The Kyrene Times, April 2023

Our Energy Future Depends on Us, So Let’s Get Involved!

By Erick O’Donnell

In 1819, toward the end of his illustrious life, Benjamin Franklin wrote, “Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

He may have been right, but certainty with respect to taxes is limited to the mere matter of their existence. Several important details about our tax system are uncertain and up for debate, including which public needs our tax money goes to and how quickly it gets there.

That’s why one of the co-owners, Michael O’Donnell, attended the Solar + Wind Finance and Investment Summit at the Arizona Biltmore last month, where he took the opportunity to conduct and record an impromptu interview with Derek Ganter, a community-relations official at the IRS. It was an enlightening conversation, and it reinforced the conviction that citizen participation will be essential to the success of America’s energy transition.

Ganter, director of the stakeholder liaison at the IRS, had spoken about his agency and how it was working to meet its obligations under the Inflation Reduction Act, the recently passed law that allocates a huge amount of resources—almost $400 billion in tax credits, grants, and loan guarantees—to renewable energy and other infrastructure needs, including rooftop solar. In the conversation, he emphasized the service-oriented mindset

his agency was taking toward the newly allocated IRS funds (which total about $80 billion and are expected to raise $124 billion in increased revenue).

“It’s needed for our agency, but more importantly, it’s needed for the country. We serve at the pleasure of the American taxpayer, and they deserve to get top-quality service. Now we have the wherewithal.”

Given the IRS’s central role as the link between legislative means and ends, it’s clear that good taxpayer service will indeed be indispensable to achieving the country’s ambitions for distributed solar power. Good service takes money, which is why the new funding, as controversial as it may be, will undeniably play a critical part in the country’s energy transition.

“It’s huge,” says Ganter. “It really helps cultivate that green economy that I think we’re all getting to at some point—but maybe it’s going to happen a little bit faster.”

Ganter’s comments reflect the fact that the IRS is at the center of America’s green-energy revolution, and this fact should be top of mind for anyone who has a stake in our nation’s transformation into a renewable-energy economy (which, is to say, everyone). Like many other public priorities addressed through our overloaded tax code, public financial support for renewable energy (including solar) is achieved in large part through tax credits, an approach that relies on individual initiative—from energy

consumers as well as investors—rather than direct construction of infrastructure by the government.

It’s a system with upsides and downsides, one of the downsides being the fact that low-income homeowners with no tax liability cannot easily make use of the credits. The upside—more flexibility and speed in deploying resources to where they’re needed— depends on the initiative and energy of the private sector, which is why it’s up to businesses and regular citizens to get engaged.

“That’s why I’m here,” Ganter says. “Because we want to make sure we get it right, and we want to leverage your expertise, your perspective on things. And so being able to build networks with you and others so we can learn how this should be done is important. And so, we’re looking forward to working with your industry more and more in the future so we can make sure we get it done right.”

About that expertise: as a sales and installation company with eight years in the solar-energy business, Sunsolar Solutions certainly does have a lot of hard-won knowledge to offer government agencies regarding the best ways to craft rules and processes (which is why the owners frequently engage the Arizona Corporation Commission in public hearings regarding utility rates and regulations).

But customers are experts as well.

Arizona homeowners and ratepayers with solar systems know from experience how to get qualified for credit and how to get project approval from their city and their utility. And they know how painful it was to see their energy costs rise year after year with little they could do to get them under control—until, that is, the option to harness their share of the sun’s rays came along.

That’s why everyone who owns a home or buys energy should get involved in the nitty-gritty of turning the law into specific rules. The IRS is getting close to finalizing its first wave of “guidance” for taxpayers to take advantage of clean-energy tax credits, a process that is shaped in part by public comments. The agency is still accepting written comments (the portal for electronically submitted comments is now closed), and it will be making more requests for comments in the future. We’ll be sure to cover those and let you know how to submit your ideas regarding future proposed rules and guidance.

Fortunately, Franklin’s intuition about the durability of the new constitution turned out to be right, which is why we can submit those ideas to begin with. Whether or not those ideas become reality is not as certain as death or taxes, but it’s worth a shot.

The experienced professionals at SUNSOLAR Solutions are ready to help you take control of your family’s energy future. Call today at 623-562-9009 to have a design prepared for your home free of charge!

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City News

411: The Latest Local News You Need to Know

THE NORTH SIDE OF KIWANIS PARK IS READY FOR A REFRESH!

Spring has sprung and new things are sprouting for Kiwanis Park. The city of Tempe wants your input and ideas for what residents want to see on the north side of the park (Baseline Road to Kiwanis Lake). Community members will choose their favorite inclusive play equipment and shade elements, playground themes, and amenities for a new dog park, while reviewing the selected layout for the area. The improvements are funded out of the city’s Capital Improvement Program budget, as part of the Parks Improvement Plan, which is reinvesting more than $60 million into Tempe parks over the next five years. Additional modifications or enhancements to other park amenities are not included in the budgeted amount. View an on-demand video and project details and comment online through April 9 at tempe.gov/government/community-services/parks/ parks-capital-improvements-plan/kiwanis-north-parkimprovements.

PAT’S RUN RETURNS TO THE SUN DEVIL STADIUM

APRIL 15

Photo courtesy of Tempe Tourism

Join head coach Kenny Dillingham and company at the 2023 Spring Football Game following Pat’s Run. Admission is free! For more information, visit pattillmanfoundation.org.

SANTAN GARDENS PRESENTS BEER, BOURBON, BARBEQUE, AND A BAND

support downtown Tempe merchants at the same time. Presented by the Downtown Tempe Authority, the fun, healthy, and safe event showcases “A” Mountain in Tempe (also known as Hayden Butte) as a convenient and accessible hiking destination, while giving participants the chance to support the Downtown Tempe community and compete for prizes.

To participate in the “A” Mountain Challenge, complete the registration online and pay an entry fee of $25. Your registration includes a special challenge t-shirt and access to the online portal where you will record your hikes. The more you climb “A” Mountain, the more prizes you will earn from downtown Tempe businesses. To sign up and for more information, visit runsignup. com/race/az/tempe/amountainchallenge.

Join the Pat Tillman Foundation for Pat’s Run for a 4.2mile course that winds through the streets of Tempe ending inside Sun Devil Stadium at the 42-yard line on April 15. All participants in the 4.2-mile event - in Tempe, at a Tillman Honor Run, or virtually - will receive a limited-edition Sport-Tek race shirt and the first in a three-medal series; kids’ race participants will receive a Sport Tek shirt and a prize. Arrive early! Wheelchair participants begin at 7 a.m., and the 4.2-mile run/walk begins at 7:05 a.m. The Kids’ Run starts at 10 a.m.

On April 15, SanTan Gardens presents Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque, and a Band with a pig roast and food from the SanTan Brewing food truck from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music by J.D. Graham, Jim Bachmann, and The Cole Trains, along with an array of tasty eats including pulled pork sandwiches, chopped brisket, chipotle bacon cheeseburgers, and more. Advance tickets are $18 and $25 on the day of the event. SanTan Gardens is located at 495 E. Warner Rd., Chandler. For more information, visit santanbrewing.com/events.

Test your limits by participating in the “A” Mountain Challenge, running through April 30. Challenge yourself to climb “A” Mountain, earn exciting rewards, and

Chandler Unified School District’s most gifted artists put their work on display for the community to experience in this annual showcase. The burgeoning artists from Basha, Hamilton, Perry, Arizona College Prep, Casteel, and Chandler high schools display their talents and viewpoints through paintings, drawings, sculptures, jewelry, and photographs. With more than 100 works on display, there is always something for everyone in this exhibition. Student artwork is on display for free from April 19 to May 10 at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. For more information, visit visiongallery.org/event/cusd-annualshowcase.

