal creatures are hard to spot to complain that he has talked to his even at night, Paceley told the crowd. neighbor about a potential roof rat That’s why it’s important to inspect the problem on his property but that “he’s house and surrounding outside area for not interested in helping me out.” signs of droppings, Paceley advised gnawed pieces of him to bait the area fruit and possible on his side of the damage to walls or wall between the the roof. two properties so Paceley also said that any rat who it was critical to decides to move in ensure that even likely would die. Paceley advised tiny hole or spaces the group to follow in walls or near the his precautions, roof must be sealed invest less than because the rats $100 in a few traps have no problem and not bother entering a home with hiring a pest uninvited. control problem. “The brick walls “The methods in your backyards we used to fight are freeways for them in 2002 are these rats,” he (Special to AFN) the same that you told the audience, can use today,” he noting they like to Nearly 100 homeowners last week attended a presentation that the Ahwatukee Board of stay at least four Management organized in reaction to a roof rat said. “Pest control companies are feet above the invasion. personnel-intensive ground when they so they’ll cost hundreds of dollars. I’m here move. “Work with your neighbors,” Paceley to tell the community you can control this problem and it doesn’t cost a lot.” said.

from page 1

children in Ahwatukee and on the reservation. PARC and the Gila Community already have an ongoing appeal of Humetewa’s decision, and no hearing date has yet been scheduled. Meanwhile, the freeway has become an issue in Club West’s homeowners’ association election next month. PARC President Pat Lawlis in a Facebook post last weekend noted that the HOA ballot includes a proposal for Club West to kick in $25,000 for continuing with the anti-freeway case and urged supporters to beware of a sneak attack on the measure. “It is real important that we make a concerted effort to counter a negative campaign this time since we were blindsided by one last year,” Lawlis said, urging supporters to circulate flyers ahead of the March 2 vote. Lawlis told AFN, “Last year, someone mounted a mailbox campaign to vote ‘no’ on PARC funding. It took us by

(Larry Mangino/AFN Staff Photographer)

Workers unload huge rebar coils that will be part of the support shafts for the bridge at 17th Avenue spanning the South Mountain Freeway.

surprise, and we ended up losing the vote by a small margin. We don’t know who was responsible for the campaign or whether they will do it again this year,

but we want to be proactive this time.” Lakewood’s HOA board recently dropped out of the appeal, claiming a majority of residents wanted out. The

board cited a survey, but gave only percentages and no actual numbers of how many votes were cast. In the new filings with the Ninth Circuit, both Native American entities contended that South Mountain’s standing in tribal culture required the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to conducted a “heightened review” of the project’s impact. They also raised the specter of further harm to Native American culture. “ITAA is therefore concerned that the district court ruling at issue in this appeal, if affirmed, will set a dangerous precedent that will hinder our member tribes’ ability to protect these special places in the future and thereby, result in substantial harm to the traditional, cultural and religious practices of our tribal people,” the inter-tribal group states. The state countered that the association “cannot shoehorn into these appeals See

INTERVENTION on page 20

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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NEWS

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WEST

from page 16

price for a new home, as well as Realtor fees and moving costs. “Either way, it’s going to cost money,” he said. In a recent update to Club West homeowners, Lindstrom said there is always a possibility that a court could rule in Gee’s favor and even allow him to get permission to repurpose the course. “We remain certain that the only realistic solution to saving the course and our home values is to have a group of homeowners join together to purchase it,” he said. He also noted that Gee has countersued the board, claiming it is trying to ruin his business. The board had offered him $10 for the course about two months ago. “There is always the chance that the court could rule against the HOA, and for the golf course owner (including an award of his attorneys’ fees), even if the HOA spends tens of thousands to

INTERVENTION

from page 18

issues that have never been part of the consolidated cases” involving PARC and the Gila Community. The Tohono O’odham Nation, which includes the Gila Community, argues that Humetewa’s ruling “could set a precedent which could significantly impact American Indian tribes’ ability to protect their tribal cultural properties, maintain their cultural connections and worldviews, and practice their religious ceremonies in the future.” So-called tribal cultural properties, identified as TCPs in legal papers, are “sites of past and present religious ceremony, cultural connection and tribal patrimony,” the intertribal association notes. “These sites affect the day-today living and religious practices of American Indians in a way that other groups of peoples are not affected.” Counting South Mountain, or “Muhadagi Doag,” as a TCP, the Tohono O’odham request notes that it has had a long and storied place in Native American culture. It said the ancient Hohokam tribe “used Muhadagi Doag, more commonly known as South Mountain, as both a hunting and gathering ground, and a spiritual center. Muhadagi Doag is a Traditional Cultural Property, and remains significant to the O’odham. As a descendant of the Hohokam, the

hundreds of thousands on the lawsuit,” Lindstrom wrote to homeowners. He also noted that if all 2,550 homeowners in Club West, it would cost $150 per household per year to pay the water bill or a one-time payment of $500 to buy the course. “We hired a golf course water expert and architect who confirmed that the operation can be profitable if critical changes and improvements are made,” Lindstrom said. He also took a swipe at the HOA board, noting dues have been raised twice “to pay for legal fees for the lawsuit.” “Although complete transparency is unrealistic, we would love to see the HOA board do a much better job in communicating with the homeowners about the single most important threat facing our home values, and work with Save Club West,” he wrote, adding: “If you agree, we suggest that you keep that in mind for the upcoming board election at the March meeting.”

Tohono O’odham have an interest in promoting and advocating for the protection of South Mountain.” The tribal association also strikes out at the air quality assessment that was part of ADOT’s environmental impact study. PARC has contended that the prospect of as many as 140,000 vehicles on the freeway daily, nearly half of them trucks, would generate unhealthy levels of gas emissions. The tribal association said ADOT’s study improperly assessed the impact on air quality for the entire length of the freeway instead of focusing on the stretch along Pecos Road. “The disproportionate nature of impacts to the GRIC could not be adequately determined because the percentage of American Indians impacted by the project was diluted over the 156-plus square miles of the study area,” the association said. It said federal law required a “heightened standard of impact assessment” because “American Indians are a subset of the vulnerable population category.” Rather than address the argument specifically, the state attorney general said such arguments were never raised during ADOT’s 14-year administrative process for planning the freeway. “A party forfeits arguments that are not raised during the administrative process,” it said.

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Community

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Ahwatukee preschool, retirement center ring up friendship BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributing Writer

ive-year-old Bronson O’Dell Wadley and 86-year -old Roseland Barton may be many years apart, but they have at least one thing in common – they love the crisp, clarion sound of their handbells. The two are part of a multigenerational class comprising members of the Ahwatukee Preschool four- and fiveyear-old classes and residents of Mountain Park Senior Living/Spectrum Retirement Center, also in Ahwatukee. Their first monthly gathering was held in the Mountain View Lutheran Church, where the school, active for 37 years, is located. Under the direction of Ahwatukee Preschool music teacher Leslie Franzmeier, seniors and youngsters sitting side by side wearing expectant and ebullient smiles as the bells were distributed. Everyone received a colored bell, some of them, two. Despite what could be a complicated learning curve for hand

bellringing, this class makes music from the start after the group gets familiarized with their bells and the color-coded cards Franzmeier holds. “We use the Kristal Bell Method that has a CD playing the melody,” said Franzmeier, also the church bell director. “We’re really just following the melody and ringing chords.” The system uses seven color-coded bells – red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, dark blue and purple. Each colored bell is rung when Franzmeier reveals the colors on cards held above her head. “When you see your color, you have to ring,” instructed Bronson O’Dell Wadley. “It’s fun and it’s not very hard.” For Roseland Barton, a member of Mountain Park Senior Living and Mountain View Lutheran Church, the bell ringing along to “Amazing Grace” and “Take Me Out the Ballgame” was a simple way to make music from the start. “There really isn’t anything to it unless you’re colorblind,” she said, adding: “I sat next to one very personable boy; another one was a little shy and

(Andrew DeValk/Special to AFN)

Geri Durbin of Mountain Park Senior Living and Yuiki Ueda of Ahwatukee Preschool make music in the multigenerational bell ringing class.

(Andrew DeValk/Special to AFN)

Preschool music teacher Leslie Franzmeier holds color-coded instructional cards aloft as members of the Mountain Park Senior Living/Spectrum Retirement Center join with their preschool hosts to play "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" on their hand bells.

introverted. But this is good for the children who have no grandparents in the area to get a little grandparent experience. Likewise, it’s good for those who don’t have their grandchildren nearby.” Barton moved from northeast Illinois to Arizona in 1977 and, with her husband, located to Ahwatukee two years later. She was a teller at Valley National Bank at 48th and Elliot, now Chase Bank. For Franzmeier, a handbell aficionado and talented teacher/player, the multigenerational program is more than just another way to entertain the preschool children or give the seniors an outing. “It’s so beautiful. The joy on their faces is priceless,” she said, tears springing to her eyes. “They just have to know a color, they don’t have to read a note, and they’re making music immediately.” She said watching the preschoolers and the seniors interact throughout the class is eye-opening. “A lady comes in with an oxygen tank and that is kinda scary to little kids who don’t know what it is, but before you know it, it disappears and they’re making music together,” said Franzmeier.

“Another woman is in Memory Care and she may not even later remember what happens today, but she had so much fun. She had her arms around the kids and told them what a great job they were doing and encouraged them, and for that moment she was contributing and helping the little guy next to her.” With only one session behind them, enthusiasm to continue the elder/ preschool handbell sessions is already high. “It ends in May when school ends, but we hope it starts up again in the fall,” said Franzmeier, who is already planning a concert. Linda Henderson, director of fun at the retirement center, said this year’s theme throughout the Spectrum Retirement Communities is Engaging in Music.” “Our residents just loved getting together with the Ahwatukee Preschool for this,” Henderson said, adding: “They each sat between several children, sitting and interacting with them. It was very special. They enjoy every opportunity to see and be with children.”

COMMUNITY

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Longtime owner of Plaza Hardware dies after two-month illness

(Dianne Ross/AFN contributor)

“Treat customers as I’d like to be treated. Make a profit, but treat the other guy so he can live with it.” He confided that when they set pricing on expensive pool parts, they tended to err on the side of the customer. “A lot of people are living on the edge of their incomes. A new pump is so expensive. I really feel for them,” he said. Customers tended to rave with delight about Plaza Hardware, both online and in person. Reviews on yelp.com give them five stars for service. “Ahwatukee grew up around them. They make everyone feel like family,” said airline pilot Scott Williamson. “I like the pet-friendly store. It’s like Americana, the way it used to be.”

“I like to work. I’ve never minded it, after running a family feed and grain and I’ve worked since I was 18,” he said business in Iowa. at the time. “Pools are a big business in They married in 1968. Ahwatukee.” Hardware is not in as much demand When he first opened Plaza Hardware, today from independent stores like theirs, he previously he said, because had built and many handymen remodeled pools in are taking care Scottsdale. He saw of the repairs no reason to stop that homeowners pool service with used to perform the new endeavor. themselves. Some So he and as many of the handymen as four other (AFN file photo) tend to get their employees drove to The late Leonard Branstetter, center, is flanked supplies from retail Scottsdale daily to by a friend and his widow Karilyn in a photo chains. continue to service shot last summer in Plaza Hardware. The Branstetters those pools. employed only one He estimated that he has installed pool repair and service person and about six 5,000 pool motors since 1981. part-time store clerks. Their staff includes Mr. Branstetter was an Iowa transplant. retirees with engineering, law enforcement Karilyn attended the University of and other skilled backgrounds. Arizona starting in 1950, studying music What hadn’t changed with time was the education. He arrived in Arizona in 1965 Mr. Branstetter‘s business philosophy:

They loved to travel and had especially fond memories of a small ship on which they traveled around Cape Cod and the nearby islands. They also particularly enjoyed a Vancouver-to-Banff train trip through the Canadian Rockies. Asked how they keep up their energy, he credited his wife’s cooking: “She’s one of the best cooks you’ll ever see.” Karilyn modestly claimed that she cooks meat and potatoes, implying it’s nothing special. But, except during family visits, she refuses to use a microwave except to store things. Mr. Branstetter had finally decided last year that he wanted to retire and travel full time with his wife, stating, “I only have about 10 good more years.” Besides his widow and Chere Crandall, Mr. Branstetter is survived by two other daughters, Kristine and Sally, and two sons, Keith and Jerry.

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

eonard Branstetter, owner of one of Ahwatukee’s oldest businesses, died Feb. 6 after a two-month illness. Mr. Branstetter, 90, and his widow Karilyn owned and operated Plaza Hardware since 1981, when Ahwatukee extended no farther south than Elliott Road. The store was such a part of their lives that an informal remembrance gathering was held last Sunday in front of Plaza Hardware, which likely will close before summer. “So many people, especially in Lakeside, depended on that store,” said his daughter, Chere Crandall. “The store was their life and the customers were their friends.” Dozens of customers paid tribute to Mr. Branstetter on Facebook, describing him as always helpful and friendly. The outpouring moved his daughter, who said people were coming into the store all week to share remembrances of her father. It’s likely the store will close and its inventory sold off when its lease expires in May, Crandall said, because “they tried to sell it but the lease is so high no one wanted to buy it.” Despite his age, Mr. Branstetter came to work every day, and only about a year ago had given up his pool cleaning service that once had been a big part of his business. In a story in the Ahwatukee Foothills News in August, Mr. Branstetter said that when he first opened, he was determined to make the store the place to find nuts and bolts, tools and plumbing hardware, pool service and supplies, and anything else local do-it-your-self homeowners might need.

Friends and customers of the late Plaza Hardware owner Leonard Branstetter gathered Sunday in front of the store to remember him. Listening to a former employee talk about him are, from left, daughters Chere Crandall and Kristine Crandall and the widow, Karilyn Branstetter.

Life outside the hardware store for the Branstetters would begin after 6 p.m. six days a week. On Saturday nights, they would head to their cabin near Prescott. They finished the cabin interior themselves.

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COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Kyrene fundraiser offers tasty way to help needy kids BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributing Writer

he Kyrene Schools Community Foundation provides gifts to students, teachers, staff and Kyrene families in need. Now, area residents can help the foundation continue to help others by attending their annual fundraiser – the Taste of Kyrene, now in its seventh year. The Taste of Kyrene, 7-11 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Foothills Golf Club in Ahwatukee, features some of the finest appetizers and entrees from area restaurants, provides a wine-and-beer cash bar, includes entertainment throughout the evening and offers a popular silent auction with more than two dozen items. People who cannot attend can purchase a $10 ticket for an “Opportunity Drawing” that doesn’t require the winners be present to claim their prizes. The foundation, in partnership with the Kyrene School District, provides much to the communities it serves. Besides scholarships for less-fortunate students, it distributes necessary school supplies, gently-used clothing and food to families in need. “I think that it’s important to realize it doesn’t take much to make a difference in your own backyard,” said this year’s Taste of Kyrene chair, Marjean Steinkamp. The foundation’s major fundraiser is especially dear to Steinkamp, who started it nine years ago as a schoolcentric event at Kyrene del Cielo when her son was enrolled there. “The Taste of Kyrene has already done so much good in many ways including taking care of our students and their families in need. I’m proud that the volunteer-run foundation raises money for so many things that would otherwise

go unfunded,” said Steinkamp, who has three children enrolled in Kyrene schools. “And this is our major fundraiser so we really want people to come support the foundation while having a great time doing it,” she added. For foundation board president Kelly Katsiris, fundraising is a passionate commitment to bettering the Kyrene School District’s 25 schools and the students and faculty who study and labor therein. “The foundation is an amazing resource for the Kyrene community and plays a critical role in the lives of our students, families and staff,” said Katsiris, who came on the board in 2012, and is in her third year as president. “People may be unaware that in our Kyrene school there are 300 homeless students and 5,581 students on free or reduced lunch. The proceeds from the Taste of Kyrene directly support our key programs which positively impact our Kyrene children, families and staff,” she said. “On a monthly basis, we provide food boxes and clothing for Kyrene families at our Family Resource Center. We also offer hygiene bags because food stamps cannot be used for basics like toothpaste, soap, shampoo or deodorant,” she continued, adding: “Through our fundraising efforts, the Foundation provides resources with the goal of enabling every child to arrive at school ready to learn no matter their family circumstances.” Katsiris proudly reviewed just some of the work done and monies dispersed by the non-profit Kyrene School Community Foundation last year. They included $35,000 through the Kyrene Family Resource Center that

provided families with food baskets as well as medical, dental, clothing and emergency financial assistance; $40,000 for student scholarships that assisted enrichment programs and extra-curricular activities; $45,000 for mini-grants for teachers and recognition awards for staff and students. Last year, the Foundation awarded its first $5,000 Principal’s Grant to Centennial Middle School and its “Where Everyone Belongs” program to help sixth graders transition to middle school. This year the grant went to Kyrene de los Ninos for its “Engineering is Elementary.” And then there are those annual programs that aren’t highly-touted but, with the assistance of area businesses and individuals, mean so much to so many. Stuff the Bus is the foundation’s backto-school drive that last August supplied 1,300 students in grades K-8 with fullystuffed backpacks. The majority goes out before school begins with the rest distributed as new students in need arrive to the district. And each December, the foundation hosts the magical Winter Wonderland for parents of students in need. Besides the festive ambiance of the event held at the district office, each parent receives two gifts per child and a $25 gift certificate for a meal. All gifts are then wrapped and labeled by foundation and district volunteers. Last year, 327 families, encompassing 1,032 Kyrene students enjoyed a merrier holiday thanks to many drives held by each school, businesses and community members. Incoming new teachers are also gifted $50 for classroom supplies. ”The Kyrene Foundation is grateful for

(Special to AFN)

This logo for Taste of Kyrene is sprouting up on invitations across the school district.

the community support for this amazing event which helps build a strong Kyrene community,” said Katsiris, a Kyrene parent and Intel marketing manager. The Taste of Kyrene tickets remain at $50 for online sales until Feb. 22, when tickets will be available only at the door for $70. “We’ve kept it at the same price so we can have more people involved,” Steinkamp said. “And our $10 Opportunity Drawing lets people who can’t be present to still be a supporter of our schools, with $5 going to the foundation and $5 to the Kyrene school of your choice. We’re hoping to make about $4,500, realistically, but I’d like to make more, actually.” Tickets: KyreneFoundation.org.

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Mountain View Lutheran gets new assistant pastor

Rev. Annemarie Burke will be installed at 5:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, as Mountain View Lutheran Church’s new pastor of administration and worship. Bishop Steve Talmage of the Grand Canyon Synod will officially install her and preach. A reception will follow at the church’s Family Life Center, 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. Mountain View Lutheran Church is a Christ-centered, multi-generational

church that has been serving Ahwatukee for over 40 years. Information: mvlutheran.org or 480-893-2579.

