Issuu

INSIDE:

COMMUNITY

P. 21 | O P I N I O N

www.ahwatukee.com

LAKES CASE APPEAL

KYRENE HOPEFULS

. 14

P. 25 | B U S I N E S S

P. 28 | S P O RT S

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

P. 33

|CLASSIFIED

@AhwatukeeFN |

P. 37

@AhwatukeeFN

TU hybrid learning provokes questions, concerns BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

OVID-19 metrics in ZIP codes – especially some feeding Mountain Pointe and Tempe High – continue to drive Tempe Union’s cautious approach to partially reopening classrooms. And that caution sparked concerns among some Governing Board members last week over whether hybrid learning might be delayed beyond Oct. 13. At the board’s Sept. 2 meeting, officials did not indicate an overarching schedule for hybrid learning, where groups of students alternate on campus different days of the week. Tempe Union is still studying options that open classrooms one, two, three or four days

a week, depending on three COVID-19 benchmarks that Maricopa County health officials suggest districts should follow in determining their reopening plans. Some board members also expressed concern over how well hybrid learning will even work, suggesting teachers may be asked to do too much as they toggle between teaching students in classrooms and others at home. Those concerns mirrored the frustration and anxiety expressed in many of the 17 emails from parents and teachers that were read at the meeting, where some board members pressed Superintendent Dr. Kevin Mendivil on whether opening some of Tempe Union’s seven campuses now is an option. But Mendivil said Tempe Union will adhere to what one of his aides called a “one district,

A baby’s struggle

SHUTDOWN CASUALTY

one family” approach. “In the discussions with the principals,” Mendivil said, “they are very adamant and want to be united.” “We are a family of schools and it just pits schools one school against the other” he said, if only some schools allowed students in classrooms for a few days a week while others stayed fully online. Some of Tempe Union’s neighbors, notably Mesa Public Schools and Gilbert Public Schools have adopted a hybrid model where students can come to class two days a week. Student bodies in both those districts are divided alphabetically by the first letter of their last name to reduce the number on campus

see SCHOOLS page 18

Foothills HOA social media proposal creates controversy BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

. 28

STILL A GO

. 33

In his five months since birth, Arthur Zahn has spent more time in the hospital than in his parents’ Ahwatukee home as his tiny body battles a rare disease. Read about his and his parents’ struggle on page 21. (Courtesy of the Zahn Family.)

proposed policy that would involve monitoring Foothills HOA residents’ comments about their board and the Foothills Association is emerging as a potential issue as the board enters its election season. While the policy has been shelved until after the Oct. 21 election for four seats on the seven-member board, one of the candidates already has questioned why it was even proposed. While the policy would give the board authority to remove posts from any of the HOA’s social media platforms, it also would impact posts on “social media platforms owned and managed by others that may influence Association activities.” “In order to protect the reputation of the community and its members, as well as property values within the community, it is expected that owners and residents will refrain from using social media to post vulgar, inflammatory, harassing or negative comments regarding the Association or its directors, community man-

see FOOTHILLS page 6

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

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

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 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.

Gee asks nation’s high court to consider Lakes golf course case BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

he lawyer for Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course owner Wilson Gee’s company has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to consider “whether a court order requiring the owner of private property to operate a business on the private property violates the involuntary servitude provision of the Thirteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.” In a 16-page petition filed last week, attorney Daniel Maynard said that while Covenants Conditions & Restrictions for years have required property owners to maintain their property, “this case requires much more.” “The Appellate Court’s opinion requires the owner to spend millions of dollars to build a golf course and then to operate a business on the property,” he wrote, referring to the Arizona Court of Appeals. “Operating a business would require the owner to hire people to manage tee times, collect greens fees, maintain the tee boxes, greens and fairways, to act as the course ranger, to maintain the books and records of the business, generally manage the golf business and do all the other things necessary to operate a business. To say that the trial court is merely requiring the owner to maintain the property is completely disingenuous. “It is requiring the property owner to do something it does not want to do and this is involuntary servitude,” Maynard wrote. Meanwhile, Superior Court Judge Theodore Campagnolo set Oct. 22 for a hearing on what penalties he should impose on Gee’s company, ALCR, in light of the judge’s ruling that it showed contempt of court by doing nothing to restore the 101-acre site, which was closed in 2013. Lakes homeowners Eileen Breslin and Linda Swain filed suit in 2014 to force the restoration of the 18-hole executive course, triggering a six-year battle in which Superior Court Judge John Hannah on three occasions has ruled the course must be restored. Both the state appellate and Supreme Courts have upheld that ruling. In a brief hearing last week, both Maynard and the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Tim Barnes, said they would need time to present some evidence and arguments about sanctions for Campagnolo’s contempt finding. Barnes last month suggested to Campagnolo that he wants the company to pay $10,000 or $15,000 for each of the 202 homes abutting the course. That would total $2.02 million or $3.03 million. But he clarified his request last week, telling the judge that “whatever monetary sanction we request is really only to compel or coerce compliance” with the

see LAKES page 4

50 YEARS OF TRUSTWORTHY SERVICE!

Labor Day Specials! TIME FOR A NEW A/C UNIT AMERICAN STANDARD INSTANT REBATES Up to

1,000

with SRP rebates up to $1,125 Special Financing Available

*Subject to credit approval. See dealer for details. Not valid with any other offers. Expires September 30, 2020.

WE SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELS.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR NIGHTS OR WEEKENDS. Joe Sez -

WE SELL PARTS! Ask about: • Free in-home Educational Assessment • Multi Unit Discounts • SRP Rebates

Maintenance Inspection (Normally $149)

Prolong the life of your A/C and heater and maintain maximum performance of your home. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 9/30/2020.

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

480-813-1700

48 4 80-813-170 0 www.hendels.com 3434 N. Arizona Ave. | Chandler, AZ 85225-7707

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

LAKES from page 3

restoration order and that if Gee complies, “the sanctions would not be required.” He also said he intends to present one or two Ahwatukee residents, not his clients, who will testify about the impact of the course’s deteriorated condition over the last six years. That testimony would be aimed at supporting the kind of sanctions he is seeking, Barnes said. There was no mention of Maynard’s bid to the nation’s highest court, which at least for now won’t stop the ongoing contempt proceeding. The Supreme Court’s website says it receives at least 10,000 such petitions a year seeking the review of both civil and criminal verdicts. Out of that number, the court looks at maybe 80 to 100 more closely and then further winnows the ones it actually hears arguments on to around a dozen. There are no time constraints on when the justices must initially rule on whether it will consider a request and Campagnolo several months ago said he would not delay proceedings in the contempt case pending their decision. Most of Maynard’s petition summarizes the history of Gee’s ownership of the course that began in June 2006, when he and other investors through a company called Bixby Village bought it for $5.6 million. By early 2007, the petition states, the course started losing money as the Great

If the U.S. Supreme Court refuses to hear Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course owner Wilson Gee’s company’s appeal, he could file for bankruptcy. (Tom Sanfilippo/Inside Out Aerial)

Recession began impacting the local and national economy. After failing to get agreement from homeowners on redeveloping the property, Gee ultimately shut down the course in 2013, leading to the lawsuit by Swain and Breslin the following year. The petition notes that Hannah’s restoration order “did not specify if the golf course had to be 9 or 18 holes, whether it had to have water hazards or sand traps or how large it should be. Neither did the order state the number of hours or days it had to be open, the amount it had to

charge for a round of golf nor did it discuss a multitude of other issues that arise when one operates a business.” In attacking the state Appeals Court ruling, Maynard argues that, if left standing, “a court has the power to make a property owner run a business on their private property” and that “this violates the prohibition against involuntary servitude found in the Thirteenth Amendment.” “With the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, slavery was forever prohibited in the United States but the Amendment went even farther condemning

various forms of domination under the heading of ‘involuntary servitude,’ he tells the high court. “Forcing one to run a business that they do not want to is involuntary servitude.” “The primary purpose of the Thirteenth Amendment was to abolish the institution of African slavery as it existed in the United States at the time of the Civil War, but the Thirteenth Amendment was not limited to that purpose,” he continues, arguing the amendment prohibits both slavery and involuntary servitude and that the conditions covered by the latter term have never been defined. “Involuntary servitude occurs where a person has “no available choice but to work or be subject to legal sanction,” Maynard said, adding that Gee “has no choice but to work or operate a business on his personal property or be subject to a legal sanction.” He also says “golf reached its peak in 2005 with 60 million participants playing 550 million rounds of golf; however, in 2013, there were only 25 million participants playing 485 million rounds.” Stating that 400 good courses across the country closed between 2017 and 2018, Maynard told the court it should consider the case because “there are hundreds of communities in the United States that have deed restrictions placed on property limiting its use to a golf course while the golf business continues to decline.”

Chandler man allegedly faked diseases for money BY KEVIN REAGAN AFN Staff Writer

cottsdale Police have arrested a Chandler man on felony charges that he allegedly attempted to scam his friends, police officers and prosecutors into believing he was dying of an incurable illness. Christopher Nelson, 49, was indicted last month by a county grand jury on 18 felony counts of fraud, forgery, and identity theft for an elaborate effort to convince the public he was suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS – a rare disease that destroys the nervous system and typically ends in death within a few years of diagnosis. Authorities suspect Nelson used wheelchairs and walkers to simulate symptoms of the disease in order to evade court

dates and solicit donations from sympathetic friends. The alleged ruse is the second time Nelson has recently been accused of faking a debilitating illness for financial gain. A few years ago, Nelson was suspected of utilizing social media and fake email accounts to swindle thousands of dollars out of his old high school classmates by projecting himself as a feeble, needy invalid who was near death. But authorities claim Nelson invented his digital to manipulate dozens of people into handing over cash donations they thought would be spent on saving Nelson’s life from pancreatic cancer. According to Scottsdale Police, several of Nelson’s former classmates from Coronado High School reported giving Nelson more than $30,000 between 2010 and 2015 after he posted Facebook posts about

CHRISTOPHER NELSON

needing funds for cancer treatments. Nelson’s friends organized several fundraising parties to cover medical costs that Nelson claimed weren’t being cov-

ered by insurance. To cover his tracks, authorities say, Nelson used a relative’s identity in a fake email address to communicate with donors, organize fundraisers and forge documents describing nonexistent oncology treatments. “It appeared Nelson also created other fake email addresses so he could surreptitiously read and be part of group emails and monitor what was being planned and said about his fake medical condition,” a police report states. Over 40 people donated a total $15,000 and the defendant’s friends raised another $15,000 by selling T-shirts in support of Nelson’s supposed cancer treatment. One of Nelson’s former classmates told Scottsdale Police the suspect asked for an

see FAKE page 12

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS Flat and Foam Roof Experts!

PAM EAGAN 33 YEARS OF CONTINUALLY

PROVEN SUCCESS AND STILL ON THE JOB 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR YOU

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019 desertsandscontracting.com

602.390.5740 PamEagan@gmail.com

Commercial & Residential | Family Owned & Operated AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 FULLY INSURED

Kathleen A. Nielsen Attorney at Law

Serving Ahwatukee for 30 Years! Trusts • Wills • Probate Living Wills • Medical Power of Attorney Divorce • Premarital

Southwest Business Center

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

480.730.6469

kathleen@kathleennielsenlaw.com

Realty Executives Associate Broker

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

FOOTHILLS from page 1

ager, management staff and vendors,” the policy states. “Complaints or grievances regarding the Association and its operations should be communicated to the Association’s community manager or its board of directors,” it adds. While the proposal does not indicate whether there would be penalties for offending posts on third-party sites, it would authorize their removal from Foothillscontrolled social media. The proposal calls for a “social media committee” made up of three of the board’s seven members. The committee’s responsibilities would be to “advise and make recommendations to the board regarding the use of social media by the association, creating and overseeing Association-controlled social media sites and the use of social media by third parties about the association and its members.” Board member Gary Walker, who has long advocated for a more expansive social media presence for the Association and the board, told AFN that the policy is

A more stringent social media policy than the one proposed by the Foothills HOA board sparked an angry protest earlier this year by Val Vista Lakes HOA members in Gilbert. (Special to AFN)

partly related to the fact that it has a Facebook page that isn’t fully operational. “At the present time we do not allow comments or posting on our FCA Facebook page and only use it to augment our website as an update site,” he said. “We would like to expand usage but are hesi-

WE PAYSales YOUR tax! Offer expires 9/30/2020

tant without a policy. A key element of the policy, if adopted, would be the creation of a committee comprised of board members and homeowners.” He noted that the main thrust of the policy is regulating board members’ and association management’s social media

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

480.598.9811

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

see FOOTHILLS page 9

Desert Home Cleaning is considered an essential business, therefore we will continue to remain OPEN & we are here to serve you during this time. Desert Home Cleaning Service, Inc.

Traci Tartaglio Owner

activity. “If you’ve seen the draft of the policy, you are aware that our focus is on our community management company and board member conduct,” Walker said. “We will more formally create conduct rules so that no single board member will create any liability for the community based on individual comments that may be interpreted as board action.” Asked if offensive posts by residents would be penalized with a fine, Walker said, “Of course not, and we didn’t need Val Vista Lakes to bring this point home.” “As mentioned, we want to monitor third-party social media because it’s been proven we can support homeowners more effectively,” he said. “We also want to be able to escalate to the board when incorrect information damaging to the community is posted.” Walker also said, “Monitoring other social media comments is the responsible thing for the board to do. “In many case, valid complaints or problems are posted there rather than directly to the Association. In many cases we have

CARPET CLEANING SPECIAL 5 Rooms Only $80

CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, TILE & GROUT

Combined living area and/or area over 300 sq.ft. Considered separate rooms

• OWNER OPERATED

Pre-Treating • Most Furniture Moved • Carpet Groomed

NO HIDDEN CHARGES CLEANING INCLUDES:

• 37 YEARS EXPERIENCE • TRUCK MOUNTED EQUIPMENT

and deodorizer 480.759.3361 Protector available Find Any Hidden Charges and the Cleaning is FREE!

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

Top 1% Ahwatukee Realtor Year after Year! S JU

CURRENT MORTGAGE RATES 30 yr fixed: 2.625% (APR of 2.77%) 20 yr fixed: 2.50% (APR of 2.64%) 15 yr fixed: 2.25% (APR of 2.39%)

Use this coupon toward an appraisal refund at a successful closing.

This rate is based on a loan amount of $250,000. Restrictions apply.

Senior Mortgage Loan Officer

Office: 480.339.8568 | Mobile: 480.570.5691 Fax: 1.833.406.2115 nvadhwa@bell.bank www.naveenvadhwa.com 4435 E Chandler Blvd. | Suite 201 Phoenix, AZ 85048

bellbankmortgage.com

Ahwatukee $399,000

Family Section 2,150 SF, 3 bed 2 bath Beautiful remodel!

Ahwatukee $459,000

st gu u in A

Ahwatukee 2,346 SF, 3 bed 2.5 bath

A $475 Savings!

Naveen Vadhwa NMLS #203016

E IST

Ahwatukee $499,000

st gu u in A

Ahwatukee 2,592 SF, 3 bed 2 bath

This statement of rates is for real estate professionals only: it is not intended for consumer use. Rates current as of 9/3/20. Examples listed are typical principal and interest payments based on a 45-day rate lock on a $250,000 purchase with 20% down payment. Payment estimates do not include amount for taxes and insurance: therefore, the actual payment obligation will be greater. Rates are based on borrowers’ ability to quality and are subject to market fluctuations which may change the rates without notice.

Best Dentist at Affordable Prices! FREE Exam & X-Rays Missing Teeth? Embarrassed to Smile? Tooth Pain? Loose Dentures? We Can Help, Call Us NOW!

SUPREME DENTURES starting at

EXPIRES 9-30-2020

999

PORCELAIN CROWNS from $

699

IMPLANTS from

799

After

With Two Implants

from $

L SO

n Di

Ahwatukee $294,000

ust g Au

Ahwatukee Retirement 1,444 SF, 2 bed 2 bath Beautiful home!

EXPIRES 9-30-2020

Starting at only (Permament Teeth You Don’t Remove)

Ahwatukee Foothills Reserve 1,628 SF, 3 bed, 2 bath

EXPIRES 9-30-2020

3,999 ALL ON 4 / ALL ON 6

EXPIRES 9-30-2020

n Di

each

SNAP ON LOWER DENTURE

Before

L SO

Ahwatukee $349,000

ust g Au

$14,995

*All offers for New patients without insurance only.

We Accept Most Major Insurances • Interest FREE Financing with Low Monthly Payments Emergencies Welcome & Same Day Appointments Available

kw SONORAN LIVING ®

KELLERWILLIAMS REALTY Each office independently owned and operated.

Call Kevin directly at

1722 E University, Mesa

(W of Gilbert on N side of University)

480.833.9942

www.TRUVALUEDENTAL.com

602-370-8106 A+ www.SearchAhwatukeeHomes.com

Rating

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

Bill Watson Gets Results. Top 1% of Agents in Arizona.