“A” MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE

CUSD ANNUAL SHOWCASE EXHIBITION OPENING Photo courtesy of Vision Gallery

City News

C2 Tactical’s Tempe Location Celebrates 10 Years

Safety, education, disaster preparation, and overlanding courses offer something extra to popular gun range.

Photos courtesy of C2 Tactical

WHAT MAKES A FORMER BROKER LEAVE HIS JOB TO PURSUE THE DREAM OF OPENING A GUN RANGE? A lot of passion and an urge to do something different.

When C2 Tactical’s managing member Vince Vasquez left his job, he knew he was headed in the direction of pursuing something in recreation and education surrounding firearms. He started at Caswell’s in Mesa after asking how he could get lessons for free. The staff said, why don’t you work here? He joined in the early 2000s and by 2009 had purchased the facility.

“About 11 or 12 years ago, my business partners and I wondered how we could bring fun experience and service for all ages and types of people to the Tempe area - including an emphasis on education,” says Vasquez.

Thus, the indoor gun range C2 Tactical was born off Warner Road near the 101 highway and bright blue and yellow Ikea.

“We tried to make sure as we built our facility that we could present something new and desirable,” says Vasquez. “Most traditional gun stores are male dominated.”

This spring, C2 Tactical celebrated a decade in business but some traditions are older. Back at Caswells, Vasquez and friends applied and received grant funding from National Shooting Sports Foundation for residents that didn’t feel they had access to courses.

“We came up with a women-only group and a fun name, Women of Steele,” he says. “Grant funding ran out but it’s so popular we still offer the program.”

Women of Steel is still enjoyed by residents at both the Tempe and Scottsdale location, which opened two years ago. Held at each location once a month, over 700 women attend these educational classes. The ladies attend to practice shooting, see their friends, and learn about topics such as shotguns, rifles, TASER, and non-lethal force.

“The TASER course was really popular,” says Vasquez. “Most programs run 45 minutes. This lasted over two hours.”

Since 2013, C2 Tactical has doubled the type of educational courses offered. This now includes family firearm safety, realtor safety courses, and disaster preparation courses that deal with questions such as, what would you do if you had no water supply? How can you keep safe from EMP?

In fall 2022, the team expanded to offering the C2 Overland website.

“We wanted to bring educational classes to the outdoors folks who love camping or four-by-four,” says Vasquez. “It’s about the journey and experience. C2 Tactical focuses on firearms, while C2 Overland is more about awareness of hiking, camping, and communicating - as well as first aid. It’s what self-defense looks like in the wild.”

The website c2overland.com offers advice for camping and hiking equipment and advice on trail tactics, safety, and self- defense tools.

For residents who are looking to keep safe in everyday life, what can they prepare for? Vasquez says it comes down to one main idea - awareness.

“What’s happening around you, in the world, or in your location?” asks Vasquez. “That’s the main focus, whether you’re walking your dog, going to school, or at the drive thru. It’s important to be attentive to what’s around you. You can never lose a fight if you don’t have to.”

Monthly membership is $19 with unlimited free range time. For more information about C2 Tactical, please visit c2tactical.com.

•

•

• Flexible schedules 7 days/week

• Servicing the East and West Valley

• Take the driving test with us, in our car. Avoid the MVD!

• Instructors are highly trained, ADOT certified, FBI background checked (and extremely patient!)

“Anna has been instrumental in helping manage my autoimmune chronic pain and fatigue. She is truly a miracle worker and I am incredibly grateful for her.”

“Anna worked on my Rotator Cu , my Hip, and the Neuropathy in my feet. All of these have shown signi cant improvement. I recommend Anna to everyone I come in contact with.” J.K.

Head to the first Tempe Business Roadshow

TEMPE IS ON THE WAY TO BRING YOU INFORMATION TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS

SUCCEED! Join the city for a free update on all things Tempe tailored to your part of the city on Fri., April 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• City programs

• Park and road improvement projects in your area

• Hot topics such as homelessness

• Business grants, programs, resources, and education opportunities

Foodie FriYAY

Head to Tempe Beach Park for end-of-the-work-week festivities!

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT? Put a little “Yay!” in your Fridays with the Foodie Fri-YAY event series! Start your weekends in April from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with new and exciting food options from the around the Valley. Head to Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., every Friday for a rotating truck lineup, live music from area musicians, and beer and wine options from local breweries for ages 21 and up. The bar is cashless and accepts card payments only. Free blankets and games are available to rentwhile supplied last. Upcoming dates include April 7, April 14, April 21, and April 28. For more information, visit downtowntempe.com/events/foodie-friyays.

Visit

• Downtown Tempe economic impacts

• Tourism and hospitality impacts update

The event is free. Coffee and breakfast treats will be served. This informative event is brought to local businesses by the city of Tempe, Downtown Tempe Authority, Tempe Chamber of Commerce, and Tempe Tourism Office. The Tempe Business Roadshow will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn at University Research Park, 7290 S. Price Rd. RSVP by April 7 by visiting tempe.gov/government/ economic-development/business-events/tempebusiness-roadshow.

City News

Volunteer with City Homeless Outreach Specialists.

HOPE is committed to offering support to the homeless.

Photos courtesy of HOPE

TEMPE IS COMMITTED TO ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHO ARE HOMELESS OR AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS BY CONNECTING THEM TO HOUSING AND SOCIAL SERVICES THROUGH THEIR HOMELESS OUTREACH PROGRAM EFFORT (HOPE).

The city has invested heavily to serve

those in need and is committed to making homelessness a rare, brief, and one-time experience in the community. To do that, the city offers a comprehensive system of support that includes street outreach, case management, connection to social services, crisis response, mental health resources, emergency and transitional shelter, and housing.

Led by Human Services staff, the city

takes an interdepartmental approach with simultaneous and layered strategies to meeting needs. In addition, Tempe relies on strong partnerships with Tempe Community Council, nonprofit organizations, the business community, Arizona State University, residents, and others.

The HOPE team is looking for volunteers with a passion for learning more about homelessness and assisting them out in

the field. Volunteers are needed to work alongside the HOPE team. The process begins with shadowing, so no formal experience is needed. All volunteers must be 18 years and older, fingerprinted and complete an application. There will be an interview conducted with those interested, along with an orientation and training. To learn more, visit tempe.gov/government/ human-services/housing-services/ ending-homelessness.

Local Businesses Invited to Free Workshop on Procurement Process

Learn how to identify, compete for, and win city and state government contracts.

INTERESTED IN WINNING MORE GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS? The city of Chandler’s Economic Development Division and Management Services Department are partnering with the Arizona Department of Administration to host a free workshop for small and mid-size businesses interested in learning about the city and state procurement processes.

The lunch and learn workshop will take place on Thurs., April 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Cambria Phoenix-Chandler Fashion Center Hotel, 3165 W. Frye Rd., Chandler.

“Small and mid-size businesses play such an important role in our community,” says Councilmember OD Harris. “Providing them with the knowledge and resources to compete for government contracts is one way to show our support and help them succeed.”

The workshop will include a series of presentations with a focus on doing business in the city of Chandler, the importance and benefits of registering your business, and expert tips to help your business prepare for and win local and state government contracts.

HERE'S WHAT YOU WILL LEARN BY ATTENDING THIS LUNCH AND LEARN WORKSHOP:

Economic Development Division

City of Chandler Economic Development Director Micah Miranda will provide an overview on the city’s employment corridors and insight on business resources available to those looking to start, grow, or expand their business within city limits.

