Ahwatukee Foothills News - December 26 2018 by Times Media Group

www.ahwatukee.com

KIDS’ ADVOCATE

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

@AhwatukeeFN |

Land deal: $23M for TU, 197 homes for Ahwatukee BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

. 23

FIGHTING FOR WARRIORS

. 24

IMPACT MIXED

he sale last week of one of Ahwatukee’s few remaining large developable tracts of land has made Tempe Union High School $23.04 million richer and will bring a new 197-home community here next year. Desert Vista 100, a subsidiary of Blandford Homes, completed the sale of a 62-acre parcel on the southwest corner of Desert Foothills Parkway and Frye Road and announced it will start selling homes on the tract by mid2019 for a community it is calling Palma Brisa. “Palma Brisa is already under development and will consist of an exclusive yet lively and

. 34 SHAPING UP

. 46

Google maps

exciting gated community,” the developer said in a release. It will become the 11th community in the Foothills Community Association, but will also have its own homeowners association, according to Pat Wontor, community manager for the association’s management company. “They are working very hard and have moved a lot of dirt already,” Wontor said. “They’ve

On Desert Foothills Parkway, running left of center on this map, the new Palma Brisa community will be on built the parcel in the upperight quadrant.

See

LAND on page 16

Ahwatukee 2018 in the rear-view mirror BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

@AhwatukeeFN

ith only six days left until 2018 fades into history, Ahwatukee residents can pretty comfortably declare the year has brought some significant changes to their political, social and even geological landscape. Here’s a look at some of the more noteworthy changes the year is leaving in its wake. Club West Golf Course The year began with promise for the 2,400 homeowners in Club West as they greeted 2018 with a verdant golf course that turned into a wasteland in stunning time after the Phoenix Water Services Department turned off the tap for then-owner Richard Breuninger’s failure to pay a tab that now approaches $300,000. It first turned to brown in summer 2016 when the city first turned off the water after Gee ran up a $130,000 bill. He turned off the water,

DEC 26–JAN 11

one employee – a longtime associate with whom he once worked. As the course got browner, Breuninger found himself deeper in the red and stopped paying on the $1.3 million note he signed with Wilson Gee to buy the course on Dec. 1, 2017. Gee foreclosed on the note, but Breuninger tried an end run by filing bankruptcy, delaying the foreclosure by a Special to AFN few weeks. The Ahwatukee Board of Management ended the year with good news Although bankruptcy from the city: More than 130 trees that were expected to be planted along Warner-Elliot Loop in March arrived early. ABM worked with the court dismissed his petition city all year long to spruce up the loop and 48th Street. for failure to follow court guidelines on appropriate saying he could not afford the potable water the paperwork, Breuninger filed for course feeds on. reinstatement of his case. Gee’s lawyers filed a Breuninger blamed his own woes on the blistering response, asking the judge to dismiss management company he hired to run dayto-day operations, but that company had only See REVIEW on page 20

– JOIN FOR $0 – $100 VALUE. NO SIGNUP FEES, 1ST MONTH FREE & 2 FREE PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS

1420 E Chandler Blvd Phoenix AZ 85048

anytimefitness.com 480-460-1673

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

PROMOTION

% APR

FOR 48 MONTHS *

DISCOUNTS UP TO

1,000

Happy Holidays from all of us!!! Geteryour free YETI Cooler with every installed High t -up n Efficient i e Variable speed system, must mention this ad n eligible for Brewers Fall 2018 cooler promotion. Wtoube T

WINTER UPGRADE TO TUNE-UP

LIMITED TIME OFFER!

UP TO

FREE UNSTOPPABLE.$ $ Includes a 16-Point WINTER 10-Year Parts and Labor $ 99 Inspection. Limited Warranty* TUNE-UP LIMITED TIME ONLY REG. $99. REG. $99. RESIDENTIAL ONLY REG. $99. SPECIAL! Includes a 16-Point IN

3,950 29 REBATES

Trane systems are put through the harshest testing imaginable— all so they can run through anything. And now, you can get a great deal on the most reliable brand of heating and cooling. $ *On Selected Systems ( 1,295 Value - No Charge) Choose from 0% APR for 48 months* or discounts up to $1,000**. We never stop finding ways to bring you products that never stop.

Up to $800 in Utility Rebates*

Includes a 16-Point Inspection plus a Inspection plus a condenser coil rinse condenser coil rinse if accessible if accessible RESIDENTIAL ONLY

Your Hometown Conditioning Specialist OR 0% APR WITHAir THE PURCHASE OF A NEW FOR 48 OR 60 MO.* S I N C E 19 8 2

ROC #C39-312643

A/C SYSTEM INSTALLATION

480-893-8335

4808987909

FREE

RESIDENTIAL ONLY

Service Call Second Opinion

www.brewersac.com LIC. NO. 1231231

480-893-8335 www.BrewersAC.com

(WITH REPAIR)

*The Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank N.A., an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with A+ Rating approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 8/1/2018 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 12/15/2018. **See your independent Trane Dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers OR discounts up to $1,000 valid on qualifying equipment only. Offers vary by equipment. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited.

www.BrewersAC.com SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

*Up to to $4,650 Brewer’s Dealer Rebate, up to $800 Utility Rebate. The Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms A+ Rating apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 7/1/2017 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 12/31/2017.

FREE

Service Call REPAIR) *The Fargo Home Projects creditRebate, card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to (WITH qualifying purchases *Up toWells to $4,650 Brewer’s Dealer up to $800 Utility Rebate. The an Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Second Opinion charged approved credit. termsLender. APR willSpecial continue to apply qualifyingpurchases purchasescharged are paid with in full.approved The monthly payment for this Financialwith National Bank, an The Equalspecial Housing terms applyuntil to all qualifying credit. The special purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. for the purchase full incycle, equalthepayments promotional (special period.is accurate The APRasforofPurchases willisapply to Ifthat youwill arepay charged interest in anyinbilling minimumduring interestthe charge will be $1.00. Thisterms) information 8/1/2018 and subject certain feesForsuch as ainformation, late payment if you use the card other 12/15/2018. transactions.**See For new theTrane APRDealer for Purchases is 28.99%. to change. current call fee us ator1-800-431-5921. Offerforexpires your accounts, independent for complete program Ifeligibility, you aredates, charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 7/1/2017 and details and restrictions. Special financing offers OR discounts up to $1,000 valid on qualifying equipment only. Offers vary by equipment. All sales must be to homeowners the United States. Voidatwhere prohibited. is subject to change. For currentin information, call us 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 12/31/2017.

NEWS

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills. Times Media Group: 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219 Tempe, Arizona, 85282 Main number: 480-898-6500 Advertising: 480-898-5624 Circulation service: 480-898-5641

PUBLISHER Steve T. Strickbine

VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt

ADVERTISING STAFF National Advertising Director

Zac Reynolds 480-898-5603 zac@ahwatukee.com Advertising Sales Representatives:

Karen Mays, 480-898-7909, kmays@ahwatukee.com Laura Meehan, 480-898-7904, lmeehan@ahwatukee.com Classified:

Elaine Cota, 480-898-7926, ecota@ahwatukee.com Circulation Director:

Aaron Kolodny 480-898-5641, customercare@ahwatukee.com

NEWS STAFF Executive Editor:

Paul Maryniak, 480-898-5647, pmaryniak@ahwatukee..com Managing Editor:

Lee Shappell 480-898-6825 lshappell@ahwatukee.com GetOut Editor:

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, 480-641-4518, christina@timespublications.com Sports Editor:

Zach Alvira 480-898-5630, zalvira@timespublications.com Designer:

Ruth Carlton, rcarlton@timespublications.com Production Coordinator:

Courtney Oldham 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Reporters:

Jim Walsh, 480-898-5639 jwalshe@ahwatukee.com Wayne Schutsky, 480-898-6533 wschutsky@timespublications.com Cecilla Chan. 480-898-5613, cchan@timespublications.com Photographer:

Kimberly Carrillo, kcarrillo@timespublications.com Ahwatukee Foothills News is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, and for subscription information, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia. com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.

WRITE A LETTER

To submit a letter, please include your full name. Our policy is not to run anonymous letters. Please keep the length to 300 words. Letters will be run on a space-available basis. Please send your contributions to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com. EDITORIAL CONTENT

The Ahwatukee Foothills News expresses its opinion. Opinions expressed in guest commentaries, perspectives, cartoons or letters to the editor are those of the author. ADVERTISING CONTENT

The content and claims of any advertisement are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The Ahwatukee Foothills News assumes no responsibility for the claims or content of any advertisement. © Strickbine Publishing, Inc.

Cities move to regulate scooters, but Phoenix holds back for now

48 YEARS OF TRUSTWORTHY SERVICE!

BY JIM WALSH AFN Staff Writer

lectric rental scooters have quickly become a ubiquitous – and for many, irritating – part of life in the East Valley, popping up near Metro light rail stations, busy street corners and even on a vice mayor’s front lawn. Now, officials in at least three East Valley municipalities are moving to regulate them as they face complaints about blocked sidewalks and restricted access for the disabled as well as fears of serious collisions. But Phoenix is following Chandler in taking a wait-and-see approach to the two-wheeled vehicles. Sam Stone, chief of staff for city Councilman Sal DiCiccio, said the scooters have not yet become an issue in Phoenix, although council at some point is likely to take a comprehensive approach to regulating rental scooters and bicycles. Tempe, which is inundated with hundreds of scooters along Mill Avenue, is on the verge of approving a new series of regulations next month. Mesa City Council is scheduled to review a potential ordinance early next year. The Town Council in Gilbert – where Vice Mayor Brigette Peterson recently found two abandoned scooters on her front lawn – has begun discussing regulations. And Arizona State University has already banned them from its Tempe campus. Chandler spokeswoman Stephanie Romero said, “Staff is currently researching what other cities have done regarding scooters and bikes and what’s worked for them.” Scottsdale adopted new regulations governing both rental bikes and scooters in the face of complaints by business owners who kept finding them abandoned in front of their shops and galleries. While Tempe officials want to control the scooters, they don’t want to eliminate them – viewing them as helpful in reducing the number of cars, especially on crowded Mill Avenue, and curbing emissions. “We want the scooters here. It really adds to our multi-module transportation system,’’ said Tempe spokeswoman Tai Anna Yee. “We just want them to be safe.’’ But the vehicles got a less favorable reception at a Mesa council study session earlier this month, as Councilman Mark Freeman asked City Manager Chris Brady to report on how scooters are a benefit to the city and whether it would be possible to ban them. Mesa officials appear to consider the scooters more of a nuisance, posing a potential threat to public safety and access for the disabled guaranteed by federal and state law. Mesa Transportation Director R.J Zeder said See

SCOOTERS on page 6

Set the Standard Event!

YES YOU’RE SEEING DOUBLE

Hendel’s will match the Manufacture $ Discounts with *Subject to credit approval and program restrictions. Ask for details. INSTANT Plus Instant Rebates or 0% APR REBATES! DISCOUNTS UP TO DISCOUNTS UP TO $

1,000 1,000

with equal payments for 60 months on Qualifying American Standard Heating & Air-conditioning equipment

See your independent dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers OR instant rebate from $100 up to $1,100 valid on qualifying systems only. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. Special financing offers valid on qualifying equipment only. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. The Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 1/1/2018 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 12/31/2018

Joe Sez -

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Ask about: • Free in-home Educational Assessment • Multi Unit Discounts • SRP Rebates

Maintenance Inspection

Prolong the life of your A/C and heater and maintain maximum performance of your home. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 12/31/2018.

WE SELL PARTS!

7 DAYS A WEEK!

480-813-1700 www.hendels.com

3434 N. Arizona Ave. | Chandler, AZ 85225-7707

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

to on! d ve cati o M Lo w Ne PROVIDING PREMIER CARDIAC SERVICES

PAM EAGAN over 4,000 contracts negotiated.

TO THE PEOPLE OF AHWATUKEE, SOUTH MOUNTAIN AND BEYOND

• In-Office Testing • Complete Comprehensive Care • State-Of-The-Art Technology • Bilingual Dr. and Staff • Accepts Most Health Plans • Offering Extended Hours (Call for Details)

Experienced, dedicated & available!

NADEEM M. HUSAIN, M.D., F.A.C.C.

D L O S

PATTI COX, M.S.N, A.R.N.P.

2227 W Baseline Rd #101 Tempe, AZ 85283

(In front of Arizona Grand Resort & Spa)

602-254-6640

See current inventory at www.PamEagan.com

602.390.5740 Realty Executives

www.ahwatukeecardiology.com

COME VISIT US AT OUR NEW LOCATION!

Season Greatings from our Family to Yours!

GIFT

Kathleen A. Nielsen

CARD

Gift Certificates Available

Mention this ad for 15% discount on gift certificates

Attorney at Law

SENSEI RICK SAVAGIAN

Family Law & Estate Planning

Head Instructor Fifth Degree Black Belt in Traditional Wado-Ryu Karate.

Serving Ahwatukee for 30 Years!

Trusts • Wills • Probate Divorce • Premarital

480.730.6469 kathleennielsenlaw.com

Southwest Business Center 4500 S. Lakeshore Dr. Ste 300 Tempe, AZ 85282 (SE Corner Rural & Lakeshore)

Serving Ahwatukee since 1979 We are a private martial arts school teaching traditional Japanese karate that is discipline and curriculum based to kids, teens and adults. 3173 E Chandler Blvd (SW Corner Chandler Blvd & 32nd St) Call or visit our website for more information www.mountainsidemartialarts.com

(480) 759-4540

NEWS

SCOOTERS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

from page 3

the city’s streets were not designed to accommodate scooters. “The roadway system was not designed with scooters in mind,’’ Zeder said. “With an inexperienced user, at 15 mph, that can create safety problems.’’ Freeman, a retired paramedic with the Mesa Fire Department, worries about inexperienced riders getting hit by cars and suffering serious injuries. “Inexperienced riders really bother me,’’ Freeman said. “I see young people 12, 13 years old riding these. They are riding on sidewalks.’’ Joshua Miller, a general manager for Lime in the Phoenix area, said his company started with rental bicycles, but the market in the East Valley has evolved toward scooters. He said one major difference is that the scooters require little or no exertion because they are motorized. “The scooters are really easy to ride,’’ and have taken over the Tempe market, Miller said. “That’s what we see the public is more prone to ride.’’ The scooter-mania can be traced to the launch last year to the launch

Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Staff Photographer

Electric rental scooters are appearing on many East Valley streets, but have yet to make any major appearance in Ahwatukee.

of Bird Rides Inc. in Santa Monica, Calif., Bloomberg News reported earlier this month. Bloomberg said investors pumped hundreds of millions of dollars into Bird and Lime, helping a new industry gain a foothold. Bird describes 100 cities on its website, stretching from Los Angeles to Vienna, Austria, including Tempe and Mesa, as

partners in combating carbon emissions and traffic congestion. The website includes endorsements from city officials in Cleveland and New York City. Taylor Strand, who represents Razor Scooters, said she “unequivocally supports” the regulatory framework cities are putting in place. Scottsdale’s council adopted its new

rules Nov. 13. They regulate bicycles, electric bicycles and what the city calls “dockless electric mini-scooters.” The ordinance requires that devices are operable and used, and prohibits owners from leaving any bike, electric bike or scooter in the same place on public property for 72 hours. Devices must also be picked up within two hours of owners being notified they are inoperable. In Scottsdale, violations could result in impound and a fine between $50 and $1,000 depending on the number of violations. Tempe started planning an ordinance to address the bicycles a year ago, after they first surfaced in December 2017, according to city documents. But the focus had to shift when the scooters started replacing the bicycles in May, said Yee. Companies also would be required to put together an “education and parking plan” aimed at encouraging safety and discouraging dumping them. The Tempe ordinance requires that 20 percent of scooters must be staged south of Broadway Road. The companies also will be given two hours’ notice to move scooters left in inappropriate locations and will be charged $100 every time a city employee has to move one.

Enjoy the Best in Flooring Installed in time for the Holidays! OUR GIFT TO YOU,

WE WILL PAY YOUR

Sales tax!!!

Expires December 31,2018

Tomi L. Farr

Attorney and Ahwatukee Resident

At Silverman Law Offices, we believe that estate planning isn’t a one-time transaction—it’s an ongoing process. • Estate Planning & Trust Maintenance • Probate & Estate Administration • Business Planning & Legal Services

Call us today! 480-491-3216 tomi@silvermanlawpc.com

SHOWROOM HOURS Mon-Thurs: 10 am - 6 pm Fri & Sat: 10 am - 5 pm or by appointment Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Traci Tartaglio Owner

480.598.9811

15215 S 48th St, Ste 185 Phoenix, AZ 85044 ahwatukeecarpets.com

4450 S. Rural Road, Suite C-120 Tempe, Arizona 85282 www.silvermanlawpc.com

Plans that Work!

NEWS

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Liberty Lane work will soon give way to new traffic hassle AFN News Staff

hwatukee residents around Desert Foothills Parkway and Liberty Lane can expect to see one hassle end and another begin early next year. Months after it had expected to finish the Liberty Lane work, the Arizona Department of Transportation now expects it will be completely done by February. But right after that work is done, crews will begin building the Desert Foothills Parkway interchange for the South Mountain Freeway – the last interchange on the Pecos Road segment before ADOT opens the 22-mile highway by the end of 2019. The interchange at 32nd Street won’t be built until after the freeway opens. Liberty Lane had been restricted to eastbound traffic on a 1.3-mile stretch between Desert Foothills Parkway and west of 20th Way to provide a safe work zone for the excavation that began in March. Part of it was restored to twoway traffic earlier this fall. “Construction of the new waterline is complete and is currently being tested,” ADOT spokesman Dustin Krugel said last week. “The waterline will be connected to the city of Phoenix water main before the end of this year. “ But there’s still work to be done, he added: “In addition, new curb, gutter, sidewalks and paving is expected to be completed

by end of January. Following that, final lane striping and a pavement surface treatment – slurry seal – will occur in February.” Once that’s all done, the interchange work will begin. ADOT has cited three reasons for the long delay. First, the 4-foot-diameter pipe itself – which had to conform to rigid city specifications – couldn’t be delivered until June by the company that manufactures it. Thompson Pipe Group in Grand Prairie, Texas, said it needed ADOT to complete its design plans. Because of other orders and because ADOT had to wait for comments on the design by various agencies, including the city Water Services Department, Thompson Pipe was at a standstill on the order. The pipe is “specifically engineered and manufactured” for the alignment and depth of the Liberty Lane project, Krugel said earlier this year. Then came summer, when water use is higher, so the work had to be delayed for several more months. Geology worsened the delay. “Dealing with the hardness of rock and a large concentration of underground utilities near Desert Foothills Parkway has slowed work recently,” ADOT said in a release last week. “Special drilling equipment has been used to help break up the rock so workers can excavate a trench for the waterline.”

#1 Ahwatukee Realtor 2017 “Most Homes Sold!” ! BER M ECE ND I LD SO

Ahwatukee • $360,000

Ahwatukee • $298,000 Desert Foothills 4 BR, 2 BA, 1,570 sq.ft., remodeled

Center Court Golf course lot, 3 BR, 2 BA, 1,876 sq.ft.

ER! MB E OV NN I LD SO

! ED UC D RE ICE R P

Ahwatukee • $1,080,000

Mesa • $329,000 Mesa 3,135 sq.ft., Pool, 5 BR, 4 BA,

The Sanctuary - gated community 4,626 sq.ft., 5 BR, 6 BA, pool, 3 car garage ON SO G MIN CO

GOT NEWS?

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

Husband And Wife Law Team.Com

10/10

Gilbert • Call for price

Mesa 2,486 sq.ft., 3 BR, 2 BA,

Gilbert 4 BR, 2 BA, 1,719 sq.ft., w/Pool Ahwatukee!

RATING

kw SONORAN LIVING ®

KELLERWILLIAMS REALTY

* Personal Injury

Serious Injury and Wrongful Death

WE WIN OR IT’S FREE!

*Rated on Avvo.com

Mesa • $314,000

(480) 471-8850

Each office independently owned and operated.

Call Kevin directly at

602-370-8106 www.Ahwatukee-Homes.com

Better Business A+ Rating

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

Ahwatukee author’s book Gets Results. continues reaping awards

Bill Watson

Top 1% of Agents in Arizona.

THE Hardest Working Real Estate Professional.

I CAN SELL YOURS TOO! CHANDLER

ACTIVE

TEMPE GARDENS

$315,000 Delightful home located in Chandler is exactly what you have been looking for! Offering desert landscaping, 2 car garage, RV gate, and great curb appeal. This 2-story beauty truly shows pride of owner ship! Inside you will find great room with vaulted ceilings, plush carpet, tile flooring in all the right places, family room, and plenty of natural light. Lovely eat-in kitchen has matching appliances, ample cabinets, and pantry. Spacious master suite includes a full bath with dual sinks, separate tub/shower and his/hers walk-in closets. Huge backyard is perfect for entertaining & features lush grass, covered patio, fire pit and a storage shed. This property is move-in ready! New interior/exterior paint, carpet & AC unit! Call to schedule a showing before it’s gone!

$350,000 Wow! Come see this beautiful South Tempe single level re-model! Features include block construction with many newer updates including custom cabinets in huge kitchen with luxury refrigerator, granite counter and large island, large great room with fireplace and beautiful wood built-in, over sized master bedroom with large bathroom including tile walk-in shower and separate tub, secondary bedrooms have excessive space and both baths remodeled with custom cabinets. Fresh paint inside and trim on outside. Don’t miss the 635 square foot over sized garage, 165 square foot custom store room in back that matches house, interior lot with North-South exposure and the RV Gate! Beautiful neighborhood with NO HOA! Floor plan attached in documents. To show it, is to sell it!

FOOTHILLS CLUB WEST

SOLD!!! AHWATUKEE CUSTOM ESTATES

SOLD!!!

$399,900 You’ll love this re-modeled property with awesome Foothills Club West location! Large family room with incredible fireplace, formal living & dining room. Home features 4 bedrooms and 3 bath! 1 bedroom and bath downstairs. Gorgeous kitchen with white cabinets, breakfast bar, granite countertops, SS appliances, pantry, and beautiful dining area with bay window. Ample master suite offers his & her walk-in closets, full bath, soaking tub, his & her sinks, and step-in shower. This fantastic backyard features covered patio, grassy play area, and refreshing pebble-tech pool perfect for entertaining. This move-in ready home will not last long on the market! Come and see it today!

$1,260,000 Wow! $600,000 Remodel of 7219 sqft estate nestled on a 26,942 sqft private ahwatukee cul-de-sac location right across from preserve! 6 Bedrooms plus loft! Gorgeous entry through iron door into beautiful foyer with stone walls and iron grand staircase. Passing through to elegant family/living room area with walnut & travertine floors, 20ft stone fireplace & soaring ceilings. Huge master suite downstairs with office has built-ins, workout room and his & her bath with bidet, cedar sauna/shower! 2Nd large master downstairs with large bath and walk-in closet. Kitchen features bayed dinette, 10 ft granite island with wolf appliances. Double dishwasher, ovens and subzero. Alder cab, butlers pantry and back staircase. Formal dining room with wine cellar. 4 Bed upstairs all with access to bathrooms!

AFN News Staff

hwatukee author Katrina Shawver is ending the year pretty much in the same way she’s been going through most of 2018 – winning awards for her book, “HENRY: A Polish Swimmer’s True Story of Friendship from Auschwitz to America.” BookViral, an online consortium of authors and reviewers, recently awarded her the 2018 Millenium Book Award as the grand prize in its 2018 literary contest. Shawver spent 15 years researching and writing her biography of Henry Zguda, a competitive swimmer who was imprisoned in the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps during the Nazis’ occupation of Poland. He and a friend defected from Communist Poland in 1956 at the height of the Cold War with the help of friends he met in Buchenwald, and eventually moved in 1980 to Ahwatukee, living in the same home at 48th Street and Warner Road until his death in 2003. Shawver met him a year before he died, then set off on researching the Nazis’ persecution of Poles, unearthing original documents in Germany and Poland that she used to tell both the story of Zguda’s life and the treatment of Poles during the war. “Powerful and riveting Shawver’s Holocaust biography casts a haunting and uninterrupted spell over her readers as she takes them on a harrowing journey into the darkest moments of the last century,” Book Viral said, calling Shawver’s work “flawlessly written with a timely clarity which proves wholly enthralling throughout.” “With lucid and acerbic prose Shawver gives voice to Henry Zguda’s innermost

GetOut. GetConnected.

www.TheBillWatsonGroup.com

ahwatukee.com/arts_life/

O 480.706.7211 • C 602.469.0388

Professionalism • Integrity • Communication

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Shawver blogs regularly at katrinashawver. com.

Find GetOut in

SONORAN LIVING

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

thoughts and memories and the result proves quite remarkable,” it added, stating that the book conveyed “a prevailing sense of immediacy.” It also hailed “Henry” as “a unique perspective that weaves moral choices, immoral certainties, the worst of human nature and a timeless lesson in resilience. “Auschwitz and Buchenwald have been written about extensively and Henry’s story is of course just one of million’s but through Shawver’s burgeoning friendship with him, extensive research and travel to Poland Shawver delivers a biography that proves not only factual but incredibly inspiring with Zguda reminding us how important it is to embrace life and make every moment count,” BookViral added. Additionally, Katrina Shawver is the recipient of the 2018 Polish Heritage award from the Polish American Congress of Arizona for “her contribution to the documentation of the suffering inflicted on Polish people during the Holocaust.” The book has won first place for published nonfiction in the 2018 Arizona Authors Association Literary Contest. Her other awards for the book include: the 2018 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award – Silver for Biography; 2017 The Wishing Shelf Book Awards (UK) – Gold for Adult Non-Fiction; and four 2018 Reader Views Literary Awards that include first place for biography and regional book, best nonfiction and best regional book. She also has won a Feathered Quill Award in the historical category and a “Best of 2017” award from Advice Books in Italy.

facebook.com/getoutaz twitter.com/getoutaz

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

Lisa Miguel

Extraordinary Real Estate Services Call me for a FREE Home Value Report!