Ahwatukee church collecting supplies, food for panhandlers

Mountain View Lutheran also is collecting donations for homeless people who panhandle at intersections and freeway exit ramps. “ The idea for the project came from the awful feeling I felt when I would avoid eye contact with these folks,” said project organizer Jason Tollefson. “I was

not willing to give money, afraid of it being used to reinforce a bad habit. I wanted to treat them as human beings, but not reinforce self-harm. That was what started the idea of Hope on the Highway.” Donations of non-perishable food, toiletries and socks can be dropped off through Feb. 26 at the church office,11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. They will be packed into “Hope Bags” and then given to congregation members to hand to people when they come across them on the street.

“The bags can even be built at home,” Tollefson added. “Just put some of these items in a bag and keep it in your car for the next time you encounter someone in need.”

Boy Scout Troop 78 planning semi-annual yard sale

Boy Scout Troop 78, a local troop that meets at Esperanza Lutheran Church, is holding its semi-annual fundraising yard sale 7-11 a.m. Feb. 25 on the southwest See

CALENDAR on page 33

COMMUNITY

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Centennial Middle School alumna, students to present play BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

risti Mabee is making her directorial debut at the same Ahwatukee middle school she attended 13 years ago. As the theatre teacher for Centennial Middle School, the Mountain Park High School grad is presenting Neil Simon’s 1981 comedy, “Fools,” at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the school, 13808 S. 36th St., Ahwatukee. Admission is $5 and $3 for students, with proceeds going to the school’s theater fund. The story involves a village somewhere in Russia in the 1600s that has been cursed with “foolishness” for over 200 years. It is up to a new school teacher to come to the village and try to break the curse before he himself becomes a “fool” too. “The play was originally written to be performed by adults but, my kids took on the challenge of a mature script and have been doing really well. It is a family-friendly comedy with lots of laughs,” said Mabee, who chose the play partly because it called for a small cast and had a fun plot. Auditioning since Thanksgiving, the cast and stage crew have presented Mabee with a rewarding challenge. “The biggest challenge is probably trying to get everyone to focus and work,” she said. “I always tell them, ‘Yes, our work is fun, but we have a job to do here.’ Trying to wrangle 15 or so young teens is not a simple task. Sometimes it’s hard for me to get serious and be in teacher mode. These kids are just so funny.” So is the script, she added. “The first time we did a full readthrough of the play, we were all cracking up,” Mabee recalled. “The humor is clever and sometimes hidden; when we read through it, they picked up on all of the jokes and really fell in love with the script and the characters.” The cast members differ greatly in stage experience, with some having been in community theater, others who are in Mabee’s class and others who have never acted before. “The variety of experience makes it fun,” Mabee said. “We are always learning and teaching one another. It’s great to step back and watch the kids mentor each other and provide tips.” Some actors and actresses did not

(Special to AFN)

Centennial Middle School teacher Kristi Mabee relaxes in a chair with the cast of her student play. They are, standing from left, teacher Brittany Dolkowski, Vanessa Haddad, Anna Osenkarski, Max Payne, Lauren Doller, Jacob Stewart and Nick Haddad. Seated, from left: Addie Harvey, Mantra Rostami, Leilani Mondragon and Yaniv Golden.

initially heed her reminders to memorize the script ‒ one actor finally did in one night. Mabee also said she was blessed with some help in getting the set together. “I am really lucky to have a talented boyfriend who is a carpenter/contractor,” she said. “He helped me bring my vision to life on stage with the help of a few other teachers and parents. I also have a very talented colleague who sketches and helped the kids paint the set. The set is pretty elaborate for a middle school show. We also borrowed a lot of set pieces from our neighboring school, Mountain Pointe.” It was at Mountain Pointe where Mabee nurtured her acting bug. “I was fully involved at Mountain Pointe in their theater company,” she explained. “I also was involved in dance and choir there. I had the privilege of playing some amazing characters: Helen Keller in ‘The Miracle Worker,’ the leading lady Mabel in ‘Pirates of Penzance.’ I also was a sound and lighting technician there on a few shows. I learned a lot in high school. It became my passion. “I chose to pursue a theatre degree in college. I graduated with my bachelor’s in theatre in 2013, worked for Disney world as a character performer and returned to Arizona for my master’s in education.” Mabee still works Mountain Pointe’s theater sponsor, Kim Bonagofski, and runs with her an improv group

comprising students from Centennial and the high school. She estimates she has already put in

more than 150 extra hours into shaping the show. “I know the time and effort will be worth it once I see the kids up there in full costume, doing what they love and seeing the technicians hard work come to life,” she said, adding: “The kids love it and it’s a great learning experience for me and for them. I met some of my best friends participating in theater and I hope these kids have the same experience.” “I always tell everyone how hard my job is but how incredibly fun it is, too. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Being a teacher is such an important job. I am proud of what I do. It’s been my dream to be a theater teacher and I can’t believe that dream came true.” The cast includes: Jacob Stewart, Yaniv Golden, Connor Murray, Addison Harvey, Ashia Ramos, Anna Osenkarski, Zane Ronis, Claire Gustin, Mantra Rostami, Nick Haddad, Brody Stoffa, Kylie Stinson and Grace Urbinato. The crew consists of Sophie Mahon, Lauren Doller, Trevor Perry, Max Payne and Vanessa Haddad.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Only a few restaurants take advantage of the Valley’s native, edible plants BY KELLY ATHENA AFN Contributing Writer

id you know that our state tree, the Palo Verde, produces prolific amounts of bean pods every

May? After filling Ahwatukee with an exuberant bright yellow canopy in April, the edible flowers start dropping off so bean pods can form in their place. The beans taste like peas freshly picked from the garden if they’re harvested at just the right time. I have been harvesting Palo Verde beans since moving to the Valley 30 years ago, and have become more enthusiastic about wild harvesting since moving to Ahwatukee nine years ago. I have tried persuading restaurants in the area to use wild edibles in their menus. Finally, I’ve found two chefs that are very excited about adding these nutritious foods: Cliff Johnson, executive chef at Nello’s Pizza, an Ahwatukee landmark for over 20 years on the northwest corner of Warner Road and 48th Street owned by Danny and Barbara Mei; and Tamara Stanger, executive chef at Helio Basin Brewery at 3935 E. Thomas Road in Phoenix. Palo Verde pods can be steamed and served like edamame. “They taste so much better than soy edamame, and are grown by nature instead of as monocrops with pesticides,” said Nello’s Johnson. He serves them as hummus, and on salads and pizzas. He was glad to hear I could provide him with the beans year-round, thanks to a vacuum sealing process I use after picking thousands of beans in May.

(Kelly Athena/AFN contributor)

Nello's Pizza executive chef Cliff Johnson, left, and owner Danny Mei like indigenous foods.

Another tasty indigenous food is the ironwood tree bean. Their lavender blooms in June give way to brown pods ready to pick in July. It’s a hot, thorny job, but worth it since the beans taste a lot like pistachios. I hope to find some brave “desert rats” to help me harvest enough ironwood beans to have a year-round supply as well. “I love the nice nutty texture, and definitely love the idea of a nut pie,” said

(Kelly Athena/AFN contributor)

The beans on palo verde trees offer a tasty treat this time of year in Ahwatukee.

(Kelly Athena/AFN contributor)

Tamara Stanger, executive chef at Helio Basin Brewery displays some Swiss Chard and an array of wild edibles.

Stanger. Both types of beans contain around 32 percent protein. The O’odham people (Pima) used them for centuries, along with Mesquite Tree beans, and never experienced diabetes. I will be teaching another workshop 3-4:30 p.m. April 1 at the Ironwood Library about harvesting desert bean trees. I’ll have a slide show and wild plant samples for you to touch and eat. This follows a 2 p.m. Seed Swap held by the Ahwatukee Community Garden in the same room. Stanger recently got some Swiss Chard from my garden, my favorite green to grow because it never bolts like every other green (goes to seed and quits producing leaves). You can cut chard leaves all year and the plant keeps growing more and more leaves. She also got some smooth red fruit that looks like a Christmas ornament. That is the Peruvian apple, which grows on the Cereus apple cactus seen in quite a few front yards in Ahwatukee. Inside the red peeling is a white fruit with tiny black seeds, crystalline textured, with a melt-inyour-mouth quality that is lightly sweet. The I’itoi onion (pronounced ee-toy) has been part of the O’odham culture

for centuries. It is the friendship onion – give one to a friend and it will multiply for them, and they give extras to another friend, and so it spreads. The rare elephant tree, similar to the frankincense tree, provided a sensory delight for both chefs with its juniper peppery taste. It grows near boulders in canyons in South Mountain Park. This is the farthest north it grows. You can find it nowhere else in the Phoenix area except for a few in the White Tank Mountains. Purslane, London rocket, lamb’s quarters, carob beans, prickly pear, desert lavender, dwarf jade, and compass barrel cactus seeds are a few of the other plants these two innovative chefs may be using. Nello’s is featuring “Forager’s Pizza” for the next two weeks. Both restaurants are planning a multicourse dinner highlighting indigenous foods in March. Nello’s will have a Beer Dinner on March 15, and Helios will hold a spring equinox dinner March 20. Information about the restaurants and wild edibles: KellyAthena.com. Planning a charity or neighborhood garage sale? Send a notice at least two weeks in advance to garagesalegirl@ kellyathena.com.

COMMUNITY

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Sleep affects more than a child’s mood, so make sure routines are in place AFN NEWS STAFF

t’s a nightly ritual that many children dread: bedtime. The parents of sleep-averse kids share in the misery, too. Getting a child to go to sleep is sometimes a battle of wills, and mom and dad are often on the losing end of that battle, so they tend to concede another 30 minutes of screen time or cuddling to extinguish a tantrum. But it’s important for parents to know a good night’s rest isn’t the only thing at stake. Dr. Mary Jo Kutler, D.O., a pediatrician at Ahwatukee Pediatrics, said the benefits go far beyond waking up on the right side of the bed. “Sleep affects much more than your mood,” Kutler said. “When children get enough of it, a good night’s rest can fight infection, promote adequate growth, and even fend off obesity.” The key is setting healthy sleeping habits, she explained. Establishing them may take time, but it’s important for parents to introduce and maintain a bedtime routine, the elements of which are consistent and non-negotiable. Kutler recommends the following tips

Conisistency in sleep times is critical for children, even on weekends.

for better sleep: Be consistent. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time, even on weekends. Limit screen time. Activities such as watching television or playing on the computer should be avoided as bedtime draws near. Ritualize relaxation. Have your child take a warm bath or read a book before lying down for the night. Mind environment. Be sure to keep your child’s bedroom dark, quiet and cool. Ban soda and physical activity. Avoid caffeine and exercise before bedtime.

(Special to AFN)

While adherence to a routine helps most kids, it may not solve all sleep problems, Kutler warned. “Disorders like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, night terrors and narcolepsy are very real and compromise healthy sleep of thousands of children,” she said. “These types of disorders require the help of specially trained sleep medicine physicians who work with children and their families to diagnose and treat the problem.” Kutler says symptoms that warrant evaluation by a sleep medicine physician

include: excessive snoring, lapses in breathing, gasping for air, bed wetting in children older than 6, multiple nighttime awakenings, difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, restless sleep, hyperactivity, a decline in school performance, excessive drowsiness, sleep walking and night terrors Sleep quantity – not just quality – is also important, and it varies by age. “A 1-month-old infant requires as much as 16 hours of sleep every day, whereas a 17-year-old will do fine with eight or nine hours,” Kutler said. Ensuring that children get enough sleep can be difficult, and sports activities, long work hours for mom and dad, and an ever-growing list of cool digital distractions only complicate things. But a good night’s rest must be a priority, Kutler stressed. “A restful and adequate night of sleep is a key to a healthy lifestyle,” she said. “You’re not just saving yourself from dealing with a grumpy little one in the morning, you’re protecting your child from serious health problems.” -Reach Dr. Mary Jo Kutler, a pediatrician, at Ahwatukee Pediatrics, 15715 S. 46th St., Suite 102, Ahwatukee. 480-496-6444.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Unleashed dogs create a problem for owner, trainer in local parks AFN NEWS STAFF

ome Ahwatukee parks are going to the dogs ‒ unleashed ones, that is. Just ask Dan Duxbury of Ahwatukee, who recently had to fend off two unleashed dogs that were took a run at his leashed pit bull mix, Hali, while they were out for a walk at Pecos Park. “We were walking across the field,” Duxbury recalled. “I keep my dog on leash because my dog does not get along well with other dogs. She loves kids, but she doesn’t get along with other dogs. She’s fearful.” Suddenly, two large unleashed dogs dashed from the woman who was walking them, covering the 75 feet or so between them and Duxbury in a matter of seconds. “Hali was not injured because I put myself at risk,” Duxbury recalled. “I was holding one dog off with my foot and trying to pull the other away from Hali.” Although the owner came “running and calling and trying to reassure me the dogs were friendly,” Duxbury said, “That’s not the issue.”

“City law requires dogs to be leashed in a park,” he said. “I don’t necessarily have a problem with a dog that is unleashed if that dog is under control. But if you’re yelling and yelling to your dog to stop and it’s not listening, it is not under control.” Though Hali was not injured, the trauma impacted her for the rest of the day, Duxbury said, adding she hid in the house and barely ate.” “This basically has been happening once a week for the last three months and owners need to be more responsible with their dogs,” he added. Shane Carter agrees. He runs cartercanine.com, a company he started after being a dog trainer for large corporations for nearly 20 years. Carter meets some of his clients in Ahwatukee parks and has run into loose dogs occasionally. Although he knows how to control dogs, his human and canine clients often don’t. “It puts a damper on things,” he said. “If a loose dog runs up, I have to either hold the dog or shoo the dog away. But my client gets nervous about the dog

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Dan Duxbury st of Ahwatukee had to defend his dog against two unleashed canines at Pecos Park.

being PLACE loose.”

Sometimes such incidents interfere if BEST of not ruin a lesson, Carter added. 2015 Both Duxbury and Carter say the Ahwatukee Foothills unleashedNews pets’ owners react in a variety of ways, but mostly there’s little reaction at all. While some owners apologize and others insist their pet meant no harm, Duxbury said, “Honestly the reaction from most is nothing. I tell them, ‘You have to put your dog on a leash’ and they look at me as if I’m nuts.” Carter said, “I get a lot of apologies when it happens, but sometimes the owner is too embarrassed to say anything.” He added: “As a person who frequents the park, I totally understand it’s a public area and people have rights to do what

they want. But when you get into doing things that are totally illegal ‒ that may or may not harm you or the dog ‒ you’re interfering with other people’s rights.” Duxbury said he is frustrated by the city’s response. He said he has called the city Department of Parks and Recreation “and nobody even called me back.” Actually, not much can be done, said Gregg Bach, spokesman for the department. He said only city police can issue a citation if they see an unleashed dog in the park, but that “usually we just remind them of the law unless the owner is a frequent violator.” Bach also said he is not aware of any complaints about unleashed dog, although he also said the department doesn’t track such calls.

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

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FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Two cats, dog hope this was the last Valentine’s Day without a home AFN NEWS STAFF

wo cats and a dog are hoping that next year, Valentine’s Day will be a little less lonesome and that they have a new adoptive family by then. Jannell Cosgriff of Friends for Life Rescue said Sage, a 3-year-old domestic long-haired cat, “likes to be brushed, snuggle with her people, play in boxes and she’s trying to catch that elusive red dot.

“Sage does not like loud noises, dogs and missing her daily treat of catnip,” Cosgriff added. “It should be noted that there are some cats she doesn’t do well with, but currently Sage lives in a foster home with other cats and she’s doing well.” Sage is spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, and tested for FELV/FIV. Her adoption fee is $85. Information: 480497-8296, FFLcats@azfriends.org, or azfriends.org. Jenny Bernot at Arizona Rescue has another cat, Dylan, who is “very friendly and loves attention from his people. “Dylan enjoys being pet and lavished

with adoration by his many fans, but nothing, absolutely nothing, makes Dylan happier than warming someone’s lap. He’s serious when it comes to lap time. When he sees an open lap, he’ll make a beeline for it. Once there, he makes himself comfortable and settles in for the long-haul,” she said, adding: “We’re not exaggerating. Best to have your phone, remote, and a book close at hand once Dylan takes up residence. Chances are you’ll need to get up long before he even thinks about moving! Lap time is pretty special quality time.’ Less than a year old, Dylan “is quite active and likes playing with a wide assortment of toys including pipe cleaners, the laser light, and the everelusive ribbon wand toy. This go-getter will chase his toys from one side of a room to the other,” she said. Bernot said Dylan, rescued from a hoarding situation, likes both cats and dogs. Information: azrescue.org. Shauna Michael at the Arizona Animal Welfare League’s office on 25 N. 40th St., Phoenix, said LuLouise, a 2-year-old

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GOP Women to hear Goldwater Institute vice president

Christina Sandefur, Goldwater Institute vice president, will address the Ahwatukee Republican Women at their monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St. She develops policies and litigates cases advancing health-care freedom, free enterprise, private property rights, free speech, and taxpayer rights.

Senior Olympics games to start this weekend in Valley

The Arizona Senior Olympics, a local multi-sport event for people over 50, will begin Saturday, Feb. 18, and continue through Monday, Feb. 20. Events include Alpine skiing at Snow Bowl, handball and racquetball at ASU’s Student Recreation Center, track and field and race walking at Seton Catholic Preparatory High School and bocce ball at Sun City Grand Bocce Courts. These are the first of the 29 different events to be held around the valley in the upcoming weeks. Registration is still open for some of the other 23 sports to be held between now and March 25. Go to seniorgames.org and click on 2017 Games, then registration, then sport information. Registration is only online. For help: 602-274-7742.

Honduras project schedules fundraising dinner

The Children’s Home Project, run by Sean and Jenny Kast of Ahwatukee to help poor children in Honduras, will hold a Le Fiesta Under the Stars Celebration dinner 6:30-9:30 p.m. April 1 at the Valley Garden Center, 1809 N. 15th St., Phoenix. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Information: tchp.org

Children of Hope Preschool to start enrollment

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Cancer Society slates walk at South Mountain

The American Cancer Society will hold its 34th annual Climb to Conquer Cancer of Phoenix starting at 7 a.m. Feb. 25 at South Mountain. The non-competitive hike to the summit of South Mountain is open to people of all ages and abilities, including hikers, runners, wheelchairs and strollers. The 5.5-mile walk will conclude with a festival offering a range of activities, food and entertainment. Registration per climber is a nonrefundable $40 in advance, and $50 day of event. VIP Parking at the base of the mountain is available in advance for $10 on the event website. Free parking is available at three locations with complimentary shuttle to event. Funds help support free programs and services for cancer patients in Arizona like Look Good Feel Better, Road to Recovery, Cancer Resource Centers as well as research. There are currently seven cancer research grants in Arizona funded by the American Cancer Society totaling more than $5.6 million dollars. Info/registration: phoenixclimb.com.

Tempe Union textbooks now open to public for inspection

Citizens have until March 1 to examine social studies textbooks that Tempe Union High School District wants to use in the coming school year. Books can be examined in the lobby of the district office, 500 Guadalupe Road, Tempe, during normal business hours. Information: Director of Instructional Services Brent Brown at 480-839-0292.