Management Services

City of Chandler Revenue and Tax Manager Danielle Wells will provide an overview on the city’s Business

Registration program and a step-by-step guide for one to register a business. City of Chandler Purchasing & Material Manager Christina Pryor will provide an overview on the city’s procurement process and how businesses can become approved vendors and win city of Chandler contracts/request for proposals.

Arizona Department of Administration

Deputy Assistant Director of Operations and Amber Holmes, Procurement Analyst & Cooperative Program Manager Jill Pernice will provide an overview of the state of Arizona’s procurement process and how businesses can become approved vendors to compete for state contracts and request for proposals.

The workshop is free to attend, but registration is required. Interested businesses may view the event agenda and register online at http://bit.ly/3LCfXuC.

Dinner on the Desert Enjoy dining under the stars at Desert Botanical Garden.

Photo courtesy of Desert Botanical Garden

DINNER ON THE DESERT 2023 BLENDS THE EXQUISITE BEAUTY OF THE DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN WITH THE BOLD AND LYRICAL LARGE-SCALE SCULPTURES OF INTERNATIONAL ARTIST, ROTRAUT, TO CREATE A MEMORABLE EVENING.

Event co-chairs, Shoshana Tancer and Faye Kitchel, look forward to welcoming guests as they enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and the breathtaking art.

Back by popular demand is the garden’s signature in-person silent auction, where guests can bid on distinctive plants, pots and garden art, plus an array of exciting experiences.

Afterward, enjoy a thoughtfully prepared dinner that reflects the flavors of spring in the garden’s magical outdoor setting. The evening concludes with the farewell experience that promises to deliver a fun, flavorful, and entertaining departure.

Your participation in Dinner on the Desert supports the garden as the global leader in desert plant conservation and its mission to advance excellence in education, research, and exhibition of desert plants.

For reservations or more information, contact Lindsi Baldwin at dod@dbg.org or call 480-481-8178.

City News Mercy C.A.R.E.S. to Support Tempe’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program

Photo courtesy of Mercy C.A.R.E.S.

OVER THE NEXT YEAR, THE LAST OF THE BABY BOOMERS WILL TURN 60. Unlike their parents, “Boomers” have higher divorce rates, more disrupted family structures, fewer children, and many live far from family members. As a result, an increasing number of low-income elderly Tempe residents will need help to meet their basic and other needs.

Enter the Tempe Community Action Agency Neighbors Helping Neighbors program.

“Neighbors Helping Neighbors helps vulnerable older adults in Tempe by

addressing barriers that impact their ability to remain independent at home as they grow older including poverty, food insecurity, chronic health issues and mobility limitations, and isolation or loneliness,” says Megan Wilson, director of development at the Tempe Community Action Agency.

The program, according to Wilson, is based on the national “Village” concept, which trains neighbors to be volunteer aides for older adults who lack support networks so they can remain safely in the home and community they love as they age. It provides resource navigation, home visits, access to nutritious meals and food boxes, AHCCCS and SNAP

enrollment assistance, transportation, care for pets, light home and yard upkeep, and social support for a growing population of older adults who lack the finances and safety net to live independently as they age.

“There are no other programs in Tempe that offer free comprehensive in-home services for low-income, aging adults, making Neighbors Helping Neighbors unique and unduplicated in our community,” says Wilson. “In addition, we have found that 80% of participants report the support provided by the program helps them to continue to live independently.”

Understanding the need for enhanced

support, Mercy Care recently announced Neighbors Helping Neighbors as a recipient of a $60,000 Mercy C.A.R.E.S. Community Reinvestment Grant.

Mercy C.A.R.E.S. stands for Community Action Resources Education and Service and is Mercy Care’s community giving initiative.

“Mercy Care is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all Arizonans. Through Mercy C.A.R.E.S, we partner with organizations that advance health equity and further the vision that everyone, particularly those who are underserved with complex health needs, deserves to live a healthier life, and achieve their full potential,” says Trisha Stuart, Mercy Care director of community relations.

Through grant funding, sponsorships, volunteer efforts, and board participation, Mercy C.A.R.E.S. supports AHCCCS’ Whole Person Care Initiative, which addresses social risk factors to improve health outcomes.

“Each year, grants are awarded to strategic projects, with measurable outcomes, that demonstrate tangible, positive impact to the community and align with one of Mercy Care’s community health focus areas, which are managing chronic conditions, supporting mental health and well-being, addressing housing security, and empowering recovery from substance use,” says Stuart.

According to Wilson, the grant will directly support 150 older adults in Tempe, 30 of whom will receive a Claris Companion Tablet, internet access, and accompanying training by case managers, with the goal to reduce their feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression through connectivity.

Since 2016, the Mercy C.A.R.E.S. Community Reinvestment grant program has invested nearly $15 million in local organizations.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors group grocery shopping service.

Neighbors Hello Neighbor!

in the weeks ahead. I love what I do and wouldn’t change a thing about it!

MY FAMILY IS… my husband Steve, who is a remarkable educator and currently works at Connolly Middle School (which he also attended); our daughter Haley, who is finishing up her master’s program at ASU; and, our chocolate lab, Zonk. My in-laws (mother, father, sister, and brother) all live very close by as well, which is one of my great joys.

ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… family time. I married into a very large family, and while we don’t all gather as often as I would like, I couldn’t imagine not being able to see each other as frequently and easily as we all do.

HI, MY NAME IS…

Nicole Spracale.

I’VE LIVED IN TEMPE/CHANDLER FOR 27 YEARS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… there are so many places to gather, shop, and dine.

A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE

INCLUDES… getting up early to enjoy some coffee and plan out my day before my husband and daughter both head out the door. I work from home with clients and colleagues on both coasts, and tend to jump between zoom calls, chats, and emails throughout my day. By the time everyone gets home, I’ve probably gone through about six to eight meetings, several dozens of emails, and many online conversations and joint team plans for the initiatives we want to accomplish

MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY IS… “The Notebook.” The story is so beautiful, and James Garner reminds me of Dad. Something about how he looks in the last few scenes, and the way he was so devoted to the character of Allie, it brings me the best memories of my parents.

WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… an actress on the Broadway stage.

THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… Oh goodness, this is hard because I always mess up the words! I absolutely would want to pick a song that others can come up on stage with me so when I mess up, I have friends next to me for the recovery! Right now, I’m feeling “American Pie” or “Piano Man.”

THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… a tough one. I’m really motivated by both my daughter and my husband. Thinking of either one is all I need to push through when I hit a tough spot. I always want to do my best for them both.

THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… spelling is one my greatest challenges in life. A friend of mine sent me a meme that read, “I’m a strong, intelligent, college educated woman ...” and then showed the person spelling out “Wed-nes-day.”

Way too funny and true … I always have to spell it out that way, and I have zero problem admitting it! I laughed very hard.

THE PERFECT DAY IS… getting up early and enjoying a cup of coffee on the couch with my dog, then reading the news. Then I’ll head to a farmers market with my daughter. I love walking around with her to buy vegetables and fruits fresh for the week. We’ll choose someplace for a nice breakfast, and head over to pick up a few other items from the market. Then I’ll spend the next few hours in my happy place - my kitchen. Cooking different dishes for the week ahead brings me so

much joy, especially if I can share some of it with friends and family. When I’m done, I’ll get to read for a little bit or maybe listen to a podcast that I’ve set aside. Then we’ll head out for a nice family dinner, often trying a new restaurant we haven’t been to before. Then we’ll come home and enjoy time together before bed. It sounds rather simple, and I really enjoy the moments of being together and sharing time.

MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… Tempe Community Council, which is focused on helping connect those in need with those who care.