Top 1% in Sales

480-444-6058 • www.Lisamiguel.com

Mountain Park Ranch Listed for

$569,000

A rare find 1/3rd acre + preserve lot in a cul de sac with an east facing back yard! 5 bedrooms plus loft and three full bathrooms; one bedroom and one bathroom downstairs! 3,289 sf. Kitchen cabinets were professionally refinished and ORB hardware installed in 2018. Granite slab counters, center island, breakfast bar with pendant lighting, two pantries and eat-in kitchen nook. Large picture windows look out from kitchen to the back yard oasis. Large family room with cozy fire place. New interior paint and newly painted staircase bannister. Large upstairs loft; perfect for an office, study area or bonus/game area. Split master floor plan! Master bathroom has new granite slab vanity top and professionally refinished cabinets in 2018. New faucets, sinks, mirrors, lights and fixtures. His and hers closets in the master! Both secondary bathrooms (upstairs and downstairs) were remodeled in 2018 with granite slab counter tops, new sinks, faucets, mirrors, lights and fixtures. Plantation shutters! Resort-style backyard has pebble tec pool with water feature, extensive hardscape, large grass area, lush tropical landscape and VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS!

Senita Listed for

$259,900

Gorgeous 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, plus loft! 3,736 sf! Kitchen boasts maple cabinetry with crown molding, granite slab counter tops, stainless steel appliances, center island, walk-in pantry and eat-in dining niche. 20’’ porcelain tile in main living areas, kitchen, bathrooms and traffic areas. Open floor plan concept! One main level bedroom and bathroom; perfect for guests! Large master suite with French doors and walk-in closet. Three additional secondary bedrooms upstairs with generous walk-in closets. Secondary upstairs bathroom has double sinks. Enormous laundry room features a sink, counter space, and cabinet storage. Convenient hanging racks in the extended 3 car garage, perfect for extra storage! Large pool-size backyard with extended length covered patio and well groomed, mature landscape. RV gate and service door from the garage to the backyard. The upgrades are endless!

Arizona Condominiums Listed for

$335,000

Unbeatable location in the heart of downtown Tempe! Just a short walk to ASU and Mill Ave shops and restaurants. Urban living at its best! Close proximity to freeways, Sky Harbor Airport, Cubs Spring Training Facility, Tempe Center for the Arts, and ASU sporting events. Rare find corner unit with only one shared wall and a private yard. Spacious floor plan with main floor kitchen, dining, and living rooms, plus a half bath off of the main living area. Upgraded kitchen with trendy white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, poured concrete counters, and walk up bar. Travertine flooring throughout main level. Upstairs features two good sized bedroom each with its own private bathroom.

Historic District Listed for

$480,000

A TRUE REMODEL! THIS ONE IS LIKE A BRAND NEW HOME! 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms; 2,173 sf. New electrical, plumbing, roof, and ductwork. New exterior stucco. New drywall throughout; new kitchen and bathrooms. New dual pane windows! New exterior stucco and exterior/ interior paint. ALL NEW - 2018! Kitchen boasts upgraded Shaker cabinets with trendy ORB hardware, quartz counter tops, large island / breakfast bar, upgraded Samsung stainless steel appliances and large pantry. Upgraded trendy ORB light fixtures. Large family room and formal living room. Split master floor plan. FOUR BEDROOMS AND THREE FULL BATHROOMS. Master suite has a walk - in closet. All bathrooms remodeled with quartz vanity tops, gray shaker cabinets, upgraded ORB faucets, sinks, new toilets, lights and fixtures. Both showers have trendy tile surrounds with penny tile accents and shampoo niches. New wood-look tile throughout with carpet only in bedrooms. 5 1/4” baseboards. All new interior and exterior doors. Interior doors have upgraded lever, ORB hardware. New light fixtures throughout home. Four car slab parking in front and new 2 car garage in back!

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra!

Outer ‘burbs saw biggest population growth this year BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

f you’re wondering where Arizona is putting all of its new residents, look to the far suburbs. New figures from the state’s Office of Economic Opportunity find the biggest bumps in population were in places like Queen Creek, Buckeye, Florence and Sahuarita. Gilbert saw its population grow by 2.7 percent between July 1, 2017, and July 1, 2018, – putting it third in population increases behind Queen Creek and Tempe. But there may be less to some of those numbers than it seems in the case of Queen Creek. On paper, the town that covers portions of two counties grew by more than 9,000 residents between July 1, 2017, and a year later. That’s enough to compute out to an astounding 22.5 percent year-over-year growth. Jim Chang, the state demographer, pointed out that virtually all of the growth on the Pinal County side came from the community annexing already existing development. If you subtract out those instantly acquired 5,277 residents, you’re actually back in the 9.4 percent range – still the highest in the state but not quite as eye popping. That’s also part of the reason for the 5.3 percent annual growth rate logged by Sahuarita. Nearly half of the 1,526 new residents were already living where they are now. It’s just that now they’re within the town instead of the unincorporated area of Pima County. Even Tucson took advantage of the idea of annexing existing developments, Chang said, picking up 3,960 instant Tucsonans along with another 1,911 due to natural growth. The numbers and the growth rates are more than just bragging rights. Population figures are used to divide up some forms of state aid. And while that is computed using the official decennial Census figures, these annual estimates by the state provide some indication of where the growth is and who will be winners and losers. It’s not just fiscal power that comes with new residents – so does political power. Arizona is divided into 30 legislative districts, each of which is supposed to have

roughly equal population. If some areas of the state grow faster than others, the lines have to be redrawn. And areas that don’t keep pace with the average will find that they have to share their state senator and two representatives with an ever-larger geographic area. At the current pace, look for more lawmakers after the 2021 redistricting from Maricopa and Pinal counties, meaning fewer from elsewhere. Those population figures also are used to determine congressional districts. But how those lines are drawn will be dependent on how Arizona’s population growth overall compares with the rest of the nation as membership in the U.S. House of Representatives is fixed at 435. The state picked up a ninth congressional seat after the 2010 Census. It likely will get one more after the end of the decade – and possibly two. Aside from Queen Creek, Buckeye recorded the second highest percentage growth. Located on the far west side of the Phoenix area, it has annexed large swaths of vacant land that are suitable for development. As those working in the Phoenix area look farther out for affordable housing, that is boosting some other communities.

Community / 2018 population / Annual percent change Apache Junction / 40,611 / 1.5% Chandler / 262,322 / 1.7% Gilbert / 253,086 / 2.7% Guadalupe / 6,342 / 0.2% Mesa / 488,925 / 1.6% Phoenix / 1,597,738 / 1.2% Queen Creek / 49,261 / 22.5% Scottsdale / 245,417 / 1.2% Tempe / 185,301 / 3.1% Maricopa County / 4,295,460 / 1.7% Pinal County/ 440,591 / 3.0% - Source: Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Results you can see..

• Emergencies Welcome • Cleaning & Gum Treatment

Quality care with a Personal Touch.

FREE Skin Care Consultation with Carrie! Call to schedule your appointment today!

Sarah Neumann, MMS, PA-C

Bethany Cheatham, MSN, FNP-C

Carrie Klosowski, LME, LT

4425 E. Agave Road, Suite 148 | Phoenix, Arizona 85044 www.ahwatukeeskincare.com | 480.704.SKIN (7546)

Jeffery A. Kohler, D.D.S. Aesthetic Family Dentistry

RECEDING GUMS? We provide the new Pinhole Surgical Technique™ as seen on “The Doctors” Call for a free consultation today!

• Relines & Repairs

• Implant Placement & Restorations

• Insurance Processed For You

• Fillings & Cosmetic Bonding

• Teeth whitening • Digital Impressions

• Crowns & Bridges

Now accepting new patients!

Bradley Rasmussen, MD

• Dentures & Partial Dentures

• Revolutionary Laser Technology • Invisalign • Porcelain Veneers and Crowns • Digital X-Rays and Imaging • Tooth Colored Fillings • Perio-Protect Non-Surgical Gum Therapy and Much More!

Complimentary Cosmetic Consultation

15215 South 48th Street, Suite 190

480.893.2474 www.jakohlerdds.net

Stacey Zittel, DDS, PC COMPLETE FAMILY DENTISTRY “Gentle Dental Care...Our Specialty” Gental Care and Beautiful Smiles Is Our Job...Confidence In That Smile Is Your Reward

480-598-5510

4530 E Ray Road, Suite 180 | Ahwatukee (Located in the Foothills Health Center)

New patients welcome | Monday through Friday Hours Available

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

Lawmaker wants to make it easier to dodge traffic tickets BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

rizona motorists accused of speeding and other offenses could soon have a new way to escape their tickets – and the higher insurance rates that follow. A proposal by Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, would allow drivers who think they are innocent – or think they can convince a judge of that – to attend defensive driving classes if they are unable to make their case in court. Right now, that opportunity is available only to those who choose not to contest a citation. The moment someone fights it, the defensive driving option evaporates. Motorists who successfully complete the four-hour classes, whether in person or online, have the citation wiped from their records. That means no points on their license. And a ticket erased with a defensive driving class is not reported to insurance companies, meaning they cannot use the citation as an excuse to jack up a

Coming Soon!

premium. Kavanagh, who crafted HB 2005, said it’s only fair that all motorists be given the same chance to wipe out their tickets. “If a person is innocent and wants

BEST OF A h watuke e

in. The people The votes are It’s the 2018 have spoken... ee! Best of Ahwatuk

Who’s the Bes

and the Best of Ahwatukee Awards & Celebration hosted by the Ahwatukee Chamber

of Commerce.

Our reader poll is designed to let YOU tell us about your favorite people, places, shops, restaurants and things to do in Ahwatukee.

PEOPLE | PLACES | SHOPS | RESTAURANTS | THINGS TO DO

VOTING STARTS JANUARY 4, 2019! www.Ahwatukee.com

to avail themselves of their rights to plead not guilty, but unfortunately are erroneously found guilty, they should still have the right to take the course to improve themselves and not get points on their license,’’ he said.

But David Childers, who lobbies for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, said it’s not that simple. He said the insurance companies he represents have no problem with all motorists who get traffic tickets going to defensive driving school to become more skilled behind the wheel. The issue, Childers said, is hiding their citations from insurance companies. He said insurers have to bring in enough money to cover their losses. And right now, that system is built on those drivers whose habits are more likely to cause claims paying more. Conversely, good drivers pay less. Blocking insurers from knowing about those bad drivers, he said, undermines all that. “The people who don’t get tickets will pay for the people who do,’’ Childers said. Kavanagh sees the issue through a different lens. He contends that many of the people See

TICKETS on page 14

Door OPEN. Door CLOSE.

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Guaranteed. CALL TODAY!

480.635.8114 Free Phone Quotes! We Can Fix Anything!

FREE Service Call (with repair)

65 Value!

21-Point Safety Inspection

With coupon only. May not be combined with other offers. Exp: February 15, 2019

ArizonaGarageDoors.com ROC# 173822

75 OFF

A Pair of Springs

Broken Spring REPAIR!

With coupon only. May not be combined with other offers. Exp: February 15, 2019

Garage Door Opener

329

.95

+LABOR

eli

TICKETS

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

from page 12

who fight traffic tickets are really not guilty of anything. But the current system, Kavanagh said, discourages them from fighting for fear they will lose – and lose the opportunity to have the citation erased. “So you reward people who break the law and you penalize people who didn’t and avail themselves of their constitutional right to plead not guilty,’’ he said.

That, of course, presumes that everyone who goes to court really is innocent and not simply hoping to escape the ticket on a technicality or because the police officer does not show up. Kavanagh, however, said it’s irrelevant to him even if the person actually did commit the traffic offense. “Even if the person who pleads not guilty is guilty, they should have the same rights as the person who is guilty and pleads guilty,’’ he said. Kavanagh said the current law makes no sense.

Something to Smile About!

– David Childers

$1,400

Exam & Digital X-rays

$29

Coupon must be presented to receive discount. Offers may not be combined. Exp. 2-28-19.

Harvey Arnce, D.D.S.

480.704.0701

Crowns

• Crown / Bridgework • Dentures • Oral Surgery / Extractions

15425 S. 40th Pl., Phoenix, 85044 40th St. & Chandler Blvd.

$750

Coupon must be presented to receive discount. Offers may not be combined. Exp. 2-28-19.

www.ironwooddentalcenter.com

Ahwatukee Custom Estates Basement • 4 Car Garage RV Gate • Pool Half Acre Lot • 7 Bedrooms 7.5 Bathrooms • 6,607 sf

becoming safer drivers – as long as the information about their tickets was forwarded to the insurance companies to make adjustments in their rates and ensure that only the motorists with bad habits pay the additional charges. “There could be an issue there,’’ Kavanagh said of rates going up on good drivers to pay for the bad ones who are not identified. But here, too, he questions the fairness of some of the speeding citations that motorists get.

SALE PENDING!

$1,395,000

COMING SOON!

Ahwatukee Custom Estates

$1,169,000

PRICE REDUCED!!!

SALE PENDING!

Natural Gas • New Range/Oven Office • Fireplace 4 Bedrooms • 2.5 Bathrooms 3G • 2,627 sf

Mountain Park Ranch

13,957 sf • Hillside lot • Pool BBQ • Master Down 5 Bedrooms • Cul-de-sac • 3G 2.5 Bathrooms • 13,957 sf lot

$549,900

Ahwatukee

Single Level • Granite Counters Remodeled Kitchen and Bathrooms 3 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • 2G 1,770 sf

$385,000

PRICE REDUCED

Sierra Tempe

Single Level • Pool Wood Floors • New Master Bath Fireplace • 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms • 2G • 1,661 sf

$308,900

$569,900

Foothills Mountain Ranch

Cul-de-sac • New Hardwood White Cabinets • Granite 4 Bedrooms • 3.5 Bathrooms 3G • 4,169 sf

Former Model • Highly Upgraded Gated Community • Built 2014 Pool & Spa • 5 Bedrooms 5.5 Bathrooms • 3G • 4,516 sf

Pool • BBQ Bonus Room 5 Bedroom • 4 Bathrooms 3G • 4,007 sf

PRICE REDUCED

Ahwatukee Custom Estates

Arcadia Biltmore

HGTV Look Remodel • Huge Lot Wood Floors • White Cabinets Granite • Hillside • Pool • 5 Bedrooms 3.5 Bathrooms • 3G • 4,000 sf

Mirada Canyon

sit in a classroom for two evenings or one weekend day. That has since been shortened to just four hours. And now motorists actually can take the class online from home or office. And three years ago, legislators agreed to let motorists escape a citation once every 12 months by taking the classes. Before that, a driver could not wipe out a second ticket issued within 24 months. No date has been set for a hearing on the legislation.

$824,900

$799,900

SOLD IN 1 DAY!!!

“It’s balanced the other way because of how easy it is to get an undeserved photo radar ticket,’’ he said. This is far from the first time that Arizona lawmakers have tinkered with the idea of making it easier for motorists to escape tickets – and higher premiums. At one time defensive driving classes ran seven hours, requiring people to

“ The people who don’t get tickets will pay for the people who do.’’

Implant

Coupon must be presented to receive discount. Offers may not be combined. Exp. 2-28-19.

• General Dentistry • Orthodontics - Invisalign • Teeth Whitening - Zoom • Implants

“Are we sending people to driving school because we want them to learn something to become safer drivers?’’ he asked. “Or are we sending people to driving school to bribe them not to avail themselves of their constitutional rights to adjudication?’’ Childers said his clients likely have no problem incentivizing people to attend defensive driving classes – and

$291,900

COMING SOON

Mountain Park Ranch

Pool • Wood Floors • 3G Granite Counters • New Carpet Walk-In Closets T/O • Pavers 5 Bedrooms • 4 Bathrooms • 3,833 sf

$574,900

Cynthia Worley BROKER ASSOCIATE

480.330.7035 cynthia@stellarealtyAZ.com www.stellarealtyAZ.com

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

“Absolutely

THE NO. 1 SHOW in the world.”

—Kenn Wells, former lead dancer of English National Ballet

“ I’ve reviewed about 4,000 shows. None can compare to what I saw tonight.” —Richard Connema, renowned Broadway critic

“There is massive power in this that can embrace the world. It brings great hope...” —Daniel Herman, former Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic

“I just wish there is a way that I could cry out to mankind: they owe it to

themselves to experience Shen Yun.”

—Jim Crill, veteran producer, watched Shen Yun 4 times

“A MUST-SEE” —Broadway World

FEB 19–24 PHOENIX

Orpheum Theatre

FEB 26–27 TUCSON

Tucson Music Hall

MAR 1–3 MESA

Mesa Arts Center

Tickets: ShenYun.com/AZ 800.880.0188

NEWS

LAND

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

from page 1

salvaged a lot of trees and cactus and have them all boxed up. It’s very exciting.” Although the sale gives the newly reconstituted Tempe Union governing board a big decision to make next year – namely how to spend the money – don’t expect it to be used for higher salaries or classroom programs. State law restricts school districts’ uses of proceeds from property transactions to capital improvement spending or paying down debt. That prompted a lament from former Superintendent Kenneth Baca when the sale was approved. “While we would like this money to go into the classroom – especially for teacher compensation and employee compensation – by state statute it has to go to capital purposes or paying off debt as the result of bonds,” Baca told the board. “Those are decisions you will make down the road.” It was not clear when the board – which now has two new members – would make that decision. The sale was not brought up at the board’s last meeting of the year on Dec. 19. The land was purchased years ago – well

before the current administration and board – with an eye toward building a third high school in Ahwatukee. But changing demographics in the community prompted Tempe Union to drop that plan and the board secured voter approval for a sale in 2016. When school officials were mulling

One and Palma Brisa Collection Two “willCollection offer single-level homes from approximately 1,700 square feet to 2,600 square feet with three-to-five with bedrooms and three-car garages. A line of two-story homes approximately 2,400 to 4,400 square feet will offer four to six bedrooms and three- and four-car garages.

”

- Lori Anderson, Blandford Homes spokeswoman a possible sale, their consultant, Ryan Duncan of Nathan and Associates, called the tract “a highly coveted site by the development community.” But he also cautioned that the site’s topography had challenges and that might affect how high the bidding would

Thank Y ou for your votes and continued support! BEST POOL SERVICE

Pool Resurfacing Experts Specializing in pool service, maintenance & repair

602-546-POOL (7665)

www.barefootpoolman.com Ahwatukee!

go. Although Duncan indicated the site could see as many as 178 homes, the zoning theoretically could allow for more than 400. The topographical challenges are believed to be the main reason why it took so long for the sale to be completed. But now the community appears to

1241 E. Chandler Blvd., Ste. 124, Phoenix, AZ 85048

(SW corner of Desert Foothills Parkway & Chandler Blvd.)

Thank you for voting us an Ahwatukee’s “Best Of” Pool Service Company 2011, 2012, 2013 2014, 2015 & 2016!

Ahwatukee Owned & Operated Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

have clear sailing. Because the zoning already is in place, the only approvals needed for the site are highly technical. It also is going through a review process with the Foothills Association board. “This property received preliminary approval for a 197-lot subdivision on April 30, 2018,” said city Planning Department spokeswoman Angie Holdsworth, adding planners already have approved the grading and drainage plans and were in the final stages of reviewing site and plat plans. “After they finish their approvals,” she added, “they should be good to go on construction.” The sales price – roughly $367,000 per acre – exceeded the district’s expectations. Earlier in 2017, officials expected it to yield between $13 million and $19 million. “We wouldn’t be doing this if we weren’t getting top dollar for the community,” former board president DeeAnne McClenahan said at the time. Although several dozen initial bids were submitted, Desert Vista 100 had taken the lead within a matter of weeks. Tempe Union officials had asked the developer to raise its offer to match one from an unidentified buyer, apparently because they had questions about that initial high bidder. Virtually all the negotiations and board discussions were held in executive session, so few details are available. Desert Vista 100, which Gilbert-based Blandford formed in late 2013, has already won plaudits for its communities. Wontor said that during discussions

with the HOA, the developer shed little light on specific plans for amenities, but “referenced Mountain Bridge quite a bit.” The developer describes its Mountain Bridge development in northeast Mesa as a “signature community for all ages” with 45 percent open space and extensive trails and paths” with covered grand entryways. A clock tower, architecture in “rustic old world, Mediterranean and Andalusia” style and “resort-style amenities” that include a heated pool, spa, fitness facilities, tennis courts, event lawns, parks and “lifestyle activities.” Another Desert Vista 100 community in east Mesa called Mulberry boasts “millions of extra dollars spent to create real resort-quality entries, date palm boulevards like none other, carriage houses, specialty street lighting, lush landscaping, unique theme walls and meaningful amenities.” Among the landscaping amenities are 150 16-foot date palm trees that line the main streets and two gateways to the development. “It is the neighborhood EVERYONE falls in love with,” Mulberry’s website states. “It feels like an enchanted land – magically reminiscent of the early 1900s, when homes sprung up to create quaint neighborhoods.” It offers six sets each of single-level and two-story floor plans ranging between 1,700 and 4,000 square feet and priced from $200,000 to mid-$300,000. Cornerlot homes feature wraparound porches. Blandford Homes spokeswoman Lori Anderson said that Palma Brisa will have both single-level and two-story homes and that “a special focus will be given on the placement” of those houses. “Collection One and Palma Brisa Collection Two will offer single-level homes from approximately 1,700 square feet to 2,600 square feet with three-to-five with bedrooms and three-car garages,” she said. “A line of two-story homes approximately 2,400 to 4,400 square feet will offer four to six bedrooms and threeand four-car garages.” She said it would have “a minimum of five architecturally diverse exterior elevations per plan as well as 21 exterior color pallets for each for a total of 840 combinations of exteriors. Cobblestone paver driveways and unique front yard landscape packages will finish off the Palma Brisa neighborhood.” Pricing has not yet been determined, and the website for the homes has only a contact page for interested buyers. Anderson said pre-sales are expected by mid-year with closing coming as early as late 2019 – about the same time the South Mountain Freeway is expected to open.

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

from everyone at

R ach ael Richard s Realty

we hope your Holidays have been

l u f er d on W IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT SELLING YOUR HOME IN THE NEW YEAR, IT’S T H E P E R F E C T T I M E T O G E T S TA R T E D . • Thousands Of Out-Of-Town Visitors Start “Window Shopping” While Enjoying The Beautiful Arizona Weather

rachaelrichards.com 480.270.5782

• There Are Fewer Homes Available For Sale • Our Quiet Sale Program Can Begin Marketing Your Home To Potential Buyers Without Inconvenience During Holiday Festivities

C O N TA C T U S T O D AY

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

Victims of Baptist Foundation scheme still recovering BY VERONICA GRAFF Special for Cronkite News

t’s 5 a.m. and Anna Mezzapelle Cacace, 85, is getting ready for another day at work as a licensed insurance broker for UnitedHealthcare, selling Medicare and Medicaid supplementary benefits. Cacace is still working at 85 because she can’t afford to retire. In 1998, she and her husband, Joseph, invested more than $100,000 in a fund run by the Baptist Foundation of Arizona, lured by its promise of 6 percent returns and the backing from a highly respected religious institution. They lost everything. “It dampened my whole life in a way that we never recuperated from,” she said. The Cacaces were among 11,000 investors who lost a combined $580 million when the Baptist Foundation of Arizona, or BFA, a registered nonprofit, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1999 in what prosecutors described as a Ponzi scheme. To this day, it is considered one of the largest affinity frauds in U.S history. The nonprofit was being run at the time by Bill Crotts, who succeeded his father as president. Originally, the invested money was put into real estate holdings in hopes

Cronkite News

At 85, Anna Mezzapelle Cacace still has to hold down a job, her savings robbed by the Baptist Foundation of Arizona 20 years ago in a scandal that shook countless retirees and other investors.

that it would appreciate over time in Arizona’s booming housing market. A real estate collapse in the late 1990s thwarted those plans, but instead of telling the truth and filing for bankruptcy, Crotts chose to hide the losses and lie to investors. “He was trying to protect his father’s

legacy,” said Donald Conrad, the lead prosecutor on the case. “He was the prodigal son taking over the family treasury and got caught up in a real estate collapse that ruined them. I mean, they were ruined.” The BFA fraud was a unique scheme and difficult to prove, Conrad said, because

executives did not steal money and use it to buy yachts, expensive vacations or other personal pleasures. They were not moved out of malice or greed, he said – and, in a way, they seemed to care for their investors. “Prior to the real estate crash, I do think it was legit,” Conrad said. “They had to start hiding it when the value of real estate plummeted.” Crotts, he added, “didn’t steal for the sake of putting money in his pocket. He wanted his position. He wanted the glory.” Twenty years later, Crotts is out of prison after serving an eight-year sentence for fraud and racketeering. On his LinkedIn profile, he is listed as a business coach and management consultant for Greyhawk LLC. He could not be reached for comment. Conrad, who was named prosecutor of the year in 2006 for his work on the BFA case, retired in 2010. After losing their money, Anne and Joseph Cacace began organizing cruises around Europe for seniors so they could still travel, though they had to forfeit a lot of the plans they had made for retirement. The Cacaces lived off of credit cards for See

STOCKINGS on page 19

NEWS

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

BAPTIST

from page 18

a while after the fraud’s unraveling, and they filed for bankruptcy when the debt caught up with them. She received restitution, but it was nowhere near the $100,000 she and her husband had invested, she said. When Joseph received an inheritance left by his parents, Anne wanted to buy annuities, a safer investment but with a lower rate of return. Joseph was swayed, however, by the Baptist couples they often lunched with at the senior center in Sun City, a retirement community west of Phoenix. The couples had entrusted their savings to the foundation and encouraged the Cacaces to do the same. Joseph’s sisters were on board with the idea too, and Anne said she didn’t want to get in the

a director at the foundation, who also was the subsidiary’s sole shareholder, would give the asset an IOU. Conrad believes Arthur Andersen, the foundation’s auditing company, should have been able to find out that the maneuver was just “garbage.” In 2002, Arthur Andersen agreed to pay $217 million to settle litigation. Conrad said it was out of fear of being criminally prosecuted. It is one of the largest settlements ever paid by an accounting firm of its magnitude, once part of the “Big Five” before its downfall. In court, Crotts and Thomas Grabinki, the foundation’s general counsel, defended their actions by saying that if the government had not gotten involved, the properties would have appreciated and the money would have found its way back to the investors’ hands. They were

The most offensive thing they did was exploit “the trust that’s supposed to come from being part of a religion ” - Donald Conrad, lead prosecutor .

way of their relationship. Anne began to suspect something was wrong with the BFA when they asked to withdraw $6,000 from their investment, but the foundation wouldn’t give them the money. The people who controlled the fund’s assets refused to answer Anne’s calls for weeks, she said. “So I went to their downtown office,” and when she got there, she was told to leave. “I’m not leaving,” she recalled telling them. “You’ll have to pick me up and throw me out.” After the housing market went down, the foundation parked its losing assets in a subsidiary as a way of getting them off the foundation’s books. For each of them,

charged with fraud, however, because of the lies they told when they knew the foundation was upside down. “They kept telling everybody how profitable they were and they would wave around Arthur Andersen’s unqualified annual audit of the business all to make people feel secure,” Conrad said. Conrad said investors “let greed overtake their better sense,” although he said the foundation had something else going for it – something that tugged at an interest more powerful than money. “The most offensive thing they did was exploit the trust that’s supposed to come from being part of a religion,” he said as he sat cross-legged on the dusty rose couch in the middle of his living room, his hair now the color of snow.

