The Scottsdale Standard, October 2022

Dirty Tricks Plague Clean Energy, but SunSolar Fights Back. And So Can You!

By Erick O’Donnell

As a mission-driven company, we tend to keep an eye on more than just our own bottom line. Together, we and our customers are investing in a clean, resilient energy infrastructure. The success of that investment depends on a culture of integrity, not just in our own firm but in the industry as a whole.

That is why news over the past few years gives reason for concern. Unscrupulous practices in America’s solar industry have recently been the focus of scrutiny from government officials and watchdog groups, a trend that points both to a troubling lack of accountability and to a growing recognition of the need to create it.

State attorneys general throughout the country have launched a spate of investigations over the past few years into deceptive sales pitches and other dishonest business practices. Law firm Troutman Pepper, which has been tracking these investigations, has so far found one significant resolution to a legal action: a $69,000 settlement between the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and a company based in the state, which was accused of failing to make good on claims about savings and costs related to system purchases. And it’s not just state governments that are involved; the SEC has recently opened an investigation into allegedly defective panels sold by Tesla.

A few patterns stand out. Official investigations, as well as our own observations, show that solar companies often strategically rebrand themselves after receiving unfavorable public exposure, including a Missouri company that changed its name amid consumer complaints and an investigation by the state attorney general. And, in addition to being misled by sales pitches about the finances of investing in a solar system, customers tend to complain of shoddy installation work after being left with roof leaks or even structural damage.

Such slipshod work can be found in the recent attorney generals’ investigations as well as news reports, such as a 2019 investigation by an east-coast ABC affiliate that uncovered severe damage to customers’ roofs by major national installers. One customer suffered water damage to all her rooms after installers left severe leaks. The news outlet found another customer whose roof started cracking under the weight of his panels, which had been installed not by the company that sold the system but by a contractor.

That last detail highlights a recurring problem, the consequences of which are personal for our own company’s leaders. Speaking to a reporter for Solar Power World, Val Berechet, co-founder and CEO at SunSolar Solutions, recently shared his own eye-opening experience dealing with subpar installation work. After a drawn-out regulatory process full of administrative delays and failed inspections, the company Berechet had chosen ultimately left holes in his roof that were

visible from the attic. The experience both angered and inspired him.

“I was angry that a contractor would disrespect a customer and their home this way, hacking up the roof and leaving holes,” Berechet told reporter Kelly Pickerel. “[I also had this] feeling of motivation that this can be done better. From there, I set out to start a solar company.”

The company he co-founded, SunSolar Solutions, has been devoted since its founding to honest quotes and high-quality installation, which it ensured at first by carefully selecting its contractors and then, starting last year, by performing all installation work in-house. The results are apparent in customers’ responses; SunSolar is the top recommended solar installer on Yelp and is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

Widespread ethical problems in the industry are especially unfortunate given the need for trust at this pivotal moment in history. Increasingly severe and frequent weather disasters around the world—from the perpetual wildfires in California to the massive floods that recently inundated much of Pakistan— are vindicating decades’ worth of expert warnings about the consequences of continuing to rely on planet-warming fossil fuels. Meanwhile, with the tax credits that were extended and bolstered by Congress earlier this year, the federal government is effectively offering to pay homeowners, on better terms than ever before, to install their own distributed, sun-fueled power generators—a key component of plans to build an advanced, climate-neutral energy infrastructure.

In short, we are facing both the greatest need and the greatest opportunity to avert the worst consequences of an artificially distorted climate, and we can only do so through confident, concerted action. Such action is possible only in a climate of trust, the very thing that is undermined by greed-fueled, underhanded business practices.

Dirty tricks are threatening to erode trust in this critical industry, but vigilant investigative work—whether by public officials, journalists, or concerned citizens—can equip us with the knowledge to fight back against scammers and bolster trust.

But customers need to actively make use of that knowledge by hiring only companies with a proven track record of competence and fair dealing. SunSolar Solutions has been helping homeowners go solar for over seven years, and in that time, it has proven its outstanding craftsmanship and integrity through our service to over 8,800 satisfied customers. (And we’ve had the same name the whole time!)

If you’re ready to bypass fossil fuels and scammers, then call SunSolar Solutions today at 623-562-9009 to have a design prepared for your home free of charge.

Press

888-313-7916

Staff:

Notes:

This publication is offered free of charge in an effort to keep our neighbors informed, as well as to support the local business owners who make up our community. Without their support, this publication would not exist. Please support their business, and let them know you saw them in this newspaper.

Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us.

News

Scottsdale 411: The Latest Local News You Need to Know

ADAPTIVE SERVICES CONTINUES PARTNERSHIP WITH SCHOOL DISTRICT’S VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM

programs. When you complete the donor form, you will be matched with a senior or family and provided a brief biography and wish list. Each year, these programs serve hundreds of families and seniors in need, thanks to the generosity of the individuals, families, and organizations who support the program. Visit scottsdaleaz.gov/seniors/adopt-a-senior or scottsdaleaz.gov/human-services/vista-del-camino/ adopt-a-family to participate.

LOCAL VETERANS CAN MAKE UP TO $150 A DAY WORKING THE POLLS

The HAWK remains in an “off” position until activated by someone wanting to cross a busy street. After pushing a button, the signal begins with a flashing yellow light that warns drivers approaching the crosswalk to slow down. The flashing yellow light is followed by a solid yellow light, indicating drivers to prepare to stop. The signal then changes to a solid red for the drivers to stop at the stop bar, and the pedestrian gets a walk signal. The solid red converts to a flashing red after a few seconds, allowing drivers to proceed when safe to do so, according to a HAWK spec sheet.

Currently in use at the below crossings, two more HAWK devices are planned for between Scottsdale Road and Goldwater Boulevard and Goldwater Boulevard, just west of Marshall Way.

Scottsdale Unified School District’s Scottsdale Community Opportunity for Real-world Education (SCORE) program provides training and support to gain employment and develop independent living skills for students with intellectual disabilities ages 18 to 22. The city’s Adaptive Services Center hosts this group once a week throughout the school year to provide students and instructors access to a state-ofthe-art kitchen, multi-sensory room, and recreational space. During the 2021-22 school year, the SCORE program helped 14 students gain employment despite significant challenges related to the pandemic. For more information, visit susd.org/page/5171.

BRING HOLIDAY CHEER TO SCOTTSDALE FAMILIES

State and local officials are scrambling to staff polling sites with election volunteers. Major indicators are projecting a massive poll worker shortage for the 2022 midterms and beyond.

More than one million volunteers are needed to run national elections. If only 10% of the 17 million American veterans enlisted as poll workers, that would fill the void of any poll worker shortage.

Aware of this potential crisis, the Vet the Vote campaign is seeking to recruit 100,000 veterans and military family members to be poll workers in the 2022 midterms and other future elections. Vet the Vote is a coalition of 26 veteran and military service organizations and four civic groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Football League (NFL). Sign up to be a poll worker at vetthe. vote/pages/sign-up-now.

HIGH-INTENSITY ACTIVATED CROSSWALKS IN SCOTTSDALE

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2022 Adopt-a-Senior and Adopt-a-Family holiday

Developed in Tucson 22 years ago, the High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk Beacon (HAWK) device provides a protected pedestrian crossing with the push of a button.

