Ahwatukee Foothills News - Dec. 7, 2016

AHWATUKEE

Kyrene officials firmly behind all-day kindergarten despite conservatives’ assaults

Friction, water issue loom over Club West golf course purchase plan

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

Club West homeowners will learn next week the details of a plan to buy and operate their beleaguered golf course.

Save Club West will lay out the plan at a 6:30 p.m. meeting Dec. 14 at Mountain View Community Church, Pecos Road and 24th Street, Ahwatukee. Both state Rep. Jill Norgaard and Chad Blostone, chairman of the village planning committee, are expected to speak.

The road to an ownership change remains rocky.

While the group is still trying to resolve the course’s irrigation problem, friction continues between Save Club West and the community’s homeowners association board.

Save Club West leader Jim Lindstrom said the HOA board has withheld its support and cooperation with his effort.

“They keep hanging on to these feeble distractions,” he said.

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

As the state Legislature prepares for a new session next month, funding for all-day kindergarten appears to be unlikely as some conservative Republicans raise questions about its value and the absence of standards.

But Kyrene School District officials are prepared to continue all-day K, convinced that its positive contribution to early education is well-documented.

Apparently, so are parents in the district.

“The bottom line is we cannot deliver our present-day kindergarten curriculum in a half-day model,” said Kyrene Superintendent Jan Vesely.

Noting that only six parents opted for halfday kindergarten while 1,570 enrolled in the all-day program this year, Vesely added, “Clearly our community understands the importance of early childhood education. Parents want this kind of education for their young children.”

All-day K has been a political football in Arizona for nearly a decade even as

HOA President Paul Moroz told Lindstrom in an email that his “adversarial interactions make dealing with you difficult” and that “if you wish to work as a team, a change in behavior is suggested.”

Wilson Gee, who owns all three golf courses in Ahwatukee and sold the fourth at Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club, said he cannot afford the $700,000 annual water bill from Phoenix for irrigating the Club West course. He’s put it up for sale with an asking price of $1.9 million, simultaneously fighting a lawsuit by the Club West HOA board that accuses him of “not operating the golf

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Ahwatukee dentist helps smiles of needy Jamaican children

BY ADRIANNA BECERRA AFN Staff Writer

An Ahwatukee dentist has helped close to 3,000 smiles in Jamaica.

Dr. Harvey Arnce has traveled to Jamaica every year for the last 10 years with Great Shape Inc., a humanitarian organization that provides education and healthcare services to the people of Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Arnce said that about 700 volunteers travel to the Caribbean each year.

“About 15 years ago, some dentists decided to go down and see what they can do,” said Arnce.

The mission has grown every year since. Although the organization also provides eye care, surgery and literacy and computer training, Arnce said dentistry is by far the biggest service.

Clinics are open across the Caribbean island, with the organization bringing their own equipment, including chairs, tables and dental materials.

“In each clinic you would see about 50 or 60 people a day,” said Arnce.

The dentist of 37 years got involved in the

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NEIGHBORS

organization by chance.

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“I just saw an ad in the paper that they were looking for volunteers,” he said, “I thought it was a good idea.”

Arnce said that with only six dentists on the entire west side of the island, the people are grateful for the help.

Once, he recalled, he had to cut off the growing line outside the clinic because it was time to close. He was surprised that instead of frustration, he was met with gratitude.

“I went out to tell people we couldn’t see any more people and the lady said, ‘That’s ok; it makes us feel good that somebody cares,’” he said.

Providing care, education and service are what Great Shape Inc. strives to accomplish.

“Giving people hope that things can get better and there are people who care,” Arnce said.

He has found that the trips to Jamaica not only are beneficial for the people there, but for the volunteers as well. He said it gives volunteers a perspective they would not get otherwise.

“When you go down there and see what people deal with on a daily basis—

no healthcare, no dental care and they’re in pain—and you come back here, you can well appreciate how good we have it,” he said.

To volunteer or donate to Great Shape: greatshapeinc.org.

Coldwell Banker names Sue Bentley sales chief here

Associate broker Sue Bentley will be leading the sales team of the new Ahwatukee office of Coldwell Banker

Residential Brokerage, at 10429 S. 51st St.

Bentley, who has more than 25 years of real estate experience, said she follows the brokerage’s philosophy.

“They place huge importance on the experience our customers have when they buy or sell their home. Coldwell Banker continually looks for ways to innovate and exceed expectations to remain relevant in a real estate marketplace that is crowded with options. Since I have always maintained the same philosophy, Coldwell Banker is a natural fit for me.”

A Phoenix resident for more than 40 years, Bentley left the agency for a while to help her husband, Randy Whiteside, who provides prosthetic care for soldiers who were wounded in Operation

>> See NEIGHBORS on page 6

NEIGHBORS

Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Bentley has successfully closed almost 3,000 transactions in the Valley, the company said, and has received numerous honors and awards.

In 2012, Bentley’s team was named Top Team in Arizona by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. She also is active with the Phoenix Rescue Mission and Adopt-a-Pet.

Local student receives scholarship at Chadron State Chadron State College in Nebraska has announced that Estevan Casillas of Ahwatukee is a recipient of the Hale/ Johnson/Driscoll Memorial for $1,000.

The scholarship is named after a couple who met at the school and left he college with a large endowment in their will.

Estevan is the son of John and Catherine Casillas of Ahwatukee.

The re-arrest and retrial of a former Ahwatukee man for the 2004 death of his 5-year-old son has been delayed while the state Supreme Court considers his lawyer’s request for an appeal.

The state Court of Appeals in September overturned a Superior Court’s decision to throw out Jeffrey Martinson’s case three years ago.

Although Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery said he will refile a firstdegree murder charge against Martinson in the August 2004 drug overdose death of his son, Joshua Eberle-Martinson, a spokeswoman for the county attorney said that action has been delayed pending the Supreme Court’s decision.

A re-arrest would mark the third time Martinson would face charges in his son’s death in a case that has had a number of legal twists and turns.

Martinson had a scheduled weekend visitation with his son. When her son was not returned to her Sunday evening, the child’s mother called police to check on Martinson’s Ahwatukee apartment.

Police discovered Martinson lying on his bed, unresponsive with his wrists cut. In another room they found the boy dead and a toxicology report later found evidence of a lethal amount of muscle relaxant in the child’s blood.

Prosecutors initially filed first-degree murder charges against Martinson, contending he deliberately killed the boy because he was upset with his visitation schedule and hated the child’s mother. He was not married to her.

But the Judge Sally Duncan first barred prosecutors from arguing the murder was premeditated.

Martinson was convicted by a jury in 2011.

But Duncan interviewed jurors and concluded that some of the panel had committed misconduct, so she voided the verdict.

In jail since his arrest in 2004, Martinson was arrested a second time. But in 2013, just as he was about to go on trial, Duncan set him free.

The judge accused the county attorney’s office of prosecutorial conduct and barred it from ever prosecuting Martinson in the murder case again.

Residents can grill True Life about Ahwatukee Farms today

The owner of the defunct golf course at Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club is giving the public a chance to grill its experts on its proposed “agrihood” for the 101-acre site today.

True Life Companies will have six to eight stations devoted to specific aspects of the plan during the meeting at 5 p.m. in Mountain Pointe High School cafeteria, 4201 E. Knox Road, Ahwtaukee.

Attendees “can have a dialogue with experts and ask questions about specific parts of the vision for Ahwatukee Farms and the process to make it a reality,” spokesman Drew Sexton said. “Residents can spend as much time at each station as they would like and learn more from these experts.”

The stations will be manned by:

• Aidan Barry, Todd Severson and Quentin Thornton of True Life, who will discuss the overall vision of Ahwatukee Farms and how community-supported agriculture fits into the community;

• Shetal Walters and Sonia Carver of Desert Garden Montessori School, who will focus on their plans;

• Darrell Wilson of the civil engineering firm Hilgart Wilson, who will provide residents with information on flood control plans and the area’s hydrology;

• Don Dyekman of Dickinson Wright and Jason Morris of Withey Morris, who will explain the consent form, and “how it protects residents and what the legal process is.”

• Chuck Wright of Kimley Horn, who will discuss the steps being taken to reduce traffic in the area.

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Republican legislative leaders oppose state income tax elimination

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Had he not lost to Senator-elect

Sean Bowie, Tempe Republican Frank Schmuck apparently would have received a cold shoulder from his GOP colleagues in the state Legislature over the central plank of his campaign platform—eliminating the state income tax.

The Republican-controlled legislature doesn’t plan to vote this coming year—or in the near future—to eliminate the tax.

In his campaign for the Legislative District 18 Senate seat, covering Ahwatukee and parts of Chandler, Tempe and Mesa, Schmuck hammered constantly on his plan to gradually replace the income tax with a consumption levy on everything but gas, clothing and food.

tourists.

After the election, Bowie, an Ahwatukee Democrat and the only member of the state Senate who has never served in the Legislature, said he didn’t think Schmuck’s platform resonated with voters.

It’s not resonating with Schmuck’s party, either.

“ Anything that lowers taxes...is a good idea. ” —Gov. Ducey

Incoming House Speaker J.D. Mesnard of Chandler said he wants to focus on creating a single-rate income tax, collapsing the current system of five tax brackets into one. But it would not technically be a “flat tax’’ because Mesnard proposes to have sufficient tax credits to ensure that those at the bottom of the income scale do not end up paying more.

a champion of providing dollar-fordollar state income tax credits to people who contribute to charities as well as to “school choice’’ programs. That includes one where the donated funds are given to parents for scholarships to send their children to private and parochial schools.

Yarbrough runs the Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization, the largest of the groups that benefits from and gives out those credits. No income tax means no tax credits—and Yarbrough’s operation is out of business.

The reticence by the two top legislative leaders to move toward cutting income taxes could put them on a collision course with Gov. Doug Ducey.

He campaigned on a promise of working every year to move the tax rate “as close to zero as possible.’’ And Ducey told Capitol Media Services he remains convinced that lower tax rates are a good thing.

when we’re talking to companies like Raytheon or Rogers or Google of why we’re a better place to do business,’’ the governor explained. “That brings the jobs that employ our citizens. And that’s what really expands our state budget.’’

And asked specifically about a singlerate tax, Ducey said “anything that lowers taxes, simplifies taxes or flattens taxes is a good idea.’’

Lowering revenues, however, is not what Mesnard has in mind, at least for now. Mesnard said he envisions a “revenue-neutral’’ proposal, where the amount of money the income tax brings in under the current system remains the same.

And there’s something else that could affect how much Arizona can afford to cut taxes: Whether the state has the money.

He reasoned that such a tax would yield millions in untapped revenue from

Chandler Sen. Steve Yarbrough, the new Senate President, has a different agenda. In fact, he actually likes the idea that Arizona has an income tax.

The reason is that Yarbrough has been

“We have to recognize our state is in a competitive situation with places like California, Utah, Colorado, Florida and Texas,’’ he said.

“We want to always have a story

Yarbrough told the annual conference of the business-oriented Arizona Tax Research Association that current projections translate to approximately $625 million in new revenues during

INCOME TAX

from page 8

the next three years on top of the current $9.6 billion budget.

“The reality is that formula spending is using up nearly all of our potential increased revenue,’’ he said.

Just student growth and inflation will boost the state’s obligation to public schools by $118 million next fiscal year, $134 million the following year and $167 million the year after that.

Then there’s the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, the state’s Medicaid program, where Yarbrough projects an additional $60 million needed this coming budget year, rising to $144 million two years after that.

Take all that out, Yarbrough said, and it leaves lawmakers with just $24 million this coming year for any tax cuts or new programs.

“Calls for (state-funded) all-day kindergarten, infrastructure needs and paying a higher percentage of university resident student tuition costs are all potentially worthy efforts,’’ he said. That, he said, makes some proposals already being promoted likely non-starters.

What’s behind income tax Mesnard’s plan is the fact that Arizona currently has five brackets.

It starts at 2.59 percent for those with an adjusted gross income of less than $10,000 a year for individuals, an income figure that comes after some existing state deductions and credits.

The top rate is 4.54 percent for those with adjusted state income of $150,000 or more.

What Mesnard envisions is a single rate—to be determined—but with builtin provisions for certain deductions and credits to ensure that the changes do not result in a higher burden for those in the lower tax categories.

This isn’t Mesnard’s first attempt at compressing the brackets.

In 2013 he pushed a measure through the Joint Task Force on Income Tax Reform to take the first step by compressing the categories. He structured that plan so that virtually no one making less than $100,000 a year would pay more. But even that proved to be a non-starter.

Sen. Steve Farley, D-Tucson, said he feared all this was designed to promote a true flat tax, with every Arizonans paying the same percentage of his income. And he was not convinced by Mesnard’s assurance that was not the ultimate goal.

“Why should we move toward that direction if the pure version of going toward that direction is so reprehensible?’’ Farley asked at the time.

And he said if lawmakers are interested in jump-starting the economy they should look at tax relief for those in the lower-half of the income scale who are more likely to go out and spend what they have “instead of tanking it away in a New York investment bank.’

Kyrene buses provide extra safety for kids with seatbelts

BY JIM WALSH AFN Staff Writer

Kyrene School District opts for an extra measure of safety amid the ongoing debate of whether school buses should have seat belts and if they would decrease injuries to children in traffic accidents.

District officials went with seatbelts, standing apart from other nearby school systems that don’t equip their buses with them.

The decades-old issue has taken on new urgency since six elementary school students were tragically killed on Nov. 21 in a school bus crash in Chattanooga, TN. Police and school officials have said the driver was speeding on a windy road before he struck a pole and a tree.

The force was so great in the collision that the bus was found wrapped around the tree. A Tennessee legislator has called for renewed efforts to require that school buses be equipped with seat belts, even though police have not said whether seat belts would have saved anyone’s life.

an already safe bus,’’ said Eric Nethercutt, Kyrene’s director of transportation and buildings. “The cargo we transport is people’s kids. There’s nothing more important to them.’’

About 80 percent of Kyrene’s buses are equipped with seat belts and those without seat belts are used only as backups.

“We felt it was a common sense move to take that next step for the safety of kids,’’ Nethercutt said.

But Mesa takes a more traditional approach, citing the heavy duty steel construction of school buses, the high padded seats, and the compartmentalized approach to safety as reasons why school buses rank as among the safest possible forms of transportation.

Terry Locke, a Chandler Unified School District spokesman, said Chandler has a fleet of 200 buses that are not equipped with seat belts. He said special needs buses have seat belts as required by law.

Anderson Springs

Johnthony Walker, 24, the driver was arrested and charged with five counts of vehicular homicide, with more charges pending. Court documents said he was driving “well above the posted speed limit of 30 mph.’’ Walker had been involved in one minor prior accident and there reports that he had trouble controlling the children and they did not feel safe with him behind the wheel.

Chattanooga police detectives have been focusing on the criminal case and have not offered an opinion on whether seat belts would have made a difference in the survival of children, said Elisa Myzal, a Chattanooga communications coordinator.

She said the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, which focuses on how to avoid similar tragedies in the future, is more likely to address the issue of seat belts. No children were thrown from the bus in Chattanooga.

The Kyrene School District has been replacing its fleet of school buses with propane-powered buses to cut fuel costs, emissions and maintenance. Authorities also opted for a model equipped with seat belts.

“The seat belts add a layer of safety to

A chart prepared by the American School Bus Council and NHTSA says that between 2005 and 2014, school bus accidents were responsible for less than 1 percent of student fatalities during school travel hours. It says that teen drivers were responsible for 57 percent of deaths and adult drivers were responsible for 23 percent.

The council says that students are 70 times more likely to arrive safely at school if they travel by bus than by car.

“School buses are carefully designed on a different transportation and protection model than the average passenger car. The children are protected like eggs in an egg carton – compartmentalized, and surrounded with padding and structural integrity to secure the entire container. The seat backs are raised and the shell is reinforced for protection against impact,’’ the council says on its web site.

Jeanne Vandemark, Mesa’s director of transportation, said statistics show that students are more likely to be injured when they stepping off a bus or onto a bus than during a rollover accident.

About half of Mesa Public Schools’ larger fleet of buses, mostly smaller buses often used to transport special needs students and pre-schoolers, are equipped

SEAT BELTS

with seat belts as required by federal law. The large buses do not have seat belts and there is no federal requirement to have them.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends seat belts for the larger buses but does not mandate them, and only six states require seat belts. Authorities say retrofitting a bus to add seat belts can be a costly proposition, ranging from $7,000 to $10,000 per bus.

Mesa has a fleet of 541 buses and provides about 37,800 rides per day. Kyrene has a fleet of 110 propane buses purchased after voters approved a bond issue in 2010. Kyrene started with 25 propane buses and bought more once it was clear they were reliable. Kyrene provides about 12,000 student trips per day.

“The bottom line is that we want to protect children, period,’’ Vandemark said.

But she is not sure seat belts offer a panacea for safety, saying that she believes fires are a bigger threat to school buses than rollover accidents.

Cynthia Wells, a Mesa school bus driver at the time, was praised for quick-

thinking and resourcefulness when she smelled a wisp of smoke coming from a location near her radio on May 8, 2014.

Wells stopped her special needs bus in a parking lot near Brown Road and Country Club Drive and evacuated an assistant and four Carson Junior High School students without injury.

Mesa firefighters found the engine compartment on fire when they arrived on scene, according to published reports.

A second bus was dispatched to take the special education students to Carson Junior High.

“I lived through a school bus fire,’’ Vandemark, a former school bus driver, said. “I don’t think they would have been evacuated from the bus in a timely manner if they were wearing seatbelts.’’

But Nethercutt said he doesn’t think seat belts would be an obstacle in evacuating children.

“Every kid is used to wearing seat belts. They already wear seat belts in a car,’’ he said.

Nethercutt said he believes the federal government may require seat belts eventually, especially after the Chattanooga deaths. He said the cost of retrofitting a bus is so high that he would expect a “soft conversion,’’ with buses that don’t have seatbelts gradually

replaced by those with seat belts.

The cost of retrofitting is so high because up to 72 seats have to be torn out and replaced with new ones that can accommodate the three-point belts, he said.

A Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning

“I would say it is probably heading in the direction that we are going,’’ Nethercutt said. “What happened in Tennessee will probably intensify the focus.’’

We have been parents at Keystone Montessori for over nine years and this is the only school that both of our kids attended. We believe Keystone has provided our children with the perfect blend of social, emotional and intellectual development. The Keystone staff and teachers have done a remarkable job in fostering the intellectual curiosity coupled with emotional maturity in our kids that we believe have prepared them for their next steps of high school and then college.

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ALL DAY

from page 1

evidence grows of its importance in early education.

Former Gov. Janet Napolitano pushed through state funding in 2007, but the Republican Legislature in 2010 terminated it, deciding to pay only for a half-day program.

Numerous school districts in the state have held budget override elections since then to get voter approval for local funding of all-day K.

Kyrene voters approved an override covering 15 percent of the district’s cost. “We receive $11.76 a day to provide kindergarten instruction, a figure that would be even lower if Kyrene didn’t have the support of local taxpayers in the Kyrene community,” Vesely said.

She said that while the state pays $3,681.09 for every student in first through eighth grade, kindergarten funding amounts $1,840.55 per child. With the override, the district’s outside revenue for kindergarten totals $2,116.63 per student.

“Parents recognize that even this amount would not cover the cost of daycare for 10 months, let alone the

cost of quality instruction provided by certified teachers with endorsements in early childhood education,” Vesely said.

Although there were hopes that voters’ overwhelming approval of Proposition 123 last year would lead to a restoration of state funding for all-day kindergarten, Republican legislative leaders are already complaining that the state cannot afford its $218-million-a-year price tag.

Political observers say that unless the governor throws his support behind it, all-day kindergarten will likely be a nonstarter in budget talks next year.

The broad coalition of education and business leaders wants all-day K restored.

Arizona and 33 other states require only half-day kindergarten, while 11 make all-day K mandatory. The rest have no kindergarten mandates.

Republican leaders in the Legislature didn’t wait long after the Nov. 8 election to begin signaling their feelings about all-day kindergarten.

Incoming House Speaker J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, told the Arizona Tax Research Association last month that the state not only couldn’t afford it, but that its effectiveness seemed in doubt.

“There was research indicating there was a bump in student achievement early

on because of full-day kindergarten,” Mesnard said. “But then it sort of diminished or went away entirely later on. So, I think we’re going to have to revisit some of that research to see is this an effective use of our dollars.’’

Because there are no learning standards past the required 2 1/2 hours, not all schools set high academic expectations, said state Sen. Steve Smith, a Republican from Pima County. He said some constituents who paid for full-day kindergarten were unhappy.

“They played games. It was effectively babysitting time,” Smith said. “They did not have the same teacher as they did the first half of the day.”

“For me as a parent, to want to put my child in all-day K, there had to be some sort of actual achievement and learning going on the second half of the day,” Smith said.

Lisa Fink, a parent and board president of Choice Academies charter schools, told the Arizona education board fullday kindergarten is a waste.

She cited a 2014 study by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy that concluded kindergarteners in Washington did not benefit from a daylong program, given its cost.

Children “need that play time. They need naps,” Fink said. “All-day kindergarten is a recurring fad; it is not the solution.”

Vesely and Kyrene board member John King, a Republican, said Kyrene abounds in proof of all-day kindergarten’s positive impact on young children’s educational development.

“The days of naps and cookies in kindergarten are long gone,” Vesely said. “Kindergartners are expected to add and subtract numbers up to 10, count to 100 by ones and 10s; spell simple words phonetically; and describe measurable attributes of objects such as length and weight.”

“They also are expected to be able to write at least three complete sentences by the end of the school year—which means they must also know how to read,” she continued. “The research is clear about the benefits of full-day kindergarten.” King also differs with his fellow Republicans in the Legislature.

“The most fundamental learning a child at an early age can have is how to read and function socially,” he said. “The value of all-day kindergarten is that it stresses the value of reading and makes for greater success as students.”

course at the contractually required level equal to or exceeding other upscale public courses.”

Officials help search for water

Gee had curtailed watering the course in June, giving its once-lush green fairways “a haylike appearance,” the suit alleges. For several days in August, the city shut off the water because Gee owed more than $100,000 in unpaid bills.

A number of officials—including Norgaard, Blostone and Phoenix Councilman Sal DiCiccio—have been working to resolve the complicated water issue.

Club West’s course is now irrigated with expensive potable water.

The ideal solution, Lindstrom said, would be finding much cheaper well water.

The easiest solution would involve using Lakewood’s well to reach the aquifer, which is a rich source of cheaper water.

But the Lakewood HOA board so far has refused to even discuss the issue, saying its water is not for sale.

Blostone said no one wants to take Lakewood’s water, but rather reach a source of water it doesn’t have rights to.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has agreed to help provide an infrastructure of pipelines to get the water to 24th Street, where it could then be transported to Club West through an already-existing pipe.

ADOT also is providing a water expert to help Club West find either another well or a location where a well could be drilled.

But that involves finding the right spot along the southern edge of the South Mountain Freeway path.

ADOT spent nearly $1 million trying to find a new well site when it learned that one of the initial designs for the freeway threatened another well used by area residents. The effort came up dry.

Friction remains with board

“There are other wells in the neighborhood that are candidates to provide additional water for the Club West course,” Lindstrom said.

And if that doesn’t work, he added, “One possible solution could be to levy each homeowner $100 a year to defray

the cost of watering the course.”

The friction between Save Club West and the HOA board has continued unabated ever since Lindstrom formed the organization, now numbering about 675 homeowners.

