19 minute read
City News
NEIGHBORS SPREAD CHEER DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES
By Michelle Talsma Everson
“ALTHOUGH THE CORONAVIRUS HAS BROUGHT SO MUCH TURMOIL, I DO BELIEVE THAT IT HAS CONNECTED MANY OF US IN A SPECIAL WAY ALLOWING US APPRECIATE THE SIMPLER THINGS,” SHARES LOCAL RESIDENT HUNTER FORD, A COLLEGE STUDENT WHO WAS RECENTLY LAID OFF DUE TO COVID-19. One of the simple things that Ford is referring to is the now-popular pastime of drawing with chalk on local sidewalks and driveways to help spread happiness and brighten neighbors’ days as they shelter in place.
“Chalk murals have become my salvation during this time due to the creative outlet it has provided me and the joy it has brought to others,” Ford shares. “It all began with an Ariel chalk mural for the little girl who lived next door. Seeing her gleaming face inspired me to create more around the neighborhood in hopes to bring that same joy to others. I wanted to chalk the sidewalks with a pop of color so that many could enjoy on their daily walks. The support from my community warmed my heart and, in turn, I want to continue to spread positivity through my art in hopes of bringing the community together.”
Local resident Ben Kail and his family have also joined in the chalk art fun.
“My 3-year-old son, Gabe, and I have always loved using sidewalk chart,” Kail shares. “Recently with more time on our hands we have stepped up our game and have enjoyed beautifying our neighborhood during such a difficult time.”
“I have little to no say in what we get to draw,” he continues. “It is common for Gabe to wake me and my wife up at 5:30 a.m. and say something along the lines of ‘Let’s draw Moana today!’ We tend to draw whatever his favorite animated character is that day. We have done everything from Winnie the Pooh and Rapunzel to Superman and Yoda. Our friends, family, and neighbors are always excited to see what we will come up with next. During quarantine we have definitely focused our attention on bringing some joy to our neighborhood. We happily used chalk to turn our entire driveway into a life size Candy Land board and invited our neighbors’ grandchildren to play whenever they wanted.” Local resident Leslie Church found out about the chalk drawings through the popular Facebook group “North 32nd Community.” She and her daughter Parker soon after decided to join in the fun.
“We have always loved crafting and my daughter loves to draw as much as I did growing up, so I decided to draw some characters for her from Five Nights at Freddy’s,” Church says. “It’s a very popular series with kids her age. They are her absolute favorite. The neighbors have been driving by as we draw, complimenting us on our artwork with smiles and thumbs up.”
Church shares how the chalk art has helped her to connect—even from a distance—with her neighbors.
“I would love our community to know that even though times may be challenging, there are always ways to safely spread joy with even the smallest of gestures,” she says. “Times are different for now, but we will recover from this and we look forward to meeting more members of the community—hopefully soon face to face.” In addition to the chalk drawings, neighbors have found other ways to keep busy and positive during this time.
“To keep us in good spirits we have been gardening, baking, making chalk art, throwing parties for stuffed animals, hiking in the mountain preserve, doing a lot of family workouts [virtual workouts from local business TruHit], and having backyard campouts,” shares local resident Melissa Jamshidi.
Inspired by their neighbors, even local businesses are spreading cheer.
“We are foster parents to three of my niece’s kids and have three of our own, so this month we decided to do a fundraiser for the staff at Phoenix Children’s Hospital as five out of six kids have had to be treated there,” says Charles Altstatt, owner of Gourmet Street Eats food truck. “We were able to raise enough to drop off 50 plates.”
To learn more about what community members are doing to spread cheer and goodwill, join the group at Facebook. com/groups/north32nd.
