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April 2020

Vol. 1 â€¢ No. 7

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IN THIS ISSUE Crossword Puzzle....................................................... 2

Business Directory.....................................................17

Letter From The Publishers...................................... 4

Home.............................................................................18

City News..................................................................5-11

Real Estate...................................................................19

Recreation....................................................................15

Sudoku Puzzle............................................................21

Health............................................................................16

Must Watch.................................................................22

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STATEPOINT CROSSWORD - THEME: MYSTERIES AND THRILLERS ACROSS 1. Wire danger 6. Part of a circumference 9. Nashville’s Keith 13. In a cold manner 14. Prefix for something revived 15. Paralyzing disease 16. Mulled wine 17. Egg cells 18. A do-nothing 19. *”Alphabet Series” detective novels author 21. *”It’s close to midnight, and something evil’s lurking in ____ ____” 23. Second mo. 24. Fabricca Italiana Automobili Torino 25. Not don’ts 28. Popular Japanese soup 30. *Agatha Christie’s famous sleuth 35. Wood sorrels 37. “Through” in text 39. Give sheep a haircut 40. Raise the roof 41. Wall or pedestal support 43. Cogito, ____ sum 44. Drink like a cat, two words 46. Be inclined 47. Commotions 48. Bewitch or beguile 50. Jack and Jill’s water jug 52. Put to work 53. *James Patterson’s “____ the Girls” 55. “Jack and the Beanstalk” Giant’s disapproval 57. *Hitchcock classic 61. *Poe’s “Tales of ____ and Imagination” 65. In the know 66. *Subject of Roswell’s mystery 68. Cocoon dwellers 69. King Julien XIII of “Madagascar,” e.g. 70. Bubble source 71. Possible allergic reaction 72. Gaelic tongue 73. Store posting, for short 74. Oceanic trenches

DOWN 1. Google alternative 2. Maple genus 3. Capital on the Baltic Sea 4. Blindman’s ____ 5. International ____ of Units 6. In a little while, old-fashioned 7. Once around 8. Raccoon’s South American cousin 9. *The Demon Barber 10. Spanish earthen pot 11. Coffin stand 12. *New ____, setting of “The Alienist” 15. Michelangelo’s famous Vatican statue and others like it, e.g. 20. Death reports, for short 22. Deli offering 24. Baby extractor 25. *Sherlock Holmes creator 26. Continental divide 27. Planktonic tunicate 29. *”Who ____ J.R.?” 31. Actress Perlman 32. “Lost” in Paris 33. Mar-a-___, pl. 34. Having a toothed margin 36. Undesirable location 38. Forearm bone 42. Enlighten 45. Slower 49. Oil drilling apparatus 51. Spoke with a speech defect 54. Make a murmuring sound 56. Chopin’s composition 57. Wide river valley 58. Water carrier 59. L.A. footballers 60. *HBO’s “____ Detective” 61. *Pamela Voorhees and Norma Bates, e.g. 62. D’Artagnan’s sword 63. Stairway alternative 64. Those not opposed 67. *Remus Lupin’s occasional body cover

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHERS MARCH 25, 2020 OUR VALUED READERS, We are always ‘working ahead’ in our world. Our newspapers are written, designed, printed and sent to the Post Office up to two weeks prior to you receiving it in your mailbox. With particularly fast-moving news like what is going on today with COVID-19, we are now pushing relevant, timely news articles to our website www.MyHyperlocalNews.com and our Facebook page Facebook.com/theupperwestsider. Don’t worry, we are still printing and mailing; however, with so much happening so quickly, we want to be sure to keep you as informed and up to date as possible. You may notice that this issue is significantly lighter in pages. Much of the content that we had prepared to share with you has changed – and is continuing to change on a daily, and even hourly basis. We have removed our ‘Things to Do’ events calendar. Our popular ‘Getaway’ section has been pulled, as families are being asked to not leave their homes. New businesses that were scheduled to open have had to push back their openings to later or undetermined dates. Charitable fundraisers, food festivals, local theaters and more have all cancelled events – all of which were stories we had planned to share with you. Additionally, some bars and restaurants, gyms, retail stores and more have all been forced to temporarily shut their doors. All this to say, that we have lost a large portion of our advertisers virtually overnight. As a free publication (not subscription based), our ONLY source of income is advertising dollars. These dollars are used to pay our designers, writers, printing, postage and everything else that goes into bringing you local news each month. As you may have heard, newspapers and magazines, both locally and across the country have been dramatically affected by COVID-19. Many have been forced to enact large pay cuts, lay off workers and worse yet, close their doors entirely. To call what’s happening in our industry a ‘crisis’ would be an understatement. Eculeus Group Publishing is locally owned and operated - we are not national, corporate, franchised or 4 • April 2020 • UPPER WESTSIDER

syndicated. We are one of the last hyper-local newspapers doing it all with a small but scrappy team of two incredible designers, a handful of Marketing Consultants and one writer. We have no intention of laying off our team and will do everything in our power to ensure that it never comes to that. As the Publishers, we feel a tremendous responsibility to continue to provide them a stable income, and a ‘home’ they can count on. We are a family here at Eculeus Group; from our staff, to our advertisers, to you - our readers. We pledge to continue to fight to bring you hope and positive news that affects you where you live. You can get your up to the minute world disaster news from anywhere; phone, tablet, tv, radio, computer… even some of your refrigerators. To survive, you need more than that. You need a little ray of sunshine that reminds you that we will get through this. That is what we are here for. If you have enjoyed reading our papers, there are two tremendous ways that you can help our efforts and keep us going: 1. SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS The advertisers that sprinkle our pages each month are small business owners, in many cases your neighbors, who are working to continue to serve you in socially responsible ways. If you feel that you could use their services, please reach out and make sure to let them know that you found them in Upper Westsider. If you can afford to do so: • Order takeout from locally owned restaurants • Shop online from local stores offering delivery or curbside pickup • Purchase gift cards to use at a later date • Tip a little extra There are even ways to support without spending a penny: • Leave businesses a positive review online • Recommend them on NextDoor or other in community groups • Like and share their social media posts

2. SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS Bringing you a quality publication each month takes long hours, dedication and a passion for supporting both the business owners and residents that make up our community. It also takes money. Each month we publish six newspapers, just like this one, that we direct mail to wonderfully unique communities throughout the north valley. With each issue, we touch 120,000+ homes and countless lives – at absolutely no cost to you, the reader. We will always be a free publication to the community; however, we are humbly asking for your support. We know many of you are worried about your own finances and we absolutely get it. We, like you and like many of the businesses we write about, are not immune to the dramatic downturn caused by this pandemic. However, if you believe in our mission and protecting independent media, please consider making a onetime or recurring contribution to our cause. You may do so at www.MyHyperlocalNews.com. Regardless, we truly appreciate you welcoming us into your home each month. None of us were prepared for what came so quickly, and this is undoubtedly changing all of our lives in one way or another. This means that now, more than ever, we need to practice what we preach: COMMUNITY. We as neighbors need to pull together to support one another. It may be as simple as sharing the fruit from your backyard, checking on an elderly neighbor or donating to the charities that are on the front line of this. You can bet that we will be here fighting to keep you informed now, and when all of this is over… because this city and everyone in it is worth it. Remember to be socially responsible and do your part to help stop the transmission of this virus. But most importantly, simply be kind to one another - we are all in this together. Take care of yourselves and your families. With our sincerest gratitude, Brian and Natasha Beal Publishers yourupperwestsider.com

CITY NEWS

ARIZONA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES ARIZONA TAKEOUT WEEK ORGANIZATION OFFERS SUPPORT OF LOCAL RESTAURANTS AMID CORONAVIRUS MANDATED CLOSURES THE ARIZONA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION (ARA) IS RESPONDING TO THE RECENT STATE OF EMERGENCY BY CREATING AN ALL NEW MARKETING STRATEGY TO HELP SUPPORT LOCAL DINING ESTABLISHMENTS WITH THE DEBUT OF ARIZONA TAKEOUT WEEK. Harnessing the energy from the wellattended Spring and Fall AZ Restaurant Weeks, AZ Takeout Week will help restaurants and those diners who depend on them for daily sustenance, survive what is an unprecedented crisis in the industry. The ARA is pleased to announce Arizona Takeout Week, which is now in effect and will run through the entirety of Coronavirus closures. The initiative serves to help diners and those who depend on dining

establishments as a food source find restaurants offering pick-up, curbside, and delivery options during this time and aid restaurants in marketing their service options during the closure. “We appreciate and thank Governor Ducey for his efforts in working with the restaurant industry to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus,” says Arizona Restaurant Association President and CEO Steve Chucri. “The Arizona restaurant family appreciates his work and that of all elected leaders in our state during this unparalleled time in our history.” The culinary industry has a powerful impact on the state’s economy — and residents’ livelihoods. There are more than 10,000 dining establishments that employ more than 229,000 staff with annual restaurant sales of $13.4 billion. “At the end of the day, we are the

industry of ‘happy’ — that is what the hospitality industry represents. We hope to bring a bit of happiness to Arizonans during this extremely difficult time through Arizona Takeout Week while keeping our employees and restaurants afloat,” Chucri says. The event already has more than 100 participating restaurant locations. This initiative is free for restaurants and all are invited to email their current menus and service hours to takeout@ azrestaurant.org. Diners are encouraged to go to the official Arizona Takeout Week website at www.aztakeoutweek. com to learn more and start dining on the go! About the Arizona Restaurant Association: Dedicated to helping its members become leaders in their communities through building customer loyalty, escalating awareness of food

safety and healthy living, bolstering a thriving industry and rewarding workforce, and increasing financial success, the Arizona Restaurant Association is the brainchild behind events that support the state’s culinary scene including Arizona Restaurant Week and the Foodist Awards. For more information, visit www. azrestaurant.org.

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CITY NEWS

SICK LEAVE IN THE TIME OF THE CORONAVIRUS ARIZONA IS AMONG A HANDFUL OF STATES THAT HAS A PAID SICK LEAVE LAW. The Fair Wages and Healthy Family Act was passed in 2017. Until recently, it was the only protection that Arizonans had when it came to sick leave. However, in response to the novel Coronavirus, President Trump also recently signed a national paid sick leave law - the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. A large percentage of Americans have been temporarily or indefinitely put on a leave of absence and each of these laws offer workers financial help through this pandemic. Under the Arizona Act, paid sick leave is required by all employers for full, part-time or temporary employees. Additionally, union workers who were under a bargaining agreement prior to the Act’s effective date may not be covered. The Arizona Act requires employers with fewer than 15 employees to provide at least 24 hours of annual paid sick leave time and employers with 15 or more employees must provide at least 40 hours of annual paid sick leave time. The Arizona Act allows for employers to be flexible and give the full allotment of paid sick leave even if employees are still in their 90-day grace period. Employees can also use their sick leave if they feel they may have been exposed and need to take some time to get tested

for the novel Coronavirus. Likewise, if an employee has a family member who has fallen ill with COVID-19, they can also use sick leave and be covered under the Arizona Act. This also extends if the employee needs to take time off to get that family member tested. In Arizona, parents can also use their sick leave if their children are forced to stay home due to schools closing—such is the case by the recent mandate issued by Gov. Doug Ducey amid fears that children could increase the spread of COVID-19. It can also be used during times when a public official forces a business to close due to a health crisis. Employees do not need to give any formal notice of leave according to the Arizona Act and can request it via phone, email or in person.

The paid-sick leave law does allow some wiggle room. For example, some employers might require employees to allocate some vacation days to their time off on sick leave. Employers also have the option to combine all the possible days for paid time off, including vacation and other personal leave. The Arizona Act does not cover independent contractors, freelancers, babysitters, writers on contracts and those who are self-employed. Starting April 3, everyone can benefit from the new federal paid sick leave law.