MY LIFE IS… amazing. I am lucky to have a loving family, great friends, work that energizes me and keeps me challenged. And, while I continue to push to see what more I can do, or accomplish, I’m beyond grateful for each day.

MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… a few summers back I got to go to Milan, Italy, for the first time. It’s so beautiful. I would love to go back to Italy and spend time in Tuscany and explore more of the Italian countryside. To see the architecture, hear stories of people past and present, how they live their lives, eat the food and drink the wine, that all sounds like an amazing dream to me.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… don’t be so afraid of failing that you wind up being afraid of success. Part of being successful is making mistakes and failing. If the need to get it right, and not fail becomes too big, you stop taking the chances necessary to go big after success too.

Community

Cultural Connection For volunteers and hospice patients, Spanish is their love language.

By Lin Sue Flood

Photo courtesy of Hospice of the Valley Jacobo

Dieppa’s fondest memory is spending time with family and friends in the Cuban household in Miami where he grew up.

Now living with his only daughter, Elena, in Phoenix, the 91-year-old Hospice of the Valley patient still yearns to be around people. That’s why both are so grateful for Brian Robles, a Spanish-speaking volunteer who visits every week. His companionship lifts the spirits of Dieppa and gives Elena a break from being a full-time caregiver.

“It’s made a huge difference. Without this socialization, my father would be depressed,” Elena shares. “He loves his volunteer!”

Robles started volunteering eight years ago, after a close relative received compassionate care from the nonprofit hospice. “I liked Hospice of the Valley’s mission and holistic approach,” he recalls. “There is tremendous value in the services provided for families on a hospice journey.”

Though he was born in the U.S., Robles lived in Guatemala until middle school. “Spanish is my first language and is at the forefront of my identity.” When a patient like Dieppa, who can speak English, requests a Spanish-speaking volunteer, Robles feels honored to provide support in his patient’s native language.

“I know that Jacobo is craving that cultural connection,” Robles says.

Despite his full-time job and juggling the demands of a growing family, the new Valley homeowner has found a way to carve out a few hours each week to be there for Dieppa. “This kind of service is badly needed in the Hispanic community,” Robles shares. “And volunteering

has been very grounding. Every patient is different, there’s always something to learn.”

The relationship between volunteer and patient is a two-way street. On a recent visit, Dieppa shared some parenting advice with 32-year-old Robles, who will be a first-time dad soon. The two have grown close.

“Brian is a really good guy with a big heart,” Dieppa reflects. “I love his company. I treat him like family.”

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Hospice of the Valley’s Hispanic volunteer program matches monolingual and bilingual volunteers with Spanish-speaking patients to offer companionship and respite.

Information: Contact volunteer coordinator Elizabeth Avina at eavina@hov.org or 602-636-2258.

Grand Canyon Council Presents the First Annual Class of “Scouts of the Year”

The Grand Canyon Council (GCC), an independent nonprofit organization chartered by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in Arizona, is excited to honor four outstanding Scouts who have made a distinct impact in the community through leadership, citizenship, Scout spirit, heroism, or community service with the inaugural 2022 Scouts of the Year.

The selected honorees will be awarded the distinction of Scout of the Year at a public event this spring. The awarded youth, Emma Hirning, Lola Money, Sergio Joel Rivera-Orbegoso, and Mason Takeushi will represent GCC throughout the year and be involved in council events and executive board meetings.

Money, from Troop 3014, joined the Scouts in 2019. She was selected as a GCC Scout of the Year for her strong leadership skills and involvement in her troop as senior patrol leader. She is currently working on her Eagle Scout project, making tangible efforts to restore Papago Park by pruning existing plants, removing invasive species, as well as planting more native plants in the aquatic areas. Her goal is to increase the biodiversity within the park, to improve the area for wildlife, and people.

Rivera-Orbegoso is a devoted Scout from Troop 172, who is also involved in martial arts. This past year, he attended National Youth Leadership Training where he has learned how to stay focused, physically fit, and delegate, in addition to communication and teamwork.

Hirning helped form Troop 9142, on the day girls were invited to join Scouting in 2019. For her Eagle Scout project, she filmed, produced, and published an informative video to increase awareness of the Anonymous Alerts app used in her school district to decrease bullying threats. After sharing this video with her peers, the usage of the app increased by 520% within a year.

Takeushi, from Troop 7031, is a part of the Governor’s Youth Commission to help provide youth with better opportunities across the state of Arizona. He uses his communication and leadership skills to help gain better access to education for Arizona’s children.

“This is the Grand Canyon Council’s first

year of hosting nominations and selecting Scouts for this prestigious award,” says GCC Scout Executive/CEO Andy Price. “We are very impressed with these youth and look forward to making the Scouts of the Year Award an annual tradition.”

For more information, visit grandcanyonbsa.org. Youth looking to join Scouting can visit beascout.org to learn more.

Hospice of the Valley volunteer Mark Robles (left) has been a

steady presence and source of joy in patient Jacobo

Dieppa’s life.

Photo courtesy of Grand Canyon Council

Community Play Ball! Local mom creates solution for youth sports.

By Gretchen Pahia

Kids and sports go together like peanut butter and jelly. And often the biggest cheerleaders and support are the moms and dads behind those young athletes.

Valley mom Tori Hauser is no exception and she decided to not only support in the background but stand up and do something to help her son and his baseball teammates. Hauser’s son Liam plays for the Tempe South Little League and the bats her son must carry in his pack to practice were causing issues –dinging everything from cars to windows and walls, as well as something a bit more dangerous - heads.

Hauser was on a mission to not only make Liam’s life a little easier, but to make her baseball mom life, and the lives of all other baseball moms and dads, not so much of a struggle all the time.

She says that she knew there had to be a better way of transporting the gear her son needed for practice and games, so she created one on her own. “ReadyBat is a cushioned cover that goes over the handle of a bat. Because bat handles stick out of kids’ backpacks, it keeps cars from being dinged, heads from being bonked, and windows from being cracked. A ReadyBat bat cover also has a hook on the end and a texturized inside for grip so that it can be hung on

a fence, backpack, or in the off-season, can easily be stored at home.”

For Liam, ReadyBat isn’t just about ease but comfort as well. “I don’t have to worry about denting my mom’s car now, so I guess it takes away pre-game stress. I also like to use it to hang my bats up on the fence at the batting cage.”

ReadyBat is a family affair too, meaning not just Tori is involved. “I’m a designer with a background in advertising, so I handle those parts. My husband, Chris, supports the business by doing the more administrative side.”

The family lives in the Kyrene area, with Liam attending school in the Kyrene

School District. “We have two cute dogs that we like to walk around our neighborhood. We like our little corner of businesses on Warner and Rural and frequent Ghost Ranch, Postino, and Craftsman often. I’m also a member of One Tribe Yoga,” she says.

When it came to creating ReadyBat, for Hauser, it wasn’t just about creating something for her own son, but something everyone in her community and other communities just like hers could use to better assist in daily training for a very popular sport. Right now, the product can be found at readybat.com. For questions regarding the product, you can email Tori at info@readybat.com.

Veterans’ Donation Fund Large Grant Winners

The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (ADVS) recently announced the 2023 Veterans’ Donation Fund (VDF) Large Grant winners!