Photos Courtesy of Local Residents
CELEBRATIONS HONOR LOCAL TEACHERS, 2020 GRADUATES THIS SCHOOL YEAR WILL END UNLIKE ANY supporting students over the phone and through online house with encouraging messages for grads and notes OTHER BEFORE IT. But that doesn’t mean it resources, while helping to track their mental well be- of appreciation for teachers shouldn’t be memorable. At a time that families are ing, safety and academic needs. • Orchestrate a block driveway party to celebrate usually marking Teacher Appreciation Week and graduates graduations, typical celebrations will be cancelled or “Graduation ceremonies are an important milestone in • Share messages of congratulations/recognition on postponed and the future of them remain unclear. a student’s life, whether it’s kindergarten or a Ph.D.,” social media using the appropriate hashtags (#AZThompson adds. “They’re a rite of passage, particu- TeachersRock and #AZClassOf2020) To ensure that both educators and graduates have a larly for students who are first generation gradu- • Families (or graduating classes) could coordinate a memorable May, Expect More Arizona, a nonprofit, ates, those who overcame unique burdens and those virtual graduation party; create school-themed virtual nonpartisan advocacy organization, is rallying the who accomplished their academic goals. The efforts backgrounds that all students can use state behind two special days: shouldn’t go unnoticed.” • Make homemade yard signs or banners • Tuesday, May 5, 2020 – Arizona Teacher Appreciation Day To help the community rally behind local teachers “We want communities to get creative,” says Thomp• Wednesday, May 20, 2020 – Arizona Graduate Rec- and graduates, Expect More Arizona has compiled son. “We love our teachers and we honor our graduognition Day creative ways to get involved. ates and we want them to know that.”
“Our teachers are amazing in normal times, but this spring has brought unique challenges,” says Christine Thompson, president and CEO of Expect More Arizona. “The sacrifices of time and emotional burden have been great as they adapted to distance learning. We want every educator in the state to feel honored.”
School closures have placed new burdens on educators as they transitioned from teaching in classrooms to teaching online or through paper packets. They’re Whether it’s sharing messages of congratulations/recognition on social media or orchestrating a neighborhood parade of cars, there’s something for everyone. Expect More Arizona has even included ideas on how teachers and graduates can identify themselves. Decorating homes or cars, homemade banners or caps and gowns are just a few suggested activities.
Some of these ideas include:
• Chalk your driveway or the sidewalk in front of your Find more suggestions for creative ways to celebrate at bit.ly/CelebrateAZ.
Put Your Graduate in the Spotlight!
Whether it’s a preschool diploma or a Ph.D., this year’s graduates won’t be able to walk across the stage in front of classmates, family and friends. Because of this, we’re offering our loyal readers the chance to celebrate your graduates with a spotlight ad in our June/July issue. Make a mem able keepsake f years to c e!
Price includes Digital Shareable Edition and 15% Donated to the Graduate’s School
STUDENT NAME Student School
STUDENT NAME Student School
Congratulations to Nichole Smith who is graduating from Skyline High School! Nichole was on the newspaper, making editor-in-chief by her sophomore year. She was also a photographer for the yearbook and in the National Honor Society. She volunteered her time at Skyline Elementary School, working on her goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. She will go to Northern Arizona University this fall. Nichole will be the fi rst person in her family to go to college, a milestone we are all so proud of her for achieving. Nichole, we believe that whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve. STUDENT NAME Student School
Congratulations to Nichole Smith who is graduating from Skyline High School! Mom and dad are so proud of you! During high school, Nichole was on the newspaper, making editor-in-chief by her sophomore year. She was also a photographer for the yearbook, starred in three school plays, and was in the National Honor Society. She is this year’s valedictorian. More than all of her academic achievements, her family and friends are proud of her for her community service. She has volunteered with several nonprofi ts during her time at Skyline High, including the local homeless shelter and food bank. In addition, since her junior year, Nichole has volunteered her time at Skyline Elementary School as a teacher’s aide, working on her ultimate goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. She earned a full ride to Northern Arizona University and will be majoring in education. She will be the fi rst person in her family to go to college, a milestone we are all so proud of her for achieving. Nichole, we believe in you—whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve. We know you are going to meet and exceed your plans and we can’t wait to see where life takes you!