Now, those who were not covered prior to COVID-19 will be able to take sick leave for two weeks maximum with their normal pay up to $511 per day. Additionally, if an employee must take time off to stay home with a child because of school cancellations, they are able to stay at home for 12 weeks while being compensated two-thirds of their normal salary up to $200 per day. To fund this massive program, a tax credit is given to employers against the 6.2% payroll tax. If the percentage amount is greater, the government will reimburse the employer and selfemployed independent contractors can receive a tax credit as well. With many people out of work currently due to COVID-19, the new bill also gives a 90 day extension

to pay 2019 taxes in addition to the normal deadline of April 15. Employers and their employees are venturing into uncharted territory in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As restaurants, bars and retail shops close, there is a heightened worry for those who work for tips and minimum wage. Torn between keeping workers healthy and reducing loss of revenue, the business complications of the pandemic stretch far beyond just the corporate world. Jonathan Frutkin is the founder and principal of Radix Law. The company focuses on providing general counsel, including legal advice on capital formation, mergers and acquisitions, litigation strategy and intellectual property. You can find more information at radixlaw.com.

ADOR SEEKING UNCLAIMED PROPERTY OWNERS FROM MARICOPA COUNTY THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE’S (ADOR) UNCLAIMED PROPERTY PROGRAM HAS IDENTIFIED MORE THAN $900 MILLION THAT BELONGED TO MORE THAN 1.1 MILLION PEOPLE WITH LAST KNOWN ADDRESSES IN MARICOPA COUNTY. The agency is sending out notices to the potential property owners and their families to attempt to return the funds. Some of the property dates back more than 30 years with one property being worth $500,000. Unclaimed property generally consists of money due to an individual from sources like old bank 6 • April 2020 • UPPER WESTSIDER

accounts, uncashed payroll checks, tax refunds, credit balances, rebates, returned deposits and dormant safe deposit boxes. Often property becomes unclaimed because the company that holds the funds has an outdated or the wrong forwarding address for its customer and in some cases, a person passes away with no family members aware of the assets. ADOR returns property to owners who provide documentation showing their right to claim the assets. Claimants must include with their claim form a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or other applicable identification, and documentation linking them to the owner’s last known address. Claimants

must also provide documentation demonstrating a legal right to claim any property listed in another name. There is currently $1.5 billion in unclaimed assets in the state being safeguarded by the Arizona Department of Revenue. ADOR’s Unclaimed Property program returned $48.4 million to rightful owners in fiscal year 2019 (July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019). For more information on ADOR’s Unclaimed Property program, including how to make a claim and frequently asked questions, go to www.azdor. gov and click on the Unclaimed Property tab. yourupperwestsider.com

CITY NEWS

CITY LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PEORIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (SBDC), AND ASUPEORIA FORWARD, THE CITY OF PEORIA HAS LAUNCHED A SMALL BUSINESS TASK FORCE TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE OUTREACH AND SUPPORT TO PEORIA BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC.

business based on their service availability: one sign that says “pick-up available” or another sign that says “delivery and pickup available.” These banners will be delivered to the businesses. The banner program concept and material were provided by the city of Peoria. This grassroots effort is an opportunity for the community to come together and support local business owners during their time of need.

“Our incredible partnerships with ASU, SBDC, and the Peoria Chamber of Commerce are serving as important emergency conduits for our business community right now,” said Mayor Cathy Carlat. “In times of emergency, it’s important to know who you can count on, and we are not disappointed with the company we keep! Our economic partners did not hesitate to jump in with hand and heart to assist Peoria’s local business community as they strive to weather this difficult time.”

Additionally, the city of Peoria has updated the www.peoriaaz.gov/ covid19 webpage to include business resources for those that may need assistance, a list of restaurants in Peoria and their service availability, and a graphic of those restaurants that has been shared on the city’s social media pages with the hashtag #inittogether. If a business owner would like to request a banner and be included on the webpage and graphic, they can sign up at https:// forms.gle/zK9pUZsbzhbT8UzR8.

To help restaurants promote their services to Peoria residents, the Peoria Economic Development Services Department is providing a free 4’ x 4’ banner to any restaurant that would like to participate in the banner program. There are two banner options restaurants can choose to display outside of their

Also, in an effort to provide the West Valley community with the most current resources and information, the West Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance is surveying businesses to see how the COVID-19 outbreak has affected them. Take the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ JWZZDTZ.

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UPPER WESTSIDER • April 2020 • 7

CITY NEWS

DONATIONS TO QUALIFYING NONPROFITS FOR ARIZONA

TAX CREDITS MUST STILL BE MADE BY APRIL 15 EXTENSION OF TAX FILING DEADLINE DOES NOT AFFECT CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS ARIZONA TAXPAYERS CONSIDERING DONATIONS TO QUALIFYING NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS FOR ARIZONA TAX CREDITS ON THEIR 2019 INCOME TAX RETURNS MUST STILL MAKE THOSE CONTRIBUTIONS BY APRIL 15 EVEN WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY DECISION TO EXTEND FILING DEADLINES TO JULY 15 FOR ARIZONA AND FEDERAL RETURNS. Qualifying charitable organizations include 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, foster care organizations public schools and certified school tuition organizations. “Nonprofits in Arizona are facing severe financial challenges and if, by making direct donations, they can benefit at the same time that Arizona taxpayer’s benefit, it’s a win-win,” said Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits Chief Executive Officer Kristen Merrifield. This week, the Alliance released results of a survey of Arizona nonprofit organizations showing that nearly

90% of the 425 respondents have been or expect to be significantly impacted by the spread of COVID-19 or coronavirus with the total loss of reported revenue at $36 million as of March 24. Merrifield said that additional steps have been taken to provide expanded support through the upcoming Arizona Gives Day 24-hour online fundraising campaign, a collaboration with Arizona Grantmakers Forum and presented by FirstBank, on April 7, including: • An Emergency Relief Fund giving donors the option to increase donations as an add-on at check out or through direct donation at www.azgives.org/aznonprofits. All funds will be distributed equally among participating nonprofits. • Re-opening registration to allow organizations that had to cancel fundraisers, programs and other events that originally chose not to participate to be able to benefit from the fundraiser. The new registration deadline is March 27: and • A group of donors has provided separate funding enabling the Alliance to waive payment-processing fees

normally paid by nonprofits participating in Arizona Gives Day, allowing more funds to go directly to the nonprofits. For more information about the Nonprofit Emergency Relief Fund, visit wwwazgives.org/relieffund. For more information about the Arizona Gives Day, visit www.azgives.org.

