San Tan Sun News - April 20, 2019 by Times Media Group

Apr 20 - May 3, 2019 | www.santansun.com

Relentlessly local coverage of Southern Chandler and our neighboring communities

Chandler Unified building $18M school bus depot BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Staff Writer

Chandler Unified School District is preparing to begin construction of an $18-million school bus yard north of Ocotillo Road between Arizona Avenue and McQueen Road and complete it by September. The new facility will feature 16 bus bays, lifts and new servicing

equipment. The site will also have a lounge for bus drivers and administrative offices and be centrally located in the district. Steve Hewitt, director of community education and transportation for CUSD, said the new yard is needed because of the increasing difficulty in maintaining the current bus hub and satellite site because of growth over the last 30 years.

“Currently we deliver over 11,000 students on about 200 general routes each day; we do another 40 on athletic trips and field trips. So, getting to one location is great for us and then our efficiencies can really, really improve by being at one location,” said Hewitt. The main bus yard, located on Hamilton Road, is far north of a majority of the district’s schools.

An additional pop-up bus service site was created last July across the street from Perry High School after the service station on the school’s lot was forced out to make room for additional parking spaces. “Every time we open a satellite site you need at least four leadership staff, dispatch, radios, reception and phones and a See

BUILDING on page 12

Chandler rallies for boy, 11, facing 3rd cancer battle BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Staff Writer

A Chandler community has rallied around 11-year-old Kameron Sherman as he faces his third bout with rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive soft tissue and bone cancer. Neighbors came together April 16 to raise money for the Sherman family at Zzeeks Pizza and Wings, which donated 20 percent of total profits from the day to the family. The event was also a testament to the community’s support of Kameron, as local organizations like the Chandler Police Department, teachers from his school, Basha Elementary and even strangers donated over $8,500 worth of baskets raffled off throughout the evening. An additional GoFundMe campaign has raised over $50,000 for the family. “The power of this community and their constant support has really helped Kameron and his family more than I think anyone realizes.

This has been a scary time for [the Shermans] but with the community and God behind them, I don’t think they’ve ever felt alone,” said family friend Jennifer Lyle. Lyle said before his diagnosis, Kameron was a typical boy. He was active, a fan of practical jokes and pranks, highly involved with his church and a kind and courageous leader in school. But a spill on the field in March of 2017 led to an alarmingly large bruise and a trip to the hospital, where doctors discovered the aggressive cancer as well as an orange-sized tumor behind Kameron’s bladder. “For a 9-year-old kid who was really social and athletic and outgoing it's tough because his entire world and way of life changed,” said Lyle. On the day of his 9th birthday, Kameron started 54 weeks of chemo, six weeks of radiation and a dramatic change in lifestyle. “He wasn't able to enjoy the

See

BATTLE on page 14

Kameron Sherman, 11, keeps his sense of humor during his battle with a rare form of cancer while his family and community rally around him. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Teen’s death brought life to Chandler boy, three others BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Staff Writer

Hugs were shared and tears were shed last week as an Ahwatukee couple met the recipient of their late granddaughter’s kidney – one of four people whose lives were saved by the 16-year-old’s organs. The reunion, hosted by Phoenix Children’s Hospital, was part of Heroes for Hope – an effort by the Donor Network of Arizona to educate the public on the importance of organ donations and encourage them to register as donors.

Zoe Mar, an Ahwatukee native, was 16 when she died of a brain aneurysm, but the memory of her giving nature lives on through Jovani Perez, a 7-yearold Chandler boy whose health was declining because of a defective kidney he was born with. Today, Jovani dances and runs to prove his newfound resilience as a result of Zoe’s gift of life. “I get to play now and be with my friends,” said Jovani. “I tell them [a kidney is] a thing that needs a lot of water and it helps your body be healthy.” Jovani’s life is filled with laughter and See

ORGANS on page 8

F E AT U R E STO R I E S Tech school district chief ousted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . community . . . . . . Page 18 Chandler care care firm gives back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . business . . . . . . . . . . Page 28 Chandler athletes impress at ASU Pro Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sports . . . . . . . . . . . Page 34 Seton students bond with foreign visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . neighbors . . . . . . . Page 46 Chandler Children's choir plans novel concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . arts . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 56 Charcuterie the focus of new restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . eat . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 68

More Community . . . . . 01-27 Business . . . . . . . . 28-33 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 34-42 Opinion . . . . . . . . 43-45 Neighbors . . . . . . 46-55 Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . 56-62 Faith . . . . . . . . . . . 63-64 Directory . . . . . . . 65-67 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . 68 Where to Eat . . . 68-70

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Mesnard joined vote to repeal of ‘no promo homo’ law BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

The state’s controversial “no promo homo’’ law is on its way out – after Chandler Sen. J.D. Mesnard joined other Republican lawmakers in voting for its repeal. Gov. Doug Ducey last week signed legislation repealing sections of state sex-education laws that prohibit teachers from promoting homosexuality as a positive lifestyle. Those same laws also spell out that if schools teach about “safe sex’’ they cannot say there is any such possibility when it involves homosexual conduct. His action came less than an hour after a 19-11 vote by the Senate; The House gave its approval on Wednesday. Sen. Tony Navarrete, D-Phoenix, said he wished that law, adopted in 1991, had not been on the books when he was going to school. “Things could have been a lot different and I could have come out sooner," he told colleagues. And Sen. Victoria Steele, D-Tucson, discussed the problems that her son, also gay, faced while he was going to school. Gilbert Republican Sen. Eddie Farnsworth said there’s a good

reason the law is on the books: medical evidence. He said 67 percent of new AIDS cases are among gay men. “This was not in 1991, nor is it for those of us who are voting ‘no,’ intended to be discriminatory," he said. “It’s intended to reflect that a certain lifestyle actually lead to certain spread of this particular disease." Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Snowflake, said she doesn’t believe that schools are a proper venue to discuss sex education and AIDS, no matter whether homosexual or heterosexual. The law officially will come off the books 90 days after the end of the legislative session, meaning likely sometime this summer. Lawmakers moved to repeal provisions of the bill rather than try to defend it in court. On a 55-5 margin, the House of Representatives voted to strip making illegal any course that “promotes a homosexual lifestyle," a second forbidding anything that “portrays homosexuality as a positive alternative life-style,” and one banning teachers from suggesting that “some methods of sex are safe methods of homosexual sex." There is no similar bar on

teaching “safe" heterosexual sex. The action came less than 24 hours after Attorney General Mark Brnovich told lawmakers he did not intend to mount a defense to the lawsuit filed in federal court last month by Lambda Legal and Educational Foundation on behalf of Equality Arizona and two students who are gay. That lawsuit charged the state statute “facially discriminates against non-heterosexual students on the basis of sexual orientation and places them in an expressly disfavored class." State schools chief Kathy Hoffman, who called for repeal of the law earlier this year in her State of Education speech, said she had no interest in trying to defend it. And the state Board of Education, also named as a defendant, had been set to meet Monday to choose whether its members wanted to try to defend the law. Brnovich, in his letter to legislative leaders Tuesday, told them they are free to take on the legal fight. Instead, the decision was made to repeal it. It wasn’t just legislative leaders who backed the repeal. Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, said

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she agreed with the decision by lawmakers that repeal is probably the way to go. “There’s no purpose in the state going through years of litigation over these contested provisions," she told Capitol Media Services. That is a major departure for Herrod, whose organization lobbies on behalf of what it says are “family values" and marriage, and which unsuccessfully fought against allowing same-sex marriage. After the lawsuit was filed last month, Herrod said the challenged provisions were important for “the safety of our children." So what changed? “I had not reviewed the lawsuit," said Herrod, who is an attorney. Anyway, Herrod said, it’s not like the legislation will leave those teaching about HIV and AIDS free to tell students whatever they want. “The intent of the law can be carried out without the contested provisions," she said.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Teens learn to handle driving emergencies BY COLLEEN SPARKS Managing Editor

Teenage drivers maneuvered cars around obstacles, slammed on brakes to avoid a simulated skateboarder and recovered from skidding as they learned skills for avoiding vehicle crashes at Chandler-Gilbert Community College last weekend. It was a typical driver’s education class, but rather the unusual performancedriving-style free, national B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) program on the college’s Pecos campus in Chandler. At least 180 students got behind the wheel in the driving classes that weekend. Each student had to be accompanied by a parent, who also got to engage in driving and classroom lessons. Doug Herbert, 51, a four-time Top Fuel drag racing champion in the IHRA division, as well as a 10-time Top Fuel national event winner in the NHRA division, started the B.R.A.K.E.S. program and came to the recent classes in Chandler. Herbert, who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, began the classes and formalized it into a nonprofit organization after his sons, Jon and James died in a crash. Jon, 17, was at the wheel and his 12-yearold brother a passenger. A police report showed Jon was “driving fast and was swerving through traffic.” Conscious of that tragedy, Herbert started the driving lessons to help young drivers learn about drop-wheel/off-road recovery, distracted driving, panic braking and other issues they might face to avoid crashes and save lives.

Doug Herbert, a drag racing legend, said it is therapeutic to see young drivers get instructed in safe driving techniques through his program. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

Despite the somber meaning and intent of the program, spirits seemed high at the classes . “We’re super excited,” Herbert said. “Everyone here at the college has been good to work with. Everybody’s excited. This is therapy for me. We try to tailor our specific curriculum to a specific area. We’re trying to just get them ready for these situations.” Paige Burkhalter, 16, of Queen Creek, a junior at Queen Creek High School and McKenna Redig, 16, of Seligman, a sophomore at Ashford High School, took turns driving in a KIA with B.R.A.K.E.S. instructor Kara Shelton, a right-seat driver and product specialist for automotive manufacturers. Paige and McKenna, as well as the other

students in the program, drove different courses, including a windy one where they wore goggles that simulated what it would feel like to be drunk. The goggles made things look blurry and the idea was to show teen drivers how it is dangerous to drive when intoxicated. The drivers had to steer around obstacles and try not to hit a target with a silhouette of a deer on it while wearing the goggles. The students also had to drive through the twisting, turning obstacle course with the deer picture while the instructors distracted them. Shelton held up her cell phone and told Paige and McKenna to look at her photo of her cute dog as they drove on the course. She also turned music up loudly on the radio, rolled down the window and asked for help finding a good radio station in order to show them distractions that could prove dangerous to drivers. Paige said driving with the goggles on was “so hard,” and the distractions also made it challenging.

takes a lot of pressure to engage it.” Noah McClendon, 18, of Mesa, a freshman at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, decided to sign up for the B.R.A.K.E.S. class April 13 and enjoyed it. He said he wanted to “learn how to properly drive” and he has his learner’s permit. “It taught me a lot about how to drive without any issues on the road,” McClendon said. His father, Stephen McClendon said he was “very proud” of his son for taking the class. He said he thinks Noah is a good driver but “he just has to learn.” “The roads are bad and people are not watching,” in the Valley, Stephen said. Grant Jefferson, 16, of Queen Creek, who attends American Leadership Academy, liked taking the class. “It was really interesting,” Grant said. “You think you’re good to go and then they run through all this. You feel way more confident afterwards. My biggest thing, you have to trust your peripheral (vision) to check everything around you.”

Shannon Nagel uses special goggles that allows teens to see what drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs see. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

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“I see how people easily get distracted with a passenger like that,” she said. Paige said many of her teen peers check their phones at red lights. “I’m really good at having my phone in the cup holder or the top part of the car,” while driving, she said. Paige said driving on a course where the teens learned how to recover from a skid left an impression. Plastic wheel covers were put on the back wheels of the cars to create skidding and the drivers learned how to get the vehicles back on track. “It was really scary,” Paige said. “You have to be fast and sharp with it. Don’t be on your phone.” McKenna was glad she took part in the B.R.A.K.E.S. training. “I think it’s really helpful,” she said. “It’ll help a lot whenever we’re driving in larger areas. My dad mentioned it to me and I said I wanted to go.” Ethan Voight, 17, of Mesa, a junior at Redeemer Christian School, said he enjoyed driving on the skidding course. “It’s fun to be able to learn how to pull yourself out,” Voight said. He and David Wilson, 16, of Glendale, a junior at Deer Valley High School, took turns driving in a car under the guidance of B.R.A.K.E.S. instructor Steve Marlow. While in the car, Marlow told Wilson and Voight how the anti-lock braking system (ABS) “prevents wheels from locking up during heavy braking.” He also told the young drivers they need to push down on the brake heavily when coming up on a person or object at the last minute that they need to avoid because “it

His father, David Jefferson, also found the class helpful. “I think it helps Grant to know maybe he shouldn’t be overly confident,” David said. “They did a parent component of this. They kind of drilled some things into us about how we can help.” More than 20 instructors came to the classes at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. It was the first time B.R.A.K.E.S. brought the classes to that campus but has been offered at other places in the Valley several times. Reilly said the nonprofit wants to make the college a regular stop for its classes. Chandler Police Department came to the classes April 13 and 14 and brought its mobile, DUI enforcement testing lab. Walmart Transportation LLC, which delivers products to the Walmart stores, brought a big rig and showed the public how the big truck drivers have blind spots while on the road so drivers know how to safely pass them. U-Haul also came to the B.R.A.K.E.S. trainings to show people how to properly load a trailer onto a car and drive with a trailer. Kia Motors America, a partner with B.R.A.K.E.S., provides the Kia cars for the driver training program. Tevia Keener, product specialist for Kia Motors, came to the classes last week at the college to answer questions about the cars. She said Kia’s many safety features are great for young drivers. Information: putonthebrakes.org

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

ORGANS from cover

Zoe Mar, 16, of Ahwatukee, died of an anuerysm in 2017 and her organs ewere harvested, giving life to four transplant recipients. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

love; a year and a half ago, he was just a shell of the boy he is today. Stationary in a hospital bed for weeks on end, the Perez family looked on as Jovani’s health rapidly declined. Knowing since he was born that Jovani was going to need a new kidney, the Perez family waited first for the moment he was old enough to handle a transplant and then for the right kidney to become available. That word came in May 2017 when the Perez family received news about an available kidney. But they knew their gain of a kidney had been another family’s loss of life. “It's a lot to swallow on day one and

the night of her death, she had crawled into bed with them. “Even at her age she would cuddle with us and I think that’s something I miss most now,” said Trena with tears in her eyes. “She was making a weird noise, which is why we tried to wake her. It was like a wheezing. We didn’t know what it was, so we tried to wake her up but she wouldn’t respond. So, we called 911 and they had us put her on the floor and the paramedics came,” said Bob. Bob and Trena didn’t know it then, but Zoe was brain dead in their bed before help arrived. The couple was told Zoe did not suffer.

As Trena Mar looks on, Jovani's mother talks of the life-saving miracle her son received. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

from that point you just take it a day at a time,” said Jovani’s father Ben Perez. On the other end of the miracle was the heavy-hearted Mar family. Though Bob and Trena were Zoe’s grandparents, she was “our daughter in every respect,” said Bob, whom Zoe referred to as “dad”. Zoe would snuggle between Bob and Trena when she had trouble sleeping. On

The family was sent to Chandler Regional Hospital, where they thought Zoe’s problem would be identified and resolved. But when she was put on a helicopter and sent to St. Joseph’s for treatment, Bob and Trena realized there was a chance they may never get Zoe back. At the hospital, they learned of Zoe’s aneurysm. They were told a calcium

At a recent gathering at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 7-year-old Jovani Perez got a chance to meet the grandparents of the girl whose kidney saved his life. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

buildup indicated Zoe was most likely born with it. It was positioned at the base of her skull, and if Zoe had gotten an MRI and doctors had caught it, the aneurysm’s position made the mass inoperable. Bob and Trena didn’t delay donating Zoe’s organs because they knew their daughter wouldn’t have it any other way. “The Donor Network approached us and gave us time to share who Zoe was. Until that point it has never crossed our mind. I mean she was 16. But there was no second thought or hesitation, we just said yes, this is what she would want,” said Bob. Bob and Trena said Zoe was giving and

been done, maybe it's the things I was looking forward to. Zoe had talent, but more than that she had grit, so I knew she was going to be a great performer one day. I miss looking forward to the day I was going to sit in a huge crowd and cheer her on,” said Bob. “I’m still in the phase where I just miss her.” Although Zoe is gone, her room is still pink, filled with hearts and her dolls. Trena sets up Zoe’s pink Christmas tree each year though some prove to be harder than others. Yet, meeting Jovani has given Bob and Trena newfound hope that their daughter’s memory lives on. “I guess parents are supposed to be

Zoe's grandparents, Bob and Trena Mar, look on as Jovani Perez talks to a group about how her kidney gave him a start at a long and happy life. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

gracious to everyone she met. Bob and Trena said Zoe was built for the stage and spread joy through her performances with the Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre Select Show Choir. Bob said he misses the little things she would do or say throughout the day, but what he misses most is the opportunity to watch her grow. “Maybe it's not the things that have

the ones to give the joy and the love and all that, and you just don’t think it's the child that’s giving it to us, but she just, she was our life,” said Trena. “Seeing [Jovani] run around and be the same bolt of energy Zoe was, it just fills a part of me that has been empty for a long time.”

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BUILDING from cover

supervisor to help run the yard. So, every time we open one of those up it costs the district upwards of $200,000 in staff salaries,” said Hewitt. “The district is going to be able to save a lot more money by centrally locating,” he added. In addition to saving money, the new bus hub will save the district time – which Hewitt said is the department’s most valuable resource. Mornings in the transportation department are hectic, Hewitt said. Buses can break down without warning requiring last-minute mechanic attention, driver’s call in sick and sometimes do not show up, and daily safety inspections on the vehicles are all obstacles that take place before the six am start time. Hewitt said having one yard will cut morning chaos down. “Right now we have a mechanic who is transporting bus parts throughout the day from one location to the other, so we lose a mechanic to that. But now they’ll be in the same place,” said Hewitt, adding: “When we know a route is going to need a sub we can immediately put a mechanic on pre-tripping the bus getting it

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

safety inspected and get a driver on that bus so the students won't be delayed getting to school.” When unexpected delays do happen, Hewitt said having the department’s staff housed in one location, “allows us to expedite and solve those customer service problems immediately getting parents, and principals and the community answers.” With less time being spent to solve customer service and mechanical issues, Hewitt said the department will be able to start looking into the district’s future for transportation. An app allowing parents to live-track their child’s bus is something he would like to see implemented in the next two to three years, as well as adding wifi to buses to help students with longer trips home to begin their homework on their commute. “Having all of my supervisors in one location we can divide and conquer a little bit more and actually shift our focus on the technology other districts and other states have brought in to make the experie nce for the kids as safe and as comfortable as possible,” said Hewitt.

This map shows the location of the big bus depot that Chandler Unified School District hopes to finish by September. (CUSD)

Feds insist schools, including Chandler, use AzMERIT test BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services AND KAYLA RUTLEDGE Staff Writer

Arizona risks losing $340 million in federal funds because state lawmakers allow school districts – including Chandler Unified – to offer an alternative to the AzMERIT standardized tests. In a letter to state education officials, Frank Brogan, an assistant secretary at the US Department of Education, said the federal Every Student Succeeds Act requires that states administer standardized tests that meet certain requirements. That includes an ability to compare results among school districts. But Brogan said that the decision to permit schools to offer alternatives, like the SAT and the ACT college tests, does not comply. So he rejected the state’s bid for a waiver of the requirements. Arizona has offered a standardized test for years. At one point it was AIMS, short for Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards. Of note is that high schoolers were required to get passing grades to get a diploma. That was replaced in 2015 by AzMERIT, which stands for Arizona’s

Measurement of Educational Readiness to Inform Teaching. One particular difference is that it was not linked to high school graduation. The following year Arizona lawmakers agreed to be the first in the nation to allow schools choose from a “menu” of standardized tests for high schools. Based on that, the state Board of Education came up with a list of permitted options. That includes the SAT and ACT. This is the first year that the substitute tests were allowed, and Chandler Unified School District took full advantage of administering the ACT to the district’s juniors. “Our biggest thing with going with the ACT and going with the menu of assessments was we were able to eliminate six days of testing at the high school level and put those days back into the classroom because the ACT is one day,” said CUSD Assistant Superintendent Wendy Nance. Nance added another advantage to ACT is that it is a college-readiness test that helps students gauge if they are prepared to continue their education after high school. CUSD public information officer Terry Locke also noted that student absenteeism is lower during ACT testing than during the 6-day AzMERIT

test period. “AzMERIT was prone to students unofficially opting out,” Locke said. “There is no process for opting out of AzMERIT testing. Many just didn’t go to school on those days. Absences were much greater under AzMERIT than we experienced with ACT.” Brogan’s rejection of the state’s bid for a waiver of the requirements won’t immediately affect the school districts that already have opted for an alternative to AzMERIT. State Education Department spokesman Stefan Swiat said they remain free to use the tests this spring but will have to return to the AzMERIT test next year unless the department and the state Board of Education can convince federal officials to change their minds. At this point, however, Swiat said the federal law requires that there be a standardized test that meets the federal requirements in at least one year of high school. AzMERIT meets that mandate. In a joint letter to school officials, state schools chief Kathy Hoffman and state Education Board President Lucas Narducci said the plan at this point is to require all schools to administer the AzMERIT test to students in grades 3-8 and again in ninth grade. “That will meet federal

requirements,” they said. It also will meet one of the original goals of allowing alternatives to AzMERIT by eliminating that test in Grades 10 and 11. Hoffman and Narducci said that schools remain free to choose assessments from that alternate menu. But they said it has to be in addition to the AzMERIT test. And they said it is “undecided” whether the state will pay to administer any other test. What makes Brogan’s denial crucial is that he is threatening to place Arizona’s Title I grants into “high risk” status. It is that which endangers the $340 million the state gets in that type of federal aid this year. Swiat said plans are underway to prevent that from happening and that the state board will meet later this month to decide what to do next. But Swiat conceded that his agency had not provided to federal officials the information they said they needed to approve an alternative to the AzMERIT test before schools were given the go-ahead to start offering those options. He said, though, that both the state Department of Education and the Board of Education were instead counting on Arizona getting the waiver from having to provide all that – the waiver that was just denied.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

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COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Zeeks' Pizza in Chandler was the scene of a fundraiser earlier this week for Kameron Shermon. (Kimberly Carrillo/Styaff Photographer)

BATTLE from cover

things he did before, and when his counts were low, when his immune system was vulnerable, he couldn’t be exposed to outside germs so his whole life changed very quickly. He could’ve been kept inside from a few days to a few weeks,” Lyle said. “I mean, it looked totally different from the life he was living before.” Nearly a year later, Kameron was deemed cancer-free and his life proceeded as normal. For a few months, Kameron relished in the small joys he missed over the last year, as he spent his summer indulging in sports and hanging out with friends. Yet the celebration was shortlived. In August, Kameron went to the hospital after experiencing a few symptoms he had grown all too familiar with and found he had

Kameron Sherman is facing his toughest battle yet. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

relapsed. Due to the aggressive nature of the cancer and the rarity of survival for children with it of Kameron’s age, Lyle said there was no protocol doctors knew to follow. So, Kameron’s plan of treatment was produced on the spot. In addition to an impromptu treatment plan, Kameron’s education schedule was determined on the spot as well, and going to school depended on how he felt that day. For most of his fourth-grade year, Kameron was home-schooled by Basha Elementary teacher Beth Northrop, a two-time cancer survivor herself. Knowing his struggles, Northrop offered to teach Kameron from home while keeping him on pace to be easily integrated into a classroom setting “on his good days.” By Christmas, Kameron was

deemed cancer free once again. This time, however, Kameron noticed there was no customary bell to ring to announce his victory over cancer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital where he was being treated. “He thought when kids end this horrendous battle with chemo, they should be able to ring the bell. So, the family worked with the Phoenix Children’s hospital foundation so there was a small ceremony for it and Kameron got to be the first kiddo to ring the bell,” said Lyle. Though Kameron was able to ring the bell once before, he may not get the chance again. Not long after his victorious cry of a cancer-free body, the disease arrived unannounced. This time more aggressive and present than ever. “At this point i would say only god knows [what is in the future for Kameron’s health]. The cancer has spread, and it has spread beyond

kinds of illness that could be spread by untrained people, both in failing to notice communicable diseases and in failing to properly sterilize equipment between customers. The version that Ducey signed requires the state Board of Cosmetology to come up with some sort of course – the specifics and length are not specified – to teach sanitation, infection control and state laws on the issue. It also requires that any shop that uses an unlicensed stylist post a sign "in a conspicuous location'' telling would-be customers that person is not regulated by the cosmetology board. Even with that, some foes remained dissatisfied, saying that someone without proper training can easily burn the head of a customer with the permitted tools. The new law does keep in place existing training requirements for those who want more than a simple styling. Licensing remains mandatory for those who apply

chemicals to straighten or curl hair. The House approved the measure two weeks ago amid over multiple objections from Democrats, who pointed out there are diseases that can be spread from customer to customer. They said that a fully trained cosmetologist gets extensive training on not just identifying disease but safe practices. But Republicans called the concerns overblown "You would think we were talking about operating a nuclear reactor here,'' complained Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills. He said that hundreds of millions of Americans manage to shampoo and dry their own hair daily without any training "beyond reading the label.'' "This is like a total no-brainer,'' Kavanagh said. But Kavanagh, under questioning from Rep. Pamela Powers Hannley, D-Tucson, conceded he never had his hair blown dry or styled with a curling iron. She and

what modern medicine can fix. [The Sherman family is] truly living every moment to its fullest right now,” said Lyle. Kameron now has to sleep with oxygen to relieve the pressure and fluid around his heart, and naps frequently throughout the day. Though between naps Lyle said he is always sure to smile and crack a joke or two. “He is amazing, and again, through all of this he has maintained a smile and a sense of humor. Of course, there has been times that he didn't feel well. Chemotherapy is horrible but he has a good attitude,” said Lyle. On the family’s GoFundMe page, Kameron’s mother, Debbie, said Kameron is now taking a chemo pill in addition to his other treatments which has slowed down the cancer’s progression, “for us, that means we have been blessed with a little more time with Kameron,” Debbie said, adding; “Bryce (Kameron’s father) and I continue to be amazed and humbled by all of the support that we have gotten and continue to get from friends, family, church members, school teachers, coworkers, neighbors, etc. “The amount of support has helped us realize that if we need anything, our ‘village’ is there to help. We our doing our best to literally live our life right now moment by moment. We cherish those moments when Kameron is having a good time or joking around with us.” To help the Sherman family: visit gofundme.com/kamerons-medicalfund.