THE 13 ARIZONA ORGANIZATIONS AWARDED 2023 VDF LARGE GRANTS, TOTALING $729,575 INCLUDE: Arizona Warrior Hockey Charities (awarded $75,000): Helps improve the quality of life for disabled veterans (PTSD/TBI) through sports and physical activity. They hold regularly scheduled skates every Sunday at 7 p.m. at AZ Ice Arcadia. info@ azwarriorhockey.org

Ayuda Smiles for Veterans (awarded $55,000): Provides veterans with dental care. smilesforveterans. org

Brain Injury Alliance (awarded $45,500): Brain Injury Alliance provides advocacy, education, information, support, and resources, while promoting brain injury prevention. biaaz.org

Cochise Serving Veterans (awarded $75,000): Provides a transitional assistance program, addressing veteran healthcare, homelessness, housing and basic needs, employment, food insecurities, clothing, transportation, utilities, and financial counseling. chochisevets.org

Duet Partners in Health & Aging (awarded $75,000): Partnering with the Arizona Caregiver Coalition, Unlimited Potential, and the So’Tsoh Foundation to help Arizona veterans and their families regain hope and build resilience when confronting the complexities of caring for individuals with dementia, traumatic brain injuries, or other cognitive challenges. duetaz.org

EMPACT – Suicide Prevention Center (awarded

$47,250): Provide 315 sponsored training days designed to increase access to mental health care and prevent suicide for Arizona’s Veterans. lafronteraempact.org

Fresh Start Women’s Foundation (awarded $50,000): Support services in organization’s Impact Program, which offers women veterans a holistic, personalized pathway to self-sufficiency. freshstartwomen.org

Heard Museum (awarded $25,000): To support the Heard Museum’s annual Veterans Day Celebration and Sunset Tribute. Will also fund an artist’s workshop for Arizona’s Native American Veterans. heard.org

Justa Center (awarded $54,600): Aims to create intervention and provide housing support to older veterans 55+. Program removes street-level barriers for veterans in extended homelessness who are or will be transitioning to independent living. justacenter.org

Law College Association UofA (awarded $45,000): The Veterans’ Advocacy Law Clinic at Arizona Law provides pro bono legal services to veterans. The only law school clinic in Arizona whose clientele are exclusively veterans and service members. law. arizona.edu/clinics/veterans-advocacy-law-clinic

Merging Vets and Players (awarded $57,225): Supporting the mental health of veterans in the greater Phoenix area and Maricopa County through a unique peer-to-peer programming. vetsandplayers.org/ locations/phoenix

Power Paws Assistance Dogs (awarded $50,000): Provides trained mobility assistance and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) dogs for veterans, as well as training for the veterans to become primary trainers.

Assistance dogs train to calm their handler, help them deal with stressful situations, and wake them from night terrors. azpowerpaws.org

U.S. Vets – Prescott (awarded $75,000): Support long-term supportive housing units across the Prescott and Prescott Valley areas covering a portion of the operating costs such as maintenance and repairs, transportation, property management, case management, and more. usvets.org/locations/ prescott

To learn more about the Arizona Veterans’ Donation Fund visit dvs.az.gov/services/financial-assistance/ donation-fund.

Veterans Dental Day at Midwestern University

Midwestern University dentists and students will provide free dental services on Fri. April 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for U.S. military veterans who are unable to afford care. Services may include exams, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, crowns, extractions, or implant consultations. A copy of your Arizona driver license with veteran designation, DD214, or other discharge document is required. To register, visit midwestern.edu/about/mwu-now/ events/veterans-dental-day-x63285.

Cover Story

TIPS TO ENHANCING YOUR FARMERS MARKET EXPERIENCE!

By Julie Murphree, Arizona Farm Bureau

Whether a veteran of your local farmers market or trying one out for the first time this weekend, Arizona Farm Bureau with the help of Denise Logan, farmers market manager for Arizona Community Farmers Markets, provides a series of practical tips to enhance your farmers market experience.

1. COME EARLY. For best selection of produce, arrive first thing so that you have first choice on the variety of produce you’ll see at your farmers market.

2. BRING CHANGE AND SMALL BILLS. Though more and more markets are set up to take credit cards, carrying cash is a must.

3. TALK TO THE GROWERS. Ask the grower what’s new and how do they use their product (any recipes?). In fact, a farmers market is probably the best environment to chat with your farmers and ranchers. They want to share their stories and they love to explain their production methods. You’ll be surprised at the invaluable information on even the most common fruits and vegetables.

4. ASK ABOUT SAFETY PROTOCOLS. Ask the growers you meet if they have employed any safety practices to ensure the safety of their produce. Many growers have engaged what is known in the industry as “best management practices.”

5. BRING YOUR OWN BAGS. Some growers also recycle shopping bags. Remember to wash your bags regularly.

6. BRING A COOLER. Some smart produce shoppers bring a cooler on wheels to keep the produce fresh until it gets home.

7. DRESS FOR THE WEATHER. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring drinking water.

8. DECOMPRESS AND MINGLE! Markets are a great way to decompress and mingle with your neighbors!

9. USE THE MARKET AS A PLACE TO PLAN YOUR MEAL. Go to the market and get inspired. Learn to shop and eat “seasonally.”

10. BUY A NEW ITEM OCCASIONALLY. Ask the person next to you or the producer to give you some ideas on how to use it. Or trust your intuition and take it home, taste it raw, steam, roast, and grill or stir-fry whatever is in season. This is one of the keys to creative cooking.

11.GET THE KIDS INVOLVED. Give them a few dollars and let them buy whatever produce they want and will eat. It’s a great way to make eating fruits and vegetables an enjoyable experience.

12. USE YOUR SENSES TO FIND THE BEST ITEMS. Smell, touch (gently), and taste.

13. BRING A FRIEND TO THE MARKET. Turn someone else on to the rich satisfaction that can be found through the food and community at the Farmers Market.

LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS

AHWATUKEE FARMERS MARKET

4700 E. Warner Rd., Phoenix

Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

(Closed 4/9/23 for Easter)

arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets.com/ ahwatukee-farmers-market

The Ahwatukee Farmers Market offers fresh, local, seasonal produce, herbs, flowers, value added foods, fresh baked goods, natural meats, and seafood, as well as local arts and crafts.

DOWNTOWN CHANDLER FARMERS MARKET

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler

Saturdays Through May, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Downtown Chandler Farmers Market features dozens of local farmers, gourmet food vendors, and artisans.

DOWNTOWN MESA FARMERS MARKET

One E. Main St., Mesa

Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

dtmesafarmersmarket.com

The Downtown Mesa Farmers Market is a nonprofit organization, managed by the Downtown Mesa Association, established to answer a call from the community for fresh, local produce, to create a familyfriendly experience, and to help support and foster new and existing small businesses.

GILBERT FARMERS MARKET

Downtown Gilbert, West of the Water Tower

Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The market features local, chemical-free, organic produce from many local farmers, farm fresh eggs, meat, cheese, bread, sweets, coffee and tea, sauces, seasonings, and many other locally made artisan products.

GREENHOUSE GARDENS

13103 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler

Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon facebook.com/greenhousegardensaz

This south Chandler working farm features a weekly farmers market specializing in seasonal vegetables, fruit, and herbs grown chemical-free, with no pesticides.

OCOTILLO FARMERS MARKET

2577 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler

Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Closed 4/9/23 for Easter)

arizonacommunityfarmersmarkets.com/ ocotillo-farmers-market

The Ocotillo Farmers Market offers fresh, local, seasonal produce, herbs, flowers, fresh baked goods, natural meats, seafood, and local arts and crafts.

POWER ROAD FARMERS MARKET

4011 S. Power Rd., Mesa

Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. powerrdfarmersmarket.com

Power Road is a small, family-owned produce and specialty farmers market with a strong commitment to local farmers and local vendors.

TEMPE FARMERS MARKET

805 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe

Open daily, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. tempefarmersmarket.com

This neighborhood market offers a selection of basic groceries, locally owned fruit and produce, Arizona specialty products, vegan/vegetarian items, gluten-free products, and more.

Dates and times are subject to change, please visit the Farmers’ Market websites for the most up-to-date information.