• Scottsdale Road between Butherus Drive and Greenway-Hayden Loop

• Pima Road and Dixileta Drive

• Pima Road and Jomax Road

• Chaparral Road just east of 78th Street

• Chaparral Road just west of Miller Road (Arizona Canal crossing)

• McDonald Road just east of Cattletrack Road (Arizona Canal crossing)

• Scottsdale Road and Palm Lane

• Indian Bend Road and McCormick Stillman Railroad Park

• Hayden Road north of Princess Boulevard

• Thomas Road and 86th Street

• Camelback Road and Saddlebag Trail

To learn more about this innovative system, visit scottsdaleaz.gov/transportation/streets/high-intensityactivated-crosswalk.

New Motorcycle Lane Filtering Law in Effect

AS OF SEPT. 24, A NEW MOTORCYCLE LANE FILTERING LAW IS IN EFFECT. Passed during the most recent legislative session, the new law applies statewide and allows motorcycles to split the lanes to ride between and move ahead of other stopped vehicles when certain criteria are met.

To legally lane filter, motorcyclist must be able to safely pass stopped motor vehicles traveling the same direction and:

1. Be riding on a roadway with two or more adjacent travel lanes going in the same direction

2. Make sure the posted speed limit on the road is 45 mph or less

3. Drive no faster than 15 mph, while riding between stopped vehicles

For more information, refer to azleg.gov regarding Arizona Revised Statute 28-903.F.

Nominations now open for Scottsdale’s 2023 Diversity Champions

how the nominee encouraged positive human relations in Scottsdale and personified Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s philosophy of nonviolence, unity, and respect for all people. Eligible nominees must live, work, or volunteer in Scottsdale.

The electronic nomination form is available at ccdarizona.org/diversitychampions

SCOTTSDALE’S DIVERSITY CHAMPIONS ARE INDIVIDUALS WHO EXEMPLIFY THE PHILOSOPHY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. AND WHO HAVE ENRICHED AND IMPACTED THE SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY THROUGH THEIR WORK AND/OR VOLUNTEERISM BY EMPOWERING OTHERS.

They are recognized and honored each year at the Annual Scottsdale Celebrates MLK Jr. event, which will be held at 5:30 p.m., Wed., Jan. 12, 2023, at The Fieldhouse at Scottsdale Stadium.

Each Diversity Champion Award recipient will be a person who has greatly impacted Scottsdale by empowering others. In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., they will have lived, worked, or volunteered in the community to bring diverse groups together and to promote civil and human rights in the pursuit of justice for all.

Chris Haines, Angela Hughey, and Alan “AP” Powell were recognized as 2022 Diversity Champions, joining 44 other Diversity Champions honored since the recognition program started in 2001.

The nomination process is currently open. The deadline is noon Fri., Nov. 4. Nominators will be asked to provide a one-page written statement describing the nominee’s accomplishments and community involvement that describe

Fall Fun, Fashion, and Festivities at Scottsdale Quarter

IT’S THE SEASON FOR BOOS & BREWS AT SCOTTSDALE QUARTER. The Quarter is the shopping, dining, and entertainment destination for Scottsdale residents excited to enjoy fall fun, fashion, and festivities with the family.

Scottsdale Quarter’s popular Fall Concert Series continues each Saturday from Sept. 24 through Nov. 12. Listen to your favorite local bands from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in The Quad. Picnic baskets from etta are available for pre-order.

THE OCTOBER MUSIC LINEUP INCLUDES:

Oct. 1 – Very Cherry

Verry Cherry is a high-energy rock band mixing a modern sound with a classic rock vibe and they’ll be bringing their sweet tunes back to The Quad this fall.

Oct. 8 – Sugahbeat

Sugahbeat is refreshingly different, seamlessly blending world rhythms with contemporary beats, Reggae with Samba,

Pop with Soca (West Indian for “Soul Calypso”), Latin with R&B, until the lines are blurred between them all, creating a distinctive, proprietary sound.

Oct. 15 – Shallow Water

Shallow Water is a high-energy dance band that mixes the best of classic hits from the past with your favorite popular hits of today. The band combines spoton harmonies, dynamic guitar riffs and searing trumpet lines to create an unforgettable show.

Oct. 22 – Chad Freeman & Redline

Chad Freeman & Redline is a local band with a unique sound combining classic and modern country with a touch of southern and classic rock. Over the years they have been able to hit the stage for NASCAR, Super Bowl, CMA Fest, and countless festivals.

Oct. 29 – Rock Lobster

Rock Lobster plays the biggest hits of the ‘80s,’90s, and beyond. Top caliber musicianship and an electrifying stage

show have made Rock Lobster one of the most popular cover bands in Arizona for almost two decades.

ADDITIONAL OCTOBER EVENTS

Cheeky Chic Baby & Kids Boutique will host their Rock The Quarter Fall/Winter Fashion Show on Oct. 16 at Scottsdale Quarter. Check out the unique, fashionforward trends and vintage rock ‘n roll attire that you won’t find anywhere else.

Bring the entire family to Scottsdale Quarter’s Boo & Brew on Oct. 29. Kids and pets are invited to arrive in costume, snap pics in the pumpkin patch, interact with spooky characters and go on a candy crawl, collecting sweets and treats. Parents can enjoy college football, craft beers, and cocktails in the beer garden at Zinburger.

Scottsdale Quarter is open seven days a week. For hours and more information, visit scottsdalequarter.com or follow along on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with events and activities.

Jewish Community Center’s Swim Team is Making a Big Splash

A GREAT DEAL OF FUN, EXCITEMENT, AND LEARNING CAN BE FOUND ON BOTH THE LAND AND IN THE WATER OF THE VALLEY OF THE SUN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER IN SCOTTSDALE THESE DAYS. The swimming pool water, that is.

Six days a week, between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., dozens of young, competitive swimmers belonging to The J Swim Club eagerly show up for swim team practice in their Speedos and goggles and swim countless laps across the heated, outdoor pool. And three hours a week, when they’re not swimming in the pool, these dedicated, hardworking athletes are busy strength training on land and learning several different stretching techniques from a professional fitness trainer.

“In just six years since we started, we now have 72 kids on our team,” says proud Head Coach Thomas Meek who started working at the community center––often referred to as “The J”––in 2016. “We have many kids who are very serious competitors, but we also have many kids who just want to train with us a couple of times a week, exercise in the water, and enjoy socializing with their swim team friends…I think we’ve done a really good job of keeping the training at a high-quality level while also keeping things fun and light,” he says.

There are formal tryouts to make the team. To join,

a swimmer must know how to swim all four strokes legally.

Ranging in age from 8 to 18, these swimmers travel to The J from across the Valley––from Mesa, Chandler, Surprise, and Buckeye––and a rather surprising fact is that the majority of the team’s members are not Jewish.

“We’ve had so many families contact us asking if their child had to be Jewish to join the team,” says Meek with a laugh. “The fact is that 70% of the kids on our team are not Jewish. The J and The J Swim Club are open to everyone––all faiths and backgrounds.”

A former competitive swimmer for the University of Chicago, Meek, now 27, was the most decorated swimmer in the university’s history. His junior year culminated in a National Title victory in the 400 Freestyle Relay at the NCAA Division III Tournament. Meek also qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Other nationally renowned members of the coaching staff include Thomas’s mother, Debbie Meek, and Coach Brian Hoffer, who has a 25-year career as a Division 1 assistant and head coach. Hoffer has coached Olympians, NCAA All-Americans, and national champions from more than 15 different countries. Both coaches also trained swimmers for the U.S. Olympic Trials.

