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Friends honor Scottsdale centenarian with a parade
BY KRISTINE CANNON
Progress Staff Writer A t 11 a.m. last Wednesday, more than 20 vehicles lined up around the corner from Greenway Home Care, an assisted living facility located in southern Scottsdale.
Friends, family and Hospice of the Valley staffers congregated to celebrate the 100th birthday of a special Scottsdale resident, Opal Grandon, with drive-by parade.
Grandon comfortably watched from her Hawaiian-themed, balloon-arched throne designed by Scottsdale-based event planner Nancy Mantei Events, and said the parade made her feel like a queen.
“She’s an independent lady with oldschool values, fun-loving and generous, was always there to help someone in need, loved to travel, saw many parts of the world. She lived life to the fullest, loves life. This is why she lived 100 years,” said TR
More than 20 vehicles lined up around the Greenway Home Care, an assisted living facility in southern Scottsdale for a luau-themed drive-by birthday parade for Opal Grandon, who turned 100 on April 21. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)
Wilt, Grandon’s nephew, who, along with his wife Jane Wilt, attended the parade.
Grandon’s hospice care team partnered with Greenway Home Care to throw Grandon the luau-themed celebration because she spent four months talking about having a luau for her 100th birthday.
“Opal and her sister, Garnet, traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii, for a vacation and spent approximately one month there,” explained Samantha Teddi Deetz, a hospice licensed master social worker. “This is why a luau theme is so special to her and so meaningful as it reminds her of those happy memories.”
The team organized the parade in less than four days and relatives in attendance included her nephews and nieces.
“Unfortunately, due to the current COVID-19 virus and social distancing limitations, the group home has had to implement temporary visit restrictions in order to keep the staff and residents healthy and safe. Opal’s Hospice of the Valley team felt that since this is such a monumental birth
seeOPAL page 20
Local school comes to healthworkers’ aid
BY KRISTINE CANNON
Progress Staff Writer
Businesses and young people across the country are using 3D printers to make mask straps for healthcare professionals.
Joining the nationwide effort is Fusion Academy Scottsdale, a grade 6-12 school at Gainey Ranch that recently made 100 mask straps for St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center.
“St. Joseph’s Foundation is extremely grateful for the donation from Fusion Academy Scottsdale to support emergency response efforts at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center,” said St. Joseph’s Foundation President Terri Hoffman.
Fusion Academy Scottsdale Head of School Patrick Thompson said when they
Fusion Academy Scottsdale’s art, history, and photography teacher Hali Niles made 100 mask straps over the course of two days using the school’s 3D printer. (Fusion Academy Scottsdale)
heard that healthcare professionals were complaining about the long hours of wearing face masks and the strain the straps put on their ears, they put their two 3D printers to use.
Hali Niles, Fusion Academy Scottsdale’s art, history and photography teacher, made the straps over the course of two days.
She spent 15 hours each day printing them on campus.
“The machines [were] running nonstop,” Niles said.
Fusion Academy Scottsdale then donated the mask straps on April 18.
“They’re just very grateful, very happy that we were able to help them out,” Thompson said. “We know how important their job is, and we just want to do all we can to make sure that they are safe.”
Since, Fusion Academy has received calls from ICU nurses in Minnesota and Florida requesting the 3D-printed straps.
“We were also contacted by a few more people throughout the country who had seen our interview on channel 10 news,” Thompson said.
“We’ve actually been able to ship them out to Minnesota and Florida to help ICU nurses there as well. We’re going to help out as much as we can,” he added.
Because nurses have been spending 12- plus hours taking care of COVID-19 patients, the masks irritate not only the face, but also the ears.
“The mask straps are designed to relieve pressure on caregivers’ ears, providing a little more comfort during what can be very stressful days,” Hoffman explained.
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BY KRISTINE CANNON
Progress Staff Writer R aised by adoptive parents Charles and Marilyn Perkins, southern Scottsdale resident Linda Williams never had a desire to �ind her biological parents.
“People always ask me as an adoptive person, ‘Don’t you want to meet your parents?’” I’m like, ‘No, not really. It would just be like meeting a stranger.’ That’s what I said my entire life because I truly believed it,” Williams said.