SET YOUR 2020 TAX STRATEGY NOW, “I HATE THE IRS!” NOT AT THE LAST MINUTE! JOIN HANDS WITH OCJ KIDS AND LET’S IMPACT FOSTER CARE IN ARIZONA! WARNING WARNING

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CITY NEWS

You Dream. We Build.

LEARN HOW THE CITY OPERATES AT THE PEORIA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW OR WHY THE CITY DOES SOMETHING? Are you interested in learning more about the inner workings of local government? Are you considering seeking public office, or an appointment to a city board or commission? If so, then Peoria Leadership Institute may be for you! What is the Peoria Leadership Institute? Peoria Leadership Institute offers an in-depth look at all operations of city government. Members will attend class one night per week for nine weeks, where they will learn more about the city’s governmental structure, its budget and finances, public works, utility, police and fire operations through interactive discussions with management staff. The program schedule includes both classroom-style presentations as well as the unique opportunity to visit a police and fire station, courthouse, and other city facilities and participate in hands-on learning with vehicles and equipment. Who should attend? Peoria Leadership Institute is enjoyable for everyone but should prove especially insightful for those considering public office or seeking appointment to one of the city’s advisory boards or commissions. It is also valuable for civic-minded residents

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who are interested in becoming more involved in their community, The city of Peoria appreciates the opportunity to communicate with citizens about the functions and operations of municipal government. Although the above programs are very informative, there may be specific subjects that you’d like to know more about. With enough public suggestion, we may implement additional citizen education programs, but we need to know what you’d like to know more about.

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Classes start April 15 and graduation will be on June 16 at the Peoria City Council meeting. To register, contact Maryann Loya at maryann.loya@ peoriaaz.gov. For more information, visit Peoriaaz. gov/pli.

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UPPER WESTSIDER • April 2020 • 9

CITY NEWS

12TH ANNUAL “KEEP OUR PLANET NEAT, RECYCLE YOUR CAR SEAT” HAS YOUR CHILD OUTGROWN THEIR SEAT? Is it expired? Has it been in an accident? If so, don’t throw it out – RECYCLE IT! NARPRO (Network of Auto Repair Professionals) is partnering with Child Crisis Arizona, Safe Kids Maricopa County and numerous local organizations to collect old, expired, and damaged car seats which volunteers will take apart for proper recycling. Car seats don’t last forever, and over time their components will break down, especially in the hot Arizona sun. Older car seats or those that have been involved in an accident may not have visible damage, but they should not be used. This annual event helps those with older, expired, or damaged car seats get rid of them in an environmentally friendly way, by keeping them out of vehicles and landfills.

Anyone can drop off car seats that need to be recycled at one of the participating Network of Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals shops from now until April 15, 2020. Find a participating NARPRO location at NARPRO.com/ find-a-shop.

On April 18, volunteers and NARPRO shop owners will be dismantling the old car seats. They will recycle the plastic, metal and fabric components separately. For example, elements of the fabric, padding, and straps can be used in animal shelters. Quilted fabric becomes bedding or chew toys for the animals. Long straps make free leashes. Clean polystyrene foam (rigid foam) from seats can be recycled into an Earth Friendly Block™ which are used in commercial and residential construction. Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) helps car owners find

skilled and honest car repair shops. NARPRO only recommends independent, family-owned, full-service auto repair shops that have passed 26 rigorous tests. NARPRO.com to find recommended shops near work or home. NARPRO is the easiest way to find an honest mechanic in the Valley.

Safe Kids Maricopa County is led by Child Crisis Arizona, which provides dedicated and caring staff, operation support and other resources to assist in achieving our common goal: keeping your kids safe. Based on the needs of the community, this coalition implements evidencebased programs, such as car-seat checkups, safety workshops and sports clinics, that help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries. Childcrisisaz.org/safekids-maricopa/

Are you a victim of sexual abuse? Arizona recently passed a new law to help victims of child sexual abuse. Contact our ofﬁce to learn more.

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CITY NEWS

NEED WORK? SIX COMPANIES CURRENTLY HIRING LOCALLY WITH UNEMPLOYMENT SKYROCKETING NATIONALLY, MANY FIND THEMSELVES IN THE POSITION OF SEEKING NEW OR ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT. Here are a just a handful of the companies hiring locally at time of publication. If your company is hiring or you know of others who are, please email news@egpublishing. com – subject line “Employment.” ALBERTSON’S Passionate about customer service? Driven to be part of an exciting and friendly team in a fast-paced environment? We are hiring people like you NOW! Apply online or stop by your closest store for more information (just don't offer to shake hands so we can maintain social distancing). www.albertsonscompanies.com/careers JET’S PIZZA For service professionals looking for work, Jet's Pizza, known for its Detroit-style pizza, currently has delivery employment opportunities available at each of its 386 locations in 20 states nationwide. Opportunities are available for restaurant and bar workers, teachers and other individuals who are faced with unemployment amid layoffs in the

current climate. On average, delivery drivers can make between $13 - $16 per hour, based on tips and mileage. Those interested in applying can call their local Jet’s Pizza location directly. www.jetspizza.com/ employment