“What we really want parents and kids to know about our J Swim Club is that we expose our athletes to detailed instruction around effective techniques in and out of the pool,” adds Meek. “In the water, we focus heavily on mechanics like turns, underwater dolphin kicks, starts, breakouts, and stroke technique for each distance of race. Out of the water, we provide our athletes with a comprehensive dryland program created by our partner, Nick Hadinger, with Streamline Performance. We also guide our swimmers through areas of training like recovery, nutrition, mental health, and more. Our program is mostly focused on sprint training, so our goal is to prepare our swimmers for 200s and lower.”

The J is located at 12701 N. Scottsdale Road. For more information about The J Swim Club, call (480) 4817035 or visit vosjcc.org

First

at Super Bowl LVII Brand Around

Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee and National Football League

Super

Valley

THE ARIZONA SUPER BOWL HOST COMMITTEE AND NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE (NFL) UNVEILED THE FIRST LOOK OF THE ARIZONA-THEMED SUPER BOWL LVII BRAND RECENTLY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE AWARENESS AND EXCITEMENT FOR SUPER BOWL.

The Super Bowl LVII logo is a window into the remarkable landscape of Arizona. The creative story that will unfold this season will highlight Arizona’s unparalleled natural wonder. The visual story will also include artwork honoring the indigenous communities and the vivid colors synonymous with the stunning scenes from around the state.

“The creative elements for Super Bowl LVII focus on the iconic Arizona scenery,” says Jay Parry, president and chief executive officer

of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee. “Super Bowl LVII is a point of pride for the entire state, so it is important to highlight features across Arizona. From northern Arizona’s red rocks and incredible night sky to the sunrise over the Sonoran Desert, each component is uniquely Arizona.”

“There is no shortcut to building a Super Bowl identity and visual brand. It has to reflect and resonate with the local community. We spend real time on the ground, immersing ourselves in what is special and true – leaning on the experiences of those who truly know the place and its people.” says Chris Stackhouse, senior creative director, leading the NFL Brand Experience team. “We can’t wait to see Super Bowl LVII come to life amongst Arizona’s incredibly unique landscape.”

The displays across billboards and LED signage around the Valley are the first elements of a more extensive campaign to roll out in the coming months.

Photos Courtesy of Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee

City

Hermès to Open at Scottsdale Fashion Square

Photo Courtesy of Scottsdale Fashion Square

HERMÈS, THE FRENCH LUXURY DESIGN HOUSE ESTABLISHED IN 1837 THAT SPECIALIZES IN LUXURY PRODUCTS INCLUDING LEATHER GOODS, HOME FURNISHINGS, LIFESTYLE ACCESSORIES, JEWELRY, PERFUME, WATCHES, AND READY-TO-WEAR IS SET TO OPEN ITS FIRST ARIZONA STORE AT SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE BY SUMMER 2024.

The 10,000-square-foot store is one of the French brand’s largest locations in the world and will join other luxury brands at the property including Christian Louboutin, Bulgari, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton. Hermès will open in Scottsdale Fashion Square’s luxury wing that features a grand two-story glass entry, high-end finishes like a Swarovski-inspired light column, and dedicated valet service.

“Hermès is an iconic brand that is synonymous with quality and classic style, along with a distinctive personality that beautifully complements the curated collection of luxury stores and experiences at Scottsdale Fashion Square,” says Michael Guerin, an executive with Macerich, the property’s owner. “As the heart of luxury in Arizona, Scottsdale Fashion Square is a magnificent destination for our guests to relax and enjoy incomparable shopping and entertainment, and Hermès enhances that experience.”

Kierland Commons Hosts Fine Art & Wine Festival

KIERLAND COMMONS SHOPPING CENTER IS THE PLACE TO GO THIS FALL, ESPECIALLY AS IT INTRODUCES A NEW OUTDOOR FESTIVAL FOR THE COMMUNITY.

Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival takes place Sat., Oct. 29 and Sun., Oct. 30, at the popular shopping center, with the Art Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, and a Wine Garden from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

More than 100 artists from around the world will create a one-of-a-kind outdoor gallery on the shopping center’s Main Street, with a collection of original art representing various cultures and a range of subject matter and media, including still life, landscape, portraiture, nature, and abstract. Original works will include bronze, clay, glass, metal, and wood sculptures. Other works include paintings on canvas, mixed media, fiber art, hand-blown glass, handcrafted jewelry, photography, and more. The artists are being juried by a group of professionals in the industry whose focus is creativity, quality, presentation, and uniqueness.

Those 21 and older will enjoy a Wine Garden, where

they can taste wines from 15 of Arizona’s best wineries, while strolling along Main Street, listening to upbeat sounds of live music. Wilcox Wine Country, a region in the southeastern part of the state associated with Arizona Farm Wineries and Vineyards, is organizing the wine aspect of the event. The Willcox area leads Arizona’s wine grape production, growing 74% of the state’s wine grapes. The region is also home to the most highly rated Arizona wines by Wine Spectator magazine.

On Sat., Oct. 29, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., David Ryan Harris will hold a live outdoor concert at the event. The singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has produced, written, and performed with the likes of John Mayer, Dave Matthews, India.Arie, Cassandra Wilson, and Guy Sebastian – with whom he co-wrote the RIAA platinum-certified “Battle Scars.” David’s independently released album, “Lightyears,” features guest appearances from John Mayer, India.Arie, and Nikka Costa.

Additionally, Colton Avery, a singer-songwriter who hails from Phoenix will also perform as the opening act. Avery was discovered by The Script, who took him to London, where he honed his skills as an artist, fusing

a UK singer-songwriter sound with American pop sensibilities. He’s performed at popular venues such as The Wiltern, Croke Park, and the O2 before returning to the United States to focus on songwriting.

Various delectables will be available from a selection of gourmet cottage vendors, local confectionaries, and trendy food concessions to complement the festival experience. The shopping center also boasts 12 chefdriven restaurants, outdoor cafes, and upscale retail shops.

Kierland Commons is located at 15205 N. Kierland Blvd. The Art Festival offers free admission and is open to all ages of the public. Those 21 and older can purchase a ticket for $30-$35 to enter the Wine Garden. The Wine Garden ticket price includes a commemorative wine glass and 10 tasting tickets. Proceeds from Wine Garden ticket sales will benefit Horse’s Help, a Phoenix-based nonprofit that serves the special needs and at-risk community by using horses and people to improve quality of life.

To purchase Wine Garden tickets, visit https://bit. ly/3xPJ46e

The Westin Kierland Resort Hosts OktoberWest Festival

GET READY TO CLAP YOUR HANDS AND STOMP YOUR FEET DURING THE WESTIN KIERLAND RESORT’S INAUGURAL OKTOBERWEST FESTIVAL, A SIGNATURE KIERLAND AFTER DARK EVENT. Taking place on the Pittman Lawn of at the Wes tin Kierland in Scottsdale on Sat., Oct. 15 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the festival features a modern twist on a traditional Oktober fest gathering, with a western theme.

An interactive performance from

country music artist and Glendale resident Ashley Wineland, who’ll lead line dances alongside fans, is part of the fun. The country-rock group Mogollon Band is also slated to entertain attendees.