Saving a Life from a potential catastrophe EVERY 10 MINUTES

H A R DWO O D • C A R PE T•LUXURY V IN Y L•TILE•L A MIN ATE• C A B INE T S A ND M O R E

of Chandler

resolve to

SAVE

New Year this

Lifetime Labor Warranty on everything we install special

100off

special

200off

your flooring purchase of $1,000 or more

your flooring purchase of $2,500 or more

Some restrictions apply. See store for details. Discount valid through January 31, 2019. Cannot be combined with any other offer or coupon.

NO SALES TAX ON INSTALLATIONS SPECIAL 18-MONTH FINANCING AVAILABLE! *OAC THERE’S A REASON WE’RE THE

MOST RECOMMENDED.

flooringamerica.com/review Dale & Becci Schnaible

but I’m never alone. I have Life Alert.®

Ahwatukee family owned since 1997

6909 W. Ray Rd., Ste. 5 (SE Corner of Priest & Ray)

AS SEEN ON

For a FREE brochure call:

1-855-822-1055

www.flooringamericaofchandler.com Mon-Fri: 8-6, Sat: 10-4, Sun: 11-4

Call (480) 775-0160 Now to schedule your Free In-Home Estimates & Free Design Consultations!

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Staff Photographer

Kyrene closed out 2018 with the dedication of new facilities at Kyrene Traditional Academy, where Principal Marianne Lescher two weeks ago officially dedicated them.

REVIEW

Give the Gift of Relaxation this Holiday! $59 - New Guest Facial or Massage (Value $90)

from page 1

it again. More than three months after those filings, the judge has still not ruled, though Gee told AFN, “My lawyers tell me there’s a 99 percent chance it’s mine.” Not waiting any longer for bankruptcy court, Gee has now put the course up for sale for $1 million with a condition that the buyer also put down another $1 million on the pipeline that Ahwatukee businessman Rande Leonard hopes to install sometime

Give her the gift that gives all year long ... A Fuchsia Spa Membership.

$828 - Purchase a 12 month Paid-in-Full Membership and receive a FREE gift valued at $244. $450 - Purchase a 6 month Paid-In-Full Membership and receive a FREE gift valued at $74. Don’t know what to get her ... give her a Fuchsia Spa Gift card. Available in all denominations. Open Christmas Eve 9-2 PM for last minute gift purchases. Gift Cards can also be purchased online www.fuchsiaspa.com

Political earthquakes

AFN file photo

Fuchsia Ahwatukee

40th St. & Chandler Blvd

Trader Joe’s & Safeway Center

Call 480.534.7350 to schedule your appointment today! www.fuchsiaspa.com

18-month fight to have those regulations changed so it could build houses. True Life walked away from a $9 million deal it had made with Gee to buy the course, leaving both Ahwatukee Lakes and the court’s judgment in Gee’s hands. Gee is appealing the ruling, with his lawyers challenging the court’s right to dictate a particular use of the land that they claim is financially unfeasible. Meanwhile, True Life owes the city more than $165,000 for code violations for failing to keep the site free of debris and overgrowth. It’s unclear how long the appeal will last, but it’s possible it could take years to resolve – leaving the approximate 5,400 Ahwatukee Lakes homeowners with the same scarred terrain they began this year looking at. True Life’s capitulation also means that Desert Garden Montessori, which was to get a new campus if the company’s ill-fated Ahwatukee Farms plan had materialized, is left still looking for a place to expand beyond its campus on Warner Road near the I-10.

Rev. Deborah Hutterer of Ahwatukee was installed as the sixth bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

late next year that will provide the course with cheaper water.

Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course

Since the course remains the same barren mess it was shortly after Gee closed the 101-acre site in 2013, the changes that 2018 brought are more in the legal realm as the result of Superior Court Judge John Hannah’s ruling that land use regulations required that a golf course was the only permissible development. The ruling prompted The True Life Companies to officially abandon its nearly

Though the scope of the much-heralded Democratic “blue wave” nationally is still a subject of debate, there’s little doubt Ahwatukee saw a tsunami at the ballot box as only Kyrene school board candidate Margaret Pratt became the sole Ahwatukee Republican to claim a victory out of Election 2018. The biggest casualty: Jill Norgaard of Ahwatukee, who was denied a third term in the House in Legislative District 18. Democrats swept LD 18, which includes Ahwatukee, as Rep. Mitzi Epstein won a second term and Jennifer Jermaine of Chandler knocked off Norgaard. State Sen. Sean Bowie, another Ahwatukee resident, won a second term after bludgeoning Tempe commercial pilot Frank Schmuck in a replay of the 2016 race that became one of the most expensive of See

REVIEW on page 21

NEWS

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

REVIEW

from page 20

all legislative campaigns this year in Arizona as the two candidates amassed a combined total of over $500,000 in donations and spending. Pratt bested the field of four candidates for two board positions – the other went to Tempe lawyer Kevin Walsh – after members Bernadette Coggins and Kristen Middleton opted not to seek another term. Her victory also kept the geographical representation on the Kyrene board intact since she replaces Middleton, an Ahwatukee resident, and takes a seat alongside Ahwatukee resident John King. But Ahwatukee lost any representation on the Tempe Union High School Governing Board after local attorney Don Fletcher failed again to capture the seat, losing to Tempe residents Brian Garcia and Andres Barraza. The only Ahwatukee member of that panel, Brandon Schmoll, opted not to run again. Schmoll, a Republican, also lost his reelection bid as constable in the Kyrene Justice District. The Justice District is now in the hand of Ahwatukee Democrats after Kent Rini beat Schmoll and Sharron Sauls defeated Bob Robson to replace retiring John McComish

Special to AFN

Ahwatukee winners in this year’s election included, from left, Constable Kent Rini, Justice of the Peace Sharron Sauls, state Sen. Sean Bowie and Kyrene Governing Board member Margaret Pratt.

as justice of the peace. Ahwatukee also had a favorite son, Moses Sanchez, in the four-way runoff for the next Phoenix Mayor. But Sanchez came in third, leaving former council members Kate Gallego and Daniel Valenzuela to duke it out in a special election next March.

A freeway runs through it

With a long and bitter federal court fight over, the South Mountain Freeway continued to carve an indelible mark in Ahwatukee’s landscape as crews continued work on Pecos Road and began slicing through the South Mountain Preserve. In a surprise development, the Arizona Department of Transportation reversed its decision of five years ago not to build an

st year! Now in our 31

interchange at 32nd Street. ADOT back then said a citizens advisory group didn’t want it, but ADOT took a new survey this year and the overwhelming response from some 1,300 residents favored its construction. Not materializing this year were the towering sound walls that will start rising next year along practically the entire Pecos piece of the 22-mile, eight-lane connector between the Chandler and 59th Avenue interchanges of I-10. When they do, they will be within probably about 20 feet of homes right at the intersection of the freeway and 32nd Street. One unexpected component of the freeway project involved Liberty lane, which ADOT changed to one-way in April to

EXPO IS HE G IN N N U -R T ONGES ARIZONA’S L

ONA S. SENIOR ARIZ M & S N O TT U D THE

K-12 education

Just as it did throughout the state, the Red for Ed teachers protest – which led the State Legislature to agree to Gov. Doug Ducey’s plan for a 20-percent salary increase for teachers over the next three years – swept through all public schools in Ahwatukee. Teachers got a 10 percent hike in the current See

REVIEW on page 22

RE !

relocate city water lines that interfered with the freeway. Though ADOT promised to finish the work in June, a series of snafus involving the area’s geology and the pipeline manufacturer kept Liberty Lane one way right into fall. Crews still have some cleanup work to do.

am - 1pm 9 • d n 2 2 . n es., Ja

on Center 51 ti a e r c e R l ia S u nd AZ 853

03rd Ave 14801 North 1

., Sun City,

Silver

Sponsor

m - 1pm a 9 • h t 0 3 . n Wed., Ja ntion Center Mesa Convet | Mesa, AZ 85201

Stree 201 N. Center

Bag

Sponsor

FREE!

-1566 (480) s.com o p x e r io n e s . www 959 ) 0 0 8 ( • 0 0 5 898-6

Bronze

Sponsors

Lots of Priz es and Givea ways INCLUDING a

$100 DRAW Every Hou

ING

REVIEW

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

from page 21

school year and have been promised 5 percent hikes in each of the next two school years. Schools were closed in late April for six days as teachers took to the State Capitol to demand better pay. While the movement had little impact on elections in Arizona, there were a few exceptions that included Desert Vista High teacher Lara Bruner, who was the top votegetter in a six-way race for two seats on the Chandler Unified school board. Changes on the governing board weren’t the only ones affecting both Tempe Union and Kyrene schools, as a new superintendent took the reins of the former while officials in the latter district continued to implement a number of major changes. Tempe Union Superintendent Kenneth Baca retired June 30 and was replace by Kevin Mendivil. Kyrene began implementing a broad series of changes in the district to give older children more choices in electives and introduce new programs such as the International Baccalaureate program at

Tom Sanfilippo/AFN Contributor

The new freeway finally began piercing through several peaks on South Mountain this year and by this time next year, it likely will be open.

Kyrene to undertake additional physical alterations to campuses to make them safer. Tempe Union closed off doorways and basically left only one way in and one way out at Mountain Pointe High, considered the least secure of its seven campuses. The district and Phoenix Police also signed an agreement to ensure an armed school resource officer will be a M o n d a y - Fr i d a y presence at both Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista High. SROs are expensive since districts usually have to pick up the cost of their city salaries and benefits, and AFN file photo Kyrene teachers joined rallies after school that preceeded the Red for Ed Phoenix’s reluctance walkout several weeks earlier. to do that leaves the three Kyrene middle Kyrene Middle School in Tempe and a K-8 schools in Ahwatukee without them. campus at Kyrene Traditional Academy in But the board will be considering a new Chandler. plan early next year to install new technology Work on the KTA campus was just – the first of its kind in Arizona – that will completed with the opening of a new multi- bolster security at all its 25 schools. purpose building that includes a gymnasium and a stage/performance area – and makes Water mysteries and controversy it a pre-K-8 campus, the first in the district. When 2017 ended, hundreds of At one point more than five years ago, Ahwatukee homeowners were hoping that a Kyrene was considering closing the school task force of local residents assembled by city because of declining enrollment, but under Councilman Sal DiCiccio would unravel Principal Marianne Lescher, enrollment has the mystery of huge spikes in their water grown over six years to 700 students. The bills that occurred for one or two months new building will enable it to grow more – over the summer of 2017. and help the district give parents the chance But the task force, involving seasoned to keep their kids in the same school until technicians and engineers of different they’re ready to go off to high school. disciplines, gave up this year after failing to The rash of deadly school shootings in find anything amiss with city water meters the U.S. prompted both Tempe Union and or its related systems for tracking water use.

Meanwhile, a new controversy involving all Phoenix water customers, including those in Ahwatukee, surfaced this fall as the Water Services Department sought City Council approval for back-to-back rate increases to cover $1 billion in upgrades that administrators say are desperately needed. Though council defeated the request a month ago, DiCiccio said interim Mayor Thelda Williams is bringing back the proposal for another vote next year. Water Services said the rate hike would cost the average consumer another $6 a month in 2019 and then another $6 a month on top of that the following year. But Water Services Director Kathryn Sorenson, in an appearance before the Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee, didn’t define “average,” though it presumably does not include swimming pools.

Comings and goings

Some religious congregations in Ahwatukee saw several major leadership changes with the sad passing of two longtime leaders and the elevation of a third. The Rev. Don Schneider, the retired longtime pastor of Mountain View Lutheran Church, died after a brief illness. He was credited with helping several churches of other denominations take root in Ahwatukee in the early 1980s by allowing then-small congregations to use his campus and was also a huge community booster whose work helped get Ahwatukee’s first ballfields, among other improvements. Also passing was Father Bob Binta, pastor of the Parish of St. Benedict’s. The muchbeloved priest helped lead the congregation to start a building fund to build a new church that leaders hope will be open in time for Christmas 2019. Meanwhile, the Rev. Deborah Hutterer, an Ahwatukee resident, was installed as the sixth bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod

AFN file photo

The Ahwatukee KIwanis Club’s Easter Parade rolled down 48th Street flawlessly.

of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a job that involves overseeing 89 congregations serving 44,000 members spread across Arizona, southern Nevada and St. George, Utah. At the same time, she’ll have to stay in touch with 64 other bishops across the country who also oversee synods, which are similar to dioceses in other Christian churches. Two major additions to Ahwatukee’s local business scene came in when 2017 gave way to 2018. Mountainside Fitness returned to the place where it started as it opened a gym in the old Sports Authority building at a strip mall on the northeastern corner of Ray Road and 48th Street. Almost simultaneously, the massive Urban Air Adventure Park enabled kids and adults to bounce on trampolines and specially designed walls to their heart’s content when it opened next to the fitness complex. The Ahwatukee Board of Management saw big success in getting the city to start sprucing up the neighborhood by planting more than 125 trees and a variety of flowers around 48th Street and the Warner-Elliot Loop, painting and replacing beat-up utility boxes and other enhancements. Pickleball enthusiasts saw the opening of an 18-court complex at Pecos Park that makes Ahwatukee a mecca for the fastgrowing sport. And there were some things that keep Ahwatukee special that didn’t change: The switch was turned on for the annual Festival of Lights. The two fundraisers that keep the lights burning – the Kick-Off Party and the Wine and Beer Tasting Festival – went off without a hitch. The 22nd Ahwatukee Bowl saw Desert Vista break a seven-year drought and capture the trophy. The Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee held its 42nd annual Easter Parade. And the Ahwatukee Foothills News turned 40 years old.

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Community

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Ahwatukee woman helps abused, neglected kids BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

ictoria Strayer well remembers the first child she selected in her role as a CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate. As the senior vice-president of risk and compliance for the global company TSYS and the single mother of two daughters, the Ahwatukee woman already had plenty already on her plate. But after learning about CASA of Maricopa County, she felt moved to help – and began to make the time to serve as an advocate for abused and neglected children. “I’d never been one to sit on the sidelines, and I’ve always had a passion for children,” said Strayer, board president and co-founder of the nonprofit Voices for CASA Children. “I was a single mom with a demanding corporate job, but after I learned about CASA advocates, it settled in my mind and

Special to AFN

Victoria Strayer of Ahwatukee advocates for foster kids as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

in my heart. It was a blending of my love for children, and my interest in our legal system,” she explained. With nearly 700,000 children nationwide and more than 14,000 in Arizona victimized annually by neglect or abuse, these kids are not playing with neighbors and making happy family memories. Instead, they’re attending court hearings, adjusting to new foster homes and transitioning to new schools. That’s a heavy burden for a child to carry. With a CASA or guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteer dedicated to their case, these vulnerable children have someone by their side to speak up for their best interests. Strayer is one of those volunteers who represent the needs of abused and neglected children in the foster care system. Strayer is prone to radiant smiles when she recalls the life-changing experience she had when she became a CASA. “I completed my training to do this vital

work as a CASA in August 2010,” she said. “I remember the feeling of anticipation and excitement as I went to the courthouse to meet with my CASA coordinator and chose a case, a child that I would be appointed CASA by the Juvenile Court Judge. “As I imagined the child who would become part of my life, I assumed I’d chose a young boy or girl,” she continued. “We have CASAs who connect most with various ages, including teens. I’d just raised two amazing daughters and did survive the teen years, but I was ready to connect with a younger child. What I learned is many times a CASA does not choose the child – the child chooses you.” Strayer, who also served as a volunteer CASA peer coordinator for several years, said she has seen the same experience she had as the newly trained volunteers participate in their first case selection. It reminded her of her first encounter: See

STRAYER on page 27

Kyrene District student’s bead project goes global BY CECILIA CHAN AFN Staff Writer

adison J Ringgold said stringing together a bunch of colorful plastic beads into a bracelet was meant to cheer up one of her friends. “She would come to school sad,” the 11-year-old Kyrene Middle School student said. “I just want to make kids happy and make the world a better place.” That act of kindness five years ago by Madison J has turned into the Happy Bracelet Project, which became a nonprofit a year ago this month and has gone international. It has grown from a family effort of making and giving away bracelets to put a smile on children’s faces to a community one, according to her grandmother, Elizabeth Jackson. “It’s children making bracelets for other children,” Jackson said. “We’re teaching community service. Some have never done it. I tell them it’s a way of giving back.”

Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Staff Photographer

Elizabeth Jackson , Madison J Ronggold’s grandmother, goes around school districts and youth organizations with her granddaughter teaching kids how to make “happy bracelets.”

Jackson, whose background includes licensed child-care provider and after-

school project director, wants to expand the group’s reach into schools and use the

program for character-building. With problems such as school violence and bullying, she believes having children make the bracelets would help calm them down and refocus their attention to helping others. The kids get to come together, socialize and at each venue, she brings up a topic for discussion such as bullying, according to Jackson. One day last week, Jackson and her family members – daughter Elana Ringgold, Madison J and her younger sister, Morgan – traveled to the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Valley in Gilbert to make bracelets with fifth- to seventhgraders. The group works with kids age 5-18. “Today’s bracelets will go to Los Angeles’ downtown Skid Row,” Jackson said, who put out the supplies along with slips of paper on each table with words such as “patience,” “kindness” and “love.” “We will make 300 bracelets that will go See

BRACELETS on page 25

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

Wings for Warriors marks 8 years of service A

AFN News Staff

nthony “Doc” Ameen was a hospital corpsman for the Marines, in the fight of his life – not on the fields of Afghanistan, but in hospital rooms in military medical centers located in San Antonio and San Diego. Enduring an amputation of his left leg as well as dozens of other surgeries and the spiritual and emotional struggle of coming back home physically broken from his service, the Ahwatukee man recalls that he “suffered virtual insult” to his injuries in the form of denial of his military and civil benefits. Over a three-year period, as his recovery brought back his vitality and desire to serve others, Ameen successfully fought to receive previously-denied Traumatic Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance and his Social Security disability. Eventually, with the help of his congressman and a congressional hearing, Ameen won his rightfully earned TSGLI and back pay from Social Security. As his recovering brothers and sisters witnessed his combination of intelligence and tenacity – the same qualities that had seen him rise in the Navy – he became known

Special to AFN

Ahwatukee resident Anthony “Doc” Ameen went through numerous painful surgeries to repair war injuries that also cost him a leg. Now, the veteran tries to help other wounded vets with his nonprofit, Wings for Warriors,” which celebrated its eighth birthday recently.

as the “Benefits Guy.” “I had guys coming up to me at the hospital, and even tracking me down after I had left and gone home to Phoenix,” he said. “That tells you the scope of these kinds of problems, with people being denied their benefits.”

On top of all of his own suffering, the burden of his injuries and recovery also took a toll on his family. Ameen’s mother and father racked up more than $25,000 in flight expenses as they took turns being at his bedside in Texas and California, far away from their Phoenix home.

With both parents working, they saw the incredible toll that travel expenses could take on a military family, and they knew that their son was not alone, as thousands of veterans returned home with similar injuries and See

WINGS on page 28

Learning. Leading. Achieving. Enrollment begins January 7 Kyrene School District has been providing an exceptional education for children for over 130 years. Kyrene students outperform peer districts, charter schools, and state averages in AzMERIT Math and ELA assessments. OUTSTANDING TEACHERS

IB CANDIDATE SCHOOL †

COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM

ARTS INTEGRATION ACADEMY

15 A+ SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE™

DUAL LANGUAGE ACADEMY

COMPUTER SCIENCE/CODING

TRADITIONAL ACADEMY

SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.

†

L E A R N I N G. L E A D I N G. A C H I E V I N G.

kyrene.org/enroll 480-541-1000

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

BRACELETS

from page 23

to children who are homeless and less fortunate.” She asked the kids to think of the recipients as they crafted the Happy Bracelets. She tells them the bracelets are a sign of encouragement, hope and love to someone in need. “When you make these bracelets, you are making bracelets for kids living on the streets,” she said. “We can’t provide a home for them, but we can provide a smile.” The Happy Bracelet Project has a number of sponsors, including Chickfil-A in Gilbert, which gave gift cards for the group to hand out to the children who help make the bracelets, said Jackson, who also brings snacks for the participants. The group has also received some donations, such as $1,000 from the Enterprise Foundation, which helps pay for the supplies and shipping costs, Jackson added. Jackson was at the same Boys and Girls Clubs last December, when the children made bracelets for their counterparts in Puerto Rico. Hurricane Maria had pummeled the island, destroying the

Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Staff Photographer

Madison J Ringgold started making “happy bracelets” as a way for kids to send other kids tokens of encouragement, starting what has now become a global nonprofit.

Boys and Girls Club building there. Happy Bracelets have been donated to Ronald McDonald House, Casa De Los Ninos, Samaritan’s Purse, Gospel

Rescue Mission and children from three elementary schools in Houston, Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey. Bracelets also have gone to Luke Air

Force Base’s Airman Family Readiness Center for children who have a parent who has been deployed or is actively serving. Jackson said the group was helping children on Feb. 14, 2017 make bracelets when news broke of the mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida. The children made 500 Happy Bracelets that were shipped to the students at that school, Jackson said. She estimated the project has to date made and donated at least 5,000 Happy Bracelets. The next project involves finding children, especially those who play soccer so they can make bracelets for the members of the boys’ soccer team who were trapped 17 days in north Thailand before rescue, according to Jackson. For Mariah Willis, 10, of Mesa, it was her first time making the Happy Bracelets. It was fulfilling, she said, “because you are making them for the poor.” It also was fulfilling, for Madison J. “I think it’s pretty amazing that one bracelet turned into all of this and there are happy kids all over the world and not just in Arizona,” she said. To help the Happy Bracelet Project buy materials: gofundme.com/ happybracelet

LOOKING TO GET YOUR HOT ROD, CLASSIC CAR, OR TRUCK OUT OF THE GARAGE?

M.C. Garage offers many services to customize or restore your ride. From powertrain swaps, brakes, to air conditioning, M.C. Garage will modernize or restore your classic and get it back on the road.