Fundraising cocktail party planned to help YMCA

Silent auction items are being sought for a Cocktails for Community fundraiser to be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 22 at the Sunset Grill & Patio at the Foothills Golf Club. All proceeds will benefit the Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA’s annual community support campaign, which helps local needy families and seniors. A minimum $25 contribution includes two drinks and appetizers. To donate auction items or buy tickets: Carrie at cmcneish@cox.net or 480-221-9090.

COMMUNITY

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Heart disease different in women, but still just as deadly BY AGNES OBLAS AFN Guest Writer

ne interesting difference between men and women involves the cardiovascular system and the development of heart disease and subsequent symptoms. There is growing awareness that when a woman experiences symptoms of heart disease, these symptoms may differ from what is universally recognized as typical cardiac symptoms. This is because of the differences in the male and female cardiac physiology. Heart disease in men generally involves the larger blood vessels supplying heart muscle whereas in women, heart disease often involves the smaller vessels. For men, when the larger vessels become narrowed because of atherosclerosis (so called “hardening of the arteries”) and plaques of fatty deposits, blood flow to heart muscle decreases. This causes the crushing pressure-type of chest pain known as angina. On the other hand, in the female heart, the smaller vessels become blocked before

the larger ones. So a woman’s angina is more likely to be vague and expressed as fatigue, nausea, and/or dizziness. A woman’s description of heart pain can frequently be less dramatic and therefore draw less attention and less urgency. When women seek care, their providers may be misled by the presenting symptoms and a diagnosis of heart disease may be missed. In fact a large proportion of women who have a first heart attack state they never had any typical warning symptoms. Even though heart disease is the number one cause of death in our society, the average life span of a woman still exceeds that of a man. This is assumed to be because of the female sex hormone, estrogen. It is theorized that estrogen serves a protective function for a woman during her reproductive years. This theory was the basis for the recommendation that women continue the heart’s exposure to this hormone during menopause by way of prescribed hormone replacement therapy. Besides helping a woman to deal with menopausal symptoms, hormone replacement therapy was assumed to offer

secondary gains of continued protection against the development of heart disease. The cardio-protective benefits of hormone replacement therapy are believed to diminish after approximately five years. This poses a dilemma for women as we cannot allow the atherosclerotic effects of increased LDL levels to go unchecked either. Menopausal women whose LDL levels have risen over the years without being addressed are at risk for developing heart disease on a par with age-matched males. While these women seem to be catching up to men in the development of heart disease, they are not being discovered or treated at the same rates as men. Women today, unlike previous generations, need to realize that they will have many more years to live without the protective effects of estrogen. Women need to be pro-active and make sure that a cardiac work-up is considered (including blood tests to asses LDL levels) if they experience vague symptoms that don’t add up to another diagnosis. The Framingham Risk Factor Analysis is an excellent tool for estimating the 10 year risk of heart attack in men but it falls

short in accuracy for women. A newer tool is the Reynolds Risk Score that includes parameters that increase accuracy for women. It is a simple questionnaire but it substantially improves the ability to predict cardiovascular risk in women, so much so that if used consistently, 20-25 percent more women at high risk for heart disease could be identified and offered preventive therapies. The standard angiogram, the procedure that identifies the degree of narrowing in cardiac arteries, may not be a sufficient diagnostic tool for women. The Calcium Heart Scan may provide additional useful information as it identifies atherosclerosis in the smaller vessels. Women must be encouraged to partake in standard heart disease therapies such as weight loss, exercise, dietary changes, stress management and the use of appropriate medications. Just because a woman is menopausal and lacks estrogen, there is much she can do to prevent or even reverse the development of heart disease.

-Agnes Oblas, ANP-C, is a board-certified nurse practitioner in adult primary care with a private practice in Ahwatukee.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

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WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15 Learn to line dance

A free Valentines Dance Party at Cactus Jacks will include free line dancing lessons, treats and raffle prizes. DETAILS>> 5-8 p.m., Elliot Road and 48th Street, Ahwatukee. Cactusjacksbar.co or 480-221-9090.

SATURDAY, FEB. 18

The writing critique group meets the third Tuesday of every month. Writers of all genres and experience levels are invited to bring five pages of double-spaced writing to read out loud for feedback. Extra copies are optional, but helpful. DETAILS>> 6-7:45 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. No registration required. haley.dziuk@phoenix.gov.

Mitzi Epstein. DETAILS>>6 p.m. at Golfland SunSplash, 155 W. Hampton Ave., Mesa. $20 per person. Happy hour 8-9 p.m. Boulders, 1010 W. Southern Ave., Mes. Information: ld18democrats.org

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

Congregation NefeshSoul is planning a tour of Israel June 10-20. Explore historical sites along with the beauty and rich culture of Israel. DETAILS>> Rabbi Susan Schanerman at rabbi@ nefeshsoul.org.

Transportation Day scheduled

Learn nail string art

Come make a gorgeous wall ornament using string and nails. All supplies will be provided, though if you have your own preferred tools, you’re welcome to bring them. DETAILS>> 2-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee Free, adults only. Register in the calendar section at phxlib.org.

South Mountain fete set

God’s Garden Preschool at Horizon Presbyterian Church will hold its annual Transportation Day, featuring more than 40 vehicles of all descriptions, from garbage and fire trucks to go-karts. Live entertainment, carnival games and other activities for young and old. Vendors and sponsors are being sought now. DETAILS>> 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 1401 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee. Information/vendor registration: Michelle Rhodes at 480-460-0081, directorgodsgarden@ horizonchurch.com or godsgarden.com.

Celebrate the first year of the South Mountain Environmental Education Center. Engaging learning activities, themed walks, solar viewing scope, animal encounters and other attractions will be offered. The facility is a hub for guests exploring the park/preserve that it calls home as well as a gathering place for the community to learn about plants, animals, natural history and the conservation needs of the Sonoran Desert. DETAILS>> 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 10409 S. Central Ave., Phoenix. Free. No registration. Details: smeec.org.

‘Seuss-tastical’ fest slated

TUESDAY, FEB. 21

Legislative District 18 Democrats will hold a mini golf night with contests for the best-dressed couple and individual and goofiest hairdo. It will be followed by a happy hour with state Sen. Sean Bowie and state Rep.

Writing group to meet

Come enjoy Dr. Seuss-themed early literacy and STEAM activities for the whole family at the Seuss-tasical Family Festival. DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Ironwood Public Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. All ages; no registration required. Free.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

LD 18 Dems set mini-golf bash

ONGOING

Congregation plans Israel trip

SUNDAYS

‘TinkerTime’ open for kids

A makerspace for children to design, experiment, and invent as they explore hands-on STEAM activities through self-guided tinkering. DETAILS>> 1-4 p.m. every Sunday, Ironwood Library 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Ages 6-11. Free; No registration required.

MONDAYS

Chamber offers networking

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce networking and leads group is open to chamber members. DETAILS>> Noon, Native Grill and Wings, 5030 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Devida Lewis, 480-753-7676.

Group aids MS sufferers

This group addresses the informational, emotional and social support needs of the MS community. People with

MS, care partners and spouses are welcome. The group mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges people affected by MS. DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-noon, third Monday of each month, Dignity Health Urgent Care Ahwatukee, conference room, 4545 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. Information: Lynn Grant at lgrant3567@yahoo.com or 480-414-7172.

TUESDAYS

Toastmasters sharpen skills

Improve your speaking skills and meet interesting people at Ahwatukee Toastmasters meetings DETAILS>> 6:45-8 a.m at the Dignity Health Community Room, 4545 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee.

Power Partners available

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce networking and leads group is open to chamber members. DETAILS>> 8-9 a.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 10831 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee. Dorothy Abril, 480-753-7676.

WEDNESDAYS

Watercolor classes available

Watercolor classes that teach both bold and beautiful as well as soft and subtle approaches to the art are available twice a week for beginners and intermediate students who are at least 15 years old. Step-by-step instruction and personal help are provided. DETAILS>> 2:30-5 Wednesdays and 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays at Hobby Lobby, 46th Street and Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Cost: $25 per class, $80 for four classes. Registration required: jlokits@yahoo.

See

CALENDAR on page 33

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FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS The Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee meets every Thursday and welcomes newcomers. Speakers lined up over from page 32 the next few weeks include: Feb. 16, Brad Jarret, personal trainer; and Feb. 23, Jim Wilkerson, Habitat For com or 480-471-8505. Humanity. The club also is making plans for its annual Easter Parade and Spring Fling and always needs volunteers. Montessori holds open house DETAILS>>7:30 a.m. Biscuits Restaurant, 4623 E. Elliot Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori holds an open house Road, Ahwatukee. Information: mike.maloney2003@ weekly. It includes a short talk about Montessori gmail.com. education, followed by a tour of its campus. DETAILS>> 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 3221 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Information: 480-759-3810 Learn about 3-D Networkx This group focuses on creating powerful relationships with fellow members, resulting in meaningful referrals. Grief support is free Learn how to create connections and get the most out Hospice of the Valley offers a free ongoing grief of networking events. support group for adults and is open to any adult who DETAILS>> 8-9 a.m., Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber has experienced a loss through death. No registration of Commerce, 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 140. required. Information: Shannon Kinsman, 480-753-7676. DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St. 602-636-5390 or HOV.org. Chamber sponsors networking Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce networking and leads group offers business owners as chance to Foothills Women meet get involved and network. Open to chamber members An informal, relaxed social organization of about 90 and nonmembers. women living in the Ahwatukee Foothills/Club West DETAILS>> 8 a.m. Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of area. A way to escape once a month to have fun and Commerce, 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 140. Shannon meet with other ladies in the area. Guest speaker or Kinsman, 480-753-7676. entertainment featured. DETAILS>> 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive. Contact Mothers of Preschoolers gather jstowe2@cox.net or FoothillsWomensClub.org. Free child care for ages 0 to 5. DETAILS>> 9 a.m. second and fourth Thursday, Foothills Baptist Church, 15450 S. 21st St. Call Kim at 480-759Parents can ‘drop in’ 2118, ext. 218. Parents are invited to join a drop-in group to ask questions, share ideas or just listen to what’s going on with today’s teenagers. DETAILS>> 5:30-7 p.m. second Wednesday of each month. Maricopa Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Toastmasters teach skills Broadway Road, Phoenix. Free. RSVP at 602-827-8200, This chamber-exclusive Chapter of the International ext. 348, or rcarter@cals.arizona.edu. Toastmasters club boasts professional development skills. Become the speaker and leader you want to be with Ahwatukee Chamber Toastmasters Club. ‘Dems and Donuts’ set DETAILS>> 8-9 a.m., First American Title Conference DETAILS>> Free and open to the public 7:30-9 a.m. Room, 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., #100, Ahwatukee. Devida the third Wednesday of the month at Denny’s, 7400 W. Lewis, 480-753-7676. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. RSVP: marie9@q.com or 480592-0052.

CALENDAR

FRIDAYS

LD 18 Dems meet in Tempe

The Legislative District 18 Democrats meet the second Monday of the month. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. social time, 7-8:30 p.m. meeting time. Old Spaghetti Factory, 3155 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Information: ld18demsinfo@gmail.com. Free and open to the public.

Special networking offered

Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce has a networking and leads group open to chamber members. DETAILS>> 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Radisson Hotel, 7475 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Devida Lewis, 480-753-7676.

THURSDAYS

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SATURDAYS

Local Alzheimer’s support group meets

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Caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients can find support monthly. DETAILS>> 10-11:30 a.m. Ahwatukee Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the first Saturday of the month at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St.

ESTATE PLANNING

Bosom Buddies slates meetings

FAMILY LAW

Ahwatukee/Chandler nonprofit breast cancer support group. DETAILS>> 10 a.m. to noon, second Saturday of the month. Morrison Boardroom next to Chandler Regional Medical Center, 1875 W. Frye Road, Chandler. Contact Patti Lynch at 480-893-8900 or tomklynch@msn.com or Cele Ludig at 480-330-4301.

• Email calendar items to: pmaryniak@ahwatukees.com • Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Olympic Village plan another step in ASU goal BY BLAKE BENARD CRONKITE NEWS

ver since Ray Anderson arrived at Arizona State University in 2014 as athletics director, the department has taken significant strides toward a grand vision. “We’re adamant that this should be an Olympic training ground for all the sports,” Anderson said. As examples, look no further than the hiring of renowned swimming coach Bob Bowman, of former Olympic silver medalist Zeke Jones as ASU wrestling coach and the addition of three varsity sports since Anderson came to Tempe. Michael Phelps and fellow Olympic swimmers including Allison Schmidt also drew headlines when they moved their training home to Tempe to work with Bowman in preparation for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Combine these elements with the renovation of Sun Devil Stadium and it’s clear the university is focusing on the growth of its athletic department. The university took another step forward recently, when it announced plans to create an Olympic Village and new training facilities for its athletes. ASU revealed its plans at the launch of “Campaign ASU 2020,” an effort to raise $1.5 billion for projects across the university. The university says it has already raised $1 billion in “quiet” donations, dating back to 2010. As part of the campaign, the school has earmarked $258 million to raise the profile of its athletic program. The idea behind the creation of the Olympic Village in Tempe is to create a communal area for student-athletes to train and potentially live. Additionally, the school plans to add to its existing slate

YOUNG

Michael Phelps encourages swimmers on the deck of Mona Plummer Aquatic Center.

of 24 sports and build training facilities for the majority of its Olympic sports programs. A portion of the funds will also go toward increasing scholarships and improving academic support. “Certainly, as we look to drive Sun Devil competitiveness, everything that we do in terms of our Olympic sports will be positively impacted,” Senior Associate Athletic Director Scott Nelson said. The Olympic Village and training facilities would be near the intersection of Rural Road and Rio Salado Parkway with a focus on the Karsten Golf Course and surrounding areas. “We have the 330 acres of development that are ready to go over on the Karsten

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Golf Course,” Nelson said. He did not specify which sports the athletic department would add. Since Anderson arrived, ASU has established ice hockey, women’s lacrosse and women’s triathlon as varsity sports. Right now, the school is focusing on creation and experimentation with the training facilities. ASU hopes to use the new development to attract athletes beyond the Sun Devil athletic program. He hinted at potential partnerships down the road. “When the time is right we’ll be able to release what some of those partnerships looks like,” Nelson said. “But certainly, the way we look at our Olympic sports

(Blake Benard/Cronkite News)

and the athletes and the coaches that are looking for training facilities, we think that there is an opportunity to make several of those to make Tempe their home base moving forward.” An example is Phelps and his decision to train with Bowman in Tempe prior to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Phelps’s decision brought fellow Olympians Schmidt, Chase Kalisz and Cierra Runge to train in Tempe under Bowman. If these plans come to fruition, Arizona State believes it can contend with some of the top athletic programs in the nation. Nelson said the timeline for construction is dependent on the completion of fundraising.

OPINION

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Opinion

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Biggest concern in Ahwatukee?

Roof rats outpace freeway, dispensary for interest BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

discovered something interesting last week as a result of attending three very different evening meetings in Ahwatukee. People are more afraid of rats than big government or wealthy companies. I don’t know how else to explain why nearly 100 people jammed a meeting room at the Ahwatukee Swim and Tennis Club Feb. 8 to hear an expert talk about roof rats while no more than 20 attended either the latest briefing on the South Mountain Freeway Feb. 6 or a meeting of parents and neighbors at Grace Garden Christian School Feb. 10. As reported in today’s edition, Grace Garden’s staff is alarmed by the prospect of a medical marijuana dispensary opening not more than seven feet from its playground. The attendance at the freeway and Grace Garden meetings reminded me of a remark that Robin Salthouse, a past president of the Phoenix South

Mountain Preservation Committee, made a few weeks ago when I asked about her years of experience fighting the freeway. Specifically noting that residents only now are alarmed about the construction’s impact on traffic along nearby arteries, Salthouse bemoaned the absence of attendance at meetings years ago. Bigger crowds and louder voices earlier in the long freeway fight might have stopped the whole effort, she said. A similar message came Friday night from Grace Garden advocate Joy Bradshaw, school director Catherine Thomson and concerned neighbor Katrina Barringer. “Make your voice heard,” all three women said at different times during the evening. These days, life is so complicated and daily schedules so jammed with disparate activities and duties that many people find it virtually impossible to break away for even a couple of hours to attend a meeting. Even if they don’t have dinner to fix, dishes to washes, kids to commandeer

or some other duty at hand, a lot of us are too whipped from the work day to head out to a meeting. When I moved to Arizona in 1999, a daily newspaper ran story after story about how the concrete walls separating people’s backyards in the Valley had isolated residents from their neighbors and the community. Coming from Philadelphia, I was amused: I liked the walls and would have welcomed them to discourage intruders back in the City of Brotherly Scorn. Anyone fervent about a cause is naturally chagrined when those directly affected seem disengaged. It’s frustrating for the fighters: They see a train barreling toward them and fail to understand why no one else is pushing boulders in its path. But roof rats? That’s a different story. Those rodents apparently pose a far more palpable threat than a freeway full of 140,000 vehicles a day or a weed dispensary within a stone’s throw of preschoolers. Several homeowners told horror stories about the critters. One woman said she

knows her home has been invaded by the pests. Unlike the freeway opponents or Grace Garden, the audience already had found a strong ally in the Ahwatukee Board of Management. The board issued free cylindrical bait-traps to homeowners and brought in Barry Paceley, aka “The Roof Rat Guy" and an expert for Maricopa County’s Vector Control Department. Even though roof rats apparently cannot be persuaded to stay out of your yard, especially if it has fruit trees, they are easily frustrated, if not exterminated, by some cheap and easy measures, Paceley assured the crowd. No doubt it’s a lot easier to stop a roof rat than it is to stop a $1.77 billion highway project or a deep-pocket investor who wants to open a medical marijuana dispensary next to a playground. But even The Roof Rat Guy will tell you that you have to start somewhere when you decide it’s time to fight – and you can’t leave it up to your neighbor. Otherwise, the place you call home just won’t be the same anymore.

Bowie: Education, not special interests, has been priority BY SEAN BOWIE AFN Guest Writer

n last week’s AFN, Frank Schmuck wrote a piece heavy on talking points and light on specifics. Mr. Schmuck claimed that I “catered to special interests” in the bills I have introduced this legislative session, but neglects to actually mention any of the said interests that I supposedly cater to. In response to the alternative facts put forward by Mr. Schmuck, I offer you the actual bills that I have introduced, information that is publicly available on the state legislature’s website. Of the six bills I have introduced this session, four of them deal with education. Three of those bills relate to

restoring education funding. Senate Bill 1411, for example, mandates that any new stadium or arena district that the legislature creates set aside ten percent of its revenue for K-12 schools. Senate Bill 1427 requires school tuition organizations (STO’s) to reduce their administrative expenses from up to ten percent of revenue down to five percent, with the savings going directly into the classroom. Senate Bill 1383 would create a state task force aimed at examining our state’s budget and tax credits, and seek long-term solutions on investing in our schools. And the two bills I introduced that don’t directly relate to education? One would expand employment nondiscrimination protections to the LGBT

community, and the other relates to surprise medical billing, an issue that impacts many LD 18 residents. None of these bills cater to “special interests” – they represent the values and the priorities that I campaigned on last year. In addition to these bills, I am participating in meetings on the state budget. The foremost focus on my list is increasing our state’s investment in education. In my meetings with the governor’s office, I have reiterated this, and told them that my yes vote is contingent on additional investment, particularly for our universities and community colleges. Since I was sworn in last month, I have regularly met with our local school superintendents, school board members,

chambers of commerce, business leaders, and community groups. Time and again, the number one request is that I focus on restoring education funding and strengthening our schools. That is exactly what I am doing, and will continue to do going forward. As Mr. Schmuck gets ready to run for office for a third time, I am focused on working with legislators from both sides of the aisle to restore education funding in order to move our state forward. It is an honor and a privilege to represent our district at the state capitol – if any of you need anything from my office, please give me a call at 602-9263004, or email me at sbowie@azleg.gov. State Sen. Sean Bowie represents Legislative District 18, which includes Ahwatukee, south Tempe, west Chandler, and southwest Mesa.