THE HOME DEPOT With a career at The Home Depot you become part of the team that’s been recognized nationally with environmental awards, for business strength, and as a reputable company. We’ve created a one-stop shop to help our customers build a home. We couldn’t have done it without the culture and feeling of home and family among the associates in our stores, distribution centers and corporate office. Featured jobs currently available include customer service, lot associate, kitchen/bath designer and freight/receiving. www.homedepotretailjobs.com DOLLAR GENERAL Ready to be an important part of something BIG? What started as a single store is now a 20+ billiondollar Fortune 119 company. With 140,000+ employees and counting, we’re growing fast and so can you. There are endless opportunities for you, including award-winning training programs and career paths in retail, distribution, transportation or corporate. The possibilities are endless! www.careers.dollargeneral.com

WALGREENS Walgreens is championing the health and wellbeing of every community in America, with over 9,500 store locations in all 50 states. We’re a company of pharmacists, store team members, IT professionals, accountants, nurses and more. And each one of us shares a common goal – to make health and well-being within reach for everyone on a daily basis. www.jobs.walgreens.com

AMAZON The perks of being an Amazon employee don’t stop at collaborating with great people on exciting and innovative projects. We also offer a full range of benefits to regular, full-time U.S. employees that support employees and eligible family members, including domestic partners and their children. Start as soon as 7 days, with no resume or previous work experience required. Shoppers, warehouse and delivery driver positions are available, starting at $17+/hour. www.amazondelivers.jobs

IS YOUR COMPANY HIRING? LET US KNOW! Please email news@egpublishing.com Subject line “Employment”

GROCERY SERVICES AVAILABLE TO SENIORS, HOMEBOUND INDIVIDUALS SEVERAL AGENCIES IN PEORIA AND THE VALLEY ARE WORKING TO PROVIDE FOOD AND ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO SENIORS AND HOMEBOUND INDIVIDUALS. • Benevilla is continuing to provide grocery shopping services for seniors in the West Valley who have no other support. Volunteers will not be entering the homes but will be able to complete shopping services for essential items like food and prescriptions. For more information, call 623-5844999. • Area Agency on Aging is for people 60 years old or older who need assistance from Meals on Wheels, home grocery delivery, and other necessities during this time of social distancing. This program is also available for adults over the age of 18 with HIV or a disability. Call 602-2644357 for more information. • Duet is shopping for homebound adults. Duet can be reached at 623-274-5022. yourupperwestsider.com

Also, several grocery stores have set up senior shopping hours, including: Albertsons - Senior shopping 7-9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays Bashas’, Food City, and AJ’s Fine Foods - 65+ from 5-6 a.m. on Wednesdays Dollar General - First hour of every business day for senior shoppers Safeway - Senior shopping 7-9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays Wal-Mart - 60+ ID required one hour before opening Whole Foods - 60+ one hour before opening UPPER WESTSIDER • April 2020 • 11

COVER STORY

Iron Doors Arizona

ADDING STYLE AND SECURITY TO YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS By Michelle Talsma Everson

teve Yagudayev, CEO of Iron Doors Arizona, knows his way around entryways. The owner of Iron Doors Arizona, LLC, for the past four years, Yagudayev has worked hard as the business has become the largest iron door company in the state with Arizona’s largest showroom, too.

“At Iron Doors Arizona, we design and manufacture the finest handcrafted iron entry doors, custom gates and high end garage doors,” Yagudayev explains. “We are successful in providing our customers with personal detailed service and beautiful, quality products.” “Our iron doors are designed to meet the highest standards of beauty and

security. We have hundreds of existing designs but also work closely with homeowners, builders, and architects to create custom designs,” he continues. “We specialize in creating custom sizing that will add lasting curb appeal to your home. Customers can choose from many different finish options. All of our wrought iron doors include the threshold as well as all weather stripping.” Not only does Iron Doors Arizona provide iron doors for Arizona residents, but they ship doors nationwide. At any point, their warehouse and showroom has more than 500 doors in stock, Yagudayev says. “Customers can literally watch their home or business transform with our help,” he explains. “Our doors are hand-crafted in a specialized factory with quality management every step of the way. We bring with us a team of highly skilled metal workers, iron forgers, and design consultants whom have a deep understanding and a rich history in the art of forging iron. Our products are hand crafted with the finest steel, exterior artisan paints, and engineered glass.” So what is the difference between an iron door and a traditional wooden door that most homes and businesses have? “Wood doors need extensive maintenance and are prone to sagging, drooping and changing shape,” explains Yagudayev. “Wood doors must be stained and sealed every few years to prevent rotting and keep them looking good. Any door over eight feet tall probably does not have a warranty. Our iron doors need no maintenance, will not change shape or warp, and

12 • April 2020 • UPPER WESTSIDER

come galvanized for marine grade corrosion protection.” The family-owned company, which is home to about 30 employees and sells between 90-100 doors a month, specializes in helping customers pick out the perfect door for their needs, he adds. “Helping customers upgrading their home with spectacular custom iron doors is rewarding for all of us,” Yagudayev shares. “Customers can personally see numerous doors in our showroom. We highlight the many different finishes, sizes, styles and options to choose from to customize the doors of their dreams. At Iron Doors Arizona, we show our customers the many different types available for purchase so they can see what the finished product will look like.” “We know it can be overwhelming to search for styles and designs to choose from, which is why we operate our showroom so you can get a better sense of what you like,” he adds. “Customers can walk in and view the single and double options with delicate swirls and strong, modern, clean lines, and choose the ones that will perfectly suit their home or business.” ADVANTAGES OF IRON DOORS “It’s about more than just good looks with your iron front doors,” Yagudayev explains. “We appreciate the time and effort customers put into customizing their choice and we want to make sure they understand the value they get when they add them to their home.” Some of the benefits of iron doors include: • Customizable for any entryway, yourupperwestsider.com

COVER STORY

whether single or double. • Rust-free iron with minimal upkeep necessary. • Weather-resistant with extremely long-lasting materials. • An instant boost to your property value. • Competitive pricing and flexible financing.