4041 W Milky Way Chandler, AZ 85226 (480) 784 4884 mcgarageaz.com

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

League’s new cookbook pays homage to Arizona BY KRISTINE CANNON Staff Writer

very meal is a labor of love, and every dish has a story behind it – from the family recipe that’s been handed down generations to your favorite restaurant’s signature dish. And the Historical League has published not one, but two cookbooks capturing not only the history behind Arizona’s historic venues and their famous recipes, but also family recipes passed through the generations of prominent people and history-makers in the state. “Tastes & Treasures II: A Storytelling Cookbook of Historic Arizona” is the nonprofit organization’s second cookbook, comprised of 216 pages of recipes and evocative food stories. “You remember your great-grandma’s cookies she made at Christmas and the strudel your auntie made, or it’s Thanksgiving dinner and you remember getting together and making tamales,” said Ruth McLeod, Historical League member and one of the four “Tastes & Treasures II” co-editors. “This is a book of Arizona history and food recipes, food memories and stories – and food brings people together,” McLeod said. That’s the point McLeod and the rest of the Historical League members stress: It’s more than a cookbook; it’s a history book. “Tastes & Treasures II” was released earlier this year and has sold 2,200 copies. “We have sold enough now that it’s covered the production costs,” said Mary Garbaciak, president of the Historical League. “Everything we sell after this is profit.” Historical League’s first volume of the cookbook of the same name continues to sell, too – over 20,000 copies since 2007. “Two and a half years ago, we were rapidly running out of the [first] book and a lot of people were asking us, ‘Are you ever going to do a second volume?’” McLeod said. Cathy Shumard, Historical League member and co-editor, added, “They liked the first product and they wanted more.” The Historical League’s mission is to preserve Arizona’s cultural heritage and promote continued public awareness of the Arizona Historical Society. And this cookbook is just one of

(Historical League/Special to AFN)

(L to R) Ruth McLeod, Leslie Christiansen, Linda Corderman and Cathy Shumard are Historical League members who worked on creating the nonprofit’s “Tastes & Treasures II” cookbook, out now.

many ways the organization raises money for the Arizona Heritage Center, an interactive museum with permanent and changing exhibits showcasing and informing the public of the state’s history. Since the Historical League’s inception in 1979, the organization has contributed more than $1.4 million to the Arizona Heritage Center. “If we can help the museum, if we can help preserve Arizona history and we can raise money, too, then this book has done its job well,” McLeod said. The cookbook’s charitable aspect is one of the reasons El Chorro was quick to jump at the opportunity for the second time. Plus, “El Chorro is part of the fabric of the community, so it was a natural fit,” said Kristy Moore, El Chorro’s operating manager. “People have a real connection to [the restaurant].” The restaurant, which has been a mainstay in the Paradise Valley and Scottsdale areas since 1937, was also included in “Tastes & Treasures” volume one. Their famous sticky buns recipe was published. In the cookbook’s second volume, readers will find recipes for El Chorro’s vanilla poached lobster rolls, its signature short ribs, southwest tuna poke and its signature beef stroganoff. “Stroganoff is one of the favorite recipes we do, and it’s been an El Chorro favorite for probably 60 years,” Moore said. But the beef stroganoff dish almost

didn’t make the cut. “The chef we opened with [Chef Charles Kassels] was a forward-thinking, progressive chef, and he said, ‘I am not doing beef stroganoff,’ and there were howls immediately,” Moore said. In the end, Kassels put it on the menu, and it has since become the second most-popular dish at the restaurant – just behind their sticky buns, of course. El Chorro is one of the 24 historic restaurants featured in the cookbook, and the restaurant has already sold many cookbooks from its lobby. One requirement to be featured in the cookbook is the venue must be 50 years or older. Other returning venues include Rock Spring Café in Black Canyon City, Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix and Arizona Inn in Tucson. Also new to “Tastes & Treasures II” is the Cherished Legacies section, comprised of tribute pages that honor loved ones, including some of Arizona’s original families, with a submitted short story and recipe. “If you had a special person in your life that you wanted to remember or to honor, you could submit a writeup and their favorite recipe,” Shumard said. Shumard and McLeod both submitted tributes to their respective parents. The cookbook also includes a “Historymakers” section, featuring recipes from past Historymakers, including Bennie Gonzales, the Navajo Code Talkers, Barry M. Goldwater and more. The upcoming Historymakers Gala

on February 23 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort will honor six new Historymakers. They include Arizona Secretary of State Betsey Bayless, educator and Scottsdale land preservationist Dr. Arthur DeCabooter, Director and CEO of Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Michael J. Fox, Arizona state senator and community activist Alfredo Gutierrez, western artist and painter Merrill Mahaffey and architect and community planner Vernon D. Swaback. “One of the qualifications is that they continued to support Arizona,” McLeod said. “They must be living when they are honored, too.” “Tastes & Treasures II” includes stories and recipes from Marshall Trimble, Arizona’s official state historian and Scottsdale Community College educator for 40 years; Jim Bruner, who served on the Scottsdale City Council for eight years; and Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. It took the more than 50 Historical League volunteers two and a half years to write and complete “Tastes & Treasures II,” whereas it took 18 months to complete the first volume. “There’s more history in this book,” Garbaciak explained. The Historical League added a new section, Cherished Legacies, and nearly doubled the number of participating restaurants and their respective stories. Plus, they had at least 10 tasting parties – something they didn’t do for the first cookbook. “This group loves to cook, and we all love to share recipes,” McLeod said. Every recipe was tested three times, and from there, the members would decide what would make the cut. “It also took longer to create the second cookbook because the Historical League printed the cookbook locally with O’Neil Printing and Roswell Bookbinding, both of which are located in Phoenix. “We wanted it printed here. We wanted control of it here,” McLeod said. “We wanted this to be all about Arizona.” “Tastes & Treasures II” is available at the Historical League store, on Amazon and at several of the venues featured in the cookbook. Information: historicalleague.org.

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

STRAYER

from page 23

“That day, I read each file with details of why a child had been removed from their home. I read about their trauma, hardships and needs. It became clear this would be a very hard day. For every file I set aside was a child who might not have a CASA. “Then I read the file of a 14-year-old girl who had been sexually abused and neglected. There were facts about her behaviors and challenges in school; reports regarding her trauma therapy and struggles with selfworth. I read details that raised concern about other environmental and familial factors that could increase her risk. This teen called out to me from the page. “That day I left the court with three potential cases, children, from which to choose. Yet it was actually never a doubt that I had to be this girl’s CASA.” Becoming a CASA includes a complete background vetting and 30 hours of preservice training. Each CASA is required to have 12 additional hours of training annually. Though the CASA has many areas of support offered them, stepping into the role for the first time can be a steep learning curve. “My experience on my first case was compelling,” Strayer recalled. “I felt fear when I wasn’t sure I was connecting with this teen girl in a way that would allow me to best understand her needs. I felt hope when I gained her trust. I felt confidence when I spoke to the Judge in court about my recommendations for her best interest, and the judge listened. “Some of my opinions aligned with the Department of Child Safety, some did not. I felt joy when my CASA child’s family was able to make the right decisions for her and she was eventually reunified into a safe, loving home absent of an abusive presence. I was forever changed by that precious life and have been enriched by every child since.” In ensuing years, Strayer served as CASA for three additional children. Cases generally last an average of 18 months, but CASAs are asked to be a consistent presence and commit to the timeframe the child is in the Dependent Care System. “There are thousands of children in the foster care system, and we need more community volunteers to serve as advocates,” Strayer encouraged. All 15 counties in Arizona now have CASA programs that offer recruiting, training and support of volunteers to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom and other settings. Each is a program of the Dependent Children’s Services Division of the Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Courts – a wieldy name for a program that has at its heart a concern for abused and/

or neglected children that are in the state’s dependent care program. CASA of Maricopa County, organized as a pilot program with funding from Phoenix Soroptimists and the Junior League of Phoenix, was one of the state’s forerunners, organizing in 1985. With its myriad committed and caring volunteers like Strayer, CASA has advocated for more than 22,000 children since its founding more than 30 years ago. A video reviewing CASA in Arizona is available on YouTube under CASA of Arizona History Project. Strayer was happy to be a CASA, but as the country and especially nonprofits were attempting to regain their footing after what is now referred to as the Great Recession of the late 2000s, National CASA advised that a 501 (c)(3) was the way to help local organizations. She and others committed to CASA of Maricopa County, Arizona’s most populated county, responded to the call to action. Along with Robin Pearson, now VOICES Executive Director who was also a volunteer CASA, Strayer began researching what it would take to start a nonprofit. None had prior experience with nonprofits, so they started at square one. In 2011, Voices for CASA Children was launched. “We were just coming off the financial crisis, and because of funding issues in other CASA programs, we wanted to be able to help if needed, and early on we knew VOICES could be much more than just a safety net,” recalled Strayer, an Arizona native. “I do admit I am pleased VOICES has evolved into a strong, sustainable organization and I am no longer the midnight marketing staff,” she laughed, recalling the early days when the founders undertook all jobs including designing brochures online and locating a suitable office space. “The VOICES founding committee was dedicated to our mission, and the board, volunteers and staff are bold and visionary about the future. We have generous donors and have built trusted relationships with the court, our child welfare partners, and community leaders. In addition, I have an incredible, trusted partner in VOICES Executive Director Robin Pearson. She’s also a founder and we’ve been committed confidants in this quest, together, since day one. And being involved in experiences that include teams with shared visions is always more rewarding, for me, than a solitary endeavor; being one more reason I stayed passionately engaged.” Strayer candidly shared a reason she said may be why she feels drawn to helping children. “I, myself, was adopted as an infant. My birth mother was 13 when I was born. As an adult, I was fortunate to complete a

COMMUNITY search and locate her,” she said. “Perhaps this influences my passion to be a voice for children. Or, perhaps it’s just the Lord’s guidance for me to pay forward the blessings that have been part of my life. I also chose CASA because it allows me to blend my intellect, my heart and my tenacity into an influential and empowering force for social good.” The nonprofit VOICES for CASA Children is a Qualified Foster Care Charitable Organization that “leverages the heart and treasure of the community to support the CASA program and the advocates serving the children, said Strayer. Besides offering Advocates additional training on trauma and other topics helpful to their role, VOICES also provides regular CASA information sessions including online (Dec. 19, Jan. 2) and monthly one-hour lunch information sessions at their Scottsdale headquarters. VOICES also cares for the children served by CASA, including by providing Hope Bags that CASAs can give their CASA child at their first meeting and extensive child enrichment opportunities so children can be exposed to normal life experiences and activities with their CASA, thus helping strengthen their bond. Essential-Needs campaigns, like those for new coats, summer wear, back-to-school

Ahwatukee!

Elizabeth Estes

backpacks etc. are also popular with the CASAs. VOICES actively encourages community involvement whether through becoming a CASA, volunteering at VOICES events or donating – which can be as painless as taking advantage of the dollar-for-dollar Arizona Qualified Foster Care Organization Tax Credit, or charitable sites such as Amazon Smile (smile.amazon.com), where Voices for CASA Children is a listed charity. “It’s very simple,” Strayer enthused. “I’m proud to say over the past few years I’ve had over 250 orders benefit Voices for CASA Children. And yes, it works on Prime also!” Giving, anytime of the year, says Strayer, is good for the giver as well as those who receive. “As a mom, grandma, friend and corporate professional leading a global organization, my life is busy every moment. I have to be organized and intentional about my life. However, I believe when we are involved in philanthropy that inspires passion; the work sparks energy and hope,” said Strayer, smiling. VOICES has been nationally-certified as a Service Enterprise by the Arizona Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family, and by Points of Life. For more information on VOICES, see VoicesforCasaChildren.org.

PRACTICING SINCE 1998

ESTATE PLANNING FAMILY LAW REAL ESTATE BUSINESS TRUST ADMINISTRATION PROBATE

Call for a Free Consultation

480.656.3733 | www.esteslawfirmaz.com 4505 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 260 | Phoenix 85048 | Located in Ahwatukee

COMMUNITY

WINGS

from page 24

recovery times. They also knew that family time was critical to a recovery that involved not only physical wounds, but post-traumatic stress disorder and a swirl of emotions each day. Then, on Christmas night of 2010, his father asked him what was next now that he was feeling better about his prospects in life. Ameen’s answer to his father was to create an organization to help others going through the same things he did, so that no combat veteran would ever feel alone in the face of injuries and being denied their benefits. “I was pissed off that this could happen to me,” he remembered, “and the thought that this could happen to other vets made me think that I could do something about it.” He and his father together crafted a plan that would become his next life mission, Wings for Warriors. The inspiration for the name came from a fundraiser at the Ameen family’s church, Wings for Anthony, that sought to cover the family’s travel expenses. What began at the dining room table now operates with a volunteer network in 28 cities across America. In the last eight years, Wings for Warriors “has had a tremendous impact on the nation’s most precious treasure, veterans wounded in combat, and their

tt Ask Ma

Matt Tobias General Manager

families,” Ameen said. “The organization has helped thousands of veterans procure the benefits and services that they need – and to which, in most cases, they are entitled by law – but just need a helping hand in working through red tape or even just a place to start,” Ameen added. “These services can range from disability benefits, insurance awards for loss of limbs, and health care to treatment for PTSD and other symptoms and conditions with longterm implications,” he said. To date, Wings for Warriors has helped more than 4,104 veterans with guidance and counseling and another 302 with travel assistance to lighten the financial burden of family travel. The organization is now launching new programs with partners in Phoenix and around the country. With the Wings for Warriors Home Rewards Program, participating veterans receive benefits to help with their moves and home improvement, while the organization receives donations in the veteran’s name from HomeBridge Financial Services and realtors. Another new partnership, with Phoenix’s renowned OdySea Aquarium, will see four to eight veterans each month selected to helmet dive with the aquarium’s oceanic wildlife. When asked why the organization has made such a great impact on the lives of veterans in such a short time, Ameen looks to his own struggles and a passionate group

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

of donors. “While this charity was designed to help others, it’s really helped me,” he said. “My work serving my brothers and sisters has brought me back to my faith, something my wife encouraged me to do. Spirituality helps with those invisible wounds, and my relationship with God has made me stronger. “The first several years, as a start-up, were fueled by my desire to prove myself. I had done that as a Corpsman, but I found myself starting all over again with a need prove to myself, my family and friends – to anyone, really – that my life had value and that I could build something good.” “About three years ago, I gave myself a break, realizing that I had indeed proven myself. It was time to bring in others and let them help me take this to the next level. We simply couldn’t have achieved much of what we have without the families who support us financially. “Many of them have never had family members serve, much less get wounded or killed in battle, but they get it. They get that others are selfless in their service, and these families have become selfless in their support of our veterans. Now, we see folks donating not only money, but their time and talents. It’s been really amazing to see.” Since July 21, 2008, when Ameen sustained the battlefield injuries that would bring him home for good, along with the death of one

PLUMBING

Call us today with your question!

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

*No other offers apply.

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

SERVI

E! ATUKE G AHW

In-Home Care for Total Peace of Mind We Care Every Day, In Every Way.® Caregive

• Meal Preparation • Errands • Friendly Companionship • Respite Care for Families

• Light Housekeeping • Bathing Assistance • Up to 24 Hour Care • Medication Reminders

704.5422

(480)

ROC # 272721

r Employment Opportunities are Available!

480-886-1165 • 16815 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy. • Suite 123 www.VisitingAngels.com/SouthPhoenix Each Visiting Angels agency is independently owned and operated.

Matt

We Repair or Install

GOT NEWS?

Since 1998

Hi Everyone, Just a friendly reminder that if your toilet water supply has a thin white plastic nut, you should consider changing it to a steel braided, steel-tipped supply line. We have been seeing these plastic ones crack at the fitting and they can do a large amount of flood damage to your house, especially if you’re not home when it happens. If you are unsure if yours should be changed, please give us a call. Thank you!

he was called to save, his life has become an example of the fact that you can’t keep a good sailor down. “We do nothing half-ass. We are fighting to become a greater force to be reckoned with in the service of our wounded servicemen and women,” he said. “We are on the verge of hitting the next level, going from a small, hometown operation to a national charity able to do many great things. We want to stay lean, so that we can continue to channel most of the resources to those who deserve them. It’s an exciting time at Wings for Warriors.” Information: WingsForWarriors.org.

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Horizon Honors accepting lottery forms for the 2019-2020

Lottery forms must be submitted online at horizonclc.org by Jan. 21. In addition, info sessions and tours are available for prospective families. Reservations are required and available at horizonclc.org. Horizon Honors Schools is an organization of tuition-free, public, charter schools which provide continuous learning, K-12. Located in Ahwatukee, over 1,500 students from cities throughout the East Valley attend the schools. Both Horizon Honors Schools are graded “A” by the Arizona Department of Education.

Parent-toddler class offered at Summit School

Summit School in Ahwatukee offers parents and toddlers a first step into a world of learning through “Toddler Discoveries,” a developmentally appropriate and fun-filled experience for children 18 to 36 months and their adult companion. Children can enjoy art, building, fine motor development, dramatic play, group stories and songs, with time to play. Adults will also have an opportunity to

discuss relevant “toddler topics” with an experienced teacher. Registration is underway for a new class starting the end of January. The spring class is being offered 9-11 a.m. on Thursdays through April. To enroll: email Admissions@SummitSchoolAZ.org.

AARP offering Smart Driver Course for seniors

AARP is sponsoring the Smart Driver Course, which enables seniors to refresh their driving skills while learning about changes in road designs, intersections and signage and technological changes to our cars. After attending the four-hour class, participants will receive a certificate that may make them eligible for insurance discounts. The next classes will be at the Pecos Senior Center, 17010 S. 48th St. on Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at LivGenerations Ahwatukee Senior Living, 15815 S. 50th St., Ahwatukee, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 13. The cost is $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members. To register, call Jane at 480-710-7265 or email janesimmers@gmail.com.

CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 26

Red Cross blood drive

Give the gift of blood at this American Red Cross Blood Drive. DETAILS>> 2:30- 7 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages: Adults. Free. Appointments are recommended and can be made at www. redcrossblood.org; select the “Donating Blood” option to submit your appointment time. Walk-in donations are also welcome, as available.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 2

Monthly book discussion

Read the book and join each lively discussion the first Wednesday of the month. January’s Read: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. February’s Read: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. DETAILS>> 7-7:45 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages: Adult. Free. No registration required.

THURSDAY, JAN. 3 Discovery Time

Children 3-5 years-old, accompanied by a favorite adult, enjoy interactive activities that encourage emerging language skills, and that introduce STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) concepts, on the first Thursday of each month. DETAILS>> 6:30-7:15 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 3-5 years. Free. Tickets are limited & available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5-6

a workshop for women titled “Meanings Master: Becoming the Master of Your Emotions.” An intensive, intimate weekend workshop for powerful women “will equip you with potent tools so you can embrace your most uncomfortable emotions, rewrite the past, and turn tragedies into triumphs, without wasting years in therapy.” DETAILS>> 8:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m., 4001 E. Mountain Sky Ave., honeybee-you.com/mm-workshop.

TUESDAY, JAN. 8 LEGO Lab

Children accompanied by an adult can stop by for fun LEGO building time the second Tuesday of each month. DETAILS>> 4-5 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 6-11. Free. No registration required.

SATURDAY, JAN. 12

Library Teen Council

LTC meets to plan teen events at the library. Join us to earn community service hours, make friends and have fun. DETAILS>> 2-3 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 12-17. Free. No registration required.

TUESDAY, JAN. 15

Ironwood Writers

The third Tuesday of every month bring five double-spaced pages of writing to get feedback from your fellow writers during the Ironwood Writers Critique Group gathering. DETAILS>> 6-7:45 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages: Adults. Free. No registration required.

Mastering your emotions

Sacred Roots Wellness in Ahwatukee will host

See

CALENDAR on page 30

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

from page 29

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 16 Magic Tree House

Read the book at home for the Magic Tree House Book Club, then do fun time-travel activities at the library. Kids can read this month’s Magic Tree House series title Knight at Dawn by Mary Pope Osborne on their own or with family to prepare for handson activities that bring the story to life. February’s book: Mummies in the Morning by Mary Pope Osborne. DETAILS>> 4-5:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 6-11. Free. No registration required.

THURSDAY, JAN. 24

Freshmen showcase

Mountain Pointe High School will host an informational workshop about the school for all eighth grade students and their families. DETAILS>> 5-8 p.m., 44th Street and Knox Road gymnasium. Information: Joe Dominguez at jdominguez@tempeunion.org.

SUNDAYS

TinkerTime

Explore hands-on creative ways to design, experiment and invent while learning about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) through tinkering. DETAILS>> 2-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 6-11. Free. No registration required.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

CALENDAR

Bible study

Foundations of Our Faith Bible Study, a journey through Exodus that is biblically accurate and understandable for everyone. Learn the historical perspective which reveals the love of God for all His people. Technology and questions are both encouraged. DETAILS>> 9:15 a.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. 480-8932579. mvlutheran.org/classes.

Learn gardening from pros

Learn desert gardening by getting your hands dirty with the Ahwatukee Community Gardening Project. Share in the knowledge, the produce and the smiles. All ages welcome. Bring sun protection and water, tools optional. DETAILS>> 8-9:15 a.m. in the northwest corner of the park at 4700 E. Warner Road, Ahwatukee, behind the guitar player at the Ahwatukee Farmers Market, which is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Information: acgarden.org or 480-759-5338.

Chess, knitters clubs

Two new clubs meet in Ahwatukee every Sunday: the Chess Club for players at all skill levels and Knitters Anonymous for all levels of knitters and people who crochet. DETAILS>> The Chess Club meets at 11 a.m. and Knitters Anonymous meets at 2 p.m., both at Sun Cup Café, 1241 E. Chandler Blvd. For either club, call 480-246-1912 for more information.

Our Faith Bible Study

This biblical scripture study embraces a spiritfilled, intellectually honest and refreshingly understandable exploration of God’s Word. Lessons will combine Christian and Jewish theology along with bible history, archaeology and linguistics for a rich learning experience. DETAILS>> 9:15 a.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee Information: 480-893-2579. www.mvlutheran.org/classes.

MONDAYS

GOSBELLS

This learning handbell choir teaches you how to ring those bells! The group presents occasionally during worship services and special holidays throughout the school year. DETAILS>> 6 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. 480-8932579. mvlutheran.org.

Power Partners meet

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce’s Power Partners meets. It’s a category-specific networking and leads group. Non-Chamber members can attend one event to “check it out.” DETAILS>> noon-1 p.m.at Native Grill and Wings 5030 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Contact: Gina Jenkins, 480-990-5444.

LD 18 Dems meet monthly

share news, opportunities, food and laughter. Meetings include guest speakers, legislative updates, how-to sessions and Q&A. Volunteer or just enjoy an evening with like-minded folks. DETAILS>> For times and places: ld18democrats. org/calendar.

Babytime for walkers

Babies up to 23 months who are walking and are accompanied by a favorite adult enjoy Babytime with Sign Language for Walkers, with songs, activities to promote movement, rhymes, books and playtime in each lively session. DETAILS>> Except Jan. 21, 9:30-10 a.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages walking to 23 months. Free. Tickets are limited & available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.

Babytime for crawlers

Accompanied by a favorite adult, babies birth to crawling can enjoy songs, music, rhymes, books, interactive stories, simple sign language words, activities to promote movement and playtime. DETAILS>> Except Jan. 21, 10:30-11 a.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages birth to crawling. Free. Tickets are limited & available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.

Digital City

Children can let their digital creativity flow in this self-guided tech “playground.” We provide hands-on beginner bots, exercises to build

Legislative District 18 Democrats gather monthly, usually the second Monday, to

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 45

Desert Home Cleaning Service, Inc.

CARPET, Ahwatukee! UPHOLSTERY, TILE & GROUT • OWNER OPERATED • 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE

CALENDAR on page 32

CARPET CLEANING SPECIAL 5 Rooms Only $80

Combined living area and/or area over 300 sq.ft. Considered separate rooms NO HIDDEN CHARGES

Cleaning includes Pre-Treating Most Furniture Moved Carpet Groomed

• TRUCK MOUNTED EQUIPMENT

LLC WHOLESALE to the TRADES

See

480.759.3361

Protector and deodorizer available

Find Any Hidden Charges and the Cleaning is FREE!

Family managed since 1981

Happy New Year

• Fountains

• Benches LOWEST PRICES, LARGEST SELECTION! • Bird Baths HUGE SELECTION OF OVERSIZED POTTERY! PET FRIENDLY! • Ceramics • Stoneware 480-802-1309 • Wrought Iron

23843 S. Cooper Rd.

1/4 Mile S. of Chandler Heights Rd.

Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.thru - 5p.m., Sun. 11 am a.m. - 5 p.m. Hours: Thursday Monday 9:00 - 5:00 pm CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS

• Oversized Pottery • Metal Wall Decor • Indoor/Outdoor Decor • Much More!

Joseph B Ortiz, AAMS®, CRPS® Financial Advisor .

MKT-9811-A

Southern Chandler

As the calendar turns the page, we wish you the very best in the year ahead.

4902 E Warner Rd Suite 1 Phoenix, AZ 85044 480-753-7664

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

For Mesa family, autism has posed a challenge BY MOLLY ARRIAGA AFN Guest Writer

Our daughter, Alexandra, enjoys spending time on the computer and her iPad. She loves musicals, watching videos on YouTube and holds a special place in her heart for the Gilmore Girls. She loves her cheer class at USA Fitness in Gilbert and enjoys attending church on Sundays. And while that might sound pretty typical for a 17-year-old, high school sophomore, our lives are anything but typical. Alex was diagnosed with autism in 2012. The initial diagnosis consisted of big words like pervasive development disorder, developmental dyspraxia, sensory integration disorder and speech apraxia. The years leading up to her diagnosis presented more questions than answers and frankly, it was wonderful to finally be able to put a name to it. Finding resources to support the diagnosis proved challenging, but we were determined to do what we had to do. Our biggest challenges involved getting Alex out of bed and ready for school and encouraging her to try everyday morning tasks we knew she was capable of handling. Every day was a struggle. A behavioral therapy called ABA Therapy was recommended, so we put ourselves on the wait list. Three years later, we were still waiting. And then we discovered the Southwest Autism Center of Excellence (SACE), a collaborative effort of Southwest Behavioral & Health Services and Southwest Human Development, in 2017. A psychologist who worked at SACE heard about Alex and reached out to offer counsel and support.