STUDENT NAME Student School
Congratulations to Nichole Smith who is graduating from Skyline High School! Mom, dad and your sisters are so proud of you! Go class of 2020! During high school, Nichole was on the newspaper, making editor-in-chief by her sophomore year. She was also a photographer for the yearbook, starred in three school plays, was on student council, never missed a day of school, and was in the National Honor Society. She is this year’s valedictorian as well—a goal she set her freshman year and achieved. More than all of her academic achievements, her family and friends are proud of her for her community service, too. She has volunteered with several nonprofi ts during her time at Skyline High, including the local homeless shelter and food bank. In addition, since her junior year, Nichole has volunteered her time at Skyline Elementary School as a teacher’s aide, working on her ultimate goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. She did this all while working part-time at a local retirement home, helping the elderly. What we are most proud of is her can-do spirit and the example she set for her younger sisters. They’re both so proud of you! She earned a full ride to Northern Arizona University (Go Lumberjacks!), and will be majoring in education. She will be the fi rst person in her family to go to college, a milestone we are all so proud of her for achieving. Nichole, we believe in you—whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve. No matter whether they’re graduating kindergarten, college, or anything in between (preschool counts, too!). Simply share with us photos and a description of their accomplishments and we’ll take it from there. (Please note, editorial staff has fi nal editing rights if needed.)
H y r graduate today!
Congratulations to Nichole Smith who is graduating from Skyline High School! During high school, Nichole was on the newspaper, making editor-in-chief by her sophomore year. She was also a photographer for the yearbook and the National Honor Society. In addition, since her junior year, Nichole has volunteered her time at Skyline Elementary School as a teacher’s aide, working on her ultimate goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. She earned a scholarship to Northern Arizona University and will be majoring in education. She will be the fi rst person in her family to go to college, a milestone we are all so proud of her for achieving. Nichole, we believe in you—whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve.
Contact us at 888.313.7916 or advertising@egpublishing.com for pricing by May 15.
TELEHEALTH TIPS CONNECTED TO COVID-19 By Dr. Anne Docimo, Identify Available Resources: To Understand Likely Next Steps: Dur- care providers offering telehealth may Chief Medical Officer, find telehealth resources, check with ing a telehealth visit, care providers be currently experiencing a surge in UnitedHealthcare your care provider group, health can give general medical advice to appointments. benefit plan or employer. Nearly nine evaluate possible COVID-19 symptoms AS THE NUMBER OF COVID-19 out of 10 employers offer telehealth (fever, dry cough or difficulty breath- Access Other Health Services: While CASES CONTINUE TO MOUNT, visits to their employees, as do many ing). While diagnostic testing services elective health care procedures may be MANY ARIZONANS MAY BE CON- Medicare and Medicaid health plans are not available through a telehealth delayed to help enable care providers to SIDERING WHERE TO GO FOR (in some cases by telephone), and visit to help confirm a diagnosis for focus on COVID-19 cases, telehealth CARE IF THEY DEVELOP POTEN- 76% of hospitals connect patients and COVID-19 (if needed), care provid- may help people more effectively manTIAL SYMPTOMS. One important – care providers using video or other ers can help guide patients to a local age other health issues without the need yet potentially overlooked – resource is technology. In some cases, people care provider or public health authority to go out and risk potential exposure to telehealth, which may enable people to can access telehealth visits without for testing and follow-up care. Mak- the virus. Telehealth can help address connect 24/7 with a health care provider cost sharing. Since the outbreak ing these connections may help people myriad medical issues, including alvia a digital device and avoid potential emerged, some health plans are now take the appropriate steps in advance lergies, pinkeye, fevers, rashes and the exposure risks associated with in-per- encouraging patients to use telephone of an in-person test, which may help regular flu. In addition, so much time at son trips to health care facilities. or live videoconferencing (if available) reduce the risk of your exposure and home can also contribute to behavioral to connect people with local network possible exposure to other patients and health issues, so people should consider Telehealth may be especially helpful medical providers, waiving all cost health care providers. For other ill- telehealth as a resource to connect with as an initial option for medical advice sharing for COVID-19 related visits. nesses (not COVID-19 related) that are a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist. related to COVID-19 and to help evalu- This is especially important for people treatable with medications, telehealth Importantly, people who experience ate other possible health issues, as well with certain complex conditions, such care providers can write prescriptions a significant or serious medical issue as to assist the 20% of the U.S. popula- as diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, and discuss how to obtain them safely, should go to the emergency room. tion that lives in rural areas. To help as it may enable them to “see” their such as using medication home delivery people more effectively take advantage own physician for acute or follow- or drive-thru pickup at a local phar- By considering these tips, people in of this technology during the evolving up care related to their condition and macy. Due to the COVID-19 situation, Arizona may be able to more effectiveCOVID-19 situation, here are three tips help avoid potential exposure to the it is important to note that people may ly use telehealth resources to help stay to consider: coronavirus during an in-person visit. anticipate potential wait times, as some safe during these challenging times.