Design benefits of iron doors include: • No visible weld; they are always smooth. • High-quality dual pane low-e glass with hand applied faux finish. • Injected polyurethane foam into the door and frame. • Heavy-duty weather stripping around jamb and glass frame. • Single pane or dual pane glass based on needs. • Pre-hung with flush bolts installed and pre-drilled for hardware. • Solid threshold is integral to the frame. • Solid 5/8 inch, ¾ inch and 1-inch scrolls welded to a heavy-duty tubing frame. CUSTOM AND QUALITY “All of our doors, whether single or double, offer stunning style that incorporates seamlessly into your home and ranges from simple or modern to intricate or old-fashioned,” Yagudayev says. “Curb appeal is instantly upgraded with handcrafted ironwork to create a showstopper that impresses guests, all while the sturdy wrought iron keeps unwanted visitors out of your home for an added sense of security.” Each door they design comes with a limited lifetime warranty; the best on the market, Yagudayev explains. Also, there are no boring doorknobs here— Iron Doors Arizona is home to a large selection of hand forged door pulls that are designed to enhance the look of the doors. Worried about ventilation? These doors, he explains, are meant to replace both the traditional wooden and screen doors. The metal screen is magnetic and easy to take on and off. “Our doors come with dual pane, low-e tempered glass – clear, frosted, patterned options – just to name a yourupperwestsider.com

few,” Yagudayev says.

If home or business owners are worried that iron doors may be hard to open, he says that couldn’t be further from the truth. “With our special ballbearing hinges these doors are easy to open and close. Some homeowners even claim that they are easier than their old solid oak doors!” “When it comes to door design, the sky is the limit and we are experts regarding suggesting options and customizations,” he continues. “We can easily create shapes — from rectangular to arched — and can use glass or screen paneling to put together the entrance of your dreams. Good news: there is no additional cost for a custom design! Our sales team is here to help with the design process every step of the way.” For those interested in adding iron doors to their home or business, he shares that custom doors have a turnaround time of approximately 10-12 weeks, and iron doors from the showroom are available in just a matter of days.

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When it comes to giving back, Yagudayev and Iron Doors Arizona remain committed to their local community. A recent sale gave proceeds back to Phoenix Children’s Hospital and, knowing today’s current climate, Yagudayev shares that he is offering readers another sale: $500 off a single door and $1,000 off of double doors. “We are a one-stop shop and the leader in the industry, which allows customers to easily choose the perfect door, and then schedule the install date,” he says. “From manufacturing your chosen door, to completion of the installation and finishing work, we are with you along the way, communicating and providing professional customer service.” Looking for some design inspiration? Be sure to check out samples of their work, as well as amazing before and after photos at www.irondoorsarizona. com/gallery. Or better yet, visit their showroom at 11035 N. 21st Avenue in Phoenix.

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UPPER WESTSIDER • April 2020 • 13

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RECREATION

SAFE USE OF PARKS AND OPEN SPACES DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

he National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) prepared the following statement in support of the safe use of parks and open spaces during the COVID-19 outbreak. To date, more than 500 organizations have signed on to voice support. Concerns about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak continue to grip our nation. As organizations that support the power of parks and open spaces as essential resources for health and wellness, we understand that people may have questions and concerns about visiting their local parks, trails or open spaces at this time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has flagged mental health as a top concern associated with the COVID-19 outbreak. We recognize that social distancing may take a toll on our mental health, especially during highstress and anxiety-producing global public health emergencies. We also know that parks provide a connection to the outdoors and green space as well as opportunities for physical activity which studies demonstrate reduces stress and improves mental health.

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We believe that many parks, trails and open spaces can continue to be used in a safe manner that allows people to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits these spaces provide. In all instances, we recommend people follow local, state and national ordinances and guidelines regarding the use of these spaces and recognize that these vary from community to community.

of social gatherings including outdoor picnicking, pick-up sports and other group hangouts, and maintain proper physical distance at all times.

In places where there are no restrictions on the use of local parks, trails and open spaces, we encourage all users to follow these recommendations:

• Consult their local and state ordinances and guidelines for the most up to date recommendations on park and trail use.

• Refrain from using parks or trails if they are exhibiting symptoms. • Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails. • Prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains. • While on trails, warn other users of their presence and as they pass, and step aside to let others pass. • Follow CDC guidance on the recommended size

• Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.

We encourage local jurisdictions to keep parks, trails and open spaces accessible as long as it is safe to do so. Our local parks, trails and open spaces have always served as places where people can find respite and seek peace and restoration. During this time of uncertainty, these places are needed now more than ever. Our nation’s park and recreation professionals are working hard to maintain these spaces and keep them safe, accessible and benefiting our communities during these challenging times. Let us all do our part to use them in a way that respects each other and public health guidance.

UPPER WESTSIDER • April 2020 • 15

HEALTH

GARDENING FOR FOOD SECURITY - AND STRESS RELIEF By Lee Stewart, Certified Master Gardener with Veg Up Get Dirty

he state of the world quickly and dramatically changed with COVID-19. It seems just a few weeks ago we were worried about the full moon and Friday the 13th being in the same week. Ah, good times. If you have visited a grocery store recently, you have seen firsthand how fear has gripped our community and how rapidly what used to be normal daily life can now seem frightening and unfamiliar. I have been reminded once again how you always need to be prepared for the unexpected. I have always been a firm believer in being proactive instead of reactive. Gardening and urban farming can be one effective way to truly be prepared. You can oversee your food supply and ensure that you have access to safe food, and know that in the future you will be ready for whatever happens.