Education

The Phoenix IDA and Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corporation Fund the Verma and Ed Pastor College Scholarship

Maricopa County students with financial need encouraged to apply.

As part of the community-focused missions of both the Phoenix IDA and the Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corporation (PCDIC), the organizations are jointly funding the Verma and Ed Pastor Scholarship, which was established in 2018 as the PCDIC Scholarship Fund but renamed in 2019 to honor the late Ed Pastor, who was the first Mexican-American elected to Congress in Arizona, and his wife, Verma.

The Pastors served as instrumental figures in their Phoenix community and inspired multiple generations of people dedicated to public service and community leadership. Ed Pastor was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Arizona State University.

The Verma and Ed Pastor Scholarship supports postsecondary education for students with financial need attending an accredited public college or university

in Maricopa County and pursuing any field of study. Students must be enrolled full time, and the scholarship gives preference to high school seniors, first-time college students, and re-entry students ages 26 and younger who currently reside in Maricopa County.

“By making higher education more accessible to underserved populations, we’re strengthening local communities and educating future leaders. Since the scholarship first launched in 2018, 264 students have received scholarships totaling more than $2 million,” says Juan Salgado, CEO of the Phoenix IDA. “Last year alone, 59 new students received scholarships, and our scholarship funding totaled $580,000.”

Maple Waldron is a current Verma and Ed Pastor scholarship recipient who is attending Arizona State University and majoring in education. “Before receiving

Enter the Student Art Contest for Law Day

this scholarship, I had to work 40 hours a week while enrolled in school full time,” she says. “Now I work part time and I can attend classes in person, which has given me more confidence and connections to my fellow students and professors.”

Award amounts are $2,500 for one academic year at a two-year college and $5,000 at a public university, and the scholarship can be renewed for one additional year if students are in good standing and maintain the required grade point average.

Those interested in the scholarship should apply online by May 1 at azfoundation.org/scholarship-seekers.

Dolores Huerta Scholarship Winners

Photos courtesy of city of Tempe

Tempe Municipal Court invites Tempe and Kyrene school district students in fourth, fifth, and sixth grade to take part in the Law Day 2023 art contest. Students can draw, paint, sketch or create a collage depicting the importance of the United States Constitution as a cornerstone of democracy. Students can work alone or in groups of two.

Law Day is on May 1 and is a national celebration created by the American Bar Association. Every year a theme is chosen to educate students on the American legal system and how it contributes to our freedom. The Tempe Municipal Court takes part in the celebration every year.

The deadline to submit is April 14 and all entries will be displayed from May 2 through May 14 at Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave. Cash prizes will be presented to the winners. For more information, visit tempe.gov/lawday.

Congratulations to Katie Ritchie and Rohn Ragsdale for winning this year’s Dolores Huerta scholarships! The two Tempe high school students will receive $1,000 scholarships for their civic engagement, community organizing, and leadership. They will be honored during the annual Neighborhood Celebration on April 1 at Kiwanis Park, 5500 S. Mill Ave. The Neighborhood Celebration is an outdoor breakfast party with live music and fun. Awards are presented to the people who make Tempe’s neighborhoods the special places they are.

Dolores Huerta is a civil rights activist and

community organizer who has fought for labor rights and social justice for more than 50 years.

In 1962, she and Cesar Chavez founded the United Farm Workers union. She is credited with the rallying cry, “Si Se Puede!” She received the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award from President Bill Clinton in 1998. In 2012, President Barack Obama bestowed Dolores with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in our country. The civil rights leader will be 93 this year.

In 2019, the Tempe City Council passed a resolution formally declaring April 10 as Dolores Huerta Day.

Maple Waldron

Katie Ritchie, Rohn Ragsdale, and Dolores Huerta

Kids’ Corner

WE’VE LOST OUR MARBLES ACTIVITY FOCUSES ON PHYSICS

This activity will have you rolling! In this experiment, you’ll find that physics isn’t just for adults or older kids. With just a few simple items, students as young as preschoolers can learn and experiment with concepts like movement, momentum, force, energy, and speed to name a few. Starting with things you likely have around the house, this activity will help you understand the basics of more complicated scientific theories while playing with some of your favorite toys in the process.

YOU WILL NEED:

• Toilet paper roll

• Cardboard rectangles

• Different kinds of balls including:

• Marbles

• A bouncy ball

• A ping pong ball

• A golf ball

TRY THIS AT HOME!

1. Bring out the materials (tubes, rectangles, and various balls) and ask yourself “How can we use these to make the ball roll?”

2. Try putting the tubes together and talking about what happens when your child rolls the marbles through the materials.

3. Ask questions: What do you want to do with the materials? Why does the ball roll? What can you do to make the ball roll faster or slower? Does the ball roll faster or slower if its larger or heavier?

4. What other materials might be helpful for making a ball roll? If you set it on a book, or a table, does it roll differently than if it’s on carpet? What if you’re outside on grass?

5. Observe each time you change the conditions and note how it changes the speed of the ball.

Have fun and keep testing as often and in as many locations as you’d like!

Are you looking for more ways to learn about science? Visit Arizona Science Center! We have four levels of hands-on science exhibits and demonstrations unlike anywhere else in the state. Be sure to explore "Get Charged Up" on level two to explore the science of physics! For more information, please visit azscience.org.

Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, Chief Curiosity Officer at Arizona Science Center, and mom to daughter Carson (7). Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ SariOnScience.

APRIL HAPPENINGS

“CAUSE A SCENE,” A NIGHT OF IMPROVE-INSPIRED STAND-UP

When: April 6

Where: Mic Drop Mania, 51 E. Boston St., Chandler

What: “Cause a Scene” brings some of the best comedians in Arizona, from both the stand-up and improv worlds, together for a show unlike any other. Three of the hottest stand-ups in the Valley take the stage to bring the funny and serve as inspiration for a cast of improvisors, who will then create brand new scenes on the spot!

Info: micdropmania.com/ shows/201423

BACH IN THE COMMUNITY, CLASSICAL MUSIC INSIDE OUT

When: April 6

Where: Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, 1 E. Main St., Mesa

What: Mesa Arts Center’s Classical Music Inside Out series aims to broaden access to and appreciation for classical music with all ages through a diverse range of community engagements. Led by Artistic Director and Grammy-award winning cellist Zuill Bailey, the Classical Music Inside Out programs bring the sounds of classical music to schools, community groups, hospitals, and more

to Mesa and throughout the Valley. Info: mesaartscenter.com/ bachinthecommunity

BUNNY BALLOON BLAST

When: April 7 & 8

Where: Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale

What: Families are invited to experience hot air balloons, free candy for the kids, a free kids zone with tons of inflatables and rides, and tethered balloon rides. Info: saltriverfields.com/ bunnyballoonblast

AVONDALE KIDFEST

When: April 8

Where: Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix

What: This free outdoor event promises some high-flying fun and learning for the entire family in celebration of the Week of the Young Child. Enjoy entertainment, a Superhero 5K, splash pad, crafts, fishing, vehicle displays, food trucks, and more.

Info: avondaleaz.gov/government/ departments/parks-recreation/events/ kidfest

MARICOPA COUNTY FAIR

When: April 12 - 16

Where: Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix

What: The fair features the largest county fair carnival in Phoenix with over 35 rides, food offerings like Steve’s Flaming hot turkey legs, deep fried coffee, the Mac Doggie Dog, and so much more. Like to shop? The shopping pavilion is filled with over 60 vendors plus there are over 25 more vendors outside. Agriculture and livestock are a part of the fair’s history and tradition and is a mainstay.