Special to AFN

Alex Arriaga was diagnosed with autism in 2012 but the 17-year-old teen has been able to conquer many of its challenges with her family’s help and that of SACE.

use her words. The treatment plan really seems to be working, and I look forward to the day when she can verbally share her feelings. Today, Alex basks in the applause her team receives when they perform on center court. Her confidence is at an all-time high and we have a team of people to thank for it. She has learned to trust and work with other kids and has really come out of her shell. Alex enjoys going to her Life Skills class. It’s a social group of kids her age that teach the independent living skills they may need at home and in the Special to AFN community. She also enjoys Alex Arriaga, second from right, and her family have worked going to church on Sundays. together with the Southwest Autism Center of Excellence to overI’m so thankful for the come the challenges posed by her autism. people that have taken the time to know and accept It changed our lives forever. Alex. Joan, a psychologist with SACE, taught us Having a child with different abilities is a to focus on Alex’s strengths. A visual learner, special gift. She is aware of her surroundings Alex excelled at working with and completing and is a great judge of character. She has tasks on a picture schedule. A consistent and slow “hand-over-hand” approach coupled with a lot of praise soon had us on our way. Motivation by praise and assuring Alex could tackle and accomplish hard things helped our daughter’s confidence bloom. Alex now enjoys doing things independently and gets annoyed when I try to help her. We still have to make sure things are done correctly, The Centers for Disease Control and but what a difference from a year ago. Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 71 Since communication with the school can children in Arizona are diagnosed with be difficult, as public schools often lack the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism resources needed to work with and champion spectrum disorder (ASD) is a biologicallysomeone like Alex, the fact that SACE directly based neurodevelopmental disorder. It is interacts with her school is a real blessing. The defined as delayed social communication SACE psychologist also provides access to skills, social interactions, and restricted, resources for times outside of school and on repetitive behaviors (RRB). the weekends. October marks the first-year anniversary of Alex’s inability to communicate her needs the Southwest Autism Center of Excellence and wants can be a challenge. Sometimes she (SACE), a collaborative effort of Southwest comes home from school with watery eyes, Behavioral & Health Services and Southwest holding an ice bag or dressed in a completely Human Development as part of Mercy different set of clothes. Care’s Mercy 360 Community Initiative. She can’t communicate what she feels or SACE’s philosophy of serving Autism when something hurts. It’s hard and like any Spectrum Disorder (ASD) members parent would feel, my heart struggles. Because throughout their life span promotes high of the helpful techniques and support provided quality, community-based services that by SACE, we looked into verbal therapy and are tailored to each member and family – are now working with Alex, motivating her to delivering services in the most appropriate

Where to turn for support…

taught us simple things like unconditional love, faith, hope, patience and how not to take life for granted. She lives simply, doesn’t ask for anything and is happy most of the time. Our goal for Alex’s future is simple. We want her to be accepted and self-sufficient to the best of her abilities. We want her to graduate from high school and secure a job so she can contribute. Most of all, we want her to be safe, happy and loved. There are still some things we can’t do that most families do on a regular basis. We can’t just get up and go or do things spontaneously. Every event takes careful planning and letting Alex know ahead of time what is planned for the day. We haven’t been on vacation on a plane since Alex was born, which is why we are participating in Wings for Autism this month. It’s a wonderful program that offers young people with autism spectrum disorders and other intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), and their families, a unique “airport rehearsal” designed to ease the uncertainties and discomfort they may feel when traveling by airplane. If you have a child with autism, it’s important to know that you are not alone. There are resources and services available to help you. SACE has been an amazing resource for our family. -Molly Arriaga and her family live in Mesa. setting, in a timely fashion and in accordance with best practices, while respecting the members and family’s cultural heritage. The centers coordinate care and services across multiple systems to ensure families receive effective and efficient care. These services include: • Diagnostic screening for ASD and developmental screening • Comprehensive team assessments • Evidenced-based, intervention services to address medical, developmental, and mental health/behavioral needs associated with or impacted by ASD There are four ASD Centers of Excellence across the Valley to assist families faced with Autism spectrum disorders. Southwest Human Development (Birth to 5): 2850 N. 24th St., Phoenix, AZ 85008 Southwest Behavioral & Health Services (6 Through Adulthood): 11221 N. 28th Drive, Building E, Phoenix, AZ 85029 Southwest Behavioral & Health Services (6 Through Adulthood): 1255 W. Baseline Road, #138, Mesa, AZ 85202 Touchstone Health Services: 3602 E. Greenway Road, Suite 102, Phoenix, AZ 85032

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

from page 30 fine motor skills and Chromebooks preloaded with links to code-learning environments, 3D modeling and digital art programs. DETAILS>> Except Jan. 21, 4-5 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 5-12. Free. No registration required.

Sit, Stay, Read!

TUESDAYS

Chiming Cherubs

Estrangement support

Although rarely discussed, family estrangement is far more common than most people realize. The estranged suffer from loneliness, lack of self-esteem, guilt, anger and depression. Desert Foothills United Methodist Church provides a support group that meets the first Tuesday of every month. The public is invited to the “Living Loss” sessions. No questions asked, and anonymity will be respected. DETAILS: 7 p.m., first Tuesday of every month; 2156 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee. Free. Information: 480-460-1025 and office@ desertfoothills.org. The January meeting will be Jan. 8 because of the holiday.

Prayer night offered

Ahwatukee Health and Recovery holds a weekly prayer night. The public is invited. DETAILS>> noon-1:30 p.m., 16515 S. 40th St. #119, Ahwatukee. Free.

Chair yoga featured

Inner Vision Yoga Studio offers chair yoga to help seniors and people recovering from injuries to stay fit. DETAILS>> 1:30-2:30 p.m., 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. $6 per class. Information: 480-3302015 or donna@innervisionyoga.com.

Toastmasters sharpen skills

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

Power Partners available

The Ahwatukee Chamber offers Power Partners every Tuesday except the second Tuesday of the month, when attendees are encouraged to attend the Wake Up Ahwatukee Morning Mixer. Unlike our Monday Power Group, this group will be noncategory specific, meaning you can have more than one member in each business category. DETAILS>> 7:45-8:45 a.m. Jason’s Deli, 7230 W. Ray Road, Chandler. Free. Information: Gina Jenkins, 480-990-5444.

WEDNESDAYS ToddlerTime

Toddlers 24-47 months-old, accompanied by a favorite adult, enjoy interactive activities that encourage emerging language skills such as stories, songs, games and playtime. Children and caregivers also practice Baby Sign Language, a great way to help young children develop communication skills, in this active session. DETAILS>> Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 24-47 months. Free. Tickets are limited & available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.

Emerging readers of all ages can sign up for reading time with a registered therapy animal & human team. Read to Truffles on Wednesdays. # DETAILS>> Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. All Ages. Free. No registration required. This “ringing and singing” choir is perfect for the younger kids who love music and want to learn to ring the handbells and/or enjoy singing. Chiming Cherubs present occasionally during our worship services and special holidays throughout the school year. DETAILS>> 5:45 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St. Ahwatukee. 480-8932579. mvlutheran.org.

Joyful Noiz Children’s Choir

Upbeat children’s choir with music and a message that kids can get excited about. This choir usually sings monthly during our worship services and presents a Christmas Musical. DETAILS>> 5:30 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St. Ahwatukee. 480-8932579. mvlutheran.org.

Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery is a Biblical 12-step program that helps you find hope and healing from all of life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups. Whether it’s addiction, loss, anger or stress, you can find the freedom you’re looking for today. DETAILS>> 6:20 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. 480-8932579. mvlutheran.org.

Lectionary Bible Study

Study and examine the Scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday at a deeper level. This weekly class dissects the passages for the upcoming weekend, giving you time to study and understand the historical background. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St. Ahwatukee. 480-8932579. mvlutheran.org.

The Boy Crisis Book Study

Boys are failing to thrive in nations throughout the world. This trend has been accelerating for the past 50 years. Why aren’t we paying attention? What is contributing to “The Boy Crisis,” and what can we do to change it? DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St. Ahwatukee. 480-8932579. mvlutheran.org.

life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups. Whether it’s addiction, loss, anger or stress, you can find the freedom you’re looking for today. DETAILS>> 6:20 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St. Ahwatukee. 480-8932579. mvlutheran.org.

Fun with watercolors

People can get step-by-step instruction in water-coloring whether they are beginners or intermediates. DETAILS>>2-4:30 p.m. in instructor’s home studio off Ranch Circle North in Ahwatukee. Four classes for $90. To register: Judy Lokits 480-4718505, or jlokits@yahoo.

Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery is a Biblical 12-step program that helps you find hope and healing from all of life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups. Whether it’s addiction, loss, anger or stress, you can find the freedom you’re looking for. DETAILS>>6:20 PM, Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 South 48th Street, Ahwatukee. 480893-2579, mvlutheran.org.

This group is designed for moms whose kids are aged birth to kindergarten. They meet in a safe place “to navigate the world of motherhood, faith and life together.” Free child care for ages 0 to 5. DETAILS>> 9-11 a.m. every other Thursday starting Aug. 23. Foothills Baptist Church, 15450 S. 21st St., Ahwatukee. Information: 480-7592218 or foothillsbaptist.org/mops.

Networking group meets

ACT Networking Group, standing for Ahwatukee, Chandler and Tempe, meets weekly. DETAILS >> 7:45-8:45 p.m., Tukes Kafe, 15815 S. 50th St., Ahwatukee. Information: 602-418-3645.

Teen Thursdays

Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori holds an open house weekly. It includes a short talk about Montessori education, followed by a tour of its campus. DETAILS: 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 3221 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Information: 480-759-3810

Grief support is free

Kiwanis meets weekly

Montessori holds open house

Hospice of the Valley offers a free ongoing grief support group for adults and is open to any adult who has experienced a loss through death. No registration required. DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St. 602636-5390 or HOV.org.

Foothills Women meet

An informal, relaxed social organization of about 90 women living in the Ahwatukee Foothills/ Club West area. A way to escape once a month to have fun and meet with other ladies. DETAILS>> 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive. Contact Shelley Miller, president, at 602527-6789 or essentiallyshelley@gmail.com.

Parents can ‘drop in’

If you enjoy singing and want to play a role in worship, the Sanctuary Choir is your next step! This choir sings regularly at our 9:15 a.m. worship services and is a part of our Cantata Choir. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St. Ahwatukee. 480-8932579. mvlutheran.org.

Celebrate Recovery

THURSDAYS

Celebrate Recovery is a Biblical 12-step program that helps you find hope and healing from all of

MOPS – Mothers of Preschoolers

Ironwood Library provides the snacks and fun every Thursday; teens just bring themselves and a friend for gaming, movies, Kahoots and crafts. First Thursdays: video games; second Thursdays: art-making; third Thursdays: Upcycling Makerspace; Fourth Thursdays: Library Volunteer Opportunities. DETAILS>> 4-5:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 12-18. Free. No registration required.

Parents are invited to join a drop-in group to ask questions, share ideas or just listen to what’s going on with today’s teenagers. DETAILS>> 5:30-7 p.m. second Wednesday of each month. Maricopa Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix. Free. RSVP at 602-8278200, ext. 348, or rcarter@cals.arizona.edu. ‘Dems and Donuts’ set Legislative District 18 Democrats gather for an informal chat. DETAILS>> Free and open to the public 7:309 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Denny’s, 7400 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. RSVP: marie9@q.com or 480-592-0052.

Sanctuary Choir

you just bring yourself and a friend for gaming, karaoke, crafting, snacks and more. DETAILS>> 4-5:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 12-18. Free. No registration required.

Teen Thursdays @ the Library

Ironwood Library provides the snacks and fun;

The Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club meets weekly and welcomes newcomers. DETAILS>>7:30 a.m. Biscuits Restaurant, 4623 E. Elliot Road, Ahwatukee. Information: mike. maloney2003@gmail.com.

Financial peace

Financial Peace University is a nine-week video and small group class that teaches God’s plan for handling money. It will help you: pay off debt, save for the future and give like never before! DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee 480-8932579. mvlutheran.org/classes or fpu.com/1070125

FRIDAYS

Toastmasters meet

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce has a weekly Toastmasters meeting. DETAILS>> 8-9 a.m., First American Title conference room, 4435 E. Chandler Blvd. #100, Ahwatukee. Information: Tessy Bryan 480-3306528 or vppr-1811442@toastmastersclubs.org.

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

OPINION

Opinion DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

2019 promises what? Columnist looks ahead – kind of By DAVID LEIBOWITZ AFN Columnist

ome year’s end, some columnists run out of things to write. This gives rise to lots of “year in review” pieces, whereby inkstained wretches again pick over all that occurred during the past 365 days. That’s a cheap trick, and too easy by half. In this space, we prefer a higher degree of difficulty. Thus, we will not be looking backward today, but forward, offering you a review of the year ahead. Here’s 2019 in a nutshell: Jan. 14. The Arizona Legislature opens amid controversy when Prescott Republican David Stringer drops a bill declaring “very white” Arizona’s official state color. Admonished by Democrats, who offer a bill declaring the rainbow our state’s “official meteorological event,” Stringer attempts to soften his image by bringing his newly adopted black labs – Amos and Andy – to work.

The gesture backfires when Stringer fails to produce emotional support animal certificates for his pets. Feb. 3. Scottsdale Community College coed Tiffani L’Amour enters the Guinness Book of World Records after negotiating the 17th fairway at the Waste Management Phoenix Open wearing 11-inch spike heels. L’Amour, who also has a .44 blood alcohol level, goes viral on Twitter after celebrating with a cartwheel while holding a half-full Pabst Blue Ribbon. April 9. The Phoenix Suns finish the season with a loss to the Dallas Mavericks. After the game, owner Robert Sarver announces plans to move the team to Seattle. An hour later, the City of Seattle announces its plan to move the entire city to the state of Nebraska. As Mayor Jenny Durkan puts it: “First we lose the Super Sonics, now we get this guy? Frankly, we’d rather abandon Microsoft to grow corn.” May 17. Local TV station Fox 10 makes news when it replaces longtime anchorman John Hook with a robot ver-

sion of Hook. Replicant Hook reads the teleprompter flawlessly and sports double-breasted suits from 1992, exactly like his human counterpart. Outraged viewers flood the station with complaints, claiming the android lacks Hook’s orange tan and “seems more lifelike than co-anchor Kari Lake.” July 3. Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes announces that he’s finally finished counting ballots from the November 2018 election. Buoyed by his success, Fontes holds a press conference to unveil his “Count By Twos” initiative for 2020. Says Fontes: “By counting ballots two at a time, we can use the same number of abacuses and get the same results in half the time.” Sept. 8. The Arizona Cardinals mark the franchise’s 100th season with a new advertising campaign: “A Century of Failure!” Bankrupt team sponsor Mattress Firm unveils a new slogan for the occasion – “Laying Down for Everyone” – while Hospice of the Valley offers free grief counseling for Cardinals season ticketholders.

Nov. 3. A year from Election 2020, President Trump announces his candidacy for a second term at the newly renamed Trump Grander Canyon. Having purchased naming rights for one of the world’s natural wonders, the President announces plans to lengthen the 277-mile Canyon by connecting it to Las Vegas. “Many, many people are saying this new Canyon is the best canyon in the world,” Trump tweets. “Who else improve on what Mother Nature did?” Trump denies “fake news” that he plans to make the canyon into the world’s largest TopGolf facility. Dec. 23, 2019 – Local columnist and avid golfer David Leibowitz records his first-ever hole in one at Castles N’ Coasters. The achievement is later invalidated when it’s revealed that Leibowitz cheated by using a $500 Scotty Cameron putter during his round. Ashamed, Leibowitz announces plans to join the Seattle Nebraska Suns out on the Great Plains. May you and yours have a great holiday. And may none of this stuff actually come true.

Beating the holiday blues can be a challenge BY MARY JO WHITFIELD AFN Guest Writer

oliday parties, family gatherings, shopping and sharing time-honored recipes are what most people associate with the holiday season. However, for some, it’s far from being the most wonderful time of the year. Coined the “holiday blues,” this condition should not be taken lightly. Many people experience varying levels of anxiety or depression during the holidays, especially those with pre-existing mental health conditions. Whether it’s the extra stresses and unrealistic expectations that accompany the season or feelings of loneliness and sadness, the holiday blues can be hard to shake. But managing it and even staying ahead of it is possible if you practice these common tips: Avoid excessive spending. Plan

ahead and set a budget for your holiday gift giving. Stick to your budget and be responsible. Consider only spending cash or giving a homemade present this year. Take people at face value. With the holidays comes an influx of family members and friends that you may only see once a year. Don’t have unrealistic expectations of people that have a negative effect on you. Surround yourself with people who make you happy. Let it go. Don’t try to get everything done in one day. Set realistic goals. Make a list and try to check off two to three items every day. Furthermore, it’s perfectly okay to task others with sharing some of the holiday responsibilities. Get adequate sleep. A good night’s sleep is incredibly important to your physical and mental health. In fact, it’s just as important as eating healthy and exercising. Don’t overindulge. There are countless opportunities to overindulge in rich

food and alcoholic beverages during the holiday season. Overindulging can lead to feelings of guilt or shame, deflating your self-esteem. The goal should be to limit consumption rather than eliminating it entirely – everything in moderation. Keep active. When you plan your holiday schedule, allow yourself opportunities to be active. And while the average person may only gain about a pound during the holidays, this pound is one that most people never lose – and it adds up! In addition, exercise is great for mental health. Take up a hobby. Combat loneliness and isolation this winter by picking up a winter hobby, joining a group or volunteering with a local nonprofit. Plus, there’s no better way to make new friends! Ask for help. If you know that you typically have a tough time during the holidays, ask friends and family members to check in on you from time to time.

Talking about your struggles tends to put them in perspective. Make a mental health crisis plan. If you are someone who experiences the holiday blues, plan ahead. This can include specifying someone to call when things become too much to handle or scheduling an appointment with a therapist. You know yourself and what’s best for you. For those who already have a mental health condition, be sure to continue your therapy sessions. Don’t skip one just because things are busy. And if you’re taking prescription medications, beware of the side effects of mixing your medications with alcohol. The holiday season is a wonderful time of year. Be in the moment and take time to laugh and enjoy the festivities. Mary Jo Whitfield is vice president of Integrated Health at Jewish Family & Children’s Service

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

Business

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Minimum wage increase’s overall impact unclear BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

hat would you do with an extra $1,000 a year? That’s the happy question that faces those full-time workers at the very bottom of the wage scale who will find more cash in their paychecks after the first of the year. The move represents the third step of a four-year plan approved by voters in 2016 to eventually get the minimum wage up to $12 an hour by 2020. This latest change takes it from the current $10.50 an hour to $11. But it’s not just those at the very bottom who are likely to see an effect. The move to make the basic salary $11 should push up wages for those who al-

AFN File Photo

Protestors have advocated for an increase in the minimum wage to $15 in various parts of the country for several years.

ready are above that figure. Some people may still be paid less. That’s because the law also gives employers a $3 “tip credit’’ for wages paid to those workers who can get up to the $11 minimum when gratuities are factored in. The latest increase comes years after business interests rallied against the measure, arguing that forcing employers to pay more, particularly to newly hired workers, would make their operations financially uncompetitive. There also were claims that many businesses dependent on minimum-wage workers would simply choose to hire fewer people. University of Arizona economist George Hammond said that accurate See

MINIMUM WAGE on page 35

Ocotillo store gets golfers into swing of things BY COLLEEN SPARKS AFN Staff Writer

couple with a knack for running businesses is having fun helping people get into the swing of things at their new Ocotillo golf shop. Brigid and John Hornacek opened Hornacek’s Golf Chandler on South Alma School Road in October, but the two definitely are not green at growing businesses. They also own Hornacek’s House of Golf in Scottsdale, which John opened 22 years ago. They also like to putter around at their Scottsdale Men’s Shoppe, which sells stylish men’s clothes. Brigid also owns Primp and Blow, a salon in Paradise Valley. The 18,000-square-foot Ocotillo golf shop carries a huge selection of clubs, balls and bags, as well as colorful, eclectic and functional shoes and clothes, and a repair area where customers can get their clubs’ grips, shafts and other parts replaced. Hornacek’s Golf Chandler also of-

Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographert

Brigid and John Homacek think their new golf shop in Ocotillo offers duffers a huge selection of everything from clubs and balls to outfits that surpasses the offerings of similar stores in the Valley.

fers lessons and features a TrackMan golf simulator, which Brigid called the “Bentley of simulators” because it offers a more thorough and personalized train-

ing to help anyone with their swing. Golfers can also get customized clubs, trade in old clubs and rent hitting bays to practice their swings.

Customers will soon be able to refuel with food and drinks in Johnny’s Greek + Burgers, a restaurant the Hornaceks will open inside the store. “We carry all the same brands as all the big-box stores,” John said. “Our repair shop’s bigger and better than anyone else’s. We specialize in service and fittings. We have golf pros on staff.” He has been playing golf for 23 years and played baseball at Illinois State University before earning a bachelor’s degree in political science at Arizona State University. Brigid also plays golf and received a bachelor’s degree in communication at ASU. Brigid said she and John aim to create a friendly community in their store where people spend some time, “not just shop and leave.” She and John like running a business in Chandler. “We live out here for one,” Brigid said. “I’ve always lived in the East Valley. It’s a very active community of all ages. We knew there was a need, a want, a deSee

GOLF on page 36

BUSINESS

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

MINIMUM WAGE from page 34

wage data for the past few years is still being compiled, but that “what we’re seeing macroeconomically is that the state’s still growing rapidly.” “Overall wage growth accelerated last year, as you might expect with a minimum wage increase,’’ Hammond said. There’s little indication that there has been a slowdown in hiring by those companies most affected by having to shell out more. In the past year, total private sector employment in Arizona has gone up 3.6 percent according to the state Office of Economic Opportunity. But employment among restaurants and bars, traditionally at the low-end of the wage scale, is up by 5.6 percent. Hammond said there is some indication that inflation – the cost of buying things – has increased in the Phoenix metro area where it is measured, up from 1.6 percent in 2016 to 2.5 percent last year. But Hammond said it’s impossible to say at this point how much of that is due to higher wages. Garrick Taylor, spokesman for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, said

it’s only logical that the higher costs are being passed along. And at some point, he said, the increases can’t be sustained. “There’s only so much someone will pay for a sandwich or a cup of coffee,’’ he said. The chamber was so opposed to the 2016 measure that it not only spent money to convince voters to kill it but then went to court in a bid to block its implementation. Both efforts failed. Taylor said his organization’s opposition is not strictly financial. “We believe that mandating wage policies via the ballot box is a poor way to carry out public policy, especially in the area of wages,’’ he said. He acknowledged that the increase – the minimum as of Jan. 1 will be 37 percent higher than it was in 2016 – has not caused financial ruin. “This economy is quite healthy right now,’’ Taylor said. “But that doesn’t mean that there is not somebody who is looking to get into the labor market who has been priced out by higher mandated wages.’’ But Hammond pointed out that employment in that low-wage sector of leisure and hospitality continued to increase, faster than the private sector as a whole, even as the average hourly wage

Voted “One of the Best” a Record 19 years in a row!!! 1st Place “Best Dentist” 9 times!!!

Foothills Family Dental P.C. We have registered therapy dogs Bella and Mia available for patients!

• Implants • Cosmetic Dentistry • Emergency Care • Digital X-rays/Scanning

• Invisalign Certified • Root Canals & Crowns • Dentures & Veneers • Bridges

24 Years in the same location! Accepting New Patients

Located On The NW Corner Of Chandler Blvd & Desert Foothills Pkwy

(480)460-0484

1238 E. Chandler Blvd. • Ste. #101 Phoenix, AZ 85048

www.foothillsfamilydental.com

of all workers in that industry also has gone up. While opposed to setting wages at the ballot, Taylor acknowledged that the chamber and other members of the business community had not been proactive or proposed to lawmakers their own minimum wage hike. So where was the chamber before the measure got on the ballot? “Look, we were not engaged at that level of policy making,’’ he said. But Taylor also said that advocates of higher minimum wages had not approached the business community with their own proposals either. But he also conceded there was no reason for the supporters of higher wages to reach out. “Minimum wage increases that have appeared on the ballot around the country have passed,’’ Taylor said. “The advocates understand the popularity of them.’’ The 2016 initiative was actually the second time that voters had decided that workers should be paid more than Arizona lawmakers want. A 2006 ballot measure created the state’s first minimum wage, setting it at $6.75 an hour when Arizona employers needed only comply with the federal

minimum of $5.15. That initiative also set in place a process for automatic increases linked to inflation. That, however, got the state’s minimum up to just $8.05 an hour in 2016 when advocates got voters to approve on a 3-2 margin the four-step jump to $12 by 2020. That same measure also requires employers to provide at least three days off for sick or personal leave. Under the terms of the initiative, increases after 2020 will again be linked to inflation. HISTORY MINIMUM WAGE Year

State

Federal

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

$5.15 $6.75 $6.90 $7.25 $7.25 $7.35 $7.65 $7.80 $7.90 $8.05 $8.05 $10 $10.50 $11

$5.15 $5.85 $6.55 $7.25 $7.25 $7.25 $7.25 $7.25 $7.25 $7.25 $7.25 $7.25 $7.25 $7.25

GOLF

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

from page 34

mand. We’re family-owned and operated. We have a lot of investment.” Her sister, Erin Boeck, works in sales at the Chandler store. Though not involved in the store, John’s brother, Jeff Hornacek, is a former longtime NBA player who played for the Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz. John said the Ocotillo shop is one of the few in the Valley carrying the crème de la crème, PXG golf clubs. He described the clubs as “the most forgiving, best quality product.” “They outperform almost everything,” John said, adding the clubs are “very easy to use” for golfers of any skill level. Hornacek’s also carries Ping, TaylorMade, Callaway, Mizuno, XXIO and Cobra clubs. Four experienced golf pros work at the business and a master club repairman, Devon Montoya, assists customers in the repair area. Clubs for players of all ages and skill levels range in price from about $50 to $400. In order to help customers look the part and dazzle on any golf course or at any casual or dressier function, Hornacek’s offers a big selection of men’s and women’s clothes and some apparel for children. Upscale shirts, shorts, pants and dresses in classic and funky patterns and a variety of bright colors are available. Some of the shirts have UPF 50+ sun protection built into them and some are wrinkle-free. Some of the popular men’s clothes brands sold at Hornacek’s include G/ FORE, Nike, Adidas, Puma, TravisMathew, Greg Norman and Johnnie-O. GGblue, Nike, JoFit and QED style are some of the brands women can choose from at the Ocotillo store. Leopard-print tops and sparkly dresses are some of the unusual finds at Hornacek’s that women could wear golfing and out on the town. “It’s all well made,” Brigid said. “The dresses are flattering for everybody.” Hornacek’s also contains a men’s boutique with clothes for everyday life including trendy jeans in Citizens of Humanity, AG Jeans and Paige brands. 7 Diamonds and Stone Rose shirts are also part of the collection in the men’s boutique. Comfortable and fashionable shoes including OluKai flip flops made in Hawaii and Samuel Hubbard loafers help shoppers put their best foot forward. Hornacek’s also has many golf shoes in Skechers GO GOLF, FootJoy, Adidas,

Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer

Hornacek’s Golf Chandler in Ocotillo carries equipment of all prices and for all skill levels with name brands that sometimes are hard to come by in other Valley golf shops.