Another advantage to growing your own food is that you don’t have to worry about entering the current chaos and dealing with fights over toilet paper. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have your own food supply in your own backyard, or on your patio or balcony? Having your own garden is possible, and right now is a wonderful time to start. The recent rains have been beneficial for my own urban farm. The warm rays of sunshine provide assurance that springtime is here and is ready to provide for our gardens. The mild warm temperatures are a wonderful gift to gardeners! Now is the ideal time to prepare your yard, patio or balcony for your springtime planting. Get your space, soil, and irrigation ready to plant because picking fresh fruits and vegetables packed with 100 percent nutrients has many benefits. Gardening also brings healthier eating, encourages exercise, and provides stress relief. I have found that I can find

peace when working in my garden, and avoiding scrolling through all the distressing newsfeeds on social media and broadcast news. Gardening can become a very constructive and useful way to decrease anxiety and grapple with our “new normal” in the midst of a pandemic.

If you already have your own garden ready, there are specific seeds to plant in April. Green onions, radishes, carrots and cucumbers should go into the ground. In addition, cantaloupe, watermelon, summer squashes, and others can be started as plants. April is also harvest time for a lot of your winter vegetables. It is the month to transplant your tomatoes and get herb seeds in or plants transplanted. I began Veg Up Get Dirty several years ago as an edible landscape company. I am a certified master gardener and mentor for the Maricopa Extension Program with the University of Arizona. Since starting my company, I have had the

pleasure of assisting with gardens in Montessori schools, private residences of many kinds, offices, balconies, and more. I also offer gardening consultations, garden design, custom building of gardens, the servicing of existing gardens, and education.

I have implemented a gardening coaching service to teach individuals how to take control of their own gardens. You may wonder how this service works. First, I come out to the location and conduct a 90-minute assessment/consultation. During this assessment I look at your area to find the best placement of your garden, assess for amending needs for your already existing garden, and assess possible watering distribution to the garden. I will also provide information and education to help you and your garden become a healthy team. It will be my absolute pleasure to join you on your gardening journey and help you grow your own food. Don’t panic! Go plant something in the dirt!

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HOME

KEEPING YOUR BBQ ISLAND IN TOP NOTCH CONDITION By The BBQ Island Team

hen something is brand new, we all take extra care to make sure that it stays looking nice for as long as possible. It’s no different when we get a brand-new grill or decide to create a custom outdoor kitchen of our own. Here’s the deal: your outdoor island will get some battle scars somewhere down the line, and we’re here to let you know that it’s okay! The issue is that no one talks about the maintenance and what the best practices are to increase the lifespan of your grill and outdoor kitchen components…until now!

YOUR FIRST MAJOR TIP OF THE DAY Covers, Covers, Covers. Does the brand you purchased have covers that are specific to their products? If so, get them! And don’t cheap out on a knock off brand. Vinyl is the preferred material you want to look for. They are waterproof and tend to hold up better in the heat. SECOND TIP OF THE DAY Get the right type of cleaner. What we mean by

this is make sure your cleaner is food safe and has natural based ingredients. The last thing we want is people to spray the inside of their grills and refrigerators with chemicals that could be harmful. We sell an amazing cleaner made from cactus enzymes that is not only safe, but it also cleans the toughest grease stains!

KNOW WHY AND HOW YOU CLEAN! If you have a built-in Pellet smoker, you’ll want to vacuum out the ash pot every three to four cooks. This helps with the functionality of the pellet smoker as well. During the monsoon season or if you live by a shoreline, you’ll want to clean the grill more frequently. If water blends with the old food particles and residue, it creates acidity that can damage stainless steel and can also build up bacteria faster. By the shoreline, there is more salt in the air which can damage any stainless steel, especially if it is not full grade 304, so make sure to also wipe down the hood! Bonus Tip: Did you know if you have porcelain grates you should only use brass bristle brushes? Stainless steel type brushes can be too rough and scrap off the porcelain.

OVERALL TUNE-UPS BY THE PROS We always recommend that you have a professional come out at least once a year to give your outdoor kitchen the love and attention it needs. Since they’re more familiar with gas lines, installation, and refurbishing, they are more qualified to check those gas lines, inside the island, and all the inner workings. Have fun and hopefully these tips will keep you grilling for many more years!

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Scottsdale | 480-503-1110 15815 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

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18 • April 2020 • UPPER WESTSIDER

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REAL ESTATE

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HOW TO “TRY ON” A NEIGHBORHOOD

BEFORE BUYING A HOME By Frank May

ith many purchases, you get the opportunity to “try before you buy.” You can go to the store and try on clothes before you update your wardrobe. You can go to the dealership and take a test drive before you commit to purchasing a car. And while you can’t try a house on for size by living in it before you buy it, you can try the neighborhood or area out before purchasing a home in it. A recent article from Realtor.com outlined different ways you can “try before you buy” or test-drive a new neighborhood before committing to buying a home. Some of their top tips, as I have outlined below, include booking a short-term rental or Airbnb, doing a run-through of your commute, sampling the nightlife scene, and checking real-time crime updates of the area to get a sense of the neighborhood’s safety. BECOME A LOCAL (EVEN FOR A FEW DAYS) Consider booking an Airbnb as close as you can get in the neighborhood you want to live. I know it isn’t free, but the insight this can give you about a community is worth your time and money. Spend some time exploring the neighborhood during the morning, afternoon, and evening to gauge noise levels and safety in the area. You can look up crime stats in the city by going to PeoriaAZ.gov/government/departments/police/community-relationsprograms/crime-bulletins. It can be helpful to do your due diligence upfront before falling in love with a neighborhood or home at first sight. TEST DRIVE YOUR DAILY ROUTINE—AND COMMUTE Not only is it essential to explore the noise levels and crime stats, but it is also crucial to go through your daily routine. Drive to work in rush hour yourupperwestsider.com

traffic. If this is acceptable, great…but you may find that the nearest grocery store is more than 15 minutes away, which might not be acceptable to you. Living in 85383 is perfectly wonderful for most of you who live in the area, but if you have spent most of your life living in the heart of Scottsdale with access to major shopping and five-star restaurants, the Upper Westside of Peoria may be about five to seven years too soon for your move. Since most of you are reading this and live in 85383, I know you have already decided that the area is right for you. If it isn’t for the reason’s above or you wish you took a test drive on your home first, give us a call and we can discuss your options. CHECK OUT THE LOCAL NIGHTLIFE (ONCE SAFE TO DO SO, OF COURSE) Do you love going out to dinner and checking out a movie? Find local restaurants that you want to check out ahead of time so that you can sample the happy hours, brunches, or local coffee shops that you want to spend time and money. Invite your friends to join you for dinner and more. Your goal should be to see as many venues as you possibly can, gaining a sense of ambiance and demographics of the local nightlife and social scene.

