Chandler Arizonan 03-19-2023

Inside This Week

Sunday, March 19, 2023

Classroom spending increased last school year in Chandler

Kyrene, Tempe Union and Chandler

Unified school districts spent more money in the classroom last school year than in 2020-21 and students out-tested the passing averages on assessment tests for both the state and similarly sized districts.

Data showing the three districts’ spending and student achievement are contained in the annual report on Arizona school districts released earlier this month by the state Auditor General.

Although the percentage of their total

budgets for instruction spending last school year fell slightly below that expenditure for 2020-21, all three districts easily made up for that in total classroom spending, the report shows.

Overall, Kyrene’s total classroom spending comprised 71.9% of all expenditures in 2021-22 while Tempe Union’s overall classroom spending equaled 68.4%, according to the report. Chandler Unified spent 72.1% of its budget in the classroom.

The Auditor General breaks down classroom spending into three categories.

The largest involves instruction, which it defines as the cost of “teachers, teachers’

aides, substitute teachers, graders, guest lecturers, instructional supplies and aids, field trips, athletics, co-curricular activities, and tuition.”

In this area, the report says Kyrene’s instruction spending of 58.8% was below the 2020-21 percentage of 61.9% – reflecting a statewide trend that appeared in over half of all Arizona’s school districts last school year.

Tempe Union’s 52.5% instruction spending dipped from 53.4% in 2020-21.

The report said 58.2% of CUSD’s 2021-22

Chandler center addresses big need in building industry

Asevere labor shortage has caused delays to building projects around the nation and St. Louis-based McCarthy Building Companies is doing something about it with its first Innovation and Craft Workforce Center in West Chandler.

The $10 million investment is meant to help train future workers, bringing more electricians, carpenters, plumbers and others into the workforce.

“We noticed the same deficiency in craft workers and the gap between what the overall need is in

the local market, and the supply of workers,” said Eric Fields, the vice president of operations for the company. “

“So we wanted to create a space that we could attract that talent that might not be interested in the construction industry, have a space to be able to train them, to give them the skills they need to pursue a career in construction.”

The new training center is partnering with East Valley Institute of Technology to expose young people to possible careers in the construction field.

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Fields said ideally these new workers will be hired by McCarthy, but that if they decide to go to a different company, so be it.

“It’s not a selfish thing, we want to just generate momentum for the industry is large,” Fields said. “We have a lot of peer companies that we work with, and we want them to be just as successful as we are.

“But there’s a shortage of 4,000 workers – not all of those need to go to McCarthy.”

Fields says many of their new trainees respond to job listings. They will take someone who has no experience and pay them $19 an hour to start.

The first step is to teach them the safety habits they need for their jobs. That happens in the new training center with the Safe Start classes.

Then, they can expect to work with experienced workers in whatever field they are learning for a few years.

“That’s kind of individual based, but we follow a typical four-year apprenticeship program,” Fields said.

“If you’re coming to us as a green individual with no experience, usually it’s

about four years to get through to get all the knowledge you can before we’d send you out on their own. But, some people develop faster than others.”

He said they are flexible, so if someone starts out as a plumber, but soon

learns they don’t like that, they can switch to something else.

“We can help foster that transition into the different trades that might, they might be more passionate about,” Fields said.

“I’m big on wanting to put people in roles that they’re passionate about, because we usually get better results. And so helping folks find that right career path is definitely something we’re trying to do.”

EVIT students were at the center the first week of March. Fields said they had the class work with the integrated design and delivery team, led by architects, working on a virtual 3D model.

“Then our self perform teams take that model, and break it up into their individual things, you can generate fabrication sheets, those fabrication sheets are then manufactured in our prefab facilities,” Fields said.

“So those students were learning that and then taking one of the fabrication sheets and generating a hands-on activity related a built in-wall roughed in for a plumbing fixture.”

McCarthy is spending a lot of money to attract and train new workers.

“I think you’ll start to see some of these pop up around the country in other McCarthy regions, and probably see other industry partners generating facilities like this to help with that overall demand,” Fields said. “It’s not just McCarthy that has the need. Definitely want to attract the best talent, then train them and retain them.”

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2 S. Chandler girls vied for state spelling title

There is no magic formula for being a top speller. It’s pretty much the same requirements for being on top in anything else: You have to work hard.

That’s the takeaway from the two Chandler Unified School District students who were to compete in the Arizona Spelling Bee March 18 in Phoenix. Because the bee occurred after the Arizonan’s deadline, winners will be reported online at chandlernews.com.

Both South Chandler school students say they are studying every day, getting ready for the competition. They have been busy trying to memorize the more than 4,000 words that were handed out to them.

“Well, I don’t know the meaning of almost all of them, but I know how to spell them,” said Regina Rascon, a 7th grader at Bogle Junior High School.

“I just do a page every day,” said Opal Mishra, a 6th grader at Basha Accelerated Junior High. She said there are 25 pages of words to memorize. “And then the week before I review all the pages.”

There are 27 state finalists who are scheduled to compete at the Madison Center for the Arts. It starts at 10:30 a.m. and is open to the public.

The competitors range in age from 8 to 14. The winner and runner-up of the

state competition will get to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee starting on May 30.

Arizona has one of the highest spelling bee participation rates in the nation, with more than 484,000 students competing. Thunderbird Charities and the Arizona Educational Foundation are major sponsors for the event.

Both girls play musical instruments, Mishra the clarinet and Regina the piano and violin. Winning spelling bees is nothing new for Regina.

“I lived in Mexico and there was a spelling bee,” she said. “But it was a lot easier than the United States spelling bee.”

She said her family moved to the U.S. in 2020 after her dad got a job here. Regina said there’s no comparison, she prefers the U.S. education over Mexico.

“It has better education and it has electives,” she said. “Mexico didn’t have any electives.”

Her electives here are orchestra, design and modeling. When she’s not playing the violin, she said she likes to read, preferring youth action series such as Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.

Opal says her mom is helping her prepare for the bee by quizzing her each night. And when she’s not studying, she enjoys watching TV and playing the clarinet.

SPELLING page 8

SCHOOLS from page 1

spending went to instruction as opposed to 61.7% of the previous year’s budget.

The other two categories comprising classroom spending are student support and instruction support.

Student support – which cost 8.8% of Tempe Union’s total budget, 8.9% of Kyrene’s and 8.1% of Chandler’s – covers the cost of “counselors, audiologists, speech pathologists, nurses, social workers, and attendance services,” according to the report.

Additionally, spending on instruction support comprised 5.8% of CUSD’s expenditures in 2021-22, Kyrene spent 4.2% and Tempe Union 7.1%.

Instruction support covers the cost of “librarians, teacher training, curriculum development, special education directors, media specialists, and instruction-related technology services,” according to the Auditor General.

Other data in the report show per-pupil spending by the three districts was generally up in 2021-22 over the previous year.

Kyrene’s $5,835 per-pupil instruction spending was $139 higher than the previous year and student support spending rose $121 to $884 while instruction support nudged up by $16 to $421 per pupil.

Tempe Union’s per-pupil instruction support costs dropped by $26 to $688 while its instruction spending rose $38 to $5,041 and student support expenditures per pupil went up $45 to $847.

Chandler Unified’s per-pupil instruction spending rose by $294 to $5,786. Its student support expenditures per pupil rose by $110 to $803 and its instruction support costs climbed by $139 to $574.

The cause for the percentage decrease

KYRENE SCHOOL DISTRICT

(Left) Kyrene spent 71.9% of its budget last year in the classroom. (Below) Kyrene students outperformed on assessment tests for math, science and English Language Arts with higher passing percentages than the state average and that of similarly sized school districts in the state.

(Arizona Auditor General)

and Kyrene are really, at the top of the state, as far as how much money goes into the classroom,” Hermann said. “That’s a point of pride for both of our districts.”

The Auditor General said Kyrene’s $3.28 per meal was comparable to the state average of $3.25 and the $3.29 spent by districts its size and called Tempe Union’s per-meal food service spending of $2.15 “very low” because districts its size spent $3.12.

In whole dollars per pupil, food service spending by Kyrene rose $266 to $541 while Tempe Union spent $261 per student for food service, an increase of $95.

in instruction spending is related to the free lunch program, according to Kyrene School District Chief Financial Officer Chris Hermmann, who explained how his district and CUSD are similar during an event sponsored by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce March 3.

“Last year, the federal government had a program where they offered free meals for all students, breakfast and lunch in the classroom,” said Hermann, adding:

“And so for us, we typically don’t have a lot of participation in the federal programs because we have very few students in poverty that qualify for free or reduced priced lunches. But when all the meals are free, we saw a huge increase in the number of students that were taking advantage of that for the year.”

CUSD Chief Financial Officer Lana Berry nodded in agreement with Herr-

mann during the Chamber event.

“Our spending in food service areas went up by 106%,” Hermann said. “Year over year, that was almost a $4 million increase in spending. If you took that change and had it be the similar amount as a previous year, we would be right there (as far as education spending).”

Most of the numbers in the Auditor General’s report were favorable to all three districts both in terms of spending and academic achievement.

“In-classroom spending in Chandler

TEMPE UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT

While per-pupil food service spending rose last year by $168 to $530, the district’s cost of a meal was lower than similarly sized districts and the state average. The report said per-meal spending for the district was $2.96 as opposed to the state average of $3.25.

Kyrene District spokeswoman Erin Helm echoed Herrmann, stating: “If food service had not been impacted, Kyrene instructional spending would have been 60.9%, and overall classroom spending would have been 74%. Instructional spending is a subset of classroom spending, which also includes student support and classroom support.

“Kyrene continues to outperform

see SCHOOLS page 8

(Left) In the 2021-22 school year, Tempe Union devoted 68.4% of its spending to the classroom. (Below) As their Kyrene counterparts did, Tempe Union students in 2021-22 outperformed on state assessment tests with higher passing percentages than the state average and that of similarly sized districts.

(Arizona Auditor General)

peer districts and state averages when it comes to both instructional spending and overall classroom spending.”

Asked about the dip in instruction spending by Tempe Union, district spokeswoman Megan Sterling said, “This makes sense to us.”