Mogollon is one of the world’s premier country rock entertainment groups. The band began in 1979 out of the Mogollon Rim country of Heber-Overgaard in Arizona. With five recorded albums and songs featured on the Billboard Hot 100 music industry record chart, Mogollon

Band delivers a fun, high energy, interactive performance that audiences of all ages love. Special guest singer Donny Grubb and fiddle player Patrick Clark (who toured with Big & Rich) will join Mogollon Band for the festivities. A lively deejay will also keep guest moving on the dance floor throughout the night.

Take a whirl on the mechanical bull, show off your skills at corn hole, and be on the lookout for a fun photo booth

and unexpected entertainment along the way. This one-of-a-kind experience will keep you entertained and boot-scoot boogie-ing throughout the night!

Tickets are $45 per person and proceeds will benefit the Phoenix-based veteran nonprofit Friends of Freedom. The Westin Kierland Resort is located at 6902 E. Greenway Pkwy. To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/oktoberwest-2022tickets-402693987557.

Mogollon Band

Ashley Wineland

Community Making Friends Scottsdale Residents Share Unique Experience

By Shay Moser

Photos Courtesy of Gary Matey and LeeAnn Land

Gary

Matey and LeeAnn Land live within a fiveminute bike ride from one another in Scottsdale. Yet they met in Wyoming at the end of week three of a nine-week Cycle America tour.

This summer, Matey, Land, and 43 other cyclists from across the nation––and around the world––cycled from Seattle to Boston. The 4,320-plus mile tour crossed 13 states and a Canadian province. The 64-day trip took 56 ride days, seven rest days, and 68 to 105 miles of daily riding. The tour included meals, camping facilities, showers, luggage transport, support staff, and more––but Matey and Land also got a “small world” moment and made a new neighborhood friend.

Before leaving for the Coast-to-Coast 2022 Cycle America tour, Land was at Cyclologic in Scottsdale to professionally prepare and ship her bike. “I got to the bike shop and realized I forgot the ship-to address,” she explains. Land was going to call from home with the address, but she noticed a large box ready for shipping before she left.

“The box said Everett, Washington, addressed to the Cycle America mechanic, which is where I needed to send my bike, too,” she explains.

Land asked whom the box belonged to, and they said it was Gary Matey’s. Land didn’t know Matey, but she asked them to use the same Washington address to ship her bike. Then she forgot about the experience––that is, until she met and supported Matey on a challenging 25mile uphill climb on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming on day 20 of the tour. Land noticed Gary’s orange Cycle America license plate on the back of his bike as she rode up behind him. It read: Gary – Arizona. As she rode up next to him, Land excitedly asked where he lived in Arizona.

“I live in Pinnacle Peak,” Gary answered. And then they rode the rest of the day together, discussing the similarity of their home ride routes, amazed they had never met.

“It was so bizarre to meet on Wind River in Wyoming and on one of the longest climbs we’d done on the trip,” says Land. When Matey and Land consider some of

the cyclists skipped parts of the tour, it’s surprising they met when and where they did.

In addition to the 45 riders committed to completing all nine of the one-week segments of the cross-country effort, “some people rode select segments of the tour,” Matey explains. “Some rode only the first week. Some rode the third and fourth weeks. We’d have as many as 70 people on certain segments.”

Matey, 68, retired in 2016, and Land, 66, retired during the trip. Both were on the Coast-to-Coast 2022 Cycle America tour for the first time, completing the entire nine-week tour––rain or shine.

While the cross-country tour was a first for them, Matey has been cycling for 50 years. Land took up the sport when she was 56.

What has drawn them to cycling for all these years? Land says she enjoys the freedom of going anywhere on a bike, visiting interesting places, and seeing beautiful scenery. Matey does it to stay in shape and enjoy alone time.

The two plan to get together and ride their familiar North Scottsdale routes. Land is already looking forward to the Tour de Palm Springs in February. And she may talk Matey into joining her.

Community 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.

FARMERS MARKET RETURNS TO HIGH STREET

By Erica Shipione

The High Street Farmers Market is returning bigger and better on Oct. 2. The weekly market will run every Sunday through the spring of 2023 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. With close to 100 vendors selling food, art, and more, this outdoor event will bring shoppers from across the Valley together on High Street to buy unique local products, while enjoying the beautiful fall weather that Arizona has to offer.

“We’re pleased to launch another season of the Farmers Market on High Street with new vendors and new musical artists to entertain market shoppers. We look forward to welcoming the thousands who visit us each week to stroll, shop and lunch on High Street,” says Bryan Laurel, a High Street marketing spokesperson.

“This will be our fourth year and we’ve got a lot of the same vendors plus some new and exciting ones that include woodworkers, food vendors, and farmers. We’re very excited to be back on High Street and to see all the people we’ve missed through the summer,” says Laura Oxley, market manager of High Street Farmers Market

Beloved returning vendors are bringing fresh produce, homemade fresh baked breads and sweet treats, jewelry, artsy home décor, and more. In addition to familiar vendors from past years, the market is also welcoming new faces to the Sunday morning lineup. Don’t forget to bring your pup! The Farmers Market is pet-friendly and welcomes your fourlegged friends.

After spending the morning shopping at the Farmers Market, High Street invites you to stay for lunch or for an afternoon treat at one of the top-rated restaurants such as The Stir Coffee Bar, Modern Margarita, Mellow Mushroom, Hula’s Modern Tiki, and The Boozy Breakfast.

Located off the Loop 101 at 56th Street, High Street has been a staple in the Valley for a decade and it continues to bring growth and excitement to the North Valley. New to High Street has been the addition of Humble Bistro, Patio 54, Gin & Reel, The Gallery Bar, Nori Sushi, and Cook & Craft. Learn more at highstreetaz.com.

Neighbors

Hello Neighbor!

HI, MY NAME IS… Wendy Armendariz

I’VE LIVED IN SCOTTSDALE FOR FIVE YEARS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… it is a family oriented and peaceful community.

A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES...starting the day with a walk around my community to help me start my day. My son is a student at Laguna Elementary and I take care of school drop off. I then have the joy of leading Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH), a nonprofit community health center, focusing on transforming the health of our community. I spend my evening with my family having dinner and sharing the experiences of our day.

MY FAMILY IS… the most important joy of my life.

ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… coffee. I am originally from Guatemala and coffee is a staple in my household.

MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY… “Miss Sloan” is a great movie that emphasizes the strength of women.

WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… a professional shopper. I love my retail therapy.

THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… “Don’t Stop Believin’”, I’m a dreamer at heart and believe in perseverance.

THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… my husband Scott, he is my rock and inspiration.

THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… my son Sebastian. He is working on his joke telling and we definitely need to practice.

THE PERFECT DAY IS… spending time with my family watching a movie or spending time with my team planning for the future.

MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… NOAH. We have an amazing team that is passionate about providing access to health care for everyone––noahhelps.org!

MY LIFE IS… blessed and I am grateful every day for my family, my community, and the opportunity I have every day to serve others.

THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… I recently received an Ember mug, which keeps my coffee nice and warm.

MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… going to the beach without any electronics, making new memories with my family.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED… “Love what you do and do it well.” One of my mentors shared this career advice with me when I first started my career journey. It’s the best advice that I live by today.

Braden Sherman is a customer experience and marketing expert at Healthy Home Flooring. She shares that Healthy Home Flooring aims to “floor” customers with their quality products and services from the very first phone call.