New law ends hair care training requirements BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

You don't need to be a rocket scientists to style hair for money in Arizona. And pretty soon you won't need to be a cosmetologist, either. Gov. Doug Ducey on Tuesday penned his approval to legislation that removes licensing requirements for people whose activities is limited to washing, drying, curling, hot ironing and styling hair. The governor, in a prepared statement, called it "a victory for common sense.'' "It's ridiculous that government bureaucrats would require 1,000 training hours before someone can start a job blow drying hair,'' he said. "This bill ends that foolishness.'' But the new law, which will take effect this summer, does not eliminate all state oversight. Prior efforts to deregulate the practice died amid concerns about the

others talked about the chances of being burned by someone without training. Other foes mentioned of diseases like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA, which they said can be spread by using the same styling tools on customers. But Rep. Randy Friese, D-Tucson, who is a doctor, conceded he has never treated anyone who caught MRSA from a hair stylist. The legislation is the latest move to carve out exceptions to state laws that can require upwards of 1,000 hours of training at a state-licensed school to be a cosmetologist. Lawmakers already decided more than a decade ago that people who do nothing but braid hair for a living do not need state-mandated training and licensing. And the Board of Cosmetology, facing a lawsuit, has stopped trying to enforce training requirements on those whose total practice consists of plucking eyebrows.

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Depleting water resources prompt Hartke call to action BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Staff Writer

Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke is calling residents to action as local agriculturalists are preparing for up to a 40 percent loss of crops over the next seven years due to cutbacks of Arizona’s water allocation from the Colorado River. The reduction should have little effect on Valley residents, but a 20year drought and dwindling water resources in Lake Mead are strong indicators of water cutbacks for farmers, who currently utilize 80 percent of Arizona’s allocation of the Colorado’s water. Once Lake Mead reserves drop below 1,075 feet elevation, action will be taken to reduce water allocated to agriculture in order to stabilize its level before the damage is irreversible. The alternative is people banding together to prevent the lake from losing more water than can be replaced. Residential water demand is in decline in Chandler, and dropped six gallons per person per day over the last 10 years. However, the mayor is hoping more residents will take their water usage into account this month

as part of the city’s Water Awareness Month initiative. “The City of Chandler’s sustainable water supply is vital to its long-term prosperity, and I look forward to engaging with residents and businesses during Water Awareness Month to talk about water conservation and long-term planning,” said Hartke. In addition to his efforts, Einav Heneson, active management area director for the Arizona Department of Water Resources, said conservation on an individual level can affect the ability to distribute resources across the state to farms. “People do have a lot of opportunities to save water and a lot of free resources that anyone can utilize and be a part of the solution,” Heneson said. He added that families “can see how just by turning off the tap when they’re brushing their teeth, if you multiply it by days of the year then by people in the house you can increase water savings significantly.” The Arizona Department of Water Resources is offering a class about water-saving sprinkler designs and installation on April 25 at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center from 6-8 p.m., to further inform residents how they can be part of the solution.

But for now, the future for Arizona farmers is at the mercy of snowfall that took place hundreds of miles away last winter. “We had a good snowpack in the Rockies this year, so we are hoping for a lot of runoff from that,” said Central Arizona Project spokesperson DeEtte Person said. CAP’s 336-mile canal runs through central Arizona and delivers Colorado River water supplies to residents, businesses and farms. If Lake Mead levels drop below the required level, the cuts to agriculture will come from CAP resources. This month and again in August, farmers and water experts will huddle around 24-month studies that dictate the future of water allocation in Arizona. The studies forecast how much water could end up in the river’s reservoirs because of precipitation, snow runoff and various other factors. “Water managers will be paying particular attention to what that says and April is significant to see how snowpack was for the year, so they say where they think the lake level will settle out at," Person said, adding: "Then in August, which is when the runoff comes in, they have a good

idea of runoff from snowpack so they take the level of Lake Mead,” said Person. The potential cutoff is no surprise to most farmers, Person said, because they were involved with a majority of the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan discussions. DCP is a negotiation between the seven states that rely on water from the Colorado River which determined when water resources would be cutback. “They have known [there was potential] to be off of Colorado River water. Now it’s could just be sooner than later, so what they need to do is get infrastructure to get groundwater,” Person said. He said the construction of wells and groundwater pumping systems could be in the future for many farmers. “I can assure all of the agriculture representatives or average residents who may not live and breath this everyday that we have been preparing and planning for this. We've been in a drought now for nearly two decades and were anticipating a hotter and drier future,” Person added.

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EVIT superintendent jettisoned with golden parachute BY JIM WALSH Staff Writer

The suspended superintendent’s long career at the East Valley Institute of Technology – which serves more than 500 high school students from Chandler Unified – came to a rocky end last week, but at least Sally Downey will enjoy a cushy landing. Downey, 71, who spent 19-years as the face of EVIT, agreed to a lucrative separation agreement approved by the EVIT governing board after months of controversy set into motion by an election that overhauled its makeup. The agreement includes Downey’s resignation, effective April 30, giving the technical school an opportunity for a fresh start – a development welcomed by teachers, other employees and retirees who spoke at a board meeting. The district provides vocationaltechnical instruction for about 3,900 high school juniors and seniors who split their class day between their regular high school at EVIT’s downtown Mesa campus. Downey, who signed a threeyear extension from the previous governing board that paid her more than $188,000 a year, will not leave penniless, according to the terms of her separation agreement. Her exit deal calls for her to receive her base pay from May 1, 2019, through Feb. 28, 2020, a sum of $157,177. In addition, she is scheduled to receive another $33,333.33 as an annuity payment and to cover taxes during the same period. Downey also is entitled to receive another 133 vacation days and 277 days of accrued sick leave, minus what she has used since she was placed on administrative leave by the new board in January shortly after the election. The agreement would appear to relieve EVIT and taxpayers from the burden created by the third year of Downey’s contract extension, which was to run through 2021. A bitter election full of charges, countercharges, conspiracy theories and threats last fall soured an already tense relationship between EVIT and Mesa Public Schools that ultimately cost her supporters on the governing board defeats in last fall’s election.. The acrimonious ballot battle over the often overlooked and little known EVIT Governing Board included accusations that an Mesa schools administrator was leading a “coup’’– a charge denied by the administrator and the district. On the other side, Mesa officials worried that EVIT personnel were encouraging voters to reject a critical bond issue, which won narrow approval, and a budget override, which was narrowly defeated. Downey was placed on administrative suspension almost right

after the new board was seated in January. An investigation by attorney Susan Segal revealed a list of suspected violations of procurement and contract laws, and an Open Meetings Law violation, that are under investigation by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office for possible civil sanctions. With all signs pointing toward the board working out a separation

philosophy between EVIT and MPS about career education. She said Downey wants “every kid to go to EVIT,’’ while MPS wants students to have an opportunity to explore career possibilities without committing to a potential career path. “Our kids should have exploration opportunities. They have great programs at EVIT but so do we,’’ Loria said. With about 20,000 high school students in Mesa, “there’s plenty of

Former EVIT Superintendent Sally Downey cultivated friendships with many influential leaders, such as former Mesa Mayor Scott Smith, but they were unable to help save her job. (File photo)

agreement with Downey, her allies – including former MPS governing board president Ben Smith – fired back. Smith, the former MPS governing board president who lost his reelection bid in November, is not satisfied with the investigation by Mesa schools legal counsel Tom Pickrell. Pickrell cleared career technical education director Marlo Loria of wrongdoing and concluded she was exercising her constitutional rights as a citizen to participate in an election. Smith said he had a friend secretly record Loria at staff meetings. He said he then arranged for a politically connected intermediary to deliver the recordings and other records to the state Attorney General’s Office for investigation into whether MPS resources were used to orchestrate the ouster of EVIT candidates loyal to Downey. The documents show at least two receipts for printing of fliers in support of Larry Johnson, who eventually was elected to the board, and an unspecified print order for Ronda Shumway Doolen, who also was elected. It also included a detailed diagram listing all the EVIT candidates, the districts they represent and their status for the upcoming ballot. On the tapes, Loria mainly defends herself against charges that she violated state law through her support of EVIT board candidates. Loria also explains a fundamental difference of

kids to go around.’’ “We are not shutting down EVIT. We support EVIT. You can go to EVIT and we will make it work,’’ Loria says. But Loria also makes a comment about Smith, who was the MPS governing board president at that time. “Ben Smith supports EVIT. He just does. He has been part of questioning the authenticity of our program, which is fine,’’ Loria said on the recording. “I’m working with him so he can see the other side.’’ Smith said he believes Loria’s comments could have influenced his defeat in the MPS election. “I had other board members telling me, ‘Ben, you need to be on our side,’’’ he said. “Mesa wants to offer more CTE (career technical education) programs on their campuses so that kids don’t have to go EVIT.’’ He said MPS officials wanted Downey gone to protect their funding of CTE programs as EVIT satellite programs. At a point on both tapes, Loria tells her staff that she would not endorse any candidates at a staff meeting, but would share her opinions over a beer or a cider after school hours. “I probably overstepped a few bounds,’’ Loria adds. “My stance is always do what is best for the kids… this whole ideology that Mario Loria is against EVIT is false.’’ Pickrell’s analysis points to friction between the two public school governing boards that started grinding in February 2018 – when Downey

demanded that MPS fire Loria for her role in circulating petitions and serving as campaign manager for David Lane, an MPS auto repair instructor who had won election to the EVIT board. After determining Loria exercised her First Amendment rights on offhours, MPS informed Downey in May that “her complaint was unfounded’’ and refused to remove Loria from her job. But the dispute was far from over. The sparks seemed to smolder into a fire in August, when EVIT governing board member Robert Covington and principal Craig Pearson appeared before the MPS board, where Covington accused MPS of orchestrating the “coup.’’ “Mr. Covington warned that if MPS does not ‘educate its employees about conflict of interest and hold them accountable for their misconduct,’ MPS will damage its reputation and may lose its override and bond elections,’’ Pickrell’s report said. He also said MPS might lose its state funding of satellite career education programs, which had been approved in the past. But again, Pickrell said he found no violations of law by Loria and a second administrator, Barbara “Tot’’ Wallace. “They assured us that they circulated petitions only when off duty,’’ Pickrell wrote. “There does not appear to be good cause to take disciplinary action against Ms. Loria, Ms. Wallace or Mr. Lane.’’ Pickrell noted that Downey, her administrative assistant and three EVIT employees had circulated petitions for Shon Rasmussen, a longtime EVIT supporter who eventually was defeated in the November election by Johnson. “Evidentially, they welcome their employees support for incumbents and other favored candidates, but they demand that MPS suppress its employees support for EVIT governing board employees that they oppose,’’ Pickrell wrote. Pickrell cited ARS 15-511, which gives the Attorney General Authority to sue school districts for violating the prohibition against actions intended to influence an election, using school resources or time. The penalty is $5,000 per violation. Helen Hollands, an MPS spokeswoman, said all of questions raised by Smith have been thoroughly investigated and none of it violates the law, including the tapes. She said the election diagram was “factual,’’ making it exempt from being a violation, and that no one control emails that are sent to their inbox by another party. Hollands also confirmed that Loria has been promoted to executive director of innovative partnerships, effective July 1 and will likely receive a pay increase.

COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Ryan Elementary latest A+ school in Chandler BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Staff Writer

Seven Chandler Unified School District schools have been given coveted A+ Schools of Excellence awards from the Arizona Education foundation. The district’s schools include; Arizona College Prep – Erie campus, Basha Elementary, Chandler High, Chandler Traditional Academy – Freedom Campus, Chandler Traditional Academy – Independence Campus, Ryan Elementary and Shumway Leadership Academy.

“I think our school is kind of like a big community, or family or something,” said Sophia. “I’ve never not wanted to come to school. Even when I had a bloody nose in class I didn’t want to go home, I was hoping the nurse would say I could stay.” Sophia is active in the school’s broadcast journalism club, one of a long list of other clubs she belongs to, including robotics, art, safety squad and choir. Noah said what he loves most about Ryan Elementary is the school’s charity incentives, which have shown him how to be a compassionate member of the

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Students from Ryan Elementary were organized into an A+ for a drone shot after the Arizona Education Foundation announced the award. (Ryan Elementary)

Ryan Elementary is the newest addition to the list of A+ schools in CUSD – which led all other East Valley districts in the number of schools to get recognition this year. The school has never applied for the distinction before because, “we just weren’t ready yet. We wanted to prepare and be sure we were who we wanted to be when we submitted our application,” said Ryan Principal Diane Wells. The school’s wait paid off. After a rigorous four-month application process, the collection of student, parent, teacher, and staff testimonies, and a site visit, the school was granted A+ status. The application dives into demographic information, programs and practices, documentation of community and parental involvement, and the school's commitment to service within their community. Wells said the entire school was involved in process so that Ryan’s diverse community was accurately portrayed. “We have children in gifted programs, we have children with special needs, we have staff and teachers that come from all walks of life and teach and serve our students. We wanted our application to represent us as a whole and how we all work together to make our school worthy of an ‘A’ plus,” said Wells. The school’s strongest advocates for the award were fifth grader Sophia Preciado and sixth graders Noah Cooper and Maci Hess. The students mentioned that school feels more like an experience gifted to them rather than a state-mandated requirement, and are excited to arrive each day because of the school’s culture.

community. Each year the students help make blankets for bed-ridden children at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and have raised so much money for Canine Companions for Independence year after year the organization named one of the dogs “Royal” in 2007 to honor the school’s donations. “I really look forward to our charity events because it's nice to know I’m helping someone. It teaches me a lot every year about being a good person,” said Noah. The school highlighted unique learning opportunities in their application, which Maci said is what she believes made Ryan Elementary worthy of its A+ status. By utilizing tower gardens, students have been able to learn about sustainability and the science behind growing abundant crops which include lettuce, parsley and mint. Maci said she was especially drawn to the towers after doing her first pH testing of the garden. “It was cool to see how the water can change the outcome of how much we can grow,” said Maci. “After we harvest we give what we grow to the teachers and staff and stuff. They said it's really good.” Wells said she looks forward to applying to be an A+ school again in a few years, but until then everyone will be working together to grow and make school an even better place to be for students, teachers, and staff. “We only plan on going up from here, and want to continue to meet the needs of all our students,” said Wells. “We are honored to have received this rating, and plan on making the community proud.”

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Jacob's Hope first center in state to care for addicted newborns BY JORDAN HOUSTON Tribune Staff Writer

medical facility designed to care for newborns suffering from drug withdrawals is now open in Mesa, making it the first of its kind in the state and the fourth of its kind in the country. Jacob’s Hope, 1150 N. Country Club Drive, is a new interim care center specifically for babies born to moms who are or have been on addicting drugs. Founded by Jo Jones and operated by her and her husband, Brian, the facility provides an alternative to a hospital newborn intensive care unit, where drug-addicted babies are generally treated. Every year, hundreds of babies in Arizona are born exposed to opioids, according to the Arizona Statewide Task Force on Preventing Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol and Other Drugs. From 2008 to 2015, more than half a million newborns were exposed to some type of drug during pregnancy, while neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) – in which newborns experience withdrawal symptoms – increased from 145 cases to 470, or 224 percent. NAS can cause low birth weight, body shakes, excessive crying and physical and mental challenges later in life. Hospital units are “not really equipped for this because we’ve learned, from doctors out there, that drug babies are typically healthy but they’re suffering from symptoms that cause bedlam,” said Brian, who is executive director of the facility. “Oftentimes, they get put into a corner of a NICU and they’re given fairly massive – not big – doses of morphine.”

The couple dedicated the sanctuary to their son, Jacob, who was adopted as a drug-exposed newborn in 1988 and later died during a drug-related incident in his mid-20s. Jacob’s Hope is licensed as a behavioral healthcare facility under the Arizona Department of Health Services and offers immediate short-term care, a detailed plan for withdrawal and therapeutic nurturing techniques. The nonprofit will serve six infants per month before ramping up to 10 a month for a year – eventually catering up to 12 newborns at a time. Unlike the high-paced atmosphere of the NICU, the care center will provide a quiet, calm environment, which is key for babies struggling through withdrawals, the Joneses said. “This looks like a nursery, and yet when you see the oxygen and feeding tubes and all those types of things that we have, you quickly realize that the level of care we’re equipped to give is significantly higher than just a nursery,” said Brian. Each of the six rooms can house up to two newborns, complete with a rocking chair, cribs and pastel colored walls. A bathing room sits down the hall, stacked with diapers, onesies, warm towels and washcloths, while a small kitchen is available for the nursing staff to prepare bottles and meals for themselves. The ultimate purpose of the center, Jo explained, is to prevent what happened to their son from happening to other drug-exposed newborns. Jacob was 3 days old when Jo and Brian took him in. Medical officials warned he may have been exposed to drugs during his mother’s pregnancy,

The Joneses have equipped six rooms, each capable of helping housing two babies, with cribs, clothing and other accessories for the newborms who are brought to their center for care. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

“What we’re trying to say to the medical profession out here is, as politely as we can, we know that you really don’t have a facility that’s equipped for these babies. That’s what we’re here for. That’s what we’re made for.”

but other than that, no resources or information regarding the possible long-term side effects were provided. Growing up, Jacob had large brown eyes, tan skin and a handsome smile. He was charismatic, charming and

Jo and Brian Jones this weekend opened the state’s first non-hospital facility for treating newborns that are suffering drug withdrawal symptoms. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

brilliant, with a photographic memory. “We used to say to him, ‘You should have been an attorney. You can convince people that the sky is yellow,’” said Jo. “I mean, he just was incredible, smart and all of those things.” But looking back, the mother said she now recognizes the warning signs of prenatal substance exposure. When Jacob approached his teens, he started exhibiting behavioral and emotional problems. “When he turned 15, it was like everything just hit. He started having emotional issues and we were taking him to doctors and counselors and psychiatrists,” said Jo. “He had a volatile temper, it would just build up and then he would kind of explode. It wound up being difficult.” At some point, Jacob was introduced to drugs and alcohol, beginning a lifelong battle with addiction. He went on to serve in the military for four years before he died at the age of 25 after consuming a bad batch of cocaine. Devastated by her son’s death, Jo found solace in a book that changed her life – Barbara Drennen’s “Caring for Drug-Exposed Infants.” The book details the crippling side effects drug-exposed newborns face and highlights the author’s original care facility, the Pediatric Interim Care Center in Washington – which soon became the model for Jacob’s Hope. It was in this moment that Jo realized her son met the criteria of those newborns. With Barbara’s work as her inspiration, Jacob’s Hope was born about a year and a half later. But the road to success wasn’t easy. The two parents quickly realized the difficulties of starting a nonprofit, especially one that has never existed in the state of Arizona before. “We have had countless situations where a door was closed and God was out there saying, ‘Just keep going,

keep going because this is going to happen,’” said Brian, adding: “Imagine what it’s like creating an entity in the state that doesn’t exist. There’s no map. There is no list, there is no blueprint. There is nobody out there to tell you this is what we did. That’s what this team for Jacob’s Hope has done.” After two and a half years of renovating, retrofitting, inspection and licensing reviews, Jacob’s Hope finally secured a license from the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Supporters from across the street have donated cash, furnishings and clothing to the Joneses for Jacob’s Hope. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

The final step of gaining its Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System insurance provider information is in the works and will be completed soon. Both Brian and Jo attribute the facility’s success to its dedicated team as well as donations from supporters across the state. They estimate they have received up to $160,000 in donations and products so far. While the facility only caters to newborns at the moment, Brian expressed that there is a possibility it could expand to caring for the mothers down the road. The facility is in its beginning stages of opening and expects to have its first patients by May.

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Despite witnesses' pleas, lawmakers reject changing sex abuse suit law BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Victims of child rape and sexual abuse won’t get more time to sue their assailants, at least not this year. Rep. Regina Cobb, R-Kingman, refused to allow a vote on the measure Thursday in the Senate Appropriations Committee, which she chairs. Cobb said she has no problem with expanding the current law that now requires victims to file suit within two years of turning 18. SB 1011 would have expanded that to 12 years, meaning when someone turns 30. But Cobb said she could not support a provision designed to provide some legal relief for those who were molested years ago but whose time to file suit under the current Arizona law has long since expired. Her action came after Gregory Kelly, now a Gilbert resident, told lawmakers how he was able to use a more expansive law in Delaware “to expose a serial pedophile who had gone undetected for decades.’’ He and his brother, 12 and 11 at the time, were abused over a three-night period by a lifelong friend of the family. But Cobb said the shock of it all prevented him from disclosing what had happened until he was an adult. It was only later he discovered the Delaware law allowing for late-filed lawsuits. He said the publicity around his case brought out dozens of other victims who were willing to testify, resulting in the judge stepping down from the bench, admitting to the incidents.

"It is my belief that, without the civil window in Delaware (law), that Judge Bradley would have continued to molest children until caught, which might never have happened. “Sadly, my brother, having never come to grips with his abuse in the way that I did, took his own life at age 55 last November," Kelly said. The proposal by Sen. Paul Boyer, R-Phoenix, would have provided a two-year window to bring all these old cases to court. That would have opened the door for victims of past child abuse to file new lawsuits, even if the incident had occurred decades earlier. But the failure of the issue to advance can’t be blamed strictly on Cobb. Sen. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, said he was willing to hear Boyer’s measure in the Senate Judiciary Committee. But Farnsworth said he would not consider any version that would open that new two-year window to file suit on prior cases. Boyer found that unacceptable and sought to make an end-run around Farnsworth by having the measure heard in Cobb’s committee. Cobb agreed to allow testimony from Boyer as well as victims and advocates – but no vote. What makes Cobb’s action so crucial is this is the last committee hearing of the session. And Boyer, who has been championing the issue for years, cannot get the bill to the full House or Senate – where he claims he has the votes – if he can’t get out of a committee. The problem, said Boyer, is that Arizona has a two-year statute of limitations to file civil claims of rape and sexual abuse.

That clock does not start running until the victim turns 18. But Boyer said that is insufficient time for someone who has been groomed by a predator to actually realize that it was not their fault and how they had been harmed. Attorney Jeff Dion, who said he was a victim of child sex abuse, said that’s exactly the case. “I did not recognize what happened to me counted as abuse until I was in law school," he told lawmakers. “I was in my mid-30s before I recognized how that abuse had harmed me and what the impact had been on my life." Dion said this legislation isn’t simply about getting compensation and justice for victims. He said such lawsuits are the only way of shining a light on those who committed abuse and putting a halt to their activities. “We know that, even if it takes someone 30 years to disclose the abuse, when their perpetrator is still alive, they’re often still molesting kids," he said. Boyer said the current requirement to file lawsuits by someone’s 20th birthday is the lowest of any surrounding state. There is some debate about whether to increase that to when someone turns 25 or 30. The issue, said Farnsworth, is allowing those who say they were prior victims of abuse to file suit now, no matter how long ago that was. For example, he said, there may have been policies in place at the time about whether someone was allowed alone in a room with a child. “That’s some evidence," Farnsworth said. “If that’s all been destroyed 50 years later, how do you present that?"