Are you invested properly? Retirement solutions for Are invested properly? Get you a second opinion you aand your employees. Get second opinion Joseph B. Ortiz, AAMS , CRPS Financial Advisor Joseph B. Ortiz, AAMS , CRPS ®

Financial Advisor 8950 S. 52nd St., Ste. 209, Tempe, AZ 85284 (SE corner of I-10 & Warner Rd.)

8950 S. 52nd St., Ste. 209, Tempe, AZ 85284 480.753.7664 (SE corner of I-10 & Warner Rd.) Member SIPC

480.753.7664

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

www.edwardjones.com

PLUMBING

THE Hardest Working Real Estate Professional.

We Repair or Install

I CAN SELL YOURS TOO! kw ®

Ask Matt

Call us today with your question!

$3500 OFF Any Service Call Today!

SONORAN LIVING

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

AHWATUKEE’S

www.TheBillWatsonGroup.com

O 480.706.7211 • C 602.469.0388

Professionalism • Integrity • Communication

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 Matt Tobias General Manager 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! — Matt

Each office is independently owned and operated.

1 PLUMBER

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 272721

704.542 704.54 22

(480) (48

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

FOOTHILLS from page 6

been able to reach out to a homeowner to resolve an issue that was posted on social media,” he said. The reference to Val Vista Lakes HOA, raised in a question by AFN, involves a fight between that Gilbert homeowners association board and some residents that began in the late fall and spilled into early this year. The Val Vista board last fall proposed banning the community’s 2,300 homeowners from posting negative comments about the board, residents or the HOA’s employees and agents. Penalties for violation included clubhouse privileges suspension, attorney fees and other costs related to enforcement action and fines ranging from $50 to $150. In January, the HOA’s lawyer sent letters to eight residents that accused them of critical comments that “specifically defame and negatively impact others in the

Got s? New

480-706-7234

Tapestry Canyon ST JU TED LIS

community” and demanded they “cease posting any disparaging, speculative, or defaming comments.” The letters provoked outrage among numerous residents and while the board backed off enacting the ban, several board members were targeted by a successful recall election, The Foothills social media proposal immediately came under attack by resident Rob Doherty, who helped lead a successful election that changed several Association bylaws – the most controversial being the imposition of term limits that impact several current board members. Doherty is now a candidate in the board election. “I was shocked” by the proposed policy, he said. He said the matter of a social media policy had been “casually raised” by a board member at its July meeting and again last month but “no one had a copy of it.” “When it came out a few days later, it

Walker said the policy is not aimed at punitive action and that it was drafted in the spirit of “we can only expect good conduct and hope that homeowners would escalate grievances to the Foothills Community Association for response and resolution.” “We certainly are aware of Val Vista Lakes, but would like to emphasize that our proposed policy is not similar to theirs at all,” Walker said. Added board member Gary Reny: “I think there is some misinterpretation of what this draft policy actually says. “The board has been seeking ways to utilize social media to be more transparent and directly connect with our association members and homeowners. We can’t do that without a social media policy,” he said. And since the board has tabled the measure until after the election, Reny said, “We want to take our time to listen and process all feedback to ensure this is done properly.”

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

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team for Over 30 Years 5 BR / 5.5 BA / 5,002 SQFT

5 BR / 4.5 BA / 4924 SQFT

Magnificent mountain luxury retreat perched high on elevated hillside lot in exclusive gated community with majestic views.

Majestic Southwest contemporary estate on private hillside lot with stunning mountain and city light views. .

Rare opportunity on hillside lot with great views. New interior paint in 2020. Roof replacement in 2019.

Listed for $585,000

Mike Mendoza MendozaTeam.com 5 BR / 5 BA / 6,455 SQFT Stunning panoramic views from privately gated luxury retreat with casita on elevated preserve lot.

Listed for $1,325,000

Listed for $1,510,000

4BR / 3BA / 2,800 SQFT

Mountain Park Ranch

was completely different than what they had advertised,” Doherty said. “The HOA has no business trying to regulate speech,” he said. “The community needs to have free and open discussion.” Calling the proposal “a prime example of HOA overreach,” Doherty said “the board of directors is overseen by the community, not the other way around.” “This attempt to regulate speech will backfire, just like it did at Val Vista Lakes in Gilbert,” he added. “Even if this policy was limited to the board’s own online forum, it would still be flawed. Nobody would trust the content of such a forum knowing that the board could delete any comments it doesn’t like. “If anything, this policy should be the opposite of what it is -- it should explicitly prohibit the board from regulating speech in any online forum it creates. Only then would the community be assured that the board’s forum discussions are free from manipulation by the board.”

Sanctuary

Tapestry Canyon ! LD O S

Mountain Park Ranch

Listed for $1,950,000

4 BR / 2.5 BA / 2,450 SQFT

7 BR / 4.5 BA / 8,873 SQFT

Superb updates throughout with downstairs master suite. 2019 interior paint, pool pump, water softener, refrigerator, washer and dryer.

Estate living with refined tranquility in this exquisite setting. Meticulous stonework adorns entire exterior of this luxury home.

Listed for $475,000

Listed for $1,950,000

Circle G at Riggs Ranch

Tapestry Canyon

Lisa Miguel

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 HARDWOOD • C ARPE T•LUXURY VINYL•TILE•L AMINATE•AND MORE

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

of Chandler

Top 1% in Sales

480-444-6058 • www.Lisamiguel.com

Tapestry Canyon

Listed for $2,149,000

Gorgeous 1+ acre property with panoramic mountain views and city lights views! 7,644 sf main house plus a detached guest house and flex room (1940 sf.) Kitchen boasts distressed black finish Alder cabinetry, Cantera stone hood, large island, pantry, Viking double ovens, six gas burner cook top, warming drawer, Thermador refrigerator, two Kitchen Aid dishwashers and a stock pot faucet above cooktop. Open kitchen family room floor plan. All bedrooms are ensuite and have their own patios with mountain views. Negative edge, heated salt water pool. Multiple covered patios. 20' x 20' observation deck. Lower level bonus room with grand rock mountain water feature! Bonus room has large wet bar and full - wall pocket doors that open to a large covered patio area. Detached guest house and enormous flex room. Flex room could function as office space, media room, home gym, game room; many options! Five car garage! One garage bay is tandem. Great for car collectors!

labor day

Power Ranch Listed for

$649,500

2,875 sf 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom semi custom home! New AC! Freshly updated backyard including custom built retaining wall with sheer descent water features around pool, new pool heater, artificial turf, gas stub for BBQ , new trees and shrubs. The gourmet kitchen has granite counters, stainless steel appliances, kitchen island, and eat-in kitchen nook. New carpet in the bedrooms, new hardwood flooring in the family, living and dining rooms. Close to community amenities including pools, splash pads, lakes, parks, clubhouse, as well as jogging trails, soccer fields, basketball courts, and much more!

Five New Homes - 1.25 Acres Each Listed for

$223,500 - 227,500

Two ﬂoor plans to choose from; 1,387 sf or 1,493 sf. Both have 3 beds, 2 baths and split master ﬂoor plans. East facing back yards! Breathtaking 360 degree views of the Superstition and San Tan Mountains. Water to the property! (no well!) Kitchens boast maple cabinetry, new appliances including refrigerators. Open kitchen - family room concept. Master bathrooms are upgraded with dual sinks. 2" window blinds. Enjoy the rural lifestyle while still being just a few minutes from all of the amenities in San Tan Valley and Queen Creek!

Circle Mountain Land (2 parcels) Listed for

$290,000 each

Two parcels; 4.7 acres each. Residential Acreage abutting Pyramid Peak and state trust land. Elevated property, away from ﬂood zones. Build a grand estate or subdivide a small community! Beautiful Northeastern views of New River Mesa and surrounding mountains. Zoning requires at least 1 acre per home. 15-20 minutes from Anthem and Cave Creek and still only 45 minutes from Sky Harbor 9.4 acres total available (10 acres minus 40 foot road easement along Northern edge)

San Tan Valley Land Listed for

$195,000

Great development opportunity or horse property! 8.35 acre parcel in San Tan Valley. Spectacular panoramic mountain views! No HOA. Property can be split (if desired) into ﬁve 1.67 acre parcels. Miles of state trust land all around. Owner is willing to facilitate a minor land division. In the country but has nearby emergency services, hospital, schools, and shopping.

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra!

SALE OUR TIGRESSÁ® 12’ X 12’ ROOM CARPET

$45 /MONTH *OAC

Friends, you’ve earned it. Enjoy this special Labor Day price for our premium flooring.

LIFETIME LABOR WARRANTY ON EVERY INSTALL! NO SALES TA X ON INSTALL ATIONS SPECIAL 12-MONTH FINANCING AVAIL ABLE! *OAC THERE’S A REASON WE’RE THE

MOST RECOMMENDED.

flooringamerica.com/review Dale & Becci Schnaible

Ahwatukee family owned since 1997

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

www.flooringamericaofchandler.com Monday-Friday: 10-6, Saturday: 9-4

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

NEWS

FAKE from page 4

additional $2,300 to undergo experimental treatments at Virginia Piper Cancer Institute. Nelson allegedly asked the friend to also drive him to the hospital and to pay for his lunch. When friends started asking questions about Nelson’s health status in 2014, the defendant reportedly got defensive and would email them digitally-altered images to support his stories. As more donors became suspicious of Nelson’s claims, the defendant decided to end the fundraising operation by faking his own death. In September 2015, friends received an email informing them Nelson had committed suicide. Investigators later discovered Nelson had allegedly wrote the email and sent it through a fake address.

Got s? New

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

By 2017, investigators had made contact with more than 20 of Nelson’s classmates and confirmed the suspect had never been diagnosed with cancer nor undergone any treatments. He was arrested and indicted on fraud charges in December 2017. Nelson’s criminal case had been pending in court when authorities uncovered more evidence earlier this year to file additional charges against him. In February 2020, Nelson appeared in court on a motorized wheelchair and unable to verbally communicate. He claimed to be suffering from ALS – more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease – and was only able to communicate by blinking his eyes. Scottsdale Police later discovered Nelson allegedly forged documents from the Mayo Clinic to support his claims of having ALS. The defendant also used his fake

diagnosis to seek donations of wheelchairs, walkers and $9,000 for a speechgenerating device. Nelson also solicited someone through social media to fix his truck for free so the defendant could take “one last ride” before he succumbed to ALS, according to authorities. Investigators conducted a surveillance operation outside Nelson’s Chandler residence and observed him walking, talking, dancing, doing yard work and lifting heavy objects – contradicting how he presented himself in court. Court records show Nelson has been accused of scheming and deceiving Valley residents for decades. His criminal history in Maricopa County dates back to 1995, when he first pleaded guilty to one count of fraud. In 1998, Nelson again pleaded guilty to theft charges and was placed on proba-

tion for a couple years. He faced several felony charges in 2014 after authorities caught him using the identities of his acquaintances to harass someone who had filed a restraining order against him. Nelson pleaded guilty to criminal impersonation and was sentenced to one year in prison. Not long after Nelson was released from the Arizona Department of Corrections in 2017, he was charged in the cancer fraud. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has been attempting to restrict Nelson’s movements since his 2017 offenses due to the level of fear his victims have for possible retaliation. “The defendant is a danger to not only himself but to the community in which he resides,” prosecutors wrote. Scottsdale Police asks anyone who may have been defrauded by Nelson to contact the agency at 480-312-8141.

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

#1 Rated Shop in the East Valley

Your Trusted European Car Specialists

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

Thank You for voting us

BEST AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR Serving Chandler & the East Valley for over 10 Years • Family Owned and Operated

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

Call For An Appointment!

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

Kyrene board candidates discuss issues B eginning today, The Ahwatukee Foothills News is starting four weeks of responses from candidates for Kyrene and Tempe Union governing boards. Today AFN is publishing the first half of the Kyrene

IVAN ALFARO Students in OR grads of Kyrene schools: 4 Occupation: Executive director at a national learning company. Years in district: 11 Years Educational background: A.A., Mathematics/Spanish (MCC); B.S. business administration (UOP); M.Ed., learning design & technologies (ASU) Community involvement: Community/Superintendent Council, (Kyrene School District); Parent/Superintendent Council (Kyrene School District); Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students); Boy Scouts of America. What top three skills would you bring or do you bring to the board? Focus: I believe an effective school board member commits to a vision of high expectations for student achievement and quality instruction and establishes clear goals toward that vision. I have strong beliefs and values about what’s possible for students and their ability to learn, and of the system and its ability to teach all children at MICHELLE FAHY Students in OR grads of Kyrene schools: My daughter attended Kyrene K-8, is now a student at ASU and I worked as a teacher and trainer in Kyrene for

19 years. Occupation: Teacher, Instructional Technology Coordinator, starting my 36th year in public education. Years in district: Lived in Kyrene for the last 21 years, employee in Kyrene for 19 years, parent in Kyrene for 9 years. Educational background: Undergraduate degree from University of Maryland in special education; Master’s degree from University of Maryland in curriculum and instruction with a specialty in Reading Instruction Community involvement: I am in my

candidates’ responses. Next week, the second half of the Kyrene responses will be published. On Sept. 23-30, the Tempe Union candidates’ responses will be published in two parts. The entire questionnaire for the

high levels. Experience: My professional experience has helped me acquire and develop unique views and values-based perspectives on education. From my current and previous roles in executive management positions to consulting for large school districts across the country to understanding and empathizing the plight of teaching, I hope to lend my experiences to deepen the dialogue needed for decision making. Empathy: I empathize and understand the emotional viewpoints from both a personal (immigrant and low-income student) and parent perspective for children with learning hurdles that require special programming. I believe empathy helps a board member become more emotionally accessible, with an ability to listen and respond honestly and optimistically with their constituents. Why should voters vote for you? My interest in serving our educational community is genuine and forthright. As a parent of four children attending Kyrene schools, I want the best educational experience for my and all children. I want

fourth year serving on the Kyrene School District Governing Board. What top three skills would you bring or do you bring to the board? I have a deep understanding of the inner workings of a school district. I am detailed oriented, I read and study all documents provided and I do my own research to further understand concepts, issues, and decisions. I come prepared for discussion. I ask detailed questions to understand and help the community understand Board related topics and decisions. Why should voters vote for you? I want to serve Kyrene to continue its strong history of quality schools which strengthen and add value to our community. I will focus on a data-driven approach to student achievement, the allocation of resources to hire and retain quality staff. I

Kyrene candidates is now online at Ahwatukee.com. The Tempe Union candidates’ questionnaires will start running at Ahwatukee.com Sept. 23. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5 and early voting for the Nov. 3 election

begins Oct. 7. Information on registering: servicearizona.com. Some candidates’ responses in print may be edited for length but their answers on line are running in their entirety.

will listen to stakeholders, will do my own research and come prepared to ask questions and engage in quality discussions. Has the pandemic affected your view of a governing board’s role in general? If so, how? The pandemic has not changed my view of the role of the board but has truly emphasized the great importance and weight the Board serves in decision making. Assuming COVID-19 will be with us indefinitely, does Kyrene need to do something it isn’t doing now to ensure a quality experience for students over the next four years: 1) Where academics generally – and preparation for high school specifically – are concerned? Kyrene should invest in a robust learning management system, and further train teachers to build and utilize technology-rich

engaging strategies so that no matter the environment, Kyrene can provide quality educational experiences for all students. They should consider new strategies for providing differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learners. They must be agile and flexible to be able to address change and needs as they arise. 2) Where students’ social-emotional wellness is concerned? Students have suffered emotionally through this pandemic. Providing additional programs for students to address their social emotional needs will be important during onsite closures and when students return to school buildings. The need for school counselors is greater than ever before. Possible grant or internship opportunities may help to bring more supports and services to our students.

to contribute my representative voice to help set a strong vision that all students, parents, teachers and community members can be proud of. I am eager to listen, learn, and embrace challenges we face as a district as opportunities for innovation and growth. Has the pandemic affected your view of a governing board’s role in general? If so, how? Yes. Because of COVID-19, I think the past several months have been the most challenging and emotionally demanding time for a school board member. The importance and gravity in critical thinking, decision making, and communication has never been so great. The magnified challenge is synthesizing perspectives from constituents (parents, teachers, community members, etc.), analyzing data and developing guardrails ensuring the safety, equity, and continuity of strong teaching and learning within our district. Assuming COVID-19 will be with us indefinitely, does Kyrene need to do something it isn’t doing now to ensure a quality experience for students over the next four years:

1) Where academics generally – and preparation for high school specifically – are concerned? I believe Kyrene must continue to focus on systems and structures supporting performance (learning) and student achievement. Academic regression (learning loss) will exacerbate inequalities our students currently have and are incurring. I believe the achievement gap for our students will widen, impacting our most vulnerable students (special ed, speech & language, learning differences, etc.) and students are likely to enter school with more variability in their academic skills than under normal circumstances. 2) Where students’ social-emotional wellness is concerned? Research shows that mental health and academic achievement are linked. The pandemic may worsen existing mental health problems and lead to more cases among our students because of the social and emotional hindrance caused by COVID-19. A focus on communication and relationship building between students, teachers, and parents will be paramount.