OPINION

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Another skill that should be taught our children: Internet literacy BY MIKE MCCLELLAN AFN Contributing Writer

orget for a moment Gov. Ducey’s empty pledge to value teachers by providing them a two percent raise phased in over five years, giving teachers what basically is a one dollar a day raise. Instead, think about students and fake news (on second thought, Ducey’s pledge might fall under that category). Schools increasingly use computers in the classroom, some districts providing laptops to kids while others encouraging students to use their own devices. Our teachers use the net with their kids every day, and have their kids use Google for research. But as we know from the recent election, fake news is everywhere, and it is seductive. And a recent Stanford University

study emphasizes the need for schools to help our kids be savvy evaluators of what they see on their devices. The November report reveals a “dismaying inability by students to reason about information they see on the Internet.” Unsurprisingly, while students were adept at using social media, they were uniformly incompetent in judging the validity of what they read, almost always “easily duped.” In particular, “native advertising”– commercials disguised as news content – were rarely critically understood. In fact, 80 percent of the students in the study thought that this kind of advertising featured real news stories. As well, just like adults, students would gravitate in research toward sources that reflected their point of view. When shown deceptive photographs, only 20 percent noted the questionable sources of those pictures.

Even with college students, the study found an audience willing to accept Internet information at face value, not even bothering to use the links that a Facebook post or tweet might provide in order to judge the claim’s validity. So, while these kids are the digital natives who’ve grown up accustomed to diving into the Internet, like the older digital tourists, they seem nearly illiterate. Some teachers, schools, or districts are beginning to focus on Internet literacy. Gilbert Public Schools, for example, use a program called Common Sense Media, with lessons for third through twelfth grades. It covers a wide variety of Internet skills that students need, and it’s a good start. But it provides only one 40-minute lesson in the middle school grades to teach evaluating what kids confront on their computers. More needs to be

done. And of course, that falls on schools, just another area teachers will be responsible for. But schools have opened this door, after all, with their enthusiastic embrace of computer-based education. Leadership on this, however, should come from the state, given teachers’ limited time and resources. So, it should fall on Diane Douglas and her State Department of Education to fund a group of Internet-savvy teachers and others to create meaningful lessons? Parents want their children to be able to read, write and do math. In a world where easy manipulation is at the stroke of a “return” button, where advertisers and ideologues look to deceive, parents should ask for one more basic skill: Internet literacy. – Mike McClellan is a former English teacher at Dobson High School in Mesa.

LETTERS

(Larry Mangino/AFN Staff Photographer)

Freeway work is starting to accelerate.

32nd Street interchange elimination remains a mystery

That’s a bunch of bull that the 32nd

Street interchange was eliminated in 2005-2006. The Arizona Department of Transportation gave us a relocation briefing/meeting and information (I still have my brochure somewhere) and was preparing to purchase our homes in 2007 before they decided to do yet another “study.” And for what reason or based on what possible logic would the South Mountain Citizens Advisory Team suggest it be removed, unless of course SMCAT was composed of people who don’t even live in the area! With the schools and amount of traffic utilizing 32nd Street, it makes no sense whatsoever to eliminate access to Pecos from 32nd Street! Unlike the comment made at the Lagos meeting on Feb. 6 (that buses never use Pecos), buses DO use Pecos every day, as do parents with students attending any one of the four schools accessed via Pecos & 32nd. Do you know exactly who comprised the SMCAT? And how on earth does ADOT expect to come up with 20 feet for a “shared use” path in addition to the four additional lanes (in addition to the current four lanes) without taking out “first row homes?”

And they’re really going to have a bike/ pedestrian path running alongside a 65mph freeway? Seriously? -Beth Gagnon

True Life’s advertising belies claims that golf is dead

Oceanfront property in Arizona! That makes as much sense as signing your rights over to two golf courses to developers. Developers who claim the failure of golfing industries but advertise their golf course communities on their web site. Really? Wilson Gee and True Life will laugh all the way to the California banks once these rights are gone. Please don’t sign -Kelly Newcomb

Author grateful for response to her research

I just wanted to thank the Ahwatukee/ East Valley community for the overwhelming amount of responses I have received so far from people who lost a parent at an early age. Between referrals, and people forwarding the articles to friends/to family members on social media accounts, the amount

of responses, feedback and suggestions I have received for my research has been amazing. Not only do I now have enough voices of stories to include in my book, but everyone has been suggesting additional resources I can include that will help the very teens who will hopefully be reading this book. I wanted to thank the AFN for writing the article, all of the members in the community who have referred me to others, have helped, have offered support and have been brave to share their stories. I also wanted to thank the members in the community who are still working with me in regards to conducting interviews and editing their write-ups for their patience. The responses I have received and the 50-60 people I have been communicating with have kept me up seven days a week until 3 a.m. since the article got published. I am trying to respond to everyone in a timely manner, but I appreciate everyone’s patience. Thank you again everyone for wanting to help out with this book project. -Michelle Shreeve

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

OPINION

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Six tips for rekindling the spark with your spouse

BY REBECCA SAUER AFN Guest Writer

re you sitting on the couch, looking at your spouse, wondering where the excitement went? Consider six ways to start reconnecting with your spouse. Hand holding During the first days of your romance, it is likely that you held hands a lot. As couples grow older together, this practice often gets dropped. Try putting hand holding back into your relationship. Try it walking into the grocery store or even walking to the kitchen. Holding hands literally supports one another and gives you a physical connection. Silence the critic When you spend a lifetime with someone, it is easy to see their faults. Take a time out. Make an inventory of what you’ve said to your partner in the last week—if it’s heavy on the negative and critical, start focusing on your partner’s

positive qualities. Choose to focus on your partners strength, especially when you find it difficult to remember that person you fell in love with. Back to dating Remember dating? That was when you spent time alone with the person you cared about. You focused on each other, sharing those little things that brought you closer together. It was exciting. Bring this back into your relationship by setting aside one night per week to go out on a date. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. You can go to the park and feed the ducks. The important thing is spending time together on a regular basis. Respect and admiration In a romantic relationship, many people think that love is the most important thing ‒ but it is not. Respect is the most important. You must be willing to show respect to your partner and earn your partners respect. Give kudos to your partner when it’s due

‒ when you are in public and when you two are alone. Acknowledging your partner’s expertise, insights, trustworthiness and other qualities help your partner to feel known and loved and help to remind you what a great person you married. Learn new skills Sign up for a class at your community center together. Take a cooking class, learn Ballroom dancing or join the hiking club. Learning something new can be a bonding experience and gives you something to talk about. Discovering new interests opens the door to spending more quality time together. Spiritual experience Research shows that couples who are of the same religion and practice it together have a higher chance of a long-term successful marriage. This doesn’t just mean praying or attending worship services together, but also finding a deep connection through shared meaningful experiences.

(Special to AFN)

All marriages go through difficult times. If you are struggling with navigating a connection to your spouse, call 602-7494405 to make an appointment with a Catholic Charities counselor. Our low rates are based on your ability to pay. Offices are located throughout the Valley with appointments available on evenings and Saturdays. Spanish speaking counselors are also available. -Rebecca Sauer has been married for 52 years and is a licensed counselor at Catholic Charities.

18th Annual Day of Champions Award Breakfast Friday, February 17th • 8am-10am Four Points by Sheraton Ahwatukee 10831 S. 51st St., Phoenix, AZ 85044

Keynote Speaker will be Jeff DeWit, Treasurer of the State of Arizona Each year the chamber awards businesses and individuals for their outstanding leadership, service, excellence in business and contribution to the community. Premier Sponsor:

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Tickets Now Available Member Non-Member $40 $50 Tables Seating 8 Member Non-Member $285 $375

The following will be awarded for the year 2016: • Small Business of the Year • Large Business of the Year • Educational Mentor of the Year • Volunteer of the Year • Non-Profit of the Year.

For more information please contact info@ahwatukeechamber.com or visit www.ahwatukeechamber.com

Business

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

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She left the corporate world to pamper household pets ‘help’ me clean up their yard. It’s a winwin for everyone.” And whether she is running her mobile helly Bosworth Fousek of concierge service ‒ pampering clients in Ahwatukee left the world of their own homes with pet sitting, dog corporate America, partly to walking/exercise, pet taxi, poo pickup, in-home dog bathing ‒ or baking pick up dog poo. homemade dog treats, She turned her back Fousek thinks what on hard-charging she does now pretty Realtors and now much beats the life works with fish, she left behind. reptiles, cats, dogs Fousek tracked and most any other commissions for creature that fits in a Realtors and also house as a pet worked other jobs in Her business, the real estate business Humphrey’s Leash for more than 10 Brigade, provides a years. gamut of home-care But after going services for pets ‒ through two mergers including cleaning up and watching three after them. (Cyndi Bosworth Photography/Special to AFN) rounds of layoffs, “No one likes picking up poo,” Chelly Bosworth Fousek named her pet she began wondering about her own job said the eight-year concierge business "Humphrey’s Leash Ahwatukee resident. Brigade" after her dog, who died after 13 security. years with her. “Although I loved “It’s gross, unsanitary and unsightly. We won’t even talk about my job and enjoyed the people I worked the smell. Time is the biggest asset people with, I really started to wonder if it have. Smart business men and women wouldn’t be better for me to be in control know that their time can be better spent of my own destiny,” she recalled. “I had on more important things than waste been assured my job was not in jeopardy, but it occurred to me that no matter removal. That’s where I come in. ‘What benefit do I get from picking up what happened, I drew a paycheck based poo? I get to play with dogs while they on the whim of corporate executives in BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

(Special to AFN)

Chelly Bosworth Fousek of Ahwatukee calls the clean-up part of her business a "win-win" because she gets to play with her client-dogs.

another state who looked only at bottom lines. “I was tired of being swept in the tide of other people’s decisions,” she continued. “I wanted command of my own future." So she gave a six-week notice and went off for a 10-day soul-searching in Montana, ultimately deciding, “I wanted to try my hand at becoming an entrepreneur.” “An entrepreneur in ‘what’ was super easy. I have always loved animals since I was a little girl. I decided to open a pet concierge in my beloved community of Ahwatukee. I’m a hard worker who

wants to make a difference. My business gets my heart, soul and love full-time.... My goal is to go above and beyond the norm by being more than just a pet sitter, but a pet concierge.” She named her business after her “soul dog” Humphrey, a Briard and Wheaten mix that had been abandoned when it was three days old. He was her companion for 13 years until he died last year. Fousek and her husband have adopted two other dogs. Fousek said her leap into the world of See

PETS on page 39

Insurers may get break: Declarations page no longer reliable BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

o you went out, told an insurance agent what you wanted and got your policy in the mail, complete with a cover sheet of what coverage you have. Now, if lawmakers get their way, you’ll have to read that whole multi-page contract to be sure that you’re getting what you want. Legislation awaiting Senate action would spell out in statute that it would not matter what’s on that cover sheet and

synopsis of benefits. Instead, only what is actually in the contract would govern ‒ even if that page of declarations clearly says otherwise. And there’s something else in HB 2045, which cleared the House last week on a 35-23 party-line vote: If there are differences between the English version of the contract and any version in a foreign language your agent gives you, the English version governs. Rep. David Livingston, R-Peoria, is pitching the measure as one of consumer protection. He said insurance companies are afraid

to provide contracts in languages other than English for fear that something might not have been translated correctly and a policyholder could claim that he or she is entitled to coverage based on the Spanish-language version. And Rep. Mark Finchem, R-Oro Valley, said that’s only proper given that a state constitutional amendment makes English the official language. “We spend hundreds of millions of dollars in our public education system on something called ‘English language learning,'" he said. “Yet we are making excuses for people to not learn the

English language.’’ But Rep. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe, said that focus on foreign language misses the key point of the legislation: Policyholders would no longer be able to rely on that cover page to determine if they got the insurance they wanted. “This is about that declarations page ... and looking out for consumers,’’ she said. “If we leave the law alone, they can trust the declarations page,’’ Epstein argued. “If we change this, all of our See

INSURE on page 39

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

PETS

from page 38

animals was not without anxiety. “Giving up a well-paying job to chase a dream sounds romantic and adventurous. It is, but it’s also frightening when that regular corporate income stops coming in,” she said. “You don’t get to see the possibilities of what’s out there if you stay safe and secure in your own little world,” she added. “Yes, the move was scary, but if I didn’t take the leap, I may never see all of the adventures waiting for me. In the pet industry, it’s not about the money – it’s about providing excellent pet care because I love animals. My metaphorical $100,000 check is getting to play dogs and cats every day. That’s my passion.” And yet, that fear never completely went away. “Is it still scary? Absolutely. Every day I wake up and think, ‘Today I am getting my resume back out there. I’m going back to the corporate world.’ And right after that, I know I am not a quitter. "I admire Responsible Chelly, but Entrepreneur Chelly is stronger and has more grit. I consider myself the luckiest person in the world to have this opportunity to start a business and make it work.” Fousek credits the support her husband, family and friends, noting “If a company could solely be successful based only on the love and championship of one’s friends and family, then Humphrey’s Leash Brigade, LLC would be a billiondollar enterprise.” Still, the business has its challenges. “I’m a numbers person. I’m a people person. And, most importantly I am an animal lover. What I am not good at it is selling myself and marketing. These

are areas I’ve really had to work hard at,” she said. What’s helped is the assistance she has received through a free regional businessmentoring organization called SCORE. Her mentor for the last four months “has been wonderfully helpful and I am learning so much about running my own business and how to succeed. The challenges I face are great learning experiences.” Besides direct services for pets, Fousek also has opened a sideline activity ‒ baking dog cookies based on recipes developed by her mother. “After lots of testing and trials, she finalized the ingredients and bake time for pumpkin and peanut butter dog cookies as well as a gingerbread recipe. Grandma Jeannie’s Doggy Cookies are all-natural and have only 100 percent human-grade ingredients. “Originally the cookies were only for Humphrey’s Leash Brigade clients, but they are so yummy and so popular that they have taken on a life of their own.,” Fousek said. “We offer free cookie delivery in Ahwatukee and take online orders," she added. "We can ship. We definitely bake to order and also offer pupcakes and dog birthday cakes. Currently, mom is working on gluten-free and vegan dog cookie recipes as well as banana treats for cats.” Fousek has signed a contract to be regulars at the monthly Ahwatukee Eats food truck picnics. The trucks are out 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at Horizon Community Learning Center, 16233 S. 48th St. “We are very excited to be a part of this ongoing community event,” she said. Information: humphreysleashbrigade. com or 602-810-3332.

Recent lawsuit sheds light on Arizona dairy industry

BY CHARLIE CLARK Cronkite News

im Boyle’s family history is intertwined with Arizona dairy. His grandfather had 50 cows. His dad had 500. And now the Boyle family has 6,000 at three dairies. Boyle said the family business grew organically along with Phoenix’s population, and they now have two dairies in Mesa and one in Casa Grande. His business mirrors the growth of others in Arizona.

“Everyone has expanded to keep up with demand,” he said. “And Arizona— outside of the summer months—is really good environment for dairy cows.” Arizona may be more known for its cattle, citrus and vegetables, but dairies and dairy farmers produce the state’s No. 1 commodity, with nearly 200,000 cows producing more than $750 million worth of milk, according to the Arizona Department of Agriculture’s fiscal 2016 report. See

DAIRY on page 41

INSURE

BUSINESS

from page 38

constituents will have to read every single word of their contracts in order to trust what’s going on in their policy.’’ Rep. Isela Blanc, D-Tempe, questioned Livingston during floor debate about the change, noting his comments that it is good for insurance customers. She wanted to know whether the changes were actually requested by those who buy policies. “Citizens of the state of Arizona asked me to run this bill,’’ he responded during floor debate. That answer clearly did not satisfy Blanc. “These so-called citizens, are they connected to insurance agencies, companies, groups, special interests related to insurance?’’ she asked. “Yes,’’ he finally conceded. Blanc said that proves HB 2045 has nothing to do with consumer protection and will lead to policyholders being misled. And she cited her own practices as an insurance consumer as a prime example. “I have home insurance, I have car insurance,’’ she said.

“I trust that my insurance company, in the one- or two-page sheet has covered me,’’ Blanc continued. “And I do not go through the contract.’’ Blanc said she presumes that’s the case with most policyholders. But it wasn’t only the issue of consumer protection that resulted in all House Democrats voting against the change. Rep. Eric Descheenie, D-Chinle, pointed out to the GOP majority that they could eventually come to regret the idea that the majority should determine what is the official language of Arizona and that documents in other languages have no legal force. “It’s a statistical certainty that in our lifetime the Latino community, is going to become the most populous race amongst us,’’ he told House colleagues. “I would like to think we would begin to shift away from English version in terms of institutionalizing some of these discussions and these bodies of law, given where we’re headed.’’ Descheenie said he comes from an area where the majority speak neither English nor Spanish. And he said that’s not just reflecting the Navajo language but also the Hopi. “Mind you, there are 22 recognized tribes in the state,’’ he continued.