RESOURCES FOR ABUSE VICTIMS DURING COVID-19 Compiled by Michelle Talsma Everson for all of the U.S. and Canada,” shares immediate barriers keeping people in vides legally mandated victim notificaSavannah Harrelson, a spokesperson unsafe, abusive environments. They tion services as well as professional WHILE MANY ARE STAYING for the hotline. “We saw a 31 percent provide emergency cab rides, hotel level victim advocacy to misdemeanor WITHIN THEIR HOMES AND SHEL- increase in contacts to the hotline this accommodations, meals, storage and crime victims in the city of Scottsdale. TERING IN PLACE DUE TO THE March compared to March 2019, which moving companies. COVID-19 PANDEMIC, FOR SOME, is a result of the pandemic. We’ve The Childhelp National Child Abuse HOME IS THE LAST PLACE THEY received numerous calls about parental National Domestic Violence Hotline Hotline WANT TO BE. “Abuse is about power anxiety, concerns about staying at home thehotline.org/help childhelphotline.org and control. When survivors are forced with an abuser, and resource inqui- 1-800-799-7233 Calling or texting: 1-800-422-4453 to stay in the home or in close proxim- ries—all related to COVID-19.” For anyone who is experiencing do- Professional, degreed counselors offer ity to their abuser more frequently, an mestic violence, seeking resources or crisis intervention, information, and abuser can use any tool to exert control Below are some resources for victims information, or questioning unhealthy referrals to thousands of emergency, over their victim, including a national of abuse that are available during the aspects of their relationship. social service, and support resources. health concern such as COVID-19,” coronavirus epidemic. Of course, if it’s according to the National Domestic an emergency, call 911. New Life Center The Shelter Without Walls domestic Violence Hotline. “In a time where NewLifeCtr.org violence program at Jewish Family & companies may be encouraging that Chrysalis 24-hour crisis hotline: 623-932-4404 Children’s Service their employees work remotely, and the noabuse.org New Life Center is Arizona’s largest JFCSAZ.org/programs-services/domesCDC is encouraging social distancing, 24-hour crisis hotline: 602-944-4999 domestic violence shelter and serves tic-violence-victim-assistance an abuser may take advantage of an Services include: emergency shelter, more than 1,000 children and adults an- 602-452-4640 already stressful situation to gain more transitional housing, counseling, mobile nually through an emergency placement Addresses the unmet needs of Maricopa control.” victim advocacy, and more. and outreach support program. County survivors of domestic violence and their children, female or male, who And, it’s not just adult victims who Control Alt Delete Scottsdale Victim Services are residing outside of a shelter setting, suffer. “The Childhelp National Child dvcontrolaltdelete.org (contact form on ScottsdaleAZ.gov/victim-services and are struggling to attain and/or mainAbuse Hotline is headquartered here in website) 480-312-4226 tain safety and independence, whether Arizona, but it’s the child abuse hotline An organization that helps remove the The Victim Services Department pro- or not still living with their abuser.