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

WANDA KOLOMYJEC Students in OR grads of Kyrene schools? Not anymore. I had three attend and “graduate” from Kyrene. Occupation: ASU professor and community organizer Years in district: 26 Educational background: BS biology, MA social justice and human rights, PhD justice studies Community involvement: Site Council member (Kyrene and Tempe Union), Little League, Club Baseball, YMCA, business owner employing over 300 Arizonans in the last 26 years, Director of Social Circles of Justice Civil Dialogue Forum, Foster Care Review Board Member, volunteer for Treasures for Teachers, community lead-

ership. What top three skills would you bring or do you bring to the board? Two decades of international business ownership has helped me develop skills (budgeting, teamwork, leadership) that would be advantageous to board work. My justice training should help me recognize and alleviate inequities in our schools. Finally, as a former public-school teacher and current professor at ASU, my education background will be advantageous in understanding the challenges faced by our schools. Why should voters vote for you? My husband and I have been lucky to own a successful business, and we could send our children to any school in the valley. We choose Kyrene because we believe public schools offer the best opportunity

MARGARET WRIGHT Students in OR grads of Kyrene schools? One graduate of Kyrene that just started at Corona del Sol, a 6th grader at Kyrene Middle School and a 4th grader at Waggoner Elementary. Occupation: Adjunct professor of biology. Years in district: 9. Educational background: BS zoology and MS in evolutionary biology. Community involvement: PTO committee chair, PTO board member, PTO president, Maricopa County 4H Club leader.

What top three skills would you bring to the board? Listening: I am an introvert; I will listen to every single word you have to say and think about it. Studious: I read scholarly articles for fun. I will research all that I can about each issue and policy the board votes on. Analytical: I know how to analyze data, question conclusions and make research backed decisions. Why should voters vote for you? Any decision I make as a board member will have a direct effect on my own children. I place a high value on integrity and transparency. I believe education is life changing and essential for all children. I will

TRINÉ NELSON Students in OR grads of Kyrene schools? Yes, I have a 7th and 2nd grader who attend Kyrene schools. Occupation: Curriculum Manager Years in the district: I’ve been involved with the Kyrene School District since 2014 when my oldest child entered Kindergarten. In 2017 my family was fortunate enough to move into the district. Educational background: My bachelor’s degree from Utah State University is in human development and I hold a master’s degree in learning design and technologies from Arizona State University. Community involvement: I’ve had the privilege of serving for two years on the Superintendent Community Council. These experiences allowed me to see the strengths, the diversity and the specific needs in the Kyrene Community. I’ve also

had the opportunity to serve as a teacher appreciation chair and have been a regular school volunteer since 2014. What top three skills would you bring or do you bring to the board? I take a balanced approach to decision-making, looking at all of the information before me, and try to determine an appropriate solution. I am collaborative in nature and goal-oriented. Throughout my career, I’ve been able to demonstrate the ability to identify priorities, to successfully work with large groups who have diverse viewpoints, to work together to build consensus to achieve a common goal. Why should voters vote for you? As an engaged parent and community member, coupled with my experience as an education professional, I am positioned to serve Kyrene and to ensure all students receive a quality education. Through my varied experiences in Kyrene, I’ve been able to see the strengths, diversity, and the spe-

for children to learn. I will fight for continued great educational opportunities for all students in Kyrene. Has the pandemic affected your view of a governing board’s role in general? If so, how? The pandemic has shifted the priorities faced by board members. The health and safety of our students, teachers, administration, staff and community members will be paramount. The decisions must be science-based rather than politically motivated. It has been awhile since I have dusted off my biology credentials, but they will come in handy during this challenging time. Assuming COVID-19 will be with us indefinitely, does Kyrene need to do something it isn’t doing now to ensure a quality experience for students over the next four years: cific needs in the Kyrene Community. If elected, I will work to celebrate strengths and meet needs with respect, transparency, and efficiency. Has the pandemic affected your view of a governing board’s role in general? If so, how? The pandemic has strengthened my view of the importance of local governing boards. We’ve seen local leaders tasked with an unthinkable challenge that they are trying to navigate by examining the data and using that to balance the needs of students, teachers, and staff. Governing boards set the tone and priorities for a district. We are all seeing how those decisions impact our daily lives. Assuming COVID-19 will be with us indefinitely, does Kyrene need to do something it isn’t doing now to ensure a quality experience for students over the next four years: 1) Where academics generally – and preparation for high school specifigovern responsibly and make collaboration a high priority. My only motivation for serving is to help our children and schools thrive. Has the pandemic affected your view of a governing board’s role in general? If so, how? The pandemic has emphasized the importance of governing board members as a non-partisan collective voice of the community. It is important that they are respectful and responsive to all stakeholders. The decision the board makes when hiring a superintendent can have far reaching consequences, as this position sets the tone for how the district adapts and plans around unexpected cir-

1) Where academics generally – and preparation for high school specifically – are concerned? I think the biggest piece of the academic challenge going forward will be the disparity in access to functional internet services as well as computer hardware for students of less means. I know the district is working on this, but I think it will continue to be a significant challenge going forward. 2) Where students’ social-emotional wellness is concerned? The social emotional wellness aftermath is an emerging issue I don’t believe anyone truly has a grasp on. It will be incumbent on the district to provide mental health support for our students and staff to help ease the transition back to “normal” life, recognizing that our new normal may look quite different.

cally – are concerned? If components of digital learning are going to be our new normal, I would like to see greater professional development opportunities for staff around online learning. If the growth shown by staff from the spring to the beginning of this school year is an indicator, they are willing and eager to engage in this work and will be able to create increasingly dynamic digital learning environments. 2) Where students’ social-emotional wellness is concerned? Kyrene has taken proactive steps to address the social-emotional wellness of our students and I hope to see those efforts continue. COVID-19 has been a traumatic event for everyone. Whether it’s an economic impact in their home or social isolation from their peers, our children have had their worlds change dramatically. Having trusted teachers be responsive to that trauma will help to bolster our students.

cumstances. Assuming COVID-19 will be with us indefinitely, does Kyrene need to do something it isn’t doing now to ensure a quality experience for students over the next four years: 1) Where academics generally – and preparation for high school specifically – are concerned? I Over the next 4 years our in-person teachers and academic interventionists will need extra support as we strive to get all Kyrene students academically proficient and ready to thrive in high school.

see WRIGHT page 16

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

WRIGHT from page 15

Kyrene Digital Academy is a great option for families that want to remain in a digital environment. I support continued education for our digital teachers as well. 2) Where students’ social-emotional wellness is concerned? This pandemic will create challenges over the next four years that will likely increase adverse childhood experiences. I support having full-time counselors at all Kyrene schools. We need strong social-emotional wellness curriculum that will teach our children skills to care for their mental health. We also need to continue workshops for parents to have resources and information on these topics.

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

Protests generating heated words in Gilbert BY CECILIA CHAN AFN Staff Writer

ince June, members of the East Valley Blue Line Supporters have stood at a corner at Gilbert and Warner roads for weekly rallies in support of police. Last Thursday was no exception for the Gilbert-based group but it moved to a new corner at Williams Field Drive and Val Vista Road because its message was getting lost in the chaos taking place in the last few weeks at its former location, an organizer said. “We came out to support law enforcement, our country and our flag,” said a woman, who identified herself as an organizer. She said her group, which claimed 672 Facebook members, will continue to hold the rallies until the presidential election. She declined to give her name, saying Black Lives Matter supporters have shown up at the homes of women members publicly identified and harassed them. The group recently announced it would move to a new location each week, notifying its vetted members privately on where Family managed since 1981

WHOLESALE to the TRADES

HUGE LOWEST PRICES, SELECTION LARGEST SELECTION! OF 480-802-1309 OVERSIZED Southern Chandler POTTERY! 23843 S. Cooper Rd. PET 1/4 Mile S.Delivery of Chandler AvailableHeights Rd. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. 5p.m., Sun. a.m.pm - 5 p.m.FRIENDLY! Hours: Open-Daily 9:00 am11 - 5:00 CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS

Root Color and Hair Cut

8500

Special! $

Call Julie at 480-233-1747 or Katie at 480-247-0184 V1 SALON, LOCATED IN AHWATUKEE HAS SUITE & CHAIR RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES *Room Rentals $840 per month *Chair Rental $630 per month

15725 S 46 St., Building B, #108, Phoenix, AZ 85048 480.704.1277

• Fountains • Benches • Bird Baths • Ceramics • Stoneware • Wrought Iron • Oversized Pottery • Metal Wall Decor • Indoor/Outdoor Decor • Much More!

to meet. The group also is kicking out members for not following its guidelines that call for no profanity, obscene gestures or threatening and harassing behavior. The woman said about three weeks after her group began staging its rallies, BLM supporters showed up in July and grew in number as time went by. “It was an unspoken thing, we each had a corner and it was completely peaceful until other groups showed up and caused problems,” she said. “Our group has nothing to do with them.” The other groups totaled over 50 people last Thursday and faced off against BLM supporters at Gilbert and Warner roads. They were separated by orange-colored road barricades and police officers. The pro-police side waved American flags, Confederate flags, Trump banners and chanted “four more years” and “all lives matter.” Across the street, BLM supporters carried signs that read, “My kids are black, please don’t kill them,” “Cops protect public property, not lives,” and “Abolish the police” as they chanted, “Black lives matter.”

Sumayyah Dawud of Phoenix brought an assault riﬂe to the Gilbert protest, saying she wanted to protect BLM demonstrators. (Tim Sealy/AFN contributor)

Suzie DeWitt held up her sign that read, “Jesus loves you.” “I’m 73. When I was younger, I wanted

see PROTESTS page 17

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 37

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

PROTESTS from page 16

to go to D.C. to march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” she said. “It’s 60 years later and they are still fighting for their rights. Why can’t we all get along?” Her pastor, the Rev. Andre Miller of New Beginnings Christian Church in Mesa, brought his 18-year-old son to the rally. “This is purely political,” Miller said. “The police are being used as pawns. This is purely a Trump rally.” He added if the pro-police groups are really supporting police, they would continue to do so even after the November election. “Unfortunately, all this violence by the Back the Blue side is costing the town $25,000 a week” for barricades and overtime, Miller said. Chief Michael Soelberg said the cost was more than that to rotate 140 officers in and out at and near the two locations that Thursday. Several of the BLM supporters were armed – like their counterparts across the street. They had homemade wood shields and a few men dressed from head to toe in black and were armed they said to protect the protestors. Emma Hansen, who has been attending

the rallies since July, said BLM supporters started forming at the corner because the pro-police groups were showing their support for law enforcement, which she objected to in light of the July 4 shooting of a homeless man by Phoenix Police. Hansen claimed radical groups like Proud Boys and white supremacists have been coming to the protests, giving Nazi salutes and shouting “white power.” Her friend Sumayyah Dawud came to the rally from Phoenix, armed with an AR15, a 9mm handgun and a hunting knife. “It sucks,” that she has to do that, Dawud said but it’s necessary in order to protect themselves. “We only arm ourselves to deter them from attacking us,” Hansen added. Over at the other side, 19-year-old Ari Hernandez was decked out in a MAGA hat and a “Latinos for Trump” T-shirt while waving a “Trump 2020” flag. “I love my president,” he said. “I don’t think defunding the police is a good solution to police brutality. I like the police but I think we need reform. It’s kind of sad that it turned violent but I came out here to make sure everything is calmed down.” The Rev. Justin Hamilton, who is black, was at the pro-police side talking with protestors with his two daughters, 2 and

8, by his side. He said he wanted his children to get both perspectives of the issue. “I think there’s a lot of misconception on both sides,” the preacher said. “I think there is some hypocrisy on both sides but I think that at the end of the day it’s people just expressing what they believe is best for change.” A big proponent of the pro-police events is Liz Harris, who is running for a state House seat in November and had attended the rallies since they began. “They are doing this to have a peaceful demonstration,” said the Chandler resident last Monday. “We support our police departments and we support our American flag. We support our Constitution. They don’t want any riots.” Harris said she’s recently stopped going to the Gilbert protests because she’s received death threats. “Basically, I have a target on my back right now,” Harris said. “I’m being targeted because I do not want to defund police. If a police officer has done something wrong, he needs to be reprimanded or dismissed. “I’m a mom running for office doing my civic duty and I have a bullseye on my back with death threats. I never in a million years imagined running for office would

result in this.” The rallies had been peaceful up until Aug. 20, when verbal and physical altercations broke out between the two opposing groups, prompting Gilbert officers to position themselves in between the two sides to prevent further clashes. Other groups such as Back the Blue AZ have also shown up at the rallies. Police ended up arresting three people at that protest – one for disorderly conduct, one for assault charges and another for criminal damage but the victim later declined prosecution, according to police spokeswoman Brenda Carrasco. The incident prompted Mayor Scott Anderson to issue a statement saying while the town supported peaceful protests, it will not tolerate violence. Anderson went on to say Gilbert takes “great pride in our police department and the ace that we are the second safest city in the country.” Chief Soelberg posted a video on Twitter urging the public to look for “ways to be constructive and have dialogue and look for purposeful direction to where we can make positive change within the community.” “Standing on the side of the street yelling at each other is not constructive,” the chief said.

Complete Kindergarten Readiness Program in a Christian Environment

PARENTS:

Do you need a place outside of the home where your child can attend online school?

WE CAN HELP!

For children Kindergarten through 3rd grade

For more info Call 480-893-2531

www.ahwatukeepreschool.org 40 Years of Excellence 11002 S. 48th St. 480-893-2531

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

SCHOOLS from page 1

at any one time and the two groups alternate between classroom and home instruction. GPS started that model yesterday, Sept. 8, and MPS is slated to start theirs next Monday. Higley Unified – where benchmarks suggest a hybrid model – yesterday began inclass learning five days a week. Chandler Unified is following Kyrene’s “rolling reopening,” starting with K-2 grades returning next Monday to classrooms. But its junior and senior high schools won’t reopen for five-day in-class instruction until Oct. 13. In Ahwatukee, Kyrene schools start a fiveday in-class option for K-2 students Sept. 17, followed by grades 3-6 returning Sept. 24 and middle schools reopening Oct. 13. Horizon Honors on Monday will begin a three-week phased reopening for five-day in-class instruction, but it is starting with grades 7-12, followed a week later for K-6. Horizon Honors students in all grades also can wait until Oct. 7 to return for five days in the classroom or stay with online learning for at least the rest of 2020. Questions about the timing of hybrid learning arose after Mendivil noted that

While the Tempe Union board on Sept. 2nd viewed this chart of COVID-19 benchmarks posted the previous Thursday by the county health department, the data posted the day after the meeting shows some COVID-19 levels of the ZIP codes noted above were unchanged. (Tempe Union School District)

more than half of Tempe Union’s teachers are still working from home and that he needs them all on campus so they can become familiar with adapting to teaching students in classrooms while others are learning at home. But he gave no indication when that might occur. That uncertainty is driven not as much by the COVID-19 transmission levels within Tempe Union’s boundaries as those

in ZIP codes outside the district that are home to hundreds of students, particularly at Mountain Pointe and Tempe High. Essentially, county data indicate a “substantial” COVID-19 level in some of the ZIP codes that together account for more than a fifth of Mountain Pointe’s student body. Citing the unevenness of that data, board member Michelle Helm asked Mendivil, “We could go along like this for months maybe – where one school never

quite reaches the numbers and all our other schools might be waiting. Is that our intention? Mendivil replied, “I would say no, that’s not our intention.” But he cited the trends in “multiple ZIP codes that we have to respond to” and reiterated, ”We want to be in a position where we can all open together.” But that is only one of the challenges Mendivil cited in reopening. “We need to develop a process in which everyone understands their role – students, staff, parents, everybody,” he said. “Everybody has a role and we’ve got to get people on campus for that to happen, but we’ve got to do it safely and I need more than one day or two days with staff. “We do need time to plan,” he continued, “because it might take a little bit of a different approach to teaching under the hybrid model. We don’t want to be in a position where we’re providing a less than quality product for our students virtually or at a hybrid model.” Several teachers whose emails were read at the meeting underscored what Mendivil was referring to.

see SCHOOLS page 19

Fountain Hills Eagle Ridge Stunning 2020 Built Custom Gated • Hillside • Negative Edge Pool • Gas Floor Plan & Finishes Available Upon Request 4 BR • 5.5 BA • Office • Game Room • 3G

2,660,000

$ COMING SOON!

SALE PENDING!