But after recently taking a 23andMe DNA test – a Christmas gift from her children – she was not only surprised it led her to her birth parents, Nancy and Jim Fortwangler, but also that she formed a near-immediate connection with them.
“I’ve never been more wrong in my entire life because before I even met them just talking on the phone and then we did some couple of FaceTimes, I was like, ‘No, I love these people. And they love me,’” Williams said. “My heart grew.”
Williams’ 23andMe results led her to her cousin, Mark “Markie” Fortwangler.
Markie and his family had taken the 23andMe test because he wanted to learn more about his adopted son, who is 15.
“So, he had a soft heart for the whole
Southern Scottsdale resident Linda Williams, right, found her birth parents, Nancy and Jim Fortwangler via 23andMe. (Linda Williams)
adoption scene,” Williams said.
Markie gave Williams Nancy and Jim’s email address, and she immediately reached out, writing “hello” in the subject line.
“I’m like, ‘what do you even put in a subject line?’” Williams said with a laugh.
In the email, Williams told Nancy and Jim that she was raised by great parents and had a good childhood. “And I thanked them for putting me up for adoption, that everything went well and that I had two kids,” she said.
Nancy and Jim replied right away, telling Williams that they met in high school and they’ve been married 51 years.
They also have two sons, Jamie and Todd. Todd has since passed away; this year, he would have been 42.
“That’s what made me lose it right there,” Williams said. “It’s just an amazing thing to have a full-blood sibling. It makes me tear up just thinking about it.”
A few weeks later, Williams, along with her daughter, son and his girlfriend, �lew to Florida to meet the Fortwanglers.
“I actually have a video of us driving in,” Williams said. “I didn’t realize how excited I was. When my dad [hugged] me … he held me for the longest time, and I was just balling.”
During their week-long visit, Williams noticed similarities between her son and her brother, Jamie.
“Just looking in eyes, I see me, and my son actually looks a lot like him,” Williams said. “Many times, they [her son and Jamie] would be sitting the same way.” She felt that they talk the same way, too.
As for Williams and Nancy and Jim, she said she’s “the perfect blend” of them.
“There’s too many things in common and too many lookalikes,” she said.
Williams’ visit was an emotional experience for everyone, especially Nancy and Jim because Todd passed away just two years prior.
“The uncles and aunts and uncles and cousins have been texting, emailing, messaging on Facebook, and reaching out. A couple of them have said Todd’s spirit
see23ANDME page 20
FUSION ���� page 16
The 3D-printed straps are also stronger, reusable and sustainable.
Thompson said he hopes Fusion Academy Scottsdale’s donations will send their students the message that “we’re all in this together.”
“Many times in our lives, everyone is so very busy getting accomplished what they need to get done. But at times like these, it just warms my heart to see the community come together and jump at opportunities to serve others. And that’s what I hope that our students take from this: Look for more opportunities to serve,” Thompson said.
Fusion Academy opened its �irst Arizona campus in Scottsdale in November 2019 and is one of 60 private school campuses across the country.
The one-to-one school — one teacher, one student — provides a personalized learning experience for students in middle through high school.
In response to the pandemic, Fusion Academy Scottsdale pivoted to online classes and has been offering them to their 16 enrolled students since.
“We were able to transition to our virtual plat platform very seamlessly because we had already had it in place before the epidemic took place. We’re nationwide with over 3,700 students, and we transferred all the virtual on a matter of days. It was actually very impressive,” Thompson said.
The 3D printers are located in Fusion Academy Scottsdale’s Fusion Technology Lab, which also boasts a virtual reality lab.
“In there, we are able to integrate virtual reality into any class that we teach. It’s part of the new approach to teaching that Fusion Academy has spearheaded where we want to get the students involved and adapt to the way that they learn,” Thompson said. “Right now, technology is such a big in- �luence on our kids’ life,” he added. “So, if we’re able to implement that in a history class or science class to help them learn, Fusion Academy Scottsdale donated 100 mask straps to St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center . (Fusion Academy Scottsdale)
that’s the purpose of that technology lab.”