CITY NEWS
HELPING OUR NORTH 32ND NEIGHBORS By Jody Cohen The main supporter of Klooster’s pantry is her 3-year-old successful. Klooster says that many neighbors have donated dried and canned beans and legumes, books, stuffed aniKlooster says, “We want to help our neighbors, especially those who don’t have access to food or don’t qualify for food banks, so that they don’t have to go into the stores.” The neighborhood pantry started the day after her husband’s job was furloughed, and like numerous other Americans in a similar situation, they were concerned about how they were going to provide for their family. Due to her son’s asthma and a newborn baby at home, they can’t shop as freely as they once could. However, she realized that they have what they need, while others may not. In order to share with others, Klooster immediately set up one shelving unit in their front yard and stocked it with extra items she and her son found in their house, like canned goods and paper products, and the pantry was born. Neighbors donate items daily and can converse with each other via Nextdoor.com. Recently, a Facebook page was created: North 32nd Little Free Pantries. son, who does most of the work, along with his dad. “On the AS COVID-19 CONTINUES TO WREAK HAVOC first day, he went into his room and picked out a few items he AROUND THE WORLD, IT’S ESPECIALLY HARD TO BE wanted to give,” Klooster says of her son. “Every morning at HOPEFUL. BUT A FAMILY IN NORTH PHOENIX HAS 8 a.m., he helps put out the pantry, and every night at 7 p.m., FOUND A POSITIVE WAY TO DEAL WITH THIS CRISIS. he helps put all of the items back in the garage.” Klooster Nellie Klooster, her husband and their toddler son have hood Pantry”; “Take what you need, Leave what you can” created a neighborhood “pantry” in their front yard on 24th and “Have a Blessed Day” so that people can quickly identify Street and Laurel Lane, and the response has been very the items. items in a short period of time, and it has built up so much Besides the pantry, Klooster says that she’s working on that they went from one small shelving unit to two shelving making an appreciation box for nearby firefighters. She’d units, bins, boxes, and a small table. Some donated items like to donate snacks, quick meals, and drinks, and have the include: health care and baby products, kids’ entertain- neighbors write thank you notes. And when the crisis passes, ment, snacks, treats, fresh eggs, herbs, citrus, canned goods, Klooster wants to work with schools and churches in the area juices, boxed goods like pasta, rice, grains and cereals, to create a free pantry and library. mals, housekeeping products, cat and dog food, cat litter, Klooster adds, “We want to send the message to everyone batteries, and water. that when you are able to share and give, to do so.”
added that her son also helped her make signs: “NeighborOther ways you can help and share in your neighborhood include: shopping and running errands for seniors and the disabled; making masks; and donating to other neighborhood pantries throughout the area. Some other fun ideas include teddy bear sightings in front windows, painted rocks in yards, and chalk sidewalk drawings to view while out walking for exercise while practicing social distancing.
Jody Cohen is a local freelance writer and an independent licensed and certified Medicare plans specialist and educator who specializes in helping Arizona seniors and the disabled understand the healthcare options available to them in the Medicare platform. She offers a complimentary, thorough needs analysis and reviews the most cost-efficient plan to ensure that medical needs are met with a preferred provider network, and prescription costs are kept to a minimum. Jody also helps her clients capture all the social programs available to them, and advocates to protect their rights. Jody can be contacted at jodycohen@outlook.com or 602-326-4264.
AREA FOOD BANKS AND LOCAL RESOURCES Whether you are in need, or in a position to help by donating, below is a list of local resources. Be sure to contact each location for more information, including specific hours of operation.
PARADISE VALLEY EMERGENCY FOOD BANK 602-867-9228 • 10862 N. 32nd St. pvefb.org Assistance available for those living within the boundaries of the Paradise Valley School District.
HARVEST COMPASSION CENTER 602-788-2444 • 4744 E. Thunderbird Rd., Ste. 9 harvestcompassioncenter.org
OASIS COMMUNITY CHURCH
602-494-9557 • 15014 N. 56th St., # 1
oasisphx.com MOM’S PANTRY
602-992-0083 • 13440 N. Cave Creek Rd.
momspantryphoenix.org
ST. MARY’S FOOD BANK 602-242-3663 • 2831 N. 31st Ave. firstfoodbank.org
OPERATION CARE
602-866-0135 • 1827 W. Grovers Ave. (Located in the white building behind the church.)
operationcarefoodbank.org JOY BUS DINER
602-595-5884 • 3375 E. Shea Blvd., C1
thejoybusdiner.com/donations
*Currently closed but continuing their meal delivery program to homebound cancer clients. Accepting monetary donations only at this time.