Cynthia Worley BROKER ASSOCIATE

480.330.7035 Ahwatukee Custom Estates

Stunning 19,828 sf Corner Lot • Diving Pool Side Entry Garage • Two En-suite Bedrooms Down 5 BR • 4.5 BA • 3 G • 4,263 sf

$889,000

Ahwatukee

cynthia@stellarealtyAZ.com www.stellarealtyAZ.com

350,000

All offices independently owned and operated

Complete $130K Remodel Throughout Open Concept with Huge Kitchen Island & Living Space • Custom Cabinets Granite Slab • 6 Panel Doors • 6’ Walk-In Shower 3 BR • 2 BA • 2 G • 1,840 sf

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

Data for COVID-19 in the ZIP code where Mountain Pointe High School is located that were shown during the Sept. 2 had been released the previous Thursday. Data released the day after the meeting show positivity rates and COVID-like illness now at a green or minimal level with hybrid learning doable. (Tempe Union)

SCHOOLS from page 18

“The hybrid model has some benefits and some drawbacks as students and parents will have the choice to stay virtual or attend in a hybrid setting. Most, if not all, teachers will be asked to teach both in person and online on a daily basis. This will reduce our effectiveness and increase our workload as the planning doubles,” one teacher wrote. A McClintock High teacher wrote, “I am concerned about my needs being adequately considered and met. Adjusting to a hybrid model requires me to change some major aspects of my teaching and I will need time to make those changes. I need time to set up my room. I need time to review procedures. I need time to make adjustments to curriculum. Is that being considered?” The prospect of waiting for more favorable COVID-19 metrics to the point where hybrid learning doesn’t begin Oct. 13 raised an alarm for board member Sandy Lowe. Noting the board last month unanimously passed a resolution stating hybrid learning would begin Oct. 13 – or earlier if metrics suggested it was safe to do so – Lowe said delaying until later in October would be disastrous. “We’re not only going to lose trust of our parents but we’re going to lose the trust of our teachers,” Lowe said. “Our word is only as good as what we say. And so, to change now and say later in October … that to me is very unethical. You either agree with the health metrics or you don’t.”

Board members also expressed some skepticism after Maggie Fountain, the district’s teaching and learning specialist, detailed how hybrid learning would work once students are back in classrooms. Fountain explained that from the teacher’s viewpoint, “You have to plan your lessons that you have touch points each day with your students that are both in person and online so that the online students are not completely disengaged from the instruction.” Helm said, “We have amazing teachers, but wow, are we asking a lot of them trying to maneuver the technology…I don’t know how you race around to get all that done.” Board President Berdetta Hodge said, “I just don’t see how they can do it all but we do have superhero teachers in our district, so I will give them credit.” Hodge also asked if students in classrooms would be using their computers so they’re synched with those taking the same lesson online. “I think we still have to do an online environment,” Fountain replied. “You don’t want to ask our teachers to be doing double planning. Getting two different lessons – that seems impossible to do,” “Truthfully if it were me in the classroom, I would continue teaching much the same way I am now,” she continued, adding the in-class time also would be used “to give individualized attention to the students that come in on those days, building relationships or adding in something that enriches” their lessons.

GOT NEWS?

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

**Get up to

3,899

in Dealer Rebates –and–

No Interest if Paid in Full Within 18 Months on a qualifying Trane purchase. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period.

FALL

TUNE-UP SPECIAL!

REG. $99.

Includes a 16-Point Inspection. LIMITED TIME ONLY • RESIDENTIAL ONLY

Your Hometown Air Conditioning Specialist

FREE

Service Call Second Option

(WITH REPAIR)

SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

480-725-7303 www.BrewersAC.com **See your independent dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers valid on qualifying equipment only. Special rebates from $75 to $500. 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 1/1/2020 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. The offer expires 12/31/2020.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

Now Providing Orthodontics!

480-759-1119 4232 E. Chandler Blvd. #10, Phoenix, AZ 84048

www.jungleroots.com

COVID-19

Protocols in Place! Honoring all who served. Military and Your discount. Safety is Veterans our Priority

SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Community

COMMUNITY

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Barely 5 months, baby endures painful ordeal BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

his has been a long, hard summer for Nash Zahn, his wife Elise Thompson as the couple’s newest addition, Arthur Zahn, has spent more time in the hospital since his birth April 3 than in their Ahwatukee home. The infant, who learned to roll from his back to his stomach while in Phoenix Children’s Hospital, was diagnosed with Familial Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a life-threatening disease in which the body makes too many activated immune cells. Since then, Baby Arthur has spent more than nine weeks hospitalized at Phoenix Children’s, undergone more than 30 chemotherapy treatments and received a bone marrow transplant with subsequent complications. “For us, it has been insanely difficult waters to navigate,” said Zahn, who last month lost his father to cancer. “Arthur has spent more time than not in

Addy Zahn holds holds her baby brother Arthur, who has spent months in the hospital as doctors treat his life-threatening disease. (Special to AFN)

the hospital for his entire life,” added his mother, who had worked as a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Casa Grande Banner Health Hospital.

Even with insurance through his GoDaddy employment, Nash Zahn said the family is struggling financially as well as emotionally. “He’s pretty much our Million Dollar Baby,” said Zahn. “At least that’s what our insurance has paid. Even with good insurance, after all this time in the hospital, the medical bills are staggering.” A GoFundMe page set up by Elise Thompson’s sister Wendy Thompson has raised nearly $13,000 since April 22. The goal is set at $25,000 at the site, GoFundMe.com/baby-arthur-fights-for-life. This is the second time the family has traversed the ups and downs of the HLH maze. “Our daughter had the same disease when she was a baby, and, thankfully, she’s a survivor as well,” he said of their 10-year-old daughter Addy. “She was transferred to Children’s Hospital in Orange County (California) and had a bone marrow transplant at 5 months but she didn’t have the liver issues that Arthur has. Now, she’s doing great,

she’s a normal little girl; you wouldn’t be able to tell though we take her for yearly check-ups.” With Baby Arthur, it took days, not weeks, to diagnose HLH. “We took Arthur to his newborn checkup at three days, and wanted to make sure he was screened for HLH because we knew there was a risk that he could have it as well, Zahn recalled. “After running some blood work, on his fourth day, we got a call from Dr. Holly Miller at Phoenix Children’s Hospital saying his blood work already showed signs of HLH being active in his system. It was a terrible low feeling just days after being so happy our son was with us.” Thompson said she too was shattered. “My husband came in mid-conversation and he had to learn the news by seeing me speaking to a doctor on the phone while tears streamed down my face,” she said. “We spent some time just holding each

�ee ARTHUR page 23

Ahwatukee opens its heart for injured girl BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

ug. 15 was supposed to be the beginning of a fun weekend for Kailyn ‘Kiki’ Hinkle, a time to escape the heat while boating on Lake Pleasant. But what was to have been a quick early-morning stop at Fry’s on Ray Road forever changed the 10-year-old Ahwatukee girl’s world when she was struck by a boat trailer, dragged beneath it and pinned by the axle at her hips until paramedics came to extract her. Her parents rushed to the side of their only daughter and they, too, found themselves in a forev-

er-altered world. The fifth grader at Kyrene de los Lagos sustained life-threatening internal injuries that required a stay in the Cardon Children’s Hospital ICU for 10 days. Among her injuries were nine left-rib fractures in front and back, a lacerated left kidney and a left lower lung contusion that resulted in blood pooling in her chest cavity. She also sustained a pleural effusion, resulting in excess fluid around her lungs that impaired breathing. Her face, hands, arms and torso sustained severe burns from the hot asphalt that will require plastic surgery to repair. Just days after being admit-

ted, Kiki went into respiratory distress after a chest tube was inserted to drain the fluid from her lung. She was placed on high-flow oxygen and scheduled for surgery to “plate her ribs,” which requires the insertion of titanium plates to stabilize the ribs while they are healing. And this is where Kiki’s positive spirit stepped up, putting her doctors and nurses in awe. “In an amazing turn of events,

�ee KIKI page 22

Paramedics rushed to the Fry’s on Ray Road, Ahwatukee, Aug. 15 after Kailyn “Kiki” Hinkle was severely injured in the parking lot. (Special to AFN)

COMMUNITY

KIKI from page 21

late that same night, Kiki began to rally,” said her mom, Laura McElhone Myers. She became more alert and awake and requested to resume her breathing exercises. “Her oxygen needs began to decrease, and by mid-morning the next day she was on only four liters of regular oxygen and could sustain a safe oxygen level on room air for short periods of time.” “When the trauma surgeon arrived for morning rounds the day of her surgery, he was shocked to find a completely different patient than he left the evening prior. After careful consideration and multiple assessments, Kiki’s trauma team cancelled the operation. She quickly became the talk of the unit,” she recalled. “Kiki’s doctor told her the day of her discharge that she was one of the toughest patients he’d treated, and that her strong will and determination to get better was something she should be proud of because it directly affected the improvement of her condition.” The youngster, who has lived in Ahwatukee since she was five months old, faces a long, grueling road to recovery with nurses, physical and occupational therapists working with her daily at home. “Kiki will require multiple therapies for an extended period, and around-the-clock care at home. Surgery to try and repair damage to her face is being scheduled and will be completed within the coming weeks,” said Myers. She said a pediatric plastic surgeon warned there could be “extensive scarring” on her face and body from the burns incurred from road rash. Even with her only child within arm’s reach once again, Myers still feels the pain of that day. “The horror and helplessness of seeing your child seriously injured, knowing you cannot fix it, is an indescribable feeling of fear. In one moment, our lives changed completely,” she said. “Add to that the expense of a long hospital stay, then upon release knowing

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

Her mother added, “It’s hard for me to express the level of gratitude I feel when I think about how many people have come together to share their thoughts & prayers and show their love and support for Kiki and our family. We are all so grateful.” “When something like this happens to your child, as a mother, your only wish is to make everything better and to, of course, be with them when they need you. When a child is sick or hurting, they want their Laura McElhone Myers of Ahwatukee holds her daughter Kiki, 10, as she recovers mommy. from her injuries. (Special to AFN) “I want the people of Ahwatukee to realyour child needs 24/7 care and being well ize that because of their generosity and aware you cannot afford to be off work to their willingness to open their hearts and provide that care, adds desperation and donate the money they work hard for, I do panic to the fear.” not have to choose between being presIt wasn’t long before the Ahwatukee ent for my little girl and helping her work community stepped up to help the family. through this traumatic event or leaving A neighbor and close friend began rais- her to go to work all day so we can survive ing money at her workplace. Diana Lopez financially. Their generosity has allowed shared the family’s needs on Ahwatukee me to finally exhale.” 411 resulting in many donations. AhwatuAnd yet, there is work to do, and Jennifer kee’s Zesty Zzeeks Pizza and Wings held a Armer, CEO of the nonprofit Armer Founfundraiser. dation for Kids, is actively seeking assisAnd Ahwatukee-based Armer Founda- tance from local businesses and residents. tion for Kids opened a donation account The Caring for Kiki Community Sale on their webpage and is sponsoring both is scheduled for 7 a.m. to noon Saturday a Caring for Kiki Community Sale on Sept. morning, Sept. 26, and at this writing will 26 and a Caring for Kiki Golf Outing on be held in the Keller-Williams parking lot Oct. 4 at Ahwatukee Country Club. at Desert Foothills and Chandler Blvd. The caring and immediate monetary asYet Armer has a vision that she hopes will sistance allows Myers to remain with her become reality before that Saturday morning. daughter while working part-time from “I’d really like to have someone donate an home in her career as a speech therapist. empty commercial space in Ahwatukee that The family has been moved by the out- we could use to accept the donations, and pouring of generosity. allow us to set it up ahead of time indoors,” “I am thankful for all of the people help- said Armer. “My long-term vision is to have ing me,” said Kiki through her mother. a commercial property manager donate a

space for a tax write-off so we might start a Resource Center for the community. Say someone has a fire, they could come to the center and get whatever they need.” Regardless where the Caring for Kiki Community Sale is held, donations are being accepted now and can be dropped off or picked up by calling or texting the Armer Foundation at 480-290-2977. Some items are being presold on the Facebook site, Armer Foundation Buying for Charity. Monetary donations for Kiki and her family, as well as other local families in need, can be made at ArmerFoundation.org. As for the Caring for Kiki Golf Outing Sunday, Oct. 4, Armer is looking for sponsors at $100 a hole. “I know that’s lower than most but we’re trying to keep it affordable for sponsors and golfers,” Armer said. “We want to get as much help for Kiki and her family as we can.” The entry fee of $50 per player or $200 for the team for the 8 a.m. shotgun includes the tourney entry, golf cart, range balls, lunch and drink ticket. The hole sponsorship includes hole signage, lunch, drink ticket and announced acknowledgement at the luncheon. Hole sponsors and golfers can sign up at caring4kiki@gmail.com Golfers can also call the Ahwatukee Country Club pro Shop at 480-893-1161. For everything Ahwatukee is doing to help their daughter Kiki, Luke Hinkle and Laura Myers remain thankful, and see it as a shining example for their daughter of what community is. “I don’t know that there’s any possible way to thank each person individually because there are so many people helping that I don’t even know who many of them are. I do know that I will be forever grateful to all of the people helping, and that my daughter will always know how lucky she is to be a part of a community like Ahwatukee.” For more information on Kiki or other children and families being helped by the grassroots foundation, see ArmerFoundation.org.

Tell us your story about you and Ahwatukee

hat made you choose Ahwatukee as your home? What were the challenges when you arrived? What is the most interesting thing

you have discovered in Ahwatukee? Who is a person you met in Ahwatukee you won’t ever forget? What act of kindness by an Ahwatukee resident or busi-

ness touched you? Today, AFN begins an occasional series called “Their Stories.” We want to hear your first-person account. Stories

should be about 500-600 words and a picture of yourself or you and your family would be welcome. Send your stories to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com.

COMMUNITY

SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

St. John Bosco preschoolers adapt to pandemic AFN NEWS STAFF

t. John Bosco Catholic School administrators are making sure the pandemic isn’t cheating preschoolers. That effort started last March when the school was closed at the onset of the pandemic in March and is continuing now that their “littlest learners” are back on the campus on 48th Street south of Chandler Boulevard in Ahwatukee. Preschool Director Jamie Bescak said that when the curtain came down abruptly on the 2019-20 school year for 3-yearolds and preschoolers last spring, the tykes already had “solid foundation for the majority of the school year.” But, Bescak added, “We did not want their year to end without closure from their teachers. Thus, our preschool students received virtual instruction for two short sessions every day to practice lan-

ARTHUR from page 21

other while I cried. It was our last moment of normalcy with Arthur as a baby. We quickly pulled ourselves together, which is no easy feat for a postpartum mom, gathered what we needed for an inpatient stay and headed to the hospital.” Thompson recalled that period as being the start of learning to go it alone because of the visitation restrictions meant only one of Baby Arthur’s parents could be with him at any given time. “Little did I know that this was the beginning of a journey that my husband and I would be fighting separately without the comfort of each other as parents and partners,” said Thompson. Zahn explained, “After we heard, we had started a plan with the bone marrow transplant team and wonderful people at Phoenix Children’s Hospital for Arthur’s treatment and the hunt for a bone marrow donor. All of this happening while COVID was going on made it extremely difficult on our family.“ “We basically formed two different households where one night my wife would be with him and the next night I would. I was only able to see my wife for a maximum of 15 minutes a day and my poor daughter missed her baby brother terribly,” Zahn said. Zahn and Thompson describe this

Jamie Bescak, preschool director at St. John Bosco Catholic School, checks the temperature of Pre-K student Adelaide Ainsworth, 4. (St. John Bosco School)

guage arts and math skills and give them time to socialize and interact with their teacher and peers.”

journey as “a rollercoaster ride.” They’ve maintained a narrative timeline on their GoFundMe page, the reading of which is difficult to absorb, even for those who don’t personally know the family. For example, they note that on April 22, when he was not yet 3 weeks old, Arthur got his first round of chemotherapy and five days later, got a blood transfusion. Two weeks after that, on May 8, a feeding tube was inserted. The good news was that a 25-year-old stranger stepped up as a bone marrow donor, though complications from more chemo treatments delayed the operation. From June 20-June 24 Baby Arthur was transferred to ICU, where he underwent an MRI and lumbar puncture to reduce pressure on his brain. The transplant has been delayed again. On July 7, the bone marrow transplant was finally completed. Nine days later the family learned their son once again suffered complications that required blood transfusions due to his liver destroying blood products. “We’ve had a lot of scary moments during his hospital stay,” Zahn said. On Aug. 18, just hours after Baby Arthur was welcomed home, Zahn learned his father died, so he went to Nevada to be with his mother for a few days. The evening he arrived in Nevada, he received word from his wife that the infant

“It was important to our preschool staff to connect with their students every day during this difficult time,” Bescak explained. Now that the kids have been back on campus since Aug. 17, the school is making sure they’re kept safe – and engaged. A number of safety protocols were in placed by the time arrived – the most important being a lowering of the student-teacher ratio for 3-year-olds from 15:2 to 12:2 for from 20:2 to 12:2 for the Pre-K class. Parents are utilizing St. John Bosco School’s valet carpool service before and after school because visitors are not allowed on campus at this time. “We check each student’s temperature as they arrive each morning,” Bescak said. “We also removed all carpets, stuffed animals, and cloth toys from the classrooms.” Student tables have been physically distanced and plexiglass dividers were placed on top of each table to provide a safe place

was having difficulties and he was rushed to the ER and readmitted to the oncology/ transplant floor. Elise Thompson said this journey began before Arthur’s birth. “As a mother, the connection with your child is before they are born beginning with hopes and dreams and unfortunately also worries. I worried from the minute I knew I was pregnant that he would have the same disease my daughter had,” she explained. “The time we’ve spent with Arthur on this journey, in the hospital, receiving his stem cell transplant from a selfless donor that was registered with Be The Match, has been a bit of a blur,” Thompson said. “I clearly remember being home prior to transplant, bringing him in for chemo and lab draws, struggling with his weight gain and lack of appetite and those nights of no sleep as our baby screamed in pain from HLH activity and steroid hyperactivity.” “He has years to go until his immune system recovers from the amount of chemotherapy he’s received and onslaught of a whole new and foreign immune system he must grow and maintain equilibrium. As a nurse I’m terrified to bring something home to him when I eventually work again. Right now, there is no option but for me to be home.” Thompson said her R.N. training is proving invaluable to the family. “Arthur has the equipment at home that

for students to have mask breaks. All preschool students also are “strongly encouraged” to wear a face mask in the classroom and teachers wear masks and face shields when they are not able to social distance. “Our preschool students have enjoyed learning about germs and how to be safe and have fun interacting with their friends at school,” Bescak said. “They recently learned a song about how to stay healthy. It has become one of their favorite songs.” The kids also “especially love playing on our preschool playground,” Bescak added. “We purchased a fogger to spray our jungle gym, bikes and play equipment in between play groups. It is imperative that our preschoolers have at least an hour of time for outside play to interact and develop their gross motor skills.” Information: sjbosco.org or 480-2194848. I use as a nurse on my patients. I monitor his IV pumps, feeding tubes, administer medications, take vital signs and assess my son throughout my day. I also play with him, worry about his development, show him how to connect with the world and teach him human emotions. “Those are the easy things that come naturally, and the others are the skills I have learned as a nurse. I am grateful that I can be this caregiver for him that is uniquely qualified in all aspects of his needs. I tell myself this will not be forever and so too this shall pass.” For now, even their nighttime walks around the neighborhood with the infant’s stroller sheathed in plastic are limited due to blowing dust. Despite their daily, if not hourly trials, the couple said they feel blessed to have support through the GoFundMe site and encouragement from others. “I cannot express how much the support from our friends, family and now our community impacts Arthur. It’s hard during this time of COVID, and I know the world seems so large and filled with people who need help. “I’m just grateful that we’re not overlooked, and that humans have this amazing capacity for community. I see it with my son - his learning and need for human connection. That’s what we feel as family right now, a need for human connection.”