Lindstrom said he and other members are unhappy that the HOA is spending money to sue Gee, saying that won’t solve the water problem.

Asked if the two sides have discussed the golf course purchase plan, Lindstrom replied, “We’re not talking at all. It’s not our choice.”

He said he had asked the board if he could include a notice of next week’s meeting in an annual report that the board mails to Club West’s approximate 2,400 homeowners.

He said the board rejected it because it had too many typographical errors.

Moroz said Lindstrom did not get the flyer to the board with enough time so the HOA’s lawyer could review it, since it could affect the HOA’s lawsuit against Gee.

“The entire document was riddled with grammar and punctuation errors in addition to an unclear message,” Moroz said.

Right now, it appears the two sides remain at odds, although Lindstrom said, “At end of the day, we know we need the board if this proposal is going to fly. We need them engaged.”

Asked whether the HOA board supports the purchase plan, Moroz replied, “The association is not privy to the specifics of the homeowners plans to buy the course. The board is made up of seven volunteer residents of Club West, and as any resident, we will review the plan presented and come to our own conclusion regarding the golf course purchase.”

He added the board has not been asked to take a position on the purchase plan and “it therefore has not been on our agenda for discussion at any board meeting.”

“But should there be any new owner of the golf course, the association hopes for a positive working relationship,” Moroz said, adding:

“It also hopes that any new owner has the necessary capital and brings on the appropriate staff and personnel to maintain and operate the course. A well-maintained and -operated course is a

for the entire community.”

South Mountain Freeway will have Wright influences

The Arizona Department of Transportation says the South Mountain Freeway will carry influences of the late pioneer of modern architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright.

In the late 1920s, Wright planned to design a desert resort in what is now Ahwatukee.

To produce drawings for the project, Wright and his colleagues built a temporary settlement, called “Ocatillo,” near what is now 32nd Street and twothirds of a mile north of what will be the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway. The name intentionally misspelled ocotillo, the desert plant that grew in abundance there.

While the stock market crash of 1929 ended Wright’s project, ADOT said in a release its freeway design team is honoring Wright as it fashions the aesthetics for bridges, sound walls and other elements.

“Frank Lloyd Wright had a strong presence at the base of South Mountain before Ahwatukee was even built,” said Joe Salazar, ADOT’s roadside development, project landscape and architecture coordinator. “Frank Lloyd Wright was inspired by Arizona’s desert surroundings, and the South Mountain

Freeway will tell that story.”

One of the freeway’s five “aesthetic character areas,” between Ahwatukee Foothills and the Interstate 10/Loop 202 Santan Freeway interchange, is named for and influenced by Wright’s Ocatillo settlement, ADOT said.

“Simple materials in the patterns on architectural features in that freeway segment will celebrate that area’s desert landscape and vegetation,” the release stated.

The wood walls of Wright’s Ocatillo settlement featured bold horizontal lines to echo the desert floor and the area’s long horizons.

So, the freeway’s sound walls and retaining walls will have horizontal lines, in contrast with the vertical lines used along other Valley freeways.

“These horizontal lines evoke a sense of motion, a perfect complement to the energy of a freeway,” said architect Victor Sidy, who is working with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation on the project. “As one travels through the length of the freeway, these lines will serve as a connective thread that will narrate a story of transition from the city to the natural desert and back to the city.”

ADOT called its aesthetics “an essential part of any ADOT design project.”

“Creating looks that complement the surroundings help tell an area’s story and create a more appealing environment for drivers,” it said.

There will be five “landscape character areas”—including ones bearing the names “Ahwatukee Neighborhood” and “Ahwatukee Foothills”—with specific plants, color accents, ground treatments and other elements.

“Together, these character areas will tell stories by highlighting land use, land forms and history. The Ahwatukee Foothills/Cholla Ocotillo segment, for example, will feature desert plants and simple shapes based on the forms of native cholla and ocotillo cactuses,”

ADOT said.

“Wright’s influence will be evident in other ways. In the Mountain Urban Link character area, for example, interlocking L-shapes planned for design elements are inspired by the work of both Wright and Paolo Soleri, the renowned modern architect behind Arcosanti and Cosanti in Arizona,” ADOT said.

Salazar called the South Mountain Freeway “a rare opportunity to create aesthetics and landscaping for an entire freeway corridor at once rather than in stages.”

Information: SouthMountainFreeway. com.

Depression scuttled Frank Lloyd Wright’s plans for East Valley, Ahwatukee

BY MIKE BUTLER

AFN Staff Writer

The city of Chandler and the Ahwatukee Foothills would look and feel very different today if Dr. A.J. Chandler and famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright had a little better luck and timing.

If they’d succeeded, wealthy winter visitors—guests of the lavish San Marcos in the Desert resort— would be sipping drinks tonight and looking down at twinkling lights radiating outward from 32nd Street and Chandler Boulevard.

They and tens of thousands of other snowbirds and East Valley residents would be visiting a Taliesin West nestled in the San Tan Mountains instead of North Scottsdale.

the tidal wave of the Great Depression.

And as history so often proves, slight twists and turns and ill-timed insults can send well-laid plans ricocheting off in unpredictable directions.

some of his grand schemes, Wright wrote a letter back, which is recounted in his autobiography:

“I see in you a man worth a man’s time to work one’s best with.”

But not even visionary giants like Chandler and Wright could turn back

in the late 1920s. After they met for the first time, and Chandler had outlined

Hungry to know more about this ultimately star-struck relationship, Jody Crago, administrator of the Chandler Museum, and associate Nate Meyers, curator of collections, went to work.

They dived into the extensive archives of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and tracked down descendants of those who knew the men.

They compiled their findings recently into a fascinating exhibit/ presentation titled “Frank Lloyd Wright and a New Vision for Chandler.”

Even though Dr. Chandler and Wright never connected on a building for the

ages, Crago and Meyers came to realize that Wright’s experience in the lower Sonoran Desert was hardly wasted. In fact, it informed many of his most influential ideas.

“This was some of the most fun research we’ve ever done,” says Crago. “You really get a sense of both Chandler and Wright. It started out as the stereotypical designer-owner relationship, but I think they grew to truly enjoy each other’s company.”

What could have been

Broke, going through a divorce and in the company of Olgivanna, who became his third and last wife, the flamboyant Frank Lloyd Wright swept into the Valley for the first time in 1928 to work as a consultant on the Arizona Biltmore Hotel near 24th Street and

ABM officials satisfied Phoenix mayor is listening to them

about services within Ahwatukee that are visibly suffering.

Ahwatukee Board of Management officials say Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton appears to be listening to their concerns.

ABOM President Dan Smith and an entourage of the HOA’s officials met earlier this month with Stanton and some of his staff to discuss landscaping and other issues.

“We are appreciative to have had the ear of the mayor,” said ABM assistant general manager Karen Young. “We are encouraged by his interest in our concerns so that we can expedite the performance of city services we’re sorely lacking to ensure Ahwatukee looks its best.

Young and General Manager Robert Blakesly accompanied Smith and board treasurer Christopher Gentis to the meeting.

“We discussed city services and maintenance in Ahwatukee,” Young said. “We shared with Mayor Stanton that we were not there to complain, we commended staff on the sidewalk repairs and ADA bus stop modifications, but we also advised him of our real concern

Among those concerns were the condition of traffic light poles and street signs. Young said directed his staff to contact the city manager’s office to see how they could move forward more quickly with the badly faded poles.

She also said street signs would be replaced with the same white-on-green signs that are traditionally used in the city.

“We discussed the poor condition of a great many of our streets in Ahwatukee,” Young said. “Although some have had overlay, the process has been hit or miss and seems to have stopped. Mr. Stanton directed his staff to contact the Street Department staff and advise as to when Ahwatukee could expect to see some real progress.”

When the delegation brought up landscape maintenance in city rights of way, Young said Stanton told the ABM group that the recent increase in city property tax meant “improved landscape maintenance frequency.”

“He also directed staff to visit Ahwatukee with Parks and Rec staff to evaluate and view firsthand areas that we

pointed out which lack maintenance,” Young said. She added the city has promised to landscape and slurry-seal 48th Street between Warner and Elliot roads before the holidays begin. Young said ABM “regularly partners with various branches of Phoenix government for the benefit of all Ahwatukee residents.

She cited the police department’s Hate Crimes Division for prosecution of

individuals responsible for graffiti as well as the Police Community Action Officer for neighbor disputes.

“We also work in tandem with the Neighborhood Preservation Department on some difficult residential blight cases to expedite compliance,” Young said, noting staff “attends ’Tukee Talks’ meetings to maintain a working relationship and be abreast of concerns and safety issues within residential neighborhoods.”

Pima Canyon trailhead neighbors oppose most of city’s improvement plans

BY JIM WALSH AFN Staff Writer

The first phase of improvements planned at South Mountain Park ran into opposition from Ahwatukee residents concerned about a conceptual plan to improve parking at the often crowded and “over-loved’’ Pima Canyon trail head.

Pima Canyon, located near the Arizona Grand resort, is considered the park’s busiest trail head. Electronic trail counters recorded 136,000 visitors from July through November, and park officials estimate more than 186,000 visitors will use the trail head this year, said Gregg Bach, a Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department spokesman. Wedged amid the mountain, a golf course and an upscale residential neighborhood, the trail head offers limited parking, two ramadas, pit toilets and easy access to several trails, including the Desert Classic, Pima Canyon and

(Will Powers/AFN Staff Photographer)

Cars are stacked up along roads leading to the South Mountain trails. A plan to expand parking and to make other trailhead improvements is already generating controversy among neighbors concerned about more noise, pollution and destruction of the desert.

the winter.

A narrow road leading to the trail head passes the course and is often lined with parked cars on busy weekends during

Joe Diaz, principal landscape architect for the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, told a group of residents

at the Ironwood Library last week that parking is “really poorly organized’’ at the trail head.

He said there are 165 spaces, counting those along the road that leads to a gate at 48th Street. The city hopes to add 58 more spaces, replace the pit toilets with real ones and add some “very minimal lighting’’ near restrooms and the ramadas.

Residents peppered Diaz with questions reflecting their opposition to virtually everything except better toilets.

They don’t want lighting, even if the glow is dim. They don’t want pristine desert paved to create more parking spaces, also creating more noise and more people near their homes.

Suggestions included widening a narrow road along a golf course to create more parking away from homes, or even encouraging hikers and

TRAILHEAD

from page 17

mountain bikers to park at a privately owned industrial park located near Beverly Canyon, off Baseline Road and 48th Street.

Diaz stressed that his plan was conceptual and directed residents to a website, surveymonkey.com/r/ pimacanyontrailhead, where they can make suggestions and express opinions.

Parks Director Inger Erickson said she hopes to work out a compromise with residents and would schedule another meeting.

Erickson said her department also hopes to complete some trail improvements during the time that the trail head is closed, combining both projects and improving efficiency.

“I don’t mind people walking by my house. I have an issue with them paving over the desert,’’ said David Drennon, whose home would be located near the new parking spaces.

“I don’t want to deny people access, but I don’t want to disturb the desert either,” he said. “The desert is full of nocturnal animals. The lighting would disturb them.’’

Drennon said more parking is not necessarily a good thing, because a lack of it encourages visitors to go elsewhere.

He said residents who live near the park paid a premium for their homes, hoping to escape city trappings of crowds, asphalt and light pollution.

Park officials said the lighting would not resemble the type found outside a shopping mall. They said the main purpose was to give people leaving the trail after dark a little help in finding their car keys and cell phones.

Pointing toward the conceptual plan, which was displayed on a board, Erickson said she is willing to compromise with

neighbors.

She said there is a delicate balancing act between serving the public at a park visited by an estimated three million people a year, respecting the property rights of neighbors and protecting a desert preserve.

“We need to be cognizant and sensitive to their needs,’’ Erickson said.

But at the same time, she reminded the homeowners, there is nothing private about South Mountain Park.

“This is a regional park. It’s one of the biggest municipal parks in the country,’’ she said. “I think there are a lot of options.’’

Jane Meneely, another neighbor, said that she is opposed to lighting but acknowledged a parking problem. She would like to see the parking area renovated to make it more functional, but does not want to see a large expansion.

“There is a need,’’ she said. “You want to be respectful of the environment and the people who live there.’’

Meneely said she appreciates the city sharing its plans and giving residents an opportunity to comment on the trail head improvements, and hopes that eventually, “we can arrive at some happy place.’’

The city plans to close the trail head from May through October and complete the renovations during the hot summer months, having it ready in time for the cooler months when demand is much higher.

Diaz said park officials plan to develop a more detailed plan for the trailhead improvements during the next months and that meeting with neighbors is part of that process.

It’s all part of a $23 million plan to improve trail heads and park facilities, paid for with sales tax revenues approved by voters.

Camelback Road.

The project’s lead architect, Albert Chase McArthur, a former student, was using a variation of Wright’s innovative textile block system to build the hotel, which probably irked the master. Wright only spent four months on the project.

Hearing that Wright was in town, A.J. Chandler invited him over to the San Marcos hotel.

By this time, Chandler had amassed 18,000 acres of land and had transformed most of it into a verdant oasis, crisscrossed by an orderly network of canals. The San Marcos was a winter playground for the rich and famous.

Chandler wanted his crown jewel to be San Marcos in the Desert, rising from 1,400 acres of land he owned around the South Mountain foothills. After visiting the site, Wright eagerly accepted the commission.

According to Crago’s research, Wright said: “There could be nothing more inspiring to an architect on this earth than [this] spot of pure Arizona desert ... at last here was the time, the place, and in Dr. Chandler, the man.”

Chandler borrowed $900,000 against the San Marcos. He used some of the money to renovate the 15-year-old hotel, and set aside the rest for the new project. Wright got busy drawing so that Chandler could woo other investors.

Returning to Chandler in January 1929, Wright hit on the idea of building a camp on the site of the new hotel to house himself and his draftsmen.

His tent-houses at Ocatilla Desert Camp featured low wood walls and asymmetrical canvas roofs angled to the catch the desert sun.

In photographs of the camp, widely published in architectural journals back in the day, it’s easy to see the lines of Taliesin West forming in Wright’s mind, says Crago. Wright and his entourage stayed at Ocatilla until May, when they could no longer stand the heat, rattlesnakes, tarantulas and scorpions.

Wright’s stunning final vision for San Marcos in the Desert probably exceeded even Chandler’s wildest dreams.

Unlike the Biltmore, which used patterned concrete tiles as a decorative facade, Wright’s blocks were meant to be structural. They were textured to look like the ribs of a saguaro cactus.

Built into the side of a mountain, the geometric structure—accented with copper and glass—featured three terraced floors of guest rooms on each wing. The terraces allowed the roof of

each level to serve as a garden view for the level above.

Other plans

Excited by the way Ocatilla Desert Camp turned out, and seeing how America was turning into a mobile society, Wright designed the San Marcos Water Gardens, a quirky, down-scale motor inn resort.

The concrete, wood and canvas cabins, plus a lodge with a dining room and kitchen, lined the banks of a small system of canals reminiscent of Chandler’s irrigation network.

Crago says Dr. Chandler quibbled with Wright in correspondence about the impracticality of canvas as a desert building material, but Wright never budged, saying only fabric could give the quality of light he desired.

Not caring for the Mission Revival style of the original San Marcos, Wright also drew very detailed exterior/interior plans for the hotel’s Prairie-style makeover.

Wright brought his students down to the southeast Valley in the winter of 1935 to work on an intricate, 12-by12-foot scale model of Broadacre, which represented a four-square-mile community. Dr. Chandler let them take over La Hacienda, a former polo stable he had converted to hotel rooms.

As the Great Depression wore on, it became clear to Wright and Chandler by 1936 that they’d never raise the money for San Marcos in the Desert. They planned a smaller hotel, Little San Marcos in the Desert, in the foothills of the San Tan Mountains.

Wright loved that desert landscape, too, and he let it be known that the area would be a fine place to build the winter home of Taliesin. Crago says J. Lee Loveless, mayor of Chandler then, organized a group of business leaders to buy land for Wright’s western school of architecture.

The architect survived the Depression, and thrived afterwards, but his Arizona benefactor wasn’t so lucky. San Marcos bookings dwindled. Dr. Chandler couldn’t repay that big loan. He lost control of the hotel.

Wright had planned to return to La Hacienda the following year, but the new San Marcos president, Bobby Foehl, was in no mood to let Wright’s group freeload for four winter months.

Furious, Wright immediately began looking for a new home for Taliesin West.

Dr. Chandler wasn’t exactly destitute. He still had a stash of personal cash, and

he was given nice lodgings at the San Marcos. Frank Lloyd Wright, displaying what some might call uncharacteristic sympathy and gratitude, contacted his friend.

Wright and Chandler drove around the East Valley one day, while the architect identified suitable building sites and discussed plans for a proper personal residence. Afterward, an aide asked Wright why he’d done it, knowing that this plan—like everything else—would never happen.

Wright said: “Yes, but we gave him a wonderful morning, didn’t we?”

Gilbert, Tempe among the worst in nation for roof rats

BY RACHEL EROH AFN Staff Writer

Two East Valley cities are in the top 10 nationwide, but not in a category they want.

Gilbert and Tempe are among the worst in the country for roof rats based on data compiled from more than 300 Terminix branches.

Gilbert ranked 2nd and Tempe ranked 5th on the list.

Joel Whalin, the service manager at the Tempe Terminix branch, said that the influx of rodent infestations could be because they’re migrating through the Valley and looking for basic necessities.

“What it all boils down to is do have what they need to survive,” Whalin said. “That’s food, water and shelter.”

The main signs of an infestation include droppings, the smell of urine, chew marks on the property, rat noises at night, and holes in fallen citrus fruits.

The scent of rodent urine is very sweet and difficult to describe but distinguishable, Whalin said.

Citrus plants are a primary food source for rodents, so if homeowners don’t pick up fallen fruits, that can attract unwanted critters.

Homeowners will often see holes in fallen, rotten fruit, which is a sign that rodents are feeding on their property, Whalin said.

If rats have breached a structure, squealing and gnawing can be heard at night due to roof rats’ nocturnal nature.

“Homeowners will hear a lot of noise going on that typically you wouldn’t hear in the middle of the night,” Whalin said.

Even if rodents haven’t entered a structure, pests around a home can still cause issues on the exterior and can lead to roof rats making their way into a

house, Whalin said.

“The reality of it is that there are rats outside and they’re running around everywhere,” Whalin said. “Even though they may not breach a structure and get inside a home, they will still chew on things because there is food and water available.”

The damage that rodents can create inside of a home can affect both the structure of a house and the health of homeowners.

Rodents are capable of chewing through electrical, plumbing and gas lines. Pregnant females are even able to chew right through a wall to find a dark and quiet place to have their babies, Whalin said.

The urine and feces of rodents can contain bacteria that can be harmful to a homeowner if they come into contact with it or ingest it.

“It’s not only about where they can cause physical damage to a home but buildup of their droppings or urine can potentially become a health hazard for the homeowners,” Whalin said.

The best way to prevent an infestation is to eliminate all potential food sources for the rodents. Homeowners should pick up fallen fruit so rodents won’t be attracted to the area, Whalin said.

Another potential food source can be dog food and water that is left outside, Whalin said.

“I’m not saying, especially in Arizona, not to leave food and water out for animals, but just know it can potentially attract rodents,” Whalin said.

Once it is evident there is a rodent infestation, the way a Terminix team handles the situation is by first identifying the kind of rat they are dealing with so they can decide the best way to eradicate it, Whalin said.

Roof rats can cause serious damage to a home.

Then the team begins the process of trapping the rodents by first placing unset traps with bait around an area.

Once the roof rats take the bait, the team goes back and sets the traps with new bait, Whalin said.

“The caution that the rodent has is gone, it feels comfortable feeding in that

area and then we’ll get them,” Whalin said.

Whalin said he strongly advises against homeowners trying to deal with an infestation on their own.

“Unless you know what you’re getting yourself into you’ll be chasing your tail,” Whalin said.

Community

Ahwatukee artist’s book adds dashes of humor to culinary creations

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

If Sandra Marshall’s mom told her never to play with food, the Ahwatukee artist obviously didn’t listen.

Marshall not only turns many lunches and dinners into portraits of people and animals, but now has written a book about her culinary adventures.

The book is full of food-art pieces, with stories that play on words from the recipe used to create them. “You could read this book again and again finding more hidden words with double meanings,” said Marshall, owner of the Be…An Artist Studio, 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee.

Titled “One Hot Night at the Veggie Bar,” with the subtitle “A Collection of of Funky Food Art and Steamy Stories,” the 68-page, high-gloss hardcover shows off Marshall’s kitchen creations and her sense of humor.

Adult humor, that is.

“This one is not for kids,” said Marshall, who expects to publish a less steamy food art book early next year for children. “I included the ‘adult’ themed pictures when I visited the publisher because I thought the graphic designer would appreciate the art of ‘raw’ veggies. They called me and told me they want to do more than one book. The first book had to be the adult book.”

There’s no vegetable or fruit that Marshall won’t—nor can’t—use as she makes things like eggplant zebras, taco Donald Trump, refried bean Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton’s head of bread.

She traces the origin of her food-asfun approach to her daughter’s decision to become a vegetarian at 5 years of age.

“I thought I’d better get to know my vegetables,” Marshall explained. “When I would buy them for recipes I was creating, the colors and shapes just would jump out at me. I couldn’t help myself.”

Now, she added, “I shop and have the best time. They just scream, ‘Panda bear, zebra, sexy lady or family of dolphin!’

The produce guy at our grocery store thought I was a bit off for a long time by the way I stared at his kiwis and other produce. He finally asked me what I was doing. I told him I would bring something in to show him. He laughed so hard when I finally did.

“It is so much fun and I can’t stop now,” she added. “The ideas just spin in my head….I use everything I cut up and sometimes it is just the scraps from dinner that turn into the art.”

“I can’t really explain it. It just comes. I create the dinner, and at night most of the stories come in twilight sleep. I wake up and write them down. When I try to write them in the day, it is harder for me.”

The “steamy” part of her book derives largely from her love of word play and her amusement over “a bit of peppery romance in the kitchen.”

“My husband knows better now than to ask me if we have any ‘fresh salad’

on his way home from work,” she said. “He came home to a salad of a man and woman that was very ‘fresh.’ The stories are all a play on words.”

As an example, a story titled “Fresh Salad” tells the tale of a sexy man named Radicchio, who was cooler than a

cucumber. “She meets a lady at EnDive bar and he loved the way she ‘dressed.’ …She didn’t carr-ot all for him, and the story goes on how he buttered her up, and made her wilt by dancing the salsa.

Mountain Pointe alum aims at social issues through dance

In the waning years of the 20th Century, Jessica Starr was, well, a star at Mountain Pointe High School. She was involved in the Mountain Pointe Dance Company, Senior Company all fours years of high school, part of an award-winning cheer squad, a Key Club member and even choreographed a student presentation of the classic musical “Grease.”

Today, she heads two Los Angeles-based organizations—a professional dance company, Muse Dance, and a nonprofit called MusEffect, which aims at a multimedia approach “to empower social consciousness and healing” with its performances.

This week is a homecoming for Starr, whose dance company will perform “The Divine Direction” in workshops and public performances today through Saturday at the Phoenix Center for the Arts. She also hopes to give special performances at area high schools.

Arizona to earn a fine arts degree.