Ditto, he said, of a situation where there was someone else in the room who has since passed away. “We’re not talking about five years later," Farnsworth said. “We’re talking about potentially 30, 40, 50 years later." That did not bother Rep. Randy Friese, D-Tucson. He said if the plaintiff can’t provide sufficient proof of the incident, a jury will throw out the case. But Farnsworth, who is an attorney, said the allegation itself is a form of proof that puts the burden on the defense to find evidence that may no longer be around. And that, he said, is the whole reason that there are statutes of limitations. “The farther you are removed from an incident of harm, the less likely the evidence is going to be valid," Farnsworth said. “It may not even be existing because people shred documents, because people move away, because people die, because people don’t remember." The legislation allows a lawsuit against officials of any organization who purposely ignore evidence that someone is guilty of sexual abuse and continue to allow them to come into contact with children. “I’m concerned about the liability for first responders who just blow it and don’t see the signs" of sexual abuse, said Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills. He said that also could mean lawsuits against teachers who suddenly find themselves being sued decades later “when they can’t even get witnesses to testify in their favor because everybody’s gone or passed away."

Legislature dilutes consumer bill for timeshares, AG 'disappointed' BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Lobbied by the industry, state lawmakers are not going to help those who bought timeshares get out from under what is often a lifetime obligation. On a voice vote April 15, the state Senate gave preliminary approval to some new requirements about what would-be purchasers have to be told. More to the point, it provides what amounts to a 10day cooling-off period between when buyers sign an agreement and they're struck with it, often for life. But the version of HB 2639 that survives after multiple committee hearings and floor debate no longer provides the opt-out provisions that had been envisioned by Rep. Shawna Bolick, R-Phoenix, who was sponsoring the bill at the behest of the Attorney General's Office. Gone is language that allows a buyer to cancel within 14 days after actually getting to use the property to see if it's all that was promised. And there is no longer a provision to allow someone to simply surrender the property after 10 years, even after paying the entire price of the time share. Put simply, the buyers remain stuck unless they can find someone else to take it. "We're disappointed that the timeshare industry killed a lot of the pro-consumer parts of this bill,'' said Katie Connor, spokeswoman for the Attorney General's Office. "They've got a lobbying presence here and around the country,'' added Amanda Rusing who lobbies for the office. "It was very disappointing to have to remove all of the stronger, pro-consumer provisions.'' But Rep. Travis Grantham, R-Gilbert, who chairs the House Regulatory Affairs Committee, said some of the industry's concerns make sense.

He's not the only one. Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale, who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee, said the legislation, which now awaits a roll-call vote, does include some additional requirements for what needs to be disclosed to prospective buyers. "That way the person is empowered with information,'' she said. "They can ultimately make a decision on whether they want to purchase a timeshare or not.'' But she said there are limits to what protections the state can provide. "At some point, these are adults that come to a meeting of the minds and want to sign a contract,'' Ugenti-Rita said, saying that buyers have some responsibility to know exactly what they signing. But Rusing said they're not even really getting that. She pointed out that the original version of HB 2639 would have required that consumers be given an actual copy of the contract at least 24 hours before they would be able to sign it. She said that would give them a chance to read through it, ask questions and, if appropriate, seek legal advice, all before putting pen to paper. At the heart of the issue is the practice of some timeshare companies of offering free or reducedprice vacations to prospective buyers if they're willing to listen to a sales presentation. That has led to complaints about high-pressure sales tactics. Existing law gives buyers seven days after signing a contract to back out. The original version of HB 2639 would have doubled that. Grantham said he understands the need for time, saying people need to "go home, sober up, kind of get out of vacation mode and review what you did.'' But the bill, with Bolick's consent, shortened that from 14 days to just 10.

More significant, said Rusing, is that 10-day period is after a contract is signed. She said that is is no substitute for that now-

State Attorney General Mark Brnovicth's office found the Legislature's timeshare changes disappointing. (File photo)

scrapped requirement to ensure that consumers have 24 hours to look over the contract before signing. Rusing said once people sign a document they often are reticent to cancel. The original bill also required a disclosure of estimated annual and lifetime assessments and other costs, including taxes and utilities to give buyers some idea of future financial obligations. That is now gone. "It was too difficult for any timeshare developer to forecast what the fees may be,'' Grantham said. He said everything from floods to hurricanes can damage properties, requiring more extensive repairs than had originally been estimated. More significant, gone after the buyer's first use. There were some protections for sellers, including permission to charge a cancellation fee of up to 10 percent of the purchase price and allowing sellers to charge regularly scheduled assessments for one year

after cancellation. "That's not reasonable,'' Grantham said. "A lot of times people buy timeshares that aren't even completed yet,'' he said, sometimes trying to get in years ahead of actually seeing a complete product "because they want to get in while the getting's good.'' That provision, he said, creates a financial hazard for developers because it would allow everyone who bought one -- and provided the money for financing the project -- could suddenly back out once it was completed. Also gone is another provision for cancellation after 10 years, even with a requirement for the timeshare to have been paid off and there are no overdue assessments or unpaid fines or penalties. Rusing told lawmakers that buyers are often so desperate to get out that they advertise their timeshares for as little as a penny, only to find out that no one wants to assume the future liability. She said that has created a market for scam artists who claim they can free people from their obligations -though they usually want an up-front fee. "It just doesn't make sense,'' Grantham said of that option. "Can you imagine buying a car and having that kind of agreement, or buying a house?'' he said. "Nobody would sell anything.'' There was one other change that could be significant. As originally crafted, the new disclosure documents would have required buyers to be told that if the agreement has not set duration the buyer's obligations "may extend throughout the course of the purchaser's lifetime.'' That is now gone in fav or of saying that any obligations extend through the "duration of ownership,'' saying that not every timeshare is a lifetime commitment.

COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

National Sales Event April 6–28, 2019

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COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Around Chandler Police seek suspect in supermarket hold-ups

Police are seeking a man in connection with two robberies at Chandler supermarkets. Around 7 a.m. March 16, an unknown male entered the Safeway store at 4900 S. Alma School Road an forced a cashier at the customer service desk to surrender an undisclosed amount of money from the

register. He also directed a second cashier to the cash office and obtained additional money, police said. Around 6:30 a.m. March 29, the same suspect robbed the Albertson’s grocery store at 4060 W. Ray Road. In this incident, the suspect collected money from multiple registers. The Phoenix Police Department is also investigating a grocery store robbery with a similar suspect description and modus operandi. The suspect is described as a light skinned Hispanic male in his late 20s with very short

hair, a mustache, and goatee. He is around five-foot six-inches tall with a thin build. During the robbery, the suspect used a very soft, low-tone voice. Anyone with information can call 480-WITNESS (948-6377). Silent Witness is offering a reward up to $6,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of this suspect.

Chandler Police join growing Neighbors app The Chandler Police Department has joined the Neighbors app by Ring, a home security manufacturing company best known for its outdoor motion-based cameras and doorbells. Neighbors is a neighborhood watch app that provides real-time, local crime and safety information. It can be used to view neighborhood activity and share crime and safety-related videos, photos, and text-based posts. The Neighbors app also allows users to customize their own geographic area and receive real-time safety alerts from neighbors, local law enforcement and the Ring team. Residents can text ‘CHANDLERAZ’ to 555888 from their smartphone to download the Neighbors app for free. “The Neighbors network already has millions of users and has been instrumental in catching package thieves, stopping burglaries and

keeping neighborhoods safe,” a department spokesman said.

Residents can register for HOA Academy Chandler residents who are interested in learning more about getting involved with their community or homeowners association can sign up for the free spring edition of HOA Academy. The academy was created to provide residents and HOA board members “with the know-how, tools and resources to effectively lead their neighborhoods,” the city said in a release. Although the academy has already started, residents can sign up for the remaining classes or pick and choose the ones that interest them. To register, go to chandleraz.gov/ HOAAcademy or call Neighborhood Programs at 480-782-4348. All classes are held at Chandler City Hall, 175 S. Arizona Ave., second floor, Training Room B. Attendees may attend in person or watch online. Once attendees register, they will receive an email with instructions for online participation. The schedule includes: • Strategic planning for HOA and condo boards. 3-5 p.m. April 23. Conducted by the Mulcahy Law Firm, this class will teach strategic planning, including reserve studies, amending CC&Rs, analyzing finances, budget and how to accomplish the board’s goals using the Eisenhower Method. The class also will discuss the steps and actions that board members can take to prevent theft and fraud of association funds. • HOA attorney vs. homeowner attorney. 3-5 p.m. Thursday, April 25. Conducted by Shaw & Lines, LLC, this seminar will pit lawyer vs. lawyer to debate and discuss commonly litigated HOA issues. • Annual meeting and elections. 3-5 p.m. April 30. Conducted by VF Law, this class will look at the many issues that an association can encounter while preparing for and holding their annual meeting. Participants will learn how to hold effective annual meetings, along with tips on how to navigate through the election process. Topics include: compliance with governing document requirements pertaining to meetings and the election of directors, awareness of recent changes in the law that may impact

the balloting process, and addressing election problems that can arise. The class will include a Q&A session.

Plastic pollution topic of library program

Plastic pollution in oceans is the topic of Chandler Library’s next Science Matters presentation at 6:30 p.m. April 24 at Chandler’s Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road. The talk looks at threats to the world’s oceans from man-made plastics and what that deteriorating situation may mean for sea life and human beings. Biologist Charlie Rolsky of the Biodesign's Center for Environmental Health Engineering at Arizona State University will conduct the program. He is passionate about keeping the oceans clean, seafood edible and species protected from extinction. He will discuss the plastic pollution epidemic from plastic bags to microplastics. His talk will look at how plastics got into the world’s oceans, how they behave in the environment and what people can do as a society to prevent ecological disaster. Science Matters @ CPL is a series of monthly talks exploring the latest research or knowledge on various scientific topics. At 6:30 p.m. May 7, Science Matters @ CPL presents “Can the Zombie Apocalypse Really Happen?” a free presentation by Epidemiologist Dave Engelthaler at the Downtown Chandler Library, 22 S. Delaware St. The June 4 presentation, “Exploring the Moon Today,” also will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Downtown Library.

Paulette Romero joins Western State Bank

Paulette Romero recently joined Western State Bank as a business banking assistant with duties that include assisting the business banking team, preparing loan documents for business loans, file maintenance and providing excellent customer service. She has over 30 of banking experience and is a Wyoming native. Western State Bank is a 117-year-old employee-owned, community bank with over $1 billion in total assets and offices in Chandler and other communities. It offers personal banking, business banking, mortgages, investment services, as well as nationwide equipment financing services.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Chandler nonprofits grateful for ‘Arizona Gives Day’ BY COLLEEN SPARKS Managing Editor

Nonprofit organizations in Chandler are excited and grateful the public stepped up to help them raise money for people in need on Arizona Gives Day. Everyone was encouraged to make donations to nonprofit agencies around the state on Arizona Gives Day on April 2. The annual online fundraising effort was a way to attempt to make it quick and easy to support nonprofit organizations. Around the state more than $3.6 million was raised for all the participating nonprofits on Arizona Gives Day. That is a record total and the money goes to over 650 nonprofit organizations in Arizona. Matson Money was a platinum sponsor. “We were thrilled with the turnout from the public,” said Jennifer Purcell, director of community engagement for the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits. “I think that the public is starting to hear the message about the importance that nonprofits play in our communities. There’s a desire to want to continue making our communities a better place to live and work,” she added. AZCEND, a Chandler, 50-year-old nonprofit organization, took in $2,400 on Arizona Gives Day but people kept giving after that, bringing the total around that

timer period to about $3,500, Dara Gibson, development director at AZCEND, said donations were up from last year. “There will be further resources that we

assistance. The organization also delivers meals to elderly and homebound residents. Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank in Chandler is another East Valley nonprofit

Celebrating the $1 million mark in Arizona Gives Day contributions are, from left, Jacki Presnal, office manager at the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits; Angel Cancino, program manager at the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits and Robin Hanson, program manager with AmeriCorps VISTA. (Photo by Steve Carr)

can use that we wouldn’t have had available if we hadn’t done this,” Gibson said. “We’re exceptionally grateful to them (donors).” AZCEND provides various services including offering emergency food boxes, supplemental food boxes, services to help people who are homeless, as well as operating Gilbert and Chandler senior centers and offering rent and utility

organization that reaped the benefits of Arizona Gives Day. The nonprofit started in 2001 out of Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church and a few years later it became its own organization and moved into its own North Arizona Avenue location, just south of Knox Road. Executive Director Jan Terhune said the food bank “saw a marked improvement in

revenue” over last year. “There was heightened interest,” Terhune said. “Ee did have some donor interest that we’ve not had before; those came in the form of emails or hits on our social media or website. It also interested our current donors.” Terhune said the donations made on Arizona Gives Day will help Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank pay for its expansion. The nonprofit is expanding its warehouse space from about 2,000 to 4,000 square feet to allow more room to keep up with increased demand for the emergency food service program. Terhune said summer is a difficult time as many people go on vacation and parents may be struggling if their children received free or reduced-price lunches in school because schools are closed for the season. Also, many people tend to give during the winter holidays and not as much in the summer. Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank has a summer campaign to try to encourage people to support the nonprofit with food donations and volunteering. A drawing will be held for those who support the nonprofit to have a chance to win prizes - a Disneyland trip and Southwest Airlines tickets. Information: matthewscrossing.org

My Hope Bag plans golf Ballet Etudes to present tournament next month ‘Sleeping Beauty’ here SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A Gilbert nonprofit that supports victims of breast cancer is calling all duffers. My Hope Bag is registering players for the annual MHB Golf Tournament at 7:30 a.m. May 2 at Red Mountain Ranch Country Club Golf Course, 6425 E. Teton Circle, Mesa. For more than six years, My Hope Bag has made support for breast cancer victims its top priority. It delivers Bags of Hope to victims that are filled with local resources and other comforting items. Volunteers also maintain regular communication with victims and provide emotional support. “My Hope Bag is committed to making sure no one faces breast cancer alone,” the group said in a release. The four-person golf scramble is $100 per golfer and includes golfing, continental breakfast, lunch and golf goodie bags. There will be a silent auction, raffle drawing, game prizes for golfers and more. “I started My Hope Bag after my own journey with breast cancer,” founder Sarah Ellery says on the group’s website. “While going through my journey, I thought they needed to have a bag of HOPE for women going through this. It is my heartfelt desire

to help answer questions, comfort and encourage others and help lighten their load while facing the fight of their life.” Ellery said the group has so far delivered more than 2,000 Bags of Hope and that with each one, “one more person knows that she is loved and cared about by someone who understands what she is going through.” Her husband Brian concurs. “Helping other breast cancer survivors find knowledge and comfort during an uncertain time is our main goal,” he said. “It was a hard time for Sarah and myself during her treatment time. For myself, I anxiously sought answers to the multitude of questions to provide comfort for my bride. “I looked at our journey as I had with past experiences; trying to solve a problem or develop a plan of action, added Brian, who has sat on the boards of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, Gilbert Small Business Alliance and Gilbert Optimist International. Tournament and other information: myHopeBag.org

SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Ballet Etudes will perform “The Sleeping Beauty” at Chandler Center for the Arts April 27 and 28. The two-act ballet recounts the story of Princess Aurora, condemned at her christening by the evil fairy Carabosse to prick her finger and die when she turns 16 and how she is saved by the magical gift of the good Lilac Fairy. A cast of more than 60 dancers includes Ballet Etudes company members ages 9-17 from throughout the Valley as well as guest artists. Ballet Etudes principal dancer Zoe Hunter, 17, will perform the lead role of Princess Aurora. In previous Ballet Etudes productions, Zoe has performed soloist roles that include the Dew Drop Fairy and Court Fairy in “The Nutcracker,” Winter in “Cinderella,” and the Enchanted Chair in “Beauty and the Beast.” Principal company members Maddie Dennison, 17, and Brianna Patrick, 16, will perform multiple solo roles throughout the production. Rebecca Bigler, 17, will play the Lilac Fairy.

Show times at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. April 27 and 3 p.m. April 28. Tickets are $16 and $22 and can be ordered at chandlercenter. org or 480-782-2680. Each performance will include a backstage tour and tickets for that may be purchased in the lobby before the show begins and during intermission. Tickets for the backstage tour are $3 for 1 or $5 for 2. Created in 1986 by Sharon Seder Meko, Ballet Etudes’ mission is to “fulfill the artistic needs of serious young dancers who desire performing opportunities of the highest caliber. The studio aims to realistically duplicate the experiences of a professional ballet company for dancers ages 9 to 18.” Company members are selected through open auditions by a panel of judges and held to the standards of a professional company. Information: balletetudes.net.

COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

CEO appointed for Banner Ocotillo Medical Center SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Banner Health has given Laura Robertson the additional role as CEO of Banner Ocotillo Medical Center while continuing to serve as CEO of Banner Desert Medical Center and Banner Children’s at Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa. Robertson began her career as a cardiac critical care nurse at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, now Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix. She transferred to Banner Heart Hospital, where she served in various leadership roles, including associate administrator, chief nursing officer and CEO. Robertson also served as CEO of Banner Baywood Medical Center and, eventually, assumed the CEO role of both Banner Heart Hospital and Banner Baywood. Todd Werner, president, Banner Health Arizona Region, said, “At Banner, we take pride in developing and identifying top talent to fill positions from within the organization. Laura is a great example of our ability to do just that. Laura has been a leader and change agent in Banner for 25 years.” Werner said Robertson has demonstrated the ability to lead large complex organizations and inspire those around her.

Laura Robertson will be CEO of the new Banner Ocotillo Medical Center in addition to her job as CEO of two Banner facilities in Mesa. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

“She leads with passion, commitment, integrity and with patients and customers at the center of all decisions,” he said, adding: “The addition of Banner Ocotillo under her scope of responsibilities fits nicely with

the services provided by Banner Desert and Cardon Children’s, and further builds upon the already established relationships we have with our employed and community physicians and advanced practice providers in this area.

Banner Ocotillo is slated to open in 2020. The hospital will have 120 patient beds and offer imaging, surgery, labor and delivery, intensive care and an emergency department. It will be adjacent to the existing Banner Health Center in Chandler on the southeast corner of Alma School Road and the Loop 202 Santan Freeway. “Banner Ocotillo builds upon Banner’s existing presence in the East Valley and will ensure those who seek care have conveniently located resources and expertise in their own neighborhood,” a spokesman said. Robertson will identify those who will fill other senior leadership roles to support Banner Ocotillo Medical Center in a phased approach. Banner Health is one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country. The system owns and operates 28 acute-care hospitals, Banner Health Network, Banner – University Medicine, academic and employed physician groups, long-term care centers, outpatient surgery centers and an array of other services. It also operates Banner Urgent Care, family clinics, home care and hospice services, pharmacies and a nursing registry in six states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming.

Chandler Airport area to see major building project SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

More new construction is coming to the Chandler Airport area. Dallas-based Jackson-Shaw and Las Vegas-based LaPour Partners have broken ground for Parc Germann, a 224,471-squarefoot, two-building urban industrial development in the 2200 block of E. Germann Road. “The Chandler sub-market is widely appealing to many companies, offering one of the best labor pools in the Phoenix area along with quality housing and amenities,” said Jeff LaPour, president of LaPour Partners. “Parc Germann is a significant development that will meet the growth that is feeding the demand for quality, Class-A, urban industrial space.” Parc Germann will include a 92,261-square-foot building and 132,210-square-foot structure with state-ofthe-art building features that include “mod-

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The new Parc Germann project will consist of two industrial buildings totalling more than 224,000 square feet. (Jackson-Shaw)

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COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

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Canyon Winds Now Open! Assisted Living

Our beautifully designed Assisted Living community is upscale living with first class care for all of our valued residents. Canyon Winds Assisted Living residents will enjoy a wonderful amenity package to include the following: • 24/7 Care from our licensed and certified staff • 3 delicious meals per day in our restaurant style dining room • Spacious activity room with amazing views • Indoor & outdoor entertaining areas • Theater room

Schedule Your Tour Today! Memory Care

Canyon Winds Memory Care is dedicated to assist those with Alzheimer’s and Memory Loss. Our caregivers are specially trained to provide personalized attention for our residents. Canyon Winds Memory Care residents will enjoy a wonderful amenity package that includes: • 24/7 care from our licensed and certified staff • 3 delicious meals per day in our restaurant style dining room • Spacious activity room that will host many daily events • A beautiful courtyard made for activities and relaxing • Comfortable sitting/tv areas

Independent Living

Canyon Winds is proud to offer an Independent Living community that will be sure to impress! Let our team at Canyon Winds do all the work, while you enjoy a resort style community with amenities to include: • Restaurant style dining room with world class food • 2 spacious activity rooms that host many daily events • Indoor & outdoor entertaining areas • On-site concierge service • Resort style pool & spa • Theater room • Chapel & fitness center • On site beauty salon

Assisted Living/Memory Care - 7311 E. Oasis Street • 480-948-0600 Independent Living - 2851 N. Boulder Canyon • 480-948-0700 Mesa, Arizona 85207 • CanyonWindsRetirement.com

Business

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

New community offers ‘introduction to luxury’ houses BY COLLEEN SPARKS Managing Editor

A builder known for providing high-end, estate-sized homes for the first time is expanding its reach to make houses with luxury-home features available at prices it believes the average buyer can afford. Toll Brothers’ The Crossings at Meridian, is a neighborhood that will feature 129 homes with many amenities available in a growing area of Queen Creek near Ocotillo Road and 226th Street. Potential buyers are already touring the model homes with ample floor plans, as well as large, walk-in closets and unusual, sliding pocket doors that allow residents to expand their living space. The “introduction to luxury” houses range from 1,871 square feet to 3,164 square-feet and are situated on 6,050-square-foot home sites. Shoppers can select homes with three, four, five or six bedrooms and they all come with two or three-car garages, elegant bathrooms, as well as many design choices. Homeowners have access to an Olympic-size community pool, as well

Deidre Hefel, sales manager at The Crossings at Meridian, reveals a model of The Savannah, a two-story home with six bedrooms in the new home community in Queen Creek. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

as miles of walking and biking trails, an outdoor movie ramada and park in the neighborhood. The multi-slide pocket doors provide a larger space for people to navigate, merging the patios and living room areas. “All the floor plans are so great,” said Meridian sales manager Deidre Hefel.

“The floor plans are so diverse. They really do accommodate everyone. It really is affordable luxury.” The Catalan is the least expensive of the homes, at 1,871 square feet with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms in ranch, farmhouse or modern exterior styles. The ranch-style starts at $291,995, the farmhouse design begins

at $293,995 and the modern-type starts at $293,995. “Our paradigm was to take what we know people like and incorporate it into the house,” said Kari Laszlo, marketing director for Toll Brothers Arizona. “If you look at the demographic information for Phoenix metro, you will see there’s a need for housing in this price range.” Lots of sunlight beams into The Catalan model home at The Crossings at Meridian, where Toll Brothers touts the ease of entertaining on an open floor plan in the living and dining rooms. A Kohler chrome, pull-out spray faucet, as well as Whirlpool, Energy Star qualified gas ovens/ranges, dishwashers and microwaves are highlights of the kitchens. So too are polished-looking, crafted maple cabinets with 36-inch uppers in home buyers’ choice of finishes. According to its website, Energy Star is the government-supported symbol for energy efficiency, offering simple objective information to consumers. Homeowners can pay for an upgrade to design their kitchen with popular farmhouse-style sinks, Hefel said. See

HOUSES on page 30

Chandler auto shop focuses on customer service BY COLLEEN SPARKS Managing Editor

An award-winning Chandler auto repair shop that emphasizes customer service is giving back to the community and aiming to help the environment with a special event on Monday, April 22, in celebration of Earth Day. Desert Car Care of Chandler will hold a recycle event, and is inviting the public to bring boxes, loose papers, car batteries, automotive fluids and old paint 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the business, 22 at 95 N. Dobson Road. ShredSolutions will do the shredding. Frank Leutz, who owns Desert Car Care of Chandler with his wife, Josephine Leutz, said his business provides “factorylevel service and repairs with a focus on a personalized service experience.” Desert Car Care mechanics investigate check engine lights to see if there are issues with a vehicle, perform airconditioning repairs, fix brakes, perform oil changes, do engine tune-ups, diagnose problems when vehicles fail emissions tests and carry out many, other services. It offers a 25,000 mile or 25-month warranty on recommended parts and labor. “We specialize in all under hood and under carriage AC, electrical, brakes, engine performance and maintenance

services,” Frank said. “The level of service is very unique by way of the service experience we provide, the type of service experience and our community outreach, our ability to make this a vessel for the community.” Desert Car Care of Chandler’s technicians are all National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified and one is a master-level ASE technician. Customers can access complimentary rental cars and Lyft shuttles to get to and from home and work while their vehicles are serviced. Desert Car Care’s technicians must take 40 hours of ongoing technical training per year. Desert Car Care of Chandler has received many awards including making the top 10 in the automotive full service/ repair category in “Ranking Arizona” from 2015 to this year, receiving the 2016 Small Business of the Year Award from Chandler Chamber of Commerce and getting the Best Auto Repair distinction from the “East Valley Tribune” in 2015. Frank is active in the community and automotive industry and he and his team provide many automotive clinics to Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the YMCA and for senior citizens in New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning, a Mesa Community College program. The store manager Susie Wong, who goes by the radio name Susie Sockets,

are co-hosts on a radio show, “Wrench Nation – Car Talk Radio Show,” which is broadcast live every Wednesday at 4 p.m. on 88.7 FM The Pulse.