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club very much around, but online

The Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club hasn’t let the pandemic shut it down. Members meet online every week and have resumed speakers now that it’s fall. The lineup so far includes: Sept. 10, Russell St. John of the Boys & Girls Club Guadalupe Branch; Sept. 17, Dustin Rowe of the Kroc Center run by the Salvation Army; Sept. 24, state Rep. Jennifer Jermaine; Oct. 8, James Taylor of the Arizona National Guard, Counterdrug Task Force; and Oct. 15, Margaret Wright, Kyrene School Board candidate. To ensure online security, people interested in the Kiwanis Club or attending a virtual meeting can contact President Mike Maloney at mike.maloney2003@gmail.com.

Mountainside Martial Arts plans free self-defense clinic

Mountainside Martial Arts Center and the Women in Business group of the Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce are partnering for a free two-hour self-defense seminar 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 17 for ages 14 and up at 3173 E. Chandler Blvd. Ahwatukee. To reserve a free spot, contact Sensei Rick Savagian at 480-759-4540 or info@mmacaz.com.

Friends and Neighbors women’s group set monthly meeting

Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors will hold a monthly meeting on Zoom at noon Sept. 21. The topic is titled “You can’t take both sets of China! Save Time, Money and Stress by learning Tips on Downsizing, Sorting and Preparing for a Move to a Smaller Home!” Mai Thompson launched Smooth Transitions Phoenix East Valley to fill a gap for seniors who have decided to downsize and need assistance. Smooth Transitions has the experience and expertise to make these tasks feasible, timely and with less stress. Thompson puts her engineering degree and systems experience to use helping seniors and their adult children navigate the challenges of a move or estate dispersal. To be part of the meeting, contact affanwomensgroup@gmail.com.

Tempe Union launches ‘Words of Wisdom’ feature with teachers

Tempe Union High School District has launched a social media campaign, titled #WordsofWisdomWednesday, to highlight the district calls “the incredible resilience and care” teachers have shown in a trying time. “It was important to us that we capture the eter-

nal optimism of our teachers during this unique time, and honor the creative work they are doing on a daily basis for the benefit of their students,” said Deborah Gonzaléz, the district’s executive director of leader development. She cited challenges teachers have faced in trying to ensure “the same levels of engagement, academic excellence and connection with their students” during distance learning. For many, this meant learning new technologies or bringing familiar technology into classrooms in a nontraditional way. They have also had to focus on designing virtual lessons and identifying ways to build community with colleagues. “Not only did we focus on preparing curriculum,” said Nick Taylor, a theatre teacher at Corona del Sol High School, “but we spent a good amount of time reassuring each other that everything was going to be OK.” #WordsofWisdomWednesday can be found at: tempeunion.org/WordsofWisdomWednesday every Wednesday during the first quarter.

Thunder journalists partnering with PBS on news development

An Ahwatukee teacher is leading the Desert Vista

High School end of a partnership with PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, a national journalism program to train middle and high school students to produce original, youth-focused news reports and connect them to opportunities to be mentored and supported by local PBS stations. The program is led by Michelle Coro, a 20-plus year veteran teacher with a background in broadcast and print media who has more than 100 students enrolled in the CTE Film/TV program at Desert Vista. A select group of those students will create video news stories based on current events and topics of the day, with the opportunity to have content published on the PBS NewsHour, which reaches over two million viewers nightly. “Coro will incorporate PBS curriculum to engage students in news and public affairs and ensure they are active in conversations about the critical issues facing the nation,” a district spokeswoman said. “I’m thrilled to bring this program to Desert Vista because we are in an unprecedented time to share and create information,” said Coro. “Our students are living through history, and being able to use and build the type of media literacy skills supported by SRL will last them a lifetime.”

GOT NEWS?

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

Google’s #1 rated window company in Phoenix!

Offers Expires Aug. 31, 2020

Buy 2 Windows, Get the Third

% OFF

PLUS

YES**

0 INTEREST FOR 12 MONTHS

0 PAYMENTS FOR 12 MONTHS

4014 E Broadway Rd., Suite 408 Phoenix, AZ 85040 ROC#323748

Installation Required ** OAC minimum purchase required

CALL TODAY AND SAVE 480.382.2025 OR www.SIPHOENIX.com

OPINION

Opinion SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Share Your Thoughts:

Send your letters on local issues to: pmaryniak@timespublications.com

www.ahwatukee.com

Grandparents play a major role in a child’s life BY DONNA SHOTT AFN Guest Writer

randparents play a variety of roles in their grandchildren’s lives. For many, a grandfather or grandmother is an additional loving adult who provides positive, nurturing support early in life. For other young children, grandparents have taken their grandchild into their home and have taken on the responsibility of raising them. First Things First Arizona’s early childhood agency, knows that families can look different, but they can all help babies, toddlers and preschoolers feel safe and secure. As national Grandparents Day is cele-

brated on Sept. 13, FTF reminds families about programs that can help grandparents build positive relationships with their grandchildren, which promotes healthy development and learning for young kids. FTF provides funding for programs that are having positive impacts on grandparents and Arizona’s children, including a statewide resource that can provide advice and support to grandparents raising their grandkids. The Birth to 5 Helpline (1-877-705KIDS) is available to all Arizona families with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. This free program fields questions from families looking for advice and the latest child development information from early childhood experts.

FTF also funds training and support for family, friend and neighbor caregivers in regions across Arizona. The family friend and neighbor strategy focuses on increasing the caregiver’s knowledge and understanding of early childhood development, health and nutrition, language and literacy, and safety and injury prevention, including first aid and CPR certification as well as crib safety. This type of training is critical in Arizona, which mirrors the rest of the country, where one-third to one-half of all children under age 5 are cared for by informal family, friends and neighbors, and in many cases, those caregivers are grandparents, who are taking care of young ones during the day.

For a comprehensive list of what programs are available at no cost for children birth to age 5 in your area, visit: firstthingsfirst.org/resources/find-programs. The relationship between a child and a grandparent is a special bond and supporting grandparents in their special role will help young kids learn, grow and succeed.

ing from home. It’s no surprise that the environment at a college campus is very different from doing college at home. At college, I would go to basketball games and hang out with my friends when I didn’t have class – unlike at home, where I would use Zoom to attend my classes. During my free time I would hang out spending time with my family at home. Both situations are very different, but I enjoy them both equally. Personally, I’ve always considered myself an extrovert and loved being social. So, coming home at first was really hard, trying to succeed in my classes and making sure I stayed in contact with friends. As time went by, I found a new rhythm and learned

that learning online had its advantages. Recently I found out about a special program, Stephen Ministries, that my church offers for one-on-one support to congregation members. Stephen Ministries is a nondenominational organization and their headquarters are based in St. Louis, Missouri. The ministry was founded by psychologist, Rev. Kenneth C Haugk in 1975. When dealing with stress, Stephen Minister Deb Dusseau suggests exercise, having zoom meetings with friends, paying less attention to what you cannot control, trying new recipes, getting more sleep, and starting daily devotionals. Personally, I’ve always been the kind of person that wanted to have complete con-

trol, but in reality, none of us have complete control. Even though things seem harder now, they will always get better. Our perspective is everything, and it’s reassuring to know that you are not alone in feelings of stress and confusion. Like I said, we’re living in a unique time, where we have to completely redefine normal and what it means. But I am positive that we will come back even stronger as a community, and find our way back. Hope Baker interned this summer at Desert Foothills United Methodist Church in Ahwatukee. A junior studying Communication at the University of Arizona, Hope has worked as an advocate promoting inclusion for people with disabilities.

Donna Shott is a spokeswoman for First Things First, a voter-created statewide organization that funds early learning, family support and children’s preventive health services to help kids be successful once they enter kindergarten. Information: FirstThingsFirst.org.

Perspective is everything in surviving pandemic blues BY HOPE BAKER AFN Guest Writer

t’s no secret that life can take us on unexpected turns. We are witnessing history in the making with all the changes demanded by living life during the COVID-19 pandemic, but at what cost? We’ve all had to learn how to adapt in this unseen situation. So how do we cope? As a college student, when I found out in the spring there were no more in-person classes at the University of Arizona, I felt extremely overwhelmed, not knowing if I would be successful with online learning, and how would I adapt to learn-

Got s? New

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

OPINION

Thor exemplary on community college board

Dr. Linda Thor’s leadership, honesty and ethics are mandatory for our community colleges. I have worked for the Maricopa County Community College District about 10 years now and could not be more proud and grateful than I am today. Because of their leadership in the current pandemic, the colleges for which I work have given all faculty, adjunct faculty, students and staff the opportunity to advance our skills with online learning as well as providing technologies and internet access options to assist us all. I attribute much of this leadership to not only our college presidents, but members on our Governing Board like Dr. Linda Thor. Not only does she know about the challenges and privileges of being a teacher, she served as a college president of Rio Salado College in multiple roles for nearly 20 years. But my vote for Dr. Thor was really solidified when I learned that she was chairing our search committee for a new chancellor. In March of this year, an independent investigation was initiated out of concerns that the search process had been tainted. Thanks to the aggressive action taken by Dr. Thor, who reported these concerns to the Governing Board, the investigation proved there were people on the committee who did not sustain the integrity of the process and the search has since been suspended. We need to be able to think and act critically in order to have a ‘just’ and ethical society. Dr. Thor is one of those leaders; therefore, I am voting to retain Dr. Thor on the Governing Board at large for MCCCD. -Angela Buer

Hooray, the movies are back in Ahwatukee

Bracing my masked soul, I’m returning to the Ahwatukee movie theater this Sunday. Sunday morning relaxation usually equated to attending the earliest showing at our Ahwatukee theater. Since COVID, I’ve resorted to relaxing in front of the TV with my two furpals by my side. It’s just not the same. So, I’m venturing back to a COVID-free environment¸ or that’s what they assure me it will be. Reopening includes mandatory masks, visible hand sanitation areas, ½ seating capacity with every other seat eliminated with every other row, no talking, sitting quietly, and so-

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

cial distancing. The movie selection may not be the top seller choices I’d prefer, but I’m willing to see a second rater in order to smell the stale popcorn, to nestle in the sofa-like armchairs, to saturate my relaxation in a darkened room for a few hours. A Hollywood Reporter poll found that fewer than 7 percent of regular moviegoers will return to a theater when they reopen. Count me among the 7 percent. -CJ Briggle

Hopeful for Foothills HOA board outlines platform

I am writing to ask for your vote in the upcoming election for the Foothills HOA board of directors. Over the past year and a half, I have been working diligently on reform efforts for our HOA, culminating with the approval of key bylaws amendments on July 30. During that process, I created a website, TheFoothillsInfo.com, to provide independent information to the Foothills HOA community. You can find my campaign platform there. One of the key elements in my campaign platform is “Put the Members First.” The board works for the members, not the other way around. For example, the board should embrace members who want to participate. To that end, if I am elected, I will work to eliminate the language in last year’s “Board Meeting Etiquette Policy” that limits homeowner participation. Although the incumbent board members were legally allowed to limit homeowner participation at board meetings, I believe it is wrong and I will push to end this policy. The board is now proposing a “social media policy” that would restrict what HOA members could say on social media and other websites. The HOA has no business regulating speech. I have urged the board to drop this ill-conceived notion. If it moves ahead, I will do all I can to revoke it. There are other details about my campaign platform on the website, including my plans for increased transparency, accountability, better procurement procedures and better management of our HOA through the use of technology and committees with homeowner members. With board directors and homeowners working together, we can ensure optimal management of our HOA while keeping our

dues as low as possible. I would be remiss if I did not mention the influence of the corporate block voters and the “cumulative voting” rule. There are four board seats open for this election, so each homeowner gets four votes. Many homeowners don’t realize they can cast all four of their votes for a single candidate. This is the “cumulative voting” rule. The largest corporate block voter owns 267 condos in the San Riva complex. When 267 is multiplied by 4, this means the corporation can cast 1,068 votes for a single candidate. The upshot is that we need as much homeowner participation as possible in this election to ensure that homeowners choose the board of directors, not the corporations. Ballots will be arriving soon. I urge you to get your vote in as soon as possible. -Rob Doherty

Excited about Democrat supervisor candidate

On Sept. 1, I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural “Tukee Talk,” a virtual meet and greet for Legislative District 18 candidates and issues. First, I’d like to urge everyone to register for future Tukee Talks because it’s a great way to become an informed and inspired voter (register at ld18democrats.org/calendar/). Secondly, I wanted to share how impressed I was with Jevin Hodge, who’s running for Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to represent District One. As Mr. Hodge noted, the Board of Supervisors doesn’t have a high profile, yet it has immense control. It sets the agenda and approves a $2.5 billion budget for all county departments and elected offices. In short, this is the most important group of people you’ve probably never heard of. Mr. Hodge wants to make this board more transparent and make its meetings and business more accessible to everyone and to hold it more accountable. He’s also committed to being a good steward of our money to ensure our community continues to thrive and improve. He had insightful things to say about schools, health care, and much more, and his website gives a detailed overview of his platform: jevinhodge.com. Overall, Jevin Hodge, who was born and raised here in Maricopa County, came across as highly informed, thoughtful, smart, energetic, caring, and extremely qualified to serve

the public interest. I encourage you to vote for him this November. -Geri Koeppel

The right to free speech and to peacefully assemble

I distinctly remember being in my junior high classroom and learning about Martin Luther King Jr. We were shown movies of black men sitting at lunch counters and being beaten for being in the wrong place and communicating the wrong message. I also remember being taught all men are created equal. I thought the problem was with the old people and once my generation grows up, we will be done with all this bigotry. Nearly 50 years later Nazis started having marches. I saw George Floyd get choked to death and Ahmaud Arbery get shot for running through the wrong neighborhood. I felt like I could no longer do nothing, but what could I do? I am just a retired old man. So, I started making signs. They said, “Bigotry Is Not Patriotic,” “White Silence = White Violence” and “Old White Men Against Bigotry.” I took my signs and went to busy streets and held them up or tied them to lamp posts. I have now been out there for months. I do not mind telling you it is a little scary. I have people honk and wave, which is wonderful. I also have people show me their middle finger and yell Trump 2020. It sure is a gut punch to this old man who really believed when he was 12 years old that his generation would end such bigotry and hatred. I went to a Black Lives Matter March. A white supremacist came up to me and was inches from my face yelling obscenities for daring to carry a sign that says, “Old White Men Against Bigotry.” He then made a grab for my sign and tried to run off with it. I was knocked down in the scuffle. I once was standing on Ray Road and had a man so mad at my signs that he pulled over, parked his car and ran up with both of his middle fingers, inches from my face yelling obscenities. I was rattled but hoped he would calm down and leave. He did but came back about 10 minutes later for another round. Luckily, he just wanted to cuss me out some more. I mourn for our country. The point is that I am scared and yet I keep going out with my signs. I taught history for years and told my students, “You need to stand up when you see things that are wrong.” -Barry Smith

SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Now offeriNg 2 LocatioNs to serve You! Our original location has provided Ahwatukee’s physical therapy needs since 2009 Location ServiceS: • Physical Therapy • Sports Therapy • Sports Performance Training • Personal Training • Message Therapy • Stretch Therapy 4730 E. Warner Rd., Suite 5, Phoenix 480.785.5415

Our new location will provide physical therapy and massage therapy services to Ahwatukee Foothills and Club West. Location ServiceS: • Physical Therapy • Sports Therapy • Massage Therapy

openS

Septembe 14th! r

1331 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 102, Phoenix 480-371-1555

now ScheduLing patientS!

www.PritchettePt.com

BUSINESS

Business 28

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Shutdown pushes Ahwatukee spa into oblivion BY LEE SHAPPELL AFN Contributor

ssentials Day Spa was just hitting its stride. After nearly three years in Ahwatukee, it had built a loyal clientele of those looking to relax in a unique and restorative environment for a couple of hours and enjoy a specialized, targeted massage or a facial – a more personable experience than at a franchise spa. Owner Tatyanna Brenner was especially encouraged by the spa’s brisk business in January and February of this year. “We were on a pretty good track for this year,” Brenner said. “Our �irst two months were great. We were on track for a really good year.” And then? “And then, it just tanked completely.” Essentials, 4923 E. Chandler Blvd., was forced to close from March 17 to June 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was just as well. Additional time was required between appointments for cleaning and sterilization, fewer appointments could be scheduled for each therapist. Brenner also quickly discovered that the public just wasn’t ready to return to one-on-one activities in close quarters. Last month, Brenner went out of business. She was forced to permanently close her spa, which had been her labor of love. “It was really mostly ecoTatyanna Brenner had realized a dream when she opened her spa in Ah- nomics,” Brenner. “When watukee, only to see it shattered by the pandemic-driven business shutwe came back, I just wasn’t down. (Lee Shappell/Special to AFN) able to make it happen to Before closure, Brenner had six em- where we were generating the income to ployees. When Essentials reopened, three keep going. “I did get the PPP (Pandemic Protection chose not to return.