“We are in an era of declining enrollment largely due to the demographics of our boundaries. The 0.9% decrease in spending from 20/21 to 21/22 corresponds to the decline in enrollment between those years,” Sterling said.

The report’s examination of student performance on assessment tests for math, English Language Arts contained good news for school officials and parents in all three districts.

Statewide, the average of students passing math last year fell to a mere 33% from 42% in 2018-19, the last time those tests were administered prior to last year because of pandemic-driven shutdowns of campuses.

districts also exceeded the averages recorded in districts of their size.

In English Language Arts, 53% of Kyrene students and 48% of Tempe Union students passed as opposed to a 40% state average.

The percentage of Kyrene students who passed math assessment was 44.9% and 41% for Tempe Union students. Both www.itsallaboutetiquette.com

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(Left) Chandler Unified spent nearly three-quarters of all its money last school year in the classroom. (Below) CUSD students out-tested those in similarly sized districts and the state average in assessments of their knowledge in math, science and English Language Arts last school year.

(Arizona Auditor General)

24% in science.

Chandler Unified is the second-largest district in the state, so its peer group includes the state’s 11 largest districts, each with an enrollment of more than 15,000. The average passing percentages for that group were 47% in math, 53% in English Language Arts and 33% in science.

For per-pupil spending on administration, the Auditor General gave Kyrene a “very low” rating compared to districts its size and Tempe Union a “high” designation.

Kyrene’s spent $860 per student on administration in contrast to peer districts’ $1,082 and a state average of $1,088.

The number of students per administrator in Kyrene was 64 last school year, compared to 67 for peer districts and a state average of 63.

Kyrene’s passing average was well above the 40% average for districts its size and Tempe Union far exceeded the 28% passing rate for districts its size.

In science, 38% of Kyrene students 29% of Tempe Union students passed – exceeding the 24% average for all districts in Arizona.

CUSD’s passing rates last school year were 52% in math, 57% in English Language Arts and 35% in science. The state averages for last school year were 33% in math, 40% in English Language Arts and

Tempe Union’s $1,092 in per-pupil spending for administration exceeded both the peer district average of $1,000 and the state average. The number of Tempe Union students per administrator also exceeded that of peer districts’ 65 average and the statewide 63 pupil average.

CUSD also spent only $801 per student for its administration. The peer group spent $921 and the state average was $1,088. And Chandler’s ratio of students to administrator was a cost-saving 95 students to one administrator as opposed to 71 students for peer districts and the state average of 63.

Certified etiquette instructor, SueAnn Brown, owner of It’s All About Etiquette, will offer four-day summer etiquette camps for three different age groups. There will be a camp for ages 6 to 8, ages 9 to 12, a four day program and teens workshop for ages 13-18, a two day program.

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Why the clarinet?

“My sister played it, so I wanted to play it too,” Opal said.

The two girls have something else in common. They both said math is their favorite subject.

So what do they think of their chances of winning the Arizona Bee and representing the state at the National competition?

“I think I’ll do it,” Opal said.

“I don’t really know what’s gonna happen, but I hope I can make it to the national,” Regina said.

State lawmakers aim to carve up CUSD

Arizona lawmakers are moving to require a public vote in the state’s largest school districts to determine whether they should be split up.

The measure, which passed the Arizona House on March 1, has left officials at Mesa Public Schools scratching their heads and prompted concerns from Chandler Unified – two of the districts, along with Tucson, that would immediately be targeted if the bill becomes law.

Mesa officials are wondering where the move came from and what the benefits would be for students and taxpayers.

Asked about the bill, CUSD issued a statement:

“We believe splitting up districts may cause a financial burden on the taxpayer. As good stewards of taxpayer funds, we do not agree with this. Our stakeholders and constituents have not asked for this. Additionally, as Arizona’s second largest school district, Chandler Unified remains one of the highest achieving districts in the state academically.

“We were just voted the best public school district in the East Valley and continue to be recognized as a top public school district in Arizona by agencies like Niche. We attribute this to the ongoing support we continue to receive from our families, staff, and community.”

Mesa Assistant Superintendent Scott Thompson said, “Many blue-ribbon panels and several bills in the past have suggested schools are inefficient and could benefit from consolidation,”

“Now we are talking about breaking up school districts and creating more administrative costs. This seems to be in direct conflict with many of the past conversations on this topic.”

“Mesa Public Schools is open and ready to have a conversation with anyone interested in how the district operates. We were not asked for input into this bill,” he said.

The bill, HB 2546, is being advanced by Rep. Rachel Jones, a first-term Republican lawmaker from Tucson who said many of her constituents are unhappy

with the decisions being made by the Tucson Unified Governing Board.

She said they would be happier with a smaller district, which she believes would pgive them a greater voice and a board elected more from their own area versus the nearly 229 square miles that now covers the district.

But Jones’ desire to force a vote to split the district also would have a spillover effect: In crafting the measure to apply to districts of more than 35,000 students it also would mandate the same kind of vote in Mesa and Chandler Unified.

That’s just fine with Rep. Justin Heap, R-Mesa.

“It is a massive beast of a school district,’’ he said when the measure was being debated in the House Committee on Municipal Oversight and Elections.

Heap said Mesa Public Schools district’s racial and economic diversity makes it too large to ensure that parents get their voices heard.

“We all like local control,” she continued, “and I understand why people are reluctant to give up the small districts.”

But there are other things large districts can do to respond to issues brought up by Jones, MPS Governing Board President Marcie Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson said that under state law, boards can implement a district system for electing board members, like the Mesa City Council has. This could ensure board members are seated from a wide area of the district.

“Geographically, we’re huge,” she said. “Some people have bantered about the idea of a districting in the Mesa Public Schools district, but that is something that’s a whisper. It’s just a ‘what if’ thing.”

She also said splitting up the district would “replicate administrative costs. Think about all the efficiencies we have. To me that does not make a lot of fiscal sense.”

All the House Republicans agreed with Jones, voting in favor of the mandated election. All Democrats were opposed.

Arizona law already allows an election

see DISTRICTS page 10

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to split a school district to be called if 10% of the residents of an area proposing to form a new district submit petitions. A similar margin is required from the area that would remain.

Jones, however, said that option isn’t enough.

“This came from concerned parents, concerned constituents, that that process is almost impossible to get the desired outcome,’’ she said during the House floor debate.

And that desired outcome, said Jones, is a smaller district for her constituents – and one where board members would answer to those constituents.

“What this does is it gives power back to the parents to say, ‘Yes, we would like to be able to potentially choose if we want to split up the district or not,’ ‘’ Jones continued. “This does give the power to the parents to say, ‘You know,

this isn’t working.’ ‘’

Jones said that breaking up the district will empower not just parents but also the teachers and principals at individual schools.

Jones also claimed that splitting up TUSD “would be a wash, if not a money savings.”

But Thompson disagrees with that assessment.

“Mesa Public Schools is running $175 per student lower in administrative costs as compared to districts statewide,” he said, stating:

“Our peer group of larger school districts is running $167 per student lower in administrative costs as compared to districts statewide. How would creating a smaller district with more administration be efficient?”

Former MPS Board President Jenny Richardson also argued that there would be financial downsides to splitting up the district.

“There’s an economy to scale,” she said. “There’s some things we get because we have buying power. You would be duplicating a lot” if the district was split up.

One thing missing from HB 2546 as it was approved by the House are details of exactly how the breakup process would work.

What is clear at this point is that a vote would be required in Tucson, Mesa and Chandler schools, with residents deciding whether two – or three – is better than one.

But there is nothing at this point to say that residents would get maps to show exactly where the new lines would be drawn, something that would be required in an election sought by residents.

What also is missing is how assets like school buses would be divided and how to deal with existing bond debt.

Jones told Capitol Media Services that much of that would be worked out in the

Senate, where the measure now heads. But she declined to provide specifics.

This isn’t the first time that lawmakers have debated the question of what has been a perennial question at the Capitol of what is the ideal size of a school district.

As recently as 2019 lawmakers debated a measure moving in the opposite direction by forcing consolidation of the more than 200 school districts in the state as a method of saving money by avoiding duplication.

The measure failed amid opposition from people who wanted to keep things the way they were.

That question of how big is too big isn’t just being considered in the context of school districts. There was an effort at the Capitol to split Maricopa County into four separate counties.

There was a big difference, though: SB 1137 would have mandated a break-up.

It failed in a Senate vote last week.

Counselors fret over end of fed funding

On any given day Steve Kanner, a school counselor at Hamilton High School, can be found speaking in a classroom or having a oneon-one conversation with a student.

Hamilton High has a ratio of 400 students to one counselor; the average ratio in the state of Arizona is 650 students to one counselor for K-12, according to the American School Counselor Association.

Hamilton has 10 counselors, two social workers and three psychologists and brought on extra counselors and social workers through federal funding during the pandemic. School districts could decide how to appropriate funds within certain parameters.

Chandler Unified used some of the funds to hire new school counselors and social workers.

In the fiscal year 2021-2022, Chandler Unified had 93 school counselors and 19

social workers. For the fiscal year 20222023, the district has 98 counselors and 23 social workers.

In that time, according to a recent state Auditor General report, the district’s spending for student support represented 8.1% of Chandler Unified’s total spending and a per-pupil increase for such support of $110 to $803

Some of that funding will expire later this year, and the extra counselors brought on by schools using the funding may be let go, ASCA Executive Director Jill Cook said.

“Our hope is as federal funding may wane that schools in the state will find ways to keep these positions in schools,” she said.

Cook emphasized the difference between school counselors today and guidance counselors from years ago.

“We are no longer guidance counselors who maybe do clerical work, just work on the college application process for students or work on disciplinary issues,” she explained.

“Today’s school counselors work with all students in a school and spend 80% of their time in direct and indirect services to students,” Cook said, noting classroom instruction, small group work, individual counseling and consultation and working with families take up most of their time.

Based on several studies, ASCA recommends a ratio of 250 students to one counselor at K-12 schools. As of 2022,

the national average was 408 students to one counselor, according to ASCA.

Using a variety of studies, ASCA draws a connection between a lower student-to-counselor ratio and increased standardized test performance, attendance, GPA and graduation rates and decreased disciplinary infractions.