Ecco and Nike brands. Whimsical, fuzzy The Original Golf Daphne’s Headcovers resembling different animals are also sold at the store. On a recent weekday morning, a few men took swings at the TrackMan, a radar-based golf simulator that John said is “significantly more accurate” than camera-based simulators. He said all the pro golfers use this type

of simulator to work on their game. It reveals their swing path, how they shoot and other information on a simulated 18 holes of golf with different courses illustrated in the background. “It’s awesome for fittings and lessons,” as the instructor and student can see the data, according to Justin Putz, golf professional at Hornacek’s Chandler. Dale Hoerle, of Chandler, enjoyed

using the TrackMan. The technology tracks the whole trajectory of all shots, from 6-foot pitches to 400-yard drives, pinpointing the landing position, according to TrackMan’s website. “It’s great, right on track,” Hoerle said. “It’s perfect; it’s a great tool to use.” Customers also praised Hornacek’s Golf on the business’ Facebook page. “Love this store!” Robert May posted. “This is what all golf stores should look like; very modern and clean with an open layout. The owners are great, extremely knowledgeable and personable. All the staff was very welcoming and helpful. “Personally, I think the best part of the new Hornacek’s location is the amazing selection of not only golf apparel, but classy menswear. They have brands you’d expect to find at a high-end boutique, not a golf store. I could do all my shopping here! Much needed addition to the East Valley, will most definitely be a flagship store here in Arizona.” Craig Jones is “all fore” Hornacek’s Golf Chandler, too. “Awesome staff!!!” Jones posted on the Hornacek’s Facebook page. “Friendly. Makes you feel one of the family. Great instructors.” Kristie Morales is also a fan of the Ocotillo store. “Awesome selection of golf attire and equipment!” Morales posted on Hornacek’s Golf Chandler’s Facebook page. “Great staff, super helpful and they provided amazing customer service. Highly recommend going there for all your golf needs.” John and Brigid enjoy the community and want to give back to high school golf teams and other groups in the area as part of their Ocotillo business. The Chandler store has more families and full-time residents living in the area, Brigid said. “It’s a good community thing,” she said. “People are excited. We want to sponsor high school golf teams.” She has a 15-year-old son, Luke Stanley, who plays baseball, while John has 19-year-old twin sons, Carson and Ethan. “I just love golf,” John said. “The weather is so fabulous.” He said unlike in baseball, the “ball is not moving” when players strike it in golf and he can smoke cigars and enjoy the outdoors while golfing. A former bartender, he said in retail and in restaurant work treating people well is important. Hornacek’s Golf Chandler is located at 4975 S. Alma School Road. It is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Information: hornaceksgolf.com

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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

NEW MEMBERS Psychosomatic Transformation Center Renewing RENEWING MEMBERS Ahwatukee Realty and Property Mgmt.

SHOP LOCAL

Arizona Grand Resort Golf Course Becker Accounting LLC

Pineapple Health

Blue Chip Signworks

12010 S. Warner-Elliot Loop, Suite 1 Ahwatukee 480-961-2366 pineapplehealth.org

Alamo Draft House 4955 S. Arizona Ave. Chandler 520- 213-8129

Brewer’s Air Conditioning & Heating CK’s Tavern & Grill Holiday Inn Express Chandler Honey Baked Ham Company Hospice of the Valley

> >

Elements offers more responsive, customized and accommodating massage care, providing an easier and more rewarding way to bring the full benefits of therapeutic massage into your life.

Heidi’s Events & Catering 2095 W. 15th St. Tempe heidisevents.com 480-491-5254

Heidi’s has been “making the good times easy since 1992.” Heidi’s is a full service event planning company and caterer. Menus are tailored to suit every pallet and occasion. Heidi’s creative design team can assist with every aspect of your event. The professional team of food servers, banquet captains and culinary staff will ensure an effortless event.

SRP Strategic Engagement PAB 4TC The O’Tahirah Foundation,Inc TruWest Credit Union Vision Community Management Von Hanson’s Meats of AZ Wave Supply

5063 E. Elliot Road Ahwatukee caffeboa.com 480-893-3331

7131 W. Ray Road Chandler 480-219-9931

SRP

Anthony Ameen of Wings for Warriors cuts the ceremonial ribbon for his nonprofit Gina Jenkins, chamber executive director and chamber members Shelley Miller of Essentially Shelley, Joelle Green of Kyrene School District, Lisa Liddy of Ruby Ribbon, Rick Allen of Legal Shield, Christie Ellis, Enery Lopez of AmTrust Bank and Madhu Chadha ofWSI Optimized Web Solutions.

Caffe Boa

Elements Massage

Sacred Roots Wellness & Ministries (Special to AFN)

The Alamo Drafthouse Theater is good food, good beer and good film, all at the same place. Stop by during December for the Kids Camp series. Ticket sales for Kids Camp are donated a local charity.

Caffe Boa is a full service restaurant with locally grown and organic ingredients. Indoor or Patio seating available. If you buy a $100 gift card, receive a free $20 gift card, offer expires Dec. 31. Caffe Boa is taking New Year’s Eve reservations, with a limited menu. Prices from $25/per and up, party favors, live guitarist all night, stay local and call today.

Palo Verde Plastic Surgery P.C.

Chamber Executive Director Gina Jenkins presents Anthony Ameen of Wings for Warriors with the Chamber Buck for Luck.

Pineapple Health is an integrative and family medicine practice that takes a holistic approach to care. Kevin Chan, DO, MS, FASA, and his team of practitioners focus on total health and preventive care, rather than bandaging health issues or problems. Pineapple Health empowers patients to take a proactive role in their care so they can promote their own health and well-being. For expert medical care that puts you in control of your health, call Pineapple Health or schedule an appointment online today.

Alain Bertout – Bear 2 Protection with Mrs. Klaus (Darryl Jacobson Barnes – AllStar Insurance)

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

Jan. 16

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Round Robin Uncle Bears 4921 E. Ray Road Ahwatukee Members only

Jan. 16

5:30-8:30 p.m. Eat the Frog ribbon cutting 4722 E. Ray Road Ahwatukee Free

Jan. 17

5-7 p.m. South Mountain Family Dental ribbon cutting 2233 W. Baseline Road Tempe Free

Jan. 23

5:30-7 p.m. Location—TBA After 5 Evening Mixer

Jan. 31

8-9 a.m. Chamber and Entrepreneur U Mountain Park Senior Living 4475 E. Knox Road. Ahwatukee Free

Chamber members in need of your time, talents & support Ahwatukee Chamber Staff

he Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce would like to thank its charitable and nonprofit organizations for their support and membership. Every dollar spent by these organizations is a big step and the Chamber truly understands as a non-profit organization. Some

organizations were given the gift of membership by sponsors this year to provide exposure through networking opportunities that would yield additional sponsors, volunteers and a platform for awareness of their mission. Additionally, they participated in professional development workshops that benefited their organizations. If you are looking for an

organization in need of your time, talents and donations this holiday season, please take an opportunity to learn more about our member organizations by visiting their website, attending one of their events or simply giving them a call. Throughout the year the Chamber facilitates ribbon cutting ceremonies for all new members. Ribbon cutting events are

open to the public and a great way to learn more about new businesses, non-profits and charitable organizations in the Ahwatukee community. To be advised of upcoming ribbon cutting events, please sign-up for the Chamber’s weekly newsletter at ahwatukee chamber.com or download the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce mobile app.

GET OUT

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

@AhwatukeeFN @AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com www.ahwatukee.com

The Black Moods are back in town after Joe Perry tour BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GET OUT Editor

he Black Moods have been traveling the U.S., putting in their time playing their Top 40 hit “Bella Donna” at radio stations, and performing gigs. And it’s paying off for the Tempe band, which is playing New Year’s Eve at the Marquee Theatre. “Bella Donna” is in its second week in the Top 40. “It’s crazy, right?” said singer Josh Kennedy. “I was surprised to see it there the first week.” On Oct. 31, The Black Moods released the follow-up single “Bad News,” which is about stalking in the days of social media. “It’s a modern-day stalking song about things like Facebook,” said Kennedy, who’s joined in the band by drummer Chico Diaz and bassist Jordan Hoffman. “People go to places and they check in. You can find anybody and completely stalk them because of their online presence.” The song was written because The Black Moods’ producer, Grammy-winner Johnny K, was less than thrilled about another song the band penned. “We played some songs we had been playing live and the fans really liked,” he said. “He said he didn’t like it but we were so attached to the songs, as were the fans. We didn’t want to mess with that. “We asked him to go back to his hotel room and let us come up with something else that night. We looked at each other and said, ‘Oh (crap).’ We messed around

with it. The guys were jamming on a groove and whatnot. Johnny K came in and put his Johnny K on it and we had ‘Bad News.’” Diaz agrees. “We couldn’t be prouder of the single. ‘Johnny K’ Karkazis did a beautiful job producing this track.” The Black Moods received more good news this fall when they were asked to tour with Joe Perry, Brad Whitford and Gary Cherone. “Somebody pinch me because this does not feel like real life,” Diaz said. Kennedy hopes The Black Moods have just as much success with “Bad News” as the band had for “Bella Donna.” The most gratifying part of having a hit song is celebrating with his family. “We’ve had a bunch of people approach us and say, ‘We have this for you. We have that for you,’” he said. “Then it never comes to fruition. The Top 40 is something you can’t argue with. It’s actually for real because it’s in print. It’s amazing. We’re very lucky.”

If You Go...

What: The Black Moods Where: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe. When: 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31. Cost: $20-$40. More info: w/Analog Outlaws, Interfate, Diedre, Stereo Rex, Alien Atmosphere and Natalie Merrill. 480-829-0607, luckymanonline.com.

(Special to GET OUT)

Fresh off a tour with Joe Perry, Tempe-based The Black Moods return home to play a New Year’s Eve show at the Marquee Theatre in Tempe.

San Holo bridges indie past with EDM on debut album BY CONNOR DZIAWURA GET OUT Staff Writer

n the days when electronic artists are producing singles, San Holo joined the fray recently by releasing his debut fulllength project, album1. The Dutch DJ’s catalog includes singles and EPs, but this time he felt a 12-song collection was necessary. “I felt like I wanted to tell a longer story

with this thing,” said the musician born Sander van Dijck. “You can tell a small part of a story with a single, maybe an EP, three or four tracks, but to tell a real long story in depth, I need more tracks.” He’ll be telling his story at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, and Monday, Dec. 31, at Rawhide Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, in Chandler during Decadence Arizona. Set to close out 2018 with a bang, the

two-day extravaganza includes Skrillex, Above & Beyond, Marshmello and Rezz among 28 artists scheduled. Calling the album an emotional trip, van Dijck intends for the project to usher him into a new era of sound and production. “I used to write on guitar already, but then I would translate it into a synthesizer or, like, an electronic sound,” he said. “A couple of years ago, I got bored with playing guitar a little bit and I started

producing electronic music, which is when the San Holo thing started, which was very electronic, very beat driven. Over time I started listening to guitar again and that’s why you hear a lot of guitars on this album.” He views it as a bridge between the indie and EDM worlds. “I felt like everyone’s trying to sound like John Mayer or like Stevie Ray Vaughan,” See

SAN HOLO on page 40

GET OUT

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Gilbert celebrating the 10-year anniversary of band Lydia cause our music is soft, sensitive and real,” Keller said. “At the same time, it’s that way because in real life we’re not the type to express our feelings to people and get all deep. If somebody wants to get deep with us, we’re going to say, ‘Later.’ “It’s the music you make, at least that’s how we all operate.” The recording of Liquor was trying for Lydia. “Sometimes you live as a musician or an artist or a writer or just a human and the things you experienced don’t surface until a lot longer,” he said. “This record brought out a lot.”

BY MCKAYLA HULL GET OUT Contribuing Writer

en years after Lydia’s album Illuminate lit the band’s way to success, the Gilbert act is headlining two nights at Crescent Ballroom. To celebrate the decade anniversary, Lydia will play the album front to back, with assorted other tracks incorporated into the set. “We are very lucky to be in a band that anybody in the world cares about at all,” said pianist Matt Keller, whose band performs Friday, Dec. 28, and Saturday, Dec. 29. “It’s a record that people really, really, really loved and the songs are fun to play. They’re still relevant in people’s lives.” Although Lydia is celebrating Illuminate, the musicians say the band has evolved and fans need to grow with them. “It’s so incredible how fans have stuck with us from the get-go, and how they’re still here,” Keller said. “But at the same time, I feel like we wouldn’t have anybody still here if we were just trying to make music for the old fans. We’re not going to pretend to play some other kind of music so that somebody is happy. We won’t be happy.”

(Kat Nijmeddin/Special for GET OUT)

Gilbert-based Lydia is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with two special shows, Dec. 28 and 29, at Crescent Ballroom in downtown Phoenix. The group will play its entire album, Illuminate, along with other assorted tracks woven into the show.

Lydia’s newest member, guitarist Shawn Strader, added, “I made a very active decision to not play into how Lydia used to sound.” Formed in 2003 by front man and guitarist Leighton Antelman, Lydia has gone through band/touring members but has

settled on Keller, Strader and Antelman as the core group. In July, the trio released its 10-song album, Liquor, which features the track “Sunlight” and the first single “Goodside,” an experimental take on its emo-tinged indie folk. “People expect us to be a certain way be-

LL RI

• AHWAT

U K

ER N & TAV G

“Shepherd’s Pie”

IF YOU GO Where: Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, and Saturday, Dec. 29. Tickets: $18, 16 and older. Information: 602-716-2222, crescentphx. com. El West and Barefoot open on Dec. 28; Anarbor and New Heat on Dec. 29.

d Sports Bar! VoteBest And One of the Best Happy Hour Restaurant Wings

HAPPY HOUR is 7 Days a Week!

“Irish Nachos”

appetizers • wings • burgers • full menu

Catch All College & NFL Football Games at CK’s

“Hare Today, Irish Tomorrow”

Your FOOTBALL Headquarters

Happy Hour Every Week Day | 4 - 7pm

Live Music Fridays Every Friday | See our Calendar

Saturday Karaoke Nights Every Saturday with Copper State Music | 8 - 11pm

Football Sundays

“Guinness beer battered fish and house kettle chips”

$5 Absolute Bloody Marys | Happy Hour All day

Tukee Tuesdays Lunch Special | Happy Hour All Day

4747 E Elliot Road • Phoenix, Arizona

480-773-7788 • TheIrishHare.com OPEN DAILY AT 11 AM

All You Can Eat Fish Fry Fridays Kids & Large Parties Welcome

NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH WITH BAD JUNE MONDAY, DECEMBER 31ST 9:30pm to 2am

Sun 10am-1am • Mon-Thurs 11am-1am • Fri 11am-2am • Sat 11am-2am

www.ckgrill.com • 4142 E. Chandler Blvd • (480) 706-5564

GET OUT

SAN HOLO

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

and even an increased budget, van Dijck notes it becomes easier to grow in the live setting, too. Incorporation of guitar isn’t just confined to the studio, and he isn’t just a DJ. “I don’t want to sound cheesy, but I’ve been pretty overwhelmed with the response, especially the messages people send me after listening to the album. People seem to have really strong emotional reactions to listening to the album through,” he said. “It just means a lot that people listen to it and tell me that it means a lot to them. I’ve heard many stories about all kinds of situations people are in and that my music supports them in whatever way and that’s just one of the most beautiful things to me.”

from page 38

he said. “Everyone was going for the same thing. They were all trying to be really good, technical solo players. And I just didn’t feel like I could do anything that was different in that scene, so I started exploring beats and production and I found a really nice place in that realm to do my own thing because that’s what I like the most.” Not one to stick to trends, crafting an instantly recognizable and original sound is important to the Zoetermeer native. Calling album1 only the start of his new vision, van Dijck, who co-founded the record label bitbird in 2014, wants to push boundaries. No matter how much his style evolves, it must remain uniquely him, he said. “I didn’t feel like I was in my own lane anymore,” he said. “So I started finding ways to make it new, innovate again, like putting guitars in drops and figuring out a way to combine these two worlds, creating something new that I had not heard before.” The project came together in about half a year while staying in a Los Angeles Airbnb. Avoiding traditional promotion and release schedules, he wanted the

(Special to GET OUT)

The musician born Sander van Dijck, who created San Holo, comes to the two-day Decadence Arizona New Year’s Eve extravaganza at Rawhide Events Center in Chandler Dec. 30-31 with yet another fresh, new sound.

record to represent where he’s at in life. To achieve that goal, he had to be spontaneous. “I’m definitely excited to be playing guitar live, which I’m going to be doing this tour,” he said. “I will be playing a lot

of guitar. I’ll be doing a lot of singing and combining that with EDM kind of DJing and beat manipulation. I just want it to be something that is a bridge between those two worlds.” Through his upward musical trajectory

If You Go...

What: Decadence Arizona. Where: Rawhide Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler. When: 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30, and Monday, Dec. 31. Cost: $109-$769. More info: info@relentlessbeats. com, decadencearizona.com. Check website for complete lineup and schedule.

GET OUT

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Wonderspaces picks mall for permanent location BY KRISTINE CANNON GET OUT Staff Writer

cottsdale Fashion Square, which recently debuted its newly renovated luxury wing this fall, has added a new tenant to its roster: Los Angeles-based Wonderspaces, an innovative, interactive art installation concept. Macerich, the owner of Scottsdale Fashion Square, announced the mall will be home to Wonderspaces’ first permanent, 16,000-square-foot location opening in early 2019. “The first permanent location for Wonderspaces, with its dynamic roster of curated art installations, is a strong fit for Scottsdale Fashion Square and for Macerich,” said Doug Healey, executive vice president of leasing at Macerich. Wonderspaces debuted in San Diego in 2017 as a pop-up art show, drawing more than 60,000 people in 2017 and over 112,000 people in 2018 over a span of 78 days. In Scottsdale Fashion Square, Wonderspaces plans to present three ticketed shows per year. Jason Shin, co-founder of Wonderspaces, said it chose Scottsdale Fashion Square for its first permanent location because it offers a unique opportunity to make the artwork of their paid partner artists accessible to metro Phoenix. “When looking at different locations, we were looking for spaces that will help make the shows, the artwork accessible to a broad audience,” Shin said, adding that Wonderspaces is for all people, including those who may not identify with art. Shin said they’ve been eyeing the Phoenix area for two years. “The first time we approached the Macerich team was about the space that is now the Apple store, to run the show on a temporary basis,” he said, adding that Wonderspaces is also planning to open permanent spaces in Austin, Philadelphia and Miami. Wonderspaces’ goal is to create a convenient, accessible space where people of all ages can connect with art and with each other. “We were really excited to see that in San Diego that multiple generations, three generations of a family could feel like they could come and connect and have a place that was for them,” Shin said. “And that’s what we’re excited to do in Scottsdale.” At the first show in Scottsdale Fashion Square, Wonderspaces will pull large-scale installations and interactive artworks by artists from around the world from past

(Anne Vetter)

“Submergence” by artist Squidsoup is among many interactive installations Wonderspaces has included in its pop-up shows.

pop-up shows in San Diego. Past Wonderspaces installations include “Sweet Spot,” comprising 3,700 multicolored nylon chords suspected from a ceiling; “Pulse Portal,” an 18-by-18 foot sculpture made of Plexiglass panels; and “Dinner Party,” a short virtual reality thriller where

gether as a powerful draw for this sophisticated region and for visitors from around the world,” Healey said. While ticket prices for the Scottsdale shows have not yet been determined at this time, Shin said they are working to bring the ticket prices down.

We were really excited to see that in San Diego that “ multiple generations, three generations of a family could feel like they could come and connect and have a place that was for them, and that’s what we’re excited to do in Scottsdale.

”

– Jason Shin, co-founder of Wonderspaces attendees are seated at a table to witness the first nationally known UFO abduction case in America. “The high-caliber artists and the exceptional setting Wonderspaces is creating to showcase their exciting work will come to-

Ticket prices at the pop-up shows in San Diego ranged from $16 to $24. “We’re still working through the planning of it to understand what makes sense here and understanding all of the costs that are going into the construction process and

the building of the team,” Shin said. A portion of ticket and merchandise sales will, however, support local causes. “That’s something we’ll always do,” Shin said. “We would very much like to join the arts community here and support the arts community here.” That also includes working with artists local to Scottsdale and Valley-wide. “We very much welcome meeting artists and to work with them to present their work to the audience and to audiences across the country,” Shin said. In addition to seeking local artists, Shin is looking to fill two large roles within the Scottsdale Wonderspaces team. Currently, they’re in need of a general manager and a marketing manager. “[Wonderspaces] is going to succeed or fail based off the quality of the team, and we’re looking for folks to join and lead the efforts in Arizona,” Shin said. Those interested in applying, should visit wonderspaces.com/job-inquiries. And artists are encouraged to reach out to Wonderspaces’ Creative Director, Kendall Warson, at artists@wonderspaces.com.

GET OUT

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

Musical Instrument Museum closes year with Brickman BY SHERRY JACKSON GET OUT Contributing Writer

rom writing commercial jingles in the 1980s to touring with Olivia Newton-John to a hit song collaboration, “Valentine,” with Martina McBride, songwriter, pianist and radio-show host Jim Brickman crosses genres and continues to expand his musical empire. Brickman is bringing his annual Brickman Bash to the Musical Instrument Museum Dec. 29-31, featuring five performances and the chance to sightsee in Sedona and Scottsdale. After successful cruise-ship gigs, Brickman said that he got the idea for the Brickman Bash as an alternative for people who didn’t want to go on a cruise. “I wanted to create a three-day experience in cities where there could be a core inspiration and thought it would be fun to have people in a more intimate setting,” he said. He’s taken his Brickman Bash to Chicago, Niagara Falls, N.Y., his hometown of Cleveland and now Phoenix. In building his brand, Brickman said it all works together. “Everything has to reflect the core of who

I am and what I do,” he said. “Everything is spokes on a hub. Most things relate to the other things I’m doing, and they all complement each other. The radio show will mention the concerts or guests I’m interviewing will lead to a collaboration.” Brickman has played the Valley about 20 times, he said, and the MIM is his favorite venue. “It’s a beautiful building and so well run. It’s a curated, perfect experience. I’m just a huge fan,” he said. His Midwest values and upbringing gave him a strong work ethic that helped shape his 30-plus-year career, he said. Growing up in suburban Cleveland with a nonmusical family helped steer him toward more mainstream, pop music. “There’s an authenticity and honesty toward my music,” he said. “I never had anyone telling me who I was supposed to be or how to be. That honesty developed into my performing style so when people come to my concerts it’s like hanging out at my house for a concert. The music is so emotional and honest.” For the MIM concerts, Brickman said that there’s “always a surprise or two because

there’s really no set list.” Concert-goers can expect to hear the hits, those that people may have been married to or fell in love with at Christmas or sung in a choir. “We’ll also do a live-by-request and Q&A section of the show,” he said. “It’s extremely popular. Not only do you get impromptu songs, but you also get a lot of lighthearted comic relief that way. It’s very fun along with a very emotional type of music.” The set-list choices are aplenty. The award-winning songwriter has earned three Grammy nominations, 21 No. 1 albums and 32 top radio singles, according to Billboard Magazine. His first album release was 1995’s No Words, and he’s gone on to sell 8 million albums worldwide. Whether it’s country, gospel, instrumental or pop, Brickman has topped both U.S. and Canadian charts. Brickman has collaborated with many iconic artists, including Carly Simon, Lady Antebellum, Michael W. Smith, Herb Alpert, Michael Bolton, Donny Osmond, Kenny Rogers, Olivia Newton-John, Johnny Mathis, Kenny Loggins, Jane Krakowski, and a host of country, R&B, Broadway, pop and jazz musicians.