Program) Loan but it ran out super fast. It helped out a little bit but it wasn’t enough for us to sustain and keep going.” As a young Black female, Brenner, 29, who lives in Chandler, took pride in founding and operating a successful business. Ahwatukee has been good to her, she said. Six years ago, she had opened a small massage studio in Ahwatukee, AZ Massage Essentials. She was the sole employee. After three years, “I just decided I wanted to do something bigger and have employees.” At Essentials Day Spa, she offered more than massages. Clients could get customized spa services including skin care. The estheticians specialized in acne and antiaging facial treatments. Brenner also sold an array of take-home products, including essential oils, cleansers, exfoliants, moisturizers, serums, skin-

�� ESSENTIALS �� 30

Pritchette Physical Therapy adding 2nd location AFN NEWS STAFF

ritchette Physical Therapy is expanding in Ahwatukee. After making its home the last 11 years at 4730 E Warner Road, founder Dr. Keith Pritchette is opening a second location Sept. 14 at 13331 E. Chandler Blvd., the southeast corner of of Chandler Boulevard and Desert Foothills Parkway. The business, a frequent winner in AFN’s Best of Ahwatukee voting, provides physical and massage therapy as well as orthopedic and sports injury physical therapy. It also has expanded over the years to provide sports performance and personal training as well as fascial stretch therapy services. Dr. Sarah Thompson, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, who has been with Pritchette Physical Therapy since 2012, will be the clinic

DR. SARAH THOMPSON

director and Doctor of Physical Therapy for the new location.

Stating it’s “an exciting time for Pritchette Physical Therapy,” Thompson recalled starting with the company as a student in 2011, she said she has “watched it grow from a small outpatient clinic to a state of the art facility.” “I have worked alongside Dr. Keith Pritchette for nearly eight years and we share a passion for exceptional customer service and successful patient outcomes. I am honored to have the opportunity to represent Pritchette Physical Therapy in the Foothills and continue to provide the exceptional level of care that has made us a consistent Best of Ahwatukee.” Pritchette said when he founded his business “I ful�illed my dream of offering physical therapy care to the Ahwatukee community that went above and beyond what patients’ expectations were. “I wanted to not only provide quality care,” he said. “I also wanted to provide a

DR. KEITH PRITCHETTE

�� PRITCHETTE �� 31

BUSINESS

SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Platinum Medical joins forces with MedLink Health AFN NEWS STAFF

latinum Medical Group in Ahwatukee has begun welcoming patients of Scottsdale-based MedLink Health Solutions for naturopathic and regenerative medicine joint injection services on Wednesdays. PMG, 3930 E. Ray Road, is headed by chiropractor and founder Dr. James Dionisio. Today’s climate of more corporate-style health care has created a need for this kind of a practice in the Southeast Valley and Ahwatukee in particular, said MedLink CEO Ryan Welch, who co-founded MedLink with naturopathic physician Dr. Samantha Ramanan. MedLink will be seeing patients by appointment only in order to maintain one of the core tenets of the practice – openended patient visits that allow for the patient to spend as much time with the doctor as necessary. “When you have the opportunity to spend time with a patient and truly listen to what they have to say, you uncover the details that are the key contributors to increasing the patient’s quality of care, and

of their ailment nor have they received a treatment plan that provides relief and �its their lifestyle.” Ramanan said that the two practices together will provide a continuum of care that is missing in the current health care environment. Platinum Medical Group founder and chiropractor Dr. James Dionisio is welcoming patients “We give that from MedLink Health Solutions. (Special to AFN) to them and allowing us to arrive at the proper diagno- help them change their life for the better, sis and develop the appropriate course of without sole reliance on Western meditreatment that translates to a higher qual- cine, helping them live a more natural, healthy lifestyle,” she said. ity of life for our patients,” said Welch. “The Southeast Valley is family-oriented, “In some cases, these patients have been to various physicians over the course of well-educated, and has values that align many years, looking for answers with little with what we’re doing within our practice to no success,” he added. “Most patients at MedLink. “Chiropractic is an ideal �it with our phihave not been able to �ind the root cause

losophy. In today’s world, people seem to have open minds to innovative approaches to health care and are interested in truly healing what ails them rather than covering up their symptoms and masking the real problem.” Ramanan said the combination of naturopathic and regenerative medicine with chiropractic care provides “outstanding symmetry for patients in all stages of life, addressing both short-term pain and long-term healing.” “We will use our regenerative medicine techniques such as joint injections, to relieve pain,” Ramanan said. “then Dr. D will evaluate with x-rays and help patients to reestablish functionality of the joint. This is really the best combination of chiropractic and naturopathic care.” Dionisio agreed, saying the two practices complement each other perfectly. “Some of our patients can’t get the treatment they need to correct their issues right away because they simply are in too much pain or have limited mobility due to age, injury or disease,” he said, explaining:

“Obviously the pandemic isn’t going to end soon,’’ he said. That won’t mean an end to regular state jobless bene�its. Instead, it will mean Arizona will have to borrow money from the U.S. Department of Labor. “But you have to pay that money back, through taxes on employers, going forward,’’ Wisehart said. And that, in turn, could provide a new �inancial impediment to companies still reeling from the pandemic. Ptak said his boss has set aside more than $400 million Arizona got from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. That could be used to pay jobless bene�its going forward rather than forcing the state to borrow and raising taxes on employers. But with $50 million a week more going out in bene�its than what is being collected from employers, that becomes only a temporary solution. State law entitles those who lost their jobs through no fault of their own to collect

half of what they were earning, with the proceeds coming from a levy paid by all employers on the �irst $7,000 of each worker’s salary. But lawmakers capped that at $240 a week; only Mississippi pays less. There has been little pressure on lawmakers to alter that given what has been the state’s relatively low unemployment plus strong job market. In a typical preCOVID week only about 18,000 Arizonans were collecting bene�its. As recently as July, Ducey refused to discuss altering the cap. He sidestepped questions about the ability of Arizonans to survive on $240 a week – unchanged since 2004 – by pointing out the federal government was providing another $600 a week through Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program. And when those dollars ran out, President Trump agreed to put up $44 billion from the federal Disaster Relief Fund for the $300-a-week Lost Wage Assistance program.

Unemployment funds drying up in state BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

undreds of thousands of unemployed Arizonans are within weeks of losing more than half of their bene�its. That would leave them with just the $240 a week the state provides, the second lowest in the nation. Michael Wisehart, director of the state Department of Economic Security, said last week he believes there are suf�icient federal dollars to pay the $300 in extra bene�its in the special federal Lost Wage Assistance program for this week, the sixth week it has been available. But he said given that other states are drawing against the $44 billion federal allocation, dollars will dry up before next week and likely come without warning. Gov. Doug Ducey has no plans to have the state step in. “We’ve known these funds were limited,’’ said press aide Patrick Ptak, explain-

ing that’s why Arizona moved quickly to accept the offer by President Trump to get a share of that federal cash. “As we’ve said all along, Congress needs to work together to extend these bene�its long-term,’’ Ptak said. Complicating matters, Wisehart said that the economy remains soft and Arizonans continue to lose their jobs. He said about 131,000 people made �irsttime applications for bene�its two weeks ago. That compares with 86,000 the prior week and just 50,000 the week before. The situation is even more dire than that. Wisehart said the unemployment trust fund – the dollars set aside by a tax on employers to pay regular state bene�its – will become insolvent in about eight weeks. The account had $1.1 billion in it before the COVID-19 outbreak and the restrictions imposed by Ducey on business operations is now down to about $400 million. Wisehart said the state is burning through the cash at about $50 million a week with no end in sight.

�� PLATINUM �� 31

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

Pandemic hit Black-owned businesses harder BY VANDANA RAVIKUMAR Luce Foundation: Southwest Stories Fellowship

lack-owned businesses were particularly hard-hit when the spread of COVID-19 shut down or restricted nonessential activity throughout the country last spring, leaving many to wonder whether they could survive the plummet in daily customers. COVID-19 had shuttered 41 percent of Black-owned businesses by April, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, compared with 17 percent of whiteowned businesses. The movement that arose from the deaths of Black Americans at the hands of police seemed to provide a brief respite for Black business owners, whose sales were boosted by advocates and allies early this summer. But policy experts said that support may not be enough to offset the systemic challenges Black business owners and employees still face, such as historically higher unem-

ESSENTIALS �� 28

ployment rates, more than a century of discrimination and barriers to applying for federal small business loans. “I believe that to generate a radically different economic future for Black communities … an understanding of the racialized history of economic policy in the United States is necessary,” said Mark Little, executive director of CREATE, an economic development research center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “For me, the question is: Is it inevitable that COVID-19 will further entrench these devastating economic trends that, depending on how you cut them, have either been (in effect for) the past 30 years or the past 400 years? Or is it possible to chart a different path?” Those economic trends are a direct outgrowth of discriminatory policies, Little said. In the 1950s and ’60s, for instance, many cities received federal urban renewal grants to overhaul their downtowns, clearing out low-income

care kits and toners. Brenner said that the strip center’s landlord, Elite Property Investments, was slow to offer relief. “Once they were willing to work with us, there was only so much they could do because they have bills too, and they really were trying,” Brenner said. “So, I understand that side, as well. All around, it just wasn’t enough to keep going.” Brenner said there was a party interested in buying her spa, but no formal offer was tendered. The space is now empty. She sold everything, down to the barn-style doors on the massage rooms. “There were random grants here and there but those are very hard to get. I didn’t get any of those,” she said. “And, I did get denied for the SBA (Small Business Association) Loan. Those were really the only other options.” She is taking a break now, working on projects around the house. She and her three young children live with her boy-

neighborhoods to make way for higher-class developments. Those programs, Little said, “had the effect of literally displacing and destroying the infrastructure around Black businesses.” Six decades later, a 2019 report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta found disparities between minority business owners and white business owners when it came to �inancing decisions, loan application outcomes, overall pro�itability and other metrics. For instance, white business owners who declined to apply for �inancing more frequently cited having suf�icient funding to begin with, the report said, while minority-owned businesses tended to not apply for loans because they didn’t believe they would be approved. Researchers also found Black and Hispanic-owned businesses were approved for smaller loan amounts than white-owned businesses, which more frequently received ap-

�� BLACK-OWNED �� 31

Honey Bear’s BBQ owner Mark Smith said he has seen a surge in sales as a result of demonstrations calling attention to racism. (Special to AFN)

Essentials Day Spa in Ahwatukee had six employees who provided massages and other services,including skin care. But owner Tatyanna Brenner had to sell all her equipment after experiencing economic woes as a result of the shutdown of non-essential businesses, including spas, between March and May. (Lee Shappell/Special to AFN)

friend, who is working. “So, we’re OK for now,” she said. “I’ve been doing massage for 11 years and I’ve never done anything else in my adult

life. I went to massage school right after high school. In my early 20s, I went back to school and got my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Arizona State, so I might be

able to use that. “Hopefully we’ll be talking about something else in a couple of months when the pandemic eases.”

BUSINESS

SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

PRITCHETTE �� 28

level of customer service which seems to have been lost in today’s world, a place where the patients felt heard and always felt welcome. I am so proud to have succeeded in achieving this dream.” The additional location “will provide the same level of premium care and customer service which our clientele has come to expect from us,” he added. “Dr. Sarah is an amazing physical therapist and I have the utmost con�idence in her ability to make our new location a resounding success.”

Information: pritchettephysicaltherapy.com, 480-785-5415 (Warner) or 480-371-1555 (new location).

BLACK-OWNED �� 30

proval for the full amount requested. “Black business owners hardly were able to access business loans even before COVID,” said Nikitra Bailey, the executive vice president of the Center for Responsible Lending, a nonpro�it that pushes for policies to curb predatory lending. Now, she said, those owners are feeling the effects of disparate treatment even more acutely. The consequences could have a ripple effect on minority communities, according to Robert Fairlie, who wrote the report by the nonpro�it National Bureau of Economic Research. “(Our) �indings of early-stage losses to small businesses have important policy implications and may portend longerterm rami�ications for job losses and economic inequality,” he wrote. In late May, protests against racism and police brutality materialized in cities across the country. Supporters on social media encouraged their followers to patronize Black-owned businesses, educate themselves on racism and history, and speak up in support of racial justice movements. Those efforts translated into a boost in sales for such businesses as Honey Bear’s BBQ, which has two locations in Phoenix. “Man, there was a couple days when it was so busy that I had to call in everybody, all of my employees, because of the ordering that went on,” said Mark Smith, one of the restaurant’s owners. Much of the support came from returning customers, Smith said, but he also saw

PLATINUM �� 29

“Chiropractic care requires physical manipulation, and patients who are in severe pain sometimes can’t tolerate those kinds of therapies. But a naturopathic physician like Dr. Sam can help them reduce or eliminate the pain so we can provide our therapies to address the long-term corrective care needed to ensure their symptoms don’t come back, because we’ve actually cured the problem rather than masking it with drugs or surgery.” The combined practices will offer a full range of therapies and services. MedLink offers lifestyle medicine to treat those suffering from diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity along with preventative therapies

a wave of new patrons placing orders. “There’s a lot of people out there in this world and in Arizona who want to see a difference,” he said. “They want to see a change. And they have supported me and other Black businesses. The community here in Arizona stepped up to the plate … They’ve stepped up 100 percent.” Before Floyd’s death, Grassrootz Books and Juice Bar in Phoenix also struggled to compensate for the loss of in-person sales and the ability to host events, co-owner Tremikus Muhammad said. “It became almost, in a sad way, a saving grace,” Muhammad said. “We’re at a point where online sales, for now, are doing very well. But that only seems like it’s only going to last as long as there’s some type of attack on Black life.” Muhammad said the store has received book orders from all over the country, making it one of dozens of Black-owned bookstores nationwide that have sold out of popular titles intended to educate readers on anti-racism. “It’s kind of a Catch-22,” he said. “You have business, but you don’t quite want it to come this way … It would be nice if the energy, the understanding, was kept as we move away” from the protests. Aisha Tedros, one of the owners of A.T. Oasis Coffee and Tea Shop in Phoenix, said the business had received “support from everybody” during the anti-racism protests, but owners “don’t know what’s going to happen” going forward. It’s unclear whether the sales prompted by social justice movements can keep Black-owned businesses going, especially as the pandemic drags on.

to support the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. Treatments may include vitamin IV and injection therapy, specialty blood tests for food allergies and gene mutations, or hormone replacement therapy including thyroid testing, to name a few. Ramanan specializes in joint pain injections to help the body heal itself from acute and chronic issues such as sports injuries and arthritis. The practice also makes house calls and provides 24/7 access to a physician – not an answering service. Platinum Medical Group, which was originally founded as Foothills Family Chiropractic in 2008 prior to moving to its current location and becoming PMG in 2016, offers exceptional chiropractic services as well as primary care and massage therapy.