Niles continues to teach her 3D class, albeit virtually.
Her students’ current project is to make a mechanism, and when they’ve �inished creating that mechanism, she will print it on campus — in addition to printing the straps.
“I’ll coordinate a time for them [the students] to come pick up those pieces, and then during our next virtual session, I’ll instruct them on how to put those [pieces] together,” Hiles explained.
One of her students is even interested in learning how to make face masks from home using the 3D printer.
“When she let me know that [she wanted to make masks], I informed her about the project I was doing [the straps]. She was really excited for the project, too, because we both just want to be able to do what we can’t help during this time of uncertainty,” Hiles said.
Information: fusionacademy.com/ scottsdale
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Single Family, Townhomes & Condominiums 623 385-0129 Near Litchfield Rd. and Camelback From the high $200’s Single Family Homes 602 777-5175 I17 and Happy Valley From the low $500’s AT UNION PARK Square footage and dimensions are estimated and may vary in actual construction. Floor plans and elevations are artist’s conception and are not intended to show specific detailing. Floor plans are the property of Cachet Homes and its affiliates. For further information, pease see Sales Associate. All sales are subject to buyers receipt and review of a Arizona Subdivision Public Report. *See Sales Associate forincentive information. Prices,features,floorplans,elevations and incentives subject to change without notice. Square footage and dimensions are estimated and may vary in actual construction. Floor plans and elevations are artist’s conception and are not intended to show specific detailing. Floor plans are the property of Cachet Homes and its affiliates. For further information, pease see Sales Associate. All sales are subject to buyers receipt and review of a Arizona Subdivision Public Report. *See Sales Associate forincentive information. Prices,features,floorplans,elevations and incentives subject to change without notice. AR-GCI0187577-01 Square footage and dimensions are estimated and may vary in actual construction. Floor plans and elevations are artist’s conception and are not intended to show specific detailing. Floor plans are the property of Cachet Homes and its affiliates. For further information, pease see Sales Associate. All sales are subject to buyers receipt and review of a Arizona Subdivision Public Report. *See Sales Associate forincentive information. Prices,features,floorplans,elevations and incentives subject to change without notice. Prices are subject to change without notice. All sales are subject to buyers receipt and review of a Arizona Subdivision Public Report. See sales associate for incentive information.
PROGRESS NEWS STAFF
AScottsdale woman has been named “ ‘Division 6 Adult Volunteer of the Year” by the Young Marines.
Crystalyn Schenkenberg is the executive of�icer of the East Valley Young Marines, which is headquartered at 2130 E. University Drive, Mesa.
“Ms. Schenkenberg is an extremely dedicated volunteer who truly enjoys seeing her Young Marines grow into responsible citizens,” said Col William P. Davis USMC (Ret), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines.
“Our volunteers choose to give us their most valuable commodity, their free time. We sincerely appreciate that Ms. Schenkenberg gives much of her free time to the Young Marines, and we are very thankful for all she does.”
The Young Marines is a national non
Crystalyn Schenkenberg
pro�it 501c (3) youth education and service program for boys and girls, 8-18, that promotes the mental, moral and physical development of its members.
The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork and selfdiscipline, so its members can live and promote a healthy drug-free lifestyle.
Founded in 1959 with one unit and a handful of boys, the organization has grown to over 235 units with 8,000 youth and 2,500 adult volunteers.
Each Young Marine unit is led and guided by adult volunteers and there are 2,500 active and registered adult volunteers who work with the national youth organization. No military participation is required.
Annually, one adult volunteer is selected from each of six divisions.
Division 6 includes Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, California and Arizona.
“I feel blessed to be able to volunteer with such a great youth organization,” Schenkenberg said. “The impact of the adult volunteers and the Young Marines have on each other is truly motivating.”
The adult volunteers and the youth members of the East Valley Young Marines are committed to community service and have participated at Navajo Code Talkers Day in Window Rock and Pearl Harbor Remembrance in Hawaii.