The radio show is replayed later on NEON 90.7 FM and 1100 KFNX AM radio stations and Frank and Sockets also do a podcast of the show.

Frank Leutz, co-owner of Desert Car Care of Chandler, leads a Girl Scouts car care clinic. This is a group of teens from various Chandler high schools, who are members of the Cholla Girl Scouts of Chandler and they came to earn their automotive badge. (Photo by Susie Wong)

See

AUTO on page 29

BUSINESS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

AUTO

from page 28

Active in the automotive industry, Frank is the past president of the Automotive Service Association of Arizona’s Phoenix chapter. Now he serves as a board member of the Mechanical Division Operations Committee of the Automotive Service Association. He is also on the East Valley Institute of Technology’s automotive and radio advisory boards. Frank opened his first auto garage in 1995 in Phoenix before Frank and Josephine opened Desert Car Care of Chandler in 2004. He entered the automotive industry in 1990. Frank played jazz and classical trombone and performed with jazz legends including Dizzy Gillespie, Branford Marsalis and Lionel Hampton, showcasing his talents at Carnegie Hall. He said he put his trombone down and joined the Navy, where he performed mine sweep operations in the Persian Gulf. After leaving the military Frank began his work at an auto repair garage. He is looking forward to once again helping the community at the Earth Day shredding gathering. “This is an opportunity for the community to gather all of the junk, specifically any paper items that need to be shredded,” Frank said. “It’s a great way to clean out the garage and come on down.” People can also bring up to 20 gallons of fluids including oil and automotive fluids per household and up to two car

Frank Leutz, co-owner of Desert Car Care of Chandler, helps customers Joan Heinzleman and John Tenger at his business. Desert Car Care of Chandler is hosting an Earth Day Recycle Event on April 22. (Photo by Patrick Mineo)

batteries per home to be shredded. John Nucci, owner of ShredSolutions, said, “We’re looking forward to our partnership with them, Earth Day and building more awareness to people. We’re looking forward to a good turnout.” ShredSolutions provides services to commercial and residential customers including people cleaning out papers from their storage units and garages and clients who want their hair dryers, CDs

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and hard drives shredded. Business clients put paper into locked, executive containers in their offices and ShredSolutions comes to pick them up. “All our paper goes to a paper mill,” and is recycled, Nucci said. “They make new pulp for new paper.” For items other than paper, ShredSolutions always tries to find an end user so the materials do not end up in a landfill.

Shredding paperwork is important to clear space, as well as for medical facilities to comply with privacy laws and to help save trees and aid the environment, Nucci said. Information: desertcarcare.com and shredsolutions.com

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HOUSES

from page 28 “We have some very mindful options that are available to use but at a base level this house is amazing,” she said. “For 1,871 (square feet), this house is so popular.” An owner’s entry cabinet, which is included in all the homes, gives people a convenient place to put their keys and mail right when they walk into the home through the garage. A spacious master bedroom in The Catalan-style homes offers a king-sized, walk-in closet. All the single-story homes in the various styles have 10-foot ceilings while the two-story houses in the development are about 21-feet-tall including the first and second floors.

A model home in The Crossings at Meridian shows how the houses include multi-slide pocket doors to provide a larger space for people to navigate, merging the patios and living room areas. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

The master bathrooms in all the houses come standard with glass-door shower enclosures and 36-inch adultheight vanities. A large, covered patio offers expansive outdoor living space. The model homes revealed different types of pools, fire pits, outdoor ovens and other features homeowners can add for additional costs to create a luxurious outdoor entertainment venue. The Calais, the largest of the singlestory homes available in The Crossings at Meridian, provides three bedrooms and three full bathrooms in 2,226 square feet. Prices for the ranch-style of The Calais start at $311,995, while the farmhouse-type also starts at $311,995 and the modern design starts at $313,995. “This house is so popular,” Hefel said. The model home in The Calais family reveals a separate space for the dining room but still an overall, open floor plan with lots of sunlight coming into the living and dining rooms and kitchen. Laszlo said Toll Brothers saw the “exploding” growth in the area and The Crossings at Meridian are generating a lot of interest from families of all “shapes and sizes.” Many children live in the area and good schools are nearby, she added. “It’s an up and coming area,” Laszlo said. “A lot of people are moving here.”

A model home of The Savannah in the farmhouse style reveals the 3,164-square-foot, two-story house with a loft central to the upstairs bedroom. Standing in the loft, a dramatic view of the staircase, a chandelier and entranceway can be seen in the model home. This type of home has six bedrooms, four full bathrooms, a half-bath and a three-car garage. The master bedroom is on the first floor and has a luxurious master bathroom with a dual-sink

A dramatic view is seen in a model home for The Savannah, a six-bedroom house with two floors in the Crossings at Meridian. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

vanity, a private water closet, a glassenclosed shower and a roomy walk-in closet. Potential buyers can see a fiveburner stove, one of the upgrades available, in the model, The Savannah home. The Savannah modern-style starts at $360,995, the prairie design

starts at $361,995 and the farmhouse style starts at $373,995. “Everyone loves this floor plan,” Hefel said. “There’s so many different things you can do with this home.” A big great room, as well as the dining room and kitchen create a perfect space for entertaining, according to The Crossings at Meridian. Toll Brothers already has a strong presence in the East Valley including Toll Brothers at Avian Meadows, a community with about 60 luxury homes already built west of Lindsay Road and north of East Chandler Heights Road. The builder has developed Dorada Estates, a luxury home gated community near South Recker Road and East Ocotillo Road in Queen Creek. Toll Brothers also has several luxury homes in Gilbert – Calliandra Estates, which is nearing completion; Legacy at Seville, which has models open and Toll Brothers at Whitewing, where sales are underway and models are under construction. Two brothers, Bob and Bruce Toll founded Toll Brothers in southeastern Pennsylvania in 1967, inspired by their father, who was a home builder. Toll Brothers became a public company in 1986, and the company now builds in 22 states. Information: tollbrothers.com

Good news for both sellers and buyers in latest data NEWS STAFF

Spring has brought some good news for both sellers and buyers in the Phoenix housing market, according to a leading website that monitors trends in the Valley. In its latest daily and semimonthly looks at the Valley housing market, the Cromford Report said recent sales and listings data show that supply of affordable homes is increasing slightly while demand also is creeping up. “Almost all the gloomy statements you may have seen about the Phoenix housing market outside the Cromford Report have proven to be wildly overblown,” it said. “It is in good shape and, thanks to lower interest rates and higher loan limits, we are seeing demand headed back to normal.” Looking at the rate of monthly sales, the report also said there is more supply in 2019 than in 2018, though inventory remains lower than in 2016 and 2017 and “has dropped from its peak on Feb. 1 at a faster rate than the other three years.” “This is due to a fairly subdued rate of incoming new listings and a rapid increase in demand due to more attractive interest rates,” the report said.

Adding that “sellers should be pretty happy with the current situation,” the Cromford Report also said. “Buyers can be pleased that they have more choice than last year, at least between $200,000 and $600,000, and can lock in lower rates for the time being.” “There is something for everyone to be happy about,” it said. Realtor.com also had some good news for buyers looking for new homes. The site listed Phoenix as number 5 among the 10 cities in the nation that are seeing the most home construction. Ahead of Phoenix, starting with number 1, were Dallas, Houston, New York City and Atlanta. The 10 cities it said are “dominating new home construction” stand in sharp contrast to the country as a whole, where Realtor.com reported new home construction is slowing down. “The country is already at its lowest point in a decade for housing affordability, due largely to the shortage of homes on the market,” Realtor.com said. “In February this year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, 9.9 percent fewer homes than a

year ago had been started but not yet completed. The lack of newly constructed homes is only exacerbating the crisis.” The Valley is an exception to that trend. Realtor.com stated that with a median price of $337,500, new home construction is perking along, and more than 31,000 building permits have been issued so far this year – a 5.7 percent increase from a year ago. “More people are moving into Phoenix than anywhere else in the nation,” the website stated. “The biggest group of these newcomers are coming from high-priced Southern California and are willing to pay top dollar for newly constructed homes.” “Those California transplants generally can sell for a sizable equity and buy something bigger in Phoenix,” according to Ali Wolf, director of economic research for Meyers Research, a real estate consulting firm that specializes in new-home data. “Often they’re buying sprawling, spanking-new, 3,500-square-foot four-bedroom homes that can sell for over $600,000. But the influx of California transplants is making affordability one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers here,” he said. The Cromford Report stated

that active listings were up slightly over last year at this time, though sales in March were down 12 percent from March 2018 while up 30 percent over February of this year. “The housing market across Greater Phoenix improved significantly during March but has yet to catch up with 2018,” it said. “What we experienced starting in September 2018 was a minor but noticeable drop in demand,” it added. “That declining trend is now being replaced by growth in demand … If this improvement keeps up then under contract listing counts could even overtake 2018 during April. We will have to wait and see.” Though buyers may be chagrined by the fact that “prices continue to rise,” according to the Cromford Report, they’re not as quickly rising as they were a year ago. It put the overall median sales price at $275,711 – up 4 percent – with the new home median price at just over $350,000 and existing home median price at $265,000.

BUSINESS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Workplace equity begins in classroom, Chandler panel told BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE Staff Writer

A survey distributed to Chandler employers suggests companies that hire personnel from around the world want to know what is being done in the city to ensure that workplaces will be inclusive. At a recent meeting with education and equity professionals, Chamber of Commerce President Terri Kimble said education plays a key role in keeping businesses like Intel, Paypal, Wells Fargo and others attracted to Chandler and ensuring that future employees can work well with coworkers of different races and cultures. “[Schooling] is huge when we talk about a growing community being a progressive community as well as attracting new companies and keeping new companies here. We really do use education as an economic development tool,” said Terri. Adama Sallu, director of equity and inclusion for Chandler Unified School District, said practicing equity in the workplace starts by learning about equity in the classroom. She said that through the curriculum, “Kids really begin to see others and themselves, and that is the

Chandler schools’ equity director Adama Sallu said students must see their culture reflected in curricula. (SanTan Sun News file photo)

best pathway to build kids’ cultural sensitivity in our schools.” With tears in her eyes, she highlighted her personal experience as a substitute teacher for a science class to underscore why districts must try to use texts and classroom exercises that connect students to the material as well as to their peers. Students said, “Excuse me, miss. This is dumb, miss. This is stupid, miss,” to Sallu when they were told to create a Facebook profile for famous scientists. The problem was that the scientists were all Caucasian even though a majority of the class was Hispanic. Sallu said the children were unable to see themselves in the material and as a result were incapable of engaging with the assignment.

She said she began replacing the names of white scientists with Hispanic astronauts and scientists, and the students were charged with enthusiasm for the assignment. “If they cannot see themselves in the material, they will not want to interact with the material,” Sallu said. Curriculum changes are on the horizon for CUSD to enable students of color to see themselves and their peers in the material – books and other reading materials will feature storylines and characters that reflect different cultures. The changes will be implemented next school year, but training has already begun with teachers to jump start inclusion in the classroom. Through educational seminars and training sessions, Sallu said, teachers are learning about equity to “engage in educating the demographic landscape in our schools.” She said that classroom equity is the responsibility of both teachers and students. “Equity is really about raising the bar for kids, holding the kids accountable for learning, demanding excellence not for some of our kids, for all of them. Every day, every child, every school,” Sallu said. “There is a lot of information out

there about the work of inclusion and equity and some folks think it is against a group of children, but it is about demanding excellence from all children and ensuring they get what they need,” she added. Though much is being done in the classroom to create employees of the future who can relate to coworkers of different races and cultures, Sallu said there are still many challenges to creating equity in the classroom – many of which have nothing to do with the classroom at all. “Some of the problems we have in our school are poverty, lack of healthcare, families who are homeless, children who are hungry. These are issues that are more societal, but it affects the kids in school,” Sallu said. “If a child is having emotional issues outside of class, they cannot learn, so our teachers must extend grace. These kids are going to come to our public schools and as they come, we must love them, we must see them, we must honor them,” she added. The next diversity and inclusion meeting is set to be held June 26, where the panel will reconvene to further discuss what is being done in the East Valley to create an inclusive workforce.

‘Sub-minimum wage’ bill dies in State Senate BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

A bid to allow employers to pay some young workers less than the voter-mandated minimum wage is effectively dead. The Senate Rules Committee decided that the proposal by Rep. Travis Grantham, R-Gilbert, would require a three-fourths vote for approval. That is based on the conclusion by Senate staff attorney Chris Kleminich that HB 2523 would effectively amend two separate public votes to create and raise the state’s minimum wage. What makes that crucial is the Arizona Constitution spells out that lawmakers can alter or repeal any voter-approved initiative only with a three-fourths vote of both the House and Senate. The measure squeaked out of the House on a 31-29 party-line margin, far short of the 45 needed. And it would now need 23 of the 30 senators. But the 13 Senate Democrats have expressed opposition. That leaves HB 2523 short of the votes needed for final approval. “We’re going to be counting noses,’’ said Senate President Karen Fann. The Prescott Republican said she won’t even allow the bill to go to the full Senate for debate if there is no possibility of approval. Fann, however, expressed no

particular sorrow about the bill’s fate. “Personally, I think the bill stinks,’’ Fann said. “And you can put me on record on that one.’’ Grantham told Capitol Media Services he disagrees with the lawyer’s opinion as well as the committee vote. “You can find attorneys to tell you whatever you want,’’ he said. Grantham contends that the Legislature is free to decide who is and is not included in the definition of “employee’’ who must be paid the state minimum wage. But it isn’t just Kleminich who contends HB 2523 can’t go anywhere without a three-fourths vote. Last month, Ken Behringer, general counsel of the nonpartisan Legislative Council, declaring that HB 2523 runs afoul of what voters have approved. He wrote that the plain language of that measure applies to all employees, regardless of age. Behringer said that means it is subject to the constitutional requirement for the three-fourths vote. And just last week, in an informal legal opinion, the Attorney General’s Office reached the same conclusion. The fight is over the fact that Arizonans voted in 2006 to establish a state minimum wage that is higher than what is required under federal law. At that time the

federal minimum was $5.15 an hour; the initiative pushed it immediately to $6.75. With subsequent increases tied to cost of living, it reached $8.05 an hour by 2016. That year, however, voters approved yet another measure to increase the state minimum to $10. With scheduled future increases it is now $11 in Phoenix and will go to $12 next year. Grantham, backed by business interests, said that has created a hardship, particularly for small companies which cannot afford to pay that much for basic labor. He believes this resulted in fewer jobs for young people. Unable to repeal the voterapproved law, Grantham and his business allies sought to do an endrun of sorts. The legislation would create a new category of “casual’’ employees: those who younger than 22, going to school full time and working only part time. And those in that category, Grantham argued, would not be covered by what voters had approved. Kleminich disagreed. He said the first ballot measure, the one in 2006, created a “broad definition’’ of who is an employee subject to the minimum wage law. Kleminich said the state can’t, on its own, simply decide that not everyone who works is an

employee. The 2016 version that puts Arizona on the path to a $12-an-hour minimum wage, the attorney said, keeps that same definition. And that, said Kleminich, means HB 2523 would be seeking to overturn was voters said, something that cannot be done without the politically impossible three-fourths vote for this issue. Even before Monday’s decision by the Rules Committee, there was some doubt whether the measure could have garnered a simple majority. Sen. Tyler Pace, R-Mesa, objected to the idea that an employer could pay just $7.25 an hour to someone solely because he or she is a student while someone the same age who is not in school would have to be paid $11 an hour. He said that effectively penalizes students for taking parttime jobs to finish their schooling. Fann herself expressed similar sentiments about creating such a two-tiered system. The Senate president said she knows lots of young people who go to school on a full-time basis who are supporting families and sees no reason why employers should be able to pay them less.

BUSINESS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Gilbert firm pioneering a new age in agriculture BY CECILIA CHAN Staff Writer

Grower Enrique Garcia has seen robust improvements with his crops – higher yields and improved quality – thanks to microscopic algae grown in Gilbert. Garcia, who has farm land in Yuma and California, used a product called PhycoTerra, a proprietary whole-cell pasteurized liquid containing algal-based solids produced from microalgae. “By using PhycoTerra on our foliar applications on broccoli, our yields and quality improved dramatically,” he said. “By using the organic blend our snow peas, instead of two passes per harvest, yielded three to four passes extra.” PhycoTerra promises to naturally boost soil microbiome, which results in healthier dirt that yields bigger and better tasting vegetables and fruit with a longer shelf life. The company behind this product is Heliae Development, which runs a stateof-the-art facility and a greenhouse for all research, testing and production on about 20 acres in southeast Gilbert. Heliae, which has about 60 employees, is all about soil. “We naturally stimulate the biological population in the soil so it creates healthier plants similar to probiotics for soil,” said Doug Ranno, vice president of sales and marketing. “This technology is

The staff at Heliae Development in Gilbert includes, from left: Michael Miller, field sales agronomy; Doug Ranno, vice president of sales and marketing; Matthew Olson, technical sales account manager; and Amy Rial, greenhouse supervisor. . (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

has been on the market for less than two years. The company ships out thousands of gallons each week all around the country with each order batch-tested. It is currently establishing relationships in Latin America and other countries to bring the product there, according to Ranno.

The plants fed by Heliiae Development’s PhycoTerra tend to have a more robust root system, which allows for greater stability. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

the future of ag.” Microalgae found in the wild in fresh and salt water is brought back to the facility’s in-house laboratory for testing to see which works best for the company’s sustainability goals, according to technical sales account manager Matthew Olson. Ranno calculated Heliae has 500-plus strains in its inventory. “Once we identify those strains, we grow them, propagate them,” Ranno said. “And after we propagate them and bring them out and farm them in large, completely contained growing areas… we harvest them and we extract the goodness, the biomass and turn it into product like PhycoTerra.” Ranno said the product, registered as a soil amendment, is being tested or used on 40 different crops. PhycoTerra

Although PhycoTerra might cost a bit more, it’s a wash at the end because growers find they may be able to eliminate other products, Ranno said. “So many of the growers have experienced from a few hundred dollars an acre to a few thousand” in savings on top of lower water bills, Ranno added. The product makes plants more resilient against common stressors, such as stem rot, and produce cleaner water runoff. It also helps the soil retain water – important for Arizona, which has been experiencing a drought since 2000. “This helps growers grow with less water,” Ranno said. “You can save a lot of water with the right soil health and right soil aggregation. Where water is a premium, growers are very receptive to implement this program.”

He pointed to a farm trial that showed the product increased the capacity of the soil to hold onto 24,000 more gallons of water per acre. “There’s a lot of next generational microalgae products coming down the pike right now,” Ranno said. “PhycoTerra conventional and PhycoTerra organic is what everyone is excited about. “We have demonstrated multiple

between the plants with PhycoTerra and those without, according to Vanderzyl. “But it needs further trials and investigation,” he said. “It’s a unique product using algae and looking at how its ability to really super-charge the carbon cycle of soil is what peaked our interest in looking at it. We look forward in the future to do additional trials and learn more about it.”

The green houses at Heliae Development in Gilbert are loaded with plants, some grown with PhycoTerra and some without for purposes of study. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

times and with multiple crops and multiple examples the return to growers for an investment in this product.” He said the company also is working a dry form of PhycoTerra. Jeremy Vanderzyl, technical services director, said Duncan Family Farms in Buckeye was still testing PhycoTerra before using it commercially. The farm produces more than 8,000 acres of organic greens. “We’ve done some small-plot trial experiments with potted plants and we saw a noticeable difference there,” Vanderzyl said. The plants overall were larger and had a more established root system in the two rounds of small-plot testing last winter, he said. In a much larger field trial, however, they didn’t see a noticeable difference

PhycoTerra has drawn raves from David Miller, of Nutrien Ag Solutions in Willcox, a distributor to feed growers. “We’ve had great success with it especially with water efficiency with crops,” Miller said, adding growers saw 10 percent savings in water cost. “I think there could be a real benefit for using the product especially for guys who don’t have a lot of water to deal with in growing crops.” He said there really are no negatives with the product, which is easy to use and is worker safe. The only reason why it’s probably not more widely used is because growers haven’t heard about it yet or don’t understand microalgae, he said. “It’s a newer technology in a growing market,” he said.

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Former Chandler athletes showcase talent at ASU Pro Day BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor

It’s the moment former Chandler High School standout N’Keal Harry says he has been waiting for his whole life. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound receiver was dominant at the college ranks for Arizona State University (ASU) the past three seasons, hauling in 213 passes for 2,889 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also ran for 144 yards and 3 more scores. Now, Harry will hear his name called during the 2019 NFL Draft April 25-27. Exactly when Harry learns where he will begin his professional career, however, remains to be seen. “No matter what happens, I thank God for putting me in this position,” Harry said. “I’ve been waiting to see my face on Madden. No more create a player.” Harry didn’t specify which team the virtual version of himself played for. He said he would “switch it up” all the time. Harry is projected to be picked anywhere from the middle of the first round to early in the second. At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last month, Harry impressed scouts with a 4.53-second 40-yard dash, 27 reps on bench press and a 38.5-inch vertical jump. He also had a 122-inch broad jump. He relied on his impressive showing at

Chandler High School alum and former ASU standout N’Keal Harry is among the top wide receivers in the 2019 NFL Draft class. Harry is projected by experts to be picked somewhere in the late first round or early second. (Eric Newman/STSN Staff)

the Combine when ASU’s Pro Day rolled around on March 27. Harry elected not to

re-test his bench, vertical or broad jumps. Instead, he cheered on several of his former

teammates at ASU during the events,

see ATHLETES page 41

Chandler sets new standard with beach volleyball courts BY BRITTANY BOWYER Contributor

Casteel High School beach volleyball coach Beth Krohmer is excited about the Chandler Unified School District’s vision for the sport, and for good reason. District governing board members approved in November an $840,000 state-of-the art beach volleyball facility across the street from Casteel High School near Power and Riggs roads. Completed ahead of the 2019 beach volleyball season, the six-court facility houses all practices and home matches for the district’s six high school programs – Casteel, Hamilton, Chandler, Perry, Basha and Arizona College Prep. “We are expecting to be the premiere sand district in the state,” Krohmer said. District officials went to great lengths to ensure the facility was up to par with elite college facilities often found at the Division I level. Marcus Williams, Chandler Unified school district’s (CUSD) Director of Athletics, sat down with officials from some of the top universities across the country to share the district’s vision for the facility. From proper lighting to proper sand, Williams learned how each would be beneficial

The Chandler Unified School District’s beach volleyball facility near Casteel High School is a state-of-the-art facility for all of the district’s six high school beach volleyball programs. (Brittany Bowyer/STSN Contributor)

for CUSD athletes. “The level and quality of sand is important for when the players dive for balls, as it’s softer for their bodies and is better for maintaining,” Williams said. “Previously, the teams would practice at city parks, and the sand used was playground sand. “While it still works, it is more rocky and creates more dust, making for a more harsh playing experience.” Sand from San Juan Capistrano was brought in for the facility. Williams said it’s the same sand used on other beach volleyball courts at the

University of Arizona, USC and UCLA. A water system was installed to spray the sand between matches to keep it cool under the scorching Arizona sun. A drainage system was also installed to prevent the courts from flooding in the event of a rain storm. The district was able to put the drainage system to the test last month when the Valley experienced two consecutive days of rainfall. Routine maintenance such as raking the sand is done by teams after each practice or match. So far, Williams

said teams have taken good care of the facility, which reduces further costs for the district. “It’s unbelievable,” Krohmer said. “Everyone who comes here compliments it. As for the student athletes, they’re appreciative of the opportunity to both practice and play at the new courts.” Casteel High School’s beach volleyball team used to practice at nearby Seville Park. Two courts were made available to the program, but the quality was nowhere near that of the new facility now within walking distance. The commute to the facility is much longer for other programs, as the facility is located on the outskirts of the CUSD boundaries. But the opportunity to compete on a safe playing surface makes the commute worth it. “It’s amazing, and I’m really proud to call it our facility,” Basha High School sophomore Haley Carrington said. “Here the sand is actual beach sand. It’s just a lot nicer and a lot easier to go 110 percent for a ball.” Carrington said Basha used to practice at Discovery Park, where the sand was hard and often felt like rocks. The new facility creates a more

see VOLLEYBALL page 42

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

ATHLETES from page 34

including Hamilton High School alum Casey Tucker and Higley High School alum Quinn Bailey. Also present at ASU’s Pro Day was Mountain Pointe High School alum and Northern Arizona University wideout Emmanuel Butler, who elected to hold his Pro Day workout in Tempe. “I’ve seen a lot of tremendous players come out of Arizona and some of the people that were there today are a testament to that,” Harry said. “It really is a blessing seeing everybody out here because I have seen a lot of these guys from high school to the point we are at now.” Inside Arizona State’s Verde Dickey Dome, the football program’s indoor practice facility, Tucker showcased his skills in offensive line drills. At least 27 NFL scouts and several more from the Canadian Football League and Alliance of American Football League were in attendance. “There was definitely a little bit of nerves but it helps you practice zeroing in on yourself,” said Tucker, a 6-foot-5, 308-pound tackle. “You just have to stick to your training and stay focused on yourself, but I think it went well.” Tucker began his college career at Stanford in 2013. After graduating with a degree in Philosophy, he came to ASU where he started as a graduate transfer in both tackle positions and right guard. He participated in drills with Bailey, who is also a prospect at tackle with a 6-foot-6, 323-pound frame. Both were pleased with their workout but admitted that there is always room for improvement. Harry and Butler caught passes from

Hamilton High School alum Casey Tucker’s college career took him from Stanford University to Arizona State University after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Now, he hopes to hear his name called at the 2019 NFL Draft. (Eric Newman/STSN Staff)

ASU senior quarterback Manny Wilkins. The duo was impressive as they showcased their speed, hands and precise route running. One of Harry’s main focus was getting in and out of his breaks during routes, something he believes scouts wanted to see from him. “I give myself a B-plus,” Harry said.