BOTTOM LINE Buying a home is a considerable commitment—so before you make such a big purchase, why not spend time in the neighborhood and get a feel for whether or not it’s a good fit for you? Give us a call if you want to talk about hyperlocal living and how to maximize your experience in the home buying process at 623-435-1300. Frank May grew up in the valley, graduating from Northwest Christian School and NAU. He is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty and has been helping both buyers and sellers for 18 years. Frank May is a Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider.

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623-223-1093 UPPER WESTSIDER • April 2020 • 19

We are on a war footing. It’s time to soldier on. The mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio, described school administrators as being on a “wartime footing” during a press briefing on Sunday to announce the closure of all the city’s schools. Listening to the coronavirus news conference on Wednesday, I heard the president of the United States say he is now a “wartime president,” implying we are at war with an unseen viral enemy. My mind continues to try to digest this information and determine the appropriate response. This is the first time in my memory (I’m 55) that the entire country, in fact the entire world, is being threatened by a common enemy. Even right after 9/11, no one felt that our existence or personal safety was at risk. Having been attacked, we were angry and knew that terrorism could get out of hand if not addressed. But aside from some sporadic anthrax scares, nothing made us feel we were in actual physical danger or that our livelihoods might be at stake. No one was rushing to grocery stores to hoard toilet paper and supplies. While the airlines were completely shut down and the sky was eerily devoid of planes, we still went to ball games. And even though we all wanted to be glued to CNN 24/7, we all still went to work. So what is the appropriate response to the situation as it is? Whether we think this viral outbreak called for taking greater precautions sooner or less drastic action more gradually, we must face reality as it stands now. It is what it is. There is no doubt that in the aftermath, we will endure endless analysis, armchair quarterbacking, and partisan bickering about where to assign blame, but let’s agree to keep that energy-squandering activity where it belongs: in the aftermath.

What is paramount now is that we all respond the way this great country always has when facing an enemy: absolutely resolute, totally united as one people, and determined to make quick work of the challenge so we can return to the pursuit of happiness and prosperity. The characteristics that enabled the Greatest Generation to rise to the challenges of World War II were bravery, eagerness to pitch in, and the creativity to solve problems no one had ever faced before. As we find our legs during this war footing, it is imperative that we step through fear and summon courage, that we each put our shoulder to the wheel, and that we use our ingenuity to create ways of functioning in a seemingly dysfunctional situation. Merriam-Webster defines “war footing” as “the condition of being prepared to undertake or maintain war.”The hallmark of the sensationally successful economy of three weeks ago is productivity—a record number of Americans at work producing unparalleled levels of wealth. It is imperative that we find ways to be more productive on a war footing, not less. It is essential that we be creative in finding ways to adapt and make the adjustments we need to stay afloat and move forward. With children home from school, there is time to teach them things we don’t usually have time for: how to change the oil in the car, clean the pool, hang a ceiling fan, make a budget on a spreadsheet, lead a conference call. How to study and get work done from home. As vice president of sales at SunSolar Solutions, a local Peoria solar company with over 17 office staff employees,

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20 • April 2020 • UPPER WESTSIDER

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50 salespeople, and installation crews working on rooftops every day, my partners and I find ourselves having to adapt continually as new developments change the situation on the ground hour by hour. What doesn’t change is the dozens of families that depend on us to continue adding to the 6,000 systems we have sold locally. Like every business in recent days, we have made many rapid and massive adjustments. Today was the first time our entire office staff worked from home. The effort and creativity shown by each of our engineers, designers, project coordinators, and customer-support personnel as they have transitioned from being in one building to working together in virtual space is truly impressive. How do we draw new customers in a business where most new prospects are met going door to door, meeting people at home? There is no such thing as a solar dealership. How do we adapt our process of meeting homeowners in their homes, where we can do site evaluations and present custom designs, so that it is safe for our customers and consultants? When homeowners are dealing with uncertainty in the short term, how can we help them make a strategic change with environmental and financial benefits in the long term? SunSolar Solutions is committed to solving these challenges and adapting to disruptions. We have stepped up our “digital door knocking” online and intensified our marketing in traditional publications like this one.We have created a “no contact” sales process by training all our salespeople and consultants on giving remote presentations via video conferencing. We have adapted every

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step of our process so that the customer can complete it without having to leave the home or come in contact with our personnel. We are also leveraging our profit margins to offer financial assistance to customers while keeping our team employed. This summer, APS will reduce the rate at which they pay for residents’ solar-generated power, and the IRS this winter will shrink the solar tax credit from 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar-energy system to 22 percent, presenting customers with two critical deadlines. SunSolar will cover payments on new customers’ solar loans through the end of 2020 so that they can take advantage of all incentives and cost savings with absolutely no expense this year. That means this summer’s electric bills will be radically reduced with no corresponding solar payment. While it is clear that no amount of determination and creativity can make the coming weeks or months normal, it remains our solemn responsibility to provide for our families and support the local businesses that employ our friends and neighbors. To that end, we have just switched our promotional incentive from a $25 gift card (which would just direct yet more wealth to a gigantic corporation poised to soar to new heights in this deliver-everything economy) to a $50 gift card for Kawaii Sushi and Asian Cuisine, which is locally owned by one of our customers. -Michael O’Donnell is a vice president of sales and a partner at SunSolar Solutions, a Peoria firm that has been the top solar sales company in Arizona for each of the last four years.

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623-562-9004

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