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BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Ahwatukee man’s company using technology to enhance learning AFN News Staff

anny Carrizosa of Ahwatukee considers himself as a “passionate learner” who is devoted to improve a child’s ability to learn. The founder of a small international technology company headquartered in Ahwatukee called Delante Solutions, Carrizosa has scheduled a day-long event aimed at showing developing technology and data software to help educators improve student performance. Called Tech Up, the event aims to have experts teach high school students oline technology that will enable them to build that day a website for his company’s latest product, the Delante Learning Project. The event is 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hilton, 2100 S. Priest Drive, Tempe. Attendees must register at delantesolutions/techup. Carrizosa founded his company three years ago, naming it with a modification of the Spanish word “Adelante,” which means “go forward” or “charge ahead.” “This was an exhortation that was often stated to me by my beloved grandmother, by far the most influential person in my life,” he said. “And it stuck

with me deeply.” “From a business perspective,” he added, “I had done a lot of really rewarding things in industry through many different roles. But there’s only so much latitude for one to do something creative within an organization’s established goals and culture. So, I traded that in for the chance to apply technology to areas that uniquely interested me.” A resident of Ahwatukee for 21 (Special to AFN) years who lives with Danny Carrizosa of Ahwatukee is developing technology to enhance learning outcomes in schools. his wife Kelly, son Isaac and daughter Mya, Carrizosa is aiming his learning outcomes; develop strong partnerships to his parents, whose insistence on the with educational groups of all types and importance of education made him project at schools. His three goals are: “Build predictive help them conceptualize; and execute realize at an early age that it had to have analytic software to arm educators with the value of technology towards their a priority in his life. “My mother in particular would often greater insight into individual learning learning charter and goals; globally so they can target better learning champion the advancement of STEM and overtly suggest that I consider being learning through action.” an engineer,” he said. “Those actions His focus is on technology because launched me towards a curiosity of he sees its potential to improve learning science and technology. I fell in love outcomes. with the material, and have never looked “There are many good educational back.” organizations who also see this vision, Carrizosa said his company’s current but often aren’t quite sure how to get challenges “are the same which face all there. We want to help them bridge this companies choosing to grow organically, gap through software and consulting from the ground up: Access to capital solutions,” he said, adding: streams which affect the ability to make “We also feel there is plenty of room to timely strategic investments, and thus create more excitement around STEM expand rapidly in the market.” learning and find creative ways to inspire “Companies like mine have chosen our youth.” to build it piece-by-piece, dollar-forThough he envisions developing dollar,” he added. “That’s great because I software products for individual retain full control of my business, but on students, he is staying with schools and the flip side progress can be frustratingly other educational institutions. slow and every poor decision is magnified He traces his interest in education since it can have big consequences.”

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

BUSINESS

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

DAIRY from page 39

The dairy industry has recently made headlines because of a nationwide class-action lawsuit and settlement. The lawsuit was filed against the National Milk Producers Federation in 2011. It involved 15 states, including (Erica Apodaca/Cronkite News) Arizona. Before they’re milked, the cows at Jim Boyle Dairy in Mesa are herded The suit alleged into a bathing area where they are cleaned and prepped. that members of the federation engaged in a massive big this industry is and what it means price-fixing scheme during the economic to our state,” Arizona Department of downturn. It involved dairy cooperatives Agriculture Director Mark Kilian said. Kilian added that the dairy industry paying farmers above market prices to prematurely retire hundreds of thousands supports thousands of jobs throughout the state and is a significant exporter as of cows and send them to slaughter. During the Great Recession, milk well, typically exporting dairy products producers faced some of the lowest in the forms of cheese or powders. Additionally, Arizona dairy promotes milk prices since 1970, according to the United Dairymen of Arizona. In jobs in other agriculture sectors because Arizona, dairy farmers were losing about of the feed requirements of the herds. In the past 20 years, Kilian said $1 per cow, per day, and the average Arizona herd ranges upwards of 2,000 dairy has grown dramatically with the advancements in technology, and cows. So, Cooperatives Working Together, Arizona has drawn dairy farmers from a program developed by National Milk other states. He said that high-quality alfalfa and Producers, offered to buy cows to pay farmers extra for sending cows to beef. Saudi Arabian-style dairy barns—which For some, Boyle said, accepting that often utilize misters and fans in opensided barns to keep cows cool—has money made sense for dairy farmers. “Our farmers had to make tough contributed to high milk production decisions on whether to tough it out and in cows and made Arizona an attractive stay in business or to shut down their farming space. Arizona’s proximity to California and dairy at the risk of losing more money,” according to a statement by the United Mexico is also a plus. With the ability to easily export to Dairymen of Arizona. Ultimately, the federation settled other major markets, a growing local for $52 million without making an population, a kinder regulatory market and lower labor costs, Arizona provides a admission of wrongdoing. United Dairymen of Arizona, the good alternative for milk producers and state’s large dairy cooperative consisting processing plants that might otherwise of more than 90 Arizona farms, is part of go to California, Boyle said. Farming in the heat is not the only the National Milk Producers Federation. High temperatures and a lack of rain thing that sets Arizona dairy apart. While Arizona farmers may not have make it easy to forget that agriculture in Arizona is massive. For fiscal 2016, as many cows compared to California agriculture’s impact on the Arizona or Wisconsin, herd sizes here are much economy was about $17.1 billion and bigger, said Bob Collier, a University of more than 77,000 jobs, according to the Arizona professor and expert in the field of dairy sciences. agriculture department. In fact, the average herd in Arizona But when it comes to dairy farming in particular, the industry is sometimes is between 2,500 and 3,000 cows. In the upper Midwest, Collier said it is overlooked. “Most people don’t realize just how probably between 250 to 500 cows.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Main Street Ahwatukee Brought to you by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce

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The chamber committee planning its golf event includes President/CEO Lindy Lutz Cash, Cameron Call, Mike Kelso, Thomas Moore, Tracy Jones, Christie Ellis, Darla Hoffman, Dee Gordon, James Goodman and Shannon Wright.

Women in Business changes focus and format BY JANET SCHWAB AFN Guest Writer

hwatukee business w o m e n are invited to be a part of the new focus, new format of the Ahwatukee Chamber Women in Business. We welcome the business women in the community to participate, even if they’re not a chamber member. The mission of Women in Business is to provide programs and opportunities in leadership, development, education and networking for women in business. In prior years, the group has met monthly and hosted a variety of speakers. But recent research shows that women are seeking a networking experience that provides real, practical solutions to the problems they face in business. They are looking for help with a question they need answered, or an introduction they need made. This year the focus will be on the business women of the community.

Women in Business will meet at the Foothills Golf course on the second Thursday of the month for a luncheon event in April, June, August and October. Using the vital resources within the group - multiple women will tell their own business story while sharing tips and takeaways that others can apply to structuring their own success. The goal is build business relationships and share expertise within the group. In March, May and September, the focus is spotlighting a women’s business with an evening mixer. During the evening, the business host will share her story. The early evening event provides the opportunity for those to who are unable attend the luncheons, to still participate in the group. In addition, it gives all potential attendees the opportunity for two different types of events and venues. The goal is to create relationships to support each other. Another exciting inclusion this year is supporting in both time and talent an organization that empowers women.

The Women in Business leaders are in the process of identifying potential charities for that aspect of 2017 programming. Women in Business will continue to sponsor its signature events: Red, White and Beautiful in May, an evening of pampering and shopping and the Palo Verde Dinner in November. The Palo Verde Dinner recognizes the recipients of the Women in Business scholarships and the business woman of the year. The group will continue its focus on building the Women in Business scholarship fund, providing funds to women of all ages who are continuing their education. It’s clear that the world needs more women’s influence, not less. Powerful networking is a great way to expand our influence, close that gap, and enhance our world outlook quicker. -Janet Schwab, a member of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce and owner of Elements Massage Chandler West, is the 2016 Palo Verde Business Woman of the Year award.

What type of business services or products do you provide? Our small business legal plans provide consultation on unlimited topics, contract and doc reviews, letters written, collection letters and more. We have plans for businesses from the home based such as a landlord, real estate or insurance agent up to brick and mortar businesses of 100 or fewer employees. Businesses of all sizes offer our personal legal plans and identity theft protection as a voluntary benefit plan for their employees. What are some exciting things happening in your business? Tremendous growth...within our own agency, we’ve experienced a 20-25% growth rate year over year. But the number one thing we are so proud of accomplishing is giving people their rights back. The sense of accomplishment with each new family, knowing they now have a personal advocate to help them navigate questions, issues, and concerns is without unequal. What is your background and how did you come to be in this business? I have both sales and technology in my past, but made my primary living for 30 years within the technology field. I owned a tech company that was not producing the needed income when I found LegalShield. It offered an affordable service we needed. Kathy’s background in business administration and office management makes our marriage in business as perfect as it is in life. What are your special interests? We enjoy traveling occasionally. We have a shared interest in history—figuring out, “how in the world did we get here”. And we have a keen interest in Bible study. Our faith is at the core of what we do as well as how and why we do it.

EVENTS For more info on these and other upcoming events, visit ahwatukeechamber.com.

After 5 Evening Mixer

Hosted by: Homebridge Financial 4425 E. Agave Road, #122, Ahwatukee. 5:30-6:30 p.m., Feb. 22. Sponsored by: Von Hanson’s Meats $5 members, $15 general admission

Get to Know Your Chamber Breakfast Mountain Park Senior Living, 4475 E. Knox Road, Ahwatukee. 8-9 a.m. Feb. 23. Free.

Power Partners Leads Group Native New Yorker 5030 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Noon-1 p.m. Mondays. Free

Power Partners Networking Group Radisson Hotel 7475 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. 1130 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Free

Toastmasters

First American Title Conference Room 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. 8-9 a.m. Fridays. Visit free.

BUSINESS

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Focus on roadblocks to comfortable retirement BY JOSEPH ORTIZ AFN Guest Writer

n your life, you will want to take many journeys. Some are physical – perhaps you’ll finally visit the French Riviera or the Caribbean. Others involve personal growth – one day, maybe you’ll finally become fluent in that foreign language you’ve been studying. But of all the destinations you can identify, few will be as important as retirement – specifically, a comfortable retirement. And that’s why it’s so important to consider the “roadblocks” you might encounter on your road to the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned. Here are five of the most common obstacles: Insufficient investments Very few of us have ever reported investing “too much” for their retirement. But a great many people regret that they saved and invested too little. Don’t make that mistake. Contribute as much as you can afford

to your 401(k) or other employersponsored retirement plan, and increase your contributions whenever your salary goes up. Even if you do participate in your retirement plan at work, you may also still be eligible to fund an IRA, so take advantage of that opportunity, too. And always look for other ways to cut expenses and direct this “found” money toward your retirement.

Wrong on longevity You can’t predict how long you’ll live, but you can make some reasonable guesses – and you might be surprised at your prospects. According to the Social Security Administration, men reaching age 65 today can expect to live, on average, until age 84.3, while women turning age 65 today can anticipate living, on average, until age 86.6. That’s a lot of years – and you’ll need to plan for them when you create long-

term saving, investing and spending strategies.

Unsuitable withdrawal rate Once you are retired, you will likely need to start withdrawing money from your 401(k), IRA and other retirement accounts. It’s essential that you don’t withdraw too much each year – obviously, you don’t want to run the risk of outliving your resources. That’s why you need to establish an annual withdrawal rate that’s appropriate for your situation, incorporating variables such as your age, the value of your retirement accounts, your estimated lifestyle expenses, and so on. Calculating such a withdrawal rate can be challenging, so you may want to consult with a professional financial advisor.

Social Security timing You can start taking Social Security as early as age 62, but your checks will be bigger if you wait until your full retirement age, which will probably be 66 or 67, or when your payments “max out” at 70. You might not be able to afford to wait until then, but by postponing the date you begin taking withdrawals, you could help yourself considerably. Ignoring inflation It’s been low in recent years, but inflation hasn’t disappeared, and it could rise at exactly the wrong time – when you’re retired. That’s why you’ll want your portfolio to include some investments with the potential to outpace inflation, even during your retirement years. By being aware of these roadblocks, and taking steps to overcome them, you can help smooth your journey toward retirement. Once you get there, you may enjoy it more. -Ahwatukee Foothills Edward Jones Financial Advisor Joseph B. Ortiz, AAMS, CRPS, can be reached at 480-753-7664 or joseph.ortiz@ edwardjones.com.

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FAITH

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Faith

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

SPIRITUAL SIDE

Money, religion and politics often split parents and children BY REV. DAVID MARTZ AFN Guest Writer

t used to be that children would seek to please their parents. It starts when they are young. Small children often feel extra special because parents build in a conditioned reward for desired behaviors or achievements. Things are changing. As a person who works with a variety of families, it appears that parents are now the ones who are increasing seeking validation from their children. Parents want to please their children. There seems to be a shift, maybe even a break, in our familial norms and values. This is particularly seen in adult children’s relationships to their parents. Religion, politics and money often become schisms. In the shifting sands of our society family relationships have become exasperated. I am blessed. People come to me for counsel and prayer. I always honor these times as gifts. People are inviting me into sensitive areas of their lives. For years one of the common subjects from parents coming to me was the hurt that had been caused by their adult children. Working through broken trust, deep feelings of loss, love, and memories of old, I have heard countless parents shamefully

express that they loaned money to their adult children. With more sadness than anger, these parents then express that their adult children have severed ties and make no attempt to repayment. The purpose of my writing here is not to suggest solutions, but rather to name an area where families can experience broken relationships. Money does that at times. Money has always been a subject that not only brings people pleasure, but causes divide. Over the years, many parents have revealed another area that presents great hurt ‒ faith and religion. Children who grow up and disengage in faith often cause great concern to their parents. Many times, these adult children have even become hostile toward the faith of their parents. With tears and hope, parents have expressed how they pray for their adult children every day. All the while, their children not only have no interest in faith, but even mock their parent’s faith. Parents are left to wonder what they did or did not do to cause such a reaction. These parents, most often, feel like failures. Here I can only say that no parent has ever caused their adult children to rebel against their faith. Adult children are the ones who made the choice. Sure, parents

might do something to contribute to the choice, but we must be clear. It is not the parent’s fault. My belief is that we live in a society of choices. A society that encourages us to distance ourselves from others. Instead of seeing God as a refuge for strength, adult children often distance themselves from faith and parents seeking their own path for happiness. In fact, it seems that it is “in” to rebel against any mainline faith. Universities do it. The media does it. Prevalent social pressures allow it. Faith groups are increasingly under attack. Therefore, if you are a parent who belongs to such a community, it is easy for adult children to feel emboldened in confrontation. In the last month, it has been brought to my attention that many parents are now being cut off by their children for political stances. When we have witnessed the divide in our social fabric over the last many years, this should not be a surprise. However, having a mom trying to speak through feelings of seeing her adult child join violent protests is heartbreaking. Yes, these thugs who turn to violence are somebody’s loved child. Their parents did not teach them to think or behave in such a manner. It hurts. It brings feelings of shame and failure. A dad recently shared how his

adult child refuses to engage him with anything but anger because of who he voted for. Diverging political views have ruined the relationship. Money, religion and politics are but a few of the areas that contribute to broken relationships. What can be done? Parents might take courage in paying attention to their own feelings and behaviors. These are all they can control. Letting go of the resentment and hurt that adult children have caused parents is a long and hard road, yet it can be achieved. Loving parents always leave the door open by listening more than speaking. When parents listen, rather than trying to defend their own thoughts, a door is left open where reconciliation can follow. My prayer is that no parent submits to isolation. There are many other parents out there just like you- feeling hurt, abandoned, and lonely. Each one desiring to be loved. God is the heavenly parent who reveals to all of us. No matter what you have done. No matter how much you have rebelled. No matter how big you sin or hurt. “I am your God and my grace is bigger than any burden you carry.” Dr. David M. Marz si pastor at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Phoenix, Reach him at: Pastordavid@sov.us

FAITH CALENDAR

SATURDAY, FEB. 25 HEALING FROM DIVORCE

St. Andrew the Apostle Church is holding a Day of Healing for the Divorced and Separated that will feature Marianna Skrobiak, a retired psychotherapist who also has a background in theology. Her topics will cover healthy boundaries, roadblocks, trust, forgiveness and moving on. DETAILS>> 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 3450 W. Ray Road, Chandler; $45 covers breakfast, lunch and study materials. Register/information: 480-899-1990, barb-blishko@ standrewchandler.com.

will include speakers, a commemorative aerial photo, singing and pizza and ice cream. The children will sing at the Sunday service. DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 2601 E. Thunderhill Place, Ahwatukee.

SUNDAYS

VALOR CHRISTIAN OUTLINES MISSION

SUNDAY, FEB. 26

Valor Christian Center in Gilbert offers “great praise and worship and great messages for today’s living,” according to Pastor Thor Strandholt, associate pastor. “Our mission is evangelize, healing and discipleship through the word of God.” DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays. 3015 E. Warner Road. Information: valorcc.com.

Children of Hope Preschool on the campus of Esperanza Lutheran Church will mark its 10th anniversary after the regular service at the church. It

High school and middle school students meet to worship and do life together.

Preschool marks 10 years

HORIZON SEEKS YOUNG PEOPLE

DETAILS>> 5 p.m. at Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. 480-460-1480 or email joel@ horizonchurch.com.

KIDS CAN LEARN JEWISH LIFE

Children can learn and experience Jewish life. Chabad Hebrew School focuses on Jewish heritage, culture and holidays. DETAILS>>9:30 a.m. to noon, for children ages 5-13 at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. 480-855-4333, info@ chabadcenter.com, or chabadcenter.com.

RABBINIC LIT COURSE OFFERED

Ongoing morning study of two classics of rabbinic literature by medieval philosopher Moses Maimonides (the “Rambam”). At 10 a.m., Prof. Norbert Samuelson, Grossman chair of Jewish Philosophy at ASU and TBS member, teaches “Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexed: What Jews Ought to Believe.” At 11:15 a.m., TBS member Isaac Levy

teaches “Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah: How Jews Ought to Behave.” Readings in both Hebrew and English. DETAILS>> Community Room of the administration building at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480-897-3636.

UNITY OFFERS A PATH

Unity of Mesa says its Sunday service offers “a positive path for spiritual living” through “transformational lessons, empowering music and various spiritual practices with an open-minded and welcoming community.” DETAILS>> 9 and 10:45 a.m. 2700 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. Nursery available for infants through kindergarten at service times. Youth ministry classes are open in the Education Annex at 10:45 a.m. Information: 480-892- 2700, unityofmesa.org, lori@ unityofmesa.org.

See

CALENDAR on page 45

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS C201, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org.

CALENDAR

from page 44

ALL ARE WELCOME

All on a peaceful spiritual path are welcome and honored in this inclusive, loving, thriving Unity Community. Join us for Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center’s Sunday Celebration Service DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m. Toddlers and children meet during our service. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Information: info@interfaith-community.org.

SUNDAY CELEBRATION SERVICE

PROSPERITY RECIPES AT UNITY OF TEMPE

Internationally known speaker and author, Maureen G. Mulvaney brings back her Prosperity Recipes class series to Unity of Tempe on Monday evenings. Cost: $10 per session DETAILS>> 6:15-8:15 p.m., Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. Information: 480-7921800, unityoftempe.com.

TUESDAYS

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Inspirational messages and music to lift your spirit. A welcoming community committed to living from the heart. Many classes and events offered. We welcome you! DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. Information: 480-7921800, unityoftempe.com.

Celebrate Recovery is a Biblical program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Through teaching, worship, and sharing in small groups, you will find genuine people devoted to help discover the power of Christ through the recovery process. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., Central Christian Church, 933 N. Lindsay Road, Mesa. Information: Eric at 480-924-4946.

MONDAYS

GRIEFSHARE

JOIN CHRIST-CENTERED YOGA

This Flow 1-2 class (intermediate) is free and open to the community. DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Greg Battle at 480-7596200 or gbattle@moutainpark.org.

Mountain Park Community Church is offering an ongoing GriefShare programs to help people deal with the pain of losing a loved one. DETAILS>> 6:30-8 p.m., 2408 E. Pecos Road, Ahwatukee. To register: mountainpark.org and click on Launch. Information: Alex at 480-759-6200

CLASS TARGETS THE GRIEVING

FINDING HEALING FOR PAIN

Classes for those grieving over death or divorce. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. 480-963-4127.