“There’s always room for improvement, but it was a fairly good day.” Harry is looking forward to the moment when he hears his name called during the NFL Draft. But no matter where his career takes him, he is happy to be able to represent his family and Chandler High School on the biggest stage.

“I’ve said it a million times, I’m just glad to be here,” Harry said. “I feel like this is what I am meant for. God has put me in this position for a reason.” “With this platform I have been given I have to make it a positive outcome.”

Chandler-area rivalry foreshadows tough softball playoffs BY ERIC NEWMAN Staff Writer

Walking off the field after their second game in three days in nearly-identical white uniforms, No. 5 Perry High School and No. 4 Hamilton High School softball teams both came away with similar lessons they will take to the upcoming 6A playoffs. The Pumas defeated the defending state runners-up 5-2 on April 2, and the Hamilton Huskies responded with a 4-0 victory on April 4. Hamilton has won two of the past three state championships, with a disappointing secondplace finish coming last season. Meanwhile, Perry has also made

Hamilton High School senior Lorena Vasquez has no disdain for any of the girls on Perry High School’s softball team, but when they are on the field, it’s all business. (Eric Newman/STS Staff)

consecutive deep playoff runs, reaching the 6A semifinals the last two seasons. Both rosters are loaded with talent, and region foe Xavier Prep High School stands just a spot behind them. Even Chandler and Basha — at the bottom of the 6A Premier Region standings — will likely both compete in play-in games this upcoming postseason. Rather than viewing the tough region and its slew of difficult games as a curse, Hamilton coach Rocky Parra believes the contests serve as dress rehearsals for eventual playoff battles. “There are some good teams in the region, so it’s a chance for us to play against some top competition and get those reps before the postseason is here,” Parra said. Perry and Hamilton’s consecutive games serve as a chance for many of the girls to compete with long-time friends in opposite uniforms. “A lot of us play on club teams with each other in the offseason, so it’s always fun when we get to play against each other in high school games,” said Perry senior Saige Stutz. There will be time in the

Perry senior Saige Stutz enjoys games against Premier Region schools such as Hamilton High School. She enjoys the feeling of being able to play against girls that are among her closest friends. (Eric Newman/STS

offseason for the teens to hang out and talk about softball in a more friendly way. There is no disdain for the other squad, but both teams are more focused on the game than exchanging pleasantries. “After we play, we don’t have the time to stand around and hug each other,” Hamilton senior Lorena Vasquez. “We shake hands and maybe give a pat on the back to the players we know, but we’re

not on the same team now.” As some of the Perry softball staff, including coach Rob Hehe, were ejected from the Pumas’ loss on April 4 after arguing with an umpire, it was clear the results of the games were important. “It’s definitely intense, some of us are friends, but we still are here to try to win,” Perry senior Chloe Krason said. Hamilton was set to finish its season on April 16 at Mountain Ridge, while Perry would end its regular season by hosting defending-champion Pinnacle on April 18. If the rankings held, and both the Huskies and Pumas won their first-round matchup— the two would meet in the 6A quarterfinals. A chance to play a rival would further fuel the fire of two teams that are already motivated to compete for a state championship. “I know both of us would want to win even more if we played them again,” Stutz said. “Because if you win it’s sweeter, but if you lose it hurts even more.”

SPORTS & RECREATION

VOLLEYBALL from page 34

enjoyable playing experience for players like Carrington. She says the courts give off the impression that

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

in Arizona, you get what’s referred to as stadium courts. It’s just shallow sand that’s not nice to dive in and it favors a lot more of indoor-related volleyball.”

practices. Though if athletes are of legal driving age, parents are able to sign a waiver allowing them to commute on their own to the facility. For matches, however, every player

Marcus Williams, Chandler Unified School District’s Director of Athletics, has looked into hosting state-championship matches as early as this season at the district’s new six-court beach volleyball facility. (Pablo Robles/STSN Staff)

you are actually playing on the beach. “When you go to California, you’re playing on an actual beach,” Carrington said. “But when you play

“But out here, it favors a lot more beach skills.” Transportation is provided for players to and from the facility for

travels by bus with their team. Beach volleyball has seen an expansive growth in the state since the Arizona Interscholastic

Association included it as a sanctioned sport in 2012. Krohmer has seen interest in the sport grow rapidly both at Casteel High School and other schools across the state. The growing interest resulted in the number of participating schools nearly tripling in the past three years. There has also been an increase in talent. “I’ve had a lot more girls come out, and the talent level, the caliber, has increased tremendously,” Krohmer said. “Starting out we had a good amount of interest. But it was new to most of the girls so not a lot of them had beach experience.” “Now in our third year, we have a lot more girls who exclusively play beach.” CUSD is already looking for opportunities to host statechampionship matches as early as this season. The facility will also be available to be rented by club teams to bring in extra funds. Williams believes the facility will not only set a standard for other districts in the future, but it will provide more opportunities to athletes already involved in the sport and those looking to join. “We have a handful of students who are growing yearly. They have already received scholarships to play beach at the next level, which is amazing,” Williams said. “It’s providing another opportunity for our student athletes to play collegiately.”

BenU men’s volleyball gearing up for run at national title BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

In many ways, the Benedictine University Mesa men’s volleyball team is experiencing déjà vu. This time last year, the Redhawks were preparing for the 2018 NAIA men’s volleyball national championship tournament. BenU entered as an at-large bid, designated for teams that did not win its conference championship but were among the top in the nation.

Jaron Jones, a senior setter for Benedictine University’s men’s volleyball team, leads the Redhawks this season with 827 assists and 165 digs. (Benedictine University photo)

The Redhawks made an improbable run to the national title game. But that’s where it ended. “I don’t think anybody has stopped thinking about that,” said Ray Lewis, BenU men’s volleyball coach. “It was tough. We want to be on the other side of that coin this year.” One year later, the Redhawks are back in the gymnasium at Eagles Community Center in Mesa again preparing for the national championship tournament. This time, however, BenU’s involvement was expected. At 21-4, the Redhawks are the thirdranked team in the nation. They captured the Golden State Athletic Conference championship on April 5 after defeating Menlo College. It was the program’s first year in the GSAC. BenU earned an automatic bid to the national tournament with the win. “It’s amazing. We were able to bring something to the school when nobody knew who we were before,” said Jaron Jones, a senior setter for BenU. “Now we are just trying to do the same thing again.” Jones came to BenU two years after graduating from Marcos de Niza High in 2013. As a sophomore, he received Setter of the Year honors from the Independents Conference with 1,046 assists. As a junior, he recorded 1,131 assists, 26 serving aces and 206 digs and was named an NAIA All-American as well as the Independents Conference Player of the Year.

Trennon Udall, a Gilbert native and junior defensive specialist for Benedictine University’s men’s volleyball team, has become a vocal leader for the Redhawks since joining the team after serving a two-year church mission. (Benedictine University photo)

His 827 assists this season leads the team and is among the highest in the nation. He also has the second-most digs with 165. He once again received Conference Player of the Year honors and was named Setter of the Week eight times. Jones has become a silent leader for the Redhawks during his time with the program, as he prefers to lead by example with his play on the court. While the personal accolades are nice, he credits his teammates for his success. “I can’t get the stats I get with out them,” Jones said. “Without passing, without attackers that can put the ball away, I can’t get those stats. Without a team, I am

nothing.” While Jones has become a quiet leader on the court, Gilbert High alum Trennon Udall has become a vocal leader off of it. “Trennon is that guy that just grinds it out,” Lewis said. “He comes in and works his butt off every day for us.” Udall spent three years on the varsity roster at Gilbert, helping guide the Tigers to the state playoffs each season. In 2009, Gilbert fell to Mountain Pointe in the state title game. In 2011, Udall’s senior year, the Tigers made it to the semifinals. Inside the gym at Eagles Community Center, the Redhawks appeared relaxed as they warmed up for practice. It’s a common characteristic of the team, according to Lewis. Once practice begins, however, a look of determination comes across each player’s face. While excited for a chance at redemption, they are well aware that they head into the tournament with a target on their backs. “We know it’s going to be a battle,” Lewis said. “Every team we will play is really good. We have our work cut out for us.” The Redhawks will depart for Des Moines on Sunday. Their first match of the tournament tips off on Tuesday, April 16 against Aquinas College at 8 a.m. “We have unfinished business,” Lewis said. “Winning would mean everything to this school. We just need to persevere and bring a trophy back to Mesa.”

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Opinion

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Kids, teens need a sturdy fence of prevention BY KATIE MCPHERSON Guest Writer

A new study out of the United States Centers for Disease Control looked at data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and found there were 1.12 million emergency room visits for suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts by children between the ages of 5 and 18 in 2015. That number had risen sharply from 580,000 in 2007. Of those visits, 43 percent were ages 5 to 11 with the average patient being age 13. Statistics in most college mental health clinics across the country are reporting help seeking is up 168 percent. Our Pre-K-12 population is showing the same need. Spring is the time of year that we see a spike in the need for crisis supports. Our local nonprofit Teen Lifeline logs an uptick

in 23 percent more calls and texts for support from our teens. While the finality of prom, graduation and “becoming an adult” sounds fun, for many it marks the end of a journey, and an unknown step into a new beginning. State testing, final exams and the loss of connection to friends can also provoke feelings of anxiety as summer looms. As a consultant to schools and nonprofit agencies, I travel regionally and nationally almost weekly. There is not a zip code that I have visited that is not facing this crisis. Last week, a young man at one of my presentations in Lake Havasu City waited until the very last question was asked and then stood up asking where the administration was from his high school? How had he been encouraged to come to share solutions to stop the mental health crisis yet the adults had not? The room was eerily silent as the adults looked to each other with no response for

this young man. We have to show up, stand up and speak up to save lives. A coalition of thoughtful and civicminded children as part of Arizona March For Our Lives have drafted with bipartisan support a Student Bill of Rights as part of HB 295. School districts would be required to create a school-safety plan, which would outline how each school will respond to students in mental-health crises. It would also mandate that schools develop partnerships with outside community organizations or agencies that students can be referred to when counselors cannot provide long-term care. The alarm has been sounding in the Valley of the Sun for a while, specifically in the zip codes through which we in the East Valley drive. A verse in a song written by Joseph Malins and performed by John Denver says:

“Let us stop at its source all this hurt,” he cried. Come, neighbors and friends, let us rally. If the cliff we will fence, we might almost dispense. With the ambulance down in the valley. Mayors are mobilizing, Superintendents are acting. Church leaders are calling for prayers of immediate healing. Kids are asking for help. The building of the fence is long overdue. As we enter May, Mental Health Awareness month, I hope you will join forces with me in your own communities by building a sturdy fence of prevention resources to protect our most important assets so there won’t be a need for ambulances or 14-yearold funerals. Arizona Teen Lifeline phone or text: 602248-8336. -Katie McPherson is an East Valley educator and advocate for improved mental and emotional support for young people.

Can you be sure that leafy substance won’t kale you? BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Columnist

Back in college, I waited tables at a chain restaurant called Bennigan’s, which prided itself on the “eye appeal” of its food. The secret? We put some half-wilted kale on virtually every plate leaving the kitchen. Because I inevitably forgot to add the kale garnish – or couldn’t find the right-size sprig to adorn some poor schlub’s Monte Cristo sandwich – I came to despise this leafy green. You can imagine my horror 20 years later when kale suddenly became a culinary thing. Kale is everywhere in 2019: salads, smoothies, juices, powder, chips. Hating kale has become a full-time job because marketers and tastemakers have branded this tasteless crap a “superfood,” allegedly capable of curing disease and making us all live to be 104 years old while still running the 40-yard dash with the speed of an NFL wide

receiver. At a salad bar this week, I literally couldn’t locate a shred of real lettuce. There was only kale. As I pondered launching a rebellion, a thought occurred to me: Perhaps medical science might come to the rescue? And it did. See, one of the great things about living in the 21st century – besides the disappearance of Bennigan’s – is that researchers spend time and taxpayer cash studying literally everything. Given the nature of science, all these conflicting studies seem to lead to one conclusion. Everything is simultaneously good for us and bad for us. Like kale. Sure, a single cup of kale contains 200 percent of your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A. But you know what else kale contains? Pesticides. A study by The Environmental Working Group ranks kale third on their Dirty Dozen list for pesticide contamination.

As they explained it quoting recent federal agricultural statistics, “more than 92 percent of conventionally grown kale samples had at least two or more pesticide residues. Some samples contained residues from as many as 18 different pesticides.” Screw kale then. And screw red wine, too. Whenever I eat out with friends lately, someone raves about “dark oak accents” or some such nonsense. My new response: “I’ll pass. I just read a new study in the August journal BMC Public Health. Did you know drinking a bottle of wine per week increases your cancer risk? Sad, but true. Researchers say a bottle of wine weekly is the equivalent of a guy smoking five cigarettes a week, or 10 cigarettes if you’re a female.” I’m also taking a break from the gym, thanks to the recently published study, “The Emergence of Exercise Addiction, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and Other Imagerelated Psychopathological Correlates in Fitness Settings.” The conclusion after studying 1,711 gym users across Europe?

“We found 11.7 percent of the exercising population are at risk of exercise addiction.” Fortunately, not all the research news is bad. It turns out pizza can be a useful motivational tool, according to research conducted by Duke University behavioral economist Dan Ariely, who studied workers at an Israeli semiconductor factory. Ariely offered different motivational rewards for a productive work week – including $30 cash, compliments and free pizza. Workers offered the pizza saw their productivity jump 6.7 percent on Day One. That beat workers who chose sweet praise (a 6.6 percent spike) and cold cash (4.9 percent). The interesting part of the study? While pizza and compliments increased productivity over the course of the week, the offer of a modest cash reward actually hurt weekly productivity. If the editors are reading this, I’m happy to take payment this week in large pies. With extra pepperoni, please. And for heaven’s sake, absolutely no kale at all. I’ve read how that stuff can kill you.

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OPINION

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Stop driving under the influence of electronics BY BRENDAN LYONS Guest Columnist

According to the most recent 2017 study by the Arizona Department of Transportation, a person was killed every eight hours and 46 minutes in a traffic collision on our roads. Driver behavior was a factor in more than 90 percent of all crashes. With evidence of crashes and fatalities continuing to rise year after year, the question remains, why isn’t our Arizona Legislature doing more to better protect us on our open roads? Prior to October 2013, I was living my dream job as a firefighter. Among my varied duties was responding to the tragic, yet preventable crashes caused by distracted driving. My first-hand experiences compelled me to inspire a social change in behavior; launching the Arizona chapter of ‘LOOK! Save A Life’ in 2012. The mission of the nonprofit is to educate and bring awareness to all who use our public roadways of the ever-increasing dangers of unsafe and distracted driving. Then, in a sad twist of irony, I became a statistic of this painful reality. I went for a bike ride with

my girlfriend on the morning of her birthday, when a motorist traveling 45mph looked down to see who was calling, swerved into the bike lane and struck us from behind. The incident shattered her wrist, and left me with several fractured vertebra, a fractured pelvis and a traumatic brain injury. It’s a strange thing, being physically fit enough to perform my duties as a firefighter one day then wake up the next day, unable to perform simple tasks such as walking or going to the bathroom on my own. All because of a momentary lapse in judgement — one person’s choice — my life is forever changed and has ended a career that I loved. Following months of doctors’ appointments, physical and occupational therapy and neurological rehabilitation, I’ve found a renewed focus as an advocate. Although I have since forgiven the man who altered the course of my life; as a survivor, I have a responsibility to use my voice on behalf of those who no longer have one. We are spreading the word across Arizona that a moment’s distraction, such as a text, post or glance, can result in a lifetime of

regret. Studies continue to highlight that phone addiction has become the new drunk driving epidemic of our generation. Over the years, we have encouraged state legislators for laws against distracted driving. We tell our stories in committee hearings and show the pictures of the mangled cars and beautiful faces of mothers, fathers, siblings, grandparents and children that had their futures abruptly and violently cut short. Although year after year, we’ve had great committee hearings, these bills continue to die a quiet death. With no progress at the state level, we took our message to local governments and they responded. Cities and counties around the state are now being forced to act in the name of public safety. Now, 26 jurisdictions have passed ordinances (23 have adopted handheld bans and three prohibit texting while driving; all of which are a primary offense). This amazing progress has led to a new challenge – Arizona has a patchwork of local laws. Arizona is one of only two states that has not approved a ban on texting or hand-held cell phone

use. With every passing day that we wait to enact a strong law, the safety of all who share our public roads, remain at risk. Meanwhile other states are seeing positive results from their hands-free cell phone laws. Traffic fatalities in Georgia fell 15 percent in 2018 following enactment of their law in 2017. The latest Washington Distracted Driving Safety Commission annual study found that distracted driving went from 9.2 percent in 2017 to 8.2 percent in 2018. Beyond making it illegal, now is the time to make distracted driving socially unacceptable. By calling your local state representatives and state senator to urge them to support legislation to require hand-free cell phone use, you are helping the families of those Arizonans seriously hurt or killed by a distracted driver. Make this the year Arizona puts a stop to the growing epidemic and health crisis of people using their phones behind the wheel. Brendan Lyons is the executive director of Look! Save a Life, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Information: LookSaveALifeAZ@ gmail.com

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OPINION

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

825 Girl Scouts stir pride in today’s young people BY DENISE M. BLOMMEL Guest Columnist

Last month I had the honor of helping lead a ceremony to congratulate 825 girls at the Girl Scout High Awards Celebration. Girl Scouts and their proud parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters and friends filled a huge ballroom at the Glendale Civic Center. My heart was also filled as the love that these young people have for the community was evidenced through their hard work and accomplishments. Many people, particularly in my age group, have no faith in American youth. They would be delightfully surprised by the enthusiasm and innovation on display during the High Awards. We began, as in all Girl Scout events, with a Flag Ceremony. Patriotism is not dead! Our Council, Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council – conferred 594 Bronze Awards this year. Our Council covers twothirds of the State (essentially everything north of the Gila River), the entire Navajo Nation, and small parts of California and Utah.

Troop representatives and Independent Girl Members came forward for these awards which honor team effort by Junior Girl Scouts (4th and 5th grade girls) who find and research a community issues and then take action to deal with the root cause of the problem. Some representative projects included helping animals in need, addressing bullying, hotdogs for the homeless, bringing entertainment to those who could use a smile, make every Thursday bike to school day and kids helping kids. We then recognized our 204 Silver Award Girl Scouts – Cadettes (6th-8th grade girls) who participated in a wide range of projects benefiting their communities. Again, representatives of troops and Independent Girl Members came forward with projects like self-esteem workshop, port pillows for cancer patients, defibulator and plants, bee kind to bees and paying it forward. The grand moment came when we introduced each of our 27 Gold Award Girl Scouts. Many Americans are familiar with the Boy Scout Eagle Award. The Gold Award represents the

same amount of hard work and dedication as the Eagle Scout. It is recognized the same way by the military, which grants a raise in rank for entrants with this honor. The Girl Scout Gold Award started in 1916 as the Golden Eagle of Merit. The name changed throughout the years to the Golden Eaglet, First Class Scout, Curved Bar and finally to the Gold Award. We are so proud of our 27 Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts (9th-12th grade) for their fabulous efforts to serve the community. Some representative projects include memory care, gratitude, veterans’ gardens, building family bonds, health and science fairs, teen wealth, pick up your planet, break the silence (addressing teen suicide) and replacement of trash bins at the Grand Canyon to help the animals. The most ingenious project was Abby Can Change the World. Abigail Prosnier, a Girl Scout with disabilities, created a Facebook and Instagram page to share inspirational videos, articles and other content to show that everyone has something to offer the community. Abby’s

presentation won a standing ovation. Council Deputy Director Mary Mitchell gave the newly-minted Gold Awardees their charge to respect themselves and others, to honor the Earth and its living things, to give service, to celebrate diversity, to dedicate their skills and abilities to the common good, to strive for excellence and to lead only toward the best. Like all Girl Scouts, these Gold Awardees are committed to making the world a better place. We have over 800 girls who will, I am sure, make the world a better place. Please have faith in our youth. Please support them. These girls are our future, and the future looks bright indeed. Denise Blommel is a former field attorney with the National Labor Relations Board and a former assistant chief counsel of the Industrial Commission of Arizona.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Seton students bond with foreign exchange peers BY COLLEEN SPARKS Managing Editor

Gaining an understanding of other

cultures through bonding with peers from other lands is a lesson Seton Catholic Preparatory students have learned after students from Ireland and Taiwan visited the campus and their homes. The private Catholic school hosted 18 high school students from Ireland and eight students from Taiwan earlier this month. The Seton students hosted girls from Sacred Heart Secondary School, a Catholic, all-girls school in Tullamore, the capital town of the county of Offaly and teens from Taipei, the capital of Taiwan earlier this month. The exchange students visited Seton classes, Chandler Fashion Center and saw other tourist attractions. They explored Flagstaff and Sedona and some even went to a Phoenix Suns game. Sacred Heart is Seton’s sister school in Ireland and this recent visited marked its seventh trip to Seton through Seton Catholic’s Sister Schools Connection. In May a group of Seton students will visit Tullamore for seven days.