Studies also show lower ratios increase the likelihood of students having conversations with school counselors regarding college and postsecondary plans.

“We are now starting to get these research results that show the impact of having this comprehensive approach to this work and what it can mean for students in a school,” Cook said.

School counselors today wear many hats beyond just helping with academics, according to Mandy Tietjen, who has been a school counselor at Hamilton High for six years.

“They don’t see the days that we’re in classes, all six periods presenting, the one-on-one sit-downs we’re having for registration for the last five weeks, where we’re meeting with every student.

“The meetings we’re having with families because they want to talk about college or maybe their kid won’t get out of bed and come to school,” Tietjen said.

School counselors’ role is to help students navigate their high school years, work toward meeting personal goals and social-emotional needs, and communicate with families, Kanner and Tietjen said.

Tietjen said counselors are like a communication hub for parents and students. They can answer parents’ questions and connect them with teachers if needed.

Kanner has worked in the district for 27 years.

“Every day I try to come in and do the best job I can and not really think about how many students I have,” Kanner said. “Because if we’re in the classroom, I’m just thinking of the class, or if I’m talking to a student one-on-one, I am just focused on the student.”

Their day-to-day is based on the students and their needs.

COUNSELORS from page 12

“I always have my to-do list, but first thing in the morning, a student walks in and says, ‘Yesterday my dad got diagnosed with cancer,’ and your to-do list goes back behind you, and now we’re present, and we’re talking about that, and we’re on the phone with the parents, and we’re talking to social workers, and we’re coming up with resources,” Tietjen said.

School counselors are important for school function and students’ experience and success, ASCA’s Cook said, and school administrators agree.

“We are thankful for our counselors every day,” Chandler Unified School District Superintendent Franklin R. Narducci said in an emailed statement.

“School counselors help our students dream big,” he continued. “We are proud

of the work CUSD counselors do. We know it is not easy and sometimes goes unnoticed.”

Kanner highlighted the continuity counselors maintain with their students as an important part of their job. Tietjen agreed.

“Our kids see the same counselor, the same administrator all four years, and we’re able to communicate,” Tietjen said. “If there’s a discipline issue, we have a little insight about that and what social-emotional needs could be supported.”

Kanner and Tietjen hope their school and others can keep on counselors who were hired with pandemic relief funds.

“There’s only so much time in a day, and if you took away one of our people, then that means less time,” Tietjen said. “Everything equates to how much we have to give each individual student.”

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As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves

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East Valley event thanks Vietnam veterans

In March 1973, the last U.S. combat troops withdrew from Vietnam and returned to a divided country where many veterans didn’t receive recognition for their service.

Starting at noon Saturday, March 25, the 50th Anniversary Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day event at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, looks to remedy that by honoring area veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces from November 1955 to May 1975, regardless of their location at the time. Veterans are invited to receive free haircuts and other services from approximately 100 education and informational vendors.

The public is invited to join the celebration, which will include live bands, Native American and Mexican folk dance troops, military equipment displays a Wreaths Across America educa-

tional trailer, food trucks, and a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Organizers encourage people to contribute a small donation of a non-perishable food items to benefit the Supersti-

Elisa Krcilek, vice president of Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, said that while she holds a special place in her heart for all veterans, those who served in Vietnam hold a special distinction. (YouTube)

years later, Fassbender said she’s still “very proud” of it.

Fassbender spent much of her career as an accountant and moved to Arizona in 1998.

An office manager for a tax preparation company in Gold Canyon, she organizes a variety of veterans events and even penned a book,“My Fallen Hero,” which chronicles the stories of all the service members from Pinal County who died in combat, starting from World War One to present day.

“I encourage the public because I want them to welcome home the Vietnam veterans,” Fassbender said. “This is why in Iraq and Afghanistan we didn’t lose as many soldiers as we could have, because of what the technology and everything that we learned happened in Vietnam.”

tion Community Food Bank.

Starting at 10 a.m., ceremonies will take place including a color guard by the Apache Junction High School Navy JROTC.

Additionally, students from Patterson Elementary School in Gilbert will be on hand holding signs with supportive phrases like “Welcome Home” and “Thank you for your service.”

From February 1961 until May 1975, approximately 2.7 million U.S. service members served in Vietnam, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.. is inscribed with the names of over 58,000 service members killed in the war.

In 2012, President Barack Obama signed a presidential proclamation designating March 29 as the annual observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day. In 2017, President Donald Trump signed Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act,to include National Vietnam War Veterans Day as an occasion for raising the flag on all public buildings.

In 2012, Nancy Fassbender of Gold Canyon started to hold an event that drew more than 1,500 veterans every March to the Mesa Market Place Swap Meet to honor veterans.

The Lincoln, Nebraska, native joined the Army National Guard in 1975 as a helicopter mechanic and although an injury ended her military career three

Fassbender has partnered with Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemeteryin Mesa on other projects, including the Wreaths Across America, which offers people a chance to sponsor a wreath for placement on a veteran’s grave during the Christmas holidays.

She approached Mountain View about hosting the Vietnam veterans celebration and was surprised by the response.

“I didn’t get one sentence out before they’re saying, ‘We’re in, we would be honored to work with you on this,’” Fassbender said.

Elisa Krcilek, vice president of Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, said that while she holds a special place in her heart for all veterans, those who served in Vietnam hold a distinction.

“I come from a very long history of military and the people serving today are treated and respected far greater than they were 50 years ago,” she said.

Krcilek and her sister were born on base at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, while her dad served as a heavy equipment operator in the Marine Corps. She has two sons in the Navy.

Along with the importance of the half-century anniversary, Krcilek said events like this allow the community to come together, regardless of political views of the war, to honor men and

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Chandler settles vaping suit, won’t discuss terms

The Chandler Unified School District has settled its lawsuit against Juul Labs Inc. and other vaping companies.

But district officials are not giving any details.

“Under advice of counsel, we cannot comment on the terms and conditions of the agreement between Chandler Unified School District and Juul Labs Inc. at this time,” said district spokeswoman Stephanie Ingersoll.

The CUSD Governing Board approved the settlement without comment March 8 in connection with a lawsuit the district filed on March 7, 2022.

It was one of hundreds filed by school districts across the country against the tobacco company, seeking compensation because they had to deal with the fallout of a teen vaping epidemic.

In the lawsuits, districts claim they had to devote resources to monitoring and

policing vaping in school. Many started education campaigns to warn students and parents of the dangers of vaping. Both Kyrene and Tempe Union school districts have filed similar suits but have made no settlement yet.

The districts have accused Juul and others of marketing directly to children.

The Wall Street Journal reported in December that Juul had agreed to settle more than 5,000 cases and 10,000 plaintiffs filed against them by school districts, local governments and individuals for about $1.7 billion.

The company had agreed in September to settle a multi-state investigation for $438.5 million.

Juul offered fruit and candy flavors, which proved popular with many teens. It is illegal for anyone younger than 18 to purchase e-cigarettes.

CUSD says it will use whatever money they get from the settlement to address vaping.

“We anticipate the settlement being

used as compensatory redistribution by means of prevention, intervention and postvention programming to address the problems of youth nicotine and vaping addiction,” Ingersoll wrote.

The Palm Beach Post reported Palm Beach County School Board settled for more than $10 million over five years.

The Chicago Tribune reported District U-46 settled for $1.2 million.

There are about 192,000 students in the Palm Beach district and 35,000 in the U-46 district. CUSD has about 45,000 students.

In other news from the March 8 meeting, the district is placing orders to purchase more school buses. What’s different is they are 2025 buses.

Lana Berry, the district’s CFO, said they have to purchase them this early because of supply chain shortages that are slowing down delivery. She said the district is still waiting delivery of buses it bought 18 months ago.

The Governing Board approved

spending more than $1.8 million to buy 10 2024 special education buses and $2.5 million to purchase 10 2025 general education buses.

“Our orders that we placed in May of 2021 are still not here,” Berry told the board. She said while they are waiting for delivery, the bus manufacturers could raise the price and give the district a take it or leave it demand, knowing there are other districts in need of buses.

“We’re really at … their mercy,” Berry said. “We really need the buses.”

In addition to the buses the Governing Board approved the purchase of six smaller 2025 buses for $1.7 million. They have room for 47 passengers, the others seat 84. These would be for athletics teams and other smaller needs.

The district also added to its White Fleet by agreeing to buy eight Chevrolet 2023 vans for support services and one Equinox.

The total price of the 35 vehicles is $6.48 million.

service has not been ignored.

480.730.6469 kathleen@kathleennielsenlaw.com

women who came home and found no respect or gratitude for their service.

“It gives our cemetery the opportunity to say thank you, to show reverence and respect to those that served during a very difficult time,” Krcilek said. “These guys, no matter what role or what job they had, during Vietnam, they’ve all come back with some heavy weight on their hearts.”

Krcilek’s dad served four years in the Marines and went to boot camp with many men who deployed to Vietnam, including two cousins, one of whom was featured on the cover of Time Life Magazine and in a documentary.

Because he never deployed himself, Kriclek’s father displays his Marine Corps pride with hats and shirts but never wears a Vietnam veteran cap.

“My father was always very proud of his cousin, but weirdly a little disappointed at the same time that he did not serve in the same capacity that they did,” Krcilek said.

Krcilek said events like this tell those veterans they are appreciated and their

She recalled an incident in a supermarket that occurred while she was wearing a “Proud Navy Mom” T-shirt and a elderly man walked up to her “clearly choked up” and thanked her son.

Krcilek said the man told her, “You have no idea how prideful it is, but how sad it is, there’s not a day that goes by in my life that I do not think about that war.”

“I said, ‘Well, I’m really grateful you came home,’” she recalled, “and he said, ‘you have no idea what that means. So many of my friends and so many of the men I served with didn’t.”

That’s one reason that when Nancy Fassbender approached Mountain View with her idea, Krcilek said they “just fell in love with the idea.”

“So, it’s a very honorable thing to be able to do for our veterans and their families,” Krcilek said.

Information: Nancy Fassbender at 520-280-4715.

Around Chandler

Chandler Police arrest 17 suspected online predators

The Chandler Police Department says it arrested 17 suspected online predators during a sting operation that took place the week of the Waste Management Phoenix Open and Super Bowl.