“The first phone call from a potential customer is always a chance for us to take our time and get to know the customer and their family’s needs,” Sherman explains. “We consider ourselves a family, so we want to make sure that each customer is treated like we would treat our own kin. We totally understand that having your flooring replaced can be a scary process! But we want potential customers to know that we are there for them every step of the way.”

WHY HEALTHY HOME FLOORING STANDS OUT

Healthy Home Flooring specializes in providing high quality flooring products that are hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, and low maintenance once installed.

Customer service and making things as convenient as possible for clients is always top of mind.

• Free air duct cleaning

• Free home disinfectant

• Free cleaning kit

• Free furniture pads, that are provided and installed

“And you don’t have to lift a finger: with our white-glove services, that include moving your heavy furniture, appliances, replacing your baseboards with new ones, removing the old flooring, hauling it away, and dumping it for you. Our job is done when your happiness exceeds our expectations by making your lives easier while leaving your house looking new and happy for years to come. Taste is a matter is of choice. Quality is a matter of fact.”

Sherman notes that Healthy Home Flooring only uses the best ecofriendly flooring products that are hypoallergenic and have little to no VOC (volatile organic compound). And, as a bonus, Healthy Home Flooring offers a free air duct cleaning service with each installation to say thank you for choosing them to install your family’s flooring.

Healthy Home Flooring also does their part to give back to the local community. The company has given back to nonprofit organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“From start to finish, top to bottom, one call does it all,” according to Healthy Home Flooring. “Sameday appointments, evenings, and weekends are available as well. We will bring the store to your door and give you a free in-home estimate with no hidden extras or unknown costs. You get to see the samples in your home’s lighting next to your furniture and decorations.”

THINGS THAT MAKE HEALTHY HOME FLOORING DIFFERENT:

• Exclusive Worry-Free Guarantee: If you break, dent, scratch, or stain your floors, they will fix it for free!

• Lifetime labor guarantee

• Industry-exclusive dustless tile removal

• Up to 60 months 0% interest financing

Sherman shares that there are always promotions and savings happening and—with the motto of treating customers like family—Healthy Home Flooring is always looking to provide clients with the best deals possible.

Healthy Home Flooring also does their part to give back to the local community. The company has given back to nonprofit organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Looking toward the future, the flooring experts at Healthy Home Flooring plan to continue to grow their footprint across the Valley.

To learn more about Healthy Home Flooring, visit healthyhomeflooring.co or call 623-404-4444.

This content sponsored by Healthy Home Flooring.

The Healthy Home Flooring Family

‘Birth to Five Helpline Awareness Week’ to Spotlight Free Support Line for Families with Young Children

Southwest Human Development, Arizona’s largest early childhood development nonprofit, will host the second annual Birth to Five Helpline Awareness Week on Oct. 10 to 16 to spotlight the organization’s free support line for those who have questions or concerns about parenting and the early development of children from birth to age 5.

With support from First Things First and other community partners, the Birth to Five Helpline (877-705-KIDS) allows Arizona parents, caregivers, and professionals to call, text, or email a Birth to Five Helpline early childhood specialist for support around a variety of early childhood issues such as feeding and eating, sleep, toilet/potty training, developmental milestones, fussiness/ colic and difficult behaviors, general parenting questions, and more.

“At one time or another, all of us as parents have had questions about raising our children, and many of us don’t have local family or friends to turn to,” says Jake Adams, chief development officer at Southwest Human Development. “We find ourselves asking, ‘Am I doing the right thing?,’ or, ‘Why is my child behaving this way?’ The Birth to Five Helpline is a critical resource for families that helps bridge that gap and provides much-needed support for families of the nearly 80,000 babies that are born in Arizona each year.”

Started in 2005, the Birth to Five

Helpline is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., by calling or sending a text message to (877) 705KIDS (5437). To submit a question online, visit birthtofivehelpline.org. A Birth to Five Helpline app is also available for easy one-touch access on the App Store and Google Play.

“Parenting is hard, so our goal is to make sure every Arizona family with young children knows that this free service is available to them,” says Ricardo Reyes, manager of community outreach at Southwest Human Development.

“The Birth to Five Helpline is unique to Arizona; you just don’t find these kinds of supports readily available in other states. Not only do callers get to speak directly with an early childhood expert who takes the time to listen and think together about their questions and concerns, the Birth to Five Helpline also serves as a gateway for programs and services throughout our community.”

Kids’ Corner Sari on SCIENCE

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE VOLCANO

As school is back in session, let’s take a moment to explore one of my favorite at-home science experiments. Grab an adult and get ready to get messy!

The hydrogen peroxide volcano demonstrates how a catalyst works in chemistry. Hydrogen peroxide naturally wants to break down into water and oxygen (2H2O2 --› 2H2O + O2). This process usually happens too slowly to be easily perceived and this is where our catalyst comes in. A catalyst is a substance that increases how fast a chemical reaction happens without undergoing any permanent chemical change. In this case, our catalyst is the yeast, which will help to speed up the decomposition process. This volcano is more reactive than a standard vinegar and baking soda volcano; proper protective gear and parental supervision are absolutely necessary!

Here’s What You Need:

• 3 tablespoons of room temperature water in a bowl

• 1 packet dry yeast

• 1 recycled water or soda bottle

• 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap

• 1 funnel

• 1 stir stick (popsicle stick works fine)

• 1 safety goggles per person participating

• 1 pair of rubber gloves per person participating

• 1/2 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide

• Optional: food coloring

Directions:

• Rinse bottle thoroughly, and place it upright in the sink

• Use the funnel to add hydrogen peroxide to the bottle

• If you would like, you can add five to eight drops of food coloring to the bottle

• Add dishwashing liquid and gently agitate mixture by swirling and not forming bubbles

• Add yeast to the bowl of room temperature water, mix with the stir stick for 30 seconds (it should become the consistency of melted ice cream)

• Use the funnel to add yeast mixture to hydrogen peroxide mixture

• Remove the funnel and watch the reaction

What Do You Observe? This reaction is exothermic, which means it produces heat. Do

you see steam? How big was the reaction? What did the experiment sound like? Could you hear the gasses reacting? Did you smell anything? How long did the reaction last? If you added food coloring, how did the color change over the course of the experiment? Try the experiment again in a different container. Does the size of the container make a difference?

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.

Kids

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Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda

By Joseph Callaway

Alot

of people spend more time looking back than they do look ing ahead. They say things like “I could have lost the weight in my 20s” or “I should have finished college and gotten a degree.” Or, that famous Marlon Brando line, “I could have been a contender. I could have been somebody.”

There’s nothing wrong with looking back or even lamenting lost opportunities, as long as these regrets don’t hold a person back from going forward. Sometimes people become frozen in the headlight, letting doubt and past failure keep them from moving ahead.

To some degree that is what is happening in today’s real estate market. Resale home pric es have dropped over the last five months by over $100 per square foot and instead of seeing opportunity, potential buyers are cautious, not wanting to get caught if they buy and their new purchase goes down.

First of all, you don’t care if the market goes up or down until you sell, and most homebuyers are buying for the long run. Even if they unexpectedly must move only a year later, the market a year from now will probably be the same as it is now, may be up a little, may be down a little, but the risk of a big drop is unlikely. The big drop has already happened. Now is the time to buy.