Info: maricopacountyfair.org

LOTERIA NIGHT 2023

When: April 13

Where: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix

What: Don’t miss the exclusive opportunity to play the iconic Mexican lotería game on a Desert Botanical Board tabla created by garden graphic designers! Win fun prizes, including a garden membership, plants, gift cards, and other special items. Enjoy an evening with rounds of lotería, cerveza, and food y más! Doors open at 7 p.m. Loteria starts at 7:30 p.m. Must be 21 or older to attend. Valid identification is required for entry to this event. No person under

the age of 21 will be admitted. Please arrive during your ticketed arrival window. Food and beverages available for purchase.

Info: dbg.org/explore/events

BUDS-A-PALOOZA 2023

When: April 14

Where: Downtown Phoenix, 5th St. and Garfield in Roosevelt Row

What: Building off the success of last year’s sold-out event, Buds-A-Palooza 2023 highlights the best of Southwest cannabis culture and lifestyle. Attendees will experience a captivating night of nonstop action, including two music stages with national and local performers. The Buds-A-Palooza 2023 star-studded line-up includes performances from The Expendables, Ballyhoo!, Bumpin Uglies, Fayuca, and Kyle Smith. There will also be an Arizona Glass Masters’ glass blowing demo, 20 local and national stand-up comics performing at the Laughing Gas comedy club, a Sneaker Head Pop-Up Shop, stoner flicks, classes for beginner gardeners, an artisan vendor village, live and interactive art, and food and drinks galore, including 15 food and dessert trucks along with eight bars.

Info: budsapalooza.com

ARRIVAL FROM SWEDEN–THE MUSIC OF ABBA

When: April 14

Where: The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix

What: The Arrival from Sweden plays the music of the legendary Swedish band ABBA. From “Dancing Queen to “Mamma Mia” and much more, these covers are sure to delight. Held at The Van Buren, the venue includes both indoor and outdoor dining, a full bar at the venue’s entrance, and an exclusive VIP lounge.

Info: thevanburenphx.com

JARABE MEXICANO

When: April 14

Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler

What: Jarabe Mexicano invites audiences on a joyride through a versatile songbook of Mexican folk, rock and roll, tex-mex, Latin rock, and reggae-cumbia. Performing on stringed folk instruments and accompanied by lively percussion, Jarabe’s dramatic, harmonized vocals in Spanish and English have gained them the admiration of audiences across the country. This musical celebration of eclectic musical genres and diverse communities is accentuated and intensified by the beautiful, colorful Mexican folk dancing of Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli-AZ.

Info: chandlercenter.org/events/jarabemexicano-0

MUDDY KIDS

When: April 15

Where: Bell Bank Park, 6321 S. Ellsworth Rd., Mesa

What: Muddy Kids is a 1.5- and 2.2-mile adventure event series for kids ages 5 to 15, with fun and challenging obstacles, mud, and entertainment for the whole family.

Info: bellbankpark.com/events/muddykids

ECO FASHION WEEK

When: April 15 – 22

Where: 117 E. 5th St., Suite 101, Tempe

What: Eco Fashion Week is an annual event produced by FABRIC during Earth Week. It is a week-long event created to educate the public on sustainable fashion and to celebrate, recognize, and support sustainable fashion brands. All proceeds go to FABRIC Tempe, an Arizona nonprofit organization that supports apparel entrepreneurs with sustainable resources.

Info: fabricincubator.com/community/ eco-fashion-week

DONUT JUDGE ME 5K RUN/WALK

When: April 22

Where: Downtown Chandler Stage, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler

What: Make the run worth it and the sweetest 5K of the year. This is the only 5K that gives you fresh, delicious, fullsize donuts on course and at the finish line.

Info: 131events.com/donut-judge-me5k/donuts-chandler

COMPASS

When: April 22

Where: ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe

What: What do systems of power in America look like? How do those systems fail us? How can we reenvision them? Who are the voices of people paving the way for this new vision? These are the questions that are addressed in COMPASS. Expertly blending documentary, dance and immersive theater, COMPASS plunges inside the mind of advocates not invited to the table of today’s systems of political power.

Info: asugammage.com/shows-events/ compass

MELISSA ETHERIDGE

When: April 23

Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler

What: Melissa Etheridge stops at Chandler Center for the Arts as part of her national “One Way Out” tour. Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, she’s remained one of America’s favorite female singersongwriters for more than two decades.

Info: chandlercenter.org

JUNK IN THE TRUNK VINTAGE MARKET

When: April 21 - 23

Where: WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale

What: Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market, a semi-annual shopping experience that connects shoppers with local artists, makers, and curators, has a reputation for featuring quality vendors selling oneof-a-kind items and inspiring design. This is a popular attraction for shopping enthusiasts across the Southwest. Attendees can shop all things vintage, local, and handmade in a space of over 120,000 square feet filled with 160+ small businesses from across the country offering a vast selection of clothing, jewelry, furniture, vintage, décor, and much more. Other highlights of the market include food trucks and live music.

Info: junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com

ARIZONA TIKI OASIS

When: April 27

Where: Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale

What: Enjoy a wide range of resort activities while sipping tropical cocktails and wearing your festive aloha wear. Bask in a variety of curated experiences: sip crafted cocktails by top mixologists, browse the pop-up Art Show, relax in a cabana by the pool, schedule a soothing spa treatment, attend an educational seminar, relish the rooftop sunsets, sway to the Tiki Oasis soundtrack, reserve Hotel Valley Ho luau tickets, shop the outdoor marketplace with a variety of artists, makers and traders and, of course, enjoy the overall Tiki island-in-the-desert vibe. Although many events will be all ages such as the marketplace and seminars, the overall event is adult oriented. Arizona Tiki Oasis benefits Arizona Preservation Foundation. Info: aztikioasis.com

RV SUPER SHOW

When: April 27

Where: WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale

What: If you’re searching for a new or used camper van, 4x4 adventure van, motorhome, or luxury 5th wheel, start your journey at an RV show in Arizona. Info: rvshowusa.com

ARIZONA ULTIMATE WOMEN’S EXPO

When: April 29 – 30

Where: Phoenix Convention Center, 33 S. Third St., Phoenix

What: Shop at hundreds of boutique shopping booths featuring the very best Arizona has to offer in shopping,

fashion, food, entertainment, cosmetics, travel, jewelry, accessories, home decor, entertaining, and much more. Spend a relaxing day being pampered with spa treatments, massages, shopping, samples, celebrity keynote speakers, plus enjoy endless retail therapy.

Info: thewomensexpo.com

BALLET

ETUDES PRESENTS “SLEEPING BEAUTY”

When: April 29 & 30

Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler

What: In this two-act ballet, Princess Aurora, condemned at her christening by the evil fairy Carabosse to prick her finger and die on her 16th birthday, is saved by the magical gift of the good Lilac Fairy, who declares the princess will only sleep until awakened by true love’s kiss.

Info: chandlercenter.org/events/balletetudes-presents-sleeping-beauty

ON DECK: MAY

MARICOPA COUNTY HOME SHOW

When: May 5 -7

Where: WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale

What: The Home & Garden Show features 950 vendor booths, local experts, and inspiration all in one place for one weekend only. Take full advantage of these home improvement experts by bringing pictures of your space and your ideas, home improvement inspiration has never been so easy.

Info: maricopacountyhomeshows.com

PUZZLE ANSWERS

CROSSWORD ANSWER from page 22

SUDOKU ANSWER from page 23

Entertainment Movie Reviews and Upcoming Release Dates

By Tony Beal

IN THEATERS

“Creed III”

Adonis Creed finds himself having to face his greatest fight in the ring after a friend from his past returns.