Police say it was a joint operation with several law enforcement and non-government organizations during the high-profile events to deter illegal sex-related activities.

The people arrested allegedly solicited illicit sexual activities with minor children in Chandler. The 17 suspects were arrested for 43 sex-related felony crimes. Three firearms and drugs were also seized.

Chandler man accused of fatally shooting wife in front of 4 kids

A Chandler man has been jailed on a first-degree murder charge for allegedly fatally shooting his wife in their apartment while their four children were there shortly before noon March 14.

Police said when they arrived at the complex in the 2000 lock of W. Frye Road, the suspect, Mohammad Alkurdi, 38, and the couple’s four children, all under 9, were outside.

The victim’s name was not immediately released because police were seeking next of kin.

City moves its Easter Celebration to A.J. Chandler Park

The City of Chandler is moving its Family Easter Celebration to A.J. Chandler Park in Downtown. It is scheduled for 5:30-8:30 p.m April 7 and there is no admission charge.

Children can hunt for eggs filled with candy and prizes on the 24 Karrot Trail. Any child who finds the Golden Karrot gets a special prize. The trail will be open

until the eggs run out.

There also will be carnival games, a prize wheel, inflatable attractions and photos with the Easter bunny. Visit chandleraz.gov/easter for more information.

Stretch Authority offer golfers free stretching at charity event

Golfers can help enhance your game and prevent injuries with Stretch Authority’s experts at the Chandler Compadres’ 2023 Golf Tournament at Whirlwind Golf Course on April 7 with a free 10-minute stretching for all golfers from 7-10 a.m. prior to the shotgun start. “Our team of experts will be there to help you warm up, increase your flexibility, and improve your performance on the course,” the clinic said in a release..

“We are proud to support the Chandler Compadres, who raise hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for the community,” it said. “To show our support, we are donating our services to all

see AROUND page 18

golfers at the tournament. We encourage everyone to make a donation to the Compadres at chandlercompadres.org/ donate to help support their important work.”

Groups interested in having Stretch Authority for an event can email friends@stretchauthority.com.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College gets science grant

The National Science Foundation has awarded Chandler-Gilbert Community College a grant to help students pursuing degrees in engineering and artificial intelligence/machine learning.

Each student will receive a $5,000 per semester scholarship for up to four semesters.

The deadline to apply for the REACH (Research, Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence Career Heights) grant is March 31. Information: cgc.edu/reach.

MAG awards $7.1 million in grants to Chandler for various projects

The Maricopa Association of Govern-

ment (MAG) awarded the city of Chandler $7.1 million to fund several projects as part of its closeout funds.

Most of the money, $4.17 million, will go to the Frye Road Protected Bike Lanes project. That project is adding barriers between the bike lanes and traffic from San Marcos Park to the Paseo Trail.

The rest of the money is going toward alley paving ($800,000); a shared use path along Highline and Kyrene Branch Canal ($100,000); an arterial detection project ($940,000); adding video detection systems and communication equipment to key intersections ($480,000); and improving the regional detection and communication system at 16 intersections ($530,000).

Chandler Library partners with In-N-Out Burger on reading

The Chandler Library and In-N-Out Burger are encouraging children to read during a spring campaign. They are partnering on the Cover-To-Cover Club, asking children 4-12 to read through April 15.

Once they have read five books, they get an Achievement Award, good for a

free burger at any In-N-Out location.

Participants are eligible for up to three free burgers.

Children must register and will receive a reading log to keep track of the books they have read. They can sign up at any of the library’s four locations.

For more information call 480-7822800.

Family bike ride with Hartke is slated at Tumbleweed Park

Mayor Kevin Hartke is inviting Chandler residents to bike with him along the Paseo Trail for the 15th annual Chandler Family Bike Ride.

The nearly eight-mile ride starts at 8:30 a.m., April 1 at Chandler’s Park & Ride lot near Tumbleweed Park, at the southwest corner of Germann Road and Hamilton Street.

Cyclists will then travel to Tibshraeny Park, before turning around and returning to Tumbleweed.

Participants get a free T-shirt while supplies last. There will be refreshments and bicycle safety information. Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m.

NOW Massage opens its first Chandler location

The NOW Massage has opened its first Chandler location at 3305 W. Chandler Blvd. The company has locations in 15 states. There are only two in Arizona, Chandler and Scottsdale.

Working America exhibit opens at Chandler Museum

The photographer exhibit “Working America” is now on display at the Chandler Museum through May 21.

Artist Sam Comes presents immigrants and first-generation Americans working in skilled trades in a way to highlight the American experience.

The museum is located at 300 S. Chandler Village Drive and open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

LibCon underway at the Chandler Library

The Chandler Library’s celebration of pop culture, LibCon, in underway through the end of this month.

see AROUND page 19

LibCon celebrates K-pop, comics, super heroes, sci-fi and other pop culture with free programs in March.

The annual event has grown in popularity, from 100 attendees its first year to 400 last year. It targets a teen audience. For a list of upcoming events visit chandlerlibrary.org/LibCon. For information, call 480-782-2800.

Chandler Chamber accepting Community Awards nominations

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its annual Community Awards through April 7.

This will be the 36th year the Chandler Chamber has recognized top businesses, educators, and public servants. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on June 1.

For information on how to submit nominations, email info@chandlerchamber.com.

Semicolon Society to host community mental health event

The Semicolon Society plans to hold its first Community Hope Project, which will focus on connecting and healing our Chandler community, and every event will include a community discussion related to mental health as well as an experiential activity to build community and family connection and support. The first event is scheduled for 5-to-7 p.m., April 28 at the Chandler Community Center courtyard, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave.

There will be a rock painting activity where participants are asked to write messages of hope to others.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College opens new exhibit

The spring 2023 exhibition, titled “The Art of Storytelling: Illustration and Se-

quential Art,” has opened at Chandler Gilbert Community College’s Pecos Library Gallery. The exhibit highlights the development of narratives through traditional and digital media and celebrates students’ works from the Illustration and Sequential Art Program at the college.

Illustration and sequential art is a quickly evolving and relatively new genre and it includes a variety of media such as comic books, animation, gaming, picture books, graphic novels, fantasy illustration, anime, cartooning, and more.

Visitors can explore the inking process by interpreting, finalizing, and adding depth and clarity to the pencil drawings provided in the gallery. A walkthrough and reception will be held 4-5 p.m. March 27. The exhibition runs through April 7.

Chandler Jewish community celebrates Purim holiday

March 6-7 marked the Jewish holiday of Purim, which marks the story of how Mordechai and his cousin Esther saved the Jews from destruction by Haman, a Persian noble.

“Purim gives the message of courage and strength to look for the hidden hand of G-d because he will never abandon you,” explained a spokeswoman for Congregation NefeshSoul, a reform Jewish congregation located in Chandler on the west side of the I-10 and Ray Road.

“It also provides a message of strength for people to use their own resources in times of difficulty.”

Purim was recently celebrated at Congregation NefeshSoul with a play put on by congregants and Cantor Rodger, who penned the work.

For more information about the congregation, email NefeshSoul@gmail. com.

Roller-coaster market is tilting toward home sellers

The year isn’t even three months old yet, and the most recent data from a leading analyst indicates the Phoenix Metro housing market is echoing national experts who see some trends that suggest 2023 will be a wild year in residential real estate.

People are still buying homes and the demand continues to outpace supply.

Bank collapses caused mortgage rates to fall briefly on March 13 before ticking back up again, according to Mortgage News Daily‘s average rates for 30-year fixed-rate loans. But the following day, they ticked upward again.

Two weeks ago, Valley housing analyst the Cromford Report noted when rates had tipped past 7% that people “might expect demand to be very weak because mortgage rates have jumped back.”

But it continued that “buyers are not capitulating and the growth of listings under contract is much healthier than

we expected under these circumstances.”

It added, “The balance between supply and demand has shifted significantly over the past three months and there is now upward pressure on pricing once more.”

And for people who are predicting a Great Recession-style collapse of the housing market, the Cromford Report almost scornfully said:

“The current pricing trend may contradict the claims by various amateur pundits and their daft YouTube channels, but there is almost no data that supports the theory that prices are going to

collapse from this point.”

“Anyone who is hoping for a flood of supply from foreclosures is living on a different planet from our real world,” the report said last week, saying data show “there is absolutely no sign of this becoming a possibility. In the YouTube world perhaps, but not on Planet Earth.”

Citing a wealth of data from February sales, the Cromford Report noted, “The 16.6% growth in listings under contract since the beginning of February, and the 31% increase in the monthly sales rate, are surprisingly strong.”

It said year-over-year data from the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service show total active listings more than doubled in February over February 2022 with 17,937 versus 8,305 last year.

The roller coaster becomes evident in other data for the last two months: Under-contract listings by March 1 totaled 9,109 versus 12,050 March 1, 2022. While that’s down 24%, the March 1, 2023, total also was up 16.6% from 7,810 in January, Cromford reported

And while monthly sales of 5,693 last month were 29% below the 7,993 the same month last year, they were 31% above the 4,357 in January.

Phoenix REALTORS said that in February, “the average sales price increased month-over month moving from $539,617 to $544,906.”

The Cromford Report said the monthly median sales price of $413,000 in February, while 7.2% lower than February 2022’s average of $445,000, nudged up above the January 2023 average of $410,000.

But Cromford warned of storm clouds ahead for buyers looking for a bargain, noting , “The supply of active listings has been trending lower for several months.”

It added, “Pricing remains weaker than a year ago, when we were still in a boom period with exceptionally low supply. But the trend is now pointing higher, not lower.”

A major factor that prevents the possibility of a housing market crash, it noted, is supply: It’s not even close to normal either in the Valley or most parts of the country.

“For this to happen we would need to have a wave of new supply creating problems for sellers,” the Cromford Report said. “While this is always a remote possibility, there is very little foreclosure activity and low levels of mortgage delinquency. So where is this flood of homes for sale supposed to come from?

“The builders have cut back drastically on new home permits, so we are more likely to see a shortage of homes for sale than a glut. And rising mortgage rate discourage homeowners with mortgages from selling because that would mean the loss of their cheap loan and the acquisition of a much more expensive one.”