Many of the barriers that owners faced before the pandemic, such as trouble obtaining �inancial support from the federal government, persist. Take the federal Paycheck Protection Program, created by Congress to provide relief to small businesses using funding from the CARES Act. Some Arizona recipients of PPP loans, including Smith of Honey Bear’s, said the money made the difference between having to let employees go to keep the business a�loat and retaining his full staff. “We were moving to lay off people because of just not being able to make the payroll,” he said. “That (PPP loan) helped turn it around, and now business is going pretty good – we’ve hired a few more people.” But many other Black business owners reported not being able to access PPP funds. A 2019 study by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition provides a possible explanation: Researchers found banks treat Black applicants different from white applicants, encouraging white business owners to apply for one or more loans while discouraging Black business owners from applying for any. “This ‘double impact’ on minority applicants, discouragement and failure to provide complete information, not only limits minority access to credit, it also damages the credibility of the small business lending community,” the study said. “Further, these actions are all fair lending violations of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which requires that equally quali�ied borrowers are able to access credit

“Our practices offer patients an alternative to surgery or pharmaceutical treatment,” Welch said. “We are perfect for those who may have been recommended a surgery or drug therapy but don’t like the invasive nature of being operated on or the harmful side effects of prescription drugs. In many cases, we can achieve results in a natural, holistic way that many people prefer.” And for those who are skeptical of their holistic, natural approach? “We don’t worry about the skeptics who don’t believe in what we’re doing,” he said. “Instead, we focus on the patient and what they need, which ultimately produces life changing results.” Information: 480-472-7055 or MedLinkHS.com. regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender and other protected classes.” Bailey suggested Congress should have anticipated these outcomes when it chose the Small Business Administration to oversee the Paycheck Protection Program, given its history of uneven lending outcomes. “Structurally, these small businesses have not historically had the best relationship with banks,” she said, despite the fact they “actually employ a ton of residents in our community and keep our communities as viable economic engines.” If these “pillars” of society fail, she said, it would affect “communities all across the country that have a high proportion of African Americans.” “Everyone thought that the COVID-19 crisis would be a very short-term phenomenon. It’s proved to be very different,” Bailey said. “We cannot lose important community infrastructure through our businesses to this crisis.” This story is made possible through a partnership between the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and the Center for the Study of Religion and Con�lict at Arizona State University, with the support of the Henry Luce Foundation.

GOT NEWS?

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

$500 o

Order f f b 9/15/2 y 02 0

$500 o

$50O0rdoer by f / ff Or9 de15/202

rb 9/15/2 y 02 0

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 4454 E . Thomas Rd. Phoenix

602.508.0800 | liwindow.com Mon-Thurs 8:30-5p.m. | Fri 8:30-4p.m. | Sat 9-2p.m. | ROC#179513

SPORTS

Sports & Recreation SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

@AhwatukeeFN |

Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

AIA to move forward with fall sports BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

he Arizona Interscholastic Association Executive Board voted Wednesday to approve the updated recommendations from the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and move forward with the fall sports season. “I would like to say on behalf of the staff and the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, especially for the sport of football, we would not have been able to make this decision until this time right now based on the metrics,” Executive Director David Hines said. “So the metrics have gotten to a place that we can start football practice. “That we can start the heat acclimatization (guidelines). That we can get kids in a helmet and shoulder pads and begin doing work.” The recommendations were widely based on benchmarks set forth by state health of�icials to allow the resumption of in-person learning on at least a partial basis. Hines said it is not recommended for teams to begin contact until all benchmarks are met. However, most will likely meet those in as little as a week. The approval to adopt the new recommendations means fall sports will continue without any further delays. Golf is in its second week of competition while swimming, cross country, badminton, volleyball and fall soccer began of�icial tryouts and practices. The only sport that has yet to begin of�icial practices this fall is football, though that will change Monday when teams take the �ield in helmets for the �irst time. As it stands, several districts are still reportedly on the fence despite allowing teams to go through conditioning and light workouts.

The Arizona Interscholastic Association ruled Wednesday the fall sports schedule would proceed with new recommendations from the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. (AFN File Photo)

The green light for teams to begin, however, was welcomed by coaches and players alike. “Happiness,” Chandler head football coach Rick Garretson said. “My kids were in �ilm when I told them and there was a bit of a roar. They’re ready to go.” The SMAC updated the return-to-play guidelines for players who test positive for COVID-19, which includes an extensive check list before they are cleared for a full return to play. Symptoms must not still be present in the athlete. Additionally, if the athlete had to go to the hospital at any point because of their illness, they will not be immediately cleared. The athlete also has to be screened for myocarditis; a heart defect that has been shown to occur after infection. If all criteria are met after the infection, the athlete will then begin a minimum seven-day return-to-activity protocol,

Have an interesting sports story?

which involves three days of light activity followed by three more days of complex and normal training. “We are excited it’s �inally here,” Higley coach Eddy Zubey said in a text message after the AIA meeting. “We are ready to go on Monday!” “I’m jacked,” said Dobson football coach Bill Godsil, who was in the middle of practice when he heard the AIA’s ruling. “I’m sure as soon as I tell the boys when I bring them together, I’m sure they’ll be excited. “The kids are ready. It’s going to be great for them to have some sort of a normal life again.” Dan Hinds, the head football coach at Desert Vista, said, “I really thought we were going to hear this news. I think the AIA saw what was going around them in all of these other states. I think they made the right decision.” Mountain Pointe head football coach Eric Lauer said the summer of uncertainty

Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.

has given him and his players a new appreciation for the opportunities they have. “With every step or stage they give us, we will advance full speed with great appreciation,” Lauer said. “For a privilege up until this point the year 2020 we have taken for granted.” Modi�ications to postseason eligibility are currently being updated and will be posted on the AIA. Hines previously said the minimum number of games teams must play to be eligible for the playoffs will be reduced, that way teams in districts on the fence could potentially join later on in the season. Additionally, Hines said teams that join late can play an independent schedule and qualify for playoffs. Teams with a reduced schedule will also have the option to play an extra game at the end of the regular season if they do not appear in the postseason tournament. “If teams want to jump in, we can create an independent schedule for them,” Hines said. “An independent schedule can qualify you for the playoffs. Teams could also come in and say, ‘Listen, I’m not so concerned with playoffs, but I want to play four or �ive games then when we get to the playoffs, I want to play an extra game or two.’ That’s �ine, too.” Hines added that conferences are in the process of �inalizing schedules for all sports this upcoming season. Those are expected to be released in the coming days or weeks. “To say we are happy to be where we are now is an understatement,” Hines said. “The board members really took their time to make sure that this could be done safely. We think that it de�initely can. “With the help of everyone at our member schools doing their part, we can absolutely make this a memorable season.”

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

You’re Retired. Your Money Isn’t. To learn why consolidating your retirement accounts to Edward Jones makes sense, call my office today.

AFTER

Nicholas Goode

edwardjones.com

Financial Advisor

Member SIPC

3233 E Chandler Blvd Suite 16 Phoenix, AZ 85048 480-759-1324

BEFORE

Is Your Pool In Need of a Makeover? We’re the Pool Resurfacing Experts!

Let us help you create the pool of your drea ms!

% OFF

Tile Cleaning Expires September 30, 2020

BRING IN A WATER SAMPLE FOR A FREE ANA LYSIS

SEE STORE FOR DETAILS

Pool Resurfacing Experts Specializing in POOL SERVICE, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR

602-546-POOL (7665)

www.barefootpoolman.com Ahwatukee!

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, 2017 & 2018!

Ahwatukee!

Elizabeth Estes

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

PRACTICING SINCE 1998

ESTATE PLANNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FAMILY LAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REAL ESTATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TRUST ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . PROBATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Call for a Free Consultation

480.656.3733 | www.esteslawfirmaz.com 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 200 | Phoenix 85048 | Located in Ahwatukee

SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

NEW TIMES REQUIRE NEW THINKING Better read this if you are 62 or older and still making mortgage payments. It’s a well-known fact that for many older Americans, the home is their single biggest asset, often accounting for more than 45% of their total net worth. And with interest rates near all-time lows while home values are still high, this combination creates the perfect dynamic for getting the most out of your built-up equity. But, many aren’t taking advantage of this unprecedented period. According to new statistics from the mortgage industry, senior homeowners in the U.S. are now sitting on more than 7.19 trillion dollars* of unused home equity. Not only are people living longer than ever before, but there is also greater uncertainty in the economy. With home prices back up again, ignoring this “hidden wealth” may prove to be short sighted when looking for the best long-term outcome. All things considered, it’s not surprising that more than a million homeowners have already used a government-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) loan to turn their home equity into extra cash for retirement. It’s a fact: no monthly mortgage payments are required with a government-insured HECM loan; however the borrowers are still responsible for paying for the maintenance of their home, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and, if required, their HOA fees. Today, HECM loans are simply an eﬀective way for homeowners 62 and older to get the extra cash they

need to enjoy retirement. Although today’s HECM loans have been improved to provide even greater financial protection for homeowners, there are still many misconceptions. For example, a lot of people mistakenly believe the home must be paid off in full in order to qualify for a HECM loan, which is not the case. In fact, one key advantage of a HECM is that the proceeds will first be used to pay off any existing liens on the property, which frees up cash flow, a huge blessing for seniors living on a fixed income. Unfortunately, many senior homeowners who might be better off with a HECM loan don’t even

Request a FREE Info Kit & DVD Today! Call 800-660-8341 now. bother to get more information because of rumors they’ve heard. In fact, a recent survey by American Advisors Group (AAG), the nation’s number one HECM lender, found that over 98% of their clients are satisﬁed with their loans. While these special loans are not for everyone, they can be a real lifesaver for senior homeowners - especially in times like these. The cash from a HECM loan can be used for almost any purpose. Other common uses include making home improvements, paying oﬀ medical bills or helping other

family members. Some people simply need the extra cash for everyday expenses while others are now using it as a safety net for ﬁnancial emergencies. If you’re a homeowner age 62 or older, you owe it to yourself to learn more so that you can make the best decision - for your ﬁnancial future.

We’re here and ready to help. Homeowners who are interested in learning more can request a FREE Reverse Mortgage Information Kit and DVD by calling toll-free at 800-660-8341 Guide Your etter a to B ent m re ti e R e

vers ing Re stand Under e Loans ag Mortg

FREE A Guide for Children and Caregivers

Your Guide to a Better Retirement

Learn how home equity can help loved ones in retirement.

Understanding Reverse Mortgage Loans

Our new Reverse Mortgage information guides & DVD are now available featuring award-winning actor and paid AAG spokesman, Tom Selleck.

U.S.A.’s #1 Reverse Mortgage Company

As Featured on: ABC, CBS, CNN & Fox News

*Source: https://reversemortgagedaily.com/2019/12/17/senior-housing-wealth-reaches-record-high-of-7-19-trillion Reverse mortgage loan terms include occupying the home as your primary residence, maintaining the home, paying property taxes and homeowners insurance. Although these costs may be substantial, AAG does not establish an escrow account for these payments. However, a set-aside account can be set up for taxes and insurance, and in some cases may be required. Not all interest on a reverse mortgage is tax-deductible and to the extent that it is, such deduction is not available until the loan is partially or fully repaid. AAG charges an origination fee, mortgage insurance premium (where required by HUD), closing costs and servicing fees, rolled into the balance of the loan. AAG charges interest on the balance, which ggrows over time. When the last borrower or eligible non-borrowing spouse dies, sells the home, permanently moves out, or fails to comply with the loan terms, the loan becomes due and payable (and the property may become subject to foreclosure). When this happens, some or all of the equity in the property no longer belongs to the borrowers, who may need to sell the home or otherwise repay the loan balance. V2020.06.30 NMLS# 9392 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). American Advisors Group (AAG) is headquartered at 3800 W. Chapman Ave., 3rd & 7th Floors, Orange CA, 92868. Licensed in 49 states. Please go to www.aag.com/legal-information for full state license information. These materials are not from HUD or FHA and were not approved by HUD or a government agency. 325852_10_x_9.875.indd 1

9/1/20 4:56 PM

GET OUT

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

@AhwatukeeFN @AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Brian McKnight hits stage solo in Scottsdale By the age of 19, he signed his �irst recording deal with Mercury Records. In 1992, his self-titled album was released followed by “I Remember You” (1995) and “Anytime” (1997). “Anytime” sold more than 2 million copies and was nominated for a Grammy. In 1999, McKnight released “Back at One” on Motown Records, which sold over 3 million copies. Along with several Grammy nominations, McKnight has been the recipient of American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards, NAACP Image and Blockbuster Awards, and Billboard Songwriter of The Year. “Exodus” just may follow suit. Eleven of its songs are about Mendoza. The 12th song, “Can’t Say Goodbye,” was written for Kobe Bryant, while song 13, a cover of Sting’s “Fragile,” is an ode to social injustice. “Historically, when people are being oppressed, great civilizations fall,” he said. “Everything is so fragile right now. I have hope for America. It has been resilient in the past. This is a reminder about as far as we’ve gone, we have quite a way to go. It took these events to remind us of that.” “Exodus” is McKnight’s �inal album, but that doesn’t mean it’s the �inal chapter in his music career, as has been frequently published. “In this day and age, when everything is singles driven, it’s not even a thing to put out an entire record. There are other ways—EPs and singles. As for putting out an entire album of new material, I’m not doing it again. In no way am I retiring, though.”

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

GetOut Editor

t’s undeniable that Brian McKnight has a knack for writing love songs. Before he met his wife, Leilani Malia Mendoza, eight years ago, however, the R&B balladeer had never known love. “All the songs before her, they were never about anyone,” he said. “I’ve never written about anyone before. Nobody ever did it for me. Having a muse now, for the last eight years, I don’t have to think about writing. The words just materialize. She is my heart.” Released June 26, his latest album “Exodus” is an ode to his love of Mendoza, most notably the song “Nobody.” The video features footage of their wedding three years ago. The couple met at a �itness convention in Los Angeles in 2012. McKnight invested in a �itness product and she was a Hawaiian Tropic model signing autographs. “We met and it was love at �irst sight,” said McKnight, best known for the song “Back at One” “She was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen in my life—the most beautiful woman anyone’s seen in anyone’s life. “To make her want to like me or talk to me…I must have done something right.” McKnight will bring those songs to town when he plays two drive-in shows at WestWorld of Scottsdale Polo Fields on Friday, September 18. “I’m absolutely looking forward to it,” he said. “Six months is the longest time in my career I’ve gone without doing a show. I have new music that I haven’t been able to play since this all happened. It will be amazing.” The show will feature only McKnight on keyboards and guitar. (The multiinstrumentalist also plays bass, drums, percussion, trombone, tuba, �lugelhorn and trumpet.) “The cool thing is it’s just me,” he said. “It’s a solo show—no band, no real pomp

If You Go...

R&B balladeer Brian McKnight will be bringing his love songs to WestWorld later this month. (Special to GetOut)

and circumstance. It’s very in your face and personal. It’ll be interesting. We’ll see how far away the cars are going to be. It’s just going to be great to play these songs and sing for this audience. None of us could have foreseen how this would

all play out.” Born in Buffalo, McKnight began his musical career in childhood when he became a member of his church choir and a band leader for his high school, Sweet Home High School.

What: Brian McKnight Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale Polo Fields, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale When: 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Sept. 18 Cost: $160 to $300 per carload More info: Tickets: Info: rec. ticketforce.com/BrianMcKnight

SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

King Crossword

Announcements

ACROSS 1 5 8 12 13 14 15 17

18 19 21 24 25 26 30 31 32 33 35 36 37 38 41 42 43 48 49 50 51 52 53

Drink heartily Coffee, in slang Snatch Maze option Possess Elderly Not all one kind Clinton’s Arkansas hometown Delivery co. Source Song of praise “East of Eden” character Charged bits Lit into Explosive letters External Eisenhower Lent a hand Appear Dud Familiar form of address 1954 doo-wop hit for The Crew-Cuts Pirouette pivot Deserve Transferred, in law List-ending abbr. Mad Hatter’s party drink Continental coin Say it isn’t so Listener Unforeseen problem

Adult Care/Assisted Living Auto - All Makes 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited FWD 3.5L Auto 6 Cyl, Auto Retractable Sun Roof. New Tires, Battery, Alternator & Air Compressor all for just $1,500/OBO 240K mi. 602-540-0964

HIRING? 37 38 39 40 41

Japanese pond carp Caraway, for one Loathe Cereal choice Despot

44 45 46 47

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

Sudoku

Employment General

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 16 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 31 34 35

If One Needs a Job, They Look Every day!