“I had a really positive experience at Mountain Pointe, not only as an artist, but also as a leader,” she recalled, saying her experiences as captain of the Senior Dance Company and cheer squad “all strongly contributed to developing my love for creating, directing and encouraging other artists.”

“I believe it was this time in my life that I fell in love with the process of developing a story with movement,” added Starr, the daughter of Ahwatukee Realtor Darlene Watson. “Whether it was a competition cheer piece, or an opening number for our dance show, I was also invested in the feeling of the movement."

“The Divine Direction” focuses on a wide variety of issues—marriage equality, domestic abuse, cyberbullying, addiction, depression, female empowerment, deception, forgiveness and patience—in furtherance of her company’s mission: “fostering a constructive dialogue on social issues through performance art, while enriching and empowering audiences of all socioeconomic backgrounds.”

MusEffect, which she founded three years ago, aims to have its audiences “feel the synergy between art, intellect and intention. These three principles, woven together, cultivate positive and permanent changes that elevate the quality of life among our participants.”

Besides live performances, the company also produces public service announcements. A recent one on YouTube about cyberbullying drew one million visits.

Starr, 34, said her dance group grew out of her experiences at Mountain Pointe, where she graduated in 2000 before heading to the University of

She asked herself “What would the audience experience watching my choreography, and how could I impact them beyond the moment? These were all seedling ideas to me as a high school student that have developed into staple thought processes and goals of mine as an artist today.”

Before establishing MusEffect, Starr had a typical professional dance company, Muse Dance, but began feeling “the strong void within the entertainment field of purposeful art.”

So she recruited “my passionate, heartfelt and committed ‘Musers’ to begin creating works with the sole purpose of raising social awareness.”

“Our work was so impactful online that I began getting emails from strangers across the globe saying how our work saved their life, gave them the courage to speak up, to step up and be heard,” she said.

That led her to found MusEffect, whose sole mission is “raising social awareness through the arts.”

“We use dance, film, spoken word and other forms of art to ignite the conversations our world needs to discuss the most,” Starr explained. “MusEffect uses online PSAs and stage shows alike to empower healing and encourage action among our audience.”

While its administrative staff consists

only of Starr and two other people who do most of the behind-the-scenes work, the nonprofit has 15 fulltime dancers and three apprentices, many of whom she has known for as long as a decade.

“Our roots are deep and the commitment to the vision is concrete,” she explained. “Since I travel all over the globe teaching and mentoring young artists, it puts me in front of a lot of incredible talent on a daily basis. Every once in a while I meet a dancer who has a contagious passion for their art and a deep rooted hunger to make a difference with their work.

“I have been blessed to watch many of these incredible humans grow into adults over the years; now I am proud to say that they are the faces of MusEffect.”

Starr also continues to develop a network of support from individuals and organizations around the world.

Her appearance this week in Phoenix is the first leg of a national tour, which she calls an “opportunity to spread our unique vehicle of social elevation through the arts across the nation, stepping right into the communities of those who need to hear our message the most.”

Her public workshop, 10-a.m. to 3 p.m. is is “geared towards all ranges of dancers, young and old, experienced and novice” and aims to “inspire creativity and confidence.”

The workshop and her company’s two public performances, 7-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, are all at the Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. 3rd St., Phoenix.

For information on workshop prices and show tickets: divinedirectionPHX. com. Information on her organization: museffect.org.

Ahwatukee author aims to help people heal with her books

Despite two suicide attempts as a teenager and younger woman, Desraye Halon of Ahwatukee now embraces life.

And the Ahwatukee author, 43, hopes her latest book, “The Soul Knows,” helps others to do the same.

At age 37—slightly more than a decade after her second suicide attempt— she said she went through a “spiritual awakening.”

“I know I am meant to be here and to help others who struggle, to let them know there is no need to have to go to extremes,” Halon said.

Her book, which she describes as partautobiographical, deals with her two “deaths,” and the awakening she went through. She believes such an awakening is open to other people without dying or trying to die, and that her book details “the signs, the symptoms and how to deal with it.”

Halon traces the roots of her suicide attempts to her struggles in Indiana growing up gay and announcing to her

family she was psychic.

“It just wasn’t accepted to say you talk to spirits,” she said. “As I got a bit older, I also struggled with being a gay child/ woman because my family was not on board and, well, hated gay people for a long time. So, both of those made life hard for me to try and deal with all alone.”

“But that’s why I have really put myself out there to help others, kids with either psychic abilities or being gay and might be struggling with it or both, to let them know, it is ok and they are loved and can and will life a happy great life,” she added.

Halon likes to “think of Earth as a school or playground.”

“We came back to interact with each other and learn,” she explained. “Our bodies are our housing for our spirits and we are all connected to everything, we are all from God/Source. I do know the simple things are most important. Do no harm to others, learn and have unconditional love for each other, to be joyful and loving at your core and being is the best way to live, not only a better

life but to manifest your life the way you want it.”

She believes many people “don’t realize that they are in control of their lives” can create the life they want.

“But the keys are being joyful, loving to others, and being grateful and thankful for what you have at the moment and your life you want will come to you.”

“I know some people say that sounds like BS, maybe they are close minded or don’t want to expand them and their thinking. But if you truly believe it and know that, it happens,” she said. “So, if people could try and open their minds and live that way for a month, try it for 30 days, they would see changes. My

goal is to help others know this.”

Halon, who is about to release a fifth book and is working on a sixth, said she writes for “anyone searching for answers to what is out there and what may be happening to them.”

Besides writing, she also helps people heal.

“We all have energy to heal within ourselves and you just have to know how to use your own tools as to how to feel and move the energy,” she said, admitting she runs into people who are skeptical of her psychic claims.

“There is a lot of skepticism with some people, but even those people, they come, feel the energy and feel better after, then they are true believers in it,” she said.

“I have been doing it for a while, just helping and healing myself, family and friends for about three years and that’s why I decided to open a very small business doing it,” she said. “People really feel great after and keep coming back, so I knew it was a need for people….I think it’s a great way to empower people and let them know they can help themselves.”

Her newest book is titled “The Emergency Guide to an Awakening/ Ascension,” and she plans to follow up next year with a book that will look at “how to deal with the bad or painful things in our lives, get through them and live a happy life.”

Her books are published by Light Matters Publishing.

Information: energyhealingbydez.com and desrayehalon.weebly.com.

Founder of high-performance driving school in Chandler gets two big honors

DAVID M. BROWN

AFN Contributing Writer

Bob Bondurant, founder of a highperformance driving school in Chandler that bears his name, has added two new accolades.

He was inducted into the Corvette Hall of Fame and the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.

The twin honors come as he prepares to mark the 49th anniversary of his Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving in February at wild Horse Motorsports Park in Chandler.

“It’s a wonderful affirmation that my fans and peers heartily recognize that I worked very hard for all the wins in my life and that they also recognize that at 83 years old, I go to work every day and live my passion driving and teaching,” he said in an interview. “I have never seen my career as working to live; I have always lived to work.”

Bondurant was accompanied by his wife Pat, their son Jason, of Ahwatukee, and other relatives and Bondurant employees at ceremonies at the National Corvette Museum. Pat is president of the school and Jason the vice president.

Bondurant was honored for his distinguished record driving early second- and third-generation Corvettes in California during the late 1950s and 1960s as well as his later track achievements.

“During Corvette’s early years, Bob Bondurant helped to validate the Chevrolet Corvette as a world-class sports car, winning on racetracks both in the U.S. and abroad,” a hall spokesman

FOODBOOK

from page 21

For people who might want to buy the book for their mother, Marshall advises, “The steamy stories are not too raw. They are just comical and go with the recipe. Of course, people take them in many different ways. Double entendre? It depends on their mindset. I laugh all the time because they ask if ‘I said that,’ or make that look like ‘that’ on purpose. I will never tell.”

But you might want to keep the book away from kids.

“There is one photo of a ‘hot potato’ and that one gets me a bit embarrassed if a child sees it,” she cautioned. “Some are stories of love, passion, and

said in a release.

Bondurant recalled, “Like most racers, I started on ground zero.”

After his father took him to midget-car races in the 1940s, he began competing with his Indian Scout 101 motorcycle, then drove a Morgan automobile competitively in southern California.

“I am an original California hotrodder-turned-white-hot when I started winning everything in my Corvettes,” he said.

From 1959 to 1963, Bondurant drew the world’s attention.

He won the West Coast “B” Production Championship, notching 18 of 20 races

characters trying to find their ‘perfect combination.’ Some are just a recipe for disaster.”

For an artist who has worked most of her life in oils, pastels, acrylics, mixed media and photography, Marshall easily added food as another medium.

“I owned my own chocolate business all through high school,” she said. “I would create all delicious homemade chocolates and sell them at school and around the neighborhood. I was never broke as a kid. I always made my own money.”

A few years ago, she said, “I saw the need to promote healthy eating in children….This is my plan with my children’s books. At our studio, we talk a lot about processed foods, and sugar. We do art programs teaching healthy

He joined the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame as part of its 46th class. Since 1957, this honor has been accorded to athletes, coaches, administrators and others who have significantly contributed to Arizona sports.

“Bob Bondurant and the rest of the 46th Class of the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame epitomize the make-up and caliber of our now 102 members,” said Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission CEO Alan Young.

The driving school began in California in 1968 after Bondurant survived a near-death accident at Watkins Glen, New York, when a steering arm on his McLaren MARK II CanAm snapped at 150 mph. Bondurant’s first students included the late actors and racing enthusiasts Jim Garner and Paul Newman.

The only purpose-built facility of its kind in the world, the school employs 61 instructors, administrative staff and technicians.

in 1958-59. In 1959, Valvoline named him Corvette Driver of the Year and he was National SCCA Driver of the Year.

In June 1964, he and friend Dan Gurney won the GT Class at Le Mans in France.

In 1965, again for Shelby, Bondurant won seven of his 10 races in Shelby Cobras and Daytonas to deliver to Ford and Shelby American the FIA World Manufacturer’s Championship. He is still the only American team to achieve this title.

Bondurant competed in nine Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix events.

eating, and the kids really listen. These upcoming children’s books will be an amazing tool for these programs.”

Right now, Marshall has been busy with her adult book, attending author signings and other public venues, such as the Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party.

She’s pleased with the public reaction.

“The reactions have been amazing,” she said. “(Singer) Neil Diamond’s wife Katie bought it and says she keeps it on her kitchen island at all times. I had my first signing for only 40 minutes at Pomegranate Cafe and sold so many books. I was signing them the whole time and loved chatting with everyone. It was like a dream.”

For anyone who might want to try their hand at food art, Marshal’s book lists the

Nearly 500,000 people have taken various courses, including professional racers, executives, law enforcement officers, military specialists, performance enthusiasts and day-to-day drivers.

Nonprofessionals often just want to become safer and more proficient at handling everyday street and highway driving.

“When you boil it all down into a teaspoon of what we teach at Bondurant, it’s car control,” Pat Bondurant said. “We have always taught the Bondurant Method, a collection of the right things Bob learned as a successful race car driver to make racers into champions and the average driver into a safer driver.”

ingredients for every work presented, but she added, “This is not a ‘how to’ book. It is really just to entertain.

“We have people buy one and then they come back and buy more because they don’t know what to expect. I just had guy buy one, and then he bought 100 more to give to all his foodie friends. It really is a good gift for anyone who likes food. Vegans and vegetarians love it as well because it is all plant-based.”

And even though she continues to buy unusual vegetables for dinner and “look them up on the internet for ways to prepare them,” Marshall admits her artist’s eye sometimes presents a terrible challenge:

“The hardest part of this whole thing is sometimes they are too cute to turn into dinner.”

Desert Vista High band offering concert-fundraiser

The Desert Vista High School band will hold its annual winter concert and fundraiser at 7 p.m. Friday at the school’s Performing Arts Center.

Admission is $5 for the concert, which will feature wind, jazz and steel bands.

Kyrene Foundation seeks toys for needy kids in district

Kyrene Foundation will hold its annual Winter Wonderland Saturday at the school district’s main office, 8700 S. Kyrene Road, Tempe, but it needs toy donations before then.

The foundation is asking people to donate new toys, ranging from dolls and puzzles to action figures and crafts, and drop them off unwrapped at the district office Thursday or Friday.

During Winter Wonderland, volunteers wrap the toy donations.

Altadena Middle School in Ahwatukee has raised almost $12,000 for the effort through a dodgeball tournament sponsored by the PTSO.

Ahwatukee Christmas House open to public Dec. 21

“The Ahwatukee Christmas House,” 2313 E. Taxidea Way, Ahwatukee, will be open to the public 6-9 p.m. Dec. 21.

Visitors will find hundreds of animated figures, ornaments and nativities from around the world, a 10-foot wall of angels, a 12-foot Christmas tree, over 50 nutcrackers, train sets, a 65-house village, over 30,000 lights in and around the house and Santa Claus.

“The magic of Christmas will surround guests,” said homeowner Jim Simpson.

There is no charge to walk through the house, but Simpson is accepting nonperishable food items for donation to local charities.

“After seeing the house, you will think you have been to the North Pole,” he said.

Toy donors can ride a firetruck, police car Saturday

The annual Rides for Toys sponsored by Phoenix Fire is 5-8 p.m. Saturday in the Ahwatukee Target parking lot, 4734 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee.

Last year the foundation served 1,000 children from 327 needy families in the district. Each child received two gifts and their families received a $25 gift card as a result of the community’s generosity.

Parents’ kids can get a free ride in a firetruck or police car if they bring a new unwrapped toy for Valley charities.

Homeless teens in danger can find help on a bus

Homeless, runaway and abused teens can connect to life-changing resources on every Valley Metro and city of Phoenix bus as a result of an arrangement with the Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development.

Valley Metro has expanded its Safe Place program from light rail stations to include all 900 buses that serve 100 routes across 512 square miles.

Safe Place, a national youth outreach program managed locally by the Tumbleweed Center, means teens can go on a bus and ask the driver for help. The driver will contact Tumbleweed and arrange for a center representative to pick up the teenager for transport to a safe place.

Foothills

Baptist Church forecasts snowy day

Children and adults will have something to do at “A Snowy Night in Ahwatukee” 5-8 p.m. Saturday at Foothills Baptist Church, 15450 S. 21st St., Ahwatukee.

their photo taken for $25.

To schedule: 480-689-1261.

Milenio Elementary launches month-long shoe drive

The Milenio Elementary PTO is collecting new and gently worn used shoes to raise money for student classrooms and learning materials.

The shoes are sold to “micro-enterprise vendors, small businesses in developing nations that are typically owned by individuals or families.

The drive extends through Jan. 30. Shoes can be dropped off at the front office, 4630 E. Frye Road, Ahwatukee.

Horizon Church collecting items for homeless women

Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee, is collecting toiletries and new and gently used purses for the women living at the Phoenix Rescue Mission during the holidays.

Shampoo, soap, lip balm, razors, lotion, hygiene products, combs and brushes are all needed to fill the purses. Items may be dropped off at Horizon Church 9 a.m.-noon Sunday through Friday until Dec. 14. Information: 480-460-1480.

The church will have 15 tons of snow to frolic in, along with food and hot cocoa, raffle baskets and other diversions. The church says the event, replacing its 10-year tradition of a Living Christmas Tree, is its gift to the community and hence it is free.

Esperanza Lutheran presenting musical with a message

David Kruse Coste calls his musical, “The Dogs Must Be Crazy,” an ideal run-up to Christmas with its “strong message to continue to try to get along with people, even if it’s hard.”

He’ll present it at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday with an Ahwatukee-centric cast at Esperanza Lutheran, 2601 E. Thunderhill Place, Ahwatukee. A donation of $5 is suggested as the admission but if you can’t afford that, it’s okay.

Pet spa offers CPR class, Christmas photo shoot

Diamond Cut Pet Spa, 48th Street and Warner Road, Ahwatukee, is hosting its annual Santa Paws Photo Shoot Saturday to benefit Lost Our Home Pet Rescue. People can bring the entire family, including pets, to meet Santa and have

Pulliam Trust gives $70,000 grant to Gabriel’s Angels

Ahwatukee-based Gabriel’s Angels has received a grant totaling $70,000 from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

Founded in 2000, Gabriel’s Angels provides therapy for abused children by using dogs.

“We feel it is best to concentrate on maintaining current service levels and incremental growth, rather than expanding services,” the organization said in a release.

“The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust grant will assist the agency to recruit the volunteer pet therapy teams necessary to maintain current services and allow for steady, controlled growth.”

The organization loses about 15 to 20 percent of its volunteers annually because of life changes. “In order to maintain current services, replacing these teams is essential,” the group said.

Local pet spa owner offers holiday advice for pet care

decide to make them their next meal.”

Now that the holiday season is in full gear, Malinda Malone of Diamond Cut Spa in Ahwatukee offers some advice to keep pet safe.

“It is important to try to keep your pet’s eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible,” she said. “Be sure to steer pets clear of unhealthy treats, toxic plants (poinsettia’s) and dangerous decorations. Any of these can be life threatening.”

Malone also said pet owners should leave wrapped food or candy gifts under the Christmas tree.

“Dogs especially have a very keen sense of smell and they will sniff out those treats,” she said, adding that people should also be careful making decorations out of popcorn, nuts and other food items because pets “may

After parties or holiday dinners, food leftovers should be taken care of promptly since meat bones can splinter and choke.

“Rancid food is full of bacteria and can make a pet very sick, so make sure garbage is not accessible to the pet,”

Malone said.

She also said it’s ok if hosts and hostesses “remind guests not to give pets any people food.”

“Have special pet treats available for them to give the begging” animals, she added.

“Exercise your dogs to try to wear them out before guests arrive,” Malone said. “Then be sure to secure all pets if family and friends are coming or going. Pets slip out very easily when everyone is busy.”

Malone, a certified Master Pet Tech (First Aid/CPR) and dog trainer, can be reached at 480-689-1261.

Two dogs seeking new masters

Animal rescuers are hoping new masters will step forward to take ownership of a couple of dogs.

Jannelle Cosgriff of Friends for Life Rescue said “very handsome” Romeo is a “pocket Chow” because its 40-pound weight is less than the average weight for that breed.

“Romeo is about 1-1/2 years old and has

the typical energy level of a dog his age,” she said, describing him as a “good hiking buddy who will do well in an active home where he will get lots of walks.”

Romeo is neutered, vaccinated,

microchipped, licensed, and he tested negative for heartworm. His adoption fee is $150. Information: Friends for Life Animal Rescue at 480-497-8296,

ffldogs@azfriends.org, or azfriends.org.

Meanwhile, Cowgirl is a 2-year-old Cattle Dog/Staffordshire Terrier mix, available for adoption at Arizona Animal Welfare League’s main adoption center, 25 N. 40th St., Phoenix.

“Cowgirl is an easy-going, affectionate girl who loves cuddling,” spokeswoman Shauna Michael said. “She would enjoy a family that can take her for daily walks and weekend hiking trips. Cowgirl loves to snuggle up with her favorite people, and may even enjoy a doggie friend or two.”

Information: 602-273-6852 ext.116.

SATURDAY, DEC. 10

Create ‘edible houses’

Create a graham cracker house for the holidays! This event is free and all supplies will be provided. Event is open to teens 12-17.

DETAILS>> 2-3 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Free. Teens ages 12-17. No registration required.

SUNDAY, DEC. 11

‘Nutcracker’ meets Hogwarts

The magic of the season is let loose at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as the library blends enchanting Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math activities with a holiday flair, and throws in a musical performance by the Mill Avenue Chamber Players to boot.

DETAILS>> 1-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Free. All ages.

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

Put on pajamas for stories

Wear your pajamas to a special Story-time reading of “The Polar Express.” Enjoy cookies with your friends afterward.

DETAILS>> 6:30-7:15 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Children up to 5 years old. No registration required, but come early as space is limited.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

‘Nutcracker’ to be showcased

Ahwatukee dance instructor Kimberly Lewis will present her 17th annual “Nutcracker” with Santa making a guest appearance after both afternoon shows.

DETAILS>> Tickets are on sale for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 2 p.m. Dec. 18. All performances at Mountain Pointe

High School’s Fine Arts Theatre. Tickets can be obtained at Dance Studio 111, 4910 Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee, at 480-706-6040, or by emailing afnutcracker@gmail.com.

Tickets are $18 to $40 for assigned seating. Information: afnutcracker.com.

Craft-palooza

offered

Need some alone time for last minute holiday chores? Send dad and the kids to the library for crafts and old-school cartoons.

DETAILS>> 1-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Free. Ages 6-11. No registration required.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28

Go beyond bracelet basics

Go beyond the basics of making bracelets and learn how to make more complicated friendship wrist jewelry.

DETAILS>> 4:30-6:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Free. Teens ages 12-17. No registration required.

ONGOING

Congregation plans Israel trip

Congregation NefeshSoul is planning a tour of Israel June 10-20, 2017. Explore historical sites along with the beauty and rich culture of Israel.

DETAILS>> Rabbi Susan Schanerman at rabbi@nefeshsoul. org.

MONDAYS

Open play for kids offered

Open Playday is held through Dec. 19 by the Kyrene Early Education Resource Center to help children explore and make sense of the world around them.

DETAILS>> 9-11 a.m. Kyrene de las Lomas, 11820 S. Warner-

Elliot Loop, Ahwatukee. Register: kyrene.org/earlyed.

Chamber offers networking

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce networking and leads group is open to chamber members.

DETAILS>> Noon, Native Grill and Wings, 5030 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Devida Lewis, 480-753-7676.

Group aids MS sufferers

This group addresses the informational, emotional and social support needs of the MS community. People with MS, care partners and spouses are welcome. The group mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges people affected by MS.

DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-noon, third Monday of each month, Dignity Health Urgent Care Ahwatukee, conference room, 4545 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. Information: Lynn Grant at lgrant3567@yahoo.com or 480-414-7172.

TUESDAYS

Toastmasters sharpen skills

Improve your speaking skills and meet interesting people at Ahwatukee Toastmasters meetings

DETAILS>> 6:45-8 a.m at the Dignity Health Community Room, 4545 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee.

Power Partners available

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce networking

and leads group is open to chamber members.

DETAILS>> 8-9 a.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 10831 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee. Devida Lewis, 480-753-7676.

WEDNESDAYS

Watercolor classes available

Watercolor classes that teach both bold and beautiful as well as soft and subtle approaches to the art are available twice a week for beginners and intermediate students who are at least 15 years old. Step-by-step instruction and personal help are provided.

DETAILS>> 2:30-5 Wednesdays and 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays at Hobby Lobby, 46th Street and Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Cost: $25 per class, $80 for four classes. Registration required: jlokits@yahoo.com or 480-471-8505.

Montessori holds open house

Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori is holds an open house weekly. It includes a short talk about Montessori education, followed by a tour of its campus.

DETAILS>> 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 3221 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Information: 480-759-3810

Grief support is free

Hospice of the Valley offers a free ongoing grief support group for adults and is open to any adult who has experienced a loss through death. No registration required.

DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St. 602-636-5390 or HOV.org.

Culture on display

www.ahwatukee.com

Looking for Santa? Check out local businesses first

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

The closing of two restaurants and two clothing stores in less than a month in Ahwatukee casts a sobering note smack in the middle of the community’s holiday preparations.

The two clothing stores, Adelaide and Clothes Minded, operated in the same location in an effort to survive the twin challenges of online and big box shopping.

The two restaurants, Loco Patron and Unwined, didn’t face the same challenges.