The report also said that among the

Short-term landlords disappointed by game

any people anticipated record demand for short-term rentals in the Valley during the week of the Super Bowl and Waste Management Open.

Many investors reportedly obtained record rates for their rentals (shorttermrentalz.com/news/super-bowl-arizona-rental-bookings) but many other short-term rental operators found their units vacant or demand lower than expected.

For instance, one manager of 95 units was surprised that half his homes were empty over Super Bowl weekend: businessinsider.com/phoenix-airbnb-superbowl-weekend-short-term-rental-market-2023-2.

Short-term rental proponents in Arizona advocate their benefits, though among among others they remain con-

MARKET from page 20

Valley’s 17 submarkets, “looking especially strong are Gilbert, Chandler, Peoria, Phoenix and Glendale.”

Phoenix REALTORS President Butch Leiber gave an upbeat appraisal of inventory, calling it “robust” despite a slow pace in sales.

He also advised, “The market has been red hot, so seeing huge fluctuations in the market may be nerve wracking.”

“In reality, the residential real estate market is closer to the ‘normal’ of where it should be,” Leiber added.

The Cromford Report indirectly conceded that some trends in the Valley’s housing market run contrary to normal expectations.

“The improvement in the market is going to surprise many people, given the increase in the typical mortgage interest rate over the past month,” it said.

“The majority of people seem to as-

Mtroversial. Some experts think the popularity and potential financial upside has led to the market becoming oversaturated.

Guests like shortterm rentals for, among other reasons, their convenience, comfort, amenities, freedom, and privacy. Investors like them due to increased cash flow and profitability over long-term rentals. Neighbors enjoy riding the wave of higher property prices due to short-term rentals that exist nearby.

The Arizona Department of Revenue doesn’t seem to mind the increased revenue short-term rentals generate. And, of course, there are those who do not want the government to overregulate private property use.

sume that the rise in mortgage rates over the past five weeks will have caused home buyers to reconsider and delay their purchases,” it also said.

“While there may be some, or even many who have done just that, reports from new home sales offices suggest that orders have stayed remarkably strong.

“Sales incentives are not being raised and I fear that the result will be another shortage of homes to buy within a few months,” it said, adding:

“The reason I have this fear is that new home construction permits have been extremely few in number and trending lower.”

It noted that the number of permits issued in January and December have been half the number generated for over two years until last summer.

“Yet new home closings are currently down only 5% year over year in Maricopa

see MARKET page 22

On the other end of spectrum, however, are people, communities, towns and cities who strongly oppose short-term rentals.

The primary objection to shortterm rentals is that they promote nuisance-like behavior and serve as a haven for “party houses.”

Opponents claim short-term rentals result in noise, littering, excessive drink-

ing and smoking, and other irresponsible behavior. This, in turn, devalues neighborhoods, communities, and cities at large.

The Arizona Legislature addressed shortterm rentals in 2016 by passing a state law that tied the hands of cities and towns, prohibiting them from outlawing short-term rentals and providing uniformity statewide in the short-term rental space. Since the state law was passed, homeowner associations have invoked their majority-vote-amendment-clauses in the governing documents to amend the covenants, conditions, and restrictions to prohibit short-term rentals.

Last year, the Arizona Supreme Court

county and order books are filling up.” it said. “It is obvious from these trends that homebuilders are not starting enough homes to replace the ones that are going under contract. We all know how that story is likely to end.”

The Cromford Report also saw a trend in the Valley that reflects national trends cited by other experts: “New homes have been gaining market share over re-sales but this will come to a grinding halt if new homes supply runs short.”

“At the moment new builds are a dominant force in the market, but they will only remain so if we see permits climb much higher in the next few months.”

The Cromford Report also disputed some national news media, specifically the Wall Street Journal, which reported that the housing market is stalling.

“There is a widely held belief that rising interest rates always mean falling demand,” the Cromford Report said. “This is sometimes true but surprisingly often untrue. Housing affordability gets worse when interest rates rise, but if the buyers’ perception is that it may get even

worse in the future, this brings on a fear of missing out and a desire to buy right now before rates rise further.

“This appears to be what we are seeing, particularly in the new home market. It also follows that what buyers want is a house they can buy quickly, while their rate is locked.”

All of this spells good news for sellers, the Cromford Report said, observing:

“The volume may be low, but the market is operating with great efficiency and it is getting easier to sell a home, not harder.”

Adding to that optimism, the Cromford Report offered another glimmer of hope on mortgage interest rates, saying they had slipped down a few tenths of a percent in recent days.

Warning “rates are extremely volatile at the moment, so forecasting is unusually tricky,” the Cromford Report added, “but the widespread desire to own a home is unchanged. The main inhibitor for younger first-time buyers appears to be coming up with the down-payment.

“A surprisingly large percentage of would-be buyers can qualify based on the monthly cost.”

issued an opinion in Kalway v. Calabria Ranch HOA, LLC, 252 Ariz. 532, 506 P.3d 18 (2022) that arguably makes it more difficult for homeowner associations to amend their governing documents, including the ability to prohibit short-term rentals.

Some people are challenging recent amendments that were “validly” passed based on the new opinion.

In 2019, Gov. Doug Ducey signed into law an amendment to the state shortterm rental law, seeking to strike a compromise with opponents of short-term rentals.

The amendment provided cities and towns with additional ammunition in their fight to regulate short-term rentals.

For instance, cities and towns could require owners of short-term rental properties to provide the city or town with the owner’s contact information, and short-term rentals were not to be used for nonresidential uses such as renting a home in order to host a party.

In 2022, another amendment was passed. The 2022 amendment permits

cities and towns to further regulate short term rentals by, among other things, issuing civil penalties for failure to provide contact information and requiring an owner of a short-term rental to obtain a local permit to operate a short-term rental.

Several cities and towns have recently amended their rules and codes regarding short-term rentals, including Glendale, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and Paradise Valley.

There is a healthy debate as to whether now is a good time to enter the shortterm rental business.

What is not in dispute is that shortterm rental operators and those affected by them need to stay abreast of the updated rules in their local jurisdiction as well as monitoring HOA rules pertaining to short-term rentals.

Benjamin L. Gottlieb is the founding partner of Gottlieb Law at 2375 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. The firm may be reached online at GottliebLawAZ.com or 602- 899-8188. The firm handles real estate, business transaction and estate planning law, and specializes in all forms of real estate transactions and litigation.

Don’t let yard clean up stress you out

The City has a free tool lending program offering basic yard tools that residents may borrow to clean up their property. To learn more about Tools on the Go, visit chandleraz.gov/tools

Under the Big Top, family makes lifelong memories

Circus Americana believes that the Big Top is its living room – and each person who steps into its tent becomes a part of its family.

Presented by the Chandler-based Taylor Family, the all-human extravaganza creates the nostalgia of a vintage circus while presenting a contemporary twist. From death-defying acrobatic feats to innovative acts, to comedic flair, Circus Americana invites guests of all ages to encounter an enchanting blend of illusion and spectacle.

Circus Americana has slated for performances every Thursday to Sunday from Thursday, March 16, to Sunday, April 2, at Bell Bank Park in Mesa.

“I think people love having experiences, and we think this is just an absolutely wonderful experience – coming to the circus is an experience,” said the Taylor family patriarch, Martin, who is a fire artist, juggler and stilt walker. “People can come to enjoy the thrill, the excitement, the love, the tenderness of the show itself with their family, and they’ll bring home memories for a lifetime.”

Launched as The Taylor Family Circus in the early 2000s, Circus Americana

see CIRCUS page 24

Circus Americana, founded by the Chandler-based Taylor Family, looks to recapture the magic and nostalgia of a family circus with three weeks of performances at Bell Bank Park in Mesa. (Special to the Arizonan)

No joke: April 1 Ocotillo show offers exquisite art

ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

Some 26 new and returning artists will have their art on display for area residents and collectors at the Ocotillo Art & Fine Craft Show.

No kidding.

Just because the show runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 1 in Downtown Ocotillo in Southern Chandler, doesn’t mean this is a joke.

Far from it, because some of the state’s most talented artists will be bringing their creations for viewing and purchase. And no foolin’: Admission is free and so is the ample parking.

Artists joining the show for the first time include fiber artist Mimi Damrauer of Mimi Designs and acrylic painter Susan Hansberry.

In addition, metal artist Marsha Thomas will be on hand with her artwork as will artist Noah Wilsey of Wilsey Glass. Returning artists include mixed media

artist Asi Panoutsopoulou with Designs by Asi and sculpture artist Phil Webster of Phil Webster Design.

Sponsored by the Ocotillo Artists Group, artisans include ceramicists, jewelers, painters, photographers, a woodworker and more, creating oneof-a-kind art for collectors as well as for gifts.

Music will be provided again by violinist Shauna Hormiere.

“We are thrilled to have so many great artists joining us again this year in Downtown Ocotillo,” said organizer and ceramic artist Sandy Ashbaugh of the Ocotillo Artists Group. “Thanks again to Spike Lawrence for providing the space for us.”

Other artists at the show will be Susan Hansberry*, Simple Living Studio, acrylic; Sandy Ashbaugh, of SLAB Studio, see ART page 25

MONDAY,

consists of Martin and his wife, Barbara, and their seven children. The kids range from school-age to adults and all perform in the show.

The Taylors are joined by over a dozen other individuals who accompany them as performers on stage and manage concessions and merchandise.

Martin said their production is geared toward families, adding that it will appeal to those who like a “fun, loving, wholesome, apple-pie type of show.”

Kicking off with a mesmerizing stage illusion and magic show segment, the numbers range from vampires contorting in impossible positions, to an exciting aerial fire-eating performance.

Elia Taylor, the family’s eldest daughter and a choreographer, acrobat and contortionist, performs a skillful pointe ballet routine on the tightrope. She is one of the few individuals in the world who has mastered this art.

“We also usually have one of my cousins, he is a strongman, one of the most amazing in the world. We’re so honored that he’ll be doing this show with us,” Elia said. “He does bending metal and is a fabulous whip artist – he puts out candles with a single whip, it is pretty amazing. I hold my breath when he does his act.”