Visiting students from Ireland included, from left: Back: Rachel Conroy, Ebha Flanagan, Lucy Buckley and Annie Mooney; Bottom: Roison Donagher, Niamh Conroy, Vivienne Feely and Aoife Kavanagh. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

Seton’s other Sister Schools Connection is Saint Francis High School of Taipei, Taiwan. The Chandler school would like to also establish a sister school or friendship school with Taiwan Kuang Jen Catholic High School and Taipei Zhong Zheng High School. In January, Seton students William Scott Kinsey, Michael Junck, Abbey

Tran, James Ryan and Luke Ryan, along with Seton parent Mary Ryan and Mandarin teacher Wen Chyi Chiu, led by Phoenix Sister Cities Commissioner Lin Ling Lee, visited Taipei, Taiwan. Enthusiasm was high among the Irish and Taiwanese students when they visited Seton. Many exchange students from

Ireland and Taiwan said the Seton students were friendly, their host families were kind and they found Arizona to be hot. Several teens also said classrooms in Seton are more laid-back than they are at their schools in Ireland and Taiwan. “Everyone’s so friendly here and very helpful,” Aoife Kavanagh, 16, of Tullamore said. “Classrooms are more chill. I think it’s very different. You know it’s a desert-y kind of area.” Aoife, said Seton also offers more sports than she and her peers participate in at home. Lucy Buckley, 16, said Seton offers more subjects including photography, than Sacred Heart provides. “Science is a big deal,” at Sacred Heart, Lucy said. “I want to do something in business. I’d love to go here (the United States) for the summer and work.” Annie Mooney, 17, who is in her fifth year at Sacred Heart, said the heat in Arizona struck her but she likes it “within reason.” In Tullamore it is not unusual for the weather to

see EXCHANGE page 49

New Chandler church aims to bridge political divide BY COLLEEN SPARKS Managing Editor

In a country where tension is brewing on a daily basis as people with differing political views attack each other, a new church in Chandler is hoping to unify those with diverse opinions and backgrounds. The Well, a nondenominational church that holds services inside Hancock Elementary School on South Pleasant Drive recently launched a new series of sermons called “YOUnited States of America” designed to help people who voted differently in elections understand each other. Ryan Gear, the church’s lead pastor, kicked off the series April 7 and the third and last one will take place tomorrow, April 21, Easter Sunday. “Like a lot of people, I think people in our congregation they feel the anxiety of our present political situation, the division in our country, the widening polarization,” Gear said. “In the media they see so much division or even in their own families. It seemed like a good way to apply the message of Jesus, which is to love your neighbor as yourself to the current situation.” “We really are not trying to be partisan. We’re not making jokes.” said Gear. “We’re not taking sides but we are talking about what it means to listen to one another even when it’s difficult.” A pastor for 20 years who is

Pastor Ryan Gear of the new church in Chandler, The Well, is concluding a three-part sermon called YOUnited States of America.” ( Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

originally from Ohio, Gear and his wife Hannah started holding The Well services in December.

The Well’s mission is to “create a community where thinking, compassionate people can find a

spiritual home and cultivate a Jesus-

see CHURCH page 48

NEIGHBORS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Chandler history teacher nominated for national award BY KAYLA RUTLEDGE STAFF WRITER

Dave Carras’ love for Arizona’s history has landed him in the history books himself, as the teacher was recently nominated for an award of notable proportions. The MacGregor History Teacher of the Year Award is given nationally to one middle school and one high school teacher that is able to “demonstrate a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills and participation in the National History Day contest.” The National History Day competition encourages students to investigate a historical, cultural, scientific or social topic throughout the year and present their findings in the form of a written essay, an interactive website, a documentary film, an exhibit or a dramatic performance. Carras said his love of past events and “that incredibly special and priceless moment of piquing a student’s interest” led him to begin judging the National History Day competition eight years ago. “The critical thinking and creativity that the kids get out of (the competition) is tremendous,” Carras said. “At the beginning of the year they may know nothing about their topic of choice, but then come competition time they are experts in and out on primary and secondary sources,” he added. Carras also views the competition as an opportunity to switch roles with the students and

learn a new fact or two about the area, such as historical prisoner of war camps in Parker, Arizona, and interesting details he has “never even thought about” on the artist Vincent Van Gogh.

to 12th grade, but Carras is hoping to soon tap into the interest of younger students, such as those in fourth and fifth grade, through an afterschool club that will start next year.

Teacher Dave Carras celebrates a morning spent at National History Day with his students Samantha Ennis, left, and Erin Chiu. (Special to SanTan Valley News)

After long days spent teaching fourth graders at Kyrene de la Mirada Elementary School, Carras spends his free time coaching middle school students from other schools to ensure they are properly utilizing primary and secondary sources throughout their research for the competition. The contest is catered to students from sixth

Though younger students are unable to compete at the national level, they are allowed to participate in regionals and advance to the state competition. “Our goal is to get them introduced to the idea of national history day and see if they want to continue with it,” Carras said.

The idea of starting a club for younger students with an interest in history originated from his very classroom. As an elementary school instructor for a gifted class, Carras is required to teach several different subjects throughout the academic year, leaving little room for topics such as social studies. However, throughout his last 12 years of teaching, Carras has learned to utilize every window of opportunity he can to get his kids curious about the world that came before them. He now makes room to explore a plethora of subjects with students, including early Arizona tribes and the state’s most famous landmarks. “It’s a fun challenge and it’s fun to bring new ideas to their world, and the club and competition will allow them to portray and evaluate history in their point of view, which is always fun for me,” Carras said. Nominated alongside just 56 other teachers from the junior division, Carras’ designation for the award is a strong representation of his immense love for his students and his passion for learning something new every day. The national winner of the award is given $5,000, which Carras hopes to win in order to spread his love of learning to others in his family by sending his mother and sister to Ireland. “My [great grandmother] is from Ireland so [my mother] has always wanted to go and see the history and lifestyle there, and I just think it’d be so cool to send her there. She’s a teacher also, so she loves learning and being a lifelong learner,” Carras said. The national winners are set to be announced June 13.

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CHURCH from page 46

inspired life.” “We want to be a church for thinking, compassionate people who want to find a spiritual home and cultivate a Jesusinspired life,” Pastor Ryan said, adding: “We’re a church especially attractive to people who have some questions, some concerns about Christians in the media, the fusion of Christianity and politics and they just need a little bit more room to think. You’re free to express your faith and your doubts. People can grow spiritually, be plugged in and inspired.” In the first sermon of the series, Pastor Ryan talked about Scriptures related to the topic of loving one’s neighbors and loving God. His second sermon focused on uniting with family members, including how to handle family disagreements or what to do when “family members hurt you.” That relates to forgiveness and “how to reconcile as much as we can, how to set healthy boundaries if we need to do that,” he added. On Easter Ryan plans to deliver a reprise of the first two sermons and talk about “being united with your country and your world.” “It’s Easter so we’ll have a lot of people who weren’t at the first service,” he said, adding he will speak again about loving neighbors and the golden rule. “We’re not God,” Ryan said. “Our country’s not God. The way we love God is by loving our neighbor. That includes everybody in our country, everybody in

BEFORE

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

our world.” He said he believes people were “a little tense at first” when they heard about the “YOUnited States of America” series. “After the first sermon folks were able to see, this helps me deal better with my anxiety about what’s happening in the country,” Ryan said. He said it gave them “a little bit more hope that good-hearted people can come together for the common good.” “We also talk about personal anxieties,” Pastor Ryan said. “It’s not all about politics. I always try to preach on two levels: a macro level (and) on a personal level. A person wants to live well, get better every day, find something inspiring as well.” One of the reasons he began the series was because he believes “an increasing number of people have been turned off by some of the loudest voices they hear in the media.” “We wanted to make the statement that Christians who love God can agree to disagree,” Ryan said. “We can have thoughtful conversations. We have a diversity of opinions and that is okay. We believe God gave us a brain so it’s okay to use it in church.” He said he is humbled and touched to hear from people who have said they finally found their niche when they attended services at The Well. “There is a need for churches like this that do offer people a bit more breathing room, a church for thinking people,” Pastor Ryan said. Michele Carlson, 60, of Chandler, loves The Well.

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“I heard once that every one might live differently but we all pretty much love the same,” Carlson said. “So I think a lot of people; especially these days are looking to hang out with some genuine, caring people and not to have to feel judged about who they are or the doubts that they might have even from their past or their upbringing. “Pastor Ryan really has an inspiring way. He shares the biblical times but he makes them relevant to today’s living. The Well just welcomes everyone, just like a happy family would do.” Carlson, who is retired, also praised the sermon series related to unifying people with diverse beliefs. “I think we can accomplish a lot by being very supportive,” she said. “There’s so much division with everything. I just love that Jesus always said, ‘love one another.’ This is some place I can go, talk and share and be of help.” Scott Bennett, 41, of Ahwatukee, also enjoys The Well. He is married and has two children. “People I’ve met there are surprisingly nice,” Bennett said. “It’s a group of really legitimately kind, caring people so that’s huge. One of the big points is to say, ‘Look, there’s issues that are bigger than our party affiliation or our politics.’ We need to be looking to things that unite us and be welcoming to all kinds of people.” He also praised Pastor Ryan for speaking about his own struggles with anxiety in a sermon. “I think it does a lot when a leader is willing to be vulnerable like that,” Bennett said. “He strikes me as really

thoughtful. He’s a very good speaker. I would encourage people out there who are interested in church; and (have) been burned out, The Well might be the kind of place where they could find a home.” He said The Well also has a great band that enhances the atmosphere. Ryan said the church has about 80 congregants so far and it is a diverse group. The church has a Well KIDS ministry, where children learn Bible stories, sing songs and make crafts. An egg hunt for kids through sixth grade will be held after the 10 a.m. service on Easter. A Well Kids Spring Blast where children can jump in bounce houses, get face painting and check out balloon artists will take place at The Well at 10 a.m. on April 28. After the “YOUnited States of America” series of sermons ends, another series of sermons called “In the Beginning: Genesis for Normal People” will start April 28. It will be a study of “The Book of Genesis” and is tied to the book, “Genesis for Normal People: A Guide to the Most Controversial, Misunderstood, and Abused Book of the Bible.” One of the book’s co-authors, Jared Byas is going to speak at The Well on May 19. The service is every Saturday at 10 a.m. at The Well at 2425 S. Pleasant Drive. Information: wellaz.org and Gear at 480-686-0395

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NEIGHBORS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

EXCHANGE from page 46

drop to 5 degrees Celsius, she said. “It’s so welcoming and everyone’s very kind towards you,” Annie said of Seton. “It’s so beautiful, the history and stuff.” She said she learned how Chandler has gotten “built up” after starting as an agricultural community. Annie and the other Irish students described Tullamore as a town of about 15,000 people with lots of farms and a bog. Rachel Conroy said she noticed the heat in the Valley and found it interesting flying over the desert. “We saw a bit of Gilbert,” Rachel said. “It was really picturesque.” She said she liked the food in the Valley and the meal portions are “massive” here. As far as fashion, Rachel and some of the other Irish girls said people in the Valley are more expressive with their clothes than their peers in Ireland, who they said wear simpler clothes. Rachel said Seton is “so much different than our school” as it is a larger campus, where students travel to different classes, while students at Sacred Heart stay in one classroom. Students at Sacred Heart get two lunch breaks – one for half an hour and one for 15 minutes. Niamh Conroy, 16, Rachel’s twin sister also had a great impression of

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Visiting students from Taiwan included, from left: Back: Hans Chen, Jason Wang and William Hung; Bottom: Jamie Hung and Anika Huang. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

Seton. “I think everyone’s really friendly,” Niamh said. “I think it’s a good experience to get.” Éabha Flanagan described the Seton campus as “really nice” and was eager to visit Flagstaff and Sedona. “It’s really pretty and picturesque,” Éabha said of Sedona. She was also looking forward to trying the local cuisine in Arizona. “I’ve never tried Mexican food,” Éabha said. Róisín Donagher, 16, liked the reception she got at Seton. “It’s very chill here,” Róisín said. “They’re so nice.” Irish student Vivienne Feely said social lives are different for students in her hometown than in America. “I think it’s different with dating over here,” Vivienne said, adding not as many teen girls have boyfriends in her hometown. “I love all the

see EXCHANGE page 50

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EXCHANGE from page 49

desert. I think it’s nice to experience different cultures.” She added “it would be nice to see boys in school” as Sacred Heart is an all-girls school. The Taiwanese students also noticed the warmer climate in Arizona and said their peers at Seton have more flexibility on campus. A school day in the Taiwanese high schools the exchange students attend last 10 hours and they also go to an after-school or “cram school” after the regular day ends to study subjects more in-depth. The students that were part of the exchange all spoke English. William Hung said he noticed the Valley is “hot and you can’t live here without a car.” “I do like to travel, to see stuff other than my own culture,” William said. “I like that you can choose your own subjects.” William said math and science are emphasized at his school and he started learning English in kindergarten. “Students are more independent than in Taiwan,” he said. “They focus on more other stuff than studying.” William said he was looking forward to eating a cheeseburger in the Valley. He added the host family gave him a warm welcome. “I was really nervous before I met them,” William said. “They’re really friendly and really generous.”

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Jason Wang said Seton is “very different” from his schools because students here have more freedom. He spoke highly of his host family from Seton. “They’re nice to me,” he said. “I teach my host mother how to make Taiwanese breakfast.” That breakfast included eggs, pork, cucumber and bread, Jason said. Hans Chen said he has noticed the stores are bigger in the Valley than they are in Taiwan and students do not change classrooms on campus at his school. “We always stay in the same class,” Hans said. “Arizona is hotter than Taiwan.” Jamie Hung hosted one of Seton’s students when a Seton delegation visited Taiwan. She said students at her school can’t use computers in their classroom. Jamie said she found students at Seton “friendly” and she likes the cacti. Anika Huang was thrilled to visit Seton and the United States. “It felt like a movie, exciting,” Anika said. Joy Liu was one of the adults from the school that accompanied students on the visit to Seton. It was her first time in Arizona. “Phoenix is a big and beautiful and clean city,” Liu said. “People are so patient. Our students learn a different culture and practice their English. It’s a wonderful experience.” The visit gave the students practical experience in speaking English, she added. Two Seton students who hosted

some of the Taiwanese students immersed themselves in Taiwan’s culture when visiting the Southeast Asian country in January. William Scott Kinsey, 18, a senior at Seton, stayed with Jamie Hung in Taiwan and she stayed with him while visiting the Chandler school. The Taiwanese students stayed with students in Seton’s Mandarin classes while visiting the Valley. “It was really different,” Scott said. “It was the first time I went out of the country, too. The schools were really big…they have a lot more classes. They spend a lot more time in the classroom.” He said while the Seton teens and their Taiwanese peers like “the same music genres,” the artists they like are different. Scott said he would name different rappers popular in the United States but the Taiwanese students were not familiar with them. “It’s really cool,” he said. “The culture there (in Taiwan) is so rich and different.” Seton senior Michael Junck stayed with Jason Wang while in Taiwan and hosted him in the Valley. “It was really different but in a good way,” Michael said of Taiwan. “Everything opens at 11 in the morning. It stays open really late at night. It’s really fun being able to share our culture.” While their cultures may be different, the Seton and Taiwanese students communicate like most teens texting each other and

communicating on Snapchat, the multimedia messaging app. Bonding with students from other countries is a valuable lesson, Michael said. “I think it’s important because we need to have good relationships with different countries,” he said. Seton Mandarin teacher Chiu loved seeing the Taiwanese students and their Seton peers experience the other’s culture in Taiwan and in Chandler. She said she wants her students to engage in “hands-on” lessons. “It was the most rewarding thing to see them land in Taipei,” Chiu said. She said the school system in Taiwan is trying to immerse its students more in foreign language lessons including sending them to other countries. “The friendship they always will have,” Chiu said. Chiu moved to the United States from Taiwan when she was about 3 years old and Mandarin is the official language of China and Taiwan. Seton Principal Victor Serna and assistant principal David Sorkin visited Taipei, Taiwan in December of 2017 to sign reaffirmation of the sister school relationship with Saint Francis High School. Serna and Sorkin also met with Taipei’s mayor, education commissioner and Taipei City Council. Information: setoncatholic.org

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

3 Chandler medical school students get residencies SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Three medical students with Chandler connections recently found out where they’ll be spending the next several years as resident physicians. Fourth-year medical students Svadharma Keerthi and Farmin Samareh Jahani – who are dating – and Omar Hussain received their assignments during “Match Day” at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix. Keerthi and Jahani met during their first year of medical school at a bowling event, but did not start dating until last year. “When we first met, she refused to talk to me,” Jahani said. “I really thought she disliked me, but we eventually got together in a study group, became friends and started dating in our third year of medical school.” Throughout medical school, the two have supported each other whether it was as classmates, friends or significant others. “I honestly don’t think I would have come this far without her by my side,” Jahani said. “I’m not even sure I would have graduated because she always reminds me I should be doing things that are pretty important. I’m extremely lucky to have someone so caring and intelligent with me through this whole process.” Keerthi added, “I’m so lucky to have found my best friend through

Omar Hussain gets some pointers from an unidentified U of A aide. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

this journey. He truly understands what I’m feeling and thinking, and he understands both the personal and professional struggles. He grounds me, encourages me and challenges me to become a better person. I know I am much better because he is by my side.” Jahani received his bachelor’s degree in physiology at the University of Arizona (UA). Although he spent the first 10 years of his life in Salt Lake City, Utah, he then moved to Chandler, which he considers home.

Keerthi’s first Arizona experience was going to medical school. Before moving to Phoenix, she lived in California where she received a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology at the University of Southern California. “Medicine is one of the few careers that really offers a person the chance to be there for someone at their most desperate, vulnerable moment,” Jahani said, adding: “Every day, you have the opportunity to meet an individual that can be completely unlike yourself, yet connect

with them through a common goal to help that person live their life to their fullest. The people you meet are complete strangers, yet within a few minutes you can become one of the most important players in their life. This is pretty rare and I find it fascinating.” Jahani is pursuing internal medicine. “Internal medicine is the oldest specialty in medicine and I think of them as the doctor’s doctor,” he said. Keerthi will be going into emergency medicine, as she has always been drawn to problem solving in acute settings. “I enjoy that as a physician, I will be able to learn about every patient from birth to death with any disease, and the knowledge I gain will always be applicable in my practice,” she said. She became interested in medicine when she was an undergraduate while working to help people in vulnerable situations. “I found myself drawn to medicine where I felt physicians had the unique opportunity to step into patient’s lives and alleviate suffering,” she said. Both Jahani and Keerthi were attracted to the medical school because of its welcoming atmosphere and core values. Jahani said he was impressed with the College of Medicine–Phoenix community that emphasized their goal of creating strong, confident clinicians. Keerthi chose to attend the College

see MED STUDENTS page 54

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Cinderellas in progress Scores of high school senior and junior girls will be able to go to their proms thanks to the East Valley Women’s League, which held its annual Cinderella Affair giveaway of prom gowns and accessories earlier this month. Teens like 1) Morgan Roberts had a chance to try on some gowns or, like 2) Abby Petersen, pick through dozens of dresses in search of the right one.

Many, like 3) Maydelin Viveros, found the perfect one while others like 5) Jennifer Ramirez took their time finding the right outfit. Volunteers like 5) Kelie Thomas helped the girls as teens like 6) Celine Villa checked out hair and other accessories. Others who took advantage of the event included 7) Madelyn Melser, 8) Alexis Ross, 9) Katie Leavitt and 10) Dominique Brown.

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NEIGHBORS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

feeling, and I cannot imagine MED STUDENTS from page 52 profound doing anything else,” he said. of Medicine–Phoenix because she loved the emphasis on working with the community and the variety of opportunities to learn in local, rural and global health settings. Jahani said that for a long time, he tried to follow the exact footsteps of others and realized he was trying to make others happy rather than focusing on himself. He said it’s worth taking the time to reflect on how you want to live and pursuing that. “As frustrating as it sounds, there is really no way to live your life but your own way,” Jahani said. “You’ll be eagerly told by hundreds of people of how to do this or that, and while it’s good to take into consideration all of the advice you receive, it’s really up to you to figure out what works best for you.” Keerthi said she hopes students remember to enjoy the moments. “A lot of times we can get into thinking ‘I’ll be happy when it is over.’ There will be so many hurdles during medical school, and the rest of life, that you would rather skip. Try and enjoy the day-to-day life, cultivate the relationships and hobbies you cherish when you can, and before you know it, it will be over.” Since a young age, Hussain always pictured himself as a physician. He wanted to help others through the most difficult times in their lives. “The notion that we are spending time to become a physician, in order to be a part of the team that cares for those and sees them through some of the hardest parts of their lives, is such a

Hussain attended Hamilton High School and received his bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at UA. “I always imagined being a physician,” Hussain said. Hussain was drawn to a particular image in Life magazine. The story was entitled “Country Doctor,” and it told

doctor’s bag. “I remember seeing that picture, as well as many other pictures of him truly caring for his community, and wanting to be just like him,” he said. “Fast forward many years, and I found myself sitting with one of my mentors in college. He told me, ‘Omar, if you can imagine doing literally anything else, do not apply to medical

Svadharma Keerthi and Farmin Samareh Jahani are dating and also going to medical school together. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

about Dr. Ernest Ceriani, a seasoned rural physician who lived in the 1940s. Hussain remembered seeing a photograph of Dr. Ceriani walking in a field, alongside a rickety fence, wearing a dusty tweed jacket and carrying a

school.’ I spent an entire weekend trying to imagine doing anything else, and I simply could not.” Hussain started medical school thinking he would specialize in child neurology, but as he progressed, he

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became more interested in gaining hands-on experience. He began to realize that he not only wanted to be the physician who prescribes, but also who can intervene surgically to directly improve his patients’ quality of life. “I discovered neurosurgery as a specialty, and I have never looked back,” he said. “The combination of getting to study complex neurological pathology, as well as having the ability to step in surgically and change the natural history of the disease was very appealing.” “Being in the operating room gave me a feeling I never experienced before. In the same way I pondered about pursuing medicine, I spent a weekend trying to imagine pursuing a specialty besides neurosurgery, and I simply could not.” After interviewing at the college, Hussain said he remembers thinking to himself that the UA College of Medicine–Phoenix was definitely where he wanted to go to medical school because of the atmosphere of making the student feel like they matter. “Our school has so much innovation and provides for so many avenues for the students to excel in every way imaginable,” Hussain said. “From the deans, the faculty, (and) the staff, to my fellow classmates, the feeling that I was cared for and that I was going to get the best possible education I could receive was palpable. As a fourth year, I would proudly do it again.”

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Arts

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Audience has role in Children’s Choir concert BY COLLEEN SPARKS Managing Editor

The audience will get in the driver’s seat at an unusual concert where children will sing different genres. The Chandler Children’s Choir will perform the “Choose Your Own Concert Adventure” concert at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 4 at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. The concert is modeled after the children’s books in which readers decide at certain points in stories what action the main character will take. Readers’ choices lead to different twists and turns in the plot and audience members’ decisions will prompt the choir to sing different songs in the concert. “What we’re doing is the audience is going to be the character and we’ll have a voiceover like reading the book,” said Aimee Stewart, artistic director and co-founder of Chandler Children’s Choir. “I think they’ll be excited to be involved in the story,” she added. “We need their (audience) engagement, we

Rehearsing for the Chandler Children’s Choir presentation of “Choose Your Own Concert Adventure are, from left, Hannah Turley, Lily Hanson and Anastasia Fitzpatrick (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

need their input. It’s going to be a very different format.” The choir will start by singing

“When You Wish Upon A Star,” and then the audience’s choices will dictate which songs they perform

after that. See

CHOIR on page 62

Payne Junior High students perform ‘Shrek JR’ BY COLLEEN SPARKS Managing Editor

Students at Payne Junior High School are bringing their imagination and humor to the stage in the beloved tale of an ogre and his fairytale misfit friends in “Shrek The Musical JR.” The cast of about 30 students will bring the funny and romantic fairytale to life at 6:30 p.m. on April 26 in the cafeteria at Payne, 7655 S. Higley Road in Queen Creek. Some students in the Drama Club are working back stage and helping with hair and makeup, costume changes, seating audience members, selling tickets and other tasks. It is the first time in at least 10 years Payne Junior High has produced a musical. Payne language arts teacher Kennedy Plumb is the director and Mackenzie Baker, who also teaches language arts, is the assistant director. Both sponsor the school’s Drama Club. The musical follows Shrek’s journey as he has learned the hard way “people hate the things they cannot understand,” according to a line in the production. He lives as a recluse in order to protect himself from the hurtful behaviors of people who are scared of him. The original Broadway musical started Brian d’Arcy James as Shrek and Sutton Foster as Fiona, and ran for a year. The show received 12 Drama Desk Awards, as well as eight Tony Award nominations.