Vast expanse Sister Mound stat Pooch

Hot tub Existed Part of FWIW Grave robbers Writes quickly Have bills Backed Sesame paste Quite eager Military visored hat Paradise Spinning stat Bellow Pocket bread Half of the offspring Picnic invaders -- in the right direction Convert to computers Told a tale -- out (supplemented) Showroom sample Norway’s capital “I wish” Prolonged attacks

Engineer IV – (Scottsdale, AZ) InEight, Inc.: Design, devel, & deliver the req'd software engng to serve & protect InEight Software solutions. Reqs: Bach deg (or foreign equiv) in comp sci, comp engnrng or rel’d. 5 yrs exp as a SW Engnr, project lead, lead engnr or rel’d which must incl: Design, develop & deploy of microsoft.net tech apps. Automate provisioning cloud infrastructure using powershell scripting & azure arm templates. Implement & maintain branching & build/release strategies utilizing tfvc & git using microsoft azure devops. Implement & maintain ci/cd pipelines using microsoft azure devops. Mail resume to Paige Ulozas: InEight, Req #2004 - 3555 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131

V1 Salon Space is looking to fill positions! *Room Rentals $840 per month *Chair Rental $630 per month

PUZZLES ANWERS on page 16

Call for details: 480.704.1277 V1 Salon 15725 S 46 St. Building B, #108 Phoenix, AZ 85048

LATIN’S HOME Private and Semi Private 10601 S 42nd St, Phoenix, AZ 480-249-6143

ASSISTED LIVING

Merchandise Pets/Services/Livestock

While Your’ Away Services Pet, Home & Property Checks

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

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

Call Eleanor Today!

480.287.4897

www.WhileYouAreAwayServices.com

Employment General Senior Security Analyst – (Tempe, AZ) Stach & Liu LLC dba Bishop Fox: Perform app and ntwrk penetration tests in acc with Bishop Fox methodology and the individual goals for each client/project. * Up to 20% Emplyr paid dom trvl req’d. May work remotely from anywhere in the US. Reqs:Master's in cyber security engineering, comp sci/engineering or rel’d. 3 yrs' exp as a sr consultant, Cyber associate or rel’d, which must inc exp w/: Performing and managing dynamic app security testing (web/mobile) assessments for fortune 500 comps, incl mobile App testing, social engineering, and red teaming; participating in red team engagements, ranging from phishing activities to Post-exploitation; designing, implementing and testing logic in c++ for telecom software for clients rel’d to new price plans and billing; & triaging & analysis of events in a breached windows ad environment. Mail resumes to: Attn: Ashly Childers - 8240 S Kyrene Road, Suite A113, Tempe, AZ 85284

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

Classifieds

Ahwatukee Foothills News

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

Classifieds: Friday 3pm for Wednesday Life Events: Friday 10am for Wednesday

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

Real Estate for Sale

Service Directory

Cleaning Services

Homes For Sale

Air Conditioning/Heating

Not Enough Time in the Day? Call

Pete Meier

Need More Houses to Sell! Call Pete! Call us for a FREE Consultation

Associate Broker, CRS, GRI

602-690-3361

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship Summer AC Tune Up - $99 New 3-Ton AC Units - now $3,995 New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

‘A’ RATED AC REPAIR FREE ESTIMATE SAME DAY SERVICE $299,000 2br, 2ba, 1480 sf, Popular “Navajo” plan, in 55+ area. Near retirement center. Quiet location.

$285,000 2 split Master bedrooms, 2 ba, 3c gar, glass enclosed Arizona room 16x16, great room, fireplaces, low maint. landscaping. Near MultiMillion $ Rec center, shopping.

SOLD

$297,500 XL Pueblo Floor plan in Ahw. adult area. 55+ 3br 2cgar, lg formal liv rm, expanded fam rm, fireplace, mature citrus. Multi Mil $ Rec Center.

$275,000 55+ Popular Paiute flrpln w/ out sunken liv rm, 3BR, Den, 2ba, 2cg + Golf cart Gar in back. Don’t forget Ahw Rec Center!

petemeier.com

Call for a FREE Home Value Analysis

OUR JOB BOARD HAS THE TALENT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR

480-405-7588

Call Garcia Cell Cell 602-515-6627 Free Estimates

It’s a Clear Choice! Not a licensed contractor

REASONABLE RATES to Fit Your Budget!

ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

Reliable! No Crews! Owner & Helper only. 14 yrs Exp in Ahwatukee!

Appliance Repairs

Call Janeth (480) 330-7579

Appliance Repair Now

Small Jobs Welcome!

Block Fence * Gates

602-789-6929 Roc #057163 Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

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

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

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

Powerful Truck Mounted Soft Hot Water Extractions.

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

JENNIFER BEEBE References Available 20 Years Experience Bonded & Insured

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

Family owned and proudly serving Ahwatukee for over 20 years.

MORE INFO:

CONCRETE MASONRY Block Walls • Concrete • Pavers BBQ & Fireplaces • Stucco Cool Deck • Imitation Flagstone

(480) 833-1027

JB's House Cleaning

Carpet Cleaning

EASILY POST JOBS

Quality Professional Cleaning

Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly

Concrete & Masonry

Carpets, Tile & Grout, Upholstery, Pet Stain/Odor Treatment Residential/Commercial www.extractioncleaning.com 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

480.460.5030

Concrete & Masonry

Contractors

DESERT ROCK

CONCRETE & MASONRY CONCRETE BLOCKWALL RETAINING WALL BLOCK FENCE PLANTER BBQ

FOUNDATION DRIVEWAY SIDEWALK PATIO

PAVER • CONCRETE REMOVAL • HARDSCAPE BONDED & INSURED • ROC#321648 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! FREE ESTIMATES • 16 YEARS EXPERIENCE RESIDENTIAL CALL JOHN: 480.797.2985 COMMERCIAL

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

SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Doors

Drywall

OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE SERVICING & INSTALLING GARAGE DOORS AND OPERATORS

Garage/Doors GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

★ Room Additions ★ Water Damage ★ Popcorn Removal ★ Residential/Commercial ★ Interior/Exterior Painting

OPEN 24/7 • SERVING ALL OF METRO PHOENIX • HONEST AND REPUTABLE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

Handyman

REMODEL CONTRACTOR

Broken Springs Replaced

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

Not a licensed contractor

480-215-3373

Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

LLC

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

• Electrical Repair • Plumbing Repair • Dry rot and termite damage repair

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES

★ Ahwatukee Resident ★ Call 480-200-0043

ANOZIRA DOOR SYSTEMS

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Home Improvement

Electrical Services

ROC# 262737

SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

All Estimates are Free • Call:

520.508.1420

www.husbands2go.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949 Ask me about FREE water testing!

Drywall

Electrical Services

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING House Painting, Drywall, Intall Doors, Baseboards, Crown Molding Reliable, Dependable, Honest!

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932

15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

480.266.4589 josedominguez0224@gmail.com

Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

Not a licensed contractor.

250 OFF

(Min. $1,000 job. Valid 5/1–8/1/20.)

BEFORE AFTER

Our dedicated team follows & observes safe practices with this protocol: • We avoid being within 6 feet of another person. • Never in any other area of your home! • We will clean the area each day before leaving. • If any employee is sick, they will not come to work and be in your home.

• 25 Years of Flooring Experience • Long track record of satisfied customers, — check out our 5-star Google and Yelp reviews • Friendly, professional and reliable installers with attention to detail • Tile selection and creative design assistance

602-989-8255 | floors4youaz.com

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

Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services

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

AND so much more!

Ahwatukee Resident

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! 480.335.4180 Painting • Flooring • Electrical Not a licensed contractor.

Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More!

Garage/Doors

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Man!” Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! Quality Work Since 1999 Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry Same Day Service Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Repair/Install All Major Brands Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry

FOOTHILLS GARAGE DOOR

Flooring

Residential Electrician

ROC #296456 & ROC #297719 “Licensed-Bonded -Insured”

Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens ✔ Bathrooms 2010, 2011 • FREE ESTIMATES • 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Afford And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2012, 2013, 2014 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor 1999 Since Ahwatukee / References Work ty Affordable, Quali 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor 2014 Ahwatukee Resident • Dependable & Honest Bruce at 602.670.7038

Call for Our Monthly Special Discount

rk Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Wo 1999 ceBSMALLMAN@Q.COM able, Quality Work Sin

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 480-893-8091 ROC#126694

Bonded/Insured

Handyman

MALDONADO HOME REPAIR SERVICES

CALL DOUG

480.201.5013

THE HANDYMAN THAT HANDLES SMALL JOBS THAT OTHERS DECLINE ✔ Painting ✔ Gate Restoration ✔ Lighting ✔ Plumbing Repairs ✔ Replace Cracked ✔ Sheetrock Roof Tiles Texturing Repairs ✔ & MUCH MORE! Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured

*Not A Licensed Contractor

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Home Improvement

Home Remodeling • BASE BOARDS • DRYWALL • ELECTRICAL • PAINTING • PLUMBING • BATHROOMS • WOOD FLOORING • FRAMING WALLS • FREE ESTIMATES • GRANITE FABRICATION & INSTALLATION • CARPET INSTALLATION • LANDSCAPING

No Job Too Small! Senior Discounts!

David Hernandez (602) 802 3600

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL!

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

Jaden Sydney Associates.com

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

CLASSIFIEDS Landscape/Maintenance Foothills Touch Landscapes LLC Lawn care/Maint.

SPRINKLER

$25 per visit.

Not a licensed contractor

Starting as low as

Install/Design We do it all!

Not a licensed contractor

Juan Hernandez

Drip/Install/Repair & Tune ups!

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

Landscape/Maintenance

SPRINKLER DOCTOR

Arizona Specialty Landscape

RAMON LANDSCAPING SERVICES

Repairs - Installs - Modifications

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

Timers/Valves/Sprinklers DRIP-PVC-COPPER Backflows & Regulators

Juan Hernandez

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

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

Classifieds 480-898-6465

TREE

TRIMMING 25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

25 years Experience & Insured Not a licensed contractor.

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

Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon

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

Not a Licensed Contractor

480.844.9765

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

480-217-0407

WANT A GREEN LAWN?

Starting @ $60/Month!

480-940-8196

• One Month Free Service

FREE ORGANIC LAWN FERTILIZATION TREATMENT WITH CORE AERATION

theplugman.com

• Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection.

NTY 5-YEAR WARRA

• Call or Text for a Free Quote

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480.654.5600 Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

Irrigation Repair & New Installation Yard Clean-ups • Storm Damage • Palm & Tree Trimming Tree Removal • Landscape Lighting Installation & Repair Landscape Design

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control

Irrigation

azirrigation.com

I could help you have your palm trees and other trees trimmed by giving you a reasonable and better price than the others.

480-586-8445

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

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Specials

Lawn Mowing Starts At $40 Full Service Starts At $70

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew

Painting

480-745-5230

Repairs • Modifications • Installs

ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

Meetings/Events?

SONORAN LAWN

Sprinkler & Drip Systems

FERTILIZATION * SOIL AMENDMENTS * LAWN SOIL TESTING

The Valley’s Premier Painters

Is your lawn ready for the holidays? Call for a clean up.

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated Serving the Valley for over 28 years

The Possibilities are Endless

Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new

• 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

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

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

Residential • Commercial

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

• Best Painters EVER!

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

• Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings • Interior & Exterior “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

Call Lance White

ACP is 100% Veteran Owned

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

ALL YOU NEED IS A PU

Like us on Facebook to stay current & Receive 5% Off Services

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

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

CLASSIFIEDS

SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Painting

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

SUN TECH

PAINTING INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

SPEND A LITTLE…

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available

MAKE A LOT!

Jose Dominguez Painting & Drywall SEE OUR AD IN DRYWALL! Quick Response to your Call! 15 Years Exp 480-266-4589

Filter Cleaning!

Plumbing

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

Not a licensed contractor

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

Family Owned • Free Estimates

“We get your house looking top notch!”

7 6 6 5

www.barefootpoolman.com

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

East Valley PAINTERS

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook

Off 40work done *Any

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

License #ROC 298736

10% OFF

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

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

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

480-688-4770

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

www.eastvalleypainters.com

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

Family Owned & Operated ROC#309706

Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH! Beat Any Price By 10% • Lifetime Warranty Water Heaters Installed - $799 Unclog Drains - $49 FREE RO UNIT w/Any WATER SOFTENER INSTALL NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 Months!! ‘A’ RATED PLUMBING REPAIR Free Estimates • Same Day Service

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com Plumbing

PLUMBING We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

480.634.7763

cropsofluv@cox.net

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

FALL SPECIAL! $500 OFF COMPLETE REMODEL! 25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

1st Month of Service FREE For a limited time

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 Not a licensed contractor.

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

(480)

Cropsofluv.com

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

Call Now!

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Plumbing

A+ RATED

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

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

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

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789

Jody, co-founder, Ahwatukee based non-profit

Juan Hernandez

Voted #1

★ Small Job Specialist

Crops of Luv

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

Pool Service / Repair

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors

$25 OFF

602-546-POOL

602.625.0599 ROC #155380

Painting

★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Drywall Repair & Installation ★ Popcorn Ceiling Removal

Pool Service / Repair

Painting

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

Rooﬁng

Pool Service / Repair

Rooﬁng

Over 30 Years of Experience Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Ahwatukee.com

Flat and Foam Roof Experts! desertsandscontracting.com

Rooﬁng

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated

Valley Wide Service

602-938-7575 480-446-7663 $ 1000 OFF when you show this ad

on qualifying complete roof replacements

Let us show you the IN-EX Difference! Serving The Valley Since 1996

10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! We have a “Spencer” on every job and every step of the way.

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019 Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

with this ad

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

AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 | FULLY INSURED

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

10% OFF

inexroofing.com Call for your FREE Roof Evaluation

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Call our office today!

480-460-7602 Your leaks stop here!

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

New Roofs, Repairs, Coatings, Flat Roof, Hot Mopping & Patching & Total Rubber Roof Systems

www.porterroofinginc.com

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

480-446-7663 Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 269218

MISSED THE DEADLINE? FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hirerooﬁng.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

Call us to place your ad online!

480-898-6465

SAME DAY SERVICE 30 Years Experience References Available

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

Senior & Military Discounts

480-280-0390

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

palmabrisa.com

NOW SELLING

A new gated resort community is coming soon in the Ahwatukee Foothills with a dramatically different style. It feels exclusive, but also lively and exciting — and it's called Palma Brisa. • Modern resort-style gated community with stately palms

• Diverse architecture: Modern Bungalow, Urban Farmhouse, Italian Cottage, Andalusian, Modern Craftsman, French Country, and Spanish Mission • Four amenity areas connected by expansive lawns

• Homes from 1,700 sq. ft. to 4,000 sq. ft. from the $400’s

ERIC WILLIAMS

480-641-1800

TERRY LENTS

© Copyright 2019 Blandford Homes, LLC. No offer to sell or lease may be made prior to issuance of Final Arizona Subdivision Public Report. Offer, terms, and availability subject to change without prior notice. Renderings are artist’s conceptions and remain subject to modification without notice.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

LABOR DAY IT’S OUR BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR … WE’D RATHER SELL IT THAN COUNT IT! NOW IS THE TIME TO GET TO SPENCERS ... YOU NEED A DEAL, WE NEED TO MOVE IT OUT OF OUR WAREHOUSE. EVERY MANUFACTURER HAS LOWERED PRICES!! ASK ABOUT OUR EXCLUSIVE REBATES. GET TO SPENCERS TODAY!!

MONTHS NO INTEREST**

√ BEST PRICES

√ BEST SELECTION √ BEST SERVICE OVER THE RANGE MICROWAVE

G R E AT DEAL! FPBM307NTF CLOSEOUT

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST**

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

18 CU. FT. REFRIGERATOR

• 2 Adjustable Glass Shelves • Fixed Gallon Door Shelves • Sealed Drawers with Glass Cover

449 499 UN58TU7000

GRM183TW

RANGE

4.5 CU. FT. WASHER

• Super Speed • Steam • Self Clean Plus • 10 Preset Wash Cycles

7.5 CU. FT. DRYER

• 2.1 Cu. Ft. • 400 CFM • 2 LED Lights • Power Sense™ Cooking Technology

REFRIGERATOR

• Dryer Rack • Steam Sanitize Plus • Sensor Dry • 10 Preset Dryer Cycles

599

199

e l Sa • ProBake Convection™ • EasyClean® • Large Capacity (6.3 Cu. Ft.) • UltraHeat™ 3.2kW Power Burner

• Slim SpacePlus® Ice System • Dual Ice Maker • Print Proof™ Finish • Smart Cooling® System • LG SmartThinQ™ App Compatible • SmartDiagnosis™ • LoDecibel™ Quiet Operation • ENERGY STAR® Qualified

LSE4611ST

OVER THE RANGE MICROWAVE

• 1.8 Cu. Ft. • Sensor Cooking • 1000 Watts • 2 Power Levels LMV1831SS

LFXS26973S

EACH **

*Pedestals not included.

DISHWASHER

DISHWASHER • True Steam • LED Tube Light • Lo Decibel (42 DBA) LDT7808SS

• QuietPower™ Motor • 14-Level Wash System • Heated Dry Option • Hot Start option • Deluxe Silverware Basket GSD2100NBB

299 4149

BUYS ALL 4 PIECES

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

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

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

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