STRUGGLING FIND SUPPORT

Support group for those struggling with how to deal with a loss in life. DETAILS>> 7 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room

and a different speaker or theme each week. Registration not needed. DETAILS>> 10-11 a.m., Barness Family East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. evjcc.org or 480-897-0588.

UNITY YOGA AT UNITY OF TEMPE

Center in Mind, Body & Spirit at our weekly Unity Yoga classes with Mary Jo “MJ” Kuzmick. Bring your own mat (2 blankets & blocks, if you have them). Suggested love offering: $8 a class. DETAILS>> 10 a.m., Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. Information: 480-792-1800, unityoftempe.com.

WEDNESDAYS

FAITH 45 hurts, habits and hang-ups.” Participants can discuss issues ranging from feeling left out to addictions. “Nothing is too small or too large.” DETAILS>> 6:20 p.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. mvlutheran.org/ celebraterecovery or email cr@alphamvlc.com. WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY OFFERED

Living Word Ahwatukee women’s Bible study and fellowship that offers “a short, low-key time of praise and worship in music and message.” It’s also an opportunity to meet other Christian women in Ahwatukee. DETAILS>> 10-11:30 a.m., Living Word Ahwatukee, 14647 W. 50th St., Suite 165, Ahwatukee. Free child care.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY MEETS

Celebrate Recovery says it “brings your relationship with the Lord closer to your heart as it heals your

Submit your releases to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com

HOPE, an acronym for “Help Overcome Painful Experiences,” offers support for men and women who seek God’s grace and healing. DETAILS>> 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. mountainpark.org.

SENIORS ENJOY ‘TERRIFIC TUESDAYS’

The program is free and includes bagels and coffee

You are cordially invted to the Installation of Rev. Annemarie Burke Saturday, Feb. 18th 5:15 pm Mountain View Lutheran Church 11002 S. 48th Street Phoenix, AZ 85044

Please join us in welcoming Rev. Annemarie Burke as our new Associate Pastor of Administration and Worship. Administ Bishop Steve Talmage will ofﬁcially install her and preach in the service.

www.mvlutheran.org

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@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Mariachi music sings out about Mexican culture BY COLLEEN SPARKS GetOut Contributing Writer

tudents in the East Valley are strumming guitars, belting out festive tunes on trumpets and singing passionate melodies in mariachi ensembles to celebrate Mexican culture. But the culture isn’t limited to those of Mexican-American heritage. People of all backgrounds are enjoying learning playing lively songs. Mariachi songs have different themes including love, loss and patriotism. The culture is attracting children, teens and adult students alike to classes and performances in Mesa, Chandler and Tempe. Students say learning to sing in Spanish, bow a violin and pluck the strings of a guitarron – a guitar-like acoustic bass instrument – are ways to honor and learn more about the culture. Several teenagers wearing mariachi trajes – uniforms of long black skirts and pants and vests bearing silver horse designs – played violins, guitar and guitarron at a ribbon-cutting and open house Feb. 4 at the non-profit Desert Sounds Performing Arts on West 1st Street in Mesa. Audience members standing outside on the grass in front of the building beamed as two little girls dressed in trajes held hands and sang a song in Spanish. The students are part of Mariachi Sones del Desierto, which means Desert Sounds Mariachi. They were part of a celebration of the group moving to a new, larger office space. Desert Sounds helps students in need get instruments for school bands and orchestras. “It’s what I grew up listening to, mariachi and other Hispanic music,” said Fatima Oliveros, 17, of Mesa, a violin player in the Desert Sounds group. “My parents kept encouraging me to do it. “It’s the gigantic ball of culture,” the Dobson High School senior added. Fatima’s sister, Lupita, 12, plays violin. Her brother, Francisco, 15, plays guitarron in the ensemble. “My dad plays guitar and he was once in a mariachi group with my mom,” said

Francisco, a sophomore at Dobson High School. “I just thought, why not?” Julie Gilchrist of Gilbert is proud of her son, Troy Gilchrest, 16, who plays guitar in the Desert Sounds group. Though mariachi music is not part of their heritage, Gilchrist said, “He’s having a ball.” About 60 students in elementary, middle and high schools participate in Desert Sounds’ mariachi ensemble, which began about five years ago, said mariachi program director Chris Donlon. He’s also an orchestra teacher in Mesa Public Schools. Most of them practice every Saturday at the Desert Sounds office in Mesa, while 11 students participate in the satellite mariachi program Friday afternoons at Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School in Chandler. Donlon and other music teachers share techniques for trumpet, violin, guitar, guitarron and vihuela, which is a small, guitar-like instrument with higher-pitched strings than a guitar. Students also get vocal training as all of them sing in the group. The teachers have trained in Las Vegas with professional group Mariachi Sol de Mexico. “It’s a combination of opera music, folk music, classically trained musicians that come together,” Donlon said of mariachi bands. He fell in love with mariachi music when he heard a group from Tucson perform at a music educators’ workshop several years ago, and called it “highly energetic.” Donlon has been a violinist and music teacher since 1993. He also teaches a before-school mariachi program for fifth and sixth graders at Bush Elementary School in Mesa as part of a school district offering. He’s starting a before-school mariachi group at Bush for fourth graders on Feb. 15. Experts say it’s hard to trace exactly when mariachi music started. Its roots are in Mexico, but this genre of music is performed around the world now. The sound of the stringed instruments and mariachi’s oldest rhythms stem from Mexico’s colonial times, from 1519 to 1810, according to the website of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, the nonprofit record

(Jill Hanks/Tempe Union High School District)

Students in Tempe High School’s Mariachi de Tempe ensemble show off their new trajes, or uniforms.

label of the Smithsonian Institution. The music called mariachi developed as early as the 1850s in ranches and small towns in western Mexico, the website said. Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School general music teacher Chris Nguyen heads the after-school mariachi Desert Sounds club with first through sixthgraders at Hartford. She’s Vietnamese but loves learning about other cultures. “I just love how there’s so much variation,” Nguyen said. “Each region of Mexico has their own twist to it.” Pedro and Melisa de la Rosa of Chandler said they wanted their daughters – Araceli, 8, and Analisa, 7 – to learn more about their Mexican heritage. The two girls sang a duet accompanied by the teen musicians at the Desert Sounds event. Pedro de la Rosa said “there aren’t a lot of programs like this.” “We feel like where we live, they’re not really too exposed to our culture as much as she and I were,” he added. Jorge Rodriguez, 12, of Mesa, enjoys playing trumpet in the Desert Sounds group. “My family is all Mexican and they wanted me to be in this group,” Jorge said. “It just makes me happy.” Violinist Noely Simancas, 14, of Mesa, said she wanted to join the mariachi group

after seeing a performance at a church. “I grew up speaking Spanish so I can translate well,” Noely said. “It’s more of an extra activity that makes my mother proud.” Kaitlyn Smith, a 17-year-old senior at Highland High School in Gilbert, is IrishAmerican but joined a mariachi group in Las Vegas originally before moving to the Valley. She sang a solo and also played violin in the Desert Sounds performance and said she likes the “stories” in mariachi music. “I love the style,” Kaitlyn said. “It’s beautiful.” Tempe High School orchestra director and fine arts department chairwoman Jill Osborne also loves diving into other cultures. She heads the Mariachi de Tempe ensemble, a group of 17 students who meet during orchestra class. The Tempe High group performs at school and community events including with Tempe Police officers. The high school ensemble includes students of MexicanAmerican, Cambodian, Chinese, AfricanAmerican and Burmese backgrounds. “One of the star singers speaks Burmese and English and now she sings in Spanish,” Osborne said. “I love that. See

MARIACHI on page 47

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

MARIACHI

from page 46

“It’s a beautiful music tradition.” Also in Tempe, Kyrene Middle School offers two mariachi classes, one for sixthgraders and one for seventh and eighthgraders. Altogether, they have more than 30 students. Sometimes, the mariachi students perform with a school orchestra, said Julio Contreras, Kyrene Middle School director of orchestras and mariachi. “It’s important because of the whole culture aspect,” said Contreras, who was born in Mexico. “Some of these kids grew up listening to mariachi music, their parents listened to the music.” Contreras said most of the students in the sixth-grade mariachi ensemble are in the school’s dual-language program. He added that the mariachi class complements their language skills as the mariachi groups sing songs in Spanish and English. Mariachi music is also a passion for Michael Smith at Arizona State University. He’s the faculty associate for the ASU Mariachi Ensemble, a night class with about 25 students, many of whom are of Mexican heritage. Smith’s mother is Mexican-American and he started playing violin in a mariachi

group as a child in California. “It’s pride, it’s emotion; mariachi music is life,” he said. “It’s a way to identify ourselves.” The ASU Mariachi Ensemble plays an end-of-year concert in April. “With the current climate and everything that’s been going on with immigration, we treat Hispanics with a negative attitude and that’s so wrong,” Smith said. “The music’s great but the people are even better.” Students also learn about Mexican culture in the Mariachi Viva ensemble. About 15 students, mostly from Mesa, practice with instructors two nights a week at Carson Junior High School in Mesa, said Charlie Morales, director of Mariachi Viva, a non-profit organization. “Some of our kids go on to play with professional groups,” Morales said. The Mariachi Viva group, made up of fifth to 12th graders, has performed at weddings, anniversary parties, quinceañeras, and at Mesa Arts Center’s Dia de los Muertos Festival. The group wants to raise enough money to attend the Tucson International Mariachi Conference in April. Anyone who wants to make a donation to help the students pay for the trip can visit gofundme.com/ mariachiviva.

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Upcoming mariachi concerts • The Desert Sounds mariachi group, Mariachi Sones del Desierto, will perform at 12:55 and 1:20 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Mesa Public Schools SciTech EXPO at Skyline High School, 845 S. Crismon Road in Mesa. • Bush Elementary School’s fifth(Special to AFN) and sixth-grade Bush Mariachi Members of Mariachi De Ahwatukee are, from group will perform at 12:20 left: front row: LaVona Florez, Evan Condon and p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Mesa Antonio Villa; back row: Sergio Osuna, Graden Georgitso, Salma Avina, Elizabeth Avina, David Public Schools SciTech EXPO Condon, Eva Condon, Alejandro Osuna and Direcat Skyline High School, 845 S. tor Adan Florez. Crismon Road in Mesa. the school, 1050 E. Carver Road in • Tempe High School’s Mariachi Tempe. de Tempe will perform at the City of Tempe’s Hayden’s Ferry Days festival • Tempe High School’s Mariachi de Tempe will perform with members at 10 a.m. Feb. 26 at the Tempe History of the Tempe Police Department and Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave. MusicaNova Orchestra at a concert • Kyrene Middle School Mariachi at 7 p.m. on April 24 at Tempe High, Ensemble will perform at the KMS 1730 S. Mill Ave. Open House and Electives Showcase at 6 p.m. on Feb. 27 at the school, • ASU Mariachi Ensemble will perform at 7:30 p.m. on April 24 at Evelyn 1050 E. Carver Road in Tempe. Smith Music Theatre at ASU, 50 • Kyrene Middle School Mariachi Gammage Parkway in Tempe. Ensemble will perform in its own All concerts are free to the public. concert at 6:30 p.m. on March 29 at

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Billy Crystal on new tour and championing Muhammad Ali CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GETOUT Contributing Writer

or world-renowned entertainer Billy Crystal, the 2001 World Series was winwin. His money was behind the Arizona Diamondbacks as a minority owner, and his heart beat for his beloved New York Yankees. “It was hard because, when we bought our way in, I had no thought in my mind that someday they’d be in the World Series together,” Crystal said. “That was a really hard World Series for me. It was an amazing World Series. It ended really well for my ownership part, but not my Yankee part. At one point, my wife said, ‘Look, we’re beating us,’” he added. The Tony and Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, producer, writer and director will share stories, like that one from his life during his “Spend the Night with Billy Crystal” tour, which comes to Symphony Hall on Sunday, Feb. 19. “It’s a comedy concert in the guise of a talk show,” Crystal said. “I had a great relationship with David Letterman. When

I’d go on Dave’s show, it would go off and it was wonderful form for me. It was very freeing. “Well, I’ve expanded it to a full evening. I’m really on my feet more than I’m sitting down. It’s loose and I don’t know where it’s going to go a lot of the times.” A stand-up comic turned television star, Crystal found fame as a movie funnyman with starring roles in blockbusters such as “When Harry Met Sally,” “City Slickers” and “Analyze This.” He hosted the Academy Awards multiple times and he is an award-winning author whose latest memoir, “Still Foolin’ ‘Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going, and Where the Hell are My Keys?” was a New York Times bestseller. Crystal has a lot to say to his fans via “Spend the Night.” “There’s so much going on in the world and my world,” he said. “Now, at the age of 68—I almost choked when I said that, by the way—there are things I want to talk about. There are my four grandchildren and the world that we’re going to hand over to them that I’m concerned about. “There are so many funny ways of looking

at life now. I have so much fun doing the show and audiences seem to really love this intimate, informal approach to doing a comedy show.” “Even in my early days of standup, when I was being formed, as they say, I naturally became more of a storyteller than a joke guy. I’m very comfortable with that. That’s why I think ‘700 Sundays,’ my Broadway show, was such a great, satisfying experience for me and my audiences.” Crystal will return to the Valley on March 18 for Celebrity Fight Night, an event and cause that he has long championed. This year’s event will be bittersweet as it is the first without its founder Muhammad Ali. Throughout Celebrity Fight Night’s 23year history, $127 million has been raised with the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute as a significant beneficiary. “My experiences with Ali and Fight Night have always been so wonderful,” he said. “He was always there, though. I was honored to be one of his eulogists at his memorial at his request. I did my first television show ever with him and we became really great friends.

“We have to keep his legacy going, which is what I know he wanted. It’ll be hard. The world is harder without him. Even in his silence of the last, at least, 10 years, where he didn’t speak, his presence was this magical silent Buddha for us.” “He was still there. He wouldn’t want us to be sad right now. So, we’ll have our laughs. We’ll remember him always and we’ll celebrate him. It can’t be a downer. It has to be what it started out as—a celebration in his honor.”

IF YOU GO

What: “Spend the Night with Billy Crystal.” Where: Phoenix Symphony Hall, 100 N. Third St., Phoenix. Info: 877-840-0457, phoenix.ticketforce. com. When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 Cost: $60-$150. Celebrity Fight Night info: celebrityfightnight.org.

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FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

From War to Wonderettes, stages offer a variety of concerts BY JUSTIN FERRIS GetOut Editor

Tickets: $3 entry (8 and under free), $5 hay ride. 480-987-3100. schnepffarms.com.

Wonderettes perform

Classic comedy to be shown

Journey back to 1958 and follow four girls as they attend the Springfield High School prom. Learn about their lives through more than 30 hit ‘50s and ‘60s songs, including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” DETAILS>> Mondays and Tuesdays, through Apr. 18. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. Tickets: $18-$30. 480497-1181. haletheatrearizona.com.

Perlman’s daughter takes stage

The daughter of world-famous violin virtuoso Itzahk Perlman, Navah Perlman brings her impressive musical background to the stage in a piano concert you won’t soon forget. DETAILS>> 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. Tickets: $30-$70. 480-644-6500. mesaartscenter. com.

Peach blossoms celebrated

The peach blossoms—and other kinds of fruit blossoms—are in bloom, and you can tour more than 80 acres of them. Take the scenic walking path down to the orchards, or hop aboard a train or a guided hay ride. DETAILS>> 9 a.m.4 p.m., ThursdaysSundays, Feb. 16-Feb. 28. Schnepf Farms, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek.

Catch a free classic movie outdoors— the original “Ghostbusters”—plus special guests and activities. In addition, walk around downtown Chandler for the Art Walk and the beginning the Chandler Science Spectacular. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Cost: Free. chandleraz.gov.

Science show slated

Enjoy interactive science exhibits in areas like computer science, crime scene and fingerprinting, rocketry, photography, aviation and more from Intel, Orbital ATK, Chandler police, Downtown Chandler Library and other organizations. DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18. Downtown Chandler, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Cost: Free. 480-7823038. chandleraz.gov.

War presents concert

Started in 1969, War boasts more than 50 million albums sold. You might know their hits “Low Rider,” “Don’t Let No One Get You Down and “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”

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(Sitka Summer Music festival/Special to AFN)

Navah Perlman

DETAILS>> 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Tickets: $38-$68. 480-7822680. chandlercenter.org.

Renaissance Fest begins

Billed as the “Greatest Party Since Camelot,” it offers 13 stages, turkey legs and other food, games of skills, people-powered rides, and a 16th century marketplace and 30-acre village containing 2,000 costumed characters. DETAILS>> Saturdays-Sundays, Feb. 18-April 2. 12601 US-60, Gold Canyon. Tickets: $24 adults, $14 ages 5-12, $21 seniors/ military. arizona.renfestinfo.com.

Disney concert offered

Hear your favorite Disney music live in this multimedia concert presentation. Projected above the orchestra you will see scenes from “Frozen,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid” as the orchestra plays. DETAILS>> Feb. 24-26. Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. Tickets: $33-$109. 602-495-1999 tickets. phoenixsymphony.org.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from page 49

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Sports

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Centennial wrestling coach leads miraculous team turnaround BY RYAN CLARKE AFN Staff Writer

t was 2013, and then-sophomore Juan Pablo De Leon just declared his education major at Arizona State. His phone rang, and on the other end was Tim O’Donnell ‒ the athletic director at Centennial Middle School in Ahwatukee. O’Donnell oﬀered De Leon the job of wrestling coach. De Leon declined ‒ but not because he didn’t want the position. “I didn’t have a car,” De Leon said with a laugh. “Finally, about a month later, I bought one for like $1,800 and called Tim to accept the job.” It was a tough task to put together the money for a car, but an even tougher task loomed ahead for De Leon: turning around a downtrodden wrestling program. When he took over, the Sabercats hadn’t won a match in almost a decade. A turnaround for Centennial required a change in philosophy. While the previous coach held practices three days a week for about an hour at a time, De Leon upped the ante, holding practice six days a week for three hours at a time. “I basically decided that we need to run this like a high school program,” he said.

“We needed that in order to compete with these other schools.” Some kids gave up, others undoubtedly complained about the workload, and De Leon kept at it ‒ all the while borrowing a phrase from his high school wrestling coach: “Those who stay will be champions.” The Sabercats went 0-10 in De Leon’s first year at the helm, 1-9 in his second year and 3-7 in his third year. By the time 2016 rolled around, De Leon graduated from Arizona State University and took a full-time job with Centennial as a language arts teacher in addition to his coaching duties. His fourth season as head coach was nothing short of historic. Centennial finished the regular season 10-0, winning its conference and placing in state competition for the first time in school history. “I thought it was going to take six or seven years to turn it around,” De Leon said. “I was lucky to have such dedicated kids and have such a special year.” With a stocky, muscular build, De Leon himself looks like a wrestler from not too long ago. He started his wrestling career at Pueblo Middle School and ended up placing fifth in state his senior year at Corona del Sol High School.