Zachary Taylor, 14, an eighth grader at Payne Junior High School in Queen Creek, rehearses a scene in his role as Shrek in the musical “Shrek The Musical JR.” (Pablo Robles)

Recently, Plumb led the cast through rehearsals in the cafeteria, while some students wore costumes that they put together themselves. “We just started our Drama Club this year,” Plumb said. “We had so many people audition.” Every child who auditioned got a part but she and Baker chose which roles would best fit them. Students told the teachers the three

characters they would most like to play. Plumb sang and acted in theater when she was in middle and high school while Baker performed as a cheerleader when she was in school. “Shrek The Musical JR.” is the ideal musical for junior high school students, who are in seventh and eighth grades, Baker said. “This age they’re really quirky and silly,”

she said. “They can just be silly and have fun. We are very excited. We’re a little nervous. Of course we want it to be successful but most of all we want them to have fun. I’ve seen people just bloom.” She said the young actors are working hard and “half the time” get to rehearsals before See

SHREK on page 60

ARTS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Dawnn Lewis fits role in ‘Modern Millie’ BY BRIDGETTE REDMAN Contributor

Dawnn Lewis has defied conventions since she was a teenager. It resulted in a long-lasting career that includes Broadway, television, composing, voice acting and songwriting. From April 25 to May 5, this former star of “A Different World” – and composer of its theme song – will star as Muzzy in Scottsdale Theater Company’s “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” presented at the Tempe Center for the Arts. “I’ve come to know the caliber of the projects that are done there,” Lewis said. “Another client represented by the same agency as me has worked there with David (Hock, the artistic director) and had nothing but amazing things to say. It is a lot of fun working with great people in a community who loves live theater.” Hock said Lewis is a fit for Muzzy. “Dawnn can make it her own,” he said. “She has a very sassy side to her personality, so I can make Muzzy sassy and fun and seductive.” Hock already has made one alteration to the show for Lewis. Muzzy’s second song is always done with backup boys, but Hock is instead giving her backup trumpet players, who will play what the vocals would be singing. “Dawnn can riff and play around with the musicians on stage,” he said.

E E R F

“Thoroughly Modern Millie” came out in 2002 with music by Jeanine Tesori (also known for “Fun Home,” “Shrek: The Musical” and “Caroline or Change”) It was based on the 1967 film starring Julie Andrews. Set in 1922, small-town girl Millie Dillmount has arrived in New York City determined to become a success, which includes finding a great job and marrying her rich boss. Muzzy is a famous singer who advises Millie on her love life, particularly with Jimmy, who will be played by Kelly Methven. He has toured with “West Side Story,” “Rock of Ages” and “Grand Hotel.” A New York native, Lewis was the only girl among four children and sang and danced to musical TV shows as a child. That whetted her appetite for performing. Because she was perpetually surrounded by boys, her mom wanted to encourage her to do something that was her own and sent her to dance class when she was 7. She discovered that she had talent and by the time she was 8 was performing at Carnegie Hall. “My mom raised us on her own and was really happy I had an interest that was a positive one,” Lewis said. “She invested everything she could. My brothers would come to my recitals. They hated it, but we learned to be supportive of each other.” She graduated from high school at age 16 and played the cello, sang opera and published a series of poems. “I was seeking out all these ways to

express myself creatively and it looked like the sky was the limit,” she said. She attended the University of Miami, whose staff were reluctant to admit her because of her age. Her grandmother, who lived nearby, agreed to be a responsible for her. While at college, she exclusively chose the classes that made the most sense for her career. The University of Miami developed a musical-theater degree program around her. They made her re-audition for every class she was in with a 45-minute audition in front of a jury made up of the combined faculty of music and fine arts. “I was the guinea pig for musical theater,” Lewis said. “The program has now graduated Tony winners, Oscar winners and Grammy winners. I’m really proud of that.” After graduating cum laude with a Bachelor’s of Music degree in 1982, she performed on Broadway and toured with live shows. She got the call to audition for “A Different World.” An hour later, her phone rang again with a request to write the theme song for the show. She thought her friends were playing a joke on her. It wasn’t until after her audition, when she met with Bill Cosby and the show’s artistic team in the star’s dressing room, that they discovered they’d asked the same person for both acting and musical roles. She played Jalessa Vinson-Taylor from 1987 to 1992.

More recently, she’s voiced Storm of the X-Men in three video games and other characters for “Mortal Kombat,” “Futurama,” “Spider-Man: The Animated Series,” “Bruno the Kid” and “Boondocks.” She starred in two Disney Channel original movies. In 2006, she was in the film adaptation of “Dreamgirls,” and released a CD called “Worth Waiting For.” She has a recurring role on “Major Crimes,” DreamWorks’ “Spirit Riding Free,” Netflix’s “Carmen Sandiego,” and “Veronica Mars.” For a busy actor like Lewis – she’s doing voices for 10 animated series and runs her own foundation, A New Day, which offers empowerment to youth and underserved communities – Hock said he makes sure the schedule can work for her. Lewis will arrive for a week of rehearsals and then the show runs for two weeks. “It’s a fun night out to hear really good singing, see a TV star you wouldn’t normally get to see, watch some live dancing and hear a live orchestra,” he said. Lewis said that “Thoroughly Modern Millie” is about female power in the ’20s, about being progressive and not being afraid to be who you are. “Muzzy is committed to living her biggest, best life and about recognizing that there was a cost,” Lewis said. “That resonated with me personally. I love what I get to do, and I get to do it in a large way.”

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ARTS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Hale rolls out 2019-20 season productions SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert has unveiled its 2019-2020 season of eight musicals and three comedies starting this August. Season tickets are available at the Hale Centre Theatre box office by calling 480 497-1181, or by visiting HaleTheatreArizona. com. The theater is at 50 W. Page Ave. in Old Town Gilbert, across from the historic Gilbert Water Tower Park. The lineup includes: Bright Star. First up is this Broadway musical, a sweeping tale of family, love and redemption set against the backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ‘40s. “The story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies and moving performances,” Hale said of the production, which runs Aug. 23-Oct. 5. John Loves Mary. This charming and romantic 1940s comedy revolves around Mary, who has waited faithfully two years for her fiancé John to return home from the war, only to discover that he has taken a wartime bride … or has he? The movie starred Ronald Reagan and Patricia Neal. Will run Sept. 24 through Nov. 19. Hello, Dolly! The show is about Dolly Levi, a New York based matchmaker who merrily arranges things … like furniture, daffodils and lives. A widow, Dolly finds herself in love with a “half-amillionaire” and weaves a web of romantic

complications involving him, his clerks, a pretty shopkeeper and her assistant. Playing Oct. 10-Nov. 23. A Christmas Carol. This Hale holiday classic for 17 years includes traditional carols, stunning costumes and magical

New York apartment. Opens New Year’s Eve and plays through Feb. 8, 2020. Always...Patsy Cline. Based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk

The Hale Theater is currently undergoing a massive renovation, although shows are still going on, as it looks forward to the 2019-20 season. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

special effects. Begins Nov. 29 and concludes on Christmas Eve. Barefoot in the Park. Fresh off a honeymoon at the Plaza Hotel, freespirited Corie and her buttoned-down husband Paul find themselves struggling to adjust to married life in their run-down

in 1961. The musical, complete with down home country humor and even some audience participation, includes many of Patsy’s unforgettable hits. Runs Jan. 14-April 14. Guys and Dolls. Set against New York City in the 1940s, this Broadway musical

returns with classic songs like “Luck Be a Lady,” “Take Back Your Mink” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Playing Feb. 13 through March 28. Brigadoon is a major Broadway musical hit with one of the most romantic scores ever written. The story revolves around a mythical Scottish town that appears once every hundred years and an American tourist who becomes mesmerized by the town’s charms. Runs April 9-May 9. The 39 Steps. A spellbinding Hitchcock murder mystery and spy novel, this includes a generous dash of Monty Python zaniness. A cast of four actors portray more than 150 characters in this mad-cap, entertaining adventure. April 28-June 16. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. This captivating and amazing production of Disney’s magical classic, in the intimate setting of Hale’s in-the-round staging, comes alive with stunning costumes, staging, special effects and an awardwinning score May 14 through June 27. Matilda. Hale’s 2019-2020 season concludes with the Tony Award-winning story of a precocious young girl who through her astonishing wit, intelligence and magical gifts overcomes numerous obstacles leading to a better life. This Hale premiere is packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs. Runs July 2-Aug. 15.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

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SHREK from page 56

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

she and Plumb. Because the Drama Club is new, the teachers had to ask parents if their children in the musical could come up with costumes. “We’ve had very supportive kids and very supportive parents,” Baker said. Students were given ideas for how to create costumes and they enjoyed coming up with fun creations. Some students stuffed things inside their shirts to give themselves the appearance of big bellies. The students and teachers also held a fundraiser to raise money to buy materials for the sets and to buy the rights to perform the musical. A student’s father has donated microphones and speakers for the school to use in the show. “It comes back to the humor,” Baker said. “They love it. They love that they’re going to be painted green.” Eighth grader Jeremy Brower, 14, of Chandler, wore a dark, shaggy-haired wig and red, graduation-style gown as part of his costume while moving around the stage on his knees to play the part of Lord Farquaad. A tall teen, Jeremy moved on his knees to appear short like the character. His grandmother is planning to sew his costume for him and his older sister is going to crochet a green hat for Jeremy for his other part in the musical as Papa Shrek. Jeremy is on the autism spectrum and has trouble fitting in socially in some settings but he has found his niche and is thriving in the musical, according to his mother, Eileen Brower. “I’m happy so much,” Jeremy said. “It’s created a whole lot of friendships with my

peers here. I love to be myself. It really has helped me to become free of what has been holding me behind – my autism and understanding I’m a shy person.” He said he likes wearing costumes and taking on different identities in the musical. Jeremy said playing the part of Lord Farquaad allows him to “express my emotions with my voice.” “There’s a whole bunch of segments where he’ll say a funny line,” he said. “I’ve seen the movie. I’ve also seen the Broadway musical before.” He also performed in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” musical at a Queen Creek library a few years ago. Eileen is thrilled her son has discovered his love of theater. “It’s made me such a happier mom,” she said. “This has been the greatest thing. We’ve only been here a year. All of a sudden he’s got friends. He just comes here and he loves it.” Camille Taylor is enjoying watching her son, Zachary Taylor, 14, an eighth grader, play the title role. Zachary began performing in theater when he was about 8 and has been in more than a dozen plays and musicals, mostly in Gilbert. “He’s enjoying it,” Camille said. “I think it helps with a lot of different aspects in life. There’s always such a great camaraderie and teamwork. He’s always been loud. He’s pretty outgoing. He’s also in the band. He even takes some dance lessons.” She said the musical is “fun” and she likes the “Freak Flag” song in it. Zachary said he is having fun performing in the musical. “It’s probably been the most hardest working musical I’ve been in,” he said. “I was

in ‘Jungle Book’ and it was pretty fun and I haven’t stopped. I’ve never been a lead role before.” Eighth grader Bethany Harkness plays another big role – Princess Fiona. “It’s actually really cool because this is actually my first lead role,” Bethany said. “It’s easier than I thought it would be. I like that she’s not like most princesses. I think people are really going to think the songs are catchy.” She said she likes playing the feisty Fiona because she can relate to her. “I’m very sarcastic,” Bethany said. She added the musical has a “pretty powerful story.” Hannah Toth, 12, a seventh grader, likes playing fast-talking Donkey and mingling with eighth-graders. “I think sometimes you can do embarrassing things but you realize it’s all towards the comedy,” Hannah said. She said she used to live in Los Angeles, where she got into singing and dancing and often performed starting “at a very young age.” Like her peers, Hannah also likes Shrek’s journey in the musical. “I like the fact that before he was alone,” Hannah said. “He realizes he doesn’t need to be perfect. I love the songs. The first time I listened to the soundtrack, I had gotten so many songs stuck in my head. It is really fun. There’s a lot of eighth graders I wouldn’t have known. Next year I’m definitely going to join Drama Club again,” she added. Tickets are $3 for Payne students and $6 for everyone else and available at the door.

Cast and crew

Jeremy Brower, Lord Farquaad and Papa Ogre; Kara Catania, Gingy; Bella Clark, Guard 3 and Puss in Boots; Jamie Curtis, Wicked Witch and Woodland Creature; Ariana Favela, Young Fiona and Pied Piper Dancer; Bethany Harkness, Princess Fiona; Jenna Hornstrom, Duloc Performer; Walter Lewis, Papa Bear and Knight 2; Presley Lillyblad, Pig 3 and a Woodland Creature; Bethany Linde, Storyteller 1 and Mama Bear; Isabelle Matson, a Duloc Performer and Pied Piper Dancer; Reece McFarland, Pig 1 and Woodland Creature; Ellie Morales, Guard 2 and Bishop; Chloe Perkett, Pied Piper, Duloc Performer, Knight 4 Price and Nash–Little Shrek; Lillian Sackett, Storyteller 3 and Peter Pan; Alexis Sarff, Pig 2 and Woodland Creature; Demitrius Salinas, Dwarf and Duloc Performer; Evelyn Short, Pinocchio and Knight 1; Naomi Tabot, Teen Fiona, Duloc Performer and Pied Piper Dancerp; Camryn Tanner, Mama Ogre, Duloc Performer and Pied Piper Dancer; Breanna Taylor, Storyteller 2; Zachary Taylor, Shrek; Hannah Toth, Donkey; Brooke Thompson, Ugly Duckling and Duloc Performer; Delaney Valenzuela, Baby Bear and Woodland Creature; Ellen Wamsley, Big Bad Wolf and Knight 3; Bo White, Captain of the Guards;

Stage managers: Olivia Chapa and Ty Baumgarth.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Illusionist uses a psychological twist “I never really had goals,” said Amodei, who also runs his production company. “I didn’t need to be famous or on TV. I just wanted to do this.” Amodei found his niche as a resident performer at The Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, California, where “Pretty Woman” and “Entourage” were filmed. His show ran for 10 years. “It was almost 2,500 shows,” he said. “After the third year, people were contacting me saying they wanted to see the show, but they don’t live in Los Angeles. I decided to take the show on the road, just once a month.” It worked. “Fans love seeing my brand and style,” he said. “There’s a lot of audience participation. You don’t just sit and watch the performer. You have to talk to me, participate, give me feedback and make suggestions.”

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Staff Writer

Ivan Amodei prides himself on being a “different” sort of illusionist. It’s interactive, without awkward pauses and the setting is dramatic. Set on the dark and deserted streets of Paris, Amodei’s show is based in the Louvre, where a musical muse escorts guests through galleries. During the virtual trip, Amodei uncovers life’s mysteries, one illusion at a time. Amodei brings his show to the Herberger Theater Center at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2. He said guests will face their greatest fears, while others track down love in unexpected places. “My show is built around my experiences going to the Louvre in Paris and seeing the paintings,” Amodei said. “I started to build the show around the meaning of the paintings, and destiny and purpose. Everybody has a purpose. We find out what each person’s purpose is through the illusions I create.” Other illusionists’ shows may be preachy, but Amodei said his have tense moments, when guests actually run off the stage crying. “That’s women or men,” he said with a laugh. “They say, ‘I’m not participating in this. See ya.’ Ultimately, people really love how I convey my message. It’s like

Ivan Amodei facing their fears and making the right choices.” Amodei stresses his show is familyfriendly. “I never say a bad word,” he said. “You can bring a 3-year-old or a 98-year-old. Nobody is ever offended by anything. It’s not a children’s magic show, though.

It’s more of a psychological show.” The Sicilian-born Amodei has known he wanted to be a illusionist since he was 5 years old, when he saw a family member killing time with card tricks. He obsessed over magic through college, working at restaurants, corporate events and graduations.

IF YOU GO

What: “Secrets & Illusions” Where: Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix When: 7:30 p.m. May 2 Tickets: $43-$79 Info: 602-252-8497, herbergertheater.org

ARTS

CHOIR from page 56

The plot will be about a character longing for adventure the night before their birthday. If the audience chooses a particular gift it will lead to a trip to Spain while another choice would lead to Ireland. For example, the choir will sing a Spanish song if the audience picks Spain and an Irish jig if the public selected Ireland. “We have folk songs, lots of humorous songs,” Stewart said. She added that the songs will represent different countries and time periods. Stewart said the idea for the choose-your-own-concert-adventure theme came from Adam Stich, director of choral music at Scottsdale Community College, which performed

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

with that audience engagement for its choir and orchestra. “I thought that would be so fun for a children’s choir to try,” she said. Chandler Children’s Choir is partnering with JesterZ Improv Comedy in Mesa for the concert. JesterZ director Jef Rawls will be the narrator and guide during the show. The concert will have four possible endings. depending on the choices the audience makes. All the different choirs within Chandler Children’s Choir will perform. They will all sing together in some numbers while other songs will be performed by smaller groups. The children and teens in the choir range from ages 6 to 16, with the youngest in the Prelude Choir and the oldest, most advanced in the Cantus Choir.

About 160 youths will perform in the concert. Since the concert is on May 4, which is “Star Wars” Day – a takeoff of “May the Fourth Be with You” – recorded music from the popular movies will be played while the audience is voting on which action to take next. Audience members will vote on their cell phones. Tickets are $15 for general admission, not including fees. The show is recommended for children ages 5 and older. As the Chandler Children’s Choir prepares for the concert, other fun surprises are in store for budding singers later in the summer. The choir’s 2019 summer camp, with the theme “Showtime: Music Video Edition!” will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 1721 at Compass Christian Church, 1825

S. Alma School Road, Chandler. All levels of singers, ages 6 to 16, can participate and create a music video. The students will record the song in a studio at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. The cost is $225 for the week. Lindsey Wilkerson will choreograph the dance moves the students will perform in the music video. “It’s so fun,” Stewart said. “They love being the star of their own video.” Tickets for the concert: chandlercenter. org. To learn more about the Chandler Children’s Choir’s summer camp: chandlerchildrenschoir.org.

Preparing for any concert takes a lot of hard work but the Chandler Children’s Choir is up to the challenge. At a recent rehearsal, 1) Jenni Layton gives tips to young singer Sunan Zhang; 2) Yana Stovkovs uses her hands to accompany her singing; 3) Adison Aveiles breathes deep to hit those bass notes; 4) Harmony Geren, left, and Kate Xie put their heart and soul into it; 5) Jonathan Ulep awaits the conductor’s next instruction; 6) from left, Angela Yu, Amryn Alesi and Matthew Przbysz practice a number; and 7) Ivy Johnson and Aylena Griffin use their hands as well as their voice. (Photos by Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

Faith

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

The true meaning of this thing called faith BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER Guest Columnist

Each year, as the summer season approaches there are holidays that remind us of our responsibilities and heritage. Two that come to mind are Passover and Easter. Each has its own form of connection and recollection. I would venture a guess that each of us, in some small way, is reminded of a simple act of faith that

brought us these two observances. The first acknowledges the fact that the cycle of life involves a time of renewal, a time set aside to remember the past and reflect on the future. The second offers us the opportunity to reconsider the past so that the future will have more meaning, a time offered to make life better through understanding the mistakes that create havoc in our lives. To truly understand that without sacrifice there is value to life. Some people will ask why we have to wait for a set time to reminisce and

undo the mistakes we innocently or purposely produce. In our religious heritage there is an understanding that that time can be an unforgettable opportunity for connection and fulfillment. Holidays are designed to remind us of our potential, and what it takes to realize them. They signify a commitment to the human experience of faith and the purpose of creation. The places designed for all this to come together are our Houses of Worship. We learn this from Scripture in which we find a true expression of collective

responsibility, “My House shall be called a House of Prayer for all people.” (Isaiah 56:7). It is the focal point for traditions, customs and laws to come together to create a feeling of connection to each other and to God. It is a solemn place to express our gratitude for the past so that our future will have continued meaning. The last paragraph of the Five Books of Moses refers to the vastness of opportunity. It depicts an event that, to this day leaves us wondering about See

FAITH on page 63

Even pancakes can remind us of God’s goodness BY LYNNE HARTKE Guest Columnist

Saturday morning with my oldest son’s family means pancakes – golden circles made of buttermilk, eggs, flour and a handful of other ingredients. I am a bit envious of anyone who can make perfect pancakes. Inevitably, I become impatient, and turn them too early, so uncooked batter oozes out the edges. I then swing the other way, and leave them too long, charring the surfaces to the point the dog won’t even eat them. But in their home, the delicious pancakes are piled on a platter and placed in the center of the table – a piece of furniture that shows the battle scars of three children under the age of eight.

Scratches mar the surface and one leaf doesn’t close tightly anymore, but there is no plan to replace it until the children are older. At the call for breakfast, the sound of racing feet fills the air as our pajama-clad grandchildren settle into their places. The middle child – wearing pink sloth jammies – grabs the princess plate and asks for Nutella and whipped cream. Her Star-Wars-clad brothers debate the other options of honey, syrup or apricot jam, before copying their sister as they scrape the last bits of chocolate hazelnut from the jar. Adult conversation is put on hold as the youngest breaks into tears because his pancake isn’t cut right. Fortunately, peace is restored in the toddler universe with a glass of milk and a strawberry from his older brother. The aroma of hot-off-thegriddle pancakes stirs a memory of a

cross-country trip my family took when I was in elementary school. We traveled for three weeks pulling a camper behind a station wagon from Minnesota to California, stopping at national parks along the way, until we reached our destination – Disneyland. We couldn’t afford to eat at restaurants, so each morning Mom flipped pancakes or French toast, along with a side of bacon or sausage, on a Coleman stove set up on the end of a wooden camping box. Influenced by NASA, we drank Tang like the astronauts, and similar to my grandsons, dreamed of galaxies far, far away. “Someone camping next to us introduced us to peanut butter and hot syrup,” I tell my grandkids, as I butter my own pancake and reach for the jam. “The rest of the trip we insisted on peanut butter every morning.” “Ewww. Peanut butter!”

“It’s like Nutella. Just a different flavor,” the oldest decides as he stabs his fifth pancake. “Maybe you can try it next time,” I suggest. “Never,” my granddaughter shudders as she licks her fork. I understand her reluctance. In a world of so many options, there is something comforting in pulling up a chair to routine on a Saturday morning, and sitting down to a stack of perfect pancakes at a table set for the next generation of childhood memories. I reach for another pancake. “Please pass the syrup.” “For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things” Psalm 107:9 NIV. Lynne Hartke is the author of Under a Desert Sky and the wife of pastor and Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. She blogs at.lynnehartke.com.

As Lent winds down, remember God’s imposition BY REV. SUSAN WILMOT Guest Columnist

We began the holy and penitential season of Lent on Ash Wednesday. For many followers of Christ, it also marks the day when we humbly receive the imposition of ashes as a reminder of our mortality. The ashes are also an outward and visible sign of our rebellious natures, and the multiple ways that we’ve been faithless and fruitless in God’s sight. I love that word “imposition.” In a Word document, the synonyms for imposition pop up as burden, nuisance, obligation, annoyance, hassle and bother. That gives us a lot to think about, and it seems especially appropriate as our Lenten pilgrimage will

end on Easter Sunday with our celebration of the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Our ashes were imposed on our foreheads with the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” How did you bear the burden of that sooty cross smeared on your forehead? Was it a nuisance or a hassle to have to explain to others what was going on or why you were walking around with a dirty face? Or did it make you proud to be able to share that this beautiful practice marked you as a follower of Christ, ready to take on the Lenten disciplines of selfreflection, repentance, fasting, prayer and the study of God’s word? By now we’re wearing our ashes invisibly, which raises the question of what imposition God is making on our lives each day. How often do our prayers or

worship seem more like an obligation, rather than the sheer joy of intentionally spending time experiencing the love and grace of God’s constant presence? What parts of our day or week do we offer over to the Lord in order to experience, to feel God’s love filling us, refreshing us and strengthening us for the burdens we might face in daily life? Are there times when you feel it’s just too much of a bother to pick up your Bible and learn more about God’s people or open the eyes of your heart and mind to help discern God’s will? Without a good understanding of our human failings, as portrayed by the dysfunctional characters ( just like you and me!) that we meet within the pages of Scripture, and without a good knowledge of Jesus’ life and ministry, how can we ever know what God might want to impose on us as part of our call to ministry?

If we feel anxious about these thoughts and feelings, or the doubts that cross our minds, remember how the Psalmists ask God anything and everything in prayer and song. Doubts and questions are a normal part of the human experience, and a normal part of our living faith. Being fully human as well as fully divine, Jesus wants to be a part of every aspect of our lives, including gently working through those questions, fears and doubts. In the upside down or right side up world of divine Love, Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

See

WILMOT on page 64

FAITH

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

FAITH

from page 63 the rewards of life. Moses is shown the land promised to the people – however, there is the pronouncement that while Moses is given a glimpse, he will never step foot on this inheritance. What a culmination to a life dedicated to his God and his people. Here he is, a stones throw from realizing all the dreams after all the hardships, only to be denied. It is a stark reminder that there are times, when we reached out only to find emptiness. The dreams vanish before our very eyes. Tears rolling down our cheeks remind us of the frustrations we encounter in trying to live to the fullest. But, like Moses, we come to terms with the fact that not all dreams are realized. It is enough to have dreamed and know that those who succeed us will be the fulfillment of that dream. The

WILMOT

from page 63 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” The only burden we carry – if we can even call it a burden – is to accept the gift of faith offered freely to all, and to choose Love in each moment. We are blessed to know that whatever challenges or joys we face, our Lord is there to teach us gentleness and humility. Jesus helps us to find rest for our anxious minds and weary diseased hearts. In the fullness of His humanity, Christ, our Lord can and

purpose of the dream is to give us hope. If we did not dream there would be no hope in ourselves, and the future. This season of extreme heat should remind us of the warmth of our sacrifices in order to find comfort and joy. It is the expression of an effort to join with the Divine. It is a time for us to seek unification with our deepest thoughts and actions. It is a time to really cleanse ourselves and hear the voice of God say to us, “You are forgiven.” What are we asking forgiveness for? Simply put – for dreaming and not understanding that there are disappointments, and not realizing that we must move on to the next dream. This new season allows us to poise ourselves between Heaven and Earth, as we measure the success of our lives and realize that it is the reason for which we were given life.