The ecosphere of the bar and restaurant business has always been fragile. It has become perhaps more so amid steadily increasing competition and the disproportionate power of social media, where a few bad reviews by strangers can doom all but the sturdiest venues.

Feds' defense of freeway raises many questions

About your article, “Court panel refuses to halt South Mountain Freeway work during appeal”), I have a couple of comments:

ADOT’s statement that nearly half of the 125,000 to 140,000 vehicles using the freeway would be trucks flies squarely in the face of the long-held and vehemently defended assertion that the freeway would not be a “truck-bypass.” I guess we’re beyond that argument in ADOT’s mind.

U.S. Attorney John Cruden’s assertion in his brief that the “proposed project would relieve congestion and would save people approximately 9.2 million hours of travel time a year” begs the question who these “people” are.

People currently living in the communities around the freeway? People who will move here because of the increased accessibility offered by the freeway? People who will suddenly find

And yes, it’s true that businesses come and go. It’s the nature of the beast.

But the closings here come at a time of year when residents can do a few things to keep the beast a bit at bay in their backyard.

First a bit of an overview.

According to a 2015 report by the Small Business Administration, 955,194 people worked in Arizona’s 511,828 small businesses at the time of the report, either as employees or owners. That represented two-fifths of the state’s private workforce.

That same report noted that, in 2010, 9,842 establishments opened in Arizona, and 65.7 percent survived through 2012. In 2013, 10,776 establishments opened and 78 percent survived into the following year. In the first quarter of 2014, 6,867 establishments opened and 6,865 closed in Arizona.

Dun and Bradstreet last year reported that, nationwide, businesses with fewer than 20 employees have only a 37

percent chance of surviving four years –and just a 9 percent chance of surviving 10 years. The same report indicated restaurants have only a 20% chance of surviving two years.

Of all failed businesses, Dunn and Bradstreet said, only 10% close involuntarily due to bankruptcy. The remaining 90% close because the business was not successful, did not provide the level of income desired, or was too much work for the return.

So, while small independent businesses in Arizona put a paycheck in the wallets of nearly a million people, survival – let alone success – is difficult to achieve.

What can Ahwatukee residents do? Consider allotting at least a portion of your gift-buying budget to local businesses.

I know this isn’t easy.

To some degree, most of us struggle this time of year trying to stretch our gift-giving dollars.

LETTERS

it economically viable to work at the opposite ends of the freeway? People on the I-10 where ADOT has publicly announced that they really don’t know where they’re going to or coming from?

Would Mr. Crudden be willing to make those statements under oath and waive the judicial exceptions for perjury and omissions under 18 USC 1001? If not, then he should just shut-up about that.

U.S. Attorney John Cruden’s further assertion that the freeway would benefit low income and minority communities through increased access to school facilities and community centers calls into question a whole raft of fundamental and existential questions.

Is it the purview of the Federal Highway Administration or even ADOT to proactively undertake projects with social and political re-engineering goals? Is increasing access to the City of Chandler and Ahwatukee parks and schools even an allowed consideration? And, aren’t those very facilities funded by

local taxpayers?

At least he was careful in stating that voters have twice voted for a sales tax to fund “transportation infrastructure projects” such as the L202. Never mind that they were generally-defined omnibus funding approvals. Never mind that local funding approval has absolutely nothing to do with the federal government nor his client, the FHWA. Finally, it struck me as odd as to why the US Attorney is arguing anything about this freeway at all. The FHWA has often said that this (the freeway) is a local matter, not a federal one. They are, they maintain, only passively funding a portion of it. …and approving it for transportation standards. Do they have a vested interest in interstate traffic associated with this freeway?

(CANAMEX maybe?)

And it’s awfully hard to resist the temptation of sitting at your digital device of choice to do all your giftbuying online.

But consider being a “localist,” at least in part.

Start by looking through the pages of this newspaper for local stores where you can find some items for people on your Christmas list.

Check out ahwatukeechamber.com and facebook.comTukeeSistersInBusinessFanPage for leads on Ahwatukee businesses that might have what you want or need.

Heck, take a long walk or a slow drive around Ahwatukee for that matter; you might just stumble on a place that has exactly what you’ve been looking for. This isn’t just about patronizing businesses that happen to be your neighbors.

It’s a small way that you can help Ahwatukee remain the strong, vibrant community you want it to be.

-Dietmar Hanke

Is there a compromise for Ahwatukee Lakes debate?

I attended both meetings last month on the different sides of what to do with the Ahwatukee Lakes property. As an 18year Ahwatukee resident and parent of two kids who have gone through the local school system, I am very interested in the future of Ahwatukee.

We as home owners currently have only two choices—cram 300 homes and a school onto the existing property, or hope and pray someone comes up with a bunch of money to reopen a golf course. I would love to see the land stay as a golf course, but the Save the Lakes group has had several years to find someone to reopen the Lakes and so far, no takers. It

ADOT has steadfastly maintained (out of the other side of their mouth) that this is a local freeway. John McCain has replied to me in similar fashion, calling this a “local matter” as well. So why is the federal government involved at all beyond defending its environmental impact report?

No Burn Day means a healthier, less expensive day for residents

BY DENNIS BARNEY AFN Guest Writer

There isn’t much that gets Valley residents more excited than when the weather finally cools off and we can break out the sweaters and enjoy our fireplace or outdoor fire pit. But before you light that fire, do you check to see if it is a No Burn Day?

One of the more memorable emails I received during my first term in office was from a constituent enraged that I was trying to “crap on Christmas,” thanks to our Maricopa County Air Quality Department’s designation of Christmas Eve that year as a No Burn Day. Not long after, another constituent emailed with concerns that our Valley air had so much pollution, her allergies were flaring up and she begged us to

issue more fire restrictions. No matter where you stand on air quality issues, I believe a brief explanation of No Burn Days can help. In the winter months smoke (technically called “PM 2.5”) becomes an issue in the Valley because the air is more stagnant, keeping smoke closer to the ground. Unhealthy levels of PM 2.5 in our air pose serious health concerns for the elderly, children with asthma and adults with respiratory issues.

High PM 2.5 levels also put the county at risk of not meeting federal standards. I’m not a fan of burdensome regulation placed on us by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), but not meeting the standards could lead to additional federal regulation, stricter rules and higher fines paid by taxpayers.

Our county Air Quality Department does not randomly call High Pollution Advisories or No Burn Days on the

holidays. In fact, last year we did not have a No Burn Day on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

The issuance of No Burn Days is based on weather conditions and the likely usage of wood-burning devices. Believe me when I say it’s not our intent to smother the holiday spirit.

So what can you do on a No Burn Day? There are plenty of clean alternatives that don’t involve burning wood. For example, it’s safe to use gas and electric fireplaces, EPA-approved pellet stoves, and gas-fire pits year round. For those folks that enjoy cooking meals outdoors, your barbeque is also okay to use on No Burn Days.

The fact is, our air has improved because residents of Maricopa County, businesses and our county Air Quality Department have worked together.

The number of High Pollution Advisories and No Burn Days are lower

than most people realize. In 2015, the county had just one High Pollution Advisory and only exceeded the federal health standard for PM 2.5 three times.

To find out if it’s a No Burn Day, go to www.cleanairmakemore.com/noburn or call 602-506-6400. You can also communicate questions or complaints through the Clean Air Make More app on your smartphone.

This winter, please abide by the No Burn Days and help a friend understand why it’s important. Think twice before burning wood in fireplaces, chimneys, and outdoor fire pits and consider converting to cleaner, non-wood options.

The best way to help keep our air clean, our taxes down, and our neighbors healthy this holiday season is to abide by No Burn Day restrictions.

-Denny Barney is a member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors

Don’t let teen and preteen ‘masks’ lure you into complacency

BY MIKE SISSEL AFN Guest Writer

If you’re like me, one of the highlights of Halloween is to witness the wide array of costumes, worn by young and old, either in person or via Facebook. In my opinion, the most intriguing part of any costume is the mask.

Unlike other costume accessories, a mask often leaves people asking, “Who is that?” Without the ability to see behind the mask, we’re left wondering who the real person is.

Now that Halloween is over, it would be safe to assume that all of the masks are safely tucked away for a future occasion, right? Unfortunately, for countless preteens and teens, this isn’t the case.

While they certainly won’t be wearing the kind of mask we’re all familiar with, many of our youth will revert back to a different kind of mask; a mask that’s unseen by the human eye, but can always be detected by the human heart. The mask I’m referring to is what I call the mask of inauthenticity.

You see, pre-teens and teens live in a

world dominated by technology, more specifically social media. Unfortunately, the name of the game with regard to social media is not necessarily to connect, but rather to portray a distorted sense of self.

In other words, instead of choosing authenticity and vulnerability, which

was brewing underneath the mask. This is often the case following a suicide.

My mission in life is to empower all youth with the critical skills of social and emotional intelligence. In doing so, I also seek to empower parents to reinforce these skills. My sincere hope is that together we can slowly assist youth

“ I urge you to validate their emotions. Validating doesn’t mean that you agree or disagree with them, it just means that you acknowledge the space they’re in. ”

manifest in the expression of emotions, many youth move in a direction of inauthenticity and isolation, which manifest in the repression of emotions.

In the past year, one Tempe high school experienced two student deaths by suicide. In both cases, the young men were extremely well-liked, athletic, and appeared to have the world at their fingertips.

However, following their deaths, it was clear that plenty of emotional turmoil

in removing their own masks, ultimately helping them to discover the inherent beauty of their lives and the many gifts they bring to the world.

Below are three talking points that I encourage all parents to read, understand, and apply.

Assure your child that emotions are part of being human. Anger, sadness, and jealousy are not bad emotions; they are simply energy in motion. We must empower them to use the energy

in a meaningful way. Just as we use an electrical outlet as an energy source to power our devices, we can use our emotions as an energy source to power our lives.

Acknowledge and validate whatever your child may be feeling. As parents, it’s easy to dismiss what our kids say and perhaps label it as unnecessary whining or complaining. However, the deepest need of the human heart, regardless of age, is to be understood.

When you acknowledge their emotions, you are seeking to understand. If you want to create a safe space for communication, I urge you to validate their emotions. Validating doesn’t mean that you agree or disagree with them, it just means that you acknowledge the space they’re in. This goes a long way in establishing trust.

Tell your child you love him/her. I know this sounds cliched, but it’s easy to overlook these powerful words. Don’t just say it once out of obligation, say it all of the time out of commitment.

-Mike

Sissel is a former Kyrene teacher who currently owns and operates a youth leadership company. Information: www. kaleideoeye.com.

Hospice care is an often overlooked Medicare benefit

BY CATE KORTZEBORN AFN Guest Writer

When I talk to people with Medicare about planning for the end of their lives, the statistic that always strikes me is this:

If you ask people if they’d rather die in a hospital or at home, 75 percent say at home. But when you look at what actually happens, only 25 percent of people get to die at home, while 75 percent pass away in hospitals.

The only way you can ensure that your doctor understands your wishes is by talking about them. And now, Medicare will reimburse your doctor for that conversation.

This is called advance-care planning. It’s designed to help people with Medicare learn about various options for end-of-life care; determine which types of care best fit their personal wishes; and share their wishes with their family, friends, and physicians.

One option you can discuss with your doctor is hospice care in their home. Hospice doesn’t focus on curing disease and it’s not only for people with cancer.

Medicare’s hospice benefit covers your care, and you shouldn’t have to go outside of hospice to get care except in rare situations. Once you choose it, your hospice benefit should cover everything you need.

If you qualify for hospice care, you and your family will work with your hospice provider to set up a plan of care that meets your needs.

You and your family members are the most important part of your medical team. Your team can also include doctors, nurses or nurse practitioners, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, speechlanguage pathologists, hospice aides, homemakers, and volunteers.

A hospice nurse and doctor are on-call

24 hours a day, 7 days a week to give you and your family support and care when you need it. You can also include your regular doctor or a nurse practitioner on your medical team to supervise your care.

To find a hospice provider, talk to your doctor or call your state hospice organization. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization has a website that allows you to look up local providers based on your zip code, at nhpco.org/find-hospice.

You can get hospice care if you have Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and you meet these conditions:

Your hospice doctor and your regular doctor (if you have one) certify that you’re terminally ill, with a life expectancy of 6 months or less; You accept palliative care (for comfort) instead of care to cure your illness; You sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of other Medicare-covered treatments for your terminal illness and related conditions.

You have the right to stop hospice at any time. If you do so, you’ll go back to the type of Medicare coverage you had before you chose a hospice provider.

Depending on your illness and related conditions, the plan of care your hospice team creates can include doctor and nursing services, medical equipment and supplies, prescription drugs, hospice aide and homemaker services, physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology services, social worker services, dietary counseling, grief and loss counseling for you and your family, short-term inpatient care for pain and symptom management, and more.

Information on Medicare’s hospice benefit, including costs: medicare.gov/ Pubs/pdf/02154.pdf.

It’s not to say that dementia isn’t an emotional and challenging disease. It’s just that when you see the human instead of the disease you don’t see sadness. You see life. You see history. You see achievements. You see family. You see love. And that’s how we see it at Hawthorn Court. We can help you with the challenges you’re facing. Please join us for a personal tour. Call 480.359.2898 to schedule.

Basic toys, not electronics, help remote learning for preschoolers

BY MARIE REDMOND AFN Guest Writer

When it comes to promoting learning for children 5 and younger, basic toys and quality time with adults are the best gifts an infant, toddler or preschooler can receive.

But what about all those flashy, electronic toys with lights and sounds that we see advertised so much this season? One Northern Arizona University researcher has studied whether they provide an advantage to a young child’s learning.

Anna Sosa, director of the NAU Child Speech and Language Lab in Flagstaff, set out to see which everyday activities promote the best environment for babies and toddlers to learn language. Early language development is critical to a child’s learning. And babies, toddlers and preschoolers need to hear a lot of language in order to best learn how to speak and eventually transfer those skills into reading and writing.

Turns out, parents and family members talk the most to babies when they are engaging their child with books and traditional toys, rather than electronic toys that claim to promote language

development.

“Young children learn through play, through experimenting with the world around them and through interaction with other kids and adults,” said Ginger Sandweg, First Things First senior director for early learning.

Sosa’s study confirmed that. The study, published earlier this year in the “Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics,” showed that parents used fewer words and interacted less with the child when they were playing with an electronic toy, which was designed to draw out answers such as animal names, shapes or colors. Books and traditional toys, which centered on the same themes of animals, shapes and colors promoted the most language.

“Overall, the most ideal situation would be a parent spending 15 minutes of undivided attention, sitting on the floor reading or playing with them, but even in that ideal situation, just having an electronic toy in the mix, impacts what the baby is hearing,” Sosa said.

First Things First has compiled some suggested toys by age and stage that promote learning and language development.

Books are one of the best gifts for all ages. Daily reading has been shown to

help young children develop language skills and increase vocabulary. Other good choices for different age groups include:

Infants (under 1 year old): Babies are always fascinated by their surroundings, especially faces and bright colors. Toys that stimulate that initial curiosity include: board books, safe and chewable toys and toys with mirrors.

Toddlers (1-3 years old): You might want to pick toys that encourage imagination and problem-solving. They make great gifts, such as pretend versions of everyday objects, toys to ride on or climb on, balls to roll or catch, building-type toys (including fill and dump varieties), matching and sorting toys, large crayons or markers with plain paper and simple puzzles.

dress-up clothes and kid-size furniture, simple board games, counting and letter games, sports equipment suitable to their size, musical instruments and art supplies such as play dough, safety scissors and glue.

Preschoolers (3-5 years old): Toys that help preschoolers relate to each other and the world around them include:

-Marie Redmond is chair of the First Things First East Maricopa Regional Council. First Things First is a voter-created, statewide organization that funds early education and health programs to help kids be successful once they enter kindergarten. Information:

Bowie outlines plans for his first year in the Arizona Senate

BY SEAN BOWIE AFN Guest Writer

To everyone in Ahwatukee and Legislative District 18: I am honored to be your new State Senator-elect. Thank you for your support and your show of confidence in me. To have the opportunity to represent my hometown community at the state capitol is a true honor and a privilege.

I am very eager to get started in January and work on the two things I talked about most on the campaign trail—restoring education funding and bringing some bipartisanship back to the state capitol.

I will serve on the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Commerce and Public Safety Committee—two vital committees that impact education, tax policy, public safety, and the economy. My three top priorities this upcoming

session will be:

Restoring education funding. It is critically important that we increase our investment in our state’s education system. It is crucial to building a strong, sustainable economy that will bring good paying jobs to Arizona and keep our communities strong.

We have the resources, and the governor has indicated he supports additional investment. This needs to be a multi-faceted approach, with targeted investments in our K-12 system, our universities and community colleges, and technical training programs. These resources need to be going into the classroom, not more administration.

Teacher turnover is a big problem in our local school districts, with teachers leaving the profession or moving to other states for higher pay. We cannot expect to recruit and keep our best teachers by maintaining the status quo—our teachers deserve a raise, and I will fight

to make sure that they do.

The governor has also expressed interest in restoring all-day kindergarten, and I agree that an investment here is vital to the future of our state.

Finally, college affordability is a big problem for many working families in our district. My work at ASU has been dedicated to financial aid and making higher education more affordable for working families. I will take those skills and that experience to the capitol and fight for additional aid for our three state universities.

Growing our economy. There are a lot of things the state can do to encourage investment and bring jobs to our state, and as a member of the commerce committee, I will work across the aisle on ways to reduce taxes and limit new regulations in order to encourage businesses to grow and thrive in Arizona.

Protecting Ahwatukee’s quality of life. As an Ahwatukee resident, it’s

important to me that we protect our public spaces. The Loop 202 freeway saga continues to drag on, and I am eager to do what I can at the state level to protect our backyard.

If this freeway is something we have to live with, we need to make it livable, and right now, I am not satisfied with some of the design decisions that ADOT has made.

The Lakes golf course is another issue I will take up, where I will work with the city of Phoenix and homeowners to maintain the open space of the course and oppose the development of more homes in the area.

Above all, I hope to earn your trust and respect as your next state senator. I encourage you to contact me if you have a question or need anything from my office.

-Sean Bowie is the Senator-elect for state Legislative District 18, which covers Ahwatukee, south Tempe, west Chandler, and southwest Mesa. He can be reached at sbowie@azleg.gov.

Real Estate Guide

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

The Phoenix housing market will lead the nation in home sales and prices in 2017, according to the official website of the National Association of Realtors. But local Realtors are divided over how much Ahwatukee will benefit if that forecast turns out to be accurate.

Realtor.com called the

Phoenix market likely the “hottest in the country,” with prices growing 5.9 percent and sales rising 7.2 percent.

“Despite a more moderate housing market overall in 2017, strong local economies and population growth will continue to fuel the nation’s top markets,” Realtor.com said, saying metro areas in the western U.S. overall will see prices rising 4.7 percent and

a sales increase of 4.7 percent – “much higher than the U.S. overall.”

Five of the top-10 hottest housing markets identified by the website are in the West, with Tucson ranked ninth.

Some Ahwatukee Realtors think the predicted surge will help here. Others aren’t so sure, saying Ahwatukee’s market has lagged steadily

3,921 sq.ft., 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom. Stunning single-level estate located in prestigious Ahwatukee Custom Estates.

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Fifth house tops $1 million price tag on S. Presario Trail

AFN News Staff

A5,456-square-foot house has become the fifth property on S. Presario Trail in Ahwatukee to sell for more than $1 million this year.

The 6-bedroom, 4-bathroom home at 14602 S. Presario Trail sold for $1.2 million, becoming the 10th million-plus house sale in Ahwatukee since June 1.

The latest sale on Ahwatukee’s millionaire row sold for exactly half the highest sale price this year on Presario Trail. The highest sold price this year on that street – and in Ahwatukee – was $2.4 million for a 7,200-square-foot house that sold in February.

The latest home sold on Presario is a 13-year-old, two-story house offering nearly 360-degree mountain views.

Built by Kevron Custom Homes in the gated Summerhill neighborhood of Club West, it sits on a half-acre lot with a salt-water heated pool, fully equipped

outdoor barbecue area and a one-hole putting green.

The gourmet kitchen features highend, handmade custom cabinetry by the Burdette Cabinet Co. with granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, two Subzero refrigerators, two dishwashers and other stainless steel appliances. It’s adjacent to a semi-circular informal dining area near the formal dining room.

Besides a more formal living room, the home also has a great room and a TV room along with a “secret home theater” that is fully insulated for sound and sports a high-definition projector and drop-down screen.

Both master bedrooms include walkin closets and fireplaces, one with a twoway hearth. Additional fireplaces are located in the great room; on the misterequipped, 800-square-foot patio; and on a private second-floor balcony.

The home sold for $99,000 less than its listing price.

Contrary to popular belief, the holidays are a good time for selling a home

BY STACEY LYKINS AFN Guest Writer

Who is looking for a home during the holidays? The serious buyer.

That means sellers should not think the holidays are a bad time to sell a house. A house marketed in November and December may produce buyers looking for year-end tax breaks amid less inventory and willing to pay prices closer to the asking price.

Some misguided homeowners hesitate to market their homes between Halloween and New Year’s Day, believing the holiday season to be an off-peak time to sell. That notion comes from outdated historical trends. The facts show that on average, homes listed during this time are more likely to sell, sell more quickly and closer to the asking price.

Both December and November in particular have some unique advantages that make it an ideal time to sell.

First, and most important, there is more motivation. The idea that homes sell best in spring and summer stems from the theory that parents want to wait until summer to move school-aged children. Today’s buyers and sellers do not fit traditional molds because more than half of buyers are not married, so their decisions are not necessarily based on kids’ schedules.

If buyers are looking for a home in November, they have either waited through the busy season in hopes of a better deal, or they are facing their own time constraints due to work changes or other reasons. For these motivated buyers, the traditional barriers to winter house-hunting, such as short

days and holiday preparations, do not apply.

If your house is available for them to view in November and December, these buyers are more likely to make an offer closer to listing price. Also, your home faces much less competition because of the misconceptions about selling during the holidays.

It is true that many sellers are under the misconception and do not think it is worth their time to try and sell their homes toward the end of the year, so they take their homes off the market. Their loss of a potential buyer is your gain.

Serious buyers have fewer homes to choose from over the holidays, which means less competition for you and more buyers checking out your desirable home, either online or in person.

In addition to less inventory, there are tax benefits to closing before year end. Buyers looking to lower their taxes may snatch up a home late in the year so they can deduct the home purchase costs. This includes points, interest and property taxes.

Also, if a buyer sold a house during the traditional summer selling season and faces capital gains tax on the deal because he or she is an investor or lived in the house for fewer than two years, they may be highly motivated to buy in November and December.

Closing on the purchase of another house within 180 days lets them avoid paying capital gains tax.

-Stacey Lykins is an Ahwatukee resident and associate broker with West USA. Reacher her at 602-616-9971, S.Lykins@ LykinsProperties.com or at LykinsProperties. com.

Ahwatukee homes sold

85045

$232,000 1402 W. Mountain Sky Ave.

$245,000 1640 W.

$290,000

$354,000

$374,900

$409,000

85048

$175,000 3236 E. Chandler Blvd.

$203,000 16620 S. 48th St.