But, much like the team he coaches He said that’s important for kids as they today, nobody would’ve expected De make their way through the challenge of Leon to make it on that podium. His middle school. whole reason for joining the wrestling “My biggest thing is a building a positive team in 6th grade environment where was to take out his everybody wants to frustrations from come to practice and being mercilessly work hard,” De Leon bullied. said. “If I could build “I was even bullied that environment, the on the wrestling team winning would come.” during 6th and 7th Everything changed grade, and the coach when the Sabercats didn’t even play me,” started winning. Players started De Leon said. “After buying into the a summer of working philosophy, believing my butt oﬀ, I went they were going to win 11-2 my 8th grade year and placed second in and coming together conference.” like never before. De De Leon’s wrestling Leon said one of his (Special to AFN) moments career ‒ including his As wrestling coach at Centennial Middle proudest unexpected finish in School in Ahwatukee, Juan Pablo De Leon as a head coach was has turned the team around in a few years. when he saw the team high school ‒ mirrors the rise of the wrestling program he now ‒ comprised of kids from a variety of coaches. Through an increased workload cliques ‒ sitting together at lunch. That’s what De Leon finds most and dedication to the sport, both De Leon and Centennial achieved their respective rewarding about his job as both a teacher and a coach. Even if he leads Centennial glory despite humble beginnings. De Leon uses the lessons he learned to championship pedigree, he said throughout his career to help change the nothing could top the feeling of making attitudes of his players on and oﬀ the mat. a positive impact on someone’s life.

Jordan Martinez overcomes injuries to medal at state BY JASON P. SKODA AFN Prep Sports Director

RESCOTT VALLEY – Jordan Martinez was both hobbled and humbled. The Desert Vista High School senior hasn’t been healthy much of the last two wrestling seasons, dealing with knee injuries. But he still found a way to place at the state tournament. He feels he could have had a more productive career had he been healthy, but still finished with three state

placement medals. Last year, Martinez dislocated his knee cap, but he still managed to finish sixth for the second time his career. This year, despite what is believed to be a torn meniscus, he came in fifth at 120 pounds in the Division I state tournament. “I wasn’t going to let it stop me,” said Martinez, who finished 16-6 on the year. “If I had surgery I would have missed the whole year. I just wrestled through and I ended finishing better than last year (sixth) and that’s all I wanted.” The weakened left knee kept him from being able to shoot from both sides and

when he was on the bottom, it sometimes made it tough to stand up. Martinez pinned Kofa’s Isai Alfonso for fifth place after losing 8-6 to Alfonso in the first round of the tournament on Friday. “He showed a lot of toughness and competitiveness,” Thunder coach David Gonzales said. “Both injuries are considered season ending but he kept going and did the best he could.” Desert Vista finished fourth in the team standings, thanks to placing six out of 10 wrestlers, including champion Chad Porter at 195.

The Thunder’s four other placers were sophomore heavyweight Brett Johnson (38-10) and senior Brendan Gil (182, 32-12) in fourth place. Sophomore Tariq Hornbuckle (113, 31-10) finished fifth and senior Ernie del Rio (106, 24-15) came in sixth. “This is everything I’ve been working for in my career,” said de Rio, who was one win away from placing at state last year. “I’ve been close before, but I’d think too much. I quit thinking and went to back to just doing.” See

WRESTLERS on page 53

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

WRESTLERS

four seasons ago, but twice he walked out with a medal. from page 52 “It was important to win that last Desert Vista returns five of the 10 match,” said Rasmussen, who was trailing state qualifiers next year as the program 9-3 before getting pin on a headlock. “I continues to remain one of the best in put in a lot of work to earn this and I Division I. didn’t want it to end “As coach you with a loss.” always believe there The Pride made is something more strides in coach Greg you could have done Dayoob’s first season or disappointed for and much of what those who didn’t was accomplished place,” Gonzales said. hasn’t shown up on “We have a lot of these the mat just yet. guys coming back “This year was next year and that’s a about changing (Jason Skoda/AFN Staff) good foundation to Desert Vista High senior Chad Porter the foundation celebrates his second state title as he and culture of the start with.” Mountain Pointe’s looks into the crowd for his family and program and we did Jacob Rasmussen friends. a lot of that,” Dayoob was the Pride’s lone placer as the senior said. “The reality that we saw last week 160-pounder matched last year’s at sectionals at this weekend at state that placement of fifth place. the results will probably be the last thing Not many would have predicted he to come. It’s not going to happen over would have been a two-time state placer night.

Desert Vista High wrestling team takes fourth place in state BY JASON P. SKODA AFN Prep Sports Director

RESCOTT VALLEY – Chad Porter looked at the scoreboard, and it didn’t exactly compute. The Desert Vista High School 195-pound wrestler was trailing in the third period and that’s not a common occurrence for the two-time state champion. “He couldn’t figure out how he was losing,” Thunder coach David Gonzales said. “He had to dig deep and pull that one out.” He managed to beat Andres Gonzalez of Westwood 7-5 in sudden death in the Division I quarterfinals on Friday. Saturday went a lot smoother. The senior won by a technical fall in the semifinals and pinned Mountain View’s Jeremiah Hollen in 29 seconds in the championship match. “That wasn’t me, and I wasn’t going to let it happen again,” Porter said. “It was a wake up call and I wanted to finish strong.” He became the program’s third multiple champion and helped the Thunder to a fourth-place finish in the team standings. “We knew he had the opportunity to

be good coming from a wrestling family,” Gonzales said. “Had has a little bit of both his brothers in him. He’s tough and mean, and he is a hard worker. Chad meshed it all together and made it work.” Porter’s career will go down as one of the best in Thunder history as he made state and finished fifth as a freshman. He was dominant in the state the last two years to finish his career with a record of 143-23. “I remember sectionals and this tournament,” Porter said of his freshman year. “I went 0-2 (at state) and realized how much better I needed to get. It ended up being a building block for me.” Now he is getting some interest from colleges, but first he is going on a 10day mission trip with his father and their church to Honduras to help build homes. “Every year my church goes on a mission trip,” Porter said. “It’s honor to go and help those who needed it.” It’s a similar approach he has taken as the team’s proverbial leader the last few years. “I don’t work with Chad a lot, but when I do I always get something out of it,” sophomore heavyweight Brett Johnson said. “He has shows everyone what it takes to be a champion.”

This is what memory care is all about. It’s not to say that dementia isn’t an emotional and challenging disease. It’s just that when you see the human instead of the disease you don’t see sadness. You see life. You see history. You see achievements. You see family. You see love. And that’s how we see it at Hawthorn Court. We can help you with the challenges you’re facing. Please call 480.359.2898 for more information. Or join us for our upcoming Creative Art Class.

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SPORTS

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Thunder girls soccer ﬁnishes as runner-up BY JASON P. SKODA AFN Prep Sports Director

he nemesis that is Xavier took down Desert Vista High School girls soccer once again. The Thunder made its third straight state title match, and fourth in five seasons but have won just once. The second-seeded Gators won Saturday’s 6A Conference championship 2-0 at Campo Verde to capture its second title since 2013, beating No. 5 Desert Vista both times. “It’s always a tough match with Xavier,” Thunder coach Marvin Hypolite said after the semifinal win last week. “We have a history with them, and it hasn’t always gone in our favor.” Xavier is the only in-state opponent the Thunder (19-4-1) have a losing record against, going 2-11-2 since 2006. Saturday’s championship loss came down to an eight-minute span that saw the Gators score twice. It was uncharacteristic defense by the Thunder, considering it only gave up seven goals all year heading into the championship. “It was tough to see us concede back-

SPORTS BRIEFS

Local teams prepare for state tournament

Four area basketball teams did enough to make the respective state tournaments. The Desert Vista High boys squad picked up the best seed as the Thunder enter the 6A Conference as the third seed and will face No. 14 La Joya today, Feb. 15, at home.

to-back because that is so unlike us,” Hypolite said. “But I’m not going to take anything away from my players. They fight, they play with heart, they play with grit, and you see on the back of their shirts we’re one family.” The Thunder had a great season in attempting to defend the Arizona bigschool championship and the senior class of 10 players can walk away with one championship banner and two other championship appearances. And nearly all of them are going to continue their careers in college next season. Carly Bych (Regis University), Izzy Deutsch (Hawaii), Karli Epstein (Northern St), Jessica Hale (Arizona St.), Paige Maling (Northern Arizona), Ellie Vasey (Portland St.) and Lauren Votto (NAU) have signed letters of intent. It will be up to players like Isabella Glavin, Corey Zaremba, Addison Cress and Amanda Green to keep the program at a high level with hopes of extending the state title appearance string to four straight. “We’ve had a great year,” Deutsch The Thunder girls are the ninth seed in the girls 6A tourney and traveled to No. 8 Highland on Feb. 14 while the Mountain Pointe High girls earned the 10th seed in the 6A event and traveled to No. 7 Xavier. After finishing the season with a school record 25 wins in 29 games, the Horizon Honors boys are the eighth seed in the 2A Conference tournament and will play No. 8 Eloy Santa Cruz on Friday, Feb. 17, at Prescott High.

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(Jesse Stawnyczy/AFN Staff Photographer)

Desert Vista High School junior Maddison Schroeder, left, and Xavier’s Katie Moore chase down a ball during Saturday’s ﬁnals game

said after the semifinal win over Corona del Sol, “and our senior class has a lot to be proud of.”

Kim signs with Division III college

Horizon Honors Secondary School senior guard Kevin Kim signed a letter intent last week to continue his academic and basketball careers with Crown College in Minnesota. Kim is a 5-11 guard who led the team in scoring with an average around 17 points a game and was named the region oﬀensive player of the year for the Eagles.

- Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@ahwatukee.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonPSkoda

Registration now open for Spartan Race

The Spartan Race comes to Arizona where racers of all ages, shapes, and sizes will converge on the Rodeo Grounds of Fort McDowell Feb. 25-26. Spartan Race, the world’s largest endurance company, presents a 3-plus mile course, 20 obstacles, the Reebok Spartan Sprint and the 8-10-mile Super. A kids race will be held both days. Registration: spartan.com.

SERVICE

• Factory Trained Technicians Using State of the Art Equipment • Family Owned & Serving The East Valley Since 1973 • Shuttle Service, Pick Up & Delivery Available at no extra cost

• Jaguar & Range Rover Experts • Honor Most Extended Warranties

• All Service Guaranteed/ Parts & Labor * All required factory maintenance Services

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&COLLECTOR CAR CENTER

SPORTS

Servicing Your Car Is Not Our Job, It’s Our Passion

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

The Porsche Macan. Lease for $499 Per Month.

Includes Porsche Scheduled Maintenance.

A luxury dealership encompassing Sales, Service, Parts & Accessories in the heart of the East Valley. Offering complimentary Porsche service loaners and door-to-door Sales & Service vehicle delivery. Showcasing the finest selection of New, Certified and Pre-Owned Porsche models. Conveniently located North of the Santan 202 Freeway on Gilbert Road.

Please visit us online at PorscheChandler.com Porsche Chandler 1010 S. Gilbert Rd. Chandler, AZ 85286

(480) 994-9000 PorscheChandler.com

2017 Porsche Macan, Stock #7M058. 39 month lease, .00235 money factor, residual 60%, 10,000 miles/year and $6,999 due at signing. Includes 2 year / 20,000 miles Porsche Service Maintenance Plan. Plus, Arizona tax, title, license, $995 acquisition, $350 disposition, and $399 doc fees. On approved credit thru Porsche Financial Services. Offers end 2/28/17.

CLASSIFIEDS

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

OPEN ENROLLMENT • We are a preschool through 8th grade school, like no other, where academic achievement is guided by faith, morality and integrity. • We offer flexible preschool scheduling options and our program balances an inclusive classroom with thoughtful integration into the elementary school environment. • Our primary and middle school provide students with a balanced curriculum in technology-infused classrooms, with an emphasis on differentiated learning.

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Desert Bloom Pediatrics, PLLC Board Certified, family Nurse Practitioner Pediatric care with a nurse’s touch

Personalized Care, Personal Relationships

Classifieds

Awatukee Foothills News / East Valley Tribune 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219 • Tempe, AZ 85282 • 480.898.6465 • classifieds@timespublications.com Deadlines: Classifieds: Monday 11am for Wednesday • Life Events: Friday 10am for Wednesday

Employment General

KYRENE is now hiring School BUS DRIVERS FT 30 hrs/wk. Benefits offered. Paid training and CDL testing onsite. Flexible work schedule with split shifts. Starting Salary $14.49 - $18.00 For additional info go to www.kyrene.org/hr EARN EXTRA INCOME! $100 to $200 per week. The Arizona Republic wants to contract you to deliver newspaper on the weekends in the East Valley and Apache Junction. For additional details, contact Bob Griner at 602-444-4069 or rgriner@republicmedia. com.

Employment General Receptionist Position FT/PT - Animal Hospital Committed to the human-animal bond? If you have customer service experience, this is the place for you! For more information please call Lori 480-759-9494 or Erin 480-940-9494

Meetings/Events THE AHWATUKEE TEA PARTY Watch For An Announcement on our New General Meeting Location, with Dates And Times in January, 2017. ----------Email: info@tukee teaparty.com

Construction worker, 6 temporary full-time positions. Duties: Perform tasks involving physical labor at building construction projects. May operate hand and power tools of all types; air hammers, power saws, power drills and a variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites. May assist other craft workers. 3 month construction EXP REQ. No EDU REQ. Drug testing REQ.

Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to the place of employment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is dismissed early by the employer. Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, equipment and supplies required to perform the job. Job location: Mesa, AZ - Maricopa and Pinal counties. Employer will provide daily transportation to and from the worksite. Applicants may send or contact the AZDES Office, 4635 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ, 85040. Desirae Diaz ph:520-866- 3608. Please reference AZDES Job Order #: 2526940.

Ray Road Medical Center • 13838 South 46th Place, Suite 340 • Phoenix (Ahwatukee), AZ 85044

(602) 622-1706 • www.desertbloompeds.com

Employment General Canyon State Drywall Inc 301 S Westwood Mesa AZ 85210 seeks 20 “temporary full-time" Drywall Taper to work&reside in PHX Metroplex area to seal joints btween plasterboard/wallboard, prep wall surface. Bend, lift&hold up 50Lb, 3mo exp in Res constr, work in ext weather, on-the-job train avail, no edu reqd, travel in Metropolitan area M-F 7am-3pm @$ 16.97/hr OT if needed @$ 25.46 from 4/1 to 12/15/17. US&H2B workers offered same wages& working conditions to include paid post-hired drug test Sgle wrkwk computes wages Weekly pmt. H2B wrkr to be paid U.S Consulate, border, lodging fees on 1st workwk on a company check. “Transportation (including meals & to the extent necessary lodging) to place of employment or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation provided if the worker completes employment period or is dismissed early by employer. Tools provided at no charge to worker” Apply in person at nearest SWA, call520.866.3608 or fax res 520.836.5876 Attn Desirae Diaz or fax res to emplr 480.827.9079 Att Jerry Mortensen RE JP2527020

Employment General

Days & Hours: 40 hours/week (6:00am-2:30pm); day shift; Mon-Fri. Dates of employment: 04/01/17 12/31/17. Wage: $15.07 /h, OT $22.61 /h if necessary. Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance.

Johnie L Blum, RN, MSN, FNP

Employer: Hesscor, Inc. 1548 E. Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85203. Contact: Jason Meler, fax (480) 464-2705.

Employment General Landscape laborers, 60 temporary full-time positions. Duties: Laborers wil be needed for turf care, pruning, fertilization, irrigation systems maintenance and repair, general clean up procedures around properties. Outdoor work physical work. 3 months landscape EXP REQ. No EDU REQ. Days & Hours: 40 hours/week (6:00am-2:30pm); day shift; Mon-Fri. Dates of employment: 04/01/1711/30/17. Wage: $11.74 /h, OT $17.61 /h if necessary. Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance. Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to the place of employment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is dismissed early by the employer. Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, equipment and supplies required to perform the job. Job location: Surprise, AZ - Maricopa and Pinal counties. Employer will provide daily transportation to and from the worksite. Applicants may send or contact the AZDES Office, 4635 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ, 85040. Desirae Diaz ph:520-866- 3608. Please reference AZDES Job Order #: 2527045. Employer: Carescape, Inc. 13370 W. Foxfire Drive, Suite 101, Surprise, AZ 85378. Contact: Roger Opitz, fax (623) 583-8500.

CLASSIFIEDS Employment General

Construction workers, 12 temporary full-time positions. Duties: The worker will perform tasks involving physical labor. May operate hand and power tools of all types; air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers. Small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites. Dig trenches and may assist other craft workers. 3 months construction EXP REQ. No EDU REQ. Drug testing REQ. Days & Hours: 40 hours/week (6:00am-2:30pm); day shift; Mon-Fri. Dates of employment: 04/01/17- 12/20/17. Wage: $15.07 /h, OT $22.61 /h if necessary. Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance. OJT provided. Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to the place of employment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is dismissed early by the employer. Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, equipment and supplies required to perform the job. Job location: Avondale, AZ Maricopa and Pinal counties. Employer will provide daily transportation to and from the worksite. Applicants may send or contact the AZDES Office, 4635 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ, 85040. Desirae Diaz ph:520-866- 3608. Please reference AZDES Job Order #: 2524932. Employer: Curiel M. Rebar Steel, Inc. 513 W. Rio Vitsa Lane, Avondale, AZ 85323. Contact: Adolfo Curiel, fax (623) 936-0792.

Valley Wide Plastering 1121 W Ranch Rd Tempe, AZ 85284 seeks 40 “temporary fulltime” Helper of Plasterer to work&reside in Phx Metroplx area. Help plasterers, use, supply& hold tools &materials, clean wk area. Bend, lift&hold up 50Lb, 3mo exp in Res constr, work in ext weather, on-the-job train avail, no edu reqd, travel in Metropolitan area M-F 7am-3pm @$14.96/hr if needed OT @ $22.44 from 4/112/15/17. US&H2B workers offered same wages& working conditions to include paid posthired drug test Sgle wrkwk computes wages Weekly pmt.H-2B Wrkr to be paid U.S. Consulate, border, lodging fees on 1st workwk on a company check “Transportation (including meals & to the extent necessary lodging) to place of employment or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation provided if the worker completes employment period or is dismissed early by employer. Tools provided at no charge to worker” Apply in person at nearest SWA, call520.866.3608 or fax res 520.836.5876 Attn Desirae Diaz or fax res to emplr (480) 7059504 Att Jesse Guerrero RE JP2527021 Rowley Plastering LLC 3641 S 36th St, Phoenix AZ 85040 seeks 30 “temporary full-time” Helper of Plasterer to work&reside in PHX Metroplex area to use, supply/hold materi/tools,clean wrk area/equip in resid constr.Bend, lift&hold up 50Lb, 3mo exp, wrk in ext weather, on job train avail, no edu reqd, travel in PHX Metroplex area M-F 7am-3pm $ 14.96/hr OT if needed $ 22.44 from 4/1to 11/15/17. US&H2B workers offered same wages& working conditions to include paid post-hired drug test. Sgle wrkwk computes wages. Weekly pmt. H-2B Wrkr to be paid U.S. Consulate, border, lodging fees on 1st workwk on a company check “Transportation (including meals & to the extent necessary lodging) to place of employment or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation provided if the worker completes employment period or is dismissed early by employer. Tools provided at no charge to worker” Apply in person at nearest SWA, call 520.866.3608 or fax res 520.836.5876 Attn Desirae Diaz or fax res to emplr 602.437.1086 Att Stephen Bork RE JP2515493

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Meetings/Events Christian Business Networking, Chandler BiMonthly Chapter 7:30 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays of the month Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Chandler Christian Church, Room B202 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Maia, 480-4250624, christianbusinessnetworking.com Crops of Luv

"My dream is that one day we will be able to give every "wish" child a scrapbook to remind them that dreams do come true." Jody, co-founder, Ahwatukee based nonprofit

Come Join us: Help make embellishments, organize or assist with events, scrapbook, donate your time, money or space. Come be apart of something Awesome!