He’s written three best-selling books, starred in four TV concert specials and is in the 20th season of hosting his syndicated radio show “The Jim Brickman Show.” Brickman said that he’s looking forward to his end-of-December concerts and visits to Arizona. “During the holidays it’s great to have a more intimate escape.,” he said. “It’s also a great way to give thanks to the year behind us and look forward to the year ahead.” Looking ahead to 2019, Brickman said that he is diligently working on a 25th anniversary tour and album with dates to be announced soon. “It’s the first time I’ll doing my own vocals for the hit songs,” he said. “It’s a little scary, but you always want to challenge yourself.”

If You Go...

What: Jim Brickman Where: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix When: 3p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 29 and Dec. 30, 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Cost: $48.50-$68.50 More info: 480-478-6000, mim.org.

GET OUT

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Chandler youth club giving eSports a receptive audience BY JENNIFER HUTCHISON GET OUT Contributing Writer

ver 200 gamers assembled this month in Chandler for what was billed as Arizona’s first eSports tournament for local children and teens. Boys & Girls Club CEO Connie Perez said turnout for the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Tournament at the Compadres Branch was a welcomed surprise. “Teaming up with Bravous to give kids and teens who have a passion for eSports a chance to interact with other kids their age is so important,” Perez said, because it matched the club’s aim to “provide an inclusive environment for children and teens while allowing them to show their drive and competitive side in other forms of sport.” Perez is now interested in hosting monthly tournaments. “Our goal is to enable all youth, especially those who need us most, and I immediately saw what this could be,” she said. “This is going to have a huge impact. Not all kids can play sports and this is a way for kids to play, compete, make connections and learn skills. I think it will take off.”

Jennifer Hutchison/Contributor

More than 200 gamers attended the state’s first eSports competition for kids earlier this month.

Colltey Sheldon, a non-profit marketing professional with Maag Commplus, agreed, noting, “There’s already over 20 universitylevel scholarships available right now. We’re seeing a lot of growth and excitement.”

Kids and teens ages 8 to 18 worked in teams of two, using Nintendo Switch handheld devices loaned by Bravous and playing under creative pseudonyms. At 9 a.m. sharp, fast fingers began flying

across the controllers, and eyes zeroed in on dozens of screens as they guided veteran cartoon drivers along the speedway, battling for a spot on the winner’s podium. Gaming enthusiast Domenick Aragon, 9, was excited to spend the day doing what he enjoys. “I love it, I love how everyone comes together,” said the third-grader, who has been gaming since he was 5. He explained that he had chosen his favorite character “Legend of Zelda’s” Link, for the contest and that he was able to complete four practice rounds before pool-play started. The young videogame whiz encourages other kids to try a tournament, even if they are scared or have never played the game. “You should face your fears. It won’t be that competitive,” Dominick said. After a few practice rounds, and a lunch break courtesy of Taco Bell, the competition, which included pool and bracket play, was under way. The winner of each age group is crowned “Mario Cart 8 Deluxe Champion” and takes home the coveted golden cup. Players also have the See

ESPORTS on page 44

GET OUT

ESPORTS

from page 43

chance to win a Nintendo Switch. At a time when video gaming is facing increased scrutiny, some question whether or not eSports programs are a good idea. Bravous founder and CEO Scott Novis said he understands and agrees with the skeptics, but he also sees a need to do more for the community. “Competing teaches kids how to be their best when it’s most needed. Working as a team, creating game plans and strategy teaches leadership and problem solving,” he said.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

For the video-game entrepreneur, competitive gaming is more than a business venture;. It is a chance to provide young people the opportunity to learn important life skills, while at the same time addressing the isolation and loneliness that sometimes occurs among gamers. “The goal is not to try for more games, we are trying for less games alone,” Novis said. “We look at why kids are gaming so much, and we want to fill those voids by encouraging face-to-face connections in a safe environment with others who share the same interests.” According to Perez and Novis, the Boys & Girls Club was chosen to pilot this program

Find GetOut in

GetOut. GetConnected. ahwatukee.com/arts_life/ facebook.com/getoutaz twitter.com/getoutaz

because it provided a safe and secure environment for kids to game. “We use our own closed network. Kids can compete against others in the room, and parents and coaches know who they’re playing with,” Novis said. Novis, an engineer and former Disney and video-game executive, is no stranger to the concept of multiplayer gaming. As the founder of Game Truck, a mobile gaming truck company, he sees first hand the benefits of social and face-to-face communication while gaming. Bravous, a portmanteau of ‘brave and courageous,’ was the product of experience, research and the next logical step. Since their launch in 1980 with games like Space Invaders, competitive gaming tournaments were relatively tame and typically geared toward adults. Today that is hardly the case, according to Newzoo,. ESports has become a $900 million industry with nearly 400 million viewers, a multi-age player base of more than 150 million and shows no sign of slowing down. Competitive gaming has gained so much popularity that it even piqued the interest of local high school officials. This year, the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA), which oversees high school athletic programs, embraced the idea of competitive

video gaming and officially adopted eSports as a sanctioned high school sport. “ESports is growing rapidly all over the world, and the time was right for the AIA to get involved and create a structured environment by which students in our member schools could compete for a state championship,” said Brian Bolitho, director of business development for the AIA. “It is no different than students competing in any other sport or activity that we sanction.” According to the AIA, participants will compete for titles in a state championship every school year, but they will not travel for weekly matchups nor earn a varsity letter. With dozens of member schools, and approximately 25,000 interested students in Arizona alone, eSports is joining the ranks of robotics and chess clubs. “During our informational meeting in mid October we had over 50 schools represented and countless others watching the live stream,” Bolitho said. “Our partner, Legacy Esports, will be providing all the rulebooks and guidelines for our member schools and will be there for school and coach support, as well.” As for Bravous, plans are moving forward for a local, competitively priced youth eSports league, where teams will form and compete under the guidance and direction of trained coaches.

Toddler • Primary • Elementary • Adolescent

Now Enrolling for Toddlers !

We came to Keystone for the authentic Montessori education. We fell in love with Keystone Montessori when we realized it was more than just a school, it was a community. - Parent Testimonial

A Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning

www.keystonemontessori.com • (480) 460-7312

1025 E. Liberty Ln. , Phoenix, AZ 85048 (Across the street from the YMCA)

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

What’s Cooking With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

Christmas Tree Appetizer is a yummy treat

ooking for the perfect holiday appetizer? This delicious Spinach and Cheese Christmas Tree will be the talk of your table.

Spinach and Cheese Christmas Tree

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 (10 oz. package) baby spinach (about 5 cups) ½ large sweet yellow onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 heaping tablespoon Knorr Vegetable Soup mix or Ranch Dressing mix 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature 1 cup shredded Parmesan 1 cup shredded cheddar 4-5 pieced bacon, cooked crisp and chopped 2 sheets of puff pastry or 2 sheets of refrigerated pizza dough ½ teaspoon salt, garlic salt or seasoning salt of your choice 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 pint cherry tomatoes or 1 can diced tomatoes, drained Directions: In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft and translucent. Add baby spinach, stirring to combine. When spinach has wilted, about 3-4 minutes, add seasoning mix (Vegetable Soup or Ranch Dressing mix.) Mix and set aside to cool. When cooled, place spinach in a bowl and mix in cream cheese and parmesan cheese, stirring well to combine. Place first puff pastry sheet on a cutting board. Using a ruler or by hand, cut pastry sheet in a long triangle, the shape of a Christmas tree. Remove the right and left side of the triangle that has been cut away and set aside.

Spoon all but ½ cup of the spinach mixture over the puff pastry triangle, leaving ¼ inch border. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over spinach on the triangle. Make another triangle with the second puff pastry, reserving the right and left side that has been cut away. Place the second triangle over the spinach tree and stretch to cover the spinach. Gently press down around the edges to seal. Using a sharp knife, make the Christmas tree branches by cutting approximately 1 inch horizontal slices down the right and left side of the tree leaving the middle of the tree (the trunk) intact. Carefully lift each branch and twist it once or twice. Make a tree base out of reserved dough and tuck it into the bottom of the tree. Using some of the reserved puff pastry dough, cut 5-6 stars with a small star cookie cutter or by hand. Attach to tree in various spots, using a tiny bit of water to “glue” stars to the tree. Brush melted butter over the entire tree and stars and sprinkle with seasoning salt of your choice. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. With the remainder of the reserved puff pastry, cut into 2 inch squares and place in mini muffin or tart tins. Spoon a small amount of spinach mixture into the squares. Sprinkle a small amount of bacon on spinach and bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Top with a half a cherry tomato or a few pieces of diced tomato. Place tree on a serving platter and arrange puff pastry squares around the bottom of the tree as “presents.”

Watch my how-to video: jandatri.com/recipe/christmas-tree-pull-apart-appetizer.

GET OUT

King Crossword ACROSS 1 Lather 5 Diner order, for short 8 Unwanted email 12 On 13 Always, in verse 14 Patriot Nathan 15 Irrational suspiciousness 17 Artillery 18 Follow relentlessly 19 1984 Tom Hanks movie 21 Flightless bird 22 Knoll 23 Energy 26 North Pole staffer 28 Surveys 31 Leading man? 33 A mere handful 35 Cry 36 Sweat outlets 38 Sweet potato 40 Meadow 41 Commotions 43 Actor Diesel 45 Walk like a duck 47 Bursts forth 51 Satanic 52 Pet bird, often 54 Got up 55 -- -de-France 56 Sea flier 57 Basin accessory 58 Help 59 White-glove detection

44 Microwaved, slangily 45 Existed 46 Acknowledge

DOWN 1 Enervates 2 Western state 3 Nickelodeon’s “Explorer” 4 Card symbol 5 Grendel’s slayer 6 Island souvenir 7 Garbage 8 Not deep 9 Like some lines 10 Charitable donations 11 Netting 16 City in Alaska 20 4-Down, e.g. 23 Tase 24 Altar affirmative 25 Eden 27 “30 Rock” cast member 29 Shelter 30 Hot tub 32 Busybody 34 Fluctuated 37 Scale member 39 Actress Sorvino 42 Old photo tint

PUZZLE ANSWERS on page 30 48 Lima’s land

49 50 53

Sawbucks Undo a dele -- Baba

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

Sports & Recreation @AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook

www.ahwatukee.com

Aches, pains? Ahwatukee fitness experts show clients how to work through it BY ERIC NEWMAN AFN Staff Writer

ou’re a weekend warrior, or at least you think you are. You’ve been busy. It takes time and energy to duck all those invitations to holiday gatherings in order to watch football or marathon doses of sappy holiday movies on TV. Your recliner now is form-fitting after the workout you’ve given it. Now, you believe, with the new year upon us, it’s time to get back to giving yourself a good workout. Good idea, but take it easy and be smart about it, experts recommend. Muscles can be your best friend or your worst enemy if you don’t properly stretch them and warm them up. Make sure the rest of your vital functions also are up for resuming or initiating fitness endeavors as you try to make good on resolutions for the new year. After a workout or two, if you’re stiff and sore, be wise before trying to work through pain. Whether caused by injury, arthritis or a variety of issues, working out can cause or exacerbate pain. Many Ahwatukee-area experts are helping clients fight through the discomfort to achieve a more active, healthy lifestyle. While it may initially be painful, the act of exercising often can help the healing and rehabilitation of certain issues. Anthony Celio, clinic director of Spooner Physical Therapy in Ahwatukee, said that activity does not have to be regimented. A big problem he sees is people who sit at a desk or on the couch all day and then expect their body to work properly when they get up and move without so much as a warm up. He said a healthy lifestyle must be worked toward consistently with regular activity, even for a short time. “A lot of us, with work or whatever we do, unfortunately sit a big portion of the day,” Celio said. “Then, when we ask our body to do things, it’s not prepared properly. “Even if you can stand up and stretch

(Special to AFN)

After a workout or two, if you’re stiff and sore, be wise before trying to work through pain. Ahwatukee professionals can show clients how to work through the discomfort to achieve a more active, healthy lifestyle.

for five to ten minutes every couple of hours at work, or get up and just take a walk for 15-20 minutes, it can do a whole lot of good.” Joe Micela, owner of Performance One Advanced Sports Training in Mesa says keep moving the joint, and keep the blood flowing around the joint and surrounding areas. “It’s very important,” Micela said. “When we see individuals that have an arthritic condition or something like it, their first instinct is to be sedentary and not do anything. “That’s actually worse. It can condense the blood flow, which weakens the area and then can lead to all other kind of issues.” Exercise can help relieve pain as long as it is not being caused by overuse. The truth is some ailments will not completely go away. Steve Carling, a physical therapist at Andersen Physical Therapy, which serves Gilbert and Chandler, said that while sometimes people with ailments like arthritis fear the oncoming discomfort, that does not mean they should quit working entirely.

He said exercising increases overall health, provided the exercise is done with proper form and is not increasing pain or causing further harm. “You can’t change the arthritis, but you can definitely change the function of the joint a little bit, maybe more of the surrounding tissue,” Carling said. “That can be helpful. Obviously, there’s

other non-related benefits to exercise that just help the body overall, so it’s multifaceted as long as you’re not making it worse.” In that case, Carling added with a chuckle, “The saying ‘no pain, no gain’ may not apply.” There are preventative measures before getting on the treadmill or lacing up the basketball shoes. Massage, Tai Chi, yoga or assisted stretching can prepare the body, the joints and any hurting areas to take more of an impact and perform at a higher level with less discomfort. “Active people are asking more of their bodies but haven’t necessarily changed the way they take care of themselves,” said Joe Magnacca, CEO of Massage Envy, headquartered in Scottsdale. “Conditioning, recovery and wellness routines aren’t complete without assisted stretching,” A service such as Massage Envy’s Total Body Stretch helps clients increase flexibility. This helps the body recover, as well, and prevent further injuries. “Assisted stretching is on target with the consumer trends we’re seeing and an important part of our strategy to grow with new services and products,” Magnacca said.

(Special to AFN)

Muscles can be your best friend or your worst enemy if you don’t properly stretch them and warm them up. Make sure the rest of your vital functions also are up for resuming or initiating fitness endeavors as you try to make good on resolutions for the new year.

SPORTS

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

LA Fitness making changes in time for new year’s resolutions BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

eady to feel the burn? A new group-workout program at a gym chain across the Southeast Valley is gaining popularity, just in time for those who’ve made improved fitness a new year’s resolution. High Intensity Interval Training by LA Fitness is set to be introduced in the chain’s newest club in Mesa early in January. It will be incorporated into some of the chain’s other clubs in the region over time, as well. “HIIT by LA Fitness is a fun, effective, 50-minute workout that is interactive with our amazing technology,” said Barbie Spark, the regional coordinator of aerobics for LA Fitness and lead of the program in Arizona. “Really, in 50 minutes you are getting a complete workout from head to toe.” Introducing HIIT by LAF at certain gyms is part of LA Fitness’ $13.6 million worth of renovations at 26 gyms in Arizona,

including eight in the Southeast Valley that are receiving updated equipment, appearance and, in some places, layout. Each HIIT by LAF session is directed by an instructor and focuses on strength, endurance and definition. Results vary by person, but it’s common to burn as many as 1,000 calories during and after each workout, she said. The club’s first HIIT by LA Fitness studio in Arizona opened in November in north Phoenix. It features a station for cardio and strength training. Treadmills, rowers and bikes make up the cardio side of the room, while dumbbells, resistance bands and other equipment can be used on the other side for strength training. LA Fitness’ new gym near Higley and Southern roads in Mesa is the next to incorporate the program. HIIT by LA Fitness memberships are separate from regular memberships at the gym. Each participant is equipped with a heart-rate monitor before

taking the class. With the use of monitors in the studio, the instructor and participants can identify their heart-rate in real time. The real-time updates and color-coded figures help the instructor identify short time intervals for which each participant is at maximum effort. “We try to guide them through a workout but ultimately, they will do whatever they want with their bodies,” Sparks said. “It’s meant for everyone to come in and meet their own fitness goals.” Each class has 10 to 15 participants. After being equipped with the heart-rate monitor, the instructor has all of them exit the studio. As the class is set to begin, the instructor explains what the goal is for the day. A pump-up session followed by high-fives, music and red lights get the workout going. “I want people to give me their full effort and have a good time,” said Viki Gamble, HIIT by LA Fitness instructor at the north

Phoenix location. “This is for people to have a good workout and get closer to their goals. I just want them to give me their all.” The smiles and laughter on the participants’ faces quickly turn to grimaces about halfway through the class. That’s also the point that most have already hit their designated two to five minutes of maximum effort. A cool-down period followed by stretching ends the class, with just about every participant exiting drenched in sweat. Sparks envisions more HIIT by LAF studios to open the East Valley and Scottsdale. “This program is going to continue to grow,” Sparks said. “We don’t have the specifics as to where, but we are definitely not done growing.” For more information on HIIT by LA Fitness and to book a complimentary free workout, visit welcome.lafitness.com/ hiit-by-laf/.

East Valley LA Fitness Clubs undergoing remodeling

• Chandler: 2100 N. Dobson Road, remodel complete, reopened in October. • Mesa: 2605 N. Power Road, remodel complete, reopened in December. • Scottsdale: 1900 N. Scottsdale Road, remodel complete, reopened in November. • Chandler: 3985 S. Arizona Ave., undergoing remodel, to reopen April, 2019. • Gilbert: 3625 S. Gilbert Road, undergoing remodel, to reopen February, 2019. • Ahwatukee: 810 S. Priest Drive, Suite D, undergoing remodel, to reopen February, 2019. • Ahwatukee West, 4836 E. Chandler Blvd., undergoing remodel, to reopen March, 2019. (Zach Alvira/Tribune Staff)

HIIT by LA Fitness, a club within a club at some of the chain’s gyms, consists of 50-minute classes directed by an instructor. Treadmills, rowers and bikes make up the cardio side of the room. Dumbbells, resistance bands and other equipment for strength training are on the other.

• Tempe: 63 E. Southern Ave., undergoing remodel, to reopen end of December.

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

A potent holiday punch spiked with fitness benefits for women BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

he walls may be pink, but there is nothing sweet about what goes on inside the newest Jabz boxing studio in Mesa. “You see pink and you think that it is just a women’s gym,” said Ann Marie Piatt, who owns it. “But this is an intense workout. When you’re finished with it, you feel like you’ve accomplished something.” Piatt’s studio, 3638 E. Southern Ave., Suite C-101 in Mesa, is the newest in a chain spread across Scottsdale and the East Valley. The experiences and benefits in hers are representative of those at all Jabz studios. Jabz is a full-body, high-intensity, interval-training workout that uses exercises inspired by boxing. Each workout is meant exclusively for women. For women in the region who’ve made fitness a resolution for the new year, Piatt says Jabz is a good choice. She knows firsthand. Piatt got her first taste of Jabz nearly four years ago after her nieces talked her into it. She had done kickboxing classes and tried Jabz shortly after her daughter was born to get back into

shape. It was nothing like she expected. “It was hard. I thought I was going to die,” Piatt said. “I remember asking the trainer if I should come back when I was more in shape and she assured me to keep coming back.” The more classes she attended, the more she became addicted to the fullbody workout. Piatt felt lost when she and her family moved to Gilbert, far from a Jabz gym, so the thought of opening her own studio was born. A teacher at the time, Piatt knew she didn’t want to do anything until the 2017-18 school year ended. After talking to the owners of the Jabz franchise, she received her license to open her own studio. “I finally decided to do it and I was the 21st franchise license,” Piatt said. “I love the concept. I love the company and it just made sense for my family.” Piatt’s studio opened in November near Val Vista and Southern drives in Mesa. A graduate of Dobson High, Piatt said she feels like she “came home” when she opened the studio, and believes that already she has made an impact on the

(Kimberly Carrillo)

At Jabz women’s boxing studios, members never spar with each other. Instead, they hit or kick bags, dummies or pads that class trainers wear for one-on-one work. They never get hit back. Instructor Darby Moran demonstrates.

women in the community. “I have had women who are saying their clothes fit differently in a short amount of time,” Piatt said. “There’s women who reach fitness goals they never knew they could. It’s all about empowerment. “These women are doing things they never knew they could and it’s really cool.” Each class is roughly 37 minutes with continuous strength and cardio movement. Each member is shown around the gym, which includes a ring and several stand-up boxing dummies and bags. Each station is numbered and has unique exercises with cardio in between. Women in the class never spar with each other. Instead, they hit or kick bags, dummies or pads that class trainers wear for one-on-one work. They never get hit back. Jabz has several classes daily from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, the studio is open 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., the final class dedicated to new members. With 16 members to a class, each workout is positive and intimate with music and encouragement. “We have members from 16 years old to 65 years old,” Piatt said. “Ladies who have been with us since the beginning now see new people come in and they encourage them. It’s very positive.” Piatt believes that she is creating a community within her studio that has made an impact in other ways on the youth in the community. This holiday season, Piatt encouraged members of Jabz to donate household items to the Department of Child Services for children turning 18 and leaving foster care. Many of the young adults enter the world with only the help of DCS. Piatt and members of her studio donated a large box of dishes and household items as well as gift cards. Having been open a short time, Piatt acknowledges that owning her own studio is still surreal every time she walks in. “It’s hard and stressful, but I feed off the energy of our clients,” Piatt said. “Everyone who knew me before knew that I loved Jabz. Now, to be able to share that with other women, it’s great.” She is offering a free one-week trial, available on the website. For more information or to find the nearest Jabz, visit www.jabzboxing.com. Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.

(Kimberly Carrillo)

Jabz studio locations Mesa: 3638 E. Southern Ave., Suite C-101, 602-524-2700. Chandler: 941 W. Elliott Road, Suite 7, 480-788-0306. Gilbert: 2335 S. Lindsay Road, Suite 103, 480-707-1981. Tempe: 8707 S. Priest Drive, Suite 102, 480-788-0306. Queen Creek: 21365 S. Ellsworth Road, Suite E104, 480-865-6200. Scottsdale: 7770 E. McDowell Road, Suite 102, 602-885-6422. Scottsdale-Pinnacle Peak: 7601 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Suite C15, 480-886-7123. Scottsdale-Thunderbird: 13610 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 23, 480-788-0306. Scottsdale-Via Linda: 8989 E. Via Linda, Suite 115, 480-454-8402. Arcadia: 3136 E. Indian School Road, 602-885-6422.

CLASSIFIEDS

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Employment General $10 Credit

Start your own YL business now! Ask me how!

Lucy Jones, LMT

OUR JOB BOARD HAS THE TALENT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR.

when you sign up for this starter kit!

FREE ZYTO Scan, host a party, Bio-feedback of your body. Learn what your body is $ telling you! value

Young Living Independent Distributor member #1513568

youngliving.org/lucygirljones

480.227.3838

FIND THE BEST TALENT. EASILY POST JOBS.

LUXURY SENIOR LIVING AT

More info: 480-898-6465 or email jobposting@evtrib.com

J BS. EASTVALLEY TRIBUNE.COM

JOIN US FOR A VIP OPEN HOUSE

Enjoy holiday refreshments from our chef!

Most jobs also appear on Indeed.com

Open Houses Every Saturday in December

Meetings/Events

10 AM - 2 PM

"My dream is that one day we will be able to give every "wish" child a scrapbook to remind them that dreams do come true."

Crops of uv

Employment General MEDICAL PRACTICE FRONT OFFICE ASSISTANT PT/ Good Customer Service Skills. SelfStarter, Computer Skills Necessary, Behavioral Health Exp. a Plus. 25 Hrs/Week. Monday -Thursday Ahwatukee Location Foothills Psychiatry & Wellness Email Resume: gveasey@fhpaz.com

ody, co-founder, Ahwatukee based non-profit

Come oin us: elp make embellishments, organize or assist with events, scrapbook, donate your time, money or space. Teens who need to fill Community Service hours for igh School are welcome Come be apart of something Awesome

livgenerationsahwatukee.com

CONSTR CTION ANAL ST

Local usiness seekin candidate with previous Architecture, Construction Pro ect Mana ement, or ield Superintendant experience. Re uired skills include a ility to read construction drawin s, identifyin proposed uildin s, superstructure components, interior finishes, e uipment, plum in and mechanical systems, and electrical systems and independently develop a written scope of work and unit cost estimate ased on RS Means and other cost data ases. Stron written and ver al communications, critical thinkin , and pro lem solvin skills, and at least intermediate-level Excel experience re uired. deal candidate will have hi h self-motivation with possi ility of workin at home. Advanced trainin will e provided for the ri ht candidate. To apply please sen res me to ggonzales@l a inspect.com

A vertising Sales Rep ull-Time Position Times Media Group, an Ari ona- rown, locally owned print and di ital media company, is seekin an experienced Multi-media Advertisin Sales Representative. This is an excellent opportunity for a hi hly motivated and experienced sales professional who is willin to offer solutions to drive company revenue. Please send resume to s zanne@timesp lications.com

Announcements

$$$ Earn Cash $$$ for Your Opinion!

We are looking for people 18 years and older to sign-in up in our database to participate in paid market research.

Please call us at 602-438-2800 or sign up at fieldwork.com and join our database

Automotive

Cropsofluv.com 4 0.634. 63

cropsofluv cox.net

Employment General

INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

Employment General

COMPETITIVE PRICING AND EXPOSURE

LIVGENERATIONS AHWATUKEE!