$220,000 3233 E. Briarwood Terrace

$228,000 16642 S. 44th Place

$230,000 4131 E. Woodland Drive

$245,000 2133 E. Briarwood Terrace

$250,000 4310 E. Amberwood Drive

$256,500 3313 E. Nighthawk Way

$270,000 3302 E. Hiddenview Dr

$275,000 4138 E. Ashurst Drive

$295,000 16614 S. 12th Place

$324,900 2747 E. Desert Trumpet Road

$332,000 3649 E. Windsong Drive

$380,000

$410,000

$792,500

$360,000 16641 S. 38th Place

$410,000 14444 S. 8th St.

$475,000 16241 S. 1st St.

$515,000 1414 E. Dry Creek Road

$515,000 16422 S. 36th Place

$520,000 1816 E. Mountain Sky Ave.

$565,000 2513 E. Bighorn Ave.

$729,000 14841 S. 7th St.

$792,000 525 E. Mountain Sage Drive

$1,200,000 14602 S. Presario Trail

behind the Valley – and even East Valley –market for the past two years.

“I have been telling my clients that 2017 will be a very busy market, so if they would like to stay ahead of the competition, they may want to look at doing something now or in January rather than wait too long,” said Christie Ellis, of Christie Ellis Homes and United Brokers Group, adding:

“I can see it in my own clients who have slated time frames to list or buy at the beginning of the year. As the freeway progress moves along toward the west, we will start to see those values rise, As the Club West and golf course issues start to resolve, those prices will start to bounce back. I am not sure about percentage of increases, but it’s coming.”

Stacey Lykins, associate broker at West USA, said Ahwatukee will see robust increases, but cautions that interest rate considerations might affect the number.

“We have a fairly stable market, and the inventory continues to remain consistent. So, I agree that 2017 will be a good year for real estate here.”

But Realtor Bonny Holland and Managing Broker Mike Salyer, both of Keller Williams Sonoran Living, were more reserved.

Holland noted that, over the past two years Valley-wide, the median price of homes has appreciated 18.8 percent compared to 8.2 percent in Ahwatukee. Holland also said that Ahwatukee’s housing market overall looks better if the ZIP code 85045 is factored out.

She theorized that the continuing golf course controversies at Ahwatukee Lakes and Club West, together with the imminent construction of the South Mountain Freeway, are putting additional pressure on the market. “I’d probably agree with the predictions of growth, but don’t know by how much,” Holland said.

She also said that it remains to be seen how the Valley as a whole will be affected by the graying of the housing market, since people over age 65 now constitute the largest homeowner population.

Salyer cautioned, “It’s always hard to predict a whole year.”

“In the past two years we’ve seen a lot of momentum Valley-wide,” he said. “Prices have been going very well. The tougher news is in Ahwatukee. It’s behind the metro market.”

Nationwide, Realtor.com forecasts that 2017 “will be a year of slowing, yet moderate growth, set against the backdrop of a changing composition of home buyers and a post-election interest rate jump that

could potentially price some first-timers out of the market.”

It forecasted a 3.9 percent increase in home prices for the nation, and said interest rates could go as high as 4.5 percent“due to higher expectations for inflationary pressure.”

Realtor.com also predicted that the homeownership rate will stabilize at 63.5% percentpercentafter bottoming at 62.9 percent in 2016. New home sales are expected to grow 10 percent, while new home starts could increase 3 percent.

“Prior to (November’s) election, demographics and an improving economy were laying the foundation for a substantial increase in first-time buyers in 2017. But due to mortgage rate increases over the past few weeks, realtor.com predicts first-timers will face new hurdles as they navigate the qualification and buying process,” the website said.

“These higher rates are associated with anticipation of stronger economic and wage growth next year, both of which favor buyers,” it continued, cautioning higher interest rates “will make qualifying for a mortgage and finding affordable inventory more challenging.”

Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for realtor.com, added: “With more than 95 percent of first-time home buyers

dependent on financing their home purchase, and a majority of first-time buyers reporting one or more financial challenges, the uptick we’ve already seen may price some first-timers out.”

Realtor.com also identified several other trends for the housing market next year.

“Next year, the housing market will be in the middle of two massive demographic waves, millennials and baby boomers, that will power demand for at least the next 10 years,” it said, adding the two age groups combined will account for more than 60 percent of the homebuyer pool.

Another trend involved Midwestern cities, where realtor.com sees millennials being the dominating home-buying group. The website also predicted that fewer homes will be up for sale and that the inventory of existing homes on the market will move faster as a result.

“Inventory is currently down an average of 11 percent in the top 100 metro areas in the U.S,” the report said. “The conditions that are limiting home supply are not expected to change in 2017. Median age of inventory is currently 68 days in the top 100 metros, which is 14 percent, or 11 days, faster than U.S. overall.

After Phoenix, the second- and thirdhottest housing markets next year are predicted to be Los Angeles and Boston.

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Gorgeous home on hillside lot with privacy of mountain preserve. Elegant hardwood flooring greets you upon entry. Bright kitchen with view windows, granite countertops, island with breakfast bar and walk-in pantry. Downstairs master suite replete with separate door to patio, cedar walk-in closet and large custom slate-tile shower. New exterior paint in 2016 and interior in 2013. 2016 remodeled upstairs bath. South facing backyard paradise with fenced Pebble Tec pool and spa, stained concrete patio and cool decking, large covered built-in kitchen, TV and speakers, pavers with fire pit, artificial grass and new exterior lighting.

Here are 10 questions to ask when applying for a mortgage

Aaron Ely

BY AARON ELY AFN Guest Writer

Getting ready to buy a home?

Make sure you ask these 10 key questions when you submit your mortgage application.

What is the interest rate on this mortgage? Ask for the lender’s loan estimate, which breaks down the interest rate and fees. It will include the annual percentage rate, or APR, which accounts for the interest rate, points, fees and other charges you will pay for a mortgage.

How many discount and origination points will I pay? Lenders may charge discount points, origination points or both. One point is equal to 1% of the loan amount. For example, if you get a $162,000 mortgage and pay 1 discount point, you’ll pay a fee of $1,620, because that’s 1 percent of $162,000. (Divide the loan amount by 100 to calculate 1 percent.

apply only when you refinance or reduce the principal balance by more than a certain percentage. Find out the penalty specifics and see if your lender will lower the rate if you choose a loan with a penalty.

What is the minimum down payment required for this loan? A bigger down payment might mean a lower interest rate and better loan terms. With a down payment of less than 20 percent, you will probably have to get mortgage insurance, increasing your monthly payment.

What are the qualifying guidelines for this loan? Ask about requirements relating to your income, employment, assets, liabilities and credit history. Qualifications for first-time homebuyer programs, Veterans Affairs loans and other governmentsponsored mortgages are typically less stringent.

Discount points reduce the interest rate. They are prepaid interest and are tax-deductible. Origination points are fees charged by the lender to cover the costs of originating the loan.

What are the closing costs? Borrowers pay fees at closing for services provided by the lender and other parties, such as title companies. Lenders are required to provide a written estimate of these costs within 3 days of receiving a loan application.

When can I lock the interest rate, and what will it cost me to do so? Interest rates might fluctuate between the time you apply for a mortgage and closing. To prevent getting a higher rate, you can lock the rate, and even the points, for a specified period. Fees may apply, but not always.

Is there a prepayment penalty on this loan? Some lenders charge a penalty if you prepay on the mortgage. Some

What documents will I have to provide? Lenders require proof of income and assets, including bank statements, tax returns, W-2 statements and recent pay stubs. More may be needed to show your down payment and ability to pay closing costs.

How long will it take to process my loan application? Depending on how busy the lender is, it can take as little as two weeks or as long as 60 days. Be patient and forward any requested documents quickly to speed up the process.

What might delay approval of my loan? A job change, an increase or decrease in salary, a new debt, a change in your credit history or change in marital status could delay your loan approval. The best way to avoid that is to put your financial life in a holding pattern until you reach the closing table.

-Aaron Ely is senior mortgage loan officer at State Farm Bank. Reach him at 480-293-7640.

is great to have experts that say it is still a viable golf course, but the reality is “show me the money.”

On the other side, we have the very well marketed Ahwatukee Farms proposal. There is a proposed four-acre farm on the 101-acre parcel. The True Life Companies promise 30 percent open space, but that includes roadways and sidewalks.

Also included is a 450-student school in the shadow of Mountain Pointe. Oh yea, and 300 single-family homes. Pulte’s plan had 250 homes and 40 percent open space. True Life considers townhouses as a single-family home. There are many details (traffic, water run off) I have issues with, but there is no need to ramble on.

One big issue I have is how the consent form is being handled. Unlike a normal vote where there is a ballot and you vote for or against, this is an approval only. There is no end date, so True Life can just keep collecting forms until they get what they want.

Once you submit your consent, you can’t rescind it after seven days. And my favorite—there is no way to verify signatures (per the lawyer doing the presentation). How about treating this

like a proposition where votes are due on a certain predetermined date and you vote for or against?

On a side note: Wilson Gee, the owner of Ahwatukee Lakes golf course, had a golf course that wasn’t making him money so he closes it (in violation of the CC&Rs) and lets it become an eyesore. Now many people are in favor of the Ahwatukee Farms proposal because it is better than the abandoned property.

Now Gee stands to get an $8-million pay day on essentially a worthless property if we vote in this change. (If I lived in Club West I would be paying very close attention to what is going on here.)

Gee purchased the Lakes and Ahwatukee Country Club in 2006 for $5.6 million. At the time he broke down the values as $4 million for the Lakes and $1.6 million for the Country Club. Pretty crazy math unless he was thinking ahead for tax purposes and how the Lakes would make for a great housing development. It would be nice to see the land stay open, but I realize that is not always possible. As usual, money is driving this process. Instead of 300 new homes, what about a new development that had 50 percent truly open land and a max of 50 homes? Or some other reasonable compromise?

-Gary Parkinson

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Bitter pills found in the President-elect’s new cabinet

I am queasy about President-elect Trump’s selection of cabinet members. The appointment of Jeff Sessions as attorney general, a man who was denied a federal judgeship in 1968 because of racist remarks, is in the new cabinet in the new cabinet—a tragedy for the civil rights of all Americans.

Steve Bannon, who once remarked about the benefits of having a country where only white men with property could vote, gives me heartburn.

I am nervous about Mr. Trump’s judgment for even considering Gen. Pretorius for the Secretary of State, an officer who deliberately shared classified information with his mistress and lied about it. That shows that he can be influenced, and our national security could possibly be compromised with the right combination of beauty, flattery and charm. Waiting for Mr. Trump’s tax returns to be released is giving me a headache. What are his financial relationships with our foreign friends as well as our foes? I read an article that said that when Truman was

contemplating firebombing Dresden near the end of World War II, real estate moguls in the United States who had property in Germany begged him to reconsider because they didn’t want their investments destroyed.

Do you think Mr. Trump would attack places where he has millions of dollars invested in real estate, even if our military interest suggested it would be the appropriate option? Not a chance in hell. But, on the other hand, he might if he could file a massive insurance claim or declare losses that would free his children and grandchildren from a lifetime of taxation.

It is estimated that it cost the American taxpayer $1 million a day to secure Trump Tower, the home of a man who brags about not having paid any taxes for the past 18 years and probably will never have to for the rest of his life.

If he does not remove himself from his financial empire, this cauldron has all the ingredients needed for a recipe ripe with corruption. That will give our country an ulcer.

-M. Lisa Scinto

www.ahwatukee.com

Risky business: Ahwatukee firm identifies issues before they become problems

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

If you own a car or a house and carefully have inventoried everything that could go wrong with either, then developed a plan to address each problem and juggled your budget accordingly, you have some idea of what Tacoma and Jennifer Zach are all about—but on a much bigger scale.

Their Ahwatukee company, Uberlytics, identifies every risk in big, complex physical sites, such as water treatment plants, oil refineries and power utilities, to help the owners prioritize spending for maintenance and other strategies that reduce that risk.

Uberlytics, which the Zachs took over in 2013 and run from home, has emerged as a leader in the growing field of asset management.

That’s not the financial kind.

Rather, this asset management involves checking every aspect of a facility for reliability and potential issues so owners can determine how they’ll prevent something from going wrong—and fix it when it does.

Jennifer Zach, Uberlytics’ chief operating and marketing officer, uses the car analogy to explain her company’s work. At the simplest level, owners need to pay attention to oil and tire wear, for example, to keep the car running. Less important is the upholstery and paint. That means prioritization. But the analogy only goes so far in explaining the size and complexity of Uberlytics’ clients and target clients as well as the company’s work.

“When you are managing physical assets, you have to know how to apply limited resources to operating and maintaining them to achieve your operational objective,” she explained. For example, a water treatment plant’s main objective might be delivering water that’s safe to drink in the least expensive way possible. Besides wear and tear on thousands of parts, an assessment of that plant might include the environmental constraints that threaten this goal.

Then there are the human and financial challenges. In the end, she said, “Every organization has $100 in needs and only $5-$10 to spend on them. You have to make sure you’re spending money in right places.”

In helping companies with an analysis of their assets and the risks inherent in each, Uberlytics over the last three years has seen “tremendous growth,” Zach

said.

“We’ve taken it from nothing to having several high-profile municipal clients,” she said.

That’s partly the result of the “Criticality Analyzer” software the company developed. It provides comprehensive and customized reports that are easy to understand, and allow clients “to quickly identify the most

critical systems posing the greatest potential risk for (their) facility.”

Having consulted with private companies and some county and local government entities, the Zachs are eyeing bigger and more complicated clients—state and federal government.

The federal government is particularly challenging.

The good news, according to Jennifer Zach: “The federal government owns $4-trillion worth of assets, so the opportunity is huge.”

The not-so-good news: “Doing business with the government is a very complicated thing.”

That’s because every federal entity handles and monitors the facilities it operates in a different manner. And each has different way of hiring companies seeking their business.

“It’s very uneven,” she said, adding that some departments are better at handling their physical assets than others. Moreover, the federal government defines its assets as “real property,” meaning land; and “personal property,” meaning anything from a desk to bulldozer.

She and her husband, who is Uberlytics’ chief executive officer, saw the vastness of the challenge when they attended a conference this fall in Washington, D.C., on federal asset management.

“Infrastructure is a huge topic,” she said, and likely will get bigger under the Trump administration.

“The biggest need is more maintenance for new investments,” Jennifer Zach said. “There just isn’t enough money to do it. The story we have to tell is finding a way to prioritize.”

After a similar conference, she wrote: “Across the country we saw cities, utilities and government agencies that are actively trying to figure out how to do more with so much less and to manage assets better. Everyone is under pressure and in the same leaky boat.”

And the work has only started

Thrift stores offer way to shop local, save money

BY ADRIANA BECERRA

AFN Staff Writer

The convenience of online shopping has fewer people visiting local stores, instead opting to buy from brand names with one click of a button.

Forrester Research Inc. found that consumers spent $335 billion in online sales; a number that they predict will jump to $523 billion by 2020.

With the option of buying all major brands online, why shop locally?

“You’re supporting your local neighbor, your local community,” said Mike McClanahan, retail operations director for St. Vincent De Paul, “You’re helping someone in need right here.”

Angel Jaquez, store manager at Kid to Kid in Ahwatukee, a resale store specializing in kid’s clothes and toys, agrees. “It helps the community offer clothing to those who can’t afford it otherwise,” Jaquez said.

Thrift stores offer more to consumers than just shopping locally. They offer clothing and various items at discounted prices, along with an easy way of getting rid of that “clutter closet.”

Thrift stores rely heavily on donations for sustainability. Some only take clothing, while others will take food, clothing and other items.

“Every item that is on our floor is donated,” said Geena Caviness, store manager at the White Dove Thrift Shoppe in Mesa.

Unlike thrift stores, resale stores will pay donors for their clothing, either cash or store credit. Buffalo Exchange will buy

clothing at a price they appraised.

“Each buyer is trained through hands-on experience and by becoming completely in tune with the inventory of the store so they can give a fair payout to the seller while offering a good deal for the customer,” said Stephanie Lew, Marketing Director of Buffalo Exchange, a resale store that first opened in Tucson in 1974.

Many thrift stores will invest their funds back in their stores. Others donate their revenue to different charities and organizations.

“We donate to the Salvation Army and the Phoenix Dream Center,” said Jaquez.

The White Dove Thrift Shoppe and St. Vincent de Paul support their respective charity organizations.

“Our funds go directly to our patient care at Hospice of the Valley,” Caviness said. Hospice of the Valley is called the largest not-for-profit hospice in the nation. They serve around 17,000 patients and families throughout Central Arizona.

McClanahan said funds from St. Vincent de Paul’s 17 thrift stores in Arizona go to their mission to feed, clothe, house and heal.

“It goes to fund our special ministries where we can buy clothing and essentials for the homeless and the needy,” said McClanahan.

Caviness said that thrift stores are not only beneficial for the people directly involved, but the state as a whole.

“You’re helping the state and incoming

money,” said Caviness. “You’re putting people to work. It’s recycling at its best.” Lew agrees with Caviness on the notion of reduce, reuse, recycle.

“By recycling your clothing through selling or donation, you’re giving the clothing a second life,” Lew said. “This helps by not contributing to the demand and waste of clothing pollution.”

Shopping locally proves beneficial for consumers, charities, the environment and the state.

McClanahan said that while shopping at Target is great, there’s nothing like the intimacy of shopping at mom and pop stores. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of a good economy in any community,” he said.

Two restaurants, two clothing stores close in Ahwatukee

Two Ahwatukee restaurants and two clothing stores in Ahwatukee have shuttered their doors in the past few weeks.

Both Loco Patron, 1327 E. Chandler Blvd., and the nearby Unwined in the Foothills Shopping Center across the street, are closed.

Meanwhile, Kim Kendall, owner of Clothes Minded said her store and Adelaide are closing next week. Kendall had moved her store into Adelaide’s at 4910 E. Chandler Blvd. early this summer in an effort to stay afloat.

Schmidt Investments, which owns the Foothills Shopping Center, announced that Unwined’s owners “turned their

retail space back over” to the company last month and that the facilities are up for sale.

“This restaurant was a great asset to the Ahwatukee community, and while we are disappointed to lose Unwind as a tenant, we are hopeful we will attract another quality dining establishment to fill this space,” Schmidt Investments said in the release.

Unwined opened in 2014 and at the time was owned by the same family that owned Loco Patron. It was sold to a new owner last year.

Unwined, which offered live music on the weekends, had garnered some praise in Valley publications.

“In a land of homogenized fast-casual eateries, it stands a bit of urban chic

and wine-country sophistication,” The Republic said in a review in March.

“Definitely a family hangout, it’s easy to enjoy a good meal and unwind at Unwined.”

Schmidt Investments said Unwined’s 3,800 square feet of “premium corner retail space” could be combined with additional space in the shopping center for a possible 7,400-square-foot business.

“The sophisticated décor, partially equipped kitchen/dining area and ample parking within the Foothills Shopping Center present a great move-in opportunity,” it added.

On its website, Schmidt is advertising the entire 7,400-square-foot area to tenants “requiring space for retail, restaurant, office, medical use.”

In an announcement, Kendall thanked Clothes Minded and Adelaide customers and friends “who have supported our small business and dream.”

“Sadly, our passion is not enough to keep the doors open,” Kendall said. “It takes a village, and unfortunately big box chains, Amazon and online shopping have changed the shopping environment into something we did not anticipate.” Kendall had championed shopping local.

She said Adelaide’s owner “is off to help her husband in a booming career of exotic car tours.” Kendall said she wasn’t sure what she would do. “Kim is uncertain if there will be another store in the future or perhaps something else,” her announcement said.

Decisions on spending retirement income are important

BY JOSEPH ORTIZ AFN GUEST WRITER

During your working years, you are (hopefully) putting money into your IRA and your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. But once you’ve retired, how can you maximize the benefits you get from these plans?

First of all, you need to be aware of the rules governing withdrawals from your retirement plans.

If you are older than 59½, you can withdraw money from your traditional IRA without paying penalties, though the withdrawals will typically be taxable.

But once you reach 70½, you generally must start taking “required minimum distributions” (RMDs) from these accounts, with the annual amount determined by your age, the account balance and other factors.

The situation is different with a Roth IRA. If you are the original account holder, you are not required to withdraw funds from your Roth

IRA at any age. You can choose withdraw your contributions at any time, tax and penalty free. To withdraw your earnings tax and penalty free, you generally must have owned the account for at least five years and have reached age 59½.

So, assuming you do have a traditional IRA and a 401(k) or similar plan, what should you do with the RMDs?

You’ll probably require at least some of these distributions for your living expenses, but if you don’t need it all, what should you do with the “excess”?

As part of your overall retirement investment portfolio strategy, you can reinvest the money into these three “buckets”:

Near-term income bucket:

For this bucket, you’re not concerned with high returns – you just want the money to be there when you need it

for expenses and unexpected costs, such as a major car repair, a new furnace, and so on. It’s always a good idea to have an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses—and your short-term income bucket could be an ideal source to help build such a fund.

Medium-term income bucket:

During retirement, you can probably never have too many sources of income, so you may want to fill a bucket with intermediate- and long-term bonds, which make regular interest payments.

Long-term income bucket:

Even when you’re retired, you will need some growth potential in your portfolio to help keep you ahead of inflation in the long run. So this bucket should be filled, not surprisingly, with growthoriented investments.

These investments can fluctuate in value, but as long as you don’t need to tap into them in a hurry, you may be able to avoid taking withdrawals when the price is down.

In addition to this “bucket” approach, you do have other options for your RMDs.

For example, you could give your grown children some financial assistance, possibly for help in funding their IRAs.

Or, you could contribute to a collegesavings vehicle, such as a 529 plan, for your grandchildren.

And you can always make charitable contributions, which allow you to support worthwhile organizations.

And by doing so, you earn some potential tax benefits.

Clearly, you can do a lot with your RMDs.

And you worked hard for them. So, make sure they work just as hard for you.

-Ahwatukee Foothills Edward Jones Financial Advisor Joseph B. Ortiz, AAMS, CRPS, can be reached at 480-753-7664 or joseph.ortiz@ edwardjones.com.

Inventor’s training firearm helps police learn to prevent accidents

BY MIKE BUTLER

AFN Staff Writer

When Mike Farrell of Tempe signed up for formal firearms training some years ago, he was surprised—and a little alarmed— by how often guns were accidentally triggered.

As he progressed to advanced training, he said, things didn’t get much better. He saw elite shooters and experienced instructors accidentally discharge their weapons. Farrell discovered that it was even a problem among veteran law enforcement officers. He learned that for every 1,000 officers on the street, there’s one on-the-job accident per year. Such accidents can have tragic consequences. Earlier this year, a rookie NYPD officer was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and put on probation for the accidental 2014 shooting of an unarmed resident in a housing project stairwell. During the trial, prosecutors argued that the officer breached department protocol by having his finger on the trigger.

Farrell speculated that part of the problem with accidental firings might lie with the inert plastic guns that police officers train with before going to live firearm training. So, he hit the garage and invented a “smart” training aid that warns shooters when their index fingers come off the barrel and move toward the trigger.

Police departments around the country think it’s a good idea. Farrell’s Smart Firearms training guns are being used in Phoenix, New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is a client, as is the Law Enforcement Training Academy at Chandler Gilbert Community College.

Farrell said when a stressful and dangerous confrontation occurs, fingers reflexively clench and instinct wants to move the forefinger to the trigger.

That can be disastrous when using a modern pistol that lacks a safety and has a short trigger pull.

Repetitive training with the Smart Firearms gun, he explained, ingrains a smooth move of the forefinger from barrel to trigger when a shot is warranted.