Guests can hop into the circus ring for a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with the strongman, pirates, mermaid, music box dolls and the rest of the cast.

“Circus is such an amazing art form, there’s so many different facets of it. And when you’re given the opportunity to practice circus, you want to be able to do a little bit of everything,” Elia said. “

What sets Circus Americana apart from other productions is its intimacy and the opportunity for its performers to connect with audience members.

“When you’re in our circus tent, because every seat is only like 5 to 10 feet

away, everyone is so close that you could reach out and touch them, so you can see them,” Elia said.

They love interacting with their audiences and value each individual person.

With the circus’ personable setting, the cast has witnessed little girls in awe at the acrobats and wanting to go up high in the air just like them; little boys thrilled to shake the strongman’s hand and be lifted by him; and excited grandmothers who want to go on stage and hang out with the clowns.

“As a performer, you get to see that wonder and enjoyment on every one of those faces,” Elia said. “It’s very rewarding, it’s why we love what we do. It’s pretty beautiful.”

“We believe that as circus performers and as children of God, that we are supposed to take care of people,” Elia said. “The moment you’re in our circus, you’re family, and we’re here to take care of you because we love you already.”

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While they’ve spent more time on the road in recent years, the Taylors love to perform in their home state in Arizona.

“We’re just thrilled to be able to do what we love to do and to share that, and we’re excited that Bell Bank Park is giving us that opportunity,” Martin said.

“It’s an absolutely stunning and beautiful facility, and it’s going to be an absolutely wonderful experience for anybody who comes out – they will enjoy the show and the park.”

If you go

Circus Americana

WHEN: Various times Thursday through Sunday from March 16 to April 2

WHERE: Bell Bank Park, 6321 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa

COST: $25 general admission (bleachers), $45 VIP (seats)

INFO: circusamericana.com

ART from page 23

ceramics; Robert Snyder of Perpetuity Pottery, ceramics; Russell Frank, Russell Frank Pottery and Pastels, ceramic, pottery.

Other artists include Noah Wilsey, Wilsey Glass, glass; Kim Nelander, Kimsgemz, jewelry; Dalena Watson, Arizona Desert Gems, jewelry; Donna Vogel, Donna Vogel Jewelry, jewelry; Stella Williams, Stella’s Balcony LLC, jewelry. Also on hand will be Joan Adam, Joan Adam Artist, mixed media; Merrie Taverna, mixed media; Terri Pate, Terri Pate Art, mixed media; Ginger Marsh, Stone

by Stone, mixed media; and Maria Davis, MBDavis Art, mixed media.

Caryl Jonas, mixed media artists with Treasures With a Twist will be showing her work along with: William Samora, Designs by Lalo, mixed media; Asi Panoutsopoulou, Designs by Asi LLC, mixed media; Ken Tersten, Ken Tersten Photography, photography; Joel Cook, Joel Cook Photography, photography; Phil Webster, Phil Webster Design, sculpture; Cheri Reckers, silk painting; Ryan Hill, Hill House Woodworking, wood.

Look for the white tents in Downtown Ocotillo, 2577 W. Queen Creek Road.

The Ocotillo Artists Group is an organization of high-quality artists, crafts people and makers who live in or near the Ocotillo area of Chandler, The members are dedicated to supporting each other with monthly meetings, programs, networking and art exhibits.

For more information, visit the Facebook and Instagram pages of Ocotillo Artists Group on Facebook and Instagram or email at ocotilloartistsgroup@ gmail.com.

Metal artist Marsha Thomas’s work will be available for sale at the Ocotillo Art, Fine Craft Show April 1.

The very essence of Arizona is rooted in local control. The Arizona Constitution is different than other states, designed to protect cities and towns –and the citizens who live in them – from government overreach.

Our system allows local municipalities to develop their own charters and govern themselves. This creates a wonderful balancing act between state and local authority, and it’s by design.

That’s why the recent actions of the state Legislature are so surprising.

House Bill (HB) 2061 and Senate Bill (SB)1063 are my first examples. Several

let

city and town councils across the state have elected to levy a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) – or “grocery tax”, as it’s being called in current news reports. Chandler’s TPT is one of the lowest in the state at 1.5%.

The City collects a little over $14 million that is used to help fund police, fire, parks and street projects. These bills would ban cities from collecting that tax. One of the problems with this is obvious – cities will be on the hook to either find that money in other places or make cuts to services.

Shouldn’t these issues be decided by cities and towns, instead of the state attempting to usurp your authority?

Over the years, there have been other attempts by the state legislature to limit local control. And over the years, the Ar-

control remain local

izona Supreme Court has created a clear line in the sand – is the issue at hand local or statewide?

With this in mind, how can these bills represent a statewide issue when not all cities and towns even have the TPT? Their residents wouldn’t see ANY benefits from the ban.

My second example is SB1117, which will create new and burdensome rules for housing developments. This bill would undo local zoning laws with new building height rules and density requirements. Let’s be very clear about a few things.

First, the premise that cities and towns are to blame for the housing crisis is not accurate. There are several issues at work in the crisis we face.

For instance, in Chandler there are four multifamily projects ready to break ground in our city. They’ve been approved by the City Council, have all the

necessary approvals and zoning worked out. The problem is, they can’t get built. Developers are struggling to get financing, labor and supplies.

So how does this bill help get these 800+ multifamily units built?

And how can legislators at the State Capitol, who typically campaign on fewer barriers for developers, suggest that adding these new restrictions to force a city’s hand will work? The answer is simple. It won’t.

To top it off, any time the state usurps a city, it is also usurping the citizens of the city who have voted for local leaders to make these types of decisions.

I implore our friends at the state legislature to rethink these bills and to sit down with cities and towns they are charged with representing to talk about real and lasting solutions. Matt Orlando is a member of the Chandler City Council.

Chandler man touts benefits of doing business in Israel

Israel is really good at business, David Wanetick argues. The Chandler man said the rest of the world could benefit by partnering with Israeli companies – and he’s ready to help.

“Israel has about as many unicorns as all of Europe,” Wanetick said, referring to the business term for a startup company that has a value of at least $1 billion.

“The Israeli population is maybe 9 million, and greater Europe, including Eastern Europe and so forth, is about 750 million.”

That is one reason why Wanetick is promoting Israeli businesses to the rest of the world with his podcast, “Solution Nation.”

So what is the secret to Israeli success?

“I think they have the capability, they just have a lot of good ideas, a lot of great technology, there’s a lot of funding in Israel, and a lot of venture capital money is available,” Wanetick said.

“The government has been helpful to the government is has incubators, and facilitate alliances between universities and companies. So they just have a lot of capability to bring good solutions to the market.”

Wanetick said he has always had a connection to Israel.

“I’m Jewish. When I was going to college, I spent a semester at university of Tel Aviv, I went through ... basic training in the Israeli army a long time

ago, learned how to speak Hebrew, married a woman from Israel.

“The wife is Israeli, the kids are Israeli. So we have that connection. Israel is just a very fertile place to, to find great innovation,” Wanetick said.

One reason Israeli businesses are successful is that they are forced to think globally, because their population is so small, Wanetick said.

Also, being a land of immigrants, it has a population that has connections all around the globe.

“The point there is that Israeli com-

3 large South Chandler land deals total $70M

ARIZONAN NEWS STAFF

Two South Chandler industrial sites buildings and an office building changed hands in the last month in three separate deals totaling nearly $70 million.

The largest transaction involved the $40.5 million sale of Chandler Crossroads I and II near the northwest corner of Gilbert and Queen Creek Roads, according to Valley real estate tracker vizzda.com.

Around the same time, CFC-Bracken LP and Ambitus Partners bought a warehouse near the Loop 202 Santan Freeway and Frye Road of a warehouse for $9.7 million.

In a third unrelated deal, Madhouse Engine bought the Bravo Business Center at Alma School and Queen Creek roads for just under $14 million.

Chandler Crossroads comprises one finished flex building with six tenants that was constructed in 2016 and a second that was finished last August.

Together, the buildings comprise over 216,000 square feet of Class A industrial space on 17.9 acres with over 600 parking spaces, according to vizzda. It said the sale price equaled $185.60 a square foot.

In a marketing brochure representing seller Alidade Capital, brokers Cush-

man& Wakefield pitched projections for the county’s strong future growth – and soaring rental costs.

“Tenant demand keeps driving vacancy down and rental rates upward, it said, noting that mid-way through 2022, vacancy rates for industrial buildings was only at 3.6% while rental rates had

climbed 41% in the previous 12 months.

Stating that “high land costs and the lack of available industrial parcels create significant barriers to entry for companies into the Valley market,” the marketing brochure.

The $9.7 million purchase by CFC-Bracken LP and Ambitus Partners involved a nearly 48,000-square-foot building constructed in 1986 on 5.4 acres, vizzda reported, estimating the sale equaled $202 per square foot.

California-based Ambitus Partners describes itself as a real estate investment and property management company that has completed $70 million worth of projects in both California and Arizona.

The Bravo Business Center at Alma School and Queen Creek roads is a set of five singly-story buildings comprising a total 45,000 square feet of space on 5.6 acres.

Built in 2008, they house 13 office suites.

The $13.9 sale price exceeded the complex’s last sale in 2021 by more than $3.5 million, according to vizzda.

California-based Mad Engine produces various kinds of apparel as well as headwear and backpacks, according to its website.

The global real estate investment company JJL said that over 33.2 million square feet of new light industrial space hit the market last year in the United

States alone

But, it added, “this amount is negligible in the grand scheme of things as it only accounts for 0.2% of all vacant space.”

It said total space, both rented and vacant, in the Phoenix Metro area currently is at 328.8 million square feet, although new proposals for new buildings have almost routinely been coming before Valley municipalities for review and approval.

In all, there are more than 1.3 billion square feet of industrial space in the nation, according to JLL.

panies can recruit the people that they need if they want to open markets in Latin America, or Western Europe, or wherever people speak those languages and are familiar with the countries,” he explained.

In addition to the podcasts, Wanetick has written a book, “Solution Nation: One Nation is Disproportionately Responding to the World’s Most Intractable Problems.”