Michael B. Jordan has long since proven himself to be one of the most interesting actors of his generation, and “Creed III” not only continues that but also reveals his skills as a director. You’ve never seen a boxing scene like this in any of the “Rocky” movies, in terms of visuals and the way you feel the impact of each punch given. The movie manages to feel fresh despite being movie number nine in the series, with a story about what it’s like to still be in the boxing business, despite retiring as a fighter, that adds a new perspective we haven’t seen before. And, of course, Jonathan Majors is one of the best opponents of the series as a cunning but still empathetic figure who has reached a new level of brutality. Some character stories can feel rushed, but overall, it makes for a great and arguably one of the best sports movies ever made. More that 45 years on, the “Rocky” series continues to surprise.

This movie has such a great premise, of future technology versus old environments, but its execution is incredibly disappointing. It’s clearly been chopped to bits in postproduction, with strangely timed flashbacks and scenes that stop the movie’s progression. Adam Driver, despite giving his all, feels miscast and lost in trying to convince the audience of his character. Even the action feels weightless, with a lack of true horror or the feeling of danger from the dinosaurs. Even its worldbuilding feels half-baked, and like the rest of the film, doesn’t reach its potential. This movie is likely the first major letdown of the year.

reveal. Based on a true story, it gives you what you want: a bear is high on cocaine and gruesomely murders people in comedic fashion. That’s all you want to see, and Elizabeth Banks does a decent job at balancing the horror and humor together, even if her direction doesn’t reach the full potential of insanity the story has. Similarly, the incredible cast aren’t at their best, but they’re likable enough where you don’t mind when they’re on screen instead of the bear. It’s a good 90 minutes of fun – entertaining and amusing if not fully memorable.

the runtime, it keeps up that suspense and improves characters that weren’t as engaging in the last film. There are some interesting themes regarding true crime’s exploitation and even distrust in law enforcement. The film does still stumble regarding the inclusion of older characters (namely Gale, who is essentially here so the film has an original character involved for a few scenes) and retreading old ground in terms of plot and characters. Most devastatingly though are the last 15 minutes featuring a leap in logic that is asked of the audience that throws out its ideas and themes for action that’s over the top, even by “Scream” standards. It’s a shame that it squanders all of that so quickly, and almost ruins what was an otherwise solid and tense film.

NEW RELEASES

April 5

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie”

“AIR”

“On A Wing and A Prayer”

April 7

“Paint”

“How To Blow Up a Pipeline” (Limited)

“Showing Up” (Limited)

April 14

“Renfield”

“The Pope’s Exorcist”

“Sweetwater”

April 21

“Evil Dead Rise”

“Chevalier”

“Cocaine Bear”

“Scream VI”

“Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant”

“65”

A pilot and one of his passengers crash land and must face the elements and dangers of prehistoric Earth.

In Georgia, the stories of various individuals collide when they come into the sight of a dangerous, coked-up bear.

There’s not much to say about “Cocaine Bear” that the title doesn’t already

A new series of Ghostface murders begins after previous survivors move to New York City.

The sixth installment of the “Scream” series has a lot of excellent moments, from chase scenes to gore that are some of the best we’ve seen. For most of

“Beau Is Afraid” (Limited)

“Ghosted” (Apple TV+)

April 28

“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret”

“Polite Society”

“Sisu”

“Big George Foreman”

1. Matt Damon/Ben Affleck 1999 movie

6. *Top seed

DOWN

1. Bit of baby talk

2. Precedes sesame

3. Power system

4. Botch

5. Marcona nut

6. Curved molding

7. Endorsement

17.

8. Call forth

9. Not his

10. Aquarium show star

11. Mine deposits

12. Water lily leaf

15. One behind the other

20. *Like crowd of fans?

22. “____ the crowd goes wild!”

24. Misstep

25. Obelus, pl.

26. Oddball’s attempt? (2 words)

27. *Each player gets 5 before disqualification

29. *Org.

31. Witty Coward

32. Dress up or deck out (2 words)

33. Blue-Green scum

34. *Easiest shot?

36. Location

38. Hero shop

42. Never say what?

45. Abduction of the ____ Women, Roman myth

49. Farm call

51. Bewitch

54. One step to success?

56. Close call

57. Elliot Page’s 2007 role

58. Home of Jazz

59. Unacceptable, to a baby

For

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD - THEME: COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Getaway

Flagstaff: Two Days of Astronomical Astro-Tourism Experiences with Stellar Star Bathing and Spectacular Stargazing in the World’s First Dark Sky City

Spending time under dark starry skies and appreciating their beauty is a special astro-tourism experience that will leave you dazzled yet calm, inquisitive yet pensive – yep, that’s Flagstaff and star bathing is a real thing. It’s a BYOB (bring your own blanket) event and a time to connect to nature spent outside embracing the moment showered by the twinkling stars of the night skies. Flagstaff is the world’s first international dark sky city designated by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), home to the discovery of Pluto at the world-famous Lowell Observatory, and all the astronauts that walked on the moon trained in Flagstaff.

Plan a stellar escape full of astronomical adventure with two-days in Flagstaff to take in the cosmos.

DAY 1 – STAR BATHING

Celebrate star bathing in Coconino National Forest connecting with galaxies, star clusters, and the Milky Way through

darkness. Seek out the stars at Buffalo Park with your night eyes. It takes approximately 10 minutes for eyes to adjust to the night skies. Enjoy a star party with the nonprofit Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition. Free star parties offer an opportunity to peer through telescopes discovering constellations with expert astronomers sharing cultural astronomy with the mission to promote and protect dark skies. You can even purchase a “Night in Flagstaff” non-fungible token (NFT), log-on at flagstaffdarkskies.org or discoverflagstaff.com to learn more.

a completed passport to the Flagstaff Visitor Center and be rewarded with a free commemorative pint glass.

A favorite daytime activity is discovering Flagstaff’s Lunar Legacy with a stop at several astro-tourism sites. Download a Flagstaff Lunar Landmarks Passport at discoverflagstaff. com or pick one up at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. An amazing astro-tourism experience includes Meteor Crater – this place has the world’s largest preserved meteor impact site and it’s another astronaut training location to “moon-boot!”

DAY 2 – STARGAZING

Enjoy Grand Canyon National Park, only 80 miles from Flagstaff, where beautiful night skies offer an exceptional quality of starry nights. Arizona boasts 12 dark sky parks designated by IDA with Grand Canyon

National Park as the most famous along with Flagstaff’s area national monuments of Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Wupatki. Grand Canyon National Park is also a Flagstaff Lunar Landmark because astronauts trained there in the 1960s.

Return to Flagstaff for stargazing re-imaged at Lowell Observatory. Lowell Observatory offers abundant opportunities to experience viewing Flagstaff’s dark skies. The Clark Telescope, Pluto Dome, and the Giovale Open Deck Observatory provide unique telescope programs.

Visit Dark Sky Brewery (DSB) for original craft brews, delicious pizza, and starry skies on the recently expanded patio and restaurant. Did you know, Flagstaff is Arizona’s leading craft beer city? Download a Flagstaff Brewery Trail Passport at craftbeerflg.com and take a trek on the Flagstaff Brewery Trail. Visit all eight award-winning breweries and return

Flagstaff has more than 300 clear nights where the sky is full of stars and star clusters showcasing the Milky Way, Mars, Jupiter, and the Moon. This mountain town at 7,000 feet is out of this world and ready for your discovery. For more information go to discoverflagstaff.com and request a free official visitor guide or stop by the Flagstaff Visitor Center in historic downtown. While visiting, please stay and play responsibly.

Photos courtesy of Discover Flagstaff

Photo Courtesy of Dark Sky Brewery

Photo by Tom Alexander