But let’s say you want to sell, and you say “I woulda got more money. I coulda cashed out. I shoulda sold in April.” So, what if you had? You would have just overpaid for your next house during the frenzy and those extra dollars would simply be compensation for your recent loss in value. Better to sell now and use those fewer dollars to buy when prices are low. You see, it is all relative.

Oh, but you say I could have gotten a 3% mortgage and now they are 6%. Yes, that’s true, but the thing about mortgage rates is they fluctuate all the time. The advantage you have at 6% today is that they may be 9% next year and you will feel great. Or maybe they will go down

to 4%. Fine, you can always refinance at the lower rate.

Real estate ownership is always a good option and now is a great time to buy or sell. Focus on the future and you will be saying, “I was able to, and I did.”

Joseph Callaway is the owner of Those Callaways and Callaway Realty. He branded 85254 as “The magic zip code” and has sold more than 1000 homes in 85254. His cell is 602-796-5751.

Legal

Estate Planning Basics –The Revocable Living Trust and Incapacity Planning

By Libby Banks, The Law Office of Libby Banks, PLLC

People often ask me how much money the threshold net worth is before they need a revocable living trust. There is no magic number. The factors that go into the decision include family situation, types of assets, location of real property, and, yes, net worth. The next question I’m asked is, why have a trust?

THE REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST GIVES INSTRUCTIONS IF YOU ARE INCAPACITATED

Both a will and a trust contain instructions for distributing your assets after you die. However, a trust also contains your instructions for managing your assets if you become incapacitated. The trust allows a successor you have chosen to step into your shoes to pay your bills, manage your assets, sell property if needed, and generally handle your financial affairs. The trust makes is easy for someone to step in charge to assist when you need help.

In addition to your trust, for someone to handle all your financial affairs while you are incapacitated, you need a durable power of attorney for finances in place.

WITHOUT INCAPACITY PLANNING YOUR FAMILY MUST FILE FOR CONSERVATORSHIP

Without a trust, control over your finances

may require a court proceeding known as a conservatorship. One attorney I know who does these proceedings called conservatorships “cumbersome.” They are also quite costly, far more than the cost of creating a trust. At least two attorneys are involved in any conservatorship case.

Money isn’t the only cost of conservatorship. Your family is asking the court to declare you incompetent. This takes a huge emotional toll on everyone. It takes time too, both to have the proceeding, and to make accountings to the court according to its rigorous guidelines.

Last, the conservatorship is a very public affair. There are no locked doors in the courthouse on these. With the trust, we maintain our privacy. We state in the trust how and when it should be decided that we can no longer handle our affairs.

THE BOTTOM LINE

It is important to be sure someone can manage your affairs if you are incapacitated. The trust is an ideal way to assure a smooth transition if you can no longer manage your affairs.

LEARN MORE

To learn more, schedule a consultation or review by calling the office at 602375-6752, or check out our website at libbybanks.com.

ur Estate Planning in Phoenix and Scottsdale is highly customized to meet your unique family situation, assets, values, and personal goals. Our complimentary first meeting allows you to get to know Libby, our Estate Planning attorney and talk about your unique situation and what plan will best fit your needs.

Remember, when you choose Libby you are not only hiring someone to prepare your Estate Plan, you are choosing a seasoned Estate Planning attorney to guide you through this often complex process and raise questions you might not have considered. You are choosing an experienced professional to create a plan that serves your family in the way that you want and, after you are gone, a trusted advisor that your loved ones can depend on.

Come see us in our new, convenient office located just down the street at 5010 E. Shea Blvd, Suite 205 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 602.375.6752 | www.libbybanks.com | libby@libbybanks.com

Get great service & great rates.

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Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

OCTOBER HAPPENINGS

CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC

When: Oct. 6 & 7

Where: Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams, Phoenix

What: Watch as five world-class illusionists present original, phenomenal ensemble illusions and interactive magic. The show happens all around the theatre and features spectacular magic.

Info: phoenixconventioncenter.com/events

31ST ANNUAL SEDONA ARTS FESTIVAL

When: Oct. 8 & 9

Where: Sedona Red Rock High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona

What: The 31st Annual Sedona Arts Festival will showcase a diverse lineup of 100 juried artists from across the country. Held on the campus of Sedona Red Rock High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road in West Sedona, this renowned fine art festival will also feature live music, raffle prizes, food, and a beer and wine garden – all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Sedona’s red rocks.

Info: sedonaartsfestival.org

PHOENIX FASHION WEEK

When: Oct. 14 & 15

Where: Chateau Luxe, 1175 E. Lone Cactus Dr., Phoenix

What: Phoenix Fashion Week is the leading fashion industry event in the Southwest. The mission is to bridge national and international designers with retailers, boutiques, fashionistas, and top fashion media globally. The event showcases fall and holiday 2022 collections with designer runway shows, trunk sales, statewide retail events, fashionable workshops led by top industry experts, and fabulous after parties.

Info: phoenixfashionweek.com

MARICOPA COUNTY HOME & GARDEN SHOW

When: Oct. 14, 15, & 16

Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16500 N. 94th St., Scottsdale

What: The Maricopa County Home & Garden Show features hundreds of home improvement vendors, tiny homes, holiday lighting, unique copper skillets

and kitchen accessories, and seminars by local pros. Wander through the Tiny Homes Street of Dreams to get an exclusive tour inside a wooden yurt, a shipping container converted into a bar, a ModHous dome, and more.

Info: mchomeshows.com

“CINDERELLA”

When: Oct. 20, 21, 22, & 23

Where: Ballet Arizona, 2835 E. Washington St., Phoenix

What: As if stepping between the pages of a beloved storybook, Ib Andersen’s “Cinderella” brings the romantic story to life, vividly delighting audiences with the beauty and majesty of classical ballet, wrapped in the promise of “happily ever after,” and generously sprinkled with a wonderful dose of humor.

Info: balletaz.org/performance/cinderella-2022

AZ JAZZ FEST

When: Oct. 21, 22, & 23

Where: High Street, 5415 E. High St., Phoenix

PANIC!

JAKEVERSUSPAUL ANDERSON SILVA

CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC

What: More than 20 performers, including Eric Benét, Eric Darius, Raheem DeVaughn, Norman Brown, Mindi Abair, Boney James, Michael Lington, and dozens more descend on High Street for a jam-packed weekend of jazz music and fine food and drink.

Info: azjazzfest.com

BODY ART EXPO

When: Oct. 21, 22, & 23

Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16500 N. 94th St., Scottsdale

What: This gathering of over 200 top-notch tattoo artists features tattoo contests, live entertainment, beer, and more.

Info: bodyartexpo.com

PANIC! AT THE DISCO

When: Oct. 23

Where: Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix

What: Panic! At The Disco with special guests MARINA and Jake Wesley Rogers perform on the Viva Las Vengeance Tour.

Info: footprintcenter.com/events/panic-at-the-disco

SPOOKTACULAR HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL

When: Oct. 28, 29, & 30

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

What: Bring the entire family to experience Halloween in a fun and safe environment. Over 20 hot air balloons will be on display and 4,000 pounds of candy will be passed out to trick-or-treaters. There will be live music, food, a free Kids Zone with over 30 inflatable slides and

attractions, a costume contest, vendor market, tethered balloon rides, fireworks, and more.