He said Israeli companies are looking to build good will around the world because Israel needs the support of other nations.

For example, Wanetick said that Israeli companies are doing a lot of work in Africa to address famine there, saying that they have a lot of expertise about grow-

ing food in a desert.

Wanetick said any business person who wants to take their company global can learn from his podcasts.

For example, he has one podcast on an Israeli company trying to do business in Cambodia and the lessons they learned. Those lessons could be applied to a U.S. company that wants to do business in that Asian nation, he said..

“It’s a great place to learn about a lot of industries,” Wanetick said. “And even if people don’t care so much about Israel, if they just want to learn about insurance technology ... it’s a great library.

“If a company is looking to add a cybersecurity element to their software package, that would be something to consider.”

To listen to the podcasts, visit solutionnation.info.

My February column identified three advanced IRA strategies that aren’t used enough. these strategies and the huge benefits become more understandable with real-life client case studies.

The Roth IRA conversion strategy: I met Joe and Judy in a seminar I gave in June 2019. Joe was 63 and an outside salesman for a premium window and door company. Jill was 65 and retired. They had saved $850,000 of financial assets and wanted to secure their retirement without stock market risk.

They were currently spending $50,000 per year and in retirement asked whether they could spend $75,000 per year in order to afford lifelong bucket list dreams.

Retirement income solution: We were able to reduce the amount invested in Wall Street to only $85,000 and used the other funds to deposit in private pension annuities and other safe alternatives.

Joe was able to wait until age 70 to retire and take maximum Social Security because he loved his job. At age 70, total annual retirement income is projected to be about $119,922, which is much more than their $75,000 goal.

Tax solution: In 2020, the only question left was whether Judy wanted her future $22,097 annual private pension income to be taxable (because it was funded with a traditional IRA) or taxfree.

They bought some solar business equipment to reduce federal tax to $0 on a total $300,566 taxable income, including the $252,720 Roth IRA Conversion of her private pension. Now her future $22,097 of annual income will be totally tax-free for the rest of her life.

Roth and Multi-Generational IRA strategies: Mary is a retired nurse, age 71, whose physician husband died many years ago. She has $4 million of financial assets, including $1.2 million in a traditional IRA.

She has only one child, a son age 40

who lives with her. Her goal is to avoid having to take required minimum distributions (RMDs), starting at age 73, and leave her son as much as possible.

She decided to convert $600,000 to a Roth IRA in 2022 and will convert the other $600,000 to a Roth IRA in 2023. Using an advanced financial concept, economic opportunity cost/benefit analysis, the tax-savings effect of a $1.2 million Roth IRA Conversion will add $4,981,524 more net wealth for her family.

She bought solar business equipment, and used the massive 30% solar credit and “bonus” depreciation to offset all the federal income tax on a total $790,053 of 2022 federal taxable income.

She has achieved her goal of a large Roth IRA Conversion without paying federal income tax or having to take future RMDs. She will owe $0 income tax for the rest of her life on the $1.2 million Roth IRA and her son will owe $0 income tax on the Roth IRA for the first 10 years after he inherits it.

Case studies show little used IRA strategies work FREEDOM. TO BE YOU.

Conclusion: these advanced IRA strategies can add millions of net wealth to a family.

Free live seminars: 6 p.m. March 22 followed by free dinner or 10 a.m. March 25 followed by free lunch. Both are at Hyatt Place, 3535 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler. Topic is “Advanced IRA Strategies: Secrets of Roth, Multi-Generational, and Self-Directed IRAs”

Free tour/workshop: 9 a.m.-noon April 1 at Solar Reefer (Refrigeration) Factory. Topic is “How Solar Reefers can Reduce Taxes to $0 and earn a steady 1014%.” Lots of tasty refreshments served, Location is at Advanced Energy Machines: 4245 E. Norcroft St., Mesa, a quarter mile southwest of McDowell and Greenfield roads.

To RSVP for the seminars or schedule a free consultation, contact Dr. Harold Wong at 480-706-0177 or harold_wong@ hotmail.com. His website isdrharoldwong.com. Dr. Wong earned his Ph.D. in economics at University of California/ Berkeley and has appeared on over 400 TV/radio programs.

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Perry wins first Open Division basketball title

Perry head boys basketball coach

Sam Duane said his players have handled the expectations set on them this season well.

They’ve stayed grounded. They haven’t let national rankings or other outside forces get in the way of their ultimate goal: Winning the first-ever Open Division state championship.

That goal was accomplished earlier this month at Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum in dominating fashion.

Sophomore forward Koa Peat led the way for the Pumas, finishing with 35 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks as No. 1 Perry beat No. 10 Sunnyslope 74-58 to win the Open Division state title.

“This one feels really good because of the expectations and the challenges our guys had to go through,” Duane said. “I’m really proud of our guys.”

Perry knew in order to slow down Sunnyslope, it had to limit guard John Mattingley. But perhaps his biggest challenge was ahead of him going toe-to-toe with Perry senior and five-star Colorado signee Cody Williams.

Duane challenged Williams to guard Mattingley on the defensive end of the floor and he rose to the occasion, as he has all season.

Mattingly was held scoreless in the first half. It allowed Perry to jump out to an initial 16-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Then, a surge in the second quarter from Perry quickly put the game out of reach as the Pumas outscored the Vikings 20-8.

“Cody did a great job on him in the first half, he had zero points,” Peat said.

“I gotta give big credit to Cody, man. We

see PERRY page 32

Hamtilon athlete honored with scholarship

Anthony Garcia’s world was turned upside down at age 12 when his mother passed away from brain tumors.

She meant everything to to the Hamilton HIgh senior. He felt lost and angry, but he knew she always wanted him to be successful.

Then he found wrestling and the motivation he needed to make his mom proud. It wasn’t an easy road, but he made it and ended his career this past winter as a state placer.

“When I lost my mom, it left a hole in my heart. Wrestling helped fill it, which is why I took it so seriously,” Garcia said. “She would’ve wanted me to do really well and be a big man. It would mean a lot to her to know now I am a state placer and I’m going to college.

“She would be proud of me because I lived up to her hopes.”

Garcia’s bout with sadness stemming from his mom’s death was just one piece of the adversity he has faced in his life. While wrestling, he broke his elbow twice – the first required surgery – and had two minor knee surgeries.

Garcia’s ability to overcome adversity opened the eyes of his aunt, who nominated him for the Arizona Breaking Barriers Student Athlete Scholarship, which is awarded through the Desert Financial Foundation and Arizona Cardinals. Its aim is to assist student athletes who have demonstrated resilience in their lives.

Garcia was one of 14 high school students chosen for the scholarship. He received $3,000 and a backpack with an iPad, iPad case, AirPods and school supplies. He plans to use everything he

received, as well as other scholarships, when he studies computer science or engineering at Arizona State.

“All the scholarships will help me pursue the goal my mom wanted, being that big man, going to college and getting a good job for myself,” Garcia said. “All these scholarships will help me go to college. I want to be that person she wanted me to be.”

Along with Garcia, four other East Valley student athletes were named recipients of the scholarship.

Higley senior tennis player Madeline Martin, who is also part of the National Honor Society, has helped care for her younger brothers on a regular basis due to her mom’s two medical conditions.

Williams Field senior Brianna Rowe also received the scholarship. She plays soft-

see SCHOLARSHIP page 31

Hamilton senior Anthony Garcia has fought through the loss of his mother and injuries in wrestling to get to where he is today. As a reward, he was one of 14 student athletes that will receive the Arizona Breaking Barriers Student Athlete Scholarship. (Special to the Arizonan)

ball for the Black Hawks and is student body president.

Joseph Desjardins dealt with the loss of his aunt, Rhonda Andre, last year, which hit him hard due to how close the two were. She worked as a security guard at Arizona College Prep, but always managed to watch her nephew compete in football, cross country and track at Dobson High School.

He wanted to use sports as an outlet for the pain he felt. Most importantly, he wanted to continue honoring her. He knew it’s what she would’ve wanted, so he was determined to do it.

“It was always fun to think about how maybe I can still honor her and do good things,” Desjardins said. “Be the athlete and persons she saw in me.”

Desjardins’ father saw an email about the Arizona Breaking Barriers Student Athlete Scholarship through Desert Financial, where he and his family bank. He encouraged his son to apply, so he did.

Desjardins hoped to receive the scholarship to help pay for room and board at Northern Arizona University, where he plans to study astrophysics. He already received the Lumberjack Scholarship to help assist with tuition, but there were other expenses he was worried about.

But the Desert Financial scholarship helps with that.

“I felt honored to be a part of that,” Desjardins said. “Being around all of those great student athletes, it was a cool opportunity to see all the other people that are like me who want to do great things.”

Like Garcia and Desjardins, Peyton Martin has dealt with several bouts with adversity during her time at Desert Vista.

Her mother, Kim, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and has since fought it to enter remission. Last spring, Martin was running a race for the Thunder track team when she felt pain in her knee – a nagging issue from when she was younger.

A few days later at a specialist, she was told she wouldn’t be able to run her senior year.

“That kinda took away the biggest

thing in my life,” Martin said. “I was still chosen to be team captain despite not being able to run which proved to me I showed my teammates what it takes to be a leader.”

Even when she couldn’t run, she still showed up for her team.

She was present for every 5:30 a.m. practice and didn’t leave until the last runner on the team finished. She plans to do the same this spring for the track team.

Like Desjardins, she applied for the scholarship though Desert Financial and shared her story. She was pleased to learn she was awarded the $3,000. Martin aims to study communications at the University of Arizona next year. She applied to be in the school’s honors college with her 4.0 GPA. She aims to hopefully venture into sports media while at Arizona, as she currently serves as the sports editor for the Desert Vista yearbook.

“For me, it was a good motivator and made me take a step back and feel like I was finally getting recognized for that hard work,” Martin said. “It meant a lot.”

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

all played really good defense, but Cody played really good defense. He’s the player of the year, come on.”

When given a chance to take over, Peat took it.

He powered his way into the lane, drawing contact on nearly every trip for and one opportunities. When Sunnyslope blocked off the lane, he pulled up for a midrange jumper. Shot after shot fell for the 6-foot-8 sophomore.