15815 South 50th Street Phoenix, AZ 85048 (480) 485-3000

Senior Business Analyst Master s with yrs exp or Bachelor s with 5 yrs exp Ma or: BA, Glo al M mt, Comp En , or e uiv other suita le ualifications Scottsdale, A . o entails workin accepta le with re uires experience includin : Client mana ement and interaction Creation of desi n documents uality Analysis/Testin PMP and A ile Methodolo ies ava, E B, SP, 2EE, S L, racle, Crystal Reports, MS isio, Selenium tool, MS Pro ect, M C, and Struts. Relocation travel to unanticipated locations within SA possi le. Send resumes to Celtic Cross Holdin s, nc. d a Celtic E Bell Road, Systems, Attn: oe McCormick, Suite , Scottsdale, A 52 .

Auto - All Makes 2010 incoln M S Cinnamon color, fully loaded: navigation, ac/heated seats, cold AC, tinted, plus. mi. IRST 12,000 CA takes 4 0- 2 - 22

See MORE Ads Online! www.Ahwatukee.com

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

Classifieds

Ahwatukee Foothills News

1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219 • Tempe, AZ 85282 480.898.6465 class@timespublications.com Deadlines

Classifieds: Monday 11am for Wednesday Life Events: Friday 10am for Wednesday

The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | Ahwatukee.com

Merch andise

Wanted to Buy

Carpet Cleaning

COLLECTOR BUYING European, Classic & Exotic Sports cars...

Family owned and proudly serving Ahwatukee for over 20 years.

(All Models) Any Condition!

Powerful Truck Mounted Soft Hot Water Extractions.

Call Roy 602-810-2179

Air Conditioning/Heating

BROADCAST YOUR BARGAINS. REACH THOUSANDS OF BUYERS. CLASS@ TIMESPUBLICATIONS .COM

480.898.6465

Residential/Commercial

PORSCHE

• 1948 thru 1998 • 365 Coupes, Roadsters, 911, 912, 993, Turbos, Etc.

MERCEDES

• 1940 thru 1970 • 190SL, 230SL,280SL, Earlt Cabriolets

Contractors

480.460.5030

AC-HEAT-PLUMBING FREE ESTIMATES! FREE DIAGNOSIS!

OPEN 24/7/365 (480) 462-4898

JAGUARS

• 1930 thru 1970 • XK,XKE, Coupes, Roadsters, Early Cabriolets

• 1920 thru 1970 •

I IN

480-898-6465

Mila's ouse Cleaning. Residential Commercial. Weekly/Monthly/ i Weekly. Experienced and Reference's Available. 4 0-2 0-563 602-446-0636

ROC156315, ROC285317

ALFAS

For a Quote email: class@times publications.com

E RO EAN STY E C EANIN onest Responsible European lady rovides uick, igh uality At Your ouse or usiness 602- 03-4141

www.extractioncleaning.com 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

Do You Have or Know of a Classic Car? Finder’s Fee Paid! Cash Buyer

Appliance Repair Now

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It!

Pet, Home & Property Checks

Cleaning Services

Total Home Solutions

Mention this ad for

50 OFF

When you schedule your Initial Service Visit

($25 off 1st house cleaning & $25 off 2nd house cleaning)

Licensed & Insured

Kellyutaz@msn.com

Ask for Tony, owner 323.843.8123 cantbebeatcarpetcleaning@gmail.com

HOUSE CLEANING

480-659-1400

602-810-2179

While Your’ Away Services

each room with this ad

H ouse Spouse

We Also Buy, Sell & Trade Used Appliances Working or Not

Please Call Roy

Pets/Services

29.95

*SCOTCH GUARD, DEGREASER, OR SANITIZER PRICE IS 25 CENTS A FOOT. Expires 1/1/2019

• Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

ALL PROJECTS! Running or Not!

Can’t Be Beat Carpet Cleaning Services

Service includes pre-treatment, deodorizer, steam and condition.

Appliance Repairs

If someone Needs a ob, They ook Every Day!

Carpets, Tile & Grout, Upholstery, Pet Stain/Odor Treatment

Cleaning Services

FREE INSTANT ONLINE QUOTE Carpet Cleaning also available.

Business/Professional Services SELLING CARS MADE SIMPLE Autos, RVs, Boats & Golf Carts, I Will Sell It All!

AHWATUKEE OWNED • BONDED & INSURED

www.HouseSpouse.com

480-834-2905 Contractors

Licensed/Bonded/Insured Ahwatukee Resident

I will Sell Your Vehicle For As Little As $50! • Car Wash • Photo Shoot • Online Advertisement on Multiple Websites! • Handle Phone Calls • I Come to You • No Charge Until the Vehicle Sells

NELSON’S AUTO SELLING SERVICE

Call Nelson at 623- 235- 7999

Call Eleanor Today!

480.287.4897 www.WhileYouAreAwayServices.com

KITCHEN AND BATH REMODELING

General Contractor 30 Years of Experience

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

HOME

R E N O VAT I O N

• Additions • Alterations • Countertops • Cabinets • Tile Ahwatukee resident

480.848.9890 ROC#245469

Voted one of the “Best of Ahwatukee” 10 Years Running!

Reasonable Rates Special Pricing on Extended Service

RENOVATION SOLUTIONS

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

• Pool Remodeling • Complete Demolitions • Concrete Work & Concrete & Pool Work Deck Resurfacing • Complete Resurfacing: • Landscape Design Pebble Tech, Quartz, • Custom Work White Plaster

15 Years Experience Call Now For SPECIAL DISCOUNTS

2-Year WARRANTY On All Work!

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC #297133

CLASSIFIEDS

Carpet Cleaning CARPET & UPHOLSTERY STEAM CLEANING

Concrete & Masonry

Garage/Doors

DESERT ROCK

GARAGE DOORS

ARA E DOOR SER ICE

CONCRETE & MASONRY **********************

Dry FREE

furniture moving pre-spotting deodOrizer

49 free hall 5 rooms $ 89 FREE HALL 2 rooms

NEW INSTALLS / REPAIRS DRIVEWAY, PATIO, WALKWAY BBQ, PAVERS BLOCK, STUCCO SPRINKLER GRADING, REMOVAL

CALL JOHN 480-797-2985 FREE ESTIMATE 16 YEARS EXP, REF INSURED ROC# 321648

sofa & loveseAT

89 Free chair

No hidden charges. Senior and veteran discounts.

YOUR CLASSIFIED SOURCE

10%

Discount for Seniors &Veterans

Opener & Door Lubrication with Repair

480.898.6465

Electrical Services

Not a licensed contractor

ary 4 0-26 -03 0

480-626-4497 www.lifetimegaragedoorsaz.com

ROC#1 3 2, 22 44

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Handyman Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! Painting Flooring • Electrical Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Marks the Spot for ALL Plumbing • Decks Drywall • Carpentry • Tile • More! Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Your Handyman Needs! Decks • Tile • More! Painting • Flooring • Electrical Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! • Drywall • Carpentry Plumbing Painting • Flooring • Electrical • Plumbing Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Painting • Flooring • Electrical • Tile More! Needs! Same Day Service Plumbing DrywallDecks • Carpentry • •Decks • Tile • More! • Drywall • Carpentry Painting • Flooring • Electrical Repair/Install All Major Brands Decks • Tile • More! “No Job Too Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry “No JobSmall Too Man!” Decks • Tile • More! “No Job Too Call for Our Monthly Special DiscountSmall Man!”

FOOTHILLS GARAGE DOOR • FREE ESTIMATES •9 rk Since 199 Affordable, Quality Wo rk Since 1999

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

ary is ack ousehold Repairs mas lights, drywall, plumbing, small painting, varnish doors, grout cleaning,ceiling fans, roof turbines. 30 years experience

FREE

Small Man!”

“No Job Too Work Since 1999 Quality le,Small 2010, 2011 Affordab Man!”

“No Job Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 480-893-8091 Too Small Man!” References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor CallAhwatukee BruceResident/ at 602.670.7038

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2012, 2013, 2010, 2011 2014 2014 2012, 2013, 9 Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job Too e 1992014 k SincAhwatukee Affordable, Quality Wor 2010, 2011 2010, 2011 Ahwatukee Resident • Dependable & Honest Small Man!” 2012, 2013,

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not aBruce Licensed at Contractor Call 602.670.7038 ROC 126694

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 9 Quality Work Since 199 Affordable,Ahwatukee 2010, 2011 Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

2012, 2013, 2014

FREE Estimates!

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

RSG HANDYMAN Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354 ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured

C. READ & SON ELECTRIC, INC.

39 Years’ Experience Troubleshooting

For ALL of Your Electrical Needs

Remodeling Security Lights Recessed Cans RV Outlets Indoor/Outdoor Lighting Spas Fans Electric Car Chargers Dedicated Circuits … and more

2005 2008 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 www.ReadElectricAz.com Ahwatukee Resident ROC#158440 Bond/Ins

480-940-6400

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

- Ahw Resident Since 1987 -

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

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

All Phases of Repair & Remodel by a Licensed Contractor at Handyman Prices

• Plumbing • Painting • Carpentry • Doors

• Electrical • Tile • Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling

Paint

Able Handyman Service LLC

And Much, Much More!

602-999-3672 LOCAL AHWATUKEE RESIDENT

ROC#245469 Licensed/Bonded/Fully Insured We Accept ALL Major Credit Cards

Home Improvement

Home Remodeling

• BASE BOARDS • DRYWALL No Job Too Small! • ELECTRICAL Senior • PAINTING Discounts! • PLUMBING • BATHROOMS • WOOD FLOORING • FRAMING WALLS • FREE ESTIMATES David Hernandez (602) 802 3600 daveshomerepair@yahoo.com Se Habla Español

Fireplace Conversion From Pilot to Electronic Pilot

Full Service & Repair on ALL Gas Fireplaces

CALL NOW! 480-294-6072

www.NowPlumbing.net

Not a licensed

contractor Jim 480.593.0506 Ablehandyman2009@gmail.com

Landscape Design/Installation

Jaden Sydney Associates.com Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services

Repairs • Drywall • Painting • BINSR Items Trash Removal • HOA Compliance Ahwatukee Resident

480.335.4180 Not a licensed contractor.

MALDONADO HOME REPAIR SERVICES CALL DOUG

Call Dave at

4 0-215-33 3

Electrical

AND so much more!

“One Call Does It All”

T R. Child ic#216115, Class O3 onded-Insured-Ref's

Plumbing

Tile

Residential Electrician

lans / Additions, atios New Doors, Windows

DO YOU OFFER Lessons & Tutoring? Children need your help! Place your ad today Contact us: class@times publications.com or Call 480-898-6465

2012, 2013, 2014 2014

Bonded/Insured

Handyman

Home Improvement REMODE CONTRACTOR

East alley/ Ahwatukee

Nights/Weekends onded/Insured

Affordable, Quality Wo

FREE ESTIMATES

480.773.4700

Unbeatable Customer Service & Lowest Prices Guaranteed!

Handyman

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

480.201.5013

THE HANDYMAN THAT HANDLES SMALL JOBS THAT OTHERS DECLINE ✔ Painting ✔ Sprinkler Repair ✔ Lighting ✔ Gate Restoration ✔ Replace Cracked ✔ & MUCH MORE! Roof Tiles Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured *Not A Licensed Contractor

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

The Possibilities are Endless

Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new Custom Built-ins, BBQs, Firepits, Fireplaces, Water Features, Re-Designing Pools, Masonry, Lighting, Tile, Flagstone, Pavers, Culture Stone & Travertine, Synthetic Turf, Sprinkler/Drip, Irrigation Systems, Clean ups & Hauling

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com

480-730-1074

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

Landscape Design/Installation oothills Touch andscapes C awn care/Maint. Starting as ow as 25. Install/Design Not a licensed contractor

Ahw. Res. 30 yrs Exp ree Estimates. Call at (4 0) 343-0562

Penny Pavers

Free Estimates DISCOUNT PAVER SPECIALISTS 30 Years Exp - Refs Avail Not a licensed contractor (480) 343-0562

Landscape Maintenance

uan ernandez

TREE

S RIN ER

Drip/Install/Repair

TRIMMING

Not a licensed contractor

25 Years exp (4 0) 20-3 40

25 years exp. Call Now (4 0) 20-3 40

Arizona Specialty Landscape

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

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

Call Lance White

Landscape Maintenance

480.721.4146

Artistic

LANDSCAPE SOLUTIONS LLC Owner/Operator Greg Bodell-20 Years Experience

• Reliable Maintenance Services–Clean Ups • All Irrigation Repairs–Installation–Timers & Valves • Quality Paver & Travertine Installation • Landscape Design–Remodels–Installation • Landscape Lighting Installation–Repair • Artificial Turf Installation–Professional Tree Care

Affordable | Reliable | Honest | On-Time | Attention to Detail FREE ESTIMATES

480-459-9430

We can do all your landscaping needs and more! No job too small or too big! Licensed Bonded Insured ROC#318553 •

•

Weekly • Bi Weekly • Monthly Low Rates

Mariano 480-276-5598

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online!! Classifieds 480-898-6465

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

MD’S LANDSCAPING

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control $60/Month!

Let’s get your Watering System working again! System Checks • Drip Checks

• One Month Free Service

FREE ESTIMATES! CALL 24 HOURS 25 Yrs Exp. I Do All My Own Work! Call Mark

• Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection.

480.295.2279 Referred out of Ewing Irrigation Not a licensed contractor.

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED!

• Call or Text for a Free Quote

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

SPRINKLER DOCTOR For All Your Irrigation and Outdoor Plumbing Needs!

Give us a call

480-643-9772

House Calls Are Always FREE! We specialize in Repairs and Replacement of

Home Improvement

Valves, Timers, Sprinklers & Drip Systems

Why re-do when you can RE-NEW? YOUR #1 CABINET REFACING COMPANY IN THE VALLEY 39 Years of Masterful Craftsmanship

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

480.844.9765

Drip Systems Installed, Valves/Timer Repairs

• Tree Trimming • Removals • Weed Control • Winter Grass • Clean Ups • Irrigation Repairs • Timer Repairs & More...

New & Re-Do Design and Installation

www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

NOPAL LANDSCAPE

Landscape Maintenance

Our Technicians are Local..Experienced..Insured

g Now Offerin FINANCING with Credit Union West!

BE WATER WISE..TUNE UP YOUR SYSTEM TODAY Not a licensed contractor

ROC 304267 • Licenced & Bonded

NO SUBCONTRACTORS-WE DO ALL THE WORK INCLUDED IN EVERY PACKAGE: • New custom doors • New dovetail drawers • Soft-close hinges, tracks and more

Landscape Maintenance

DEAL DIRECTLY WITH OWNERS ALL OUR PRODUCTS ARE PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA!

ORDER and we guarantee to have it

FREE $1000

RIGHT NOW! done before the Holidays!

VISA CARD

with a full kitchen remodel

FREE HARDWARE with any refacing project

BEFORE

FREE SINK & FAUCET

480-361-3121

Re-NewCabinets.com

with purchase of a granite or quartz countertop Minimum required. Must present ad. Expires 10-15-18

WE WILL BEAT ANY WRITTEN ESTIMATE FREE In-Home Estimates

Visit Our Showroom! AFTER

6503 W Frye Rd, Suite 1 Chandler, AZ 85226 Licensed, Bonded, Insured - ROC#293053

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

• BBQs and Fire Pits • Lighting • Irrgation Systems and Repairs • One-Time Clean-up • Maintenance

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

CLASSIFIEDS

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

High Quality Results Trim Trees All Types Gravel - Pavers Sprinkler Systems Complete Clean Ups

Jose Martinez • 602.515.2767 English • 602.781.0600 Not a licensed contractor.

SPRINKLER & DRIP REPAIR

HIC PRO PAINTING Int / Ext Home Painting 4-Less!

QUALITY PAINT #1 IN SERVICE

480-454-3959 FREE ESTIMATES

MOST REPAIRS

UNDER $100 Warranty On All Work Call Dennis or Lisa

602.329.3396

CASH OUT!

PAINTING INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior • High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available

Please recycle me.

602.625.0599 ROC #155380

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

CLA I IED 480-898-6465

Interior/Exterior Painting RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL

Charles Rock - Ahwatukee Resident

480.399.ROCK (7625)

charles@clrpoolservice.com

www.clrpoolservice.com

Plumbing

• Free Estimates • Light Repairs, Drywall • Senior discounts

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT

References Available

We offer personalized service for our customers. We use the best materials that we can find.

Not a licensed contractor

CALL JASON:

Owned and Operated by Rod Lampert Ahwatukee Resident Serving Ahwatukee for over 25 years

Our services include: Sinks, Toilets, Faucets, Water Heaters, Garbage Disposal, Drain Cleaning, Pressure Reducing Valves, Pressure Vacuum Breakers, Hot Water Circulation Systems, Main Service Valves and Hose Taps.

(480) 279-4155 Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC 189848

Residential • Commercial

10% OFF

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

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

ROC#309706

class ti es pu lications co

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated

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

Family Owned & Operated

Excellent Service... First time, Every time!

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Family Owned • Free Estimates

The Valley’s Premier Painters

Voted #1

CLR Pool Service LLC

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

Painting

East Valley PAINTERS

Pool Service / Repair

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Not a Licensed Contractor

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet.

Off 40work done *Any

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

Visit us at Suntechpaintingaz.com or view our video promo at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM5pbvpZJlg

We Do Installs!

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL

ROC #301084

SUN TECH

Misting Systems

RO ESSIONA AINTIN Interior, Exterior ouse ainting. Stucco atching. ate/ ront Door Refinishing. uality work/Materials ree Estimate Ignacio 4 0- 61-50 3 602-5 1- 015 ROC #1 50 ond/Ins'd

We’ll Beat Any Price!

Landscape Lighting Wi-Fi Irrigation & Lighting timers

Plumbing

Painting

Landscape Maintenance

Now Accepting all major credit cards

• Best Painters EVER!

PLUMBING

• Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings • Stucco & Drywall “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

ACP is 100% Veteran Owned Like us on Facebook to stay current & Receive 5% Off Services

We Repair or Install

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

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

CLASSIFIEDS Pool Service / Repair

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning!

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

CLASS@ TIMESPUBLICATIONS. COM

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

POOL REPAIR

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

I CAN HELP!

25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

1st Month of Service FREE For a limited time

Call Now!

Roofing The Most Detailed Roofer in the State

Ahw Resident • Owner Operated Maintenance & Repair Professional and Superior Service

We maintain, repair and service all types of pools, equipment, filters, cleaning systems, fresh water and salt water systems

Call me, Howard:

480.231.9651

AZPoolExpert.com BBB Member

Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC

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

Roofs Done Right...The FIRST Time!

480-706-1453

www.timklineroofing.com

Over 30 yrs. Experience

www.barefootpoolman.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

Roofing

BEST PLACE TO MAKE

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems

FREE Estim a and written te proposal

480-357-2463 R.O.C. #156979 K-42 • Licensed, Bonded and Insured

aOver 30 Years of Experience aLicensed, Bonded & Insured

is your roof

Monsoon Ready? Let seasoned pros

handle all your

OWNER IS

20yr Ahwatukee Resident

roofing needs

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service 480-446-7663

Tile, Flat Roof, and Leak Repair Experts

$1000 OFF when you show this ad

on qualifying complete roof replacements

Let us show you the In-Ex Difference!

inexroofing.com 602-938-7575 CALL FOR YOUR FREE ROOF EVALUATION

Not a licensed contractor.

Serving The Valley Since 1996

• New Roofs • Re-Roofs • Repairs Tile • Foam • Shingles • Patios

10% OFF with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile & Foam Roofer! Check Us Out FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

Payment Options Available Credit Cards Accepted ROC #: 269218

Licensed - Bonded - Insured

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS

DECEMBER 26, 2018 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

I IN

Roofing

Window Cleaning

If One Needs a Job, They Look Every day!

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Call our office today!

For a Quote email: class@times publications.com 480-898-6465

480-460-7602

ohn's Window Cleaning 1-story 135 / 2-story 155 -inside and out up to 30 panes (add'l panes 2) Screens cleaned 2.50 per pane. ower Washing and Re-Screening available Same day Service (4 0) 201-64 1

Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Valleywide

CR 42 DUAL

623-873-1626 All employees verified Free estimates on all roofs 36 Years experience in AZ Licensed contractor since 2006

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Most service advertisers have an ROC# or "Not a licensed contractor" in their ad, this is in accordance to the AZ state law.

ALERT 360 SECURITY DECEMBER SPECIAL SECURITY SYSTEM VIDEO DOORBELL

42.95

!!FREE INSTALLATION!! VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS

AZROC1586044

Member of ABM ROC 223367

NOTICE TO READERS:

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SECURITY SPECIALIST

PHILLIPS ROOFING LLC

www.porterroofinginc.com

Security Systems

Call Guy @602-284-6594

Roofing

Window Cleaning

Unbelievable Prices Insured•Licensed•Locally Owned

PROFESSIONAL WINDOW CLEANING

www.shine-master.com Winter Window Cleaning Special up to 32 Panes *1-Story Home only $140 total *2-Story Home only $165 total WE ALSO REPAIR SCREENS

Call Shine Master LLC

480-269-6133

phillipsroofing.org phillipsroofing@msn.com

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online!! Classifieds 480-898-6465

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): The advertising requirements of the statute does not prevent anyone from placing an ad in the yellow pages, on business cards, or on flyers. What it does require under A.R.S. §321 1 2 1 A 1 4 ( c ) www.azleg.gov/ars/32/01165.htm is that the advertising party, if not properly licensed as a contractor, disclose that fact on any form of advertising to the public by including the words "not a licensed contractor" in the advertisement. Again, this requirement is intended to make sure that the consumer is made aware of the unlicensed status of the individual or company. Contractors who advertise and do not disclose their unlicensed status are not eligible for the handyman's exception. Reference: http://www.azroc.gov/invest/licensed_by_la w.html

As a consumer, being aware of the law is for your protection. You can check a business's ROC status at: http://www.azroc.gov/

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Windows

Windows/Doors

Is your house ready for a makeover? Building your dream house? We can help! • Replacement windows • New Construction windows • Multi-slide – Bi-folding doors • Entry, French and Patio doors • Barn doors & Hardware • Interior Doors and Trim • Window coverings and shutters Stop by our showroom: 4454 E Thomas Road ROC #179513

602.667.3667 Phoenix www.liwindow.com

You never know what you’ll ﬁnd inside 480.898.6465

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 26, 2018

LAST MINUTE No Matter Where You See It, Read It, Or Hear It, Spencers Will Beat It. If We Aren’t Already Lower, Just Let Us Know, Because We Guarantee A Lower Price!

55" SMART TV

30” RANGE

• 4.8 Cu. Ft. • Self Cleaning • Flex Heat Elements • Extra Large Oven Window WFE510S0AS CLOSEOUT

• 1080p Resolution • Built-in Wi-Fi • 2 HDMI Inputs • 2 USB Ports

529

• 1.7 Cubic Foot Capacity • 220 CFM - 2 Speed Fan • 1000 Watt of Power • Hidden Vent Styling WMH31017AS CLOSEOUT

UN55NU6900

WASHER DRYER • 3.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity • 12 Wash Cycles • Quick Wash • Presoak

• 7.0 Cu. Ft. Capacity • WrinkleShield™ Option • 12 Dry Cycles • 5 Temperature Settings

429

MICROWAVE

DAY DELIVERY

EACH

DISHWASHER

STAINLESS STEEL DISHWASHER • AccuSense® Soil Sensor • AnyWare™ Plus Silverware Basket • 1-Hour Wash Cycle WDF520PADM

DAY DELIVERY

REFRIGERATOR

• 25 Cubic Foot Capacity • Spill Proof Glass Shelves • Humidity Controlled Drawers • Energy Star Qualified WRS325FDAM CLOSEOUT

229

$ NO INTEREST**

ALL 4

• 6.2 Cu. Ft. • 4 Drying Cycles • 3 Temperature Settings HTX24EASKWS CLOSEOUT

359

EACH

• Two Adjustable • Adjustable Humidity Shelves Drawers • Gallon Door Storage GTS15CTHRWW CLOSEOUT

1999 399

1.6 CU. FT. OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVE

HDA1100FWH

DRYER

14.6 CU. FT. REFRIGERATOR

• Normal Wash Cycle • Heated Dry On/Off

24 MONTHS

• 3.6 Cu. Ft. • 10 Wash Cycles • Stainless Steel Drum • Deep Rinse Option

HTW240ASKWS CLOSEOUT

WTW4816FW CLOSEOUT WED4815EW CLOSEOUT

WASHER

• 950 Watts of Power • 10 Levels of Power • Sunken Glass Turntable WMH1162XVQ CLOSEOUT

DAY DELIVERY

STAINLESS STEEL 26 CU. FT. SIDE BY SIDE • 3 Spill Safe Shelves • PureSource 3® Water Filtration

• Black, White or Stainless

199 949

FFSS2618SS CLOSEOUT

MONTHLY PAYMENT**

**Minimum purchase $999. Some restrictions apply. See store for details. *NO INTEREST IF PAID IN FULL IN 12 MONTHS. $399.00 Minimum Purchase Required Minimum Payments Required* 30.49%APR If the promotional balance is not paid in full by the end for the promotional period or, to the extent permitted by law, if you make a late payment, interest will be imposed from the date of purchase at the APR noted above. This APR is as of 7/4/2017 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Your card agreement, the terms of the offer and applicable law govern this transaction including increasing APRs and fees and terminating the promotional period.

WWW.SPENCERSTV.COM See Website for Additional Store Locations

Arizona’s largest independent dealer! “It’s Like Having A Friend In The Business”

Come Visit Our New Mesa Clearance Center – 115 W. First Ave.

OPEN DAILY 9AM-9PM | SATURDAY 9AM-6PM | SUNDAY 11AM-5PM

HOUSE IN S R E C SPEN PLANS PAYMENT BLE AVAILA