Info: azspooktacular.com

JAKE PAUL VERSUS ANDERSON SILVA

When: Oct. 29

Where: Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale

What: International superstar and undefeated boxing standout Jake “The Problem Child” Paul has knocked out every opponent he’s faced. Now he takes on his toughest test to date, legendary UFC Champion, MMA’S most feared striker, turned professional boxer, Anderson “The Spider” Silva.

Info: gilariverarena.com/events/detail/paul_vs_silva

AZFESTJAZZ

PUZZLE ANSWERS

CROSSWORD ANSWER from page 26

SUDOKU ANSWER from page 27

The MMA Early Learning Center in Scottsdale lovingly serves Jewish children, ages six weeks – first grade. We are a boutique school and pride ourselves in small class sizes, with each child being treated as a very special member of our family.

• Organic meals and garden

• World class academics through Project-Based Learning

• Hero’s Journey featuring leadership and life skills to equip kids for the modern world

• English and Hebrew duallanguage curriculum

Thunderbird & 64th St. mmafamily.org • 480-591-1770

Energy into Ambition

Ages

Ninjas develop lifelong skills like focus and confidence by learning to safely spin, roll, flip and kick through a combination of martial arts and gymnastics training.

Entertainment

Movie Reviews and Upcoming Release Dates

By Tony Beal

REVIEWS

“Three Thousand Years of Longing”

A woman discovers a genie who tells her stories of his quest for purpose.

and Meredith (Iyana Halley), there’s not much personality to be had in this clicheridden script. The decision to go with long takes for many scenes is also confusing, making many of them drag on for far too long and removing tension from moments where they are most needed. When the lion attacks, it is fun, and sometimes the long takes are used well. Still, there’s little to discuss here when even the usually reliable Sharlto Copley seems bored. This movie is inoffensive, not terrible, but forgettable.

some of their career best, particularly John Boyega with his fearful, angry, and apologetic performance. By the end, you’ll be haunted by what you’ve watched.

UPCOMING RELEASES

OCTOBER 5

• “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” (Netflix)

OCTOBER 7

• “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” (Theaters)

• “Amsterdam”(Theaters)

“Barbarian”

A woman finds that something sinister lies beneath the Airbnb she rented.

There’re two types of horror films that studios dump with little to no marketing: the kind that are dull and average, aimed for teenagers. Then there’s the one that “Barbarian” falls into, a unique and offthe-wall film that you’re amazed a big studio backed.

At first, director Zach Cregger guides the audience and Tess (played greatly by Georgina Campbell) through a set up where something feels off before putting the protagonist at ease with the unexpected situation. Then, suddenly, the rug is pulled out from under you and the film veers toward something bizarrely comical, yet frightening. This is one of the most intense movies of the year and is a great balance between terror and humor, with some sly commentary on class and gender. You’re unlikely to see anything like it this year.

George Miller’s fairy tale is not the fast paced and wild story that its marketing promises. Instead, it’s a quiet and, at times, somber look at love and a search for purpose that’s constantly denied. Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton are excellent, two lovers who don’t know it yet. They feel like their lives have little to show. Meanwhile, Miller utilizes a heightened sense of reality for his story that isn’t as bombastic as “Fury Road” but more charming and subtle (for the most part). It’s stunning in a way that you rarely see in a film that doesn’t care to be pinned down in one way or another, and it’s all the better for it.

“Beast”

A widowed father is hunted with his daughters in a South African reserve by a lion.

“Beast” is something that’s weirdly dull for what could be an entertaining premise and it’s not helped by the lack of true care or chemistry between the leads. Despite all the tragedy they speak about and the dis tance between Nate Samuels (Idris Elba)

“Breaking”

A veteran holds the employees of a bank hostage to get the Veterans Affairs check he was denied.

“Breaking” doesn’t hold back or play a ‘both sides’ narrative, it knows and wants you to know that Brian Brown-Easley was wronged. In doing so, it puts you in his shoes and plays on the intensity of the robbery. Every movement from either him or the two hostages could be life or death, and even if you don’t know what happened in real life, you still feel the somberness that preceded the protagonist’s actions. Each actor gives

• “Tár” (Theaters, limited)

• “Hellraiser” (Hulu)

OCTOBER 13

• “Dark Glasses” (Shudder)

OCTOBER 14

• “Halloween Ends” (Theaters & Peacock)

• “White Bird: A Wonder Story” (Theaters)

• “Stars at Noon” (Theaters, limited)

• “Till” (Theaters, limited)

• “Rosaline” (Hulu)

• “The Curse Of Bridge Hollow” (Netflix)

OCTOBER 19

• “The School For Good and Evil” (Netflix)

OCTOBER 20

• “V/H/S 99” (Shudder)

OCTOBER 21

• “Black Adam” (Theaters)

• “Ticket To Paradise” (Theaters)

• “The Banshees of Inisherin” (Theaters, limited)

• “Raymond and Ray” (Apple TV+ and Theaters, limited)

OCTOBER 26

• “The Good Nurse” (Netflix)

OCTOBER 28

• “Prey For The Devil” (Theaters)

• “Armageddon Time” (Theaters, limited)

• “Wendell And Wild” (Netflix)

• “All Quiet On The Western Front” (Netflix)

plus

Streep/Philip Seymour Hoffman 2008 movie

peak

week stage

artist’s medium

Mushroom caps

Indian black tea

Unwelcome reception, pl.

Give a quote

Handrail post

In an unfriendly manner

Incense without prefix

Comme ci, comme ça

*Nature walk

Detroit mascot

Store as fodder

Not their

Lady Slipper, e.g.

“Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” host

Horny odd-toed ungulate, for short

Between Phi and Kappa

Bad luck predictor

Police informer

*Angling reward

O in b.o.

Having wings

Squirrel’s nest

Rudolph’s Clarice, e.g.

How To Find e Right Solution for Your Sciatica

Get back to being yourself with a sciatica solution that lasts

By Leading USA Sciatica Expert, Dr. Tom Padilla

If you’ve had sciatica for any length of time, you’re familiar with how di cult it may be to do simple things like sleep comfortably, sit for long periods, or walk. You may already know that frustrating feeling of not being able to focus on anything or anyone around you fully, because you’re distracted by pain.

e problem with sciatica is it can a ect nearly every aspect of life, and doesn’t a ect anyone exactly the same way.

ere are several di erent causes of sciatica, and often, the diagnosis and solutions given only help for the short term. ings that help one type of sciatica, make other types of worse, and what helps one day, may not help the next. Or you might have symptoms that behave di erently all the time, leaving you searching high and low for solutions that help you avoid surgeries that are often unsuccessful.

Most people with sciatica just want to know if there’s a solution that actually lasts. Solutions that used to work, don’t work any longer. Eventually you nd yourself in a rabbit hole, searching for solutions that help you avoid surgery.

You’ve likely already tried many di erent things. Usually the list includes massage, stretching, chiropractic, and di erent exercises.

One of my patients, Marian, had tried everything above along with back surgery, unspecialized physical therapy, pain management, spinal injections, spinal electrostimulation, acupuncture, and dietary analysis.

Marian told me, “When you go through this, you learn how many things you can no longer do if you can’t stand or walk.”

You don’t have to choose between surgery and giving up the activities that you love.