In traditional inert gun simulation training, according to Farrell, police

officers literally say “Bang! Bang!” to indicate when they’ve fired.

“That does nothing to train muscle memory,” said Farrell. “Their thinking was, ‘We’ll fix it in live fire.’”

After receiving patents and getting a few departments to try out an early model, Farrell used feedback to keep improving.

“What they had to say at first wasn’t too flattering,” he admitted.

His first smart firearm had a chip that could handle three algorithms.

Today, the chip has an accelerometer

and handles more than a hundred algorithms.

“We never want that alarm to go off if they’re doing it right,” Farrell explained. “We can’t build for the pretend world. That’s deadly.”

In addition to the alarm, Farrell’s top training guns make firing sounds and include integrated lasers, night sights and removable magazines.

Pistols are designed and molded to resemble the weight and feel of the

SMART GUN

real-life Glocks, Smith & Wessons and SIG Sauers that police departments use. Grips must be precisely contoured to fit the specialized holsters used by law enforcement.

The holsters contain friction fits and catches to prevent bad guys from grabbing officers’ weapons.

“I know more about plastics than I ever wanted to know,” joked Farrell, a former cargo and corporate jet pilot.

RISKY BUSINESS

when a company finds a potential federal government client. There are different codes and forms governing the paperwork, varying registration requirements and even different processes for submitting a bid and any follow-ups on it.

Several weeks ago, Zach got some help in getting a handle on the federal government’s needs at a seminar called ChallengeHER, aimed at educating attendees, particularly women who own businesses or hold a major interest in one, on opportunities in government contracting.

Sponsored by American Express OPEN, Women Impacting Public Policy and the Small Business Administration, the Phoenix seminar connected those women with procurement officials, government buyers and large prime contractors.

“There are so many layers of ways to be approved, ways to become a vendor,” Zach said. “The advantage is womenowned businesses can qualify for certain

set-asides.”

ChallengeHER spokeswoman Keri Fitzpatrick noted the Small Business Administration announced in March that the federal government had met its goal of awarding 5 percent of federal contracts to women-owned businesses for the first time in history.

“This is a huge milestone for women entrepreneurs,” Fitzpatrick said. “And for those that are newer to government contracting, now is a great time to get started.”

Fitzpatrick said 113 businesses attended the session.

There’s a lot of free assistance available to women-owned companies that want to get started, Zach said.

“The number of resources of free help available through the SBA, Maricopa County, the county community college system and other agencies is really impressive,” Zach said.

She also was impressed by the number of small-business women who are entrepreneurs and “how readily and eager everyone was to collaborate and help. There was a really generous spirit about it.”

The transition from professional to entrepreneur has hit some potholes along the way, but they’ve been no match for the passion and drive he has for his new product and mission.

“We’re saving lives. We’re saving careers.”

Mt. View Lutheran to hold seventh annual German Christmas service

Why do more than 400 people attend an event that many can’t even pronounce?

Because the visitors to this event at Mountain View Lutheran Church’s share a common love of the German language and customs.

“Weihnachtsgottesdienst in deutscher Sprache”—“Christmas Service” in German—will be at 4:10 p.m. Dec. 18 at the church, 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee, for the seventh year and likely will again draw people as far away as Tucson and Flagstaff.

“These are Germans, Austrians, Swiss and everyone who enjoys the German culture,” said Ingeborg Mack, one of the organizers. “The Christmas Service is offered for Christians of all denominations and even those who do not belong to any are welcome.”

In past years, she said, about 20 percent of guests could not speak German but got involved anyway by singing hymns that can be also sung in English, such as “Silent Night.”

Mack grew up in Stuttgard, Germany, and moved to Chandler 30 years ago.

A former deaconess in the German Lutheran Church, she has been a volunteer deaconess at Mountain View

Lutheran for about 25 years.

The celebratory afternoon begins with singing traditional Christmas songs. The hour-long Christmas service starts at 4:30 pm with the ringing of the church bells of the Dom in Trier.

The brass ensemble, a children and adult choir and recorder ensemble

“enrich the celebration with their music and remind many of their traditional childhood holidays past,” Mack said.

The question, “Why do we celebrate Christmas” will be answered in a short play presented by several children. The children’s choir and soloists will sing about the joy that the many Christmas traditions give people.

“But the wonder of God’s love is the real reason of the Christmas joy,” Mack added.

Pastor Cordula Schmid-Wassmuth will address the children with a special message and will also give the sermon.

Schmid-Wassmuth grew up in Namibia and in Wuppertal, Germany. She studied to become a pastor and served in congregations in Germany.

She lives currently with her husband and two daughters in Washington, D.C., where her husband is pastor of the German Congregation.

After the service, everyone is invited to the fellowship hour where tea, coffee and

home-baked Christmas cookies brought by the guests will be available.

“This time is a wonderful opportunity to meet old friends and connect with

SPIRITUAL SIDE

new people and chat in German and have fun,” Mack said.

Information: MVLutheran.org.

How we respond to change reveals our faith’s integrity

BY REV. SUSAN WILMOT AFN Guest Writer

This may be obvious, but change isn’t negotiable; it’s an inevitable part of life. However, how we handle change reveals the truth of where we stand in the integrity of our faith.

For Jesus’ followers, the enormity of the change brought about by Jesus’ life, death and resurrection gave birth to a new

community of faith that continues to thrive today. In the Acts of the Apostles, we read how the faithful handle change with grace, perseverance and prayerful discernment during uncertain times and serious persecution.

From a broader perspective, we’re all part of the great human family, made in God’s image. We share the same basic needs, and the overall shape of our lives is strikingly similar.

We also fall into the same errors, and share the same hopes and fears. Even

with all that we share in common, we’re not clones or puppets, and so disagreements will arise. Our differences and disagreements enrich our lives and broaden our perspectives, but never negate our faithful responsibility to love our neighbors, and respect the dignity of every human being.

As always, Jesus shows us how to release our death grip on our favorite idols, including pride and fear, by reminding us of the source of all life, love and power. In faith, God defines

our true identity, and empowers us to live into the fullness of our humanity.

Jesus’ own life is a model of perfect trust, revealing God’s plan and filling us with hope for today, and tomorrow. Just like Jesus, we strive to remain centered in God’s promises and God’s peace, because God is in control.

In times of great change, like the events prophesied in Luke 21:5-19, Jesus warns us not to be led astray by false prophets,

false messiahs or by idols of any kind. God’s gift of faith demands our right response: to remain focused on our lifegiving Savior, Jesus Christ, and to testify boldly to God’s love, peace and perfect justice through our lives and ministries.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit, our words and actions flow from love, not fear, and produce the fruit of the Spirit, never violence. Following Jesus’ way of prayerful discernment in all things, we use our spiritual gifts to stand in divine solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized of the world.

A faithful response means using our voices and resources to refute injustice and inequality, hatred and bigotry wherever we see it, and in whatever form it takes.

This is indeed a time of change, but more importantly, it is God’s time, and we are God’s people. So how might we live out the Gospel message more fully, just as Jesus fulfilled God’s will?

Jesus always spoke truth to power, however frightening or discomforting the message, and despite the personal cost. Jesus’ teachings and way of life provoked anger and fear among those

who rejected him. He was ultimately betrayed into the hands of sinners, and crucified.

In effect, Jesus became the ultimate scapegoat for the anger and fear, injustice and bigotry at loose in the world, otherwise known as sin and death.

Please remember that while no one is immune from suffering, Jesus’ death and resurrection served a unique purpose in God’s plan.

In the years since Jesus’ resurrection, fear and anger, injustice and bigotry haven’t disappeared from the world scene, and so scapegoating still happens today. Tragically, scapegoating has become an all too familiar pattern of life, especially in uncertain times.

Under the pervasive influence of a few opportunist hatemongers, there are always those who will join forces to look for a scapegoat. Jesus’ prophetic words tell all disciples to be prepared for persecution and betrayal, because of their faith.

It’s not hard to figure out today’s potential scapegoats. Migrant workers, Muslims, immigrant refugees, the differently abled and our LGBTQ brothers and sisters currently make up the top five. Living faith is dangerous, because in faith we stand in solidarity

with all the potential scapegoats. As serious followers of Jesus, putting an end to violence begins with you and me.

Finally, let’s shed some light on the hope we dare to embrace as the future unfolds. As Jesus says in Luke 12:3b, whatever has been “said in the dark will be heard in the light.”

There’s no denying that the anger, fear and bigotry that was already alive and well, but flowing under the surface of life in America, has now burst forth in a torrent of discontent, dis-ease and violence. As shocking as it is, we need to respond in faithful ways that honor God and promote justice, peace and mercy.

There is good news. What was once in darkness is now subject to the Light of the world. For those who profess to walk in the light, there’s no better time to engage the issues that have plagued our communities for years, and work tirelessly to make a positive difference in the lives of all our neighbors.

Faith demands a response. The Lord has opened the door. It’s time to put our faith into action in highly visible, selfless, tangible, and life-giving ways.

-The Rev. Susan E. Wilmot is vicar at St. James the Apostle Episcopal Church & Preschool, 975 E. Warner Road, Tempe. Reach her at rector@stjamestempe.org, 480-345-2686.

SATURDAY, DEC. 10

CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS

Children ages 3 through 10 are invited to come and celebrate the birth of our Savior in Calvary Lutheran Church’s Christmas for Kids. Besides the Christmas lesson, children will have all kinds of activities from crafts, to music, to Christmas treats, including birthday cake to celebrate and grow in the true Christmas message. If parents are looking for some time to shop or prepare for Christmas, we would love to have your children enjoy the morning with us. DETAILS>> 9 a.m.-noon, 1270 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. Free. Register at calvarychandler.net under Events, through Dec. 5. Information: 480-963-9397.

THE GOOD LIFE HEALTH EVENT

Foothills Community Church in Chandler hosts a health education service for local residents to experience improved health and quality of life. The event includes various workshops, classes and activities on topics such as: nutrition, stress-management, wellness, healthy cooking, diabetes prevention, organic gardening, health screenings, CPR classes and healthy meals on a budget.

DETAILS>> 1:30-3:30 p.m., 700 S. Hamilton St., Chandler. Information: 480-917-4688, goodlifeopenhouse@gmail.com, foothillsaz.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 11

‘JAZZOPERETRY’ RETURNS

After a four-year absence, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Jazzoperetry (“Jazz-OP-ruh-tree”), Inc., will join forces to present the long-awaited return to Arizona of the contemporary Christian singer/

CALENDAR

songwriter Robert Moffat. The Holy Trinity Chancel choir will join the Rob Moffat Chorus and instrumental ensemble to perform a musical nativity.

DETAILS>> 2 p.m., 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. Admission $15/students $10. Information: 480-936-4127, or earl@ htlutheran.com.

FRI-SUN, DEC. 16-18

WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM

First Baptist Church Chandler’s 4th annual Walk Through Bethlehem Live Nativity will guide visitors through the city of Bethlehem, past the stable of live animals and end at the manger and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Food trucks and photo opportunities will be available. Carolers will be singing on the grounds. DETAILS>> 6-8 p.m., 3405 S. Arizona Ave, Chandler. Cost: Free. Information: fbc.net or 480-963-3439.

SUNDAY,

DEC. 18

HANDEL’S ‘MESSIAH’ SING-ALONG

The Stapley Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Gilbert is hosting a community sing-along with orchestra. Individuals and families are welcome, including children. There is no admission and no donations will be accepted. Soloists will be auditioned and must attend a dress rehearsal on Dec. 17. The orchestra for this event is open to the community, but requires attendance at rehearsals which are held Sunday evenings from 4-6:30 p.m. until the performance.

DETAILS>> 7 p.m., 1100 N. Cooper Rd, Gilbert. Cost: Free,. Information: Richard Ewer at 480-507-5758 or richard.ewer@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, DEC. 25

HANUKKAH BOWLING CELEBRATION

Chabad of the East Valley is hosting an afternoon of bowling, food, music, raffles and prizes. A latke bar, menorah lighting, Hanukkah gifts and Hanukkah arts and crafts will be offered.

DETAILS>> 2-4 p.m., McRay Lanes 3825 W. Ray Rd. Chandler. Cost: Fee for bowling and shoes. Information: Rabbi Mendy Deitsch at 480-855-4333.

MONDAY, DEC. 26

‘CHANUKAH WONDERLAND’

“Chanukah Wonderland,” a project of Chabad of the East Valley, will feature a concert and dancing, a photo booth, olive oil press and “Dreidel Mania.”

DETAILS>>10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock, Tempe. Cost: Free. Information: 480-855-4333 or visit chabadcenter.com.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 28

CANDY MENORAH LIGHTING

Ancient traditions meet a new twist with the lighting of a 9-foot candy menorah lighting Each year Chabad of the East Valley takes Chanukah to the next level. Live music will accompany a doughnut dipping bar, a raffle and gifts for all children.

DETAILS>> 5:30 p.m., Phoenix Premium Outlets, 4976 Premium Outlets Way, Chandler. Cost: Free. Information: Rabbi Mendy Deitsch at rabbi@ chabadcenter.com or 480-855-4333.

SUNDAYS

VALOR CHRISTIAN OUTLINES MISSION

Valor Christian Center in Gilbert offers “great praise and worship and great messages for today’s living,” according to Pastor Thor Strandholt, associate pastor.

“Our mission is evangelize, healing and discipleship through the word of God.”

DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays. 3015 E. Warner Road. Information: valorcc.com.

HORIZON SEEKS YOUNG PEOPLE

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

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

KIDS CAN LEARN JEWISH LIFE

Children can learn and experience Jewish life. Chabad Hebrew School focuses on Jewish heritage, culture and holidays.

DETAILS>>9:30 a.m. to noon, for children ages 5-13 at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. 480-855-4333, info@ chabadcenter.com, or chabadcenter.com.

RABBINIC

LIT COURSE OFFERED

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

DETAILS>> Community Room of the administration building at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480-897-3636.

UNITY OFFERS A PATH

Unity of Mesa says its Sunday service offers “a positive path for spiritual living” through “transformational lessons, empowering music and various spiritual practices with an open-minded and welcoming community.”

with a loss in life.

DETAILS>>7 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room C201, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org.

TUESDAYS

JEWISH VIEWS ON HOT-BUTTON ISSUES

A new six session course presents a non-partisan, Jewish view of the hot button 2016 election issues, such as gun control and immigration. The classes will run until Dec. 19.

DETAILS>> 7:30-9 p.m., Chabad of the East Valley, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. 480-855-4333, chabadcenter.com or info@chabadcenter.com.

DIVORCED CAN FIND COMFORT

People suffering through a divorce or separation can find understanding and caring support to face these challenges.

DETAILS>> 6:30-8:30 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E Pecos Road, Room 117, Ahwatukee, 480759-6200 or mountainpark.org.

FINDING HEALING FOR PAIN

HOPE, an acronym for “Help Overcome Painful Experiences,” offers support for men and women who seek God’s grace and healing.

DETAILS>> 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. mountainpark.org.

SENIORS ENJOY ‘TERRIFIC TUESDAYS’

The program is free and includes bagels and coffee and a different speaker or theme each week.

Registration not needed.

DETAILS>> 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Barness Family East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. evjcc.org or 480-897-0588.

WEDNESDAYS

DETAILS>>9 a.m. Spiritual discussion group and meditation practices group. 10:15 a.m. service. 2700 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. Child care available at 9 a.m. Nursery for infants through kindergarten at 10:15 a.m. 480-892-2700, unityofmesa.org, joanne@unityofmesa.org.

MONDAYS

JOIN CHRIST-CENTERED YOGA

This Flow 1-2 class (intermediate) is free and open to the community.

DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Greg Battle at 480-7596200 or gbattle@moutainpark.org.

CLASS TARGETS THE GRIEVING

Classes for those grieving over death or divorce.

DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. 480-963-4127.

STRUGGLING FIND SUPPORT

Support group for those struggling with how to deal

CELEBRATE RECOVERY MEETS

Celebrate Recovery says it “brings your relationship with the Lord closer to your heart as it heals your hurts, habits and hang-ups.” Participants can discuss issues ranging from feeling left out to addictions. “Nothing is too small or too large.”

DETAILS>> 6:20 p.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. mvlutheran.org/ celebraterecovery or email cr@alphamvlc.com.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY OFFERED

Living Word Ahwatukee women’s Bible study and fellowship that offers “a short, low-key time of praise and worship in music and message.” It’s also an opportunity to meet other Christian women in Ahwatukee.

DETAILS>> 10-11:30 a.m., Living Word Ahwatukee, 14647

See CALENDAR on page 43

W. 50th St., Suite 165, Ahwatukee. Free child care.

GET A ‘SPIRITUAL SHOWER’

A release calls this “a 15-minute energetic tune up each week” and says the Twin Hearts Meditation “is like taking a spiritual shower: when your aura is clean, you experience a higher level of awareness. You see through things more clearly and good luck increases.”

DETAILS>> 7-9 p.m. at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. 480-792-1800 or unityoftempe.com.

THURSDAYS

SLEEPING BAGS FOR THE HOMELESS

Ugly Quilts has made more than 15,500 sleeping bags for the area homeless, and continues to do so at First United Methodist Church every Thursday. Quilters stitch donated fabric, comforters, sheets and blankets into sleeping bags. Those are then distributed to the Salvation Army, churches and veterans’ organizations. DETAILS>> 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 215 E. University Drive, Tempe. Information: 480-969-5577.

KIDS CAN FIND SUPPORT

Support group for children ages 6 to 12 coping with a separation or divorce in the family. One-time $10 fee includes snacks and workbook.

DETAILS>> 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room C202, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org.

ULPAN INSTRUCTION AVAILABLE

Class is based on Israel’s successful Ulpan instruction. Taught by Ilan Berko, born in Israel, schooled in the U.S. DETAILS>> 7 p.m. Chabad of the East Valley, 3875

W. Ray Road, Suite 6, Chandler. chabadcenter.com or 480-855-4333.

FRIDAYS

TODDLERS CAN MARK SHABBAT

Celebrate Shabbat with a service, music, and a craft project designed for children up to 5 years old and their parents or other adult.

DETAILS>> 9:30 a.m., Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road. 480-838-1414 or emanueloftempe.org.

TOTS TAUGHT TORAH

Hosted by Chabad of the East Valley for children ages 2 to 5. Features hands-on activities about the Shabbat, songs, stories and crafts. Children will make and braid their own challah.

DETAILS>> 10:15-11 a.m., members’ homes. 480-785-5831.

NOSH BEFORE SERVICE

“Nosh” and then enjoy the Shir Shabbat service led by the Shabba-Tones, the Shabbat musical group.

DETAILS>> 6 p.m. first Friday of the month, Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. 480-838-1414 or emanueloftempe.org.

YOUNG FAMILIES HOLD SHABBAT

Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley invites young families to its services.

DETAILS>> Regular services at 6 p.m. except on the third Friday of each month, when a 6 p.m. Young Family Shabbat Service is held for children and adults of all ages. Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. Shabbat Morning and Torah Service weekly at 9 a.m. 480-897-3636 or tbsev. org. or info@tbsev.org.

SERVICE INCLUDES KIDS

Designed for children up to 5 years old and their

parents or other adult. Following the service is an Oneg Shabbat, a time for a snack and to meet other families with young children.

DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. second Fridays, Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road. 480-838-1414 or emanueloftempe.org.

TEMPLE EMANUEL LISTS SERVICES

Traditional service followed by an Oneg Shabbat. DETAILS>> 7:30 p.m. second and fourth Fridays, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. 480-838-1414 or emanueloftempe.org.

SATURDAYS

STUDY THE PRAYER BOOK

These special study sessions at the beginning of Shabbat morning services teach the structure of Shabbat services and how to follow in the Siddur (prayer book). Taught by Rabbi Leitner. Introduction to Judaism, Introductory Hebrew Reading for Adults, and Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Preparation are cumulative, so no new students can be accepted mid-year.

DETAILS>> 9-9:30 a.m. fourth Saturday each month, Pre-register for fall by contacting Amy Shevitz at vped@tbsev.org.

WEEKLY SERVICES SCHEDULED

International, nondenominational church offers weekly Sabbath services. Congregational meeting in the morning and Bible study in the afternoon.

DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m.-noon; 1:30-2:45 p.m. at True Jesus Church, 2640 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480899-1488 or tjcphoenix@tjc.org.

JEWISH KIDS PROGRAM AVAILABLE

Shabbat Yeladim is a free Shabbat program for Jewish children ages 3-7 sponsored by Ahwatukee’s NefeshSoul Jewish Community. Shabbat Yeladim is on the second Saturday of the month. Songs, stories and art project each month.

DETAILS>> 10-11 a.m. on the Valley Unitarian Universalist Campus, 6400 W. Del Rio, Chandler. Contact Rabbi Susan Schanerman at rabbi@nefeshsoul. org or nefeshsoul.org.

STUDY AND WORSHIP IN TEMPE

DETAILS>> Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Optional study session at 8:20 a.m., Shabbat morning service at 9:30 a.m., followed by a kiddush. 480-838-1414 or emanueloftempe.org.

ONGOING

HIGH HOLY DAYS IN AHWATUKEE

Ahwatukee Congregation NefeshSoul has scheduled High Holy Day services and creative programs. DETAILS>> Located near Kyrene and Ray roads. Information: www.nefeshsoul.com or contact Rabbi Susan Schanerman at rabbi@nefeshsould.org.

JEWISH CENTER SELLS GIFTS

The Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life Chai Judaica and Gifts offers a wide variety of gifts, from Mezuzot to books, religious items and jewelry.

DETAILS>> Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. Gift shop hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday by appointment only and Sundays 9:30-10 a.m. and noon-12:30 p.m. info@chabadcenter.com or 480-855-4333.

TEMPLE PROVIDES KIDS ROOM

The full-time infant room for children ages 6 weeks to 12 months.

DETAILS>> Temple Emanuel of Tempe, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Rachel Wallach, 480-838-1414, or rachel@ emanueloftempe.org.

Submit your releases to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com

Sports

Top teams, individuals, events, outlooks and

BY JASON P. SKODA Prep Sports Director

The transition to the winter sports season is complete.

And it’s ime to take a look at the top teams and individuals in wrestling, soccer and basketball.

Boys basketball

Top teams: 1. Corona del Sol; 2. Desert Vista; 3. Basha; 4. Mesa; 5. Mountain View.

Top individuals: Alex Barcello, Corona del Sol; Saben Lee, Corona del Sol; Timmy Allen, Red Mountain; Gabe McGlothian, Basha; Caleb Simmons, Desert Vista; Nigel Shadd, Tri-City Christian Academy; Mason Stark, Marcos de Niza; David Exline, Mesquite.

Top events: HoopHall West (FridaySaturday); McClintock Shootout (Dec. 26-27, 29) VisitMesa (Dec. 28-31).

Outlook: Corona is going to need a third option to develop; Red Mountain becomes interesting once Allen becomes eligible; Desert Vista has a new coach in Gino Crump, who did a great job of taking Casa Grande to a new level; Shane Burcar can make to most depleted and inexperienced roster into semifinalists by the end of the year; How will Sam Duane Jr. fare at Perry without the Corona machine feeding him talent like Casey Benson, Barcello, etc.?; Can Valley Christian youthful roster from last year turn the early exit from the postseason into motivation this season?