They collect for Toys for Tots and frequently march in parades. Many members also perform community service with their churches. The unit also has regular events with many of the veterans’ organizations like the Marine Corps League, the American Legion and Elks Lodge. “I love to see the Young Marines grow up over the years becoming wonderful, respectful citizens,” Schenkenberg said. “I love giving the youth members the ability to participate in events as well as the opportunity to travel and experience new things.”
Information: Unit Commander Dana Lippincott at 480-737-0517 or youngmarines.com/unit/eastvalley/page.
OPAL ���� page 16
day, and she was so hopeful on having a speci�ic themed party, that we could �igure out a creative way to think outside of the box to make her dream come true,” Teddi Deetz said.
Grandon moved into the group home in January, but her family hasn’t been able to visit her.
“We miss seeing her, but are glad she is in a safe place and healthy,” said Grandon’s nephew, John Whitcomb. “We all try to call her on the phone to let her know we are thinking about her, and this birthday parade will be something she and all of us that remember for a long time to come.”
According to TR, Grandon was an avid traveler and has “lived in more countries than most people.”
“She never married and had no children, so she spent many years living with and caring for her mother,” TR said.
TR added that from the 1950s to the mid ‘60s, Grandon worked as a civilian employee for the Phoenix Police Department.
After her mother’s death, she joined the U.S. Department of State and was assigned to posts and embassies around the world, including Afghanistan, Yemen, Vietnam, and Nepal.
“While stationed in Nepal, she decided she wanted a car but had to go to India to get one. So, she went there to India and drove the car back from India by herself. Mind you this was in the 1960s, way before women’s lib,” said Jeff Wilt, another nephew.
He added that Grandon has shared stories of being shot at while in a U.S. Air Force plane �lying over the Great Wall of China and of a rhino charging after her while she was riding elephant in Nepal.
“She was also evacuated from Saigon just three days before it fell to the Vietcong in 1975,” Jeff said.
While on vacation, Grandon would travel to countries she hadn’t been assigned to; but it was her vacation to Hawaii with Garnet that resonated with her.
“One of Opal’s fondest memories she has shared with us was going to a luau with her sister on this trip and experiencing the Hawaiian culture,” Teddi Deetz said.
This parade was the �irst organized by Hospice of the Valley.
Lin Sue Cooney, hospice director of community engagement, said the community has been “wonderful,” creating handmade cards to cheer their patients, as well as donating hand sanitizer, sewing masks for visiting family members, and delivering Easter meals.
“We are so grateful for everyone’s kindness during this uncertain time,” Cooney said.
And Grandon’s family is grateful for Hospice of the Valley.
“As a family, we want to thank the staff at Greenway Home Care and Hospice of the Valley for helping make this happen. Also, many thanks to friends and family who joined in the celebration,” said Pam Ruffer, Grandon’s niece.
Information: hov.org
23ANDME ���� page 18
brought us together, that it’s a healing thing for everyone,” Williams said.
The timing was perfect for Williams, too.
The same day Williams found out about Nancy and Jim was the same day she found out her divorce was going to be �inal.
“Now I have this huge, amazing family, and it was just the most amazing, accepting, loving, unconditional love,” Williams said.
Neither Williams nor Marilyn knew what hospital Williams was born in.
“It’s blank on my birth certi�icate,” Williams said.
Williams said she thanked them for putting her up for adoption, calling it the “most unsel�ish thing” they could’ve done.
“[They] could have tried to raise me, and it could have been just this dif�icult, hard life for all of us. I said I just feel very blessed, and now I have even more love in my life,” Williams said.
Because Charles passed away when she was in college, Williams said having Jim in her life was “just amazing.”
“He is such a loving dad. He’s very emotional and just hugs and tells you how much he loves you so much, several times. When we were there, he was like, ‘Oh, my heart’s just a �lutter seeing everyone together,’” Williams said.
While 23andMe was not designed
speci�ically to help people �ind their biological parents, one of its core missions is helping people connect with one another.
“The beauty of DNA testing is that each individual learns something different about themselves that they never expected to learn, whether it’s discovering potential health risks, ancestral origins, or �illing in major gaps in their family trees,” a 23andMe spokesperson said.