Sciatica is so common because many of the solutions out there just take one area into consideration. e muscles, the joints, nerves, strength, weakness, etcetera. e simple truth is that sciatica is a complex condition with many contributing factors.

e core issue, which has been proven time and again in the best research, is that the body has developed compensation patterns in order to protect itself. ese patterns are hardwired into the brain and will continue until they’re xed.

is pattern is what CAUSES the tight muscles and sti joints. ey eventually pinch the nerve, causing sciatica. erefore, the pattern is the true root cause. No matter how long you’ve su ered, you can still get your life back. No surgery. No pills.

Common Mistakes Doctors Make When Dealing With People With Sciatica

• ey only seem interested in pushing pills or injections with no real answers as to why you have pain.

• ey make you feel like you’re a crazy hypochondriac.

• ey blame you or make you feel like it’s your own fault that you’re not getting better.

• ey didn’t fully explain your diagnosis so you feel like something’s missing and that you must be more complicated than other people.

• ey tell you that “you’re just getting older,” and now you’re worried that your best years are behind you instead of ahead of you like you thought they would be.

• ey’re lack of root-cause solutions make you worry about losing your independence, and wondering what life will look like in 10 years if things continue to go this way.

Why What You’ve Tried Hasn’t Worked

Many common “treatments” for sciatica, like

stretching and injections, only address the symptoms and not the root cause of your sciatica.

What To Avoid

Here are 3 things that can make your sciatica pain worse.

Stretching: If you’ve been stretching to x your sciatica and it hasn’t worked yet, it likely won’t. More often than not, sciatica has come up because of tight muscles. Stretching is for short muscles. Tight muscles are tight because they’re compensating for a weak muscle nearby. Stretching will relieve them for a little bit, but it will come back unless the weakness is resolved.

Crossing Your Legs: Avoid crossing your legs at all costs. is can cause stretching in the back of your hip which compresses the sciatic nerve. It also causes twisting in your hips and pelvis which can put stress on the nerves in your back.

Resting: Certain activities right now might make your sciatica worse, but that doesn’t mean you should restrict all of your movements. If certain things are painful, like walking, lifting, sitting, it’s important to nd the root cause so you can start moving properly and stay active.

How to Fix Sciatica for the Long Term

So many of the “solutions” we try only provide temporary relief because they’re not targeting the root cause. And without getting to the source of the problem, sciatica pain will continue to return because the cause was never addressed.

Marian learned this the hard way, and unfortunately a lot of people do. After addressing the root cause, Marian says, “I’m back to walking 3-4 miles a day; I can lift and hold my grandbabies; I can go to parties without having to sit in a corner; I can go shopping again.” e only thing she’d change? Finding help to address the root cause sooner. “I could have avoided a lot of doctors’ appointments and needless and expensive treatments, not to mention losing a couple of years to my other attempts.”

Tips and Exercises to Crush Sciatica Pain for Good

Our doctors are sciatica specialists who can help diagnose the root cause of your pain and design a personalized roadmap to long-term healing. is month, our doctors are setting time aside for ve free complimentary sessions for our newspaper readers to get to the root of their pain and nd a path back to their lives without pain.

Reserve yours by calling or texting us at 480-4820651 and asking for a Sciatica Visit, or emailing us at info@thedoctorsofpt.com and saying “I’d like to reserve a Sciatica Visit.”

Or, if you’d like to meet our doctors at one of our free workshops, ask us about our upcoming Sciatica Workshop on October 26th at 6:30p where we’ll go over the root cause of sciatica and help you through a variety of exercises and stretches for fast relief.

Getaway

NAPA

By Alison Bailin Batz

There is nothing like Napa during the late fall and winter. Gone are throngs of crowds seeking to sip in the sun through the spring and summer and then celebrate harvest season in early autumn. Exploring Napa during the cooler months feels like having Disneyland – a very adult Disneyland – to oneself. And thanks to a daily flight from Phoenix to Napa neighbor Santa Rosa on American Airlines, it is in credibly easy to hop on the 75-minute flight and get tasting.

Now, when visiting during busier months, wine lovers usually must focus on one growing region within Napa – Yountville, St. Helena, Rutherford, Carneros, Calistoga –given the high season’s never-ending traffic. However, for the next several months, the surprisingly rural roads through the mighty wine country are wide open, meaning visitors may spread their wings and sample away.

Fall in Love with the Preeminent Wine Region in the Country

The first step to planning the perfect Napa getaway is choosing idyllic accommodations. Among the best bets are Bardessono Hotel and Spa, Carneros Resort, and The Meritage Resort and Spa. The sprawling Bardessono is a proud LEED Platinum Certified prop erty and situated within its own vineyard along the main drag in the culinary mecca of Napa’s Yountville. Somehow, the modern resort provides an ultra-lavish experience and one of the best area dining experiences in its famed Lucy Restaurant yet does it all within a sustainable environment. Carneros, located in Napa’s Carneros where pinot noir and chardonnay rule, is equal parts farm, culinary hotspot, and luxury resort all in one. Then there is The Meritage, a AAA Four Diamond resort that also boasts a chic hotelwithin-a-hotel concept called Vista Collina at The Meritage and full-scale brewery onsite.

With sleeping quarters set, the next step is to decide which of the 400-plus wineries in the area to visit. Book reservations at a combina tion of vineyards and tastings rooms that offer diverse experiences, including:

ONEHOPE WINE: Napa’s only causerelated winery, and its co-owner calls Arizona home! Book the Wine & Bites experience for the vineyard’s most exclusive selections, each paired with a small plate from their onsite chef.

HANDWRITTEN WINES: These wines are like buttah. So, it is only fitting they offer the Bread and Butter experience, which pairs

five distinct cabernets with artisan butters and locally sourced fresh bread.

RAM’S GATE: If design lovers are on the trip, the architecturally awe-inspiring Ram’s Gate is the perfect stop. Book the Caviar Experience and compare caviars with both still and sparkling wines.

GIRARD: Do not miss the VIP Tasting here, an ultimate behind-the-scenes tour capped with Calistoga-exclusive wines and small bites.

SILVER TRIDENT: This tasting room doubles as a Ralph Lauren showroom and offers one of the cheekiest tastings in its Potato Chip Extravaganza. Yes, it is a wine and potato chip pairing. And it is even better than one might imagine.

CAKEBREAD CELLARS: This familyowned jewel has an amazing culinary lunch experience as well as the Perfect Pair experi ence, which features a walk through their sustainable vineyard and gardens.

ROMBAUER: While known for its char donnay, the zinfandel at Rombauer will be everyone’s new favorite wine. Book the Cave Tour, which feels like entering a Hobbit’s home, but in the best way possible.

CLOS PEGASE: The only way to do this gem justice is booking the Connoisseur Cave Tour & Tasting, which has a little of every thing, including a cave theatre and culinary pairing.

PALMAZ: Founded by the doctor who created the heart stent, it is said each grape in this vineyard represents a life he has saved. Book the tour through the unground cave and its surprise “light show.”

RAYMOND VINEYARDS: At Ray mond, they offer guests the chance to blend their own bottles through the Winemaker for a Day experience. Also, while there check out the “Red Room,” too!

CHANDON: Bubbles, anyone? Go big at this sparkling wine fairyland by booking the Epicurean Experience, a full multi-course and sensory experience of all thing’s food and wine. It is a wow.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Napa is also among the most lauded foodie destinations in the world. Find time to visit RH Yount ville, the Bubble Room, Press Napa Valley, Mustard’s Grill, and Bottega as well.