Announce

ments Lessons/ Tutoring PIANO LESSONS - Ahw. teacher w/ yrs of exp. Has few openings for new students. All ages beg-adv. Very reasonable rates. Avail M-Sat. (480)496-9154

Meetings/Events Dining For Women (DFW) diningforwomen.org inspires, educates and engages people to invest in programs that make a meaningful difference for women and girls living in extreme poverty. DFW helps women find dignity and strength, develop skills and opportunities, value and support their children's education. We have a local chapter in Ahwatukee which meets the 3rd Thursday every month from 6:30 p.m.-8:30p.m. If you'd like to know more on how you can transform lives and reduce poverty contact Mary Hake at marysullivanhake @gmail.com

480.634.7763

In-Ahwatukee Toastmasters Club meets from 6:45-8am every Tuesday at Dignity Health Urgent Care Ahwatukee - Community Room (1st floor), 4545 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85048. Guests welcome anytime! http://4873.toast mastersclubs.org/ Aegis Hospice Grief/Loss Support Group We meet 6 pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Legacy Funeral Home: 1722 N. Banning St. Mesa, Refreshments provided. Contact: Rick Wesley 480-219-4790 rick@ aegishospice.com AMERICAN LEGION AHWATUKEE Post #64 We Meet Every 3rd Wed at 3pm at the Ahwatukee Retirement Center At 5001 E Cheyenne Dr, Phoenix, Az. 85044. Contact ED MANGAN Cmdr 602-501-0128

Real Estate

Auctions & Estate Sales

Roommates

For Sale For Rent

Estate Sale - Ahwatukee Sat & Sun Feb 18, 19 4416 East Amberwood Drive Phoenix, AZ 85048 Gate Code: #1980 Leather Couches, Oak Desk, Dishes, etc

Looking For A Room To Rent During Winter Months in Ahw. Non-smoker. Please Call Wanda at 480-250-3085

PARENTS OF ADDICTED LOVED ONES Are you affected by someone who is dealing with an addiction? If so, know that you are not alone and that the PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones) group can help. The group is available to provide education and support to anyone 18 years or older who is dealing with a friend or family member with an addiction. See our local meeting list at palgroup.org

Smart Recovery Meeting Wed’s 7:00 8:30 p.m. 6400 W. Del Rio Chandler Montessori School next to Unitarian Church room 5. All issues drugs, alcohol, gambling, online addictions, & medications. 480-532-2460

Service Directory Air Conditioning/Heating

HUGE 80 FAMILY ESTATE

SALE FEB. 17, 18: 7AM – 3PM Furniture, appliances, TVs, washers, dryers, clothes, maternity ware, jewelry, collectibles, toys, books, games, electronics, games computer hardware, iPods, iPads, tablets, cameras, GoPro, Golf Carts & Bikes St. Ignatius Church 5515 E. Redmont Cir. Mesa, AZ 85215 Hot dogs and soft drinks will be served.

Pets/Services A FRIEND OF MINE

Your in-home pet sitting and plant care service. For all your pet needs, domestic and exotics. Flat fee-no hidden costs. Serving Ahwatukee since 2003. Member of PSI. Bond/Ins'd. 602-617-0993 Please visit us at afriend ofminepetsitting.com

Pets/Services

Cropsofluv.com cropsofluv@cox.net

Real Estate

Voted one of the “Best of Ahwatukee” 9 Years Running!

Pet and Home Services

• Reasonable Rates • Special Pricing on Extended Service Licensed/Bonded/Insured Ahwatukee Resident

Appliance Repairs

Appliance Repair Now

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It! • Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

We Also Buy Used Appliances, Working or Not

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

Call Eleanor Today!

480.287.4897

www.WhileYouAreAwayServices.com

Business/Professional Services

Oooh, MORE ads online! Check Our Online Classifieds Too!

www.Ahwatukee.com

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465

CLASSIFIEDS

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Carpet Cleaning

Family owned and proudly serving Ahwatukee for over 20 years. Powerful Truck Mounted Soft Hot Water Extractions. Carpets, Tile & Grout, Upholstery, Pet Stain/Odor Treatment Residential/Commercial www.extractioncleaning.com 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

480.460.5030 Cleaning Services

Meetings/Events TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a weight loss organization that is over 60 years old. We meet at Ahwatukee Rec Center on Cheyenne between S. 48th St. and S. 51st St. on Wed. eve's from 67:30 p.m. For more information: Terri at 480-893-6742. NONDENOMINATIONAL, GREAT PRAISE AND WORSHIP, GREAT MESSAGES FOR TODAYS LIVING! OUR MISSION IS “EVANGELISM, HEALING, DISCIPLESHIP, THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD!

VISIT US AT ValorCC.com.

Concrete & Masonry

Electrical Services

Contractors

DESERT ROCK CONCRETE & MASONRY **********************

NEW INSTALLS / REPAIRS FOUNDATION, DRIVEWAY PATIO, WALKWAY BBQ, FIREPLACE

Residential Electrician

BLOCK, STUCCO SPRINKLER

Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354

GRADING, REMOVAL

ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured

WATERFALLS POOLS COOL DECKS

CALL JOHN 480-797-2985 FREE ESTIMATE 16 YEARS EXP, REF INSURED Not A Licensed Contractor

Drywall

MIKE’S

DRYWALL, PAINTING & REMODELING SERVICE SPECIALIZING IN… • Water Damage • Drywall Repair • Popcorn & Wallpaper Removal

Since1980

• Int/Ext Painting • Patio & Carport Ceiling Resurfacing • Stucco Repairs

Licensed & Bonded ROC 130069

Contractors

Concrete & Masonry

RENOVATION SOLUTIONS HOME IMPROVEMENT & RENOVATIONS

General Contractor 30 Years of Experience

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

HOME

www.mikesdrywallservice.com

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

Electrical Services HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

R E N O VAT I O N

HIRING? People are looking in the Classifieds Everyday!

• Additions • Alterations • Kitchen and bath remodeling specialists Ahwatukee resident

480.848.9890

- Ahw Resident Since 1987 -

• Panel Changes and Repairs • Installation of Ceiling Fans • Switches/Outlets • Home Remodel

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

ROC#245469

Email Your

Job Post to: class@times publications.com

or Call 480-898-6465

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

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Garage/Doors

Handyman

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

Jaden Sydney Associates.com

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

CASH OUT!

Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

Not a licensed contractor

Handyman

Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services Repairs • Drywall • Painting Trash Removal • HOA Compliance

AND so much more!

Garage/Doors

Ahwatukee Resident

480.335.4180

GARAGE DOORS

Gift Certificates Available

Not a licensed contractor.

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Painting • Flooring • Electrical • Plumbing Drywall • Carpentry • Decks • Tile • More!

Handyman

Gary is Back Household Repairs

R.HANDYMAN Rebuild: Under sink floors, drawers & shelving. All sm repairs, welding. Clean carpet traffic areas & stains. Fix: toilets, faucets, gates, doors.

drywall, plumbing, small painting, varnish doors, grout cleaning,ceiling fans, roof turbines. 30 years experience

Gary 480-268-0380 ROC#183872, 227944

ce 1999 Affordable, Quality Work Sin 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

“No Job Too Small Man!”

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

ROC095639 BOND/INS'D

Bob White's OLD FASHIONED QUALITY Home Repair

Call Bob 480-893-9482

602-826-0424

Classifieds 480-898-6465

References!

Not a licensed contractor

Unbeatable Customer Service & Lowest Prices Guaranteed!

10%

Discount for Seniors & Veterans

2 Guys

FREE

Plumbing & Handyman

Opener & Door Lubrication with Repair

Plumbing, Electrical, Remodel & Additions, Drywall, Painting, Concrete, Tile & Flooring

SERVICE FEE WILL BE WAIVED WITH REPAIR

All Work Guaranteed! 30 Years Experience • INSURED

480-626-4497 www.lifetimegaragedoorsaz.com

FOOTHILLS GARAGE DOOR

Not a Licensed Contractor

Place YOUR Business HERE! in the Service Directory

Call for Our Monthly Special Discount

480-893-8091 Ahwatukee Resident • Dependable & Honest

ROC#126694

602-332-6694 ACTION CONTRACTING INC.

Same Day Service Repair/Install All Major Brands

• FREE ESTIMATES •

Call Andy

WE DO IT ALL!

Call for our 3 Month Special! Starting at $120/month

Specializing in Remodeling & Repairng

- SINCE 1978 -

• Drywall & Stucco Repairs • Windows • Doors • Cabinets • Block Fences • Painting Wrought Iron Gates • Remodeling • Additions Plumbing • Patios • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Tenant Improvements

Classifieds: 480-898-6465

East Valley 480-833-7353

Bonded/Insured

LIC/BONDED/INSURED • Res/Comm’l ROC#218802

aaaActionContractingInc.com

Flooring

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465 Home Improvement

ADD COLOR TO YOUR AD!

Ask Us. Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Home Improvement REMODEL CONTRACTOR

Plans / Additions, Patios New Doors, Windows Lowest Price in Town! R. Child Lic#216115, Class BO3 Bonded-Insured-Ref's

480-215-3373

Home Improvement

Landscape Maintenance Juan Hernandez

Landscape Maintenance

Juan Hernandez

AFFORDABLE Landscape Maintenance

SPRINKLER

Drip/Install/Repair Not a licensed contrator

24 years exp. Call Now (480) 720-3840

24 Years exp (480) 720-3840 Foothills Touch Landscapes LLC Lawn care/Maint. Starting as Low as $25. Install/Design

LEE'S SPRINKLER REPAIR 30 years experience Timers - Valves Heads Leaks FREE ESTIMATES Ahwatukee Resident Call 480-282-7222

Not a licensed contractor

Ahw. Res. 30 yrs Exp Free Estimates. Call Pat (480) 343-0562

Not a licensed contractor

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

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

Call Lance White

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

ROC 304267 • Licenced & Bonded

• Tree Trimming & Removal • Gravel Spread • General Yard Work • Weed Removal • Sprinkler Drip & Timer Repair • Insured • Free Estimates • All Work Guaranteed

Sell Your Stuff!

CHAMPION BUILT CONTRACTING INC.

Where Quality Comes First! Total Design/Build Kitchens | Baths Replacement Windows Additions | Patios Total Interior Remodels

FREE

ESTIMATES!

25 +YEARS

IN BUSINESS

Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Specials Lawn Mowing Starts At $20 Full Service Starts At $70 15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew

SONORAN LAWN

480-745-5230

Arizona Specialty Landscape

New & Re-Do Design and Installation

Affordable | Paver Specialists Drip & Sprinkler Repair BBQ’s & Outdoor Fireplaces Lighting

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

We Only Service Ahwatukee, So We Are Always Close By To Meet Unexpected Needs

480.844.9765

Residential/Commercial National Assoc. of the Remodeling Industry Member Lic | Bonded | Insured | References ROC# 113643, 113642

(480)497-5222

ChampionBuiltContracting.com

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Ahwatukee.com

CASH OUT!

Drip Systems Installed, Valves/Timer Repairs

WINTERIZE YOUR DRIP SYSTEM! Take steps now to prevent winter damage! I ONLY use commercial parts that will last a long time. TWO year warranty (instead of normal 1 year) I will check your system, drips, valves, etc. and advise you how to keep your plants healthy and system working all winter.

FREE ESTIMATES! CALL 24 HOURS 20 Yrs Exp. I Do All My Own Work! Call Mark

480.295.2279 Not a licensed contractor.

Not a licensed contractor

CLEAN-UP & TREE SERVICE

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Landscape Maintenance

A-Z Tauveli Prof LANDSCAPING LLC

Landscape Maintenance

Painting

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control

RPL Decorators

$60/Month!

We will give you totally new landscaping or revamp your current landscaping! Tree/Palm Tree Trimming • Sprinkler Systems Desertscape • Gardening • Concrete Work Block Wall • Real & Imitation • Flagstone

• One Month Free Service • Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection. • Call or Text for a Free Quote

FREE ESTIMATES

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

602-471-3490 or 480-962-5149

480-586-8445

ROC#276019 • LICENSED BONDED INSURED

Painting

• Painting • Wallpapering & Removal • Color Consultations • Finish Painting • Handyman Services 4th Generation Painter 30 Years Skilled Experience Always Neat & Dependable Expert Workmanship Guaranteed References Available

Mobile 602-369-5017 Bob480-917-3617 ROC #115384/Bonded

HOME IMPROVEMENT Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

East Valley PAINTERS

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet.

10% OFF

Please recycle me.

480-688-4770

The Valley’s Premier Painters

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates• 3 Year Warranty

Landscape Maintenance

ROC#243600

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

Now Accepting all majior credit cards

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for a Decade. Family Owned & Operated -Interior & Exterior Painting

• Pavers and Travertine • Retaining Walls • Synthetic Turf and SOD • Plants and Trees • Ramadas and Patio Covers

• BBQs and Fire Pits • Lighting (low voltage) • Irrgation Systems and Repairs • One-Time Clean-up • Maintenance

480-539-2597 cyclandscaping.com ROC: CR21-232290

Locksmith

-Stucco/Drywall Repairs & Texture Matching -Minor Carpentry -4 Year Warranty! -Competitive Pricing ACP is 100%Veteran Owned & Supports Our Vets with 10% off for all Military Personnel

See What We’re Up To!

www.AcpPaintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

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

480-898-6564

CLASSIFIEDS

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Plumbing

Painting

Pool Service / Repair

Plumbing

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

Pool Service / Repair

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning! Monthly Service & Repairs Available

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

www.barefootpoolman.com

CLASS@ TIMESPUBLICATIONS .COM

You never know what you’ll find inside

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

Plumbing & Rooter Service

Classifieds 480-898-6465

Ahw Resident • Owner Operated Maintenance & Repair Professional and Superior Service We maintain, repair and service all types of pools, equipment, filters, cleaning systems, fresh water and salt water systems

Call me, Howard:

480.231.9651

AZPoolExpert.com BBB Member

$64* Drain Cleaning *Some conditions apply. Call for details.

$39 Off* Any Service *Call for Details. For a Limited Time.

100% Guarantee on Our Work

480 898 6465

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook

Plumbing

Not a licensed contractor.

From Water Heaters to Toilets, Slab Leaks to Clogs!

JuanPavers Hernandez • Concrete Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

P O O L R E PA I R

P O O L S E RV I C E S

24/7 Emergency Service

Pebble cracking, Plaster peeling, Rebar showing, Pool Light out?

I CAN HELP!

23 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

FAST 60 Minute Service Available

Call Juan at

Everyone h

Estimates Available

480.405.3020

as someo ne to b uy

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

for…

480.898.6465

class@timespublications.com

Bonded | Insured | Lic’d ROC 257806

Plumbing

PLUMBING $35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

Sun/Shade Screens

Roofing

Window Cleaning

Honest Free Estimates References

ROOFING CONTRACTOR with 32 years exp Specializing in all types repairs, re-roofs, coating & walking decks. Quality service & response our first priority. All work guaranteed. ROC# 100401-L42 ROC# 132572-C42

John's Window Cleaning 1-story $125 / 2-story $145 -inside and out up to 30 panes (add'l panes $2) Screens cleaned $2.50 per pane. Power Washing and Re-Screening available Same day Service (480) 201-6471

DENNIS PORTER

Call Carl 480-895-3425 or 602-432-9183

Family Owned/ Operated

"Mobile Screening" Your Re-Screening Specialist.

Bug Screens - Sun Screens

Quality Leak Repairs & Re-Roofs

Patio Doors New Screens Available We Come To You! (480) 980-3321

Meetings/Events

480-460-7602 or 602-710-2263

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS & GAMANON for meeting information 602-266-97846

Call 480-898-6564

Roofing

RANDY HALFHILL

602-910-1485

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS SENIOR ASSOCIATION (AFSA) Attention: Seniors 55+ --- become a member of AFSA. Mark your calendars for the first Thursdayof every month and enjoy meeting new friends, have a delicious lunch, and be entertained. This all takes place at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel located at 51st St. and Elliot Rd. in Phoenix. Doors open at 11am and lunch is at Noon. Cost is $15. For further information and details, please call Sue McCann at (480) 469-9388.

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

Lic#ROC 152111 Bonded

Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1984

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Tree Services

U.S. ARBOR

ROOFING

New Construction, Complete Re-Roof, Repairs, Tile, Asphalt Shingle, Foam and more!

WWW.PAYNESONS.COM Contact us for a FREE evaluation

Roofing

ARE YOUR HOME AND FAMILY PROTECTED? Tile Roof Specialist

Phoenix’s Premier Tile and Foam Roofer. Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING

10% OFF Valley Wide Service

With This Ad

Free Estimates • Credit Cards OK Check out some of our jobs and reviews!

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online!

480-446-7663 (ROOF)

www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC #244850 | INSURED | BONDED

480.988.9250 SEE OUR REVIEWS ON:

• Tree Trimming • Tree Removal • Stump Grind • Queen Palm & Citrus Treatment • Deep Root Fertilization

www.usarbor.com FREE ESTIMATES

480.812.0731

TRI CERTIFIED INSTALLER LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED ROC: 194202

Tree Service

ROC: 138549B

Lic #990148 • Insured

Windows

FEBRUARY 15, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | FEBRUARY 15, 2017

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Your Hometown Air Conditioning Specialist r te -up in e W un T

UP TO

3,650

IN REBATES

0% APR

OR FOR 48 OR 60 MO.*

WINTER TUNE-UP

LIMITED TIME OFFER!

FREE 10-Year Parts and Labor

Limited Warranty*

*On Selected Systems ($1,295 Value - No Charge)

REG. $99.

Up to $800 in Utility Rebates*

WITH THE PURCHASE OF A NEW A/C SYSTEM INSTALLATION

Includes a 16-Point Inspection plus a condenser coil rinse if accessible ($5.00 Fuel and Trip Fee Applies) RESIDENTIAL ONLY

480-893-8335

www.BrewersAC.com

A+ Rating

SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-080322-00

Up to a $2,850 Brewer’s Dealer Rebate, up to $800 Utility Rebate. The Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms for 60 MONTHS apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 10/01/2016 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 2/28/2017.

FREE

Service Call Second Opinion (WITH REPAIR)