“Koa Peat is hard to stop,” Duane said. “He makes guys good coaches.”

Even as Sunnyslope gained some momentum in the second half behind Portela and Mattingly finding space to score, the Vikings couldn’t stop the on-

slaught from Perry’s offense.

Williams finished his final high school game with 15 points. Sophomore Nono Brown had 9, senior Ben Egbo had 7 and sophomore D’Andre Harrison corralled 10 rebounds.

Peat exited the floor in the fourth quarter to “MVP” chants from the Perry student section. Williams and Egbo, the only two senior starters, received standing ovations.

“It’s even better when the whole season people were saying we weren’t going to win the Open Division, we’re not as tough, we can’t go back-to-back,” Williams said. “It’s nice to see all of those brackets they drew up of us losing pulled up and see we beat everybody.

“It’s nice to be the best in the state.”

A Help Button Should Go Where You Go!

The

Symphony of the Southwest entertains for 8 decades

The Symphony of the Southwest, a hidden gem of an orchestra with members from throughout the East, presents its season final concert on April 1.

Playfully titled Romantic Favorites for April Fools, the eclectic symphony will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Mesa Arts Center.

Until 2008, Symphony of the Southwest was called the Mesa Symphony. The current name better indicates not only the demographics of its 70-plus musicians, but also the composition of the audience it attracts.

The Symphony of the Southwest has been under the baton of conductor Cal Stewart Kellogg since 2005. His vast experience, as indicated in his biography on SymphonyoftheSouthwest.org, spans the world.

Before moving to Phoenix in 2000, Maestro Kellogg conducted 24 opera productions over 16 consecutive seasons for the prestigious Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.

The maestro is an avid believer in the power of live music.

“The symphony concert is a real thrill; you can’t match it. You can play CDs all

day but they’re not the same as when you hear the symphony live. It’s exceptional.” said Kellogg, who lived and studied in Italy for two decades right after high school.

Among the symphony orchestra’s members is Mesa resident Andrew “Andy” Bunch, who is concluding his 49th season. He joined in 1974, shortly after graduating from Arizona State University.

The bassoonist has served under seven conductors, including Kellogg. His first three conductors were Bill Engelsman of Mesa’s Westwood High School; Ralston Pitt, who at the time was music supervisor for Mesa Public Schools; and Wayne Roederer, string specialist for the Mesa district.

“It is always inspiring to work with colleagues that are as dedicated and talented as the musicians in the orchestra,” said Bunch.

“In the early years the symphony held its concerts at high schools and churches, but since the opening of the Mesa Arts Center we now have a world class venue in which to perform. We have

also had the pleasure of performing with a number of talented, creative guest artists.”

Bunch has also performed with the Arizona Wind Symphony for 12 years.

Chandler resident Timothy Haas, principal clarinetist for Symphony of the Southwest, is in his 18th year. He teaches clarinet and saxophone in his home studio, online with students nationwide, and as clarinet professor at Grand Canyon University.

He said he was introduced to the clarinet in sixth grade.

“When we were in elementary school, I played recorder. Sixth grade at our school was the first year band was offered. I didn’t want to do it, but my mother signed me anyway,” he laughed.

“It was awful. I stuck with it for a while and discovered I liked it,” he said, admitting by high school he was All-State California in the instrument.

He chose it for his career, earning his undergraduate degree at ASU and then his Master’s in Clarinet Performance from Florida State University.

NHRA’s Erica

Enders is ready for a sixth win

The impending closure of Wild Horse Pass Motorsport Park means the end of an era for fivetime Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders.

Enders’ family has a long history with the Valley. A former record-breaking water-skier, her father, Gregg Enders, helped dig Firebird Lake, near the track. They frequented Manzanita Raceway in

Phoenix, prior to its closure.

“Before I raced professionally, I always traveled to Phoenix to race, even though it’s a long haul from Houston,” she said.

“That’s even as kids and junior dragsters.

It’s sad that it’s coming to a close.”

Enders will have one more shot with the 28th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at the Chandler track from Wednesday, March 22, to Sunday, March 26.

see ENDERS page 36

Haas said he appreciates the mastery of his fellow symphony musicians and their conductor.

Gilbert residents Trent and Megan Bender, who’ve been with the Symphony of the Southwest since 2011, play viola and French horn, respectively.

“I love playing the music that Maestro Kellog selects. We seem to play one of my favorite composers almost every concert. Dvorak, Tchaikowsky, Brahms, they all wrote fantastic parts for the viola,” said Megan, adding:

“We’re playing selections from ‘West Side Story’ which is one of my all time favorites, at our next concert.”

The couple, who met in orchestra while attending the University of Iowa, concur that their conductor is one reason for the Symphony of the Southwest’s continuing success.

“Maestro Kellog is one of the kindest people I have ever met. He’s so knowledgeable about the music and I truly feel it is a privilege to be following his baton,” said Megan, an orchestra teacher at Mesa’s Poston Junior High and Field Elementary schools.

“The players in our orchestra are also some of the most talented musicians as well as just enjoyable people to be having fun creating music together.”

After directing a high school band and teaching music at the elementary school level, Trent Bender is dean of students at Desert Ridge High School in Gilbert. Symphony of the Southwest musicians as well as Kellogg say full audiences at their concerts are a boon, though ticket prices don’t begin to cover the symphony’s financial needs.

“It really depends on fundraising efforts,” said Kellogg, specifically pointing to Tempe residents Kathi Roark and Patricia Cosand, neither of whom are among symphony members.

Instead, these two women launched an Etsy shop called

Symphony” where they sell their handcrafted works with all proceeds earmarked for the Symphony of the Southwest.

“We’ve done many things to help raise money,” said Roark. “Patricia does a lot of smocking, mainly children’s clothing. She has a huge following in the UK. I do machine-embroidered towels, aprons; I’ve also knitted scarves.”

Why put the profits of their labor into the symphony’s coffers? Roark doesn’t hesitate to answer.

“It’s such a good organization; our biggest issue is letting people know we’re here,” she said. “And we have enormous respect for the conductor and musicians. Actually, we have many friends who are musicians.”

The April 1 concert line-up is a varied one with presentations from Brahms (‘Academic Festival Overture’) to Bernstein (‘West Side Story Symphonic Dances’).

And though the 2022-23 season comes to an end, there are other ways to enjoy the musicians.

People can hire the Symphony’s Community Ensembles for private events, large or small.

Their website SymphonyfortheSouthwest.org lists the various possibilities ranging from string quartets to full orchestra. There’s even a ‘Sing-a-long with Cal’ with Maestro Kellogg performing ‘golden Broadway favorites’ on piano.

Donations can also help the Symphony of the Southwest continue to fulfill their mission “to enrich the community through quality musical performances and educational programs for people of all ages, backgrounds and economic levels.”

It is also possible to “Sponsor a Chair” in the orchestra through donations.

Opportunities for tax-deductible donations can be made on their website, through PayPal, or by check mailed to 2109 E. Greenway Drive, Tempe AZ 85282

For more information on the Symphony or to purchase tickets for the April 1 concert, go to: SymphonyfortheSouthwest.org.

They can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.

“I think you can look forward to some pretty outstanding performance there,” Enders said.

“We’re on the heels of our fifth world title last year. Our expectations are set pretty high.”

Enders, 39, is in her 19th professional season, but she has been racing since she was 8. She grew up watching Gregg race as an amateur, along with her sister, Courtney Enders. In 2003, The Disney Channel released a movie about the sisters called “Right on Track.” Erica was portrayed by Beverley Mitchell, while Brie Larson played Courtney.

In 1993, she won the Division 4 Junior Dragster championship in the 8- to 9-year-old class. Two years later, she was crowned Junior Dragster Driver of the Year. She now boasts 37 career wins.

“At 16, we joined the Lucas Oil Series, which is like the minor leagues,” Enders said. “I did that for five years. Then I got a deal to drive professionally at the end of 2004. Back, when I was a kid, when they’d ask what I wanted to be when I grew up. Other kids would answer doc-

tor, lawyer, astronaut. I always wanted to be a race car driver and I’ve been blessed to accomplish that dream.”

Girls look up to her, she said. In 2006, she was the first woman to qualify No. 1 in Pro Stock, in Topeka, Kansas. She broke the national speed record in Pro Stock at 213.57 miles per hour in Gainesville, Florida. The accolades continued.

“I remember being a fan and going to see the women I looked up to,” Enders said.

“I stood outside the pit waiting to get autographs. I see the same sparkle in some of those kids’ eyes. It’s been a surreal, pinch-me moment. I try to make it the best experience I can for them.

“The first time someone asked for my autograph, I was a kid racing juniors. I thought, ‘So, this is where I’m going.’ We’ve had a blast of a life getting to do what we love.”

In 2018, she began driving a Pro Mod-

ified entry for Elite Motorsports, a twin turbo 2019 Camaro. The following year, Enders escaped serious injuries when her Chevrolet Camaro caught fire at the end of a qualifying run in the NHRA Pro Mod class in Ohio.

The challenges of racing have kept her passionate throughout the years.

“The challenges intrigue me,” she said. “Pro Stock is a challenging car to drive. You’re pretty busy inside the cockpit, having to shift and whatnot. It’s a cool class. No matter how much seat time you have, or years you’ve done this, it’s still tough. It’s really humbling. That’s what keeps me coming back. I want to be the best.”

If you go

NHRA Arizona Nationals

WHEN: Various times Wednesday, March 22, to Sunday, March 26

WHERE: Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler

COST: Tickets start at $44

INFO: nhra.com

Job: (2) MS Language Arts Teachers/ (1) Bachelors & (1) Masters Degreed DUTIES: teach reading, writing/coursework for MS students, assess & monitor performance.

Bachelor’s/ Master’s Degree in related field required. Must have or be immediately eligible for AZ teaching certification in the appropriate discipline & grade level.

PAY: MS 47,893.00/yr. - BC $43,280.00/yr.; employer will pay or exceed the prevailing wage as determined bythe U.S. Dept of Labor. 2207 N. Dobson Rd., Chandler, AZ 85224. (480) 855-6325 gmcfann@ballcharterschools.org

EMPLOYMENT-GENERAL FOR SALE/WANTED

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