Girls basketball

Top teams: 1. Seton Catholic; 2. Mesquite; 3. Hamilton; 4. Gilbert; 5. Valley Christian

Top individuals: Shaylee Gonzales,

Mesquite; Lindsey VanAllen, Mesquite; Jen Wirth, Seton Catholic; Sarah Barcello, Seton Catholic; Maddie Frederick, Hamilton; Maya Banks, Hamilton; Megan Timmer, Valley Christian; Arianna LaLonde, Chandler; Haley Cavinder, Gilbert.

Top events: Nike Tournament of Champions (Dec. 19-22); Holiday Hoops Classic at Red Mountain (Dec. 27-30); Chandler Prep New Years Classic (Dec. 28-30).

Outlook: Mesquite and Seton Catholic are in the 5A Conference and 4A Conference, respectively, after playing championship basketball in Division I

and Division II last season. They will be considered heavy favorites; Can the Cavinder sisters push the Tigers into contender status? Coming off the first state title in program history, Hamilton is the favorite in the big-school race. Does that wear on a team taking on that role?; Valley Christian won 31 games and finished as the Division III runnerup with one senior on the roster. The Trojans were upset by South Mountain and return with only one goal in mind.

Boys soccer

Top teams: 1. Corona del Sol; 2. Hamilton; 3. Campo Verde; 4. Gilbert

5. Chandler

Top individuals: Ryan Flood, Corona del Sol; Michael Lopez, Corona del Sol; Beto Vidana, Hamilton; Nick Mootz, Hamilton; Johnny Halter, Campo Verde; Jonathon Zimmerman, Campo Verde; Nathon Smith, Campo Verde; Danny Baca, Gilbert; Michael Johansson, Gilbert; Marcos Vargas, Chandler.

Top events: Dobson Mustang Classic (Dec. 26-30); Arizona Soccer Showcase (Dec. 27-30); Chandler Prep Back to School Classic (Jan. 6-7).

Outlook: Flood pulled of a 20-20 season a year go. It will be interesting to see if he can manage another 20 goals and 20 assist season; the Aztecs are hosting Mater Dei of California on Dec. 16; Brophy, Hamilton and Corona travel to the Western Lotto Showcase in Sam Clemente; the new conference alignment drops Campo Verde down to 5A after being a quality big-school program.

Girls soccer

Top teams: 1. Hamilton; 2. Desert Vista; 3. Perry; 4. Campo Verde; 5. Highland

Top individuals: Brianna Atterbury, Hamilton; Bryce Miniefield, Hamilton; Emma Robson, Hamilton; Paige Maling, Desert Vista; Izzy Deutsch, Desert Vista; Whitley Johns, Campo Verde; Amanda Canzona, Campo Verde; Olivia Nguyen, Corona del Sol; Sara Wheaton, Basha.

Top event: Coyote Classic Invite (Dec. 3-10); Dobson Mustang Classic (Dec. 26-29); Arizona Soccer Showcase at Reach 11 (Dec. 27-30).

Outlook: Desert Vista and Hamilton just might meet up in the 6A finals

after the Thunder topped the Huskies last year; Expect a bounce-back year for Highland after going 9-8-2 last year with a first-round loss; Campo Verde drops down to 5A conference, and should fare well in 2016-17; The Arizona Soccer Showcase continues to be the top draw for Christmas tournament as seven area teams are in the 32-team field, which includes St. Ignatius, Villa Park, Bishop Amat and Notre Dame Belmont from California.

Wrestling

Top teams: 1. Corona del Sol; 2. Mesa Mountain View; 3. Chandler; 4. Williams Field; 5. Desert Vista. Top individuals: Ray Ramirez, Red Mountain; Jacob Garcia, Corona del Sol; Vincent Dolce, Corona del Sol; Brandon Konecny, Corona del Sol; Hunter Carmona, Corona del Sol; Brock Doolen, Mountain View; Chad Porter, Desert Vista; Jason Holmes, Chandler; Brady Schall, Queen Creek; Gator Groves, McClintock; Marco Groves, McClintock; Shavez Hawkins, Williams Field; Jackson Gissel, Williams Field; Nathan Smith, Williams Field; Adan

Guillen, Tempe; Jaren Savage, Tempe.

Top events: Coyote Open at Skyline (Friday-Saturday); Puma Duals (FridaySaturday); Moon Valley Invite (Dec. 1617); Steve Blackford Duals at ASU (Dec. 28-29); Mile High Challenge (Jan. 2-3); Peoria Invite (Jan. 6-7); Flowing Wells Invite (Jan. 13-14); Doc Wright Invite at Winslow (Jan. 13-14).

Outlook: The implosion of Seton Catholic led to several impactful transfers, including state champions Konecny and Dolce to Corona del Sol; how well will they mesh into the room while still working with former coach Eric Larkin at Thorobred Wrestling Club? Williams Field will also benefit from transfers in the Hawkins brothers from Poston Butte and Cyler Rustad from Mountain View; Coaching changes—mainly Bob Callison from Mountain View to Casteel and Bobby Williams becoming an assistant at Mesa with David DiDomenico taking over— have good programs going in different directions.

-Contact writer: 480-898-7915 or jskoda@ ahwatukee.com. Follow him on Twitter @ JasonPSkoda

Mountain Pointe High’s Gray graduates early, heads to Gonzaga

BY MAKAYLA PERKINS AFN Contributing Writer

When a high school career ends, there is usually some lag time before transitioning into college student athlete. Chapin Gray isn’t wasting any time. After leading Mountain Pointe to the 6A Conference state title match, Gray

Thunder’s Noah Baumann overcomes back injury, returns to court

BY BEN HALVERSON Cronkite News

Each high school game is an opportunity for athletes to showcase their talent and prove that they have the skills necessary to play at the college level. Desert Vista’s Noah Baumann had to find another way to prove he can play.

As a sophomore, Baumann played spotty minutes in 15 games for Desert Vista’s varsity basketball team, averaging only 2.1 points per game. Then a back injury limited him to just two games during his junior year.

“I over-used it,” Baumann said of his back. “I didn’t take care of my body as much as I should. It really came down on me during the beginning of the season. I had to miss out but with physical therapy and icing my back, everyday it got better.”

Fortunately for Baumann, he didn’t have to rely soley on his high school experience. San Jose State coach Dave Wojcik spotted Baumann during a summer club tournament when Wojcik was there watching his son play.

“He played against my son up in Anaheim,” Wojcik said. “I got to see him play there, and he played really well. I was like, ‘who is this kid?’”

Last month, the 6-foot-5 senior shooting guard signed to play for Wojcik at San Jose State.

“I just kept watching him,” Wojcik said. “He had a great game and we just got on him from there. Then we followed him and really watched him in the spring

from page 45

will soon be trading in her maroon and gold jersey for a red and blue one. At the request of Gonzaga University, Gray will be graduating a semester early from high school to play for the college’s Division I woman’s volleyball team starting in the spring.

This is the first time the volleyball program has requested a high school athlete to graduate early, and Gray is thrilled.

and in July. He just kept growing on us. I really liked the way he played.”

Desert Vista coach Gino Crump was hopeful Noah would get a shot to play at the next level, despite his injury.

Crump told Noah college coaches would eventually recognize his ability and he would get a shot.

“I believe they’ll find you,” Crump said. “They’ll find you if you’re good enough, and he’s obviously good enough.”

Desert Vista assistant Pat Johnson, who often works with Baumann practicing one-on-one drills before practice, has watched Baumann’s confidence return.

“His confidence has skyrocketed since he’s come back completely from his injury,” Johnson said. “The confidence is key and it’s at an all-time high right now. Hopefully (it) carries over to the season.”

Being able to play at the college level always has been a dream for Baumann, and the way he dealt with the injury actually helped convince Wojcik to offer a scholarship.

“It’s unusual because he had the injury and he sat out,” Wojcik said. “But the thing that I like about him is he came back from that injury. I like those kind of guys who have had some setbacks and don’t let those setbacks keep them down, and it actually fuels the fire for them to get back at an even higher level than what they were.”

Wojcik expects Baumann make an impact on the Spartans as a freshman.

“I think he has the ability to come in and get minutes,” Wojcik said. “I just want him to compete. I don’t look at guys (as) freshmen, sophomores, juniors.

“When my coach from Gonzaga asked me if I would be interested in graduating early, I had butterflies in my stomach and I was super excited,” Gray said. “At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to graduate early, but the more I thought about it the more excited I got, and the more I wanted to do it.”

She committed to play at Gonzaga the summer after her sophomore year, and just a year later, the school requested for her early arrival.

Gray, 17, of Ahwatukee, will be moving to her dormitory in Spokane, Washington, in January. She said she is “nervous but excited to be on my own.”

When Mountain Pointe coach Karen Gray was asked which of her athletes were the most notable, Chapin was at the top of her list. Gray is eager for Chapin, her daughter, and indicated said she has confidence in her ability to adjust quickly.

“An increasing number of players are doing this because it gets them into the college groove and allows them to begin practicing with the team,” Karen Gray said.

You’re either a ball player or you’re not a ball player.”

As he goes into his final season at Desert Vista, Baumann is expected to do one thing, according to Crump: hit shots.

“It’s a beautiful thing to be in a position when your coach tells you if you don’t

Chapin Gray is at least the third Pride athlete to make the jump early. Olympian medalist Will Claye did so December 2008 to attend Oklahoma’s track program early and Oregon wide receiver Jalen Brown joined the Ducks in the spring of 2014 after graduating in December.

Chapin Gray also received offers from the University of Denver, University of Wyoming and the University of South Carolina.

It is easy to understand the multiple offers after watching her develop over her career with the Pride. She led the team in kills (487) and kill attempts (1,246), was second in aces (55), fourth in digs (273) and fifth in blocks (35).

Not only is Gray advanced in her school work and a varsity athlete, but she also has volunteered more than 100

shoot, you’re in trouble,” Crump said. Baumann is excited to be back on the court with the Thunder and grateful for what he learned in throughout the process.

“It was a difficult journey,” Baumann said. “I thought, ‘just keep working hard and you’ll get the results.’”

hours of service to the community.

Her schoolmate, Sarah Ding, is ecstatic for Gray and her volleyball career after taking the Pride on the brink of state title before losing to Corona del Sol in three sets.

“She is always willing to do whatever it takes to succeed which is why she can balance her academic and athletic careers so well,” Ding said. “She is an important part of the team and a great leader. It will be interesting to see who fills her shoes on the court.”

Gray, who has been playing volleyball for 10 years, said has learned much as an athlete and is excited to apply those lessons to her time at Gonzaga.

“I have learned that the team always comes first and that supporting your team and being positive is crucial,” Gray said.

Muhammad inspired by the memory of her father

BY KENDALL POP

AFN Contributing Writer

Although Nura Muhammad’s father passed away in the spring, he still remains a big motivator in the Mountain Pointe High School athletic star’s life mentally and emotionally.

“He is one of my biggest motivators now and was my biggest supporter, along with my mom,” Muhammad, a senior, said.

Her father always had a huge role in the Mountain Pointe’s athletic life; now her siblings will take on that role as she turns her attention toward track in the spring after helping the Pride finished as the 6A Conference state volleyball championship.

Muhammad comes from a big family of six sisters and one brother whom she loves and gets along with great and they have had a huge impact on her life.

“It’s very nice growing up with them and comforting to know you have a big group of supporters,” Muhammad said. “They are my biggest cheerleaders.” Muhammad started track just to stay

in shape at first, but later grew on to love the sport. She competed in last year’s state track meet only days after her dad died, and didn’t perform as well as she wanted.

She made up for it over the summer by finishing fifth in the triple jump at the USATF National Junior Championships.

Volleyball, on the other hand, was something she grew up doing; it was her whole childhood.

“Nura is one of the best athletes that has ever attended Mountain Pointe,” volleyball coach Karen Gray said. “She is also one of the best middle hitters that our school has ever had.”

She has gotten one offer to compete in volleyball and track, but ultimately wanted to carry out just her love for track to the collegiate levels and recently committed to Oklahoma.

“I think she’s going to do great things in the future,” Mountain Pointe volleyball player Claire Kulovitz said.

Gray said Muhammad’s presence will be sorely missed in the program after the championship match against Corona del Sol.

“I can’t tell you how much the team

and I will miss her, but she is on her way to a DI track career and only the sky is her limit,” Gray said.

Muhammad’s father has always wanted

what is best for her and has always been involved in her life.

“He taught me that you can make every day a good day,” Muhammad said.

Get Out

Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre presenting a true community production

JUSTIN FERRIS GetOut Editor

Michele Rubino’s love of theater began in third grade when she played Kathy in the off-Broadway production of “Really Rosie.”

Besides, she explained, “I’m originally from New York, so I grew up with the theater mentality.”

However, she eventually realized she lacked the passion necessary for performing and decided to become a teacher instead, discovering her love of kids.

IF YOU GO

The rest largely hail from Chandler, Tempe and Maricopa.

The kids range in age from kindergarten to high school and participate in musical theater studios, one of the two show choirs, cleverly named “All Keyed Up” and “Treble Makers,” or take private voice or dance lessons.

Once a year, they get to audition for A.C.T.’s production of the holiday staple, “A Christmas Carol,” now in its 13th year.

Where: Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. 3rd St., Phoenix.

When: 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 17; 2 p.m. Dec. 18.

In the late ‘90s, she combined her two loves, theater and children, and started a children’s choir, which in 2000 grew into Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre.

Cost: $15 (it often sells out, so buy online early).

More info: azact.org.

Sixteen years later, A.C.T. boasts a staff of eight, including some teachers who were in the program as kids and returned after college, and a steady flow of participants. “In a week, we see around 150 kids come through the door,” Rubino said.

Demographically, the organization lives up to its name. “I’d say probably 80 percent of our kids are from Ahwatukee,” she said.

The auditions are actually open to the entire community, and it’s the one time adults can join the cast. In addition to Ahwatukee residents, Rubino said she gets participants from Tempe, Chandler, Mesa and even Maricopa.

Many actors come back year after year, which contributes to the production’s amazingly short lead time.

“It all comes together within four weeks,” Rubino reveals. “It’s a very fast turnaround.”

The sets, props and costumes typically carry over from year to year as well. And when new items are needed, Rubino gets plenty of support. “We have a lot of parent volunteers that help,” she says.

The Ahwatukee Children’s Theater brings new life to the holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol.”

That doesn’t mean the production stays exactly the same every year, though. It undergoes improvements and tweaks, including occasional new music that Rubino writes herself.

Yes, A.C.T.’s version of “A Christmas Carol” does take the form of a musical, and Rubino says that in tone and humor, it resembles “The Muppet Christmas Carol.”

Rubino knows that some adaptations of

this story take a dark approach and wants to be clear that A.C.T. puts on a light, “very family-friendly” production. She said that for younger kids it makes a good introduction to the world of Ebeneezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim, as well as a hopefully inspiring experience with live theater. At its heart, however, she said, “It’s just a really fun way to kick off the Christmas season.”

Ahwatukee wine expert to conduct classes at local restaurant

Ahwatukee wine expert Darla Hoffman will start wine classes next month at My Wine Cellar, a staple in the community’s restaurant scene for more than a decade.

Hoffman, a certified wine specialist and sommelier, said that since it came under new ownership in October, “subtle changes seem to enhance its already intimate vibe” and have made My Wine Cellar an ideal setting for the classes.

Shannon Rush, the restaurant’s former general manager, bought the restaurant after its previous owner decided to go on to new ventures.

Rush moved from South East Asia to Philadelphia, at age 17, and became immersed in the food-and-wine industry.

“Philadelphia is quite the foodie town and has received high marks from Travel & Leisure magazine regarding the new generation of young chefs,” Hoffman said. “She knew this was a fabulous place to gain restaurant experience and high quality service skills.”

Rush moved to Arizona six years ago, and began working at House of Tricks in Tempe.

“She soon became a regular at My Wine Cellar, fell in love with the place, and finally enjoyed working there for three years. She positioned herself in all the right spots which helped her discover what people want in a wine scene and dining experience,”

Hoffman said.

Rush noted, “I think it was always my plan to buy My Wine Cellar. It needed to stay with someone who already cared about it and wanted to take it to the next level. I feel like I am set up for success.”

Hoffman said My Wine Cellar “has a loyal following who seem just as passionate about its future as the owner and staff. The local neighborhood restaurant is a place where people can feel comfortable coming alone, on a date, or with a group.”

In her desire to provide “top quality service, food and wine in a home-like environment,” Rush is enhancing the patio with heaters and misters for year-round use and is changing the menu to include more

wine-centric options and small plates.

The Wine 101 classes will be held on three consecutive Mondays 6:30-8:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 16 at My Wine Cellar, 5030 E. Warner Road.

“We have themed classes scheduled throughout the year to include ‘The Wines of Washington and Oregon,’ ‘Bordeaux Blends’ and ‘Wines from Down Under,’” said Rush.

Hoffman said the classes “are designed to be non-intimidating and a fun way to explore your palate.”

Space for the classes is limited and can be reserved at 480-598-9463.

Information: mywinecellarphx.com and aboutwineaz.com.

Ahwatukee singers play a big part of 140-member Tempe choir performance

More than a dozen Ahwatukee residents will be among the singers when the Tempe Community Chorus presents its silver anniversary concert at Mesa Arts Center this month.

The concert, titled “One Voice, 1 25th Anniversary Celebration,” is at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16. Tickets are $15 for adults (children under 11 are free) and available from the Mesa Arts Center website or TempeCommunityChorus.org.

Choir director Cary Burns said the 140-member choir will use holiday songs to underscore a theme of togetherness.

“The Tempe Community Chorus encourages everyone to tell their stories through song,” Burns said. “The true harmony is in our friendships and the support we have for each other.”

Ahwatukee singers include altos Carrie Dixon, Julia Fleeman, Kim Martin, Judy Wade, and Sujata Ryan; John Gemma and Doug Higginbotham, bass; and sopranos Barbara Clayton, Doris Dorwart, Mary Griffith, Billie Levine, Julia Martinez, Lisa Roger and Rabbi Susan Schanerman.

Along with favorite holiday songs such as “The First Noel,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” and “Dai Diddle Dai,” the chorus will debut Burns’s arrangement of “One Voice,” which tells of the difference “just one voice” can make as others join in.

The chorus’s smaller groups also will perform. Its Mill Street Singers will sing “And So It Goes” and a fun holiday song and its quartet, Harmony Rain, will also appear.

Cary has been engaged with music since childhood. He has directed and coached singing groups including jazz choirs,

barbershop choruses, chamber choirs, mixed choruses, and local ensembles and performers. He writes and arranges music for several vocal groups.

He also is a music judge in the music category for the internationally known Barbershop Harmony Society, for whom he judges competitions and coaches vocal groups all over the United States and Canada. He is the director of the Southwest Vocal Project Chorus, a member of the international female barbershop organization, Sweet Adelines

Sievert has been the pianist for Tempe Community Chorus since 2008, and started piano lessons at age 4. She is also a licensed professional counselor, with a master’s degree in clinical counseling. She has worked in behavioral health for 26 years, and recently retired from Aetna.

The Tempe Community Chorus focuses on many musical elements as it tries to understand the lyrics and composers’ and arrangers’ choices.

“We work to blend our voices and to sing with passion and think about musical shape and colors and depth,” spokeswoman Judy Wade said. “Our director really encourages all of us think about the quality of our sound and the shape of the line.”

Wade also noted that the choir “is not just a bunch of people singing one melody.”

“It’s four-part harmony, and in the case of this chorus, it even goes to seven-part harmony,” she added. “It’s an indication of a more accomplished musical group, which has to be well-rehearsed to sing that many parts.”

The chorus is always looking for people who want to improve their individual vocal talent and be a member.

Information on its weekly auditions: tempecommunitychorus.org.

FNP-C

House of Tricks has new menu, new ‘mission’

DAVID M. BROWN AFN Contributing Writer

The House of Tricks has opened the door to fall and winter with a magical new menu.

Approaching its 30th anniversary next year, the Tempe restaurant, 114 E. Seventh St., is debuting items on its lunch and dinner menus, adding to its signature New American items.

And, through Dec. 19, the House of Tricks is donating $1 of Monday lunch specials sold to support the Tempe Mission campaign.

“Every Saturday, Chef Andrea Bales goes to the farmers market in search of interesting and fresh produce,” said Robin Trick, who with husband Robert opened the restaurant in 1987. “She goes without a predetermined idea of what she will create, then lets the produce dictate that.”

Bales and Chef Scott Umscheid then create the week’s Farmers Market Special with those ingredients.

“We post a pic on Facebook each Monday of what they made, but we don’t know what they’re cooking up until that Monday right before lunch, so there’s a bit of mystery and intrigue involved,” Trick explained.

“Our food is good for you,” she added. “Local sourcing is good for our Valley farmers. And the donation effort is good for the community.”

The Downtown Tempe Authority and the local business community have pledged to raise $100,000 during the next year to benefit social service organizations in the city, particularly those helping the homeless.

performing arts center on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University.

To get started in business, the Tricks rented a 1920 guest cottage that was once home of ASU President Grady Gammage’s secretary, Mary Bunte. Father of Phoenix attorney and community leader Grady Gammage Jr., the elder Gammage led the school from 1933 until his death in 1959.

The original House of Tricks had a dozen tables, a river rock fireplace and an outdoor patio amid mature trees.

Seven years after opening, the Tricks also rented the adjacent 1900 adobe-and-brick structure, restored it and tripled the space at the restaurant, adding two dining rooms.

“It was home to two generations of architects in its recent history,” Robin said, noting that they purchased both properties from architect Craig Walling in 1996.

Between these two former homes is a wooden deck and an outdoor bar.

Inside, the Tricks have also built a temperature and humidity-controlled cellar with more than 2,500 bottles of wine. Patrons can also order wines by the glass.

“Our old buildings are our greatest asset and our biggest challenge,” Robin said. “Built in 1900 and 1920, they were certainly not built to accommodate the stress of hundreds of people per day, let alone thousand pound pieces of equipment. Robert does an incredible job looking after them.”

Five organizations will each receive 20 percent of the funds raised: Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development (homeless youth); Tempe Community Action Agency’s Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (I-HELP); Community Bridges (behavioral health programs); CARE 7 (crisis services); and Salvation Army programs.

A pioneer of the downtown Tempe renaissance, House of Tricks is a block from ASU Gammage, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1950s.

The Tricks live across from that landmark

Chefs Bales and Umscheid each bring their talents to the table as they try to make each dish a delicious synthesis.

A native of Seattle and a Tempe resident, Bales has 12-plus years in the food industry and more than four at House of Tricks.

A graduate of the University of Phoenix, she owned a catering company for seven years before becoming a lead line cook at True Food Kitchen in Scottsdale for about two years.

Bales’ style is Rustic New American cuisine with Asian influences.

In contrast, Umscheid focuses on Contemporary American, influenced by Mexican, Asian and French cuisines.

With 16 years of culinary experience, the Tempe resident is a graduate of Scottsdale Culinary Institute in 2005 and first worked at the Holiday Inn in Manhattan, Kansas, his home town.

“Chef Andrea is extremely creative, with an emphasis on farm-to-table dining and finding the freshest local ingredients,” Robin said. “She’s very smart at hiring and training a fantastic team and keeping everyone and everything in the kitchen organized.

“Chef Scott is a great cook with a homecooking style. He’s mild-mannered for a chef and very loyal and dedicated,” she added. “He’s been with us for 10 years.”

Some of the new dishes include, for soups/salads, frisee and green apple salad with toasted pecans, butternut squash, soft-boiled egg and duck confit vinaigrette.