Twenty-five hundred years ago a Prophet proclaimed that we each have the ability to display the goodness of humanity. The most enduring force known to man was the power of our capacity to conquer the wrongdoing we witness every day. It is not enough to acknowledge the problems; rather we are obligated, as partners with God, to ensure that the tear in our society is repaired – to mend the tear in our lives. Each tear in the fabric of our existence should bring us closer to understanding our place in the journey we embarked upon when God breathed the breath of life into us. Each society, in its celebration of a new season, plans for tomorrow by recalling yesterday. Changes are made with good intentions. Then we falter and return to the old traditions. However, it should not end there. The act of making a wish, a pledge, should be

combined with the action necessary for completion. There is no shame in falling; rather the impurity is in not making an honest attempt. After all, we are human, subject to human failings. In that, we find the beauty of trying. The Prophet was right when he declared that goodness could be found in each of us. Perhaps it takes a little push to bring out the best in us. This, to me, is the true meaning of this thing called faith. We should all wonder about yesterday, but with an eye toward tomorrow. And, it has been promised to us by a benevolent God, there will be a tomorrow. Rabbi Dr. Irwin Wiener, DD, is a national chaplain of Jewish War Veterans – USA and spiritual leader of Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.

does share our burdens as well as our joys, always easing our load by walking alongside us and helping us to follow God’s will and ways. Most of us balk at the thought of imposing ourselves on others, especially in matters of religion (or politics). That would be a form of violence. Yet, we know that there’s no violence in God, and Jesus never imposes Himself on anyone. Instead, the Lord invites us to hear and see God’s Kingdom love, compassion, mercy and forgiveness in and through His life and ministry. As we wear our ashes, albeit

invisibly, remember that the way we live and treat others; the words we choose to share or not share; and how we make God’s Love a reality through our service to others; makes a visible difference in the world. The real imposition is God’s reminder that we can fast from imposing inappropriate or fruitless words and actions on our neighbors. So, let’s work on refraining from judging others, reacting to others with anger or even hatred. Let’s allow God to help us fast from consumerism, the prejudices we

harbor and all forms of violence. Let’s give up our competitiveness, discontent and jealousy. Instead, let’s embody gratitude for all facets of life. Let’s tune our lives to God’s gracious love, joy and peace. The Rev. Susan E. Wilmot is Vicar at St. James the Apostle Episcopal Church & Preschool, 975 E. Warner Road, Tempe. Susan can be reached at rector@stjamestempe.org or at 480-345-2686.

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Kids’ Sunday School 10 to 11 a.m. Sundays Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Lift Your Spirit 10 a.m. Sundays Hear inspirational messages and music. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800

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Come, Worship the Lord

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Glorify His Name

FAITH

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

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Where To Eat

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Customers can mix at Mingle + Graze BY COLLEEN SPARKS Managing Editor

Anyone who wants to nosh on savory charcuterie, paired with diverse, rich, international cheeses, olives, fruit and nuts while mingling with friends and family members can check out an unusual new restaurant in downtown Chandler. Mingle + Graze {cheese bar and kitchen} opened in its brick-and-mortar spot in January at 48 South San Marcos Place, next to Murphy’s Law Irish Pub. The cozy eatery, owned by Mahfam Moeeni-Alarcon and her husband, Cristobal Alarcon, offers cuisine that fuses Mahfam’s Persian background and Cristobal’s Chilean roots. While the couple’s downtown spot is new, Mahfam and Cristobal began Mix + Mingle solely as a catering business in 2017. They are blending their vast culinary experience. Mahfam has worked about 18 years in the restaurant business while Cristobal spent about 16 years in the industry before the pair became entrepreneurs. “We’ve been in the industry combined 30 years,” Mahfam said. “We’ve both gone to culinary school. We use local bread; we make homemade sauces and dips, olives hand-marinated with artisanal spices. Everything’s nitrate-free. We source our products very precisely. The

salamis we use are really good. I think it’s something new and people are excited and curious for it.” The charcuterie boards are a big draw at Mingle + Graze {cheese bar and kitchen}, Mahfam said. She, Cristobal and their team hand-pick many, different cheeses and meats with sustainable ingredients. All the cheese and meat boards come with nuts, fruit, olives, truffle-dusted chips and local bread. Diners who want a gluten-free option can get gluten-free crackers instead of the bread on their boards. Mix + Mingle offers Olli brand Calabrese, spicy salami, Olli brand fennel pollen salami that has “licorice notes” and prosciutto di Parma. The Young + Reckless Board for $13.25 comes with customers’ choice of three cheeses off the “Young and Reckless” board with cheeses changing about every couple months. One of the popular “Young + Reckless” cheeses recently on the menu was a potato Gouda made with goat’s milk and a “nice flavor profile,” Mahfam said. A 3-Month Manchego is another favorite, as is a Belletoile brie, which is served with jam from Croatia and a fig or sour cherry on top. These were also among the young cheeses available earlier this month at the restaurant. Customers can choose the Aged + Refined Board for $13.75 with three

Mix + Mingle {cheese bar and kitchen] in Chandler serves up varied meat and cheese plates. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

cheeses off the “Aged and Refined Board” to combine with their meats, bread and other foods. Mahfam said the 12-Month Manchego, a cheese made from sheep’s milk from Spain has a nutty taste and is well-liked. Other popular “aged and refined” cheeses are Dalmatinac, a cheese made from

cow and sheep’s milk out of Croatia and Roquefort Papillon, a blue cheese made with raw sheep’s milk with a creamy but crumbly texture. The cheese and meat boards make great appetizers for two people or meals

see MINGLE page 69

Soak up the sights, spirits and suds at this fest BY COLLEEN SPARKS Managing Editor

People can quench their thirst for diverse cocktails, vodka, rum, wine and other alcoholic beverages at a popular festival in downtown Chandler next weekend. The Arizona Craft Spirits & Cocktail Festival is expected to attract 2,500 people pouring into Dr. A.J. Chandler Park 3-9 p.m. April 27. The park is at 178 E. Commonwealth Ave. This is the sixth year for the event, previously called the Chandler Craft Spirits Festival. “We’ll have a variety of cocktails, distilleries and bars coming up with unique cocktails to showcase their spirit,” Tiffany Shultz, principal at Levitate Agency said. “Also straight pours of different spirits: tequilas, vodkas, rums, some wine and craft beer, too.” The festival will shine the spotlight on “smaller batch” distilleries. Levitate Agency produces the eclectic gathering, where many Chandler businesses and other local establishments will bring a variety of drinks, as well as food. Patrons can vote on their favorite beverages after trying samples of them during tastings in a broad range of categories including un-aged whiskey, agedtwo years-and-under whiskey, un-aged rum, flavored rum, flavored vodka, fruit brandy, London Dry gin and Blanco agave. Wild Hare Distillery, which will have just opened in Tempe, is going to offer its

People can sample a number of different drinks at the Arizona Craft Spirits & Cocktail Festival. (Courtesy of Levitate Agency)

see CRAFT page 69

WHERE TO EAT

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

MINGLE from page 68

for one person, Mahfam said. Customers can bring their own wine and beer to the restaurant to sip while they eat. Mix + Mingle also features many dips, snacks and sandwiches, as well as salads, soups and desserts on its eclectic menu. Customers can also order many, different types of food for catering not on the menu at the brick-and-mortar shop. The el Chileno Steak sandwich is a nod to Cristobal’s roots as his parents were born in Chile and immigrated to the United States. It has steak, tomatoes, green beans, pickled peppers and aji aioli and comes on local bread with a side of kettle chips for $12.75. Diners can try Mix + Mingle’s spin on the New Orleans-style muffuletta with the “Maffyletta” sandwich, which incorporates Mahfam’s nickname into its name. The popular sandwich has Diestel ham, mortadella, Olli salami, gouda, manchego cheese, olive salad and turmeric aioli for $11.75. Mahfam’s Iranian heritage is celebrated in the Jeweled chicken salad wrap, which has chicken salad, barberry, greens, tomatoes, pistachios and pomegranate vinaigrette wrapped in a tortilla, also for $11.75. Barberries are a tart and often used in Persian cuisine; Mix + Mingle adds sugar to them. Another nod to Mahfam’s culture is the Persian Garden “tostada,” a vegetarian dish with eggplant, Greek yogurt spread, garbanzos, onion, barberry jam, greens, cucumbers, tomatoes and tahini dressing. “We’re vegan and vegetarian-friendly,” Mahfam said. A pimento cheese dip with a house salsa roja and tortilla chips at $6.50 is one of the dips on the menu. For the Love of Plants! is a plate with roasted carrot dip, beet hummus and

CRAFT from page 68

agave, vodka, rum and whiskey; SanTan Distillery in downtown Chandler will sell its malt whiskey, vodka and bourbon; Las Palmas Cantina, also of downtown Chandler, will bring its cocktails for guests to sip. Another well-known, downtown Chandler establishment The Ostrich, a craft cocktail lounge, will also provide cocktails. Meanwhile, The Brickyard Downtown, also in Chandler, will bring cocktails. CaskWerks Distilling Company of Tempe will offer apple pie liqueur, tea-infused gin and vodka at the festival. Cider Corps of Mesa will present its hard cider and Old Ellsworth Brewing Company of Queen Creek will provide beer. OHSO Brewery + Distillery of Gilbert will give guests a variety of cocktails to try and Adventurous Stills in Tempe will deliver cocktails and spirits. The winners in the tastings will be announced at the end of the night. “We have something for everyone,” Shultz said. “We have everything from sweet and sour to if you enjoy whiskey straight up or beer and wine. Our distilleries are going to be selling bottles. You can buy right on-site.” Festival-goers will also have their pick of lots of different types of food at the gathering. Many food vendors will sell their sweet and savory offerings, including Cousins Maine Lobster, Drive Wood Fired

toast points for $7. Customers can order marinated olives from Spain that Mahfam marinates herself for $4 and house-spiced nuts for $4.25. The BIG salad also gives diners lots of vegetables. It has mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, green beans, feta, pistachios, pickled onion

house salsa, cotija, cilantro, pickled onions and a side of stewed black beans. Customers can order them with carne asada (steak) or tamarind chipotle chicken. Mahfam’s parents were born in Iran and she was born in Tucson but she and her family moved to Arkansas when she

Mahfam Moeeni-Alarcon and her husband Cristobal Alarcon bring their respective Persian and Chilean backgrounds to dishes that fuse the cuisine of two distinctly different cultures. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

and vinaigrette for $9.25. Guests can add chicken, steak and a wrap to the salads. Tacos are popular foods Mingle + Graze offers in its storefront and when catering at other locations. “A lot of people love tacos,” Mahfam said. The menu at the brick-and-mortar restaurant offers three tacos served on corn tortillas, combined with cabbage,

was 9 years old. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Arkansas State University then moved to the Valley and earned a certificate from the Arizona Culinary Institute. Cristobal earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Oberlin College in Ohio and earned an associate’s degree from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute.

Grill, the Wandering Donkey, La Petite Provence and Taste of Korea. Hawaiian food will be provided inside the Tiki Lounge, a fun place where mixologists will make drinks and provide a demonstration of a “Whose Drink Is it Anyway” event, where they will create beverages based on audience members’ ideas. A speakeasy will also provide extra treats and require a password to enter but will not cost anything extra. Three bands will add entertainment to the festival. Aunt B will take the stage with “fun, upbeat music” from 3 to 5 p.m. on the main stage, Shultz said. The Hourglass Cats will perform from 5 to 7 p.m. on the main stage and Mixtape will deliver songs from 7 to 9 p.m., also on the

main stage. Tickets are $26 if purchased ahead of time online and $35 if bought at the gate. That includes eight drink tickets — tastings ranging from one to three ounces each — as well as access to games and other activities, the live music and other features. If people want to buy cocktails in the speakeasy and Tiki Lounge after the tastings, they can buy them off the cocktail menu but not order more samples. People can buy a designated driver ticket for $8 each, where no alcoholic consumption is allowed. Children ages 12 and under are free and can attend if accompanied by adults.

Paintings Mahfam’s mother painted hang on the walls at Mix + Mingle. “She’s an amazing cook,” Mahfam said of her mother. “She’s an artist.” Her mother and father spend part of the year living in Chandler and the rest of the year in Arkansas, where her father is a professor. Mahfam previously worked as a wine buyer at Whole Foods Market on West Ray Road in Chandler for nearly six years. She also had worked in many restaurants as a bartender, server and cook including as a banquet cook at the Arizona Biltmore resort and spa and a server at Chelsea’s Kitchen in Phoenix. Mahfam also had taught adults and children cooking classes for the City of Chandler. Her leap into the entrepreneurial world began when she wanted to sell her marinated olives at a farmer’s market. She began selling them at Phoenix Public Market, marinating and packaging them herself though her and Cristobal’s company does not sell there currently. “It got me excited,” Mahfam said. On her days off from work she started taking extra olives to bars and restaurants to see if they wanted to buy them. First Draft Book Bar, in Changing Hands Bookstore on Camelback Road in Phoenix, started selling her olives and other foods about three years ago. Carlson Creek Vineyard in Scottsdale began selling boxes with her cheese and crackers in them and Mingle + Graze sells for special events there now. Mahfam also catered a wedding and the bride loved the food. “Slowly it started snowballing,” she said. Mahfam left her job at Whole Foods Market in 2017 to pursue the catering business full-time.

see MINGLE page 70

A lavender margarita with Crystal agave spirit, fresh juices and homemade lavender syrup is one of the drinks from Wild Hare Distillery in Tempe. (Photos Courtesy of Levitate Agency)

Wild Hare Distillery is going to make this version of a Paloma called the Conejo at the Arizona Craft Spirits & Cocktail Festival in Chandler later this month. (Photos Courtesy of Levitate Agency)

The VIP Lounge ticket costs $100 if purchased ahead of time and includes 20 drink samples, catered food, snacks, access to a lounge area near the stage, private restrooms and other amenities. The VIP tickets cost $125 if bought at the gate but there are a limited number of VIP tickets and they may be sold out by then. Wild Hare Distillery in Tempe will make this drink, Salvaje, which will have a vanilla white oak Agave spirit also called Roble Blanco Salvaje. (Photos Courtesy of Levitate Agency)

Information: arizonacraftspiritsandcocktailfestival.com

WHERE TO EAT

MINGLE from page 69

Her husband, Cristobal, quit his position as an assistant manager at Snooze restaurant in Gilbert in December of last year so the couple could take on their roles as owners of Mingle + Graze {cheese bar and kitchen} full-time. Previously Cristobal worked as a manager at Postino in Gilbert, as a bartender at Joyride Taco House and other positions. “My goal has always been to just learn— wanting my own business,” Mahfam said. “I gained all that knowledge and I started with something small at the farmer’s market.” She and Cristobal’s culinary skills and friendly personalities are attracting customers to the brick-and-mortar Mingle + Graze. Several people have complimented the restaurant and its

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

owners on the Mingle + Graze Facebook page. “My husband and I just happened to come across this little gem!” Amber Wright McIntyre posted. “They were AMAZING! The food was just so joyful. I am so excited that we got to experience such a great little place that just opened their doors. I tell anyone who will listen about this place. Keep up the great work folks. Can’t wait for our next visit.” Matt Hurley is also eating up the dishes and ambiance at the restaurant. “Small, welcoming cafe with amazing sandwiches,” Hurley posted on the Mingle + Graze Facebook page. “Had the Chilean, which I absolutely loved. Also had a taco and some beans, and tasted a couple of the other sandwiches. You can’t go wrong with anything here.

Grab some beer next door (it’s BYOB) at SanTan and tuck in for a foodie adventure!” Megan Porth also served up some praise for Mingle + Graze. “We ordered a meat and cheese platter from here to take to a birthday party recently,” Porth posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page. “It was so good and so popular, we spent much of the evening telling the other guests where they could purchase a platter too. The food was delicious, the presentation was beautiful, and the customer service was top notch!” Mahfam said Mingle + Graze plans to hold many, different events at the store including workshops on how to pair cheese with beer and wine. “This is definitely hard work come

true, the drive and the persistence of learning from so many people,” she said. “We want to welcome everybody with open arms.” She, Cristobal and their son, Rumi, 8, and daughter Iliana, 2, live in Chandler and love the community. Mingle + Graze is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays at 48 S. San Marcos Place. Information: mingleandgraze.com

Pieology debuts plant-based protein toppings SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Pieology Pizza in Chandler is taking a step into the healthy category by offering three new “meat” toppings made of high-quality plant proteins that taste and look just like the real deal. Pieology is among the first fast-casual pizza brands to make the move. The new “Spicy Italian Sausage Rounds,” “Beef Meatball” and “Diced Chicken” toppings are vegan, non-GMO verified, contain no cholesterol or soluble fats and are packed with protein. Premium plant-base toppings cost an additional $1 per ounce. “Although vegans, vegetarians and flex-

itarians will love the new pizza options, the premium toppings are a healthy choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a new style of protein,” said Chad Bailey, Pieology vice president of marketing. “Even our non-vegan guests have been shocked at how tasty our premium plant proteins are and how well they pair with pizza. “We’re pleased to be able to serve creativity and provide our guests with a broader assortment of delicious, high-quality toppings than ever before. This is a great new way to eat your veggies, especially when combined with our guest favorite, gluten-free Cauliflower Crust, that is also loaded with fiber and vitamins.” Pieology Pizza is at 3450 W. Chandler Blvd, Suite 5 in Chandler. Information: www.pieology.com.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019

NEWS+Events

chandleraz.gov/news–center

EVENTS APRIL 20 20 20 22 23 24 25 25 25 30

Family Easter Celebration, Snedigar Sportsplex, 782-2665 Our Stories: Russell “Big Chief” Moore, Basha Library, 782-2800 Southwest Cajun Fest, Downtown Chandler, 855-3539 City Council Study Session, Council Chambers, 782-2180 HOA Academy, Strategic Planning for HOA/ Condo Boards, City Hall, 782-4348 Science Matters @ CPL: “Mo’ Plastics, Mo’ Problems”, Sunset Library, 782-2800 Workshop: Do It Yourself Sprinkler System Design & Installation, ASU Chandler Innovation Center, 782-3583 City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 782-2180 HOA Academy, The Great Debate: HOA Attorney vs. Homeowner Attorney, City Hall, 782-4348 HOA Academy, Annual Meetings and Elections, City Hall, 782-4348

Mayor on the Move Mayor Kevin Hartke will join Chandler’s Neighborhood Advisory Committee on Tuesday, May 14, in hosting a neighborhood meeting as part of his Mayor On the Move community outreach. Mayor on the Move events will be hosted throughout the City twice a year. They are designed to engage residents in conversations about the challenges they face within their neighborhoods and what they love about Chandler. The May 14 Mayor on the Move event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a City Expo at the Boys and Girls Club Compadres Branch, 300 E. Chandler Blvd. The Mayor will then kick-off the event with remarks at 6 p.m. Staff will provide information on City resources and services available to residents, and residents will be able to ask questions of the Mayor, Council and City management. Attendees may RSVP online at chandleraz.gov/mayoronthemove. For more information, contact the Neighborhood Programs Office at 782-4348.

CinePark movie series returns to Tumbleweed Park in May It’s movie season! Enjoy the return of the super-popular movie series, CinePark, at Tumbleweed Park. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and get ready to watch free, family-friendly flicks on a giant screen on three consecutive Friday evenings in May: May 3 (“Ralph Breaks the Internet), May 10 (“The Grinch”), and May 17 (“The Incredibles 2”). Pre-movie seating opens 90 minutes before the show and moviegoers can enjoy a variety of entertainment and activities inspired by each movie. Check out all the movie magic details at chandleraz.gov/cinepark.

MAY 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 9 10 11 11 11 14 14 15 16 17 18 20 23 27

Workshop: ABC’s to Yard Watering & Timer Installation, ASU Chandler Innovation Center, 782-3583 CinePark featuring “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” Tumbleweed Park, 782-2735 Vision Kids, Vision Gallery, 782-2697 Chandler Symphony Classical Series, Center for the Arts, 782-2680 City Council Study Session, Council Chambers, 782-2180 Science Matters @ CPL: “Can the Zombie Apocalypse Really Happen?”, Downtown Library, 782-2800 City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 782-2180 Workshop: Easy Irrigation Troubleshooting & Repair, ASU Chandler Innovation Center, 782-3583 CinePark featuring “The Grinch,” Tumbleweed Park, 782-2735 Vision Kids, Vision Gallery, 782-2697 Trashion Fashion Show, Chandler Fashion Center, 782-3510 You Look Marvelous Fashion Show, Center for the Arts, 782-2709 State of the Downtown, Flix Brewhouse, 855-3539 Mayor on the Move, Boys and Girls Club Compadre Branch, 782-4348 One World Many Voices, Tony Duncan, Basha Library, 782-2800 Workshop: Irrigation Maximization, ASU Chandler Innovation Center, 782-3583 CinePark featuring “The Incredibles 2,” Tumbleweed Park, 782-2735 Vision Kids, Vision Gallery, 782-2697 City Council Study Session, Council Chambers, 782-2180 City Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 782-2180 Memorial Day holiday, City offices closed

Stay cool in Chandler pools

Chandler has six pools and aquatic centers opening on various dates in May! Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center has already opened for the season and has daily operational hours. Visit chandleraz.gov/aquatics for opening schedules and hours of operation. Arrowhead Pool 1475 W. Erie St.

Desert Oasis Aquatic Center 1400 W. Summit Place

Folley Pool 600 E. Fairview St.

Hamilton Aquatic Center 3838 S. Arizona Ave.

Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center 5901 S. Hillcrest Drive

Nozomi Aquatic Center 250 S. Kyrene Road

One World Many Voices

Native American identity, experiences and culture are explored through the One World Many Voices series that continues from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive. Five-time world championship hoop dancer Tony Duncan will conduct a master class in the art of hoop dancing. After demonstrating the dance that has taken him around the world, Tony will invite children (and brave adults!) to pick up hoops and learn the steps, moves and grooves of hoop dancing. Additionally, Tony will perform original songs on a Native American flute. Questions and answers will follow the performance, led by Dr. David Martinez. The performance is free, but registration is required. You also can view the exhibit at Basha Library from May 1-17. In addition to Tony Duncan (Apache-Mandan/Arikara/Hidatsa) on May 15, other performances in the series include: Roman, Joel and Tahj Orona (Apache) in “Sons and Fathers, Apache Music, Stories and Poetry” on June 1; and Xavier Quijas Yxayotl (Huichol) in “Our People of the South,” a bilingual presentation of Aztec-inspired music and Mexicá stories on June 15. The series will finish at the Chandler Community Center with “Waila!,” a community dance featuring Southern Scratch (Tohono O’odham) performing the popular O’odham social dance music which incorporates polkas, cumbias and two-step on June 22. For more information contact the Chandler Public Library at 782-2800, or visit chandlerlibrary.org.

Trashion Fashion Show returns to Chandler Fashion Center For event details, visit

chandleraz.gov/events

or call the Chandler Special Events Hotline at

A combination of trash and fashion, the 5th Annual Trashion Fashion Show will feature style-savvy fashion designers who will use their design skills to create and exhibit a garment created from discarded materials. These resourceful and inventive designs are a celebration of wearable fashion that are created from materials that might otherwise end up in the trash. At least 75 percent of the garment must be made from recyclable or reused materials. “Our Trashion Fashion Show is a unique way to get people thinking differently about waste and reuse,” said Traci Conaway, Chandler’s recycling specialist. “We encourage entrants to let their imaginations go, be wildly inventive and have fun with their designs.” The event takes place at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at Chandler Fashion Center (lower level by Macy’s).

782-2735

Mayor Kevin Hartke & City Council

SANTAN SUN NEWS | APR 20 - MAY 3, 2019