For starters, there are seared diver scallops and squid ink “caviar” with fennel oil, orange broth and rice paper cracker. There is also vindaloo glazed lamb belly with garlic purée, yellow bell pepper

coulis, snap peas and micro cilantro. New entrées include tomato and herbbraised lamb shank with lemon honey risotto, spiced yogurt and roasted sweet peppers. Also offered is a grilled 8-ounce bison New York strip with black garlic compound butter, purple sweet potato purée, Brussels sprout leaves and sautéed bourbon-glazed heirloom carrots.

Every five years, the Tricks plan a party for milestone anniversaries.

For the Big 30 next year in October, Robin said, “I am thinking about a very elegant cocktail party––a dress-up affair, live music, maybe even dancing.” House of Tricks is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, even the Tricks get a treat: rest.

Information: houseoftricks.com.

Christmas entertainment abounds this weekend

BY JUSTIN FERRIS GetOut Editor

‘Mamma Mia,’ farewell

Don’t miss the farewell tour of the hit musical that features ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Super Trouper,” “Take A Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All.”

DETAILS>> Times vary, Through Saturday. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave. Tempe. Tickets: $20-$125. 480-965-3434, asugammage.com.

‘Best Christmas Pageant’ presented on stage

Based on the bestselling book, the comedy “Best Christmas Pageant Ever” from the East Valley Children’s Theatre sees a church production get an extra challenge when the wild Herdman kids try out for parts. Will the

pageant survive?

DETAILS>> Times vary, ThursdaySaturday. Mesa Arts Center, One East Main St., Mesa. Tickets: $15 adult, $11 17 and under. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com.

Handel’s ‘Messiah’ offered

One of the most popular musical works in history and a staple of the holiday season,

join the Phoenix Symphony, the Phoenix Symphony Chorus and local soloists for the annual performance of the beloved oratorio, Handel’s “Messiah.”

DETAILS>> 7:30 p.m. Friday. Mesa Arts Center, One East Main St., Mesa. Tickets: $29-$65. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter. com.

Riparian displays lights

The trails around the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch Lake get the holiday treatment with festival light displays, hundreds of luminaries, and live entertainment, including carolers and school choirs.

DETAILS>> 5:30-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday, Dec. 16-17. Riparian Preserve, 2757 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert. Free. gilbertaz.gov.

Winter Faire featured

Join the Desert Marigold School for its free Winter Faire, featuring the medieval world of “The Realm” with pony rides, archery challenges, a High Tea with fairies, medieval crafts and more. Plus, watch jousting, and enjoy a puppet show and other live entertainment.

DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday. Desert Marigold School, 6210 S. 28th St., Phoenix. 602-243-6909, desertmarigold.org.

CALENDAR

Boat parade sails along on Tempe Town Lake

More than 50 boats loaded with lights and other decorations parade down Tempe Town Lake for your viewing pleasure. The

paths of Tempe Beach Park will also feature lights and luminaria, plus live music, Santa selfies and fireworks.

DETAILS>> 4:30-9 p.m., Saturday. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. Free. downtowntempe.com.

Kingston Trio appearing

The folk music icons Kingston Trio join forces with Jim Curry of “Jim Curry’s John Denver Rocky Mountain Christmas,” and the Chandler Symphony Orchestra for a night of holiday music you won’t soon forget.

Details>> 7:30 p.m., Saturday. Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert. Tickets: $51-$77. 480-279-7194, higleycenter.ticketforce.com.

Spirit of Christmas on display in Chandler

Join host Mark Hart, more than 100 dancers and singers, guest performers and

a champion hoop dancer for a Christmas variety show that’s fun for the whole family.

DETAILS>> Times vary, Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 17-18. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Tickets: $26, $30. 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org.

Desert Voices of Christmas to perform

The highly regarded Sonoran Desert Chorale offers a soaring concert full of traditional and classical holiday music backed by brass, percussion and organ.

Youth Symphony to perform at Mesa center

Hear one of the most powerful works in Western music as the Youth Symphony of the Southwest plays Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5” in its entirety.

DETAILS>> 7 p.m., Monday. Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa. Free. mesaartscenter.com.

DETAILS>> 7:30 p.m., Saturday. First United Methodist, 15 E. 1st Ave., Mesa. Tickets: $18 adults, $15 children and seniors (online), $20 and $18 at the door. 480-8357059, sonorandesertchorale.org.

‘It’s Feline A Lot Like Christmas’ offers cats

Attend the cat show to end all cat shows. Watch more than 300 cats—40 distinct breeds—compete for Best in Show. Plus, shop a market of cat supplies and cat-related merchandise, enjoy the kitty costume contest and get your heart strings tugged by rescue cats available for adoption.

DETAILS>> Times vary, SaturdaySunday. Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St. Mesa. Tickets: $9 adults, $7 seniors/military, $5 children 3-12. 623-2174205 http://www.phxfeline.com

Get more ideas for fun things to do in Ahwatukee - and beyond - at Phoenix.org.

ACROSS

1 Smell

5 U.K. fliers

8 Teen’s skin woe

12 One of the Three Bears

13 Conclusion

14 TV’s Dr. McGraw

15 Mideast port

16 Wrestling hold

18 Tetanus

20 Lassoes

21 High tennis shot

22 Jewel

23 Jaunty topper

26 Samson’s weapon against the Philistines

30 Altar affirmative

31 London forecast

32 Hive dweller

33 Arid

36 Playwright Henrik

38 Noon, in a way

39 High card

40 Squabble

43 Plaster-fiberboard mix

47 Home entertainment piece

49 Vicinity

50 Oodles

51 Billboards

52 One-named supermodel

53 Some evergreens

54 Lad

55 Harp’s cousin

DOWN

1 October birthstone

2 Pedestal part

3 Oil cartel

4 Irritate

5 Betty Ford Center program

6 From the start

7 Govt. Rx watchdog

8 Self-assurance

9 Hew

10 Pleasant

11 BPOE members

17 Sketched

19 Make marginalia

22 Choke

23 Lobster eater’s aid

24 Tokyo’s old name

25 Director Howard

26 Cohort of Whoopi and Sherri

27 Outdated, as a wd.

28 Born

29 Hallow ender

King Crossword

31 Calendar abbr.

34 Rejoices

35 God, in Grenoble

36 Aloof

37 Lament

39 Pretentious 40 Vacationing

41 Bronchial sound 42 Radiate

43 Prank

44 Host

45 Mad king of literature

46 Highway division

48 Arrest

The first at coming in second The holidays and politics with Clay Aiken

CARSON MLNARIK

AFN Contributing Writer

Thirteen years ago, Clay Aiken was runner-up on “American Idol.”

Sudoku

In the years since, the 37-yearold has started a family, published a New York Times best-selling memoir, moved 6 million albums and sold out 11 nationwide concert tours.

His visit to the Chandler Center for the Arts on December 16 is his first concert since 2012 and his only show in the near future.

“We’re doing it because we got asked to go and I thought, ‘You know what, it’ll be fun to sing with an orchestra,’ so I said OK,” said Aiken, who will be backed by a 22-piece orchestra.

IF YOU GO

he did not leave without a few lessons learned.

“I learned more about politics than I ever wanted to,” he laughed. “I never necessarily expected to win because it was a very Republican district, but I hoped to be able to get enough people to pay attention to the race—and it worked!”

His involvement didn’t end there. He continues to have discussions with people across the world and appears weekly on Meghan McCain’s radio show, “America Now,” to offer his opinion and listen.

That doesn’t mean that Aiken will not enjoy his Chandler Center for the Arts gig.

Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler

When: Dec. 16, 8:30 p.m.

Cost: $52-$72 (selling out fast!)

Info: 480-782-2680, chandlercenter. org.

While he says he can’t help the occasional dip of the toe back into the water, he’s on a bit of a singing hiatus.

“It’s not what I’m focusing on now. I’m pushing 40 and realized that everyone has a second chapter in life,” Aiken said. “I’ve have maybe seven already, but this is a new one.”

The singer’s new chapter began in 2014 when he ran for Congress in his home state of North Carolina. While he won the Democratic primary, he lost to the Republican incumbent in the general election.

Aiken said he always had an interest in politics and issues. Even though he lost,

“Christmas has always been my favorite show to do,” says Aiken, who toured for five years after his 2004 Christmas album.

“We often did it with a full orchestra and people are always in festive or emotional spirits when they come to a Christmas show.”

As for his favorite holiday song to perform? After much deliberation, Aiken settled on “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”

“It’s an old, somewhat stale hymn if you open it up in the hymn book, but it’s a completely different arrangement of it that I just think is beautiful,” began Aiken, before proclaiming his love for any orchestral arrangement with French horns.

“If the French horns are playing, I’m happy,” he said. “That triumphant horn sound just kind of does it for me.”

Make Extra Cash

Highland Yard Vintage Four days of home decorating heaven

BY JUSTIN FERRIS GetOut Editor

In a world of disposable machinemade, mass-produced goods, words like “vintage,” “handmade” and “do-ityourself” increasingly seem to strike a chord with shoppers, and for good reason.

“The whole vintage concept is picking up because people want that touch of history, like they’re going to grandma’s house. It brings them a sense of joy and security,” said Jill Herman, owner of local business Junk N Love District, which provides a onestop directory for antique vendors and events.

IF YOU GO

completely different inventories, look and feel. “We felt like [Highland Yard] would bring in a whole new audience.”

And in the last nine months of operation, that strategy seems to be working.

“We have well over 5,000 people a month. We sometimes have up to 200 people standing in line,” says Herman. November saw 6,500 people pass through the doors.

Not bad for a market that only opens four days a month.

Where: 1509 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler.

When: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday.

Cost: Free Info: facebook.com/Highlandyardvintage.

She also manages a growing mecca for vintage enthusiasts, Highland Yard Vintage. This 6,000-square-foot market sits in an old Payless building behind the much larger Merchant Square Antiques Marketplace in Chandler.

However, the two businesses don’t compete. In fact, they share the same owner, Mike Moore.

According to Herman, “Merchant Square is an antique mall. Highland Yard is a vintage decorative market,” which means

One reason for the popularity— and the limited hours—is that each monthly market boasts its own unique theme. From May’s “Endless Summer” and October’s “Shades of Fall” to this month’s “Winter Wonderland,” these themes are more than just a name change.

“It takes us a full month to build it out because it’s not just a store,” Herman says. The 30 or so local vendors selected for that month work together for weeks to overhaul the building interior. They create vignettes based on that month’s theme using their wares.

These “interactive marketplaces” are like

VINTAGE

Ikea’s room displays, except with vintage and handmade items.

That makes Highland Yard a place to get decorating ideas as well as pick up items for your home or yard. And for those not looking for a complete vintage home makeover, “we specialize in mixing old with new,” says Herman.

In addition to purchases and decorating, a popular regular feature of the market, according to Herman, are the porters that help you load larger items of furniture into

your car. The market can also hold items for later pickup.

Special to the market for December will be free gift wrapping on purchases. For the young and young at heart, Santa will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The market costs nothing to enter, although you might wait in line for a bit depending on when you visit. Food and drinks are available inside for a fee.

– Contact Justin Ferris at 480-898-5621 or jferris@ ahwatukee.com.

– Comment on this article and like GetOutAZ on Facebook and follow GetOutAZ on Twitter.

Lights galore

The 11 exhibits and 75 displays are contemporary fusions of

ets/information: lightsoftheworldus.com.

and

Mesa temple lights up for the holidays

BY SHELLEY RIDENOUR AFN Staff Writer

Again this holiday season, the bright lights are shining at the Mesa temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For the 37th straight year, the lights were turned on the Friday after Thanksgiving and will be on from 5 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 31. Adding to the festivities are nightly concerts at 7 p.m. through Dec. 25 in front of the church’s visitor center at 525 E. Main St. Performers range from bell ringers to soloists to children’s choirs to quartets and everything in between, said Stacey Farr, director of the Mesa temple Christmas lights project.

Also staying on display through Dec. 31 are 100 nativity sets inside the visitor center. People can view those from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Years ago, the display included a “forest,” Farr said. That had been discontinued, but is back for 2016. Artificial trees are decked out with lights and decorations and clustered together on the west side of the visitor center, offering people a chance to feel like they’re in a forest, she said. “It makes it feel a little bit more wintry,” Farr said. “It’s magical.”

Last year, QR code reader machines were added to the holiday display and they return this year, Farr said. Eight display stands are scattered around. People can use smartphones to read the QR codes and

be automatically linked to a portion of the LDS website with short videos.

Farr said church members view the light display as a gift to the community that has “grown to a wondrous display that is so serene and peaceful.”

The annual show began when volunteers put 5,000 “little blue lights on top of the visitor center,” she said. This year hundreds of thousands of lights are spread throughout the expanse of the temple grounds. There are too many lights to count, Farr said. But, for perspective, she said the big star that is suspended high above the display contains 60,000 lights. And, the tall palm trees alone hold 100,000 lights.

A conversion of all the lights to LEDs has been underway for several years, Farr said. While it’s not complete yet, 97 percent of this year’s lights are LED, meaning an extrabright show.

Parking is available on both sides of the temple and the Valley Metro parking lot at Main. Lesuer, across the street from the temple, has 525 parking spaces.

Farr reminds people that the display is equally as beautiful during the day as it is after sunset.

“The gardens are spectacular,” she said. Handicap parking spots are available, ramps lead to all parts of the display and the church has some wheelchairs in the visitor center which people can use.

– Contact reporter Shelley Ridenour at 480898-6533 or sridenour@ahwatukee.com.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLE & SUDOKU

Classifieds

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

Employment

Landscape laborers, 25 temporary full-time positions

Duties: Laborers will be needed for turf care, pruning, fertilization, irrigation system maintenance and repair, general clean up and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units 3 months landscape EXP REQ No EDU REQ Drug testing REQ

Days & Hours: 40 hours/week (6:00am-2:30pm); day shift; Mon-Fri Dates of employment: 02/05/1711/05/17 Wage: $11 74/h, OT $17 61/h if necessary Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance OJT provided

Assurances Transportation (including meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to the place of employment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is dismissed early by the employer Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, equipment and supplies required to perform the job Job location: Gilbert, Arizona - Maricopa and Pinal counties, AZ

Applicants may send or contact the AZDES Office, 4635 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ, 85040 Desirae Diaz ph:520-866- 3608. Please reference AZDES Job Order #: 2488998

Employer: Caretaker, Inc 741 N Monterey Street, Gilbert, AZ 85233 Contact: Patricia Myers, fax (480)545-8020

Nursery workers, 60 temporary full-time positions

Duties: Work in nursery facilities or at customer location planting, cultivating harvesting, and transplanting trees, shrubs, or plants No EXP REQ No EDU REQ

Days & Hours: 40 hours/week (6:00am-2:30pm); day shift; Mon-Fri Dates of employment: 02/15/1711/15/17 Wage: $10 00/h, OT $15 00/h, if necessary Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance OJT provided

Assurances Transportation (including meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to the place of employment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is dismissed early by the employer Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, equipment and supplies required to perform the job Job location: Phoenix AZ - Maricopa and Pinal counties Daily transportation provided to and from worksite

Applicants may send or contact the AZDES Office, 4635 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ, 85040 Desirae Diaz ph:520-866- 3608 Please reference AZDES Job Order #: 2492280.

Employer: Arizona Wholesale Growers, Inc 24032 N 19th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85085 Contact: Stephani Stewart, fax (623) 581-0001

Landscape laborers, 80 temporary full-time positions

Duties: Laborers will be needed for turf care, pruning, fertilization, irrigation system maintenance and repair, general clean up and installation or mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units 3 months landscape EXP REQ No EDU REQ Drug testing REQ

Days & Hours: 40 hours/week (6:00am-2:30pm); day shift; Mon-Fri Dates of employment: 02/08/1711/08/17 Wage: $11 74/h, OT $17 61/h if necessary Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance OJT provided

Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to the place of employment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is dismissed early by the employer Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, equipment and supplies required to perform the job Job location: Phoenix, AZ; Maricopa and Pinal counties Employer will provide daily transportation to and from the worksite

Applicants may send or contact the AZDES Office, 4635 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ, 85040 Desirae Diaz ph:520-866- 3608 Please reference AZDES Job Order #: 2491359

Employer: Gothic Grounds Management, Inc 27502 Avenue Scott A, Valencia, CA 91355 Contact: Matt Busse, fax (480) 557-7879

Nursery workers, 65 temporary full-time positions

Duties: Work in nursery facilities or at customer location planting, cultivating, harvesting, and transplanting trees, shrubs, or plants No EXP REQ No EDU REQ

Days & Hours: 40 hours/week (6:00am-2:30pm); day shift; Mon-Fri Dates of employment: 02/01/1710/31/17 Wage: $9 51/h, OT $14 27/h if necessary Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance

Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to the place of employment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is dismissed early by the employer Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, equipment and supplies required to perform the job Job location: Queen Creek, AZ - Maricopa County

Applicants may send or contact the AZDES Office, 4635 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ, 85040 Desirae Diaz ph:520-866- 3608 Please reference AZDES Job Order #: 2469625.

Employer: V & P Nurseries, Inc 21919 E Germann Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 Contact: Dominick Carissimo, fax (480) 917-2856

Domestic/ Childcare/ Caregiver

EXPERIENCED

CAREGIVER NEEDED

Start work immediately! Minor skills in healthcare needed

$20/hr Need your services for 5 hrs at any suitable time of yours between Sat, Mon, Wed & Fri to care for my motherin-law suffering from Dementia

Email

philippetkale@gmail com for more details

Meetings/Events

AHWATUKEE/CHANDLER Bosom Buddies We meet the 2nd Saturday of the month, 10:00 AM-12:00 noon in the Conference Room at Dignity Health Urgent CareAhwatukee 4545 E Chandler Blvd Phoenix, AZ Please contact Deb Sidman: 602 460 9893 or Devon Pollard: 602 318 8462 See more at: http://www bosombuddies-az org/ At Bosom Buddies of AZ we support women of all ages and in all stages of breast cancer

Meetings/Events

Crops of Luv

We make Scrapbooks for critically-ill children who have had their "WISH" trip come true! Scrapbook with us, make embellishments for us, donate your time, or your commercial space, donate funds to ship albums, etc! Does your teen need community service hours? We could use their help!

Copsofluv com 480 634 7763 Ahwatukee based non-profit

Various Home Items/Decor!

Furniture, home decor, seasonal items, pictures

Find Christmas gifts here!

Sat, Dec 10th 8am-1pm 16402 S 32nd Place Phx, 85048

Duties: Work in nursery facilities or at customer location planting, cultivating, harvesting, and transplanting trees shrubs, or plants No EXP REQ No EDU REQ

Days & Hours: 40 hours/week (6:00am-2:30pm); day shift; Mon-Fri Dates of employment: 02/15/1711/15/17 Wage: $10 00/h, OT $15 00/h if necessary Raises bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance OJT provided

Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to the place of employment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is dismissed early by the employer Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, equipment and supplies required to perform the job Job location: Phoenix, Arizona - Maricopa and Pinal counties, AZ

Applicants may send or contact the AZDES Office, 4635 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ, 85040 Desirae Diaz ph:520-866- 3608 Please reference AZDES Job Order #: 2492281

9pm, Fri 9am- 2:30pm & Sat 8am-1:30pm Coach & teach 2-3 soccer teams usin g Brazilian style soccer technqs thru theoretical & practical classes, lectures & fld exp to youth players Monitor & track player perf & implement corrective action as needed to enhance player participation, skills, knowledge and appreciation o f the sport Req 1 yrs exp coaching youth soccer players Single workweek used for computing wages Emplye paid every two weeks; will make all deductions fro m the wkr’s paycheck req’d by law No addt’l dedcts will be made Submit resumes directly to the nearest AZ Job Connection office & include SWA contact info. Emplye must have own transp to/ from work Emplyr will pay all costs associated with emplye obtng work visa which includes visa procsng, border crossing & othe r r e l

these costs Emplyr will provide worker, w/o charge or deposit charge, all tools, supplies & equip req’d to perform the duties assigned Emplyr will offer the worker emplymnt for a total number of work hours equal to at least 3/4 of the workdays of each 12 week period, if the period of emplymnt covered by the job order is 120 or more days or each 6-week period if the period of emplymnt covered by the job order is less than 120 days If the wrkr completes 50% of the work cont

tract or where the wrkr is dismissed earlier, emplyr will prov’d or pay for wrkr’ s reasonable costs of return transp and subsistence back home or to the place the w rkr originally departed to work, except where the wrkr will not return due t o subsequent emplymnt with another emplyr The amount of transp payment or reimbursement will be equal to the most economical or reasonable common carrier for the distance involved Daily subsistence will be prov’d at a rate of $12 09 per day during travel to a maximum of $51 00 per day with receipts Inquire abou

Employer: Dream With Colors, Inc 3635 E Southern Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85040. Contact: Monica Vega, fax (602) 266-6092

penter to work&reside in Phx Metroplex Area to help carpenter to supply,carry &hold tools, material, clean work area 3mo exp reqd, on-the-job train avail, no edu, nor travel reqd bend, lift up to 50lb work in ext weather 7am-3pm 40hrs/wk M-F 2/1-10/31/17 $ 15 81/hr OT avil @ $23 72 US&H2B workers offered same wages& worki n g c

ug test Sgle wrkwk computes wages Weekly pmt “Transportation (including meals & to the extent

completes half the employment period Return transportation provided if the worker completes employment period or is dismissed early

Meetings/Events

Democrats and Donuts

This monthly gathering is held the third Wednesday of each month from 8 - 9:30 a m at Denny s, 7400 West Chandler Boulevard, Chandler Sponsored by the Legislative District 18 Democrats, speakers cover current issues of interest Meetings are free and open to the public, breakfast may be purchased For more information, visit www ld18democrats org /meetings or email mariec9@q com For Sale

Nursery workers, 3 temporary full-time positions

Duties: Work in nursery facilities or at customer location planting, cultivating, harvesting, and transplanting trees, shrubs, or plants No EXP REQ No EDU REQ

Days & Hours: 40 hours/week (6:00am-2:30pm); day shift; Mon-Fri Dates of employment: 02/15/1711/15/17 Wage: $10 00/h, OT $15 00/h if necessary

Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance OJT provided

Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to the place of employment will be provided or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is dismissed early by the employer Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, equipment and supplies required to perform the job Job location: Phoenix, Arizona - Maricopa and Pinal counties, AZ

Applicants may send or contact the AZDES Office, 4635 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ 85040 Desirae Diaz ph:520-866- 3608 Please reference AZDES Job Order #: 2492283

Employer: Ana P Perez, LLC 7202 S 7 th Ave Phoenix, Arizona 85041. Contact: Ana P Perez Fax (602)276-4300

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

UP TO $5,925 IN REBATES OR 0% APR FOR 48 OR 60 MO.* Fall Tune-up

$5,925 $5,925

10-Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty* *On Selected Systems ($1,295 Value - No Charge)

Up to $800 in Utility Rebates*

*Up to a $2,825 Brewer’s Dealer Rebate, up to $800 Utility Rebate, up to $300 Federal Tax Credit & up to $2,000 Trane Trade In Allowance. See your independent Trane Dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers OR trade-in allowances from $75 up to $2,000 valid on qualifying equipment only. Offers vary by equipment. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. *The Home Projects and Home Projects Visa® credit cards are issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, 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. If you have a Visa card and you use it for cash advances, the cash advance fee is 5.00% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $10.00. This information is accurate as of 07/01/2016 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 12/15/2016.